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Welcome to Curtin’s Cast, the John Curtin Research Centre’s podcast of politics, culture and ideas brought to you by JCRC Executive Director Nick Dyrenfurth and Redbridge Director and former Victorian Labor assistant secretary Kos Samaras. Each fortnight we bring you the freshest and most challenging conversations from the world of Australian and global politics with leaders, activists, and thinke... more

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Artwork for Curtin’s Cast

Latest Episodes

Fifty years to the day after the Dismissal, this week on Curtin’s Cast, Nick Dyrenfurth and guest co-host Emma Dawson talk to acclaimed historian and political biographer Troy Bramston about his stunning new biography Gough Whitlam: The Vista of the ... more

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🎙️This week on Curtin's Cast, Kos Samaras and Nick Dyrenfurth sit down with Gerard Dwyer, National Secretary of the SDA — Australia’s largest private-sector union covering retail, fast food and warehouse workers and a proud John Curtin Research Cent... more

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🎙️ This week's Curtin's Cast delves into what one British political writer calls the Netflixisation of Politics. Nick Dyrenfurth & Kos Samaras dive into the end of the political pendulum: both major parties bleeding to their disruptor flanks, the ri... more

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🎙️ Our guest today has lived the Australian story from the inside out. Born in Basra, Iraq, arriving to Australia as an asylum seeker aged nine including spending time in Villawood Detention Centre, and now a lawyer, chairperson and entrepreneur — S... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Troy Bramston
Senior writer and columnist at The Australian, and political biographer
The Australian
Episode: Curtin's Cast Episode 37 - 11 November 2025 - Troy Bramston on Gough Whitlam
Gerard Dwyer
National Secretary-Treasurer of the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA)
SDA
Episode: Curtin's Cast Episode 36 - 5 November 2025 - SDA Union National Secretary Gerard Dwyer
Sam Almaliki
Chairperson of the John Curtin Research Centre, entrepreneur, and newly qualified lawyer.
John Curtin Research Centre
Episode: Curtin's Cast Episode 34 - 22 October 2025 - From Basra to 🇦🇺 Aussie Boardrooms: JCRC Chair Sam Almaliki
Dr. Stephen Parnis
Emergency physician and public health advocate
Episode: Curtin's Cast Episode 30 - 17 September 2025 - Dr Stephen Parnis
Sally McManus
Secretary of the ACTU and union activist
Australian Council of Trade Unions
Episode: Curtin's Cast Episode 29 - 10 September 2025 - ACTU Secretary Sally McManus
Sean Scalmer
Professor of History at Melbourne University and author of 'A Fair Day's Work: The Quest to Win Back Time'
Melbourne University
Episode: Curtin's Cast Episode 28 - 3 September 2025 - Prof Sean Scalmer (Author of A Fair Day’s Work: The Quest to Win Back Time)
Keith Wolahan
Former Liberal MP and Army Reserve Captain
Liberal Party
Episode: Curtin's Cast Episode 27 - 27 August 2025 - Former Liberal MP Keith Wolahan
Gautam Raju
Campaign strategist and global men's health advocate
Movember
Episode: Curtin's Cast Episode 23 - 30 July 2025 - Gautam Raju (Movember)
Ronnie Hayden
Victorian Branch Secretary of the Australian Workers Union
Australian Workers Union
Episode: Curtin's Cast Episode 22 - 23 July 2025 - Ronnie Hayden (Australian Workers Union Victorian Branch Secretary)

Hosts

Nick Dyrenfurth
Co-host and Executive Director of the John Curtin Research Centre, he brings a depth of political insight and historical context to discussions.
Kos Samaras
Co-host and Director of Redbridge, he provides a critical perspective on the current political landscape and engagement strategies.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 53 ratings
  • Refreshing partisan takes

    Great show, my only real complain echoes what some others have said about the hosts speaking over the top of the guests. That just makes for a difficult listening experience at times.

    Otherwise this is really a bit like old school insiders, but more Labor aligned. Honestly I find it quite refreshing in a world where so much media embarks on neutrality for neutrality’s sake and the “bothsidesism” schtick. Sometimes it’s nice to just hear people’s actual opinions.

