The Iron Fist and the Velvet Glove cover art

The Iron Fist and the Velvet Glove

The Iron Fist and the Velvet Glove

By: The Iron Fist and the Velvet Glove
Listen for free

About this listen

A small independent Australian podcast about news, politics, sex and religion. An easy and entertaining way to keep up to date with the weekly news.Xenor Pty Ltd Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Episode 486 - 2WAI App - Life Imitating Art and Not in a Good Way
    Nov 17 2025

    Topics:

    In this episode of 'Iron Fist and the Velvet Glove,' the hosts discuss a variety of topics including recent notable deaths, such as John Laws and Dick Cheney, and their controversial legacies. They also explore the ongoing debate on net zero and renewable energy, emphasizing the costs and benefits of renewable energy versus fossil fuels. Additionally, the hosts delve into a new AI app that allows users to interact with avatars of their deceased loved ones, expressing concerns over its societal implications. Technical difficulties and audience interactions add to the dynamic of the discussion, making for an engaging and thought-provoking episode.

    00:00 Introduction and Agenda Overview

    00:41 Technical Difficulties and Chat Room Interaction

    01:18 Hatches, Matches, and Dispatches

    01:41 Net Zero and Renewable Energy Debate

    02:05 AI App for Deceased Relatives

    04:36 Sydney Trip and Encounter with a Scammer

    07:47 John Laws and the Cash for Comment Scandal

    13:12 Graham Richardson's Controversial Legacy

    18:04 Dick Cheney and the Consequences of Power

    19:54 UK Labor's Stance on Asylum Seekers

    21:33 Coalition's Net Zero Policy and Energy Costs

    24:57 AI and Its Impact on Society

    31:36 Electricity Prices and Privatization

    33:41 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Solo Rant

    33:47 Privatization and Electricity Prices

    35:14 The Breakdown of Electricity Bills

    36:34 Retailers and Profit Margins

    40:29 Political Polls and Net Zero Policy

    45:01 AI and Its Controversial Uses

    46:26 The Future of AI and Society

    59:29 Global Politics and Energy

    01:02:59 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

    To financially support the Podcast you can make:

    • a per-episode donation via Patreon or
    • one-off donation via credit card; or
    • one-off or regular donations via Paypal or
    • if you are into Cryptocurrency you can send Satoshis.

    We Livestream every Monday night at 7:30 pm Brisbane time. Follow us on Facebook or YouTube. Watch us live and join the discussion in the chat room.

    We have a website. www.ironfistvelvetglove.com.au

    You can email us. The address is trevor@ironfistvelvetglove.com.au



    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Episode 485 - Net Zero
    Nov 3 2025

    Topics:

    In this episode of the Iron Fist and Velvet Glove podcast, Trevor and Scott delve into a variety of current topics. They discuss the recent political maneuvers in Australia, including the Nationals' stance on net-zero emissions and Pauline Hanson's rising influence. They reflect on regional geopolitical events and their implications, with a particular focus on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Sudan's atrocities, and the complex relationship between the US and its policies. The discussion includes a critique of the Albanese government's achievements and challenges, AI technology's impact on jobs and society, and a laugh at the absurdities of political posturing, from potential splits in the Liberal Party to South Korea's enigmatic gift to Donald Trump. Additional highlights include a story about chocolate bribes for religious invitations and the practical realities of rising housing costs for younger generations.

    00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

    01:03 Boomer Interactions and Local Politics

    02:51 Religious Encounters and Education

    06:12 Net Zero Emissions Debate

    10:37 Liberal Party's Internal Struggles

    17:02 Polls and Public Opinion

    20:24 Liberal Reform Association

    30:10 Coal Royalties Controversy

    33:54 Albanese's Visit to Trump

    37:33 Trump's Golden Crown

    39:45 AI and Stock Market Bubbles

    45:14 Housing Costs and Generational Divide

    50:21 AI's Impact on Jobs

    55:51 Global Conflicts and Genocides

    01:01:13 Podcast Conclusion

    To financially support the Podcast you can make:

    • a per-episode donation via Patreon or
    • one-off donation via credit card; or
    • one-off or regular donations via Paypal or
    • if you are into Cryptocurrency you can send Satoshis.

    We Livestream every Monday night at 7:30 pm Brisbane time. Follow us on Facebook or YouTube. Watch us live and join the discussion in the chat room.

    We have a website. www.ironfistvelvetglove.com.au

    You can email us. The address is trevor@ironfistvelvetglove.com.au



    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Episode 484 - Boomers and Misinformation
    Oct 20 2025

    Topics:

    Boomers, Misinformation, and Market Monopolies: A Weekly Review

    The podcast opens with the hosts discussing technical difficulties experienced by Joe, the tech guy. They then delve into a conversation about generational differences, particularly focusing on Boomers and their susceptibility to misinformation. They explore why older adults are more prone to believing fake news, attributing it to memory deficits and repetition of information. The discussion shifts to climate change scepticism, where they highlight how individualistic beliefs and a lack of environmental concern contribute to such scepticism. The hosts then address the influence of Amazon's business practices on market efficiency, describing how the platform's dominance leads to higher prices and market distortions. They also talk about a recent defence deal between Australia and Papua New Guinea, examining the strategic motives behind it. The conversation rounds out with criticisms of the Trump administration's authoritarian moves, especially in the context of handling Venezuela and domestic unrest. The podcast concludes with a lighter note on Barron Trump's tech-savviness as described by Donald Trump.


    00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties

    02:11 Boomers and Generational Differences

    05:17 Political Shenanigans in Australia

    11:07 Climate Change Skepticism

    28:15 Amazon's Market Dominance

    43:59 Debating Bernie Sanders' Electability

    46:12 Australia-Papua New Guinea Defense Deal

    47:57 China's Influence in the Pacific

    55:12 Fluoridation and Public Health

    56:34 Trump's Authoritarian Moves

    01:12:53 Venezuela and U.S. Foreign Policy

    01:15:43 Trump's Legacy and Future

    01:18:39 Podcast Wrap-Up

    To financially support the Podcast you can make:

    • a per-episode donation via Patreon or
    • one-off donation via credit card; or
    • one-off or regular donations via Paypal or
    • if you are into Cryptocurrency you can send Satoshis.

    We Livestream every Monday night at 7:30 pm Brisbane time. Follow us on Facebook or YouTube. Watch us live and join the discussion in the chat room.

    We have a website. www.ironfistvelvetglove.com.au

    You can email us. The address is trevor@ironfistvelvetglove.com.au



    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 19 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.