News Weakly

NEWS WEAKLY – 28th September, 2024

Description:

This week on News Weakly, we switch things up with a special editorial edition, as Sami Shah dives deep into personal reflections on Israel-Palestine, anti-Semitism, free speech, and why Cyclops from the X-Men might just be the right metaphor for it all. Recorded while parked next to a giant submarine in Holbrook, Sami navigates complex global conflicts and free speech issues with unfiltered honesty.

Quote of the Week:

"If you use trauma as a justification for anything, then you use trauma as a justification for everything." - Sami Shah, on the Israel-Palestine conflict and the dangers of using historical trauma to justify present-day actions.

Enjoy News Weakly? Keep us going by supporting the podcast on Patreon at patreon.com/samishah. Every contribution helps us stay ad-free and focused on bringing you the best in satire and news commentary.

Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.

For more: http://thesamishah.com

Theme music "Historic Anticipation" by Paul Mottram

This podcast is written, hosted and produced by Sami Shah.

Get bonus content on Patreon

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

NEWS WEAKLY – 20th September, 2024

Description:

In this special Friday edition of News Weakly, we tackle the absurd and dangerous antics of Trump’s latest assassination attempt, Hezbollah’s outdated communication devices, and the never-ending saga of Labor vs. Greens over housing policy. Join Sami Shah as he punches the news in the headlines, weakly, and with all the sarcasm you’ve come to love.

Top Stories of the Week:

White Men Can’t Assassinate!

• In the latest assassination attempt on Donald Trump, another white man flubs the job. Sami breaks down what went wrong and questions why white men have lost their edge when it comes to political assassinations. Meanwhile, Trump’s friendship with conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer raises even more eyebrows.

Hezbollah Needs Palm Pilots!

• Israel steps up its game by blowing up Hezbollah’s pagers—yes, pagers. Sami discusses how Hezbollah’s insistence on using 90s technology led to this bizarre twist in Middle Eastern conflicts, and why they should probably stay away from rotary phones and two cans with a string.

Labor and Greens Refuse to Share House!

• The housing crisis gets political as Labor and Greens clash over rental freezes and homeownership schemes. Sami imagines a sitcom-style scenario where both parties share a house—complete with plenty of awkward misunderstandings and political jabs.

Quote of the Week:

"White guys always think they’re the main character. It’s not their fault—that’s what movies tell them." - Sami Shah, on the failed assassination attempt on Donald Trump.

Enjoy News Weakly? Keep us going by supporting the podcast on Patreon at patreon.com/samishah. Every contribution helps us stay ad-free and focused on bringing you the best in satire and news commentary.

Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.

For more: http://thesamishah.com

Theme music "Historic Anticipation" by Paul Mottram

This podcast is written, hosted and produced by Sami Shah.

Get bonus content on Patreon

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

NEWS WEAKLY – 14th September, 2024

Description:

This week on News Weakly, we tackle the bizarre, the political, and the absurd. From presidential debates that focus on pet protection, to Melbourne's protest culture hitting new lows with horse poo as ammunition, and Labor’s quest to save the internet, we break it all down. Join us as we punch the news in the headlines, weakly.

Top Stories of the Week:

Make America Safe for Cats and Dogs Again!

• In a US presidential debate that could only happen in 2024, Trump revives a wild claim about immigrants eating pets. We break down the ridiculousness and why Kamala Harris calling him a liar to his face might have been the best moment of the night.

Protestors Fling Poopoo on the PoPo!

• Melbourne is the city of protests, and this week saw it go to another level. Protesters at a weapons expo in Melbourne threw horse poo at police while battling it out with rubber bullets and tear gas. We dive into the chaos and ask whether the protest movement is losing public sympathy with its increasingly extreme tactics.

Labor Saves the Internet!

• Labor wants to take us back to the good old days of the internet, free from disinformation and age-inappropriate content. But will their new plans to regulate the internet be practical, or just another nightmare of surveillance and bureaucracy?

Quote of the Week:

"Just say they aren’t eating the pets! The longer you don’t say it, the more it looks like they’re eating the pets!" - Sami Shah, on the absurdity of the Trump administration’s claims in the presidential debate.

