Best Democracy Policy Network Podcasts (2025)

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LIVE: Leith Van Olsen - Why South Australians Pay the World’s Highest Power Bills 25:45

Play Pause

6h ago25:45

25:45

On The Court of Public Opinion, Jeremy Cordeaux is joined by Chief Economist Leith Van Onselen to unpack Australia’s energy and housing crises. From skyrocketing power bills in South Australia to the government’s 5% housing deposit scheme, they expose the hidden costs of net zero, failed energy policy, and a looming affordability disaster. Topics D…

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FULL LIVE STREAM: Dr John Bruni, Prof. Ian Plimer, Leith Van Olsen, Senator Bob Day + More 3:37:40

6h ago3:37:40

3:37:40

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Auscast Network

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How to Lead with Purpose with Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw 29:00

2d ago29:00

29:00

In this week’s episode, host Ryan Coonerty sits down with Connecticut Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw. They discuss her work to reduce hunger in her state, pass landmark legislation to make housing more affordable despite pushback, and advance Connecticut’s first criminal justice model for trauma-informed engagement with survivors of sexual assa…

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Clara A. B. Joseph, "India's Non-violent Freedom Struggle: The Thomas Christians (1599-1799)" (Routledge, 2023) 37:46

8h ago37:46

37:46

India's Nonviolent Freedom Struggle focuses on the Thomas Christians, a group of Christians in South India who waged a nonviolent struggle against European colonization during the politically volatile period of 1599-1799. India's Non-violent Freedom Struggle: The Thomas Christians (1599-1799) (Routledge, 2023) has three related objectives and uniqu…

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LISTEN: Knife Laws, Globalism & Yoghurt at 117 – Jeremy Cordeaux’s Garage Edition 21:32

5h ago21:32

21:32

Jeremy Cordeaux’s Garage Edition on October 2, 2025, dives into hot topics shaping Australia and the world. From Adelaide’s new knife laws to Anthony Albanese’s “progressive” alliances, Trump vs globalism, freedom of speech debates, climate scepticism, gambling, spirituality, and even yoghurt as the secret to long life – Jeremy covers it all with s…

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Social Democrats of the North - Médéric Lanctôt: Canada's First Social Democrat 15:14

3h ago15:14

15:14

It’s 1867 and Canada has just officially separated itself from Great Britain and become its own country. But, are there any social democrats around? In this episode, we meet Médéric Lanctôt - the journalist, politician, and union leader from Montreal who can be considered to be Canada’s first social democrat. From working with the homeless to organ…

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Subah Dayal, "Between Household and State: The Mughal Frontier and the Politics of Circulation in Peninsular India" (U California Press, 2024) 40:55

5d ago40:55

40:55

Dr. Subha Dayal recently joined the New Books Network to discuss her new work Between Household and State: The Mughal Frontier and the Politics of Circulation in Peninsular India (U California Press, 2024). Her book makes a crucial intervention by moving beyond conventional dynastic narratives of the Mughal past to emphasize the role of elite house…

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LISTEN: Jeremy Cordeaux: Crime Wave, Energy Lies & Global Showdowns 18:36

5d ago18:36

18:36

Jeremy Cordeaux returns to the garage for the Court of Public Opinion with sharp takes on daylight saving health risks, inflation, rising energy prices, crime surges in Victoria, AI job losses, and childcare controversies. He reacts to Trump’s fiery UN speech, Anthony Albanese’s UN ambitions, Benjamin Netanyahu’s warnings on Hamas, and Australia’s …

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Kolby Hanson, "Ordinary Rebels: Rank-And-File Militants Between War and Peace" (Oxford UP, 2025) 42:26

6d ago42:26

42:26

In Ordinary Rebels: Rank-And-File Militants Between War and Peace (Oxford University Press, 2025), Kolby Hanson argues that these periods of state toleration do not simply change armed groups' behavior, but fundamentally transform the organizations themselves by shaping who takes up arms and which leaders they follow. This book draws on a set of in…

