The Conditional Release Program

While we are busy preparing for Skepticon here's a rerun from the good old days when life was simpler and all we had to worry about was a bit of a pandemic. Here's the Skepticon blurb:Attention Melbournians - SKEPTICON IS ON THIS WEEKEND! Yes folks we are finally doing a live podcast. Time to crack out the snake oil dispenser and drink a pint of piss - it's time to make Melbourne healthy again. Will it work? Probably not. But there will be:Merch givewaysCBCo vouchersA vaguely funny podcast recording which may or may not actually make the main feedVisual gags (hopefully) that won't be funny on the audio (if you even get to hear it)Bent spoonsWe will be on at 1.45pm Saturday after the lunch break. If you are feeling particularly skeptical, get a weekend ticket and come watch some other (inferior) sessions. Come sit next to me! I'll be the bald guy sitting with all my mates (alone). Otherwise day tickets are on sale and for people who can't make it (or want to save a few bucks) - a Zoom ticket is also available. There's also a dinner Saturday night - come eat with us! Skepticon is a not for profit in the genuine sense - it costs nerds money to make it happen at all. So tickets go to a good cause - keeping this thing going.And hey, you might get some free beer vouchers and exclusive limited edition merch! Tickets are available here: https://skepticon.org.au/tickets/ Hope to meet some of you fine folks on the day.And here's the podcast blurb! Got vaccinated? That's bad. You better get that sorted. How about some IV bleach? Feeling a bit too clean and slightly under the weather? Eat some mud. Grifters gonna grift and honestly they'll go to wild lengths to get your money. This episode we look at some incredibly awful ways people are attempting to remove the vaccine, to save their souls from the devil jab. It's not good. Merry Bleachmas!

AI slop shownotes as usual. Enjoy! Opening Segment (00:00 - 02:00)Personal catch-up between the hostsHong Kong Jack celebrates a major birthday in Macau with surprise family visitDiscussion of Hong Kong-Macau travel via new bridge/tunnel (1 hour 20 minutes door-to-door)Major Discussion TopicsAustralian Politics - Coalition Crisis (02:00 - 15:30)Key Points:Polling disaster: Coalition at 27% approval rating, Labor leads 58-42 two-party preferredElectoral wipeout: Liberal Party holds minimal metropolitan seats across major citiesParty structure collapse: Lack of grassroots organization compared to historical ALP branchesDemographic breakdown: Libs losing women, young people, multicultural communities (except 65+ voters)Leadership pressure: Susan Ley facing potential challenge, comparisons to "Brendan Nelson months"Policy tensions: Net zero commitments causing internal fracturesNotable Quote: Troy Bramston - "There is no guarantee the Liberal Party will survive"Climate Policy and Net Zero Debate (07:10 - 14:40)Key Points:National Climate Risk Assessment Report findings:400% increase in heat-related mortality in Sydney2.7 million work days lost by 2061 due to heatwaves$600 billion property value losses by 2050$40 billion annual natural disaster costsPublic opinion: 77% of Australians want government climate actionPolitical implications: Andrew Hastie threatens to quit front bench over net zero policyInternational context: UK Tories' experience with climate policy costsVictorian Politics - Liberal Party Internal Struggles (21:00 - 26:00)Key Points:Philip Davis survives challenge from Greg Mirabella for Liberal Party State DirectorDiscussion of Labor government vulnerabilities despite Liberal Party dysfunctionAnalysis of "machete bins" controversy and opposition messaging failuresUnited States - Charlie Kirk Assassination (26:50 - 33:00)Key Points:Tyler Robertson (22) charged with Kirk's murderDiscussion of political discourse breakdown in AmericaSocial media radicalization of young menCriticism of premature political speculation (Barry Cassidy example)International AffairsUS-Korea Relations Crisis (33:15 - 36:50)ICE raid on 300 South Korean workers in Georgia battery facilityOnly one Korean worker chose to stay after offered returnImplications for US foreign investment attractivenessUK Political Upheaval (40:25 - 58:15)Major Topics:Tommy Robinson Rally: 100,000+ protesters in LondonImmigration tensions: 50,000 asylum seekers annuallyStarmer's crisis: Peter Mandelson appointment controversy (Jeffrey Epstein connections)Leadership challenges: Calls for Starmer's resignation from both left and rightConservative Party collapse: Danny Kruger defects to Reform UKFrance - Government Instability (62:30 - 64:00)Sébastien Le Corneau named new PM after confidence voteBudget crisis and spending control issuesMiddle East - Israel-US Tensions (64:00 - 67:30)Netanyahu takes responsibility for Al-Yudid airbase incidentDiscussion of Arab neighbors' role in regional solutionsQatari investment commitments to US ($3.3 trillion over decade)Sports Coverage (67:30 - 79:00)Spring Racing Carnival PreviewDiscussion of Melbourne Cup preparation and "pagan fertility festival" atmosphereNRL Finals AnalysisRaiders vs Broncos "golden point" thriller described as exceptional rugby leagueMelbourne, Sharks, Panthers, and Brisbane assessment for finalsAFL Finals PredictionsPreliminary Finals Preview:Hawthorn vs Geelong (favor Geelong by 20 points)Collingwood vs Brisbane (favor Collingwood)Praise for Josh Weddle (Hawthorn) and Jai Newcombe's finals performancesClosing Segment - Literary Humor (79:00 - 82:30)H.L. Mencken Epitaph: "If after I depart this vale, you ever remember me and have thought to please my ghost, forgive some sinner and wink your eye at some homely girl"Spike Milligan Epitaph: "See, I told you I wasn't well"Proposed Episode Titles"Coalition Collapse: The Liberal Party's Existential Crisis""From Polls to Protest: Democracy Under Pressure""The Unraveling: Political Upheaval Across Three Continents""27% and Falling: When Political Parties Face Extinction""Net Zero, Net Loss: Climate Politics Reshaping the Right"Contact InformationTwitter: @JacktheInsiderEmail: ConditionerReleaseProgram@gmail.comEpisode Duration: 1 hour 22 minutes

These AI slop shownotes are very funny. Third and final part of the series. Enjoy!PS - apologies for the delay on this release. It's still well worth the listen. I wanted to give it a proper edit but life is on ultra hard mode at the moment so it's going up in all its unvarnished glory!Joel Hill welcomes listeners to the Condition Release Program, substituting for the usual "Jackless" format by interviewing Dave about his weekend attending the controversial "March for Australia" rally in Sydney. The episode explores ground-level observations, organiser controversies, the interplay of far-right and conspiracist groups, and reflections on the fractured dynamics between organisers, attendees, and broader communities. The conversation highlights the worrying normalisation of Nazi participation in Australian street movements and the lack of timely mainstream media coverage or understanding.Character & Alias MappingAlias/Nickname Real Name or Role Brief DescriptionJoel Hill Joel Hill HostDave Dave Guest/interviewee and rally attendeeBeck/Beck Freedom Likely Rebecca (rally organiser) Central organiser, alleged to enable NazisMonica Monica Smith Flip-flopping public figureJesse Jesse Stewart, son of Tim Delivered rally bannerCossack Unspecified Figure in rally controversiesNSN National Socialist Network Australian neo-Nazi groupGuru Unspecified (conspiracist influencer) Referenced by attendeesMGG Michael Gray-Grope Noted attendee, post-heart attackDr. Nino ("Dr. Dan") Video/clip maker Influencer in the reporting sceneBozy/Hoodie/Onyx/Mark Mack Various minor far-right figures Referenced as speakers or organisers

