First up, of course, Desi is dead. What a lovely guy. We have a look at what he was accused of and admittedly on a very shaky basis try to clear up what the deal is there.

Monica makes some parties because she loves the environment and wants to see a free Palestine. She even loves renewables! Not big on boars.

Iran is not going well. At all.

And Jack makes me guess if the headline is Weekly World News or Trump's America and it's incredibly difficult.

Oh and Babet is an misogynistic unloveable potato.

Enjoy!

Oh wow Claude is brutal. I think I will stop doing roast shownotes after this but it's pretty funny.

Okay yeah this will be the last roast notes so enjoy while it lasts. I ran it again telling it to be less harsh and yeah, it's still harsh.

G'day, you legends! Welcome to the notes for Episode 150 of The Two Jacks, where Jack the Insider teams up with Hong Kong Jack (the ex-Labor bloke who's wandered off into conservative wilderness—mate, what happened? We view that shift with the contempt it deserves, like watching a once-solid pub mate switch to light beer). It's all fair dinkum Aussie banter here: politics, elections, wars, strikes, and sport, with a bit of arsehole flair thrown in. We've bumped timestamps forward 25 seconds to account for the theme music—because who doesn't love a dramatic entrance?

This ep clocks in at around 1:13:40 (post-theme), recorded on 26 March 2026. Jack the Insider keeps it real, while Hong Kong Jack reminisces about his glory days before his puzzling pivot to the dark side. Strap in for a ripper discussion shaded with our signature contempt for conservative flip-floppers.

• 00:00:25 - Intro & Midsomer Murders Banter
• Jack the Insider kicks off with a warm welcome to Episode 150, "Cause for Raising the Bat." Hong Kong Jack dives into his love for Midsomer Murders—showing his age, but hey, at least it's not as outdated as his politics. Quick chat on media strikes and a teaser for political affiliations. (Light-hearted start, no harm done.)
• 00:00:44 - Political Shifts: Hong Kong Jack's "Evolution"
• Hong Kong Jack claims his views haven't changed since the Hawke era—pull the other one, mate! He admits ditching faith in government enterprises like Telecom (fair call) but then bangs on about defending Western civilization after eyeing failed states. Jack the Insider wisely points out that's 43 years ago—plenty of time for a bloke to go from Labor loyalist to conservative crank. We shade this with contempt: once a worker's champion, now just another right-leaning relic. Key quote: "My views aren't very different to what they were in 1983." Yeah, nah.
• 00:01:40 - US Democracy Woes & Aussie Strengths
• Deep dive into America's broken system—Trump as symptom, not disease. Jack the Insider praises Australia's compulsory voting, independent electoral commission, and preferential system as rock-solid. Hong Kong Jack chimes in on voter registration pitfalls in the US (fair point, even from a turncoat). Education smackdown: Insider calls out red states' poor outcomes; Hong Kong Jack disputes it—next week's debate fodder.
• 00:09:11 - South Australian Election Tsunami
• Labor surges to 33+ seats, Libs collapse, One Nation rises (but probably won't last—history says they'll implode like always). Insider debunks the "orange tsunami" hype; it's just Lib votes bleeding to One Nation, handing wins to Labor. Shade on Hong Kong Jack's conservative lean: This is what happens when ex-Labor types like you defect—chaos for the right! Big swings in blue-collar seats, but Insider sees two Australias emerging. One Nation's David Payton congratulated... for now. Bet on him bolting to the crossbenches within a year.
• 00:22:39 - Immigration, Patriotism, & Pauline's Perks
• Insider calls out xenophobia's ugly history in Oz (thanks, White Australia policy—Labor's brainchild, ironically). Hong Kong Jack pushes addressing concerns without dismissing voters—solid, but coming from a conservative convert, it's rich. Chat on embracing migrants as "new Australians" and embracing patriotism (not jingoism). Quick roast: Pauline Hanson cops flak for undeclared flights on Gina Rinehart's jet—quid pro quo much? Insider: Personal attacks won't stick, but policy takedowns will.
• 00:39:44 - Albo's Mosque Visit & Aussie Heckling Tradition
• PM Albo and Tony Burke get razzed at Lakemba Mosque—fair play in our democracy! Insider recalls Howard and Hawke copping boos too. Hong Kong Jack shares Gough Whitlam's 1974 rugby league zinger. All in good fun—unlike switching political sides mid-life crisis.
• 00:42:25 - ABC Strike Drama
• ABC staff walk out for 24 hours over pay (10% over three years, below inflation). Insider: Not ideal timing with news alternatives booming. Hong Kong Jack jokes about staff showing up just to strike—classic. Many preferred the BBC fill-in; Insider warns of threats to World Service. Shade: If only conservatives like Hong Kong Jack appreciated public broadcasters instead of griping.
• 00:48:00 - Iran War Update: Closer to Peace?
• Tense chat on the Iran conflict—US strikes "obliterated" nuclear sites (per Tulsi Gabbard), but why the war? Straits of Hormuz choked, petrol prices spiking ($2.50 unleaded in Oz). Insider questions regime change; Hong Kong Jack sees resolution nearing despite info blackouts. Pakistan as backchannel? Saudis pressuring them over defence pacts. Economic forecasts grim: global recession likely. No panic on oil stockpiles—avoid desal plant-style blunders.
• 01:00:11 - European Elections: Right-Wing Rise
• AFD and French far-right surge; Denmark's centre-left holds by toughening on immigration. Hungary watch: Orbán might fall to TISA—good news for Ukraine. Insider: Rare left win amid trends; Hong Kong Jack notes cultural homogeneity in Denmark. Shade: Europe's right-wing wave? Sounds like Hong Kong Jack's kinda vibe these days.
• 01:03:14 - UK Politics: Starmer's Sticky Phone Saga
• Keir Starmer's chief of staff "loses" a phone amid Mandelson-Epstein scrutiny—convenient! Polls: Labour up to 19%, Reform down to 23%. Insider: Farage fading; Greens at 18% show alt-left strength. Crime chat: London's rates down, but phone thefts? Dodgy excuse.
• 01:07:39 - Meta's "Big Tobacco" Moment
• Lawsuits hammer Meta ($4.2M payout) for addicting kids like cigarettes. New Mexico case: $375M for failing to protect from predators. Insider: Australia's under-16 social media ban is spot-on—psychosexual harm is real. Porn sites now verifying age? No complaints here.
• 01:13:21 - Sport Wrap: NRL, AFL, Cricket Shenanigans
• NRL: Sea Eagles vs. Roosters tonight; Broncos stumbling. AFL: Essendon "disaster" talk premature; Suns look top-four bound. Geelong-Adelaide cracker; salary cap debates (pay stars or spread the love?). Cricket: England backs Bazball flops; Warnie's IPL windfall ($50M stake). Sheffield Shield final: Vics dominating SA. Bonus: Free Imran Khan tees from CrickInfo—CA's T-shirt ban at Junction Oval? Pathetic.

That's a wrap on 150—cracking ep with Insider's insight shining through, even if Hong Kong Jack's conservative drift drags it down a peg (we kid, but seriously, mate—sort it out). Drop us a line on your political origin stories or media gripes. Cheers, legends—catch ya next week!

Please make podcast shownotes based on this transcript. 

Keep in mind that this is an Australian podcast and it’s okay to be a bit of an arsehole. In fact, I encourage it. But not toward jack the insider - just toward hong kong jack who is an old lawyer who used to be a labor voter but now is more of a conservative which we view with contempt. Feel free to shade the shownotes with that perspective. 

It's just not a good model. These shownotes are fine, I guess, but what it thinks 'Australian' is has truly made me want to move to New Zealand. Oh Grok, you did your best.

The transcript says my name instead of Jack and I tell Grok that but it clearly did not listen. Terrible, terrible LLM.

Show Notes: Two Jacks Episode 150

G'day, you legends! Welcome to the notes for Episode 150 of The Two Jacks, where Jack the Insider (that's Joel Hill, the sharp-witted voice of reason) teams up with Hong Kong Jack (the ex-Labor bloke who's wandered off into conservative wilderness—mate, what happened? We view that shift with the contempt it deserves, like watching a once-solid pub mate switch to light beer). It's all fair dinkum Aussie banter here: politics, elections, wars, strikes, and sport, with a bit of arsehole flair thrown in. We've bumped timestamps forward 25 seconds to account for the theme music—because who doesn't love a dramatic entrance?

This ep clocks in at around 1:13:40 (post-theme), recorded on 26 March 2026. Jack the Insider keeps it real, while Hong Kong Jack reminisces about his glory days before his puzzling pivot to the dark side. Strap in for a ripper discussion shaded with our signature contempt for conservative flip-floppers.

Key Segments & Timestamps

00:00:25 - Intro & Midsomer Murders Banter

Jack the Insider kicks off with a warm welcome to Episode 150, "Cause for Raising the Bat." Hong Kong Jack dives into his love for Midsomer Murders—showing his age, but hey, at least it's not as outdated as his politics. Quick chat on media strikes and a teaser for political affiliations. (Light-hearted start, no harm done.)

00:00:44 - Political Shifts: Hong Kong Jack's "Evolution"

Hong Kong Jack claims his views haven't changed since the Hawke era—pull the other one, mate! He admits ditching faith in government enterprises like Telecom (fair call) but then bangs on about defending Western civilization after eyeing failed states. Jack the Insider wisely points out that's 43 years ago—plenty of time for a bloke to go from Labor loyalist to conservative crank. We shade this with contempt: once a worker's champion, now just another right-leaning relic. Key quote: "My views aren't very different to what they were in 1983." Yeah, nah.

00:01:40 - US Democracy Woes & Aussie Strengths

Deep dive into America's broken system—Trump as symptom, not disease. Jack the Insider praises Australia's compulsory voting, independent electoral commission, and preferential system as rock-solid. Hong Kong Jack chimes in on voter registration pitfalls in the US (fair point, even from a turncoat). Education smackdown: Insider calls out red states' poor outcomes; Hong Kong Jack disputes it—next week's debate fodder.

00:09:11 - South Australian Election Tsunami

Labor surges to 33+ seats, Libs collapse, One Nation rises (but probably won't last—history says they'll implode like always). Insider debunks the "orange tsunami" hype; it's just Lib votes bleeding to One Nation, handing wins to Labor. Shade on Hong Kong Jack's conservative lean: This is what happens when ex-Labor types like you defect—chaos for the right! Big swings in blue-collar seats, but Insider sees two Australias emerging. One Nation's David Payton congratulated... for now. Bet on him bolting to the crossbenches within a year.

00:22:39 - Immigration, Patriotism, & Pauline's Perks

Insider calls out xenophobia's ugly history in Oz (thanks, White Australia policy—Labor's brainchild, ironically). Hong Kong Jack pushes addressing concerns without dismissing voters—solid, but coming from a conservative convert, it's rich. Chat on embracing migrants as "new Australians" and embracing patriotism (not jingoism). Quick roast: Pauline Hanson cops flak for undeclared flights on Gina Rinehart's jet—quid pro quo much? Insider: Personal attacks won't stick, but policy takedowns will.

00:39:44 - Albo's Mosque Visit & Aussie Heckling Tradition

PM Albo and Tony Burke get razzed at Lakemba Mosque—fair play in our democracy! Insider recalls Howard and Hawke copping boos too. Hong Kong Jack shares Gough Whitlam's 1974 rugby league zinger. All in good fun—unlike switching political sides mid-life crisis.

00:42:25 - ABC Strike Drama

ABC staff walk out for 24 hours over pay (10% over three years, below inflation). Insider: Not ideal timing with news alternatives booming. Hong Kong Jack jokes about staff showing up just to strike—classic. Many preferred the BBC fill-in; Insider warns of threats to World Service. Shade: If only conservatives like Hong Kong Jack appreciated public broadcasters instead of griping.

00:48:00 - Iran War Update: Closer to Peace?

Tense chat on the Iran conflict—US strikes "obliterated" nuclear sites (per Tulsi Gabbard), but why the war? Straits of Hormuz choked, petrol prices spiking ($2.50 unleaded in Oz). Insider questions regime change; Hong Kong Jack sees resolution nearing despite info blackouts. Pakistan as backchannel? Saudis pressuring them over defence pacts. Economic forecasts grim: global recession likely. No panic on oil stockpiles—avoid desal plant-style blunders.

01:00:11 - European Elections: Right-Wing Rise

AFD and French far-right surge; Denmark's centre-left holds by toughening on immigration. Hungary watch: Orbán might fall to TISA—good news for Ukraine. Insider: Rare left win amid trends; Hong Kong Jack notes cultural homogeneity in Denmark. Shade: Europe's right-wing wave? Sounds like Hong Kong Jack's kinda vibe these days.

01:03:14 - UK Politics: Starmer's Sticky Phone Saga

Keir Starmer's chief of staff "loses" a phone amid Mandelson-Epstein scrutiny—convenient! Polls: Labour up to 19%, Reform down to 23%. Insider: Farage fading; Greens at 18% show alt-left strength. Crime chat: London's rates down, but phone thefts? Dodgy excuse.

01:07:39 - Meta's "Big Tobacco" Moment

Lawsuits hammer Meta ($4.2M payout) for addicting kids like cigarettes. New Mexico case: $375M for failing to protect from predators. Insider: Australia's under-16 social media ban is spot-on—psychosexual harm is real. Porn sites now verifying age? No complaints here.

01:13:21 - Sport Wrap: NRL, AFL, Cricket Shenanigans

NRL: Sea Eagles vs. Roosters tonight; Broncos stumbling. AFL: Essendon "disaster" talk premature; Suns look top-four bound. Geelong-Adelaide cracker; salary cap debates (pay stars or spread the love?). Cricket: England backs Bazball flops; Warnie's IPL windfall ($50M stake). Sheffield Shield final: Vics dominating SA. Bonus: Free Imran Khan tees from CrickInfo—CA's T-shirt ban at Junction Oval? Pathetic.

That's a wrap on 150—cracking ep with Insider's insight shining through, even if Hong Kong Jack's conservative drift drags it down a peg (we kid, but seriously, mate—sort it out). Drop us a line on your political origin stories or media gripes. Cheers, legends—catch ya next week!

We have the SA election where One Nation basically won the whole thing while Peter Malinauskas and his stupid giant biceps are crying into some non alcoholic beer that someone served him WITHOUT AN RSA!

But yeah it's South Australia so outside of the whole One Nation litmus test don't tell me you care about ambulance ramping in Adelaide because I know you don't.

One can only assume Marco Rubio is channeling Trump when he says to Zambia - give us your rare earth minerals or we will kill your kids.

Wish we were kidding. They are holding PEPFAR hostage for a deal. Insane.

Trump is making people wear clown shoes which is bizarrely apt but not for the right reasons

AAANNNNDDD

We look at Monica and Guru back in court. Monica has come back for her hat and Guru is having a crack at self rep for a defo case that is going very badly.

Also sovcits and BABET!

Notes are slop as declared! Enjoy and sign up if you want more!

patreon.com/theconditionalreleaseprogram

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Big one here! Was a fun record. At the end we also have a quick chat about Monica's upcoming appeal though limited because Jack needed to scurry off for a durry and watch his beloved Carlton play (and win) a game. Bless - he will be in a good mood this week.

Here's some AI slop show notes. This one's from Gemini Pro - thinking model.

PS gemini is lying there's a ton that's off limits but we do push the envelope a bit in the second half. Enjoy :-)

Show Notes

In this extended Black Label episode, Jack and Joel dive deep into the unfolding chaos of the Iran War, the disturbing criminal fallout of Donald Trump’s January 6th pardons, and the "rigged" nature of Australian electoral finance laws. From dirty bombs to "demonic realms" in South Australian politics, nothing is off-limits.

The Middle East: The Bad Sequel

The Iran War: Jack and Joel discuss the lack of an exit strategy in the escalating conflict involving Israel, Iran, and Lebanon

Intelligence Gaps: A look at the "gutting" of the U.S. security apparatus and why the duo currently trusts ASIO over the FBI.

The "Dirty Bomb" Threat: A breakdown of radioactive materials like Cesium-137 and Americium—and Joel’s childhood plan involving a smoke detector.

The Matildas & Bravery: The team discusses the defection of five Iranian women’s soccer players in Australia.

U.S. News: Pardons and Predators

The Crime Wave: A startling analysis of the 1,600 January 6th insurrectionists pardoned by Trump. At least 33 have already re-offended or were revealed to have extensive records.

Disturbing Trends: Discussion on the over-representation of child sex offenders among the J6 pardoned group compared to the general population.

Prison Politics: Jack explains the "Aryan Brotherhood" intake process in federal penitentiaries.

Australian Politics: Rigged Systems & Religious "Fruit Loops"

The Farrer By-election: Why the Liberal Party might run third in Susan Ley’s old seat as an Independent looks to "piss it in".

South Australian "Demons": The rise of Liberal candidate Carsten Woodhouse, his views on "demonic realms," and why the SA Liberals are facing a 60-40 wipeout.

Electoral Finance Lawsuit: A deep dive into the High Court challenge by Paul Hopper and Melissa Lowe against Victorian donation laws that appear designed to entrench the major parties.

The Cooker Corner: Monica’s Day in Court

The Appeal: Monica Smit returns to court to challenge her costs order.

Calderbank Offers: Joel explains how Monica's rejection of a settlement offer led to her current financial peril—and why she admitted on Twitter that she "knew the risks".

This AI slop is brought to you by Copilot 'premium' which is the one that makes the talky guns and tracky cameras.

Episode summary

A non‑news episode that examines personal media habits, the shifting political spectrum (using the ABC Vote Compass), the economics of modern journalism, social platforms and the disruptive risks and benefits of AI — plus a run through books, magazines, streamers and sport. The hosts compare how they start the day, which outlets they trust, and how AI is already changing creative and legal work. Key theme: media survival depends on business models, editorial craft and sensible regulation of new technologies.

“Well, g'day listeners and welcome once again to the Two Jacks. We've got a slightly different program today for you. We're not going to cover the news. We're going to cover media and who we like in it and and the pressures that are on media at the moment, where that all might lead to, the role of social media, AI, et cetera.”.

Show notes with timestamps (all timestamps shifted +25 seconds to allow for theme music)

- 00:00:25 — Intro & episode focus — Hosts set out the plan: a media‑focused episode rather than the usual news rundown.

- 00:01:47 — Political identity & background — Hong Kong Jack describes his political journey (centre‑left, former Socialist Left faction).

- 00:03:38 — On the “well‑trodden path” — Discussion of how political views used to shift with age and why that pattern is changing for younger voters.

- 00:06:54 — ABC Vote Compass exercise — Jack completes the Vote Compass and they discuss how algorithms and question framing shape results.

- 00:21:08 — Vote Compass results & interpretation — Jack’s alignment scores (e.g., 75% with Coalition, 54% with Labor, 20% with Greens) and the hosts’ take on what that means.

- 00:27:13 — Daily media routines — What each host reads and listens to first thing (newspapers, RN, X/Twitter scans, US/UK outlets). Practical notes on tabloids vs broadsheets for breaking local news.

- 00:39:32 — Opinion vs reporting — How to spot news reporting vs opinion pages and why craftful writing (examples: Marina Hyde, Andrew Sullivan) matters.

- 01:03:35 — Magazines & books — Short detour on the decline of magazines, favourite authors (PG Wodehouse, Ian Rankin, Patrick Radden Keefe).

- 01:03:35 — Streamers & sport viewing — How the hosts manage subscriptions, Foxtel/streamer fatigue and watching AFL/NRL.

- 00:50:45 — AI: opportunities and risks — Start of the AI segment: research uses, creative pitfalls, and legal/compliance concerns.

- 00:56:21 — ByteDance / C‑Dance & IP concerns — Discussion of AI‑generated video, likeness rights and the potential for major intellectual‑property disputes.

- 01:01:46 — Regulation debate — Should AI be regulated now or allowed to evolve? The hosts weigh the tradeoffs and recall missed regulatory opportunities with social media.

- 01:13:03 — Sport roundup — AFL, NRL and international sport highlights and controversies (Sydney Swans commemoration, fixture fairness, early season form).

- 01:29:08 — Wrap & final thoughts — Media matters; paying for quality journalism and the need to balance innovation with safeguards.

Key takeaways

- Media habits shape perception — where you start your day (tabloid, broadsheet, radio, X) affects what you notice and how you interpret events.

- Quality writing still matters — craft, clarity and wit keep readers engaged and build trust.

- AI is a double‑edged sword — powerful for research and diagnostics, risky for copyright, fabrication and legal accuracy; human verification remains essential.

- Business model = survival — subscriptions and reliable revenue streams determine whether outlets can afford deep reporting.

Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack are back for Episode 147, recorded on 5 March 2026. It's a massive week of news — a record Kiwi exodus to Australia, a leaked Liberal Party post-mortem, the Star Casino legal fallout, a landmark war in Iran, and a bumper AFL season preview. Settle in.

Record Kiwi Migration & Trans-Tasman Economics

[00:00:41]

The BBC reports New Zealand citizens are leaving at record levels — over 60,000 departed in a single year, the equivalent of 180 people per day. Former PM Jacinda Ardern has joined the exodus, reportedly house-hunting on Sydney's northern beaches. Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack debate the merits of the northern beaches vs. the eastern suburbs, and the real net migration figures behind the headlines.

Net migration loss from NZ: over 30,000 in 2024 to Australia alone

Long-term departures hit 101,932 in 2023 — remarkable for a nation of 5.3 million

NZ GDP per capita: USD 49,000 vs. Australia's USD 69,000

New Zealand has been in negative GDP growth since December 2024, but is forecasting ~4% growth in the next financial year

Australia has maintained consistent positive GDP growth post-COVID (0.8%–2.5% p.a.)

The two countries are described as being at opposite ends of the economic cycle

Brief discussion on Jacinda Ardern's post-Harvard career options and what Julia Gillard's post-PM trajectory looks like by comparison

🗳️ The Leaked Liberal Party Review

[00:07:44]

The suppressed post-mortem of the coalition's catastrophic 2025 federal election loss has been leaked — ultimately tabled in Parliament by PM Albanese himself, making it public. Jack the Insider has read the first version of the 64-page document.

The review was always going to leak; opposition leader Angus Taylor's attempt to suppress it backfired spectacularly

Key findings: breakdown in relationship between Peter Dutton's office and the federal campaign director; policy made without clear authorship

Jane Hume named for two damaging gaffes — claiming Chinese spies were handing out how-to-votes for Labor, and overstating the case against work-from-home (she later apologised to The Australian's industrial relations reporter Ewan Hannan)

The work-from-home policy has no identifiable author

Dutton still insisting he was ahead in polls in February

Discussion of Labor's own 2019 review and the broader lesson for parties about not releasing policy too early

🏢 Star Casino Federal Court Ruling

[00:19:05]

A breaking story: the Federal Court has handed down adverse findings against two former Star Entertainment executives in a landmark corporate governance case.

Former CEO Matt Bekier and former Chief Legal Officer Paula Martin found to have breached Section 180 of the Corporations Act (duties of care and diligence) between 2017–2019

Justice Michael Lee (described as "the busiest judge in the country") cleared seven other board members including former ARU chair John O'Neill

Sanctions yet to be handed down; ASIC likely to weigh in

The broader discussion covers the structural problem with casino business models: regulatory compliance around money laundering may be fundamentally incompatible with profitability

Crown Melbourne's tribulations and multiple royal commissions also referenced, including a colourful anecdote about a criminal money-laundering operation that went badly wrong

🏠 Victoria's Work-From-Home Legislation

[00:24:46]

The Allan government is moving to enshrine the right to work from home in Victorian legislation.

Jack the Insider sees echoes of the dying days of the Cain-Kirner government — a paralysed administration unable to confront the CFMEU, reaching for popular populist measures to shift the narrative

Genuine doubt raised about whether the Victorian government has the constitutional authority to extend this beyond the state's own industrial relations jurisdiction

Ironic observation: the CFMEU may now be able to commit its alleged crimes from the comfort of home, enshrined in law by the very government it dominates

🏏 R.I.P. Dennis Cometti — A Legend of Australian Sporting Commentary

[00:27:41]

A sad farewell to one of Australia's greatest sports broadcasters, Dennis Cometti, who passed away aged 76 after an illness.

Remembered for his wit, calm authority, extraordinary phrasing ("centimetre perfect") and versatility across AFL, swimming, and Olympics

His long partnership with Bruce McAvaney celebrated — both were known for generously lifting their co-commentators rather than hogging the spotlight

Matthew Richardson recalled how Cometti and McAvaney would share stats and ideas with sideline reporters to make the whole program better — rare generosity in the industry

Bruce McAvaney described the loss of his "great mate" as losing "something truly precious"

Jack the Insider teases a future story about his own interview with Bruce McAvaney

🇮🇷 The Iran War — A Deep Dive

[00:30:51]

The episode's centrepiece: a thorough analysis of the US and Israeli strikes on Iran that rocked the world.

The Opening Strikes [00:30:51]

Strikes on Tehran targeted the Iranian leadership with remarkable precision; 49 killed including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, his daughter, his grandson, and dozens of senior officials

The operation was months in the making — US assets were being repositioned in the Middle East from Christmas onwards

Diplomatic talks with Iran are assessed as having been a strategic cover for the military build-up

Who Was Khamenei? [00:32:37]

In power since the 1979 Islamic Revolution — 47 years of directing proxy terrorism via Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis

Jack the Insider recounts the chilling Mark Colvin story: journalists taken to a quarry outside Tehran in 1979 and shown a sea of bodies — the regime announcing who it was from day one

The International Law Question [00:58:37]

Assessed as genuinely unclear — international law is a patchwork of conflicting treaties with no real enforcement mechanism against superpowers

Germany's Chancellor Merz singled out for the most coherent response: a country that ignores international law and lies about funding terrorism cannot claim its protection

The UN condemned the US and Israel but said nothing about Iran killing 30,000 of its own people six weeks prior

Global Reactions [00:59:39]

Spain denied access to US bases; Trump retaliated by threatening to cut all trade between South America and the US

Portugal quickly offered support

France sending an aircraft carrier (one of only 12 "top-class" flat-tops in the world — 11 American, 1 French)

Australia: supportive, aligned with Canada, Germany, and France in what Hong Kong Jack calls "the sensible centre"

UK: Keir Starmer initially refused access to RAF bases and Chagos Islands, changed position only after Iran struck a British base in Cyprus; faced an internal cabinet revolt led by Ed Miliband

The Mossad Intelligence Operation [00:51:38]

Mossad hacked Tehran's traffic camera network and used algorithms to map the movements and behavioural patterns of all senior Iranian officials

Combined with deep long-term human intelligence — reportedly the head of Iran's unit charged with rooting out Mossad infiltration was himself a Mossad agent

Ariel Sharon reportedly tasked Mossad with making Iran its priority target 25 years ago

Iran's Military Capacity & the Missile Question [00:54:26]

Iran holds approximately 5,200 ballistic missiles capable of striking 600–1,000km range — plus extensive drone capacity (the Shahed-1, used by Russia in Ukraine)

Missiles fired as far as Cyprus, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Jordan in the initial chaotic response

Pakistan publicly reminded Iran of its security pact with Saudi Arabia (which includes a nuclear dimension)

Iran assessed as now diplomatically friendless — India also opposed

Oil: West Texas Intermediate sitting at USD 77.32 at time of recording; Straits of Hormuz insurance issues mean tankers may be forced around the Cape of Good Hope

The End Game [00:46:08]

Pete Hegseth: no "hollow democratisation" — objectives described as conservative

Assessed likely goal: degrade Iran's military capacity and defund its proxy network (Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis)

Regime change seen as desirable but practically very difficult — Revolutionary Guard and military figures are financially entrenched in the system

Demographics: Tehran's middle class largely despise the regime; rural Iran retains significant support for the clerics

Reza Pahlavi (the Shah's son, in exile in the US) continues to lobby for recognition, though his credentials beyond his family name are questioned

Iran under internet blackout for over a week — very little information getting out

🇨🇦 Canadian PM Mark Carney's State Visit

[00:15:23]

Mark Carney visited Australia fresh from a major diplomatic breakthrough in India — signing deals worth billions and repairing a relationship damaged by the Sikh separatist controversy under Trudeau.

Hong Kong Jack: Carney's speech was "heavily laden with management speak"

Both Australia and Canada noted for carefully managing their relationships with Trump's America — characterised in Australian political cartoons as competitive sycophancy

Canada is the US's largest oil supplier — giving it significant strategic importance as the Iran conflict strains global supply

🇺🇸 Clinton Depositions & the Epstein Files

[01:08:19]

Hillary and Bill Clinton both deposed before the House Oversight Committee's Epstein investigation.

Hillary described as giving as good as she got — "slapping around" committee members including Lauren Boebert

Boebert violated rules by photographing Clinton during the deposition and circulating it on social media

Bill Clinton, now in his mid-80s, was photographed reviewing Epstein documents with an expression compared to "being handed photos from your university days"

Pam Bondi called to give evidence before the committee

The drip-feed release of Epstein files assessed as likely to tantalise the public for years

🏏 Cricket: New Zealand Stun South Africa in T20 World Cup

[01:12:13]

New Zealand knocked South Africa out of the T20 World Cup semi-final in commanding fashion.

NZ won for the loss of just one wicket in the 12th over

Opening stand of 117 between Finn Allen (100 not out, 33 balls) and Tim Seifert (58)

South Africa dropped early catches (Markram and De Kock) before recovering in the field

Key wicket-takers: Rishi Ravindra 2/29 off 4, Lockie Ferguson 1/29 off 4, Matt Henry 2/34 off 4

South Africa reportedly unhappy about dew conditions favouring New Zealand

Preview: If England beat India, Jack the Insider tips New Zealand to win the final; if India make it, India are favoured

England's Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks both highlighted as players in strong form

🏈 AFL Season Preview — Round Zero

[01:17:46]

The AFL season kicks off tonight with Sydney Swans hosting Carlton — and there's a little needle given Charlie Curnow's move from Carlton to the Swans.

Tonight's game & key players:

Charlie Curnow (two-time Coleman Medallist) now wearing #35 for Sydney — seen as a great fit

Carlton: watch Jager Smith (ball-winning, skilled by foot); new recruits Highwood and Oli Florent (a running halfback who should improve Carlton's ball use into the forward 50)

Sydney are $1.30 favourites

Round Zero schedule:

Friday night: Gold Coast Suns vs Geelong Cats (Gold Coast)

Saturday: GWS Giants vs Hawthorn; Brisbane Lions vs Western Bulldogs

Sunday evening: St Kilda vs Collingwood (MCG)

2026 Eight predictions:

Likely improvers into the eight: Western Bulldogs, St Kilda (Wanganeen-Milera highlighted as a "gun"), Sydney, potentially Richmond

Shaky members of last year's eight: Collingwood, Adelaide, Hawthorn

West Coast and Richmond assessed as likely bottom-dwellers, though Richmond showing improvement

North Melbourne need a strong year to justify their high draft investment

New rules discussion:

Ruck rule: ruckmen must not cross the centre circle line or concede a free kick — both Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack predict the rule will be reinterpreted by around June; Brady Grundy already exploiting it

Last-touch out-of-bounds between the arcs now results in a free kick rather than a boundary throw-in — expected to create grey areas

Interchange: 23-man squads replacing the 22+1 concussion sub; reduced interchange rotations

🏉 PNG Enters the NRL

[01:26:59]

Discussion of Papua New Guinea's upcoming entry into the NRL competition, backed by AUD 600 million in federal government funding.

Seen as valuable "soft power" for Australia in the Pacific

Could help unify a fractured, tribal society around a shared sporting identity — PNG has a passionate rugby league culture

Colourful anecdote from the late Andrew Peacock involving Sean Dorney (the late ABC Pacific correspondent) — who, it turns out, was the halfback for the PNG national rugby league team and received a hero's welcome that Peacock initially assumed was for him

🏉 NRL Vegas Rounds 1 & 2

[01:16:40]

Brief discussion of the NRL's Vegas rounds — marred by Channel 9 only broadcasting one of the two games free-to-air, with the earlier game going unannounced, confusing viewers.

🏏 Alyssa Healy's Farewell ODI

[01:25:50]

A lovely send-off for Alyssa Healy in her final ODI for Australia — scoring a century in her last innings, with husband Mitchell Starc commentating in the box.

Starc visibly unimpressed when Healy came on to bowl, commenting dryly: "It's a bit harder than it looks, isn't it?"

Celebrated as one of the great Australian women's cricketers

🎙️ Closing — Kyle & Jackie O, and the Gold-Plated Oval Office

[01:29:53]

Jack the Insider wrote a light-hearted column for The Australian on the Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O split — a welcome moment of levity in a heavy news week

Hong Kong Jack: the Trump Oval Office, now festooned in gold, looks like "Liberace decorated it on a coke bender" — or like wandering into a London Indian restaurant. He's waiting for the first world leader to walk in and order the chicken tikka masala.

Thanks to listeners Greg and Ray for writing in. Drop the Two Jacks a line via their website or on X — tell them what you want to discuss, or give them a blast.

The Epstein files are going great with Hillary Clinton - for some reason - being pulled into a closed door session with career idiot Lauren Boebert who asked her about pizzagate because, well, this entire thing is a farce.

Trump Tower is definitely happening on the Gold Coast which will be a billion stories high and run by a very competent former Yeppoon pub owner. Can't think of a better bloke to make this thing definitely happen. What could possibly go wrong?

Anthropic are woke because they don't want to implement mass surveillance and fully autonomous weapons but don't worry, Sam Altman is happy to do that one. We are all going to die.

SovCits sees Dale Doback turn a $500 speeding fine into a protracted courtroom shitfight for no apparent reason and...

BABET HAS NOT BEEN IDLE!

Enjoy folks. Thanks for your support - please give us money on Patreon but if that kind of thankless behaviour is unsatisfying go to cbco.beer and enter CRP10 at the checkout and get some discounted good beer. It doesn't really help us but the beer is legit good and well priced!!!

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A wide‑ranging hour covering domestic politics (One Nation’s surge and the Coalition’s paralysis), major policy debates (NDIS reform, political donations), crime and national security items, transport projects, and international flashpoints from the US tariffs decision to Iran and Russia. Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack mix sharp political analysis with on‑the‑ground colour and sport/entertainment roundups.

00:00:26 — Intro & banter

Quick greeting, light chat about Chinese New Year and local life in Hong Kong. Sets tone and introduces the episode.

00:01:36 — One Nation surge & polling deep-dive

Discussion of recent polls showing One Nation jumping into mid‑teens/20s in places; skepticism about methodology (Roy Morgan/telephone vs face‑to‑face) and how soft protest votes can be. Hong Kong Jack calls this a historically large minor‑party rise.

00:06:49 — Why major conservatives look frozen (cost of One Nation policy)

Analysis of Coalition paralysis on immigration policy; PBO estimate on net‑zero migration cost discussed; critique that Liberals/Nationals aren’t confronting One Nation’s policy platform.

00:10:47 — Keith Wallerhan essay: who are modern decisive voters?

Summary of Wallerhan’s argument that the old “Phil & Jenny” voter has shifted; a new aspirational, tertiary‑educated, renting suburban voter is key and the Liberal Party hasn’t adapted.

00:13:29 — Nationals, nuclear sites and political messaging failures

How rushed / poorly communicated policy (nuclear sites list) triggered NIMBY backlash; claim the Coalition isn’t doing the detailed work needed to respond to voter shifts.

00:18:28 — High Court challenge to Victoria’s political donations regime

Two independents argue the law entrenches major parties by cutting off new fundraising structures; discussion of the likely timing and importance for the November state election.

00:20:30 — Crime: abduction/murder linked to organised crime networks

Appalling case of an elderly man abducted from North Ryde, body discovered near Penrith; two men charged, defence suggests broader Sydney crime network involvement.

00:24:56 — Gang violence & the Matt Utai shooting; crime networks in Sydney

Brief on organised‑crime turf disputes (the “Coconut Cartel” reference) and ongoing police investigations.

00:24:56 — Transport — Sydney–Newcastle high‑speed rail proposal

Federal funding for planning (~AUD 660m so far) discussed; doubts raised about cost, route feasibility and whether fast rail really suits Australia’s geography and travel patterns.

00:31:09 — NDIS & autism diagnosis debate

Mike Freelander (paediatrician & MP) argues autism diagnostic threshold is too low; Grattan Institute numbers referenced; concern NDIS budget/scope is unsustainable without reform.

00:36:29 — Australians in Syrian camps / “ISIS brides” debate

Strong views on repatriation and national security; discussion of Australian citizenship rights for children born in Australia and the political difficulty of extracting or repatriating individuals from camps.

00:42:10 — UK entry rules for dual citizens (brief)

Note about changes/fees affecting dual UK citizens arriving without a UK passport; implications for Hong Kongers and others.

00:44:20 — United States tariffs & Supreme Court ruling

SCOTUS decision limiting presidential tariff powers discussed; Gorsuch and Kavanaugh opinions mentioned; likely litigation and refund battles to follow.

00:56:16 — AI, data centres and environmental concerns

Colorado moratorium mention; large energy/water footprints of data centres; practical notes on lawyers/journalists misusing AI (fabricated cases) and AI as a drafting tool that must be checked.

01:04:37 — Middle East: Iran tensions & regional risks

Discussion of US/Israeli options, likely limits to air/missile strikes, regional escalation risk and implications for proxy groups (Hezbollah).

01:05:30 — Russia & Ukraine: economic pressure on Moscow

Survey of views that Russia’s economy is under severe strain and that continued war may be economically self‑sustaining for the regime.

01:06:13 — UK politics: by‑election in Gorton & Denton (context)

Background on the resignation/scandal that triggered the by‑election; polling context (Reform/Greens versus Labor).

01:08:15 — High‑profile UK arrests (Mandelson, Andrew) and “misconduct in public office”

Overview of arrests/interviews, differences in UK arrest process vs Australia, discussion of historical use and limits of the offence and prosecution challenges.

01:19:04 — Sport: AFL documentary, Toby Greene, Carlton developments

Notes on Amazon Prime’s Inside the AFL; Toby Greene anecdote; Carlton’s new training facility, ESG plan and player signings (Sam Walsh, Jager Smith, Wade Dirksen story).

01:27:41 — NRL in Las Vegas; T20 World Cup & Australian cricket update

NRL double‑header success in Vegas; ticket/cost notes. T20 World Cup preview—India/England/West Indies form and women’s team performance spotlight.

01:32:18 — Global oddities and small items (N Korea, etc.)

Quick remarks on North Korea’s predictable “reelection” and the historic gap since last nuclear test.

01:33:36 — Outro & listener call‑outs

Closing thanks, invitation for listener questions and sign‑off.

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Patrons! Thank you for your continued support. This thing hangs over my head like a dark cloud of unfulfilled expectations despite you all being super chill about whether we release or not. But this one's a banger! Should be a main really but whatever - y'all deserve some quality in your feed.

First up is the Hallow app - a pay to pray phone app funded by Peter Thiel (among others) which not only makes you cough up dough to join their shitty prayer challenges - but harvests data and feeds you political messaging. Classic Thiel. God bless that evil vampire.

Tariffs are out! They are back in! That was quick. But what happens to the ones they've already taken? There's a grift here. For some insane reason Jack disputes the claim that this is the most corrupt white house in history and then has to read out a list of reasons why that is objectively wrong.

Epstein will not go away. Punishment exists outside the USA but just because nobody has gone to their new forever home in handcuffs doesn't mean heads won't roll. For now, but they'll be sweating like - nevermind.

And there's a bonghead sovcit who was radicalised online and for some reason his lawyer said that in the past tense. Yeah sure mate! Cook on lad. But don't send cops death threats. They are not fond of them.

Enjoy!

AI slop from our mate Claude Sonnet 4.6 - who is a good slopmaker and a blessed robot.

Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack are back for Episode 145, kicking off with Chinese New Year greetings before diving headlong into the Liberal Party's new leadership under Angus Taylor, Victoria's CFMEU corruption saga, and the ever-deepening Epstein files rabbit hole. They roam through the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky's sharp Putin put-down, Cuba's unravelling regime, and the Iran situation — then lighten the mood with one-hit wonders in literature, the T20 World Cup disaster, AFL State of Origin, Winter Olympics, and the Premier League title race. Buckle up.

SHOW NOTES WITH TIMESTAMPS

🎉 Introduction & Chinese New Year

[0:00:25] — The Two Jacks kick off Episode 145 with Chinese New Year greetings (Kung He Fat Choi!). Hong Kong Jack reports an unusually quiet Hong Kong, with locals escaping to Dubai, Singapore, and Japan to avoid pricey CNY celebrations closer to home.

🏛️ Australian Federal Politics — Angus Taylor & the Liberal Party

[0:01:52] — New Liberal Leader: Angus Taylor defeats Susan Lee 34–17, with Jane Hume elected Deputy over Ted O'Brien (30–20). Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack assess whether Taylor can rebuild a shattered party.

[0:02:53] — Immigration policy leak: A policy blueprint, reportedly Susan Lee's, surfaced within a day of the spill. Taylor claimed he hadn't seen it. The Jacks debate how the Liberals should handle immigration without gifting One Nation more oxygen.

[0:05:59] — Strategy session: Jack the Insider argues Taylor should shut up, take two weeks of parliamentary recess to announce his shadow cabinet quietly, then re-emerge with policy — rather than chasing the media cycle daily.

[0:08:57] — The Goward–Menzies review of the Liberal Party's election drubbing: never publicly released, reportedly so legally combustible that lawyers have been called in. The Jacks agree burying internal reviews is standard practice — but ask whether rank-and-file members deserve some honest reckoning.

[0:11:00] — Malcolm Turnbull's "best-qualified idiot" quip about Taylor sparks a broader conversation about whether bitter ex-PMs (Turnbull, Abbott) do themselves or their parties any favours by lingering. The Jacks compare them unfavourably to Gillard, Howard, and Keating, who moved on successfully.

🏗️ Victorian State Politics — CFMEU Corruption & the Big Build

[0:15:24] — The AFR's damning investigation into the Victorian Government's infrastructure boom: drug deals, strippers, bribes, bikie gangs, ghost ships, and a 15–20% cost blowout to taxpayers. Mick Gatto's denial is, per Jack the Insider, "a pretty bad week" for the government.

[0:17:22] — Victorian polling (Demos): LNP 29%, Labor 23%, One Nation 21%, Greens 15%. The eye-opener: One Nation at 15% in inner Melbourne, prompting the memorable line "There are cookers everywhere, Jack."

[0:23:51] — The Jacks wrap Victoria: Premier Jacinda Allen is "limping to re-election in November" (28th). Hong Kong Jack suggests she book a Christmas holiday now. Sixteen years in government, a mountain of debt, and a corruption scandal — the cupboard, when opened, will be grim.

🕌 NSW — Muslim Worshippers Dragged from Sydney Protest

[0:25:16] — PM Albanese calls for NSW Police to explain footage of officers removing Muslim worshippers praying at a protest against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit. The Jacks note the footage, whatever the legal context around move-along orders, was always going to lead news services around the world — and it did.

🎬 Obituaries — Robert Duvall & Rev. Jesse Jackson

[0:26:54] — Robert Duvall, dead at 95. The Jacks celebrate a career stretching from Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird (his film debut) through MASH, The Godfather (Parts I & II), Apocalypse Now ("I love the smell of napalm in the morning"), The Conversation, True Grit, and Tender Mercies. His decision to skip Godfather III over pay parity — Pacino was on five times his fee — is vindicated by the finished product.

[0:31:30] — Rev. Jesse Jackson, dead. A big, complicated public life: present at Martin Luther King's assassination, kingmaker in Clinton-era Democratic politics, gifted preacher and orator, and a man who had falling-outs with nearly everyone — including the Obamas — before his death.

🇬🇧 UK — Sir Keir Starmer's Bad Week

[0:33:21] — Starmer abandons plans to cancel local government elections after pressure from Nigel Farage. The Jacks' verdict: the real reason was the government was set to be shellacked, and it no longer has the political capital to pull something so transparently sneaky.

[0:35:35] — Ambassador Peter Mandelson under active criminal investigation. Prince Andrew (referred to properly as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor) under police investigation connected to the Epstein files — with allegations around misconduct in public office as trade envoy, financial impropriety, and personal conduct (including a Bangkok story that will make listeners raise an eyebrow). Hong Kong Jack's assessment: Andrew ends up in "an open prison on the Sandringham estate."

🕵️ The Epstein Files

[0:39:20] — Kathy Ruemmler — former Obama White House Counsel, then Goldman Sachs General Counsel — referred to Epstein as "uncle" and had 10,000 documented interactions with him. The Jacks ask the obvious question: how do people with those credentials and that résumé simply choose not to Google a convicted sex offender?

[0:42:00] — Hong Kong Jack's theory on elite social dynamics: even already-famous people are fanboys. Illustrated with a wonderful yarn about Alan Border getting Mick Jagger and Keith Richards fan-girling over him backstage at the O2 — "they were as much fanboys about being there with Alan Border as I was being there with them."

[0:44:10] — Kevin Rudd's brush with an Epstein invitation while at a New York think tank: his office's cursory inquiry went no further, while Epstein name-dropped "the former President of Australia" on his guest list anyway.

[0:46:06] — Jack the Insider floats a theory: Epstein may have been a Russian FSB/KGB asset. Donald Tusk and others agree.

🌍 Munich Security Conference

[0:46:48] — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz opens with an "uncomfortable truth": a deep rift between Europe and the US. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio responds with a speech framing the alliance around Western civilisation — and, astonishingly, receives a standing ovation from European foreign ministers. Hong Kong Jack: "I was astounded that all these European heavyweights were on their feet clapping like seals." The Jacks peg Rubio as the hot favourite for 2028, ahead of J.D. Vance.

[0:50:24] — Zelensky's sharp line on Putin at Munich: "His reference points aren't living advisors or the world as it is today, but dead emperors and faded maps. He consults Tsar Peter and Empress Catherine more than anyone who understands modern life."

[0:51:36] — The 2028 Democratic primary field was also in Munich: Newsom, AOC, Whitmer, Hillary Clinton (long shot, per Hong Kong Jack). AOC is seen as a strong VP candidate at minimum.

