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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ask Bianca Nogrady, freelance science journalist and broadcaster, answers listeners' questions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil O’Neil’s weekly chat with U.K. correspondent Enda Brady, host of Round Table On TRT World, about what's making news in the United Kingdom.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike is joined by Nicole Senior, radio host & commentator, for a conversation about Australia's under-16s social media ban now being one step closer.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil speaks with AMP Chief Economist Shane Oliver about the potential impact of the Iran–US conflict on petrol prices and the broader economy.

What should Australians expect at the pump—and how might global tensions ripple through financial markets?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance expert Chris Foster-Ramsay tells Phil that while tax time isn’t everyone’s favourite season, it’s the perfect chance to get your finances in order—especially if you own an investment property.

Chris says understanding deductions and planning ahead with your broker or lender can set you up for a strong year. He recommends reviewing deductible expenses, finalising repairs, and checking loan and insurance details before June 30.

“EOFY is the ideal time to reset your financial strategy and make smart moves toward your goals,” he says.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With rents soaring across cities and regional areas, Phil speaks with property expert Garth Davis about what’s driving the crisis—and how Aussies can cope.

Garth points to skyrocketing property prices, rising migration, and a lack of new builds due to cost uncertainties and low confidence among developers. 

To ease pressure, he says we need to encourage investors to buy and hold rental properties—selling to owner-occupiers only shrinks the already limited rental pool and pushes rents even higher.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump has called recent US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan a “success,” confirming that American aircraft have left Iranian airspace.

The strikes reportedly included the first-ever operational use of a 30,000-pound ‘bunker buster’ bomb. Phil speaks with Professor Aiden Warren from RMIT University to unpack the fallout.

How effective were the strikes—particularly at the underground Fordow site? Will Iran retaliate? Could this trigger a wider war?

And what are the political consequences for Trump, who acted without congressional approval or international support?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 One Pot Orzo / Risoni Bolognaise (recipe courtesy recipetineats.com )

Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 small onion, peeled and diced (brown, white or yellow)
1 lb / 500g ground beef (mince)
24 oz / 700g tomato passata
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp dried Italian Herbs, or any combination of dried parsley, oregano, basil
2 beef bouillon (stock) cubes
1/2 to 1 tsp salt (to taste)
Black pepper
3 cups water
1 1/2 cups dried orzo / risoni

TO SERVE (OPTIONAL)
Freshly grated parmesan cheese
Finely chopped parsley

Instructions
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet/fry pan (or pot) over medium high heat. Add the
onion and garlic and cook for 3 minutes or until translucent.
2. Add the mince and turn the heat up to high. Cook the mince, breaking it up as
you go.
3. When the mince is browned, add the remaining ingredients except the orzo.
When the liquid comes to a simmer (it might bubble and spit slightly) add the
orzo/risoni.
4. Give it a quick stir then turn the heat down to medium low.
5. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently towards the end to ensure the
orzo/risoni doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan. If your liquid is evaporating
too quickly, just add a slosh of hot water (tap or boiling).
6. Remove the risoni from the heat. The risoni should be a teeny bit hard still and
it should be very saucy when you take it off the stove. (Note 2)
7. Check for seasoning (salt), then give it a good stir.
8. Serve immediately, while it's piping hot and nice and saucy, garnished with
freshly grated parmesan and parsley, if desired.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.