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Episode 34 | Will Shackel | The Nuclear Debate Australia Is Avoiding What happens when a 16-year-old takes on Australia’s energy debate? In this episode, we sit down with Will Shackel — the founder of Nuclear for Australia — who’s built a national movement pushing to lift the country’s nuclear ban. We tackle the big questions:Why is Australia the only G20 nation without nuclear power? Is fear driving policy? And are we ignoring one of the most reliable, low-emissions energy sources on the planet? From radiation myths (yes — the banana comparison) to jobs, costs, waste and energy security, this is a no-nonsense conversation about what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what’s at stake for Australia’s future. Plus — rapid fire: the biggest myths, political roadblocks, and what a realistic energy mix should actually look like. This is the nuclear debate Australia isn’t having… but should be.

Season 2 | Episode 33 — Mike Newman This week on The JJ Podcast, we sit down with former NSW Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner Mike Newmanfor a no-holds-barred conversation about what’s really holding Australia back. From trade deals that are raising eyebrows, to a public sector many say has grown beyond control, to an energy system struggling under red tape — this episode pulls apart the decisions shaping our economic future. We unpack: The EU Free Trade Agreement and why farmers aren’t celebratingThe growing influence of climate, social and political conditions in trade dealsAustralia’s bloated bureaucracy — and whether it’s now a drag on productivity and growth The explosion in public sector jobs and what it signals about the health of the private economy Red tape choking investment in energy, mining and propertyThe housing shortage and why developers are walking awayAustralia’s reputation as an investment destination — and why it may be slippingAnd the global energy reality, with countries like China doubling down on coal, nuclear and energy securityThis is a conversation about accountability, competitiveness and economic reality — and whether Australia is at risk of regulating itself into decline. If you want to understand what’s happening behind the headlines — this episode is a must-listen. 🎧 Listen now to Season 2, Episode 33 of The JJ Podcast.

Season 2 | Episode 32 — Steven Nowakowski This week on The JJ Podcast, we sit down with environmentalist and conservationist Steven Nowakowski, whose work protecting Australia’s wilderness and rainforests spans more than 30 years. Steven shares his journey through the conservation movement, including his time as a Greens candidate in Queensland, and his lifelong commitment to preserving Australia’s unique natural landscapes. But this conversation goes deeper. Steven makes it clear: he does believe climate change is real and supports the goal of de-carbonisation. However, after decades working directly in environmental protection, he has serious concerns about whether the current path to “Net Zero” is actually sustainable for the planet. We discuss: ·       The environmental impact of large-scale renewable infrastructure ·       The vast mineral demand required to build wind turbines, solar panels and batteries ·       The challenge of replacing that infrastructure every 15–25 years ·       And why the destruction of wilderness may be an overlooked cost of the energy transition Steven argues that while emissions reduction matters, so does biodiversity — and one of the most precious and diminishing resources on Earth is untouched wilderness. It’s a thoughtful and provocative conversation about conservation, climate policy and the difficult trade-offs facing modern environmentalism.https://www.rainforestreserves.org.au🎧 Listen now to Season 2, Episode 32 of The JJ Podcast.

Season 2 | Episode 31 — Hayley Mary This week on The JJ Podcast, we sit down with Australian singer and songwriter Hayley Mary for one of our most candid conversations yet. We dive into politics inside the entertainment industry — and what happens when artists step outside the accepted narrative Hayley opens up about: The dominance of left-leaning ideology in creative circles Cancel culture and the pressure to conform The personal and professional fallout she faced Political judgement and public backlash The MAGA movement and why it became such a flashpoint This isn’t a shouting match — it’s a thoughtful discussion about identity, free expression, career consequences and the cost of dissent in modern culture. Whether you agree or disagree, this episode explores what happens when politics and art collide. 🎧 Listen now to Season 2, Episode 31 of The JJ Podcast

Season 2 | Episode 30 — Dimitri Burshtein This week on The JJ Podcast, we sit down with economist, strategist and policy analyst Dimitri Burshtein for a deep dive into the state of Australia’s economy. For the first time in our history, government debt has pushed past $1 trillion. What does that actually mean — and who ultimately pays? We unpack: Employment figures — including claims that 8 in 10 new jobs are public sector or government-funded Inflation, interest rates and rising mortgage repayments Pressure on renters and the ongoing housing shortage Australia’s per capita recession Falling productivity and what that signals long term The squeeze on small business Whether the GST debate needs to be reopened This is a serious, solutions-focused conversation about where the Australian economy is headed — and what needs to change if we want growth, opportunity and prosperity again. If you’re feeling the cost-of-living crunch, this episode explains why. 🎧 Listen now — and join the conversation.

