Best Useless Debates Podcasts (2026)

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Helen Garner on the beauty and grandeur of footy 54:09

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15m ago54:09

54:09

"Homeric struggle", a desperate night-ballet, an ethical training ground for boys and men. Aussie Rules is a multimillion-dollar industry, but at its heart, to thousands of people, it's much more than that. Including to Australian literary great, Helen Garner. This event was recorded at the National Library of Australia on 20 February 2025. Origina…

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Jem Bendell, the fake green fairytale, and how to survive civilisational collapse 54:35

21m ago54:35

54:35

We’re past the brink of civilisational collapse. And many environmentalists are pushing a “fake green fairytale”. Jem Bendell’s arguments have inspired the Extinction Rebellion movement’s civil disobedience pushing for climate change action. But Jem doesn’t think protest is enough now. Find out why the self-confessed eco-libertarian and author of B…

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Green Shoots In The NZ Job Market With Tom O’Neill 12:09

1h ago12:09

12:09

After a brutal stretch for job seekers, are we finally seeing signs of life in the employment market?Tom O’Neill from cv.co.nz joins Duncan Garner to break down what he’s seeing on the ground. Job ads are lifting, employers are starting to move again, and there’s cautious optimism that 2026 could be a turning point. We talk about why hiring is one …

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Kara Swisher and Marc Fennell take on the Tech Bros 54:35

4m ago54:35

54:35

We know them as Zuckerberg, Musk, Bezos, Gates, Jobs. But to Kara Swisher, they're Mark, Elon, Jeff, Bill, and Steve. She was once a Silicon Valley insider, but now she's one of big tech's most vocal critics. This event was recorded at Adelaide Writers Week on Monday 3 March 2025. Original broadcast on April 15, 2025. Speakers Kara SwisherAuthor, B…

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Ban Electric Scooters Before More Kids Get Hurt! 6:51

7h ago6:51

6:51

The dangers of electric scooters for children and teenagers that nobody seems to be talking about. From real-life injuries to reckless riding, Duncan highlights the urgent need for schools and councils to act now before more lives are put at risk. Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSypyI8wbnZgJDYY0VCdwJQ/join…

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The relationship between brain and machine 54:30

1d ago54:30

54:30

Imagine a world where your brain is enhanced through cutting-edge technologies and next-generation AI, blurring the lines between organic and digital realms … and unlocking unprecedented potential. We are already some steps on the way in such a future. What would this mean for intelligence, human agency and consciousness? Your Brain on AI From orga…

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The Biggest Issues Facing New Zealand – Why Nothing Will Change 14:30

6d ago14:30

14:30

Alright folks, here’s the deal. I’ve been reporting on New Zealand politics for 30 years, and let me tell you—nothing bloody changes. Every year it’s the same chop-and-change nonsense, short-term thinking rules, and our leaders keep kicking the can down the road.We need leadership. We need courage. We need politicians to stop playing games and actu…

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Hall of Fame: Britain's First Black Sports Star 3:27

1d ago3:27

3:27

After demolishing and rebuilding Halls of Fame through the ages, our guest Habib Hajallie has chosen his own nominee for the Trapped History Hall of Fame: the great Bill Richmond, an African-American born into slavery who by the early 19th century had become Britain's first Black sports star. Bill was the terror of the boxing ring, winning 17 of 19…

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Christine Rankin Talks Tough Decisions Headed Towards NZ 30:54

4d ago30:54

30:54

Christine Rankin joins Duncan Garner for an in-depth discussion on New Zealand politics, local government, leadership and the state of the country heading into the new year.The conversation covers joint management agreements with iwi, the importance of public consultation, and the pressure local councils are under to deal with complex race and gove…

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On the art of music writing — with writers who rock! 54:35

5d ago54:35

54:35

You've got half an hour with Lou Reed/ Nick Cave/ Courtney Love: what do you ask them? Three of Australia's best music writers share their craft, and reveal what it's like to sit down with some of music's biggest names. This event was recorded on 2 November 2024 at the Art Gallery of Ballarat. Original broadcast on January 23, 2025. Speakers Stuart…