Episode SummaryEpisode 126 delivers comprehensive analysis of Australian and international news, politics, and sport. The hosts tackle everything from sovereign citizen movements and government policy disasters to AFL finals and international political chaos, maintaining their trademark blend of serious analysis and wry humor.Listener CorrespondenceGrant ("Tri-Valve") - Multiple TopicsNRL Trainers on Field: Criticism of excessive trainer presence during games, particularly Alfie Langer's extended field time with Broncos and Queensland Origin teamsMedia Language Issues: Channel 9's problematic "Exonerated Child Murderer Folbigg" banner - classic oxymoronInternational Travel: Amusing encounter with Collingwood supporters in the Sahara Desert, Libya (2010)Bike Lane Safety: Melbourne bike lanes creating pedestrian hazards, particularly for country visitors unfamiliar with urban cycling infrastructureAFLW vs Netball: Questions about potential impact of women's AFL on traditional netball participation and viewershipAndrew - Sovereign CitizensCommunity Support: Concerns about significant local support for Paul Punker and Desi Freeman in high country communitiesHidden Numbers: Unexpected prevalence of sovereign citizen ideology among seemingly ordinary citizensMajor News AnalysisSovereign Citizen Movement & WieambillaGeographic Clusters: Identified hotspots including Gladstone/WA Wheatbelt, Albury-Wodonga, Northern Rivers, SW QueenslandPolice Risk: Increased threat assessment protocols required for warrant servicesHistorical Context: Long-standing anti-establishment culture in remote eastern Victoria dating to 1970sFreeman Manhunt: Police belief in community assistance for Desi Freeman; rugged Buckland Valley terrain complicating searchErin Patterson SentencingSentence: Life imprisonment with 33-year non-parole period (eligible 2056)Judge's Reasoning: Justice Chris Beale noted extensive premeditation required for crimeSolitary Confinement: 22 hours daily due to case publicityCommunity Impact: Butchers no longer selling mushroom-based products; "Beef Wellington" renamed "Beef en Croute"Bruce Lehrmann Federal Court AppealAppeal Failure: Federal Court unimpressed with Lehrmann's challengeFiona Brown: Only figure emerging with reputation intact despite career destructionCompensation Disparity: Call for equal treatment compared to Brittany Higgins settlementJacinta Price Immigration CommentsABC Interview Controversy: Claims about Labor's immigration strategy targeting Indian community votesLiberal Response: Julie Bishop apologized on Price's behalf; Price refused personal apologyBusiness Backlash: Harris Park businesses refusing Liberal engagement until unconditional Price apologyElectoral Strategy: Cos Samaras noted elections won/lost in NSW/Victoria, not through minority group alienationPolicy DisastersBlack Market TobaccoMarket Indicators: Small country town (25,000) now has five tobacconists - unprecedentedPolicy Failure: Excise increases creating massive black market, including Iraqi cigarette factories serving Australian marketPrice Comparison: Legal cigarettes $55-60 per pack vs $120 for carton of 10 packs illegallyLaw Enforcement: Hundreds of millions spent on policing sophisticated black marketsHistorical Parallel: Ignoring 20th century prohibition lessons from alcohol and bettingRespectability of Law-breaking: Creating acceptance of illegal activity, similar to SP bookmaking eraVaping PolicyJoint Failure: Bipartisan decision ignoring harm reduction evidenceUnregulated Danger: Current black market vapes potentially more dangerous than regulated alternativesInternational PoliticsThomas Sewell Deportation PetitionPetition Numbers: 117,000+ signatures on Change.org for neo-Nazi leader deportationLegal Challenges: New Zealand citizenship complications; military service precedent (Bertie Kidd case)Current Charges: Violent disorder, assault by kicking, discharge missile, police intimidationUS Politics - Trump/Epstein FilesBirthday Book Evidence: House Oversight Committee confirms Trump birthday message to EpsteinWhite House Response: Claims of forgery; potential legal battle with Wall Street JournalEconomic Concerns: US jobs market weakened (22,000 jobs vs expected higher), unemployment 4.2% to 4.3%Tariff Impact: Goldman Sachs reports 86% absorbed by importers, unsustainable long-termJohn Deere Warning: Agricultural equipment manufacturer's poor results concerning for rural Trump baseEuropean Political ChaosFrance - Government CollapseConfidence Vote: PM François Bayrou lost 364-194, far-right and far-left coalitionSpending Cuts: Proposed welfare caps and public holiday removal triggered downfallFiscal Crisis: 5.8% GDP deficit, 114% debt-to-GDP ratioPolitical Paralysis: No major party willing to make necessary hard economic decisionsUK - Boris Johnson Influence ScandalThe Boris Files: Leaked data reveals post-PM profiteering from office connectionsGreensill Echoes: Similarities to David Cameron lobbying scandalLabour Leadership: Keir Starmer faces deputy leadership election, working-class voters moving to ReformPolling: Reform UK leading but insufficient for parliamentary majorityImmigration Policy: Dublin Agreement unavailable post-Brexit; family reunion advantages drawing Channel crossingsGermany - Migration PoliticsCologne Agreement: All parties except AfD pledge only positive migration discourse in local electionsStrategic Error: Likely to entrench support for far-right AfD by dismissing legitimate concernsInternational RelationsChina EngagementBob Carr & Dan Andrews: Attending 80th anniversary of Japanese defeat in ChinaPhoto Opportunities: Andrews pictured with Kim Jong-un and Vladimir PutinCommercial Motivations: Unnamed political friend claims Andrews "making millions" from China connectionsInfluence Trading: Xi Jinping meetings providing significant business leverageMiddle East & UkraineMarina Hyde Quote: "The path to peace still goes through politicians with power. Many of them are still terrible people. They will still have to have unpleasant and even toxic conversations in which horse trading and moral compromise are inevitable"UN Role: Defense of UN as necessary forum for engaging "terrible people" while criticizing corrupt agenciesSports CoverageNRL Finals Week 1Matchups: Raiders v Broncos (Canberra), Storm v Bulldogs (Melbourne), Warriors v Panthers (Auckland), Sharks v Roosters (Shark Park)Venue Criticism: Shark Park described as "disaster" with rat problems, unfit for purposeForm Analysis: Storm struggling after losses to Roosters and Broncos; Raiders in strong formAFL Finals AnalysisGeelong Dominance: Cats looking "head and shoulders" above competitionUmpiring Controversy: AFL acknowledged mistake in Geelong v Brisbane Lions match; three-goal turnaround from questionable decisionsUpcoming Matches: Hawks v Crows, Suns v Lions at GabbaJai Newcombe: Hawks midfielder top-rated in all three finals appearancesCharlie Curnow: Carlton star's ordinary finals performances raising trade speculationRugby UnionWallabies Form: Positive signs despite slow starts; exciting brand attracting attentionLions Tour Revenue: Significant funds from upcoming British & Irish Lions tourScheduling Issues: Argentina match poorly timed at 2pm North QueenslandMedia & CultureChildren's Humor AnalysisAnne Althaus Insight: Children funny because not yet socialized, willing to take risksComparison: Ricky Gervais model of saying "unsayable" thingsNew Yorker: Magazine quality decline noted, but cartoons "back in form"Comedy RecommendationsStewart Lee: Ricky Gervais' favorite comedian; unconventional styleQueen/Paddington Joke: Stewart Lee's material about marmalade sandwiches and Prince AndrewMedia BusinessThe Free Press Sale: Bari Weiss publication acquired by Paramount/CBS for $100-200 millionEditorial Control: Weiss reportedly getting "free reign" over CBS political coverageAlternative Media Success: Examples include Claire Lehmann's Quillette, Megyn Kelly's expansionDemocratization Concerns: Tendency toward sensationalism in independent mediaContact InformationJack the Insider: X/Twitter DMs @JacktheInsiderHong Kong Jack: hongkongchat.substack.comEmail: theconditionalreleaseprogram@gmail.com

