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The Issue

LiSTNR
Australia
United States
China
Aukus
One Nation
Donald Trump
Iran
Artificial Intelligence
Ukraine
Immigration
Afghanistan
Triple Zero
Telcos
Veterans' Affairs
Labor Party
Housing
Salt Typhoon
Taiwan
International Education
Immigration Policy

The Issue is a weekly podcast that dives deep into the world of politics and global affairs. Hosted by seasoned political reporters Tim Lester and Josh Martin, the show offers insightful analysis, sharp commentary, and thoughtful discussion on the biggest stories shaping our world today. From the halls of Parliament to international summits, The Issue covers a wide range of topics - national polic... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes51Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsNews

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Latest Episodes

The CEO of Master Builders Australia has revealed to 7NEWS she received death threats to her family home in Canberra. Denita Wawn says the ordeal pushed her to clean-up the building sector and the construction union, the CFMEU.

In this episode of T... more

How secure is Australia’s food supply?

The podcast examines that critical Issue this week. We talk to Xavier Martin, a broadacre farmer from the Liverpool Plains and the President of the NSW Farmers Association. He says high fuel prices, shortages ... more

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Bristling with high-tech weapons, Beijing is inseparable from the case for Australia spending tens of billions more on our defence in the years ahead.

How dangerous is China's surge in military capability? How does their military strength compare t... more

The nuclear-powered submarine club, AUKUS, promises security. But besides from the hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars - what is the real cost behind the sub club?

In this week's episode of The Issue, Greens NSW Senator David Shoebridge had mu... more

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Recent Guests

Denita Wawn
CEO of Master Builders Australia
Master Builders Australia
Episode: Master Builders CEO reveals her fight to build more homes while handling death threats
Xavier Martin
Farmer on the NSW Liverpool Plains; Broadacre crops; outgoing president of NSW Farmers Association
NSW Farmers Association
Episode: The famine threat: On Australia's fuel prices, fertiliser shortages, uncertain weather
Neil Greet
Retired Colonel; defence and disaster management veteran
Former Australian Defence Force; Australian Security Leaders Climate Group
Episode: The famine threat: On Australia's fuel prices, fertiliser shortages, uncertain weather
Mark Cozad
RAND East Asia Security Expert
RAND Corporation
Episode: The China Threat: RAND expert Mark Cozad explains Australia's biggest security challeng
David Shoebridge
Greens Senator, defence and foreign affairs spokesperson
Greens
Episode: 'The US is kind of laughing at us': Greens Senator David Shoebridge reveals the real cost behind the AUKUS submarine deal
Matt Keogh
Australian Labor Party politician, Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Australian Government
Episode: The biggest reform in how Australia helps veterans is coming in days. But will our politicians finally get it right?
William Bowe
Poll bludger, prominent election analyst
Poll Bludger
Episode: One Nation is currently leading primary polling. Election analysist William Bowe discusses what could bring them apart.
Phil Thompson
Former infantry soldier, MP for Herbert, Liberal Party
Liberal Party of Australia
Episode: From surviving a bomb blast to calling out Albo on veterans' funding, this soldier turned MP has some things to say
Jessie Moritz
Middle East and energy analyst
Australian National University
Episode: Trump promised the Iran conflict would end quickly. Three months later, the risks are growing

Hosts

Josh Martin
Co-host of a political analysis show; long-standing political reporter with experience across national and international affairs.
Tim Lester
Co-host and seasoned political journalist bringing experience from national news coverage and commentary.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#142
Australia/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The China Threat: RAND expert Mark Cozad explains Australia's biggest security challeng
Q: What would be the telltale signs for you that China is preparing to move militarily on Taiwan?
Key indicators include mobilization of China's national defense resources, broader diplomatic moves outside the immediate region, and signaling through coercive activities that anticipate a protracted conflict with the United States and allies.
Trump's foreign policy aiding China | The Issue
Q: How should Australia adjust its aid strategy in light of Western cuts and China's expansion?
Australia should prioritize governance, health, and education in smaller, more needy economies, increase coordination with like-minded partners (Japan and South Korea), and consider a measured rise in overall aid while leveraging private investment to complement government spending.
Trump's foreign policy aiding China | The Issue
Q: Alex, what are the main drivers behind China increasing its aid footprint in Southeast Asia?
China focuses on large infrastructure projects financed through loans, expands presence in big economies, and adapts its Belt and Road financing to respond to competition, while also trying to maintain influence through elite-level engagement and targeted development in sectors it prioritizes.
Anthony Albanese's secret plan for more politicians : A knockout blow against the Coalition
Q: For Australians who may not know you, tell us about your career as a pollster and a political analyst. What are some of the highs, some of the electoral successes you've seen?
Kos Samaras outlines a career from working on Labour campaigns to founding RedBridge, highlighting successful electoral campaigns and ongoing involvement in election coverage, with emphasis on data-driven insights and the evolving role of polling in campaigns.
Medicine costs at risk: Trump's tariff threats looms while the PBS falls behind
Q: What would be the impact if US tariffs or pressure were imposed on Australian pharmaceutical exports?
Tariffs could threaten a small, concentrated export sector (notably CSL), raise costs for manufacturers, and potentially affect access, but the overall national impact would depend on broader policy responses and diversification of markets.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Issue

What is The Issue about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show consistently centers on national policy, politics, and current affairs, often pairing high-profile policymakers with data-driven analysts and industry experts. Episodes commonly explore housing policy, fiscal and monetary issues, energy security, international relations, and the mechanics of political power, with guests ranging from ministers and MPs to CEOs, economists, and strategic thinkers. A notable strength is its willingness to challenge government narratives and translate complex policy questions into actionable takeaways for listeners, including investors, decision-makers, and politically engaged professionals. The format tends toward candid, issue-driven conversations that connect policy choices to real-world outcomes for... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with The Issue:

1. Straight Talk with Mark Bouris
2. The Karl Stefanovic Show
3. Credlin
4. The Howie Games
5. Life of Brian

How many episodes of The Issue are there?

The Issue launched a year ago and published 51 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 The Issue?

Recent guests on The Issue include:

1. Denita Wawn
2. Xavier Martin
3. Neil Greet
4. Mark Cozad
5. David Shoebridge
6. Matt Keogh
7. William Bowe
8. Phil Thompson

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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