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A Rational Fear

Dan Ilic
Australia
Climate Change
Comedy
Australian Politics
Australian Election
Peter Dutton
Disinformation
Australian Podcast Awards
Pine Gap
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Donald Trump
Social Media
Melbourne
CIA
Gina Reinhardt
Lame Stream
China
Media Coverage
National Security
Sovereignty

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.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes248Founded14 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Comedy InterviewsEarth SciencesScienceComedy

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Artwork for A Rational Fear

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In this episode, we explore Australia's energy transition, climate... more

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This week Dan and Lewis Hobba are joined by independent journalist Michael West of Michael West Media — who's being sued b... more

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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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Recent Guests

Thom Woodroofe
Author of Power, Prosperity and Planet; climate policy expert
Author, Speaker on climate policy
Episode: In Conversation — Making Australia's energy transition cheaper for all.
Michael West
Independent journalist, founder of Michael West Media
Michael West Media
Episode: BHP is taking Michael West to court! — feat. Michael West
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

Hosts

Dan Ilic
Host of the show, moderating the discussion and guiding conversations with guests.
Lewis Hobba
Co-host providing the comedic and conversational counterpoint.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 337 ratings
  • Don’t get cancelled

    Only podcast with 2 male hosts that I listen to (until they both are cancelled)

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    someone_took_my_nickname
    Australia3 months ago
  • 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-
    Australia2 years 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
    Australia3 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners praise the balance of sharp analysis and humor.
Some criticisms mention guest quality varying but still engaging overall.
Listeners value accessibility of complex topics and entertaining delivery.
Praise for Dan Ilic's energy and commitment to the show's cause and format.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

In Conversation — Making Australia's energy transition cheaper for all.
Q: How should Australia approach its COP31 hosting and exported emissions?
Thom cautions that hosting COP31 should not come at the expense of reducing exported emissions; he advocates introspection on exports, real policy levers to reduce fossil fuel reliance, and thinking about how to actually expand green exports such as green iron ore/steel to fund a just transition.
In Conversation — Making Australia's energy transition cheaper for all.
Q: What are the policy silver bullets you'd like to see soon?
The guest argues for concrete steps like solar for renters, improving access to solar stock in rental markets, and targeted incentives that lower the monthly cost of energy for households while ensuring a broad distribution of benefits beyond homeowners.
In Conversation — Making Australia's energy transition cheaper for all.
Q: What levers could the government pull to help Middle Australia during the energy transition?
Thom stresses practical policy angles, including making solar more accessible to renters, mandating better building standards at property transactions, accelerating depreciation and tax incentives for solar investments, and expanding wage guarantees and retraining to support communities that are dependent on fossil fuel sectors.
BHP is taking Michael West to court! — feat. Michael West
Q: What fundraising or events are tied to supporting this coverage?
They planned a fundraiser and a BHP Ball coupled with the inaugural Minter Ellison Press Freedom Oration to raise money for legal costs and to celebrate a decade of independent media.
BHP is taking Michael West to court! — feat. Michael West
Q: How does the host describe the case in terms of the journalism ethics involved?
The host emphasizes the principle that journalism should question powerful entities and that suppressing reporting through strategic litigation threatens open inquiry and accountability, especially when public interest is high.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About A Rational Fear

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

A witty, data-driven political satire show blends sharp humor with in-depth policy discussion. Episodes frequently tackle climate policy, energy transitions, media freedom, and Australian politics, often featuring expert guests or prominent politicians along with seasoned comedians. The tone stays accessible and entertaining, aiming to translate complex topics into tangible takeaways for listeners, with standout moments including behind-the-scenes policy anecdotes, critical takes on governance, and a knack for turning serious subjects into lively, digestible conversations. Noteworthy is the consistent pairing of humor with informed critique, making it a go-to for listeners who want both laughter and substance—and for potential guests and sp... 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. Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny
3. Full Story
4. Follow The Money
5. Australian Politics

How many episodes of A Rational Fear are there?

A Rational Fear launched 14 years ago and published 248 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. Thom Woodroofe
2. Michael West
3. Ed Husic
4. Malcolm Turnbull
5. Ed Coper
6. Kay Hook
7. Kate Hook
8. Sammy Shah

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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