<![CDATA[What's Your Poison]]>Pouring through the week of politics, culture, and tech.

]]>https://riverside.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:14:01 GMTFri, 27 Feb 2026 03:38:34 GMT60Peter Lewis & Damian Damjanovski<p>Pouring through the week of politics, culture, and tech.</p>episodicPeter Lewis & Damian Damjanovskidamian@generalstrategic.coyes<![CDATA[Unions, Victorians, and Stefanovics (Episode 12)]]>We discuss the Brisbane vibe, then dig into unions and collective bargaining in the workplace. We discuss Victoria's upcoming election, some of the controversy and the fallout it caused, the disunity and public opinion of the Liberal Party, the rise of One Nation and its influence, how public perception and politics have shifted post-lockdown, the role of billionaires in policy, and the risk that long-term government poses to democracy.

We dig into the risks and challenges of a fourth-term government, Australia's political shift to the right, the rise of podcasting and media influence, our predictions and political insights.

We also cover the impact of a Liberal government on workers and renewable energy projects, the role of freedom of speech and platform accountability, the influence of money and sponsorship in podcasting, and the events we're anticipating in the political landscape.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Cheers to Brisbane
  • 23:23 Victorian State Election
  • 29:23 One Nation's Growth and Political Implications
  • 38:59 Billionaires, Policy, and Public Opinion
  • 46:11 Australia's Political Shift to the Right
  • 55:33 Predictions and Political Insights
]]>f2ed211a-5a3e-4f0b-ad29-aaa0d4eb1cceSun, 28 Jun 2026 03:02:59 GMT<p>We discuss the Brisbane vibe, then dig into unions and collective bargaining in the workplace. We discuss Victoria's upcoming election, some of the controversy and the fallout it caused, the disunity and public opinion of the Liberal Party, the rise of One Nation and its influence, how public perception and politics have shifted post-lockdown, the role of billionaires in policy, and the risk that long-term government poses to democracy.</p><p></p><p>We dig into the risks and challenges of a fourth-term government, Australia's political shift to the right, the rise of podcasting and media influence, our predictions and political insights.</p><p></p><p>We also cover the impact of a Liberal government on workers and renewable energy projects, the role of freedom of speech and platform accountability, the influence of money and sponsorship in podcasting, and the events we're anticipating in the political landscape.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Cheers to Brisbane</li><li>23:23 Victorian State Election</li><li>29:23 One Nation's Growth and Political Implications</li><li>38:59 Billionaires, Policy, and Public Opinion</li><li>46:11 Australia's Political Shift to the Right</li><li>55:33 Predictions and Political Insights</li></ul>yes01:02:15112Unions, Victorians, and Stefanovics (Episode 12)full<![CDATA[Episode 11 - Painful burns, Pauline protests, PMO]]>We cover the inner workings of the Prime Minister's Office, Pauline's Press Club speech, populist campaign and political risks, immigration and multiculturalism, press club questions, and public perception and political shifts. The impact to the two-party system, media influence, and political positioning on the Australian political landscape. The role of humour and engagement in political communication and predicts future political developments and actions.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introductions and Drink Choices
  • 10:27 Bipartisan Cooperation and Political Shifts
  • 21:21 Populist Campaign and Political Risks
  • 27:18 Press Club Questions and Chaos in Politics
  • 32:18 Political Insider vs. Outsider
  • 37:47 Progressive Politics and Populist Challenge
  • 43:04 Challenges of Political Leadership
  • 54:29 Kiss of Death Predictions
]]>29a93e21-1d76-4e69-a662-52d88ee7d729Fri, 19 Jun 2026 23:24:38 GMT<p>We cover the inner workings of the Prime Minister's Office, Pauline's Press Club speech, populist campaign and political risks, immigration and multiculturalism, press club questions, and public perception and political shifts. The impact to the two-party system, media influence, and political positioning on the Australian political landscape. The role of humour and engagement in political communication and predicts future political developments and actions.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introductions and Drink Choices</li><li>10:27 Bipartisan Cooperation and Political Shifts</li><li>21:21 Populist Campaign and Political Risks</li><li>27:18 Press Club Questions and Chaos in Politics</li><li>32:18 Political Insider vs. Outsider</li><li>37:47 Progressive Politics and Populist Challenge</li><li>43:04 Challenges of Political Leadership</li><li>54:29 Kiss of Death Predictions</li></ul>no00:52:48111Episode 11 - Painful burns, Pauline protests, PMOfull<![CDATA[Episode 10 - Our Neighbours, One Nation, Orange Passes ]]>Guest: Eamonn Fitzpatrick

