• Episode 490 - Exploring Morality
    Dec 29 2025

    This episode is a repeat of episode 301.

    In this episode, Trevor delves into a rich tapestry of moral philosophy and practical ethics. The discussion begins with a panel reflecting on the origins of morals, referencing an earlier episode that featured a conversation with Peter, The 12th Man, and Hugh Harris. The talk revisits various perspectives on morality, including the implications of the Judeo-Christian ethic and its historical development. Franz Mair's views on societal constructs and spirituality, as well as debates on contentious figures like Jordan Peterson, are examined. The second part features an in-depth book review of 'Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?' by Michael J. Sandel. The host explores different moral frameworks, such as utilitarianism, libertarianism, and Aristotle's perspectives on justice. Through various analogies and case studies, including price gouging, military honours, and historical instances of societal dilemmas, the host elucidates the nuanced approaches to justice and moral reasoning advocated by Sandel. The episode concludes with reflections on community responsibility, individual freedom, and the role of moral judgment in creating a just society.

    00:00 Introduction to the Book Review

    00:47 Recap of Episode 238: Origins of Morals

    01:56 Discussion on Judeo-Christian Ethic

    04:53 Jordan Peterson's Views on Morality

    07:53 The Golden Rule Across Cultures

    12:30 Greek Philosophy: Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle

    25:41 Stoicism and Its Influence on Christianity

    28:07 The Ten Commandments and Mosaic Law

    30:04 The Story of Muhammad's Negotiation

    31:41 The Ark of the Covenant and the Babylonian Exile

    32:47 The Return and Rigid Rules of the Jews

    34:14 The Evolution of Jewish Law and Morality

    35:27 The Bible as a Collection of Historical Stories

    39:22 The Concept of Heaven and the Evolution of Jewish Thought

    49:03 The Domestication of Humans and Evolution of Morality

    01:00:23 The Good Samaritan and Inherent Altruism

    01:01:22 Exploring the Trolley Problem

    01:02:15 The Organ Donation Dilemma

    01:03:02 Nuclear Codes and Moral Reasoning

    01:03:47 Utilitarianism vs. Deontological Ethics

    01:05:23 Inaction Bias and Moral Dilemmas

    01:07:47 Community Standards and Legal Theory

    01:09:39 Alpha Males and Wealth Tax

    01:11:33 Foundations of Morality

    01:12:27 The Ultimatum Game and Fairness

    01:14:39 Objective Moral Values and Reasoning

    01:25:57 Neanderthals and Social Cooperation

    01:29:20 Michael J. Sandel's Justice Course

    01:32:12 Free Markets and Human Flourishing

    01:33:05 Libertarian and Utilitarian Counterarguments

    01:34:41 The Third Way: Aristotle's Perspective

    01:36:21 Examples of Moral Dilemmas

    01:39:30 CEO Pay and Economic Disparities

    01:42:36 The Trolley Problem and Moral Reasoning

    01:51:26 Libertarianism and Its Limits

    01:56:53 The Role of Meritocracy

    02:01:07 Aristotle's View on Justice and Virtue

    02:13:42 The Purpose of Politics and Community Responsibility

    02:15:49 Moral Education and Practical Wisdom

    02:31:40 The Importance of Community in Human Nature

    02:36:02 Technological Revolution and Future Societies

    To financially support the Podcast you can make:

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    2 hrs and 39 mins
  • Episode 489 - Bondi
    Dec 22 2025

    Topics:

    In episode 489 of the Iron Fist and the Velvet Glove Podcast, host Trevor, a.k.a. the Iron Fist, dives into the recent Bondi Beach shooting and its aftermath. He discusses the prevailing narratives, the media's role in shaping public opinion, and the political reactions from both the Australian government and various Jewish and pro-Israel groups. Trevor critically analyses the response to the incident, including calls for new hate speech and antisemitism laws, and highlights the importance of maintaining free speech and rational discourse in the face of tragedy. He also touches on the dangers of using events like these for political gain and the need for a balanced understanding of global issues.

    00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup

    01:13 Discussing Bondi Incident

    03:10 Media and Political Reactions

    06:32 Propaganda and Public Perception

    09:54 Moral Clarity and Hypocrisy

    16:58 Shock Doctrine and Exploitation

    19:46 Bravery and Public Response

    23:29 Criticism of Media and Politicians

    37:49 Religion and Radicalization

    56:29 Urgent Call to Action for the Australian Government

    57:19 Prime Minister's Response and New Laws

    57:37 Hate Speech and Radical Preachers

    58:54 Jewish Community's Outcry and Media Criticism

    01:02:09 Victims' Perspectives and Public Reactions

    01:06:34 Political Exploitation of the Tragedy

    01:08:21 Historical Context and Media Narratives

    01:11:03 Controversial Figures and Statements

    01:28:13 Protests and Public Sentiment

    01:48:22 Concluding Thoughts on Free Speech and Genocide

    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



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    1 hr and 51 mins
  • Episode 488 - A Time of Monsters
    Dec 8 2025

    This episode features a wide-ranging discussion on global and political issues. The hosts review Australian public opinion on climate change, the declining societal morals as argued by historian Ruter Bregman, and the controversial award of a peace prize to Donald Trump by FIFA. They delve into Australia’s gas policies, the financial impact of holding onto technology, and Trump's harsh stance on Venezuela. Critiques of the U.S. military actions and reflections on the state of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) are also discussed. The episode closes with insights on the enduring conflict in Ukraine and its wider implications.

    00:00 Introduction and Greetings

    01:06 Climate Change Polling Insights

    06:53 Political Reactions and Opinions

    10:28 Barnaby Joyce's Political Moves

    14:36 E-Bikes and Public Safety Concerns

    23:14 Rutger Bregman and Societal Critiques

    36:11 FIFA's Peace Prize and Trump's Nobel Ambitions

    37:45 Debating Ukraine's War and Peace Prospects

    42:21 Russian Economy Amidst War

    50:32 National Anti-Corruption Commission Controversies

    52:12 Gas Exports and Government Policies

    55:12 Device Hoarding and Economic Impact

    57:17 US Sanctions and International Relations

    01:10:04 Concluding Thoughts and Future Speculations

    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



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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Episode 487 - A Solo Rant
    Nov 24 2025

    Topics:

    Bringing you up to speed on the lore of this podcast.

    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



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    1 hr and 48 mins
  • 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



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    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



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    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



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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Episode 483 - The Nobel Peace Prize
    Oct 13 2025

    Topics:

    In this episode of the Iron Fist Velvet Glove podcast, hosts Trevor (Iron Fist), Scott (Velvet Glove), and tech guy Joe discuss various topical matters after a two-week hiatus. The conversation includes the uneasy alliance between the Australian Christian Lobby and the Greens aimed at reducing poker machines in New South Wales, and the recent awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuela's Maria Corina Machado, supported by figures like Donald Trump. The hosts also delve into the influence of political systems, with a focus on how powerful interests mould politicians like Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Other discussions touch on the economics of China's rare earth minerals and iron ore trade strategies, the diminishing quality of journalism in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and the National Press Club of Australia's controversial cancellation of journalist Chris Hedges' address. The episode wraps up with reflections on the Israel-Palestine conflict and the so-called peace plans proposed by international figures.

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back

    01:00 Australian News and Politics

    02:39 Discussion on Gambling and Pokies

    06:11 International Affairs and Podcasts

    08:31 Debate on Political Systems

    26:23 Reflections on Media and Journalism

    28:59 Nobel Peace Prize Discussion

    29:39 The Invention of Dynamite and Nobel Prizes

    31:28 Nobel Peace Prize Controversies

    36:16 Trump's Drug Price Reduction Claims

    39:13 Prayers in Parliament and Christian Fascism

    43:38 China's Trade Tactics and Rare Earths

    49:43 China's Iron Ore Strategy

    55:13 Israel-Palestine Conflict and Peace Plans

    01:03:59 Censorship and Media Influence

    01:06:57 Conclusion and Sign-Off

    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



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    1 hr and 7 mins