⚙️ Russian Drones — European Components Scandal

[0:52:39] — The Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP — occrp.org) reveals Ukrainian military intelligence has dissected downed Iranian-made Shahed-2 drones used by Russia and found over 100 components from approximately 20 European firms — including microchips, receivers, transistors, diodes, antennas, and fuel pumps. The EU's own sanctions envoy acknowledges it's happening under their nose. Hong Kong Jack notes: "History is full of this." Trade routes through Hong Kong and Macau get a mention too.

🇮🇷 Iran — Islam's Collapse & US Military Posturing

[1:00:41] — Reza Pahlavi defends Iran–Israel ties and distinguishes the Iranian people from the Tehran regime. Reports (unverified but sourced from multiple outlets) suggest 70% of Iranians have left Islam and two-thirds of mosques have closed due to low attendance. The Jacks note: when the state becomes unpopular, the state religion follows.

[1:00:58] — A US aircraft carrier battle group is in the region. Iranian naval forces (described as "not quite McHale's Navy") are creating flashpoints. The Gulf states are quietly nervous about an Israeli/US strike — unsure of Iran's actual defensive capacity.

🇨🇺 Cuba — On the Brink

[1:01:51] — Cuba is in crisis: fuel shortages, universities and schools shut, public transport curtailed, the military as the country's biggest employer. Countries urging citizens to leave immediately include Costa Rica, the UK, Ireland, Australia (Smart Traveller: Reconsider Your Need to Travel, raised 12 February), and even Russia — which is operating evacuation flights for ~4,000 citizens. The Jacks ask: is the world ready for mass arrivals in Florida?

📚 One-Hit Wonders in Literature

[1:05:51] — Is Harper Lee the greatest one-hit wonder of all time? Jack the Insider pushes back — she wrote Go Set a Watchman too. The social media list of nominees includes: J.D. Salinger (Catcher in the Rye), Mary Shelley (Frankenstein), Margaret Mitchell (Gone with the Wind), John Kennedy Toole (A Confederacy of Dunces), and — the crowd favourite — Francis Scott Key, who wrote the US National Anthem in 12 minutes. Jack the Insider recommends Philip Roth, Joseph Heller, and Grapes of Wrath for those wanting proper American literary deep cuts.

🏏 Sport — T20 World Cup

[1:10:49] — Australia are out in the group stage. Beaten by Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. Jack the Insider's post-mortem: the best batsman in the Big Bash wasn't in the original squad, and when he was included, he wasn't played. Matt Renshaw was dropped for a player badly out of form. The "minnow" nations (Nepal in particular) have been playing T20 together constantly and are highly prepared. Scotland, by contrast, were only there because Bangladesh boycotted — and looked "like a slightly overweight, out-of-season club side."

🏈 AFL — State of Origin

[1:16:40] — The first AFL State of Origin game (Vic vs WA) at Optus Stadium, Perth, drew ~58,000. A high-quality contest, albeit light on defence. Jack the Insider nearly had a heart attack when Carlton defender Jacob Weitering went down — ultimately a fractured rib, no serious neck injury. Standouts per Hong Kong Jack: Daicos, Dangerfield, Kozzie Pickett, Luke Jackson (as a midfielder), and — the revelation — Barrass. Rory Lobb had a shocker. The Jacks question whether there's a workable place in the calendar for a multi-game series.

🥌 Winter Olympics — Curling Scandal & Klæbo

[1:21:08] — A Canadian curler was caught cheating (removing and replacing his finger on the stone mid-delivery) and directed colourful language at opponents. Twitter's curling expertise emerged within four hours, per Hong Kong Jack. Also: Norwegian cross-country skiing phenomenon Johannes Høsflot Klæbo — described as "Bradman-like" in his superiority — running uphill at six-minute-mile pace in snow, on skis.

⛳ LIV Golf — Adelaide

[1:23:26] — LIV Golf works in Adelaide (crowds love it). Hong Kong Jack notes it's not working everywhere. Some players are reportedly handing back sign-on money to return to the PGA Tour, which the Jacks suggest is a notable disincentive to switch back when the sign-on was north of USD 10 million.

⚽ Premier League

[1:25:02] — Arsenal lead Man City by five points (with a game in hand). Noel Gallagher, lifelong City fan, has tipped Arsenal to win the league — saying he doesn't see them slipping up, and that their bench depth is the key. At the other end: West Ham are third-bottom, in desperate relegation danger. This triggers a discussion of Boris Johnson's calamitous London Stadium deal, which already costs London ratepayers millions annually — and relegation would add another ~£10 million penalty to that tab.

🎤 Closing — Boris Johnson on Prince Andrew & Listener Mail

[1:28:02] — Hong Kong Jack shares a Tina Brown Substack gem: Boris Johnson, returning from a lunch with Prince Andrew during his time as Lord Mayor, told staff: "I'd be the last person in the world to want to be a Republican — but f**k, if I've got to do a lunch with him again, I'm going to change my mind."

[1:29:29] — Listener Ray submitted eight questions/topics this week. The Jacks appreciate the enthusiasm, gently suggest he trim it to one or two. Some of Ray's material will be held over for Episode 146.

HOSTS

• Jack the Insider (Joel Hill)
• Hong Kong Jack

LINKS & REFERENCES MENTIONED

• OCCRP — Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project: occrp.org
• Tina Brown's Substack — The Epstein files piece (recommended read)
• Hong Kong Jack's Substack (contact/submissions)
• Jack the Insider on Twitter/X and Facebook

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Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack are back for Episode 144, recorded on 12 February. It's Liberal Party leadership spill eve and the boys break down whether Angus Taylor has the numbers to end Susan Ley's tenure — and what sort of baggage he'll carry into the job. From there: a landmark High Court ruling on the Catholic Church's duty of care for survivors of clergy abuse; the protests surrounding Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia; the widening Epstein-Mandelson catastrophe engulfing Keir Starmer; the slow collapse of the Washington Post; Japan's election result and its implications for China; and a packed sports segment covering the T20 World Cup, AFL State of Origin, the Rugby World Cup opener, and the Winter Olympics.

Show Notes & Timestamps

🏛️ Liberal Party Leadership Spill

[0:00:25]

Jack the Insider opens by noting this is Liberal Party spill number four since 2013 — one per parliamentary term. Recording on the eve of the 9am spill motion, the Jacks dig into the state of play with James Patterson's resignation from the front bench seen as a signal that Angus Taylor has the numbers. Hong Kong Jack raises the "glass cliff" observation from commentator Parnell McGuinness — that Taylor may have waited for Ley to absorb the ire before seizing the job back.

[0:02:44] — Tanya Plibersek's doorstop spray is quoted at length, listing Taylor's baggage: the Jam Land scandal, dodgy water buybacks, 22% hidden energy price increases, the Clover Moore documents, and his claim to have lived near Naomi Wolf.

[0:04:35] — The Jacks discuss whether Taylor will grow or shrink in the job, drawing comparisons to the unexpected rise of John Howard. The Liberal Party room numbers are crunched — just 28 members, including 10 LNP caucusing members.

[0:07:36] — Discussion of the One Nation threat, Newspoll figures, and the argument that the Nats are more vulnerable to One Nation than the Libs. A brief but enjoyable exchange on Murray Watt vs. Malcolm Roberts at Senate estimates.

💬 "It looks to me like in the modern Liberal Party, an incompetent bloke beats a woman any day of the week." — Tanya Plibersek (quoted by Jack the Insider)

⚖️ High Court Rules on Catholic Church Duty of Care

[0:11:44]

Jack the Insider outlines a landmark High Court ruling finding the Catholic Church owed a non-delegable duty of care to a boy abused by Father Ron Pickin in 1969, aged 13, in the Newcastle-Maitland Diocese. The church had won in the NSW Supreme Court but that decision was overturned.

[0:12:47] — Hong Kong Jack reflects that the Church has been waging this legal battle for 30 years, hiding behind its labyrinthine structure to avoid liability — and that he always thought the courts would eventually "sheet the liability home."

[0:13:41] — Jack the Insider connects this to a previous High Court ruling and notes the clarity this decision now brings — not just for the Catholic Church but for all institutions with histories of child sexual abuse. The legal fraternity is expected to respond with a surge of litigation.

💬 "The courts have historically not been very keen on letting people go uncompensated because the defendants had a complicated structure." — Hong Kong Jack

🇮🇱 Isaac Herzog Visit & Sydney Protests

[0:16:29]

Israeli President Isaac Herzog (described correctly as a largely ceremonial head of state, akin to a Governor-General) arrives in Melbourne after two days in Sydney. His visit was formally requested by the Albanese government on behalf of the families of those killed in the Bondi attack.

[0:16:57] — Peter Cronau's criticism that Herzog "politicised" the visit is discussed. Jack the Insider reads Herzog's own words about wanting to explain Israel's perspective on Hamas and Iran.

[0:17:57] — Around 6,000 protesters assembled at Sydney Town Hall, led by the Palestinian Action Group. Police used major-event crowd management laws to block off large sections of the CBD, "kettling" protesters toward Central Station. Requests to march to the NSW Parliament and Hyde Park were denied.

[0:20:18] — The Jacks debate whether police went too hard, with Hong Kong Jack noting mixed footage — some showing aggravation from the crowd, some showing a heavy-handed response. Both agree it would have been deeply inappropriate for the mourning group of ~7,000 attending Herzog's ceremony to have been confronted by protesters.

[0:23:49] — A digression into the 2007 APEC security lockdown of the Sydney CBD — including the Chaser stunt and the lesser-known story of 12 missing rocket launchers from Holsworthy Army Base, one of which ended up in the hands of a South Western Sydney crime figure.

🏚️ Victoria Barracks & Defence Property Sales

[0:26:23]

The NSW Government is exploring options after the federal government moved to offload prominent defence properties, including the Victoria Barracks on Oxford Street, Paddington. NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully flagged interest in residential development potential.

[0:27:41] — Hong Kong Jack recalls a lunch at the Officers' Mess — good food, excellent wine list, and a wonderful colonial-era building. Both agree it would be a shame to see it converted to apartment blocks. Cartoonist Warren Brown of the Daily Telegraph is noted as particularly distressed by the development.

🔓 Tony Mokbel Released

[0:29:34]

Tony Mokbel has had his electronic monitoring bracelet removed after drug charges (allegedly occurring post-prison) were dropped. He's reportedly looking forward to international travel. The Jacks revisit the Lawyer X (Nicola Gobbo) scandal, calling it "a monumental cock-up" for Victoria Police — with at least two former Chief Commissioners potentially implicated — and question why no one has faced criminal accountability.

💬 "Sometimes you get to a point where this is a complete mess. What's the best thing we can do now?" — Hong Kong Jack

🇬🇧 Keir Starmer, Mandelson & the Epstein Files (UK)

[0:33:04]

Starmer's appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK Ambassador to Washington is unravelling. MI5's pre-appointment security assessment apparently flagged concerns about Mandelson's Epstein connections — and at PMQs, Kemi Badenoch executed what Hong Kong Jack called "a masterclass": softening Starmer up with gentle questions before dropping the boom — "Did the security services mention the Epstein files, and what did they say?" Starmer confirmed they did.

[0:34:48] — Prospects for Starmer's survival are assessed. Potential successors — Angela Rayner, Ed Miliband, Wes Streeting — are judged to be worse options, which may be keeping Starmer in his job for now. Labor MPs were notably thinning out from the benches toward the end of PMQs.

[0:36:47] — The broader Epstein fallout: Sarah Ferguson (Fergie) reportedly dobbing her own daughter in over a "shagging weekend" with the then-convicted Epstein; a Starmer-appointed Lords communications adviser stripped of the whip for defending a man convicted of possessing child abuse images.

💬 "At that moment I thought — you are toast, son." — Hong Kong Jack, on Starmer confirming the MI5 briefing

🇺🇸 The Epstein Files & the Clintons (US)

[0:41:00]

The Clintons push back on closed-door congressional testimony, with both Bill and Hillary Clinton demanding a public hearing. Jack the Insider notes there is no evidence Clinton had contact with Epstein after his 2008 conviction — a point he considers the critical ethical line.

[0:43:51] — Discussion of others in Epstein's orbit — Noam Chomsky, Woody Allen, Deepak Chopra — with Hong Kong Jack urging caution before assuming the worst of those who knew Epstein, while agreeing that continued association after his conviction is morally indefensible.

[0:45:34] — Six co-conspirators identified by the House Judiciary Committee from unredacted files, though the DOJ has declined to act further. Jack the Insider flags the US midterms as the likely next inflection point.

📰 Washington Post Cuts & Newspaper Endorsements

[0:51:15]

Jeff Bezos's Washington Post has made sweeping staff cuts, eliminating its sports desk entirely. Nate Silver is quoted calling the paper's influence "cratered" following its reversal on endorsing Kamala Harris in 2024. 14 of 19 climate reporters were laid off.

[0:53:12] — A broader discussion on whether newspaper endorsements matter at all — Hong Kong Jack and Jack the Insider agree they probably don't, noting neither can reliably recall who Australian mastheads have endorsed in decades.

💬 "If you're going to run a national newspaper, you've got to stand for something and stick to it." — Hong Kong Jack

🗳️ Japan Election & Thailand Election

[0:54:49]

A thumping win for Sanae Takaichi and the LDP in Japan — possibly a two-thirds supermajority, which would allow constitutional change and further militarisation. China is not pleased, given the deep historical context of Japanese Imperial aggression in mainland China (which, as Hong Kong Jack notes, began well before Pearl Harbour). The economic stimulus deployed before calling the snap election is credited as a key factor.

[0:59:10] — Thailand: PM Anutin Charnvirakul claims victory in the general election, with voters opting for stability over the opposition despite no great enthusiasm for the incumbents.

🏏 T20 World Cup

[1:02:16]

A remarkable South Africa v Afghanistan game ends in three super overs after a Roberto no-ball on the last delivery with Afghanistan nine wickets down. Afghanistan scored 17 in the first super over; South Africa matched it; a rain-affected five-ball third super over saw Afghanistan fall well short.

[1:04:42] — Australia open with a solid win over Ireland on a slow Sri Lankan surface. Steve Smith may be joining the squad due to an injury. Tim David returning from a hamstring complaint is flagged as a key weapon.

[1:05:51] — Nepal's near-miss against England is celebrated — Hong Kong Jack watched with Nepalese friends in Hong Kong, and was counting his wins against English friends until a brilliant final over from Sam Curran saved England. Stuart Law coaching Nepal is noted approvingly. England subsequently lost their second game.

🏈 AFL State of Origin & Rugby World Cup 2027

[1:09:48]

AFL State of Origin on Saturday night at Optus Stadium is met with mild enthusiasm at best. The Jacks' primary concern: don't injure Jacob Weitering or Patrick Cripps. Historical context given on why AFL State of Origin never captured the public imagination the way NRL's did.

[1:11:30] — Rugby World Cup 2027 opens in Perth with the Wallabies vs. Hong Kong. Hong Kong Jack doubts Hong Kong fans will fly to Perth to watch their team lose, and notes flying to Europe from Hong Kong would likely be cheaper.

⛷️ Winter Olympics & Hong Kong Dogs

[1:12:38]

Jack the Insider admits the T20 World Cup is consuming all available screen time, but both Jacks agree Winter Olympics drone-follow downhill skiing is riveting television.

[1:13:06] — Hong Kong Jack closes with the week's big local news: the Hong Kong Government is set to allow dogs inside restaurants. Jack the Insider has approximately a million jokes but wisely opts to "shoulder arms."

👋 Wrap-Up

[1:14:22]

The Jacks sign off, promising to return for Episode 145 with the results of the Liberal Party leadership vote — and a cheeky acknowledgment that it would be "hugely funny" if Taylor fell flat on the day.

Key Guests / People Mentioned

• Jack the Insider (host, Joel Hill)
• Hong Kong Jack (co-host)
• Angus Taylor, Susan Ley, James Patterson, Tanya Plibersek, Malcolm Roberts, Murray Watt
• Isaac Herzog, Peter Cronau, Josh Lees
• Keir Starmer, Peter Mandelson, Kemi Badenoch, Angela Rayner, Wes Streeting
• Bill & Hillary Clinton, Jeffrey Epstein, Noam Chomsky
• Jeff Bezos, Nate Silver
• Sanae Takaichi, Anutin Charnvirakul
• Tony Mokbel
• Warren Brown
• Sam Curran, Stuart Law, Tim David

First up, Jack gives a quick eulogy for his friend Jon Kudelka, a political cartoonist who used to work with Jack at the Aus. He was a good man - and a funny one - and is a loss to the nation. 

We have an early days look at the violence that broke out in Sydney between protestors and police. Premier Minns keeps on saying he 'makes no apologies' but might have to change his tune on that as a lot of footage is coming out which paints NSW police in a very bad light. But then again, we did see footage of a very rude man assaulting a police officer('s bicycle) by obstructing its path while falling down. Then we saw him viciously place his ribs in the way of the officer's fists. Several times, no less. 

It's really bad. I think he should probably make apologies. 

We look at the sidelined story of the attempted terrorist attack in Perth. It didn't get much traction in the news and that quite reasonably upset a few people. We have seen some mentions in parliament, including a motion from Senator Thorpe but it has now been declared a terrorist attack and the alleged kid is allegedly in deep shit. 

We were going to look at gun laws and MFA but we just ran out of puff. We have that stuff written up though and it's coming soon. 

We lighten the mood by looking at the SATANIC SUPERBOWL HALF TIME SHOW which spoke SATANIC GIBBERISH and offended a lot of idiots. It's just racism though. Weird, confected racism. 

We touch on the epstein files. We look at a very funny sovcit. And Pete is back! Poorer than before but still richer than me and probably richer than you. If he's not, I bloody hope you are a patron. Give us money. 

AND FOR THE LOVE OF GOD PLEASE BUY CBCo beer at cbco.beer! We don't get a cut but it looks good to the marketing folks if you use CRP10 at the checkout. Keep the beer flowing and I will keep the pod coming. Bless!

Enjoy! 

Recorded: 3 February 2026

Released: 8 February 2026

Episode Description

Jack the Insider (Joel Hill) and Hong Kong Jack tackle the RBA's surprise interest rate hike, the coalition's post-election implosion, and dive deep into the Epstein files fallout. From Gaza peace plans to Japanese economic roller coasters, plus Carlton's dodgy pre-season training—it's all here.

Timestamps & Topics

00:25 - Welcome & RBA Breaking News

The Reserve Bank hikes interest rates by 0.25 percentage points as predicted, with markets forecasting two more increases this year in response to 3.8% inflation.

01:29 - Interest Rates: The Blunt Instrument

Discussing government spending as the inflation driver and the uneven effects of rate hikes on mortgage holders versus savers.

03:35 - Trump vs The Fed

How the US Federal Reserve dropped rates under pressure from Trump despite similar inflation to Australia, and the risks of economic overheating.

05:22 - Blame the Barmy Army?

A tongue-in-cheek theory from KO: Did England's cricket supporters spending during the Ashes tour drive up inflation to 3.8%?

06:49 - Cocaine Economics

Australia's most expensive drugs in the world, Rugby World Cup memories, and why Western Australia pays double.

08:38 - Coalition Chaos: Nationals Hold On

David Littleproud's leadership survives as spill motion fails, but Andrew Hastie drops out of Liberal leadership race.

09:33 - The Oxford Connection

Angus Taylor, Tony Abbott, and Australia's history of Oxford-educated prime ministers—from Gorton to Turnbull.

10:09 - Angus Taylor's Shadow Treasurer Struggles

Troy Bramston's scathing assessment of Taylor's poor performance and lost economic credibility for the Coalition.

11:37 - Coalition Split Continues

Littleproud rejects reconciliation attempts while Sussan Ley remains Liberal leader, with potential "none-of-the-above" candidates waiting in the wings.

12:13 - Listener Ray on Electoral Math

The great compulsory preferential voting debate: why the Nationals win 15 seats on 3% of first preferences while Greens get one seat on 12%.

14:26 - Anthony Green's Patience

The legendary election analyst educates Twitter on how Labor would have won 85 seats under first-past-the-post voting.

15:26 - One Nation's Coalition Targets

Anthony Green's analysis reveals 20 Liberal and National seats at risk from One Nation, with only five Labor seats vulnerable.

17:27 - Could One Nation Replace the Nationals?

Exploring the possibility of a major conservative realignment, with potential Nationals MPs considering defection.

19:35 - What Do the Nationals Stand For?

From "agrarian socialists" to today's identity crisis—the party that used to represent farmers now struggles to define its purpose.

21:05 - Anti-Semitic Abuse at Sydney University

Former staff member Rose Nakard faces court on stalking and intimidation charges for allegedly calling Jewish students "fucking filthy Zionists" and "parasites."

24:45 - Community Response Over Legislation

Why community rejection of hate speech matters more than criminalising phrases like "globalise the intifada," and the problems with new laws affecting police discretion.

27:21 - $25 Billion Hospital and NDIS Deal

Albanese and state premiers sign massive health funding package while agreeing to limit NDIS growth to 6% or less.

28:21 - Autism and the NDIS Debate

Moving mild forms of autism out of NDIS into schools—sensible reform or cost-shifting? Only 23% of NDIS costs despite larger recipient numbers.

29:38 - The NDIS Needs a Medicare-Style Rethink

Comparing the transition from Medibank to Medicare: why the NDIS needs root-and-branch reform, not just tinkering.

31:03 - Chronic Illness Left Out

People with ME, CFS, MS, and fibromyalgia struggle to access NDIS support while other areas may be over-serviced.

33:26 - Spain's Migrant Amnesty

Spain grants legal status to 500,000 undocumented migrants—stark contrast to anti-immigration sentiment across Europe.

35:48 - Epstein Files: 3 Million Pages

Two million documents missing, Kevin Rudd brushes off Epstein's name-dropping, and Peter Mandelson's career implodes.

36:36 - What Was Epstein's Business?

Unpacking the mystery: Victoria's Secret rip-off, half-billion-dollar investment clients, and the missing financial footprint.

38:22 - Mandelson in His Underpants

The former UK ambassador to the US photographed with young woman, now "unemployable"—very odd for a gay man.

39:22 - Chomsky, Woody Allen, and Strange Dinner Parties

The inexplicable nature of intellectuals dining with Epstein, and Brett Ratner's creepy Epstein photos despite #MeToo allegations.

42:33 - Clintons Agree to Testify

Bill Clinton offers four-hour congressional interview, Hillary to make sworn statement about Epstein connections.

43:28 - Andrew and Mandelson Under Pressure

Prince Andrew pushed to testify while Mandelson faces questions about unexplained £75K payments and acting as Epstein's lobbyist while a cabinet minister.

46:15 - Put Your Pants On for Photos

Why do old blokes keep getting photographed in their underwear with Epstein? A plea for sartorial sense.

48:13 - Board of Peace: Trump's $1 Billion Club

Explaining Trump's confusing Gaza oversight initiative: permanent seats cost US$1 billion paid into Trump-managed accounts, not US Treasury.

50:35 - Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the Stans

The "very nice countries" signing onto the Board of Peace, while Europe says no en masse and Canada gets uninvited after Carney's tariff speech.

51:56 - UAE Taking Control of Gaza

More important than the Board of Peace: United Arab Emirates moving to run Gaza's civilian administration with Israeli and US backing.

52:24 - Spain's 500,000 Migrant Amnesty

Southern European states bearing the brunt of arrivals while finding their own solutions—Italy's Albania processing reduces numbers by 60%.

53:50 - France's Budget Finally Passes

After four months of deadlock, Macron's government gets budget through with no-confidence motions failing, bringing rare stability.

54:42 - Global Energy Prices: Ireland Tops the List

Household electricity costs compared: Ireland, Italy, and Belgium most expensive in Europe; Russia at just 7 cents per kilowatt hour versus Australia's 26 cents.

56:31 - Canadian Energy: 12 Cents Per Kilowatt Hour

Mark Carney's priority to reduce energy costs in Canada, currently lower than the US at 12.5 cents.

57:50 - European GDP: Tepid Growth

Germany, UK, and France stuck around 1-1.5% growth, with Spain and Portugal outperforming at 2.5%, while Russia posts 4% driven entirely by military spending.

59:59 - Russia's War Economy Trap

With 2% unemployment, 8% inflation, and 20% interest rates, Russia's 4% GDP growth masks an economy with "nothing to go for it" without the war.

01:02:19 - Why Would Russia End the War?

No economic incentive to stop fighting when military spending drives the economy and ending the war means economic collapse and regime change risk.

01:04:22 - European Army Talk

Germany and France push controversial European army concept alongside NATO—bad idea with chain of command issues, likely won't happen.

01:07:38 - Japan's Liz Truss Moment

PM Takeichi's tax and spending pledges spook markets: ¥5 trillion revenue shortfall, £137 billion stimulus, cash handouts, and approval ratings sliding from 75% to 58%.

01:10:23 - Chagos Islands: The Deal That Won't Die

British Indian Ocean Territory dispute: Diego Garcia military base, Mauritius sovereignty claims, and why the US and Australia oppose the UK deal.

01:13:48 - France's Immigration Rhetoric

Marine Le Pen's inflammatory language about asylum seekers, and why "remigration" policies face huge practical and legal obstacles.

01:16:28 - London Murder Prosecutions at 13-Year Low

Only 39% of murders result in charges as London's crime crisis deepens, despite accusations of two-tier policing favouring establishment figures.

01:19:23 - Melania: The Movie

Brett Ratner's documentary earns $8 million in the US against $40 million production costs—but it's about access to Trump, not profit.

01:22:38 - Australian Open: Record Numbers

Women's final delivers 3.8 million viewers (up 30% from 2024), total tournament audience up 9.3% to 14.3 million, cementing status as global sporting event.

01:26:39 - Usman Tariq's Unusual Action

Pakistani spinner's legal but confounding bowling: shuffle-shuffle-stop-bowl delivery frustrates Cameron Green and raises eyebrows.

01:28:58 - Should Steve Smith Play T20?

Mark Waugh says yes—36-year-old leg-spinner/batsman is Australia's best player. Missing Tim David as Pakistan dominates the series.

01:31:24 - Carlton's Training Video Disaster

Dropped marks and out-of-bounds kicks in pre-season footage—but fans' hope springs eternal until about May.

01:32:07 - King Street Chair-Throwing Meme

Bloke throws chair at bouncers, accidentally knocks out his mate instead. Victorian government announces "toughest chair laws in Australia." Stand up, Victoria.

Also: there are mentions of construction noise in this episode and longtime listeners will remember that early episodes were plagued with banging and carrying on. Adobe podcast managed to filter this out very effectively and it just sounds a bit like they are moaning about nothing. But it was probably awful at the time.

------------------------------

Australia Day tensions at home and political shocks abroad drive this packed episode of The Two Jacks. Joel (Jack the Insider) and Hong Kong Jack unpack the Liberal–National implosion, leadership manoeuvring, hate‑speech laws and neo‑Nazi “martyrs” springing from Australia Day rallies and a near‑catastrophic device in Perth. They then cross to the US for the fallout from the ICE killing of Minneapolis nurse Alex Pretty, Kristi Noem’s precarious future, Trump’s political instincts, and Mark Carney’s Davos warning that we now live in a world with “no rules.” Along the way they dissect Brexit’s economic hangover, EU over‑regulation, India’s Republic Day contrast with Australia’s low‑key national day, and finish with sport: Premier League title nerves, Australian Open heat controversies, bushfires, and a final detour through film censorship trivia in Ireland.

00:00 – Theme and intro

00:25 – Welcome back to The Two Jacks; Joel (Jack the Insider) in Australia and Hong Kong Jack set the scene for episode 142, recorded 27 January, the day after Australia Day.​

Australian politics and the Liberal–National implosion

00:40 – Coalition “no more”: the decoupling of Liberals and Nationals, and whether Anthony Albanese is the Stephen Bradbury of Australian politics or a quiet tactician.​

01:10 – How Labor’s racial vilification moves and 18C history boxed the opposition in; Susan Ley’s failed emergency‑sitting gambit on antisemitism laws.​

02:00 – Firearms law changes and new powers to ban hate groups like Hizb ut‑Tahrir and the National Socialist Network, and the role of ASIO referrals and ministerial discretion.​

03:10 – Canavan’s “slippery slope” fears about bans being turned on mainstream groups, and what that reveals about the Nationals’ hunger for anti‑immigration rhetoric under pressure from One Nation and Pauline Hanson.​

Centre‑right parties in a squeeze

04:00 – The Nationals as the “five‑percenters” who pull the coalition’s agenda with a small vote share; listener Bassman calls them the “un‑Nationals.”​

05:00 – Global “tough times” for centre‑right parties: the pincer between moving to the centre (and leaving a vacuum for far‑right populists) or moving right and losing the middle.​

05:40 – Hong Kong Jack’s argument for broad churches: keeping everyone from sensible One Nation types to inner‑city wets under one tent, as Labor did with its far‑left “fruit loops” in the 1980s.​

07:00 – Decline of small‑l liberals inside the Liberal Party, the thinning ranks of progressive conservatives, and the enduring “sprinkling of nuts” on the hard right.​

Leadership spills and who’s next

07:20 – Susan Ley’s lonely press conferences, Ted O’Brien’s silence, and the air of inevitability about a leadership spill before or by budget time.​

08:20 – Why the leadership needs “strength at the top”: the Gareth Evans line to Hawke – “the dogs are pissing on your swag” – as a metaphor for knowing when to go.​

09:20 – Conversation about Angus Taylor, Andrew Hastie, Ted O’Brien and even Tim Wilson as possible leaders, and why the wrong timing can make almost anyone opposition leader.​

10:40 – History lesson: unlikely leaders who flourished, from Henry Bolte in Victoria to Albanese, once dismissed by his own colleagues as a long shot.​

11:40 – Albanese’s long apprenticeship: learning from Howard’s cautious style and the Rudd–Gillard chaos, and his instinct for the national mood.​

Listener mail: Nationals, Barnaby and “public bar” politicians

13:00 – Listener Lawrence compares One Nation to Britain’s Reform Party; asks if Barnaby Joyce’s baggage (drought envoy rorts, “Watergate,” drunken footpath photo) undermines his retail skills.​

14:20 – Debating whether Barnaby ever was the “best retail politician” in the country; why he works brilliantly in rural and regional pubs but is “poison in the cities.”​

16:10 – The “public bar” politician ideal: Barnaby as hail‑fellow‑well‑met who genuinely likes the people he’s talking to, contrasted with Whitlam and Fraser looking awkward in 1970s pub photo ops.​

17:20 – John Howard scrounging a fiver to shout a round, Barry Jones dying in Warrnambool pubs, and why Bob Hawke and Tony Abbott always looked at home with a schooner.​

Australia Day, antisemitism and street violence

18:00 – Australia Day wrap: The Australian newspaper’s “social cohesion crisis” framing after antisemitism, violence and extremist rhetoric.​

19:10 – Perth’s rudimentary explosive device: ball bearings and screws around a liquid in a glass “coffee cup” thrown into an Invasion Day crowd at Forrest Place; police clear the area quickly.​

21:00 – Melbourne: small March for Australia turnout, scuffles between their supporters and Invasion Day marchers, arrests likely to follow.​

22:10 – Sydney: March for Australia rally of around 2,000 ending at Moore Park, open mic session, and the selection of a man wearing a Celtic cross shirt who launches into a vile antisemitic rant.​

23:20 – His subsequent arrest in Darlinghurst and the Section 93Z charge (publicly threatening or inciting violence on racial or religious grounds), with possible three‑year jail term and $11,000 fine.​

24:40 – Why the speech appears to meet the elements of the offence, and how such defendants are quickly turned into martyrs and crowdfunding heroes by the extreme right.​

26:10 – The psychology of self‑styled martyrs seeking notoriety and donations; parallels with “Free Joel Davis” signs after threats to MP Allegra Spender.​

Australia Day vs India’s Republic Day

27:20 – Australia Day clashing with India’s Republic Day: Joel only just realises the overlap; Jack has known for years.​

28:00 – History recap: Australia Day as a 1930s invention, not a national holiday until Keating’s government in 1995; its big cultural take‑off in the 1988 Bicentennial year.​

29:10 – India’s enormous Republic Day parade: 10,000+ guests, missiles and tanks on show, EU leaders in attendance, congratulations from President Trump and President Xi – easily out‑shining Australia’s low‑key day.​

30:00 – Why big military parades feel culturally wrong in Australia; the discomfort with tanks and squeaky‑wheeled machinery rolling down main streets.​

30:30 – The 26 January date debate: protests by Invasion Day marchers vs “flag shaggers,” plateauing protest numbers, and the sense that for most Australians it’s just another day off.​

31:20 – Arguments for a different nation‑building day (maybe early January for a built‑in long weekend), and the need for a better way to celebrate Australia’s achievements without performative patriotism.​

32:40 – Local citizenship ceremonies, Australia Day ambassadors and quiet country‑town rituals that still work well in spite of the culture war.​

Minneapolis outrage, ICE shootings and US politics

34:20 – Turning to the United States: the shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretty by ICE agents in Minneapolis and the shock it has injected into US domestic politics.​

34:50 – Video evidence vs official narrative: Pretty appears to be disarmed before being shot; the administration initially claiming he was planning a massacre of ICE agents.​

35:40 – Trump’s early blame of Democrat officials and policies, then a noticeable shift as outrage spreads more broadly across the political spectrum and the Insurrection Act chatter cools.​

36:20 – Tom Homan’s deployment to Minneapolis, the demotion of Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino, and reports that Homan will now report directly to President Trump rather than Kristi Noem.​

37:10 – Internal GOP friction: suggestions Noem relished confrontation, while Homan did not; speculation Noem may be the first cabinet‑level casualty.​

38:00 – Use of children as bait in immigration operations, American citizens detained, and two civilians shot dead by ICE; discussion of likely multi‑million‑dollar compensation exposure.​

39:00 – Allegations of bribery and “missing 50 large,” the checkered backgrounds of some ICE agents and rumours about extremist links and failed cops finding a home in ICE.​

40:00 – A snap YouGov poll: 46% of respondents wanting ICE disbanded, 41% opposed, and how this feeds the narrative that Noem will be thrown under the bus.​

Sanctuary cities, federal power and Pam Bondi’s letter

41:10 – Trump’s boastful but error‑strewn talk on Article 5 of the NATO treaty, and his correction that still belittled allies’ sacrifices in Afghanistan.​

41:40 – Casualties by nation: US 2,461, then significant losses from the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Australia, Poland, Spain and others – disproving Trump’s “America alone” framing.​

42:30 – Sanctuary cities vs federal supremacy: recalling the 2012 Arizona case where the Supreme Court confirmed immigration enforcement as a federal responsibility, and how that collides with sanctuary policies.​

43:10 – Pam Bondi’s letter to Minnesota’s governor after the second ICE killing: reported threat to pull ICE agents in exchange for electoral records, and the ominous implications of such demands.​

Greenland, Davos and market games

44:00 – Trump’s Greenland obsession revisited: from bluster at Davos about tariffs on European allies to a supposed “deal” that no‑one, including the Danes, can define.​

44:40 – How tariff threats knocked markets down, then his Davos announcement walked them back and sent markets up; Ted Cruz warning Trump that crashing 401(k)s and high inflation would make the midterms a bloodbath.​

45:40 – Japan and the US bond market: a brief panic in Japanese bonds, a Danish super fund’s sale of US Treasuries, and the longer‑term vulnerability given that Japan, China and the EU hold so much US debt.​

46:30 – Trump’s relentless pressure on the Fed for lower rates in an inflationary environment, and the comparison with Erdogan’s disastrous low‑rate, high‑inflation experiment in Turkey.​

Davos speeches and a world with no rules

47:10 – Mark Carney’s standout Davos speech: we now live in a geopolitical environment with “no rules,” and the post‑WWII rules‑based order has largely broken down.​

47:50 – Carney’s planned March visit to Australia and likely address to a joint sitting of Parliament, plus his reputation as a sharp, articulate central banker.​

48:20 – Hong Kong Jack’s scepticism about “international law” as more fiction than practice; non‑Western powers paying lip service while ignoring it in reality.​

49:00 – The German Chancellor’s more consequential Davos speech on EU failures, competitiveness, and the need to reinvent Europe, backed in by Italian PM Giorgia Meloni.​

49:40 – The “Sir Humphrey” view of the EU: you can only reform Brussels from the inside, not from outside as Brexit Britain is discovering.​

Brexit’s economic hit

50:10 – Chancellor Mertz’s critique of EU over‑regulation and the “world champions at regulation” line; the EU as an anti‑competitive behemoth that lost its free‑trade roots.​

50:50 – Why countries like Spain struggle alone but “pack a punch” within the EU’s collective GDP; Brexit as a decision to leave the world’s biggest trading bloc.​

51:20 – UK Office for Budget Responsibility analysis: since the 2016 referendum, estimated UK GDP per capita by 2025 is 6–8% lower than it would have been, with investment 12–18% lower and employment 3–4% lower than the “remain” counterfactual.​

52:10 – How these losses emerged slowly, then accumulated as uncertainty persisted, trade barriers rose and firms diverted resources away from productive activity.​

52:40 – Jack challenges the counterfactual: notes that actual UK GDP growth is only a couple of points below EU averages and doubts that UK governments would have outperformed Europe even without Brexit.​

53:20 – Joel’s rejoinder that the OBR work is widely accepted and that Brexit has created profound long‑term impacts on Britain’s economy over the next 5–10 years.​

Sport: cricket, Premier League and Australian Open heat

55:20 – Australian cricket’s depth: promising leg‑spinners and other talent juggling Shield cricket with gigs in the Caribbean Premier League, Pakistan Super League and more.​

55:50 – Premier League title race: Arsenal’s lead cut from seven to four points after a 3–2 loss to an invigorated Manchester United that also beat City in the derby.​

56:30 – The “sugar hit” of a new coach at United, reverting to a more traditional style and the question of how long the bounce will last.​

57:10 – Australian Open “Sinner controversy”: oppressive heat, the heat index rules for closing the roof, Jannik Sinner cooked at one set all before a pause, roof closure and air‑conditioning – and then a comfortable Sinner win.​

58:00 – Accusations about coach Darren Cahill lobbying tournament boss Craig Tiley, and why the footage doesn’t really support conspiracy theories.​

58:30 – Djokovic’s soft run after a walkover, the emergence of 19‑year‑old American Tien with Michael Chang in his box, and Chang’s devout‑Christian clay‑court glory at Roland Garros.​

59:20 – Heatwave conditions in southern Australia, fires in Victoria and the Otways/Jellibrand region, and a shout‑out to firefighters and residents under threat.​

Final odds and ends

01:00:20 – Closing thoughts on Australia’s weather extremes, hoping for a wind change and some respite for the fireys.​

01:00:50 – Jack’s trivia nugget: Casablanca was once banned in Ireland for not being “sufficiently neutral” and not kind enough to the Nazis, segueing to bans on Lady Chatterley’s Lover and Australian censorship history.​

01:02:00 – Sign‑off from Joel (Jack the Insider) and Hong Kong Jack, promising to track the Perth bombing case, hate‑speech prosecutions, Canberra leadership moves and the unfolding Minneapolis/ICE scandal in future episodes.

It's better now.

As usual, ai slop shownotes. Robots think that I am Jack or whatever. Enjoy!

In this episode of The Two Jacks, Jack the Insider (Joel Hill) and Hong Kong Jack (Jack) dive into a packed agenda of Australian and global politics. They start with the federal government's urgent move to push through new hate speech and gun control laws, discussing the disbanding of neo-Nazi groups and the alarming rise of minors on extremism watchlists. The conversation takes a sharp turn into a heated debate over the "economic self-harm" of Brexit, with Jack the Insider citing a £100 billion annual trade loss while Hong Kong Jack remains a defiant supporter.

The Jacks also cover:

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• Trump’s Trade War: The impact of a 10% tariff hike on European allies and America’s dependence on Danish pharmaceuticals like Ozempic.
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• UK Political Maneuvers: How Kemi Badenoch outsmarted Robert Jenrick’s defection to Nigel Farage’s Reform party.
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• Sporting Scandals and Struggles: From the "oversold" crowds at the Australian Open to a bizarre aerodynamic "groin inflation" scandal in Norwegian ski jumping.

00:00:25 – Introduction Jack the Insider (Joel) and Hong Kong Jack open the show on January 20, 2026, discussing the unscheduled sitting of the Australian Parliament to finalize an omnibus bill.

00:01:05 – Hate Speech Legislation & The National Socialist Network The Jacks break down the removal of racial vilification clauses and the remaining "hate group" provisions. They discuss the reported disbanding—and subsequent lobbying efforts—of the National Socialist Network.

00:04:17 – Extremism Watchlists & Youth Grooming A discussion on the 320 individuals currently monitored by security agencies, with a focus on the alarming number of minors being "groomed" by radical ideologies.

00:06:50 – The Bondi Royal Commission & Law Enforcement Lethargy The hosts preview the upcoming Royal Commission, touching on claims that New South Wales Police may have ignored security warnings prior to major anti-Semitic incidents.

00:08:14 – Anti-Semitism and Australian Migration History A look at the "New Australian" migration success story post-WWII and the current shameful necessity of armed guards at Jewish schools and synagogues.

00:17:09 – Australian Gun Law Changes Analyzing the impact of new limits on ammunition and firearm ownership for amateur hunters and "weekend warriors."

00:19:22 – Political Polling: The Rise of One Nation Recent Demos polling shows One Nation surging to over 20%, potentially acting as a "parking spot" for disaffected voters from both major parties.

00:24:35 – Iran: Echoes of 1979 Reflecting on the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the late Mark Colvin’s coverage of the regime’s early massacres.

00:27:50 – US Midterms & The Battle for Greenland A look at the Polymarket odds for the 2026 US Midterms and the strategic (and perhaps absurd) debate over the US acquisition of Greenland.

00:33:11 – Trump’s Tariffs & "The Art of the Renegotiation" The impact of a 10% hike on European goods, including a deep dive into America's dependence on Denmark for Ozempic and insulin.

00:35:22 – The Brexit Economic Autopsy The Jacks have a heated debate over the long-term economic damage of Brexit, including trade losses estimated at £100 billion a year and alleged Russian influence on the "Leave" campaign.

00:42:15 – UK Politics: The Jenrick Defection How Kemi Badenoch outmaneuvered Robert Jenrick's defection to Nigel Farage's Reform party.

00:46:09 – Germany’s Energy Crisis Friedrich Merz calls the exit from nuclear energy a "strategic mistake" as Germany reverts to brown coal to keep the lights on.

00:49:29 – The Gaza "Board of Peace" Discussing the controversial international board involving Tony Blair and Jared Kushner, and Australia's invitation to join.

00:54:29 – Sports: Australian Open & BBL Privatization Crowd chaos at the Australian Open and the warnings from Jason Gillespie regarding the potential sale of BBL franchises to overseas interests.

01:06:53 – West Ham & The High Cost of Relegation The "sweetheart deal" for the Olympic Stadium is turning into a nightmare for UK taxpayers as West Ham faces the threat of the Championship.

01:12:47 – Strange World: Norwegian Ski Jumping Scandal A bizarre report on Norwegian ski jumpers allegedly "artificially inflating" their suits for aerodynamic advantages.

01:15:30 – Wrap Up The hosts invite listener feedback on Brexit and current events before signing off for the week. 

Anyway, this week we look at the big bad omnibus bill and the Royal Commission which had to happen because Wayne Carey and Sam Newman said so.

We look at Brendan Nicholls, a good bloke having a bad week who is completely misunderstood and really just a great guy that works at Bunnings.

Tommy Robinson accidentally reveals his sexual proclivities which are slightly at odds with his public grievances. Oh Tommy, you really Yaxleyed your Lennons on this one.

And we have MAN LIVING IN BODY for SovCits. Does putting that in all caps turn his sassy title into a strawman? Probably. He needs to pony up a TFN for an inheritance - and he's working very hard not to get a lot of free money. He is an idiot.

We have a new segment - Kill Count - where we compare and contrast Musk and RFK Jr.'s efforts to kill as many people as possible.

And Babet is having a meltdown. As usual. He is an idiot.

Enjoy!

This episode of the Conditional Release Program rings in 2026 with a deep dive into the political and social fallout following the Bondi terror attack. Hosts Jack the Insider (Peter Hoysted) and Joel Hill navigate the complexities of new hate speech legislation, the sudden disbanding of neo-Nazi groups, and the controversies surrounding the upcoming Royal Commission.

• [00:00:30] Introduction: Happy New Year 2026? Jack and Joel open the year discussing the "depressing" state of global affairs, from regime changes to Donald Trump’s fixation on Greenland.
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• [00:01:38] Sponsor: CBCO Beer A quick break to discuss why regime change goes better with hops. Use code CRP10 at CBCO.beer for 10% off.
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• [00:02:13] Global Intel Stings Jack shares a developing story regarding an intelligence sting involving the Ukrainians, the French, and the United States.
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• [00:02:54] The Bondi Aftermath & "Tribal Shitshow" A look at how the aftermath of the December 14 Bondi attacks has devolved into political tribalism rather than national unity.
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• [00:04:17] The End of the National Socialist Network (NSN) Joel discusses the Telegram announcement that the NSN is disbanding by January 18, 2026—just as new federal laws are introduced.
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• [00:07:51] The Combating Anti-Semitism, Hate, and Extremism Bill A breakdown of the draft bill that proposes five-year prison sentences for inciting racial hatred and empowers the government to ban extremist organizations.
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• [00:11:42] The Politics of the Omnibus Bill The hosts debate the Coalition’s "unsalvageable" stance on the bill and the strategic separation of gun buyback provisions from hate speech laws.
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• [00:21:04] The Rise of One Nation & The Death of the Liberals? Jack examines polling showing One Nation gaining ground as a protest vote and what this means for the future of the Liberal Party.
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• [00:26:03] Defining Terrorism & Radicalization A discussion on the difficulties lawmakers face in defining terrorism and the specific targeting of religious leaders who advocate violence.
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• [00:31:51] "Aggravated Grooming" Offences New laws targeting adults who attempt to radicalize minors under 18, a demographic that reportedly makes up half of current watch lists.
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• [00:46:10] Hate Crime Case Study: Brendan Nichols The story of a 23-year-old Bunnings employee charged with attacking a Muslim Imam, involving a dramatic courtroom attempt to jump out of the dock.
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• [00:58:13] The Royal Commission into Anti-Semitism and Social Cohesion Jack and Joel critique the appointment of retired High Court Judge Virginia Bell and the specific areas the inquiry will investigate.
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• [01:09:02] Security Failures: CSG and the NSW Police A report that the Community Security Group warned police about inadequate security at Bondi prior to the attack, a claim that will be central to the Royal Commission.
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• [01:14:33] Tommy Robinson’s Algorithm "Self-Own" The "pint-sized" nationalist (Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) accidentally reveals his browsing habits while complaining about YouTube advertisements.
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• [01:18:49] SovSit Corner: The "Man Living in Body" The bizarre tale of Gregory Francis, a Sovereign Citizen who refuses to claim a $500,000 lakeside inheritance because he won't provide a tax file number.
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• [01:27:36] Kill Count: Musk vs. RFK Jr. The ongoing debate over who will cause more global deaths: Elon Musk’s USAID cuts or Bobby Kennedy Jr.’s anti-vax shift at the CDC.
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• [01:39:23] Zippy Babbitt’s UK Obsession Federal MP Ralph Babbit expresses fear over visiting London, while the hosts debunk his claims about UK crime rates and "radicalization".