Here is part two of the MFA series. You can find the works mentioned in this pod at:https://michaelwest.com.au/author/wendybacon/But his profile is:https://michaelwest.com.au/author/yaakov-aharon/Enjoy!

Some good friends of the podcast went to the so called 'March for Australia' in Sydney and have joined us to share their observations. First up is Jimmy Garnet who does an excellent impersonation of a boomer normie. Enjoy!

In this the second part of Jack's interview with Ray Mooney, Ray speaks of the hell of Pentridge's H Division where prison officers routinely bashed inmates. Ray speaks of the Jenkinson inquiry parliamentary inquiry which delivered no justice but ended the careers of some especially sadistic prison officers but the hell in H Division continued. Ray found himself in H Division. He was beaten regularly. He pledged that he would not break rocks - the work detail in H Division. Despite the beatings, he never did. Ray and Jack take the discussion to other prisons around the country, including the notorious HM Grafton. Why were these places so violent? What did officialdom expect would happen to the prisoners subject to this brutality? The interview concludes on a wide ranging discussion on prison reform and crime prevention.  To find Ray's work check him out at https://raymooney.com/ where he has just about written more books than I've read and charges next to nothing for them. Link to buy the books is here: https://www.amazon.com.au/s?k=%22ray+mooney%22&i=digital-text&crid=33E6XF5AE1JHN&sprefix=ray+mooney+%2Cdigital-text%2C234&ref=nb_sb_noss_2For more from Ray and VERY good friend of the podcast Emily Webb - check out her interview with Ray here - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5IvI5l4vfoRstIMBQQGueMIf you want to help support the show and keep this thing sustainable, the patreon is here:https://www.patreon.com/theconditionalreleaseprogram

Oh man the AI slop shownotes this week are awful but I have a puppy and law school to do so this is getting low effort. Enjoy!DETAILED SHOWNOTESSummary:The Two Jacks break down the week’s true news rollercoaster: Victoria’s police tragedy, sovereign citizen threats, major legal tussles, global politics, social developments, and the surging finals in AFL, NRL, and rugby. Distilled analysis, with signature banter.TIMESTAMPED SEGMENTS00:00:00 Introduction, Weather in Hong KongJoel welcomes listeners, heat in HK, setting the stage.00:00:34 Victoria Police Manhunt, Sovereign CitizensDramatic manhunt after two police officers are killed, suspect’s ties to sovereign citizen movement, parallels to Wyambilla tragedy.00:04:11 Police Tactics & RisksComments on why police risk assessments and tactical resources are crucial.00:08:25 Outlaw Gangs, ExtremismWhy definitions are tricky, group amorphousness, risk to police and society, and danger parallels with outlaw motorcycle clubs and extremist factions.00:18:51 Linda Reynolds v Brittany Higgins: Defamation CaseReynolds wins $340k; litigation toll on both parties, settlement issues, the public interest defense, and legal costs impact.00:27:15 Essential Poll Deep DivePM Albanese’s approval, data on Lay, Allen, Batten, support for the four-day week, AI copyright law, public mood on recognising Palestine.00:31:26 Australia Expels Iranian AmbassadorFirst such move since WWII, IRGC-linked arson plot at Melbourne synagogue, ASIO’s case, diplomatic fallout, social media reactions.00:33:39 NDIS Reforms, Autism DebateButler targets spending cuts, idea of restricting low-level autistic support from the NDIS, personal stories, system sustainability.00:37:56 Sydney Housing Density, NIMBYism, PlanningWallara station plan, high-density in well-off suburbs, nimbys, Auckland experiment, regulatory cost pressures, building quality concerns.00:55:11 Oasis at Wembley, Beer Stats, Generational FandomConcert spectacle, 250k pints of beer, generational audience, band’s new healthy habits.00:59:19 Trump’s Health, Biden, and US WoesTrump’s visible health issues, flag burning crusade, slump in US tourism, Vegas emptiness, security hassles, global perception trouble.01:14:29 UK Politics: Farage Rises, Labour PlummetsFarage’s surge, Starmer’s poor ratings, immigration fights, sovereignty of UK Parliament, political fluidity.01:18:39 AFL & NRL Finals, Wallabies RugbyAFL top four discussed, surprise departures, Swans season, NRL ladder, Wallabies revival under Joe Schmidt, broader rugby hopes.SOCIAL MEDIA POSTSTwitter:Vic police manhunt: 2 officers killed, ties to sovereign citizen movement. | Reynolds wins defamation vs. Higgins. | #auspol #twjpodEssential Poll deep dive: Albanese steady, Lay, Allen, Batten ratings. Public split on Palestine, 50% support 4-day week, strong opposition to AI copyright reform. #auspol #twjpodIranian ambassador expelled after synagogue arson plot linked to IRGC. | NDIS/Autism reforms stir debate. | Oasis packs Wembley & breaks beer records. #ausnews #music #twjpodFacebook:Episode 125 of The Two Jacks – Hosted by Jack the Insider (Joel Hill) and Hong Kong Jack.– This week: Victoria's police manhunt and the sovereign citizen threat, Linda Reynolds v Brittany Higgins, Essential Poll shakeups (Albanese, statehood for Palestine, the four-day week, copyright & AI), expulsion of Iran's ambassador over a Melbourne arson plot, NDIS reforms, Sydney housing density, Oasis at Wembley, Trump v Biden health, UK and EU politics, and the finals race in AFL & NRL plus Wallabies rugby.Listen in for analysis, banter, and more! 🎧 #auspol #twjpod

