Socially Democratic

Stephen Donnelly
  • 4.6 (156)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Socially Democratic is your weekly centre-left politics and campaign podcast hosted by Stephen Donnelly, founder of Dunn Street - a campaign agency bringing change by organising from the ground up. Each Friday, Stephen and guests breakdown the issues shaping Australia and the rest of the world and the social democrats leading them. Follow on Instagram at @dunn.street Facebook at @dunnstreetaustralia Twitter at @Dunn_Street_LinkedIn at Dunn Street Website at dunnstreet.com.au 

  1. Ep. 337 Feeney Files with Jessie McCrone - February 2026

    22 HRS AGO

    Ep. 337 Feeney Files with Jessie McCrone - February 2026

    Hey Social Democrats. It's that time again! 📊 February brought fresh polling, a Liberal leadership shake-up, and renewed questions about where the conservative movement goes next. With the opposition searching for economic credibility and flirting once again with culture-war politics, what does the path back to government actually look like for the Liberal Party of Australia? 🏗️ We also unpack the CFMEU controversy — including the media’s rush to amplify a back-of-the-envelope $15 billion figure — and what it means politically for the Victorian Allan Labor government. How can Labor get back on the front foot and tell a powerful, persuasive story about the infrastructure Big Build that resonates with voters? All that, plus the month’s biggest narratives and category nominations. Mentioned in the Show: Socially Democratic Listener Survey We want your feedback! Complete our listener survey and you’ll go into the draw to win a trip to Adelaide for the ALP National Conference in July. https://forms.gle/zug85MwAn17143mY8 FMRS Advisory is Hiring: https://www.fmrsadvisory.com/jobs #AusPol #AustralianPolitics #Labor #Liberals #Polling #LeadershipSpill #CostOfLiving #Housing #Construction #VictoriaPolitics #UnionMovement #PoliticalStrategy #Elections #CultureWars #ProgressivePolitics #ALP Support the show New episodes every Friday. Access ad-free episodes and send in questions by joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SociallyDemocratic If you like the show, rate and review us on your favourite podcast app. Follow Us on Socials: Facebook (https://tr.ee/9jGIOy) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sociallydemocratic) LinkedIn (https://tr.ee/YxyYJh) Twitter (https://x.com/SocialDemPod) Bluesky (https://tr.ee/EqdapC) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@DunnStreet) The presenting sponsor of the Socially Democratic podcast is Dunn Street. For more information on how Dunn Street can help you organise to build winning campaigns in your community, business or organisation, and make the world a better place, look us up at: dunnstreet.com.au

    1h 18m
  2. Ep. 336: Is This Labor’s “Now or Never” Moment? with Emma Dawson

    19 FEB

    Ep. 336: Is This Labor’s “Now or Never” Moment? with Emma Dawson

    This week on Socially Democratic, Stephen is joined by policy expert and Executive Director of the Chifley Research Centre, Emma Dawson. Emma joins the show to talk about what Labor's clear majority actually means, what they can still achieve in their second term, and whether this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for structural reform. Emma brings her wealth of knowledge to the vital questions of 2026, including: 📈 Can we ease the cost-of-living crisis without spiking inflation? 🤏  What is the difference between incremental reform and timid reform? 🧩 How has the fragmented media environment affected our ability to make lasting change? 🍎 🍊  What is the difference between “popular” policy and “populist” politics? 🥸 Does the Albanese government have a coherent political identity, and if so, what is it? Tune in for the great conversation and important dates for upcoming conferences. Mentioned in the Show: Socially Democratic LISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/zug85MwAn17143mY8 Complete the Listener survey and you’ll go into the draw to win a trip to Adelaide for the 2026 ALP National Conference in July — including  return flights ✈️  and  accommodation 🛏️ . Chifley Conference Expressions of Interest: https://tr.ee/LWJVCi Chifley Research Centre: https://www.chifley.org.au/ #AusPol #AustralianPolitics #LaborGovernment #Australian Labor Party #Anthony Albanese #PublicPolicy #PolicyReform #EconomicReform #SocialDemocracy #Democracy #PoliticalStrategy #ProgressivePolitics #ThinkTanks #Chifley #Emma Dawson #AustralianEconomy #FutureOfDemocracy #MediaAndPolitics #ReformAgenda #PoliticalPodcast Support the show New episodes every Friday. Access ad-free episodes and send in questions by joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SociallyDemocratic If you like the show, rate and review us on your favourite podcast app. Follow Us on Socials: Facebook (https://tr.ee/9jGIOy) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sociallydemocratic) LinkedIn (https://tr.ee/YxyYJh) Twitter (https://x.com/SocialDemPod) Bluesky (https://tr.ee/EqdapC) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@DunnStreet) The presenting sponsor of the Socially Democratic podcast is Dunn Street. For more information on how Dunn Street can help you organise to build winning campaigns in your community, business or organisation, and make the world a better place, look us up at: dunnstreet.com.au