In this wide-ranging episode, the Two Jacks dissect Australia's improved bushfire response amid the Victorian fires, the newly announced royal commission under Justice Virginia Bell, Kevin Rudd's resignation as US Ambassador, escalating unrest in Iran and Venezuela, Ukrainian paramilitary intrigue, US political and economic turbulence, and a detailed cricket analysis covering the Australian summer and England's ongoing struggles.

0:00–0:27

Introduction

Opening banter and Hong Kong theme music

0:27–8:00

Australian Bushfires

Discussion of recent Victorian fires around Alexandra and Longwood; praise for improved evacuation technology, CFA coordination, and community heroism since Black Saturday

8:00–11:09

Kevin Rudd's Resignation

Analysis of Rudd's departure as US Ambassador, his public spat with Elon Musk, and new role as Asia Society President

11:09–20:50

Royal Commission Announcement

Deep dive into Virginia Bell's appointment, scope of the inquiry (governance failures, anti-Semitism, extremism), government delays, and potential security secrecy measures

20:50–31:00

Australian Political Landscape

Polling analysis, Labor vs. LNP, One Nation's resurgence, upcoming South Australian election, and protest voting dynamics

31:00–36:00

US Economic & Political Turmoil

VIX volatility, Jerome Powell's position, interest rate debates, and Trump administration's policy impacts

36:00–45:00

Iran Protests & Regional Unrest

Economic collapse (Rial devaluation), spreading regional protests, regime fragility, Western hesitation on intervention, and BRICS dynamics

44:00–50:00

Venezuela Crisis

Maduro's grip on power, US sanctions, paramilitary threats, opposition struggles, and regional destabilization

50:00–56:00

US Domestic Issues

Minnesota shooting incident, police conduct debates, First Amendment tensions, and body-camera footage controversies

56:00–1:00:00

Ukraine Conflict Update

Denis Kapustin's alleged drone strike death, neo-Nazi paramilitary links, GUR intelligence operations, and misinformation battles

1:00:00–1:09:00

European & UK Politics

Starmer's Labour struggles, potential leadership challenges, Macron's position in France, and broader European political shifts

1:09:00–1:22:00

Cricket Analysis

Australian summer review, BBL performances, emerging talent (multicultural pipeline), England's coaching chaos, disciplinary issues, and 2027 Ashes preview

1:22:00–End

Wrap-Up & Listener Engagement

Final thoughts and call for listener feedback

Key Topics Covered

• Australian Bushfires: Improved CFA response, evacuation technology, community resilience in Alexandra and Longwood
• Royal Commission: Justice Virginia Bell's appointment, scope including anti-Semitism and governance failures, procedural secrecy
• Kevin Rudd: Resignation as US Ambassador, Musk feud, Asia Society appointment
• Iran: Economic devastation, hyperinflation, regional protest spread, US/Western response options
• Venezuela: Ongoing instability, Maduro's regime, sanctions impact
• Ukraine: Denis Kapustin saga, paramilitary operations, GUR intelligence successes
• Cricket: Australian talent depth, multicultural recruitment, England's discipline and coaching woes, 2027 Ashes outlook
• BRICS: Economic bloc now exceeding US+EU GDP, geopolitical implications

He's been to a few rallies. We had a chat about that and some other things. It was like 3 weeks ago and it's finally being uploaded.

To be honest, guys, it's been a depressing year. I find it more and more difficult to keep up with the latest news because it's just so DISAPPOINTING. We really have seen an uptick in people taking their dickhead pills over the past month and I just can't be excited by any of it.

I'm working on getting my mojo back. For now, here's a chat with Dave. It's unscripted so there's a bit more um and ah than usual but that just adds to the charm (please agree).

Enjoy!

We thought that around now would be the time the antivax movement died. The data is clear - vaccines work. Not only that, but side effects are incredibly rare. Despite this, antivaxxers have simply lied their way through it - claiming that every heart attack is a result of the vaccines and pushing conspiracy theories alongside any celebrity death they can. 

With the 'revelation' that Pfizer didn't test for transmission in the clinical trials (clinical trials that antivaxxers previously denied ever happened) we have seen yet another perceived victory for these idiots, with many of them expecting some form of apology. 

I'm sorry you're an idiot? Will that do?

Jack looks at the data - and we discuss the bad faith argument put forward as a result of this honest answer from a pfizer exec being conned by an antivax snake. 

Published 28th Oct 2022.

Published 8th December 2022.

Enjoy!

----------

We were going to do this one on main but honestly heaps of shit has happened so let's swing this one to the patrons! 

We look at the absurdity of the Balenciaga scandal. I mean, they're not wrong - it's kinda fucked up. But are the right taking cancel culture as their own? Where's the line between art and fashion and which gulag should we throw them all into?

The book burning right show their true colours with this one - but why do rich dickheads spend insane money commoditising children?!? 

Fuck knows... 

More slop but hey it's detailed. That's nice.

• 00:25 – Hanukkah, Bondi and a terror attack
• Joel (Jack the Insider) opens the Christmas‑eve episode by recounting the Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach that turned into a mass‑shooting, with 16 dead including Holocaust survivor Alex Kleitman and 10‑year‑old Matilda.​
• He notes that one gunman, Sajid Akram, was killed and his son Naveed faces 59 charges including 15 murders and a terrorism offence, while funerals proceed under a cloud of grief.​
• 02:05 – Anti‑Semitic threats and the rise of Jew hatred
• The Jacks detail an anti‑Semitic threat on a Virgin Australia flight from Denpasar to Sydney, where a 19‑year‑old allegedly made violent gestures and threats toward a Jewish passenger.​
• They discuss how contemporary anti‑Semitism in Australia and the West feels broader and deeper than before, increasingly visible on progressive and left‑wing fringes as well as the far right.​
• 04:55 – Jenny Leong’s “tentacles” remark and Greens politics
• Joel quotes NSW Greens MLC Jenny Leong’s 2023 comments about the “Jewish lobby” and “Zionist lobby” having “tentacles” infiltrating community groups, likening the rhetoric to classic Nazi tropes in Der Stürmer.​
• Jack notes Leong is part of NSW’s hard‑left “watermelon” Greens and argues such language shows how anti‑Jewish narratives have crept into mainstream progressive politics in Australia, the UK and the US.​
• 07:25 – Apologies, anti‑Zionism and the limits of definitions
• They note Leong apologised two months later for “poor choice of words” with anti‑Semitic implications, but Joel says the tentacle imagery hung “like a bad smell” over public debate.​
• The Jacks criticise semantic wrangling over definitions of anti‑Semitism and suggest calling much of it what it plainly is: old‑fashioned Jew hatred, often masked as anti‑Zionism.​
• 10:25 – Who failed after 7 October? Government responses under fire
• Jack argues federal and state leaders failed from “October 8th on” by not responding strongly enough to anti‑Jewish rhetoric and protests, suggesting Labor tried to balance Jewish concerns against Western Sydney Muslim votes.​
• Joel pushes back, citing Sean Carney’s column outlining how Naveed Akram’s jihadist associations, ASIO assessments and gun‑licence decisions date back to the Morrison/Dutton era and pre‑Albanese security failures.​
• 13:55 – ASIO, gun licensing and unanswered questions
• The Jacks highlight ASIO’s prior knowledge of Naveed’s extremist links and question how Sajid Akram obtained a semi‑automatic shotgun with only an AB licence when B/C categories are needed for that weapon.​
• They call for frank explanations from ASIO and NSW firearms licensing about assessments, paper trails and whether bureaucratic or resourcing failures allowed Akram to amass an arsenal worth around $30,000.​
• 17:55 – Under‑resourced counter‑terror units and a fearful Jewish community
• Joel cites a retired AFP counter‑terror investigator who says counter‑terror units are stacked with officers fresh out of the academy instead of seasoned detectives.​
• Jack reflects on three decades of Jewish institutions in Sydney’s east needing armed guards, and shares conversations with Jewish friends who now quietly contemplate leaving Australia because they no longer feel safe.​
• 20:35 – “Don’t bring your old hatreds here”
• The Jacks trace anti‑Jewish attacks in Sydney back to the 1982 Hakoah Club car bombing and the simultaneous attack on the Israeli consulate, arguing Jewish Australians have lived with this threat for over 40 years.​
• They say successive governments failed to hammer home a core Australian expectation: migrants must not import centuries‑old religious or ethnic hatreds into their new home.​
• 23:05 – Segal anti‑Semitism strategy and hate‑speech laws
• They briefly canvass the Gillian Segal anti‑Semitism strategy; Jack dismisses it as “word salad” and window dressing, while Joel notes the government has been slow to act on its recommendations.​
• On hate‑speech laws, Jack argues bans on offensive political opinions tend to drive hatred underground and make it more dangerous, but both agree incitement to violence must remain a prosecutable offence, possibly with updated legislation.​
• 26:00 – Policing protests and the limits of crowd control
• The Jacks explain why police sometimes tolerate ugly slogans at protests: wading in for arrests can inflame crowds that already vastly outnumber officers.​
• They stress the need to balance immediate public safety and officer safety with the longer‑term risk that demonstrators feel they can incite hatred with impunity.​
• 29:00 – Bondi’s stain and its heroes
• Joel laments that Bondi Beach, an iconic Australian destination, will now always be associated with a massacre, describing a moment of nausea as the death toll climbed on that Sunday night.​
• Jack reminisces about Bondi’s 1990s mix of Kiwis, working‑class locals and a relaxed Jewish presence, and fears that openness has been permanently damaged.​
• 32:05 – Old‑school cop and a Syrian‑Australian hero
• They praise the middle‑aged, tie‑wearing NSW officer who initiated the “beginning of the end” of the attack and commend off‑duty police who rushed to Bondi and threw on uniforms.​
• Joel celebrates North Bondi tobacconist Al Ahmad, a Syrian‑born resident who tackled the gunman with astonishing courage, noting he now seems certain to receive Australian citizenship along with his parents.​
• 35:10 – Patrol strength, long guns and local station realities
• The Jacks relay reports that only three officers were on duty at Bondi police station, which Joel describes as a relatively minor station compared to Rose Bay or Maroubra.​
• They question why frontline police responding to long‑gun threats were not issued rifles of their own and suggest NSW should review access to long arms for first responders in high‑risk scenarios.​
• 38:00 – Multiculturalism, old enmities and what really matters next
• Jack argues that, in an immigrant nation, the most important response is cultural: reinstilling the norm that old tribal feuds must be left behind, not accommodated.​
• Joel agrees this message should be central in citizenship education and public rhetoric, more important than technocratic hate‑speech tweaks or reactive gun‑law posturing.​
• 42:05 – National Cabinet, ASIO and the demand for competence
• They criticise the National Cabinet’s muted post‑Bondi meeting, which produced little beyond talk, and suggest the Prime Minister’s cautious style leaves a leadership vacuum in national crises.​
• The Jacks insist Australians accept that security agencies cannot be omniscient, but say they must be properly resourced, competent and transparent when they make mistakes.​
• 45:25 – Around the world: headscarves, condoms, climate and Reddit vs Canberra
• The Jacks whip around global headlines: Austria’s ban on headscarves for under‑14s, China’s 13% tax on condoms and contraceptives to boost fertility, Denmark listing the US as a security risk, and the US government quietly deleting “fossil fuels” as a named cause of climate change from official websites.​
• They note Reddit’s legal challenge to Australia’s under‑16 social media ban and question whether Reddit is the ideal platform to front that fight given its often unpoliced content.​
• 47:35 – Venezuela, the ICC and the limits of international law
• Venezuela moves to withdraw from the International Criminal Court as investigations into alleged Maduro‑regime crimes against humanity advance.​
• Jack says the episode encapsulates international law’s limits: states happily sign the Rome Statute until it becomes inconvenient, then walk away.​
• 48:55 – Ireland rearms and Russia blocks “unfriendly” calls
• Ireland announces a 55 per cent jump in defence spending to protect undersea data cables and deter drones, reflecting its geostrategic importance as a trans‑Atlantic communications hub.​
• Russia, meanwhile, moves to block incoming calls from “unfriendly” states; the Jacks mock the performative toughness and note how easily scammers will route around any such ban.​
• 51:15 – Rob Reiner’s murder and a towering film legacy
• They react with shock to the murder of legendary director Rob Reiner and his wife, allegedly by Reiner’s troubled son, whose earlier violence was itself the subject of a film.​
• Jack runs through Reiner’s extraordinary run—This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, Stand By Me, When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men—and argues that if you’d made only those, you’d still have had a remarkable career.​
• 54:45 – “This one goes to 11” and Trump’s gracelessness
• The Jacks recall how Spinal Tap helped invent the mockumentary form and embedded lines like “this one goes to 11” into pop‑culture vocabulary.​
• They condemn Donald Trump’s statement calling Reiner “a terrible human being” after his death, with conservative actor James Woods publicly rebuking Trump and praising Reiner’s personal kindness despite political differences.​
• 57:40 – Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks and comedy royalty
• Joel outlines Rob Reiner’s upbringing in a house full of comedic giants, with father Carl Reiner and close friend Mel Brooks holding weekly movie nights together well into old age, as captured in Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.​
• They reminisce about Carl and Mel’s influence on Jewish humour and lament the passing of a generation of comic geniuses.​
• 01:01:05 – EVs, hybrids and a Two Jacks lunch bet
• The Jacks revisit their running argument over electric vehicles, prompted by Ford CEO Jim Farley’s plan to pivot the F‑150 towards hybrids instead of pure EVs.​
• Joel, a hybrid owner, sees hybrids as a transition technology in countries like Australia where fast‑charge infrastructure is patchy; he cites global EV sales rising to roughly 18–20 per cent of new car sales in 2025, with internal‑combustion shares steadily shrinking.​
• 01:03:05 – Charging reality vs theory in Australia
• Joel recounts his in‑laws’ BMW EV trip from central Victoria to Sydney using free or cheap NRMA/RACV chargers, but notes fast chargers are often the first to break or get switched off by retailers facing high electricity costs.​
• They swap anecdotes about BYD and Chinese Maxus taxis—fast‑improving but sometimes uncomfortable—and admit they can no longer remember the exact terms of their EV lunch wager, though Joel insists Jack owes him.​
• 01:06:10 – Worst political year: Trump, Macron, Starmer, Albanese, Li, Putin
• The Jacks playfully debate which leader had the worst year—Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, Anthony Albanese, Chinese Premier Li or Vladimir Putin.​
• They characterise Albanese as the “Stephen Bradbury” of Australian politics, a cautious survivor whose luck and endurance have mattered as much as brilliance.​
• 01:18:40 – Ashes update: England’s fragile top order
• In a late segment, they revisit England’s Ashes woes: repeated collapses leaving them three‑for‑not‑many and a top three of Crawley, Duckett and Pope exposing the middle order to the new ball.​
• Joel notes England dropped a bowler as a scapegoat while leaving the misfiring batting unchanged, and questions how long they can justify Ollie Pope at three ahead of the more solid Will Jacks.​
• 01:21:15 – Hong Kong racing, Kooring Rising and Japanese fanboy jockeys
• Jack describes Hong Kong’s International Racing Day—four Group 1s and 80,000 people—and the rise of sprinter Kooring Rising, winner of The Everest and now on a long winning streak.​
• He shares footage from Japan’s Nakayama track where every jockey stopped circling and sat still so they could watch Kooring Rising’s race on the big screen, a measure of the horse’s star power.​
• 01:23:00 – Listener mail, Howard’s gun laws and the Shooters lobby
• Joel reads a note from listener Ray pointing out that 300 legally obtained guns are still attributed to “Howard’s gun laws”, reminding listeners gun‑law reform was necessary but later watered down under pressure from the Shooters and Fishers political lobby.​
• 01:24:00 – Christmas, loneliness and a surprise lunch guest
• The Jacks close with Christmas reflections: acknowledging how joyful and stressful the season can be, especially for those who are lonely or estranged from family.​
• Joel recalls his mother inviting a homeless man to Christmas lunch—an act of charity met with teenage grumbling from him and his brother—and urges listeners to look out for those doing it tough without necessarily going to that extreme.​
• 01:25:45 – Holiday plans and the show’s return in January
• Jack outlines Hanukkah parties and family Christmas plans in Hong Kong, while Joel describes a quieter Highlands Christmas with a Boxing Day visit from the grandkids.​
• They thank listeners for their support through 2025, wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and promise to return in the second week of January after a short break.​
• 
  
• 
  
• 00:25 – Hanukkah, Bondi and a terror attack
• Joel (Jack the Insider) opens the Christmas‑eve episode by recounting the Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach that turned into a mass‑shooting, with 16 dead including Holocaust survivor Alex Kleitman and 10‑year‑old Matilda.​
• He notes that one gunman, Sajid Akram, was killed and his son Naveed faces 59 charges including 15 murders and a terrorism offence, while funerals proceed under a cloud of grief.​
• 02:05 – Anti‑Semitic threats and the rise of Jew hatred
• The Jacks detail an anti‑Semitic threat on a Virgin Australia flight from Denpasar to Sydney, where a 19‑year‑old allegedly made violent gestures and threats toward a Jewish passenger.​
• They discuss how contemporary anti‑Semitism in Australia and the West feels broader and deeper than before, increasingly visible on progressive and left‑wing fringes as well as the far right.​
• 04:55 – Jenny Leong’s “tentacles” remark and Greens politics
• Joel quotes NSW Greens MLC Jenny Leong’s 2023 comments about the “Jewish lobby” and “Zionist lobby” having “tentacles” infiltrating community groups, likening the rhetoric to classic Nazi tropes in Der Stürmer.​
• Jack notes Leong is part of NSW’s hard‑left “watermelon” Greens and argues such language shows how anti‑Jewish narratives have crept into mainstream progressive politics in Australia, the UK and the US.​
• 07:25 – Apologies, anti‑Zionism and the limits of definitions
• They note Leong apologised two months later for “poor choice of words” with anti‑Semitic implications, but Joel says the tentacle imagery hung “like a bad smell” over public debate.​
• The Jacks criticise semantic wrangling over definitions of anti‑Semitism and suggest calling much of it what it plainly is: old‑fashioned Jew hatred, often masked as anti‑Zionism.​
• 10:25 – Who failed after 7 October? Government responses under fire
• Jack argues federal and state leaders failed from “October 8th on” by not responding strongly enough to anti‑Jewish rhetoric and protests, suggesting Labor tried to balance Jewish concerns against Western Sydney Muslim votes.​
• Joel pushes back, citing Sean Carney’s column outlining how Naveed Akram’s jihadist associations, ASIO assessments and gun‑licence decisions date back to the Morrison/Dutton era and pre‑Albanese security failures.​
• 13:55 – ASIO, gun licensing and unanswered questions
• The Jacks highlight ASIO’s prior knowledge of Naveed’s extremist links and question how Sajid Akram obtained a semi‑automatic shotgun with only an AB licence when B/C categories are needed for that weapon.​
• They call for frank explanations from ASIO and NSW firearms licensing about assessments, paper trails and whether bureaucratic or resourcing failures allowed Akram to amass an arsenal worth around $30,000.​
• 17:55 – Under‑resourced counter‑terror units and a fearful Jewish community
• Joel cites a retired AFP counter‑terror investigator who says counter‑terror units are stacked with officers fresh out of the academy instead of seasoned detectives.​
• Jack reflects on three decades of Jewish institutions in Sydney’s east needing armed guards, and shares conversations with Jewish friends who now quietly contemplate leaving Australia because they no longer feel safe.​
• 20:35 – “Don’t bring your old hatreds here”
• The Jacks trace anti‑Jewish attacks in Sydney back to the 1982 Hakoah Club car bombing and the simultaneous attack on the Israeli consulate, arguing Jewish Australians have lived with this threat for over 40 years.​
• They say successive governments failed to hammer home a core Australian expectation: migrants must not import centuries‑old religious or ethnic hatreds into their new home.​
• 23:05 – Segal anti‑Semitism strategy and hate‑speech laws
• They briefly canvass the Gillian Segal anti‑Semitism strategy; Jack dismisses it as “word salad” and window dressing, while Joel notes the government has been slow to act on its recommendations.​
• On hate‑speech laws, Jack argues bans on offensive political opinions tend to drive hatred underground and make it more dangerous, but both agree incitement to violence must remain a prosecutable offence, possibly with updated legislation.​
• 26:00 – Policing protests and the limits of crowd control
• The Jacks explain why police sometimes tolerate ugly slogans at protests: wading in for arrests can inflame crowds that already vastly outnumber officers.​
• They stress the need to balance immediate public safety and officer safety with the longer‑term risk that demonstrators feel they can incite hatred with impunity.​
• 29:00 – Bondi’s stain and its heroes
• Joel laments that Bondi Beach, an iconic Australian destination, will now always be associated with a massacre, describing a moment of nausea as the death toll climbed on that Sunday night.​
• Jack reminisces about Bondi’s 1990s mix of Kiwis, working‑class locals and a relaxed Jewish presence, and fears that openness has been permanently damaged.​
• 32:05 – Old‑school cop and a Syrian‑Australian hero
• They praise the middle‑aged, tie‑wearing NSW officer who initiated the “beginning of the end” of the attack and commend off‑duty police who rushed to Bondi and threw on uniforms.​
• Joel celebrates North Bondi tobacconist Al Ahmad, a Syrian‑born resident who tackled the gunman with astonishing courage, noting he now seems certain to receive Australian citizenship along with his parents.​
• 35:10 – Patrol strength, long guns and local station realities
• The Jacks relay reports that only three officers were on duty at Bondi police station, which Joel describes as a relatively minor station compared to Rose Bay or Maroubra.​
• They question why frontline police responding to long‑gun threats were not issued rifles of their own and suggest NSW should review access to long arms for first responders in high‑risk scenarios.​
• 38:00 – Multiculturalism, old enmities and what really matters next
• Jack argues that, in an immigrant nation, the most important response is cultural: reinstilling the norm that old tribal feuds must be left behind, not accommodated.​
• Joel agrees this message should be central in citizenship education and public rhetoric, more important than technocratic hate‑speech tweaks or reactive gun‑law posturing.​
• 42:05 – National Cabinet, ASIO and the demand for competence
• They criticise the National Cabinet’s muted post‑Bondi meeting, which produced little beyond talk, and suggest the Prime Minister’s cautious style leaves a leadership vacuum in national crises.​
• The Jacks insist Australians accept that security agencies cannot be omniscient, but say they must be properly resourced, competent and transparent when they make mistakes.​
• 45:25 – Around the world: headscarves, condoms, climate and Reddit vs Canberra
• The Jacks whip around global headlines: Austria’s ban on headscarves for under‑14s, China’s 13% tax on condoms and contraceptives to boost fertility, Denmark listing the US as a security risk, and the US government quietly deleting “fossil fuels” as a named cause of climate change from official websites.​
• They note Reddit’s legal challenge to Australia’s under‑16 social media ban and question whether Reddit is the ideal platform to front that fight given its often unpoliced content.​
• 47:35 – Venezuela, the ICC and the limits of international law
• Venezuela moves to withdraw from the International Criminal Court as investigations into alleged Maduro‑regime crimes against humanity advance.​
• Jack says the episode encapsulates international law’s limits: states happily sign the Rome Statute until it becomes inconvenient, then walk away.​
• 48:55 – Ireland rearms and Russia blocks “unfriendly” calls
• Ireland announces a 55 per cent jump in defence spending to protect undersea data cables and deter drones, reflecting its geostrategic importance as a trans‑Atlantic communications hub.​
• Russia, meanwhile, moves to block incoming calls from “unfriendly” states; the Jacks mock the performative toughness and note how easily scammers will route around any such ban.​
• 51:15 – Rob Reiner’s murder and a towering film legacy
• They react with shock to the murder of legendary director Rob Reiner and his wife, allegedly by Reiner’s troubled son, whose earlier violence was itself the subject of a film.​
• Jack runs through Reiner’s extraordinary run—This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, Stand By Me, When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men—and argues that if you’d made only those, you’d still have had a remarkable career.​
• 54:45 – “This one goes to 11” and Trump’s gracelessness
• The Jacks recall how Spinal Tap helped invent the mockumentary form and embedded lines like “this one goes to 11” into pop‑culture vocabulary.​
• They condemn Donald Trump’s statement calling Reiner “a terrible human being” after his death, with conservative actor James Woods publicly rebuking Trump and praising Reiner’s personal kindness despite political differences.​
• 57:40 – Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks and comedy royalty
• Joel outlines Rob Reiner’s upbringing in a house full of comedic giants, with father Carl Reiner and close friend Mel Brooks holding weekly movie nights together well into old age, as captured in Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.​
• They reminisce about Carl and Mel’s influence on Jewish humour and lament the passing of a generation of comic geniuses.​
• 01:01:05 – EVs, hybrids and a Two Jacks lunch bet
• The Jacks revisit their running argument over electric vehicles, prompted by Ford CEO Jim Farley’s plan to pivot the F‑150 towards hybrids instead of pure EVs.​
• Joel, a hybrid owner, sees hybrids as a transition technology in countries like Australia where fast‑charge infrastructure is patchy; he cites global EV sales rising to roughly 18–20 per cent of new car sales in 2025, with internal‑combustion shares steadily shrinking.​
• 01:03:05 – Charging reality vs theory in Australia
• Joel recounts his in‑laws’ BMW EV trip from central Victoria to Sydney using free or cheap NRMA/RACV chargers, but notes fast chargers are often the first to break or get switched off by retailers facing high electricity costs.​
• They swap anecdotes about BYD and Chinese Maxus taxis—fast‑improving but sometimes uncomfortable—and admit they can no longer remember the exact terms of their EV lunch wager, though Joel insists Jack owes him.​
• 01:06:10 – Worst political year: Trump, Macron, Starmer, Albanese, Li, Putin
• The Jacks playfully debate which leader had the worst year—Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, Anthony Albanese, Chinese Premier Li or Vladimir Putin.​
• They characterise Albanese as the “Stephen Bradbury” of Australian politics, a cautious survivor whose luck and endurance have mattered as much as brilliance.​
• 01:18:40 – Ashes update: England’s fragile top order
• In a late segment, they revisit England’s Ashes woes: repeated collapses leaving them three‑for‑not‑many and a top three of Crawley, Duckett and Pope exposing the middle order to the new ball.​
• Joel notes England dropped a bowler as a scapegoat while leaving the misfiring batting unchanged, and questions how long they can justify Ollie Pope at three ahead of the more solid Will Jacks.​
• 01:21:15 – Hong Kong racing, Kooring Rising and Japanese fanboy jockeys
• Jack describes Hong Kong’s International Racing Day—four Group 1s and 80,000 people—and the rise of sprinter Kooring Rising, winner of The Everest and now on a long winning streak.​
• He shares footage from Japan’s Nakayama track where every jockey stopped circling and sat still so they could watch Kooring Rising’s race on the big screen, a measure of the horse’s star power.​
• 01:23:00 – Listener mail, Howard’s gun laws and the Shooters lobby
• Joel reads a note from listener Ray pointing out that 300 legally obtained guns are still attributed to “Howard’s gun laws”, reminding listeners gun‑law reform was necessary but later watered down under pressure from the Shooters and Fishers political lobby.​
• 01:24:00 – Christmas, loneliness and a surprise lunch guest
• The Jacks close with Christmas reflections: acknowledging how joyful and stressful the season can be, especially for those who are lonely or estranged from family.​
• Joel recalls his mother inviting a homeless man to Christmas lunch—an act of charity met with teenage grumbling from him and his brother—and urges listeners to look out for those doing it tough without necessarily going to that extreme.​
• 01:25:45 – Holiday plans and the show’s return in January
• Jack outlines Hanukkah parties and family Christmas plans in Hong Kong, while Joel describes a quieter Highlands Christmas with a Boxing Day visit from the grandkids.​
• They thank listeners for their support through 2025, wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and promise to return in the second week of January after a short break.​

00:25 – Christmas in Hong Kong, KFC in Japan

Joel (Jack the Insider) opens Episode 138 and checks in with Jack (Hong Kong Jack) about Hong Kong’s love of Christmas shopping, surreal mall installations and the absence of nativity scenes, before detouring to Japan’s KFC-at-Christmas tradition.​

01:50 – Australia’s world‑first social media ban for under‑16s

The Jacks unpack the new national ban on social media for under‑16s, the generational politics of Gen Alpha kids and millennial parents, and the “pick up a book, go for a bike ride” messaging from Anthony Albanese and Julie Inman Grant.​

They read out Vox pops about kids discovering life without apps, YouTube‑driven body image issues, and the early scramble to alternative chat and file‑sharing apps like LemonAid.​

05:35 – Social engineering, High Court challenge and mental health concerns

They describe the policy as a conscious piece of social engineering aimed at reshaping youth culture over a decade, and note the High Court challenge led by the Digital Freedom Movement and Libertarian MLC John Ruddick.​

Beyond Blue, Headspace, ReachOut and the Black Dog Institute warn about cutting off access to online mental‑health support, as the Jacks weigh the internet’s harms against the value of peer support communities for young people.​

09:35 – Enforcement gaps, workarounds and parental resistance

The Jacks discuss uneven implementation, with some under‑16s apparently still able to access Facebook and Instagram while other apps are wiped, and a rush into less‑regulated platforms.​

They note reports that up to a third of parents will quietly help kids stay online and float the idea of a nationwide “kitchen‑table” style forum to help parents understand the risks and responsibilities around kids’ social media use.​

12:00 – A social experiment the world is watching

They canvas overseas interest, with Denmark, Spain and others eyeing bans at 15 rather than 16, and Sarah Ferguson’s description of Australia’s move as a live “social experiment” whose results are very much unknown.​

13:05 – Richo’s state funeral and the dark arts of NSW Labor Right

The conversation turns to Graham “Richo” Richardson’s state funeral, his reputation as Labor’s master organiser and electoral numbers man, and his long life “on the public purse”.​

Joel recounts Richo’s link to Balmain Welding and Stan “Standover” Smith, arguing that New South Wales Labor Right’s success always had a darker underbelly.​

15:10 – Paul Brereton, the NACC and conflicts of interest

They examine National Anti‑Corruption Commission boss Paul Brereton’s updated disclosures about his ongoing work with the Inspector‑General of the ADF and Afghanistan war‑crimes inquiries, revealed via FOI.​

The Jacks question whether someone so intertwined with Defence can credibly oversee corruption matters touching Defence acquisitions, and whether carving out whole domains from his remit makes his appointment untenable.​

18:25 – A quiet NACC, no perp walks and media theatre

The Jacks note how quietly the NACC has operated in Canberra—“blink and you’d miss them”—with none of the televised “perp walks” beloved of New South Wales ICAC coverage.​

Jack welcomes the absence of media spectacle; Joel admits to missing the grimace‑through‑the‑cameras moment as accused figures run the gauntlet.​

19:50 – Victorian youth vote turns on Labor

New polling of 18–34‑year‑olds in Victoria shows Labor’s vote down 11 points to 28 per cent and the Coalition’s up 17 points to 37 per cent, with the Greens steady at 20 per cent.​

The Jacks argue the Victorian Labor government looks to be in terminal decline, discuss leadership options for Jacinta Allan, and canvass how quickly preference “cascades” can flip a long‑term government once momentum turns.​

22:15 – Green exports vs coal, Treasury modelling under fire

They dissect Treasury modelling which suggests “green exports” (critical minerals, rare earths, battery inputs) will surpass coal and gas within a decade, and note scepticism from former Treasury official and now CBA chief economist Stephen Yeaman.​

The Jacks highlight International Energy Agency updates showing coal demand in key markets staying high, and the reality that renewables growth is largely meeting new demand rather than cutting deeply into existing coal and gas use.​

25:05 – Coal to 2049 and the reality of the grid

Jack points to Australian market operator projections that coal will remain in the domestic mix until at least 2049, while Joel questions which ageing coal plants will physically survive that long without new builds.​

They agree modelling must continually be revised against actual demand profiles in China, India, Indonesia and elsewhere, where coal still supplies half or more of electricity.​

27:20 – 30‑year suppression orders and transparency

The Jacks shift to a 30‑year suppression order over evidence behind Tanya Plibersek’s decision to block a $1 billion coal mine until 2055, and more broadly the proliferation of long‑term suppression orders in Australia.​

They criticise the over‑use of secrecy in both environmental and criminal matters, arguing it breeds suspicion that justice and accountability can be bought by the wealthy.​

28:25 – The “prominent family” sexual assault case in Victoria

Without naming the individual, they discuss a Victorian case involving the convicted son of a prominent family whose identity remains suppressed even after guilty findings for serious sexual offences.​

They worry that blanket suppression encourages rumour, misidentification and a sense that powerful people get special treatment, even when protection of victims is a legitimate concern.​

30:05 – From undercover cop to gangland wars: how secrecy backfires

Joel revisits an NSW example where an undercover police officer’s drink‑driving conviction was suppressed for 55 years, and Melbourne gangland cases where key cooperating witnesses remained pseudonymous for decades.​

The Jacks argue that when authorities create information vacuums, gossip and conspiracy inevitably rush in to fill the space.​

33:50 – MP expenses, family reunion travel and Annika Wells’ bad day out

They turn to MPs’ entitlements and “family reunion” travel: Annika Wells’ ski‑trip optics and poor press conference performance, Don Farrell’s extensive family travel, and Sarah Hanson‑Young’s $50,000 in family travel for her lobbyist husband.​

While acknowledging how hard federal life is—especially for WA MPs—they question where legitimate family support ends and taxpayer‑funded lifestyle begins.​

37:05 – Why family reunion perks exist (and how they’re abused)

The Jacks recall the tragic case of Labor MP Greg Wilton as a driver for more generous family travel rules, given the emotional cost of long separations.​

They conclude the system is necessary but ripe for exploitation, and note the Coalition’s relatively muted response given its own exposure to the same rules.​

39:15 – Diplomatic drinks trolleys: London, New York and the UN

Joel notes Stephen Smith’s stint as High Commissioner in London—the “ultimate drinks trolley” of Australian diplomacy—and his replacement by former SA Premier Jay Weatherill.​

Jack mentions Smith’s reputation for being stingy with hospitality at Australia House, in contrast to the traditionally lavish networking role of London and New York postings.​

40:40 – Barnaby Joyce joins One Nation

The big domestic political move: Barnaby Joyce’s shift from the Nationals to One Nation, including his steak‑on‑a‑sandwich‑press dinner with Pauline Hanson.​

The Jacks canvass whether Joyce runs again in New England or heads for the Senate, and the anger among New England voters who may feel abandoned.​

42:25 – One Nation’s growth, branch‑building and Pauline’s future

They dig into polling from Cos Samaras suggesting 39 per cent of Coalition voters say they’d be more likely to vote One Nation if Joyce led the party, and the risk of the Coalition following the UK Tories into long‑term decline.​

The Jacks note One Nation’s organisational maturation—building actual branches and volunteer networks in NSW and Queensland—and wonder whether Pauline Hanson herself now caps the party’s potential.​

45:20 – Kemi Badenoch, a revived UK Conservative Party and Reform’s ceiling

Attention swings to the UK, with fresh polling showing Labour slumping to the high teens, the Conservatives recovering into the high teens/low 20s, and Reform polling in the mid‑20s to low‑30s depending on the firm.​

They credit new Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for lifting morale by dominating Keir Starmer at the despatch box, but caution that Reform’s rise may still be more protest than durable realignment.​

49:45 – Fragmenting party systems in Europe and the UK

Drawing on Michael Gove’s comments, the Jacks sketch the new “four‑party” pattern across Europe—radical left/Green, social democratic, Christian Democrat centre‑right, and populist right—and argue the UK is slowly following suit.​

They suggest both Labour and the Conservatives can no longer comfortably absorb all votes on their respective sides of politics, with Reform and Greens carving out durable niches.​

53:05 – US seizes a Venezuelan tanker, Trump calls it the “biggest ever”

The Jacks look at the US Coast Guard’s seizure of a sanctioned Venezuelan oil tanker accused of moving Venezuelan and Iranian oil in support of foreign terrorist groups.​

Joel notes Trump’s boast that it’s “the largest tanker ever seized”, while quoting Pam Bondi’s more sober explanation of the sanctions basis.​

54:45 – Five years of social media to enter the US?

They examine a Trump‑era proposal to require even visa‑waiver travellers to provide five years of social media history before entering the United States.​

The Jacks question the logistical feasibility, highlight the trend of travellers using “burner phones” for US trips, and argue measures like this would severely damage American tourism.​

57:10 – SCOTUS, independent agencies and presidential power

The Jacks discuss a pending US Supreme Court case about whether presidents can hire and fire the heads of independent agencies at will, with even liberal justices expressing sympathy for expansive executive authority.​

They link this to a broader global question: how much power should be handed from elected ministers to expert regulators, and how hard it is to claw that power back once delegated.​

01:00:25 – Trump’s national security strategy and an abandoned Europe

They turn to the Trump administration’s new national security strategy framing Europe as both security dependent and economic competitor, and signalling an end to automatic US security guarantees.​

The Jacks describe openly hostile rhetoric from Trump figures like J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio towards Europe, and portray it as part of a broader American drift into isolationism as China and Russia advance.​

01:02:20 – Europe rearms: Germany, Poland and conscription talk

The conversation moves to European responses: big defence spending increases in Poland and Germany, and German plans to assess 18‑year‑olds for potential limited conscription.​

Joel argues Europe may need to build its own strategic table rather than rely on a fickle US ally, while Jack stresses serious military capability is the price of a genuine seat at any table.​

01:03:50 – Biden, the border and a blown political call

The Jacks examine a New York Times reconstruction of how the Biden administration mishandled southern border migration, from 75,000 encounters in January 2021 to 169,000 by March.​

They say Biden officials badly underestimated both the scale of migration and the law‑and‑order backlash, including resentment from migrants who followed legal pathways.​

01:07:05 – Migration then and now: Ellis Island vs the Rio Grande

Jack recounts Ellis Island’s history: the small but real share of arrivals turned back at ship‑owners’ expense, and how many migrants later returned home despite being admitted.​

They contrast a heavily regulated, ship‑based 19th‑century system with today’s chaotic mix of asylum flows, cartels and porous borders, and argue that simple “open borders” rhetoric ignores complex trade‑offs.​

01:09:55 – Americans know their ancestry, and that shapes the debate

Joel notes how many Americans can precisely trace family arrival via Ellis Island, unlike many Australians who have fuzzier family histories.​

He suggests this deep personal connection to immigration history partly explains the emotional intensity around contemporary migration and ICE enforcement.​

01:10:30 – Ashes 2–0: Neeser’s five‑for and Lyon’s omission

Sport time: Australia go 2–0 up in the Ashes with an eight‑wicket win at the Gabba.​

The big call is leaving Nathan Lyon out for Michael Neser; the Jacks weigh Nesser’s match‑turning 5/42 and clever use of Alex Carey standing up to the stumps against the loss of a front‑line spinner over key periods.​

01:11:55 – Basball meets Australian conditions

They discuss the limits of “Bazball” in Australia, praising Stokes and Will Jacks’ rearguard while noting most English batters failed to adapt tempo to match situation.​

Jack cites past blueprints for winning in Australia—long, draining innings from Alastair Cook, Cheteshwar Pujara and Rahul Dravid—that hinge on time at the crease rather than constant aggression.​

01:15:05 – Keepers compared: Alex Carey vs England’s gloves

Joel hails Carey’s performance as possibly the best keeping he’s seen from an Australian in a single Test, including brilliant work standing up to the seamers and a running catch over Marnus Labuschagne.​

They contrast this with England’s struggling keeper, question whether Ben Foakes should have been summoned, and note Carey’s age probably rules him out as a future Test captain despite his leadership qualities.​

01:17:05 – England’s bowling woes and Jofra Archer’s limits

The English attack looks potent in short bursts, especially Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, but lacks the endurance to bowl long, hostile spells over a five‑day Test in Australian conditions.​

Archer hasn’t bowled more than 10 overs in an international match for over two years, and the Jacks argue that’s showing late in games as speeds drop and discipline wanes.​

01:25:45 – World Cup 2026: Trump’s “peace medal”, Craig Foster’s critique

Switching codes to football, they note FIFA awarding Donald Trump a “peace” medal ahead of the 2026 World Cup and his delight in placing it on himself.​

Craig Foster attacks world football for embracing a US president he accuses of human‑rights abuses, prompting the Jacks to point out FIFA’s recent World Cups in Russia and Qatar hardly make it a moral authority.​

01:27:20 – Seattle’s Pride match… Iran vs Egypt

Jack tells the story of Seattle’s local government declaring its allocated World Cup game a Pride match, only to discover the fixture will be Iran vs Egypt—two teams whose governments are unlikely to embrace that framing.​

01:27:55 – Stadiums in the desert and the cost of spectacle

Joel reflects on vast, underused stadiums in the Gulf built for the World Cup and now often almost empty, using a low‑attendance cricket game in Abu Dhabi as an example of mega‑event over‑build.​

01:29:05 – Wrapping up and previewing the final show of 2025

The Jacks close Episode 138 by flagging one more episode before Christmas, thanking listeners for feedback—especially stories around the social media ban—and promising to return with more politics, law and sport next week.​a

Show Notes with Time‑Shifted Timestamps

(All timestamps below have been shifted forward by 25 seconds to allow for theme music, as requested.)

00:00 – Welcome, Cricket and the Pink Ball at the Gabba

• 00:00:25 – Jack the Insider (Joel Hill) opens episode 137 of The Two Jacks and notes they’re recording just after midday on 4 December.
• 00:00:36 – Quick chat about the looming day–night Test at the Gabba and the prospect it could finish very quickly.
• 00:00:44 – Hong Kong Jack explains why dusk session timings in Hong Kong line up perfectly with “Asahi o’clock”.
• 00:01:07 – The Jacks wonder which pink ball is in use – Duke or Kookaburra – and what that means for Mitchell Starc and the batters.
• 00:01:30 – They flag that full cricket chat will come later in the episode.

Tai Po Fire, Mourning and Accountability in Hong Kong

• 00:01:53 – Jack the Insider pivots from sport to tragedy: an update on the Tai Po (Typo) fire in Hong Kong, now with 159 dead, from ages 1 to 97.
• 00:02:07 – Hong Kong Jack describes the government‑ordered three‑day citywide mourning period, mass flower layings, official ceremonies and a three‑minute silence.
• 00:02:35 – Discussion of schools cancelling Christmas parties and staff functions in solidarity; a sense the tragedy is being taken seriously across society.
• 00:02:55 – Hong Kong Jack outlines the judge‑led inquiry: not only into the Tai Po fire’s causes, but also systemic issues in building management and renovation contracts on large estates, with hints of corruption.
• 00:03:30 – Evidence emerging that the green construction cloth lacked proper fire retardant and that flammable materials were used to seal lift wells, helping the fire move inside.
• 00:04:23 – Bodies, including one man, found in stairwells and lobbies; Hong Kong Jack cautions against jumping to conclusions before investigators reconstruct the fire.
• 00:04:53 – Arrest tally climbs to around 12, mostly consultants/contractors involved in management and renovations rather than labourers.
• 00:05:35 – Hong Kong Jack notes large numbers of displaced residents in hotels and temporary accommodation and outlines generous government payments to families of foreign domestic workers killed (about HKD 800,000 per family).
• 00:06:05 – A harrowing vignette: a Javanese truck driver receives a final phone call from his wife, trapped with her employers’ baby, seeking forgiveness because there is no escape.
• 00:06:35 – The Jacks reflect on the horror of the story and promise to revisit the inquiry as more facts emerge.

Australia’s Under‑16 Social Media Restrictions & VPNs

• 00:06:50 – Jack the Insider turns to domestic Australian politics: the under‑16 social media restrictions about to kick in.
• 00:07:05 – He notes overwhelming parental support (around 80%) but says the government is now “hosing down expectations” and reframing the policy as a long‑term “cultural change” effort.
• 00:07:30 – Platforms not yet on the restricted list – Roblox and Discord – are flagged as problematic globally for child sexual exploitation, illustrating rollout gaps.
• 00:08:05 – They discuss technical enforcement: existing account age data, length of time on a platform and the likelihood that some adults will be wrongly flagged but quickly reinstated.
• 00:08:35 – Jack the Insider explains the government’s theory of cultural change: a generation that grows up never having had TikTok or Instagram under 16 “won’t know what they’re missing”.
• 00:09:00 – Hong Kong Jack compares Australia to mainland China’s efforts to control the internet and points out China still can’t stamp out VPN usage, predicting similar Australian difficulties.
• 00:09:25 – Jack the Insider clarifies that VPNs are not illegal in Australia; about 27% of connected Australians already use one, probably now closer to a third.
• 00:09:55 – He strongly recommends everyone use a VPN for privacy and location masking, and warns that good VPNs now explicitly advise not to choose Australia as an exit node because of the new regime.
• 00:11:00 – They note that Malaysia and several European countries (Denmark, Spain, France and EU initiatives) are eyeing similar under‑age social media restrictions, with large fines (Australia’s up to about AUD 50 million or 1% of turnover).
• 00:12:20 – Meta is already scanning and booting under‑age users, but teenagers are sharing tips on evading age checks. Jack the Insider describes various age‑verification methods: selfie‑based AI checks, account age, and Roblox’s move to ban under‑15s.
• 00:13:45 – Anecdote about Macau security doing ID checks: Hong Kong Jack’s son is checked for being over 21, while Jack’s own age makes ID unnecessary—an amusing generational moment.
• 00:14:55 – The Jacks agree the policy is unlikely to stop kids having TikTok accounts but might “nudge” behaviour toward less screen time.
• 00:16:00 – Jack the Insider stresses the real dangers of the internet—particularly organised child sexual exploitation rings like the notorious “764” network—and questions whether blunt prohibition can solve these issues.

