Neil Mitchell Asks Why 9Podcasts

Behind the people you see running the country, there is a powerful, faceless army of staffers, advisers and political analysts. 

They can win and lose an election. They can be responsible for the most excellent policies, and they can be responsible for the dirtiest of dirty tricks. 

For 14 years, Kos Samaras was one of those 'faceless' people, working as the deputy campaign director for Labor in Victoria. He's behind one of the most successful Labor elections in Australia - sweeping Dan Andrews into power in landslide election wins.

In this episode, Kos Samaras talks about the personal toll of politics, the power behind the policy and what the Australian public really cares about. 

Kos Samaras is now Director Strategy and Analytics at social research company RedBridge Group. 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This a view of the world you don't normally get. It's a view of the world out there, most of us don't know about, from the front line of Policing.

In this episode, I speak to two men: Senior Constable Tom Wilson, and his father, Constable Andrew Wilson, who followed his son into The Job.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jade Benham is a survivor of harrowing domestic violence at the hands of her former partner. She's also a Politician; And she's choosing now to share her very personal story with the world.

In this episode, I'm also joined by Stephen Wilson, the founder and CEO of Protective Group, a support service providing safety and security solutions to vulnerable people. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please contact 1800RESPECT for support.

Call: 1800 737 732

Visit Website: 1800RESPECT

1800RESPECT is available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's no denying AI will shape the future of human life: How we work, live and communicate.

In this episode, I speak to Australia's leading expert on Artificial Intelligence, Professor Toby Walsh, the Chief Scientist at the UNSW AI Institute. He's written a number of books on the subject, and been a vocal supporter of AI intelligence - but he has his concerns too. 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're four months into the year, so i'm roping in friends and colleagues Tony Jones and Heidi Murphy, 'The Jock and the Beast', to re-cap this years events so far, debate and discuss the big issues. 

 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I dive into the unexpected, unassuming world of fungi - and what I've found is astounding. 

I speak to Mycologist Dr.Teresa Lebel and discover fungi has the potential to change, save and shape the world like you wouldn't believe. 

 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.