It has been a busy time on the right wing fringe of politics with a lot of dickheads having tantrums for reasons we can't fathom and they can't articulate. It's been a lot! But first up we have the very much not right wing but still slightly fringe tale of Jeremy Buckingham's search for truth regarding Ivan Milat's actual body count. The problem is, he's gone a bit off track and started making some fairly baseless claims. These can do more harm than good - and it's a classic case of when a politician thinks he's a cop and ends up doing both jobs terribly. We love Jeremy but this one's not going well. Cookers are upset about the coming 'backdoor' to digital tyranny that will see us having to identify ourselves on the internet to get past age checks for naughty content. And while the proliferation of awful content online is something worth looking at, this response ain't it. AND we have Gaetzy who has a solution to the war in Ukraine. It's really dumb. No spoilers. Cooker update has a bit of a lead up to next weeks racist picnic in the park where a lot of people will unite for the cause of - uh - straya? It's vague. We don't really know who is organising it. But they put Bec Freedom out as the media scapegoat and wow she's copped a shellacking. I tell ya what though - if you want to distance this rally from the Nazis who endorsed it, maybe don't put people that endorse nazis in charge? Just a thought, guys. In SovCits we look at the 4 corners episode that recently had a crack at the Common Law folks who love a good mock trial and dashing custom printed polo shirt. It was a good effort, but worth a chat nonetheless. I also preview the first few pages of Pete's new book and it sucks so much more than expected. Like, I knew the premise was silly but WOW does this thing suck. And the price is insane. -----------------------------------------------------------As usual, if you have any money you must give it to us. Preferably all of it, but if you want to be a jerk you can keep some. Best way to do that is https://www.patreon.com/theconditionalreleaseprogramIf you have money and you don't want to give us any of it - but you like beer - then go buy a case or three from https://cbco.beer/ - and use the coupon code CRP10 to get 10% off. It's genuinely good beer and their prices are properly decent.

As usual, AI slop shownotes for anyone who wants to read them. Enjoy!In this packed episode of The Two Jacks, Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack cut through a huge week in politics, policy, and sport. They kick off with life on the bike lanes and the four‑day work week debate before diving into Australia’s productivity roundtable: where progress might actually come from, why energy costs and regulation matter most, and how timid politics strangles reform. They spar over tax design, housing, stamp duty, and the red tape that inflates costs without improving quality.From there, the Jacks range across global flashpoints and US turbulence—Israel–Australia tit-for-tat visas, the Ukraine–Russia talks fallout, the limits of sanctions, and whether the West has the will for long wars. Stateside, they dissect rising US inflation pressures, Congress’s stock-trading problem, and the “picking winners” trap in industrial policy. Locally, they tackle the Greens in Tasmania, crime perception vs data, and Australia’s defense priorities in a drone-dominated future—before a big sports wrap: AFL finals implications from homophobic slur bans, NRL ladder-shaping clashes, cricket’s farewell to Bob Simpson, the Wallabies’ breakthrough at Ellis Park, and Sydney’s Allianz Stadium turf debacle.Timestamped segments and takeaways 00:00:01 – Cold open, weather and bike lanesBanter on soggy Sydney/Melbourne and bike lane hazards.Takeaway: Urban transport design vs pedestrian safety—light opener that foreshadows policy tradeoffs.00:02:23 – Four‑day work week and productivity roundtableJack the Insider outlines ACTU’s four‑day week ask; government quickly cools it.Hong Kong Jack: flexible, case-by-case four‑day arrangements can work well; blanket mandates don’t.Notable quote (Hong Kong Jack): “It really is a case-by-case basis… it can be done—it just can’t be done across the board.”00:04:26 – Housing, commuting, and productivity dragLong commutes as a hidden productivity killer; WFH rights expanding in Victoria but role-dependent.00:06:47 – AI regulation “light touch”Productivity Commission signals minimal regulation; Jack the Insider flags creator rights concerns.00:07:51 – Where productivity gains might come fromHong Kong Jack: “The two obvious areas to attack are regulation and energy costs.”00:08:17 – Energy transition, prices, and investmentJack the Insider: transition and decades of policy drift drove high prices; grid infrastructure is the bottleneck.Coal vs renewables economics; investment won’t return to coal due to horizon risk.00:12:00 – Cutting “red tape”: harmonization and tax settingsFederation frictions; harmonise state regs; stamp duty singled out as a worst tax.Building codes ballooning costs while quality supervision lags.00:14:24 – Build quality crises and supervision gapsMascot/Zetland examples; spate of vacated towers; cheap builds, high prices.00:15:40 – Political capital, timid reform, and election calculusIs Albanese Labor’s John Howard—few big-ticket reforms, focus on winning?Take reforms to an election (GST precedent), but reformers often punished at the polls.00:24:45 – Israel–Australia visa spatSimcha Rothman’s visa withdrawn; Israel responds by revoking visas for Australians to the Palestinian Authority; both sides flex sovereignty.Notable quote (Hong Kong Jack): “This is just how it works.”00:27:28 – Failed asylum seekers backlog nearing 100kProcessing delays create perverse incentives; most rejected claimants retain work/study rights—encourages low‑merit claims.Enforcement throughput is minimal; backlog self‑feeds.00:32:07 – Tasmania: Greens hold line on stabilityGreens won’t back Labor no-confidence; Premier continues; different cultures in Tas vs NSW Greens.00:36:32 – Vale Terence StampPersonal memories; Priscilla role noted; a prickly but great actor.00:38:00 – Ukraine–Russia: Alaska talks flop, semantics vs substanceOptics criticised; ceasefire vs peace semantics; limits of sanctions and Western will.Debate: Can Ukraine regain Crimea/Donbas? Is a negotiated end inevitable? Historical echoes (appeasement vs long war).00:49:05 – US inflation watch and tariffsProducer prices beat; risks of re‑acceleration; fuel prices helping headline but underlying pressures rising.Tariffs’ pass-through to consumers; political messaging vs data; Fed unlikely to cut on these numbers.00:54:24 – Crime, stats vs street realityDC deployments; media narratives vs lived experience; class/education divide shapes perceptions.00:58:26 – Drones, defense, and future warfareUS behind China on cheap drone swarms (DJI dominance); implications for Australia: missiles, subs, strike aircraft, drones, and a modern surface fleet.01:00:42 – Congressional stock trading and transparencyBipartisan enrichment via informational access; “broadcast trades in real-time” proposal; ban vs radical transparency.01:04:27 – Picking winners: Intel, Kodak lessonsGovernment stakes risk political logic over market logic; Kodak/Motorola as cautionary tales.01:08:05 – Crime again: data declines vs spikes that matterAustralia’s violent crime historically higher in 1920s/1980s; present-day spikes (aggravated burglaries) shape sentiment; good recidivism programs often lack political incentives.01:13:08 – AFL: homophobic slur sanctions and finals stakesRankine case likely to set a benchmark; prior bans (3–6 weeks) cited; consistency required.Notable quote (Jack the Insider): “It’s a bad word… it needs to be removed from the game.”01:19:01 – AFL form lines and umpiringAdelaide/Geelong threats; Collingwood’s midfield clearance issues; four‑umpire system not working.01:21:33 – NRL, cricket, rugbyNRL: Storm beat Panthers; big clashes ahead; ladder permutations.Cricket: Vale Bob Simpson; fielding revolution; ODI series in Cairns; roster chat (Maxwell retired from ODIs; case for Tim David).Wallabies: first Ellis Park win since 1963; O’Connor–Jorgensen try a “thing of beauty.”01:27:16 – Allianz Stadium turf failureDrainage massively under-spec; costly resurfacing; modern stadiums should drain ~600mm/hr; Allianz reported ~40mm/hr.01:31:07 – Vegas tourism pivot and gougePricing up, volume down; “milk everything” model—$50/day minibar “storage” anecdote; vibe no longer value-driven.01:32:53 – Corporate team bonding and Beef WellingtonHong Kong’s “Feather and Bone”-style classes; culinary nostalgia to close the show.Sign-off: where to contact The Two Jacks (Condition Release Program email, Substack, X DMs open).Notable quotes to pull“The essence of progress to a better life for Australians is improved productivity.”“The two obvious areas to attack are regulation and energy costs.”“It can be done—it just can’t be done across the board.”“Drones and robotics are the future of warfare.”“It’s a bad word… it needs to be removed from the game.”