    1h 21m
  3. Ep. 335: Capital Gains Tax, The Epstein Files and Other Mailbag Questions with Lissie Ratcliff and Todd Pinkerton

    12 FEB

    Ep. 335: Capital Gains Tax, The Epstein Files and Other Mailbag Questions with Lissie Ratcliff and Todd Pinkerton

    "Politics is about choices—who do you stand with and for, and who are you against?" ⭐ The debate over the capital gains tax discount is here to stay. Many Gen Z's and Millennials are fully aware that they will be unable to afford a home without major tax reform - and that's only the start. But with older and asset-rich Australians benefiting heavily from the CGT discount, is it too politically dangerous to give it the axe? 🧨 Plus - the Epstein files have recently poured fuel on the dumpster fire that is UK Labour. With the resignation of Morgan McSweeney as Keir Starmer's Chief of Staff, what does it mean for the beleaguered party? 💰 And - who should benefit from the wealth of Australia's mining industry? We examine the corporate and foreign influences that stymied Kevin Rudd's Mining Super Profits Tax in 2010.  This, plus more listener questions in our February Mailbag. #CapitalGainsTax #HousingCrisis #AustralianPolitics #auspol #AlbaneseGovernment #OneNationParty #EpsteinFiles #UnionMovement #AIRegulation #PoliticalStrategy #VictorianElection2023 #UKPolitics #LaborParty #PoliticalLeadership #MillennialsAndGenZ #UnionRights #WorkplaceSafety #AustralianLaborParty #TaxReform #HousingAffordability #PoliticalConflict #FutureOfWork #AIInWorkplaces #OneNationImpact #EpsteinScandal #SocialDemocracy #ALP #liberals #SussanLey #KeirStarmer Support the show New episodes every Friday. Access ad-free episodes and send in questions by joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SociallyDemocratic If you like the show, rate and review us on your favourite podcast app. Follow Us on Socials: Facebook (https://tr.ee/9jGIOy) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sociallydemocratic) LinkedIn (https://tr.ee/YxyYJh) Twitter (https://x.com/SocialDemPod) Bluesky (https://tr.ee/EqdapC) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@DunnStreet) The presenting sponsor of the Socially Democratic podcast is Dunn Street. For more information on how Dunn Street can help you organise to build winning campaigns in your community, business or organisation, and make the world a better place, look us up at: dunnstreet.com.au

