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

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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

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 every Friday.

If you like the show, rate and review us on your favourite podcast app.

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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

“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 every Friday.

If you like the show, rate and review us on your favourite podcast app.

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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

“We love what we do, but love is not paying the rent for us right now.”

Senator Jess Walsh joins Stephen Donnelly to chat about the Big Steps Campaign, which recently resulted in a historic 15% pay rise for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers across Australia. 

Senator Walsh covers the strengths and challenges of organising across multiple employers in a typically undervalued and feminised industry.

They also discuss how Walsh overcame her fears and got her first taste of organising with cleaners in the United States. Finally, they cover the federal election, the ongoing debate between wind and nuclear, and the perils of a coalition government coming into power.

If you are an ECEC worker looking to unionise and negotiate better pay and conditions, then check out the Big Steps website: https://bigsteps.org.au/home/

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 

New Episodes Out Every Friday. 

Support the show

New episodes every Friday.

If you like the show, rate and review us on your favourite podcast app.

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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

Dunn Street founder and Community Organiser Stephen Donnelly was joined by Socially Democratic’s Pop Culture Correspondent Tess Farrell for our annual pop culture wrap up for 2024.

2024 was a big year for horror, but there were still some political dramas available on streaming including Alex Garland’s Civil War, The Diplomat on Amazon Prime, and the controversial Trump biopic, The Apprentice. 

Tess and Stephen give their reviews for their favourite shows/movies of 2024, and share their summer watch list for the remainder of the summer holidays.

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 

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Episode Intro
02:22 - Introducing Tess Farrell
03:50 - 'Civil War' Review
35:49 - 'The Apprentice' Review
01:04:58 - Summer Recommendations

Support the show

New episodes every Friday.

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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

Dunn Street founder and Community Organiser Stephen Donnelly was joined by Democratic consultant Katie Parsons for our annual International Politics Year in Review. 

From the slew of elections across the world, including those in the UK, US, and across Europe, to the big moments in political activism and unrest, like the recent events in South Korea, Katie joins the show to help unpack the year of elections.

We hope you have a Merry Christmas, a safe holiday season, and a great new year. 

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 every Friday.

If you like the show, rate and review us on your favourite podcast app.

Follow Us on Socials:

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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

Dunn Street founder and Community Organiser Stephen Donnelly was joined by former Labor Campaign Director and federal MP, David Feeney.

It’s our final Feeney Files for the year - A Very Feeney Christmas Special. 

David chats about the recent Syrian uprising, which saw the end of the 50+ year reign of the Assad regime, and will have ripple effects across the middle east and throughout global geopolitics. 

Then we wrap up our favourite moments in auspol this year, and muse on what’s to come in 2025.

Thank you to all our listeners and patreons for your ongoing support. It’s people like you that make the show possible. 

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 every Friday.

If you like the show, rate and review us on your favourite podcast app.

Follow Us on Socials:

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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

Dunn Street founder and Community Organiser Stephen Donnelly was joined by Josh Burns and Anika Wells. 

To kick off the festive month of December, we are resuming our tradition, with Josh and Anika returning to the show to unpack the year that was #auspol. 

From ending Stage 3 Tax Cuts and the ongoing cost of living crisis, the various incidents in parliament, Australia’s success at the Olympics, and Trump’s impact on Aussie politics, the pair cover a lot of ground before wrapping up with their expectations for 2025.

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 every Friday.

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Follow Us on Socials:

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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

Dunn Street founder and Community Organiser Stephen Donnelly was joined by former Labor Campaign Director and federal MP, David Feeney.

It is a belated episode so there is a lot to catch up on! 

From the US presidential and Queensland state elections, gossip from both federal and Victorian state politics, the Melbourne Mayoral race, to the rumours of a February Federal Election, it’s a jam packed episode of the Feeney Files. 

Got a question for David? Join patreon and get them in before our Xmas special. Join the Socially Democratic Patreon: https://tinyurl.com/45bc4wub

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 every Friday.

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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

Dunn Street founder and Community Organiser Stephen Donnelly was joined by Managing Director at Bassline Strategy, David Kitching.

David is back, calling in from Dublin to give us the state of the race in Ireland before voters in the Irish Republic head to the polls next Friday. 

He also discussed why Sinn Féin’s vote has collapsed in the published polls, how immigration and the cost of living are shaping the debate and can Ivana Bacik and Labour increase their representation in the Oireachteas.

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 every Friday.

If you like the show, rate and review us on your favourite podcast app.

Follow Us on Socials:

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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