As usual, AI slop shownotes for anyone who wants to read them. Enjoy! -----------------------------------------------Content warning: violent crime, child deaths, war, famine, and historical mass-casualty events.— Description — Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack cover a packed week: the Erin Patterson verdict and sentencing expectations; the Folbigg exoneration and compensation debate; AI’s promised productivity vs. creators’ rights; New Zealand politics and travel flows; Australia’s recognition of Palestine and the “day-after” security problem in Gaza; the 80th anniversary debate over Hiroshima/Nagasaki; U.S. housing, tariffs, and political incentives; food-stamp restrictions; Trump–Putin optics; pasta wars over cacio e pepe; plus NRL, AFL, cricket (Darwin’s case for a Test), and rugby’s Giteau Law change. They finish with an Iranian TV claim on “weather manipulation” and call it a week.Summary of key pointsCourts & media: Patterson likely long sentence; Folbigg’s payout criticized; cautionary tales of media rush-to-judgment.Tech & policy: AI productivity promises vs. creator consent; scraping controversies; children’s online safety beyond blunt bans.Geopolitics: Australia to recognize Palestine; post-war Gaza security unsolved; Hiroshima/Nagasaki debate reopened.Economics: U.S. housing pressures; tariffs as stealth consumption tax; political incentives realign.Sport: NRL finals picture tightening; AFL contenders wobble; cricket’s northern push; Wallabies selection flexibility returns.— Timestamped segments — 00:00:01 — Cold open & banterHong Kong heat, black short-sleeve “uniform,” bulk-buying Marks & Spencer basics.Light teasing about Melbourne’s love of black attire.00:01:22 — Erin Patterson: new disclosures, appeal posture, sentencingResurfaced material about alleged prior poison attempts on Simon Patterson (penne bolognese, chicken korma, vegetable wrap).Serious illness and surgery for Simon Patterson after the korma.Expectation of a long sentence for premeditated murder; talk of 35–45 years non-parole.Prison remand at Dame Phyllis Frost; media rumors inside; psychiatric assessments and caution about conflating autism with criminality.John Ferguson’s reporting; documentaries and books incoming; a true crime podcaster’s about-face post-disclosures.Confidence in trial thoroughness; appeal anticipated but unlikely to overturn on process.00:12:30 — Kathleen Folbigg: exoneration, “skinny” compensation, media reckoningNSW offers ~$2m after 20 years in prison; hosts call it low given Lindy Chamberlain’s historical payout and inflation.Books still in print labeling Folbigg a serial killer; calls for accountability among journalists.Comparison with Patterson media handling—less rush to judgment this time.00:19:19 — Productivity Commission on AI: 4.3% productivity vs. IP rightsLight-touch copyright reforms vs. creators’ consent/compensation.Corporate uptake (e.g., JPMorgan’s uplift) and the productivity juggernaut.Tech scraping (e.g., use of pirated libraries) and lawsuits (e.g., Sarah Silverman case).Social media harms and late-stage regulation; kids outmaneuvering adult-written rules.Data demands to verify age -> more privacy tradeoffs; grooming on gaming platforms; neurodivergent vulnerability.00:29:05 — New Zealand: travel flows, cost of living, politicsKiwis using Australia as a launchpad; departures muddying migration stats.Cost of living pressures; coalition under Chris Luxon trailing in polling.Dairy dependence on China moderated; Christchurch rebuild once boosted the economy, now cooled.00:33:32 — Australia to recognize Palestine: symbolism vs. securityPlanned announcements at the UNGA alongside France/UK/Canada.Netanyahu’s pushback; everyone says “no role for Hamas” in the day-after.Israeli protests against extended occupation; Arab League reluctance to police Gaza.A (half-flippant) British “mandate” idea vs. feasibility; Somalia as an example of regional peacekeeping success; current leadership gap to assemble an Arab-led force.00:43:05 — Hiroshima & Nagasaki at 80: necessity debate revisitedImmediate vs. long-tail casualties; cancer and birth defects; legal actions in Japan.Senior U.S. military figures (Eisenhower, Nimitz, others) cited as skeptical of necessity; Soviets’ late entry in the Pacific war as a factor.Recommendation to read widely; Paul Ham’s “Hiroshima Nagasaki” as a starting point.00:53:29 — U.S. housing and politics: who sets the agenda?First-home median age moving from ~28 to ~38; 2008’s lingering scars.Young men shifting toward Trump; Democrats’ reactive posture.Tariffs as a consumption tax; pass-through risks to inflation; corporate strain and loan-taking; watch upcoming indicators.01:01:50 — Food stamps & junk food limits12 U.S. states considering restrictions (especially sodas).Government paternalism vs. personal choice; cooking skills gap; case for basic food education over bans.01:04:51 — Trump–Putin in Alaska; Ukraine reality checkOptics of a meeting; Ukraine constitution forbids ceding land; Crimea’s intractability.Reliability issues with Moscow agreements; tariffs complicating Alaska supply via Canada.01:07:27 — Cacio e pepe wars (BBC vs. Rome)Purist recipe (pasta, pepper, pecorino), emulsion with pasta water—no butter/cream.Finger-wagging at British “improvements,” with a side of hypocrisy charges in summer variations.Carbonara authenticity chat (guanciale; no cream).01:10:01 — NRL: ladder shifts and a trainer’s “gamesmanship”Panthers surge; Storm and Raiders in the mix; Broncos hammered by Roosters.Trainer stepping into a kicker’s line—five-week ban, $50k fine; learning from AFL’s runner reforms.01:14:55 — AFL culture & form linesGabba crowd scuffle; how crowds have changed since the suburban-era melees.Scott Pendlebury on track for 400; Collingwood and Brisbane wobble despite talent.Isaac Heaney’s purple patch as Brownlow “smokey”; nine sides for eight spots; big fixtures loom.Carlton locks in Michael Voss through 2026; list-management changes brewing.01:26:24 — Cricket: T20 streak, Darwin’s Test pitch, Ashes selectionAustralia’s T20 run; Tim David’s monster hitting; iconic crowd catch.Case for a winter Test in Darwin to diversify venues/opponents.Ashes schedule (Perth, Brisbane D/N, Adelaide, MCG, SCG) compresses rest windows; pace rotation likely.Opener conundrum: Labuschagne with Khawaja risks slow starts; Boland automatic at the MCG.01:34:27 — Rugby: Giteau Law scrappedWallabies free to pick more overseas-based players.Manage workloads for key big men (e.g., Will Skelton) ahead of major tournaments.01:36:21 — Iran drought & “weather manipulation” claim; sign-offIranian TV guest alleges U.S./Israel redirect rain clouds; hosts file under conspiracy.Wrap and see-you-next-week.— Notable moments & quotes —00:05:14 — Hong Kong Jack: “Premeditated deliberate … murder.”00:05:26 — Jack the Insider: “Planned, organised and designed to cause maximum injury and pain.”00:13:38 — Hong Kong Jack (on Folbigg payout): “Bit skinny. I would have thought.”00:25:40 — Hong Kong Jack: “In a battle on a tech issue, I’ll back the 13- and 14-year-olds every day of the week.”00:39:17 — Hong Kong Jack (half-flippant): “Go back to 1946 and have another Palestine mandate … give it to the Brits to run as a colony.”00:47:20 — Jack the Insider (quoting Eisenhower): Japan was “already defeated … dropping the bomb was completely unnecessary.”00:59:33 — Hong Kong Jack: “Trump controls the Democrats’ narrative … He’s in charge of both parties.”01:10:45 — Hong Kong Jack (NRL trainer): “That was gamesmanship.”01:22:11 — Hong Kong Jack (on Heaney): “He’s my smokey for a Brownlow.”01:33:12 — Jack the Insider (Ashes): “There’s nowhere to hide if you’re a bit injured.”