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Can storytellers change the world? Tim Winton and Rachel Perkins join Natasha Mitchell 53:46

6d ago53:46

53:46

Two of Australia’s most influential and legendary storytellers, author Tim Winton and filmmaker Rachel Perkins, join Natasha Mitchell at WOMADelaide’s Planet Talks to discuss the power of stories and the role of artists to create change in the world. Original broadcast on April 2, 2025. SpeakersRachel PerkinsMulti-award-winning filmmaker, and found…

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Who Thrived And Who Failed In New Zealand Politics 2025 12:58

7d ago12:58

12:58

New Zealand politics in 2024 was messy, intense, and sometimes downright ridiculous. In this episode of Duncan Garner: Editor-in-Chief, Duncan reviews the political year, highlighting the winners, losers, and everything in between.He names Chris Hipkins and Christopher Luxon as the political MVPs, applauds Winston Peters’ masterclass in chaos, and …

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History of populist rage in America 54:35

7d ago54:35

54:35

Populism is part of American political history. It has been and still is the dominant vocabulary of dissent. But the current resurrection of authoritarian politics in the US is different. While the two parties could absorb populist movements in the past, this time populism has absorbed the party. Presented at the American Academy in Berlin Original…

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Meditation and mindfulness in the digital age 54:30

8d ago54:30

54:30

How many times have you checked your phone today? How many tabs are open in your web browser? Do you feel in control of your attention? In the digital age, attention is now a commodity. Can practices like meditation and mindfulness help us feel more free to focus on what really matters? This event was hosted at the Brunswick Ballroom by the Sophia …

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Is Anyone Actually Winning In Politics Right Now | Damien Grant & Ani O'Brien 52:59

13d ago52:59

52:59

With an election year looming, Duncan is joined by Ani and Damian for a wide-ranging, no-nonsense look at the political year that’s been and the one ahead. They dig into why the economy still feels flat despite falling interest rates, what rising insolvencies really signal, and why cost of living continues to dominate everything else. The conversat…

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Halls of Fame: Art and Celebrity from Ludwig I to Donald Trump 48:03

8d ago48:03

48:03

We’re proud of our own Hall of Fame here at Trapped History, but what are they and where did the idea come from? As we celebrate our three-year anniversary, join Oswin, Carla and MK for a very special episode in the company of award-winning British artist Habib Hajallie. His very own artwork, A British Hall of Fame, speaks to the past, present and …

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The secrets of wildlife documentaries 54:35

12d ago54:35

54:35

Satyajit Das presents a provocative examination of the use and abuse of images of wild animals, and how they shape our relationships with the natural world. These pictures can create an impression of abundance and untouched ecosystems, and lull us into a false sense of security, at a time when the natural world faces ecological calamity. The Attenb…

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Pilgrimage: A Christmas Trapped History Special 4:22

12d ago4:22

4:22

This holiday season, we've got a meditative and, we hope, nourishing bonus for you – as Michaela Strachan remembers taking part in the BBC series "Pilgrimage". She is also remembering her friends and family and on the hike through the Welsh hills, she was walking hand-in-hand with grief. But the healing power of nature is truly something to behold.…

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The Knowledge Gene — an incredible story of the origins of human creativity 54:06

13d ago54:06

54:06

Prepare to have your mind blown with a sweeping saga that connects human evolution, brains, genes, art, music, creativity, knowledge, dyslexia, autism, Indigenous memory systems, and more. A big, beautiful and biological saga about how to learn like a human again. Joining Natasha Mitchell are Australian Senior Memory Champion, scientist and author …

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The Reality Of Child Poverty In New Zealand | Susan Glasgow 13:23

13d ago13:23

13:23

Child poverty in New Zealand is the focus of this episode of Duncan Garner: Editor in Chief as Duncan speaks with Susan Glasgow from Variety, the children’s charity supporting kids living in hardship across the country.Variety’s sponsorship programme helps children aged 5 to 18 with the basics many families struggle to afford. That includes school …

