Best China Chit Chat Podcasts (2025)

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Kimmel gets Lattoufed, SBS’s tunnelvision on Eurovision + getting real about independent media 1:02:25

Play Pause

14h ago1:02:25

1:02:25

We’re live at the Wheeler Center in Melbourne this week, handing out a report card on independent media now that Ette Media has survived its three-month probation. Jan Fran, once reporting on Eurovision for SBS, is now not-happy-Jan at the broadcaster’s refusal to boycott if Israel takes the stage. Antoinette brings the receipts on The Daily Telegr…

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EXCLUSIVE: A lifeline for Meanjin, Kirk’s killing media mayhem + buried Islamophobia report 1:03:05

8d ago1:03:05

1:03:05

In an exclusive investigation, we look at Melbourne University Press’s decision to close one of Australia’s oldest literary journals. MUP says it’s about money, we reveal new testimony that says otherwise. So what’s it really about? Plus, we look at the saturation of media coverage following Charlie Kirk’s murder. We explore how the media should co…

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NFA Expo, Night 3 (Part 2) 1:19:30

12d ago1:19:30

1:19:30

Episode #175: NFA Expo, Night 3 (Part 2) Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Special Guests: Steve Kozar & Paul Catucci, Pyro Junkie This episode of the Fireworks Brigade – A Pyro Podcast was recorded during the National Fireworks annual Expo in Rogers, Arkansas. This episode took place from the lounge of the Embassy Suites after a day of trade …

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NFA Expo, Night 3 (Part 1) 41:25

12d ago41:25

41:25

Episode #174: NFA Expo, Night 3 (Part 1) Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Special Guests: Keith Chua, JinLing & Chuck Decker, Uncle Sam This episode of the Fireworks Brigade – A Pyro Podcast was recorded during the National Fireworks Annual Expo. This year’s event took place in Rogers, Arkansas and this episode was recorded from the lounge of…

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Meet the BBC journalist who quit over Gaza coverage 55:00

15d ago55:00

55:00

With Antoinette away this week, Jan Fran holds down the fort with former BBC journalist and presenter Karishma Patel. Karishma walked out of the BBC in October 2024 over its coverage of Gaza and has since become one of its loudest and most public critics. In this episode, she and Jan dive into life inside the BBC, what finally pushed her to resign,…

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Fireworks Can’t Be Canceled 1:06:43

18d ago1:06:43

1:06:43

Episode #173: Fireworks Can’t Be Canceled Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker For over a decade John and Ron have read countless stories written by all kinds of folks that are eager to cancel fireworks. Very rarely do you come across a story in support of fireworks and all the good comes as a result of the industry. John and Ron take the time to…

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Neo-Nazi march minimised, Lebs on Bob Katter + news influencers echo old media habits 57:50

24d ago57:50

57:50

Jan and Antoinette have been busting to share their inside Lebbo goss about Bob Katter. Also, we cover the coverage of the so-called March for Australia - a rally led by neo-Nazis and followed by limp reporting. The Herald Sun dibberdobs … again and the Canberra Midwinter Ball leaves Jan feeling icy as she watches old-school journalists and new sch…

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ABC’s social media gag order, Sky News’ war criminal chit-chat + Gina Rinehart’s net zero ideology spruiked 55:59

29d ago55:59

55:59

In this episode Antoinette (finally!) gives her reaction to the ABC’s new Public Comment Guidelines, which Jan calls the ‘Lattouf guidelines.’ The broadcaster says the new rules aren’t due to its Federal Court loss to Antoinette but we’re not so sure. We also examine the messy, co-dependent and ever-changing relationship between journalists and the…

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Bendigo's big backfire, Woodside fishy ties with Seven West + surviving news fatigue 55:00

1M ago55:00

55:00

In this episode, Jan examines the fishy relationship between Woodside Energy and Seven West Media. Antoinette looks at The Daily Telegraph revving up far-right, anti-immigration protests despite demonising other protests, a move that gives Jan flashbacks to the Cronulla Riots. Meanwhile, as Deepcut News breaks a story of censorship at the Bendigo's…

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Media parrots Israel after killing of journalists, how tabloids selectively lobby governments + satire with bite 56:29