Wasn't going to use AI slop for shownotes this time but these are quite good! But you know who the authors are, you know the book and if you haven't already - buy it! It's genuinely good. and remember you get 10% off delicious tins at https://cbco.beer/ and if you want to keep this thing going - and like naughty bonus episodes - please support us at https://www.patreon.com/theconditionalreleaseprogram-------------------------------------------------------------------------Ever wondered what drives conspiracy theories in Australia? Authors Ariel Bogle and Cam Wilson take us on a fascinating journey through their research for "Conspiracy Nation," revealing the complex web of beliefs, profiteers, and digital ecosystems that shape modern conspiracy culture.Their investigation spans from the historical Port Arthur incident to today's online communities, where fringe beliefs find fertile ground. Through firsthand experiences—including a memorable visit to a conspiracy theorist meeting in Byron Bay—the authors demonstrate how empathy and critical thinking can coexist in journalism.The discussion illuminates the fine line between genuine independent journalism and sensationalist commentary, highlighting how the attention economy fuels misinformation. Bogle and Wilson masterfully balance compassion for those caught in conspiracy networks while exposing the opportunists who exploit them for profit.Ready to understand the fascinating world of conspiracy theories and their impact on Australian society? Tune in to this eye-opening episode that challenges our assumptions about belief, truth, and the power of digital communities.Listen now to discover how conspiracy theories shape our nation and why understanding them matters more than ever.

As usual, AI slop shownotes. They're all about 30 seconds off due to theme music. Enjoy! The Jacks start in Hong Kong’s downpour before unpacking Tasmania’s post‑election arithmetic and a machete “amnesty” with bins outside cop shops. They wade through protests, policing, and the far‑right’s antics, then dig into the Gareth Ward case and the thorny politics of expulsion. There’s a sharp turn into AI copyright fights, family life vs screens, and a listener letter on pilot mental health.Mid‑show is a deep dive on ME/CFS’s genetic breakthrough, then a long, unsentimental look at Gaza, Hamas, ceasefires, and who could plausibly govern anything next. Stateside, Tulsi, Brennan, Mueller, and the Epstein files swirl together with youth‑vote and gerrymander chat. They close with sport: Wallabies’ best fortnight in ages, a cracking England–India Test, Ashes nerves, AFL chaos at Melbourne, and a quick NRL/Swans CEO note—before ending on a Trader Joe’s chicken funeral and a cheeky Ozempic joke.Chapters00:00:00 — Hong Kong’s black rainTriple black rain signals; ~300mm in a day at Mid‑Levels.City empties as people stay home; flood photos doing the rounds.00:01:36 — Tasmania’s numbers gamePremier commissioned without a majority; Greens won’t move no‑confidence.Governor Barbara Baker’s “test it on the floor” remark and what’s in scope.Labor/Greens maths; low appetite for another poll, but conditions exist.00:05:49 — Bins for blades: the machete “amnesty”Drop‑off slots outside police stations; comparison to firearms amnesties.Media flurries vs actual incident data; last big cluster months ago.00:07:21 — Protests, policing, and the far‑rightSydney Bridge March crowd size; VIPs photographed with Khamenei backdrop.Nazis on Parliament steps in balaclavas; state‑by‑state policing contrasts.Flags, chants, and where police draw the line on intervention.00:14:18 — The Gareth Ward messConviction details; bail, incarceration, and expulsion difficulty.Kiama re‑election as an independent, salary while imprisoned.Appeals, precedent, and public disgust.00:20:20 — Farewells and AI fightsDavid Dale and Col Joy remembered.Productivity Commission’s AI stance; artists vs scraping; Zuckerberg’s book haul.Peter Garrett’s industry savvy; JP Morgan’s internal AI rollout.00:26:16 — Kids, screens, and breakfastThe great iPad panic; why we don’t judge strangers’ mornings.Family meals are good; mind your own business is better.00:28:23 — Mailbag: pilots and mental healthFAA caution vs counselling stigma; past “deliberate crash” cases.Policy that pushes people away from help is bad policy.00:31:10 — ME/CFS: genetics change the storyDecodeME links to immune and nervous system pathways.It’s physiological, not psychosomatic; GET/CBT harm for PEM sufferers.RACGP guidance lag vs UK/US updates; a long‑overdue turn.00:37:10 — Gaza, Hamas, and the absence of good options2005 pull‑out, tunnels, aid skimming; ceasefire vs aid corridors.Who could govern Gaza; peacekeepers, UNRWA skepticism, and Hamas reality.Ehud Barak’s Qatar funding allegations; elections, starvation, ethics.01:03:21 — US politics: Russiagate reruns and Epstein filesTulsi’s evolution; Brennan on TV; Mueller was Trump‑era appointed.“Lock her up” vs AI Obama arrest video; the file‑release calculus.Youth‑vote shifts; Republicans’ state‑house gerrymanders.01:21:42 — Media Watch vs SkyThe TikTok immigration clip Sky ran and then pulled.Why mainstream reporting beats cherry‑picked viral outrage.01:24:44 — Sport: a proper weekendWallabies find a game fans can love; Lions tour lifts the code.England–India: great chase, Siraj’s spell, and pressure’s toll.Ashes preview: Bazball mettle in Aus conditions; pace attack is the key.AFL: Simon Goodwin sacked, Melbourne chaos, Adelaide surging; NRL Panthers steady.Swans appoint Matthew Pavlich CEO.01:36:54 — Chicken funerals and closingA full black‑robed rite in a US supermarket.“Put Ozempic in the water” gag; letters and see‑you‑next‑week.Notable quotes00:00:25 — “We had three black rain signals… 300 mils in a day here at Mid‑Levels.”00:03:31 — “It’s not for the governor to be deciding when numbers are tested.”00:06:01 — “Bins outside the police station so miscreants can slide the machete through the slot.”00:08:43 — “They stood on the steps of Parliament and zig‑hiled their way across that protest.”00:14:09 — “Personally, I think let people tell you who they are.”00:18:50 — “He’s essentially been convicted of rape… he’s going to get a holiday.”00:24:49 — “To boost productivity by 4%, it’s decided you just let AI go.”00:33:59 — “It is neurological and immunological. It is not psychiatric.”00:47:42 — “There are no good choices at the moment.”01:25:26 — “The best fortnight for the Wallabies in a very, very long time.”Who and what gets mentionedPeople: Barbara Baker; Jacinta Allan; Bob Carr; Gareth Ward; Chris Minns; Meredith Burgmann; Bruce Learman; David Dale; Col Joy; Peter Garrett; Mark Zuckerberg; Jamie Dimon; Andy Devereaux‑Cook; Ghazi Hamad; Benjamin Netanyahu; Eyal Zamir; Ehud Barak; John Brennan; Tulsi Gabbard; Hillary Clinton; Bill Clinton; Pam Bondi; Prince Andrew; Michael Vaughan; Ricky Ponting; Dave Warner; Joffre Archer; Mark Wood; Simon Goodwin; Brad Green; Matthew Pavlich; Tom Harley; Abby Phillip; Scott Jennings; Van Jones.Places: Hong Kong; Tasmania; Melbourne; Sydney; North Shore; Central; Opera House; Kiama; Silverwater; Gaza; West Bank; Qatar; Egypt; Netherlands; Japan; Texas; California; Massachusetts; Illinois; New York; Maryland; Old Trafford; Perth; The Gabba; Adelaide; San Francisco.Organisations/teams: Greens; Labor; Liberal Party; National Socialist Alliance; IDF; Hezbollah; UNRWA; Palestinian Authority; Hamas; Mossad; BBC; Jerusalem Post; FAA; DecodeME; RACGP; Productivity Commission; Sky News; Media Watch; CIA; Wallabies; Penrith Panthers; Sydney Swans; AFL; NRL; JP Morgan.

