What's Your Poison

Peter Lewis & Damian Damjanovski
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Politics
  • Updated Weekly

Pouring through the week of politics, culture, and tech.

  1. 17 hrs ago ·  Video

    Shopping Trolley and Selling Anger with Ed Coper (Episode 13)

    Guest: Ed Coper We discuss the impact of social media algorithms on political discourse and public opinion. The role of anger and outrage in shaping online content and the need for algorithmic reform, including the challenges of educating people on information literacy and the ethical implications of AI-generated content. We talk about Ed's new book 'Angertainment'. And of course the critical analogy of supermarket shopping trolley return behaviour as a way to draw parallels with political voting patterns. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Poison Sharing05:35 The Role of Anger in Politics32:14 Algorithmic Impact on Creators and Users58:18 The Parallels Between Voting Behavior and Supermarket Shopping

    1hr 5min

  2. 28 June

    Unions, Victorians, and Stefanovics (Episode 12)

    We discuss the Brisbane vibe, then dig into unions and collective bargaining in the workplace. We discuss Victoria's upcoming election, some of the controversy and the fallout it caused, the disunity and public opinion of the Liberal Party, the rise of One Nation and its influence, how public perception and politics have shifted post-lockdown, the role of billionaires in policy, and the risk that long-term government poses to democracy. We dig into the risks and challenges of a fourth-term government, Australia's political shift to the right, the rise of podcasting and media influence, our predictions and political insights. We also cover the impact of a Liberal government on workers and renewable energy projects, the role of freedom of speech and platform accountability, the influence of money and sponsorship in podcasting, and the events we're anticipating in the political landscape. Chapters 00:00 Cheers to Brisbane23:23 Victorian State Election29:23 One Nation's Growth and Political Implications38:59 Billionaires, Policy, and Public Opinion46:11 Australia's Political Shift to the Right55:33 Predictions and Political Insights

    1hr 2min

  3. 19 June

    Episode 11 - Painful burns, Pauline protests, PMO

    We cover the inner workings of the Prime Minister's Office, Pauline's Press Club speech, populist campaign and political risks, immigration and multiculturalism, press club questions, and public perception and political shifts. The impact to the two-party system, media influence, and political positioning on the Australian political landscape. The role of humour and engagement in political communication and predicts future political developments and actions. Chapters 00:00 Introductions and Drink Choices10:27 Bipartisan Cooperation and Political Shifts21:21 Populist Campaign and Political Risks27:18 Press Club Questions and Chaos in Politics32:18 Political Insider vs. Outsider37:47 Progressive Politics and Populist Challenge43:04 Challenges of Political Leadership54:29 Kiss of Death Predictions

    53 min

  4. 12 June

    Episode 10 - Our Neighbours, One Nation, Orange Passes

    Guest: Eamonn Fitzpatrick This week we cover a range of topics including, the impact of Indonesia as an economic and cultural partner, China's role in the region, and the challenges of middle power coordination. The economic impact of global events and the potential disruptions to supply chains. The rise of populism and media disregard, particularly in the context of Trump's approach and its similarities with One Nation's strategy.We also explore the engagement with One Nation's immigration agenda, the role of lobbyists in government, concerns about AI discretion in NDIS legislation, and predictions for NDIS legislation, the World Cup outcome, and One Nation's internal conflict. Chapters 06:12 Indonesia as an Economic and Cultural Partner12:52 Foreign Policy and Security Alliances18:18 China's Role in the Region and Economic Partnerships23:51 Trump's Quoting of The West Wing31:33 Engagement with One Nation's Immigration Agenda38:12 Lobbyists and Access to Power52:33 Kiss of Death Predictions

    55 min

  5. 6 June

    Episode 9 - Submarines, Sovereignty, and Strong Personalities

    Guests: Parnell Palme McGuinness and Francis Leach This week we discuss political tribalism, careers across media and politics. Labor passing budget measures, Allegra Spender’s protest, and AUKUS shifting to three used submarines and long timelines. AUKUS as deeper US integration, deterrence and sea-lane security, changing warfare via drones, nuclear sensitivities, and Australia’s energy and industrial strategy. We unpack Tony Abbott becoming Liberal Party president as potentially useful but risky for overshadowing leadership and demographics. We talk One Nation/Barnaby Joyce policy confusion, outsider vs insider politics, and end with our weekly predictions. 09:12 Tribalism In Politics 12:17 Week In Canberra 13:22 AUKUS 19:56 Defense And Deterrence 22:11 Tech And Future Warfare 27:30 Neoliberalism And Industry 33:08 Tony Abbott Returns 40:37 Abbott As Future Or Folly 43:39 Barnaby One Nation Policy Gaffe 44:15 One Nation Contradictions And Doubts 47:58 Outsiders Versus The System 52:15 Kiss Of Death Predictions

    56 min

  6. 29 May

    Episode 8 - West Wing, House of Cards, Veep

    Featured guest: Jacqui Munro MLC (NSW) Political decisions seen through the lens of the West Wing, House of Cards, and The Thick of It. State-owned development and housing affordability in New South Wales. The challenges posed by bureaucratic regulations in construction, the impact of unions, fire ratings, and excessive paperwork. The data centre inquiry and governance, the lack of clarity in policy making and the potential economic and social opportunities. AI sovereignty and capability development, the need for a sovereign AI model and Australian AI capability, as well as the importance of data training and sovereignty

    55 min

  7. 22 May

    Episode 7 - Capital Gains, Enhanced Games, and AI Pains.

    The budget one week on, CG and the media/political class response, hypocrisy and political posturing. The inaugural enhanced games and what it means for athletes. The impact of data centres and AI . Takeaways Budget and TaxationMedia and Political ClassHypocrisy and Political Posturing Political dynamics between partiesImpact of AI on society Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Poison Choices06:28 Taxation and Budgetary Measures22:56 Media Bias and Political Hypocrisy30:26 Hierarchy of Disdain for Political Figures58:26 AI Impact

    59 min

  8. 15 May

    Episode 6 - Budget and Budget in Reply

    Guests: Fiona Scott, and Fiona Scott. Budget Week in Canberra, the impact of the budget on Labor and the Coalition, and the issue of trust in politics and broken promises. Housing affordability and the political blame game surrounding it. Dark economic scenarios and homelessness measures. Takeaways Budget Week in CanberraImpact of the Budget on Labor and CoalitionTrust in Politics and Broken Promises Housing affordability is a critical issuePRRT and gas tax are topics of public interest Political identity crisisImpact of community independentsGambling advertising ban Chapters 00:00 Budget Week in Canberra07:03 David Pocock's Influence and Personal Life16:18 Discussion on Family Trusts and Political Impact23:12 Dark Economic Scenarios and Homelessness Measures42:49 Identity Crisis in Politics

    1hr 5min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Pouring through the week of politics, culture, and tech.

Information

  • Creator
    Peter Lewis & Damian Damjanovski
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Peter Lewis & Damian Damjanovski
  • Show Website
    What's Your Poison

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