If you’re into unrelenting disasters and the looming disasters on the horizon, we have bad news for you because another one is about to happen: the federal election.
To be fair, while this is likely to be a pretty overwhelming time, it probably stands a chance of avoiding further disasters by swapping out the people in charge – however, that claim comes without any guarantees.
If you’re feeling like you’re not up to the challenge of the political influx of the next few months, don’t worry. Getting up to speed on all the latest issues and how each policy change and legislation is going to affect you is a full time job and not something many of us have time for.
Thankfully, in the most informed era of human history, there are shortcut ways that learning and podcasting is one of them.
There are a ton of great informative political podcasts out there and not all of them are as dry as they seem. Politics affects all of us so it is worth knowing who you are voting for and why.
From short, simple explainers to long in-depth conversations, here’s what you should listen to if you want to get up to speed before the big vote.
left right out There’s a new podcast specially designed to keep you informed ahead of the big election. It’s hosted by journalists and writers Elfie Scott and Justin Landis-Handley and is geared towards those who have no idea what’s going on.
Each episode tackles a theme presented by the audience such as ‘Which party is best for women?’ and ‘Why aren’t the greens more popular?’ In a talkative, informative way that makes it feel like you’re not really learning.
Hosted by some of the most talented and respected journalists in the country, briefing A computer is required. Led by Tom Tilly, with co-hosts Annika Smethurst, Jan Fran and Jameela Rizvi, the show covers the news of the day before digging into the daily news topic.
While it is not entirely focused on politics, it does give you a good understanding of what is happening every day, usually in the context of major policy changes and the political and personal effects of major political trends.
For something a little more meaty, try Australian politics From The Guardian. Katharine Murphy, Guardian Australia political editor, goes into a weekly-ish discussion with members of the Guardian Australia political team to examine what is currently going on in Australian politics.
Podcasts are definitely a heavy one, ranging from half an hour to an hour or so, and it’s not always easy to follow if you’re a newcomer. Still, it’s great to get a little more context and details on the week’s events.
One of Australia’s top political journalists, now professor at the Australian National University, Mark Kenney, takes a weekly look at politics and public affairs. democracy sausage, It is accompanied by expert analysis and discussion from researchers from ANU and beyond and at about 40 minutes per app it doesn’t go into much detail.
You get headlines and news updates as well as analysis from experts, which you can easily parrot into your next drinking party to look overly clever.
This is a bit more conversation about current Australian political events, but it’s a great one for getting a little analysis – if you can continue. Hosts Eddie Djokovic and David Lewis are old hat and have been writing about politics for years, so their perspective is somewhat relaxed — the latest scare isn’t so bad when it comes to the people talking about it. Who has seen all this before.
Their shows are about an hour long and are released weekly but they are not for the faint-hearted.
of abc party room Another weekly politics lecturer is, just so… ABC. With the aim of “helping you understand the issues affecting your world,” the podcast is hosted by ABC Radio journalists Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas, who give weekly updates on what’s happening in politics. .
It is very news-focused and ABC speaks with political reporters about what they are covering, again, it is a bit ‘hit-the-ground-running’ and may not be the best initial listening , but with news for anyone who wants to keep up, it’s a pretty good one.
A good breath in a very heavy environment, what can ospol snackpod describes itself as “bite-sized pieces of Australian news and politics, with crisp memes”. The show is hosted by “two of Australia’s leading political nobles,” Noon and Zack (who keep their identities very short).
It’s an easy and enjoyable listen that definitely sounds like it was recorded in a Share House living room with the same level of wit and dumb jokes you’d expect. Still, it’s a good way to get your news on with a little laugh and not the crushing after-normal taste.
Michelle Grattan is the Chief Politician Correspondent at The Conversation, a publication exclusively written by experts. Her podcast is, as you might expect, a fairly expert one, providing insight into what’s been happening over the past week, parliament conspiracy and movements of the law in conversation with various political commentators.
The podcast also includes “Word from the Hill” which discusses the news with The Conversation writers. These are short bites, good for going fast with what’s going on and a good balance of 25 minute longs Politics episode.
Last but certainly not least we have 7 in the morning From Schwartz Media, hosted by The Quiet Voice of Ruby Jones. This is another news-rap podcast of about 20 minutes, except that they buck the trend by going in-depth on a relevant topic before reading the headlines of the day.
Not all of his subjects are strictly political, although many are, and they are explained in a conversational format that makes them easy to understand. Definitely one to add to your rotation.
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