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FULL LIVE STREAM: HG Nelson, Senator Frank Pangallo, Professor Ian Plimer, Dr John Bruni, Jason Morrison, Professor Peter Ridd + More (Friday September 26, 2025) 3:25:31

9d ago3:25:31

3:25:31

Jeremy Cordeaux returns for another 3-hour edition of The Court of Public Opinion, streamed live from the dining room table. This week’s program takes on the AFL Grand Final build-up, Snoop Dogg’s headline-grabbing visit to Melbourne, the algal bloom crisis in South Australia, rising power bills, inflation pressures, Trump’s UN speech, and question…

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Gen Z Uprising: Youth, Protest and Political Change in Nepal 32:56

4d ago32:56

32:56

In early September 2025, Nepal witnessed an extraordinary week of upheaval that many now refer to as the ‘five-day revolution’. Within the span of a single week, youth-led ‘Gen Z’ protests spread across Kathmandu and other major cities, the prime minister and his government resigned, the army intervened, parliament was dissolved, and Nepal’s new (a…

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How to Fight Towards a Better Democracy with New York Senator Jamaal T. Bailey 33:25

7d ago33:25

33:25

In this week’s episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan sits down with Bronx, NY State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey. They discuss how experiences in high school and college inspired Bailey to run for public office, the advice he has for his constituents during these uncertain times, and his bi-partisan work on criminal justice reform. They also …

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Kenneth R. Valpey, "Yoga and Animal Ethics" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2025) 43:42

5d ago43:42

43:42

This open access book, Yoga and Animal Ethics (Palgrave Macmillan, 2025) offers a comprehensive understanding of yoga theory and practice as it bears on several dimensions of animal-related ethical reflection and action. "Yoga" has become a household word in recent decades and, increasingly, has drawn physical yoga practitioners to explore its phil…

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LISTEN: Palestine, Climate Chaos & EV Fears: Jeremy Cordeaux Unfiltered 19:24

6d ago19:24

19:24

In this Garage Edition of The Court of Public Opinion, Jeremy Cordeaux tackles some of the week’s most controversial issues — from the recognition of Palestine and the treatment of women in the Middle East, to the questionable effectiveness of charity campaigns. He takes aim at climate policy, Labour’s economic decisions, and government hypocrisy o…

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LIVE: Inside Journalism with Robbie Brechin: Politics, Media, and the Future of Truth 54:32

6d ago54:32

54:32

Topics covered; Robbie Brechin shares insights into his career in journalism. Discussion on the current state of Australian media and the challenges journalists face. Commentary on politics and how media influences public perception. Reflections on Adelaide’s media landscape compared to national outlets. The role of investigative journalism and hol…

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Alternative Visions- US Consumer Spending in Big Trouble as Fed Cuts Rates 57:56

9d ago57:56

57:56

Consumer spending = 2/3s US economy but now hitting a wall. After tax wages down 50% in 2025 from 2024. Botton 1/3 households income gains lowest since 2016. Top 10% households (>$250k/yr) now account for 49% of all consumer spending. Will worsen as unemployment surges, inflation resumes, and $1T in health ACA & Medicaid subsidies for 22.4m ends. W…

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LISTEN: Putin, Optus Failures & Australia’s Climate Policy Chaos | The Court of Public Opinion 20:22

7d ago20:22

20:22

In this GARAGE edition of The Court of Public Opinion, Jeremy Cordeaux reflects on the tragic memorial for Charlie Kirk, the rising global threat from Vladimir Putin, and shocking youth violence in Victoria. He tackles Optus’ alleged failures linked to lives lost, Australia’s collapsing fertility rate, and the $23 million national climate risk asse…

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LISTEN: What They’re Not Telling You About The Voice, Pell & Political Cowardice – Jeremy Cordeaux Unfiltered 20:25

13d ago20:25

20:25

In this Garage Edition of The Court of Public Opinion, Jeremy Cordeaux dissects the state of political leadership, media hypocrisy, the Voice referendum fallout, and the cultural gap between leaders and real Australians. He gives a raw assessment of why trust in institutions is falling, explains why news has become propaganda, and reflects on the p…

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LIVE: Outback Jack: Fighting for Democracy from the Cattle Yards 36:45

