The federal election is on!

And we don’t want to jinx it, but Labor is looking up in the polls. 

Is the spotlight on Dutton and his recent slip ups impacting the Coalition’s numbers? 

Or has the Labor government finally struck a chord with voters on the kitchen table issues?

Trump looms large in this campaign, and Australia’s next PM has a choice to make.

Will they be defiant, like Trudeau? 
Obsequious, like Argentine’s Javier Milei?
Or play it somewhere in the middle, like Kier Starmer?

Stephen Donnelly and David Feeney break it down in this week’s episode of Socially Democratic.

Dutton Ad Link 

Canada Ad Link

Labor's Dutton Attack Ad

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Episode Start
01:55 The Polls!
09:38 The Conservative Cooldown
14:39 Party Positions 
28:08 Dutton’s Proposals
34:33 Campaign Ads
28:08 Albanese’s Announcements
50:30 WA’s Results
55:57 Listener Questions
01:19:09 Vale David Cragg

The presenting sponsor of the Socially Democratic podcast is Dunn Street. For more information on how Dunn Street can help you organise to build winning campaigns in your community, business or organisation, and make the world a better place, look us up at: dunnstreet.com.au 

Support the show

New episodes out every Friday.

If you like the show leave a comment below or leave us a review on Podchaser: https://bit.ly/36uFbp8

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Rapha Manajem walks into a bar. 

He picks up a microphone. Amidst the deafening roar of mostly oblivious pub-goers, he manages to entertain two or three people. And for some reason, he keeps going back.

Now he’s a big shot with a recurring spot at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, opening next week. He also just so happens to be a fellow comrade and passionate Labor volunteer and campaigner, which makes him the perfect guest for us.

From an awkward encounter with Chris Bowen, to a somehow even more awkward encounter with Dan Andrews, Rapha’s got plenty of stories. 

But it’s not all jokes. Rapha shares his perspective on being “diverse” in Australia, being Jewish in a fraught time, and the absurdity of answering for an identity you didn’t choose. 

He also turns the tables on Stephen Donnelly and asks some fantastic questions about campaign organising!

We loved this episode, and hope you do too.

See Rapha at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival:

Bar 1806
169 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 3000

6:15 - 7:05 PM
April 9-11, 13, 15-18, 20

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Episode Introduction
01:55 Guest Introduction
11:56 Equality in Schools, Dignity in Work
17:46 Rapha Interviews Stephen on Field Organising
35:55 How Rapha Got Into Comedy
41:37 Rapha’s Act (And Ensuing Thoughts)
59:56 Wrap Up

The presenting sponsor of the Socially Democratic podcast is Dunn Street. For more information on how Dunn Street can help you organise to build winning campaigns in your community, business or organisation, and make the world a better place, look us up at: dunnstreet.com.au 

Support the show

New episodes out every Friday.

If you like the show leave a comment below or leave us a review on Podchaser: https://bit.ly/36uFbp8

Support the show on Patreon.

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“A big reason we’re up against the wall here is, cost of living’s tough. Governments all around the world … have lost some skin. We need a big margin and we haven’t got it.”

-

Peter Dutton has vowed to cut public service jobs and repeal popular laws like the ‘right to disconnect’. 

Yet somehow, he still poses a credible threat to Labor this coming election.

Is this a failure of storytelling?

And if so, how can Albanese’s team lead the charge to victory?

John Armitage sits down with Stephen Donnelly to discuss.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Episode Start
01:47 Introducing John Armitage
02:51 WA Election
09:05 Federal Election
22:09 Going Deeper on Messaging
33:48 Accentuate the Negative
50:05 Positive Peter
58:30 Wrap Up

The presenting sponsor of the Socially Democratic podcast is Dunn Street. For more information on how Dunn Street can help you organise to build winning campaigns in your community, business or organisation, and make the world a better place, look us up at: dunnstreet.com.au 

Support the show

New episodes out every Friday.

If you like the show leave a comment below or leave us a review on Podchaser: https://bit.ly/36uFbp8

Support the show on Patreon.

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The year was 2012. A young Benita Kolovos arrives at her high school literature class to find a print-out on her desk. It’s the Julia Gillard misogyny speech. 

When it comes to riveting moments in Australian media, Gillard’s speech has few peers. It was raw, honest, and reached millions of Australian women who were fed up with double standards in the workplace, and in life. 

But one speech can’t fix everything. Year after year, when International Women’s Day rolls around, we have a special opportunity to reflect on where we are and how far we’ve come in the last twelve months.

