Shows
Confessions Of A Successful LeaderEp. 066: From Lawyer to Visionary: Jonathan Cole's Transformative LeadershipAre you a leader seeking to create a purpose-driven organization while balancing personal and professional aspirations? This candid conversation with Jonathan Cole, Chair of the Global Wind Energy Council and former CEO of Corio, offers invaluable insights on authentic leadership and navigating the complexities of the energy transition.With over two decades of experience in the renewable energy sector, Jonathan shares his transformative journey from a driven, detail-oriented lawyer to a visionary leader shaping the future of offshore wind. Here are 5 key takeaways you'll gain from this enlightening episode:Understand the importance...
2025-04-1538 min
The Political AnimalsPolitical LesbianismIn this, their final episode, Holly and Jonathan discuss political lesbianism. Is lesbianism innate or a political choice? Are political lesbians superior to heterosexual feminists? What is the intersection of lesbianism and feminism? Has the LGBTQ movement domesticated and defanged radical lesbianism?The Political Animals is co-hosted by:Jonathan Cole, an academic interested in conservatism, libertarianism, political ideology and political theology; andHolly Lawford-Smith, an academic working in moral and political philosophy, with a particular interest in feminist theory and movement. You can find Holly on Twitter and YouTube....
2025-03-151h 03The Political AnimalsImmigration and IntelligenceHolly and Jonathan discuss a controversial article published in the Journal of Controversial ideas that claims to have found that recent immigrants and refugees in Germany have lower average IQs than the German population, with implications for their participation in the labour market. The journal also published three critical responses that Holly and Jonathan discuss.The articles can be found here.The Political Animals is co-hosted by:Jonathan Cole, an academic interested in conservatism, libertarianism, political ideology and political theology; andHolly Lawford-Smith...
2025-03-011h 05
The Political AnimalsFar-Right AnarchismHolly and Jonathan discuss an essay by right-wing libertarian Hans-Hermann Hoppe arguing for a stateless society based on comprehensive private property, along with his view of the different anthropologies that shape the left and the right (and his view that white, heterosexual males are responsible for progress and prosperity).
The Political Animals is co-hosted by:
Jonathan Cole, an academic interested in conservatism, libertarianism, political ideology and political theology; and
Holly Lawford-Smith, an academic working in moral and political philosophy, with a particular interest in feminist theory and movement. You can find Holly on Twit...
2025-02-0859 min
The Political AnimalsAleksandr Dugin: The Fourth Political TheoryIs there an alternative to the hegemony of liberalism? Controversial Russian philosophy Aleksandr Dugin proposes a Fourth Political Theory (beyond liberalism, communism and fascism) to address the empty degeneration of postliberalism, construed as the post-ideological form of liberalism that has triumphed and reigns globally today.
Dugin proposes a multipolar civilisational new world order in which various antilibearl traditionalisms can thrive in communities connected by language, religion and culture.
Is his critique of liberalism cogent? Does the Fourth Political Theory only make sense in the Russian context? Is Dugin even...
2025-01-261h 02
The Political AnimalsFar-Right UtopiasJonathan and Holly discuss far-right intentional communities and utopias, using two case-studies that appeared in a recent special issue of the Journal of Political Ideologies focusing on far-right utopias in practice.
One case-study focuses on a Traditionalist community in Indiana in the US and the other looks at the Heralds of the Gospel in Brazil.
The Political Animals is co-hosted by:
Jonathan Cole, an academic interested in conservatism, libertarianism, political ideology and political theology; and
Holly Lawford-Smith, an academic working in moral and political philosophy, with a partic...
2024-12-2156 min
The Political AnimalsAbortionJonathan and Holly ask whether abortion is more a question of values or science? Whether the ethical or the legal is the most difficult aspect of the issue? Whether men should have any say on abortion? Whether abortion is a question of individual choice or majority opinion? And the role of symbolism in the way people understand the foetus.
The Political Animals is co-hosted by:
Jonathan Cole, an academic interested in conservatism, libertarianism, political ideology and political theology; and
Holly Lawford-Smith, an academic working in moral and political philosophy, with a partic...
2024-12-061h 00
The Political AnimalsWhite FragilityDo white people need to become race conscious? Is America a white supremacist culture? Is racisim a structure rather than an event? Should white women cry in the presence of women of colour?
Jonathan and Holly discuss the notion of white fragility popularised by Robin Diangelo in her controversial book White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism.
The Political Animals is co-hosted by:
Jonathan Cole, an academic interested in conservatism, libertarianism, political ideology and political theology; and
...
2024-11-2358 min
The Political AnimalsDecolonisationJonathan and Holly explore decolonisation. What does it mean? What are its goals? Has it overreached and can it succeed?
