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In this episode, we explore Australia's energy transition, climate policy, and innovative initiatives like the world's largest veggie burger lesson powered by electric vehicles. Guest Thom Woodroofe shares insights on policy levers, sustainability, and Australia's future in the global green economy.

Thom has a book — you can check it out here: https://publishing.monash.edu/product/power-prosperity-planet/

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This week Dan and Lewis Hobba are joined by independent journalist Michael West of Michael West Media — who's being sued by BHP, Australia's biggest company, over his reporting on coal miner Simon Turner's decade-long fight for compensation. Turner broke his back at BHP's Mount Arthur mine in 2015, was misclassified as a "clerical worker," and paid $400 a week for a job whose award rate is $137,000 a year. Sitting behind the lawsuit is a potentially $10 billion labour hire wage theft scandal involving Chandler Macleod and Coal LSL — and the awkward fact that BHP, a $300 billion company, is also the major sponsor of the Walkley Awards while using Minter Ellison to muzzle a four-person independent newsroom.

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This week former Industry & Science Minister Ed Husic joined us in the A Rational Fear bunker to chat about the big fault lines where Labor's values meet Labor's actions — gas exports, the Iran strikes, Pauline's rise, and how you actually get things done when your own party doesn't always want to hear it.

Ed was frank, funny, and refreshingly honest about the messiness of politics from the inside. Lewis came armed with the hard questions and didn't let up. And Dan tried to get Ed to endorse non-lethal Wedge-tail aircraft parts. It's that kind of show.

April 16th: I’ll be hosting this very interesting keynote lunch about democracy, satire, and why Scott Dikkers from the Onion won’t be allowed back into the United States. Andrew Nash was the technical adviser on Silicon Valley, and John Delmenico (friend of the show) is one of the sharpest brains in comedy in Australia — you know him and laugh at his work everyday on The Chaser’s socials. https://businessofcomedy.com/schedule/lunch-keynote-why-we-need-satire-for-a-healthy-democracy/

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Recorded live at Climate Action Week Sydney, this episode of A Rational Fear dives deep into the rise of the far right, fossil-fuel-funded disinformation, and what it all means for Australia’s climate future and democracy.

Host Dan Ilic is joined on stage by:

Malcolm Turnbull – former Prime Minister, now “concerned private citizen”
Ed Coper – communications strategist and author of Angertainment
Kate Hook – farmer, regional community leader, and two-time community independent candidate (Climate 200 co-convener)

Across this wide-ranging conversation, they unpack:

Why the far right’s culture war is such a serious threat to climate action
How “anger-tainment” media ecosystems (hello Sky News) and social platforms reward disinformation
The inside story on fossil-fuel-backed campaigns, from Clive Palmer to astroturf outfits like “Australians for Prosperity”
The existential crisis inside the Liberal Party and the risks of preferencing One Nation
How regional communities are actually embracing renewables when they control the process and share the benefits
The rise of community independents and why ordinary people, not party machines, are now driving political change

It’s funny, bleak, hopeful, and occasionally unhinged—classic Rational Fear.

Key Topics Climate politics & the far right * Turnbull on why opposition to climate action has become “religion” rather than economics * How internal Liberal/National dynamics warped energy policy around coal and renewables * “Angertainment” & the media ecosystem * Ed Coper explains how social media rewards outrage and emotional extremes * How a small 7–10% anti-climate minority ends up feeling like 50% of the country * The dangers of amplifying fringe narratives until they look mainstream * Disinformation playbook & fossil fuel money * Coordinated disinformation in the 2025 federal election, including: * ~$80m in fossil-fuel-aligned spending * Front groups like Australians for Prosperity attacking pro-climate independents * Intimidatory tactics, rotating party shirts, and creepy “Don’t get hooked” billboards * The global network of think tanks and astroturf groups exporting the same anti-climate tactics to Australia * Liberal Party’s existential crisis * Why Turnbull thinks there are “virtually no moderates” left federally * How chasing One Nation on immigration and culture wars strengthens One Nation, not the Libs * The potential fallout if the Liberals preference One Nation in seats like Farrer * Community independents & regional hope * Kate Hook’s experience campaigning in Calare and working in Hay and other regional communities * How structured community engagement turns hostility toward renewables into enthusiasm when locals control the benefits * The independent “ecosystem”: thousands of volunteers, trusted local messengers, and evidence-based policymaking * The big question: how do we eventually get these independents from the crossbench into government and cabinet? * How to fight disinformation * Turnbull on why “ignore it and don’t give it oxygen” no longer works * The “whack-a-mole” and inoculation approach: pre-bunking lies and relentlessly correcting them * The importance of better stories, not just better facts * Power, agency & what listeners can do * Why grievance parties like One Nation don’t have real solutions—only easy pills for complex problems * Community organizing, local campaigns, and supporting independents as the real counterweight to fossil fuel money * “There’s no cavalry coming over the hill” – why we* are the ones we’ve been waiting for

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What a great episode to end the year on. It's magic when the guests are good old friends with time under their belts, joy in their hearts and stupidity in their mouths.

