Best Alex Zee Podcasts (2025)

1
Huffing on the copium? 52:04

16d ago52:04

52:04

Daniel James of the 7am podcast and RRR's The Mission talks to Jess and Rachel about election night. What was it like at the ALP's function, and what has the media coverage been like in the wake? Together they also talk about other news of the week, namely the beginning of the mushroom murder trials.…

1
Zee Feed and new media 53:55

23d ago53:55

53:55

Journalist Crystal Andrews, founder of Zee Feed, and readers’ editor at Crikey, talks to Jess and Rachel on the place of new media in the 2025 election. Jess and Rachel also look at the demise of Amelia Hamer over the past few weeks of the election.By RRR - Triple R

1
The shady world of Advance 44:33

30d ago44:33

44:33

Jess flies solo and, in this episode, is joined by senior writer at Good Weekend, Tim Elliot, to delve into his investigation of “grassroots” campaign group Advance Australia. They discuss its ideological origins, and its connection to the fossil fuel industry, and the ATLAS network.Jess also talks about the decline of ARN’s CADA, including their r…

1
When politicians go social 49:39

1M ago49:39

49:39

Jess and Charlie are joined by Hannah McElhinney, co-creator of Rainbow History Class, to discuss the major parties’ social media content creation for the upcoming election. They also discuss Crikey’s political candidate, and Peter Dutton’s turbulent week on the trail.By RRR - Triple R

1
Inside the magical mystery tour with Isabelle Roe 47:14

1M ago47:14

47:14

Jess and Charlie welcome Isabelle Roe, one of the ABC journalists on the campaign trail this election. What is it like, and what can she tell us about the inner workings of Peter Dutton’s campaign. Jess and Charlie also discuss more of the “meh” election, including the recent debates hosted by Sky and Channel 7, and the Liberal campaign ad made wit…

1
The political ambitions of Australia’s richest woman 47:04

2M ago47:04

47:04

Jess, Rachel and Charlie are joined by The Guardian Australia's correspondent Sarah Martin, to discuss the new podcast series about mining magnate Gina Rinehart. They talk about what the podcast, Gina, reveals about Gina Rinehart, and what it can tell us about her influence in the current election. The team also talk about the more general election…

1
The right to protest 47:33

2M ago47:33

47:33

Charlie and Rachel welcome returning guest-host Natalie Feliks. Together they are joined by human rights lawyer David Mejia-Canales to discuss the right to protest, and how the Australian media's coverage of protests give cover to repressive laws. They also review the media coverage of the budget, the upcoming trans day-of-action, and the US govern…

1
New vs legacy media 50:57

2M ago50:57

50:57

Rachel, Charlie and Jess are joined by widely published journalist, Alex McKinnon, founder of everything is fine*. Together they discuss the power of the mainstream media, the importance of independent journalism, and the Australian media's coverage on Palestine. The team also talk about some recent new media outlets that have cropped up across the…

1
When media beat ups lead to changes in the law 50:27

2M ago50:27

50:27

This week on Spin Cycle, Jess, Rachel and Charlie review the week, breaking down the timeline of the Dural caravan saga - the media hysteria, the political rhetoric, the rushed legislation, all over a terrorist plot that never was. Plus they recount their back and forth with a certain media hungry former Prime Minister. Plus the rise of self-censor…

1
Alex Fein on focus groups 48:30

3M ago48:30

48:30

Rachel, Jess and Charlie are joined by Alex Fein, Redbridge Senior Insights Adviser, who runs focus groups for the Melbourne-based pollster, to find out more about how the process works — and what the punters are saying. They also discuss the alarming news coming out of America, including attacks on press freedom and THAT Oval Office shakedown.…

1
Amy Remeikis on the state of it 43:38

3M ago43:38

43:38

Rachel, Jess and Charlie are joined by former Guardian political reporter, now chief political analyst at the Australia Institute, Amy Remeikis. She explains the role of think tanks and shares her thoughts on the state of the Australian political media, particularly in the lead up to the election. The team also talk about misogyny in commercial rad…

1
Peter Lalor on being sacked over Gaza posts 49:34

3M ago49:34

49:34

Jess, Rachel and Charlie are joined by legendary cricket journalist, Peter Lalor, who was sacked from SEN radio after complaints were made over his retweets supporting Palestinians in Gaza. They also discuss other similar media stories, including allegations the Daily Telegraph attempted to manufacture its own anti-semitism story. Relevant articles…

1
The media landscape as we enter 2025 45:20

3M ago45:20

45:20

Jess, Rachel and Charlie are back from the holidays and recap what went down in the media over the break. They discuss the analysis of Elon Musk’s gestures at US president Donald Trump’s inauguration - why are some media saying odd-looking and others saying nazi salute? They also cover the ongoing saga of Antoinette Lattouf’s dismissal from the ABC…

