Podcast appearances and mentions of Ben Fordham

This week on Diving Deep, I sit down with one of Australia's most recognisable voices Ben Fordham. From winning a Walkley Award as a young reporter to becoming the #1 breakfast radio host on 2GB, Ben's journey through the world of journalism, politics, and public opinion has been anything but boring.We dive into how he handles the pressure of live radio, what it's really like interviewing prime ministers, and why staying grounded matters when millions are listening. Plus, we talk about his views on Australia's media landscape, the power of storytelling, and his advice for young people navigating big conversations.Whether you love him or love to debate him, Ben brings honesty, energy, and a few surprises in this episode you won't want to miss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MORE UNINTENTIONALLY FUNNY AI SLOP SHOWNOTES. Peter Hoistead? Thanks Gemini. Thanks listeners. We love you. Buy CBCo it's excellent beer. The Conditional Release Program - Episode 185: Federal Election 2025 Post-SpecialHosts: Joel Hill & Jack the Insider (Peter Hoistead)Overall Theme: A deep dive into the results and implications of the 2025 Australian Federal Election, focusing on Labor's historic victory, the Coalition's catastrophic loss, and the performance of minor parties and independents.Key Segments & Talking Points:(Part 1 - Approximate Timestamps based on original transcript, subject to adjustment)[00:00:00 - 00:01:23] Introduction & Election OverviewJoel laments being banned from betting on the election, particularly Labor's strong odds.Jack notes Joel would have won significantly, especially on Labor at $2.60.Historic Labor Win: Anthony "Albo" Albanese leads Labor to a significant victory.Libs sent into an "existential crisis."Albo is the first PM to be re-elected since John Howard in 2004.Largest Labor victory on a two-party preferred basis since John Curtin in 1943 (votes still being counted).Crucial Stat: The Albanese government is the only first-term government to have a swing towards it in Australian political history.[00:01:23 - 00:03:38] Significance of the Swing to LaborPrevious first-term governments (Howard '98, Hawke '84, Fraser '77, Whitlam '74, Menzies) all had swings against them when seeking a second term.Albo's government achieved an approximate 4% swing towards it (votes still being counted).Discussion points: Where it went right for Labor, and wrong for the Coalition, Greens, and Teals.Far-right "Cookers" performed terribly. Pauline Hanson's One Nation (FONY) might see minor representation.[00:03:38 - 00:05:11] Patreon & Sponsor Shout-outsReminder to support the podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/theconditionalreleaseprogram (for as little as $5/month).CB Co. Beer: Praised for their IPA and new Hazy XPA. Competition to win $100,000. Use code CRP10 for 10% off at cbco.beer.[00:05:11 - 00:08:52] Polling Inaccuracies & Liberal OptimismReiteration of the ~4% swing to Labor.Comparison of final poll predictions vs. actual results:Freshwater: Labor 51.5% (was Liberal pollster, told Libs they were close).Newspoll: 52.5% (Labor used their private polling).Essential: 53.5%.YouGov: 52.2% - 52.9%.Polling companies significantly underestimated Labor's vote, especially those advising the Coalition.The misplaced optimism at Liberal Party HQ on election night.[00:08:52 - 00:16:00] Specific Seat Results & Labor GainsGilmore (NSW South Coast): Fiona Phillips (Labor) won 55-45 (3-4% swing to her), despite Andrew Constance (Liberal) being the favourite.Bennelong (Howard's old seat): Jeremy Laxail (Labor) won 59-41 against Scott Young (problematic Liberal candidate), a 10% swing to Labor.Parramatta: Andrew Charlton (Labor) won 62-38 (was 53.47 in 2022).Aston (Victoria): Labor won in a historic by-election previously, now a 4% swing to the Labor candidate, winning 53-47.Boothby (SA): Louise Miller-Frost (Labor) achieved an 8% swing, holding the seat 61-39.Tangney (WA): Sam Lim (Labor, ex-cop & dolphin trainer) secured a 3% swing, now 56-44. Large Bhutanese diaspora noted.Leichhardt (FNQ): Labor's Matt Smith won 57-43 after Warren Entsch (LNP) retired (10% swing).Hunter (NSW): Dan Repiccioli (Labor) re-elected with 44% primary vote (5% swing on primary). Fended off Nats and One Nation (Stuart Bonds' inflated vote claims by "One Australia" on X).[00:16:00 - 00:18:49] Diversifying Parliament & Women in PoliticsPraise for non-lawyer backgrounds in Parliament (e.g., Dan Repiccioli, Sam Lim).Critique of the typical lawyer/staffer/union pathway.Labor's success in diversifying candidate backgrounds and increasing female representation.Liberals struggling with female representation despite some efforts. Discussion of potential quotas in the Liberal party and the backlash it would cause.Margaret Thatcher quote: "If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman."[00:18:49 - 00:27:26] The Teals: Mixed Results & ChallengesInitial appearance of a Teal "romp" on election night.Bradfield (NSW North Shore): Teal Nicolette Boele (Burle/Bola) behind Liberal Giselle Kaptarian by 178 votes (updated during recording).Goldstein (VIC): Tim Wilson (Liberal) leading Zoe Daniel (Teal) by 925 votes. Wilson is likely back. Joel comments on Wilson's IPA association vs. his "gay, wet, mediocre, progressive side." Jack notes Wilson often highlights his sexuality.Jim Chalmers' quip about Tim Wilson: "Popular for all those who haven't met him."Kooyong (VIC): Monique Ryan (Teal) leading by 1002 votes (97,000 counted, ~8,000 postals to go). Redistribution added parts of Toorak, making it harder for Ryan.Liberal candidate Amelia Hamer: "Trust fund renter" controversy, owns multiple properties, London bolthole.Corflute wars in Kooyong: Hamer campaign's excessive use of A-frames, obstructing walkways, went to Supreme Court over council limits. Jack doubts the impact of corflutes.[00:27:26 - 00:31:28] Why Did the Teals Go Backwards?Liberal party invested heavily in Kooyong and Goldstein.Voters potentially preferring a local member who is a Minister or part of the government.Redistribution impact in Kooyong (addition of Toorak).Zali Steggall's success in Warringah partly due to "fruitcake" Liberal opponents like Katherine Deves.[00:31:28 - 00:40:37] The Greens: Significant LossesLost all lower house seats. Adam Bandt (leader) gone from Melbourne.Lost Brisbane (Max Chandler Mather) and Griffith back to Labor.Ryan (South Brisbane): Likely Labor win in a three-way contest.Greens will have no lower house representation.Key Reason: Housing policy standoff. Accused of holding up Labor's housing bill for over a year (affecting funding for domestic violence victims, homeless), pursuing "perfection" over compromise.[00:40:37 - 00:49:57] Deep Dive: Housing Policy ChallengesA major challenge for the Albanese government. Not an easy fix.Supply-side changes could devalue existing homes or slow growth, angering homeowners.Joel's view: Subsidized housing (rent-to-own, means-tested) wouldn't touch the high-end market.Negative gearing: Not a quick fix; removing it overnight unlikely to change much; issue is supply.Homeowner expectations of property value growth.Construction industry at full tilt; skills shortages.CFMEU's role in skilled migration for construction.Free TAFE importance for reskilling/upskilling.Linton Besser (Media Watch) criticism of Labor "building" houses when they reconditioned unlivable ones – Joel argues this still increases supply.[00:49:57 - 00:59:16] Deep Dive: Childcare Policy & Global Economic HeadwindsChildcare another area for government focus.Labor's childcare policy: Rebates for high earners (e.g., $325k combined income).High cost of childcare; need for better pay for childcare workers (Labor delivered a pay spike).Ownership of childcare centers (Peter Dutton reference) and profit-making. Call for more public childcare.Uncertain global economic times, Trump tariffs.Port of Los Angeles imports down by one-third.US Q1 economy shrank 0.3%; recession likely.Japan, China, South Korea meeting to discuss tariff responses; hold significant US debt. Japanese warning to US re: trade negotiations.[00:59:16 - 01:07:13] What Went Wrong for the Coalition? Answer: Everything.Gas Price Fixing Policy: Cobbled together, no consultation with industry (unlike Rudd's mining tax failure), potentially unconstitutional (taxing for benefit of some states over others).Work From Home Policy Disaster:Conceived by Jane Hume and Peter Dutton, no Shadow Cabinet consultation.Initial messaging: All Commonwealth public servants, then just Canberra.Jane Hume's media run: Claimed all WFH is 20% less productive, citing a study.Implied WFH employees are "bludgers," alienating a vast number of voters (including partners of tradies).Labor capitalized on this after door-knocking feedback. Policy eventually walked back.Defence Policy: Released in the last week, vague promise to spend 3% of GDP, no specifics on acquisitions. Andrew Hastie (Shadow Defence) reportedly wants out of the portfolio.Fuel Excise Policy: Halving fuel excise for a year. Took a week for Dutton to do a photo-op at a service station. Fuel prices had already dropped.Melbourne Airport Rail Link Funding: Announced at a winery.Vehicle Emissions Policy: Clarifications issued within 48 hours.Generally a shambolic campaign, studied for years to come.