Kirsten Drysdale's new YouTube show is crushing it, she reviews creators on the internet — The Internet Reviewed

Sami Shah you can find weekly on Patreon making podcasts and thoughtful posts — News Weakly

This week we cover a deeply important threat to democracy as we know it; The US State Department calling the Calibri font woke, we cash in on politician entitlements, and we try to decipher who 36 Months are and what they really want. Cam Wilson at Crikey.com.au has done some great work over the last year on the teenage social media ban — and this 36 Months story is developing fast. It's worth a sub to Cam and Crikey to follow it as it unfolds.

There's also and end of year quiz, and for some reason we talk about Jimmy Fallon and tech bros.

There's a lot going on — but it's a fun 45minutes hanging with funny friends.

Couldn't think of a better way to spend a road trip.

Happy Christmas to you all — we'll be back after Australia Day with some more A Rational Fear episodes, and perhaps the odd secret gig. To find out more sign up to our Patreon!

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G'day Fearmongers —

We have two of Australia's great brains join us, the brilliant Grace Tame and the editor of The Chaser John Delmenico. This week we sling satirical barbs about Spotify, satanic worshipers with a even less desirable side hobby, the bad essay that tried to start a culture war, and do a quick drive by of the photos release from Epstein's Island.

And for new Patreon supporters who sign up this week — you can win yourself a bottle of Evil Ray sunscreen. https://evilray.com/

All you have to do is sign up to our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFear

Cheers

Dan

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We speak with Richie Merzian who was live on the ground in Belem for COP30, he is big climate nerd who is deep in the civil society movement to bring COP31 to Australia.

Sadly — we found out this morning that Australia will not be hosting COP31 in Australia. Rather Türkiye will host with COP31 with Minister Chris Bowen as the President of COP with a leaders meeting pre-COP in a Pacific Island nation to be determined.

I'm a little disappointed today — it was going to be such a great moment for Australia to promote South Australia's efforts to decarbonise, to put the Pacific front and centre, and have an international spotlight on Australia as a major exporter of emissions, and put pressure on the government to change that.

Anyway — sorry Adelaide — we've cancelled our COP live show, but maybe we'll be down for festival season.

Cheers,

Dan

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G’day Fearmongers,

Athena Kugblenu joins us this week to help us answer the question of the year “What the hell is wrong with UK Labour?”

They shouldn’t be failing, they should be thriving, but somehow, UK Labour is sh*tting the bed.

Athena, a long-time connoisseur of cowardice, tells us as quickly and as poetically a she could why UK Labour is sinking faster than carbon fiber submersible.

Enjoy this cathartic conversation.

Cheers,

Dan Ilic

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G’day Fearmongers,

So much fun this week to have Jenny Yang joins Lewis and I on A Rational Fear.

Jenny is a Los Angeles based comedian, writer, director, podcaster and community organiser. She’s spent a huge amount of time in local politics. She painted us a picture of what it was like this week when Zohran Mamdani won City Hall in New York City.

We discuss what it means for grassroots politics in the US moving forward.

Even thought it’s only a mayoral seat, it felt like a seismic shift in American politics.

AND if you’re an AACTA Member — our web series “Long Head” is up for an AACTA nomination, please consider making us your #1 choice.

Cheers,

Dan Ilic

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Konrad from Punters Politics has had enough of being cut out of the lobbying game so he's raising money to join them.

He's raising money to be the punters' lobbyist on the hill!

Lewis and I take it upon ourselves to grill him to make sure he has the chops to represent us in Canberra to get better outcomes fro climate and get fossil fuel and resource companied to pay their fair share of tax and royalties.

To chip in to help Konrad wield influence in Canberra — you can donate anonymous black money through his Chuffed page here: https://chuffed.org/project/134297-fund-australias-first-punter-powered-lobbyist

Cheers

Dan

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G’day Fearmongers,

This week we have one of my favourite comedians and tv producers walk us through the CBS decision to axe the Stephen Colbert Late Show.

Was it financial or something more sinister?

W.Kamau Bell is one of the smartest TV creators and stand ups and he’s got the silverware to prove it. Kamau has even hosted his own tonight show. He’s one of the most prolific brains in media, comedy and justice.