The article discussed in this episode is “On Decolonisation and the University."
The Political Animals is co-hosted by:
Jonathan Cole, an academic interested in conservatism, libertarianism, political ideology and political theology; and
Holly Lawford-Smith, an academic working in moral and political philosophy, with a particular interest in feminist theory and movement. You can find Holly on Twitter and YouTube.
Want to see our faces? Check out our YouTu...
2024-11-0256 min
The Political AnimalsCensorship and CounterspeechThis week Jonathan and Holly discuss (debate) the issue of hate speech and in particular whether it should be banned or addressed by counterspeech, especially state-based counterspeech.The Political Animals is co-hosted by:Jonathan Cole, an academic interested in conservatism, libertarianism, political ideology and political theology; andHolly Lawford-Smith, an academic working in moral and political philosophy, with a particular interest in feminist theory and movement. You can find Holly on Twitter and YouTube.Want to see our faces? Check out our YouTube channel.
2024-10-191h 01
The Political AnimalsWhen Is Political Association a Sin?Where is the boundary between legitimate and illegitimate political association?
Jonathan and Holly examine the case of the “Let Women Speak” rally held on the steps of the Victorian Parliament in March 2023, which was gatecrashed by neo-Nazis and led to the expulsion of Moira Deeming from the Liberal Party for the alleged sin of political association.
The Political Animals is co-hosted by:
Jonathan Cole, an academic interested in conservatism, libertarianism, political ideology and political theology; and
Holly Lawford-Smith, an academic working in...
2024-10-051h 02
The Political AnimalsIs LGBTIQ a Political Ideology?Jonathan and Holly pose the question: is LGBTIQ a political ideology? They discuss the concept and meaning of the acronym LGBTIQ, its internal dynamics and conflicts, its incorporation into the state ideology, as well as its broader political connotations, dimensions and ramifications for policy and society.
The Political Animals is co-hosted by:
Jonathan Cole, an academic interested in conservatism, libertarianism, political ideology and political theology; and
Holly Lawford-Smith, an academic working in moral and political philosophy, with a particular interest in feminist theory and movement...
2024-09-211h 00
The Political AnimalsRight-wing Radical, Left-wing HereticWelcome to the relaunch of The Political Animals Podcast!
A show where two political philosophers, one a right-wing radical, the other a left-wing heretic, come together to discuss the social, political and cultural issues of our day.
The Political Animals is co-hosted by:
Jonathan Cole, an academic interested in conservatism, libertarianism, political ideology and political theology; and
Holly Lawford-Smith, an academic working in moral and political philosophy, with a particular interest in feminist theory and movement. You can find...
2024-09-1459 min
The Political AnimalsMark Hornshaw: Socially Conservative, Christian LibertarianJonathan chats to Mark Hornshaw, a libertarian and Austrian economist who is also socially conservative and a Christian.
You can check out some of the articles Mark mentions in the show here:
Australia’s Violent Enforcement of Lockdowns Sparks Memories of the Eureka Rebellion.
Isaiah’s Job.
Jeremiah’s Job.
2024-09-011h 12
The Political AnimalsJack Jacobs: An Old Whig Burkean ReformerJonathan talks to Jack Jacobs about the influence of Burke on his political thought and why he describes himself as an old whig in the mould of Burke.
2024-08-101h 17
The Political AnimalsDr Luke Torrisi: TradCon Dissident from Machine PoliticsJonathan talks to Dr Luke Torrisi about living through the demographic and cultural transformation of southwestern Sydney in the 1980s, his involvement on the right of the NSW Liberal Party in the 1990s and 2000s, and finding his spiritual home in traditionalist conservatism.
2024-07-142h 22
The Political AnimalsAustralian Political Thought, with Prof Wayne HudsonIntellectual historian Prof Wayne Hudson returns to the show for a discussion about his latest research project: Australian political thought.
The Political Animals is hosted by Dr Jonathan Cole, an academic, writer, speaker and translator specialising in political theology: the intersection of religion and politics. Jonathan was a senior terrorism analyst at Australian intelligence agency the Office of National Assessments where he worked on Islamist terrorism and the global jihadist movement. He is the author of The Reign of God: A Critical Engagement with Oliver O'Donovan's Theology of Political Authority and Christian Political Theology in an Age of D...
2024-01-141h 29
The Political AnimalsPeter Viereck and New Conservatism, with Dr Simon KennedySimon Kennedy joins Jonathan for a conversation about twentieth century American conservative intellectual Peter Viereck and his critique of so-called new conservatism in America.