1M ago56:29

56:29

This week, Jan and Antoinette are gutted by news that more of their Palestinian journalist colleagues - including Al Jazeera's Anas Al-Sharif - were killed in Gaza. Instead of honouring their work, much of the media repeated - nay led- with the Israeli line that they were “terrorists” despite a complete lack of evidence. We pull apart the evidence …

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PGI 2025 38:44

2M ago38:44

38:44

Episode #172: PGI 2025 Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker John and the guys are in Iowa experiencing the joys of PGI while Ron’s back home taking care of the administrative duties. The guys take some time virtually to discuss what’s going on in the markets and at the convention. If you like our podcast, you’ll love our YouTube channel! Some top…

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Historic bridge march leaves media scrambling, Logies cloning + a Stellar screw up 1:00:52

2M ago1:00:52

1:00:52

In this episode, Jan and Antoinette reflect on their decision to attend what’s being called Australia’s biggest anti-war march. Fresh off that Harbour Bridge high, they grapple with the chaotic, contradictory and downright distorted media framing of the protest. At the Logies, things felt … well, the same. Veteran Ray Martin’s speech piqued our int…

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Johnny’s Shelf of Joy 50:25

2M ago50:25

50:25

Episode #171: Johnny’s Shelf of Joy Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker This episode of the Fireworks Brigade – A Pyro Podcast was recorded in the warehouse of Starr Fireworks in Fargo North Dakota. It’s Independence Day 2025 and the guys take some time to report on fireworks industry trends in real time. If you like our podcast, you’ll love our…

1
Media wakes up to starved kids in Gaza…or does it? + Nelk Boys Netanyahu bromance 57:04

2M ago57:04

57:04

In this episode Jan and Antoinette unpack the sudden, strangely synchronised media concern for starving Palestinian children. Why now? What’s changed—and what still hasn’t? A look at the caveats, spin, and selective outrage still dominating the conversation. We also look closely at the prestigious Andrew OIllie media lecture that is meant to be a f…

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Have we really stopped being journalists? A terrible TV “debate” + Gaza social media v MSM coverage. 1:03:21

2M ago1:03:21

1:03:21

In this episode, Jan and Antoinette have a candid and sometimes chaotic conversation about whether they still see themselves as journalists—and why they threw caution to the wind and launched an independent media company. This honest exploration of the Australian media industry is part reflection, part existential crisis. It’s A No From Me: A disse…

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An envoy influencing media, coverage of PM in China + a dig from The Australian 59:27

3M ago59:27

59:27

In this episode, we take a look at Australia's antisemitism envoy and her plan to “monitor” and “advise” public broadcasters. Jillian Segal says her plan wont stifle criticism of Israel but we aren't so sure. We also have an honest conversation about the pro-Israel lobby and its influence on the Australian media, from all-expenses-junkets to Israel…

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The Age’s framing of Melbourne synagogue attack + What is an ‘activist journalist’? 59:14

3M ago59:14

59:14

In this episode, Jan unpacks The Age’s coverage of an anti-Semitic incident in Melbourne while Antoinette takes a look at a different genocide and the conspicuous absence of major coverage of the Yoorrook Justice Commission landmark findings. Plus, Jan and Antoinette pull apart the curious case of the “activist journalist” label—how it was framed, …

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Borrowed Time 44:03

3M ago44:03

44:03

Episode #170: Borrowed Time Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker This episode of the Fireworks Brigade – A Pyro Podcast was recorded in the warehouse of Starr Fireworks in Fargo North Dakota. It’s the middle of retail week and the guys take some time to report on fireworks industry trends in real time. There’s some talk about the China tariffs, f…

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Lattouf speaks out on ABC win, the fight and the fallout. 1:14:03

3M ago1:14:03

1:14:03

Antoinette Lattouf sued the ABC and won. In the very first episode of We Used To Be Journos, Antoinette joins Jan to unpack the legal showdown that not only exposed breathtaking incompetence at the broadcaster but also the hidden power and influence of lobby groups. Executives ducked accountability, lawyers flirted with racial erasure, and Lattouf'…

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Trailer 1:15

3M ago1:15

1:15

A taste of what's to come on We Used to be Journos. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The Deeper I Go; The More I Cry 57:26

