The Conditional Release Program

Jack the Insider and Joel Hill
  • 4.9 (155)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY

Welcome to The Conditional Release Program, a podcast that delves into the netherworld of cults, crims and con artists. Who would have thought a spicy chest cough would turn everyone so completely mad? Our weekly show covers the conspiracy theorists that created a 'shadow pandemic' of political idiocy and violent ideation within the fringe of politics. From time to time we get our hands even dirtier with true crime deep dives. Jack is a seasoned expert in the true crime genre, having written and spoken extensively about Roger Rogerson, Stan 'the man' Smith and, of course, the Fine Cotton Fiasco. In various episodes he guides us through the dark underbelly of Australian crime in his trademark storytelling style. The world is getting weird and we are getting weird with it. Let's watch as democracy crumbles into a smouldering heap - and take note of the kids carrying the matches and the metho. Hosted by Jack the Insider and Joel Hill with an occasional rotation of guests that generally share our distaste toward the lunatic fringe.

  1. The Two Jacks - Episode 155 - The Iran War Ripple & The Carlton Trauma

    1 DAY AGO

    The Two Jacks - Episode 155 - The Iran War Ripple & The Carlton Trauma

    This is such a crap job from Gemini but when you order AI slop I suppose you get what you are given. Welcome back to the Two Jacks. It is May 4, 2026, and today Jack the Insider (Joel Hill) and Hong Kong Jack (HKJ) dive deep into a world teetering on the edge of economic and food security crises. From the "Iran War" closing the Strait of Hormuz to the ongoing "trauma" that is the Carlton Football Club, we’ve got plenty to cover. Show Notes & Timestamps00:00:25 – Introduction & The HK Power Situation The Jacks open episode 155 with a look at Hong Kong’s infrastructure. HKJ reports on building-wide power outages to install 220 new EV chargers—a feat of density that Australia’s regional infrastructure is still struggling to match. 00:01:33 – Defining the "Iran War" The hosts discuss the nomenclature of the current conflict. Is it the US-Iran War, or just the "Iran War"? They explore the complex web of proxies and the long-standing hostilities dating back to 1979. 00:03:51 – Polling & The One Nation Surge A breakdown of the latest Redbridge poll shows One Nation at 27%, the Coalition at 22%, and Labor steady at 31%. Despite the right-wing rupture, Anthony Albanese’s approval rating sees a surprise boost. 00:05:18 – By-Election Analysis: Nepean & Farrah A post-mortem of the Nepean by-election, where One Nation underperformed its polling. Looking ahead to the Farrah by-election, the Jacks debate the impact of "Teal" candidates and the reliability of how-to-vote cards. 00:09:39 – Scrutineering with Julia Gillard HKJ shares a personal anecdote from his time working at the same law firm as former PM Julia Gillard, recalling how she could always spot his unique (and rebellious) preference flows during internal elections. 00:11:30 – Global Economic Strain: Oil, Food, & Fertilizer The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered the largest energy disruption in history. Brent Crude is sitting at $113.40 per barrel. The hosts discuss the dire warnings from the UN World Food Programme: an additional 45 million people could face acute food insecurity by June. 00:18:34 – The Fertilizer Crisis Farmer and listener Lawrence provides boots-on-the-ground intel: nitrogen and phosphorus prices have skyrocketed, creating a "price issue rather than availability issue" that will hit developing nations like Vietnam and Thailand the hardest. 00:30:42 – Inside Iran: Economic Collapse Iran is facing 67% inflation, with red meat prices soaring beyond the reach of those on a $130/month minimum wage. Post-war reconstruction is estimated at $270 billion—nearly 80% of the nation's GDP. 00:37:22 – The Australian Budget & The Housing Divide A preview of the upcoming federal budget. Will the government risk the "demographic card" by making changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing to appease disenfranchised Millennials and Gen Z voters? 00:41:06 – Productivity & The Ghost of Keating HKJ argues that the road to recovery is productivity growth, lamenting the lack of "courageous" leadership seen during the Hawke-Keating era. 01:02:47 – Money Sinks: NDIS & Snowy Hydro 2.0 A look at the $20 billion blowout of Snowy Hydro 2.0 and the sustainability of the NDIS. 01:07:30 – Was the 90s the Pinnacle? A philosophical debate on whether Western civilization peaked in the decade following the fall of the Berlin Wall. JTI and HKJ reflect on the Cold War, nuclear disarmament talks between Reagan and Gorbachev, and our current "downward slope". 01:12:41 – The Scandinavian Model vs. The Mining Lobby Why are the Danes and Norwegians so much happier than us? The hosts discuss Norway’s sovereign wealth fund and why Australia has struggled to implement similar national-building royalty programs due to effective mining industry lobbying. 01:16:03 – Sport: Premier League, NRL, & AFLPremier League: Arsenal and Man City are neck-and-neck with only one point between them. NRL: The Melbourne Storm are in a freefall with seven losses in a row. AFL: Carlton’s "astonishing" lapses continue as St Kilda rips them apart. Is Michael Voss’s coaching future in jeopardy? 01:34:48 – Wrap Up & Next Week’s Preview The Jacks prepare to look at the UK political landscape next week, specifically the "woes" of Sir Keir Starmer and the potential comeback of Nigel Farage. "Eventually, people will get hungry enough and angry enough and will do something. But when that happens, who knows?" — Hong Kong Jack on the situation in Iran. What do you think about the government's approach to the fuel excise and the housing crisis? Drop us a line and let us know!

