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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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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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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 💸:

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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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🎟️ MELBOURNE COMEDY FESTIVAL TICKETS: https://www.malthousetheatre.com.au/whats-on/comedy-festival-2025/a-rational-fear

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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🎟️ MELBOURNE COMEDY FESTIVAL TICKETS: https://www.malthousetheatre.com.au/whats-on/comedy-festival-2025/a-rational-fear

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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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

TICKETS TO MELBOURNE COMEDY FESTIVAL: https://www.malthousetheatre.com.au/whats-on/comedy-festival-2025/a-rational-fear

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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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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 6

Millie 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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Salam Fearmongers,

This week we’re connecting with two of our favourite friends of the pod who are wandering around the hall of COP29 in Baku, Azerbijan.

Linh Do & Richie Merzian.

We chat negotiations, financial commitments and how no one at COP is even talking nuclear. And how that dead whale on the shores of Baku (on the land-locked Caspian Sea), rattled everyone on Day 1 of the climate talks.

Read more about that whale.

Richie and Linh also chat about Australia's bid for COP31, the quality of the meals in the football stadium where COP is being held this year, and, of course, climate celebrity sightings. Yeah, we’re TMZ now!

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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G’day Fearmongers,

UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer had one of the all time gaffes in politics this week — demanding at the Labour conference that Hamas “Free the sausages” immediately he spat out “Free the Hostages” — with a look on his face that screamed “no one heard the sausage thing…right?” — but alas it was too late.

There is nothing much funny about the middle east situation right now. This however is a gaffe that will stand the test of time. Perhaps it is so funny that waring sides in the middle east will come together in harmony and have a good old laugh over small goods. But sausages are pork products so by their inbuilt politic are antisemitic. Shame on you Kier Starmer.

On the podcast this week we have David Rose, Sashi Perera, as well as Scott Mitchell who is on the trail with Lachlan Morton as he loops Australia by bicycle — Follow his journey and donate to his fundraiser HERE.

At the time of writing this email Lachy was already on his way out of Sydney — he’s flying! (Figuratively)

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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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.

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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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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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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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🎟️ BUY A TICKET TO OUR 1,000,000th Download show: https://www.malthousetheatre.com.au/what-s-on/malthouse-outdoor-stage/a-rational-fear/

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

00:00

Introduction and One Millionth Download Show

02:25

Introducing Wendy Harmer

03:05

The Evolution of Comedy and Radio

05:01

Capturing the Comedy Community

08:07

Finding Your Tribe in Comedy

09:08

The Impact of Commercial Radio

10:10

Memorable Interactions in Radio

12:39

Unconventional Radio Stunts

17:30

The Influence of Radio Management

19:16

The Dash for Cash and Other Stunts

21:53

The Origin of 'Two Strangers and a Wedding'

23:45

The Cultural Significance of The Morning Crew

30:32

The Impact of Wendy Harmer's Radio Career

33:36

The Changing Landscape of Media

36:06

The Success of Kyle and Jackie O

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Lewis and Dan catch up after winning the Best Comedy Podcast at the Australian Podcast Awards.

Come see the 1,000,000th download show at the Malthouse Theatre February 1st

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

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 A Rational Fear is LIVE at SXSW SYDNEY!

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G’day Fearmongers,

I’m sure many of you who are comedy fans would have already seen the news that our friend Cal Wilson passed away this week.

Everything everyone says of Cal is right — she’s simply one of the kindest, just and joyful people who worked in comedy. We were all so lucky to be friends with her, we all thought we’d probably have her for quite a few more decades to come.

Here is a short podcast of when she performed on A Rational Fear in 2019 at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival.

Two other things:

Vote Yes— in Tomorrow’s referendum. Thanks to everyone from A Rational Fear land who chipped into F-Yes. We’ve reached about 2 million people over the 4 weeks we ran our campaign.

SXSW SYDNEY —

If you’re the holder of a SXSW Sydney badge you can come and check out A Rational Fear on stage at the podcast stage 3.30pm October 20th. It’ll be me, Chris Taylor, Lee Constable, Antoinette Lattouf and some other fun people.

That’s it for this week’s podcast newsletter —

Vale Cale Wilson.

Vote yes.

Vome to our SXSW show.

Cheers

Dan Ilic

F-Yes

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G'day Fearmongers,

Last Monday — A Rational Fear performed live on stage at the Thursday Island Bowls Club where we set the table to have a discussion about The Voice and Climate Change.

The maestro of all things arts and culture on TI Diat Alferink produced and performed in the show as well as joined by other First Nations comedians Leon Filewood, Jay Wymarra and Dane Simpson.

This was one of the most fun shows we have ever done. I know I say that after most live shows, but this show had a unique quality. Maybe it was the bowls club, maybe it was because everyone is related to each other, but this show had a sense of community, that we haven’t really experienced. It was like doing a show for your family.

We took the opportunity to talk about The Voice, and the bad actors and misinformation surrounding it, the cost of living on TI, climate change and everyone took an opportunity to bully Lewis Hobba for being white.

The show — you’ll hear — gets more and more raucous as it goes on, and for the community, it was a great opportunity for them to hear discussion about serious topics in a funny way to spark conversation about The Voice and climate change.

We were so lucky to have Aaron Smith join us for the trip to document show. The day of the show we spent running around making sketches to roll out for F-Yes. Which you can see on Instagram / Facebook / TikTok and X

Big thanks go to Diat Alferink. Diat made us feel so special, and welcomed, she even cooked us a post-show meal, that I won’t forget. Also shows like this are not possible without the Patreon and a generous Impact Grant from the team at the The Bertha Foundation.

Please follow A Rational Fear on social media, and F-Yes, and share every piece of content we’re publishing between now and the referendum.

Cheers,

Dan Ilic

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G’day Fearmongers,

This week we’re explaining the Walkleys walkout by some of the most celebrated cartoonists in the country. Australia’s most prestigious Journalism Awards are sponsored by a fossil fuel company, and Megan Herbert is on the podcast to talk us through her decision.

Also Matt Bray joins us to talk about his latest creation. Gas Tycoon The Board Game. Which I should stress is NOTHING like Monopoly. Matt has launched a Kickstarter Campaign to get it off the ground. Go chip in to to support it, or you could win one of five copies by simply becoming an A Rational Fear Patreon supporter.

KICKSTARTER: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/artdisrupt/gas-tycoon-australias-no1-fossil-gas-expansion-board-game

PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFear

We also talk burning man, Qantas, and bad jokes on Netflix specials.

Dan

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ALSO: News Fighters is coming to the Sydney Fringe Festival! For the first time ever, we’re doing an episode LIVE ON STAGE at The Factory Theatre in Marrickville on September 15 at 6:50pm, with special guests including Dan Ilic, Stefan Pazur and more TBC. Use the promo code FRIENDS to get 10% off tickets at burgerrings.com. PLEASE COME!

News Fighters is a comedic look at Australian news, media and political hypocrisy from TV comedy editor and producer Dylan Behan. 

To find new monthly episodes on the A Rational Fear podcast feed, subscribe at arationalfear.com or on your podcasting app of choice:

Apple: http://apple.co/3VOx4Lj

Spotify: http://spoti.fi/3QemUCo

Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3VRov29

• Chip into support the show at http://www.patreon.com/ARationalFear
• Buy Dylan a coffee: http://ko-fi.com/newsfighters
• Watch News Fighters on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/newsfighters
• Follow News Fighters on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/newsfighterspod/
• Follow News Fighters on X/Twitter: http://twitter.com/NewsfightersPod
• Follow Dylan on X/Twitter: http://twitter.com/dylabolical
• Buy merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/dylabdesigns
• Email: dylan@newsfighters.com

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G'day Fearmongers,

We're back with our 200th episode of our award winning podcast. 200! Time flies when you have a series of crushing deadlines to meet. Later on this year we’ll also hit 1 million downloads, that is if we’re not shot down flying from St. Petersberg to Moscow.

Sitting in the co-host seat this week we have comedian, writer, producer, theatre maker AJ Lamarque. They’re very charming, and worth a follow.

THE BANTER THIS WEEK CONSISTS OF:

🤖 India landing on the moon.

🌏 Should NZ become part of Australia?

🔌 Chris Minns’ coal kink feat. Matt Kean.

🧵 And we chat with Disrupt Burrup Hub protestor Jesse Noakes.

EXTRA FEAR:

If you sign up to the Patreon you can listen to the podcast ad-free, sponsor free and this week you’ll be able to get some EXTRA FEAR with the full conversation with Matt Kean on Chris Minns’ coal kink.

Patreon supporters also get a link to the Discord server where we make jokes about the news and discuss the podcast.

UPCOMING LIVE SHOWS:

We’ve got two live shows coming up — the Women in Media Conference Sept 9th and the Torres Strait Sept 18th. Yes performing on a Monday on Thursday Island.

Outrageous.

Cheers,

Dan

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Something a bit different from A Rational Fear this week — Long time listeners will be familiar with our spin off — The Greatest Moral Podcast Of Our Generation. Today we have a long form conversation with one my favourite climate voices.

This week I sat down with energy and climate journalist David Roberts from the popular climate and energy podcast Volts.

If you don't listen already you can subscribe here.  But I suspect many of you like our podcast producer Jacob Round (from the Teppanyaki Timeline) are big fans.

David is in Australia to do some side events around the ALP Conference in Brisbane later this week. He's here to have conversations with folks on the opportunities that unions, workers, and capital have in the the renewable energy transition.

We cover a lot of territory in 30minutes — including what the ALP should do around climate, and what may happen to the Inflation Reduction Act (big US climate policy) if Trump gets back in. If you listen to us all the time, you may know some of this, however if you're new to the renewable space, this is a good refresher.

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/KUnvzIP39fd3Jyc5wJe9rEOpF50?utm_source=copy_url

THANKS

To Australian Ethical, Rode, and as I now live outside of the big smoke, big thanks to Dom and Charles at The Chaser for lending me their studio to record this conversation, and thanks to Jacob Round for the fast turn around edit.

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BONUS SPECIAL: A Rational Conversation.

This is the story of how Grace Tame and Camilla Cleese became best friends.

It's a wonderful story of resilience, vulnerability, creativity, comedy and the last supper.

IMAGE LINK: Grace Tame's Last Supper Picture.

https://twitter.com/johncleese/status/928316728278421512

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G'day Fearmongers,

We're back with the season finale of our award winning podcast.

We're talking 🤖 Artificial Intelligence, 🌏 Climate Clubs, 🇺🇸 Americans on tour and 🧵 Threads.

With fellow fearmongers:

Lee Constable

Ange Lavoipierre

Lewis Hobba #OpenToWork

and Dan Ilic .