📝 You can read his very thoughtful analysis of the Colbert moment on his Substack Who’s With Me.

🎟️ And you can book to see him live on tour around the US later this year.

If you enjoy A Rational Fear, chip in to the Patreon.

ALSO In two weeks we have a Federal Minister on the show and on Patreon, you will be able to pitch your questions directly to them - but I’ll only take them for Patreon.

Cheers,

Dan

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G’day Fearmongers,

We have two special guests this week!

Firstly, from the International Intrigue newsletter this week, co-founder and editor, Jeremy Dicker. It's a great daily read. I highly recommend subscribing. Kind of like Morning Brew for #Geopol.

International Intrigue website.

We cover a couple of big internationally intriguing headlines from Albo's trip to China and why the US Department of Defense is buying a mining company in Nevada.

AND Guest #2. James Blackwell gives the Federal Court a spray about this week's decision that the Australian Government doesn't have a duty of care to Torres Strait islanders… and thereby... all Australians.

We’re also launching A Rational Fear Corporate. We will come to your conference to hold a panel show about your industry—that is guaranteed not to be boring.

Imagine: Your company paying for comedians to make fun of your industry.

To book A Rational Fear corporate shows hit me up on the email: dan@arationalfear.com

Cheers

Dan

PODCAST LINKS:Apple Podcasts | PocketCasts | YouTube

PATREON 💸:If you enjoy our podcast, emails and important climate change conversations, chip in here like a good sovereign citizen: www.patreon.com/arationalfear

Thanks:Big thanks to our Patreon Supporters, RØDE Mics, and Jacob Round.

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G’day Fearmongers,

There’s only 48 hours left of this election — soon our national nightmare will be over.

On the podcast we’re joined by the hosts of the new media and cultural podcast, Lamestream. Scott Mitchell and Osman Faruqui are a couple of smart media operators who have been inside big corporate media, and politics, and know lots about how the sausage is made.

In this episode we chat about how the fourth estate has covered this election. Right wing vs progressive ecosystems, and how the major parties are trying to reach younger audiences.

ALSO for lovers of wacky news clips — Dylan Behan has given us his Australian election edition of News Fighters.

Cheers,

Dan

LAMESTREAM ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/6qVXiJ3EVcWavliV6eh4j3?si=874b15abc7cd41f1

LAMETREAM ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lamestream/id1810214465

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G’day Fearmongers,

Thanks to everyone who made it out to our huge A Rational Fear live show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival — it was a great vibe.

Our panel dives into the election campaign, what the minor parties are really up to, we explain how the US trade tariffs work, celebrate the role of traditional media in Australia, we chat with Belinda Gread and how nerds have ruined the world.

Big thanks to all of our guests:

Alice Fraser
Tom Ballard
John Delmenico
Vidya Rajan
Mel McGlensey
Belinda Gread
DJ Andy McClelland
also thanks to me and Lewis — we were also very good.

We couldn’t have put this show on without the help of Nathan and Yvonne from Token, Laura Milke at the Malthouse — and thanks to Tom Noble Creative for the great photos.

And thanks to our Patreon supporters — it meant we could subsidise some of the cost of the show and make sure our interstate guests could make to the show.

In this episode of Rational Fear, Dan Ilic hosts a comedy panel show that satirizes the Australian political landscape, focusing on the upcoming election. The show features comedians like Tom Ballard, Alice Fraser, and Lewis Hobba, who humorously dissect current political events, including Peter Dutton's leadership, the coalition's struggles, and the media's coverage of the election. The podcast includes comedic segments about American tariffs, a mock interview with a fictional Liberal candidate, and a sponsorship bit from the Department of Foreign Affairs. Throughout the show, the panelists use sharp wit and comedic commentary to critique political figures, media practices, and societal trends, offering a humorous take on serious contemporary issues.

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I know I am full of hyperbole for this podcast — but believe me when I say THIS is a great episode.

We talk about Alex Dyson’s longest job interview ever. Both Allegra and Alex chat about dirty tactics, having a sense of humour while campaigning, how the cut and thrust of politics can make two candidates who want the same thing be at each others throats. Allegra Spender also has some great advice for Alex Dyson should he get into parliament.

You’ll finish this episode thinking that these two individuals could indeed make Australia a better place.

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In this episode, we discuss the upcoming election on May 3rd with Alex Fein from RedBridge and Populares’ Ed Coper.

These two people have their fingers (and toes) on the pulse more than most politicians — and the word that sums up the electorate in 2025 is “abandonment”.