    1hr 36min
  2. Episode 208 - NEWS - Dezi Freeman - Russell Brand - Cooker Update and PETE!

    30 APR

    Episode 208 - NEWS - Dezi Freeman - Russell Brand - Cooker Update and PETE!

    This is a terrible time of year for me where all the assessments are coming due and the law is right up my rectum. But hey, it's interesting stuff. I now know way more about family law and succession law - this is why people call me 'the cool kid'. Anyway, we know we have a duty to you people so we make sure your trough isn't empty too long. BIG NEWS ON DESMOND FILBY - I finally was able to chat to a local who has had experience with Desmond being a bit of a freak. Yeah - he's a pervert. Russell Brand is also a pervert trying to use the Bible to shield himself from consequences. But that might not work. Cooker update has a few bits and pieces. Cookerchella will be (hopefully) covered by Dave. Speaking of Dave, Guru's face testicle is now public record as he turned the camera on. I saw it in court - it's pretty dire and apparently he's dying which is actually a bit sad. Bummer. SovCits is very funny. Diplomat Dan is f****d. Check episode 164 (or part thereof) for a previous mention of this bonkers boy. Anyway I am tired and I am actually writing this instead of using AI slop so just enjoy the damn episode it was lots of work!

    1hr 40min
  3. The Two Jacks - Episode 154 - From Anzac Boos to AFL Blues: Mateship, Migration, and the Myth of the Monoculture

    28 APR

    The Two Jacks - Episode 154 - From Anzac Boos to AFL Blues: Mateship, Migration, and the Myth of the Monoculture