Emily Webb joins Jack to talk about her new book, Murder in the Suburbs.Talk turns to Erin Patterson and the Leongatha Mushroom Murders, the truth about murder and the often lurid business of True Crime reporting. Support us at Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/theconditionalreleaseprogramBuy Emily's book:https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/books/murder-in-the-suburbs/

The episode title is completely ridiculous. Thanks, ChatGPT 4.1. Also it thinks Jack is me. I'm not here to change that. Any of you people seen us in the same room? Yeah, I thought so. 🏄‍♂️ Episode OverviewThis round of The Two Jacks is a beaut: Joel (Jack the Insider) and Jack (Hong Kong Jack) serve up their signature Aussie banter and sharp intellectual takes, tackling everything from Oz politics and housing to international chaos, with a healthy dose of sports, climate woes, and top-shelf ribbing. Whether it’s decoding Albanese’s courage (or lack thereof) or marveling at St Kilda’s miracle comeback, this episode’s got more zingers than a Bunnings sausage sizzle. Settle in for a jam-packed ride through the headlines, global drama, and just enough nonsense to make your brain hurt (in a good way). ⏰ Timestamped Segments00:00:00 — Opening Chit-ChatJoel welcomes listeners and checks in with Hong Kong Jack about life in the steamy east. The Ozzy Osbourne tribute gets a look-in, and there’s reminiscing on royal and celebrity antics.00:01:30 — Listener Mailbag: Student Debt, Housing, and the Millennial SqueezeThe lads unpack a heartfelt letter about HECS/HELP debt, housing affordability, and why millennials reckon “the pollies don’t do shit for us.” Jack isn’t convinced the taxpayer should cop uni fees, but both agree the system’s a dog’s breakfast.00:06:25 — Policy Wonkery: Productivity, Summits, and Gough Whitlam GhostsFrom Hawke, Keating, and risk-taking, to whether Chalmers or Albo has the guts for big reform. Productivity and “just take a punt, mate!” dominate the yarn.00:12:12 — Climate Change: Veggies as Luxury, Alarmism, and the Gospel of CatastropheUN predictions, cost-of-living in Granada (spoiler: beer’s cheaper), and a healthy scepticism of alarmists like Al Gore. The boys debate whether scare tactics will help or just bore Aussies senseless.00:19:22 — Social Media: Bans, Privacy, and the Perennial Parental PanicJoel’s cranky about logins and privacy on streaming, while Jack shreds online age bans. Are parents just outsourcing discipline to Canberra? “You know who’s going to win? The 14-year-olds, mate.”00:33:11 — World in a Pickle: Cambodia-Thailand Fracas & Middle East MessCambodia and Thailand nearly square up thanks to colonial lines, but settle down. In the Middle East, aid drops, Gaza’s tragedy, and the endless two-state solution dance. Digressions into dodgy politicians’ connections and international finger-pointing included.01:00:05 — Trump Watch & Global PopcornTrump cheats at golf but still rules the news cycle. Immigration, EU trade stoushes, and the French PM’s sooking—more international theatre than the Sydney Festival.01:07:42 — Epstein Files & Legal ShenanigansMaxwell’s appeal for a pardon, congressional escapades, and why the Epstein saga just. won’t. die. Is Trump untouchable, or just the most Teflon bloke on the planet?01:19:30 — Sports Blitz: Rugby, Cricket, and AFL MadnessThe Wallabies almost pull off a miracle, rucking it with the best. Cricket sledges, doctored pitches, and Test matches tighter than Jack’s pub budget. AFL chaos: Saints’ wild comeback, player transfer drama, and a sneaky NRL update to boot.01:33:08 — Wrapping Up: Listener Love and Where to Find the JacksCall-outs for commentary, plugs for the Facebook page, and reminder you can email, DM, or find Jack on Substack (hongkongjack.substack.com) and Joel (Jack the Insider) on X.🦘 Wrap-upThis episode’s a ripper—classic Two Jacks with brain, heart, and tongue firmly in cheek. If you want deep dives and laughs in the same breath, you’re in the right spot. Get around it, drop the crew a line, and don’t forget: when in doubt, blame the streaming fees.(what streaming fees?!?)