And we make some ropey jokes from 2005, and get some predictions where this election will end up in 5 weeks time.

You can get a ticket to the Populares Campaigning Event here: https://events.humanitix.com/populares_event
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G’day Fearmongers,

A reminder that our Melbourne Comedy Festival Show is only 3 weeks away!

🎟️ Get your tickets HERE

PODCAST NOTES:

In this episode, we discuss Australia's unique relationship with the United States, ANZUS, Pine Gap and wading into AUKUS submarine deal. Guests Senator Jacqui Lambie and Dr. Emma Shortis provide insights into Australia's defence strategy and the challenges posed by reliance on foreign powers.

It’s a very silly and smart conversation — about one of the most complex relationships that underpins my own anxiety.

See you at the big show

Dan

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G’day Fearmongers,

A reminder that our Melbourne Comedy Festival Show is only 4 weeks away!

🎟️ Get your tickets HERE

On this week’s podcast we have a conversation with award-winning environmental journalist Stefano Valentino. Stefano has written extensively about the confluence of power and greenwashing, and disinformation.

We asked him about disinformation in elections, he told us about how the biggest companies get away with the claiming they have climate credentials.

And Lewis comes up with the perfect metaphor for Misinformation vs Disinformation.

See you next week!

Cheers

Dan

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In this episode of A Rational Fear, Dan Ilic and Lewis Hobba catch up and discuss their busy start to the year, including Lewis's move to Melbourne and preparations for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. They introduce new initiatives like the A Rational Fukt Check, aimed at fact-checking political promises and disinformation during the upcoming election. The conversation also touches on the role of memes in political discourse and the importance of community engagement in combating misinformation.

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Tonightly and Media Watch wacky clips craftsman Dylan Behan is back with his annual News Fighters year in review episode taking an in depth look at 2024 in news and politics. From Dutton’s nuclear epiphany to Albo’s endless cash splashing (mostly on his own house) this year has marked an an ever increasing enshittifcation of Australian politics. Also Stefan Pazur does his annual wrap of sport and entertainment. News Fighters: where we fight the news, so you don’t have to!

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G’day Fearmongers!

Merry Christmas to everyone (except Raygun).

Join A Rational Fear as we break down some of the most memorable stories (to us). We gathered around table at the Tilbury Hotel — one of the earliest satirical venues in Australia, the birth place of Three Men and A Baby Grand, and the earliest incarnations of the Wharf Revue — how very fitting that we, A Rational Fear, destroy that legacy with our little podcast.

Joining Lewis Hobba and Dan are a handful of our favourite friends in comedy, Bec Melrose, Steph Broadbridge and Chris Taylor. We have a few lunch time beer, and let loose on the year 2024.

Thank You if you’ve listened to any of our podcasts this year — as the 2025 election looms you can bet your Nuclear Power Plant that we’ll be back each week covering the ins and outs of the campaign. And Lewis, will be doing a video series on instagram reels and TikTok dedicated to the election.

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Hello Fearmongers,

This is the Exit Interview for Kylea Tink, the current independant Member of Parliament for North Sydney. But not for long thanks to AEC the boundaries of North Sydney are being folded into the neighbouring electorates.

Since there is no HR department at Parliament House I took it upon myself to sit down with Kylea Tink and ask her how her time was at the company.

From this conversation it is clear that Kylea Tink is not done as she is already hinting that she could run for a neighbouring seat to the former electorate of North Sydney — is she going to Bennelong? Is she going to Berowra?

What is for certain — Kylea is going to be putting her energy in getting more community independents elected in Parliament hosue.

Thanks as always for downloading A Rational Fear — if you can chip into the Patreon or if you can’t shoot us a response on the listener survey.

Cheers

Dan

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G’day Fearmongers,

We have a very different episode of the podcast this week — we’re throwing out the rule book to bring a conversation with Millie Holten (Instagram), the brilliant creator of a new web series that is doing huge numbers on TikTok called Long Head.

Starring the incredible voices of incredible comedians Kate Dehnert, Tom Walker and Sam Campbell as the titular Long Head.

The Age and Sydney Morning Herald called it “Mr Bean for the TikTok generation”.

It’s a very strange and stupid series. A radical departure from the usual biting satire that folks subscribe to A Rational Fear for. Long Head is refreshingly delightful.

How did we manage to book Millie? Well Dear Listener — I am the executive producer of the series — so this email is what the National Anti-Corruption Commission would call a gross compliment of interest

EPISODE 1 » EPISODE 2 | EPISODE 3 | EPISODE 4 | EPISODE 5 | EPISODE 6Millie and I have been working on this show since 2022, and we’re so stoked that the world can finally see it. Of course — I did nothing really, mainly admin — we actually made it with a really talented team of animators including Dale Anderson, Michael Harris, and animation director Annabelle Ots.

