Exchanges with Evan Lucas

On Exchanges this week, Shahana McKenzie, CEO of Bioenergy Australia, joins Evan to dissect the barriers blocking one of Australia's most underutilised clean energy levers: biofuels. From policy uncertainty to infrastructure shortfalls, she explains what it would actually take to get the sector moving and why government-enforced mandates and the political will to act are the missing piece to unlocking a biofuel-secure future

To learn more about Shahana and Bioenergy Australia click here:

Website: https://www.bioenergyaustralia.org.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bioenergy-australia-ltd-/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahana-mckenzie-b0ab3617/

To follow Evan go here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/

Website: https://evanlucas.com.au/

---------------------------------------------------

This episode is brought to you by moorr.com.au The lifestyle by design app for all property investors. Visit www.moorr.com.au to find out "moorr"

---------------------------------------------------

Chapters

00:00 The Current State of Biofuels

05:06 Barriers to Biofuel Adoption

10:28 Government Mandates and Market Dynamics

17:28 Future of Biofuels and Sustainable Aviation Fuel

23:13 Biogas and Renewable Energy Transition

26:50 Long-term Vision for Australia's Fuel System

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

This week, Kate Littlejohn, credit expert, joins us to unpack the evolving landscape of credit, taxation, and business growth. We explore the changing dynamics of credit and lending, the challenges within Australia’s current tax system, and why a more holistic approach to tax reform is needed to drive productivity and long-term economic stability.

To find out more about Kate:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kate_k.financeco/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelittlejohn1/

Website: https://www.kfinanceco.com.au/

Podcast: @workwives.on.top

To find out more about Evan

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/

Website: https://evanlucas.com.au/

---------------------------------------------------

This episode is brought to you by moorr.com.au The lifestyle by design app for all property investor. Visit www.moorr.com.au to find out "more"

---------------------------------------------------

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Money Crew

06:29 The Future of Credit Access

15:30 Impacts of Tax Reform on Property Investment

24:35 Navigating Tax Debt Challenges

33:39 Vision for Holistic Tax Reform

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

The week on Exchanges the one and only style impactor Sally MacKinnon. Personal style is not about fashion it is about power, perception and how the world reads you before you say a word. In this episode Evan sits down with renowned stylist Sally McKinnon, whose two decades of transforming lives through fashion have made her one of Australia's most sought after voices on personal brand and style.

Sally unpacks the deeper forces at play from how iconic figures like Steve Jobs and Donald Trump have used style deliberately to project power and authenticity, to why most people are still dressing for a life they no longer live. She challenges the idea that style is superficial, revealing just how profoundly style choices shape confidence, influence and the way others perceive us.

To find out more about Sally:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/styledbysally/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallymackinnon/

Website: https://www.styledbysally.com.au/

Book 'Styled': https://www.penguin.com.au/books/styled-9781761349201?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnAqPvWs4lBw9yk7pzvTCwKfn9lh1HRoL7ZzafY13O1XYIsBthStHV7GkyXn4_aem_FS43MVmJdyweX00bGvWHmg

To find out more about Evan

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/

Website: https://evanlucas.com.au/

---------------------------------------------------

This episode is brought to you by moorr.com.au The lifestyle by design app for all property investor. Visit www.moorr.com.au to find out "more"

---------------------------------------------------

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Personal Style

03:01 Fashion vs. Style: Understanding the Difference

05:57 The Impact of Social Media on Personal Branding

08:50 Sustainable Fashion: Making Conscious Choices

11:57 Transformations Through Style: Real-Life Examples

14:59 The Psychology of Fashion and Consumer Behavior

17:48 Building a Personal Brand: Lessons from Experience

20:59 Navigating Challenges in the Fashion Industry

24:00 Future Opportunities in Personal Styling

26:58 The Role of Style in Mental Wellbeing

29:47 A Vision for a Better World

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

In this episode of Around the Exchanges, We need to confront the harder truth: that there is no perfect lever, no easy answer, and that the real question facing this country is whether fiscal policy can finally pick up the pieces. From Iran's shockwaves on global fuel supply to the reform budget this country hasn't seen since the GST, Evan unpacks the deeper forces driving inflation, household budgets and the cost of living.