This week we cover a range of topics including, the impact of Indonesia as an economic and cultural partner, China's role in the region, and the challenges of middle power coordination. The economic impact of global events and the potential disruptions to supply chains. The rise of populism and media disregard, particularly in the context of Trump's approach and its similarities with One Nation's strategy.We also explore the engagement with One Nation's immigration agenda, the role of lobbyists in government, concerns about AI discretion in NDIS legislation, and predictions for NDIS legislation, the World Cup outcome, and One Nation's internal conflict.

Chapters

  • 06:12 Indonesia as an Economic and Cultural Partner
  • 12:52 Foreign Policy and Security Alliances
  • 18:18 China's Role in the Region and Economic Partnerships
  • 23:51 Trump's Quoting of The West Wing
  • 31:33 Engagement with One Nation's Immigration Agenda
  • 38:12 Lobbyists and Access to Power
  • 52:33 Kiss of Death Predictions
]]>8679c524-ac0b-4d94-89d7-d0436bfadd06Fri, 12 Jun 2026 05:34:31 GMT<p>Guest: Eamonn Fitzpatrick </p><p></p><p>This week we cover a range of topics including, the impact of Indonesia as an economic and cultural partner, China's role in the region, and the challenges of middle power coordination. The economic impact of global events and the potential disruptions to supply chains. The rise of populism and media disregard, particularly in the context of Trump's approach and its similarities with One Nation's strategy.We also explore the engagement with One Nation's immigration agenda, the role of lobbyists in government, concerns about AI discretion in NDIS legislation, and predictions for NDIS legislation, the World Cup outcome, and One Nation's internal conflict.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>06:12 Indonesia as an Economic and Cultural Partner</li><li>12:52 Foreign Policy and Security Alliances</li><li>18:18 China's Role in the Region and Economic Partnerships</li><li>23:51 Trump's Quoting of The West Wing</li><li>31:33 Engagement with One Nation's Immigration Agenda</li><li>38:12 Lobbyists and Access to Power</li><li>52:33 Kiss of Death Predictions</li></ul>no00:55:22110Episode 10 - Our Neighbours, One Nation, Orange Passes full<![CDATA[Episode 9 - Submarines, Sovereignty, and Strong Personalities]]>Guests: Parnell Palme McGuinness and Francis Leach

This week we discuss political tribalism, careers across media and politics. Labor passing budget measures, Allegra Spender’s protest, and AUKUS shifting to three used submarines and long timelines. AUKUS as deeper US integration, deterrence and sea-lane security, changing warfare via drones, nuclear sensitivities, and Australia’s energy and industrial strategy. We unpack Tony Abbott becoming Liberal Party president as potentially useful but risky for overshadowing leadership and demographics. We talk One Nation/Barnaby Joyce policy confusion, outsider vs insider politics, and end with our weekly predictions.