Enjoy News Weakly? Keep us going by supporting the podcast on Patreon at patreon.com/samishah. Every contribution helps us stay ad-free and focused on bringing you the best in satire and news commentary.

Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.

For more: http://thesamishah.com

Theme music "Historic Anticipation" by Paul Mottram

This podcast is written, hosted and produced by Sami Shah.

Get bonus content on Patreon

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

Covid break!

Get bonus content on Patreon

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

News Weakly – 31st August, 2024

This week on News Weakly, we dive into the controversies and conflicts that made headlines, delivering our signature satirical punch to the week’s top stories. From union crackdowns to census confusion and the latest shifts in the Middle East, we keep you informed and entertained as we punch the news in the headlines, weakly.

TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK

Disunion in construction union

The Labor government finally steps in to tackle the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), placing it into administration amid allegations of corruption and crime. We explore why it took so long for action and whether this move is fair or just another politically motivated stunt.

And, Labor wants to know who you have sex! No it doesn’t! Yes it does!

Labor’s backflip on including LGBTQIA+ questions in the national census has left everyone spinning. We break down why the government is so afraid of a little controversy and what this means for data collection on sexuality and gender in Australia.

Plus, yet another israel-Gaza rant!

As Israel pauses its assault on Gaza, it shifts focus to the West Bank, escalating tensions in a new direction. We examine the implications of this strategic move and the international reactions to Israel’s ever-expanding military campaign.

Quote of the Week:

“If you bomb someone to polio, that’s pretty bad and you should consider stopping.”

News Weakly is an ad-free listener supported podcast.

Just go to patreon.com/samishah to support the podcast!

Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.

For more: http://thesamishah.com

Theme music "Historic Anticipation" by Paul Mottram

This podcast is written, hosted and produced by Sami Shah.

Get bonus content on Patreon

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

News Weakly – 24th August, 2024

A weekly round-up of the top news stories in Australia, and around the world; punched in the head until they make sense.

Written and presented by journalist & comedian Sami Shah.

TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK

Beyonce snubs the DNC!

And, Labor belabours gendered violence reform!

All that, and more, on News Weakly.

This week on News Weakly, Sami Shah dives into:

The Democratic National Convention wrapped up in the US with high expectations for star-studded appearances, but when Beyonce didn't show, Pink had to save the day. We dissect what this means for the Democratic Party and why Kamala Harris is being painted with whatever colors the media can find. And, Australia's government is making strides to end gendered violence—or are they?

Locally, Sami looks at the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children, the lack of adequate funding, and why flashy announcements don't cut it. Sami makes a critical analysis of the government's insufficient efforts in combating gendered violence, the impact of rebranding programs, and the potential to redirect military spending towards meaningful social change. Plus, updates on gendered violence across the globe, from India's protests against systemic failures to the Taliban's continued oppression of women in Afghanistan, and how these issues echo the challenges faced in Australia.

Quote of the Week:

"Escape from New York is a dystopian science fiction movie starring Kurt Russell. Leaving New York is a sad character piece where an alcoholic Nicholas Cage realizes he should have gone to Vegas instead." - Sami Shah, on the government's ineffective rebranding of anti-violence programs.

News Weakly is an ad-free listener supported podcast.

Just go to patreon.com/samishah to support the podcast!

Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.

For more: http://thesamishah.com

Theme music "Historic Anticipation" by Paul Mottram

This podcast is written, hosted and produced by Sami Shah.

Get bonus content on Patreon

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

News Weakly – 17th August, 2024

A weekly round-up of the top news stories in Australia, and around the world; punched in the head until they make sense.

Written and presented by journalist & comedian Sami Shah.

TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK

Don’t bet on betting reform!

Also, Peter Dutton does Peter Dutton stuff!

And, Breaking the Dance!