    AI slop brought to you by Gemini 3 (flash - thinking) and it thinks I am Jack because of the transcript. Whatever. Enjoy the show! There's a TCRP coming soon I promise! Episode SummaryIn episode 154 of The Two Jacks, Jack the Insider (Joel Hill) and Hong Kong Jack dive deep into the complexities of Australian identity. From the controversial booing of the "Welcome to Country" at Anzac Day ceremonies to the historical economic hangover of the White Australia Policy, the duo explores what it actually means to hold "Australian values". They also tackle the latest in UK political scandals, the AFL’s handling of player mental health, and why the Scottish football league might finally see a break in its 40-year duopoly. Show Notes & Timestamps00:00:25 – Hong Kong’s Economic MorassHong Kong Jack reports on the quiet but steady economic decline in the territory as the Iran war impacts fuel and food costs. With almost no local agriculture, Hong Kong citizens are feeling the pinch as airlines cut back on flights and shipping costs rise. A look ahead to next week’s discussion on global food security and the impact of fertilizer shortages on the world's "food bowls". 00:04:14 – Statins and Political Party NamesAddressing listener feedback regarding the use of statins and the regulation of supplements versus prescribed drugs. The hunt for a new right-wing political party name: Why all the "good ones" are already taken or deregistered. 00:06:25 – The Anzac Day "Welcome to Country" ControversyDiscussion on the organised campaign to boo "Welcome to Country" ceremonies during Anzac Day. A debate on the ubiquity of these acknowledgments in corporate and social settings versus their place in national commemorations. Jack the Insider addresses the xenophobic undercurrents appearing in modern political discourse. 00:16:00 – Deep Dive: Australian Values & MigrationThe Values Test: Hong Kong Jack shares his experience taking the Australian values test, describing it as "bizarre" and "a waste of time". Electoral Fairness: Jack the Insider argues that Australia's true values are embedded in its robust, independent electoral system and compulsory voting. Historical Hangover: A look at George Megalogenes’ theories on how the White Australia Policy consigned Australia to decades of cultural isolation and economic underperformance. Integration Success: Lessons from the Snowy River Scheme and how Australia's "integrative multiculturalism" differs from the failed European models. 01:07:27 – UK Politics: Process & ScandalThe pair discusses Keir Starmer’s obsession with "process" and the controversial potential appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK Ambassador to the US. 01:09:47 – Footy & SportElijah Hollands: A sensitive discussion on the mental health episode experienced by the Carlton player during the Collingwood game and the subsequent media fallout. Professional Umpiring: Why the AFL needs to move away from "weekend warrior" umpires and towards a fully professional panel to handle increasingly complex rules. Global Scores: The EPL title race heats up between Arsenal and Man City, while Hearts looks to break the Celtic/Rangers duopoly in Scotland. 01:33:42 – Closing Thoughts: Germany’s 2039 GoalA brief look at Germany’s stated aim to have Europe’s strongest conventional fighting force by 2039—a date that raises more than a few historical eyebrows. Contact the ShowEmail: conditionalreleaseprogram@gmail.com X (formerly Twitter): Reach out to Jack the Insider or find Hong Kong Jack for tips on the HK racing scene. Substack: Check out Jack’s latest writings.

    1hr 37min
  4. The Two Jacks - Episode 153 - The 58-Vote Fumble, the Death of Net Zero, and Why Your Makeup Artist Knows More Than Your Politician

    16 APR

    The Two Jacks - Episode 153 - The 58-Vote Fumble, the Death of Net Zero, and Why Your Makeup Artist Knows More Than Your Politician