And we were lucky enough to record the sound and have it expertly crafted and designed by Matt Perrott’s Mighty Sound in Sydney.

The whole series was generously paid for by … you the taxpayer. More specifically Screen Australia supported the project — thank you, Screen Australia!

We’d love you to watch it, and share it with your friends and family who are on TikTok. And if you know any big wigs in showbiz, please send it to them too.

WATCH IT ON TIKTOK HERE

We think it could be the next Bluey — we want American kids to walk around talking like Sam Campbell.

Cheers,

Dan Ilic

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G’day Fearmongers,

The privilege of being a white guy with a podcast is that you get to talk to your heroes, record those conversations and then share them with your friends, acquaintances, and 10,000 of you — our fellow fearmongers.

In this episode Jon Ronson joins us to talk about psychopathy, the evolution of public shaming in the late social media era, we try to tease out of him what his experience was like on #QandA, we touch on Trump, and then Jon tells us this incredible anecdote about sneaking into Bohemian Grove with Alex Jones. It’s wild.

The video of this podcast is ready to view only on Patreon

If you’re the kind of person who’d rather watch an un-edited version of this chat — you can — by simply joining the Patreon for as little as $4 a month.

You can go see Jon live on stage around Australia this month with his psychopath nights tour. 🎟️ fane.com.au

Cheers

Dan

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Howdy Fearmongers,

Trying to make sense of the US Elections is a fools errand.

Well, consider us your fools.

I spent Wednesday afternoon not being able to do work, or anything really, the limit of my motor skills maxed out at flipping between live YouTube channels of US based news and refreshing the NYT app. This was the wrong choice. If I’ve learned anything from following US elections — no one knows anything, and everyone is making it up.

As the red wave continued to spill across the USA I said “F it”, and walked to the pub. My wife and I sat in the spring afternoon sun, drinking a non-alcoholic beer, (because I’m now a soy boy that has been fully cucked) and feeling grateful that we live in Australia, and surely, nothing like that could happen here. Right? 🥔

On this week’s pod we chat with US comedian, journalist, activist and friend of the pod Francesca Fiorentini (The Bitchuation Room), and also we’re lucky enough to grab Amy Remeikis in between meetings at her new gig at the Australia Institute.

We have a big conversation analysing why the Democratic party lost this election, and what another Trump administration means for climate action and what if a social media ban is just a cynical attempt at stopping 13 year olds being radicalised by Joe Rogan.

Cheers

Dan

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Howdy Fearmongers,

We’re in the home stretch — at the time of publishing, there’s only 6 days left until Americans everywhere skip work, neglect their families, and dodge bullets to line up in droves to spend a few good hours deciding who will be the comptroller, dog catcher, deputy sheriff, parking tsar, book stacker and President of the USA.

Recorded in Texas, this episode of A Rational Fear brings together a couple of Austin based poliphiles 🐘 Republican devotee James Donald Forbes McCann and 🫏 Democrat dedicatee Eve Ellenbogan as they grapple with some of the big issues facing the country in this — the Season Finale of the United States of America.

And as for me — well I may as well have turned my mic off.

Follow James Donald Forbes McCann on his podcast HERE.

And you can follow Eve Ellenbogan on Instagram HERE.

Summary

In this episode of Irrational Fear, host Dan Ilic and guests discuss the current political climate in the U.S., focusing on the upcoming elections, the role of comedy in politics, and the implications of recent Trump rallies. They delve into the hypocrisy of political values, immigration policies, and economic reforms, while also addressing media endorsements and the influence of billionaires like Jeff Bezos. The conversation touches on Israel's political stance and the integrity of the electoral system, culminating in a humorous yet critical examination of the state of democracy.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Patreon Support

01:51 Political Climate and Upcoming Elections

03:29 Trump Rally and Comedy in Politics

10:43 Hypocrisy in Political Values

12:36 Immigration and Border Policies

20:22 Economic Policies and Taxation

25:08 Media Endorsements and Jeff Bezos

29:07 Israel and Political Stances

37:24 Election Integrity and Voting Systems

Thanks as always for downloading A Rational Fear — if you can chip into the Patreon or if you can’t shoot us a response on the listener survey.

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Welcome to the JokeTober episode.