11d ago36:45

36:45

Jeremy dials in to speak with Jack Comody, also known as Outback Jack. From loading cattle to podcasting, Jack shares his unique rural perspective on democracy, agriculture, and government overreach. His show, Jack Out the Back: Real Talk, Real Life, fights for rural voices in the democratic process. Jack explains why farmers feel ignored, the divi…

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Debaditya Bhattacharya, "The Indian University: A Critical History" (Orient BlackSwan, 2025) 58:45

15d ago58:45

58:45

Is there such a thing as an ‘Indian university’? Is there an ‘idea’ of an Indian university? Were universities in India living and breathing products of the soil, or were they conceptual imports from a colonial heritage? What is the relationship between universities in India and the ‘publics’ that have inhabited or are alienated by them? More point…

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LIVE: National Family Business Day: Catherine Sayer on Australia’s $4.3 Trillion Legacy 14:33

11d ago14:33

14:33

Jeremy speaks with Catherine Sayer, CEO of the Family Business Association, on National Family Business Day. Catherine reveals that 70% of all Australian businesses are family-owned, employing half the workforce and valued at over $4.3 trillion. She shares insights into succession planning, the resilience of family businesses, and why taxation refo…

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FULL LIVE STREAM: Jeremy Cordeaux LIVE – Catherine Sayer, Outback Jack, Prof. McCall, John Crompton, Robbie Brechin 3:38:36

12d ago3:38:36

3:38:36

Jeremy Cordeaux returns to the dining room table for another three-hour live edition of The Court of Public Opinion. Covering politics, culture, news, and everyday life, Jeremy is joined by panel regulars and special guests including Catherine Sayer (Family Business Association), Outback Jack (Jack Comody), Professor Rachel McCall, Colonel Sir Prof…

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Carney and the Calgary School with Mack Penner 28:13

12d ago28:13

28:13

In the the Summer 2025 issue of Perspectives Journal, University of Calgary post doc and Parkland Institute board member Mack Penner wrote ‘Carney and the Calgary School: or, Passive Revolution and Canada’s Social State in the Neoliberal Era,’ tracing the origins of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s economic thinking to the Calgary School. The Calgary S…

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How to Lead Forward in Alabama with Representative Jeremy Gray 34:32

12d ago34:32

34:32

In this week’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Alabama State Representative and Minority Whip Jeremy Gray. They discuss his career journey from Division 1 football to the Alabama Legislature, where he advocates for student-athletes and works on tech and innovation policy to keep Alabama’s economy competitive. Ryan and Representative Gray…

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LISTEN: NDIS Strip Club Therapy & Climate Bribes: Jeremy Unloads on Aussie Madness 21:17

13d ago21:17

21:17

In this no-holds-barred episode of The Court of Public Opinion, Jeremy Cordeaux reflects on government inefficiencies, absurd spending in aged care and education, and what he calls the “$48 billion NDIS con.” From a passionate critique of racial politics in Victoria’s new treaty, to Australia’s misguided Pacific climate deals and bloated federal de…

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Activists Make History: Holding the Line with Wesley Lesosky, CUPE Air Canada Component President 37:00

15d ago37:00

37:00

Peggy Nash chats with Air Canada flight attendants union leader Wesley Lesosky about the recent strike and the fight for fair pay in the airline industry. In August 2025, Air Canada flight attendants made headlines for striking when the employer left the bargaining table and for refusing to follow back-to-work orders issued by the Carney government…

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LISTEN: Immigration, Banks, and Cancel Culture: Jeremy Cordeaux Has Had Enough 23:09

15d ago23:09

23:09

In this compelling Garage Edition of The Court of Public Opinion, Jeremy Cordeaux takes a sharp look at global and local issues: from the state of Papua New Guinea and the 25th anniversary of the Sydney Olympics, to the shocking assassination of conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk. Jeremy questions the direction of immigration policies, praises Jac…

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Alternative Visions- US Economy Flashing Red 58:02