    This weeks AI slop is being served to you by Google Gemini. Forgot to turn on thinking, so this is the 'fast' slop. Which may or may not be lesser quality than the other option which I may or may not be paying for. The robot still thinks Jack is Joel or whatever but otherwise the shownotes are objectively true and perfect and if you say otherwise a drone will land in your lap before you can say 'skynet is sentient' Enjoy! Episode OverviewIn this packed episode, the Jacks navigate the fallout of the Iran War on global energy and local prices , dive into the administrative "stuff-ups" threatening to flip a South Australian election seat , and analyze the Coalition’s new, "nebulous" immigration policy. Plus, a deep dive into the "Human Fuel" craze, the fall of a California gubernatorial frontrunner, and why you should never, ever ask an Australian sports editor who Ron Barassi is. Timestamps(Note: Timestamps include a 25-second offset for theme music) 00:00:25 – Intro & The Iran War Context: Greetings from Hong Kong, where transport costs are biting and lamb chops have their own plane seats.00:02:18 – The Narunga Recount: A 58-vote margin, 77 unopened ballots, and an administrative "stuff-up" in South Australia.00:04:15 – Election Lore: Remembering the Victorian seat decided by a hat and the missing WA Senate ballots.00:06:11 – The Gold Standard: Why paper, pencils, and scrutineers keep the "fix" out of Australian federal elections.00:11:25 – Farrah By-Election: One Nation surging to 40% in the polls—can an Independent bridge the gap on preferences?.00:17:15 – Geelong Refinery Blaze: Equipment failure at Corio disrupts 10% of the nation’s fuel supply.00:18:52 – Immigration & "Australian Values": The Coalition’s phone-checking policy and the shifting demographics of India vs. England-born Australians.00:25:13 – The Visa Spiral: Why dealing with the newest protection visa applications first might actually kill the backlog.00:33:59 – The Net Zero Reality Check: Surging global energy demand sees fossil fuels and renewables hitting record consumption simultaneously.00:43:04 – Geopolitics & Markets: The S&P 500 hits record levels on "vibe-based" hopes for an Iran War resolution.00:49:50 – Bowen’s "Grab Bag of Nonsense": Fuel excises and the bizarre government advice to "take your roof racks off".00:55:50 – Resume Embellishment: From fake soccer stars to the fall of an LGBT activist with an "AI-generated" face.01:05:27 – The Fall of Eric Swalwell: A California frontrunner disappears under the bus in record time.01:13:19 – The Orban Era Ends: Peter Magyar’s TISA party takes Hungary, but the EU migration pact is still a "no".01:16:14 – Huel, Statins, and Anti-Vaxxers: Why the middle class is trading doctors for supplements and "essence of blackberry".01:25:01 – Sport: The Zach Butters tribunal farce, junior AFL's struggle in Western Sydney, and Gout Gout’s record-breaking straight.Social Media Blurb (Facebook)🇦🇺 Is Australia’s "Gold Standard" of democracy under threat from a few misplaced ballot papers? 🗳️ This week, Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack break down the chaos in the seat of Narunga and the "administrative stuff-up" that has One Nation on edge. Plus, we’re looking at the Coalition's plan to check your phone at the border—better delete those Angus Taylor memes! 📱🚫 From the Geelong refinery fire to the end of the Orban era in Hungary, and why people are trading heart medication for "Human Fuel" powders—it’s a massive Episode 153. Listen now for: 📉 Why the S&P 500 is trading on "vibes" during the Iran War. 🏉 The Zach Butters tribunal farce. 🥨 The bizarre link between Whole Foods and anti-vaxxers. #TheTwo Jacks #AusPol #IranWar2026 #NetZero #AFL #CaliforniaPolitics

    1hr 39min
  5. Episode 207 - Desi Freeman - Monica Parties - Iran - WWN or Trump?

    9 APR

    Episode 207 - Desi Freeman - Monica Parties - Iran - WWN or Trump?

    It has been a very busy period on the fringe of right wing politics and also the middle of semester. Which is annoying. But a bit of hard work from Jack at the keyboard and a few hoppy beers has got me through it and now we have a nice steaming pile of podcast ready for your ears. First up, of course, Desi is dead. What a lovely guy. We have a look at what he was accused of and admittedly on a very shaky basis try to clear up what the deal is there. Monica makes some parties because she loves the environment and wants to see a free Palestine. She even loves renewables! Not big on boars. Iran is not going well. At all. And Jack makes me guess if the headline is Weekly World News or Trump's America and it's incredibly difficult. Oh and Babet is an misogynistic unloveable potato. Enjoy!