Throughout October I had the privilege to run some satirical comedy workshops for 2SER, a community radio station in Sydney

Part of the “prize” of being selected as a JokeTober co-hort they got some actual jokes published on the A Rational Fear podcast — we set them a challenge to write a satirical come up with 3 satirical comedy sketches that were all recorded last Monday at the 2SER studios in Sydney.

And we’re playing those for you here!

Also with Lewis and I ripping into them providing constructive feedback.

JokeTober was such great fun. Big thanks to Paula Kruger for having us along, and to our mega brains who came along to share their comedy knowledge; Lewis Hobba, Cale Bain, Bec Melrose , Dylan Behan, John Delmenico, and Mark Humphries .

The cohort are a talented bunch and will no doubt be making biting satirical comedy for your ears for years to come. (Except Adam, who insists on being negged)

Thanks as always for downloading A Rational Fear — if you can chip into the Patreon or if you can’t shoot us a response on the listener survey.

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G'day Fearmongers,

This week we’re joined by Emerson Brophy and Hannah Ferguson.

While the NACC is getting knackered, climate action is getting neutered, and action on cost of living is nixed. Albo is really getting into shrinkflation.

albomp

A post shared by @albomp

Because some extra chips in a packet is going to solve how much that packet costs — thank goodness — without this new push, we wouldn’t have laws to protect consumers on this issue.

Oh — checks notes — we already do. They’ve been around since 2010.

This must be sweet relief to the compliance officers at Coles and Woolworths who have definitely been compliant for the last 15 years.

Also on the podcast we’re talking Trump Bibles and Fat Bears.

Thanks as always for downloading A Rational Fear — if you can chip into the Patreon or if you can’t shoot us a response on the listener survey.

Cheers

Dan

In this episode, Dan Ilic and his guests discuss a range of topics from Dan's recent debut on 'Home and Away' to audience engagement through surveys. They delve into political commentary, particularly focusing on the Australian Prime Minister's attention to trivial issues like chip packaging while neglecting more pressing matters like the cost of living. The conversation shifts to a controversial initiative in Oklahoma regarding the purchase of Bibles for schools, highlighting the selective interpretation of the Constitution and the implications of such actions. In this episode, the hosts explore the absurdity of modern merchandise, particularly focusing on the overwhelming presence of Bluey merchandise in children's lives. They also discuss the humorous and body-positive celebration of Fat Bear Week, highlighting the victory of a bear named 128 Grazer. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the themes discussed and plugs for upcoming projects from the guests.

Takeaways

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Charlotte George, Zach Mander, Wayne Smith, Lewis Hobba, Dan Ilic

G’day Fearmongers,

This week Peter Dutton took his Nuclear dog for a walk in Sydney and it off the leash at the CEDA conference in Sydney — the Committee for Economic Development of Australia — a very pro industry think tank that really enjoys taking government money and making things for fun and profit. This line from RenewEconomy’s publisher Giles Parkinson summed up who was in the room aside from a smattering of bankers:

Bizarrely, many of the rest were from the clean energy industry, curious to know what they might be dealing with should the Coalition return to power next year. Did they like what they heard? Not really. Did they learn anything? No.

And we can guarantee you won’t learn anything new from listening to the podcast this week either — but you will have fun. We talk about Dutton no-plans, and Zach Mander takes us shopping in Australia’s poshest Vinnies, and Charlotte George tells us about the Victorian Government’s plan to demolisth 44 block of public housing without any reasoning behind it whatsoever!

Charlotte has also just launched her comedy web series Buried which is very dark, and very funny for every parent who hasn’t had quite enough sleep (Lewis?). It stars the very funny Miriam Glaser and stars a bunch of Australian comedy legends.

Click to watch Buried on YouTube.

IT’S SURVEY TIME!In order to get a new sponsor for A Rational Fear we need to find out more about you! So please jump into our survey and answer a few questions — it’s totally anonymous — we won’t Medibank you, we swear! CLICK HERE

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G'day Fearmongers,

Big thanks to Ampel and Myrtle & Pine Studio for lending us their podcast studio to record this week's A Rational Fear in person.

We have in the studio Grace Tame, and Punter's Politics, as well as Lewis Hobba and me (Dan Ilic).

This week we discuss the Murdoch family's legal battles, the controversy surrounding the Australian remake of The Office, and environmental concerns related to the Betaloo Basin.

And here’s a quick plug — Grace Tame is touring around the country this month in conversation with various people including me in Sydney and Melbourne — she’s also going to Canberra and Brisbane. 🎟️ Get tickets here.

Thanks always for listening to A Rational Fear — if you can chip into the Patreon, or a the very least leave a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll read them out on air.