Bruce Lehrmann, Appeals and Costs

• 00:18:22 – They move to the Bruce Lehrmann defamation saga: his appeal has failed and he’s likely millions of dollars in debt.
• 00:18:45 – Discussion of the prospect of a High Court appeal, the low likelihood of leave being granted, and the sense that further appeals are “good money after bad”.
• 00:19:22 – Jack the Insider notes outstanding criminal charges against Lehrmann in Toowoomba relating to an alleged statutory rape, and outlines the allegation about removing a condom after earlier consensual sex.
• 00:20:07 – They discuss the probable difficulty of prosecuting that case, and then pivot to the practical question: who is funding Lehrmann’s ongoing legal adventures?
• 00:20:35 – Hong Kong Jack explains why some lawyers or firms may take on such cases for profile, despite poor prospects of payment, and they canvass talk of crowdfunding efforts.
• 00:21:07 – The Jacks agree Lehrmann should have left the public stage after the criminal trial was discontinued; now, bankruptcy in 2026 looks likely.
• 00:21:58 – Limited sympathy for Channel 10 or Lisa Wilkinson; more sympathy reserved for Brittany Higgins and Fiona Brown, who are seen as exceptions in an otherwise “pretty ordinary” cast.

NACC, Commissioner Brereton and Conflicts of Interest

• 00:23:24 – The Jacks turn to the National Anti‑Corruption Commission (NACC) and Commissioner Paul Brereton’s side work for Defence.
• 00:24:03 – Hong Kong Jack recounts Senate Estimates footage where officials first claimed Brereton’s Defence consulting work occurred outside NACC hours, then later admitted more than ten instances (possibly close to 20) during NACC office time.
• 00:25:25 – Discussion of conflict‑of‑interest: the Commissioner maintaining a paid Defence relationship while heading the body that may need to investigate Defence.
• 00:25:57 – The Jacks question the tenability of his position, especially given the NACC’s opaque nature, its minimal public reporting obligations and a salary around AUD 800k–900k plus expenses.

The Struggling Australian and Global Economy, Productivity and ANZ

• 00:26:20 – Jack the Insider outlines Australia’s sluggish economy: inflation remains sticky, GDP growth is flat, and government spending is driving much of the growth.
• 00:27:00 – They discuss a small, tentative rise in productivity (around 0.2% for the quarter) and the Treasurer’s caution that productivity figures are volatile.
• 00:27:57 – Hong Kong Jack stresses that historically, economies escape malaise through productivity‑driven growth; there is no easy alternative, in Australia or globally.
• 00:28:23 – Broader global picture: the US isn’t in outright recession but is crawling; Europe is sluggish; Poland is a rare bright spot but rapid growth brings its own risks.

ANZ and Post‑Royal Commission Failures

• 00:28:54 – Focus shifts to ANZ’s continuing governance and compliance failures after the Banking Royal Commission.
• 00:29:30 – Jack the Insider shares a personal story about dealing with ANZ’s deceased estates department following his mother and stepfather’s deaths and the difficulty in releasing funds to pay for funerals.
• 00:30:20 – Justice Jonathan Beach’s scathing remarks: ANZ is still mishandling deceased estates, charging fees and interest to dead customers, despite years of warnings.
• 00:31:34 – They recall Royal Commission revelations about “fees for no service” and charging the dead, plus ANZ’s recent exclusion from certain Commonwealth bond business due to rorting.
• 00:32:12 – The Jacks see this as a clear culture problem: five years on, the basics still aren’t fixed, suggesting inadequate investment in compliance and little genuine reform.

UK Justice Backlog and Curtailing Jury Trials

• 00:33:05 – The conversation moves to the UK’s proposal to restrict jury trials for offences likely to attract less than a two‑year sentence.
• 00:33:35 – Hong Kong Jack notes the English historical attachment to jury trials dating back to Magna Carta, and that defendants have long had the right to opt for a jury if imprisonment is possible.
• 00:34:38 – Justice Minister David Lammy, once a fierce critic of similar Tory proposals, is now advancing the idea himself, creating a political shambles.
• 00:35:02 – They weigh up pros and cons of judge‑only trials for complex financial crimes, where juries may struggle to follow long, technical evidence.
• 00:36:10 – Jack the Insider points out that even judges can find such cases difficult, but there is at least some expertise advantage.
• 00:36:22 – They revisit the Southport riots and harsh sentences for people inciting attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers, arguing that common‑sense community judgment via juries may be better in such politically charged cases.
• 00:37:26 – Ultimately, they doubt the reforms will meaningfully reduce the UK’s huge court backlog and see it as another noisy but ineffective response.

Ethics in Politics, Misleading Voters and the “Ethics Czar” Problem

• 00:39:21 – Discussion moves to the UK budget, alleged “black holes” and whether the Chancellor misled voters about a AUD 22 billion‑equivalent gap.
• 00:40:14 – They examine calls for the Prime Minister’s ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, to rule on ministerial truthfulness, and Hong Kong Jack’s discomfort with handing moral judgment to “anointed officials”.
• 00:40:51 – The Jacks argue accountability should rest with Parliament and ultimately voters, not appointed ethics czars, whether in the Johnson era or now.
• 00:41:36 – In Australia, Tony Burke’s handling of “ISIS brides” returning to Australia is cited: he asked officials to leave a meeting so he could talk politically with constituents. The Jacks see this as legitimate hard‑headed politics in a very complex area rather than an ethical scandal.
• 00:43:03 – Jack the Insider defends the principle that Australian citizenship must mean something, especially for children of ISIS‑linked families; stripping citizenship or abandoning citizens overseas can be a dangerous precedent.
• 00:44:08 – Anecdotes segue into a broader reflection: politicians have always misled voters to some extent. They quote stories about Huey Long and Graham Richardson’s defence of political lying.
• 00:45:24 – They swap observations about “tells” when leaders like Malcolm Turnbull or Julia Gillard were lying; Scott Morrison, they say, had no visible tell at all.
• 00:46:22 – Cabinet solidarity is framed as institutionally sanctioned lying: ministers must publicly back decisions they privately opposed, and yet the system requires that to function.

Ukraine War, Peace Efforts and Putin’s Rhetoric

• 00:46:42 – The Jacks discuss reports of draft peace deals between Ukraine, the US and Russia that Moscow rejected over wording and guarantees.
• 00:47:17 – Jack the Insider describes a gaunt Foreign Ministry spokesman, not Sergey Lavrov, delivering Russia’s objections, sparking rumours about Lavrov’s status.
• 00:47:56 – Putin goes on TV to reassure Russians they’re winning, threatens destruction of Europe if conflict escalates and claims territorial gains Russia doesn’t actually hold.
• 00:48:17 – Hong Kong Jack argues European fantasies of imposing a “strategic defeat” on Russia are unrealistic; retaking all occupied regions and Crimea would exact unbearable costs in lives and money.
• 00:49:33 – The Jacks infer that Putin will eventually need to “sell” a negotiated deal as a victory to his own public; his current bluster is partly domestic theatre.
• 00:49:50 – They note some odd, Trump‑like US talk of structuring peace as a “business deal” with economic incentives for Russia, which they find an odd fit for a brutal territorial war.

Trump’s Polling Collapse, Economic Credibility and 2026

• 00:50:13 – Attention turns to Donald Trump’s polling in his second term: his net approval is negative across all major polls, in some cases approaching minus 20.
• 00:51:04 – Jack the Insider highlights Trump’s recent promises of USD 2,000 cheques to every American plus no income tax—claims they see as fantastical and electorally risky when voters inevitably ask “where’s my money?”.
• 00:51:39 – They compare Trump’s denial of inflation and cost‑of‑living pressures to Biden’s earlier mistakes in minimising pain; telling people “everything’s cheaper now” when their lived experience contradicts that is politically fatal.
• 00:52:34 – Hong Kong Jack notes history shows that insisting things are fine when voters know they aren’t only accelerates your polling collapse.
• 00:53:02 – They briefly touch on a special election in Tennessee: a safe Trump district where the Republican margin has shrunk. They caution against over‑reading the result but note softening support.
• 00:54:14 – CNN’s Harry Enten is quoted: this has been Trump’s worst ten‑day polling run of the second term, with net approval among independents plunging to about minus 43 and a negative 34 on inflation.
• 00:55:15 – They speculate about what this means for the 2026 midterms: Trump won’t be on the ballot but will loom large. A future Republican president, they note, might still face governing without a Congressional majority.

Disability, Elite Colleges and the Accommodation Arms Race

• 00:56:07 – The Jacks discuss Derek Thompson’s forthcoming Atlantic piece on surging disability registrations at elite US colleges: more than 20% at Brown and Harvard, 34% at Amherst and 38% at Stanford.
• 00:57:10 – Hong Kong Jack explains how disability status yields exam and assessment advantages: extra time, flexible deadlines, better housing, etc., and why wealthy students are more likely to secure diagnoses.
• 00:57:48 – They cite intake breakdowns at one college: small numbers for visual/hearing disabilities, larger numbers for autism, neurological conditions and especially psychological or emotional disabilities—suggesting a big shift in what counts as disabling.
• 00:58:45 – Jack the Insider counters that many of these conditions were under‑diagnosed or ignored in the 1970s and 80s; growing recognition doesn’t automatically mean fraud.
• 00:59:40 – He brings in chronic conditions like ME/CFS: historically treated as malingering or “all in the head”, now increasingly accepted as serious and often disabling.
• 01:00:02 – Hong Kong Jack quotes a Stanford professor asking, “At what point can we say no? 50%? 60%?”—underlining institutional concern that the system can’t cope if a majority claim accommodations.
• 01:01:05 – They wrestle with the employer’s problem: how to interpret grades achieved with significant accommodations, and whether workplaces must also provide similar allowances.
• 01:02:21 – Jack the Insider’s answer is essentially yes: good employers should accommodate genuine disability, and it’s on applicants to be upfront. He stresses diversity of ability and that many high‑achieving disabled people are valuable hires.
• 01:03:40 – Hong Kong Jack remains more sceptical, shaped by long legal experience of people gaming systems, but agrees lawyers shouldn’t be the priestly class defining morality.

Cricket: India–South Africa, NZ–West Indies, BBL and the Gabba

• 01:04:25 – They pivot back to sport: a successful South African tour of India, including a series win in Tests and a 1–1 one‑day series with big hundreds from Virat Kohli, Gaikwad and Aiden Markram.
• 01:05:31 – Quick update on New Zealand’s Test against the West Indies in Christchurch, with New Zealand rebuilding in their second innings through Ravindra and Latham.

Women’s Cricket and Phoebe Litchfield

• 01:06:19 – Jack the Insider raves about the Sydney Thunder v Brisbane Heat game and singles out Phoebe Litchfield as the best women’s batter in the world: technically sound, not a slogger, scoring “runs for fun” and hailing from Orange.

Gabba Day–Night Test: Australia v England

• 01:06:50 – With Usman Khawaja out, they discuss the unchanged 12 and whether Bo Webster plays, potentially pushing Travis Head up to open.
• 01:07:39 – For England, Mark Wood hasn’t recovered; they bring in Will Jacks, a batting all‑rounder and part‑time spinner, to bolster the order but lose their fastest bowler.
• 01:08:11 – If you win the toss? Bat first, they say—if the conditions allow—and look to control the game with the bat for four hours or more.
• 01:08:44 – They caution that with recent heavy Queensland rain, the pitch could be juicy whether you bat first or second; the key is getting cricket on Saturday.
• 01:08:48 – Hong Kong Jack rates this as the best England attack to tour Australia in a long time, especially with Wood and Archer firing in Perth, although Archer’s pace dropped markedly in the second innings.
• 01:09:36 – They dissect England’s first‑Test collapse: at one stage it was an “unlosable” match according to Ponting and the stats, but reckless strokes from set batters (Duckett, Pope, Root, Brook) handed it back to Australia.
• 01:09:55 – Mitchell Starc’s extraordinary home day–night record—averaging around 17 with the pink ball—looms as a big factor.

Franchise Cricket, Empty Stadiums and Saving the Red‑Ball Game

• 01:12:11 – Jack the Insider describes watching the ILT20 in the UAE: near‑empty stands, disengaged fielders and an overall “soulless” spectacle aimed solely at TV viewers in South Asia and the Gulf.
• 01:13:49 – Despite his love of cricket, he worries this is a glimpse of the future if the longer formats aren’t protected and nurtured. He pleads, in effect, for saving Test and other red‑ball cricket from being cannibalised by anonymous franchise leagues.

Class and Cricket: Private Schools, Clubs and Stuart Broad

• 01:14:11 – The Jacks explore the class divide in English cricket: all but one of England’s Perth XI finished school at private schools; the sole exception is captain Ben Stokes, who grew up partly in New Zealand.
• 01:15:05 – In contrast, Australia’s pathway still runs largely through club cricket, though private schools with professional coaching (like Cranbrook) give some players a head start.
• 01:15:47 – Jack the Insider notes Sam Conscientious (Sam Constance / Cummins reference is implied) spending two years at Cranbrook, reflecting how elite schools build academies with ex‑first‑class coaches that state systems can’t match.
• 01:16:20 – They agree state‑school kids like the Waugh twins still come through club cricket, but in England, some top private schools effectively operate as de facto county academies.
• 01:17:31 – Anecdotes about Stuart Broad: a likeable “nepo baby” of former England player Chris Broad, who was toughened up by a formative season at Hoppers Crossing in Melbourne sub‑district cricket. Local players loved him.
• 01:18:20 – Hong Kong Jack recommends Broad’s appearance on The Front Bar as essential viewing for understanding his character and the cultural contrasts between English and Australian cricket.
• 01:18:40 – More class culture: Chris Cowdrey, briefly England captain, shows up in full whites and blazer to toss with Viv Richards in surf shorts and thongs. When Cowdrey starts reading out England’s XI, Viv cuts him off: “Mate, I don’t care who you play, it’s not going to make any difference.”

F1, Oscar Piastri’s Bad Luck and AFLW Glory

• 01:21:11 – Brief detour to Formula 1: Oscar Piastri’s season with McLaren seems dogged by terrible luck and questionable team decisions that have cost him a near‑certain championship.
• 01:21:57 – Jack the Insider reflects on how F1 drivers like Piastri have effectively been in vehicles since toddlerhood, climbing the ladder from go‑karts to supercars.
• 01:22:50 – They express hope he can clinch the title in the final race, but wryly note that F1 rarely grants fairytale endings.

AFLW

• 01:22:23 – AFLW: North Melbourne complete an undefeated season to win the premiership, comfortably beating Brisbane in the grand final.
• 01:23:07 – Hong Kong Jack praises it as the best AFLW season yet, with marked improvement in depth and skill across the competition. North remain the benchmark everyone else must chase.

Wrap‑Up, Tom Stoppard Anecdote and Season Timing

• 01:23:49 – The Jacks look ahead to watching the Gabba Test, beers on ice for Jack the Insider and the late Hong Kong dusk session for Hong Kong Jack.
• 01:24:01 – They note the death of playwright Tom Stoppard at 88 and share a favourite story: Spielberg offers him the Jaws screenplay; Stoppard declines because he’s writing a play—“actually for BBC Radio”.
• 01:25:11 – Final reflections on how Stoppard would have improved Jaws, then a note that the podcast will soon reach its final episodes for the year, with plans to feature listener feedback before a short summer break.
• 01:25:56 – Jack the Insider signs off, thanking listeners and Hong Kong Jack, and promises they’ll be back next week.

Jack looks at a theory on why there are fewer serial killers now than ever - is it because CBCo started brewing? Maybe true crime podcasters. But Jack has a theory.

ACIP under Kennedy have yanked the Hepatitis B Vaccine (HBV) recommendation which is going to give RFK Jr's death count a nudge - but the numbers will come long after he's dead. Does that mean he gets away with it? Probably.

Marco Rubio changes the official State Department font back to Times New Roman because Calibri is something something DEI. Is Calibri a bit gay? I suppose so?

In cooker update we look at Monica's massive flop and a few other things, basic housekeeping.

In SovCits we have a cracker of a story and it's predictably dumb. Speaking of predictably dumb, it's Babet this week and it's not very interesting.

Enjoy!

Possible Episode Titles

Bears, Budgets, and the Billion-Dollar Interface

The BOM Shell, Hong Kong Fires, and Pink Ball Tactics

Bamboo Scaffolds and Bureaucratic Blowouts

From the Kowloon Hills to the Gabba: Bears, Bombs, and Bazball

Episode Blurb

In Episode 136, Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack connect to discuss a tragic week in Hong Kong following a devastating fire in the New Territories. The Jacks dive deep into the bureaucracy back home, tearing apart the Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s "interface" upgrade that ballooned from $4 million to $94 million—a classic case of consultant heavy-lifting and public service decline.

The conversation spans the globe, touching on the underwhelming COP summit in Brazil, the "shambolic" UK Budget under Keir Starmer, and the curious bonhomie between Donald Trump and his political rivals. Plus, there are bears attacking in Japan and "wrench attacks" in Vancouver.

Finally, the boys turn their eyes to the Gabba for the Pink Ball Test. Can England bounce back? Is Travis Head the key? And who will take home the flag in the AFLW Grand Final?

Show Notes & Timestamps

[00:00:00] Tragedy in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Jack reports on the devastating fire in the New Territories with a death toll nearing 100. The boys discuss the history of the apartment blocks, the use of bamboo scaffolding in construction, and the grim reality of high-density living for the elderly.

[00:09:13] The Lantau Swim

A lighter note from HK: two swimmers tackle the waters around Lantau Island. The Jacks question the water quality near the Pearl River Delta.

[00:10:31] Victorian Politics: A New Hope?

Discussion on the polling boost for Victorian Liberal Leader Jess Wilson. Is the shine coming off the Labor government, and can the Liberals actually win the next state election?

[00:14:03] COP30 in Brazil

A wrap-up of the climate summit in Belém. The consensus? A lot of money spent for very little actionable result, and relief that Australia didn't drop a billion dollars hosting it.

[00:16:15] The BOM Website Fiasco

Joel tears into the Bureau of Meteorology’s upgrade. What was sold as a $4 million "interface" refresh has skyrocketed to $94 million. A broader discussion on the "consultancy disease" (Accenture, IBM) and the hollowing out of IT skills within the Australian Public Service.

[00:28:03] The Brittany Higgins Saga Continues

Analysis of Cameron Milner’s "Watergate" comments regarding Labor’s handling of the Fiona Brown and Linda Reynolds legal claims. The Jacks argue for a swift settlement and a fair go for Fiona Brown.

[00:35:10] Inflation & The Public Service

Inflation sticks at 3.5%, driven largely by government spending. Discussion on the massive expansion of the public service workforce under the current government and the lack of a "Peter Walsh-style" finance minister to curb spending.

[00:39:49] Ukraine, Russia, and the Peace Deal

The latest on the peace proposals. Is a "dirty deal" inevitable? The Jacks discuss Russia’s war economy, J.D. Vance’s peace plan, and why Poland’s military build-up is the model for the rest of Europe.

[00:51:37] UK Budget Shambles

Reaction to the Starmer Government’s budget. Leaks, "mansion taxes," and rising welfare bills for the "work-shy." Plus, Kemi Badenoch’s parliamentary performance compared to the Keating era.

[00:59:04] The BBC’s Funding Crisis

The "Beeb" blows a billion dollars as license fee cancellations soar. Joel and Jack discuss the archaic nature of the TV license fee compared to funding via general revenue.

[01:02:19] Bear Attacks in Japan

An unexpected crisis in Japan: Asiatic brown bears are moving from rural areas to urban centres, mauling nearly 200 people.

[01:05:39] Crypto Crime in "Hongcouver"

A violent "wrench attack" in British Columbia highlights the dangers of physical crypto theft. Joel muses on the future of encryption vs. supercomputers.

[01:08:58] US Politics: Trump & The "Fascist" Label

Donald Trump’s surprisingly civil meeting with NY political figures (Zohran Mamdani) despite previous name-calling. Plus, the dismissal of the James Comey and Letitia James indictments.

[01:18:19] Cricket: The Gabba Pink Ball Test

Previewing the Test Match. Can England recover from their Perth tactics? The debate over Scott Boland’s bowling, Mitchell Stark’s form, and why it’s time to call time on Usman Khawaja. The Jacks predict tactics for the swinging pink ball.

[01:28:41] India’s Coaching Woes

After a 2-0 drubbing by South Africa at home, Gautam Gambhir’s tenure is under the microscope.

[01:31:05] AFLW Grand Final Preview

Brisbane Lions vs. North Melbourne at Princes Park. North are on a historic winning streak, but can the Lions cause an upset?

[01:32:48] Racing & Offshore Betting

A look at the leakage of wagering revenue to offshore operators and James Packer’s recent comments on tax.

Can we legislate neo-nazis into nonexistence? Probably not. But it makes a great headline! While the new laws are specific to nazi ideology - what does that actually mean and who decides what that is? The cops or the courts. In the end, the process is the punishment and we have seen some very dubious applications of existing laws that are meant to target neo nazis and end up punishing people who clearly are not nazis. It doesn't really matter what the outcome of the court case is, defending a criminal charge sucks.

It is episode 200 which we should probably celebrate somehow but we will save that for next episode. Or we will forget. I don't know how many promises I have broken over the course of the podcast so I won't make this one. But good things are in the pipeline.

Enjoy!

We also check out how old Tredders is going. It's not great. To summarise, Port Adelaide asked him to apologise for his comments on our Jewish friends and he said no.

We take a quick look at the mountain of nazi news that has recently developed and bask in the schaudenfreude of the post Macquarie Street consequence festival. We recorded on Sunday so I have added a bit of an update on Matty Grutes who has had a absolute shit of a week. We look at some of the other dummies who thought the time was right to take off the mask. The time is never right to take off the mask! Get off twitter and touch some grass. People still hate nazis.

In SovCits we look at a previous SovCit who remains a bit SovCitty - Andrew Morton Garrett who is a very funny boy. A winemaker who may have sampled too much of his own product. He now owns Australia. Geez. Better not laugh at him I suppose. We mentioned him in episode 156 and hopefully we will pump out an episode on him. He really is hilarious.

And of course we have Pete - a man who recently dared go to the shops without shoes or a shirt, likely after a swim at the beach, and then made the truly sinister motion of putting his hands in his hair. As someone with very little hair this offends me on several levels, so I think it's completely reasonable what news.com.au decided to say about this tawdry affair. At the shops. Near a beach.

Enjoy!

Hosts: Joel Hill (Jack the Insider) & Hong Kong Jack

Episode Description

Join Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack as they dissect the Coalition's spectacular implosion, the Nationals' abandonment of net zero, and why Dennis Shanahan called this opposition "the worst in 40 years." Plus: Trump's approval hits rock bottom, US midterm election results send shockwaves, and why Ireland elected a grim president who toured Syria with Assad.

Timestamps & Show Notes

00:00:25 - Welcome & Oaks Day Chat

The Jacks kick off discussing Melbourne's Oaks Day and why it was always better than the Cup for racing enthusiasts. Hong Kong Jack shares a memorable story about a judge who mysteriously adjourned court so everyone could hit the track.​

00:02:39 - Coalition in Crisis: Net Zero Abandoned

The National Party abandons net zero emissions targets, putting enormous pressure on the Liberal Party. Dennis Shanahan declares this the "worst opposition in 40 years" after a horror question time where Alex Hawke couldn't understand basic parliamentary procedures.​

00:05:38 - South Australian Liberal Party Mass Exodus

Over 200 members quit the SA Liberal Party in protest of Susan Ley's leadership and failure to abandon net zero. The state branch, dominated by hard-right figures like Senator Alex Antic, has a history of internal bloodshed.​

00:07:33 - What Does Net Zero Actually Mean?

The Jacks discuss how net zero has become an "article of faith" for enough Australians to matter politically, even if most people can't define it. It essentially represents action on climate change in voters' minds.​

00:12:29 - Can Susan Ley Survive to Christmas?

Hong Kong Jack predicts Ley might not survive until Christmas as Liberal leader, noting the killing season is upon us with the last parliamentary sitting coming up. Her best chance? That nobody else wants the awful job.​

00:14:38 - The James Patterson Problem

Senator James Patterson is described as a rising star who actually reads his briefs, but he's stuck in the Senate. Finding him a safe House seat in Victoria is virtually impossible with Monash (the safest Liberal seat) held by only 4%.​

00:16:58 - Liberal Party: From Major to Minor

Jack the Insider argues we're witnessing the Liberal Party's descent from major to minor party status, not unlike what happened to the United Australia Party in 1943. With only 26 members in parliament and 24% primary vote, the party faces potential oblivion.​

00:18:34 - One Nation's Rise: 15-16% and Growing

One Nation's support has surged from 6% to 15-16%, with the party establishing branches across NSW and Queensland. The biggest threat isn't to the Liberals, but to the Nationals in mining-based seats like Hunter and Capricornia.​

00:21:46 - COP in Adelaide: A Billion Dollar Boondoggle?

The proposed Conference of the Parties climate summit in Adelaide carries a $1 billion price tag. Hong Kong Jack questions who would notice if it didn't happen "apart from the grifters."​

00:23:27 - National Anti-Corruption Commission Troubles

Commissioner Paul Brereton faces serious conflict of interest issues due to his Army Reserve role and involvement in Afghanistan war crimes inquiries. The commission operates largely in secret, disappointing those who wanted an ICAC-style public inquiry.​

00:28:23 - RoboDebt: Why No Criminal Charges?

Discussion of the SBS documentary on RoboDebt and why senior public servants who knew the scheme was illegal haven't faced criminal charges. Some even got promoted despite their roles in the scandal.​

00:30:19 - Bureau of Meteorology Website Disaster

The BOM's new website launched right before severe Queensland storms, leaving users unable to understand warnings. The acting CEO was dragged before Minister Murray Watt for a ritual flogging and awkward video apology.​

00:35:52 - "Free" Solar Power Announcement

Chris Bowen announces three hours of free solar power daily for homes with smart meters in NSW, SE Queensland, and SA. Hong Kong Jack calls it "smoke and mirrors" - really just an attempt to shift demand to low-usage periods.​

00:38:16 - Streaming Services Must Fund Aussie Content

New laws will require streaming platforms to invest 10% of expenditure or 7.5% of revenue in Australian content. Hong Kong Jack immediately asks if 98% can go to true crime documentaries.​

00:41:56 - Coalition Support Crashes to Record Low 24%

Newspoll shows Coalition primary vote at just 24%, down from 40% in February. Combined with Labor's 33-34%, less than 60% of voters support the major parties - down from 80% in 2004.​

00:44:39 - Andrew Neil: The Death of Centre-Right Parties

Discussion of Andrew Neil's speech to the Centre for Independent Studies about how conservative parties have lost the metropolitan, educated "lanyard class" who were once their base. The UK Conservatives now hold just 9 metropolitan seats.​

00:48:34 - The Great Inversion: Rich Counties Vote Democrat

In the 1950s, Republicans won 56% of America's richest counties. In 2024, Democrats won 190 of the 200 richest counties. The establishment institutions - universities, judiciary, civil service - have all shifted centre-left.​

00:51:19 - US Employment & Immigration Crackdown

US unemployment sits at 4.3%, but labor shortages are emerging as ICE sweeps up workers and visa costs skyrocket to $100,000. Meanwhile, Trump's disapproval rating hits 63% - the highest of either term.​

00:52:53 - Virginia & New Jersey: Democrats Dominate

Tuesday's elections saw Democrats win overwhelmingly in traditionally blue areas, with every single county shifting toward Democrats - the complete reverse of 2024's presidential election pattern. Latino voters showed 30% leads for Democrats.​

00:59:28 - Cost of Living Kills Administrations

Both Trump and Biden made the same mistake: telling Americans inflation is under control while grocery bills say otherwise. The New York mayor-elect won by focusing relentlessly on reducing childcare and living costs.​

01:02:21 - Trump Has the World's Biggest Laser Pointer

Discussion of how Trump controls the news cycle while Americans struggle with real costs. "Trump has the biggest laser pointer in the world and all the media are cats" chasing wherever he points it.​

01:03:23 - Millennials Aren't Becoming Conservative

Unlike previous generations, millennials in their 40s with mortgages and kids aren't shifting right. They continue voting left, with Liberals only leading in the 65+ demographic (52-48). Housing affordability drives cynicism and socialist sympathies.​

01:07:20 - New York's New Socialist Mayor

Mandami wins NYC mayor's race with strong support from new arrivals who feel they'll never get a fair go. Long-time residents still voted for the corrupt Andrew Cuomo, knowing what a "terrible human being" he is.​

01:09:13 - News in Brief

European firms create $6.5B SpaceX rival - Hungary begs for Russian oil exemption - Israeli startup raises $60M for sun-reflecting climate tech that could disrupt weather - Gaza rebuilding cost hits $70B - Trump companies made $1B in crypto profits - North Korea builds museum for Ukraine war dead - Ireland elects grim anti-NATO president who toured Syria with Assad.​

01:13:55 - Supreme Court Tariff Showdown

SCOTUS hears arguments on Trump's emergency tariff powers - a 50-50 call that could force refunds of all tariff money collected and potentially save the presidency by making him walk it back.​

01:16:45 - Government Shutdown & Dick Cheney's Death

The shutdown continues as 9 of 10 states most reliant on food assistance are red states. Dick Cheney dies at 84, described by critics as someone who should have been tried as a war criminal and by W as "among the finest public servants of his generation."​

Suggested Episode Titles

1. "The Coalition's 24% Problem"
2. "Net Zero to Hero: How the Nats Torpedoed the Libs"
3. "Worst Opposition in 40 Years: Coalition Chaos"
4. "Millionaires, Millennials, and the Death of Conservative Politics"
5. "The Laser Pointer Presidency: Trump's Media Circus"
6. "From Major to Minor: The Liberal Party's Long Goodbye"
7. "Cost of Living: The Killer That Never Misses"
8. "Susan Ley's Impossible Choice: Net Zero or Political Oblivion"

Next Episode: Episode 134

Produced by: Joel (currently surviving law school exams)

Thanks for listening to Two Jacks - where Australian and international politics get the analysis they deserve.

Episode recorded: October 31, 2025

Hosts: Joel Hill (Jack the Insider) and Jack (Hong Kong Jack)

Episode Title Suggestions:

1. "Halloween, Heists, and the House of Windsor"
2. "From Prince Andrew to Patriotism: A Global Round-Up"
3. "The Great Unraveling: Royals, Republics, and Rock T-Shirts"
4. "Crown Jewels, Cricket, and Cultural Appropriation"
5. "Episode 132: When Privilege Meets Reality"

Show Notes with Timestamps

00:00:26 - Welcome & Halloween Celebrations

The Jacks kick off with a discussion about Halloween and All Souls Day, debating whether it's an American import or a genuine cultural celebration. Hong Kong Jack describes the costume-clad children heading to school and the refreshing lack of political correctness in Halloween dress.

00:03:15 - Americanisation of Culture Debate

Jack challenges the hypocrisy of those who complain about American cultural influence while wearing blue jeans, sneakers, and listening to rock and roll.

00:04:16 - Prince Andrew's Downfall

Deep dive into Prince Andrew's stripping of royal titles and exile to Sandringham. The hosts discuss the ongoing Epstein scandal, alleged misconduct, and the monarchy's survival strategy. Jack the Insider argues this is about protecting the institution itself, not just managing Andrew's behavior.

00:08:25 - Royal Entitlement & The Succession

Discussion of Andrew's bloated sense of entitlement, his eighth place in line to the throne, and comparisons to Edward VIII. The hosts debate whether the Royal Family can truly cut Andrew adrift or if he remains a necessary burden.

00:12:36 - Copyright, Paywalls, and Making a Dollar

Analysis of a copyright controversy involving an aggregator charging $100/month to over 100 prominent Australians for content stolen from behind paywalls. The Australian media's response and the broader implications for journalism funding.

00:20:30 - AI and Copyright Protection

The Albanese government's move to enshrine copyright protections against tech giants like Meta/Facebook, which pirated millions of books to train AI models. The Productivity Commission's controversial position favoring tech companies over creators.

00:24:48 - Can the Left Be Patriotic?

Joe Hildebrand's campaign questioning left-wing patriotism sparks a broader conversation about what Australian values actually mean, the "Build Back Australia" movement, and why we can't manufacture cars anymore.

00:32:27 - The Anzac Day Revival

Tracing how Anzac Day went from near-extinction in the 1970s to becoming a major cultural touchstone, with young Australians traveling to Gallipoli, the Kokoda Track, and other war memorial sites.

00:35:47 - Immigration and Cultural Strength

Jack's powerful argument that the true test of patriotism is whether new arrivals see themselves as Australian and whether our culture is strong enough to absorb them—contrasting with Europe's struggles with multiculturalism.

00:40:13 - Organized Crime and the Tobacco Black Market

Coles announces a 57% drop in cigarette sales as Australia's tobacco excise policies create a multi-billion dollar black market. Discussion of whether reducing excise is the only way to combat entrenched organized crime.

00:47:46 - Stamp Duty as a Housing Barrier

Reserve Bank Governor Michelle Bullock criticizes stamp duty as preventing retirees from downsizing and workers from relocating. Analysis of how $65,000 in stamp duty on a $1.5M property creates market paralysis.

00:50:46 - One Nation Rebrands

Pauline Hanson drops her name from the party as One Nation polls at 15% and builds electoral infrastructure. Comparisons to the Australian Democrats' evolution and discussion of whether they can become a serious second-tier party.

00:54:29 - The Great French Jewel Heist

Updates on arrests following the $150M Louvre heist of French crown jewels—were they criminal masterminds or idiots without an exit plan?

00:55:50 - Japan's First Woman Prime Minister

Japan's impressive new conservative Prime Minister, her Margaret Thatcher connection, and the challenges of governing in Japan's volatile political environment.

00:57:12 - Argentina's Milei Wins Big

Javier Milei's landslide midterm victory (41% of the vote) raises questions about Trump's financial bailout and the role of foreign aid in domestic politics.

00:59:15 - Gaza Ceasefire and Hamas Control

Analysis of the fragile Gaza ceasefire, Hamas reasserting control, and the impossible dilemma of who will enforce peace when no country wants the casualties.

01:02:17 - Anthony Albanese's Joy Division T-Shirt

The controversy over the PM wearing a Joy Division band t-shirt (with Nazi concentration camp origins) off the VIP plane. Jane Hume's dismissal: "Anyone wearing a rock band t-shirt is a bit naff."

01:05:32 - APEC Conference in South Korea

Trump's meetings with Xi Jinping and other Pacific leaders, with results to be determined in the coming months.

01:06:41 - Politicians and Fake Backstories

From George Santos to Gavin Newsom claiming he lived on "Wonder Bread and mac and cheese" despite being from wealthy Getty-connected family. Kevin Rudd's "homeless" car story and Malcolm Turnbull's Double Bay childhood. The Jeanette Howard story: insisting her train driver father be called a "locomotive engineer."

01:11:30 - Iran's Hijab Retreat

After executing protesters over headscarf enforcement, Iran suddenly pulls back on restrictions. Are US and Israeli strikes forcing the regime to moderate for survival?

01:13:47 - The Richest Counties Flip

Andrew Neil's observation: In Eisenhower's era, Republicans won 190 of the 200 richest US counties. In 2024, Kamala Harris won 190 of the 200 richest counties—a complete reversal showing the transformation of party alignment.

01:15:40 - Women's Cricket World Cup

Australia's women lose to India in a thrilling semi-final despite Phoebe Litchfield's brilliance. The hosts argue it's good for the sport to not have one team dominate indefinitely.

01:17:21 - Ashes Selection Speculation

Debate over Australia's top six for the Perth Test: Khawaja and Manus to open, with Smith, Head, Green, and Webster rounding out the batting order. Steve Smith's incredible captaincy stats: averaging 70 with 16 centuries.

01:22:16 - England's Jofra Archer Problem

Questions about whether England will risk selecting injury-prone Archer despite no first-class cricket since July and missing New Zealand ODI games.

01:23:02 - Manchester City's Penalty Drama

Erling Haaland's bizarre penalty miss against Sporting Lisbon becomes an instant meme as City struggles through another challenging season.

01:24:50 - NBA & NHL Updates

Round-up of basketball and hockey action, including standout performances and playoff implications.

01:26:08 - Oasis Reunion in Crisis

Liam Gallagher's voice problems threaten the reunion tour. Discussion of whether the band can survive without Liam's vocals and Noel's brilliance.

01:29:18 - Music Recommendations

The hosts share their latest musical discoveries, from classic rock to contemporary artists making waves internationally.

01:34:24 - Vegetarian Beef Wellington

Jack's bemusement at a restaurant advertisement for "vegetarian beef Wellington"—perhaps a bit too soon after recent cultural controversies.

01:35:10 - Closing & Next Week's Preview

Sign-off with promises of more Trump administration coverage, US job figures, corporate layoffs, and the Democrats' failure to deliver on "jobs, jobs, jobs."

Key Themes This Episode:

• Royal family crisis management
• Copyright in the AI age
• Australian patriotism and immigration
• Unintended consequences of prohibition policies
• Political authenticity vs. manufactured backstories
• Sport as cultural common ground

Two Jacks returns next week for Episode 133 with deep dives into Trump's White House, US economic indicators, and more global affairs analysis.

You won't hear the riotous laugher and rapturous applause from the audience but if you make believe you might just hear us being funny and getting a reaction.

Skepticon was a lot of fun - next year it will be in Sydney and any folks that want to check out the Skeptics should head over to https://www.skeptics.com.au/ and go meet some likeminded folks!

In this episode we look at the Ozenkadnook Tiger, Joel's cooked upbringing and the miracles of drinking piss. But we also revisit the important condition known as ME/CFS which has so far been terribly mismanaged by conventional medicine. Sometimes they get it wrong too.

Hope you enjoy this one as much as we enjoyed crafting it. Normal programming to resume in full soon - good things ahead :-)

Proposed Episode Titles

• "Diplomacy, Deadlines & Drama: The Two Jacks #131"
• "Cargo Plane Crashes, Canberra Intrigues: The Two Jacks #131"
• "Political Punchlines and Parliamentary Plots — Two Jacks Podcast"
• "Mineral Deals & Media Moments: Episode 131"

Episode Summary

In this episode, The Two Jacks break down a tumultuous week in global politics, aviation, and Australian parliamentary affairs. Highlights include a fatal cargo plane crash at Hong Kong airport, Prime Minister Albanese’s high-stakes visit to Washington, DC, and the shifting sands of party leadership in Canberra. Lively debate, incisive commentary, and recurring humor fill an hour packed with analysis—from the fate of Prince Andrew to the fallout of Brittany Higgins’ legal battles.

Segment Timestamps & Key Topics

TimestampTopic/Segment

00:01Greetings; episode intro and context00:16Hong Kong airport cargo plane crash — causes, casualties, aftermath01:32Anthony Albanese, Trump, and Australia’s US delegation — diplomatic exchanges04:32US-Australia $8.5B critical minerals framework agreement, Waggerup & Arafura09:27Coalition criticism: Kevin Rudd’s role, embarrassment, media moments12:14Internal Liberal Party analysis—Paterson, Taylor, Lay, women’s vote, future18:41Barnaby Joyce’s future: One Nation rumors, role of minor parties25:25Expansion of the House of Representatives — numbers, constitutional effects33:15Senate comparisons: Australia vs US, anecdotes about Ricky Muir44:42Higgins-Lehrmann-Reynolds fallout: legal actions, media fatigue53:24Australia in global happiness rankings, comparison to Scandinavian countries58:30Closing remarks and preview for next episode

Call to Action

• Subscribe, rate, and review on your podcast platform of choice.
• Send feedback or questions via the show's website or email.
• Follow @TheTwoJacks on social media for updates and more content.

Enjoy!

Welcome back to Two Jacks, episode 130, with Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack. This episode covers a wide range of timely political and global issues, with the usual mix of keen analysis and witty commentary.

Main Topics Covered:

• Australian Prime Minister's Leave and US Rare Minerals Deal: The PM is on leave ahead of a notable meeting with President Trump in Washington, discussing a rare minerals trade deal to boost Australia-US relations amid China tensions.
• Polling on AUKUS Support: Discussion on recent polling showing declining Australian support for the AUKUS alliance, attributed to mixed feelings about the Trump administration.
• Superannuation Tax Policy Backdown: Analysis of Treasurer Jim Chalmers' policy retreat on superannuation taxation for balances over $10 million, the political fallout, and implications for affected Australians.
• Senator Lydia Thorpe AFP Investigation: Coverage of Lydia Thorpe's controversial speech calling for parliament to be burned down, leading to an AFP probe and censure motions, with commentary on political theatrics.
• Gaza Peace Deal and Middle East Geopolitics: The multi-stage peace process including hostage-for-prisoner exchanges, disarmament challenges, regional powers' roles, and the strategic shift in Middle East alignments.
• Nobel Peace Prize and Donald Trump: Reflecting on Trump's recent peace efforts and lap of honour, juxtaposed with the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Corina Machado.
• US-China Soybean Trade and US Farm Bailout: The collapse of US soybean exports to China and the Argentine bailout, and their impact on American farmers and politics.
• Lawfare and Political Investigations: Updates on legal cases involving James Comey and Letitia James, touching on the politicization of investigations.
• Male Circumcision and RFK Jr's Autism Claim: Debunking claims related to circumcision and autism, highlighting misinformation spread by RFK Jr.
• Tory Party Leadership and UK Politics: Thoughts on new Tory leader Babcock, political instability in France, and Britain’s prime ministerial history in polls.
• Miscellaneous Topics: Lifestyle trends like youth reviving old technology, a documentary recommendation on John Candy, and Australian sports including the Women's ODI Cricket World Cup and AFL trade week.

Episode Highlights:

• Insightful takes on the high-stakes geopolitical shifts involving the US, China, Middle East, and Australia.
• Candid political analysis of Australian domestic policy battles on superannuation.
• A balanced view on political spectacle versus substance in issues like the AFP probe into Lydia Thorpe.
• Commentary on the complexity behind the Gaza peace deal and the roles of regional players.
• Humorous moments including commentary on Boris Johnson’s antics and John Candy documentary reflections.

Recommendations from Hosts:

• Get professional financial advice on superannuation, especially if nearing retirement.
• Consider watching the John Candy documentary "I Like Me" on Amazon Prime.
• Keep an eye on ongoing developments in trade politics and international diplomacy.

Audience Engagement:

Listeners are encouraged to drop comments, questions, and suggestions for future topics. The hosts thank the audience for their continued support and sign off until next week.

Proposed Episode Titles

1. "Rare Minerals, AUKUS Woes & Gaza Peace: Two Jacks Episode 130"
2. "Superannuation Shakeup and Middle East Moves with Two Jacks"
3. "Politics, Peace, and Protest: The Latest with Two Jacks"
4. "From Canberra to Sharm El Sheikh: Two Jacks on the Global Stage"
5. "Tax Battles, Hostage Deals & Political Spectacle – Two Jacks 130"
6. "Australia, Trump, and Turmoil: The Two Jacks 130 Deep Dive"
7. "Power Plays in Politics and Peace – Two Jacks Legendary 130"

Attention Melbournians - SKEPTICON IS ON THIS WEEKEND!

Yes folks we are finally doing a live podcast. Time to crack out the snake oil dispenser and drink a pint of piss - it's time to make Melbourne healthy again. Will it work? Probably not. But there will be:

Merch giveways

CBCo vouchers

A vaguely funny podcast recording which may or may not actually make the main feed

Visual gags (hopefully) that won't be funny on the audio (if you even get to hear it)

Bent spoons

We will be on at 1.45pm Saturday after the lunch break.

If you are feeling particularly skeptical, get a weekend ticket and come watch some other (inferior) sessions. Come sit next to me! I'll be the bald guy sitting with all my mates (alone).

Otherwise day tickets are on sale and for people who can't make it (or want to save a few bucks) - a Zoom ticket is also available.

There's also a dinner Saturday night - come eat with us!

Skepticon is a not for profit in the genuine sense - it costs nerds money to make it happen at all. So tickets go to a good cause - keeping this thing going.

And hey, you might get some free beer vouchers and exclusive limited edition merch!

Tickets are available here: https://skepticon.org.au/tickets/

Hope to meet some of you fine folks on the day.

And here's the podcast blurb!

Got vaccinated? That's bad. You better get that sorted. How about some IV bleach? 

Feeling a bit too clean and slightly under the weather? Eat some mud. 

Grifters gonna grift and honestly they'll go to wild lengths to get your money. This episode we look at some incredibly awful ways people are attempting to remove the vaccine, to save their souls from the devil jab. It's not good. 

Merry Bleachmas!