09:12 Tribalism In Politics

12:17 Week In Canberra

13:22 AUKUS

19:56 Defense And Deterrence

22:11 Tech And Future Warfare

27:30 Neoliberalism And Industry

33:08 Tony Abbott Returns

40:37 Abbott As Future Or Folly

43:39 Barnaby One Nation Policy Gaffe

44:15 One Nation Contradictions And Doubts

47:58 Outsiders Versus The System

52:15 Kiss Of Death Predictions

]]>4e942d70-ba67-41ec-aa1d-33b9200598a9Sat, 06 Jun 2026 05:37:17 GMT<p><b>Guests</b>: Parnell Palme McGuinness and Francis Leach</p><p></p><p>This week we discuss political tribalism, careers across media and politics. Labor passing budget measures, Allegra Spender’s protest, and AUKUS shifting to three used submarines and long timelines. AUKUS as deeper US integration, deterrence and sea-lane security, changing warfare via drones, nuclear sensitivities, and Australia’s energy and industrial strategy. We unpack Tony Abbott becoming Liberal Party president as potentially useful but risky for overshadowing leadership and demographics. We talk One Nation/Barnaby Joyce policy confusion, outsider vs insider politics, and end with our weekly predictions.</p><p></p><p></p><p>09:12 Tribalism In Politics</p><p>12:17 Week In Canberra</p><p>13:22 AUKUS </p><p>19:56 Defense And Deterrence</p><p>22:11 Tech And Future Warfare</p><p>27:30 Neoliberalism And Industry</p><p>33:08 Tony Abbott Returns</p><p>40:37 Abbott As Future Or Folly</p><p>43:39 Barnaby One Nation Policy Gaffe</p><p>44:15 One Nation Contradictions And Doubts</p><p>47:58 Outsiders Versus The System</p><p>52:15 Kiss Of Death Predictions</p><p></p>no00:56:0319Episode 9 - Submarines, Sovereignty, and Strong Personalitiesfull<![CDATA[Episode 8 - West Wing, House of Cards, Veep]]>Featured guest: Jacqui Munro MLC (NSW)

Political decisions seen through the lens of the West Wing, House of Cards, and The Thick of It. State-owned development and housing affordability in New South Wales. The challenges posed by bureaucratic regulations in construction, the impact of unions, fire ratings, and excessive paperwork. The data centre inquiry and governance, the lack of clarity in policy making and the potential economic and social opportunities. AI sovereignty and capability development, the need for a sovereign AI model and Australian AI capability, as well as the importance of data training and sovereignty

]]>3939cb3a-031b-42bb-afff-aec8791daebdFri, 29 May 2026 23:28:15 GMT<p>Featured guest: Jacqui Munro MLC (NSW)</p><p></p><p>Political decisions seen through the lens of the West Wing, House of Cards, and The Thick of It. State-owned development and housing affordability in New South Wales. The challenges posed by bureaucratic regulations in construction, the impact of unions, fire ratings, and excessive paperwork. The data centre inquiry and governance, the lack of clarity in policy making and the potential economic and social opportunities. AI sovereignty and capability development, the need for a sovereign AI model and Australian AI capability, as well as the importance of data training and sovereignty</p>yes00:55:0718Episode 8 - West Wing, House of Cards, Veepfull<![CDATA[Episode 7 - Capital Gains, Enhanced Games, and AI Pains.]]>The budget one week on, CG and the media/political class response, hypocrisy and political posturing. The inaugural enhanced games and what it means for athletes. The impact of data centres and AI .

Takeaways

  • Budget and Taxation
  • Media and Political Class
  • Hypocrisy and Political Posturing Political dynamics between parties
  • Impact of AI on society

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Poison Choices
  • 06:28 Taxation and Budgetary Measures
  • 22:56 Media Bias and Political Hypocrisy
  • 30:26 Hierarchy of Disdain for Political Figures
  • 58:26 AI Impact
]]>600e8e33-03d0-4c83-87b2-98618dc5e1ffFri, 22 May 2026 08:22:13 GMT<p>The budget one week on, CG and the media/political class response, hypocrisy and political posturing. The inaugural enhanced games and what it means for athletes. The impact of data centres and AI . </p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Budget and Taxation</li><li>Media and Political Class</li><li>Hypocrisy and Political Posturing Political dynamics between parties</li><li>Impact of AI on society</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Poison Choices</li><li>06:28 Taxation and Budgetary Measures</li><li>22:56 Media Bias and Political Hypocrisy</li><li>30:26 Hierarchy of Disdain for Political Figures</li><li>58:26 AI Impact</li></ul>yes00:59:2217Episode 7 - Capital Gains, Enhanced Games, and AI Pains.full<![CDATA[Episode 6 - Budget and Budget in Reply]]>Guests: Fiona Scott, and Fiona Scott.

Budget Week in Canberra, the impact of the budget on Labor and the Coalition, and the issue of trust in politics and broken promises. Housing affordability and the political blame game surrounding it. Dark economic scenarios and homelessness measures.