And if you're a Patreon supporter you'll hear this week's sketch. Written by Crikey's Tom Red, and read by Wendy Harmer. Gina Rinehart reads a poem outlining her position on the voice.

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🤑 CHIP IN TO OUR PATREON https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFear Here's all the fun stuff you get when you sign up to Patreon.

🎧 Get an ad-free and sponsor free version of the show.

🎟 Get early access and discounts to live shows.

🎥 Get early access to final videos, and draft edits of upcoming videos.

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If you enjoyed this please drop us a review on Apple podcasts:

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🤑 CHIP IN TO OUR PATREON https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFear Here's all the fun stuff you get when you sign up to Patreon.

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G’day Fearmongers,

Hockeyroo and Olympian Georgie Parker (not the actress) is our guest this week, and after spending 5 nights up watching the ashes, there’s few people more qualified to talk about Bazball vs Cumball.

On the podcast this week we talk:

🏡 Housing Affordability Future Fund.

🍫 Fantales are off the shelves.

🏏 Cumins and the anti-woke brigade.

🍗 KFC price gouging. (ONLY ON PATREON)

PLEASE chip into the Patreon if you can. We need to buy some new gear for the podcast, and everything is sooo expensive. You’ll notice we’re running programatic ads now — one of the benefits of the Patreon is that you get an ad-free and sponsor free version of the show, and this week you get a little bit extra of the podcast. We’re talking about how KFC is far outpacing inflation when it comes to raising it’s prices.

Cheers,

Dan

Acting CEO.

OceanGate LLC. 

PLUGS:

See Dan Ilic at It's The News: https://improvtheatresydney.com.au/events/its-the-news/

See Dan Ilic perform at Slide Night! at the Sydney Opera House: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/comedy/slide-night

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G’day Fearmongers —

We’re back on the tools for the next five weeks to laugh in the face of the scariest news.

This episode we talk about the US Government being so embarrassed at surveilling its own citizens, that they’re now telling everyone about it, and hoping someone else in the US Government will fix it.

Why won’t someone fix the legal loop holes!?

We also chat about this strange new group of conservatives who are planning to solve the meaning of life. Who is in this group? John Howard, Tony Abbott, and Jordan Peterson to name a few. They’re called the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship. Sounds like a bunch of people who need a night on the shrooms.

Also we chat with Ange Lavoirpierre about the disaffection that Gen Z and Millennials have with politics-as-usual. And how ideas like capitalism are very much out of fashion, and the coolest new derogatory term of people who dare to participate in thrift store arbitrage.

Here more from Ange on her excellent podcast Schmeitgeist

Cheers

Dan

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NEWS FIGHTERS PODCAST

This month on News Fighters host Dylan Behan takes an in-depth look at the 2023 “Goldilocks” Budget. Somehow treasurer Jim Chalmers and Labor have lucked out with a once-in-15-year surplus, but can they use it to help those out in the cold while not overheating the economy with inflation? Meanwhile Peter Dutton and the coalition argue that instead of giving a tiny increase to welfare recipients, this money would be better used to fund holidays and the mining industry. 

TRANSCRIPTION

Jim Chalmers 00:01

This is News Fighters, where we fight the news so you don't have to.

Dylan Behan 00:10

 Yes welcome to episode 123 of news fighters from May 2023. News fighters, chase the vibes. I'm Dylan Bay and you might know me from A Rational fear as being the onstage Hobbit DJ guy and occasional wacky clips merchant and I'm here with the biggest news story of the week.

Journalist 00:27

It's budget night and we'll see something we haven't in 15 years. 

Dylan Behan 00:31

Yes, that's right for the first time in 15 years. Is it Michael Jackson back from the dead and live in concert? Or is it Kevin Rudd? Not a laughingstock? Oh, perhaps it's a livable apartment in Sydney for under $600,000? No, of course they were talking about the first

Jim Chalmers 00:46

budget surplus in 15 years.

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G'day Fearmongers,Last night at an industry dinner on the Gold Coast I was having a joke with some British TV producers about the Coronation. I was gently mocking the ceremony for how everything about it was modern and progressive.

Or at least I thought I was gently mocking.

From the magic stone seat, to the 500 year old spoon, to the oil from a duck, to the hand of God picking one man to rule over a whole bunch of people who have no say in the matter. 

All the Australians at the table laughed.

The English producers shuffled uncomfortably and one said "But we do it well, don't we." 

To which all the Australians felt the discomfort and politely agreed that England does do pomp and circumstance very well.

I added that Harry Potter was also done very well, took my drink and left.

So — Happy Coronation Weekend to those who celebrate.

On the podcast this week we have some great fearmongers.

🏃‍♀️Australian Athletic Legend, Erchana Murray-Bartlet.

🎙 Comedian and broadcaster, Craig Quartermaine

💨 Former vaper, Lewis Hobba.

💸Persephone Fraser from Australian Ethical

We cover the Coronation, Beetaloo Basin, Vaping, the AI coup, and the Budget.

We're taking a few weeks off the podcast, but we'll be putting the odd video out on Patreon.

Next week on the feed you'll hear from News Fighters.

Cheers

Dan

Department of Disinterest

Reserve Bank Australia

https://twitter.com/ARationalFear/status/1654024492824555523

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Heading into the election your support is going to be more crucial than ever!Thank you FEARMONGERS!

If you enjoyed this please drop us a review on Apple podcasts:

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G’day Fearmongers,

To celebrate the start of the Sydney Comedy Festival we put the RØDECaster Pro II in a duffle bag and headed to the Factory Theatre courtyard. One of the only arts venues in Sydney which boasts a commercial airliner flying overhead every 10 minutes. It’s their version of an “Applaud Now” sign.

With a beer and a plate of jerk chicken in hand, I was joined by Two Hearts’ Joseph Moore, and Heath Franklin not just to promote their SCF shows, but to laugh in the face of the most awful news we could find.

🏡 Tasmania’s housing crisis solution

🏟 Tasmania’s AFL team name.

👶🏼 Muffin Break employees.

🚀 Elon’s projectile dysfunction.

🇳🇿 Kiwis eligible for Australian citizenship after 4 years.

Go see Heath and Two Hearts at the Sydney Comedy Festival, they’re terrific.

🎟 See Heath Franklin at the Sydney Comedy Festival.

🎟 See Two Hearts at the Sydney Comedy Festival.

Cheers

Dan Ilic

Fox News

Human Resources

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👨🏼‍⚖️ David McBride's Legal Fund

G’day Fearmongers —

As we head into the long weekend known as Australian Halloween, ANZAC Day, I thought we should chat with a former solider who represents Australians at their best.

David McBride is up for a jail sentence of ‘UNLIMITED YEARS’ after he blew the whistle on astonishing accounts of misconduct and warcrimes by Australian special Forces in Afghanistan.

He did this six years ago — 2017!

He’s been in legal limbo ever since.

But now he’s forced the Australian Defence Force into court in November, and will have his moment to show he was just, and right to release the information he did.

In this conversation McBride and I chat about:

• Tactics and strategy in the court room.
• If media will be allowed inside his trial.
• Why he's losing weight
• How he finds joy in this very stressful time.
• And his laugh — is it real?

This episode is followed up by one of favourite live shows from last year, our live show on Australian Secrecy on stage at the Festival Of Dangerous Ideas.

It's one of our best — and a reminder around ANZAC Day that there are Some soliders who are fighting the good fight, that need our support.

Chip into help David McBride and his legal fees here.

Cheers

Dan

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G'day Fearmongers —

Thanks to the 300 or so of you who came out the the show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival — it was such a great vibe.

Gabbi Bolt

Sami Shah

Grace Tame

Lewis Hobba

Nats What I Reckon

Vidya Rajan

Lewis Hobba

and me (Dan Ilic)

DJ Andy McClelland

We cover the great gamete of crucial topics — Gwyneth Paltrow, Murdoch's Minions, U2, Donal Trump, AI, Cops, and we interview the owners of the house that Tim Smith ran into. They were so traumatised by the event that they want to get rid of the famous temporary fence they put in place whilst waiting for Tim Smith to pay the bills. 

You may have already seen on social media.already that we made a fancy sketch, and am auctioning it off on eBay with proceeds going to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre — it's already up to $3500! 

If you chip-in on Patreon — THANKS for supporting A Rational Fear — your support meant we could pay for that Chappaquiddick Fence sketch, and for it to be framed too. It's an expensive sketch!

We also used a chunk of the Patreon money to pay for sponsorship on Triple R radio to advertise the Melbourne show, and another chunk of it to pay for a poster campaign.

It's times like this that an extra chunk of money really helps off set the Ludicrous expenses of running a festival show like this.

Thanks so much for your support! If you'd like to pay a little bit chip in here:

https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFear

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🎟️ BUY TICKETS TO THE A RATIONAL FEAR LIVE SHOW IN MELBOURNE

🎟️ BUY TICKETS TO THE A RATIONAL FEAR LIVE SHOW IN MELBOURNE

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G'day Fearmongers —

Be sure to buy a ticket to the Melbourne show THIS SUNDAY — April 2nd

Failing that — In your feed this week, we have the live show we did last weekend at the World Science Festival In Brisbane.

It was one of our best live shows — the podcast doesn’t do it justice. If you were there and you’re listening back, you’ll notice a lot of the visual jokes have been disappeared like a Russian business man from a seven story building.

But — thanks to Jacob Round on the teppanyaki timeline, you have a wonderful audio experience.

On the podcast we have an elite squad of fearmongers:

From left to right in the picture that you can see in the Substack newsletter: https://arationalfear.com/

👽 Dr. Jessie Christiensen

🧮 Mel Buttle

💿 Dj Dylan Behan

💨 Dan Ilic

🕺🏻 Mark Humphries

🌲 Mandy Nolan

🌕 Lewis Hobba

It was a terrific show — for nearly 90 minutes (the podcast is about 60) we shot the science shi💩t, talked about the harmful effects of Gas, if we really need Maths and Science, we all sat a science exam, we looked at cookers in the Northern Rivers, we hunted Aliens, and spoke about mines on the Moon (again).

Enjoy the show — and come to our Melbourne show TOMORROW (April 2nd 2023)— we spent a lot of money on the poster. (Sorry, that was the last reminder)

Cheers

Dan Ilic

Professor of Breaking Even

Melbourne Comedy Festival

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🎟️ BUY TICKETS TO THE A RATIONAL FEAR LIVE SHOW IN MELBOURNE

🎟️ BUY TICKETS TO THE A RATIONAL FEAR LIVE SHOW IN MELBOURNE

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest Fearmongers on A Rational Fear this week include:

Alice Tovey 🎟 Performing at MICF in Not Like Other Ghouls
Laura Hughes 🎟 Performing at MICF in Laura Hughes Presents: Laura Hughes, Laura Hughes and some other Laura Hugheses

On this episode we talk:

🌏 David Attenborough reads the IPCC report.
🪧 Nazis in Melbourne.
🎃 Trump's Arrest.
🌝 Samsung replacing the moon.