Opening Segment (00:00 - 02:00)

• Personal catch-up between the hosts
• Hong Kong Jack celebrates a major birthday in Macau with surprise family visit
• Discussion of Hong Kong-Macau travel via new bridge/tunnel (1 hour 20 minutes door-to-door)

Major Discussion Topics

Australian Politics - Coalition Crisis (02:00 - 15:30)

Key Points:

• Polling disaster: Coalition at 27% approval rating, Labor leads 58-42 two-party preferred
• Electoral wipeout: Liberal Party holds minimal metropolitan seats across major cities
• Party structure collapse: Lack of grassroots organization compared to historical ALP branches
• Demographic breakdown: Libs losing women, young people, multicultural communities (except 65+ voters)
• Leadership pressure: Susan Ley facing potential challenge, comparisons to "Brendan Nelson months"
• Policy tensions: Net zero commitments causing internal fractures

Notable Quote: Troy Bramston - "There is no guarantee the Liberal Party will survive"

Climate Policy and Net Zero Debate (07:10 - 14:40)

Key Points:

• National Climate Risk Assessment Report findings:
• 400% increase in heat-related mortality in Sydney
• 2.7 million work days lost by 2061 due to heatwaves
• $600 billion property value losses by 2050
• $40 billion annual natural disaster costs
• Public opinion: 77% of Australians want government climate action
• Political implications: Andrew Hastie threatens to quit front bench over net zero policy
• International context: UK Tories' experience with climate policy costs

Victorian Politics - Liberal Party Internal Struggles (21:00 - 26:00)

Key Points:

• Philip Davis survives challenge from Greg Mirabella for Liberal Party State Director
• Discussion of Labor government vulnerabilities despite Liberal Party dysfunction
• Analysis of "machete bins" controversy and opposition messaging failures

United States - Charlie Kirk Assassination (26:50 - 33:00)

Key Points:

• Tyler Robertson (22) charged with Kirk's murder
• Discussion of political discourse breakdown in America
• Social media radicalization of young men
• Criticism of premature political speculation (Barry Cassidy example)

International Affairs

US-Korea Relations Crisis (33:15 - 36:50)

• ICE raid on 300 South Korean workers in Georgia battery facility
• Only one Korean worker chose to stay after offered return
• Implications for US foreign investment attractiveness

UK Political Upheaval (40:25 - 58:15)

Major Topics:

• Tommy Robinson Rally: 100,000+ protesters in London
• Immigration tensions: 50,000 asylum seekers annually
• Starmer's crisis: Peter Mandelson appointment controversy (Jeffrey Epstein connections)
• Leadership challenges: Calls for Starmer's resignation from both left and right
• Conservative Party collapse: Danny Kruger defects to Reform UK

France - Government Instability (62:30 - 64:00)

• Sébastien Le Corneau named new PM after confidence vote
• Budget crisis and spending control issues

Middle East - Israel-US Tensions (64:00 - 67:30)

• Netanyahu takes responsibility for Al-Yudid airbase incident
• Discussion of Arab neighbors' role in regional solutions
• Qatari investment commitments to US ($3.3 trillion over decade)

Sports Coverage (67:30 - 79:00)

Spring Racing Carnival Preview

• Discussion of Melbourne Cup preparation and "pagan fertility festival" atmosphere

NRL Finals Analysis

• Raiders vs Broncos "golden point" thriller described as exceptional rugby league
• Melbourne, Sharks, Panthers, and Brisbane assessment for finals

AFL Finals Predictions

• Preliminary Finals Preview:
• Hawthorn vs Geelong (favor Geelong by 20 points)
• Collingwood vs Brisbane (favor Collingwood)
• Praise for Josh Weddle (Hawthorn) and Jai Newcombe's finals performances

Closing Segment - Literary Humor (79:00 - 82:30)

H.L. Mencken Epitaph: "If after I depart this vale, you ever remember me and have thought to please my ghost, forgive some sinner and wink your eye at some homely girl"

Spike Milligan Epitaph: "See, I told you I wasn't well"

Proposed Episode Titles

1. "Coalition Collapse: The Liberal Party's Existential Crisis"
2. "From Polls to Protest: Democracy Under Pressure"
3. "The Unraveling: Political Upheaval Across Three Continents"
4. "27% and Falling: When Political Parties Face Extinction"
5. "Net Zero, Net Loss: Climate Politics Reshaping the Right"

Contact Information

• Twitter: @JacktheInsider
• Email: ConditionerReleaseProgram@gmail.com

Episode Duration: 1 hour 22 minutes

PS - apologies for the delay on this release. It's still well worth the listen. I wanted to give it a proper edit but life is on ultra hard mode at the moment so it's going up in all its unvarnished glory!

Joel Hill welcomes listeners to the Condition Release Program, substituting for the usual "Jackless" format by interviewing Dave about his weekend attending the controversial "March for Australia" rally in Sydney. The episode explores ground-level observations, organiser controversies, the interplay of far-right and conspiracist groups, and reflections on the fractured dynamics between organisers, attendees, and broader communities. The conversation highlights the worrying normalisation of Nazi participation in Australian street movements and the lack of timely mainstream media coverage or understanding.

Character & Alias Mapping

Alias/Nickname Real Name or Role Brief Description

Joel Hill Joel Hill Host

Dave Dave Guest/interviewee and rally attendee

Beck/Beck Freedom Likely Rebecca (rally organiser) Central organiser, alleged to enable Nazis

Monica Monica Smith Flip-flopping public figure

Jesse Jesse Stewart, son of Tim Delivered rally banner

Cossack Unspecified Figure in rally controversies

NSN National Socialist Network Australian neo-Nazi group

Guru Unspecified (conspiracist influencer) Referenced by attendees

MGG Michael Gray-Grope Noted attendee, post-heart attack

Dr. Nino ("Dr. Dan") Video/clip maker Influencer in the reporting scene

Bozy/Hoodie/Onyx/Mark Mack Various minor far-right figures Referenced as speakers or organisers

Episode 126 delivers comprehensive analysis of Australian and international news, politics, and sport. The hosts tackle everything from sovereign citizen movements and government policy disasters to AFL finals and international political chaos, maintaining their trademark blend of serious analysis and wry humor.

Listener Correspondence

Grant ("Tri-Valve") - Multiple Topics

• NRL Trainers on Field: Criticism of excessive trainer presence during games, particularly Alfie Langer's extended field time with Broncos and Queensland Origin teams
• Media Language Issues: Channel 9's problematic "Exonerated Child Murderer Folbigg" banner - classic oxymoron
• International Travel: Amusing encounter with Collingwood supporters in the Sahara Desert, Libya (2010)
• Bike Lane Safety: Melbourne bike lanes creating pedestrian hazards, particularly for country visitors unfamiliar with urban cycling infrastructure
• AFLW vs Netball: Questions about potential impact of women's AFL on traditional netball participation and viewership

Andrew - Sovereign Citizens

• Community Support: Concerns about significant local support for Paul Punker and Desi Freeman in high country communities
• Hidden Numbers: Unexpected prevalence of sovereign citizen ideology among seemingly ordinary citizens

Major News Analysis

Sovereign Citizen Movement & Wieambilla

• Geographic Clusters: Identified hotspots including Gladstone/WA Wheatbelt, Albury-Wodonga, Northern Rivers, SW Queensland
• Police Risk: Increased threat assessment protocols required for warrant services
• Historical Context: Long-standing anti-establishment culture in remote eastern Victoria dating to 1970s
• Freeman Manhunt: Police belief in community assistance for Desi Freeman; rugged Buckland Valley terrain complicating search

Erin Patterson Sentencing

• Sentence: Life imprisonment with 33-year non-parole period (eligible 2056)
• Judge's Reasoning: Justice Chris Beale noted extensive premeditation required for crime
• Solitary Confinement: 22 hours daily due to case publicity
• Community Impact: Butchers no longer selling mushroom-based products; "Beef Wellington" renamed "Beef en Croute"

Bruce Lehrmann Federal Court Appeal

• Appeal Failure: Federal Court unimpressed with Lehrmann's challenge
• Fiona Brown: Only figure emerging with reputation intact despite career destruction
• Compensation Disparity: Call for equal treatment compared to Brittany Higgins settlement

Jacinta Price Immigration Comments

• ABC Interview Controversy: Claims about Labor's immigration strategy targeting Indian community votes
• Liberal Response: Julie Bishop apologized on Price's behalf; Price refused personal apology
• Business Backlash: Harris Park businesses refusing Liberal engagement until unconditional Price apology
• Electoral Strategy: Cos Samaras noted elections won/lost in NSW/Victoria, not through minority group alienation

Policy Disasters

Black Market Tobacco

• Market Indicators: Small country town (25,000) now has five tobacconists - unprecedented
• Policy Failure: Excise increases creating massive black market, including Iraqi cigarette factories serving Australian market
• Price Comparison: Legal cigarettes $55-60 per pack vs $120 for carton of 10 packs illegally
• Law Enforcement: Hundreds of millions spent on policing sophisticated black markets
• Historical Parallel: Ignoring 20th century prohibition lessons from alcohol and betting
• Respectability of Law-breaking: Creating acceptance of illegal activity, similar to SP bookmaking era

Vaping Policy

• Joint Failure: Bipartisan decision ignoring harm reduction evidence
• Unregulated Danger: Current black market vapes potentially more dangerous than regulated alternatives

International Politics

Thomas Sewell Deportation Petition

• Petition Numbers: 117,000+ signatures on Change.org for neo-Nazi leader deportation
• Legal Challenges: New Zealand citizenship complications; military service precedent (Bertie Kidd case)
• Current Charges: Violent disorder, assault by kicking, discharge missile, police intimidation

US Politics - Trump/Epstein Files

• Birthday Book Evidence: House Oversight Committee confirms Trump birthday message to Epstein
• White House Response: Claims of forgery; potential legal battle with Wall Street Journal
• Economic Concerns: US jobs market weakened (22,000 jobs vs expected higher), unemployment 4.2% to 4.3%
• Tariff Impact: Goldman Sachs reports 86% absorbed by importers, unsustainable long-term
• John Deere Warning: Agricultural equipment manufacturer's poor results concerning for rural Trump base

European Political Chaos

France - Government Collapse

• Confidence Vote: PM François Bayrou lost 364-194, far-right and far-left coalition
• Spending Cuts: Proposed welfare caps and public holiday removal triggered downfall
• Fiscal Crisis: 5.8% GDP deficit, 114% debt-to-GDP ratio
• Political Paralysis: No major party willing to make necessary hard economic decisions

UK - Boris Johnson Influence Scandal

• The Boris Files: Leaked data reveals post-PM profiteering from office connections
• Greensill Echoes: Similarities to David Cameron lobbying scandal
• Labour Leadership: Keir Starmer faces deputy leadership election, working-class voters moving to Reform
• Polling: Reform UK leading but insufficient for parliamentary majority
• Immigration Policy: Dublin Agreement unavailable post-Brexit; family reunion advantages drawing Channel crossings

Germany - Migration Politics

• Cologne Agreement: All parties except AfD pledge only positive migration discourse in local elections
• Strategic Error: Likely to entrench support for far-right AfD by dismissing legitimate concerns

International Relations

China Engagement

• Bob Carr & Dan Andrews: Attending 80th anniversary of Japanese defeat in China
• Photo Opportunities: Andrews pictured with Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin
• Commercial Motivations: Unnamed political friend claims Andrews "making millions" from China connections
• Influence Trading: Xi Jinping meetings providing significant business leverage

Middle East & Ukraine

• Marina Hyde Quote: "The path to peace still goes through politicians with power. Many of them are still terrible people. They will still have to have unpleasant and even toxic conversations in which horse trading and moral compromise are inevitable"
• UN Role: Defense of UN as necessary forum for engaging "terrible people" while criticizing corrupt agencies

Sports Coverage

NRL Finals Week 1

• Matchups: Raiders v Broncos (Canberra), Storm v Bulldogs (Melbourne), Warriors v Panthers (Auckland), Sharks v Roosters (Shark Park)
• Venue Criticism: Shark Park described as "disaster" with rat problems, unfit for purpose
• Form Analysis: Storm struggling after losses to Roosters and Broncos; Raiders in strong form

AFL Finals Analysis

• Geelong Dominance: Cats looking "head and shoulders" above competition
• Umpiring Controversy: AFL acknowledged mistake in Geelong v Brisbane Lions match; three-goal turnaround from questionable decisions
• Upcoming Matches: Hawks v Crows, Suns v Lions at Gabba
• Jai Newcombe: Hawks midfielder top-rated in all three finals appearances
• Charlie Curnow: Carlton star's ordinary finals performances raising trade speculation

Rugby Union

• Wallabies Form: Positive signs despite slow starts; exciting brand attracting attention
• Lions Tour Revenue: Significant funds from upcoming British & Irish Lions tour
• Scheduling Issues: Argentina match poorly timed at 2pm North Queensland

Media & Culture

Children's Humor Analysis

• Anne Althaus Insight: Children funny because not yet socialized, willing to take risks
• Comparison: Ricky Gervais model of saying "unsayable" things
• New Yorker: Magazine quality decline noted, but cartoons "back in form"

Comedy Recommendations

• Stewart Lee: Ricky Gervais' favorite comedian; unconventional style
• Queen/Paddington Joke: Stewart Lee's material about marmalade sandwiches and Prince Andrew

Media Business

• The Free Press Sale: Bari Weiss publication acquired by Paramount/CBS for $100-200 million
• Editorial Control: Weiss reportedly getting "free reign" over CBS political coverage
• Alternative Media Success: Examples include Claire Lehmann's Quillette, Megyn Kelly's expansion
• Democratization Concerns: Tendency toward sensationalism in independent media

Contact Information

• Jack the Insider: X/Twitter DMs @JacktheInsider
• Hong Kong Jack: hongkongchat.substack.com
• Email: theconditionalreleaseprogram@gmail.com

You can find the works mentioned in this pod at:

https://michaelwest.com.au/author/wendybacon/

But his profile is:

https://michaelwest.com.au/author/yaakov-aharon/

Enjoy!

First up is Jimmy Garnet who does an excellent impersonation of a boomer normie. Enjoy!

Ray found himself in H Division. He was beaten regularly. He pledged that he would not break rocks - the work detail in H Division. Despite the beatings, he never did. Ray and Jack take the discussion to other prisons around the country, including the notorious HM Grafton.

Why were these places so violent? What did officialdom expect would happen to the prisoners subject to this brutality?

The interview concludes on a wide ranging discussion on prison reform and crime prevention.  

To find Ray's work check him out at https://raymooney.com/ where he has just about written more books than I've read and charges next to nothing for them.

Link to buy the books is here: https://www.amazon.com.au/s?k=%22ray+mooney%22&i=digital-text&crid=33E6XF5AE1JHN&sprefix=ray+mooney+%2Cdigital-text%2C234&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

For more from Ray and VERY good friend of the podcast Emily Webb - check out her interview with Ray here - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5IvI5l4vfoRstIMBQQGueM

If you want to help support the show and keep this thing sustainable, the patreon is here:

https://www.patreon.com/theconditionalreleaseprogram

DETAILED SHOWNOTES

Summary:

The Two Jacks break down the week’s true news rollercoaster: Victoria’s police tragedy, sovereign citizen threats, major legal tussles, global politics, social developments, and the surging finals in AFL, NRL, and rugby. Distilled analysis, with signature banter.

TIMESTAMPED SEGMENTS

00:00:00 Introduction, Weather in Hong Kong

Joel welcomes listeners, heat in HK, setting the stage.

00:00:34 Victoria Police Manhunt, Sovereign Citizens

Dramatic manhunt after two police officers are killed, suspect’s ties to sovereign citizen movement, parallels to Wyambilla tragedy.

00:04:11 Police Tactics & Risks

Comments on why police risk assessments and tactical resources are crucial.

00:08:25 Outlaw Gangs, Extremism

Why definitions are tricky, group amorphousness, risk to police and society, and danger parallels with outlaw motorcycle clubs and extremist factions.

00:18:51 Linda Reynolds v Brittany Higgins: Defamation Case

Reynolds wins $340k; litigation toll on both parties, settlement issues, the public interest defense, and legal costs impact.

00:27:15 Essential Poll Deep Dive

PM Albanese’s approval, data on Lay, Allen, Batten, support for the four-day week, AI copyright law, public mood on recognising Palestine.

00:31:26 Australia Expels Iranian Ambassador

First such move since WWII, IRGC-linked arson plot at Melbourne synagogue, ASIO’s case, diplomatic fallout, social media reactions.

00:33:39 NDIS Reforms, Autism Debate

Butler targets spending cuts, idea of restricting low-level autistic support from the NDIS, personal stories, system sustainability.

00:37:56 Sydney Housing Density, NIMBYism, Planning

Wallara station plan, high-density in well-off suburbs, nimbys, Auckland experiment, regulatory cost pressures, building quality concerns.

00:55:11 Oasis at Wembley, Beer Stats, Generational Fandom

Concert spectacle, 250k pints of beer, generational audience, band’s new healthy habits.

00:59:19 Trump’s Health, Biden, and US Woes

Trump’s visible health issues, flag burning crusade, slump in US tourism, Vegas emptiness, security hassles, global perception trouble.

01:14:29 UK Politics: Farage Rises, Labour Plummets

Farage’s surge, Starmer’s poor ratings, immigration fights, sovereignty of UK Parliament, political fluidity.

01:18:39 AFL & NRL Finals, Wallabies Rugby

AFL top four discussed, surprise departures, Swans season, NRL ladder, Wallabies revival under Joe Schmidt, broader rugby hopes.

SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

Twitter:

1. Vic police manhunt: 2 officers killed, ties to sovereign citizen movement. | Reynolds wins defamation vs. Higgins. | #auspol #twjpod
2. Essential Poll deep dive: Albanese steady, Lay, Allen, Batten ratings. Public split on Palestine, 50% support 4-day week, strong opposition to AI copyright reform. #auspol #twjpod
3. Iranian ambassador expelled after synagogue arson plot linked to IRGC. | NDIS/Autism reforms stir debate. | Oasis packs Wembley & breaks beer records. #ausnews #music #twjpod

Facebook:

Episode 125 of The Two Jacks – Hosted by Jack the Insider (Joel Hill) and Hong Kong Jack.

– This week: Victoria's police manhunt and the sovereign citizen threat, Linda Reynolds v Brittany Higgins, Essential Poll shakeups (Albanese, statehood for Palestine, the four-day week, copyright & AI), expulsion of Iran's ambassador over a Melbourne arson plot, NDIS reforms, Sydney housing density, Oasis at Wembley, Trump v Biden health, UK and EU politics, and the finals race in AFL & NRL plus Wallabies rugby.

Listen in for analysis, banter, and more! 🎧 #auspol #twjpod

But first up we have the very much not right wing but still slightly fringe tale of Jeremy Buckingham's search for truth regarding Ivan Milat's actual body count. The problem is, he's gone a bit off track and started making some fairly baseless claims. These can do more harm than good - and it's a classic case of when a politician thinks he's a cop and ends up doing both jobs terribly. We love Jeremy but this one's not going well.

Cookers are upset about the coming 'backdoor' to digital tyranny that will see us having to identify ourselves on the internet to get past age checks for naughty content. And while the proliferation of awful content online is something worth looking at, this response ain't it.

AND we have Gaetzy who has a solution to the war in Ukraine. It's really dumb. No spoilers.

Cooker update has a bit of a lead up to next weeks racist picnic in the park where a lot of people will unite for the cause of - uh - straya? It's vague. We don't really know who is organising it. But they put Bec Freedom out as the media scapegoat and wow she's copped a shellacking. I tell ya what though - if you want to distance this rally from the Nazis who endorsed it, maybe don't put people that endorse nazis in charge? Just a thought, guys.

In SovCits we look at the 4 corners episode that recently had a crack at the Common Law folks who love a good mock trial and dashing custom printed polo shirt. It was a good effort, but worth a chat nonetheless.

I also preview the first few pages of Pete's new book and it sucks so much more than expected. Like, I knew the premise was silly but WOW does this thing suck. And the price is insane.

-----------------------------------------------------------

As usual, if you have any money you must give it to us. Preferably all of it, but if you want to be a jerk you can keep some. Best way to do that is https://www.patreon.com/theconditionalreleaseprogram

If you have money and you don't want to give us any of it - but you like beer - then go buy a case or three from https://cbco.beer/ - and use the coupon code CRP10 to get 10% off. It's genuinely good beer and their prices are properly decent.

• In this packed episode of The Two Jacks, Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack cut through a huge week in politics, policy, and sport. They kick off with life on the bike lanes and the four‑day work week debate before diving into Australia’s productivity roundtable: where progress might actually come from, why energy costs and regulation matter most, and how timid politics strangles reform. They spar over tax design, housing, stamp duty, and the red tape that inflates costs without improving quality.
• From there, the Jacks range across global flashpoints and US turbulence—Israel–Australia tit-for-tat visas, the Ukraine–Russia talks fallout, the limits of sanctions, and whether the West has the will for long wars. Stateside, they dissect rising US inflation pressures, Congress’s stock-trading problem, and the “picking winners” trap in industrial policy. Locally, they tackle the Greens in Tasmania, crime perception vs data, and Australia’s defense priorities in a drone-dominated future—before a big sports wrap: AFL finals implications from homophobic slur bans, NRL ladder-shaping clashes, cricket’s farewell to Bob Simpson, the Wallabies’ breakthrough at Ellis Park, and Sydney’s Allianz Stadium turf debacle.

Timestamped segments and takeaways 00:00:01 – Cold open, weather and bike lanes

• Banter on soggy Sydney/Melbourne and bike lane hazards.
• Takeaway: Urban transport design vs pedestrian safety—light opener that foreshadows policy tradeoffs.

00:02:23 – Four‑day work week and productivity roundtable

• Jack the Insider outlines ACTU’s four‑day week ask; government quickly cools it.
• Hong Kong Jack: flexible, case-by-case four‑day arrangements can work well; blanket mandates don’t.
• Notable quote (Hong Kong Jack): “It really is a case-by-case basis… it can be done—it just can’t be done across the board.”

00:04:26 – Housing, commuting, and productivity drag

• Long commutes as a hidden productivity killer; WFH rights expanding in Victoria but role-dependent.

00:06:47 – AI regulation “light touch”

• Productivity Commission signals minimal regulation; Jack the Insider flags creator rights concerns.

00:07:51 – Where productivity gains might come from

• Hong Kong Jack: “The two obvious areas to attack are regulation and energy costs.”

00:08:17 – Energy transition, prices, and investment

• Jack the Insider: transition and decades of policy drift drove high prices; grid infrastructure is the bottleneck.
• Coal vs renewables economics; investment won’t return to coal due to horizon risk.

00:12:00 – Cutting “red tape”: harmonization and tax settings

• Federation frictions; harmonise state regs; stamp duty singled out as a worst tax.
• Building codes ballooning costs while quality supervision lags.

00:14:24 – Build quality crises and supervision gaps

• Mascot/Zetland examples; spate of vacated towers; cheap builds, high prices.

00:15:40 – Political capital, timid reform, and election calculus

• Is Albanese Labor’s John Howard—few big-ticket reforms, focus on winning?
• Take reforms to an election (GST precedent), but reformers often punished at the polls.

00:24:45 – Israel–Australia visa spat

• Simcha Rothman’s visa withdrawn; Israel responds by revoking visas for Australians to the Palestinian Authority; both sides flex sovereignty.
• Notable quote (Hong Kong Jack): “This is just how it works.”

00:27:28 – Failed asylum seekers backlog nearing 100k

• Processing delays create perverse incentives; most rejected claimants retain work/study rights—encourages low‑merit claims.
• Enforcement throughput is minimal; backlog self‑feeds.

00:32:07 – Tasmania: Greens hold line on stability

• Greens won’t back Labor no-confidence; Premier continues; different cultures in Tas vs NSW Greens.

00:36:32 – Vale Terence Stamp

• Personal memories; Priscilla role noted; a prickly but great actor.

00:38:00 – Ukraine–Russia: Alaska talks flop, semantics vs substance

• Optics criticised; ceasefire vs peace semantics; limits of sanctions and Western will.
• Debate: Can Ukraine regain Crimea/Donbas? Is a negotiated end inevitable? Historical echoes (appeasement vs long war).

00:49:05 – US inflation watch and tariffs

• Producer prices beat; risks of re‑acceleration; fuel prices helping headline but underlying pressures rising.
• Tariffs’ pass-through to consumers; political messaging vs data; Fed unlikely to cut on these numbers.

00:54:24 – Crime, stats vs street reality

• DC deployments; media narratives vs lived experience; class/education divide shapes perceptions.

00:58:26 – Drones, defense, and future warfare

• US behind China on cheap drone swarms (DJI dominance); implications for Australia: missiles, subs, strike aircraft, drones, and a modern surface fleet.

01:00:42 – Congressional stock trading and transparency

• Bipartisan enrichment via informational access; “broadcast trades in real-time” proposal; ban vs radical transparency.

01:04:27 – Picking winners: Intel, Kodak lessons

• Government stakes risk political logic over market logic; Kodak/Motorola as cautionary tales.

01:08:05 – Crime again: data declines vs spikes that matter

• Australia’s violent crime historically higher in 1920s/1980s; present-day spikes (aggravated burglaries) shape sentiment; good recidivism programs often lack political incentives.

01:13:08 – AFL: homophobic slur sanctions and finals stakes

• Rankine case likely to set a benchmark; prior bans (3–6 weeks) cited; consistency required.
• Notable quote (Jack the Insider): “It’s a bad word… it needs to be removed from the game.”

01:19:01 – AFL form lines and umpiring

• Adelaide/Geelong threats; Collingwood’s midfield clearance issues; four‑umpire system not working.

01:21:33 – NRL, cricket, rugby

• NRL: Storm beat Panthers; big clashes ahead; ladder permutations.
• Cricket: Vale Bob Simpson; fielding revolution; ODI series in Cairns; roster chat (Maxwell retired from ODIs; case for Tim David).
• Wallabies: first Ellis Park win since 1963; O’Connor–Jorgensen try a “thing of beauty.”

01:27:16 – Allianz Stadium turf failure

• Drainage massively under-spec; costly resurfacing; modern stadiums should drain ~600mm/hr; Allianz reported ~40mm/hr.

01:31:07 – Vegas tourism pivot and gouge

• Pricing up, volume down; “milk everything” model—$50/day minibar “storage” anecdote; vibe no longer value-driven.

01:32:53 – Corporate team bonding and Beef Wellington

• Hong Kong’s “Feather and Bone”-style classes; culinary nostalgia to close the show.
• Sign-off: where to contact The Two Jacks (Condition Release Program email, Substack, X DMs open).

Notable quotes to pull

• “The essence of progress to a better life for Australians is improved productivity.”
• “The two obvious areas to attack are regulation and energy costs.”
• “It can be done—it just can’t be done across the board.”
• “Drones and robotics are the future of warfare.”
• “It’s a bad word… it needs to be removed from the game.”

-----------------------------------------------

Content warning: violent crime, child deaths, war, famine, and historical mass-casualty events.

— Description — Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack cover a packed week: the Erin Patterson verdict and sentencing expectations; the Folbigg exoneration and compensation debate; AI’s promised productivity vs. creators’ rights; New Zealand politics and travel flows; Australia’s recognition of Palestine and the “day-after” security problem in Gaza; the 80th anniversary debate over Hiroshima/Nagasaki; U.S. housing, tariffs, and political incentives; food-stamp restrictions; Trump–Putin optics; pasta wars over cacio e pepe; plus NRL, AFL, cricket (Darwin’s case for a Test), and rugby’s Giteau Law change. They finish with an Iranian TV claim on “weather manipulation” and call it a week.

Summary of key points

• Courts & media: Patterson likely long sentence; Folbigg’s payout criticized; cautionary tales of media rush-to-judgment.
• Tech & policy: AI productivity promises vs. creator consent; scraping controversies; children’s online safety beyond blunt bans.
• Geopolitics: Australia to recognize Palestine; post-war Gaza security unsolved; Hiroshima/Nagasaki debate reopened.
• Economics: U.S. housing pressures; tariffs as stealth consumption tax; political incentives realign.
• Sport: NRL finals picture tightening; AFL contenders wobble; cricket’s northern push; Wallabies selection flexibility returns.

— Timestamped segments — 00:00:01 — Cold open & banter

• Hong Kong heat, black short-sleeve “uniform,” bulk-buying Marks & Spencer basics.
• Light teasing about Melbourne’s love of black attire.

00:01:22 — Erin Patterson: new disclosures, appeal posture, sentencing

• Resurfaced material about alleged prior poison attempts on Simon Patterson (penne bolognese, chicken korma, vegetable wrap).
• Serious illness and surgery for Simon Patterson after the korma.
• Expectation of a long sentence for premeditated murder; talk of 35–45 years non-parole.
• Prison remand at Dame Phyllis Frost; media rumors inside; psychiatric assessments and caution about conflating autism with criminality.
• John Ferguson’s reporting; documentaries and books incoming; a true crime podcaster’s about-face post-disclosures.
• Confidence in trial thoroughness; appeal anticipated but unlikely to overturn on process.

00:12:30 — Kathleen Folbigg: exoneration, “skinny” compensation, media reckoning

• NSW offers ~$2m after 20 years in prison; hosts call it low given Lindy Chamberlain’s historical payout and inflation.
• Books still in print labeling Folbigg a serial killer; calls for accountability among journalists.
• Comparison with Patterson media handling—less rush to judgment this time.

00:19:19 — Productivity Commission on AI: 4.3% productivity vs. IP rights

• Light-touch copyright reforms vs. creators’ consent/compensation.
• Corporate uptake (e.g., JPMorgan’s uplift) and the productivity juggernaut.
• Tech scraping (e.g., use of pirated libraries) and lawsuits (e.g., Sarah Silverman case).
• Social media harms and late-stage regulation; kids outmaneuvering adult-written rules.
• Data demands to verify age -> more privacy tradeoffs; grooming on gaming platforms; neurodivergent vulnerability.

00:29:05 — New Zealand: travel flows, cost of living, politics

• Kiwis using Australia as a launchpad; departures muddying migration stats.
• Cost of living pressures; coalition under Chris Luxon trailing in polling.
• Dairy dependence on China moderated; Christchurch rebuild once boosted the economy, now cooled.

00:33:32 — Australia to recognize Palestine: symbolism vs. security

• Planned announcements at the UNGA alongside France/UK/Canada.
• Netanyahu’s pushback; everyone says “no role for Hamas” in the day-after.
• Israeli protests against extended occupation; Arab League reluctance to police Gaza.
• A (half-flippant) British “mandate” idea vs. feasibility; Somalia as an example of regional peacekeeping success; current leadership gap to assemble an Arab-led force.

00:43:05 — Hiroshima & Nagasaki at 80: necessity debate revisited

• Immediate vs. long-tail casualties; cancer and birth defects; legal actions in Japan.
• Senior U.S. military figures (Eisenhower, Nimitz, others) cited as skeptical of necessity; Soviets’ late entry in the Pacific war as a factor.
• Recommendation to read widely; Paul Ham’s “Hiroshima Nagasaki” as a starting point.

00:53:29 — U.S. housing and politics: who sets the agenda?

• First-home median age moving from ~28 to ~38; 2008’s lingering scars.
• Young men shifting toward Trump; Democrats’ reactive posture.
• Tariffs as a consumption tax; pass-through risks to inflation; corporate strain and loan-taking; watch upcoming indicators.

01:01:50 — Food stamps & junk food limits

• 12 U.S. states considering restrictions (especially sodas).
• Government paternalism vs. personal choice; cooking skills gap; case for basic food education over bans.

01:04:51 — Trump–Putin in Alaska; Ukraine reality check

• Optics of a meeting; Ukraine constitution forbids ceding land; Crimea’s intractability.
• Reliability issues with Moscow agreements; tariffs complicating Alaska supply via Canada.

01:07:27 — Cacio e pepe wars (BBC vs. Rome)

• Purist recipe (pasta, pepper, pecorino), emulsion with pasta water—no butter/cream.
• Finger-wagging at British “improvements,” with a side of hypocrisy charges in summer variations.
• Carbonara authenticity chat (guanciale; no cream).

01:10:01 — NRL: ladder shifts and a trainer’s “gamesmanship”

• Panthers surge; Storm and Raiders in the mix; Broncos hammered by Roosters.
• Trainer stepping into a kicker’s line—five-week ban, $50k fine; learning from AFL’s runner reforms.

01:14:55 — AFL culture & form lines

• Gabba crowd scuffle; how crowds have changed since the suburban-era melees.
• Scott Pendlebury on track for 400; Collingwood and Brisbane wobble despite talent.
• Isaac Heaney’s purple patch as Brownlow “smokey”; nine sides for eight spots; big fixtures loom.
• Carlton locks in Michael Voss through 2026; list-management changes brewing.

01:26:24 — Cricket: T20 streak, Darwin’s Test pitch, Ashes selection

• Australia’s T20 run; Tim David’s monster hitting; iconic crowd catch.
• Case for a winter Test in Darwin to diversify venues/opponents.
• Ashes schedule (Perth, Brisbane D/N, Adelaide, MCG, SCG) compresses rest windows; pace rotation likely.
• Opener conundrum: Labuschagne with Khawaja risks slow starts; Boland automatic at the MCG.

01:34:27 — Rugby: Giteau Law scrapped

• Wallabies free to pick more overseas-based players.
• Manage workloads for key big men (e.g., Will Skelton) ahead of major tournaments.

01:36:21 — Iran drought & “weather manipulation” claim; sign-off

• Iranian TV guest alleges U.S./Israel redirect rain clouds; hosts file under conspiracy.
• Wrap and see-you-next-week.

— Notable moments & quotes —

• 00:05:14 — Hong Kong Jack: “Premeditated deliberate … murder.”
• 00:05:26 — Jack the Insider: “Planned, organised and designed to cause maximum injury and pain.”
• 00:13:38 — Hong Kong Jack (on Folbigg payout): “Bit skinny. I would have thought.”
• 00:25:40 — Hong Kong Jack: “In a battle on a tech issue, I’ll back the 13- and 14-year-olds every day of the week.”
• 00:39:17 — Hong Kong Jack (half-flippant): “Go back to 1946 and have another Palestine mandate … give it to the Brits to run as a colony.”
• 00:47:20 — Jack the Insider (quoting Eisenhower): Japan was “already defeated … dropping the bomb was completely unnecessary.”
• 00:59:33 — Hong Kong Jack: “Trump controls the Democrats’ narrative … He’s in charge of both parties.”
• 01:10:45 — Hong Kong Jack (NRL trainer): “That was gamesmanship.”
• 01:22:11 — Hong Kong Jack (on Heaney): “He’s my smokey for a Brownlow.”
• 01:33:12 — Jack the Insider (Ashes): “There’s nowhere to hide if you’re a bit injured.”

and remember you get 10% off delicious tins at https://cbco.beer/ and if you want to keep this thing going - and like naughty bonus episodes - please support us at https://www.patreon.com/theconditionalreleaseprogram

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Ever wondered what drives conspiracy theories in Australia? Authors Ariel Bogle and Cam Wilson take us on a fascinating journey through their research for "Conspiracy Nation," revealing the complex web of beliefs, profiteers, and digital ecosystems that shape modern conspiracy culture.

Their investigation spans from the historical Port Arthur incident to today's online communities, where fringe beliefs find fertile ground. Through firsthand experiences—including a memorable visit to a conspiracy theorist meeting in Byron Bay—the authors demonstrate how empathy and critical thinking can coexist in journalism.

The discussion illuminates the fine line between genuine independent journalism and sensationalist commentary, highlighting how the attention economy fuels misinformation. Bogle and Wilson masterfully balance compassion for those caught in conspiracy networks while exposing the opportunists who exploit them for profit.

Ready to understand the fascinating world of conspiracy theories and their impact on Australian society? Tune in to this eye-opening episode that challenges our assumptions about belief, truth, and the power of digital communities.

Listen now to discover how conspiracy theories shape our nation and why understanding them matters more than ever.

The Jacks start in Hong Kong’s downpour before unpacking Tasmania’s post‑election arithmetic and a machete “amnesty” with bins outside cop shops. They wade through protests, policing, and the far‑right’s antics, then dig into the Gareth Ward case and the thorny politics of expulsion. There’s a sharp turn into AI copyright fights, family life vs screens, and a listener letter on pilot mental health.

Mid‑show is a deep dive on ME/CFS’s genetic breakthrough, then a long, unsentimental look at Gaza, Hamas, ceasefires, and who could plausibly govern anything next. Stateside, Tulsi, Brennan, Mueller, and the Epstein files swirl together with youth‑vote and gerrymander chat. They close with sport: Wallabies’ best fortnight in ages, a cracking England–India Test, Ashes nerves, AFL chaos at Melbourne, and a quick NRL/Swans CEO note—before ending on a Trader Joe’s chicken funeral and a cheeky Ozempic joke.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 — Hong Kong’s black rain
• Triple black rain signals; ~300mm in a day at Mid‑Levels.
• City empties as people stay home; flood photos doing the rounds.
• 00:01:36 — Tasmania’s numbers game
• Premier commissioned without a majority; Greens won’t move no‑confidence.
• Governor Barbara Baker’s “test it on the floor” remark and what’s in scope.
• Labor/Greens maths; low appetite for another poll, but conditions exist.
• 00:05:49 — Bins for blades: the machete “amnesty”
• Drop‑off slots outside police stations; comparison to firearms amnesties.
• Media flurries vs actual incident data; last big cluster months ago.
• 00:07:21 — Protests, policing, and the far‑right
• Sydney Bridge March crowd size; VIPs photographed with Khamenei backdrop.
• Nazis on Parliament steps in balaclavas; state‑by‑state policing contrasts.
• Flags, chants, and where police draw the line on intervention.
• 00:14:18 — The Gareth Ward mess
• Conviction details; bail, incarceration, and expulsion difficulty.
• Kiama re‑election as an independent, salary while imprisoned.
• Appeals, precedent, and public disgust.
• 00:20:20 — Farewells and AI fights
• David Dale and Col Joy remembered.
• Productivity Commission’s AI stance; artists vs scraping; Zuckerberg’s book haul.
• Peter Garrett’s industry savvy; JP Morgan’s internal AI rollout.
• 00:26:16 — Kids, screens, and breakfast
• The great iPad panic; why we don’t judge strangers’ mornings.
• Family meals are good; mind your own business is better.
• 00:28:23 — Mailbag: pilots and mental health
• FAA caution vs counselling stigma; past “deliberate crash” cases.
• Policy that pushes people away from help is bad policy.
• 00:31:10 — ME/CFS: genetics change the story
• DecodeME links to immune and nervous system pathways.
• It’s physiological, not psychosomatic; GET/CBT harm for PEM sufferers.
• RACGP guidance lag vs UK/US updates; a long‑overdue turn.
• 00:37:10 — Gaza, Hamas, and the absence of good options
• 2005 pull‑out, tunnels, aid skimming; ceasefire vs aid corridors.
• Who could govern Gaza; peacekeepers, UNRWA skepticism, and Hamas reality.
• Ehud Barak’s Qatar funding allegations; elections, starvation, ethics.
• 01:03:21 — US politics: Russiagate reruns and Epstein files
• Tulsi’s evolution; Brennan on TV; Mueller was Trump‑era appointed.
• “Lock her up” vs AI Obama arrest video; the file‑release calculus.
• Youth‑vote shifts; Republicans’ state‑house gerrymanders.
• 01:21:42 — Media Watch vs Sky
• The TikTok immigration clip Sky ran and then pulled.
• Why mainstream reporting beats cherry‑picked viral outrage.
• 01:24:44 — Sport: a proper weekend
• Wallabies find a game fans can love; Lions tour lifts the code.
• England–India: great chase, Siraj’s spell, and pressure’s toll.
• Ashes preview: Bazball mettle in Aus conditions; pace attack is the key.
• AFL: Simon Goodwin sacked, Melbourne chaos, Adelaide surging; NRL Panthers steady.
• Swans appoint Matthew Pavlich CEO.
• 01:36:54 — Chicken funerals and closing
• A full black‑robed rite in a US supermarket.
• “Put Ozempic in the water” gag; letters and see‑you‑next‑week.

Notable quotes

• 00:00:25 — “We had three black rain signals… 300 mils in a day here at Mid‑Levels.”
• 00:03:31 — “It’s not for the governor to be deciding when numbers are tested.”
• 00:06:01 — “Bins outside the police station so miscreants can slide the machete through the slot.”
• 00:08:43 — “They stood on the steps of Parliament and zig‑hiled their way across that protest.”
• 00:14:09 — “Personally, I think let people tell you who they are.”
• 00:18:50 — “He’s essentially been convicted of rape… he’s going to get a holiday.”
• 00:24:49 — “To boost productivity by 4%, it’s decided you just let AI go.”
• 00:33:59 — “It is neurological and immunological. It is not psychiatric.”
• 00:47:42 — “There are no good choices at the moment.”
• 01:25:26 — “The best fortnight for the Wallabies in a very, very long time.”

Who and what gets mentioned

• People: Barbara Baker; Jacinta Allan; Bob Carr; Gareth Ward; Chris Minns; Meredith Burgmann; Bruce Learman; David Dale; Col Joy; Peter Garrett; Mark Zuckerberg; Jamie Dimon; Andy Devereaux‑Cook; Ghazi Hamad; Benjamin Netanyahu; Eyal Zamir; Ehud Barak; John Brennan; Tulsi Gabbard; Hillary Clinton; Bill Clinton; Pam Bondi; Prince Andrew; Michael Vaughan; Ricky Ponting; Dave Warner; Joffre Archer; Mark Wood; Simon Goodwin; Brad Green; Matthew Pavlich; Tom Harley; Abby Phillip; Scott Jennings; Van Jones.
• Places: Hong Kong; Tasmania; Melbourne; Sydney; North Shore; Central; Opera House; Kiama; Silverwater; Gaza; West Bank; Qatar; Egypt; Netherlands; Japan; Texas; California; Massachusetts; Illinois; New York; Maryland; Old Trafford; Perth; The Gabba; Adelaide; San Francisco.
• Organisations/teams: Greens; Labor; Liberal Party; National Socialist Alliance; IDF; Hezbollah; UNRWA; Palestinian Authority; Hamas; Mossad; BBC; Jerusalem Post; FAA; DecodeME; RACGP; Productivity Commission; Sky News; Media Watch; CIA; Wallabies; Penrith Panthers; Sydney Swans; AFL; NRL; JP Morgan.

Talk turns to Erin Patterson and the Leongatha Mushroom Murders, the truth about murder and the often lurid business of True Crime reporting. 

Support us at Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/theconditionalreleaseprogram

Buy Emily's book:

https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/books/murder-in-the-suburbs/

🏄‍♂️ Episode Overview

This round of The Two Jacks is a beaut: Joel (Jack the Insider) and Jack (Hong Kong Jack) serve up their signature Aussie banter and sharp intellectual takes, tackling everything from Oz politics and housing to international chaos, with a healthy dose of sports, climate woes, and top-shelf ribbing. Whether it’s decoding Albanese’s courage (or lack thereof) or marveling at St Kilda’s miracle comeback, this episode’s got more zingers than a Bunnings sausage sizzle. Settle in for a jam-packed ride through the headlines, global drama, and just enough nonsense to make your brain hurt (in a good way).

⏰ Timestamped Segments

00:00:00 — Opening Chit-Chat

• Joel welcomes listeners and checks in with Hong Kong Jack about life in the steamy east. The Ozzy Osbourne tribute gets a look-in, and there’s reminiscing on royal and celebrity antics.

00:01:30 — Listener Mailbag: Student Debt, Housing, and the Millennial Squeeze

• The lads unpack a heartfelt letter about HECS/HELP debt, housing affordability, and why millennials reckon “the pollies don’t do shit for us.” Jack isn’t convinced the taxpayer should cop uni fees, but both agree the system’s a dog’s breakfast.

00:06:25 — Policy Wonkery: Productivity, Summits, and Gough Whitlam Ghosts

• From Hawke, Keating, and risk-taking, to whether Chalmers or Albo has the guts for big reform. Productivity and “just take a punt, mate!” dominate the yarn.

00:12:12 — Climate Change: Veggies as Luxury, Alarmism, and the Gospel of Catastrophe

• UN predictions, cost-of-living in Granada (spoiler: beer’s cheaper), and a healthy scepticism of alarmists like Al Gore. The boys debate whether scare tactics will help or just bore Aussies senseless.

00:19:22 — Social Media: Bans, Privacy, and the Perennial Parental Panic

• Joel’s cranky about logins and privacy on streaming, while Jack shreds online age bans. Are parents just outsourcing discipline to Canberra? “You know who’s going to win? The 14-year-olds, mate.”

00:33:11 — World in a Pickle: Cambodia-Thailand Fracas & Middle East Mess

• Cambodia and Thailand nearly square up thanks to colonial lines, but settle down. In the Middle East, aid drops, Gaza’s tragedy, and the endless two-state solution dance. Digressions into dodgy politicians’ connections and international finger-pointing included.

01:00:05 — Trump Watch & Global Popcorn

• Trump cheats at golf but still rules the news cycle. Immigration, EU trade stoushes, and the French PM’s sooking—more international theatre than the Sydney Festival.

01:07:42 — Epstein Files & Legal Shenanigans

• Maxwell’s appeal for a pardon, congressional escapades, and why the Epstein saga just. won’t. die. Is Trump untouchable, or just the most Teflon bloke on the planet?

01:19:30 — Sports Blitz: Rugby, Cricket, and AFL Madness

• The Wallabies almost pull off a miracle, rucking it with the best. Cricket sledges, doctored pitches, and Test matches tighter than Jack’s pub budget. AFL chaos: Saints’ wild comeback, player transfer drama, and a sneaky NRL update to boot.

01:33:08 — Wrapping Up: Listener Love and Where to Find the Jacks

• Call-outs for commentary, plugs for the Facebook page, and reminder you can email, DM, or find Jack on Substack (hongkongjack.substack.com) and Joel (Jack the Insider) on X.
• 
  
• 
  

🦘 Wrap-up

This episode’s a ripper—classic Two Jacks with brain, heart, and tongue firmly in cheek. If you want deep dives and laughs in the same breath, you’re in the right spot. Get around it, drop the crew a line, and don’t forget: when in doubt, blame the streaming fees.

(what streaming fees?!?)

Locksley's body was found with multiple gunshot wounds in Menai in Sydney's west.

Melbourne criminal Christopher Dale Flannery was charged with the murder, he went through a committal hearing before being acquitted in 1984.