3M ago57:26

57:26

Episode #169: The Deeper I Go; The More I Cry Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker This episode of the Fireworks Brigade – A Pyro Podcast was recorded in the warehouse of Starr Fireworks in Fargo North Dakota. It’s the start of retail week and the guys are getting ready for the 4th of July. There’s some talk about the China tariffs and fireworks …

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Now I Got a Fivehead 1:15:05

4M ago1:15:05

1:15:05

Episode #168: Now I Got a Fivehead Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The season is approaching fast, the dealer show is in the rear view mirror and Johnny is gearing up for the sales season. To make things even more interesting, the fireworks industry is facing a significant challenge due to the tariffs currently imposed on our products. Ron a…

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Starr Fireworks Dealer Show – Pre Show 54:04

5M ago54:04

54:04

Episode #167: Starr Fireworks Dealer Show – Pre Show Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker John and Ron hosted a Starr Fireworks Dealer Show – Pre-Show, live from the Starr Fireworks showroom in Fargo, North Dakota. John has just returned from China, and after the serious talk about the recent China tariffs, the guys talk about their surroundings.…

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China Tariffs Threaten America’s Fireworks 1:19:31

6M ago1:19:31

1:19:31

Episode #166: China Tariffs Threaten America’s Fireworks Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Guests: Stacy Schneitter Blake, President of the National Fireworks Association | Steve Houser, Past President of the National Fireworks Association The fireworks industry is facing a significant challenge due to the tariffs currently imposed on our prod…

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Give Them All Corned Beef 1:09:21

6M ago1:09:21

1:09:21

Episode #165: Give Them All Corned Beef Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Guest: Hello Louie It’s St. Patrick’s Day and the guys are in Chicago. The fireworks business is starting to heat up. The 4th of July is a few short months away and it’s starting to get exciting. As discussed many times, the fireworks industry is slow to move so it’s not…

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Loteria 1:13:35

7M ago1:13:35

1:13:35

Episode #164: Loteria Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker It’s Super Bowl weekend and the guys are back in Cabo San Lucas Mexico for some much needed rest & relaxation. Louie joins Ron and John at the Casa Starr table for some fireworks discussion. If you like the podcasts, please subscribe and check out our YouTube channel. Some topics covered …

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We All Have to Have an Expert 1:13:40

8M ago1:13:40

1:13:40

Episode #163: We All Have to Have an Expert Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker It’s January and the inauguration is over. President Trump is in office and Ron and John get together to recap recent events and discuss what this means to the industry of fireworks. This episode was recorded at the Pyro Podcast studios in suburban Illinois. If you l…

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NOEL NOAB – Surprise! Ron the Banker and Johnny Starr 1:25:15

9M ago1:25:15

1:25:15

NOEL NOAB Episode #10: Surprise! Ron the Banker and Johnny Starr Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime,…

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NOEL NOAB – Ed Vasel, Dominator Fireworks & VP of the NFA 25:50

9M ago25:50

25:50

NOEL NOAB Episode #09: Ed Vasel, Dominator Fireworks & Vice President of the NFA Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. Durin…

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NOEL NOAB – Steve Houser, Red Rhino Fireworks 20:51

9M ago20:51

20:51

NOEL NOAB Episode #08: Steve Houser, Red Rhino Fireworks Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime, we get …

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NOEL NOAB – Darci Hoesley, Maximum Load Fireworks 16:08

9M ago16:08

16:08

NOEL NOAB Episode #07: Darci Hoesley, Maximum Load Fireworks Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime, we …

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NOEL NOAB – Wilson, Chili / Black Scorpion Fireworks 17:35

9M ago17:35

17:35

NOEL NOAB Episode #06: Wilson, Chili / Black Scorpion Fireworks Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime, …

1
NOEL NOAB – Matt Roach, Pyro Buy 18:52

9M ago18:52

18:52

NOEL NOAB Episode #05: Matt Roach, Pyro Buy Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime, we get to know 9 imp…

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NOEL NOAB – John Jersey, Red Rooster Fireworks 13:00

9M ago13:00

13:00

NOEL NOAB Episode #04: John Jersey, Red Rooster Fireworks Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime, we get…

1
NOEL NOAB – Tom Wilson, Black Market Fireworks 17:37

9M ago17:37

17:37

NOEL NOAB Episode #03: Tom Wilson, Black Market Fireworks Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime, we get…