This week on The JJ Podcast, we sit down with Bridget McKenzie for a candid, wide-ranging conversation at a pivotal moment for the Coalition. We discuss the recent Liberal leadership spill, her thoughts on the Angus Taylor–Jane Hume combination, and what it means for the direction of the party. We also ask Senator McKenzie about her decision to cross the floor on the Albanese Government’s Extremism Bill — and the bigger question it raises: Is your loyalty to your party… or to the Australian public? From cost-of-living pressures and childcare challenges, to nuclear energy policy, the divide between city and country, and the urgent calls to “Unite the Right,” this is a thoughtful and professional discussion about the future of conservative politics in Australia. A friendly, frank and substantive chat with a Senator who believes deeply in representing everyday Australians. 🎧 Listen now to Season 2, Episode 29 of The JJ Podcast.

Season 2 continues with a relaxed but fearless conversation with Sall Grover, founder of Giggle for Girls Pty Ltd — and one of the most talked-about women in Australia right now. In this episode, we unpack Sall’s journey creating a women-only app, the court case that followed, and what it reveals about the loss of common sense in modern politics and our legal system. We also dive into: The real-world impacts on women’s sport when biological men compete in female categories School curriculums telling children what to do if they feel they were “born in the wrong body” The growing tension between free speech, truth speech, and fear of saying the wrong thing Why so many Australians feel shut down for asking basic questions It’s not a shouting match — it’s a calm, honest chat about difficult issues that affect women, kids, fairness, and freedom of expression. Whether you agree or disagree, this is a conversation worth having — and we’d love you to weigh in. 🎧 Listen now and join the discussion.

Season 2, Episode 1 – John Howard on Nuclear Power, Immigration & Australia’s Future We kick off Season 2 with one of the most consequential figures in modern Australian politics — former Prime Minister John Howard. In this wide-ranging conversation, Mr Howard reflects on the decisions that shaped Australia’s economic and political landscape, including why his government introduced a ban and moratorium on nuclear power — and why he now believes that decision must be overturned if Australia is serious about its energy future. He explains the political trade-offs of the time, including negotiations with the Democrats and the Greens, and the deal that saw investment in nuclear medicine at Lucas Heights come at the cost of a long-term nuclear power industry. We also dive into the privatisation of Telstra, why Howard believed it was critical for the nation, and how political compromise defined that era of reform. On immigration, Mr Howard revisits his famous words: “We will decide who comes to this country, and the circumstances in which they come.” He reflects on Australia’s historically successful immigration program throughout the 1900s — and why he believes the scale and composition of immigration today is placing too much pressure on the system. The discussion also covers Australia’s resources and mining sector, tax policy and the introduction of the GST, as well as the legacy of Australia’s gun laws. A candid, thoughtful and timely conversation with a former Prime Minister — and a powerful way to begin Season 2.

🎙️ Season 1 Finale: Tim Wilson MP — Goldstein, Terror, Teals & Small Business In our final episode of Season 1, we sit down with Tim Wilson MP, the Federal Member for Goldstein, for a wide-ranging and deeply important conversation. We begin with the tragic Bondi terror attack, discussing the national mood, community grief, and the growing concern many Australians feel about safety, cohesion, and leadership in moments of crisis. Tim also reflects on what it was like returning to Parliament after achieving something few thought possible — defeating a Teal independent and reclaiming Goldstein for the Liberal Party. We unpack the public sentiment behind that result and what it signals about the political landscape moving forward. We finish with Tim’s passion project: small business. From reducing red tape to incentivising growth and rewarding risk-taking, Tim outlines why small businesses are the backbone of the Australian economy — and why they need to be supported, not strangled, by government. It’s a fitting end to an epic first season — honest, challenging, and hopeful about the future of Australia. Thank you for joining us for Season 1 of The JJ Podcast. 🎧🇦🇺

🎙️ Episode 25: Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price — The Australian Spirit Is Coming Back to Life In this powerful episode of The JJ Podcast, we sit down with Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price — one of Australia’s most compelling political voices — to unpack the experiences, values and convictions that shaped her life, her leadership, and her fight for Australia’s future. Jacinta reflects on her childhood in Alice Springs, the role models and family influence that guided her, and the deep sense of responsibility that pulled her into politics. We dive into the Voice referendum, the passion behind the “NO” campaign, and why she believes that Australians rejected division in favour of unity. As the Shadow Minister for Government Efficiency, Jacinta saw firsthand the staggering levels of waste and reckless spending inside government — and she shares what she uncovered. We also talk about the 2025 election campaign, and Jacinta’s frustration that the Liberal Party had a “loaded chamber” of strong policy ideas but never fired the gun. She argues that they had the evidence, the facts and the “ammunition” to call out Labor’s mistruths — but failed to seize the moment. This episode finishes with an emotional discussion about:🇦🇺 patriotism🇦🇺 unity and national pride🇦🇺 the power of the Australian flag🇦🇺 why no nation thrives on guilt Jacinta reminds us that we must learn from our PAST, not live inside it. We must leave behind what harms us, build on what strengthens us, and fight for an Australia where: Families are supported Communities are empowered Facts matter Our nation comes first She believes the Australian spirit is coming back to life — and after this conversation, you will too. #JJPodcast #SenatorPrice #JacintaPrice #AustralianPolitics #GovernmentWaste #VoiceReferendum #Unity #Patriotism #AustraliaFirst #WokeCulture #JaimeeAndJaimie #Leadership #TruthOverSpin