    A collab episode with back to b... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Twyborn
    Australia5 months ago
  • Great content but…

    Love the content but I wish Nick would let Kos and the other guests finish their sentence/thoughts.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    JaydenSAnthony
    Australia5 months ago
  • Interesting, but…

    It would be great if it weren’t such a blokefest, and if Nick could shut up a bit. Maybe the two points are the same thing…

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Flossy M
    Australia6 months ago
  • Nick talks about himself too much

    It’s excruciating that Nick thinks we want to hear about him, instead of his guests. He needs to learn good conversation skills & stop inserting himself in with his own (not interesting) life, analysis & experience

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Pete_woofa
    Australia6 months ago
  • Nick’s a punish

    Love the idea of this podcast. But the host is a narcissistic banker. It’s makes the podcaster Un-listenable. He talks over his erudite guests. Thinks he’s the smartest bloke in Australia. But really he’s just boorish dullard.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Irascible X
    Australia6 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate the refreshing take on politics, providing substantial insights without the neutrality often found in mainstream media.
There are concerns expressed regarding a perceived dominance of male voices, suggesting a desire for more diverse representation in discussions.
Critiques mention a tendency for hosts to speak over guests, which at times detracts from the listening experience.
Overall, the content is regarded as well-researched, offering meaningful perspectives on contemporary Australian political issues.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#148
Australia/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Curtin's Cast Episode 37 - 11 November 2025 - Troy Bramston on Gough Whitlam
Q: Can you summarize the circumstances leading to Whitlam's dismissal?
The opposition blocked the budget, leading to a constitutional crisis that resulted in his dismissal by the Governor-General.
Curtin's Cast Episode 37 - 11 November 2025 - Troy Bramston on Gough Whitlam
Q: What new insights about Gough Whitlam can you share?
There is new information about his name origin and the fact that he was never baptized, revealing personal myths about him.
Curtin's Cast Episode 36 - 5 November 2025 - SDA Union National Secretary Gerard Dwyer
Q: Do you think over time, since you've been working the age of the retail worker, has gotten a bit older?
Gerard agrees that the age of the retail workforce has been rising as older individuals seek flexible work hours while managing family responsibilities.
Curtin's Cast Episode 36 - 5 November 2025 - SDA Union National Secretary Gerard Dwyer
Q: How did you get involved with the SDA and the Shopees, Gerard?
Gerard explains his involvement was influenced by his study of labor history and an initial job as a builder's laborer before being interviewed for a position with the SDA.
Curtin's Cast Episode 34 - 22 October 2025 - From Basra to 🇦🇺 Aussie Boardrooms: JCRC Chair Sam Almaliki
Q: What are your impressions of Australian life? How long do you actually spend in Villawood?
Sam reflects on his time in Villawood and his first impressions of life in Australia, highlighting the resilience of his family and the community.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Curtin’s Cast

What is Curtin’s Cast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Conversations focus on the evolving landscape of politics and culture, particularly within Australia, emphasizing shifts in public sentiment and the interaction of younger generations with political institutions. Notable discussions range from the implications of 'netflix politics' and generational voting trends to pressing social issues such as union activism, indigenous rights, and healthcare policies influenced by recent global events. The hosts regularly feature a diverse range of guests, including political activists, historians, and healthcare professionals, whose insights contribute to a richer understanding of contemporary challenges. Unique to this series is the frank and sometimes partisan perspective offered by the hosts, aiming ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Curtin’s Cast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Curtin’s Cast:

1. Politics with Michelle Grattan
2. Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny
3. Politics Now
4. Inside Politics
5. Australian Politics

How many episodes of Curtin’s Cast are there?

Curtin’s Cast launched 9 months ago and published 37 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 Curtin’s Cast?

Recent guests on Curtin’s Cast include:

1. Troy Bramston
2. Gerard Dwyer
3. Sam Almaliki
4. Dr. Stephen Parnis
5. Sally McManus
6. Sean Scalmer
7. Keith Wolahan
8. Gautam Raju

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