Serious Danger

Amy Remeikis, Australian political journalist and author, joins for a fiery tour of global elections, youth activism and the politics of “civility.” They assess David Shoebridge’s Press Club debut, debate Greens policy on poverty, taxation and Ukraine, and dissect media bias, the mythical sensible centre and why political organizing must move beyond the screen.

Ben Pennings, the Australian climate campaigner known as “Dad vs Adani,” joins the conversation after winning a five-year legal battle with the coal giant. He recounts the Galilee Blockade, Adani’s relentless legal spending, the personal toll of the fight, and the movement’s impact. They also explore corporate intimidation, activist fundraising, and what comes next.

Max Chandler-Mather, former Greens MP and Green Institute director, returns for a lively tour of political culture and progressive strategy. They unpack One Nation’s outrage-bait cartoons, the media frenzy around the alleged attack on Helen Haines, and the left’s struggle to build cultural power. Max also pitches publicly owned supermarkets, member-elected Greens leadership, and Praxis, a new podcast about capitalism and democratic socialism.

Amy Goodman, co-founder of Democracy Now! and renowned investigative broadcaster, joins Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Tia Lessin to discuss Steal This Story, Please! They explore journalism as public service, challenging politicians and corporate power, the dangers of trading truth for access, coverage of Gaza, and why audiences must reclaim the media. A lively tribute to fearless reporting and dissent.

Alex Fein, Research and Intelligence Principal at Redbridge Group, explores what voters really think beyond traditional polling. He discusses focus groups, the Greens’ awareness and credibility gap, popular support for public ownership and economic regulation, and why systemic change needs clearer messaging. They also examine community organising, immigration anxiety, and making radical policies feel practical.

Kitty Carra, long-time Queensland Greens director and veteran campaign organiser, reflects on her political career before retirement. She recalls the thrill of breakthrough election wins and the pain of hard-fought losses. They discuss why Greens representation matters, the pressures that come with influence, refreshing leadership for 2028, and the fearless resolve needed to challenge entrenched power.

Adam Pulford, Australian Greens politician and former Merri-bek councillor, joins the conversation about his campaign for Brunswick and carrying on Tim Read’s legacy. They explore the Greens’ new federal leadership, landlord scrutiny, member-elected leaders and strategies for challenging Labor. Plus, Victoria’s election platform, renter protections, public services and the bold proposal for government-owned supermarkets.

David Shoebridge, a Greens senator and civil-liberties campaigner, and Steph Hodgins-May, a Victorian senator focused on climate and social justice, discuss their surprise rise to the party’s leadership. They unpack grassroots voting, internal disagreement, a sharper parliamentary strategy and replacing Labor. The conversation also covers housing, care, wages, climate action, building a mass movement, and opposition to AUKUS and foreign military influence.

Woah the Greens have a new leader! Lots of discussion of that coming next episode, but first, in this bonus episode for Patreon subscribers, Tom is joined by Josh Cullinan, Director of Strategic Litigation at the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union (aka RAFFWU) - the naughty, unregistered, non-ACTU affiliated FIGHTING UNION for retail and fast-food workers in Australia! Recently the new Victorian Premier, and former SDA member, Ben Carroll, suddenly introduced the Associations Incorporation Reform Amendment Bill 2026, and it sure seemed designed to help the SDA and big business. Is the Shoppies union a tool of Colesworth etc designed to keep workers down?---------- The show can only exist because of our wonderful Patreon subscriber’s support. Subscribe for $3/month to get access to our fortnightly subscriber-only full episode, and unlock our complete library of over ONE HUNDRED past bonus episodes. https://www.patreon.com/SeriousDangerAU  ---------- https://raffwu.org.au/  Produced by Michael Griffinhttps://instagram.com/mikeskillz  Follow us on https://twitter.com/SeriousDangerAU https://www.instagram.com/seriousdangerau  https://www.tiktok.com/@seriousdangerauSupport the show: http://patreon.com/seriousdangerauSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom pays respects to the late Vic Greens MP Tim Read, then is joined by executive director of the Jewish Council of Australia, Sarah Schwartz! (7:44) Tom can't resist asking about Macklemore (). Then, a chat about Sarah's experience giving evidence at the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, and how it is important that the Jewish Council provides non-zionist Jewish voices in the public discussion. (45:44) ---------- Just released on Patreon - "Bonus: The Indian diaspora, Modi, religion, caste & data centres ft. Gokulan Gopal" The show can only exist because of our wonderful Patreon subscriber’s support. Subscribe for $3/month to get access to our fortnightly subscriber-only full episode, and unlock our complete library of ONE HUNDRED past bonus episodes. https://www.patreon.com/SeriousDangerAU  ---------- Follow Sarah -https://www.instagram.com/sarahrschwa/  Sign the petition https://www.jewishcouncil.com.au/2026/08/dont-let-israel-define-antisemitism?_sc=ODkwNDIxNyMyODYxNA%3D%3D&utm_campaign=RC+Interim+update++webinar+invite+-+all+minus+donors&utm_medium=email&utm_source=brevo  Donate https://fk5kj.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/SMK18yw1cHTOn9r8JqWtMF9LXZNo/D4DIW52ZcMP1 Tom’s plugs -Melbourne Fringe October 6th to 11th https://comedy.com.au/tour/tom-ballard/  GEELONG: Greens fundraiser on Thursday Oct 15th at the Courthouse theatre (Book here https://contact-vic.greens.org.au/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=25795)  CASTLEMAINE: Fundraiser on Saturday October 17th at the Phee Broadway Theatre (Book here https://contact-vic.greens.org.au/civicrm/event/register?id=25804)  Theme by Kye HughesProduced by Michael Griffin https://www.instagram.com/mikeskillz  Follow us on https://twitter.com/SeriousDangerAU https://www.instagram.com/seriousdangerau  https://www.tiktok.com/@seriousdangerauSupport the show: http://patreon.com/seriousdangerauSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.