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G’day Fearmongers,

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

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

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

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

Cheers,

Dan

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

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

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G’day Fearmongers,

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

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

Big thanks to all of our guests:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🤑 CHIP IN TO OUR PATREON https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFear

Here's all the fun stuff you get when you sign up to Patreon.

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

🎟 Get early access and discounts to live shows.

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

👨🏼‍⚖️ Make show suggestions.

💬 Get a link to the A Rational Fear discord.

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

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G’day Fearmongers,

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

🎟️ Get your tickets HERE

PODCAST NOTES:

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

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

See you at the big show

Dan

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G’day Fearmongers,

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

🎟️ Get your tickets HERE

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

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

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

See you next week!

Cheers

Dan

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

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🔗 https://its-not-a-race.raisely.com/

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

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

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

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G’day Fearmongers!

Merry Christmas to everyone (except Raygun).

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

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

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

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🎟 Get early access and discounts to live shows.

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

👨🏼‍⚖️ Make show suggestions.

💬 Get a link to the A Rational Fear discord.

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

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Hello Fearmongers,

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers

Dan

🤑 CHIP IN TO OUR PATREON https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFear

Here's all the fun stuff you get when you sign up to Patreon.

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

🎟 Get early access and discounts to live shows.

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

👨🏼‍⚖️ Make show suggestions.

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G’day Fearmongers,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WATCH IT ON TIKTOK HERE

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

Cheers,

Dan Ilic

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G’day Fearmongers,

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers

Dan

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Salam Fearmongers,

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

Linh Do & Richie Merzian.

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

Read more about that whale.

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

Cheers

Dan

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Here's all the fun stuff you get when you sign up to Patreon.

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

🎟 Get early access and discounts to live shows.

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

👨🏼‍⚖️ Make show suggestions.

💬 Get a link to the A Rational Fear discord.

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Howdy Fearmongers,

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

Well, consider us your fools.

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

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

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

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

Cheers

Dan

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Howdy Fearmongers,

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

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

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

Follow James Donald Forbes McCann on his podcast HERE.

And you can follow Eve Ellenbogan on Instagram HERE.

Summary

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

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Patreon Support

01:51 Political Climate and Upcoming Elections

03:29 Trump Rally and Comedy in Politics

10:43 Hypocrisy in Political Values

12:36 Immigration and Border Policies

20:22 Economic Policies and Taxation

25:08 Media Endorsements and Jeff Bezos

29:07 Israel and Political Stances

37:24 Election Integrity and Voting Systems

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

🤑 CHIP IN TO OUR PATREON https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFear

Here's all the fun stuff you get when you sign up to Patreon.

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

🎟 Get early access and discounts to live shows.

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

👨🏼‍⚖️ Make show suggestions.

💬 Get a link to the A Rational Fear discord.

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

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/a-rational-fear/id522303261

If Patreon isn't your thing, and Apple Subscriptions are too Appley — chip in with A-Cast here: https://plus.acast.com/s/a-rational-fear-1.

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Welcome to the JokeTober episode.

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

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

And we’re playing those for you here!

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

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

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

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

🤑 CHIP IN TO OUR PATREON https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFear

Here's all the fun stuff you get when you sign up to Patreon.

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

🎟 Get early access and discounts to live shows.

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

👨🏼‍⚖️ Make show suggestions.

💬 Get a link to the A Rational Fear discord.

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

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G'day Fearmongers,

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

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

albomp

A post shared by @albomp

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers

Dan

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

Takeaways

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G’day Fearmongers,

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers

Dan

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

G’day Fearmongers,

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

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

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

Click to watch Buried on YouTube.

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

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G'day Fearmongers,

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers,

Dan Ilic

Takeaways

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

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

Takeaways

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

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G’day Fearmongers —

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers

Dan

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

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

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

Charlie Pickering.

Sami Shah.

Kirsty Webeck

Richard Fidler

DJ Andrew McClelland.

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

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

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

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

Dan

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

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G’day Fearmongers —

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

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

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

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

THANKS RØDE

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

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

Happy New Fear everyone!