22d ago58:02

58:02

Today's show discusses several economic reports indicating US economy is entering a period of instability. Labor Dept. reports 911,000 fewer jobs were created March 24-March 25 (before summer jobs crash) than were reported by its monthly jobs reports; Consumer prices rising again since April (especially services); US Census Bureau reports household…

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How to be a Democrat in West Virginia with Delegate Kayla Young 26:42

19d ago26:42

26:42

In this week’s episode, hosted by Ryan Coonerty, West Virginia Delegate Kayla Young offers a political history lesson on how once-blue West Virginia took a sharp right turn, what the rest of the country can learn from the Mountain State, and how she approaches her work as part of the smallest legislative minority in the country. The conversation al…

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LISTEN: $2.5B for Criminals & $600M for What?! Jeremy Slams Aussie Priorities 21:50

21d ago21:50

21:50

In this explosive episode, Jeremy takes aim at government waste, failed energy policies, and media silence. He questions the value of green hydrogen, a $2.5 billion refugee deal with Nauru, and $600 million for an Aboriginal interpretive centre. Jeremy also calls out leaders for neglecting aged care and contributing to hospital ramping. The show re…

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LISTEN: Australia’s Energy Insanity, Mushroom Murders & Dictator Dan’s China Visit – The Court of Public Opinion 21:32

23d ago21:32

21:32

In this unfiltered Garage Edition of The Court of Public Opinion, Jeremy Cordeaux tackles some of the most shocking stories and controversial topics of the week. From machete murders in Melbourne to the fallout of Erin Patterson’s mushroom murder sentencing, Jeremy questions the direction of modern Australia. He slams Australia’s soaring electricit…

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Alternative Visions- August Jobs Report: US Recession 2026? 57:58

26d ago57:58

57:58

Latest jobs report shows Employment is no longer a 'lagging' indicator. Summer jobs (last 3 mos) virtually stagnant at 12k per mo. Total unemployment 8.1% officially (U-6). Inflation higher than 2.7% official number (4%) and real wages barely growing 1-1.5% when 50m part time/temp/gig workers included. Review of Europe's economy shows major Europe …

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Sam Dalrymple, "Shattered Lands: Five Partitions and the Making of Modern Asia" (William Collins, 2025) 53:25

27d ago53:25

53:25

Partition—the rapid, uncoordinated, and bloody split between India and Pakistan after the Second World War—remains the central event of South Asian history. But 1947 wasn’t the only partition, according to historian and filmmaker Sam Dalrymple. Sam, in his book Shattered Lands: Five Partitions and the Making of Modern Asia (William Collins, 2025), …

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How to Lead with Delegate Michael Feggans 27:57

26d ago27:57

27:57

In this week’s episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Virginia Delegate Michael Feggans. They discuss the current political climate and how his constituents are responding to it, as well as his policy goals and his path to public service. Ryan and Feggans, who served 20 years in the Air Force, specifically talks about the impact the Trump administ…

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Ruth Perini, "Varaha Upanishad: The Path to Supreme Knowledge" (2025) 30:29

1M ago30:29

30:29

This conversation examines the newly published translation of the Varāha Upaniṣad, a lesser-known but deeply transformative scripture from the Kṛṣṇa‑Yajurveda, composed between the 13th and 16th centuries CE and spanning 249 verses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! http…

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Matthew Bowser, "Containing Decolonization: British Imperialism and the Politics of Race in Late Colonial Burma" (Manchester UP, 2025) 1:02:44

26d ago1:02:44

1:02:44

In Containing Decolonization: British Imperialism and the Politics of Race in Late Colonial Burma (Manchester University Press, 2025), historian Matthew Bowser examines British imperialism in late colonial Burma (from roughly 1929 to 1948) to study how imperialists attempted to protect their strategic and economic interests after decolonization: th…

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LISTEN: Jeremy Cordeaux SLAMS Elites: Qantas, Immigration & The End of Common Sense in Australia 24:45

1M ago24:45

24:45

In this episode of The Court of Public Opinion, Jeremy Cordeaux takes a no-holds-barred approach to major headlines and cultural tensions sweeping across Australia. From Qantas’ PR trainwreck and leadership changes to the latest on immigration controversies, Jeremy draws a straight line between media spin and what Australians are really thinking. H…