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Sarah Churchwell asks — Will American democracy survive the Dark Enlightenment? 54:33

15d ago54:33

54:33

Historian Sarah Churchwell takes you on a gripping and confronting journey into America's recent past to explain its extraordinary present, starting with dark story at the heart of that American classic Gone with the Wind. Knowledge lies at the heart of a healthy democracy, and its many custodians include libraries, universities, cultural instituti…

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New Zealand Retail Is Struggling And Here’s Why 17:55

14d ago17:55

17:55

New Zealand retail is under serious pressure, and in this episode of Duncan Garner: Editor in Chief, Duncan speaks with Carolyn Young from Retail NZ about what’s really happening on the ground.Carolyn explains why the last few years have felt like a three year recession for retailers, with rising costs, higher rents, increased insurance, and fallin…

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2025 Grammy winner Ruthie Foster talks about her life and music 53:58

15d ago53:58

53:58

After five nominations, Ruthie Foster has taken home the 2025 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album - affirming her status as an American music legend. In this intimate conversation, she shares what made her want to be a singer; the roles of her grandmother and mother in her life; why faith is so important to her and why she wants to sing …

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REVEALED: Erica Stanford On Social Media Ban Before 2027 Election 22:54

20d ago22:54

22:54

Duncan sits down with Education Minister Erica Stanford for a straight-up conversation about what’s gone wrong in our schools and what’s finally being done to fix it. From the state of maths and literacy to why thousands of kids are leaving school without qualifications, Erica lays out the reforms already underway. New curricula, textbooks back in …

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Hall of Fame: Ending Animal Cruelty one Bear at a Time 4:52

15d ago4:52

4:52

Michaela Strachan's nominee for the Trapped History Hall of Fame is one of the most selfless people we have heard of – Jill Robinson, who has dedicated her life to saving bears from the cruelty of the bear bile industry in China and across Asia. It is a story rooted in horror but also in love. And Jill's life bears witness to our capacity for both.…

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Jevon McSkimmg:Only Nine Months Home Detention for 3,000 Objectionable Images? 48:56

23d ago48:56

48:56

A former high-ranking police officer avoids jail after being caught with thousands of horrific images on his work computer. Duncan asks how a four and a half year sentence turns into a nine month holiday at home. Plus, the team wraps the year by digging into a "rogue" election poll and the confusing money trail surrounding Willie Jackson. Learn mor…

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Childless on purpose — the fertility crisis and the big decision 53:53

19d ago53:53

53:53

When you enter your childbearing years, it can feel like everyone from the treasurer, your mum, and probably your Instagram reels really wants you to have a kid. But is it the right decision? Few women escape this conundrum of modern family-making, and unfortunately there is no easy or simple answer. But in this talk presented by the Sydney Opera H…

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When Charities Become Personal 16:06

21d ago16:06

16:06

The alleged misappropriation of taxpayer money by the Māori Trust under the leadership of John Tamihere. He questions the lack of oversight and transparency after Tamihere receives a $385,000 loan for a political campaign, then later receives the same amount as a bonus to pay it back. The episode calls on government departments, regulators, and the…

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Surfer Tim Baker and doctor Peter Goldsworthy on living well with cancer 54:34

20d ago54:34

54:34

Meet two men who will change the way you think about an experience most of us fear but will be touched by in some way. In Patting the Shark, surfing writer Dr Tim Baker describes his wild ride to reclaim a sense of control and agency after a cancer diagnosis. Celebrated author and GP Peter Goldsworthy’s memoir The Cancer Finishing School started ou…

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Bill English on NZ's Economic Future 40:52

25d ago40:52

40:52

In this episode of the Duncan Garner Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Duncan Garner discusses David Seymour's plan to reignite the treaty principles debate in the 2026 election year, arguing it's a strategic move to address public unease over race relations in New Zealand. Garner is joined by former Finance Minister and Prime Minister Bill English to discu…

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Understand your microbiome 54:34