Cheers,

Dan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow Matt Lieb's work:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mattlieb

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

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

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

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

Takeaways

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

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

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

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and One Millionth Download Show

02:25

Introducing Wendy Harmer

03:05

The Evolution of Comedy and Radio

05:01

Capturing the Comedy Community

08:07

Finding Your Tribe in Comedy

09:08

The Impact of Commercial Radio

10:10

Memorable Interactions in Radio

12:39

Unconventional Radio Stunts

17:30

The Influence of Radio Management

19:16

The Dash for Cash and Other Stunts

21:53

The Origin of 'Two Strangers and a Wedding'

23:45

The Cultural Significance of The Morning Crew

30:32

The Impact of Wendy Harmer's Radio Career

33:36

The Changing Landscape of Media

36:06

The Success of Kyle and Jackie O

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

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

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

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 A Rational Fear is LIVE at SXSW SYDNEY!

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G’day Fearmongers,

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

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

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

Two other things:

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

SXSW SYDNEY —

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

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

Vale Cale Wilson.

Vote yes.

Vome to our SXSW show.

Cheers

Dan Ilic

F-Yes

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G'day Fearmongers,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers,

Dan Ilic

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G’day Fearmongers,

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

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

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

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

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

Dan

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On this month's episode of NEWS FIGHTERS, chief wacky clips correspondent Dylan Behan takes a deep dive into what’s driving the cost of living and housing crises in Australia, as well as all the stupid solutions proposed by our self-serving politicians.

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

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

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

Apple: http://apple.co/3VOx4Lj

Spotify: http://spoti.fi/3QemUCo

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

• Chip into support the show at http://www.patreon.com/ARationalFear
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• Email: dylan@newsfighters.com

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G'day Fearmongers,

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

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

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

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

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

Outrageous.

Cheers,

Dan

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

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

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

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

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

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

THANKS

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

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BONUS SPECIAL: A Rational Conversation.

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

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

IMAGE LINK: Grace Tame's Last Supper Picture.

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

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G'day Fearmongers,

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

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

With fellow fearmongers:

Lee Constable

Ange Lavoipierre

Lewis Hobba #OpenToWork

and Dan Ilic .

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

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

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

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G’day Fearmongers,

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

On the podcast this week we talk:

🏡 Housing Affordability Future Fund.

🍫 Fantales are off the shelves.

🏏 Cumins and the anti-woke brigade.

🍗 KFC price gouging. (ONLY ON PATREON)

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

Cheers,

Dan

Acting CEO.

OceanGate LLC. 

PLUGS:

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

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

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G’day Fearmongers —

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

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

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

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

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

Here more from Ange on her excellent podcast Schmeitgeist

Cheers

Dan

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NEWS FIGHTERS PODCAST

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

TRANSCRIPTION

Jim Chalmers 00:01

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

Dylan Behan 00:10

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

Journalist 00:27

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

Dylan Behan 00:31

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

Jim Chalmers 00:46

budget surplus in 15 years.

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

Or at least I thought I was gently mocking.

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

All the Australians at the table laughed.

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

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

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

So — Happy Coronation Weekend to those who celebrate.

On the podcast this week we have some great fearmongers.

🏃‍♀️Australian Athletic Legend, Erchana Murray-Bartlet.

🎙 Comedian and broadcaster, Craig Quartermaine

💨 Former vaper, Lewis Hobba.

💸Persephone Fraser from Australian Ethical

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

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

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

Cheers

Dan

Department of Disinterest

Reserve Bank Australia

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

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

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G’day Fearmongers,

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

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

🏡 Tasmania’s housing crisis solution

🏟 Tasmania’s AFL team name.

👶🏼 Muffin Break employees.

🚀 Elon’s projectile dysfunction.

🇳🇿 Kiwis eligible for Australian citizenship after 4 years.

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

🎟 See Heath Franklin at the Sydney Comedy Festival.

🎟 See Two Hearts at the Sydney Comedy Festival.

Cheers

Dan Ilic

Fox News

Human Resources

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👨🏼‍⚖️ David McBride's Legal Fund

G’day Fearmongers —

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

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

He did this six years ago — 2017!

He’s been in legal limbo ever since.

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

In this conversation McBride and I chat about:

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

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

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

Chip into help David McBride and his legal fees here.

Cheers

Dan

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G'day Fearmongers —

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

Gabbi Bolt

Sami Shah

Grace Tame

Lewis Hobba

Nats What I Reckon

Vidya Rajan

Lewis Hobba

and me (Dan Ilic)

DJ Andy McClelland

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

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

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

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

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

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

https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFear

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