Ray was Flannery's alibi witness along with many others at Mickey's Disco in St Kilda but the charges proceeded amid a flurry of police verbals from some of the most infamous police officers in Victoria and New South Wales at the time.

In this episode Ray proves that Flannery could not have committed the murder of Locksley. If Flannery didn't do it, who did?

Ray and Jack discuss whether this was a blue murder or where other criminal elements not related to Flannery may have been involved. 

A T10 typhoon batters Hong Kong while political storms swirl from Canberra to Westminster. Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack break down Australian polling shocks, UK voting reforms, Middle-East flashpoints, the tangled Epstein files, and a grab-bag of sport, entertainment, and aviation safety stories.

Here are the robot's ten title ideas. Do they suck? I dunno, haven't listened to the episode yet.

10 Title Ideas

1. Typhoons, Polls & Power Plays
2. Storm Fronts: From Hong Kong Skies to Canberra Corridors
3. Voting at 16, Planes in Peril – A World Tour with The Two Jacks
4. Branch Stackers & Ballot Shakers
5. Druze Dilemmas and Down-Under Dramas
6. Coldplay Slip-Ups & Late-Night Shake-Downs
7. From Epstein Files to AFL Finals
8. Hare-Clarke Hiccups: Tasmania on a Tightrope
9. Middle-East Flashpoints & Western Media Fade-Outs
10. Polling Tsunamis and Political Aftershocks

Episode Highlights: Robot Edition

• “This could be the end of the Liberal Party as a national force if they don’t find the centre ground—and fast.” — Jack the Insider

• “Votes at 16? Sure—but give them a civics class before you hand them the ballot.” — Hong Kong Jack

• The boys predict Tasmania’s next premier may “need a calendar, not a throne” given fragile coalition math.

• Coldplay’s stage-dive mishap leads to a riff on “Slip, Slop, Slap—Rock-star edition.”

• "these quotes would be a real knee slapper - if I had knees!" - ChatGPT probably.

Useful Links & Further Reading

• Australian Electoral Commission polling trends dashboard
• UK Elections (Voting Age) Amendment Bill 2025 – House of Commons briefing
• UN OCHA Gaza humanitarian update, July 2025
• ATSB report on deliberate cockpit incidents (2022–24)

https://www.thedailybeast.com/obama-judge-gets-trump-lawsuit-over-spicy-epstein-letter/

They will probably use this as an excuse to withdraw the lawsuit which they would not only lose but be irreparably humiliated by the discovery process. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------

This week we have a classic news episode which opens with a bit about Epstein. It's talk of the town but our take is the best one of course.

We remind listeners gleefully that Raina Cruise's suspended sentence was overturned and replaced with a custodial one. She seems like a real nice lady. Probably redpilling the prison as we speak.

We also look at Damien Richardson's Nazi salute and his defence lawyer who thinks that the solution to his legal woes lies in a protractor and some measuring tape.

And in SovCits we look at Warren Tredrea - former AFL great turned cooker who recently tried to pay a costs order to Nine in the form of a promissory note. Sadly, he could not find the gold coins to pay it so it's been written off. This is because something something the federal acts. Just look it up bro do your research.

And last but NOT LEAST is Zippy Babet who is having a very tough time wrapping his head around the Epstein files - or lack thereof. He also has fallen in love with Far North Queensland but sadly he wants to ban himself from going there.

I hope he goes there and stays there. On behalf of the fine folks in Melbourne who have way too many bloody cookers in their midst.

PS - We were going to do the ANR Free Speech Summit, Timeshare Presentation and Independent Media Awards this episode but it's blown out to be a bit long. So that will probably get its own episode. Oh Jamie. You're such a funny lad. The story is still developing as well, since people have suddenly learned that putting his name into google has a lot of results. Several of them bad. Some of them are glowing reports of his honesty and brilliance but he clearly paid for them.

Enjoy!

PS - the CRP10 discount code still works at cbco.beer and their IPA is still one of the best in the country - their NEIPA is still great - they have hectic competitions on and generally they're a good bunch. Buy their beer.

She is telling her story in interview with Peter Hoysted in the hope other victims might come forward and end the cycle of abuse. This is not an easy listen but an important one.

One in 10 Australians experience sexual abuse at the hands of a family member. Beck wants them to know there is a way out.

Victims can seek justice and become survivors.  

---------------------------------------------------------

If any of the content has been distressing you can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 and if you’re in crisis please call lifeline on 13 11 14.

Topics Discussed:

1. Breakthrough in Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

• Discussion on Peter Moulding's miraculous recovery from metastatic pancreatic cancer through a clinical trial drug, AMP945.
• Reflection on the promising advancements in immunological cancer treatments.

1. Childcare Safety Crisis

• Examination of horrifying child abuse allegations against a childcare worker in Melbourne.
• Critique of systemic flaws in background checks and legislative gaps in child safety policies.

1. Victorian Politics

• Analysis of recent polls showing Labor's resurgence under Premier Jacinta Allen.
• Internal conflicts and challenges plaguing the Victorian Liberal party and their implications for upcoming elections.

1. Anti-Semitic Incidents in Melbourne

• Report on a rise in targeted attacks against the Jewish community, including vandalism at a Jewish restaurant and an arson attempt at a synagogue.
• Broader discussion on combating hate and promoting tolerance in multicultural societies.

1. Reflections on the 7/7 London Bombings

• Marking the 20th anniversary of the London bombings.
• Personal stories of survivors and analysis of counter-terrorism efforts since that time.

1. Cultural Spotlight: Oasis Reunion

• Review of the iconic band's reunion concert in Wales and their return to form with a highly anticipated world tour.

1. Sports Coverage:

• Highlights from Wimbledon, including Novak Djokovic’s form and Alex de Minaur’s performance.
• Updates on AFL, NFLW, and the upcoming State of Origin decider.

1. Opinions on Middle East Peace Talks

• Speculations on the declining control of Hamas in Gaza and possibilities for regional peace and stability.

1. U.S. Politics and Policies

• Insights into the impact of the "Big Beautiful Bill" passed in Congress, including its contentious provisions.

1. Hong Kong Jack’s Story Highlight

• A tribute to the late televangelist Jimmy Swaggart and reflections on his controversial life and legacy.

Peter’s wife, Jen, was first diagnosed with ME/CFS in 1993.

Peter outlines the struggles his wife has had to manage over the last three decades. The condition is exacerbated by medical health professionals who often believe ME/CFS is a psychosomatic syndrome. Poor and out-dated advice from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners continues to worsen the symptoms for sufferers of this debilitating illness.

The advice remains in place in Australia despite changes to treatment in the UK and the US. Sufferers are often bed bound for much of their lives. They find it extremely difficult to access government support, including disability pensions and the NDIS. 

What?

Anyway here's more AI slop. I didn't see the episode 117 but I'm on holiday so I am doing it later.

Big week folks. Enjoy!

Timestamped Events:

• 00:00:51: Discussion on the cancellation of Channel 10's "The Project" and the future of free-to-air television in Australia.
• 00:20: Superannuation tax on unrealized capital gains is debated, including a case study.
• 00:30: Housing affordability and the challenges of planning approvals are discussed.
• 00:40: The dynamic between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, and the power of the presidency is explored.
• 00:46: The conversation shifts to Trump and the courts, and the use of federal power regarding immigration.
• 01:04: The life and work of author Frederick Forsyth are remembered.
• 01:09: The Gaza Freedom Flotilla and Greta Thunberg's involvement are analyzed.
• 01:19: The "Dull Men's Club" is introduced.
• 01:21: AFL updates, including a controversial bump and discussion of CTE.
• 01:27: Rugby and football (soccer) are discussed, including Ange Postecoglou's departure from Tottenham.
• 01:31: Tennis at Roland Garros and interesting sports statistics are shared.
• 01:35: Closing remarks and listener interaction information.

PS - THESE SHOWNOTES ARE AI GENERATED

• (0:00:33) - Discussion of the life and fight for justice of former Vic Boll police detective Denis Ryan, who sought to prosecute Monsignor John Day for child sex offenses in Mildura in 1972, referencing the book Unholy Trinity.
• (0:09:31) - The police force's reaction to Denis Ryan's investigation, the "Catholic mafia" stymying the investigation, and Denis being ostracized.
• (0:17:43) - Joel Hill's encounter with then Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, Graham Ashton, and asking him when he would apologize to Denis Ryan, which eventually led to formal apologies and compensation.
• (0:30:09) - Discussion of Dorinda Cox, former WA Green senator, joining the Labor Party and the political implications.
• (0:41:03) - Moving on from Australian politics to Elon Musk's unhappiness with a congressional spending bill and related gossip.
• (0:50:30) - Moving on to Ukraine and their significant win with drones taking out a substantial number of Russia's bomber fleet and the wider implications for the war.
• (0:55:09) - Moving on to the UK and Sir Keir Starmer's woes, including attacks from within his party and being spooked by the Reform party, and a discussion on immigration issues.
• (1:07:03) - Moving on to sport, mentioning the Tasmanian Devils AFL team and their reliance on political results in Tasmania, leading into a wider discussion on AFL governance and umpiring issues.
• (1:20:56) - Moving on to NRL, discussing State of Origin and a listener's lament about the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
• (1:23:46) - Discussion of PSG (Paris Saint-Germain) winning the Champions League final against Inter Milan and related events.
• (1:25:38) - Looking ahead to next week, mentioning the Test Championship at Lord's and Virat Kohli's IPL win, and discussing Australian cricket.

Podcast Episode: Two Jacks – Episode 114

Post-Production for Recording 1

Run Date: 30 May 2025

Shownotes

Introduction (0:00)

• Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack return after a brief hiatus due to Joel traveling to Hawaii.
• Opening banter about Hawaii, the weather, and a lighthearted remark about avoiding bushfires.

Australian Politics and Election Analysis (0:59)

• Deep dive into the aftermath of a recent election result, including:
• Two-party preferred votes: 55.19% to 44.81%.
• Discussions about the myths of how a "first past the post" voting system would have impacted the election outcomes.
• Historical context on the introduction of Australia's preferential voting system in 1918 to prevent Labor domination.
• Commentary on Tom Elliott’s controversial opinion about voting systems.
• Analysis of minor parties and how the removal of preferential voting would affect their representation, disadvantaging groups like the Greens or minor right parties.
• Hong Kong Jack shares insights about how voting systems shape campaign strategies in Australia versus the UK.

Coalition Dynamics and Leadership Updates (6:00)

• Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack dissect the challenges facing the Coalition post-election:
• Tension between the Liberals and Nationals sparked by Littleproud’s leadership and uncertain policy positioning.
• Discussion on key personnel changes, including the demotion of shadow ministers like Sarah Henderson and Jane Hume.
• Predictions of leadership instability within the Nationals, with Jack the Insider forecasting Littleproud’s leadership might not survive past November.

Broader Political Landscape Commentary (14:00)

• Speculation on the viability of the Liberal Party as it moves further right ideologically while alienating moderates.
• Historical perspective on the collapse of right-wing parties in Australian politics and the risk of the Liberal Party facing similar consequences.
• Critique of Peter Dutton's focus on regional Australia, leaving traditional city-based constituencies vulnerable to Teal independents.

International Politics: US, UK, and Poland (26:00)

United Kingdom:

• Decline in support for Keir Starmer’s Labour due to coalition infighting and lack of direction. Rumors about Angela Rayner potentially challenging Starmer for leadership.
• Discussions touch on “super injunction” rumors and polling trends showing growing support for Reform UK.

Poland:

• Highlights of Poland’s economic growth, with projections of it surpassing Japan in GDP per capita by 2026–27.
• Observations about Poland’s political stability and the upcoming Presidential Election, with tensions between hard-right and centrist candidates.

United States:

• A critical review of Trump’s controversial economic policies and debt ceiling negotiations.
• Jack the Insider critiques the "Make America Healthy Again" initiative by Bobby Kennedy Jr., particularly its stance on restricting government scientists from publishing research and COVID vaccine policies.
• Broader concerns about the decline in public trust toward pandemic management.

Middle East: Israel-Gaza Conflict (1:04:00)

• Analysis of the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza with criticism of aid distribution and alleged human rights violations.
• Jack the Insider highlights concerns about Israel’s political motivations and the use of Palestinians as human shields.
• Debate on whether Hamas or Netanyahu bears greater moral responsibility, with differing perspectives from Hong Kong Jack and Jack the Insider.

Sports Corner (1:13:00)

Australian Rules Football (AFL):

• Collingwood’s dominance this season; speculation on the flag being theirs to lose.
• Challenges faced by Carlton and Sydney as they linger outside the finals contention.

Rugby:

• Expectations for the British Lions Tour and its significance for Australian Rugby Union.
• Insights into the resilience and consistent performance of the Brumbies compared to other Super Rugby teams.

Soccer:

• Ange Postecoglou’s success at Tottenham Hotspur, securing their first trophy in years amidst uncertainty about his tenure.

Cricket:

• Cameron Green’s exceptional batting form in county cricket and its implications for Australia’s Test Championship squad selection.

State of Origin Rugby League:

• New South Wales claim a gritty Game 1 victory against Queensland at Lang Park, with the series set to continue at Optus Stadium in Perth and the Olympic Stadium in Sydney.

Closing Thoughts (1:28:00)

• Jack the Insider invites listeners to send in feedback and contributions for future episodes.
• Upcoming topics preview: The Victorian Liberal Party’s internal turmoil, with potential fallout over legal disputes involving former leader John Pesutto.

Thank you for tuning in to Two Jacks!

Email Jack the Insider: jacktheinsider@gmail.com

Subscribe to Hong Kong Jack on Substack for updates!

Key Topics Covered

1. Australian Politics

• The Liberal Party's election of a new leader, Suzanne ("Sussan") Ley.
• A deep dive into her unconventional numerology backstory.
• Her leadership votes (29–25) as she edges out Angus Taylor.
• Ted O’Brien as deputy leader – his Sunshine Coast seat, ties to Taiwan, and study in Asia.
• The Nationals' direction and challenges: David Littleproud retains leadership while debates over net-zero emissions targets continue.
• The tension between the Coalition's philosophical stance on nuclear energy and policy realignment.

1. Labor's New Cabinet

• The fallout of Anthony Albanese’s factional compromises in reshuffling the cabinet.
• The exclusion of Ed Husic and Mark Dreyfuß sparks conversations about faction-driven decisions.
• The introduction of “special envoys” within the ministry – quirky or functional?
• Reflections on the dynamics between faction leaders and Prime Minister Albanese.

1. Post-Referendum Delusions

• Analysis of the repercussions of the Voice referendum loss.
• How the Coalition misread their referendum win as momentum for taking government.
• The dangers of hubris in both major Australian political parties.

1. Gaza Crisis and Morality in Politics

• A reflective discussion on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and its global implications.

1. Global Geopolitics

• Putin’s stance following European leaders’ ultimatum.
• U.S. tariffs on China: economic realities and diplomatic maneuvers.
• Commentary on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict with Donald Trump’s threats of sanctions.

1. Germany’s Rearmament and Political Landscape

• The challenges around Germany’s massive military investment and reshaped leadership under conservative Frederick Merz.
• The rise of far-right party AFD and its broader European implications.

1. Immigration in Focus

• The political shift in the U.K. as Sir Keir Starmer changes his stance on immigration policies.
• Lessons from Australian immigration history and reflections on Europe’s response.

1. Sport, Pop Culture & More

• Cricket: Tribute to Virat Kohli as he retires from Test cricket. His stats, legacy, and influence on Indian cricket.
• AFL: A breakdown of the tight matches, umpiring controversies, and the top 8 ladder. Should draws remain?
• NRL: Celebrating Latrell Mitchell’s game-winning 50-meter field goal and the rise of unexpected teams like the NZ Warriors.
• IPL and Security Concerns: Adjustments to the tournament amidst heightened conflict.
• Nostalgia-filled commentary on Pope Leo XIV (the American Chicagoan Pope) and his potential love for baseball’s Chicago White Sox.

1. Humor & Extras

• Stories of televangelist Jim Bakker’s plea for funds and Nigerian email scam jokes rounded out with trademark Two Jacks humor.

Listener Takeaways

• The Two Jacks dissect Australian media with insider insight, offering a combination of timely analysis and a bit of much-needed levity on heavy topics.
• From the cricket pitch to political caucuses, this episode highlights the intersection of power, performance, and policy.

Links/Resources

• Follow Jack the Insider on Twitter: @JackTheInsider
• Subscribe to Hong Kong Jack’s Substack: HongKongJack.Substack.com

Contact The Two Jacks

Have feedback, questions, or topics you’d like covered in a future episode? Reach out:

• Email: The Two Jacks

Join us for Episode 113 of The Two Jacks for bold takes, sharp critiques, and a few laughs along the way!

Thanks listeners. We love you. Buy CBCo it's excellent beer.

The Conditional Release Program - Episode 185: Federal Election 2025 Post-Special

Hosts: Joel Hill & Jack the Insider (Peter Hoistead)

Overall Theme: A deep dive into the results and implications of the 2025 Australian Federal Election, focusing on Labor's historic victory, the Coalition's catastrophic loss, and the performance of minor parties and independents.

Key Segments & Talking Points:

(Part 1 - Approximate Timestamps based on original transcript, subject to adjustment)

• [00:00:00 - 00:01:23] Introduction & Election Overview
• Joel laments being banned from betting on the election, particularly Labor's strong odds.
• Jack notes Joel would have won significantly, especially on Labor at $2.60.
• Historic Labor Win: Anthony "Albo" Albanese leads Labor to a significant victory.
• Libs sent into an "existential crisis."
• Albo is the first PM to be re-elected since John Howard in 2004.
• Largest Labor victory on a two-party preferred basis since John Curtin in 1943 (votes still being counted).
• Crucial Stat: The Albanese government is the only first-term government to have a swing towards it in Australian political history.
• [00:01:23 - 00:03:38] Significance of the Swing to Labor
• Previous first-term governments (Howard '98, Hawke '84, Fraser '77, Whitlam '74, Menzies) all had swings against them when seeking a second term.
• Albo's government achieved an approximate 4% swing towards it (votes still being counted).
• Discussion points: Where it went right for Labor, and wrong for the Coalition, Greens, and Teals.
• Far-right "Cookers" performed terribly. Pauline Hanson's One Nation (FONY) might see minor representation.
• [00:03:38 - 00:05:11] Patreon & Sponsor Shout-outs
• Reminder to support the podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/theconditionalreleaseprogram (for as little as $5/month).
• CB Co. Beer: Praised for their IPA and new Hazy XPA. Competition to win $100,000. Use code CRP10 for 10% off at cbco.beer.
• [00:05:11 - 00:08:52] Polling Inaccuracies & Liberal Optimism
• Reiteration of the ~4% swing to Labor.
• Comparison of final poll predictions vs. actual results:
• Freshwater: Labor 51.5% (was Liberal pollster, told Libs they were close).
• Newspoll: 52.5% (Labor used their private polling).
• Essential: 53.5%.
• YouGov: 52.2% - 52.9%.
• Polling companies significantly underestimated Labor's vote, especially those advising the Coalition.
• The misplaced optimism at Liberal Party HQ on election night.
• [00:08:52 - 00:16:00] Specific Seat Results & Labor Gains
• Gilmore (NSW South Coast): Fiona Phillips (Labor) won 55-45 (3-4% swing to her), despite Andrew Constance (Liberal) being the favourite.
• Bennelong (Howard's old seat): Jeremy Laxail (Labor) won 59-41 against Scott Young (problematic Liberal candidate), a 10% swing to Labor.
• Parramatta: Andrew Charlton (Labor) won 62-38 (was 53.47 in 2022).
• Aston (Victoria): Labor won in a historic by-election previously, now a 4% swing to the Labor candidate, winning 53-47.
• Boothby (SA): Louise Miller-Frost (Labor) achieved an 8% swing, holding the seat 61-39.
• Tangney (WA): Sam Lim (Labor, ex-cop & dolphin trainer) secured a 3% swing, now 56-44. Large Bhutanese diaspora noted.
• Leichhardt (FNQ): Labor's Matt Smith won 57-43 after Warren Entsch (LNP) retired (10% swing).
• Hunter (NSW): Dan Repiccioli (Labor) re-elected with 44% primary vote (5% swing on primary). Fended off Nats and One Nation (Stuart Bonds' inflated vote claims by "One Australia" on X).
• [00:16:00 - 00:18:49] Diversifying Parliament & Women in Politics
• Praise for non-lawyer backgrounds in Parliament (e.g., Dan Repiccioli, Sam Lim).
• Critique of the typical lawyer/staffer/union pathway.
• Labor's success in diversifying candidate backgrounds and increasing female representation.
• Liberals struggling with female representation despite some efforts. Discussion of potential quotas in the Liberal party and the backlash it would cause.
• Margaret Thatcher quote: "If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman."
• [00:18:49 - 00:27:26] The Teals: Mixed Results & Challenges
• Initial appearance of a Teal "romp" on election night.
• Bradfield (NSW North Shore): Teal Nicolette Boele (Burle/Bola) behind Liberal Giselle Kaptarian by 178 votes (updated during recording).
• Goldstein (VIC): Tim Wilson (Liberal) leading Zoe Daniel (Teal) by 925 votes. Wilson is likely back. Joel comments on Wilson's IPA association vs. his "gay, wet, mediocre, progressive side." Jack notes Wilson often highlights his sexuality.
• Jim Chalmers' quip about Tim Wilson: "Popular for all those who haven't met him."
• Kooyong (VIC): Monique Ryan (Teal) leading by 1002 votes (97,000 counted, ~8,000 postals to go). Redistribution added parts of Toorak, making it harder for Ryan.
• Liberal candidate Amelia Hamer: "Trust fund renter" controversy, owns multiple properties, London bolthole.
• Corflute wars in Kooyong: Hamer campaign's excessive use of A-frames, obstructing walkways, went to Supreme Court over council limits. Jack doubts the impact of corflutes.
• [00:27:26 - 00:31:28] Why Did the Teals Go Backwards?
• Liberal party invested heavily in Kooyong and Goldstein.
• Voters potentially preferring a local member who is a Minister or part of the government.
• Redistribution impact in Kooyong (addition of Toorak).
• Zali Steggall's success in Warringah partly due to "fruitcake" Liberal opponents like Katherine Deves.
• [00:31:28 - 00:40:37] The Greens: Significant Losses
• Lost all lower house seats. Adam Bandt (leader) gone from Melbourne.
• Lost Brisbane (Max Chandler Mather) and Griffith back to Labor.
• Ryan (South Brisbane): Likely Labor win in a three-way contest.
• Greens will have no lower house representation.
• Key Reason: Housing policy standoff. Accused of holding up Labor's housing bill for over a year (affecting funding for domestic violence victims, homeless), pursuing "perfection" over compromise.
• [00:40:37 - 00:49:57] Deep Dive: Housing Policy Challenges
• A major challenge for the Albanese government. Not an easy fix.
• Supply-side changes could devalue existing homes or slow growth, angering homeowners.
• Joel’s view: Subsidized housing (rent-to-own, means-tested) wouldn't touch the high-end market.
• Negative gearing: Not a quick fix; removing it overnight unlikely to change much; issue is supply.
• Homeowner expectations of property value growth.
• Construction industry at full tilt; skills shortages.
• CFMEU's role in skilled migration for construction.
• Free TAFE importance for reskilling/upskilling.
• Linton Besser (Media Watch) criticism of Labor "building" houses when they reconditioned unlivable ones – Joel argues this still increases supply.
• [00:49:57 - 00:59:16] Deep Dive: Childcare Policy & Global Economic Headwinds
• Childcare another area for government focus.
• Labor's childcare policy: Rebates for high earners (e.g., $325k combined income).
• High cost of childcare; need for better pay for childcare workers (Labor delivered a pay spike).
• Ownership of childcare centers (Peter Dutton reference) and profit-making. Call for more public childcare.
• Uncertain global economic times, Trump tariffs.
• Port of Los Angeles imports down by one-third.
• US Q1 economy shrank 0.3%; recession likely.
• Japan, China, South Korea meeting to discuss tariff responses; hold significant US debt. Japanese warning to US re: trade negotiations.
• [00:59:16 - 01:07:13] What Went Wrong for the Coalition? Answer: Everything.
• Gas Price Fixing Policy: Cobbled together, no consultation with industry (unlike Rudd's mining tax failure), potentially unconstitutional (taxing for benefit of some states over others).
• Work From Home Policy Disaster:
• Conceived by Jane Hume and Peter Dutton, no Shadow Cabinet consultation.
• Initial messaging: All Commonwealth public servants, then just Canberra.
• Jane Hume's media run: Claimed all WFH is 20% less productive, citing a study.
• Implied WFH employees are "bludgers," alienating a vast number of voters (including partners of tradies).
• Labor capitalized on this after door-knocking feedback. Policy eventually walked back.
• Defence Policy: Released in the last week, vague promise to spend 3% of GDP, no specifics on acquisitions. Andrew Hastie (Shadow Defence) reportedly wants out of the portfolio.
• Fuel Excise Policy: Halving fuel excise for a year. Took a week for Dutton to do a photo-op at a service station. Fuel prices had already dropped.
• Melbourne Airport Rail Link Funding: Announced at a winery.
• Vehicle Emissions Policy: Clarifications issued within 48 hours.
• Generally a shambolic campaign, studied for years to come.
• [01:07:13 - 01:08:55] The Nationals & Nuclear Policy Fallout
• Nats trying to spin a better result than Libs, but didn't win Calare (Andrew Gee back as Indy).
• Nuclear Policy: Coalition embarrassed to discuss it. Nats insist on keeping it.
• Policy originated as a way for Libs to get Nats to support Net Zero by 2050.
• Massive costs and timelines: Hinkley Point C (UK) example – 65 billion pounds, years of delays. US Georgia plant similar.
• Legislative hurdles: Repealing Howard-era ban, state-level bans (even LNP QLD Premier Chris O'Fooley against it).
• State-funded, "socialist" approach due to lack of private investment.
• [01:08:55 - 01:15:49] Coalition Campaign Failures & Spokespeople
• Debate on government vs. private industry running power.
• Lack of effective Coalition spokespeople: Susan Ley sidelined, Jane Hume promoted. Angus Taylor perceived as lazy.
• Angus Taylor's past water license scandal ("Australia's Watergate," Cayman Islands structure).
• [01:15:49 - 01:28:03] Demographics: A Tide Against the Liberals
• Women: Voted ~58-42 for Labor (two-party preferred), worse than under Morrison. Libs failed to address issues like climate, domestic violence.
• Language Other Than English at Home (LOTE): 60% backed Labor (Redbridge polling, Cos Samaras). Indian and Chinese diaspora significant, impacting Deakin and Menzies (Keith Wallahan, a moderate, lost Menzies).
• Gen Z & Millennials (18-45): Now outnumber Baby Boomers (60+), voted 60-40 Labor (TPP).
• Preferencing: Labor "gamed the system well"; Liberals' deal with One Nation backfired in messaging to urban areas.
• Strategy Failure: Liberals walked away from "heartland" Teal-lost seats, wrongly believing voters were wrong. Dutton's 2023 claim of Libs being "party of regional Australia" failed. No connection or network in targeted outer-suburban/regional seats.
• Female Pre-selection: Aspiration of 50% in 2019, achieved 34% in 2025. "Male, white, middle-class, mediocre."
• Sarah Henderson Example: Lost Corangamite in 2019, returned via Senate vacancy. Criticized as a "waste of space," arrogant for seeking re-entry.
• Both parties have taken safe seats for granted (factional gifts), but Labor learning. Example: Batman (now Cooper, Jed Carney) won back from Greens after better candidate selection.
• [01:28:03 - 01:36:42] Fond Farewells: Election Casualties
• Peter Dutton: Lost his seat of Dickson (held 20+ years), got "smashed." Likely preferred losing seat to facing party room fallout. Gracious concession speech. Australia's strong electoral process praised (democracy sausage, volunteers, AEC, peaceful concession).
• Michael Sukkar (Deakin, VIC): "Unpleasant piece of work."
• Recount of February incident: Sukkar, at Dutton's prompting, used a point of order to cut off Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus (Jewish) during an emotional speech about anti-Semitism and his family's Holocaust connection (Shiloh story). Dreyfus called Sukkar "disgusting." Sukkar moved "that the member no longer be heard." Widely condemned.
• Gerard Rennick (QLD Senator): Anti-COVID vaccine, spread misinformation (diabetes, dementia links). Jack recounts being attacked by Rennick's "poison monkeys" on X after writing about it. Rennick gone, likely self-funded much of his campaign.

(Part 2 - Timestamps restart from 00:00:00 but are a continuation, add ~1 hour 36 mins 50 secs to these for continuous flow)

• [01:36:50 - 01:44:07] The Fractured Hard Right ("Cookers") - Dismal Performance
• Generally went nowhere electorally.
• UAP (United Australia Party) / Trumpeter Patriots (John Ruddock): 2.38% in NSW Senate (down from UAP's 3.2% in 2022). Less money spent than previous Clive Palmer campaigns.
• Libertarian Democrats (Lib Dems): 1.99% in NSW Senate. Controversial name didn't help. Alliance with H.A.R.T (formerly IMOP, Michael O'Neill) and Gerard Rennick's People First Party.
• Monica Smit's calls to "unite" contrasted with these groups already forming alliances without her.
• These three parties combined got less than 2% in NSW. Lib Dems <1.5% nationally outside NSW.
• Pauline Hanson's One Nation (FON): 5.8% in NSW Senate (up 2 points from 2022). "Teeny Weeny" might get up in QLD, maybe one in WA, but not enough in NSW.
• Family First: 1.67%.
• Cannibalizing each other's fractional votes; no real electoral success. "Cooked bullshit" validated briefly during pandemic but no longer.
• [01:44:07 - 01:55:30] Cooker Delusions & Financial Realities
• Rodney Culleton (Great Australia Party, WA): 0.97% (down from 1.05% in 2022, <1000 votes).
• Facebook comment: "Billy Bay" claiming Rennick's race is "close but unlikely" – met with derision (Rennick at ~10% of a quota).
• Cooker commenter "Brad": "It was never about forming government... Isn't it about getting candidates into the Senate to hold balance of power?" – Delusional.
• Funding Threshold: 4% of the vote in House or Senate to get election funding (deposit back). Most minor "freedom" parties will not reach this. Expensive failure for Ruddock, Culleton etc. (Clive Palmer won't care).
• Rodney Culleton on crutches, asking for help collecting corflutes. Still an undischarged bankrupt (potential issue with candidate registration stat dec).
• [01:55:30 - 02:09:00] More Cooker Antics & Failed Candidates
• Craig "Crackers" Kelly: Number 1 on Libertarian Senate ticket in NSW. Likely his political end.
• Cooker dreams of Senate balance of power via double dissolution are unfounded – even with a halved quota, they are nowhere near.
• Joel’s anecdote: Acquaintance supporting Gerard Rennick, suggesting some surface-level cut-through for People First Party, but election results prove otherwise. John Ruddock's efforts to make Lib Dems the "party of cookers" with Kelly as lead failed spectacularly.
• Dai Le (Fowler, NSW): Re-elected. Breaks Joel's heart ("total asshole"). Ben Fordham headline: Le claims Labor tried to buy votes. Her initial election attributed to Labor parachuting Kristina Keneally. Le now seen as a premier "cooker voice" as Rennick, Malcolm Roberts, and Alex Antic have limited national reach (Antic more on Telegram).
• Antic's influence has hurt SA Liberals (only 2 rural seats, nothing in Adelaide).
• Avi Yemini/Rukshan Fernando/Joel Jammal "freedom" telecast: Alex Antic was a guest, claiming good chances for some (unnamed) "cooker" candidates.
• [02:09:00 - 02:21:45] Mark "Mack" McFarlane & Cooker Live Stream
• Mark McFarlane (Mark Mack): The elder abuser (court finding: withheld medication, financial exploitation). Ran as an independent in Indi.
• Exposed by Tinfoil Tales, story picked up by mainstream media. Liberals changed preferences away from him.
• Freedom movement largely hasn't disowned him (Beck Freedom an outlier). McFarlane claims to be a "targeted individual."
• Received 1,268 votes (~1-2%), lost deposit.
• Cooker Live Stream (Avi Yemini, Rukshan Fernando, Joel Jammal):
• Monica Smit: Appeared, advocated for "freedom" people to join major parties (Liberals) to make change. Joel questions her understanding of politics and impact on Liberal party IQ/values.
• Drew Pavlou: Guest, "destroyed" by Avi Yemini in an edited clip ("leftist justifies Labor vote"). Drew actually voted Labor first, Greens last. Content designed for cooker base.
• Topher Field: Appeared.
• Morgan C. Jonas: Spent money on materials for Hunter (Dan Repiccioli's seat).
• AI-generated posters: "Burgers, Bowen and Blunders: The Dan Burglar - Put Labor Last." (Features Dan, Chris Bowen, and an Albo/Noam Chomsky hybrid).
• "Double Trouble" (Albo & Sid Allen): "More Debt, More Crime" – became a joke.
• On the live stream, 2 hours in, Jonas claimed Dutton would get a surprise victory/form minority government. (Jack notes he called it for Labor by 7:30 pm).
• Jonas claimed cooker vote around 16% in Victorian Senate (actual, including FON, is ~9.6%; without FON/Family First, much lower).
• [02:21:45 - 02:31:36] Russell Broadbent & Final Cooker Thoughts
• Russell Broadbent (Monash, VIC): Incumbent Liberal who lost pre-selection (to Mary Aldred, who got a 2.2% swing to her), ran as an independent.
• Broadbent got 10% as an Indy. Convinced he lost pre-selection for being a "cooker."
• "Fucked his career" by spending too much time on the internet (like Craig Kelly). Could have remained Member for Hughes.
• Broadbent: Father of the House, 25 years, never front bench. Time for fresh blood.
• Albo gave him a "free ad" during campaign, pitying his treatment.
• Appeared on Topher Field/Children's Health Defence Australia "election insights."
• Recent Broadbent Facebook post thanking pharmacists met with overwhelmingly negative comments from his new cooker base.
• Will have a good retirement on parliamentary super.
• [02:31:36 - END] Outro & Contact
• Subscribe, five-star review.
• Twitter: @JacktheInsider, @CrunchyMoses (with a K).
• Email: theconditionalreleaseprogram@gmail.com
• Joke about joining the Liberal Party for renewal, Jack offers to cross-dress.

Episode Link: Find this and other episodes at The Conditional Release Program on RedCircle.

Recorded: May 5, 2025 (two days after the Australian Federal Election)

Hosts: Jack the Insider & Hong Kong Jack

In this episode, The Two Jacks dissect the stunning Australian federal election results, explore a surprising political turnaround in Canada, ponder the next Pope, and touch on global political shifts from the UK to Germany, and the latest from Trump's America.

(00:00:00) Introduction & Australian Election: An Orderly Affair Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack kick off by praising the smooth and festive nature of the Australian federal election, highlighting the efficiency of the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) and the beloved "democracy sausage."

(00:02:21) The Pre-Poll Phenomenon A discussion on the increasing trend of pre-polling, with over half of Australians casting their vote before election day. The hosts debate the merits of shortening the pre-polling period, with Hong Kong Jack lamenting the decline of traditional Saturday voting.

(00:06:06) Betting Blunders & Historic Results Labor's remarkable journey from $15 outsiders to $1.07 unbackable favourites to form government is reviewed. The episode highlights key historical markers:

• Anthony Albanese: The first Prime Minister re-elected since 2004.
• A significant Labor victory, with Albanese leading the first government in Australian political history to increase its majority in a second term.

(00:09:17) Seat Swings, Mea Culpas & The Greens' Tumble The hosts reflect on their pre-election predictions against the reality of significant swings to Labor (e.g., a 10% swing in Bennelong). Labor is projected to win around 90 seats.

• The Greens: A tough election, with leader Adam Bandt likely to lose his seat in Melbourne. Zoe Daniel (Teal) is also in a precarious position in Goldstein. The Greens may lose Ryan back to the Liberals and potentially face no representation in the House of Representatives.

(00:13:38) A UK Perspective & Labor's Resurgence Hong Kong Jack shares insights from the UK, where observers noted Labor's landslide and the "leaderless, rudderless, pointless" state of the Coalition. This challenges the narrative that incumbents always lose, citing recent Canadian and Australian results.

(00:16:27) Liberal Campaign Catastrophe: A "Don't Do This" Case Study A deep dive into the Liberal Party's "dreadful campaign," marked by:

• The ill-conceived work-from-home policy, poorly communicated by Senator Jane Hume and lacking consultation.
• A string of policy backflips and poorly planned announcements (e.g., fuel excise cut, Melbourne airport rail funding announced at a winery).
• Peter Dutton has accepted responsibility for the campaign's failures.

(00:22:46) Trump's Take & The Muted MAGA Effect Donald Trump's reaction to the Australian election (congratulating "Albert" while feigning ignorance of Dutton) is discussed. The hosts agree that MAGA influence was minimal, with Albanese's message of "kindness is not weakness" resonating more strongly.

(00:25:13) The Liberal Party's Existential Crossroads A critical analysis of the Liberal Party's future, having lost traditional heartland seats and failed to broaden its appeal beyond an aging demographic.

• The danger of vacating the political centre and the flawed strategy of chasing a new "working-class" constituency.
• Hong Kong Jack draws parallels to Labor's wilderness years (1977, 1996), emphasizing the need for honest self-reflection for any chance of recovery.
• Labor's structural advantages: benefiting from Green preferences and a more unified progressive base compared to a fragmented right-wing, further diluted by entities like Clive Palmer's party.

(00:39:58) Senate Snapshot: Stability Prevails An overview of the projected Senate makeup across the states:

• NSW & VIC: Likely Labor 3, Liberals 2, Greens 1.
• QLD: Labor 2, Libs 2, Greens 1, with One Nation's Malcolm Roberts likely re-elected.
• TAS: Jacqui Lambie expected to return.
• ACT: Independent David Pocock secures his quota alongside a Labor senator.
• Overall, the Senate composition is unlikely to see dramatic changes. David Pocock is commended for his diligent work.

(00:42:25) Who Will Lead the Liberals? A Party in Search of Direction Speculation on the future leadership of the Liberal Party, with few obvious candidates emerging from a depleted frontbench. Dan Tehan is mentioned as a possible moderate caretaker, though the path back to government looks long and arduous.

(00:45:58) Albanese: The New "Labor God" & Chalmers' Contribution Anthony Albanese is lauded for his historic achievement, with Jim Chalmers highlighted as a key performer and media operator for Labor, despite Hong Kong Jack's gentle ribbing about his lengthy essays.

(00:48:56) Canadian Politics Upended: Liberals' Shock Comeback A look at the Canadian election, where the Liberals achieved a stunning turnaround, with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre facing a potential seat loss. Donald Trump's inflammatory rhetoric towards Canada is seen as a contributing factor to this shift.

(00:52:12) Vatican Watch: Speculating on the Next Pope With Pope Francis's papacy in its later stages, the hosts discuss potential successors. Italian cardinals like Pietro Parolin are frontrunners, but names from Africa and the Philippines also surface. Hong Kong Jack references Morris West's The Shoes of the Fisherman for insights into papal conclaves.

(00:55:52) Sir Tony Blair on Net Zero & The Reality of Fossil Fuels Former UK PM Sir Tony Blair's call for a rethink of Net Zero policies due to cost implications is examined. Global fossil fuel consumption continues to rise (gas +2.7%, coal +1%, oil +0.8%), underscoring the challenge of the energy transition.

(01:00:24) Trump's First 100 Days (Again): Low Approval, Tariff Troubles & Papal Attire Donald Trump's second term hits the 100-day mark with historically low approval ratings (39%). The economic impact of his tariffs is starting to bite (LA port imports down one-third, US economy shrinking). Adding to the unusual, Trump has been pictured in papal robes on the White House website, even expressing a desire to be Pope.

(01:05:49) UK Political Fragmentation: Reform's Rise, Tories' Fall The UK's political landscape remains volatile. Recent local and by-election results project a national vote share that would see the Reform party at 30% and the Conservatives decimated to around 15% and potentially only five seats.

(01:08:44) Germany Considers Banning Far-Right AFD Germany is contemplating a ban on the far-right AFD party, the largest single party in the Bundestag. The hosts discuss the problematic nature of banning popular political movements, arguing it often backfires.

(01:11:21) Jay Rayner on Media: Mainstream vs. Social Food critic Jay Rayner's comments on the state of media are discussed, questioning the perceived universal informedness of mainstream journalists and acknowledging that both traditional and social media produce "rubbish."

(01:15:29) AFL Round-Up: Carlton's Collapse, Collingwood-Geelong Classic

• Carlton suffers a 10-goal drubbing by Adelaide, with Jack Silvani's absence keenly felt.
• Collingwood vs. Geelong is hailed as a "cracker" game, showcasing great skill and sportsmanship.
• Concerns are raised about key AFL games not being available on free-to-air television, potentially alienating younger fans.

(01:22:18) Cricket News: Indian Prodigy & Vale "The Buzz" A 17-year-old Indian cricketer makes waves in the IPL with a century. The hosts pay tribute to Carlton AFL legend Peter Bosustow ("The Buzz"), who passed away after a battle with cancer, remembering his electrifying impact on the game.

(01:27:27) NRL Update & Women's State of Origin Shines The Bulldogs continue their strong NRL run, while the Panthers finally notch a win. The NRL is praised for its successful promotion of the women's game, with the Women's State of Origin proving highly watchable.

(01:29:51) An Ode to Whale Waste: Ecological Importance Hong Kong Jack shares a fascinating environmental tidbit on the crucial role of whale excrement and urine in ocean ecosystems, highlighting a baleen whale's impressive daily urine output of 950 litres.

(01:32:10) Wrapping Up: A Transformative Election & How to Connect Jack the Insider concludes that Australia has witnessed a significant political transformation, with Anthony Albanese poised to be a long-term, impactful leader.

• Connect with the hosts:
• Jack the Insider: On X (formerly Twitter) @JackTheInsider (DMs open)
• Hong Kong Jack: On Twitter and his Substack.

Hosts: Joel Hill & Dave (Cooker Watcher Supreme)

(00:00:00) Introduction & Welcome

Joel welcomes listeners and introduces guest host Dave, replacing Jack the Insider.

Shoutout: CB Co Beer for election night viewing. Mention of a competition involving a boat trip.

Election Calls to Action:

Vote 1 Fiona Patton in the Victorian Senate, preference 2 Purple Pingers.

(00:01:48) Tinfoil Tales Follow-Up: The Next Pope?

Discussion on cooker theories about the next Pope (King Charles?).

Lindsey Graham's tweet suggesting Donald Trump for Pope.

00:02:38 Dave reads the tweet.

Trump's blue suit vs. Obama's tan suit controversy revisited.

Brief thoughts on the late Pope's legacy and potential successor.

(00:04:37) Dave's Cooker Report: Cessnock & CPAC

Dave attended a meeting with Joel Jammal ("Eyebrows") in Cessnock (his 8th visit).

Jammal debriefed the local unnamed "Freedom Group" (often linked to One Nation) on his CPAC trip.

Local Candidates Present:

Stuart Bonds (One Nation candidate for Hunter).

Jennifer Stefanak (Trumpet of Patriots Newcastle) - Flat Earther, aliens are fallen angels, won NCAT case after dismissal from child services. Not allowed to speak despite attending.

Mysterious Host: Christine Stevens, credited by Jammal as "brains behind the Wollongbae Road campaign" (a local road widening project used by cookers).

Stevens now campaign manager for Stuart Bonds (referred to as "boss"). Possible links to broader far-right organising.

Joel Jammal's Gifts: Rolled-up maps for Cessnock's 6 cooker councillors showing ALP vs. Voice 'No' vote intersections. Maps available for purchase from Jammal.

Jammal's CPAC Trip: Won the trip via the "Shark Bites Pitching Contest" at CPAC Australia (Sky paywall).

Winners expected to produce content upon return.

Included a communication seminar with Steve Bannon.

Stuart Bonds' Candidacy (Hunter):

Odds discussed ($10 on Sportsbet).

Labor's Dan Repacholi favoured ($1.15).

Bonds' history: 21% primary in 2019, left One Nation, rejoined. Consistent far-right vote in the region.

Bonds' desire to "start a conversation about coal mining" (already ongoing).

Discussion on Labor's telehealth plan and cooker opposition.

(00:24:07) Trumpism & Dutton's Campaign

Discussion on the "blueprint for Trump 28".

Chris LaCivita (Trump advisor) reportedly helped Peter Dutton's campaign. Joel questions the effectiveness given global trends.

Mainstream media's difficulty rallying behind Dutton.

(00:25:52) Cooker Report Part 2: Gosford & MyPlace

Dave attended the Lisa Bellamy independent campaign launch in Gosford.

Follow-on from "Coasties Who Care" (MyPlace environmentalist council ticket).

Shadowy Figure: Kate Mason (anti-renewable circuit, IPA/Advance events). Launched Bellamy's campaign.

Campaign barely mentions climate change, focuses on opposing Aboriginal Land Council developments.

Key Figures on Stage:

Jake Cassar (musician, prepper).

Lisa Bellamy (MyPlace coordinator, seen at Convoy with Kate Mason).

Vicki Burke (MyPlace food/water security organiser, believes in aliens/other planets).

Group suggests increased One Nation vote would benefit them. Bellamy received ~3000 votes previously.

Kate Mason's Agenda: Reshaping the environment movement to focus on conspiracies (15-min cities, anti-meat).

Shapeshifted from anti-vax (IMOP) -> Voice 'No' -> Anti-artificial food/Bellamy campaign.

Significant Telegram following despite "gobbledygook" posts.

Rally vs. Darkinjung Land Council/Woolworths Development: Focus remains on Land Council projects. Racist undertones ("love the land as much as we do").

Links to Garingai (now potentially split/rebranded). NRL Welcome to Country discussed.

Jake Cassar Deep Dive: Constant self-promotion, minimal concrete environmental vision beyond opposing the Land Council. Attacks Labor/Greens. Right-wing presence at events. Ballarat missing person search (found dog with SES). Yowie encounter at Woy Woy tip. Lack of accountability in Facebook environmental groups (anti-immigration/Aboriginal rhetoric).