In this week's episode of News Weakly, Sami Shah dives into the biggest stories with his signature wit and sharp commentary. First, he tackles Australia's ongoing gambling problem, highlighting the staggering $25 billion lost annually, the government's reluctance to enforce betting ad bans, and the cozy relationship between politicians and the gambling industry. Next, Sami takes aim at Peter Dutton's latest controversial comments regarding Gazan refugees, exposing the thinly veiled racism and the political tactics behind them. Finally, he reflects on the recent Olympics, where Australia’s unconventional approach to breakdancing sparked a mix of pride, ridicule, and conspiracy theories. All this and more, delivered with the humor and insight that makes News Weakly a must-listen.

News Weakly is an ad-free listener supported podcast.

Just go to patreon.com/samishah to support the podcast!

Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster. For more: http://thesamishah.com

Theme music "Historic Anticipation" by Paul Mottram

Get bonus content on Patreon

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

News Weakly – 10th August, 2024

A weekly round-up of the top news stories in Australia, and around the world; punched in the head until they make sense.

Written and presented by journalist & comedian Sami Shah.

TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK

Hasina Sheikhs off Bangladesh!

Also, unrest in UK!

And, Stranded in space!

News Weakly is an ad-free listener supported podcast.

Just go to patreon.com/samishah to support the podcast!

Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster. Sami previously co-hosted the ABC Radio Melbourne Breakfast program with Jacinta Parsons and presented RN Saturday Extra. He produced and hosted multiple documentary series on ABC RN’s Earshot on race, free speech, and religion. Sami’s autobiography, I, Migrant, was nominated for various national literary awards. He's also written an urban-fantasy novel Boy of Fire and Earth, and a non-fiction exploration of religion, The Islamic Republic of Australia. His full-cast audio drama The Missed is available exclusively on Audible and has won multiple awards.

Sami is a lecturer in journalism at the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Advancing Journalism, and is the Ambassador-at-Large for PEN Melbourne.

Theme music "Historic Anticipation" by Paul Mottram

Get bonus content on Patreon

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

News Weakly – 6th June, 2024

A weekly round-up of the top news stories in Australia, and around the world; punched in the head until they make sense.

Written and presented by journalist & comedian Sami Shah.

TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK

Labor finds diversity pick too diverse

Also, the end of the Tory story!

News Weakly is an ad-free listener supported podcast.

Just go to patreon.com/samishah to support the podcast!

Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster. Sami previously co-hosted the ABC Radio Melbourne Breakfast program with Jacinta Parsons and presented RN Saturday Extra. He produced and hosted multiple documentary series on ABC RN’s Earshot on race, free speech, and religion. Sami’s autobiography, I, Migrant, was nominated for various national literary awards. He's also written an urban-fantasy novel Boy of Fire and Earth, and a non-fiction exploration of religion, The Islamic Republic of Australia. His full-cast audio drama The Missed is available exclusively on Audible and has won multiple awards.

Sami is a lecturer in journalism at the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Advancing Journalism, and is the Ambassador-at-Large for PEN Melbourne.

Theme music "Historic Anticipation" by Paul Mottram

Get bonus content on Patreon

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

News Weakly – 29th June, 2024

A weekly round-up of the top news stories in Australia, and around the world; punched in the head until they make sense.

Written and presented by journalist & comedian Sami Shah.

TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK

Julian Assange saved by Barnaby Joyce’s sobriety!

Also, Biden's future is debatable! 

News Weakly is an ad-free listener supported podcast.

Just go to patreon.com/samishah to support the podcast!

Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster. Sami previously co-hosted the ABC Radio Melbourne Breakfast program with Jacinta Parsons and presented RN Saturday Extra. He produced and hosted multiple documentary series on ABC RN’s Earshot on race, free speech, and religion. Sami’s autobiography, I, Migrant, was nominated for various national literary awards. He's also written an urban-fantasy novel Boy of Fire and Earth, and a non-fiction exploration of religion, The Islamic Republic of Australia. His full-cast audio drama The Missed is available exclusively on Audible and has won multiple awards.

Sami is a lecturer in journalism at the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Advancing Journalism, and is the Ambassador-at-Large for PEN Melbourne.

Theme music "Historic Anticipation" by Paul Mottram

Get bonus content on Patreon

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