Cheers,

Dan Ilic

Takeaways

The podcast humorously critiques current events and societal issues.
The Murdoch family's internal dynamics are complex and contentious.
Legal battles within the Murdoch family reflect broader media power struggles.
The remake of The Office in Australia has sparked significant debate.
Public reactions to media adaptations often mirror past controversies.
Environmental concerns are often overshadowed by corporate interests.
The Betelgeuse Basin represents a critical environmental issue in Australia.
Political commentary reveals public skepticism towards government actions.
Humor serves as a tool for discussing serious topics.
The podcast encourages listeners to engage critically with the news.

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In this episode of A Rational Fear, the hosts discuss a range of topics including the impact of Russian funding on YouTube influencers, the effectiveness of political propaganda, and a detailed analysis of the recent US presidential debate. They also touch on the upcoming COP31 climate conference and its implications for Australia. The conversation is filled with humour and insightful commentary on the current political landscape.

Takeaways

The influence of Russian funding on political messaging is significant.
Tim Pool's case exemplifies the intersection of media and propaganda.
Polarisation strategies are effective in shaping public opinion.
Influencers play a crucial role in disseminating political messages.
The recent US presidential debate showcased contrasting strategies between candidates.
COP31 presents both challenges and opportunities for Australia in climate discussions.
The hosts emphasise the importance of questioning funding sources in media.
Humour is a key element in discussing serious political issues.
The dynamics of political debates can shift public perception.
Future episodes will continue to explore these themes in depth.

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G’day Fearmongers —

We’re back next week with all new A Rational Fear Podcast episodes.

But before that please enjoy this brand new podcast series I worked on with the UNSW Centre For Ideas called Preppers.

It’s about how we all need to get prepared for the end of the world together. We talk to so many great people for this podcast.

On the A Rational Fear podcast feed I’ve just put up Episode 1 but search for Preppers wherever you find podcasts or go to www.arationalfear.com to get the direct links.

If you’re heading to the Better Future Forum next week in Canberra, I’ll see you there!

Cheers

Dan

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G’day Fearmongers,

We’ve been busy working hard with the Climate Council on a new comedy sketch that makes fun of how a few of the big auto companies are trying to stop new fuel efficiency standards that will make cars cleaner, and cheaper to run.

Here’s this from the Climate Council website:

Transport is one of Australia’s fastest growing sources of climate pollution with cars, vans and utes making up almost two-thirds of transport emissions in Australia. A New Vehicle Efficiency Standard is a common and popular tool to cut transport pollution and improve the efficiency of new cars worldwide.
The Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard will cut annual fuel costs by $1,000 for the average new car buyer in 2028. Outer suburban and regional drivers could save up to a whopping $1,800!
Vehicle pollution kills more Australians than road accidents every year. Cleaner cars produce less dangerous pollution – of all kinds. The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard is essential to start driving the big cuts to pollution we need to protect the health and wellbeing of all Australians.

So please watch it, and share the links below, and if you want more, join us on Patreon to see the behind the scenes pictures.

Cheers.

Dan Ilic

⤴️SO SHARE OUR VIDEO HERE:

On Instagram:

On Youtube:

And on Threads AND Twitter if you must

WHO MADE THIS?

Written and performed by Mark Humphries and Dan Ilic.DOP and Directed by Chloe Angelo.Sound recording by Dave Sims.Production help from Jack Tulleners.Sound design from Jacob Round.Lobbyists played by Mark Simpson, Anita Jorgensen, and Jeeves Verma.Thanks to CarCity as well as all of our Patreon supporters.

Get full access to A Rational Fear at arationalfear.substack.com/subscribe

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Alex Apollonov and Aleksa Vulovic are the co-hosts of the youtube channel Boy_Boy who have built an epic following thanks to their adventures in democracy, civics and capitalism. They share how they snuck into the super secret spy base Pine Gap and the of ramifications of getting caught.

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Celebrating 1,000,000 downloads live in Melbourne at the Malthouse Theatre

This is the show that rips into the news with the the best and brightest including

Charlie Pickering.

Sami Shah.

Kirsty Webeck

Richard Fidler

DJ Andrew McClelland.

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John Delmenico, the editor of The Chaser, joins the podcast to discuss his role and the future of the publication. John shares his journey from dropping out of university to becoming a writer for The Chaser and eventually the editor. He talks about the process of writing satire, the challenges of covering politics, and the need for a fresh approach in 2024. John also discusses the revenue model of The Chaser and his experience as a young leader in the media industry.

John has been writing jokes for The Chaser for ages, and if you're one of those people who are terminally online you certainly would have come across his work on Twitter, as well as his fine headlines and articles.