[01:07:13 - 01:08:55] The Nationals & Nuclear Policy FalloutNats trying to spin a better result than Libs, but didn't win Calare (Andrew Gee back as Indy).Nuclear Policy: Coalition embarrassed to discuss it. Nats insist on keeping it.Policy originated as a way for Libs to get Nats to support Net Zero by 2050.Massive costs and timelines: Hinkley Point C (UK) example – 65 billion pounds, years of delays. US Georgia plant similar.Legislative hurdles: Repealing Howard-era ban, state-level bans (even LNP QLD Premier Chris O'Fooley against it).State-funded, "socialist" approach due to lack of private investment.[01:08:55 - 01:15:49] Coalition Campaign Failures & SpokespeopleDebate on government vs. private industry running power.Lack of effective Coalition spokespeople: Susan Ley sidelined, Jane Hume promoted. Angus Taylor perceived as lazy.Angus Taylor's past water license scandal ("Australia's Watergate," Cayman Islands structure).[01:15:49 - 01:28:03] Demographics: A Tide Against the LiberalsWomen: Voted ~58-42 for Labor (two-party preferred), worse than under Morrison. Libs failed to address issues like climate, domestic violence.Language Other Than English at Home (LOTE): 60% backed Labor (Redbridge polling, Cos Samaras). Indian and Chinese diaspora significant, impacting Deakin and Menzies (Keith Wallahan, a moderate, lost Menzies).Gen Z & Millennials (18-45): Now outnumber Baby Boomers (60+), voted 60-40 Labor (TPP).Preferencing: Labor "gamed the system well"; Liberals' deal with One Nation backfired in messaging to urban areas.Strategy Failure: Liberals walked away from "heartland" Teal-lost seats, wrongly believing voters were wrong. Dutton's 2023 claim of Libs being "party of regional Australia" failed. No connection or network in targeted outer-suburban/regional seats.Female Pre-selection: Aspiration of 50% in 2019, achieved 34% in 2025. "Male, white, middle-class, mediocre."Sarah Henderson Example: Lost Corangamite in 2019, returned via Senate vacancy. Criticized as a "waste of space," arrogant for seeking re-entry.Both parties have taken safe seats for granted (factional gifts), but Labor learning. Example: Batman (now Cooper, Jed Carney) won back from Greens after better candidate selection.[01:28:03 - 01:36:42] Fond Farewells: Election CasualtiesPeter Dutton: Lost his seat of Dickson (held 20+ years), got "smashed." Likely preferred losing seat to facing party room fallout. Gracious concession speech. Australia's strong electoral process praised (democracy sausage, volunteers, AEC, peaceful concession).Michael Sukkar (Deakin, VIC): "Unpleasant piece of work."Recount of February incident: Sukkar, at Dutton's prompting, used a point of order to cut off Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus (Jewish) during an emotional speech about anti-Semitism and his family's Holocaust connection (Shiloh story). Dreyfus called Sukkar "disgusting." Sukkar moved "that the member no longer be heard." Widely condemned.Gerard Rennick (QLD Senator): Anti-COVID vaccine, spread misinformation (diabetes, dementia links). Jack recounts being attacked by Rennick's "poison monkeys" on X after writing about it. Rennick gone, likely self-funded much of his campaign.(Part 2 - Timestamps restart from 00:00:00 but are a continuation, add ~1 hour 36 mins 50 secs to these for continuous flow)[01:36:50 - 01:44:07] The Fractured Hard Right ("Cookers") - Dismal PerformanceGenerally went nowhere electorally.UAP (United Australia Party) / Trumpeter Patriots (John Ruddock): 2.38% in NSW Senate (down from UAP's 3.2% in 2022). Less money spent than previous Clive Palmer campaigns.Libertarian Democrats (Lib Dems): 1.99% in NSW Senate. Controversial name didn't help. Alliance with H.A.R.T (formerly IMOP, Michael O'Neill) and Gerard Rennick's People First Party.Monica Smit's calls to "unite" contrasted with these groups already forming alliances without her.These three parties combined got less than 2% in NSW. Lib Dems