1
Is Israel recruiting for the IDF in Australia? 43:15

6M ago43:15

43:15

Charlie and Jess speak to writer, Yaakov Aharon, about his article in Michael West Media detailing Israel's recruitment of Australian soldiers. Plus they look at how Newscorp's current cheerleading for the gas industry trashes the line between editorial and advertising. And Bob Katter makes a weary return.…

1
Social media access for under 16s like Maggie Perry 45:47

6M ago45:47

45:47

Speaking in the final hours before the social media ban legislation was passed through the Senate on Thursday night, Spin Cycle co-hosts Natalie Feliks, Jess Lilley, Rachel Withers and Charlie Lewis speak to 15-year-old 6 News journalist Maggie Perry about what the social media ban would mean for her and other LGBTQIA+ young people, rural and other…

1
David Leser on Alan Jones 46:46

6M ago46:46

46:46

Hosts Charlie, Jess and Rachel are joined by award-winning journalist David Leser, whose 1998 piece Who's Afraid of Alan Jones has come to light again following the arrest of former shock jock Alan Jones. The team also discusses the proposed legislation to ban those under 16 years old from using social media.…

1
Albanese's national social media ban and Don Watson discusses the next 4 years with Trump 2.0 47:00

7M ago47:00

47:00

Jess and Rachel are joined by guest co-host Natalie Feliks. Together they unpack the government's plans to ban young people from social media. Author, screenwriter and former political advisor Don Watson joins the team by phone to unravel this week's US election, the Republican landslide and the future of the country under a Trump administration.…

1
The National Anti-Corruption Commission & Robodebt 43:35

7M ago43:35

43:35

Rachel Withers is joined by guest co-host Daniel James to speak with Professor William Parlett on his recent article for The Conversation exposing the the National Anti-Corruption Commission's failure to investigate the Robodebt scandal.By RRR - Triple R

1
Robodebt historian Rick Morton 48:37

7M ago48:37

48:37

Rick Morton joins Jess, Rachel and Charlie to discuss his new book Mean Streak, a "corporate thriller" that uncovers the horror of Robodebt. Rick gets into how it happened, where it all went so wrong and why we need to learn from this. The team also delve into Senator Lidia Thorpe’s protest during King Charles’ visit to Parliament House and the med…

1
Interview with editor of 'The Klaxon' Anthony Klan and the Negative Gearing 48:32

8M ago48:32

48:32

On this episode we are JOINED BY INVESTIGATIVE Journalist and editor of ‘The Klaxon’, Anthony Klan to talk about ‘The Klaxons’s’ leading coverage surrounding our new National Anti-Corruption commission and its controversial decision not to investigate referrals made by robodebt royal commission. Then we discuss the Labour government floating the id…

1
Analysing the analysis of the US presidential debate 45:09

8M ago45:09

45:09

Dr Prudence Flowers joins Charlie and Rachel to delve into the American presidential debate. Together they explore the various interpretations of who came out on top, and ask whether presidential debates still have any major influence over US elections? If not, what does? The team also discuss the saga of texts between journalist Janet Albrechtsen …

1
Censorship and the arts 50:38

9M ago50:38

50:38

Jess and Rachel are joined by writer Jinghua Qian to discuss the effect Israel's war on Palestine is having on freedom of speech in the arts locally. From the State Library of Victoria to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to multiple literary and music festivals, the team discuss the trend of censorship of artists by cultural institutions and the su…

1
Ben Abbatangelo explains the NT Election 48:45

9M ago48:45

48:45

Jess, Charlie and guest host Natalie Feliks discuss the recent lacklustre in the media of political commentary, particularly at the ABC. The team are then joined by Ben Abbatangelo to discuss the recent election in the NT - what is the agenda of the CLP and what does it mean for the coalition and Labor at a national level?…

1
Radiothon 2024 & Watching the Media with Paul Barry 52:35

9M ago52:35

52:35

It's Radiothon week! And who's better than one of Australia's most well-respected investigative journalists, Paul Barry - the host of ABC's MediaWatch, to express the need and importance for community radio. The team chat to Paul about the dire future of journalism in Australia and what needs to be done to improve the landscape while also giving so…

1
Four Corners investigates Channel 7 54:12

9M ago54:12

54:12

Louise Milligan joins Jess, Rachel and Charlie to share some insights into the recent Four Corners investigation into Channel 7's workplace culture. The team also discusses some recent news involving Algerian boxer Imane Khelif.By RRR - Triple R