    1h 15m
  4. Ep. 334: Feeney Files with Jessie McCrone - January 2026

    5 FEB

    Ep. 334: Feeney Files with Jessie McCrone - January 2026

    Hey Social Democrats, Happy 'Feeney Files with Jessie McCrone' Day! 🧐 One Nation leads the Coalition in the polls, and even the recent acquisition of Barnaby Joyce can't fully explain it... 🤪 ... sending the Coalition into internal tatters days later. 🔥 So gather 'round the campfire while we roast the Tories. ...plus, the Royal Commission into Antisemitism, the South Australian Election, a look at the nation's political media AND the usual category nominations. #RoyalCommission #Spill #Coalition #Split #OneNation #BarnabyJoyce #Liberals #Labor #ALP #politics #auspol Support the show New episodes every Friday. Access ad-free episodes and send in questions by joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SociallyDemocratic If you like the show, rate and review us on your favourite podcast app. Follow Us on Socials: Facebook (https://tr.ee/9jGIOy) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sociallydemocratic) LinkedIn (https://tr.ee/YxyYJh) Twitter (https://x.com/SocialDemPod) Bluesky (https://tr.ee/EqdapC) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@DunnStreet) The presenting sponsor of the Socially Democratic podcast is Dunn Street. For more information on how Dunn Street can help you organise to build winning campaigns in your community, business or organisation, and make the world a better place, look us up at: dunnstreet.com.au

    1h 11m
  5. Ep. 333: How Long will Keir Starmer Last? with John Mcternan

    29 JAN

    Ep. 333: How Long will Keir Starmer Last? with John Mcternan

    Note: This month’s Feeney Files with Jessie McCrone will come out next week, due to a scheduling conflict (a.k.a Stephen's globetrotting). But not to worry, we have an equally formidable guest for you this week. John Mcternan is back! He shares his expert analysis of UK politics and the health of social democracies around the world.  Mcternan formerly served as the Director of Political Operations for Tony Blair from 2005-2007 and the Director of Communications for Julia Gillard from 2011-2013. In addition to working as a senior political strategist within UK Labour, he is a prolific political commentator and a pretty cracking podcast guest as well.  This week, we discuss: 🚨The one thing that would make John leave the Labour party. ❄️The challenges faced by Starmer’s government, including declining voter support and the uncertain future of the leadership.  ⚡The ongoing battle between social democracy and right wing populism around the world. Plus a mea culpa from Stephen - a few Patreon questions for John that we missed last time! #AusPol #UKPolitics #LabourParty #SocialDemocracy #PoliticalPodcast #Leadership #ProgressivePolitics #Unions #ClimateCrisis #AI #Geopolitics #ALP #Labor Support the show New episodes every Friday. Access ad-free episodes and send in questions by joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SociallyDemocratic If you like the show, rate and review us on your favourite podcast app. Follow Us on Socials: Facebook (https://tr.ee/9jGIOy) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sociallydemocratic) LinkedIn (https://tr.ee/YxyYJh) Twitter (https://x.com/SocialDemPod) Bluesky (https://tr.ee/EqdapC) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@DunnStreet) The presenting sponsor of the Socially Democratic podcast is Dunn Street. For more information on how Dunn Street can help you organise to build winning campaigns in your community, business or organisation, and make the world a better place, look us up at: dunnstreet.com.au

    1h 8m
  6. Ep. 332: The Mailbag Episode with Lissie Ratcliff and Todd Pinkerton

    22 JAN

    Ep. 332: The Mailbag Episode with Lissie Ratcliff and Todd Pinkerton

    This week, regular guests Lissie and Todd answer listener questions from Patreon: ⭐ What has the Federal Labor Government done well? Our pro-Labor bonafides are called into question! 💪 Is the Victorian Government in good shape for this election year? 🥊 What 'inevitable tensions' arise between the Labor government and the unions - and why is it so much trickier to bargain when you're on the same side? 🤳 Can unions do more to engage content creators in their campaigns? Do you have a question for the next Mailbag? Join our Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/c/SociallyDemocratic #Labor #vicpol #auspol #nswpol #unionsnsw #union #labour #collectivebargaining #analysis #experts #politics #ALP #JacintaAllan #Albanese #ChrisMinns Support the show New episodes every Friday. Access ad-free episodes and send in questions by joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SociallyDemocratic If you like the show, rate and review us on your favourite podcast app. Follow Us on Socials: Facebook (https://tr.ee/9jGIOy) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sociallydemocratic) LinkedIn (https://tr.ee/YxyYJh) Twitter (https://x.com/SocialDemPod) Bluesky (https://tr.ee/EqdapC) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@DunnStreet) The presenting sponsor of the Socially Democratic podcast is Dunn Street. For more information on how Dunn Street can help you organise to build winning campaigns in your community, business or organisation, and make the world a better place, look us up at: dunnstreet.com.au

