
Chanticleer
Australia's most prestigious business column is now a podcast. Chanticleer is a weekly news breakdown of all things business, finance and markets. Every Friday, Australian Financial Review columnists James Thomson and Anthony Macdonald go behind the doors of corporate Australia to give you their unvarnished analysis.
Latest episodes

21 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 37min
Virgin’s big takeoff, EOFY lessons, & will house prices ever fall?
A tumultuous takeover bid for PointsBet raises questions about corporate governance in Australia. The relisting of Virgin on the ASX marks a turning point for the airline and ignites discussion on private equity's influence. Bizarre tax claims provide a humorous twist, while essential tips are shared for preparing tax returns. The podcast dives deep into the Australian housing market, exploring the effects of unemployment on prices and the challenges ahead, questioning whether significant changes are on the horizon.

22 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 36min
World holds breath on Iran, $30b deal is test for govt & CEO pay secrets
The podcast dives into the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, exploring its humanitarian implications and potential effects on global oil markets. It also discusses a landmark $30 billion bid for Santos, highlighting the challenges in foreign ownership and energy market uncertainties. CEO compensation is scrutinized, revealing striking pay discrepancies between executives and regular workers. Additionally, the impact of lucrative AI talent packages on the economy is examined, raising questions about future consumer prices and job displacement.

36 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 40min
Your big ASX questions answered, IVF scandal & Iran attacked
Get ready for a deep dive into Australia’s IVF crisis, featuring a shocking case of wrongful embryo transfers and the urgent need for reform. The discussion navigates global turmoil, including airstrikes in Iran and their effects on oil and gold prices. Key insights into the ASX’s performance reflect concerns over capital gains and the healthcare sector. Plus, explore the evolving role of AI in the workforce and investment resilience amid changing economic signals. Don’t miss their take on the future of Australia’s rare earth industry!

16 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 37min
Australia not ready for AI boom, winners from Virgin float & Trump v Musk
Australia faces challenges adapting to the AI revolution, with urgent calls for educational reforms. The Virgin Australia IPO marks a surprising turnaround, positioning it strongly against Qantas. Meanwhile, tensions flare between Trump and Musk over policy disagreements, impacting Tesla's stock. The podcast dives into how these economic shifts interplay with labor market dynamics, sparking crucial discussions about the future of jobs and technology in Australia.

36 snips
May 30, 2025 • 38min
TACO theory rules markets, AI unleashes Telstra and inside Healthscope's collapse
Discover how a major Australian company's new strategy hints at an impending AI boom. Dive into the TACO theory shaping market movements and get the inside scoop on Healthscope's dramatic collapse. Learn about Telstra's strategic shifts in a rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape and unpack the effects of inflation on energy policies. Plus, engage with insights into the complexities of Australia's health insurance market and the global implications of the US debt crisis.

12 snips
May 23, 2025 • 37min
What’s next for rates, Andrew Forrest’s China warning & battle for Melbourne airport
Andrew Forrest raises red flags about Australia's iron ore industry amidst China's green steel shift. The show dives into the implications of a recent interest rate cut on mortgages and retail sectors, exploring the balance between inflation and borrowing. They also tackle Moody's downgrade of the US credit rating and its potential repercussions. Meanwhile, tensions simmer over Melbourne Airport's investment disputes, involving allegations of misconduct and the complexities of infrastructure valuations. Expect insights on business strategies, AI, and inflation forecasts.

12 snips
May 16, 2025 • 42min
Trump’s tariff U-turn, private equity’s hall of shame & Macquarie’s hubris
This week, the hosts dive into Donald Trump's unexpected tariff reversal and its ramifications. They spotlight private equity's growing troubles, including a significant failure involving Healthscope. The discussion also critiques Macquarie’s reported negligence in short selling activities, emphasizing regulatory challenges. Additionally, they tackle the complexities of Australia’s superannuation system and the potential impacts of taxing unrealized gains. Finally, the hosts explore the interplay of immigration and workforce dynamics in maintaining government revenue.

May 9, 2025 • 39min
Who’s hot on the ASX, the cost of safe banks & Labor’s big opportunity
This week on the Chanticleer podcast, James & Anthony ask whether the big banks are too safe for their own good, and the good of the country. They reveal what the big dogs are really talking about inside the year's biggest investment conference and look at the business sector's reaction to the election.To ask a question, email chanticleer@afr.com This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 2, 2025 • 39min
Next PM’s to-do list, Woolies’ win child’s play & big moves in the world of big booze
This week on the Chanticleer podcast, James & Anthony preview Saturday’s election - and it’s likely aftermath - through the eyes of investors, examine the $27b deal that tells you plenty about the state of the world, and explain how cheap cardboard toys gave Woolies hope in the supermarket wars. To ask a question, email chanticleer@afr.com This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 25, 2025 • 36min
Why investors have gold fever, the CBA mystery gripping the ASX & how a Trump insult shook markets
This week on the Chanticleer podcast, James and Jonathan Shapiro ask why gold has become the world’s hottest investment, try to solve the mystery that’s had the entire ASX talking, and with voting open in the federal election, give their verdict on the Treasurer’s debate. To ask a question, email chanticleer@afr.com This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.