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On this episode from May 2nd, 2025, join host Dan Ilic and Lewis Hobba as they discuss the bizarre lead-up to the federal election with special guests Scott Mitchell and Osman Faruqi, hosts of the new podcast Lamestream .... They delve into the challenges of media in Australia today, from News Corp's fading influence and the lack of progressive funding to how mainstream outlets like the ABC are struggling to connect with audiences under 50 .... Scott and Oz share their vision for Lamestream as a voice for younger generations ..., critique the campaign strategies of the major parties – particularly the Liberal Party's perceived missteps and confusion under Peter Dutton – and examine the growing role of influencers and AI in political messaging .... Plus, stay tuned after the chat for a special News Fighters election recap!...

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

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

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G’day Fearmongers,

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

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

Big thanks to all of our guests:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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G’day Fearmongers,

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

🎟️ Get your tickets HERE

PODCAST NOTES:

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

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

See you at the big show

Dan

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G’day Fearmongers,

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

🎟️ Get your tickets HERE

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

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

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

See you next week!

Cheers

Dan

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

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

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