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0:00  
This podcast is supported in part by Australian ethical. Good evening, Lewis.

0:05  
Hello, Daniel. How are you?

0:07  
I'm good. I'm good. And you sound good. You look good. You. You look taller. For some reason. I don't know. Maybe it's my screen. Maybe my screen is higher than usual.

0:16  
Yeah, I don't believe I've grown. But it will be thrilling if I had it would kick me over from just like regular tall until weirdly tall.

0:24  
Well, our Patreon subscribers are growing this week, we grew by one so big thank you to Sam Arnold, who joined up on Patreon. We've got a few of you now. And now I'm, I'm Louis. I don't know if this is rude of me to say this to our audience. But I want to get a few more because I want to hire an assistant. Oh, because if you've ever thought about supporting the podcast ship into the Patreon, it's you know, the price of a cup of coffee these days, like even less, like we've kept our prices the same. And coffee has gone up sky high. Like yeah,

0:54  
it's easy to keep your price the same when it's zero.

0:58  
Yeah, that's it. That's it. So if you've ever thought about to begin, please head on over to Patreon and chip in and that way we can employ someone younger, smarter, funnier to do most of the work that I don't have time to do.

1:10  
Oh, now I feel threatened. What? Yeah, you you feel threatened

1:14  
and you work at the Youth broadcaster? You've got younger, smarter and funnier people around you all day long.

1:19  
That's true. But what are you actually going to do with this assistant? Because I have to admit, if you're asking for money, you know, it's not exactly like you're curing cancer here begging for an assistance. I feel like you might need to give us some more information.

1:30  
They're going to be you know, writing writing the podcast notes publishing the podcast. They're going to be organising guests. There's a whole I've got a list of things to do. It's very exhausting to make a whole podcast.

1:43  
Oh, I mean, I can only assume that's why I don't do anything.

1:48  
I don't know that you and your fancy producers at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

1:54  
That singular one single producer.

1:57  
Okay, very good. And give her your cell phone. Of course. Yeah. Well, that's good. Anyway, have you met? Do you know anyone

2:06  
who's looking for an underpaid job? Yeah, dude, everyone at the ABC? Yeah, well,

2:11  
great. Well, we pay more than the ABC so I'm recording my end of irrational feet on Gadigal Land of the Euro nation's sovereignty was devastated. We need a treaty. Let's start the show. The following

2:22  
programme contains medium coarse language and traces of nuts. A rational fear recommends listening by immature audiences. Comedians experts laughing at

2:34  
the world as it burns down

2:37  
around. This is

2:43  
a rational fear.

2:47  
Tonight and Australian Army helicopter has crashed into Jarvis Bay, the Defence Minister said it's the closest thing we'll get to a new submarine until the 2040s. And with the New South Wales election just days away, Premier Dominic Paris, he regrets that he and his wife could have made a few more voters in time for election day. And after already using code red and time bomb in order to describe the IPCC report. You're not a nation of bits that analogies to climate change are an endangered species. It's the 24th of March 2023. And this is a rational fear

3:19  
is a rational fear.

3:32  
Working irrational fear, I'm your host, former Labour Party Bus Driver Daniel itch and this is the podcast that makes Aaron Sorkin newsroom look a bit like a documentary. Let's make our fear mongers for tonight. Guests. Number one. They're one of Australia's best Laura Hughes's. They'll go by the name of Laura Hughes and they'll be joined on stage at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival with several other Laura Hughes's it's the one and only well actually turns out one of many Laura Hughes's. Welcome to the podcast Laura yours.

3:59  
Thanks for having me.

4:01  
Laura. Just how many Laura Hughes's are going to be in your show in Melbourne. They are

4:06  
going to be seven including myself. But 1000s

4:12  
actually Googled you to find your bio today and I went I went to Laura here's Comdata you I found a Laura Hughes who is like a corporate coaches who helps you think of mindset growth and all that stuff.

4:22  
There's so many Laura uses they fought me there's one that paedophile and that's the worst one for me. I get a lot of emails from

4:36  
God Oh, dear. Do you have you're working with children? Check Laura.

4:41  
I have so many I'm ready. I didn't even work with children but I was like I need it just

4:47  
to go around and knock on everyone's door when you move into a neighbourhood and just go I'm not that lower here. Exactly.

4:55  
And then Melbourne Comedy Festival show, not like other girls refuse is to have a pun in the title is The horrifically and musically gifted hours Toby Hello us you are mixing horror and cabaret in your festival show are you worried it could be too spooky?

5:11  
It's gonna be a real Fright Fest day and I hope that you love jaunty jingles the scariest thing of all.

5:18  
You know me. I love Georgia, because Louis will tell you how much I love everyone. He didn't go.

5:22  
He you're a gentle man. He loves he's a little jingle boy. And it's sufferable

5:28  
I love also Louis. It's the first time we've been on the podcast together. Usually we can't be in the same room at the same time. This is so lovely.

5:35  
It's really nice. I'm just waiting for one of our internet's to fall apart. But for now, let's let it ride. Yes.

5:42  
And if you want to learn how to be rich, our next guest will tell you how to do that. And his comedy special at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Golden Handshake. It's Louis Harbour.

5:51  
Oh, that's true. Yeah. Okay. That's right. Exactly. One day before irrational fear hits the stage at the Melbourne Comedy Festival. I'll be doing a live comedy show at the Melbourne town hall with my friend Michael hing. It will be very silly. I assume.

6:07  
I was just going from the coffee off the website I

6:09  
assumed you at least wrote what you were planning to do. You know how it is at the Comedy Festival show you you send in something and then you're right to that.

6:18  
So did you say on hand shake or handshape ham sham che

6:22  
Alice? Honestly, insane things you need to know to listen to our radio show. If you haven't listened to it before don't bother starting now. I would say it's just it's we're so deep into a bunch of insane storylines that it would take too long on peak where the last of daytime radio.

6:42  
There is a lot of in jokes. There's a lot of you can kind of catch up at any point though, Louis, like I dip in and out when I'm driving around town. And I'm like, oh, yeah, back on the ham stuff. That's good.

6:51  
Yeah, yeah. Well, at one point, he just decided that it would be funny to say, congratulations, you've won yourself a ham. But he's a vegetarian. He doesn't know how much ham costs so much so much. He's like, so let's just give away a ham every week. And I was like, that's gonna bankrupt the ABC. So we gave away one ham to one person. The ABC legal thing was so insane. They were like, what if someone wins it who's like Jewish or Muslim who doesn't eat ham? It's like well, then we might send them the ham.

7:19  
Plus, you got to be in the pockets and feed but Toki you can't have that.

7:24  
And now we just made like 1000s of Golden Handshake earrings that we give away anyway, it's a nightmare. No one on this podcast cares.

7:31  
It's a whole thing. Coming up later, after inviting both Chris Mullins and Dominic paradise on the podcast and receiving very polite knows we are joined instead by independent candidate for the Northern Beaches. Jackie screwby will ask her how insular is her Peninsula. But first, a message from this week's sponsor.

7:48  
A rational fear and audible presents David Attenborough reading the AR six report from the IPCC uncensored, unplanned and unhinged human activities, principally through emissions of greenhouse gases have unequivocally caused global warming. You see, I told you I fucking told you ordered No. Here the moment the BAFTA award winning naturalists brain explodes with global surface temperatures reaching 1.1 degrees centigrade. How many fucking documentaries do I need to fucking make? experienced the frustration of someone who's given their life to the pursuit of truth in the face of unbridled capitalism, deep, rapid and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions would lead to a discernible slowdown in global warming within around two decades discernible. I'll be dead in two fucking decades. How about I give you all a discernible reduction in me. It's what could be David Attenborough's last great audio book. Oh, fuck it. That's it. I'm getting into crypto fuck all of your pitches. Now available on Audible. Download the app and start listening today.

9:02  
David Attenborough. Excellent. This week's first fear Nazis turfs and the Liberal Party expulsions. Oh, my What is it with Melbourne and Nazis? This is the weather maybe the Yeren reminds them of the Rhine or maybe it's the unbearable levels of racial tolerance. But in a very confused scene on the weekend, Nazis joined anti trans protesters who were joined by trans rights protesters who were not joined by anyone trying to catch the 86 tram anywhere because there's no way they could and on top of it, the baddies in this case the anti trans protesters were upset that the police led even worse baddies Nazis into their protest hours. What the hell is happening in Melbourne?

9:40  
Oh my goodness, it's such an upsetting and hateful story. This person Posie Parker Parker Posey, already appropriating the name of a queer icon is a hate crime. But a bunch of turfs turned up to Parliament and they've kind of created this thing that where they say trans people, they're so dangerous. They should be all just eradicated. They also say that trans people don't exist. So they've created Schrodinger as queer. And they've gone and protested that it's just super frustrating, especially the cops that turned up as well who allowed the Nazis to march through the streets if you've not seen the footage, it's horrific, but the excuse that they gave to the protesters was all I'm just doing my job, which is like a fine excuse. If you're a Subway sandwich artist who's been told to just use schnitzel instead of bread because they slipped to an extra fibre but not if you're defending Nazis. That's not alright.

10:30  
It's also just like such a hair's breadth from I was just following orders, which of course, famously from the Nazis.

10:37  
Absolutely, it was

10:39  
it's weird that the police just thought it was part of the anti trans protesters

10:42  
and if it's weird that the cops let the Nazis in AKA a lot of their friends

10:50  
but it's so but it is weird because you know, they're not dressed like anti trans protesters. They're dressed like the they've come from. They're like they got out of bed from their pyjamas. They're like all in black.

11:00  
Yeah, they're in black shorts shorts, which is yeah, I didn't think that hot pants with a Nazi uniform, which like, credit where credit's due I love a good hot pan but not on a Nazi.

11:10  
It was almost indistinguishable from a lady gaga backup dancer it's terrifying genuinely like you kind of like it's always crazy when you like the Nazis are back. What what are we doing the Nazis

11:24  
it's interesting in that Victoria seems to be like the home of Nazism. In Australia. For some reason. There's been long reporting about right wing radicals hanging out in the Grampians chanting anti Jewish sentiment. And there seems to be a huge rise like over the last 10 years like a 320% rise in right wing plot attacks and violence like direct direct Skype threats to the Australian people like the Nazis are for all intents and purposes. You know, the new al Qaeda in Australia. The AFP are really deeply concerned about this right.