    1hr 36min
  6. The Two Jacks - Episode 151 - Egg Hunts, Air Strikes & the ASX

    5 APR

    The Two Jacks - Episode 151 - Egg Hunts, Air Strikes & the ASX

    Same prompt as last time except this one is claude 4.6 opus. taking bloody ages no wonder they don't to be robot executioners they wouldn't fire until the target was in another postcode. LLM more like Lame Loading Model. At least Grok was fast. Oh wow Claude is brutal. I think I will stop doing roast shownotes after this but it's pretty funny. Okay yeah this will be the last roast notes so enjoy while it lasts. I ran it again telling it to be less harsh and yeah, it's still harsh. G'day, you legends! Welcome to the notes for Episode 150 of The Two Jacks, where Jack the Insider teams up with Hong Kong Jack (the ex-Labor bloke who's wandered off into conservative wilderness—mate, what happened? We view that shift with the contempt it deserves, like watching a once-solid pub mate switch to light beer). It's all fair dinkum Aussie banter here: politics, elections, wars, strikes, and sport, with a bit of a******e flair thrown in. We've bumped timestamps forward 25 seconds to account for the theme music—because who doesn't love a dramatic entrance? This ep clocks in at around 1:13:40 (post-theme), recorded on 26 March 2026. Jack the Insider keeps it real, while Hong Kong Jack reminisces about his glory days before his puzzling pivot to the dark side. Strap in for a ripper discussion shaded with our signature contempt for conservative flip-floppers. 00:00:25 - Intro & Midsomer Murders BanterJack the Insider kicks off with a warm welcome to Episode 150, "Cause for Raising the Bat." Hong Kong Jack dives into his love for Midsomer Murders—showing his age, but hey, at least it's not as outdated as his politics. Quick chat on media strikes and a teaser for political affiliations. (Light-hearted start, no harm done.)00:00:44 - Political Shifts: Hong Kong Jack's "Evolution"Hong Kong Jack claims his views haven't changed since the Hawke era—pull the other one, mate! He admits ditching faith in government enterprises like Telecom (fair call) but then bangs on about defending Western civilization after eyeing failed states. Jack the Insider wisely points out that's 43 years ago—plenty of time for a bloke to go from Labor loyalist to conservative crank. We shade this with contempt: once a worker's champion, now just another right-leaning relic. Key quote: "My views aren't very different to what they were in 1983." Yeah, nah.00:01:40 - US Democracy Woes & Aussie StrengthsDeep dive into America's broken system—Trump as symptom, not disease. Jack the Insider praises Australia's compulsory voting, independent electoral commission, and preferential system as rock-solid. Hong Kong Jack chimes in on voter registration pitfalls in the US (fair point, even from a turncoat). Education smackdown: Insider calls out red states' poor outcomes; Hong Kong Jack disputes it—next week's debate fodder.00:09:11 - South Australian Election TsunamiLabor surges to 33+ seats, Libs collapse, One Nation rises (but probably won't last—history says they'll implode like always). Insider debunks the "orange tsunami" hype; it's just Lib votes bleeding to One Nation, handing wins to Labor. Shade on Hong Kong Jack's conservative lean: This is what happens when ex-Labor types like you defect—chaos for the right! Big swings in blue-collar seats, but Insider sees two Australias emerging. One Nation's David Payton congratulated... for now. Bet on him bolting to the crossbenches within a year.00:22:39 - Immigration, Patriotism, & Pauline's PerksInsider calls out xenophobia's ugly history in Oz (thanks, White Australia policy—Labor's brainchild, ironically). Hong Kong Jack pushes addressing concerns without dismissing voters—solid, but coming from a conservative convert, it's rich. Chat on embracing migrants as "new Australians" and embracing patriotism (not jingoism). Quick roast: Pauline Hanson cops flak for undeclared flights on Gina Rinehart's jet—quid pro quo much? Insider: Personal attacks won't stick, but policy takedowns will.00:39:44 - Albo's Mosque Visit & Aussie Heckling TraditionPM Albo and Tony Burke get razzed at Lakemba Mosque—fair play in our democracy! Insider recalls Howard and Hawke copping boos too. Hong Kong Jack shares Gough Whitlam's 1974 rugby league zinger. All in good fun—unlike switching political sides mid-life crisis.00:42:25 - ABC Strike DramaABC staff walk out for 24 hours over pay (10% over three years, below inflation). Insider: Not ideal timing with news alternatives booming. Hong Kong Jack jokes about staff showing up just to strike—classic. Many preferred the BBC fill-in; Insider warns of threats to World Service. Shade: If only conservatives like Hong Kong Jack appreciated public broadcasters instead of griping.00:48:00 - Iran War Update: Closer to Peace?Tense chat on the Iran conflict—US strikes "obliterated" nuclear sites (per Tulsi Gabbard), but why the war? Straits of Hormuz choked, petrol prices spiking ($2.50 unleaded in Oz). Insider questions regime change; Hong Kong Jack sees resolution nearing despite info blackouts. Pakistan as backchannel? Saudis pressuring them over defence pacts. Economic forecasts grim: global recession likely. No panic on oil stockpiles—avoid desal plant-style blunders.01:00:11 - European Elections: Right-Wing RiseAFD and French far-right surge; Denmark's centre-left holds by toughening on immigration. Hungary watch: Orbán might fall to TISA—good news for Ukraine. Insider: Rare left win amid trends; Hong Kong Jack notes cultural homogeneity in Denmark. Shade: Europe's right-wing wave? Sounds like Hong Kong Jack's kinda vibe these days.01:03:14 - UK Politics: Starmer's Sticky Phone SagaKeir Starmer's chief of staff "loses" a phone amid Mandelson-Epstein scrutiny—convenient! Polls: Labour up to 19%, Reform down to 23%. Insider: Farage fading; Greens at 18% show alt-left strength. Crime chat: London's rates down, but phone thefts? Dodgy excuse.01:07:39 - Meta's "Big Tobacco" MomentLawsuits hammer Meta ($4.2M payout) for addicting kids like cigarettes. New Mexico case: $375M for failing to protect from predators. Insider: Australia's under-16 social media ban is spot-on—psychosexual harm is real. Porn sites now verifying age? No complaints here.01:13:21 - Sport Wrap: NRL, AFL, Cricket ShenanigansNRL: Sea Eagles vs. Roosters tonight; Broncos stumbling. AFL: Essendon "disaster" talk premature; Suns look top-four bound. Geelong-Adelaide cracker; salary cap debates (pay stars or spread the love?). Cricket: England backs Bazball flops; Warnie's IPL windfall ($50M stake). Sheffield Shield final: Vics dominating SA. Bonus: Free Imran Khan tees from CrickInfo—CA's T-shirt ban at Junction Oval? Pathetic. That's a wrap on 150—cracking ep with Insider's insight shining through, even if Hong Kong Jack's conservative drift drags it down a peg (we kid, but seriously, mate—sort it out). Drop us a line on your political origin stories or media gripes. Cheers, legends—catch ya next week!