1
How TERFS crashed the Olympics 47:56

10M ago47:56

47:56

Jess, Rachel and Charlie are joined by writer, Natalie Feliks, to talk about the misinformation campaign online and in the media around Algerian Olympic boxer, Imane Khelif. They also turn their attention to the government's watered down approach to caps on gambling ads. Plus they ponder whether totally mild will be the winning formula in the US pr…

1
Striking journos and Instagram Ballerinas 49:39

10M ago49:39

49:39

This week, Jess and Rachel chat to former editor of the 7AM podcast, Scott Mitchell, about the industrial action that hit 9 Papers just as they were gearing up to cover the Paris Olympics. Plus they go deep on Mormon trad wife influencer, Ballerina Farm, in light of a controversial Sunday Times profile. And Rachel addresses the problem with Ralph B…

1
Trump 2.0 and Project 2025 47:57

10M ago47:57

47:57

Charlie and Jess are joined by Amy Donaldson, producer of ABC’s Four Corners, to discuss the first part of Retribution, a two-part series exploring what a second Trump presidency might look like. The team also look at the recent findings of corruption in the CFMEU and what it might mean for the future of unions, as well as "not-so-Tenacious D".…

1
On the Anti-Semitism Envoy & the Senator Supporting Palestine 49:50

11M ago49:50

49:50

With a full house (Jess, Rachel, Charlie, and Najma!), Spin Cycle greets two guests to discuss the latest in the Australian news media. Jewish Council of Australia Executive Officer, Sarah Schwartz, describes the recent conflation of anti-zionism with anti-semitism, and whether it is an attempt to control legitimate pro-Palestinian protest. And Nou…

1
Reflecting On Thirty-Three Years Of Broadcasting With Phillip Adams 50:05

11M ago50:05

50:05

Charlie is back from Europe and joins Jess and Rachel in conversation with Phillip Adams. Fresh from finishing his run as host of 33-years to the ABC's Late Night Live, Phillip weighs in on some career highlights, the direction of the ABC, and the broader state of the Australian media. The team also discusses the media storm around former Labor-now…

1
Victories and Villains 48:21

11M ago48:21

48:21

Annika Blau joins Jess, Rachel and Esther to comment on the reality of reality TV, in particular the making of the “villain edit”. Annika goes more into depth on Australia’s "most hated" reality TV star in the most recent episode of the ABC’s Background Briefing. The team also look at freedoms in the case of Julian Assange, as well as in the broade…

1
Overland's 70 & Nuclear Woes! 49:03

11M ago49:03

49:03

Jess and Rachel are joined this week by Evelyn Araluen, Co-Editor In Chief of Overland. They discuss the extreme narratives at the ends of public culture, the need for independent media, and celebrating 70 years of Overland. Jess and Rachel also discuss whether the media is giving Dutton's nuclear statements the criticism they deserve, and how poli…

1
Peter Costello and the problem with media men 48:03

11M ago48:03

48:03

Returning guest Denis Muller joins Jess, Rachel and Esther to discuss the power structures, authoritarianism and open secrets at 9 media. The team also discuss the resignation of Media Watch's Paul Barry, and the distracting politics around Australia's inaction on Israel's war on Gaza.By RRR - Triple R

1
Biases in Australian financial reporting 51:39

12M ago51:39

51:39

Data specialist Kristen Moeller-Saxone joins Jess, Rachel and Esther to explore the study into the reporting of finance in the media over the last three decades, as well as the use of AI in the research process. The team also cover the week's news, including the National Press Club Address from the Executive Chairman of Newscorp Australasia, Michae…

1
Laura Tingle vs the media? 48:37

12M ago48:37

48:37

Daanyal Saeed joins Jess, Rachel and Esther to discuss the outrage over Laura Tingle's comments at the Sydney Writers' Festival. Why is it that the media so often takes commentary out of context? Together they also discuss senate estimates, and the rise of effective altruism and pronatalism.By RRR - Triple R

1
What it means to be Jewish in the midst of Israel's war on Gaza 43:07

1y ago43:07

43:07

Independent Journalist, author of the Palestine Laboratory & co-founder of Declassified Australia, Antony Loewenstein, joins Jess and Rachel to discuss zionism, anti-semitism, and the fight against fascism, after the exploration of these topics in a recent Compass episode. The team also cover the first part in the saga of Gina Rinehart's portrait-r…

1
The Quinoa Curtain 30:54

1y ago30:54

30:54

Emma Buckley Lennox fills in for the Spin Cycle crew this week and is joined by Professor Somwrita Sarkar from the University of Sydney to discuss her research into spatial segregation and neighbourhood change. Later in the program, Peter Greste, Executive director of the Alliance for Journalists' Freedom, weighs in on this week's sentencing of whi…