11:56  
Do you think it's the weather? It's just the most similar to Germany?

11:59  
Could be Yeah, can you just Nick,

12:03  
you can't wear those uniforms in Queensland. Like if the further you get to the closer you get to the equator, you just you can't wear an overcoat it doesn't work. I mean, yeah, as you're saying I was there were Nazis in shorts. He was the only one who you weren't scared of like all the other Nazis you like, these guys are fucking Nazis. He like well, that guy's Nazis in shorts. We can hit his knees. Fuck that guy. He's easy.

12:24  
I'm not scared of men as long as I can see their carbs but I'm just hoping that what these protests highlight is the absurdity of transphobia because when you have literal Nazis on your side, like Sikh hireling and stuff, you're on the wrong side team, but you can't dress it up in whatever faux feminism you want. This is bad stuff.

12:45  
The turfs were there going on? Oh, we weren't with the Nazis. I mean, like, just visually, clearly they were with the Nazis. But in a world where the Nazis were getting attacked by the anti turf protesters and the Turks themselves, then the Nazis would have been fighting a war on two fronts. Historically,

13:08  
a bit like q&a on crack. This is a rational fear.

13:16  
This week second fear any moment a former president could be arrested for using campaign funds to buy the silence of a porn star he had sex with once Yes, Donald Trump could be arrested at some point this week. We don't know one we don't know when it's you know, it's been he tweeted on Tuesday that it could happen any moment now. So that whole world has been on tenterhooks. This all goes back to when Donald Trump use $130,000 of campaign finance funnelled through his lawyer, Michael Cohen, to pay the silence of stormy Daniels and it all kind of comes down to a bit of paperwork. Yeah, it could be along the lines that you know, kind of paying off reimbursing Michael Cohen through like a dodgy invoice or something like this. Yeah. What is going on here with Donald Trump?

14:01  
It's very exciting. I feel like that almost been arresting him for years now. But it feels like it's getting closer. Maybe fingers crossed for everyone. But my favourite part is the unhinged part about him, like tweet will true thing about it on his stupid little website. And the fact that there's been all these like deep fake videos about it and people already putting out deep fake videos of him on the way to jail. And I feel like that's how he found out like he saw a video thought he saw a glimpse into the future. And that's why he truths about it. Like that's why he tweeted about it. About

14:39  
ask like this whole arrest over appropriating campaign funds doesn't just seem a little bit quaint with everything else he's done.

14:45  
It does. I mean, I feel like this is going to be the first they try and get him on anything. They're desperate. But the stressful thing is that even if he gets arrested, he can still become president because the laws are different over then, like so he can Jelly

15:00  
exotics running for president now. So anyone can do it.

15:04  
In Australia, you can run for parliament if you've been convicted of a crime, but in America, you can, you know, apparently he could do it from jail like he can actually run as president and become president from jail if he wants to.

15:15  
If he does go to prison in the sort of Al Capone sands, you know, if they just get him on campaign finance fraud, but if he's there, I hope he doesn't run for president. I hope he shoots another season of The Apprentice. Can you? Donald Trump day block. I mean, I'm here with Cyrus the virus, Snake Eyes, and got it. Oh, Pete. And the challenge this week, see how many mobile phones you can sneak through

15:42  
all that, Louis? How are they going to send him to prison? They can't cop him. His hands are so tiny. You'll slip I just thought it was funny on the footage in New York this week at the front of Trump Tower that they were just like five people with bullhorn horns, which means they're one shy away from a netball team if they exclude the wing attack.

16:05  
Yeah, that was after he called for the protest and five people showed up so much of a threat.

16:11  
Just Rudy Rudy Giuliani out there with a bunch of oranges going here. If you need Donald here, if you need

16:18  
rational fear, it is the end of the world. You might as well laugh about it.

16:27  
This week's third fear unless it's going to destroy the world. We don't often talk about technology on this podcast. But you know, chat GBT, we've spoken a little bit about this week, Samsung has revealed that it has been replacing things in people's photos namely the moon, I read it user did an experiment where he printed out printed off the moon he made it really blurry in Photoshop, printed it out, stuck it on the wall and took a photo of it with his camera. So it looked nothing like the moon. But the AI inside the Samsung camera automatically replaced that picture with a picture of the moon. Samsung is just going around replacing the moon in everyone's pictures,

17:02  
saying Dan is that they? Yes defied the moon.

17:08  
What else should Samsung replace if they're replacing the moon? You know, does this give them licence and other tech companies licence to replace other things in your pictures? What if you wanted a picture of a really blurry thing, but you couldn't get it?

17:22  
Wow, I didn't know why. And why are they doing that? Because they just think that Moons look a bit shit.

17:27  
But no, because they can so and the The amazing thing is that the one side of the Moon faces the Earth at all times. So no matter where you are on the planet, whenever you look up at the moon, it's going to be the same image of the moon. So if you're trying to take a photo of the moon if you're if you're the kind of person that sees the moon and wants to zoom in and get a shot of the moon, Samsung will just replace the moon with a really crispy picture of the moon.

17:50  
What about what about the blood moons?

17:52  
Do they have those on file? I don't know. I don't know. That's their you know, that's my question.

17:56  
What about if I pull my pants down in front of the camera? Well, I replace me with a stump but

18:04  
I don't need to get enough craters for your but

18:08  
I'm happy for them to replace pictures of me. I take the worst photos so I'm like, give me a glow up since on the show many

18:15  
of you they just put another law of using that it'd be

18:20  
I regret the name of my show.

18:26  
It would just be nice if they could replace photos of my parents with one of them looking proud of my career choice. It's a joke. I love you mom and dad. You're great.

18:35  
It is a joke. Alice Toby's career is going really well. She's you know, she's she works on everyone's TV shows we're very proud of here at irrational fear.

18:43  
Do we know what year Samsung was founded? Was it in 1969? Because it is possible. They were complicit in the faking?

18:53  
Thank you for being brave enough to say,

18:56  
thinking we're all thinking,

18:59  
what kind of podcast would we be if we didn't have at least one conspiracy theory.

19:05  
We'd have more listeners if we had more conspiracy theory.

19:08  
If you just ate some of the elk meat that I send you, this podcast would be one of the biggest in Australia.

19:17  
Samsung, unfortunately was founded 85 years ago 1938

19:22  
That proves my theory, it's entirely possible that they would ever 1969

19:27  
Also think about how long it took James Cameron to develop the technology for Avatar to it is totally reasonable that it took to the 30s till the 60s to fake a moon landing.

19:36  
But why did the footage look so shit? In the 60s?

19:39  
Yeah, well, yeah, how come Samsung didn't replace it with better footage

19:43  
yet? Where were the Navi on the moon

19:47  
theory debunked.

19:48  
I'll be back with a new one next week.

19:50  
Oh, we need it. i It kind of begs the question like What is a picture

19:54  
when the AI photos came out? You when that lens or AI thing came out? Did you guys give it a go? Did you give yourself With a little glow up in the in the AI No, I made I'm beautiful. Beautiful. You all broke the AI. They were like, We have to make her less beautiful.

20:08  
Do you remember the day that Samsung was down? That was my face? Sorry.

20:14  
I didn't because it costs money. So I was like, oh, nothing's smart. That's

20:20  
on Paul shouldn't have to pay for a face like you've got to face.

20:23  
Exactly do it for free to robot. Why am I paying a robot?

20:27  
That's a good point. I mean, I would buy a Roomba, but that's different, I guess. Did you guys do it? Did you? Yeah, absolutely kidding me. I'm so vain. I wake up in the morning was like, why does it run the clock? And why haven't I done it yet? And then I did it all day.

20:42  
What do you like astronauts? Astronauts? Yeah,

20:46  
like mythical figure. There was. There were like, I would say, it felt a bit like they had just googled, like, white guy, brown hair glasses. And then they just fused me with a bunch of other. Like, there was a few where I looked a bit like Adam Scott, the actor, which was quite nice. But then there was somewhere I looked like, I would say, someone who founded a yoga studio in 1978, and had since been in prison for 40 years. But the things I did to the people in my yoga studio in the 70s, like, really just like, skinny, and like really long arms, but kind of like piercing eyes, like just like a six pack. But it made me look like a an AI sex pest. And it made me question myself, because on that, once you see the scales of what you can be, like, on one hand, I could be a loved actor, Adam Scott, who I think is wonderful. On the other hand, I could be a sex past. And then you can kind of see both of those versions of yourself going forward and every day. And I guess it gave me the sort of Laura Hughes paradox. Like I didn't really know who I was. So I decided not to ever do it again.

21:51  
I think it makes a beautiful cult leader Louis, you really you have called me to potential.

21:55  
Do you know when I was a kid, when people asked would ask me what I wanted? That's That's what I told them. That's not

22:00  
are you serious? Yeah. Yeah.

22:05  
Do you have like some kind of merchandise? Or do you do like a Eucharist? What would you do like a Eucharist? Oh, like, Oh, it's a Catholic process of sharing your body as a bread?

22:21  
Would I be mixed? Yes. No, no.

22:25  
Do you have a harem?

22:26  
Why do you get into why did you get into the cult game? If it's not to be a slot? I don't understand anyone who's like a good cult leader. Like why did you bother just go to work?

22:35  
It's the same thing as like a social football team. It's just nice to hang out with people.

22:42  
And have them do your bidding. I had

22:43  
some friends who made a documentary about cults in Australia once and we were having a beer. I was like, what was like the funniest story about the cults. And they were like, Oh, it was pretty funny. There was this woman who went to like a health thing like a health fair in Byron Bay. And they, she met this person who ended up getting them into a cult, and this woman was like, I'm the second coming of Jesus. And she ended up getting involved in this cult. But there were only three people in the cult. It was her the cult leader and one other follower. And eventually, the other follower left. So it was just her and the second coming of Jesus. And then eventually, after like two or three years, the woman was like, What are you still doing here? I'm clearly not the Second Coming of Jesus. And then the leader left the cult. So the only person left in the Gulf. And she was like, Oh, I've been in a cult. I've been in a fight.

23:35  
Ah, yeah, that would be me. I would be the second coming of Jesus and I would get frustrated with my own shitty cars. What

23:44  
are you doing here? Here all your fear is rational.

23:50  
just pausing the podcast here, Louis, do you think Samsung's efforts to replace people's real moons with the fake Moon is pretty ethical.

23:58  
I don't really know if it matters enough to be ethical or unethical. It's just a weird thing.