22d ago54:34

54:34

Are fermented foods really good for us? Do antibiotics destroy our gut flora? And have you heard about poo transplants? Our gut is teeming with trillions of microbial cells, and we are learning more all the time about how this affects everything from our digestion, to immunity, to mental health. So crack open your kombucha, because these leading re…

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Shubz: Calling Out Māori Political Figures And Power Structures 38:19

26d ago38:19

38:19

The media landscape has changed forever, and trust has gone with it. On the podcast, Duncan sits down with Shubz, a digital creator who’s built a following by calling out corruption, hypocrisy, and misuse of power, regardless of who’s involved. Shubz talks openly about his upbringing, identity, and why he refuses to stay silent when taxpayer money …

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Doctor Who at 60 — still as attractive as ever 53:59

22d ago53:59

53:59

Doctor Who has acted as a mirror to more than six decades of social, technological and cultural change. It's been able to evolve and adapt more radically than any other fiction. Why we are so addicted to fiction, and why does this wonderful wandering time traveller mean so much to so many. This talk was provided by the York Festival of Ideas. The F…

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REVEALED: Willie Jackson and Labour ROCKED By MUMA Bullying Claims 30:29

27d ago30:29

30:29

Willie Jackson, the Manukau Urban Māori Authority, and 19 personal grievance cases now before the Employment Relations Authority. This episode of Duncan Garner: Editor in Chief breaks down a fast-moving and explosive political story. Duncan is joined by veteran trade unionist Matt McCarten, who is representing workers alleging bullying and unsafe w…

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The Pride of the Peaks: Michaela Strachan on the Woman who Fought for Nature 55:49

22d ago55:49

55:49

We have a wonderful season opener for you – as wildlife TV legend Michaela Strachan joins Trapped History to help us tell the tale of the woman who fought for nature. Her name was a bit of a mouthful – Ethel Haythornthwaite – but we know her as the defender of Britain’s National Parks and the Green Belt. She even has nearly 100 hills named after he…

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Shubz Exposes Willie Jackson And John Tamihere 44:36

1M ago44:36

44:36

Tonight on the podcast... KING Homeboy give a little https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/king-home-boy-whip-roundStuff article from dec5:https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360910267/hip-hop-champ-hits-mute-beatboxing-after-brain-surgeryShubz on Willie Jackson and John Tamihere, Nicola Willis vs Ruth Richardson, and Chris Bishop’s RMA reforms — a massive w…

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The role of spirituality and religion in mental health care 54:36

29d ago54:36

54:36

The connection between body and mind is well established. But mental health expert Daniel Fung also includes the soul in this 'ecosystem' that shapes your overall wellbeing. He envisions a future for mental health services, that is person-centred, holistic and consciously uses digital tools and social media. Beautiful minds, Loving hearts: Asian Me…

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Westpac BLINDSIDES Kiwis With a Mortgage Rate Shock 28:15

1M ago28:15

28:15

Westpac has stunned everyone. The Reserve Bank cuts the OCR, the government does a victory lap promising relief is finally coming, and then Westpac sprints out of the blocks with a mortgage rate hike. Kiwis are on their knees, desperate for a break, and the bank that holds the government contract is the first to crank rates up. You honestly couldn’…

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A song for every feeling? Pub Choir's Astrid Jorgensen with Natasha Mitchell 1:04:17

27d ago1:04:17

1:04:17

From innocently conning controversial radio duo Kyle and Jackie O as a kid, time in a Zambian convent as a teen, to nearly becoming an air traffic controller before finding her real passion - helping others find their voice - Astrid Jorgensen has quite a story to tell. Her new memoir is called Average At Best. She is anything but. She is anything b…

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Nicola Willis' Unnecessary Challenge of Ruth Richardson: This Will Backfire! 31:06

1M ago31:06

31:06

Nicola Willis has walked straight into a political trap, and tonight we get into why it matters. The finance minister didn’t just respond to a provocation from the Taxpayers’ Union and Ruth Richardson, she elevated them, turning a sideshow into a headline feud. We break down why that was a rookie mistake, and what she should have done instead. Then…

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Victoria's new treaty with First Peoples — a turning point for Australia? 42:51