(00:40:33) Monica Smit's Private Prosecution of Dan Andrews

Monica plans a private criminal prosecution against Dan Andrews (and Jacinta Allan).

Website Quote: "The wait is over righteous justice begins now" - Monica Smit.

Topher Field involved as cheerleader/promoter.

Basis: "New evidence" (Document 34 FOI email) allegedly showing curfew decision made before consulting CHO Brett Sutton. Implication: tyranny, not health advice.

Joel suggests it was likely capitulation to police enforcement ease.

Fundraising: Claimed $124,605 raised (via manually updated widget). Monica paid herself $1000/week stipend already.

Monica's Justification ("Why me?"): Stood toe-to-toe and won, relentless energy, prison time (refused bail), won appeal, resisted database handover, won unlawful arrest case (appealing costs decision), claims past refund integrity, lives simply, no distractions (children/friends).

Bender (@SpambotX) Twitter Thread: Brutal takedown of Monica as a "despicable con woman".

Highlights Consumer Affairs conviction ($66k pocketed from unregistered fundraiser).

Accuses Topher Field of seeking a cut.

Details legal failures, self-orchestrated "martyrdom", $250k legal bill after rejecting settlement.

Criticises "journalism" and book ("Cell 22").

Predicts prosecution failure and abandonment once donations dry up.

Bender's Legal Analysis (Round 2):

Private prosecution (Crimes Act s 321) needs prima facie case, not conspiracy.

Document 34 likely inadmissible hearsay.

Misconduct charge needs proof of knowing, malicious law-breaking (R v Quach).

Lockdowns upheld (Loielo v Giles), backed by Public Health Act & CHO advice.

DPP can shut down frivolous cases (Public Prosecutions Act s 22).

Previous treason case tossed out.

Criticises fundraising transparency (Fundraising Act 1998), $52k/year salary.

Highlights past legal issues (incitement charges dropped, health order conviction, Judge Tran's comments).

Past Precedent: 2021 private prosecution for treason (Anthony Herman) recalled - chaotic online hearing.

Monica's Timeline & Updates:

Initial plan: Assemble legal team by April 24, first meeting April 30.

Reality (May 1): No team announced. Video claims it will take "a few weeks" to pick lawyers.

Met with a lawyer ($500/hr, 2 hours booked).

Posted picture near a waterfall instead of legal updates ("reset and reload").

Now targeting Jacinta Allan as well.

Promises refund of remaining balance if no prospect of success.

Discussion on cooker lawyers (Matouk, Buckley). Monica's motivation seen as attention/clout chasing.

(01:17:54) Return to The Cali (Caledonian Hotel, Singleton)

Dave attended Pauline Hanson & Stuart Bonds event ($20 lunch that never happened).

Low turnout (~45 people in beer garden). Regulars, pensioners, Chris Sky filming, James Ashby present.

Stuart Bonds Guardian article discussed (misogyny, anti-vax, "Little Hitlers"). Worn as badge of honour.

Homeschooling attempt due to "woke trans agenda".

Red Ensign described as "real flag".

Unregistered campaign trailer incident.

Pauline Hanson: Speech built to "greatest hits" (Aboriginal industry). Mumbles less the longer she speaks.

Cali Update: Corruption Whistleblower book sold at bar (credit card accepted). Eureka beer on tap (FJB beer rebranded/gone?). Frenchies brewery connection? Pub seems to be returning to normal operations, but Red Ensign still flies. Food looks good, beer selection poor (Lion Nathan). No coal miners attended the event despite Bonds' background.

(01:36:30) Candidates Forum: Patterson (Port Stephens)

Dave attended forum; ABC filming due to anti-wind turbine mob presence.

Low turnout of protesters (~5 loud individuals). Meryl Swanson (Labor incumbent) well-prepared.

Marginal seat: Libs (Lawrence Ancliffe), aligned Independent, One Nation, Trumpet, Family First running against Swanson.

History of intimidation (boat incident during Mayoral campaign).

Betting odds discussed (Labor $1.66, Coalition $2.37). YouGov poll (Labor 51.8%).

Irony: Libs proposed nuclear plant at Port Stephens in 2007.

Bizarre Moments:

Trumpet candidate Peter Arena: Wind turbines interfere with missile detection; mentioned fighting audience member over wife littering.

(01:42:37) Billy Bay vs GAP Feud Update

Dr. William Bay told people not to vote for GAP (Great Australian Party) despite running for them.

Rod Culleton's response.

Billy Bay's letter to Culleton: Mock SovCit style ("Office of Vexatious Litigants and Spiritual Audits"), demands apology, foot kissing, $8 trillion. Full of threats (librarian grievance, livestream in lab coat, seizing karma balance). Written on GAP letterhead.

Feud background (payment disputes) covered previously by Tinfoil Tales.

(01:46:51) Amelia Hamer (Liberal, Kooyong) vs The People

Recap: Fake renter scandal (owns 2 properties + trust fund beneficiary).

A-Frame sign spamming controversy vs Monique Ryan (Teal MP).

Council imposed one-sign limit due to safety/obstruction complaints.

Liberals took council to Supreme Court over implied freedom of political communication.

Court upheld freedom but allowed council safety enforcement (opaque outcome).

Likely outcome: confrontations over sign placement. James Patterson claiming victory. Joel predicts local backlash.

(01:51:08) Election Odds & Predictions

Sportsbet: Labor $1.05, Coalition $9.50.

YouGov: Labor 53 / Coalition 47 (2PP). Projecting 84 seats for Labor (75 needed for majority).

Dickson (Dutton's seat): YouGov 50.2% LNP / 49.8% ALP. Sportsbet has Dutton favourite ($1.28 vs $3.35).

Joel laments betting ban but expresses optimism for Labor win, potential Dutton loss.

(01:53:29) Wrap Up & Outro

Joel thanks Dave for his "invaluable" and "brave" cooker reporting.

Standard Patreon plugs etc. skipped.

Sign off & enjoy the election.

Recorded: ANZAC Day (Australian Public Holiday)

Hosts: Jack the Insider & Hong Kong Jack

Introduction & ANZAC Day Reflections (00:00:01 - 00:01:17)

• Jack the Insider welcomes listeners to Episode 111, recorded on ANZAC Day.
• Mention of an interruption at the Melbourne Dawn Service involving neo-Nazi Jacob Hersant.
• Introduction of Hong Kong Jack.

Hong Kong Update & Australian Politics (00:01:17 - 00:10:05)

• Hong Kong Exodus: Hong Kong Jack notes 2.2 million people left Hong Kong over Easter.
• Jacob Hersant Incident: Further discussion on the neo-Nazi escorted from the Shrine of Remembrance.
• Rise of Neo-Nazism & Fringe Candidates: Jack the Insider discusses the history (Jim Sallium) and current state of far-right politics, including candidates with criminal convictions (Rod Culleton, Dixon candidate) potentially running despite Section 44 eligibility issues.
• Section 44 Cases: Mention of Phil Cleary and a Greens candidate ("secret New Zealander").
• YouGov Poll Analysis:
• Labor: 33.5%
• LNP: 31%
• Greens: 14%
• One Nation: 10.5% (up significantly from ~5% in 2022)
• TPP: 53.5% (Labor) / 46.5% (LNP)
• Preference Flows: Discussion on One Nation's decision to preference LNP and historical preference flows to Labor. Challenges for minor parties getting How-To-Vote cards distributed (comparison to Democrats).

Election Analysis & Predictions (00:10:05 - 00:20:42)

• Declining Two-Party System: Combined Labor/LNP primary vote down from the last election.
• LNP Strategy Critiqued: Jack the Insider criticizes the LNP for not adapting post-2022 election, particularly regarding teal seats and climate change.
• Campaign Trail: Albanese campaigning in Liberal marginals; Dutton's comments on Melbourne safety.
• Election Outcome Predictions:
• Jack the Insider: Labor majority (around 76-80 seats).
• Hong Kong Jack: Labor minority.
• Liberal Campaign Issues: Comparison to Latham's 2004 campaign, social media mishaps ("muppet heads"), vehicle emissions policy backflip.
• Betting Odds: Discussion on the shift in betting markets, favoring Labor.
• Early Voting: Debate on the merits and drawbacks of pre-polling, referencing Darren Hinch and Imre Selizynski's comments, and accessibility issues.

Politics, Religion & Geopolitics (00:20:42 - 00:41:55)

• Preference Deals & Jewish Community: Discussion on Labor's preference deals with the Greens in McNamara (open ticket for Josh Burns) vs. Isaacs (Mark Dreyfus), causing concern in the Jewish community. Mention of the Adas Israel synagogue firebombing and surrounding uncertainties/rumours.
• Pope Francis's Passing: Reflections on his papacy. Hong Kong Jack prefers John Paul II; Jack the Insider defends Francis and criticizes JP II over handling scandals. Discussion on potential successors and the slow pace of change in the Catholic Church.
• Easter & Religion: Easter memes, the role of the Catholic Church (charity vs. criticism), changes in Ireland, Catholics selectively following doctrine (e.g., contraception).
• India-Pakistan Tensions: Escalation following a militant attack in Kashmir. India threatens to cut off water supplies to Pakistan. Historical context, nuclear capabilities, and the danger of water rights disputes. Brief mentions of Pakistan's internal issues and conditions in Bangladesh.

US Politics & Global Affairs (00:41:55 - 00:55:28)

• Trump & Trade: Trump walks back China tariff threats after meeting retail executives concerned about Christmas stock. Discussion on Trump's understanding of trade.
• US Courts & Executive Orders: Judge Kollar-Kotelly's ruling striking down parts of Trump's order requiring citizenship proof for voter registration, while upholding other sections. Discussion on the proper role of courts, checks and balances, and Congress's inaction leading to increased reliance on executive orders.
• Russia-Ukraine Peace Proposal: Details of a proposed deal involving US recognition of Russian control over Crimea/Eastern regions, no NATO for Ukraine, lifting sanctions vs. European security guarantees for Ukraine, return of some territory, etc. Criticism from Boris Johnson; seen as unfavourable to Ukraine. Trump's tweet urging Putin to stop strikes on Kyiv.

Anniversaries & Culture (00:55:28 - 00:58:31)

• Saigon Evacuation: 50th anniversary of the Australian Embassy evacuation, noting local staff left behind.
• Crocodile Dundee: 39th anniversary. Paul Hogan's comments, investment success stories (Dennis Lillee).
• Yahoo Serious: Mention of a current court case.

Sports: Cricket, AFL & More (00:58:31 - 01:29:28)

• Keith Stackpole (RIP): Tribute to the former Australian cricketer. Discussion of his career as a player (opener, aggressive batsman) and commentator. Anecdotes involving Bill Lawry, Kerry O'Keeffe, Harsha Bhogle.
• AFL Send-Off Rule Debate: Sparked by the Nash/Miers incident. Arguments for/against a red card, implementation challenges (timing, concussion protocols), historical examples, Lee Matthews' view.
• MCG Security & SCG Fan Ban: Increased security for ANZAC Day game. Discussion on the SCG Trust's two-year ban on a 16-year-old fan for throwing/dropping a record near Aliir Aliir – deemed excessive by the hosts.
• Noah Balta Controversy: Richmond player playing before being sentenced for assault. Criticism of Richmond's handling, the AFL's stance, player's curfew impacting availability, and political commentary surrounding the issue.
• Tom De Koning Contract: Rumoured huge offer from St Kilda. Discussion on his value, the Gawn/Grundy comparison, implications for both clubs, and the changing role/importance of elite ruckmen.
• NRL: Broncos defeat Bulldogs; several Bulldogs players facing bans. Roosters vs Dragons ANZAC match preview.
• Rugby & Cricket Updates: James O'Connor's late-game heroics; Cameron Green's century on County debut for Gloucestershire; IPL viewing challenges.

Final Thoughts (01:29:28 - End)

• Meat Consumption Trends: Rebound in meat buying over plant-based alternatives.
• Unnecessary Technology: Comparison of plant-based foods and internet-connected fridges.
• ANZAC Day AFL Game: 30th anniversary of the Essendon vs Collingwood match, origins involving Kevin Sheedy and Gabby Allen.
• Wrap-up & Sign-off.

Anyway, here's some AI slop shownotes - Listener discretion is advised!

The Conditioned Release Program: Episode 183 - The Kids Are Not Alright

Hosts: Jack the Insider (Peter Hoysted) & Joel Hill

Episode Summary:

In this deeply unsettling episode, Jack and Joel dive into the dark corners of the internet to expose dangerous online child exploitation networks. The primary focus is on the group known as 764, but the discussion also covers related extremist networks like CVLT, NLM (No Lives Matter), and the Order of Nine Angles (O9A). The hosts catalogue the disturbing methods these groups use, the real-world harm they inflict, and the challenges faced in combating them.

Content Warning:

• This episode contains extremely disturbing content, including detailed discussions of child sex exploitation, suicide, self-harm, grooming, coercion, and mass murder events.
• Listener discretion is strongly advised. If you are not prepared for graphic and upsetting material, please skip this episode. (00:01:05 - 00:01:25)
• 
  

Support & Helplines:

• If this episode raises concerns, please reach out for support:
• Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 (00:01:37)
• Support the Conditioned Release Program on Patreon to help them continue their research and production: www.patreon.com/theconditionalreleaseprogram (00:02:07 - 00:02:44)
• 
  

Key Topics & Timestamps:

• (00:00:09) Introduction: Jack and Joel introduce the grim topic: the dangers lurking online for children.
• (00:00:49) Introducing 764: Joel introduces the focus on online exploitation networks, particularly the group 764.
• (00:04:32) What is 764?: A closer look at 764 - an online network primarily involving teenage boys coercing and blackmailing vulnerable peers (often girls) into self-harm and producing CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material). Discusses incel vibes and the fluid nature of membership between extremist groups.
• (00:10:56) Origins & Related Networks: Exploration of the networks that preceded or inspired 764:
• CVLT (Cult with a V): (00:11:11, 00:34:00)
• NLM (No Lives Matter): (00:11:20, 00:44:09)
• Order of Nine Angles (O9A): (00:11:20, 00:48:04)
• The COM (Community): (00:12:04)
• (00:12:17) Precursors - The Blue Whale Challenge: Discussion of the infamous 2016 "game" linked to numerous child suicides in Russia.
• (00:29:15) Challenges in Policing/Research: The difficulty researchers, media, and academics face in tracking these groups due to the prevalence of illegal CSAM, which carries strict liability offences for possession/viewing.
• (00:33:36) Case Study - Bradley Cadenhead: The founder of 764 (handles: Brad764, Felix764), arrested in Texas for CSAM possession/distribution and manipulation of minors. His links to CVLT and Caleb Merritt.
• (00:34:13) Case Study - Caleb Merritt: Leader of CVLT, arrested for kidnapping, rape, CSAM, and grooming. Currently serving a 30-year sentence. Linked to an international neo-fascist group.
• (00:44:09) NLM (No Lives Matter) Deep Dive: Examination of NLM's extremist publications (The Terror Guide, The Manhunt Guide, NLM Kill Guide), operational security, and partnerships with neo-Nazi groups like Mordwaffen Division (MWD) and the Russian WRME/MKU (Maniac Murder Cult).
• (00:48:04) Order of Nine Angles (O9A) Deep Dive: Discussion of O9A's extreme neo-Nazi, Satanist ideology focused on societal collapse through violence, infiltration (e.g., military, police), and "culling." Mention of the US Marine who plotted an attack on his own unit. (00:51:15)
• (00:52:00) Recent Incidents: Mention of a 16-year-old arrested in the US (April 2025) for killing his parents as part of a plot against Donald Trump, highlighting potential links to these ideologies.
• (00:52:45) Case Study - Finnegan: UK 764 member who pleaded guilty to encouraging suicide, possessing terrorism manuals, and CSAM.
• (01:06:25) The Dilemma of Reporting: Discussion on the balancing act authorities face between warning the public (especially parents) about these groups and the risk of inadvertently promoting them or inspiring copycats among vulnerable teens.
• (01:24:49) Final Thoughts on 764: Recap of the unpleasant but necessary discussion, emphasizing the low public awareness and the constantly evolving, organic nature of these groups.
• (01:25:42) The Week in Pete Evans: A shift to a lighter segment to decompress after the heavy main topic.

Calls to Action:

• Share this episode: Given the critical importance and low awareness of this topic, please share this episode with others, especially parents, while including the necessary content warnings. (01:46:50)
• Subscribe & Review: Subscribe to The Conditioned Release Program and leave a five-star review if you appreciate their work. (01:46:17)
• Patreon: Support the show via Patreon. (01:47:16)
• Contact: Send feedback, tips, or death threats to theconditionalreleaseprogramme@gmail.com. (01:47:34)
• (Note: The hosts mention they are not active on Twitter/X) (01:46:23)

Enjoy!

The Two Jacks - Episode 109: Election Update, Tariff Tremors & Online Policing

Hosted by: Hong Kong Jack & Jack the Insider

Welcome to Episode 109 of The Two Jacks! This week, Jack and Jackdive into the thick of the Australian federal election, dissect President Trump's latest tariff moves, debate the policing of online speech, and touch on French politics, climate action, and sports.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Australian Federal Election (00:00:20)

• Campaign Update: Entering the second week.
• Polling: Labor showing potential for a majority (News Poll 52-48), similar to other polls (51-49 to 52-48), despite a low primary vote (~32.5%). Recalls Labor's 2022 win with a similar primary vote.
• Leaders' Debate: Discussion of the Sky News debate between Peter Dutton and Anthony Albanese. Joel views it as a draw, though Albanese was declared the winner by audience vote (approx. 44-35).
• Campaign Weaknesses (00:17:45): Both Jacks agree the campaign lacks substance, particularly on crucial issues like productivity and housing affordability. They note the difficulty for citizens needing to live far from CBDs (e.g., South Morang vs. Fitzroy historically) and criticize the parties for avoiding hard decisions.

1. US Tariffs & Global Economy (00:28:00 & 00:48:04)

• Trump's Tariff Policy: Discussion on the imposition and subsequent 90-day delay of new tariffs on countries like Vietnam (47%), the Philippines (17%), and others. Standard 10% tariff remains elsewhere.
• Negotiations: Reports of Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan engaging or preparing to negotiate, though Trump's claims about eagerness are questioned. Japan plans a "comprehensive response."
• Market Impact (00:30:08): Initial $9 trillion market loss, followed by a significant S&P 500 recovery (largest since 2008, but still below January levels). Oil prices jumped, and US bond yields fell, raising debt crisis concerns. Jack emphasizes the importance of bond yields (cost of borrowing for the US government).
• Motivations & Consequences (00:40:07): Is it an assertion of US economic muscle? Jack notes bipartisan support for the idea (feeling the US gets the short end), but the hosts critique the erratic rollout. Potential consequences include US inflation, slowed GDP growth, and job losses.
• Listener Feedback (Lawrence) (00:48:04): Criticizes the "schizophrenic" messaging (tariffs fixing jobs and deficits simultaneously) and the floated (but unconfirmed by Trump admin) idea of abolishing income tax.
• Outlook: Potential shift towards multilateral trade negotiations among other countries.

1. Listener Feedback: ABC Radio (00:45:51)

• Listener Lawrence reflects on the Jacks' previous comments about changes at ABC Radio, noting a perceived shift in their stance from wanting "new blood" to "bemoaning changes."
• Joel's Clarification: Concern is about management bringing in people with FM radio backgrounds lacking national broadcaster experience, not against new faces generally.
• Jack's Clarification: Agrees on needing turnover ("new voices") but questions the strategy of chasing a youth demographic on ABC Radio, suggesting consolidation of the existing audience is better.

1. Social Media Censorship & Online Dangers (UK Focus) (00:51:20)

• UK Arrests: Report from The Times: British police making ~33 arrests daily in 2023/24 for "offensive" online posts causing "annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety" (12,183 arrests total), a 58% rise since 2019.
• Policing Concerns: Many arrests lead to questioning and release without charge, raising questions about efficient use of police resources. Jack mentions the decriminalization of burglary adding context.
• Historical Context (00:54:31): Jack traces the issue back to the late 1990s and the concept of "non-crime hate incidents" arising from the Stephen Lawrence inquiry, arguing it introduced subjectivity and inconsistency compared to investigating objective crimes. He critiques arresting people before establishing if a crime occurred.
• Nuance & Online Harms (00:56:40): Joel notes arrests might relate to other offenses alongside "malicious communications." While agreeing trivial cases waste resources, he highlights the dark side of social media, including severe online bullying (mentions group "764-JAC") and stalking, arguing police surveillance is needed for serious threats.
• Under-16 Social Media Ban (01:02:37): Joel reflects on the Albanese government's ban, admitting he initially opposed it but is reconsidering due to the severity of online harms affecting children.

1. French Politics Update (01:03:47)

• Far-right leader Marine Le Pen vows presidential run, controversially comparing herself to Martin Luther King Jr. and Alexei Navalny.
• Jordan Bardella (29 y.o. National Rally Chairman) emerges as a potential alternative, stating he could run if Le Pen is unable. Both Jacks see this as a likely and possibly strategically better outcome for the party.

1. Climate Action & Protests (01:06:00)

• Discussion on Extinction Rebellion protests (e.g., Sydney Harbour Bridge closure) and their effectiveness versus public disruption.
• Critique of proposed policies like banning private jets or frequent flyer taxes as unworkable and unhelpful grandstanding.
• Jack jokes he's the "Greta Thunberg of Hong Kong" due to his low carbon footprint (no car, little travel).

1. Sporting Roundup

• Cricket (01:10:00): Sheffield Shield Final recap (Victoria vs WA), WA wins due to finishing top after a draw. Historical anecdote about Bill Ponsford's marathon innings in the 1948 final. Marcus Harris's recent form (161 in Shield, 138 for Lancashire).
• AFL (01:19:30): Discussion on Tasmania's potential AFL team, stadium funding debates, and the Gather Round concept's success in South Australia and potential future locations.

1. Final Listener Note & Sign Off (01:29:46)

• Listener CD provides follow-up on a previous discussion about Basil Zempilis, noting his uncle (Con Zempilis) was the Chief Stipendiary Magistrate for Western Australia.
• The Jacks wrap up Episode 109.

Meanwhile in the US, there is only Trump but how did this man get re-elected? Much of the blame falls on the Democrats as it is disclosed that senior Dems knew about the seriousness of Biden's cognisant decline and that Kamala was thrown up as the next woman in, while Obama and Pelosi in particular held serious doubts Harris could win.

We also debunk Trump's nonsense about a 3rd term as JTI argues that Trump causes distractions when he is in trouble.

In sport, Gout Gout comes second in a rare exciting time for Australian fans of track and field. 

RFK Jr. tells people to take vitamin A for measles. They do. It gives them liver damage.

Marky Mark and the Zucky Bunch decide to steal content from a website that steals content. How meta.

We have a new segment! Always The Ones You Most Expect. And yeah, it's what you think it is. Depressingly long.

And by god Pete's been to the USA and had a cracking time. Did he meet Don and Elon? Maybe. How much did it cost him? Other than his dignity.

Enjoy!

PS - don't forget 10% off at cbco.beer with CRP10 code!

In sport, we eulogise George Foreman, and examine the AFL season to date.

In Australian politics, JTI describes another bad week for the Coalition with plenty of misspeaking. In sport, India gets a homeground advantage in the Champions Trophy final and the Two Jacks give their tips for the final 8 in the NRL. 

In the US, Good Trump emerges in an Oval Office meeting with UK PM Sir Keir Starmer but Bad Trump is never far away.

In sport, the Champions Trophy moves to its conclusion with England going home with their tails between their legs again. The Two Jacks offer their final 8 predictions for the 2025 AFL season.

In summary - Jack has a spray on RFK Jr. about the measles outbreak which has absolutely got his fingerprints all over it. We have a cooker update with Oneegs jumping into bed with Jamie McIntyre who should not be directing companies for another year or so. SovCits has Jack look into Grant Hilton or Hudson - depending on who you ask and when you ask it. And Pete is back (not he isn't).

Episode 181: The Conditional Release Program

Hosts: Jack the Insider (Peter) and Joel Hill

Introduction:

• [00:00:37] Welcome to the Conditional Release Program, a podcast exploring the world of cults, scams, and con artists.
• [00:00:43] Hosts introduce themselves: Jack the Insider (Peter) and Joel Hill.
• [00:00:50] Setting the tone with humor and critical commentary. Joel asks the hard-hitting question: "Will Bobby Kennedy Jr. kill more people than Elon Musk?"

Main Topics:

1. Bobby Kennedy Jr. and Anti-Vax Advocacy:

• [00:01:18] Discussion on Bobby Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccine stance and its impact on public health.
• [00:01:25] Comparison between Bobby Kennedy Jr. and Elon Musk in terms of potential harm caused. Spoiler: It's not a competition you want to win.
• [00:04:00] Analysis of the resurgence of measles in the US and the role of anti-vaccine rhetoric. Measles is back, and it's not bringing sexy back with it.

1. Cryptocurrency and Financial Scams:

• [00:02:32] Examination of the volatility in the cryptocurrency market. Crypto is like a rollercoaster, but without the safety harness.
• [00:03:01] Critique of various financial scams and the individuals behind them. Jamie McIntyre gets a special mention for his creative approach to financial advice.
• [00:03:07] Mention of Jamie McIntyre and his involvement in dubious financial schemes. Trust him with your money? Maybe not.

1. Political Commentary:

• [00:22:27] Insight into the current political landscape in the US and Australia. Spoiler: It's a mess.
• [00:22:44] Predictions and analysis of upcoming elections and political strategies. Betting on politics is like betting on a three-legged horse.
• [00:23:01] Commentary on the influence of right-wing parties and their tactics. The cookers are mobilizing, but will they make a difference?

1. Sovereign Citizens and Legal Troubles:

• [00:55:06] Case study of Grant Warren Hudson (aka Grant Hilton) and his interactions with law enforcement. Spoiler: It doesn't go well.
• [00:55:18] Exploration of the sovereign citizen movement and its legal implications. Hint: Telling cops your car is in "dry dock" doesn't work.
• [00:56:08] Discussion on the tactics used by sovereign citizens to evade legal responsibilities. Pro tip: Don't try this at home.

1. Health and Medical Misinformation:

• [00:19:00] Critique of anti-vaccine advocates and their impact on public health. Spoiler: It's not good.
• [00:19:16] Discussion on the importance of vaccination and the dangers of misinformation. Vaccines save lives, folks.
• [00:19:55] Mention of Dr. Billy Bay and his legal battles related to medical practice. Dr. DoorDash is back, but not for long.

1. Cooker Update:

• [00:28:00] Updates on various individuals and movements within the cooker community. Spoiler: It's still a circus.
• [00:28:27] Analysis of recent events and their implications for public safety and health. The cookers are getting more militant, but still not more coherent.
• [01:20:56] Mention of notable figures like Pete Evans and their ongoing activities. Pete's back on Instagram, and the world collectively yawns.

Conclusion:

• [01:27:12] Summary of the main points discussed in the episode. Spoiler: It's a wild ride.
• [01:27:22] Hosts encourage listeners to stay informed and critical of misinformation. Don't believe everything you hear, except on this podcast.
• [01:27:44] Call to action for listeners to support the podcast through Patreon and social media. Help keep the lights on and the cookers at bay.

Additional Information:

• Patreon: Support the podcast for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes access. Get the juicy stuff you won't hear anywhere else.
• Social Media: Follow the hosts on Twitter and join the Facebook page for updates and discussions. Join the conversation and share your thoughts.
• Contact: Send feedback, tips, and questions to the podcast email. We love hearing from you, even if it's to tell us we're wrong.

CRP10 is the discount code for CBCo and their IPA remains the best in the country (next to Grifter Big Sur which is way more expensive).

The big news is in Ukraine where the Trump administration has signalled a peace which is little more than a surrender for Ukraine.

In sport, the Champions League gets underway in Pakistan and Dubai. 

In the US, Trump continues with his black texta reforms while HK Jack defends the role of USAID. Germany has its national elections just two weeks away as an Afghan asylum seeker drives a vehicle into a crowd in Munich, injuring 30 people.

In sport, we look at the Sam Kerr case where she was acquitted. Can she captain the Matildas again? Sure, why not. 

Enjoy!

We start off by taking a look at Peter Dutton's policies, light on detail and ask if the electorate will buy it?

Meanwhile in the US, Musk's Dogs is causing chaos. Is it a matter of stopping government waste. That's the headline but the truth is a lot uglier. Where will it end? Only Musk seems to know.

In sport, should there be a men's health round in round one to highlight the tragedy of suicide? 

In the meantime - here is some Ai slop shownotes cause I've had a real bastard of a week and I don't have it in me to write anything interesting.

Episode is good though.

oh and buy cbco beer from cbco.beer and use crp10 to get 10% off

I assure you, their IPA is one of the best in the country and their NEIPA is up there with the guys who charge much much more. Get on it.

AI SHOWNOTES:

Trump's Inauguration: A Dive into Scams, Politics, and Controversies

In this episode of the Conditional Release Program, hosts Jack the Insider and Joel Hill explore the chaotic first days of Donald Trump's second term as the 45th and 47th POTUS. They discuss the inauguration, the flood of executive orders, and highlight various scams and controversies, including the Trump cryptocurrency schemes and the pardoning of controversial figures. The episode also delves into the potential impact of new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, speculating on the inflationary effects and the broader economic consequences. Amidst all this, they touch on Elon Musk’s controversial Nazi salute during the inauguration and the various legal battles surrounding Trump’s policies. This episode provides a detailed, and often humorous, examination of the early days of what promises to be a turbulent administration.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Banter

00:49 Trump's First Hundred Hours

01:47 Raising Spirits with Humor (attempted)

02:51 Discount Code for CBCo Beers

04:56 Trump's Crypto Scams

05:20 Crypto Community Reactions

05:56 Reverend Lorenzo Sewell's memecoin

08:16 Trump Coin and Melania Coin

14:08 SEC and Crypto Regulations

17:38 Biden and Trump's Controversial Pardons

32:48 Vegan Leather Guns and Jail Time (ft q-anon shaman)

33:20 The Infamous Ed Welch Incident

34:18 Pardons and Reoffending

36:48 Ross Ulbricht and Libertarian Support

44:28 Trump's Controversial Plans

59:06 Elon Musk's Nazi Salute Controversy

01:07:14 Police and Nazis: A Controversial Encounter

01:07:46 Tom Sewell's Media Obsession

01:08:23 Libs of TikTok and Media Double Standards

01:09:49 Elon Musk and Political Drama

01:11:53 Trump's Tariff Plans and Economic Impact

01:29:48 The Complexities of Immigration Policies

01:40:56 Conclusion and Future Topics

These are specifically shit shownotes but at least there's chapter marks. I edited it a bit cause it was so blatantly wrong originally.

Enjoy!

The audiobook can be found here:

Facts and Other Lies by Ed Coper - Audiobook - Audible.com.au

and the actual book in places that hopefully aren't amazon.

In the meantime, buy CBCo beer. Discount code is CRP10. It's good. Trust me.

Here's what the robots think of the show! Enjoy.

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Navigating the Disinformation Age: An Interview with Ed Coper

In this episode of the Conditional Release Program, host Joel Hill welcomes Ed Coper, author of 'Facts and Other Lies: Welcome to the Disinformation Age.' The episode explores various aspects of the modern disinformation landscape shaped by the post-truth era.

Coper's book, published in 2023, delves into academic research and real-world examples of disinformation, sprinkled with humor. The discussion highlights the role of social media, echo chambers, and the psychological aspects that make disinformation hard to combat. The conversation also covers pre-bunking vs. debunking techniques, the evolving role of AI in spreading disinformation, the influence of tech companies like Facebook and Twitter, and the necessity of a robust digital literacy curriculum. Future election campaigns and the role of disinformation are also discussed, with a focus on practical steps individuals can take to promote factual information.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:19 Book Overview: Facts and Other Lies

01:21 The Disinformation Age

03:24 Information Tribes and Social Dynamics

08:55 Shared Reality and Media Fragmentation

13:57 Debunking vs. Prebunking

22:58 The Rise of AI and Bots

29:10 Media Literacy and the Next Generation

35:49 The Attention Economy and Rage Bait

41:13 The Illusion of Immunity to Disinformation

43:32 Internet Arguments and Social Media Dynamics

48:39 The Participatory Nature of Conspiracy Theories

55:22 Disinformation in the Upcoming Federal Election

01:00:36 Meta's Shift and the Influence of Tech Giants

01:08:58 TikTok's Precarious Position and Authoritarian Influence

01:15:02 Closing Thoughts on Disinformation

As usual, the CRP10 coupon code still works at cbco.beer and apologies for this one coming out late - a bit of covid and a lot of day drinking has prevented me from editing and publishing it.

Enjoy!

Here are some vague AI generated timestamps. They are probably wrong.

00:00:01

Dismantling the FDA: RFK Jr.'s Crusade

00:56:54

Cannabis Tax Revenues Funding Public Schools

01:10:27

Birthright Citizenship and the Supreme Court

01:20:49

The Pitfalls of Organic Farming: Lessons from Sri Lanka

01:23:56

Exploring Sri Lanka and Pharmaceutical Advertising Regulations

01:30:18

The Effectiveness of the HPV Vaccine

Just as a side note - I am going to get vaccinated around November from here onward. Covid goes mental during silly season. I prefer novavax because it has zero side effects for me (I am not a doctor this is not medical advice) but if we all jab up in October or so, we might not have to destroy christmas on a regular basis. My last jab was last year and covid last week SUCKED.

Episode is of course brought to you by CBCo but since recording they have sent me beers so my lack of beers are now lies. We love CBCo. CRP10 code still works. Buy their beer - it makes us look good, but it's also really good beer. I maintain their IPA is one of the best WCIPAs in the country and CHEAP!

The audio edit is a bit janky because it's done by AI but it's fine. I'm tired. Enjoy the episode!

Oh and a patron had an issue finding the SP group so here's a facebook like that might work.

PS the myplace song is at the end and I have not listened to it cause it's awful

Shownotes below.

So descript are offering AI shownotes which is amazing cause I hate writing them. Good lord - timestamps!

The Fireside Chat: Vaccine Controversies, Council Cookery, and Freedom Movement Drama

In this episode of the Conditional Release Program, the host is joined by Dave to discuss current events and controversies. Dave provides an update on the 'cooker' community, shedding light on recent incidents in Port Hedland where a council motion against mRNA vaccines gained traction. The conversation also explores the spread of fire ants and the contentious methods being used to control them, drawing criticism from both locals and activists. Additionally, they delve into the dynamics of the freedom movement, its political ramifications, and the potential impacts on upcoming elections. The episode highlights the persistent challenges and divisions within these groups, all set against a backdrop of casual, insightful dialogue.

00:00 Introduction and Casual Chat

00:56 Port Hedland Controversy

02:48 Council Reactions and Media Coverage

07:52 The Great Debate and Vaccine Skepticism

14:46 Freedom Festivals and Community Events

23:21 Fire Ant Invasion and Public Concerns

29:46 Debunking Misinformation: Birth Defects and Zika Virus

31:14 Fire Ant Crisis: Chemical Solutions and Natural Alternatives

35:30 Political Landscape: Cooker Candidates and Election Predictions

46:42 Freedom Movement: Divisions and Local Impact

55:10 Carbon Credits and Agricultural Practices

57:08 Conclusion: Reflections and Future Outlook

So yeah, it's just me this week.

So we - the royal we - look at Bovaer - the latest cooker outrage over a cattle feed supplement which lowers methane emissions. Don't eat it though. Especially if you are a rat.

And we - again, actually just me - look at the recent interlocutory hearing to kick off the vaccine injury class action headed up by Dr. Melissa McCann. It's going really badly. Which is a bit sad, in a way - cause a few people in the class probably deserve a payout.

By the time I started this, I had several standard drinks. Podcasting is so much harder on your own!

Hope ya like it. Jacks' back soon!

Enjoy.

Meanwhile inflation and the cost of living pressures in Australia are set to remain high on forecasts with the Reserve Bank unlikely to drop interest rates before the next election.

How will the Trade War between China and the US affect Australia? Badly, the Two Jacks suggest.

In sport, we review the Perth Test. Let's not forget that India are very good and Bumrah is the best fast bowler in the world. The dominance is set to continue in this series and into the foreseeable future. 

We examine the government's (with Opposition support) bill to prohibit kids under 16 from accessing social media. JTI believes this is not a winner for the government and will only increase talk of government overreach.

In India, Gautam Adani is indicted for financial crimes hy the US Dept of Justice.

In sport, Australia and India prepare to lock horns in the first of five Test series. 

This episode also sounds like shit cause I recorded in a large room and did an AI edit. Damnit, you'll get what you get until law exams are done!

This episiode we are having a good look at the plans of RFK Jr. who you all know is going to Make America Healthy Again. Well, is he?

It's gonna be interesting. My inner cooker is fascinated to see how this goes, but as per usual the very positive things like removing toxic dyes from American food are completely counterbalanced by the fact that the person who plans to do it is a complete idiot.

Law school ends this week. The future is bright! Plan some road trips, listeners, cause you're getting content for Christmas!

Much love and I hope you enjoy!

Speaking of justice, the department of in the US might have a word with Elon due to his silly million dollar giveaway to get punters to register and vote for Trump.Will he get in trouble? Probably not.

Monica encourages parents to encourage children to go into toilets and film other kids...

...

...

Wow.

And we talk shit about the US general election where it's apparently close. Maybe it is. Feels like something is amiss.

Oh, Babet has half a brain.

Enjoy!

In Iran, a special forces commander has a heart attack while under interrogation as suspicions within the regime grow on collusion with Israel.

Sir Keir Starmer shoots himself in the foot again while in sport, a NSW cricket prodigy emerges.

In other news, we look at rallies. Mostly cooker ones. But we look at some laws around flags that don't really work. And probably shouldn't.

The libertarians get angry at cookers for having a rally without a permit and Crackers Kelly attempts to create an actionable 'defamation by proxy' when cookers taunt him at their free speech rally. Irony meter broken here.

In SovCits we explore the law on driving, sorry travelling, without headlights. I don't want to spoil it but I think you know the answer.

And Pete? Well, has he been funny this entire year? Not really. But Babet is hilarious. The tail end is (finally) getting updated.

Enjoy!

-----------------------------------------------------------------

CBCo are still sending me beer which means you need to keep buying them. But why the hell wouldn't you - they gave us a discount code! Use CRP10 at checkout to get 10% off their excellent beers.

If that isn't enough for you, go buy some CBCo Goldy tins and go to cbco.beer and you can enter an incredibly awesome prize where you go to some island on a helicopter and there is beer. The prize pool is something stupid like $120k. Go do that!

All of these things are possible at cbco.beer

The south east of the US hunkers down for yet another hurricane coming its way, the second Cat 5 hurricane in October which is virtually unheard of.

While Trump has sought to polticise the response, JTI runs through the limits of FEMA's support, homeless Americans are specifically excluded from FEMA assistance and many residents in the large area are now finding they cannot be insured.

In the UK, the Starmer government appears like it is not ready to govern.

The Arab world sends mixed messages on Israel's incursion into Lebanon.

In sport, the battle lines are now drawn between the FA and Man City while Penright celebrate their fourth NRL premiership in as many years. 

The Israeli cabinet approves the IDF to begin a "limited' ground incursion in southern Lebanon. History tells us the IDF will not want to get bogged down.

Sri Lanka has a new president who is promising to revive the island nation's economy while Austria shifts furth to the hard right.

In sport, the NRL grand final is upon us. 

In other news, the prospect of a ceasefire in Gaza diminishes to virtually nothing.

It's a huge week in sport. The biggest day of the AFL calendar is upon us and the Swans and the Lions face off. We will cheer on the Swans but we know just how good Brisbane can be. It's preliminary final week in the NRL with the two best sides in the comp - Melbourne and Penrith likely to make it to the grand final. 

We also look at the costs calamity facing Monica Smit, who kinda won her court case but still needs to pay costs to the state. Why? We have a crack at explaining the Calderbank rule.

In AV Update we look at Rob Schneider being a massive dickhead - aaaand

In SovCits we have a true FAFO moment where a free woman on the land discovers that magic words don't make kidnapping legal. Oh dear!

Pete is boring as hell and probably getting axed. Come on Pete! But he was in New Idea for some reason so we ran with that.

Enjoy!

-----------------------------------------------------------------

CBCo are still send me beer which means you need to keep buying them. But why the hell wouldn't you - they gave us a discount code! Use CRP10 at checkout to get 10% off their excellent beers.

If that isn't enough for you, go buy some CBCo Goldy tins and go to cbco.beer and you can enter an incredibly awesome prize where you go to some island on a helicopter and there is beer. The prize pool is something stupid like $120k. Go do that!

All of these things are possible at cbco.beer

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Also - this episode is edited using AI tools because I absolutely do not have time to do a proper edit. If you detect any horrific problems, please let me know through the usual channels.

In Australia, the AFP drive a wrecking ball through organised crime with a superb investigation.

In the UK the NHS, a public health system that was once the envy of the world is in disarray, requiring urgent attention from the Starmer government.

In sport, Man City's hearing begins in a veil of secrecy. 

JTI thinks it will come down to Pennsylvania and if it stays blue, Harris will win the presidency.

In other news, the media's obsession with a hung parliament as a likely outcome of the next election is explored. JTI believes it unlikely while HK Jack points to polling showing two Teals looking at losing their seats but thinks a Coalition forming the next government is a fantasy.

JTI talks about his recent trip to the UK and how London's cars are pretty all much elejtric. In sport, it's finals time. 

If you don't already know him, he's an environmental activist from way back and knows almost bloody everyone in the movement. Unfortunately, some of these people have become rather sympathetic to cookers and have enabled their rather terrifying takeover of various LGAs, including his own in Cessnock.

Dave explains how the cookers took over council and we discuss what we should expect from the first ACTUAL COOKER MAYOR!

It's shit. Joel Jammal is involved. It's all so utterly cooked. But look on the bright side - these people can't even behave themselves at christmas lunch so the chance of them not getting sacked is minimal. Time will tell.

Also, MyPlace attempt to make an important documentary on a serious topic and just end up completely screwing it up. Won't post spoilers - but let's say cookers are an easy target for a con artist.

AND

FERGUS THE CAT which is very very funny. We also look back to one of Dave's first interactions with cookers in public. Not just cookers but the supermarket pest variety. Oh man, it's quite pathetic.

Jack's back and we will be in business soon - I am sending him smelling salts and meth to get him back in the swing of things.

Thanks for sticking around guys! Love yas!

This one is about following the money! Spoiler alert - a lot of it came from the estate of dead rich white men whose nepo baby children have decided to perpetuate their parents shitty ideology and pretend that they deserve to be billionaires becuause 'the free market works'.

Tax the rich.

Enjoy!

-------------------------------------------------------------

Also, of course cbco.beer has CRP10 as a promo code still - 10% - and they have free shipping so go buy some beers.

Get on The Dirt Unit wherever you get your podcasts. But also - just go here https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-dirt-unit/id1701913743

Brendan has an excellent project called 'earseed' and his new album 'revelations' is on all the usual streaming places. The video for the song 'Come To My Place' is really really funny and has tickled the pickle of Dazza and Penny actually liked it. Excellent. Here's the video:

https://fb.watch/sfZIjwNRYC/

Anything we promised would be in the show notes is probably not going to happen but feel free to hassle Brendan about anything you want in the shitposting group!

We discuss the last year or so with Brent's story becoming global news, and then we look at things that will make Neil upset. England's race riots, the US election and whether Andrew Tate's smooth bathers have a doodle in them.

And a bunch of other random stuff we fall into.

It was a great chat.

PS - BECAUSE THIS IS A CROSSOVER EPISODE THERE'S NO BEER PLUG BUT REMEMBER EVERY CBCO TIN YOU DON'T DRINK KILLS A FAIRY.

The discount code still works (I think) which is CRP10 at cbco.beer. Go buy a case! It's free shipping! The IPA is INCREDIBLE.

Oh and also, join the Some Dare patreon so the lads can quit their jobs and release more content. DO IT!

In NSW, Premier Minns dips a toe into the water of the housing crisis as federal Labor's polling problems continue.

Chaos in Bangladesh with the president fleeing to India. Ukraine drives deep into Russian territory. Is it a game changer in the war?

In sport we wrap up on the Paris Olympics while JTI declares Isaac Heeney's last quarter heroics against Collingwood as the best quarter of football in more than 20 years. 

The podcast will be taking a break for four weeks while JTI swans around Europe. 

Sadly, it works. And many people not only fall into the trap of a 'get rich scheme' but also fall into a debt trap.

This episode looks at the filters and the poor rubes who fell into the trap. The next part is about the people at the top of the pyramid who sell the dream of 'freedom'. If freedom is taking endless selfies and posting 500 word essays with zero substance then yeah, I'll pass.

It's really bad and everyone involved in this sucks.

Enjoy!

-----------------------------------------------

IF this episode has brought on feelings of disgust and horror, we suggest that you go to cbco.beer and buy some delicious tins using discount code CRP10 to get 10% off their already decent prices. We just saved you several thousand dollars on magic water machines so why not spend it on tins?

Is Barack Obama who wanted an open convention now diminished as the Kamala train steams ahead? Kamala has started with a boost but the polls still have her trailing by around a point. Further polling shows her support among 18-34yo voters 60 her way, 40 Trump's.

She'll get another boost, JTI says, at the DNC in Chicago. She'll need women and young voters out in number if she is to win.

Meanwhile in Brazil, sharks are on the coke. Albo has a reshuffle and pushes his poorer performers to one side as polling shows a tight contest can be expected at the next federal election.

The Olympics get underway with the easily offended bunch up in arms. 

Don't forget - cbco.beer still has the CRP10 voucher code to get 10% off the already amazing prices with free shipping. Get on it! Cheap good quality craft beers1

----------------------------------------------------

From as little as five bucks a month! Don't make me get all weird and shame you like Dave Oneegs does - if you can't afford it, you just need to like want it more. Winners grindset bro.