24:04  
Well, I just want to pause the podcast here just to talk a little bit about Australian ethical. They are a big financial firm. They've been going since 1986. And they've been looking after people's money in really ethical ways. So they haven't been replacing it with pictures of fake money like Samsung would do. They've been you know, putting it in stuff like low carbon businesses, renewable energy. They definitely don't invest in things like fossil fuels. They look after companies that are part of the solution. Not part of the problem, though, is I'm thrilled

24:31  
and very excited to be partnering with Australian ethical. I think last week we mentioned I saw them in the news. I saw them in a guardian headline, I was like, Oh no. Who have we saddled ourselves with? And then it was like, Oh no, they're divesting from a bad company who was gonna kill a bunch of koalas and I'm like, Ah, a superannuation company in the news for the right reasons.

24:53  
What year is this? That company has LED lights a company we've spoken a bit about on this podcast, so yeah, well, darkness Try Nesco keep it up and thank you for sponsoring a rational fear

25:06  
this is a rational fear.

25:10  
I looks like Jackie's group has got better things to do before three days before the election so good on her. She's not coming on rational fear tonight. Let's wrap it up so big thanks to everyone who joined us on irrational fear Louis harbour Alice Toby. Laura Hughes. Alice, what would you like to plug?

25:25  
Yes, I'm doing a show called not like the other girls at the Melbourne Comedy Festival and the Sydney Comedy Festival. So if you head to Alice toby.com You can book some tickets it opens next Thursday. It's going to be very silly. Looking forward

25:37  
to Laura Hughes.

25:39  
I'm doing a show with the worst title on the in the world. And I regret every day. Laura Hughes presents and it's from the 10th of April to the 16th at the butterfly club.

25:53  
Doing only doing one week at the festival that is the sign that is a veteran that is a veteran who's seen some shit.

26:01  
That's someone who's died before it was like a month get locked. Much I play a lot of characters so I think I would be dead if I did the whole month.

26:11  
I've seen the show and it's very very, very funny. Louis would you like to?

26:15  
Well, obviously there's a rational fear second of April. Huge lineup still ticking the Capitol Theatre. I mean, it's beautiful. Wear a suit. Dress up? What a lie. Yeah,

26:25  
yeah, please wear a suit. Will you wear a suit if you wear a suit? I'll wear so.

26:29  
Fuck it. Yeah, I'll wear a suit. Yeah, all right. Yeah, so isn't that funny? When you're like, work such joke jobs that putting on a suit is like our moment is comedy. I've only got one.

26:45  
Dress up as one of your AI characters.

26:48  
Oh, fuck. I I know. We're still recording but afterwards, I'll send you the next best one.

26:56  
Try and try not to send as try not to send it over a carriage service.

27:02  
I can't believe what they did to me. They did me so dirty. So yes, come to irrational fear. Also, if you just eaten Melbourne the weekend and you're like, Ah, no, no, no, it's lawless. I am doing a show at the town hall the night before with my friend Michael hang. It's called Golden Handshake. And then the week after that, if you're like God, I've seen Lewis twice. Love to do it a third time be doing the great debate. Which is really exciting on

27:25  
Easter Sunday. That's really exciting. Do you know who you're doing it with?

27:30  
I don't I find out tomorrow. Well today by the time this podcast goes out so I'm I'm really excited. It's really fun. I'd loved loved watching them since I was a kid and like I think debating was like the first time I ever wrote a joke. So I'm really excited to Louis you are

27:44  
you are built for that. That's gonna be great. I'm finally

27:47  
being built for that was profitable.

27:51  
I look forward to you putting in a sterling effort to irrational fear.

27:56  
You know, I will that's the first thing Yeah,

27:59  
it's the first thing Have you written Have you written your piece yet? Yeah, we've

28:01  
got another rational people for them to do. No, I fucking haven't written the second one Jesus.

28:08  
Yes. If you're listening to this right now you're probably listening. Around the time we are performing on stage at the at the Q PAC at somehow at the World Science Festival in Brisbane this Sunday. You can still get tickets to that so please buy tickets for that and also the following week in Melbourne International Comedy Festival that is it for rational Phoebe thank you to rode mics Australian ethical our Patreon supporters Jacob brown on the teppanyaki timeline Rupert Degas who did that extraordinary David Attenborough. And until next week, there's always something to be scared of. Good night.

Transcribed by https://otter.ai

A Rational Fear on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFear

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month Dylan Behan takes an in-depth look at all the big NSW state election issues from boat ramps to cashless gaming cards to superannuation for kids and why neither major party will do anything to actual tackle the biggest cost of living issue in NSW: astronomical rents. Also we look at the two middle aged white men who are determined to promise to do as little as possible in order to get your vote this Saturday.

🎟️ BUY TICKETS TO THE A RATIONAL FEAR LIVE SHOW IN MELBOURNE
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Announcer  0:01  
This is News Fighters, where we fight the news so you don't have to.

Dylan Behan  0:09  
Yes, Hi everyone. Welcome to Episode 122 of news fighters for February 2023. If you haven't listened before News Fighters is an in depth yet comedic look at the big stories in Australian news, media and politics presented by me, TV comedy editing wizard and future AUKUS submarine captain Dylan Behan. Yes, thanks for joining us this month, once again on the A Rational Fear podcast feed. We had a great time with  A Rational Fear down in Adelaide at the Fringe Festival. Thanks to everyone who came out and saw us there and this weekend. We're at the Brisbane Science Festival on Sunday. Get your tickets now but,  a little bit south of the border, the New South Wales State election campaign feels like it's been in full swing for months now. And I'd totally understand if you haven't been paying attention to it because most of the policy announcements have been pretty uninspiring ones like this.

Journalist  1:04  
The premier was talking about water. He's hoping to hook voters with a $20 million promise to upgrade boating ramps and fishing facilities across the state.

Dylan Behan  1:13  
Yes in New South Wales 2023 will go down as the year of the boat ramp state election. Oh geez. This is the least interesting New South Wales State election I've covered and I've only covered two at least back in 2019. We had the spectacle of Labour leader Michael Daly's lucky meat pie 

Michael Daley  1:29  
Before every election I've been doing it for 30 years are always gonna have my Lucky Pie

a pie and strawberry milk having my Lucky Pie.

Journalist  1:37  
What pie having Mr. Daley?

Michael Daley  1:38  
 just a plain pie with strawberry milk is // eating a Lucky Pie for breakfast at a local shop // we opted for as usual fortifying election breakfast a pie and strawberry milk // For 30 years I had a Lucky Pie. No sauce  beef,

Journalist  1:53  
No Sauce? Are you feeling confident? 

Michael Daley  1:54  
Terrific. I have my lucky pie 

Journalist  1:56  
Hoping what he eats tonight. He's not humble pie.

Dylan Behan  2:00  
Anyway, strap yourselves in everyone because this episode I'm taking a deep dive into all the big issues in the current New South Wales State election campaign. And before I begin, I'm sad to announce that I just don't have time to recap the past 12 years of scandals that have plagued the O'Farrell embed then Berejiklian Imperator a coalition governments you know, you know, all the scandals, the you know, the pork barreling or the brand stalking or the cushy overseas jobs with the boys or the fact koalas are facing extinction or the pandemic lockdown measures that unfairly targeted poor and migrant communities or the cracked rail carriages, or the stuffing up of the bushfire recovery or the stuffing up of the flood recovery or the lockout laws that said our nightlife and art scenes back by generation, or the failure of the government to implement any of the recommendations from the special commission of inquiry into the drug is or the way they've used StrikeForce rapidly to intimidate musical acts and try and get them to change their lyrics or the shocking stories of the sharing of pornographic images of Parliamentarians by other parliamentarians. I just haven't got time for any of that. Besides, I'm sure it's probably already been covered by a friendly jordiz In a funny accent. No, I'm just going to assume you're up to speed with all the corruption and scandals and we're going to jump right in to the choices facing New South Wales voters this Saturday. So I hear you asking who are the contenders for the top job? Well, first of all, is the current Premier and former treasurer, conservative liberal party leader and Millennial in name only Dominic parity. And Isn't he good at talking up his own record? Well,

Dominic Perrottet  3:23  
we need to do better. Well, I've always said we've got to do better. Can we do more? 

Yes, he also

Dylan Behan  3:28  
needs to do better on knowing the ages of his seven young children. 

Journalist  3:31  
Mr. Perrottet name all seven of your kids in age order.

Unknown Speaker  3:35  
Just not their age, Charlotte Amelia. Annabel, William. Harriet. Beatrice. Celeste.

Dylan Behan  3:46  
I can barely afford to have a cat Perrottet has been premier for almost 18 months and he's reputations held up despite the fact that he admitted to wearing a Nazi uniform in his own 21st birthday party. Surprisingly, the Australian public were quite forgiving of this, leading to this amazing voxpop 

Journalist  4:04  
What did you think of him before this? 

Man on the street  4:06  
Well, he seemed like an upstanding member of the community. Right? Seven kids.

Journalist  4:11  
What do you think of him now?

Man on the street  4:13  
Seven kids in a Nazi uniform!

Dylan Behan  4:14  
Yes, that also sounds like potential movie collaboration between Nancy Meyers and Mel Brooks this holidays, get ready for the heartwarming romcom seven kids and a Nazi uniform and then there's Labour leader Chris Minns. Now if you haven't heard of him, don't worry, because neither has anyone else

Journalist  4:31  
on a day when a small poll found the majority of voters in the labor leaders knife edge seat. Can't name him. Do you know who this man is?

Unknown Speaker  4:40  
No, I don't it's the Leader of the Opposition. I just can't remember his name and on top of my head Did you know this man?

Unknown Speaker  4:47  
He's the opposition leader opposition of New South Wales, Chris something

Dylan Behan  4:50  
Yeah, no worries. Good luck with that. It's not like you said is the most marginal in the entire state anyways. Also, there's probably a good reason why people in the Chinese community didn't recognize him 

Journalist  5:00  
Chris Minns has suffered a little lost in translation incident. Cantonese speakers pointing out. These characters when spoken aloud can also sound a lot like having to use a bathroom. 

Dylan Behan  5:12  
Yeah, so finally, if any Liberal staffers are caught urinating on men's posters outside polling booths on election day, they've got an excuse. The poster told them to in Cantonese! now on to Chris Minns' campaign itself and it appears to be focused on one big issue

Chris Minns  5:26  
No privatization under labour. // New South Wales Labour will never sell Sydney Water //no more reckless energy privatizations // Sydney Water is on the ballot at this election campaign // and we'll do it all without privatizing Sydney Water // There's no point selling your house to fund an upgrade of your driveway.