    1h 18m
  7. Ep. 331: Courage Under Fire: Iran’s Tipping Point with Zahra Amanpour

    15 JAN

    Ep. 331: Courage Under Fire: Iran’s Tipping Point with Zahra Amanpour

    Hey Social Democrats. Welcome to a new season of Socially Democratic.  Mass protests in Iran are entering their third week.  Go behind the headlines with Iranian-American entrepreneur Zahra Amanpour. Born during the Iranian revolution of 1979 and hailing from a family of anti-authoritarian activists, Zahra is a fierce advocate for democracy, human rights, and gender equality, particularly in her home country.  Drawing on her strong connection to the Iranian Resistance movement, she shares insights rarely reported in the media: 👉 What makes this moment different from uprisings of the past? 👉 How do Iranians feel about U.S. intervention? 👉 If the regime is toppled, who will step in to fill the void? 👉 How can we in the West best show our support and solidarity? If you haven’t been following the Iran protests closely, this episode is a great explainer. If you have, this episode will take you deeper.  Find Zahra on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/zahraamanpour Mentioned in the Show: National Council of Resistance of Iran: https://www.ncr-iran.org/en/ X: @iran_policy #Iran #protests #democracy #theocracy #ayatollahkhamenei #dictatorship #humanrights #IranianResistance #NCRI  Support the show New episodes every Friday. Access ad-free episodes and send in questions by joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SociallyDemocratic If you like the show, rate and review us on your favourite podcast app. Follow Us on Socials: Facebook (https://tr.ee/9jGIOy) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sociallydemocratic) LinkedIn (https://tr.ee/YxyYJh) Twitter (https://x.com/SocialDemPod) Bluesky (https://tr.ee/EqdapC) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@DunnStreet) The presenting sponsor of the Socially Democratic podcast is Dunn Street. For more information on how Dunn Street can help you organise to build winning campaigns in your community, business or organisation, and make the world a better place, look us up at: dunnstreet.com.au

    47 min
  8. Ep. 330: Pop Culture Year in Review 2025 with Tess Farrell

    31/12/2025

    Ep. 330: Pop Culture Year in Review 2025 with Tess Farrell

    Happy New Year Social Democrats! This week, Stephen and resident pop culture expert Tess Farrell discuss the Netflix political thriller, 'The Diplomat'. Stay tuned for some non-political recommendations for what to watch and read in 2026. Mentioned in the show: 'The Diplomat' starring Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell, created by Deborah Cahn. 'Always' by Bon Jovi https://tr.ee/6FZwx1 #podcast #popculture #politics #TheDiplomat #KeriRussell #RufusSewell #AllisonJanney Support the show New episodes every Friday. Access ad-free episodes and send in questions by joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SociallyDemocratic If you like the show, rate and review us on your favourite podcast app. Follow Us on Socials: Facebook (https://tr.ee/9jGIOy) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sociallydemocratic) LinkedIn (https://tr.ee/YxyYJh) Twitter (https://x.com/SocialDemPod) Bluesky (https://tr.ee/EqdapC) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@DunnStreet) The presenting sponsor of the Socially Democratic podcast is Dunn Street. For more information on how Dunn Street can help you organise to build winning campaigns in your community, business or organisation, and make the world a better place, look us up at: dunnstreet.com.au

    1h 2m
See All (337)

4.6
out of 5
156 Ratings

About

Socially Democratic is your weekly centre-left politics and campaign podcast hosted by Stephen Donnelly, founder of Dunn Street - a campaign agency bringing change by organising from the ground up. Each Friday, Stephen and guests breakdown the issues shaping Australia and the rest of the world and the social democrats leading them. Follow on Instagram at @dunn.street Facebook at @dunnstreetaustralia Twitter at @Dunn_Street_LinkedIn at Dunn Street Website at dunnstreet.com.au 

Information

  • Creator
    Stephen Donnelly
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    337
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Socially Democratic
  • Show Website
    Socially Democratic

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