In Sydney 2GB is No 1 station just ahead of smooth 95.3. Ben Fordham is No 1 for GB on breakfast, Kyle and Jackie O No 1 FM. Smooth’s Bogart Torelli and Jonesy and Amanda on Gold 101.7 saw the biggest losses and the biggest gains were for triple j off the back of the Hottest 100 and for Nova 96.9, bearing in mind that Kate Ritchie has been on personal leave from breakfast with Fitzy and Wippa since early Feb. Mark Levy who took over from Ray Hadley on 2GB Mornings when Ray retired last year held on to No 1 spot. Melbourne, 3AW is a long way ahead at No 1 and for Ross and Russ on breakfast. No 1 FM breakfast belonged to Christian O’Connell who was up most of all and overtook Fifi Fev and Nick at the fox and Jase and Lauren at Nova 100 along the way. RSN 927 apparently will not feature in GfK surveys in 2025. Radioinfo has reached out to the station for comment. Brisbane – b105 retains No 1 overall and on breakfast. Marto Margaux and Dan at triple M have closed the gap though. Adelaide Triple M moved further in front at the top but strangely had a 2.1% drop on breakfast for Roo, Ditts and Loz. I expect that to change when survey 2 and AFL seasons are included. A massive congrats to Sonya and Jules on ABC Adelaide breakfast, up 2.8 and going from 5th to second behind the triple M team. And finally Perth where nova 93.7 and Nath, Nat and Shaun on breakfast are as unassailable as Russ and Ross on 3AW in Melbourne. Nath, Nat and Shaun were up 3.6% to a 19.8% audience share. 96FM’s Clairsy and Lisa were also up 1.5 to 12.6 in second. Jen Seyderhelm also explores the weekly reach results (cume) and the digital station results in this special boinus podcast episode of the Radio Today Podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you have a unique way of calling out to your pet? Fitzy's concerned after BJ started doing this at home... Ben Fordham storms into the studio with a special announcement, we discuss the worst times for a toilet to cark it, plus, Fitzy warns the team about e-bike injuries!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Straight Talk reached new heights in 2024. Thanks to everyone who listened, my team and I are incredibly grateful for your support. Here are some of the year's standout moments. Please comment which episodes were your favourites and who you want on the podcast next year.00:00-14:31 (Eric Bana)14:33- 31:24 (Ben Fordham)31:26 - 47:12 (Mia Freedman)47:16- 1:05:50 (Nathan & Ivan Cleary)1:05:53- 1:19:46 (Robert Kiyosaki) Listen to the full podcast via the links below,#116 Eric Bana#66 Ben Fordham #66 Mia Freedman#92 Nathan & Ivan Cleary #85 Robert KiyosakiFollow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Fordham, 2GB Breakfast host Nic speaks with one of the most powerful voices in Australian media - 2GB Breakfast Show host Ben Fordham. Ben has been at the helm of Sydney's 2GB Breakfast Show since mid 2020, taking over the mic from veteran broadcaster Alan Jones. Ben first started his radio career at 2UE, and in 1997 won his first Walkley Award. He's been with the Nine Network since 1999 and has worked on a range of programs including 60 Minutes and Today Show, before returning to his first media love – radio. He was at the helm of 2GB's Drive Show for a decade before he became Breakfast host and he and his team now set the nation's news agenda. In this chat, Nic discovers: The text exchange with Anthony Albanese that had Ben breaking one of the biggest political stories of 2024. What drives Ben to break news – it's the “I know something that you don't” element. Why differing opinions matter in the voice of middle Australia. How Ben finds his best producers. Why he initially didn't want to do the breakfast show… “The coward in me said no”. And what Ben's go-to karaoke song is. The energy and enthusiasm that you get from this chat with Ben is infectious and the cameo role from a former producer is a laugh out loud moment. There are a lot of takeaways from this for both media and experts. Thanks for listening to The Experts Podcast.

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Kamala Harris breaks her silence, Kyle Sandilands has a nasty clash with Ben Fordham, and Raygun reveals if she wants to compete at the next Olympics. For more head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Fordham has revealed to 2GB Afternoons host Michael McLaren sources have told him a person has been shot in the head and another in the thigh at Wentworthville this afternoon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2GB presenter Ben Fordham has compared what the protests in New South Wales are like compared to the ones in Victoria.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Rev Bill Crews talks about funeral bill shocks, with Cale Donovan Co-Founder of Bare Funerals, about the latest State of The Funeral Industry Report which shows 1 in 4 Aussies are in bill shock when a loved one dies. Earlier last week Ben Fordham had a heartbreaking call on 2GB about a woman not being able to pay for her husbands cremation.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On This Day Top 3 At 3 PSA Wednesday Threeway Back Page 3 Naughty 5 Sam Neil Back End & Ben FordhamSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Ben Fordham is back in full form.  He spoke about his interview with Tucker Carlson and lots more.  You Cannot Be Serious. 