Dylan Behan  5:44  
Yes, and I think I speak for most people in Sydney when I say what's a driveway? Jeez, what's this guy's obsession with Sydney Water? Oh, that's right. It's the only asset left that hasn't been privatized under the last 12 years with the Liberals and fun fact I just discovered it turns out that humans need water to live I just discovered that thanks wiki pedia! Yes, it turns out men seems to be copying word for word Anthony Albanese is small target strategy where you don't promise anything very much and instead just say they've been in too long. Give us a go!

Chris Minns  6:12  
The premier of New South Wales leads a team that's been in power for 12 years and is asking for 16 years in office. Now that's a long period of time for a team whose best days are behind them. / They're asking for 16 years in power. Their best days are behind them and their most experienced leaders have already departed  // Our message to the people in New South Wales a straightforward vote for change.

Dylan Behan  6:35  
Yeah, it's pretty similar to Alba's pitch from last year. 

Anthony Albanese  6:38  
Give us a crack

Dylan Behan  6:40  
Speaking of Albanese. While Mr. Popularity Peter Dutton hasn't been seen anywhere on the New South Wales State election campaign trail. Albanese has been very visible making multiple appearances like this one.

Journalist  6:50  
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined Labour leader Chris Mintz on the campaign trail. The pair went to a pub in Balmain. Before visiting unlike our childcare center,

Dylan Behan  6:59  
yes, they visited a pub then a childcare center and I think we have a clip of Albo at the childcare center here.

Anthony Albanese  7:05  
No, Chris means who will be a fantastic labour premier to have a majority on the floor of the Legislative Assembly.

Dylan Behan  7:21  
Oh, geez, maybe maybe switch to the light beers next time. Albo. Unfortunately Minns also appears to have stolen Scott Morrison's election campaign strategy of showing off his ship musical skills in public like he did here on the Kyle and Jackie O show. 

Chris Minns  7:35  
Want a little bit of Acca Dacca  (plays guitar)

Dylan Behan  7:44  
Thanks Minzy that will fix the housing crisis. Oh, are we going with Minzy? Sorry, I didn't any satirists listening can you have we haven't heard I haven't got a memo we go with Minzy or something bit more Ozzy like Christo or are we gonna do a scomo thing and like first name last name it so it'd be like Cri-Mi. Cri...  creamy. Well, it will be his nickname. Anyways, the rising cost of living appears to be the single biggest issue for voters this election with rent, mortgages, power prices, groceries and transport costs, all eating up more and more of the weekly family budget. But don't worry, Chris Minns has a big plan

Journalist  8:23  
Labor's big policy is to scrap the public sector wage cap, which currently limits pay rises to three and three and a half percent. And so

Chris Minns  8:30  
we can strike a fair deal for essential workers right across New South Wales, we will remove the wages kept.

Dylan Behan  8:38  
Yes, this is great news for public service workers. This will help the public service hire and retain workers and help them with their cost of living issues. However, unless there's also a rent cap, I'm not sure how this isn't going to just keep feeding inflation and keep making housing and everything else more expensive for everyone has anyone thought this through. Meanwhile, power prices are also shaping up to be a huge election issue with no lead up insight.

Journalist  9:02  
Good evening, it's going to be a cold and costly winter for many in Sydney, with authorities flagging a 23% jump in power prices from July one the biggest increase ever.

power prices are set for a steep increase of around 20%. Yes,

Dylan Behan  9:17  
electricity prices keep going up and up. But I think this pension has figured out a surefire way to beat the system.

Journalist  9:23  
90 year old reg has an easier path,

Reg  9:26  
With a bit of luck I'll die and won't have to worry about it at all.

Dylan Behan  9:29  
Yes, that's one way to beat the high living costs associated with late stage capitalism just stop living. Thankfully, both parties have a plan to bring power prices down and Labour's is to create a state owned Energy Corporation and well, won't it provide immediate relief.

Chris Minns  9:47  
I'm going to be honest with the people of New South Wales and say that the benefits of this policy will be felt six and seven years down the line and it's not possible for me to explain seven years they're gonna have to wait it's important that I get this out and Got to make sure that you've got firming power, particularly in relation to pumped hydro. Those projects take a lot of time

Journalist  10:06  
on power bills in your state owned energy company. Seven years it'll take to have any impact on a family's energy bill. Seven years. Is that fair?

Chris Minns  10:17  
I think in context, it's the right policy for what we're facing today. And the voters are smart enough to say Labour's got a plan for long term energy reform in New South Wales. The liberal party has got a cash handout.

Dylan Behan  10:28  
Well, Chris Minns has a lot of faith in New South Wales voters they're thinking now prioritize long term structural reform over a quick sugar hit cash handout, which is exactly what Perrottet and the Liberals are proposing to try and fix power prices,

Journalist  10:42  
a half a billion dollar elections sweetener is now an offer worth $250 per household, just for looking at a website to compare power prices.

And here's the important thing to note. You don't have to switch to get the discount. You just have to look,

is it really responsible to be paying $250 to anyone just to Google their power provider?

Dominic Perrottet  11:03  
Absolutely. Because we want people to go online and see if they're on the best deal possible. 

Dylan Behan  11:07  
Yes, that's right. The Liberals are going to give you a turn and $50 power price discount just for going on the internet. Finally an excuse for me being online all the time. Honey, are you looking at duck videos again on the internet, no honey just shopping around for power prices. (quack noises) Meanwhile, Labour's decided to match the $250 rebate but only offer it to a much smaller number of households in a much more targeted way.

Journalist  11:34  
Labour is promising the same amount, but to just half the households with only those on income support pensioners and seniors eligible

Dylan Behan  11:42  
Yes, labour of course, in typical labour fashion has completely forgotten about working poor people. But since when was the labor movement about working people anyways, that's what I want to know. Sorry, working poor people, you should have been even poor. Also on the cost of living crisis, the liberals have announced a policy to try and bring down the cost of groceries and that policy is to add more bureaucracy and just watch how good premiere parity was at selling it. At the channel line debate.

Journalist  12:10  
You have said that you will bring down grocery bills by appointing a new supply chain Commissioner. So for example, on a basket of groceries that costs $100, how much cheaper will that be? Well, we know

Dominic Perrottet  12:22  
Liz, in terms of the cost of inflation, that the one of the biggest impacts on that is supply chain costs. And so putting this commissioner in, I can't give you $1 figure on that. But what I do know what I do know is that we can get produce from port to plate faster and working with the industry that will put downward pressure on grocery prices across our state. Yes, Dom

Dylan Behan  12:43  
I'm sure those famously disorganized Fly By Night operators known as Coles and Woolworths don't know anything about logistics and have just been winging it the whole time. They definitely need some government help in this area. What the hell what what what will the supply chain Commissioner do anyways? Turn on the shaft signal to get toilet paper back on the shelves. Then we haven't even got to the Liberals big news signature cost of living policy they've announced this election, giving free money to rich babies

Journalist  13:13  
An investment in children that will set up the next generation. That's how the premier describes his signature election promise of $400 per child. In an Australian first kids Future Fund,

the government would deposit $400 To start the account. Each year parents can contribute up to $1,000. With the government matching contributions dollar for dollar up to $400. Assuming interest of 7% and regular parental contributions the fund could reach between $28,500.40 $9,000 By the time the child turns 18. Only then can they withdraw it to spend on either a house deposit or for skills and education like a university degree or TAFE course, children whose parents received Family Tax benefits would get an automatic $200 A year from the government.

Dominic Perrottet  14:06  
Reportedly, it furthers the central mission of our Liberal Party to spread equality of opportunity far and wide.

Dylan Behan  14:15  
Yes, that's right. And nothing spreads equality more equally like making sure already we'll have kids graduate high school with an extra 50 grand in their bank account to go towards paying off their hex earlier or get them on that property ladder sooner. Now that's real equality, Liberal Party style parity tried to sound empathetic when introducing this policy.

Dominic Perrottet  14:35  
Well, that is all about making sure that our children have greater opportunities than we do. Right now. It's the opposite. We burden our children with hex and housing debt before they even start. We're all worried about our kids capacity to be able to buy a home and also the cost of education.

Dylan Behan  14:52  
Yes, Dom If only somebody could do something about the massive sky high cost of housing and education in this state, if only so Somebody could do something. Yes the kids Future Fund policy is such a clearly bad policy favoring the rich. It even turns Sky News accidentally left wing.

Journalist  15:10  
What are these 18 year olds going to be doing with 10s of 1000s of dollars? 

I'm sorry, give it back to the government for their education apparently. Hope you get into the housing market to pay you $50,000 That might cover the state government's land tax or financial duties. That's outrageous.

Dylan Behan  15:28  
Yes in talking about the Liberals trying to patch over problems that they themselves created. They're also trying to win favor with toll road drivers and public transport patrons after years. Of increases

Journalist  15:39  
the premier making a promise to cut the opal cap from 50 to $40 a week saving almost $500 a year.

Some cash flow relief is coming for half a million motorists across Sydney with road toll rebates offering up to $750 back 

Dominic Perrottet  15:56  
and we want to use our financial strength to help budgets right across New South Wales,

Dylan Behan  16:01  
Perrottet is so brazen are trying to fix the problems that his party created. That I'm amazed his election slogan isn't something like a vote Liberal this state election because only the Liberals can bring down the high prices that the Liberals are responsible for. Well, at least Sydney public transport is going to be capped at $40 a week if the Liberals win because this is a public transport system definitely worth paying money for Good evening

Journalist  16:24  
Sydney's transport systems are in chaos tonight. Sydney's entire train network was brought to a standstill today leaving 1000s of passengers stranded. How are you going to get home tonight?

Commuter  16:35  
I don't know. 

Journalist  16:36  
The entire rail network was shut down when communications failed, 

Commuter  16:41  
They cann't keep doing this door off. We're paying our fares

Journalist  16:44  
live wires fell onto the train trapping more than 500 passengers

Commuter  16:48  
I have been working for 50 years and I've never seen it this bad it's an absolute joke. 

Journalist  16:53  
People have been forced to wait hours for trains 

Commuter  16:57  
Two times this week I've missed shifts and that's money out of my paycheck 

Journalist  17:00  
so people are being told to avoid train travel if they can but good luck if you can find another way home // commuters advise to delay travel if they can maybe stay in town for a beer 

Commuter  17:11  
Absolutely crap!

Dylan Behan  17:12  
Yes What a group of satisfied customers Sydney public transport communities are the official slogan of Sydney trains should just be go to the pub instead. imagine any other service or product where this counts as a good review. 

Commuter  17:24  
Absolutely crap. 

Dylan Behan  17:26  
Thank you for your compliment, sir. Can we use it in the new Sydney trains advertising campaign? Meanwhile, Labour's election winning infrastructure strategy is that they're going to build less infrastructure because you know, Sydney isn't growing at all and everything works perfectly all the time.