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NOEL NOAB – Amy Liu, Happy Family / Riakeo Fireworks 14:59

10M ago14:59

14:59

NOEL NOAB Episode #02: Amy Liu, Happy Family / Riakeo Fireworks Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, and it’s wired for ignition and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this do…

1
NOEL NOAB – Paul Smith, President of the PGI 29:01

10M ago29:01

29:01

NOEL NOAB Episode #01: Paul Smith, President of the PGI Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime, we get t…

1
Once Again I Sound Like a Narcissist 1:12:44

10M ago1:12:44

1:12:44

Episode #152: Once Again I Sound Like a Narcissist Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The guys have been apart for over a month and there’s much to discuss. The bulk of the episode is a recap of John’s annual buying trip in China and what the wholesalers can expect for next year. This episode was recorded at the Pyropodcast studios in suburban …

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Pyro Sex Party! 1:03:56

11M ago1:03:56

1:03:56

Episode #151: Pyro Sex Party! Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The night before John leaves for his annual China buying trip, Ron and John get together to recap recent events at NFA and discuss future plans. This annual Halloween episode was recorded at the Pyropodcast studios in suburban Illinois. If you like the podcasts, please subscribe a…

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Larry Lomaz NFA Roundtable 1:06:01

12M ago1:06:01

1:06:01

Episode #150: Larry Lomaz Roundtable – Live From NFA Fall Expo Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Special Guests: Steve Kozar and Robert Burke This episode of the Fireworks Brigade – A Pyro Podcast was recorded in Erie, Pennsylvania during the NFA’s annual Fall Expo. There’s always some great fun and fascinating stories when the name Larry Loma…

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Pro Line Product Discussion 40:57

1y ago40:57

40:57

Episode #149: Pro Line Product Discussion – Live From NFA Fall Expo Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Special Guests: Steve Hauser, Past President NFA & Ed Vasel, Vice President NFA This episode of the Fireworks Brigade – A Pyro Podcast was recorded in Erie Pennsylvania during the NFA’s annual Fall Expo. There was a noticeable increase in “Pro…

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Bum Bum 1:23:13

1y ago1:23:13

1:23:13

Episode #148: Bum Bum Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker This episode of the Fireworks Brigade – A Pyro Podcast was recorded in the Fireworks Brigade Studios in suburban Illinois. The selling season and the Independence Day Holiday are now over. John and Ron are in Chicago to wrap up the season and look forward to the NFA Expo. They take some t…

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I Thought These Were Fake Handcuffs 38:29

1y ago38:29

38:29

Episode #147: I Thought These Were Fake Handcuffs Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker This episode of the Fireworks Brigade – A Pyro Podcast was recorded in the warehouse of Starr Fireworks in Fargo North Dakota. It’s the 4th of July and the guys are prepared for the Final Countdown. If you like our podcast, you’ll love our YouTube channel. Some…

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She Thinks My Pyro’s Sexy 50:48

1y ago50:48

50:48

Episode #146: She Thinks My Pyro’s Sexy Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker This episode of the Fireworks Brigade – A Pyro Podcast was recorded in the warehouse of Starr Fireworks in Fargo North Dakota. It’s the middle of retail week and the guys are getting somewhat “loopy”. If you like our podcast, you’ll love our YouTube channel. Some topics …

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2. Andre Spolaor: Making a living as an influencer in China 27:33

4y ago27:33

27:33

Andre Spolaor is an education entrepreneur and Chinese social media influencer. Andre is one of the top foreign influencers in China and has built up a following of over 1 million fans over Chinese platforms such as Douyin and RED, delivering daily content to help people learn English. His daily livestream lessons are typically attended by over 100…

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1. Chris Ruffle: Creating a a vineyard with a Scottish castle, in China 30:25

4y ago30:25

30:25

Chris Ruffle is a British businessman, author and entrepreneur. He is the owner of Treaty Port Vineyards in Shandong Province, a vineyard producing high quality Chinese wines he built from scratch. The vineyard also has an almost exact replica of a Scottish castle. It’s one of those crazy ‘only in China’ business stories that we are sure you will l…

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Intro Episode 6:46

4y ago6:46

6:46

What is China Chit Chat all about? Listen to this brief introductory episode to find out!