Takeaways

  • Budget Week in Canberra
  • Impact of the Budget on Labor and Coalition
  • Trust in Politics and Broken Promises Housing affordability is a critical issue
  • PRRT and gas tax are topics of public interest Political identity crisis
  • Impact of community independents
  • Gambling advertising ban

Chapters

  • 00:00 Budget Week in Canberra
  • 07:03 David Pocock's Influence and Personal Life
  • 16:18 Discussion on Family Trusts and Political Impact
  • 23:12 Dark Economic Scenarios and Homelessness Measures
  • 42:49 Identity Crisis in Politics

]]>c3791944-1f66-4f82-9efe-e4122117bda4Fri, 15 May 2026 10:17:48 GMT<p>Guests: Fiona Scott, and Fiona Scott.</p><p></p><p>Budget Week in Canberra, the impact of the budget on Labor and the Coalition, and the issue of trust in politics and broken promises. Housing affordability and the political blame game surrounding it. Dark economic scenarios and homelessness measures.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Budget Week in Canberra</li><li>Impact of the Budget on Labor and Coalition</li><li>Trust in Politics and Broken Promises Housing affordability is a critical issue</li><li>PRRT and gas tax are topics of public interest Political identity crisis</li><li>Impact of community independents</li><li>Gambling advertising ban</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Budget Week in Canberra</li><li>07:03 David Pocock's Influence and Personal Life</li><li>16:18 Discussion on Family Trusts and Political Impact</li><li>23:12 Dark Economic Scenarios and Homelessness Measures</li><li>42:49 Identity Crisis in Politics<p></p></li></ul>no01:04:3316Episode 6 - Budget and Budget in Replyfull<![CDATA[Episode 5 - By-elections, Big-Media, and Budget]]>We talk about Farrer by-election , First Nations tragedies and political failures, the impact of AI on media, challenges in journalism and media revenue, and predictions for the upcoming budget and its economic impact.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Drink Choices
  • 23:05 First Nations Tragedies and Political Failures
  • 31:37 The Impact of AI on Media
  • 55:05 Budget Predictions and Economic Impact
]]>24da258c-5da9-4b36-b0ba-631239439dd3Fri, 08 May 2026 08:53:50 GMT<p>We talk about Farrer by-election , First Nations tragedies and political failures, the impact of AI on media, challenges in journalism and media revenue, and predictions for the upcoming budget and its economic impact.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Drink Choices</li><li>23:05 First Nations Tragedies and Political Failures</li><li>31:37 The Impact of AI on Media</li><li>55:05 Budget Predictions and Economic Impact</li></ul>no00:59:4015Episode 5 - By-elections, Big-Media, and Budgetfull<![CDATA[Episode 4 - Diggers, Drugs and Duck Salami]]>We discuss Anzac Day (and the booing) and it's ever changing nature the evolution of Anzac Day celebrations, the state of the Minns NSW government, responses to crises, drug law reform, and our predictions for the week ahead.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Poison of Choice
  • 09:16 Anzac Day Controversy
  • 22:15 New South Wales Government and Policy
  • 31:25 Drug Law Reform
  • 44:30 Public Opinion and Political Inaction
]]>1860ca91-504d-4d93-a66a-ac3e41fe600fFri, 01 May 2026 08:06:52 GMT<p>We discuss Anzac Day (and the booing) and it's ever changing nature the evolution of Anzac Day celebrations, the state of the Minns NSW government, responses to crises, drug law reform, and our predictions for the week ahead.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Poison of Choice</li><li>09:16 Anzac Day Controversy</li><li>22:15 New South Wales Government and Policy</li><li>31:25 Drug Law Reform</li><li>44:30 Public Opinion and Political Inaction</li></ul>no00:51:2614Episode 4 - Diggers, Drugs and Duck Salamifull<![CDATA[Episode 3 - NDIS, AUKUS, and Energy]]>We're in person this week talking about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and its complexities, international alliances, defence relationships, energy policy, and nuclear technology.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Drinks and Introductions
  • 07:12 History and Reform of the NDIS
  • 13:17 Challenges and Controversies of the NDIS
  • 21:08 International Alliances and Defence Relationships
  • 32:59 Nuclear Technology and Energy Transition
]]>fa8e740e-04dd-4762-b9ca-a99f4f42d4eeFri, 24 Apr 2026 17:39:49 GMT<p>We're in person this week talking about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and its complexities, international alliances, defence relationships, energy policy, and nuclear technology.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Drinks and Introductions</li><li>07:12 History and Reform of the NDIS</li><li>13:17 Challenges and Controversies of the NDIS</li><li>21:08 International Alliances and Defence Relationships</li><li>32:59 Nuclear Technology and Energy Transition</li></ul>no00:40:0313Episode 3 - NDIS, AUKUS, and Energyfull<![CDATA[Episode 2 - Immigration, Racism, and AI]]>The war in Iran, a human rights commission report, community identity and racism, class struggle and racism, and immigration policy and racism. We delve into the global impact and structural problems of racism, community identity and class.