Journalist  17:39  
A major tunnel project through the Blue Mountains would be scrapped under a Chris Minns premiership as labour seeks to tighten spending it adds to a growing list of government projects Labour will shelve including a metro from Westmead to the aerotropolis. Raising Warragamba Dam wall and the Northern Beaches

Chris Minns  17:58  
are not going to sell essential assets in New South Wales to build infrastructure. Now the premier has a $50 billion infrastructure plan that is completely unfunded.

Dylan Behan  18:08  
Yeah, it might be completely unfunded now, but have you seen the cost of public transport in the city? No, those new metros will be paid off in no time anyways, maybe Chris means is right. And we can't actually afford to build any more infrastructure. But personally, I can't really afford to put up with the infrastructure the way it is at the moment. I have to allow three hours a day to commute to a job 12 kilometers away if we don't build any more infrastructure in this state, me and everyone I know I just got to move to Tasmania and live in a tree house and eat bugs because that's better for my mental health than dealing with Sydney public transport on a daily basis. Anyways, at least Labour has said they're going to do something for drivers by introducing a $60 a week toll cap you know, finally getting those toll costs down to a much more manageable $3,000 a year for just driving in Sydney. But even that comes with strings and more bureaucracy attached.

Journalist  19:00  
You're giving truckies and trainees of rebate to drive on the M5 and the M8. What about truckies who used the M7 to m4 they don't matter.

Chris Minns  19:11  
Now they do matter. And I'd love to do more. It's one of the reasons where we're appointing Professor Allan Fels to do a full review of tolls in New South Wales.

Dylan Behan  19:19  
Oh perfect. A total review reviews always work great. Just look at all the high speed rail lines Australia has now after 30 years of nonstop reviews. Oh and speaking of proposed reviews that are intended to achieve absolutely nothing that's also Labour's answer to the government's proposed cashless gaming card for pokies.

Journalist  19:39  
The coalition has promised to make poker machines in pubs and clubs cashless by 2028 Labour has committed to a trial of cashless gaming on 500 of the state's 90,000 machines

Chris Minns  19:50  
In relation to capitalist gaming in New South Wales. We'll have a trial of 500 machines and an independent panel that will make a recommendation to the New South Wales Government in short, Alex If it works, we'll do it. But I want to make sure that when we pursue policy in New South Wales, we know that it will work and my reluctance in relation to this and the need to have evidence based processes in place is because it's in operation in only one place around the world. And that's in Norway is part

Journalist  20:17  
of this about trying to avoid a powerful campaign against the Labour Party from the club lobby?

Chris Minns  20:23  
is Mis, 

Dylan Behan  20:24  
Yes, he's not afraid just because registered clubs donated over $400,000 to the New South Wales Labour Party between 2011 and 2021 doesn't mean Chris Minns isn't going to stand up to them. Yes. In fact, Labour's attitude to the cashless gaming card is a bit like if your flatmate proposed that the flat had a housework schedule, so the house was clean. And you're like, "look, this everyone cleaning the house on a schedule thing hasn't been proven to work anywhere or arrived. I propose a four week shared housework trial, and then we can get an independent panel to rule whether having a house work schedule is right for this house. Just because Norway has it doesn't mean it'll work here alright". Mind you. It turns out Chris Minns might not wind up having a choice on the cashless gaming card. Because if Labour is in a minority position, and they need to do a deal with the greens to form government, well, it's going to be conditional on their support.

Cate Faehrmann  21:16  
The Greens will also be seeking a commitment to a mandatory statewide cashless gambling card for our support. Just to be clear, we won't settle for half measures. And we won't be fooled by a trial that has been set up to fail. Yeah, isn't it funny

Dylan Behan  21:34  
how we haven't heard much from the Greens this election campaign in the media I'm guessing it's because their lefty hippie socialist policies are so out there that just alienate the mainstream.

Journalist  21:44  
The greens are pushing for an immediate rent freeze demanding no new coal or gas projects, rent control, a cashless gaming card and scrapping anti protest laws.

Dylan Behan  21:54  
Geez, what are the Greens thinking there? A rent freeze to bring down the cost of rent? Haven't they heard the only way to fight the cost of living crisis is to give out free money to well off parents and have inquiries and appoint powerless commissioners. Didn't they get the memo? So in conclusion, New South Wales voters are faced with an unenviable choice this state election. The Liberals and Nationals are obsessed with handing out free money to people who don't really need it in the hope that everyone forgets what a corrupt shitshow they've been the last 12 years. Meanwhile, Labour's plan if it wins is to try and appear slightly less corrupt than the other guys while kowtowing to their own special interest donors and simultaneously building nothing in the hope it makes them appear to be fiscally responsible until one day, we all wind up living in the park across the street from our work because nobody can afford to rent anywhere anymore and anyway, it takes 14 hours to get to work on the train because they're so old and overcrowded. Yes, and faced with these two terrible choices at the ballot box this Saturday. I think it's safe to say that all New South Wales voters can kind of relate to 92 year old rages attitude about the state of the world,

Reg  23:07  
With a bit of luck I'll die and won't have to worry about it at all.

Dylan Behan  23:12  
Alrighty, that's news fighters for February. Thanks for listening to my big New South Wales State election Deep Dive this episode took over 50 hours to create so if you enjoyed it, please pitch in to the irrational fear Patreon at patreon.com/arationalfear. News fighters is written produced and edited by me Dylan Behan for irrational fear. You can follow me on Twitter at dylabolical or email me at Dylan at newsfighters.com Don't forget all new episodes of news fighters are now on the a rational fear podcast feed subscribe at a rational fear.com or you can watch us on YouTube at youtube.com/newsfighters and news fighters is on social media on Twitter and Instagram at newsfighterspod if you want to keep up with all things news fighters, sign up for our free newsletter and news fighters.com Alrighty, that's it for now. I'll see everyone in Brisbane at irrational fear this weekend. Keep fighting and bye for now.

Announcer  24:16  
This is News fighters where we find the news. So you don't have seven kids in a Nazi uniform.

A Rational Fear on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFear

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining us for this week's podcast is Amelia Navascues, who you can see at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in a couple of weeks time.

🎟 Tickets to Amelia's show Blurrier IRL 

And we have a wide ranging chat with Leader of the Greens, Adam Bandt MP. We talk submarines, safeguard mechanism, and how he works with the climate independants.

I should point out during this NSW Election period, we have asked Chris Minns, and Matt Kean to also join us, but no luck so far on that front. Apparently they're busy.

🎟️ BUY TICKETS TO THE A RATIONAL FEAR LIVE SHOW IN MELBOURNE
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0:00  
This podcast is supported in part by Australian ethical. It's my favourite time of the week when I hear that music Lewis I don't know about you, but none of our podcast listeners will ever know what that music is. Because it's the music we have on our web streaming video anyway, so thank you.

0:15  
It does feel like yeah, we're just about to introduce a BEx ad on blankety blank. So it's a real old school television moment.

0:25  
That's right. That's right. And I am ugly David grey. Welcome to irrational fear. We've got two new people on the Patreon this month big thank you to Bruce and Kamini. Incidentally, Bruce and Kamini sounds like an architect firm. I'd love them to build me a presidential library that would be great. Bruce and Kamini, thank you so much for joining us on Patreon. We've got two things Louis, I need to make you aware of in particular because your presence is needed. Brisbane next Sunday, the 26th of March. We've still got a few seats left for that it's going to be fun. And Lewis you will love this and you know me very well I have shot a rap a parody of a bad eight Israel.

1:04  
Jesus, Stan,

1:06  
you know why? Because it why? Because it must be done. It must be done. It will all be explained live on stage. We're going to talk about

1:15  
2023 We're not doing parody rap anymore. I know. Even the Lonely Island isn't doing parody rap anymore. And they were actually good. And

1:23  
I know, I know. But I couldn't resist. If anything, it's a rap of a parody of a parody. So does that mean it's like your Icarus? Already? That's fine. It's fine and funny. It's good. We shot it. And it's funny. I'm excited to show everyone in Brisbane. It's gonna be there. You can decide next week and tell me what you think I was really excited to hear your thoughts.

1:48  
I don't want to turn this whole intro into this. But when was the last time you listened to a song in the genre of hip hop? That wasn't a parody you had written?

1:56  
I can't remember it doesn't matter. It just doesn't matter. Yeah,

2:00  
parody gets genre you know nothing about it makes me deeply. I'm a big

2:03  
fan of my own work. Alright, the other thing you need to know is that Melbourne is about half sold. And there's going to be a bit of a surprise on stage you as an audience member will get the chance to win a piece of Victorian politics history. Does that intrigue you Lewis?

2:20  
It does. I can't wait to get down Andrew as part of it.

2:24  
Well, it's very much along those lines. What if I said the word Chappaquiddick to you? What does that mean? In terms of Victorian niche politics history?

2:33  
I'm assuming it's a car accident. I'm hoping it doesn't involve it.

2:38  
There isn't a death there is a car accident. Yes, there's something to do with Tim Smith and the word Chappaquiddick and it's gonna be pretty excited reveal on stage so I can't wait to share that with you. Or in Melbourne, April 2 on stage,

2:54  
you're giving away the remnants of Tim Smith's career. No one's gonna want it.

2:57  
That is so closely we're so close. Oh, you almost got it. I'm recording my irrational fear on Gadigal land in your nation. Sovereignty was never seated. We need a treaty. Let's start the show. The following

3:08  
programme contains medium coarse language and traces of nuts. A rational fear recommends listening by immature audiences. Comedians experts sloughing at the world as it burns down around. This is a rational fear.

3:33  
Tonight, the stock price of Credit Suisse plummets causing worldwide financial turmoil. Authorities in Switzerland say they are no longer going to hide money in the holes in the cheese. And the US has warned tic TOCs Chinese owners they must sell due to security concerns. Tik Tok respond to threats with two dances and a makeup tutorial that talks continue. And Australia is to legalise MDMA for medicinal use as one reaches virtual said, Oh man, I fucking love you man, man. I mean, just menu, but I can tell. I can tell Hey, seriously, no, seriously, we just wish to start a podcast together man. It's the 16th of March 2023. And with more poker machines in Nevada, this is irrational fear.

4:13  
This is a rational fear.

4:27  
Welcome to rational fear. I'm your host caliphal Sydney identity Dan Ilic. And this is the show that takes the news and forces upon it a trilateral agreement whether you want it or not. Joining us tonight is how we've got our own trilateral agreement. It's very exciting here. Our first theme manga is about to launch her debut solo show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. It's called blurrier IRL writer, performer producer podcast host Amelia. Now that skews Welcome to irrational fear.

4:53  
Hello, yay. Hi. Thanks for having me. All that stuff people say at the top of pot Ha.