A light plane makes a terrifying emergency landing in NSW, Ben Fordham gets threatened live on radio, and a famous actor hospitalised after an unprovoked attack in the US.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Paul Murray unpacks the development of the stabbing in a church in Fairfield. He is joined by 2GB radio host Ben Fordham, Western Sydney MP Dai Le and Sky News contributor Evelyn Rae providing more information as the situation unfolds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Ben Fordham joins CCT for the latest following reports of a police operation in Bondi Junction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Ray Hadley and Ben Fordham have discussed NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb's management of the situation involving the police officer accused of murdering two men.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I might say this more than I'd like to admit, but this time I'm 100% positive that UK based trapmetal band, Swarm6ix, is new, inspiring, and confrontational. Lead singer, Ben Fordham, is a quiet and complex man and I'm beyond thrilled he's my guest today. Enjoy the conversation with this fantastic human. This is Rockstar Superhero.Time codes:1:00 What the heck is trapmetal?2:45 Getting out and having drinks4:20 Are Americans living to Swarm6ix?6:00 Ben's lyrics are intensely personal8:15 Is Swarm6ix fighting against bullying?9:50 SWARM6IX - SOCIAL SUICIDE10:15 Some people are assholes12:30 Ben's spirit preceeds him14:40 Speaking out on mental health16:30 Putting yourself out there16:40 SWARM6IX - LIPSTICK18:00 Assumptions on Ben's early life20:00 A fresh young mind22:00 The process of songwriting for Swarm6ix24:15 Ben is heading to Japan!The use of 'Lipstick' and 'Social Suicide' are provided and authorized by Swarm6ix, Ben Fordham, Saviour Management, and Out of Line Music. All Rights Reserved.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/rockstar-superhero--4792050/support.

*Starlight Foundation supporting kids this Christmas. *The true meaning of Christmas *Celebrating Christmas with Ben Fordham, Ray Hadley and Laurel Edwards.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*Starlight Foundation supporting kids this Christmas. *The true meaning of Christmas *Celebrating Christmas with Ben Fordham, Ray Hadley and Laurel Edwards.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*Starlight Foundation supporting kids this Christmas. *The true meaning of Christmas *Celebrating Christmas with Ben Fordham, Ray Hadley and Laurel Edwards.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2GB Breakfast host, Ben Fordham, joins Luke Grant to thank listeners for their generosity at this year's Radiothon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Radio legends Ray Hadley and Ben Fordham have gotten their hands on a copy of Wippa's smutty novel and haven't held back with what they think of it. This review is truly the best yet. Plus we auctioned off the first copy of the novel for a whopping $7k with all the proceeds going to the Cooper Rice-Brading Foundation, an organisation very close to Wippa's heart. And we talk about one psychic's super creepy predictions for 2023 that she made in the 60s and 80s and they are all eerily accurate...  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did Jonesy just throw Ben under the bus?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Paul fires up about the logistics of Labor's immigration plan. Plus, did Albanese's interview with Ben Fordham single-handedly ruin the Voice's changes? And Megyn Kelly weighs in on the looming Jan 6 charges against Donald Trump.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A senate committee is set to investigate Daniel Andrews' decision to scrap the Victorian Commonwealth Games. Plus, 2GB's Ben Fordham joins the show to discuss his explosive interview with Anthony Albanese over the Voice.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The restaurant scene in Austin is on the national radar. Three-time James Beard Award finalist Michael Fojtasek is taking his MaieB Hospitality to the next level with the hiring of experienced restaurateur and cookbook author Ben Fordham. In this episode, ABJ Reporter Sahar Chmais sits down with Fordham to learn how his British-Texas background will set this group apart in a competitive business. 

Listen to the highlights of todays show, Mark Levy filling in for Ben Fordham.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the highlights of todays show, Mark Levy filling in for Ben Fordham.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the highlights of todays show, Mark Levy filling in for Ben Fordham.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the highlights of todays show, Mark Levy filling in for Ben Fordham.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the highlights of todays show, Mark Levy filling in for Ben Fordham.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Fordham has called out Noel Pearson for not following his advice concerning The Voice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Fordham is imploring Mark Latham to make a face-to-face apology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.