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David McNally, "Slavery and Capitalism: A New Marxist History" (U California Press, 2025) 43:05

30d ago43:05

43:05

David McNally's Slavery and Capitalism: A New Marxist History (U California Press, 2025)presents the first systematic Marxist account of the capitalist character of Atlantic slavery. McNally argues that enslaved labour within the plantation system constituted capitalist commodity production, and crucially, reframes the resistance of enslaved people…

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Robert Ivermee, "Glorious Failure: The Forgotten History of French Imperialism in India" (Oxford UP, 2025) 55:54

1M ago55:54

55:54

This is a powerful new account of a chapter in history that is crucial to understand, yet often overlooked. For 150 years, from the reign of Louis XIV to the downfall of Napoleon, France was an aggressive imperial power in South Asia, driven by the pursuit of greatness and riches. Through their East India company and state, the French established a…

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LISTEN: Australia at Risk? Jeremy Cordeaux on Immigration, Chaos & Our National Identity 22:17

30d ago22:17

22:17

In this fiery GARAGE edition of The Court of Public Opinion, Jeremy Cordeaux sounds the alarm on Australia’s future. From the rise of house prices and immigration debates to questions of national sovereignty and multiculturalism, Jeremy pulls no punches. He reflects on a recent anti-immigration protest, criticises Australia's handling of deportatio…

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Laura Murphy, "Freedomville: The Story of a 21st-Century Slave Revolt" (Columbia Global Reports, 2021) 44:03

1M ago44:03

44:03

A celebrated revolution brought freedom to a group of enslaved people in northern India. Or did it? Millions of people around the world today are enslaved; nearly eight million of them live in India, more than anywhere else. Freedomville: The Story of a 21st-Century Slave Revolt (Columbia Global Reports, 2021) by Dr. Laura Murphy is the story of a …

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Alternative Visions- How America Spends $2 Trillion on War Every Year 59:37

1M ago59:37

59:37

US Mainstream Media and politicians keep saying US 'defense' spending annual is about $850 billion. Why that's just an initial budget proposal and just for Pentagon spending. Today's show shows what US annual actual defense (e.g. war) spending is $2 trillion a year. The show then reviews the condition of the USA and EU economies and why GDPs are mu…

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Maan Barua, "Plantation Worlds" (Duke UP, 2024) 58:49

1M ago58:49

58:49

In Plantation Worlds (Duke UP, 2024), Maan Barua interrogates debates on planetary transformations through the histories and ecologies of plantations. Drawing on long-term research spanning fifteen years, Barua presents a unique ethnography attentive to the lives of both people and elephants amid tea plantations in the Indian state of Assam. In the…

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How Public Service Can Solve Our Challenges with Josh Friday 32:48

1M ago32:48

32:48

In this week’s episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with NewDEAL Alum Josh Fryday, the former mayor of his hometown, Novato, CA, who went on to be California's Chief Service Officer and is now a candidate for Lieutenant Governor. They discuss how service benefits everyone and acts as a triple win - for the service member, for the …

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Faisal Chaudhry, "South Asia, the British Empire, and the Rise of Classical Legal Thought: Toward a Historical Ontology of the Law" (Oxford UP, 2024) 1:16:49

1M ago1:16:49

1:16:49

South Asia, the British Empire, and the Rise of Classical Legal Thought: Toward a Historical Ontology of the Law (Oxford UP, 2024) considers the legal history of colonial rule in South Asia from 1757 to the early 20th century. It traces a shift in the conceptualization of sovereignty, land control, and adjudicatory rectification, arguing that under…

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A Ukrainian Translation of the Devi Mahatmya 1:03:54

1M ago1:03:54

1:03:54

In this episode, Dr. Raj Balkaran speaks with art historian and curator Alisa Lozhkina about her groundbreaking Ukrainian translation of the Devī Māhātmya—the first ever in the language. They explore the inspiration behind this bold project, the text’s unique reception in the Ukrainian cultural and spiritual landscape, and broader reflections on th…