5:01  
Are you pumped? Are you pumped for your debut in Melbourne?

5:04  
Yeah, pumped. It's good. I like the bulletins that they send to all of the performers because the most recent one that they said was mental health. Make sure you call the hotline if you guys are stressed. Emails, you guys get it?

5:16  
Oh, this is your first time doing the Comedy Festival. It's, yeah, yeah. This will make sense in week two,

5:23  
and also on the show is Lewis Lewis. Welcome to your podcast. co host irrational fear.

5:28  
Thanks, Dan. A pleasure to be here and across everything as per usual, let's talk about all the things that are on this show. Right.

5:36  
Adam ban is popping in we'll ask him about the CPRS probably but first here's a message from this week's sponsor.

5:41  
irrational fear is brought to you by New South Wales poker machine ASMR. Clinics. Free drink sips the jangle of cash from five Cleopatra's but the sweetest sound of all is when donations in your election campaign bank account, if you like the sound of staying in government and the sound of Nazi photos quietly being shredded ditch that cashless poker machine cards, or else authorised by collapse New South Wales in a very non threatening way. Campbelltown

6:12  
this week's first fear blackouts in Adelaide are being caused by bats. Of course if you live in South Australia, you already know this by the more colloquial name. The bat out Yes. Last year 89 blackouts in Adelaide were attributed to bats resting on power lines in the wee hours of the morning as bats went to and fro from feeding authorities tried to call a subcontractor to deal with a problem known as Batman, but they didn't have power to get the signal out fear mongers what is going on with Adelaide bats, Amelia?

6:42  
Well, I think this is clear that the bats are plotting revenge for a speciesist inflicted discrimination after COVID. That's clearly what's going on here. Let's be real South Australia clearly had some strong opinions during the pandemic, and they're just plotting their revenge. I think that's so interesting. I don't know why I targeted South Australia specifically, but I think they had any particularly different opinions to the rest of the nation.

7:09  
Do you think that? Like obviously, I've been I assume you haven't communicated with the bats? I don't want to make any presumptions.

7:17  
Personally,

7:18  
yeah, you personally, because obviously this the approach you've taken here is that the bats wrongly slighted or taking their revenge. The other alternative is they're just trying for the second time to wipe out

7:36  
that's true. My other thought around it was that like it's a lot of bats like to cause the electrical surges, but they also get killed as a result, right. Like they don't survive. So part of me was also thinking like, maybe the bats aren't okay, like know what there's no like, are you okay, day line for the

8:02  
I don't know how you do ask because you have you have to sort of do it in like echoes.

8:06  
I think it's echolocation right. It's like sonar. Hmm. So maybe if you made a physical sign that said, Are you okay, bats, they could bounce the waves off the physical sign and actually read it like Braille or

8:17  
possibly if it is sonar, a great thing that might be able to ask you about if they're okay, is our new submarines. They, I imagine, have some sort of sonar detector being built in South Australia. Yeah, that's right. Maybe that's why in fact, maybe that's why the bats are killing themselves in South Australia. Maybe they know that once they build the submarines that the submarines will be able to pick up on their plan, which is of course to overthrow Australia and eventually the world. wants it so no king goes off. If they need to take us down before the orcas deal goes through.

8:50  
A rational fear what is rational fear? In fear, satisfied headlines and giving them a little tickle.

9:00  
scams are back in fashion the I triple se scam which has revealed that 14,585 people last year were done out of $664,000 just by clicking on toll notices from from scammers on their phones. Meanwhile, I can confirm that about 331 people have been scammed on Patreon for paying for this podcast which is otherwise free. You know, the scammer knows the scam II do how do we sympathise with these people who are being scammed Amelia?

9:31  
Ah, I don't know. I think I have a lot of sympathy for like the victims of any scams because a lot of the times like they're really vulnerable. They're people in their 70s or 80s. Like you think about those romance scammers in particular like they're often like widowed like I think you feel pretty bad like knowing that like imagine if that was your mom right? Like you'd feel pretty bad knowing that you teaching your mom how to use Facebook in good faith all those years ago would like lately to lose In your entire inheritance

10:02  
my mom's cheating on my dad

10:07  
none of that my mom thinks there's a real problem with immigrants. I don't know where she's getting that information.

10:13  
It is crazy. I don't like it is so noticeable the amount I got another I got one today they are getting so specific like it started off as like, you know, it was very broad. You have a fine you haven't paid but now it's like, they're like I got a quite a specific one from my actual phone provider. That was I think they're just like they pick phone providers and send them out you but they just happened to get mine right. And I was like, nearly clicked on it. And I'm like that they're not going to they're not going to send you a hyperlink in your text Lewis like and also this isn't from Vodafone. This is just from a random number. And I'm like I'm relatively across this stuff. And I and there was a moment where I nearly I nearly did. But I have been done once I got caught. I did fall for one email phishing scam and it was the worst moment of my professional life. The

10:59  
font curls empty size 46

11:04  
I mean, was this was this back? Was this back when you were working for Norton Antivirus?

11:10  
They promised me an extra couple of inches I couldn't resist. No. It was like one of those. The first time I ever saw one of those. Have you seen this thing about you? Text? I don't know if you've ever gotten one of those gets that one. It's literally that's all it says it's a text message or an email targeted to

11:27  
people in the public eye specifically, have you seen this about you?

11:31  
Anxious now? I was like, Oh, no.

11:36  
What did I say that it's gonna hit me cancel.

11:39  
So I clicked on it and and it ended up getting every single person in my contact book. And, and then they and then I had to do like a full apology email to every like, professional people that I hadn't seen in years. It was it just as at the time I was like under 30. And as a person under 30 to have to email a bunch of boomers and go, I was fished on an email scam. Like you might as well retire. You know, I don't know how I recovered from that. First

12:08  
of all, you got to do a lot of explaining to those boomers, what phishing and email scam was.

12:14  
Okay, it's quite different. Spelling is similar.

12:17  
It's a bit like q&a on crack. Moose is a rational fear.

12:25  
This week's third fear we're getting new submarines maybe costing us $368 billion. Australia is getting a handful of underwater tubes that can shoot more underwater tubes. $368 billion may sound like a lot of money. But really that's only 368 years of the ABC. That's all that's all it is. That's all that is. nuclear subs. Lewis. What do you think about these subs excited about nucleus? I couldn't be

12:49  
more excited. Dan, I look I know. You know, Paul Keating, a lot of naysayers, a lot of cowards. A lot of people who pissed the bed at the side of the Chinese invasion. They're saying no. But me i i know full well that the boys and women, the men and women and who are under the seas are the ones who protect us every day for the great undersea threats that we face. I know that we haven't had a working submarine since Federation. I know we've had a lot of

13:20  
didn't act that way.

13:23  
Yeah, I you know what, I think this time is gonna be different. I know. There's no reason to believe that. And I know now we've added a little nuclear twist, which I think is an exciting, I can't wait to see how we fucked this up. I think

13:36  
it's so interesting. Like, the first steps we're getting there are going to be second hand American submarines. So we're gonna get American submarines that are going to be cleaned up and sent to us. And the head of budget range and the story like the government saying, Oh, it's gonna be between 278,000,000,370 8 billion, like that's a that's $100 billion. Like difference, like, that's it What a crazy range. I can only assume that 100 billion dollars is dependent on whether we actually convert the American submarines to right hand drive, I assume. I think

14:05  
it's whether or not we get tinted windows. I think that's quite

14:09  
you know, what gets me is like, I don't know anything about boats. I don't know why I would but like, what got me was when they said that they need to replace the submarines every two years. I'm like, that doesn't sound like a trustworthy boat. If anything, like if you have to replace your boat. At the same time that you have to replace a phone like don't go 20 metres underwater. I grew up not your life purpose.

14:34  
You really want to hope these Virginia class submarines or IP 68 Or you know,

14:39  
whatever, if you ever talk to any like relatively wealthy person, and you ask them what's the worst investment you've ever made? They'll always say a racehorse or a boat for similar reasons, which is that they will break and and eventually you'll lose all your money and it's just like, this is the multi multi multi billion dollar version of that we can't make planes that fly. We can't make helicopters that do their job. We can we barely make human being soldiers that can't commit war crimes. You know what I mean? Like, our country's military is pretty fucking rogue. I just wonder if at this point we might have to just give up,

15:20  
but just give up the country? No. Did we?

15:23  
If we just had no military, right? No one's fucking invading us. No one's gonna, like, what are they coming for?

15:32  
You know what, as well. They're underwater. No one can see them. I feel like a whole big visibility piece in war is that someone somewhere can see it. But if it's under the water, can't we just say that submarines are attacking each other? And we could just make up the facts? Like why do we need the boat?

15:50  
Amelia? That is why I'm going into the submarine building business. And we'll be launching our first submarine in 20 years. It's gonna cost $3 billion. Amelia, you're the you're the you're the foreman. You're gonna be running the sharks.

16:04  
It's so good. It's like, you know how when you sometimes move into a house that's in a sketchy neighbourhood, you'll put up a beware of the dog sign or like you put up like a security camera that doesn't work. We should just around Australia put up giant signs that are like submarines operating in this area. Watch out

16:23  
with these submarines. They are nuclear which means nuclear disposal nuclear waste is already debate about where that's gonna go Western Australia came out today to say we're not us. We don't have enough. We just don't. Australia just don't. Like well, that kind of makes sense. Because they couldn't be trusted with one bit of radioactive Lego brick. So they're like, well, we we can't even we can't even manage the Lego brick radioactivity. We can't What are we gonna do with the reactor? They everyone's kind of putting the pressure on South Australia to to build a hole. But that put that in?

16:53  
You mean a second hole has already Adelaide? Oh, well, you're ready to sell tickets anymore.

17:00  
There's a great comment from Peter Dutton on this and I swear this is not from butter. But he said he would love he would support the cuts to the NDIS in order to make way for the subs. Oh my God, when I saw that, I laughed. A big belly laugh. And it was just Oh, that's so typical. Like, that is the that is the most what? Like, someone would have written that as a joke. Like, that's not a joke. You're actually saying that.

17:29  
It's so much cut. What if we just bought one? Let them have one. You know, what are we looking at? They're like 20 billion 30 billion 40 billion. Like, we can have one. We'll give him one. But not as not 16 or whatever it is madness. I kind of I do feel like it's so funny that Paul Keating is the one that has turned the tide on this. An old man just like pointing his finger at the cigar. No, no, it's randomly managed to turn this around.

17:57  
There is a point to all this. That is the rise of the PLA and Zhi Jing ping did lay down a challenge to say, y'all need to get ready to invade Taiwan by 2027. Is this something we should be worried about in Australia? Or do we just go let them invade?