Takeaways

  • Global Impact of Racism
  • Structural Problems of Racism
  • Community Identity and Racism
  • Class Struggle and Racism
  • Immigration Policy and Racism Immigration and national identity
  • Impact of immigration policy on social cohesion

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Self-Improvement
  • 08:05 The War in Iran
  • 18:16 Human Rights Commission Report
  • 23:32 Community Identity and Racism
  • 31:20 Class Struggle and Racism
  • 37:49 Racism and Immigration
  • 50:05 The Role of AI in Writing
  • 57:02 Predictions and Shoutouts
]]>5efbb4d4-5b23-4ccf-b588-6f8b83f36af0Sat, 18 Apr 2026 03:49:56 GMT<p>The war in Iran, a human rights commission report, community identity and racism, class struggle and racism, and immigration policy and racism. We delve into the global impact and structural problems of racism, community identity and class.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Global Impact of Racism</li><li>Structural Problems of Racism</li><li>Community Identity and Racism</li><li>Class Struggle and Racism</li><li>Immigration Policy and Racism Immigration and national identity</li><li>Impact of immigration policy on social cohesion</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Self-Improvement</li><li>08:05 The War in Iran</li><li>18:16 Human Rights Commission Report</li><li>23:32 Community Identity and Racism</li><li>31:20 Class Struggle and Racism</li><li>37:49 Racism and Immigration</li><li>50:05 The Role of AI in Writing</li><li>57:02 Predictions and Shoutouts</li></ul>no00:55:4212Episode 2 - Immigration, Racism, and AIfull<![CDATA[Episode 1 - Pilot]]>Drinks, crisis management and leadership, and the implications of a cashless society. We explore the fuel crisis and the implications of a cashless society on financial transactions and societal behaviour. The rise of One Nation and the impact on major parties. Housing affordability and policy, and the need for bold reforms.



Chapters

  • 00:00 Introductions and Drink Choices
  • 05:12 Fuel Crisis and Cashless Society
  • 26:23 Political Shifts and Anxieties
  • 38:09 Energy Transition and Its Challenges
]]>931c633a-2c5d-4465-a303-d1f1788b609bMon, 30 Mar 2026 10:07:01 GMT<p>Drinks, crisis management and leadership, and the implications of a cashless society. We explore the fuel crisis and the implications of a cashless society on financial transactions and societal behaviour. The rise of One Nation and the impact on major parties. Housing affordability and policy, and the need for bold reforms.<br /><br /><br /><br />Chapters<br /><br /></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sR7ule9_g4&amp;list=PLKHdn5ZyBI4cjUAJd9o8gNr5iYr6DL5QY&amp;index=1">00:00</a> Introductions and Drink Choices<br /></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sR7ule9_g4&amp;list=PLKHdn5ZyBI4cjUAJd9o8gNr5iYr6DL5QY&amp;index=1&amp;t=312s">05:12</a> Fuel Crisis and Cashless Society<br /></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sR7ule9_g4&amp;list=PLKHdn5ZyBI4cjUAJd9o8gNr5iYr6DL5QY&amp;index=1&amp;t=1583s">26:23</a> Political Shifts and Anxieties<br /></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sR7ule9_g4&amp;list=PLKHdn5ZyBI4cjUAJd9o8gNr5iYr6DL5QY&amp;index=1&amp;t=2289s">38:09</a> Energy Transition and Its Challenges</li></ul>yes00:54:1111Episode 1 - Pilotfull