Phil tracks down Gabrielle Richens, who became a household name in Australia after her much-publicised relationship with professional rugby league player Solomon Haumono.

Dubbed “The Pleasure Machine” after starring in a memorable airline commercial, Gabrielle quickly rose to national fame.

Now based in London, she works as an NVQ-qualified skin therapist and anti-ageing skin coach, running her own website and business.

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Thinking of joining the Cheaper Home Batteries Program from 1 July? Before jumping in, Phil chats with Sally Torgoman, Renewable Energy Expert and MD of Ascera Energy, about key things to consider:

1. Choose a reliable provider – not all installers have the same experience or standards.  
2. Understand the contract – are you charged based on usage or a flat rate? 
3. Check compatibility – if you already have solar, make sure your inverter works with the new battery.
4. Pick the right location – avoid installing batteries in tight spaces, near flammable items, or where cars might hit them.
5. Maximise your usage – learn how to use energy efficiently to get the most from your battery.

Home batteries aren’t for everyone. If they’re not right for you, take heart – Australia is investing in 20GW of large-scale battery storage to help stabilise the grid and reduce power prices.

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Phil speaks with Gina Field, Operational Security Expert and Founder of Nepean Regional Security, who argues that Australia needs a national ban on machetes.

Her call follows shocking footage of teenagers wielding machetes during a violent brawl in a Melbourne shopping centre — a chilling reminder of the daily risks faced by security guards and police.

While the Victorian government acted swiftly to ban machete sales, Gina questions the inconsistency across states. In NSW, Tasmania, the NT, and ACT, machetes are controlled weapons requiring a lawful excuse, with similar rules in WA and SA.

But without uniform national laws, Gina warns Australia risks seeing more of these dangerous weapons on our streets — just as the UK did before tightening its own laws on machetes and “zombie knives.”

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Phil speaks with Dr. Rachel Toles, renowned clinical psychologist and criminal expert, about The Psychology of Serial Killers—a gripping touring masterclass that delves into the darkest corners of the human mind.

Over 90 riveting minutes, Dr. Toles explores chilling questions: What makes a serial killer? What drives them to kill again and again? Do they share common traits? How do they choose their victims—and why are so many people fascinated by them? She also unpacks the unsettling phenomenon of women falling in love with convicted killers.

The event concludes with a live Q&A, giving the audience a rare opportunity to ask Dr. Toles anything they’ve ever wanted to know about serial killers.

Visit https://www.psychologyofserialkillers.com for information about the tour...

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Phil O’Neil’s weekly talk with Leith Van Onselen, Chief Economist at the MB Fund &  Co-founder of Macrobusiness, to dissect the politics behind Australia’s economy.

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Phil O’Neil’s weekly political chat with Terry Barnes – Columnist, political and policy consultant & former Howard government adviser.

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Phil O’Neil is joined by Sarah Boorer, Communications professional & CWA award-winning cook, to look at the world of baked goods, delicious treats and & easy recipes.

This week Sarah whips up Messina Cookie Pie (recipe courtesy Gelato Messina gelatomessina.com)

Messina Cookie Pie
A rich, indulgent cookie pie made with Messina’s signature white and milk chocolate.
Best served warm with a scoop of gelato melting over the top.
Makes: 1 x 450g cookie pie
Baking Time: 15 minutes
Oven Temperature: 160°C (fan-forced)

Ingredients
 90g unsalted butter, softened
 80g brown sugar
 1 egg (approx. 40g)
 1g vanilla extract (5-fold)
 120g plain flour
 2g bicarbonate of soda
 3g salt
 30g white chocolate, roughly chopped
 80g milk chocolate, roughly chopped

Method
1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (fan-forced). Lightly grease a small pie tin (around
12cm in diameter) or line with baking paper.
2. Cream the butter and sugar. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown
sugar together until just combined and smooth. Avoid overmixing — you want a
dense, fudgy texture.
3. Add the egg and vanilla. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just incorporated.
4. Mix the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain flour,
bicarbonate of soda, and salt.
5. Combine in three additions. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three
parts, gently folding after each addition. Once all the flour has been added, give the
dough one final gentle mix to ensure everything is fully combined — but take care
not to overmix.
6. Fold in the chocolate. Stir through the chopped white and milk chocolate until
evenly distributed.
7. Assemble. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pie tin. Smooth the top
gently with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
8. Bake. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown on top and just set in the centre.
The edges should be crisp while the middle stays soft and gooey.
9. Serve. Let cool slightly before digging in. Serve warm with a generous scoop of
gelato.

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Phil speaks with Lauren Cassimatis, Criminal Lawyer and Founder of Gallant Law, about the rise of true crime in pop culture and its growing influence on the justice system.

Since the 2014 debut of Serial and 2015’s Making a Murderer, true crime has become a cultural staple.

In 2024, the Menendez Brothers’ case re-entered the spotlight with a hit series and a Netflix film, coinciding with news of their resentencing and possible parole. 

Lauren explores how, over the past decade, pop culture has increasingly shaped public interest and even legal outcomes — and what this means for the future of Australia’s justice system.

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