Playwright, author, artist and former resident at HM Pentridge Prison, Ray Mooney sits down with Jack to discuss an infamous case, the murder of Raymond Francis 'Lizard' Locksley in 1979. Locksley's body was found with multiple gunshot wounds in Menai in Sydney's west. Melbourne criminal Christopher Dale Flannery was charged with the murder, he went through a committal hearing before being acquitted in 1984. Ray was Flannery's alibi witness along with many others at Mickey's Disco in St Kilda but the charges proceeded amid a flurry of police verbals from some of the most infamous police officers in Victoria and New South Wales at the time. In this episode Ray proves that Flannery could not have committed the murder of Locksley. If Flannery didn't do it, who did? Ray and Jack discuss whether this was a blue murder or where other criminal elements not related to Flannery may have been involved. 

The deep thinking ChatGPT model O3 has done some properly fine work on these shownotes. Behold the slop. Enjoy!A T10 typhoon batters Hong Kong while political storms swirl from Canberra to Westminster. Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack break down Australian polling shocks, UK voting reforms, Middle-East flashpoints, the tangled Epstein files, and a grab-bag of sport, entertainment, and aviation safety stories.Here are the robot's ten title ideas. Do they suck? I dunno, haven't listened to the episode yet. 10 Title IdeasTyphoons, Polls & Power PlaysStorm Fronts: From Hong Kong Skies to Canberra CorridorsVoting at 16, Planes in Peril – A World Tour with The Two JacksBranch Stackers & Ballot ShakersDruze Dilemmas and Down-Under DramasColdplay Slip-Ups & Late-Night Shake-DownsFrom Epstein Files to AFL FinalsHare-Clarke Hiccups: Tasmania on a TightropeMiddle-East Flashpoints & Western Media Fade-OutsPolling Tsunamis and Political AftershocksEpisode Highlights: Robot Edition• “This could be the end of the Liberal Party as a national force if they don’t find the centre ground—and fast.” — Jack the Insider• “Votes at 16? Sure—but give them a civics class before you hand them the ballot.” — Hong Kong Jack• The boys predict Tasmania’s next premier may “need a calendar, not a throne” given fragile coalition math.• Coldplay’s stage-dive mishap leads to a riff on “Slip, Slop, Slap—Rock-star edition.”"these quotes would be a real knee slapper - if I had knees!" - ChatGPT probably. Useful Links & Further ReadingAustralian Electoral Commission polling trends dashboardUK Elections (Voting Age) Amendment Bill 2025 – House of Commons briefingUN OCHA Gaza humanitarian update, July 2025ATSB report on deliberate cockpit incidents (2022–24)

UPDATE – TRUMP’S ATTEMPT TO GET A FRIENDLY JUDGE IN A CONSERVATIVE JURISDICTION HAS FAILED MISERABLY AND HE GOT A GAY OBAMA APPOINTEE LOLhttps://www.thedailybeast.com/obama-judge-gets-trump-lawsuit-over-spicy-epstein-letter/They will probably use this as an excuse to withdraw the lawsuit which they would not only lose but be irreparably humiliated by the discovery process. ------------------------------------------------------------------------This week we have a classic news episode which opens with a bit about Epstein. It's talk of the town but our take is the best one of course.We remind listeners gleefully that Raina Cruise's suspended sentence was overturned and replaced with a custodial one. She seems like a real nice lady. Probably redpilling the prison as we speak.We also look at Damien Richardson's Nazi salute and his defence lawyer who thinks that the solution to his legal woes lies in a protractor and some measuring tape.And in SovCits we look at Warren Tredrea - former AFL great turned cooker who recently tried to pay a costs order to Nine in the form of a promissory note. Sadly, he could not find the gold coins to pay it so it's been written off. This is because something something the federal acts. Just look it up bro do your research.And last but NOT LEAST is Zippy Babet who is having a very tough time wrapping his head around the Epstein files - or lack thereof. He also has fallen in love with Far North Queensland but sadly he wants to ban himself from going there.I hope he goes there and stays there. On behalf of the fine folks in Melbourne who have way too many bloody cookers in their midst.PS - We were going to do the ANR Free Speech Summit, Timeshare Presentation and Independent Media Awards this episode but it's blown out to be a bit long. So that will probably get its own episode. Oh Jamie. You're such a funny lad. The story is still developing as well, since people have suddenly learned that putting his name into google has a lot of results. Several of them bad. Some of them are glowing reports of his honesty and brilliance but he clearly paid for them.Enjoy!PS - the CRP10 discount code still works at cbco.beer and their IPA is still one of the best in the country - their NEIPA is still great - they have hectic competitions on and generally they're a good bunch. Buy their beer.

Beck Rogers is a 41-year-old wife and mother living in suburban Melbourne. She has decided to share her story - one of protracted sexual abuse, manipulation and coercive control at the hands of her father over more than three decades. Beck had the courage to persist and the courage to finally the end the abuse.She is telling her story in interview with Peter Hoysted in the hope other victims might come forward and end the cycle of abuse. This is not an easy listen but an important one.One in 10 Australians experience sexual abuse at the hands of a family member. Beck wants them to know there is a way out.Victims can seek justice and become survivors.  ---------------------------------------------------------If any of the content has been distressing you can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 and if you’re in crisis please call lifeline on 13 11 14.

Overview: In this episode, Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack discuss a wide array of topics ranging from breakthrough medical treatments to global politics, crime, sports, and cultural events, providing insightful commentary and analysis.Topics Discussed:Breakthrough in Pancreatic Cancer TreatmentDiscussion on Peter Moulding's miraculous recovery from metastatic pancreatic cancer through a clinical trial drug, AMP945.Reflection on the promising advancements in immunological cancer treatments.Childcare Safety CrisisExamination of horrifying child abuse allegations against a childcare worker in Melbourne.Critique of systemic flaws in background checks and legislative gaps in child safety policies.Victorian PoliticsAnalysis of recent polls showing Labor's resurgence under Premier Jacinta Allen.Internal conflicts and challenges plaguing the Victorian Liberal party and their implications for upcoming elections.Anti-Semitic Incidents in MelbourneReport on a rise in targeted attacks against the Jewish community, including vandalism at a Jewish restaurant and an arson attempt at a synagogue.Broader discussion on combating hate and promoting tolerance in multicultural societies.Reflections on the 7/7 London BombingsMarking the 20th anniversary of the London bombings.Personal stories of survivors and analysis of counter-terrorism efforts since that time.Cultural Spotlight: Oasis ReunionReview of the iconic band's reunion concert in Wales and their return to form with a highly anticipated world tour.Sports Coverage:Highlights from Wimbledon, including Novak Djokovic’s form and Alex de Minaur’s performance.Updates on AFL, NFLW, and the upcoming State of Origin decider.Opinions on Middle East Peace TalksSpeculations on the declining control of Hamas in Gaza and possibilities for regional peace and stability.U.S. Politics and PoliciesInsights into the impact of the "Big Beautiful Bill" passed in Congress, including its contentious provisions.Hong Kong Jack’s Story HighlightA tribute to the late televangelist Jimmy Swaggart and reflections on his controversial life and legacy.