🎙️ Episode 24: The Science Behind Net Zero — with Mia Schlicht (IPA) This week on The JJ Podcast, we sit down with Mia Schlicht, environmental scientist and research fellow at the Institute of Public Affairs. Mia studied atmospheric science and is passionate about challenging political narratives around climate change, CO₂ emissions, land use and the push toward “green energy.” In this episode, Mia calls out one of the biggest frustrations in Australian politics “There has been a lack of fact-based debate.” We break down the science behind net zero, the history of Earth’s changing climate, the truth about agricultural land and emissions, and why renewables are not as ‘green’ or as cheap as we’ve been told. Mia explains how politics, not science, is driving Australia’s energy direction — and why the coalition must begin prosecuting a fact-based case moving forward. If you care about the environment, energy policy, cost-of-living, agriculture or simply want to hear actual science rather than slogans, this episode is a must-listen. 🌿⚡️ #JJPodcast #MiaSchlicht #IPA #NetZero #ClimatePolicy #CO2 #EnergyCrisis #Renewables #Agriculture #AustralianPolitics #AtmosphericScience

🎙 EPISODE 23 — Jennifer Parker: Australia’s Defence Reality Check This week we sit down with one of Australia’s most respected voices in national security — Jennifer Parker, Defence and Marine Security specialist, former Warfare Officer in the Royal Australian Navy, and leading analyst in maritime strategy and Indo-Pacific security. With over two decades of active service, Jennifer brings real-world experience and sharp strategic insight to the discussion as we explore what it means for Australia to be an island nation in a rapidly shifting global landscape. In this episode we unpack:⚓️ The state of Australia’s maritime capability⚓️ Nuclear submarines + why AUKUS matters⚓️ Defence spending + tech superiority⚓️ Cyber warfare + next-generation threats⚓️ Political influence in defence communication⚓️ Where we’re strong — and where we’re dangerously vulnerable This is a conversation every Australian should hear.Because our security isn’t abstract — it’s national survival.

🎙️ Australia’s Big Immigration Reality — with Daniel Wild (IPA) In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Daniel Wild, Deputy Executive Director at the Institute of Public Affairs, for a deep dive into Australia’s exploding immigration numbers — the highest in our nation’s history. We unpack why Australia’s “Big Australia” policy is on steroids, how rapid population growth is affecting housing, infrastructure and social cohesion, and why Daniel argues that our migration intake urgently needs to return to Howard-era levels of around 100,000 per year. We also break down the truth about foreign student numbers and university dependency on international enrolments. At Sydney University alone, 51% of students are now international, and some classes aren’t even taught in English anymore. Daniel warns that universities have turned into de-facto migration pathways and focus their attention towards INCOME over education. He believes foreign student numbers should be capped at 30% maximum. We also explore the challenges of integrating large numbers of people with vastly different cultural, social and religious beliefs — and why sustainable, manageable migration is essential for maintaining social cohesion in modern Australia. If you care about Australia’s future, population policy, education, borders and the social fabric of our country, this is a must-listen. #JJPodcast #DanielWild #IPA #Australia #Immigration #BigAustralia #Universities #ForeignStudents #SydneyUni #SocialCohesion #Politics #Policy #Population #JaimeeAndJaimie

How Polling Really Works with Dr Dorian von Freyhold In the world of politics, polls are taken, published and analysed constantly — but how do they actually work? And how much can we trust them? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Dorian von Freyhold, Managing Director of Compass Polling and a consumer psychologist with a PhD in understanding human behaviour. We dive into the mechanics behind polling: how researchers find the right mix of people to question, how modern technology is reshaping (and reducing the cost of) polling around the world, and what this means for the future of political insights. We also take a close look at the current state of Australian politics, exploring where the public really sits on net zero, cost-of-living pressures, the nuclear vs renewables debate, and just how far behind Australia is when it comes to technological innovation compared with the United States. A fascinating, myth-busting conversation about what Australians are thinking — and why it matters.

🎙️ This week on The JJ Podcast — Jaimee and Jaimie sit down with Kellie Sloane MP, the Member for Vaucluse and Shadow Minister for Health, to unpack one of Australia’s biggest challenges: the state of our healthcare system. From the Labor Government’s promise of “free Medicare” and what that really means, to state budgets, hospital funding, and the growing role of privatisation — Kellie shares her insights on what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change. We also dive into the challenges facing the modern Liberal Party — from messaging and mass media to brand identity — and how politics and perception have never been more intertwined. 💬 Honest. Smart. Unfiltered.This is The JJ Podcast — where real conversations happen.