Inspired by the power of Gillard’s speech, Benita pursued politics in journalism. At the same time, Maddy Harradence, a Registered Nurse, started a long meaningful career in her union, and Rebecca Thistleton forged a path in policy and media. 

These three visionary women come together for our annual 2025 IWD episode for a wide ranging conversation on politics, health, media, and sport. Women’s issues impact everyone - this is not one to miss. 

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Open
01:58 Introduction
07:38 Women in Politics
10:36 Women's Healthcare
21:52 Wages and Conditions
29:55 Activity Test
31:46 Family Violence
44:00 Women in the Media
53:56 Communicating to Younger Constituents
01:07:04 Reasons for Optimism & Path Forward

The presenting sponsor of the Socially Democratic podcast is Dunn Street. For more information on how Dunn Street can help you organise to build winning campaigns in your community, business or organisation, and make the world a better place, look us up at: dunnstreet.com.au 

Support the show

New episodes out every Friday.

If you like the show leave a comment below or leave us a review on Podchaser: https://bit.ly/36uFbp8

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“Utterly disgraceful…The United States is behaving like a bandit.”

On this episode of Socially Democratic, former federal MP David Feeney pulls no punches when excoriating Trump’s position on Ukraine. 

Plus: listener questions answered. Your primary concern was the new American regime - how the example set by Trump, Musk, and Vance might darken our shores, and how we can stop it. 

Back in Australia, Stephen and David examine how both major parties are laying the groundwork for their federal campaigns. They discuss whether the United States would do well to have an Opposition like Australia, and whether there is merit to conducting a mass audit of federal spending. 

CHAPTERS:

00:00: Introduction
03:30: Albo’s Medicare Announcement
12:40 Dutton’s Disclosures
16:25: Listener Questions
30:23 “Strategos and Taktikos”
38:22 United States Politics
51:13 Wrap Up

The presenting sponsor of the Socially Democratic podcast is Dunn Street. For more information on how Dunn Street can help you organise to build winning campaigns in your community, business or organisation, and make the world a better place, look us up at: dunnstreet.com.au 

Support the show

New episodes out every Friday.

If you like the show leave a comment below or leave us a review on Podchaser: https://bit.ly/36uFbp8

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With the relative decline of mainstream media and the rise of podcasts, influencers, and infinite scrolling, how is the Australian Labor party faring in the race to modernise their political campaigns?

And how can social democratic parties around the world continue to compete and adapt to the ever-changing new media landscape? What role does data analytics play in shaping effective messaging, and driving innovative, efficient campaigns?

On this week’s episode of Socially Democratic, Stephen Donnelly sits down with James Booth, an Australian transplant to Washington D.C. and an expert on campaign data and messaging. They discuss, among other things, takeaways from the U.S. Presidential Election, the long road to changing public perception, and the surprising strength of analogue.

Enjoy!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction
2:23 Meet James Booth
19:34 Where Australian Campaigns Fit In
29:41 U.S. Election Hindsight
54:08 Winning the “Battle of the Thumbs”

The presenting sponsor of the Socially Democratic podcast is Dunn Street. For more information on how Dunn Street can help you organise to build winning campaigns in your community, business or organisation, and make the world a better place, look us up at: dunnstreet.com.au 

Support the show

New episodes out every Friday.

If you like the show leave a comment below or leave us a review on Podchaser: https://bit.ly/36uFbp8

Support the show on Patreon.

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On a cloudy day in Melbourne’s West, campaign workers in clashing t-shirts formed lines outside of schools and community centres. Residents, who often suffer from congested roads, this time navigated foot traffic on their way to the voting booth. 

February 8th, 2025 was the day of the Werribee by-election. It came after long-serving Labor MP, Tim Pallas announced his retirement - kicking off Labor’s first real pressure test of the year. 

Stephen Donnelly sits down with seasoned pollster and campaign researcher, John Armitage, for a spirited discussion about why the Werribee by-election matters, and what Labor can learn from this moment as they rise to meet the challenges of 2025.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
04:33 Werribee By-Election Overview
16:23 The Liberal Strategy
23:56 Lessons for Labor
36:31 The Western Front
47:21 Prahan
52:36 Wrap Up

The presenting sponsor of the Socially Democratic podcast is Dunn Street. For more information on how Dunn Street can help you organise to build winning campaigns in your community, business or organisation, and make the world a better place, look us up at: dunnstreet.com.au 

Support the show

New episodes out every Friday.