1
Class & socio-political diversity in the media 47:01

1y ago47:01

47:01

This week on Spin Cycle, Jess and Rachel are joined by Walkley Award-winning Journalist from UTS Helen Vatsikopulos. They talk with her about the current environment for studying journalism and the challenges of ensuring diversity for the future of the industry. Jess and Rachel also discuss the recent awarding of The Pulitzer Prize, and what’s goin…

1
It's all 'About Time' with Joseph Friedman 45:06

1y ago45:06

45:06

Joseph Friedman joins the Spin Cycle team to introduce 'About Time', a new publication created for, and largely by, incarcerated people in Australia. They dive into the intended content, similar existing publications, and what the launch and approval process is like. The team also talks about media funding, racism, and the dialogue around the recen…

1
Unpacking An Omnishambles with Dr Rachael Burgin 44:11

1y ago44:11

44:11

In light of the verdict on Bruce Lehrmann's defamation case against Channel 10, the Spin Cycle team are joined by Dr Rachael Burgin, senior lecturer at Swinburne University and CEO of Rape and Sexual Assault Research and Advocacy. Together they discuss how the trial was conducted differently to other similar cases, and how high profile sexual assau…

1
Shit Rentals' Jordie Van Der Berg opens up about empty houses 43:00

1y ago43:00

43:00

Advocate for the right to housing, Jordan van den Berg, aka Purple Pingers, joins Jess and Rachel to talk about how the media have responded to his recent campaign to create a database of empty and vacant homes in both Australia and the US. Together they explore how the media engage with concepts to which they are generally foreign to due to issues…

1
Sara M Saleh on Palestine as Liberatory Praxis 49:47

1y ago49:47

49:47

Human rights lawyer and author, Sarah M Saleh joins the team to discuss her recent piece in Meanjin's Autumn issue. Together they examine censorship and limits on free speech evident in recent artistic curatorships, and whether we will see a change in the presentation of Palestinian voices to the Australian public. The team also talk about the new …

1
Are news rooms equiped to handle complex mental health issues of their staff? 46:18

1y ago46:18

46:18

Jess is joined by Rachel Withers editor in chief of the politics to speak to investigative journalist Jarni Blakkarly who asks the question "are news rooms equiped for mental health of staff?" also topics such as Impartiality in regards to how the news from Gaza is reported.By RRR - Triple R

1
Spin Cycle - 21 March 2024 37:57

1y ago37:57

37:57

An episode of Spin Cycle from 21st March 2024.By RRR - Triple R

1
What does the current situation in Gaza look like? 48:42

1y ago48:42

48:42

Charlie, Rachel and Jess are joined this week by David Hardaker, an experienced Walkley Award-winning investigative journalist who has worked for Four Corners, 7.30, Foreign Correspondent and 60 Minutes, to discuss his new book "Mine is the Kingdom". Also joining this week is ABC Global Affairs Editor, John Lyons on this week's Four Corners report …

1
Looking back to understand the present in news media 43:28

1y ago43:28

43:28

Journalist and writer Jonathan Green joins Charlie and Rachel to unpack his new piece for The Monthly Whose ABC?, which applies a historical context to understand the current state of affairs and challenges that face the public broadcaster. The team also tackle the death toll of journalists during the conflict in Gaza, and reporting on the one-side…

1
Spin Cycle - 29 February 2024 48:14

1y ago48:14

48:14

An episode of Spin Cycle from 29th February 2024.By RRR - Triple R

1
What kind of journalism do we need in Australia's Future? 50:29

1y ago50:29

50:29

Tito Ambyo, writer, researcher, producer, and RMIT journalism lecturer, joins Jess and Charlie on this week's Spin Cycle. He shares his thoughts on the practice of journalism and its future. What does it mean to be a journalist? Is journalism a form of activism? And what are the main issues that need to be addressed in the industry? Plus, the team …

1
What should be reported in the public interest? 34:05

1+ y ago34:05

34:05

This week, Jess is joined by Prof. Peter Greste from Alliance for Journalists' Freedom. Together they discuss his own experience with the law and press freedom in Eygpt and how Australia treats freedom of speech in the press more broadly. They also how Australia's government has failed on reforming protections for whistleblowers ahead of Greste's a…

1
How counter-terrorism cops allegedly radicalised a 13 year old autistic youth 51:38

1+ y ago51:38

51:38

The Guardian's Justice and Courts Reporter Nino Bucci, joins the Spin Cycle team to talk about his wild reporting into court findings that an undercover operation by counter-terrorism cops in the AFP may have further radicalised an autistic 13 year old with a "fixation" on ISIS. Plus, the team dive into ABC's Nemesis doc series and experience whipl…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Alex Zee Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen