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A Rational Fear

Dan Ilic
Comedy
Australia
Australian Podcast Awards
Pine Gap
Climate Change
CIA
Melbourne
Australian Ethical
Temple & Webster
Millions Downloads
National Security
Sovereignty
Commercial Radio
Women In Comedy
Israel-Palestine Conflict
Indigenous Voice To Parliament
Gough Whitlam
ANZUS Treaty
Social Media
Wendy Harmar

Laughing in the face of fear. Comedians and experts rip into the news. It's #QandA on crack.

🏆 Winner Best Comedy Podcast 2020 / 2021 / 2022 / 2023. Sign up to the newsletter: www.arationalfear.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes246Founded14 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Comedy InterviewsComedyScienceEarth Sciences

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Artwork for A Rational Fear

Latest Episodes

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This week former Industry & Science Minister Ed Husic joined us in the A Rational Fear bunker to chat about the big fault ... more

Recorded live at Climate Action Week Sydney, this episode of A Rational Fear dives deep into the rise of the far right, fossil-fuel-funded disinformation, and what it all means for Australia’s climate future and democracy.

Host Dan Ilic is joined on... more

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What a great episode to end the year on. It's magic when the guests are good old friends with time under their belts, joy ... more

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G'day Fearmongers —

We have two of Australia's great brains join us, the brilliant Grace Tame and the editor of The Chase... more

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Recent Guests

Ed Husic
First Muslim frontbencher, former minister, Labor Party politician
Australian Labor Party
Episode: "Sing Us a Song, Timmy" — Ed Husic on Gas, Gaza & Getting Kicked Out
Malcolm Turnbull
Former Prime Minister of Australia
Former Australian Government
Episode: The end of the Liberal Party and the new climate wars.
Ed Coper
Author of Anger Tainment; climate communications expert
Popularis (communications agency)
Episode: The end of the Liberal Party and the new climate wars.
Kay Hook
Co-convener of Climate 200
Climate 200
Episode: The end of the Liberal Party and the new climate wars.
Kate Hook
Campaign professional with experience in energy transition campaigns
Independent campaigns / regional advocacy
Episode: The end of the Liberal Party and the new climate wars.
Sammy Shah
Comedian and author
Episode: End of (fear) year wrap
Kirsten Drysdale
Internet content reviewer and comedian
The Internet Reviewed (YouTube channel)
Episode: End of (fear) year wrap
John Delmenico
The editor of The Chaser and a prolific slinger of satire on the internet
The Chaser
Episode: Satan Worshipers. Dental Chairs & Spotify Wrapped
Grace Thame
A rehabilitating athlete and commentator
Episode: Satan Worshipers. Dental Chairs & Spotify Wrapped

Hosts

Dan Ilic
Host of A Rational Fear; lead moderator known for incisive political humor and clear framing of complex issues.
Lewis Hobba
Co-host with broad appeal and comedic perspective; provides conversational balance and quick-witted commentary.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 334 ratings
  • Had to unsubscribe

    Disappointing to hear their guest say they wished Kamala was more supportive of a genocidal apartheid state - I can’t support a show that endorses those kinds of views. A real shame because it’s hard to find decent Australian political commentary.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    A.M-
    Australiaa year ago
  • Dan Ilic is the best.

    It’s hard to understate how much Dan Ilic puts into A Rational Fear — you can hear the sweat through the headphones. He’s such a legend, and often writes in 3rd person.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ranger Dan
    Australia2 years ago
  • Climate Action Now!!!

    Still the best show for keeping up with climate action without falling into a pit of despair Xox

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Andre_X77
    Australia2 years ago
  • Great content

    Great content, funny side of the most depressing subjects. Quite repeatitive format at times becomes bit boring.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    rajarshidg
    Australia2 years ago
  • My go to for all my Aussie political opinions

    Podcast Addict
    5
    NzWaffles
    3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many appreciate guest diversity and sharp, accessible analysis.
Listeners praise the balance of humor and insight, especially on climate and politics.
Some criticism centers on guest variety and perceived repetition of formats.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The end of the Liberal Party and the new climate wars.
Q: What is the main danger of the current information ecosystem for climate policy?
The ecosystem amplifies extreme, emotion-driven narratives funded by fossil-fuel interests, which can distort public perception and undermine serious climate action unless countered with proactive, factual storytelling and trusted local messengers.
Don't Mess With The Zohran!
Q: What was it like this week? What are progressive people feeling in America right now?
This week felt good due to the election of a charismatic leader in Mondani. Progressives feel beaten but hopeful.
Help hire a lobbyist
Q: How's your plan going to work?
Conrad explains that he plans to hold a fundraiser to hire a lobbyist who will advocate for the everyday Australians in Parliament.
Rules for burning top secret documents
Q: Is this just like, no, Albo is holding his own?
He was trying to send a signal that we are close allies of the US, but we will make our own calls.
Rules for burning top secret documents
Q: How do you kind of put a show like this together?
You would be astounded at how much work goes into every tiny detail.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
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Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About A Rational Fear

What is A Rational Fear about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show blends sharp political satire with expert analysis on climate, policy, and current events, often through the lens of Australian politics. Episodes frequently tackle disinformation, media ecosystems, grassroots campaigning, and the tug-of-war between reform and entrenched interests, all delivered with wit and accessible storytelling. Noteworthy is the consistent pairing of comedians with policy-minded guests, creating a balance between hard-hitting insights and entertaining banter that keeps complex topics approachable for educated, civically engaged audiences. Expect a forward-leaning, media-savvy discussion space that appeals to listeners who want timely commentary, practical context, and a dash of humor even when the subject mat... more

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Which podcasts are similar to A Rational Fear?

These podcasts share a similar audience with A Rational Fear:

1. The Chaser Report
2. Australian Politics
3. Politics Now
4. Full Story
5. 7am

How many episodes of A Rational Fear are there?

A Rational Fear launched 14 years ago and published 246 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on A Rational Fear?

Recent guests on A Rational Fear include:

1. Ed Husic
2. Malcolm Turnbull
3. Ed Coper
4. Kay Hook
5. Kate Hook
6. Sammy Shah
7. Kirsten Drysdale
8. John Delmenico

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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