If you like the show leave a comment below or leave us a review on Podchaser: https://bit.ly/36uFbp8

Support the show on Patreon.

Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, X, Bluesky, and Instagram.

This week, Stephen Donnelly and former Labor Campaign Director and federal MP, David Feeney, unpack the way forward for Albanese’s Labor government as the federal election looms. 

In a complex, de-centralised, and increasingly click-baity media landscape, the Labor Government has their work cut out for them if they intend to keep the national conversation focused on key issues - particularly while Dutton dangles culture-war bait. 

Is Labor adequately prepared for the fight ahead? Will Feeney deliver another epic 30 minute address? Listen in to find out. 

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction
02:57 Sliding Into Campaign Mode
08:04 The Cabinet Reshuffle
19:10 Election Date Predictions
30:23 Defining the Message
47:23 The Victoria Effect
53:44 Wrap Up

The presenting sponsor of the Socially Democratic podcast is Dunn Street. For more information on how Dunn Street can help you organise to build winning campaigns in your community, business or organisation, and make the world a better place, look us up at: dunnstreet.com.au 

#sociallydemocratic #dunnstreet #podcast #auspol #federalelection #Albo #Dutton #AnthonyAlbanese #BillShorten #culturewars #politicalmemes #KarateKid #VoiceReferendum #negativegearing #Labor #DavidFeeney #StephenDonnelly

Support the show

New episodes out every Friday.

If you like the show leave a comment below or leave us a review on Podchaser: https://bit.ly/36uFbp8

Support the show on Patreon.

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In this episode, Stephen Donnelly and former Obama speechwriter Terry Szuplat have a wide-ranging discussion on everything from Obama’s journey in public speaking, to Trump’s latest inaugural address, to Rev. Mariann Budde’s controversial sermon, and the influence of AI in speechwriting.
 
And of course, they chat about Terry’s new book, Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience.

In Say it Well, Terry opens up about his own struggles with public speaking, and lays out a practical guide for those looking to find their own voice for a better world.

Click here to purchase your copy.

We’re also giving away two copies! Listen in for details.

CHAPTERS

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:03 - Meet Terry
00:03:22 - The Washington D.C. Plane Collision
00:14:31 - Why are We Afraid of Public Speaking?
00:22:27 - Obama’s Challenges in Public Speaking
00:28:52 - Beware the Demagogue 
00:35:49 - Style versus Substance
00:45:41 - Rev. Mariann Bubbe
00:48:55 - Chat GPT
00:51:28 - Obama’s Hurdle in Public Speaking
00:53:48 - Vulnerability in Public Speaking
00:57:59 - Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!
01:01:26 - Speeches in Pop Culture
01:03:06:22 - Wrap Up

The presenting sponsor of the Socially Democratic podcast is Dunn Street. For more information on how Dunn Street can help you organise to build winning campaigns in your community, business or organisation, and make the world a better place, look us up at: dunnstreet.com.au 

Support the show

New episodes out every Friday.

If you like the show leave a comment below or leave us a review on Podchaser: https://bit.ly/36uFbp8

Support the show on Patreon.

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“Kennett was … ripping the heart out of country areas.”

25 years ago in Victoria, Jeff Kennett’s Liberal Party was up for re-election.  Holding a large majority of seats, they were expected to win the election and entrench another generation of conservative rule in Victoria.

But, in the background, the Steve Bracks-led Labor Party was building momentum in unlikely places. What resulted was a political upheaval that surprised everyone - even, until the final stretch, Steve Bracks.

In this week’s episode, Stephen Donnelly is joined by the 44th Premier and the man himself, Steve Bracks. He tells us how they did it, and why assuming leadership of the party was one of toughest choices of his career. 

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction
01:46 The Back Story
12:51 Replacing John Brumby
19:48 Steve’s Strategy
23:39 Going Head to Head with Kennett
26:49 Reaching Out to the Regions
31:40 The Prognosis
36:33 Election Night
45:06 Courting the Independents
53:53 Declaring Victory
57:24 Successive Wins
59:22 Mic Drop!

The presenting sponsor of the Socially Democratic podcast is Dunn Street. For more information on how Dunn Street can help you organise to build winning campaigns in your community, business or organisation, and make the world a better place, look us up at: dunnstreet.com.au 

Support the show

New episodes out every Friday.

If you like the show leave a comment below or leave us a review on Podchaser: https://bit.ly/36uFbp8

Support the show on Patreon.

Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, X, Bluesky, and Instagram.