If you have a question, idea, concept, or issue you want Evan to debate for Around teh Exchange email: [email protected]

And remember to subscribe wherever you get this podcast.

To follow Evan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/

Website: https://evanlucas.com.au/

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

The current groupthink is Australia just needs to build more homes to solve the housing crisis, that is only part of the story. In this episode of Exchanges, Evan is joined by Eliza Owen, one of Australia's biggest thinkers in property. Eliza answers the deeper forces at play from tax settings that favour property investors, to decades of underinvestment in public housing, to the political dynamics that make meaningful reform so difficult.

It is sure to be an Exchange that creates a debate this country needs.

To Follow Eliza click here:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/eliza-owen-2554ab65

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eliza.owen.au/

To Follow Evan click here:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/

Website: www.evanlucas.com.au

Chapters:

00:34 Current Policy Environment and Risks

01:15 Political Will for Housing Reform

03:22 Indexation and Fairness in Tax Policy

05:10 Long-term Investment and Short-term Speculation

06:09 Speculation and Housing Quality

07:27 Rent Vesting and Market Behavior

08:25 Developer Feasibility and Housing Quality

10:07 Public vs Private Investment in Housing

12:23 Wealth Distribution and Housing Policy

14:40 Household Wealth and Housing Market Dynamics

16:03 Negative Gearing Limitations and Market Impact

19:06 Stamp Duty and Housing Mobility

22:18 Housing Prices and Market Trends 2026-2027

23:37 Interest Rates and Regional Market Differences

25:02 Market Resilience and Price Declines

26:48 Wealth and Supply Constraints in Housing

27:52 Addressing Rent Pressures and Supply

28:50 Public Housing as Infrastructure Investment

29:45 Housing Supply and Market Outcomes

30:06 Materials, Construction, and Feasibility

31:20 Zoning, Density, and Building Costs

32:49 Building Quality and Housing Preferences

33:49 Regulatory Barriers and Housing Development

34:43 Interim Policy Measures for Market Rotation

35:38 Demand and Supply Side Policy Strategies

36:15 Eliza Owen's Vision for Housing Policy

37:43 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

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

This week, Liz Ritchie, CEO of the Regional Australia Institute, joins Exchanges to make the case for why regional Australia is central to the nation’s future.

We explore the urgent need for strategic planning across housing, jobs, and infrastructure as Australia’s population grows, and unpack the pressures building in regional housing and rental markets. Liz explains why connectivity, livability, and productivity are critical to attracting and retaining people outside the major cities.

The conversation also tackles the need for regulatory reform, greater local decision-making power, and how regional communities must be at the centre of renewable energy development.

To follow Liz click here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-ritchie-a3b7a012/

Website: https://www.regionalaustralia.org.au/

To follow Evan click here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/

Website: https://evanlucas.com.au/

Chapters

00:00 The Future of Regional Australia

03:15 Housing Challenges in the Regions

09:01 Rental Market Dynamics

11:22 Infrastructure Needs for Growth

14:55 Livability and Connectivity

19:35 Retention of Residents in Regional Areas

22:53 Regulatory Changes for Productivity

26:10 Embracing Renewable Energy in Regions

31:47 A Vision for National Policy

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

This week, Madeline Miller Gen Z Leadership Architect joins Exchanges to unpack how Gen Z is reshaping the meaning of work and identity. Madeline explains why this generation is increasingly skeptical of traditional career paths and promotions, and how they’re redefining success on their own terms.

