A Rational Fear (Newsletter)

G’day Fearmongers, If you could pull any lever to make green electricity more affordable for renters and everyday people would you? What does a lever like that look like? Who gets to pull it? Thom Woodroofe has spent his career in the cut and thrust of developing levers that government could push and pull to make make Australia’s energy transition cheaper for everyone — and he’s our guest in conversation this week.

G’day Fearmongers: We chat with journalist Michael West, who is being threatened by BHP’s lawyers. If you’re a consumer of independent media in Australia — you’ll know Michael. He writes punchy stories about corruption and power. Australia’s biggest company, BHP, is taking him to court over his reporting on coal miner Simon Turner’s decade-long fight for compensation and unpaid wages.

G’day Fearmongers, Next Thursday, in Melbourne I’m going to be hosting this super interesting panel on satire and civics with some great brains including — THE FOUNDER OF THE ONION! Also on the panel is a technologist who worked on HBO’s Silicon Valley, and friend of the podcast John Delmenico from The Chaser. First things first — yes it’s an #AllMalePanel — sorry, I’m not producing it but it is 2026 and Donald Trump is in power so have an open mind.

G’day Fearmongers, This week Ed Husic joined us in the A Rational Fear bunker to chat about the big diverging fault lines where Labor’s values meet Labor’s actions — Climate, Gaza, Iran War, but also how to work with those in opposition. Ed Husic at A Rational Fear HQ Ed was funny, and frank, and insightful on how things get done in parliament — and Lewis was testing his new legal eagle skills at putting Ed on the stand with the tough questions.

G’day Fearmongers, There are some corporate shows that I host that no one should ever have to watch or listen to again — this was not one of them. From understanding how fossil fuel groups are shaping digital media, to what regional voices for climate are up against, to how if the Liberal Party does preference deals with One Nation it will turn them into a micro party — forever.

Gā€™day Fearmongers, What a great episode to end the year on. Itā€™s magic when the guests are good friends with time under their belts, joy in their hearts and stupidity in their mouths.

G’day Fearmongers, Two of Australia’s great brains join us on the podcast. The ultra-brilliant Grace Tame and the editor of The Chaser John Delmenico. We sling satirical barbs about Spotify, satanic worshipers with an undesirable side hobby, the bad essay that tried to start a culture war, and do a quick drive by of the photos release from Epstein’s Island. And for new Patreon & new paid Substack supporters this week — you can win yourself a bottle of Evil Ray sunscreen.

Gā€™day Fearmongers, Back to regular programming. Alice Fraser and Aleks Milinkovic join us this week for one of our classic format shows. 3 Stories in the news, lots of jokes. Fast and fun. And Lewis Looses Itā„¢ ā€” which to be honest is great to see the guy show some emotion. The poor fella needs an outlet. We talk about Melbourneā€™s warrantless pat-downs, Xā€™s About This Account Tool, and Pauline Hansonā€™s week of multiple stunts in Parliament. Itā€™s a fun show.

G’day Fearmongers, On the podcast this week we speak with Richie Merzian who is live on the ground in Belem for COP30, he is big climate nerd who is deep in the civil society movement to bring COP31 to Australia. This conversation was recorded on Tuesday so it’s a little out of date. Sadly — we found out this morning that Australia will not be hosting COP31 in Australia.

G’day Fearmongers, Athena Kugblenu joins us this week to help us answer the question of the year “What the hell is wrong with UK Labour?” They shouldn’t be failing, they should be thriving, but somehow, UK Labour is sh*tting the bed. Athena, a long-time connoisseur of cowardice, tells us as quickly and as poetically a she could why UK Labour is sinking faster than carbon fiber submersible. Enjoy this cathartic conversation.