Spin Cycle

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NEWS COMMENTARY
UPDATED WEEKLY

Spin Cycle covers all things media, unravelling the tangled threads of politics, the 24 hour news cycle, the spin and the story behind the stories. With Jess Lilley, Rachel Withers and Charlie Lewis.

27 NOV

Ben Smee on the judicial handling of domestic violence cases

Jess and Rachel are joined by Ben Smee, Guardian Australia reporter, delving into the new series Broken Trust. The two-year investigation looks into the handling of domestic violence cases in Queensland, and the alleged failures of the police force and courts. They also talk updates on Victorian politics, in particular, Jess Wilson’s supposed care for housing affordability. If this episode has raised any concerns for you, or someone you know, you can seek help via the below numbers: Lifeline - 131 114 National Domestic Violence and Family Counselling service - 1800 737 732

50 min
20 NOV

A closer look at Olivia Nuzzi

Jess and Charlie are going all in on American reporter, Olivia Nuzzi this week, in light of the media coverage of her new book, American Canto. They also discuss the lowering of the minimum age of criminal responsibility, and Sky News’ failings on TikTok.

44 min
13 NOV

RMIT journalism professor Alexandra Wake on allegations of bias at the BBC

Charlie, Rachel and special guest host Esther Linder discuss the news of the week, from the Victorian government’s punitive youth crime plans to the announcement that young Kennedy scion Jack Schlossberg is running for office…. despite having never held down a job. They are then joined by award-winning journalist and RMIT professor Alexandra Wake to discuss the resignation of two senior BBC figures over allegations of biased coverage, and what it means for public broadcasters and public confidence in public broadcasters more broadly.

48 min
6 NOV

Recent grad Preeshita Shah on starting a media career in 2025

Jess, Charlie and Rachel are joined by reporter, photographer, videographer and podcaster Preeshita Shah, who has just graduated from Melbourne Uni’s Centre for Advancing Journalism. Shah, who plans on becoming a war correspondent, shares the lessons she learnt from Chris Hedges during his recent visit, and reflects on the ways in which she and her Gen Z peers approach questions of “impartiality” and values. The team also takes some joy in the coverage of New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, over whom the mainstream media have lost their damn minds.

48 min
30 OCT

Chris Hedges on Israel-Palestine and his clash with Western media

Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist Chris Hedges joins Jess, Charlie and Rachel to discuss Israel’s occupation of Gaza and his cancelled address, 'The Betrayal of Palestinian Journalists.' Chris speaks about his seven years of reporting from the Middle East – much of it in Gaza – including being on the receiving end of Israeli firepower. Jess and Charlie also discuss Sussan Ley’s embarrassing attack on Anthony Albanese’s Joy Division t-shirt, and the politics of punk.

54 min
23 OCT

A call to action with journalist Omar El Akkad

Canadian-Egyptian journalist and novelist Omar El Akkad, discusses his new book One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This, which critiques what it means to live in the West, during a time of devastating world events occurring across the world. A journalist for ten years, Omar has reported on various pivotal political movements and events, and describes how this shaped his response to the crisis in Palestine. Omar delves into the 'moral fracture' of Western culture, and how this will influence the generations to come.

51 min
25 SEPT

Royce Kurmelovs on the dismal coverage of climate and targets

Jess, Charlie and Rachel invite freelance journalist and author of Slick, Royce Kurmelovs, to share some insights following the government’s announcement of its lacklustre 2035 emissions reduction target (or should we say range). The trio also discuss the moment the new Sky After Dark show, Freya Fires up, self-combusted after allowing UK Islamophobe for hire, Ryan Willams, to rant live to air while wearing bacon rashers on his shirt.

46 min
18 SEPT

More Radiothon ft Natalie Feliks!

Rachel, Jess and Charlie have another Radiothon special, this time joined by friend of the show Natalie Feliks, as they discuss the importance of community radio and independent media. Natalie shares her thoughts on the ongoing attacks on the trans community following the shooting of American right-wing provocateur Charlie Kirk, as well as her love for RRR, while the team try not to lose their collective minds over the accelerating rise of fascism in the US.

45 min

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Spin Cycle covers all things media, unravelling the tangled threads of politics, the 24 hour news cycle, the spin and the story behind the stories. With Jess Lilley, Rachel Withers and Charlie Lewis.