We explore Gen Z’s desire for work-life balance, their push for authenticity in the workplace, and their willingness to change jobs to find alignment with their values. Madeline also highlights how the failures of previous work models have shaped this generation’s expectations, from their demand for better culture to their insistence on flexibility and meaningful work.

Follow Madeline Here

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/millermadeline/

Website: https://coachingwithmadeline.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madelinemillercoaching/

Follow Evan Here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/

instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/

Website: https://evanlucas.com.au/

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

This week on Exchanges ASIC Commissioner Simone Constant joined us to unpack why Australia’s financial markets are at a crossroads, and why innovation has never been more important.

We dive into the challenges facing public markets, the rapid growth of private markets and private credit, and what this shift means for businesses, investors, and the broader economy. Simone highlights the need for stronger market integrity, access, and participation, while also addressing emerging systemic risks and the importance of smart regulatory oversight.

At the heart of the conversation is a clear message: building a healthy, inclusive financial ecosystem will require real collaboration across the industry.

To follow Simone click here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-constant-b1a86678/

ASIC: https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/jim-chalmers-2022/media-releases/australian-securities-and-investment-commission

To follow Evan click here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/

website: https://evanlucas.com.au/

Chapters

00:00 Innovation vs. Stagnation in Australian Markets

02:58 Public Market Challenges and Opportunities

06:07 The Rise of Private Markets

08:55 Concerns in Private Credit

11:56 Market Dynamics and Systemic Risks

15:10 Access and Participation in Financial Markets

17:48 The Future of Private and Public Markets

21:01 Regulatory Insights and Industry Practices

23:56 Final Thoughts and Vision for the Future

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

On This Week’s Episode of Exchanges: Andy Fithall on Coffee, Connection, and Creating Social Good

Andy Fithall, social entrepreneur and founder of The Good Machine, joins Exchanges to explore how purpose and profit can coexist.

Andy shares the story of how he launched In Other Good News during the COVID-19 pandemic and grew it into a thriving social enterprise focused on creating positive impact with every cup.

We dive into the essence of social entrepreneurialism, the idea of coffee as a currency for connection, and how businesses can balance commercial success with community contribution. Andy also reveals his future vision for The Good Machine and the importance of sustainability and purpose in building meaningful change.

A conversation that proves small actions like a cup of coffee can fuel something much bigger.

To follow Andy click here:

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/andyfithall

Website: https://thegoodmachine.com.au/

Dadstock '25: https://events.humanitix.com/dadstock-25

To follow Evan click here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/

Website: www.evanlucas.com.au

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Social Entrepreneurialism

02:58 The Role of Coffee in Social Impact

05:50 Balancing Profit and Purpose

09:01 The Birth of 'In Other Good News'

12:01 Transforming a Good News Show into a Social Enterprise

14:53 The Evolution of The Good Machine

17:56 Future Vision for Social Entrepreneurship

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

This week on Exchanges, Merriden Varrall Special Advisor Geopolitics at KPMG South ASPAC and Head of geopolitical insights outfit Vantage Geopol joins us to explore the rise of populism and its far-reaching implications for markets, trade, and institutional trust.

We unpack how populism’s anti-establishment sentiment and ‘us versus them’ mentality are driving a new wave of protectionism, reshaping global politics and economic policy. Merriden shares insights into the growing challenges faced by international institutions, and the critical role businesses must play in rebuilding public trust.

The exchange also dives into Australia’s position in global trade, what rising populism means for economic diplomacy, and how politics, policy, and perception are converging to define the next era of global cooperation.

Follow Merriden here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merriden-varrall-phd-maicd-ab96024/

Website: http://www.vantagegeoopl.com/

Follow Evan here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/

Website: www.evanlucas.com.au

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Populism and Its Impact

05:20 The Rise of Protectionism in Global Trade

12:02 Challenges for International Institutions

17:53 The Role of Business in a Populist Era

20:00 Tariffs and Economic Coercion

24:42 Strategic Economic Interventions

28:06 Future of Politics in a Populist Landscape

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