Simon Kennedy has a PhD in history from the University of Queensland (UQ). He is currently Associate Editor of Quadrant Magazine and a Research Fellow in the Law School at UQ. His academic research is in the area of law and politics and their interaction with Christianity.
The Political Animals is hosted by Dr Jonathan Cole, a scholar, writer and translator specialising in political theology: the intersection of religio...
2024-01-071h 21
The Political AnimalsEric Voegelin’s Concept of Political Gnosticism: A Conversation with Dr Simon KennedySimon Kennedy joins Jonathan for a conversation about conservative philosophy Eric Voegelin’s essay Politics, Science, and Gnosticism, and in particular his thesis that major 20th century political and intellectual movements are modern manifestations of gnosticism.
Simon Kennedy has a PhD in history from the University of Queensland (UQ). He is currently Associate Editor of Quadrant Magazine and a Research Fellow in the Law School at UQ. His academic research is in the area of law and politics and their interaction with Christianity.
The Political Animals is hosted by Dr...
2023-12-101h 32
The Political AnimalsQuadrant Magazine and Conservatism in Australia, with Dr Ian TregenzaIan Tregenza joins Jonathan for a conversation about the history of Quadrant Magazine and its cultural impact in Australia, and particularly on the nature of conservatism in Australia.
Ian is an Associate Professor at the School of Social Sciences at Macquarie University. He works in the areas of political theory, the history of political thought and religion and politics.
The Political Animals is hosted by Dr Jonathan Cole, a scholar, writer and translator specialising in political theology: the intersection of religion and politics. Jonathan was a senior terrorism analyst at Australian...
2023-11-261h 42
The Political AnimalsAnarcho-Capitalism, with Pietro AngeliJonathan talks to Libertarian Party member Pietro Angeli about the anarcho-capitalist alternative to the state.
Pietro Angeli is a member of the Libertarian Party State Executive in Victoria.
The Political Animals is hosted by Dr Jonathan Cole, a scholar, writer and translator specialising in political theology: the intersection of religion and politics. Jonathan was a senior terrorism analyst at Australian intelligence agency the Office of National Assessments where he worked on Islamist terrorism and the global jihadist movement. He is the author of The Reign of God: A Critical Engagement wit...
2023-11-121h 49
The Political AnimalsFaith and Politics in New Zealand for Australian (and other) Dummies, with Tim WilsonJonathan is joined by Tim Wilson, Executive Director of NZ think tank Maxim Institute, for a conversation about faith and politics across the ditch (detch).
Tim Wilson is currently Executive Director of Maxim Institute. Prior to this role, Tim was an award-winning journalist working in print, radio and television. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian and Newsweek.com. He was TVNZ’s first US Correspondent and has been a business development manager and an English teacher. Tim has written three novels, one of which—Their Faces Were Shining—was a fina...
2023-10-291h 31
The Political AnimalsPolitical Theology Part 2This is part 2 of Jonathan's conversation with Josh Lewis of the Saving Elephants podcast on the topic of political theology.
Check out the Saving Elephants podcast here: "Millennials defending and expressing conservative values."
The Political Animals is hosted by Dr Jonathan Cole, a scholar, writer and translator specialising in political theology: the intersection of religion and politics. Jonathan was a senior terrorism analyst at Australian intelligence agency the Office of National Assessments where he worked on Islamist terrorism and the global jihadist movement. He is the author of The Rei...
2023-10-161h 07
The Political AnimalsPolitical Theology Part 1This is the first of Jonathan's two-part conversation with Josh Lewis of the Saving Elephants podcast on the topic of political theology.
Check out the Saving Elephants podcast here: "Millennials defending and expressing conservative values."
The Political Animals is hosted by Dr Jonathan Cole, a scholar, writer and translator specialising in political theology: the intersection of religion and politics. Jonathan was a senior terrorism analyst at Australian intelligence agency the Office of National Assessments where he worked on Islamist terrorism and the global jihadist movement. He is the author o...
2023-10-021h 06
The Political AnimalsThe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, with Prof Nicholas AroneyConstitutional scholar Nicholas Aroney joins Jonathan for an examination of the legal meaning and implications of the proposed new s129 in the Australia Constitution that establishes the Voice, and which is the subject of a referendum on 14 October.
Nicholas Aroney is Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Queensland. He has published over 100 journal articles, book chapters and books in the fields of constitutional law, comparative constitutional law and legal theory. He has held visiting positions at Oxford, Cambridge, Paris II, Edinburgh, Durham, Sydney, Emory and Tilburg universities.
Y...
2023-09-171h 36
The Political AnimalsThe Triumph of Technique over Purpose and the Problem with the Moral Language of "Values", with Prof Iain BensonJonathan is joined by Iain Benson for a conversation about values and virtues. They discuss the triumph of technique over purpose in our contemporary culture, the problems with adopting "values" as our primary moral language and the need to recover the ancient moral language of virtue.