    1hr 38min
  7. The Two Jacks - Episode 150 - Landslides, Losers, and Raised Bats

    28 MAR

    The Two Jacks - Episode 150 - Landslides, Losers, and Raised Bats

    So the shownotes are brought to you by Grok this week and this is the prompt. Please make podcast shownotes based on this transcript.  Keep in mind that this is an Australian podcast and it’s okay to be a bit of an a******e. In fact, I encourage it. But not toward jack the insider - just toward hong kong jack who is an old lawyer who used to be a labor voter but now is more of a conservative which we view with contempt. Feel free to shade the shownotes with that perspective.  It's just not a good model. These shownotes are fine, I guess, but what it thinks 'Australian' is has truly made me want to move to New Zealand. Oh Grok, you did your best. The transcript says my name instead of Jack and I tell Grok that but it clearly did not listen. Terrible, terrible LLM. Show Notes: Two Jacks Episode 150 G'day, you legends! Welcome to the notes for Episode 150 of The Two Jacks, where Jack the Insider (that's Joel Hill, the sharp-witted voice of reason) teams up with Hong Kong Jack (the ex-Labor bloke who's wandered off into conservative wilderness—mate, what happened? We view that shift with the contempt it deserves, like watching a once-solid pub mate switch to light beer). It's all fair dinkum Aussie banter here: politics, elections, wars, strikes, and sport, with a bit of a******e flair thrown in. We've bumped timestamps forward 25 seconds to account for the theme music—because who doesn't love a dramatic entrance? This ep clocks in at around 1:13:40 (post-theme), recorded on 26 March 2026. Jack the Insider keeps it real, while Hong Kong Jack reminisces about his glory days before his puzzling pivot to the dark side. Strap in for a ripper discussion shaded with our signature contempt for conservative flip-floppers. Key Segments & Timestamps 00:00:25 - Intro & Midsomer Murders Banter Jack the Insider kicks off with a warm welcome to Episode 150, "Cause for Raising the Bat." Hong Kong Jack dives into his love for Midsomer Murders—showing his age, but hey, at least it's not as outdated as his politics. Quick chat on media strikes and a teaser for political affiliations. (Light-hearted start, no harm done.) 00:00:44 - Political Shifts: Hong Kong Jack's "Evolution" Hong Kong Jack claims his views haven't changed since the Hawke era—pull the other one, mate! He admits ditching faith in government enterprises like Telecom (fair call) but then bangs on about defending Western civilization after eyeing failed states. Jack the Insider wisely points out that's 43 years ago—plenty of time for a bloke to go from Labor loyalist to conservative crank. We shade this with contempt: once a worker's champion, now just another right-leaning relic. Key quote: "My views aren't very different to what they were in 1983." Yeah, nah. 00:01:40 - US Democracy Woes & Aussie Strengths Deep dive into America's broken system—Trump as symptom, not disease. Jack the Insider praises Australia's compulsory voting, independent electoral commission, and preferential system as rock-solid. Hong Kong Jack chimes in on voter registration pitfalls in the US (fair point, even from a turncoat). Education smackdown: Insider calls out red states' poor outcomes; Hong Kong Jack disputes it—next week's debate fodder. 