1M ago42:51

42:51

Australia now has its first treaty with this country's first peoples. After nearly a decade of formal consultation and negotiation, the Victorian Statewide Treaty has become law, and will come into effect from early December. This address outlines the long road to achieving the treaty, why it's important, and what comes next. The 25th Dr Charles Pe…

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National Surges as The Left Collapses in New Poll 21:29

1M ago21:29

21:29

This one might just be the poll that flips the script. National’s finally seeing results after a long, flat year, Labour’s had a bump too, and the left… well, that’s another story altogether. The Greens face-plant, Te Pāti Māori collapses to 1 per cent, and voters look like they’ve simply walked away. We dig into why this shift matters, how economi…

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Pay attention — writer Emily Maguire finds promiscuous curiosity and cultural receptivity in the creative process 54:35

29d ago54:35

54:35

Humans are by nature creative, but how do we turn a spark of inspiration into something more tangible? Author Emily Maguire draws inspiration from some of the world's most creative minds — from Lin Manuel Miranda, to Susan Sontag, to explore the ingredients of a truly creative life. The 2025 Colin Roderick Memorial Lecture, hosted by the Foundation…

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The Housing Deal That Favours Iwi - Is This Unfair? 39:37

1M ago39:37

39:37

We’ve seen some wild housing stories over the years, but this one takes the cake. In today’s episode, we break down the quiet Kāinga Ora deal that handed almost 20 state houses to Tainui for $10 million… and then locked every non-iwi Kiwi out of buying them. No tender. No open market. No chance for anyone else. Duncan unpacks why this long-standing…

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Season 6 Taster: Beer, Sex, Rice and Freedom – the Very Best of Trapped History 9:44

30d ago9:44

9:44

We're delighted – chuffed even – to welcome you to Season 6. Trapped History is out of nappies and toddling all over the place (we're three years old this Christmas), clutching two international awards and a host of fabulous guests as we go! So here's a quick taster of some of the stories you're going to be hearing over the next few months. Sit bac…

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National’s Spending Claims vs Reality: Duncan Breaks It Down 40:54

1M ago40:54

40:54

Are we actually getting the truth about the state of New Zealand’s finances? Today we dig into what the government says it’s cutting, what it’s really spending, and why the numbers simply don’t stack up. Net debt is rising, weekly borrowing continues, and the tough calls we were promised still haven’t shown up. Ashley and Maurice jump in with their…

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Can science keep dementia at bay and keep your brain sharper − for longer? 54:36

1M ago54:36

54:36

As we grow older, changes to our bodies and minds are inevitable. But what if science could help us age better? Our experts on Big Ideas uncover the latest science behind healthy brain aging. What's possible in the fight against cognitive decline and dementia? How might you live a longer, healthier, and more meaningful life? Presented by Sydney Ide…

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The True Cost of Former Police Boss Andrew Coster’s Exit 12:02

1M ago12:02

12:02

Andrew Coster’s exit should’ve been simple. Instead, we’ve ended up paying for a slow, messy departure that highlights everything broken about accountability inside the public service. Today we break down what really happened behind the scenes, how Coster fought to stay on full pay, and why his golden handshake feels like an insult to taxpayers and…

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Acclaimed author Christos Tsiolkas on fence-sitting in a time of fracture 53:54

1M ago53:54

53:54

When acclaimed Australia author Christos Tsiolkas was invited to give the 2025 Ray Mathew Lecture at the National Library of Australia, he had in mind what he wanted to say, as difficult as it was. Then he got a rage-filled message from a longtime friend. How did Christos respond? Is fence-sitting an indulgence in an ethically troubled, divisive, d…

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David Seymour and the School Lunch Backfire That Blew Up 16:38

1M ago16:38

16:38

This one has everything. Politics, pressure, and a school lunch saga that went seriously sideways. Today we unpack the spectacular backfire that’s dominated the headlines, after principal Peggy Burrows tried to pin spoiled lunches on David Seymour’s free school meals programme… except the facts didn’t land where she hoped. We run through what actua…