If you like conversations about media, comedy and the craft of making jokes and business of making money from them, this is a great podcast.

Also John shares his unlikely journey from youth stoke victim to punchline king.

Dan

P.S. Melbourne, we'll see you at the live show at the Malthouse Theatre: https://www.malthousetheatre.com.au/what-s-on/malthouse-outdoor-stage/a-rational-fear/

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G’day Fearmongers —

Thrilled to drop our end of the year special 2023 — hosted by Peter Dutton. Sorry, we have to for balance or risk jail in 2024.

It’s been a big year —We’ve performed in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, and Thursday Island. We won Best Comedy Podcast at the Australian Podcast Awards for the 4th time in a row — AND we hit 1,000,000 downloads last month so we’re putting on a big show to celebrate:

It’s at Melbourne’s Malthouse Theatre and the line up is stacked with ARF favourites including Charlie Pickering, Kirsty Webeck, Sami Shah, Dj Andrew McClelland and the man with the most downloads in Australia Richard Fidler.

🎟️ Buy a ticket now before they’re all sold out.

THANKS RØDE

Thanks to our friends at RØDE Microphones for hooking Lewis Hobba with a brand new RØDEecaster Duo. If you ever think about starting your own podcast or even if you have to do zoom calls from home, it’s worth the investment in some RØDE gear of your own! Buy yours here.

Thanks to everyone who came to gigs, downloaded the show, told their friends about the show, shared on social media, to our Patreon supporters who pay for the show, and to all the comedians, guests and experts who join us, Jacob Round on the teppanyaki timeline — and a special thanks to my love, Kate Holdsworth, who relentlessly writes some of the best jokes for the show when I’m in a panic, and happily endorses this stupid hobby even if it means writing emails in the holidays.

Happy New Fear everyone!

Cheers,

Dan

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It's tricky times to be a satirical comedian on the world stage right now.

The world is full of sad things, but it's a comedians job to find the catharsis in the contemporary anxiety.

One comedian who is doing that on the toughest of subjects is Matt Lieb.

A progressive jewish person Matt has created online sarcastic persona of the Liberal Zionist who attempts to justify the scale of violence being unleashed upon civilians in Gaza.

Matt Lieb discusses his use of humour in addressing the Israel-Palestine conflict and the risks involved in speaking out.

He highlights the challenges of navigating the minefield of criticising Israel and the consequences that individuals face for expressing their opinions. Matt also shares his experiences as a Jewish comedian and the different perspectives he brings to his comedy.

Throughout the conversation, Matt emphasises the importance of separating criticism of the Israeli government from anti-Semitism and the need for open and honest dialogue on the topic.

The conversation covers various aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including language use, the perspective of Israeli comedians, the impossible situation faced by Israelis, the lack of hope for peace, imagining alternative solutions, and the role of comedy in discussing sensitive topics.

Follow Matt Lieb's work:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattliebjokes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mattlieb

It was a super interesting conversation. Speaking of conversations. Richard Fidler from the most downloaded podcast in Australia, “CONVERSATIONS” is joining us for our 1,000,000th download live show which is on sale now.

A Rational Fear is turning 1,000,000 in downloads. Buy a ticket to our 1,000,000th download live show here:

https://www.malthousetheatre.com.au/tickets/malthouse-outdoor-stage/a-rational-fear/

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In this conversation, Dan and Lewis interview Wendy Harmer, a comedy legend and former radio host. They discuss the evolution of comedy and radio, the impact of commercial radio, memorable interactions with radio management, and unconventional radio stunts. Wendy shares stories from her time on The Morning Crew and reflects on the cultural significance of the show. They also discuss the changing media landscape and the success of radio hosts like Kyle and Jackie O. Overall, the conversation highlights the unique and influential role of radio in the comedy industry.

Takeaways

Radio has played a significant role in the evolution of comedy, providing a platform for comedians to showcase their talent and reach a wide audience.
Commercial radio has undergone significant changes over the years, with comedians becoming a staple on radio shows and management often lacking experience in the medium.
Unconventional radio stunts and promotions have been a hallmark of the industry, with hosts often pushing boundaries to engage listeners and boost ratings.
Wendy Harmer's time on The Morning Crew was culturally significant, as she brought a female perspective to radio and helped redefine the role of women in the industry.
The media landscape has changed dramatically, with the rise of social media and digital platforms providing new avenues for content creation and consumption.

A Rational Fear is turning 1,000,000 in downloads. Buy a ticket to our 1,000,000th download live show here:

https://www.malthousetheatre.com.au/tickets/malthouse-outdoor-stage/a-rational-fear/

Chapters