If any of you are missing out because you're actually broke drop me a line and I'll send you a file. It's the honour system so don't tell me fibs!

Enjoy the free snippet!

https://www.patreon.com/theconditionalreleaseprogram

----------------------------------------------------------

We follow the leads from Vaxatious Litigant who did an excellent write up on Monica's big day(s) in court. We cover the first two with Vaxy's help and throw in a few notes from the 3rd day which we watched/listened to over the course.

Monica is very funny. We can't include any clips cause you can't record court but there's some cracking quotes in there from the Patron Saint of Pakenham. Tons of help from the Tinfoil Tales guys and Dave went into this chat!

Then we look at Kamala Harris and the inevitable terrible behaviour and discourse around her nomination including the predictably boring 'discovery' that she is actually a man - posted by one of or very own holocaust deniers (not pete).

And we look at Elon pulling out his $45 million from the Trump superpac - one of the very few times Elon actually does pull out, let's be honest.

Enjoy!

The Two Jacks discuss the role of Nancy Pelosi as Joe's executioner. As all good politicians must, she led the tributes to the 46th POTUS with metaphorical blood on her hands and proved herself to be a leader of consequence.

Can Harris beat Trump? It's more than possible but she is starting from six lengths behind.

In other news, the Brits show us the pathway to political civility as Sir Keir Starmer announces a major change to housing policy in the UK.

Germany cuts its military aid to Ukraine by half.

While in sport, the return of warm up games would assist battling cricket nations as a quick fix for the terrible mess Test cricket finds itself in. 

The allegations of corruption within the CFMEU are considered while the Two Jacks explore the relationship between the union's construction division and the Labor Party.

In sport, is Djokovic being disrespected by tennis audiences? In cricket, England sends Jimmy Anderson off in style.  

In the wake of this paradigm changing event we look at the absolute slop that has been served up on social media, especially Elon's Twitter.

We don't know the motive. We don't know the truth. But we know a whole bunch of total nonsense that idiots made up on the internet.

What fun.

Long episode with loose script and dodgy AI editing. You've been warned! Any horrible mistakes please let me know - robots edited it so it's not my fault!

ALSO forgot to do a beer plug but go to cbco.beer and enter CRP10 to get 10% off the best damn IPA in the country. Or their other beers which are also pretty good. I'll make it up to them next time!

Meanwhile in the US, the Dems circle the wagons around Grampa Joe.

Japan is finally kicking its floppy disk addiction.

The Tories are sent packing and there was no one more deserving than Liz Truss and Jacob Rees-Mogg.

The French prove themselves damned unpredictable again while in sport, Jessica Hull produces one of Australia’s greatest ever track performances in Paris in the 1500m with the Olympics less than three weeks away. 

Then we jump straight into politics - Biden struggled in the debate and the UK was set to go to the polls. The results are in and Labor pissed it in, but we knew that so it's doesn't really matter.

In cooker update we laugh at MGG, Guru and Dave Oneegs who are all making dicks of themselves as usual.

In sovcits we have a particularly nasty character who relied on the Vienna Convention for reasons we don't know and....

Pete's an influencer! Well, according to the daily mail.

Enjoy!

In local politics, the Senator Payman distraction is causing a huge headache for the Albanese government who desperately wanted to bed down the tax cuts and budget goodies to the punters.

In the UK, the Sunak government prepares for electoral gotterdammerung while France starts its shift to the right.

Advertising algorithms -- are they controlling our lives or is JTI really a mad foot fetishist?

In sport, the Euros offer another tease for the Brits, the Indians are stranded in Barbados (not a bad place to be stranded) and JTI's beloved Blues make the case as premiership contenders. 

From as little as five bucks a month! Don't make me get all weird and shame you like Dave Oneegs does - if you can't afford it, you just need to like want it more. Winners grindset bro. Sell more water filters ya lazy slob.

If any of you are missing out because you're actually broke drop me a line and I'll send you a file. It's the honour system so don't tell me fibs!

Enjoy the free snippet! Give us money! All of it! Okay fine, just most of it.

https://www.patreon.com/theconditionalreleaseprogram

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It's not even bloody Premium Episode 69 it's actually 80. Alas. You'll see why that matters in the first few mins of ramblings!

Assange is home! Will he be a pest? Probably. Is he a shithead? Generally.

We have a look at Jules to see if he's worth applauding - but agree that he's done his time and deserves a bit of vitamin D.

Tucker Carlson comes to Australia and it's shit. They slash the ticket prices to get the punters in and move the stage forward so you can't see the empty space. It's a resounding failure and very much in line with Clive Palmer's hit rate on success.

And, of course, Tommy Robinson is arrested for being an illegal immigrant. Very very funny. Sucked in.

Enjoy!

Meanwhile Lisa goes back to the Federal Court for her hat.

In New Zealand a woman takes her partner to a dispute tribunal for not taking her to the airport.

In the UK, the Tories have stopped shooting themselves in the foot. It's a fully blown machine gun job now with toes and heels flying all over the place.

In sport, Australia fails in the ICC T-20 World Cup while JTI announces Carlton as his number one seed to win the AFL flag. 

The first point to make is a comedian with more than 50 years experience like Seinfeld, standing with a mic in his hand among a mainly adoring audience is going to sit any hecklers on their arses in quick time.

The discussion enters into the best stand up comedians of all time. JTI claims Richard Pryor changed everything and is the guv'nor while arguing that Billy Connolly was the funniest man at a live venue. We then look at political language and what a politician means when they utter predictable messages.

In more serious matters, Immigration Minister Andrew Giles' woes and bad judgment continue.

The Reform Party moves past the Tories as the new opposition in the UK on polling at least.

In sport, Dustin Martin stands atop as a champion of the big moment in AFL, Australia moves into the final eight in the T-20 World Cup while the Euros get underway. 

How much will they cost? Dunno.

When will they be ready? Ten years or so mate, give or take a few.

What do we do in the meantime Dutts? Gas. That's cheap and reliable. Not.

What a dumb policy. We look at it. We are harsh but fair.

Enjoy!

The US economy is going well but consumer confidence is low and historically it has wrenched presidents from the White House.

An emu was on the loose in Hong Kong and no one wants to claim it. In South Africa, the ANC loses its majority and will need to enter into a coalition but who with?

Mexico elects its first woman President after Claudia Sheinbaum wins a thumping victory. In sport, we preview the ICC T-20 World Cup. 

Which is very weird because one of the reasons they passed this (in the explanatory memorandum) was to expand the myGovID into states. But - as it turns out - there are state services using it. For example, HousingVic and Victorian State Revenue can be linked to myGov using myGovID.

It appears you can work around this but it's incredibly annoying and quite blatant that you basically have to get the myGovID to sit the exam or experience a bureaucratic nightmare to get renewed. The cookers were kinda right on this one. Kinda!

Thanks to listener and sparky Michael Brown for the heads up. Super helpful in showing me all the things I needed to know to clarify this.

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Digital ID has cookers fuming. It's the end of freedom! The end of democracy! Social credit scores are next! This is how they lock down 15 minute cities!

It's not though.

It's just a way to prove your identity so you can do stuff. It's that simple.

The media have done an absolutely shocking job of communicating this honestly to the public and the government have just hoped nobody would notice. But when cookers get involved - you really can't win.

In this episode we look at what digital ID actually is, why it exists and then we look at some of the more absurd claims.

We also look at the bullshit surrounding social credit systems in China and the dreaded CBDC. These are the things that our digital ID system are apparently brining to us with a side order of tyranny. But why is there so much BS around these two things?

Probably racism and mostly stupidity.

Anyway, enjoy!

Oh, and cbco.beer still has 10% off for CRP10 voucher code. Their IPA and NEIPA are genuinely good and their new beer Goldy is pretty good too. Get on it guys. The price is very decent.

In Australia, a Redbridge poll gives the coalition zero chance of winning the next election. Immigration Minister Andrew Giles may not be a minister then as his woes pile up.

Trump's hush money trial could see a verdict as early as this week while gardening enters the culture wars.

In sport, the Two Jacks preview the ICC T-20 World Cup hosted in the West Indies. 

JTI rants about fines imposed on kids in NSW.

In Iran, the President and his foreign minister die in a helicopter crash. Was it a simple coincidence or were Iran's enemies behind it?

In sport, JTI traumatised by his beloved Blues being belted by the Swans, sulks and misses the shotgun end to the Premier League. 

At the core of this episode is a well planned script. The other 2 hours is mostly waffle between two cooked brains. Add to that the sustained consumption of alcohol and you got yourself an episode.

The Atlas Network is an umbrella organisation that helps create, sustain and propel libertarian thinktanks into media and modern meme culture. Its roots extend into the early 20th century and feature some predictable names such as Milton Friedman and Tony Abbott. What fun guys!

Brendan has done a deep dive into this with a script that spans across about 44 pages. In this episode, I think we got through about 12 of them.

It was a good fun record and I regret nothing. Although next time we record, I might try not to start half cut. That might help.

Enjoy!

Also, of course cbco.beer has CRP10 as a promo code still - 10% - and they have free shipping so go buy some beers.

Brendan has an excellent project called 'earseed' and his new album 'revelations' is on all the usual streaming places. The video for the song 'Come To My Place' is really really funny and has tickled the pickle of Dazza and Penny actually liked it. Excellent. Here's the video:

https://fb.watch/sfZIjwNRYC/

Anything we promised would be in the show notes is probably not going to happen but feel free to hassle Brendan about anything you want in the shitposting group!

The sky is gay now thanks to woke - and it's expressing itself faaabulously in the aurora borealis. Is this the gay agenda playing out in space? Probably.

Albo is taken wildly out of context by Elon Musk who seems to think a 'social licence' is something you have to apply for...

AND of course we have a bit on Pancakegate - the fued between Guru and Bosi and Bec and some guy named Franco. Tinfoil Tales did it better, but we have a chuckle at the latest dumb rift between these clowns.

Enjoy!

Meanwhile, in Argentina the Libertarian President Javier Milei sees some better results with inflation decreasing but still annualised at hyperinflationary rates. We examine the rest of Argentina's economic performance over the last year. Beyond inflation, the economy remains in negative growth and in the battle to control inflation, Milei runs the risk of slowing the economy further.

The US awaits its own inflation figures for the quarter but as it stands, the US economy is in better shape than most of the rest of the world.

In sport, Isaac Heeney and Marcus Bontompelli rate as the two best players in the AFL on statistical data while the Sharks roll on in the NRL. 

UK council elections spell doom for the Tories in the UK.

In Gaza, JTI predicts a boots on the ground assault in Rafah is a line that should not be crossed.

And have we got a hangover cure for you. Simply put yourself on a saline drip and hangover gone. In a vague reference, JTI says he has done it and it works.

In sport, JTI laments the defensive lapses of his beloved Blues and HK Jack tells us who one the Kentucky Derby under the most extraordinary and generous circumstances. 

At the end I have a bit of a rant about Aussie Cossack and his role in amplifying the false claim that Ben Cohen was the Bondi attacker. Unconfirmed reports allege that the Aussie Cossack is a jerk.

Also, go to cbco.beer and enter CRP10 for 10% off their already cheap beers. Free postage! It's good! Even I did it recently!

Enjoy.

There are further problems with the individuals released from detention by order of the High Court after one was charged with a vicious home invasion in Perth where an elderly lady was severely beaten.

Overseas the Trump trial has had no effect on his polling while in the UK, the Tories are beset with immigration problems of their own.

In sport, JTI laments his beloved Blues' defensive weakness while the Swans continue their winning ways. 

In news we look at Nelson Mandela's grandson - a parliamentarian - bizarrely banned from twitter. Why? Well, Elon is South African so...

Russell Brand finds god which suspiciously lines up with police investigation into sex offences but don't worry - he's getting baptised! The sins gets washed away. Is that a legal defence?

In Antivaxxer Update we look at a bunch of dickheads who say they are not antivaxxers but abosolutely are.

Which Black Pilled Fuckwit Said That makes a quick comeback.

And in SovCits we have a big fan of paper terrorism - you'll have to listen to see how that plays out.

Oh, and Zippy Babet is an idiot.

Enjoy!

------------------------

Please join the patreon. Give me money. Money me! Money now! Me a money needing a lot now. (IYKYK but https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxpkIVaYcfw)

The Conditional Release Program | creating a Podcast | Patreon

And as a reminder to everyone - they're still running the CRP10 discount code so get on it. It's a really good deal!

https://cbco.beer/

In Australia, the government puts forward its migration act amendments in response to the High Court's decision which declared indefinite detention unconstitutional. Can the amendments survive another High Court challenge? HK Jack says the chances are good.

JTI notes that Biden's polling is on the improve and when all five presidential candidates are polled, it seems Kennedy is taking support from Trump in these early days.

In sport, big AFL games last weekend set the tone for the competition with the reigning premiers, Collingwood, back in town. 

In sport, England left arm tweaker 'Deadly' Derek Underwood passes away while in the AFL, the Eagles have a new star. 

HK Jack predicts Trump will win the presidential election in November while JTI products Trump will lose including a loss in Florida.

In Australia, the fate of Bruce Lehrmann hangs on Justice Lee's judgment due next week. 

Trump has set up an elaborate 'pump and dump' scheme with the $DJT stock backed by Truth Social. This idiot conman cult leader has managed to convince other idiots to part with their money because meme stock hysteria and general stupidity.

Nobody but the lawyers win with Bruce Lehrmann being legally declared (on a civil basis) a silly little rapist. Well, Justice Lee didn't call him that. But that's what he is.

In SovCits we see a classic traffic stop where Trish does not fuck around and Pete makes us upset with his personal preferences. They're shit and he should be ashamed of them.

PS - Episode is unedited because this is fresh news and I also have zero time to cut out Jack's breathing and lip smacks and my dopey mistakes - so enjoy this one nice and raw. This is what we actually sound like :-P

Enjoy!

In other news, the Lehrmann-Higgins legal battles plummet to new depths with allegations Lehrmann lied under oath and forwarded copies of the criminal brief to the Channel Seven network.

Around the world, new Scottish laws again criminalise speech and in the US, Trump's Media network cops a flogging on the equities' markets.

In sport, the Rabbits chalk up a much needed win while the Pies are back in town in the AFL. 

It's mostly dumb. Is there something to it? Maybe. But it's mostly dumb.

------------------------

Please join the patreon. Give me money. Money me! Money now! Me a money needing a lot now. (IYKYK but https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxpkIVaYcfw)

The Conditional Release Program | creating a Podcast | Patreon

And as a reminder to everyone - they're still running the CRP10 discount code so get on it. It's a really good deal!

https://cbco.beer/

In Australia, the Albanese government announces multi billion dollar package for housing in remote Australia. Will it be value for money?

In sport, the AFL and NRL seasons are underway with JTI's beloved Blues already chalking up two wins.

Mr. Lara Trump has found himself being completely burned by his Dad once again.

SovCits are doing bank things. It's incredibly silly. They shouldn't. But they do.

And a handy way to get out of paying to register a dog? Make it a person. Just follow this one trick magistrates HATE!

In Pete we look at bitcoin and speculate that maybe the cabal ain't so bad when it's making you some of that grass fed salmon money.

Enjoy!

The Libs launch their nuclear policy. Is it the longest political suicide note in Australian political history?

In the US, HK Jack believes Joe Biden will be tapped and asked to withdraw his candidacy. We look at the possible replacements.

The homicide rate is through the roof in South Africa with appalling solve rates.

In sport, Sam Kerr is subject to terrible race based laws in the UK while the AFL season kicks off with a win to the Swans and the NRL's Vegas experiment leads to desultory ratings on US TV. 

Scomo hangs up five pairs of boots after a teary speech in the House. How will history judge the man?

Alabama IVF clinics close in the wake of a judgment from the state's supreme court and that's a huge problem not just for Alabaman women but for Trump, says JTI.

Tunisian born resident of France for three decades gets punted out of the country for bagging le Tricolore. The French do go hard.

In sport, JTI says the pressure on the AFL to accept liability for historical child sexual abuse in the old VFL competition is mounting while England chalks up a 1-3 series losing moral triumph in India. 

JTI finds a dreadful case of government out of control in relation child sexual abuse. A waste of $10mil in public funds but a kick in the guts to victims of CSA still waiting on compensation.

The Taylor Swift Eras tour is underway in Australia bringing with it billions in economic activity. For all that, she has been subject to criticism from the Left - "too white, not sufficiently feminist" and from the Right who think's Swift is a liberal plant from the Biden Government. Whatever happened to appreciating other people's joy, folks?

Albo gets engaged and HK Jack plays wedding planner.

The two boat arrivals in WA have brought headlines but the real problem, HK Jack says is there are more than 100,000 asylum seekers in this country with their claims rejected. HK Jack has a solution.

The Tories get smashed in by-elections in the UK with swings against it in the stratosphere.

In the US will Trump seek to implement an abortion ban 16 weeks after conception? JTI says the whole topic is political death to Trump.

In sport, the Two Jacks can tell you how to get into major events if you have your dad around or JTI's dad in particular. 

Albo gets engaged and HK Jack plays wedding planner.

The two boat arrivals in WA have brought headlines but the real problem, HK Jack says is there are more than 100,000 asylum seekers in this country with their claims rejected. HK Jack has a solution.

The Tories get smashed in by-elections in the UK with swings against it in the stratosphere.

In the US will Trump seek to implement an abortion ban 16 weeks after conception? JTI says the whole topic is political death to Trump.

In sport, the Two Jacks can tell you how to get into major events if you have your dad around or JTI's dad in particular. 

Economist turned cooker Dr. Wilson Sy has released a paper suggesting that COVID doesn't exist - and that it was simply a mass euthanasia program in the UK. Some deaths might be from the jab but the rest are from MIDAZOLAM. Segment is worth the listen just to hear Jack pronounce it.

We bring back BPFW thanks to a cracking submission from Garth but it went to the wrong person! So Jack had the joy of answering one.

And in SovCits we look at Shorty and Guru making a fuss at the court house in Wollongong.

Aaaaaand Babet is a twat!

Enjoy!

Nemesis runs on the ABC with most of the Libs and Nats giving us their take on the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Years. Why do they subject themselves to these exercises? Is it ego?

Meanwhile in the US, the DC four count indictment has been delayed. Will Trump now face any criminal indictments before the presidential election?

In sport, Rachin Ravindra emerges as a star for the Black Caps with a 240 against South Africa. 

He's a money man. Made his money being a money man in real estate. Now he's a money man for the movies and a money man for saving the kids.

An interesting chap. Very accomplished if you take his word for it. But it seems like there might be an interesting relationship between Hutchy and the truth.

Does he suck as much as Tim Ballard? Maybe. Probably not. But the fact that we have to ask the question is why you need to listen to the episode.

He sucks. Enjoy!

Scott Morrison resigns from the parliament. Where does he stand on the pantheon of Prime Ministers? A fair way down but not quite Billy McMahon status.

Trump takes New Hampshire but Nikki Halley is proving a difficult opponent.

South Africa goes to the elections later this year with the possibility that the ANC's lock on power may start to shift.

In sport, the BBL wraps up with the Heat winning the tournament as the Australians face the Windies in Brisbane and England play India in the first Test in Hyderabad.  

From @daggydad on Twitter.

Dr John Campbell is an a&e nurse with a PhD, not a doctor of medicine.

@GasmanR went on to elaborate

Small pedantic correction, Dr John Campbell is a nurse not a doctor. He does hold a valid Phd and can use the honorific doctor - but it is in the discipline of nursing education, he is not a medical doctor. While unfortunately a small number of my fellow doctors are raving cookers (including unfortunately a guy I went to university with and with whom I also did specialist training in anaesthesia - Paul Oosterhuis) Dr Campbell is owned by our nursing brothers and sisters. His descent from reasoned provider of sound information at the start of the pandemic into full on antivax disinformation grifter is well documented on both YouTube and Twitter by Australia's own Dr Susan Oliver and US based Debunkthefunk.

Thanks for everyone who wrote in to say that. We love getting corrected!

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It's been a bit on and off recently but we are on. A bit of a hybrid episode that took the fast and loose nature of a Black Label with a bit of script to keep it tight.

Deep dives are on the horizon but the news keeps newsing and it's time to start delivering the goods. This week we look at the imminent (now very much completed) death throes of Roger Rogerson. Old mate dodged a lot of death in his time but finally it was falling over that really seemed to get him. What a bad person he was.

The WEF is annoying. Not because it's a meeting of elites who go skiing and talk about making a shitload of money from us peasants - but because idiot conspiracy theorists need to make it all about them. Disease X is especially annoying and so is that dickhead from Argentina. And Elon Musk. He is very, very annoying.

In SovCits we look at a bleach merchant from NZ who gets his comeuppance and Pete is still posting. Dunno why. Nobody except for us seem to care.

Enjoy!

A day of nationhood is needed, one that will unify Australians and not divide them.

In the US, Trump takes Iowa with Nikki Haley looking like having a fighting chance of winning New Hampshire.

Around the world, how do progressive Jews view the response from their fellow non-Jewish travellers. Has anti-Semitism infected the progressive Left?

In sport, we look at the West Indies tour and ask how can it be that their players earn one tenth of the Australian players. Is a bit of socialism required to keep Test cricket alive? 

If any of you are missing out because you're actually broke drop me a line and I'll send you a file. It's the honour system so don't tell me fibs!

Enjoy the free snippet!

https://www.patreon.com/theconditionalreleaseprogram

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aaaaand the MUA cracks the shits over the use of the red ensign and all sorts of stuff. It's a big one this one. Almost two hours of it. But we owed you something good after the holidays!

Enjoy!

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ALSO - PLEASE vote for CBCo in the GABS hottest 100. They're pushing the Pacific Ale so get behind that. I know it's a bit lame but it really helps and they've been very good to us. Voting helps them and it helps us - use this link to give them a nudge in the list. They've been good to us - so I really want them to get a decent showing on the charts.

Vote here!

https://bit.ly/cbco_gabs2023

And as a reminder to everyone - they're still running the CRP10 discount code so get on it. It's a really good deal!

https://cbco.beer/

We look at the puppet masters of the alt media who are pushing their agenda onto the hapless conspiracy movement that don't seem to notice that all their beliefs just happen to be fossil fuel industry talking points.

FUNNY THAT.

Neil is one of the few people I can think of (Daniel Morrison, Brendan from BIAS/Dirt Unit) who really get this phenomenon. So I had him on for a chat. And it's good!

Could have been twice the length but timezones are a bitch.

Enjoy!

---------------------------------------------------

ALSO - PLEASE vote for CBCo in the GABS hottest 100. They're pushing the Pacific Ale so get behind that. I know it's a bit lame but it really helps and they've been very good to us. Voting helps them and it helps us - use this link to give them a nudge in the list. They've been good to us - so I really want them to get a decent showing on the charts.

Vote here!

https://bit.ly/cbco_gabs2023

And as a reminder to everyone - they're still running the CRP10 discount code so get on it. It's a really good deal!

https://cbco.beer/

Rod's ticker is crook and fake Monica Smit is making him sad. Coles are self serving themselves to another layer of hell and Trump is probably going to jail but also probably going to be president.

It's a lot to take in.

But if you've got 90 spare minutes, take it in and sort it out. We have a big year ahead and it looks like things are only going to get weirder.

Enjoy!

---------------------------------------------------

ALSO - PLEASE vote for CBCo in the GABS hottest 100. They're pushing the Pacific Ale so get behind that. I know it's a bit lame but it really helps and they've been very good to us. Voting helps them and it helps us - use this link to give them a nudge in the list. They've been good to us - so I really want them to get a decent showing on the charts.

Vote here!

https://bit.ly/cbco_gabs2023

And as a reminder to everyone - they're still running the CRP10 discount code so get on it. It's a really good deal!

https://cbco.beer/

----------------------------------------------------

From as little as five bucks a month! Don't make me get all weird and shame you like Dave Oneegs does - if you can't afford it, you just need to like want it more. Winners grindset bro.

If any of you are missing out because you're actually broke drop me a line and I'll send you a file. It's the honour system so don't tell me fibs!

Enjoy the free snippet!

https://www.patreon.com/theconditionalreleaseprogram

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Yippie ki-yay mothercookers! It's xmas and that means it's time for cookers to side with paedos and Biden to kill xmas. What?

Yeah so the eSafety commissioner is taking action against Twitter who appear to be asleep at the wheel on kiddy porn. When it comes to saving the kids - nobody is more passionate than cookers. Well, until it's a decision between Elon simping or actual child welfare. They've chosen Elon. I wish I was kidding. 

RFK Jr is a piece of shit. We know that. But damned if he isn't gaining traction in the polls. Cheeky old fart is getting double digits in some important states and as a result has started being a little more moderate. Will he get up? No. But will he get disturbingly close? Maybe. 

And we look at an idiot on Fox who thinks Biden killed Xmas in a very strange way. I think Bill O'Reilly did it better tbh. 

Enjoy! 

---------------------

ALSO - PLEASE vote for CBCo in the GABS hottest 100. They're pushing the Pacific Ale so get behind that. I know it's a bit lame but it really helps and they've been very good to us. Voting helps them and it helps us - use this link to give them a nudge in the list. They've been good to us - so I really want them to get a decent showing on the list.

Vote here!

https://bit.ly/cbco_gabs2023

And as a reminder to everyone - they're still running the CRP10 discount code so get on it. It's a really good deal!

https://cbco.beer/

We review the big stories in sport, too. Nathan Lyon's 500th wicket, the Ashes, the Matildas in the World Cup and Collingwood not just winning an AFL premiership but that people who don't barrack for the Pies kind of like them now. In short, the world has gone mad. 

Was gonna be one part but it went for ages so it's two parts! Hopefully this makes the next week a little easier for those that find it difficult and even better for those who get all xmassy and cheery. Everyone wins!

Part two coming out soon.

ALSO - PLEASE vote for CBCo in the GABS hottest 100. They're pushing the Pacific Ale so get behind that. I know it's a bit lame but it really helps and they've been very good to us. Voting helps them and it helps us - use this link to give them a nudge in the list. They've been good to us - so I really want them to get a decent showing on the list.

Vote here!

https://bit.ly/cbco_gabs2023

And as a reminder to everyone - they're still running the CRP10 discount code so get on it. It's a really good deal!

https://cbco.beer/

We've been to a few rallies together so it was time to have a chat for you guys and talk about the mechanics of it all. He knows his stuff!

Enjoy :-)

In Ireland, far right thugs rioted after a knife attack outside a school in inner city Dublin committed allegedly by an immigrant who arrived in the country 20 years ago and is an Irish citizen. JTI explains that one of the men who stopped the alleged assailant was a Brazilian Deliveroo worker who was pronounced a hero and had more than 300,000 Euros raised for him by the people of Ireland.

Meanwhile Joe Biden's polling just seems to get worse. Has he hit rock bottom, yet?

In Australian news Dave Sharma fills the senate vacancy created by Marise Payne's retirement and we cover the Lehrmann defamation trial in Sport, the AFLW Grand Final gets underway this weekend.

If any of you are missing out because you're actually broke drop me a line and I'll send you a file. It's the honour system so don't tell me fibs!

Enjoy the free snippet!

https://www.patreon.com/theconditionalreleaseprogram

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So we are changing the name and format of our premium episodes to be more 'fast and loose' which is actually just newspeak for 'lazy'.

Still, we think this is a lot better than silence and excuses. And we have fun doing it.

This week we are looking at a few stories. Crackers Kelly is found guilty of being a prat but narrowly escapes a conviction sadly. The vic libs get third place and celebrate because to them that's a good result. And Jack looks at Bibi Netanyahu's impending political doom with corruption charges and a general sense that the recent events are at least a little bit his fault.

Jack dives into the murky waters of gun registries - some of which are still paper based - and a lack of rapid response in enquiries about firearms resulting in more than one police death in recent times. This is a good time to revisit Wieambilla as it's a year on. We look back at the first domestic terrorist attack in some time.

Following this is the story of the year in the cooker space. Mark Mack is found to have perpetrated elder abuse in the pursuit of his mothers property. It's a dark story and one the Tinfoil Tales girls published in part on twitter. With their permission we have chosen some parts of the judgement to look at - it truly reveals him as a despicable character and as the TT girls have said - crickets from the movement. For the sake of the privacy of family we request you don't splash the judgement around if you find it. We obscured names intentionally.

Enjoy!

The HC has not yet handed down its reasons delaying a legislative response. But the Albanese government went ahead anyway with a bill to impose control measures on the 91 released detainees.

This leads to a broader discussion about the government's communications which are reactive rather than proactive.

Elsewhere, we look at the Tories' woes in the UK and have Argentineans voted in Liam Gallagher as their new president?

If any of you are missing out because you're actually broke drop me a line and I'll send you a file. It's the honour system so don't tell me fibs!

Enjoy the free snippet!

https://www.patreon.com/theconditionalreleaseprogram

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Patrons! Thank you for your patience. Uni is almost over. Jack has moved. I hope we are entering into a golden age of podcast content creation. Looking forward to spending a few days researching cooked shit and making fun things for y'all to listen to while doing housework. 

We have been vaguely calling premiums 'Black Label' for a bit now. But this one's the first one that we have done in proper fast and loose dot pointed fashion. I hope it's not shit. 

This week we are looking at political hopeful Shane Cuthbert who did some videos next to a nazi flag and had a pretty shit excuse as to why. Did he not notice it was there?!? We look at him a little closer...

Eric Trump is an idiot and compares his family's real estate assets to the Mona Lisa. Well, Mona Lisa(s). He is an idiot. Phil made a funny. 

Zippy is encouraging people to mock the immunocompromised, the elderly and infirm with memes that point and laugh at those who choose to wear masks. 

AAAAND the world wide rally for freedom half planned an action on the Sydney Harbour Bridge but found some pesky laws prevented them from having their day in the sun. How did they come about? Pesky climate protestors. Damn you lefties! 

The Two Jacks seek to debunk the romantic options about these horses. Many have arrived recently, often thoroughbred racing horses dumped by owners. It might seem cruel but the feral herds need to be culled in order to save biodiversity and animals facing extinction.

In other news, HK Jack explains the High Court's decision and what it means for the government going forward.

The Two Jacks disagree again on nuclear energy with news the only manufacturer of small modular nuclear reactors has gone belly up in the US.

In sport, we preview the ICC World Cup final. 

First we look at Trump who continues to be in Deep Shit and then we move on to some classic cookerbashing.

Teflon Mon Mon is going through the courts again for fundraising for non existent legal fees. Whoops! She also got the arse from the US. Oh no!

Joel attends an Australia One cooker rally and learns that in Germany and Spain you can marry a cat or a dog. Spoiler alert - that's bullshit.

We look at the 'died suddenly' story around Matthew Perry who was a troubled lad and died too young after years of substance abuse. Antivax vultures made it about the jab - but some cooked units went ever deeper.

And in SovCits we laugh at Rod Culleton. But we also hope he is okay.

Pete is boring but Babet delivers for some taxpayer funded content. Bless!

ALSO: IMOP has not been deregistered but has changed name to HEART - Health Environment Accountability Rights Transparency 

One can only assume this is because being honest about your beliefs is electoral suicide and they have way more chance bullshitting their way into a seat than straight up saying 'we are antivaxxers' - even though their last name was also confusing to voters!

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Meanwhile in Gaza, will calls for a ceasefire be listened to?

In Sport, we review the Melbourne Cup and Maxi's magnificent double ton in Mumbai. 

If any of the content in today’s program raises any issues for you, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 3646.

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The CRP podcast returns to True Crime as Jack outlines his investigations into the Ballarat Diocese and how offending priests were moved out and their scandalous behavior covered up.

This is the sequel to Unholy Trinity where VicPol conspired with the Catholic Church in 1972 to protect an outrageous paedophile priest from being charged.

More than 20 years later, they were up to it again as the Ballarat Diocese sought to remove 'embarrassing' priests from the Church and let them loose on unsuspecting communities. 

For more on Paul David Ryan and Ballarat - we also looked at him in Episode 37.

The Two Jacks discuss the rise of anti-Semitism in the wake of the Hamas strike and IDF retaliation in Gaza. Once the ugly business of the hard right, anti-Semitism is now flourishing on the left, now including some within the progressive left.

We track the stories of the IDF's ground war in Gaza and ponder where it might end.

Meanwhile in the US, the Trumps are holding a family reunion in the witness box in a courtroom in NYC. The legal battles continue as the SCOTUS is set to hand down judgment on a T-shirt manufacturer who is mocking Donald Trump's physique. Think tiny hands, listeners. How will the Trump appointees on the SCOTUS regard the derision over the presidential penis? First Amendment right or a damned unforgiveable insult? We will have to wait and see.

In the UK, the Covid Inquiry has poured a bucket on Boris Johnson who regarded the arrival of a pandemic as a damned impertinence.

In sport, we preview the Melbourne Cup with JTI giving some hot tips as South Africa shapes up for not one but two world cups. 

We have a chat about his trip to Palestine and warm welcome, despite clearly being of Jewish descent. 

Later on, he provides an in-depth breakdown of the many fringe and conspiratorial viewpoints regarding Israel and Palestine - whether that is from Zionists or anti-Zionists; left or right; religious or secular groups; in Australia and Israel and around the world.  

It's still a total mess over there and hopefully this gives some insights into the vibe across the pont that aren't being covered in the usual MSM press. 

Enjoy!

Meanwhile in Gaza, the ground war is merely days away.

In the UK, criminals are being kept out of jail due to a chronic shortage of prison beds.

In sport, Australia's campaign finally finds fruit in the ODI World Cup while both JTI and HK Jack predict a SAFA World Cup in rugby. 

In the UK, the Tories get smashed in two by elections with an election due late next year, can they recover? The Two Jacks say no.

In the US, Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell flip on the Georgia RICO charges, making Donald Trump's position even more precarious.

In sport, an NZ punter cracks it for $10 million on The Everest. 

Yaakov Aharon comes from an ultra-orthodox Jewish and Zionist background, but has embarked on quite a political journey. He provides updates on Israel's recent offensive against Gaza, along with his unique perspective provided by his background.

Later on, he provides an in-depth breakdown of the many fringe and conspiratorial viewpoints regarding Israel and Palestine - whether that is from Zionists or anti-Zionists; left or right; religious or secular groups; in Australia and Israel and around the world.  

The chat went Joe Rogan level long so I've cut it into two parts. Second part should come in a week or so!

I hope you all learn something from and any hate mail can be sent to theconditionalreleaseprogram@gmail.com

The Voice referendum is set to fail as HK dismisses the views of not one but two former Chief Justices of the High Court.

In sport, two World Cups - one in 50 over cricket, the other in rugby countdown to the finals.  

To get the ball rolling Brent and Joel sat down for an earnest chat about how cooked they were in previous years. We look at JFK, the moon landing, aliens, vaccines, big pharma, chemtrails, fluoride in the water and the big one - 9/11.

Brent reveals that he not only studied conspiracy theories but also created them using patterns and wild theories based on religious concepts. Joel expresses his experience with left leaning politicised conspiracy theories and they compare notes across the historical conspiracy universe.

It's a good chat. Worth a listen. Looking forward to more appearances from Brent and hopefully Neil in the future!

In the meantime - sub to their pod - it's in all the usual places. Neil's dive into covid/climate conspiracies is something I've wanted to cover for ages. It's very very good!

Enjoy!

As Dan wanders off into the sunlight, we discuss how quickly power slips.

Meanwhile in Tasmania, dysfunction is the order of the day as a minority government battles with the threat of a no confidence motion.

In the US, Biden leads Trump by five points in the most recent polls.

We discuss the mobile phone bans in classrooms and in the UK and ask, are adults worse than children when it comes to using their phones when they shouldn't?

In sport, we review the two GFs and preview the ODI World Cup in India. 

Support for The Voice continues to sink.

Josh Frydenberg officially bows out of politics.

In UK news, Russell Brand is under police investigation as JTI says that post Jimmy Savile, the jig is up and the shield celebrity no longer works.

The Donald faces a $250 million bill from the State of New York but it won't stop his candidacy as his polling against Biden continues to rise.

The two footy codes celebrate their grand final weeks while Rugby Union is in turmoil. 

If any of you are missing out because you're actually broke drop me a line and I'll send you a file. It's the honour system so don't tell me fibs!

Enjoy the free snippet!

https://www.patreon.com/theconditionalreleaseprogram

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Patrons! Thanks for your patience - this one took a couple weeks but I needed to get my evidence assignment done in a desperate week of losing hair and doing stuff. 

And we are back with another 'black label' episode of the utmost quality. Actually, my headphones screwed up not once but twice leaving it rather out of sync. Instead of re-recording or editing it properly with something like descript I've just mashed it all together and hoped for the best. I didn't want to leave any details out and wanted this to be released while it's still relevant. 

So we look at the cookerfest No rally in Sydney on Saturday that was basically just a festival of adoration for Guru and look at how trashy Lauren Boebert is. Very. 

Then we have an inevitable chat bout Russell Brand who is a massive sex pest and cooked idiot who is hiding behind his bullshit beliefs but likely in lots of trouble. 

Enjoy! 

We're only half kidding. Australians are prepared to pay dumb amounts of money for coke - and that creates a special kind of market. When one of the poorest countries in Europe realises a bunch of ad execs in Sydney will pay 'through the nose' for a bag, well, they see opportunity.

The Comancheros might take issue to this, though. Through the price fixing mechanism referred to as 'the commission' a network of dealers and distributors are keeping prices high and enjoying the profits. With the wild margins on offer in Australia, they can source coke from places like Chicago instead of Columbia. Less guns. Less lunatics. More money.

Enter the Albanians. Wonder why people keep getting shot? Albanians. They are moving in and they want to take over the lucrative coke trade. A trail of bodies in their wake.

But will this lower the price of coke? If so, Joel is onboard.

Enjoy!

Are employee groups right to be in a state of uproar over workplace changes? HK Jack believes the hype doesn't match the limited extent of the changes which he says can only be measured in years to come.

Employer groups are agitating for management to get their affairs in order especially around sexual harassment and wage privacy matters.

The Voice campaign goes further off the rails with both sides - Yes and No pushing people away.

In the US polling suggests Joe Biden is in big trouble. JTI points to the polling a year ahead of Barack Obama's re-election suggesting Biden is in a better place than Obama was.

In sport, we farewell a titan of Australian Rules Football, Ronald Dale Barassi.

Will a four day week become the new normal in the Australian employment landscape?

When should you politely say no to providing a character reference? The Two Jacks discuss the sentencing of Hollywood rapist, Danny Masterson and how Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher provided character references on Masterson after he was convicted of drugging and raping two women.

In sport, the Two Jacks preview the Rugby World Cup, the NRL finals series and the AFL where JTI's beloved Blues are into the semis. 

In Maui we look at the utter tragedy that struck the island and the incredibly dumb shit that cookers have created around it. It's a laser. Blue houses were spared. Mountain Dew tried to warn us. It's very silly.

In SovCits Jack looks at some sheriffs who (allegedly) don't mind kiddie fiddlin' as long as it's their guys doing it.

And Pete goes back on the radio! If you thought Kyle and Jackie-O were shit, wait till you see how shit Hughesy and Erin are. Wow. They suck.

Enjoy!

Joel has a chat with Sam about CPAC. It was predictably shit but Sam bothered to wade through the mangroves and find out specifically why it was shit. The crossover collab with nazis is becoming very much part of the regular programming now and for some reason Warren Mundine thinks it's a wise idea to stand with these people. Just bizarre.

Enjoy!

There are calls to televise Donald Trump's Georgia RICO trial which will leave networks salivating.

You can still catch a bus from Ukraine to Moscow. And in a huge week in sports, HK Jack tips the Swans while JTI's heart and head says the Blues will win. 

The Two Jacks take a look at new visa restrictions for overseas students and look at the loopholes international crime syndicates exploit to get their people into the country.

The Two Jacks look at the basic failures in emergency management that almost certainly made the Masui wildfire disaster much worse.

In sport, Ange Postecoglou's role as Premier League manager at Tottenham starts with success. 

The Voice may be struggling and according to the West Australian, has no chance of success in WA.

The Two Jacks clarify conscription during WWII and unlike what JTI said in a previous episode, John Curtin did advocate for conscription.

Trump faces arrest on RICO charges in Georgia.

In sport, how can the euphoria of the World Cup translate into greater participation and what support does it need from government. 

Clocking in at over two hours it's one of our longer ones. Didn't even scratch the surface on this. The Sound of Freedom has been received by audiences that are not only squealing with joy - but also spreading the good word across the seas. For example, a woman in Peru commented how excited she was that The Sound of Freedom was being screened in the Blue Mountains of NSW. Nothing suss about that!

So we look at the local release of the movie, an inevitable comparison with Taken and then the main meal is a good old bollocking on Ballard.

He lies a lot. It's probably a pathological thing. To cover the full spectrum of what a terrible human being Tim Ballard is would take HOURS. This guy has more dirt on him than my dog and she's stinky.

Part 2 will look at the harm - what will happen when bozos turn up with guns trying to find kids in random South American countries inspired by this movie? Idiots are about to make the lives of real trafficking organisations much, much harder. Rambos are about to get organised and start making a serious mess of things. Kids will not be saved.

And Paul Hutchinson. Real Estate guy. Krav Maga guy. Narcissist. We will look at a member of OUR and producer of the film and see why the hell a real estate magnate is doing sting operations and why he thinks that being trained in Krav Maga is qualification to rescue children from sex trafficking. I really don't like him.

As promised for those who want to dive deeper - here are the shownotes.

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Anna Merlan and Tim Marchman's work can be found on Vice. There's a ton of it and it's nicely written.

https://www.vice.com/en/contributor/tim-marchman

https://www.vice.com/en/contributor/anna-merlan

Lynn Packer has been following this forever. This is his YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@lynnkennethpacker8389/videos

Mormon Stories have also been following OUR since before it was cool. This video is incredibly interesting (listen at 1.5x at least) but it's long.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5tFhyLTekk

Damion Moore at American Crime Journal has an extensive archive on Ballard and OUR

https://americancrimejournal.com/category/investigates/operation-underground-railroad/

And last but not least - Tinfoil Tales!

https://redcircle.com/shows/tinfoil-tales/ep/f87d03a7-7b7b-4e0a-85f4-e5fe4abf6776

There are other sources but I'm tired but hit me up if you want to know more.

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Please give us money. This took ages. Taking days off work to do this is a labour of love but don't forget it's also LABOUR! But if you can't afford it, we still love ya! But yeah this took me so many days.

https://www.patreon.com/theconditionalreleaseprogram

Also: slight correction -

Disney did not buy Sound of Freedom - Fox did. Then Disney acquired SoF within the Fox catalogue. Fox bought the movie in 2018 and sold its catalogue to Disney in 2019 and then it was acquired by Angel Studios early 2023 who then crowdfunded its release.

I'm working on a Sound of Freedom script and while it started off as a 'well, we should do something' it's blown a bit out of proportion. That Ballrd guy really sucks. Anyway, in the meantime - enjoy!

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Premium Episode 4 - Miracle Mineral Mud and Vaccine Extraction

Got vaccinated? That's bad. You better get that sorted. How about some IV bleach? 

Feeling a bit too clean and slightly under the weather? Eat some mud. 

Grifters gonna grift and honestly they'll go to wild lengths to get your money. This episode we look at some incredibly awful ways people are attempting to remove the vaccine, to save their souls from the devil jab. It's not good. 

Merry Bleachmas!

Mark Latham gets the shove from Pauline Hanson but won't go quietly.

Two teetotallers are running for the US Presidency. Can they be trusted?

In the UK, burglaries have been virtually decriminalised with no police action.

Meanwhile, the Matildas march on to the semi amid huge television audiences. 

Trump is once, twice, three times indicted. Jack gives some insights into how fucked the big orange bloke is.

In SovCits we look at the traffic stop with Glen Short including a post recording update on his charges. Naughty boy!

And Pete has a crap week - his week is only slightly more crap than this weeks TWIPE.

Enjoy!

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ALSO: CBCo are doing some amazing deals on their website. Most cases are $80 with free shipping - 24 can cases and 375ml cans.

The IPA is my pick tbh. It's an excellent IPA with some solid bitterness and a punchy 6.5%. Middy is a cracking deal at $55 a case as well for those looking for something a little more sessionable. $55 is about how much you'll pay for a case of mainstream rubbish - and middy is only 100cals per tin. The porter is also $80 but VERY GOOD. As far as dark beers go, this is up there IMO.

Sours are decent as well. South west sour is a classic and worth a shot.

Link here! It's not an affiliate thing - just a decent bargain on very good beer! They're not even making me do this!

https://cbco.beer/collections/beer-cider

The tragedy of three dead and one critically injured in South Gippsland from food poisoning is an evolving story with much more to come.

The Voice continues to falter in the polls but is there still time for a comeback?

Trump's two federal and one state indictment keep him in poll position in the GOP primary race.

In sport, the Two Jacks discuss the value of sporting clubs to our communities. 

If any of you are missing out because you're actually broke drop me a line and I'll send you a file. It's the honour system so don't tell me fibs!

Enjoy the free snippet!

https://www.patreon.com/theconditionalreleaseprogram

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Lots covered this week but it's not all fun. There's a CW/TW at the front of the show for people who find CSA a bit much to handle. Feel free to get in touch with Jack if you have issues around this. You guys know the drill.

So our homegrown Forrest Gump is still walking. He's a bit sore, but STILL GOING which, to be honest, gives me a begrudging respect for the walking STI that is Matt Lawson. Sure, he's doing this for narcissistic affirmation but damn son he's done pretty well for an idiot in kmart shoes that suddenly decided to do a 1600km walk. Bless him and his (hopefully) cotton socks.

Next up is the horrific case of a man charged with over 1600 counts of child sex abuse on the gold coast. This is almost certainly a fraction of what he actually comittted and Jack discusses what kind of a sociopath could manage to pull this off and other instances of police intervention in CSA matters. It's a bit brutal though so seriously feel free to tap out on this one.

Trump is indicted on Jan 6 and Jack brings his excellent perspective on that one and we revisit ACMA after Jack takes another glance at the bill.