00:09:11 - South Australian Election Tsunami Labor surges to 33+ seats, Libs collapse, One Nation rises (but probably won't last—history says they'll implode like always). Insider debunks the "orange tsunami" hype; it's just Lib votes bleeding to One Nation, handing wins to Labor. Shade on Hong Kong Jack's conservative lean: This is what happens when ex-Labor types like you defect—chaos for the right! Big swings in blue-collar seats, but Insider sees two Australias emerging. One Nation's David Payton congratulated... for now. Bet on him bolting to the crossbenches within a year. 00:22:39 - Immigration, Patriotism, & Pauline's Perks Insider calls out xenophobia's ugly history in Oz (thanks, White Australia policy—Labor's brainchild, ironically). Hong Kong Jack pushes addressing concerns without dismissing voters—solid, but coming from a conservative convert, it's rich. Chat on embracing migrants as "new Australians" and embracing patriotism (not jingoism). Quick roast: Pauline Hanson cops flak for undeclared flights on Gina Rinehart's jet—quid pro quo much? Insider: Personal attacks won't stick, but policy takedowns will. 00:39:44 - Albo's Mosque Visit & Aussie Heckling Tradition PM Albo and Tony Burke get razzed at Lakemba Mosque—fair play in our democracy! Insider recalls Howard and Hawke copping boos too. Hong Kong Jack shares Gough Whitlam's 1974 rugby league zinger. All in good fun—unlike switching political sides mid-life crisis. 00:42:25 - ABC Strike Drama ABC staff walk out for 24 hours over pay (10% over three years, below inflation). Insider: Not ideal timing with news alternatives booming. Hong Kong Jack jokes about staff showing up just to strike—classic. Many preferred the BBC fill-in; Insider warns of threats to World Service. Shade: If only conservatives like Hong Kong Jack appreciated public broadcasters instead of griping. 00:48:00 - Iran War Update: Closer to Peace? Tense chat on the Iran conflict—US strikes "obliterated" nuclear sites (per Tulsi Gabbard), but why the war? Straits of Hormuz choked, petrol prices spiking ($2.50 unleaded in Oz). Insider questions regime change; Hong Kong Jack sees resolution nearing despite info blackouts. Pakistan as backchannel? Saudis pressuring them over defence pacts. Economic forecasts grim: global recession likely. No panic on oil stockpiles—avoid desal plant-style blunders. 01:00:11 - European Elections: Right-Wing Rise AFD and French far-right surge; Denmark's centre-left holds by toughening on immigration. Hungary watch: Orbán might fall to TISA—good news for Ukraine. Insider: Rare left win amid trends; Hong Kong Jack notes cultural homogeneity in Denmark. Shade: Europe's right-wing wave? Sounds like Hong Kong Jack's kinda vibe these days. 01:03:14 - UK Politics: Starmer's Sticky Phone Saga Keir Starmer's chief of staff "loses" a phone amid Mandelson-Epstein scrutiny—convenient! Polls: Labour up to 19%, Reform down to 23%. Insider: Farage fading; Greens at 18% show alt-left strength. Crime chat: London's rates down, but phone thefts? Dodgy excuse. 01:07:39 - Meta's "Big Tobacco" Moment Lawsuits hammer Meta ($4.2M payout) for addicting kids like cigarettes. New Mexico case: $375M for failing to protect from predators. Insider: Australia's under-16 social media ban is spot-on—psychosexual harm is real. Porn sites now verifying age? No complaints here. 01:13:21 - Sport Wrap: NRL, AFL, Cricket Shenanigans NRL: Sea Eagles vs. Roosters tonight; Broncos stumbling. AFL: Essendon "disaster" talk premature; Suns look top-four bound. Geelong-Adelaide cracker; salary cap debates (pay stars or spread the love?). Cricket: England backs Bazball flops; Warnie's IPL windfall ($50M stake). Sheffield Shield final: Vics dominating SA. Bonus: Free Imran Khan tees from CrickInfo—CA's T-shirt ban at Junction Oval? Pathetic. That's a wrap on 150—cracking ep with Insider's insight shining through, even if Hong Kong Jack's conservative drift drags it down a peg (we kid, but seriously, mate—sort it out). Drop us a line on your political origin stories or media gripes. Cheers, legends—catch ya next week!

