The Brigid & Josh Show

Welcome to the Brigid & Josh Show! On our first episode we share a little bit about who we are, and what the podcast is about.

The System!In this episode, Brigid and Josh break open the Australian political system. They discuss the different levels of government across local, state and federal levels, as well as the difference between the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches of government. They discuss the different people who make up the government, the way the Cabinet works, and how the government is held to account. They finish by looking at why the system is important, and how understanding the system helps young Catholics better engage in politics and society.How it WorksAustralia's political system is a hybrid (or mix) of the Westminster system (the system in the UK) and the Washington system (the system in the US). It is colloquially known as the "Wash-minster" System. Whilst the states and territories each have slightly different systems, they are similar to how the Federal government is structured.Governing power is spread across three different branches of government; the power to make laws is reserved to the Legislature (the Australian Parliament), the power to administer and execute laws is reserved to the Executive Government (the Prime Minister and their Cabinet), and the power to adjudicate on and enforce the laws is reserved to the Judiciary (the High Court and other federal courts). The Parliament is made up of two chambers; the House of Representatives (comprised of 151 members from roughly equally populated electoral divisions around the country) and the Senate (comprised of 12 senators from the 6 states and 2 each from the territories). The largest party (or coalition of parties) in the House of Representatives forms the Government, and the next largest party forms the Opposition. Helpful LinksThe Parliament of Australia has heaps of resources to help you understand the system and how politics works in Australia. They cover a broad range of topics, and at a depth much greater than we can cover in one simple podcast episode.For a general introduction to Australia's system of government, click here.To learn more about how the House of Representatives works, including the roles of the government and the opposition, click here.To learn more about how the Senate works, click here.For more information about how laws are made, click here.Interested in what a Member of Parliament does? Click here.The Constitution is the foundational law that dictates how the Australian system works. for more information, click here.Get in Touch!Is there a topic we discussed in this episode that you'd like to hear more about? Send us a message on Facebook, Instagram or email us at thebrigidandjoshshow@gmail.com. Extra ResourcesYou can find heaps of helpful resources at the links below.Parliamentary Education OfficeSBS - How does our Parliament WorkParliament House - An Overview

The Political Compass! In this episode, Brigid and Josh talk about different philosophies and approaches to politics, and how they are organised on the political spectrum or political compass. How the Compass/Spectrum WorksThe compass is organised according to two axes, covering three elements of politics; social policies, economic policies and leadership 'styles'.Different positions occupy different places on the compass, which is organised into four quadrants - Authoritarian Left, Authoritarian Right, Libertarian Left and Libertarian Right. Political PhilosophiesThere's HEAPS of different political philosophies out there, more than we have time for on the Podcast. Some of the more well known ones include Communism, Socialism, Populism, Neoliberalism, Nationalism, and classical liberalism.Want to take the Political Compass quiz? Click here

Episode 4: Catholic Social Teaching!On this episode, Brigid and Josh discuss "Catholic Social Teaching," which is the body of teaching the Church offers for the way Catholics should interact with society! This is our first crack into Church teaching which is exciting!Catholic Social Teaching (CST) usually refers the body of teaching offered by the Church, especially since the late 1800s, that seeks to form how Catholics engage with the world around them. CST is drawn from Scripture, the teaching of the Church and from our lived experience. It is directed towards real, live situations and to real action!There are lots of different ways of setting out the key principles that inform our approach to CST. The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church sets out four permanent principles. The Dignity of the Human Person The Common Good Subsidiarity; and  Solidarity.  These principles form a foundation from which we can apply what we believe to situations in society. This covers lots of different things, from economics, the environment, education, healthcare, employment relations and so on. As we record more podcasts, we'll likely seek to apply these principles and the Church's teaching to the questions we look at. We look forward to continuing the journey with you! PS: Here's the Caritas CST for kids stuff Brigid promised!

In this episode, Brigid and Josh look back at the history of political parties in Australia, and how the two party system developed from Federation to give us the modern Labor Party and Liberal/National Party Coalition that has dominated politics in Australia since the end of WWII.

What's Making News?!Welcome back to the Brigid and Josh Show! In the first episode of Season 2, Brigid and Josh kick off the year looking at a couple of news items that took their fancy. Josh breaks open the results of the WA State Election and what it might mean for other elections due this year, and Brigid looks at the JobKeeper program as it is set to wind up this Sunday; how well has the stimulus policy served the common good, and could it have been delivered in a better way? 

Tuesday Night's Federal Budget laid out the Political and Spending priorities for the Coalition Government as they look towards the next election. But what is the Federal Budget? Why is this annual speech so important? What does that have to do with young Catholics? We're joined by former IMF senior executive and all-around nice guy Peter Mullins as we break open the Budget and its implications for us, big and small.

It's been a while! Brigid and Josh get the band back together and touch base after a decent break. What better way to get back into the podcast by discussing what's been going on in our lives over the last few months?! In this episode, Josh asks Brigid about her recent experience as a member of the Plenary Council. Brigid tells us a bit about what the Plenary Council is, what it involves and shares about her experience of the first session of the Council!

In the second part of our life update, Brigid and Josh got together at the end of last year to talk about Josh's Perpetual Vows, which took place in December 2021. In this episode Josh explains a bit more about who the MGLs are and what their life of poverty, chastity and obedience is all about.

There's nothing like the smell of ballots, corflutes and sausage sizzles in the morning... This can mean only one thing: It's democracy season! With the Federal election just around the corner, Brigid and Josh are embarking on an exciting new season of episodes, focused on the upcoming national poll. In this first episode, Josh and Brigid invite you to buckle up as we take a whirlwind pilgrimage of sorts around the nation, looking at the state of play as we move towards to election!

So you might be wondering, sure we've spoken a lot about politics and faith and being a young Catholic over the last couple of years, but what do we do when actually GET to election day? Fear not! Brigid and Josh are here to walk you through the voting process.... Everything from how to enrol, where to go for info, what to do with the how to vote cards you get given and most importantly where you put your numbers in the box to make sure your voice is heard. So buckle up and enjoy the ride as Brigid and Josh talk all things voting on election day! Get ready for Antony Green's version of Jeff Probst: Australia, the tribe has spoken!

No, sir, it was not I!We didn't steal it, but we're excited to break open the 2022 Australian Catholic Bishop's Election Statement! As we approach the last few days of the campaign, Brigid and Josh are excited to do a (somewhat) deep dive into "Towards a Better Kind of Politics," written by Archbishop Mark Coleridge on behalf of the Australian Bishops. This document lays out some key, topical issues that have come up throughout this election cycle, and presents something of the Catholic perspective on these issues. Join Brigid and Josh as they discuss these issues and as they join with Pope Francis' cry for a better kind of politics!To read the Bishops' statement, please go to https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wz1WhlUdU_UviG5-Vhp4Jtl0v9Gs4YVo/view

It's the FINAL COUNTDOWN! Guys, we've made it. After 6 long, somewhat agonising weeks, we're on the home straight. With election day this Saturday, Brigid and Josh get together to discuss what's happened and what's possible come 6pm on Saturday night. We also answer a question or two, as well as try to provide some peeeeeeace and chill, because voting stress seems to be a bit of a vibe out there (and who can blame you!) So buckle up, crank that Soulja Boy and ease your electoral woes with Brigid and Josh as we make our final stop on the way to polling day!

The votes have been counted and the results are in! Join Brigid and Josh as they break open the election results and what it means for us as we crack on and move into the 47th Parliament of Australia. What predictions did we get right? What do the various results mean for politics in Australia? What are we most looking forward to as we enter into this new Parliament? Join us as we wrap up our Democracy Season in style!