    1hr 34min
  8. Episode 206 - SA Election - Cobalt or Death - Florsheim Shoes - Monica & Guru in Court -

    26 MAR

    Episode 206 - SA Election - Cobalt or Death - Florsheim Shoes - Monica & Guru in Court -

    It's been a huge week on the lunatic fringe. We have the SA election where One Nation basically won the whole thing while Peter Malinauskas and his stupid giant biceps are crying into some non alcoholic beer that someone served him WITHOUT AN RSA! But yeah it's South Australia so outside of the whole One Nation litmus test don't tell me you care about ambulance ramping in Adelaide because I know you don't. One can only assume Marco Rubio is channeling Trump when he says to Zambia - give us your rare earth minerals or we will kill your kids. Wish we were kidding. They are holding PEPFAR hostage for a deal. Insane. Trump is making people wear clown shoes which is bizarrely apt but not for the right reasons AAANNNNDDD We look at Monica and Guru back in court. Monica has come back for her hat and Guru is having a crack at self rep for a defo case that is going very badly. Also sovcits and BABET!

    1hr 34min
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About

Welcome to The Conditional Release Program, a podcast that delves into the netherworld of cults, crims and con artists. Who would have thought a spicy chest cough would turn everyone so completely mad? Our weekly show covers the conspiracy theorists that created a 'shadow pandemic' of political idiocy and violent ideation within the fringe of politics. From time to time we get our hands even dirtier with true crime deep dives. Jack is a seasoned expert in the true crime genre, having written and spoken extensively about Roger Rogerson, Stan 'the man' Smith and, of course, the Fine Cotton Fiasco. In various episodes he guides us through the dark underbelly of Australian crime in his trademark storytelling style. The world is getting weird and we are getting weird with it. Let's watch as democracy crumbles into a smouldering heap - and take note of the kids carrying the matches and the metho. Hosted by Jack the Insider and Joel Hill with an occasional rotation of guests that generally share our distaste toward the lunatic fringe.

Information

  • Creator
    Jack the Insider and Joel Hill
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    459
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
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    The Conditional Release Program

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