Iain Benson is Professor of Law at Notre Dame University, Sydney, Australia. He is an academic, lecturer and practicing lawyer in constitutional law and human rights, with a particular focus on freedoms of association and religion, the nature of pluralism, multiculturalism and the relationships between laws, religion and...
2023-09-031h 13
The Political AnimalsWake Up, Lefties, and Reject Wokeness: A Conversation with Prof Clive HamiltonClive Hamilton joins the show to discuss his left-wing critique of wokeness published in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Clive Hamilton is Professor of Public Ethics at Charles Sturt University. He is the found of The Australia Institute and the author of many books, including Defiant Earth: The Fate of Humans in the Anthropocene, Silent Invasion: China's Influence in Australia and Provocateur: A Life of Ideas in Action.
The article discussed in the show is "Wake up, lefties, and reject wokeness."
The Political Animals is...
2023-08-201h 13
The Political AnimalsReading Edmund Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France with Dr Holly Lawford-SmithIn this episode, Jonathan engages in a conversation about conservatism with political philosopher and radical feminist Holly Lawford-Smith. They do so by discussing Burke's classic text, Reflections on The Revolution in France, which they both read (Holly for the first time) in preparation for the podcast.
The conversation ranges across reform versus revolution, the strengths and weaknesses of liberalism, the role and function of religion in society, social hierarchy and more.
Dr Holly Lawford-Smith is an Associate Professor in political philosophy in the school of historical and philosophical studies at...
2023-07-301h 39
The Political AnimalsLinguistic tyranny: the fight for free speech, with Brendan O'NeillFree speech warrior Brendan O'Neill joins Jonathan for a discussion about free speech, cancel culture, linguistic tyranny and the Orwellian assault on reality afflicting contemporary Western societies.
Brendan is a journalist who has written columns for the Australian, the Spectator and the Big Issue. He is best know for his work at Spiked, where he is Chief Political Writer and formerly Editor. He has published several collections of essays, including Anti-Woke, Duty to Offend and most recently A Heretic’s Manifesto: Essays on the Unsayable.
The Political Animals is hosted...
2023-07-061h 26
The Political AnimalsRussia: A Guide for the Perplexed, with Dr Andreas BergJonathan is joined by Russian-Australian scholar Andreas Berg for a deep dive on contemporary Russia. They cover the anarchic chaos of the 1990s transition from communism, the rise of Vladimir Putin, the nature and operation of Putin's regime, the complex and fraught relationship between Russia and Ukraine, the current war in Ukraine, the would-be rebellion of Evgeny Prigozhin's Wagner PMC and the fate of Russia post-Putin.
Dr Andreas Berg is an intellectual historian with a PhD from Griffith University on the interplay between the Enlightenment and mystical discourses in eighteen century Russia. For over...
2023-06-251h 50
The Political AnimalsA Compassionate, Yet Orthodox, Approach to Homosexuality and Gender Incongruence in the Church, with Pieter ValkJonathan is joined by Pieter Valk for a conversation about how churches that adhere to traditional Christian teaching on sexuality and sexual ethics can care for and support gay and trans Christians.
Pieter Valk is the founder and director of Equip, a consulting ministry aimed at helping churches to be places where gay and LGBT Christians can thrive in line with the church's traditional and historic sexual ethic. Valk is also the founder of the Family of Brothers, an organisation aimed at fostering family and community among men called to vocational singleness.
2023-06-181h 43
The Political AnimalsThe Myth of the Sovereign Self (and Other Libertarian Heresies Corrupting Conservatism), with Gray ConnollyJonathan is joined by conservative commentator Gray Connolly for an examination of the good, the bad and the ugly of contemporary conservatism. They cover the traditional conservative understanding of government, authority, society, family, duty, inheritance and culture and the many libertarian (and populist) heresies perverting this understanding amongst so-called "conservatives."
Gray Connolly is a Barrister in Sydney, Australia. He has a broad public law and commercial law practice, including constitutional law, energy and resources law, and admiralty/shipping law. In particular, Gray has advised the Australian Government on national security law and public law m...
2023-06-041h 39
The Political AnimalsJohn Milbank on Christian Political Theology and its Secular PerversionsJohn Milbank joins Jonathan for wide-ranging tour of political theology, contemporary secular politics, contemporary political problems, cultural decadence and the opportunities and challenges for a Christian contribution to our contemporary political malaise.
John Milbank is an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Nottingham. He is a co-founder of the radical orthodox movement and author of the seminal book, Theology & Social Theory: Beyond Secular Reason. His work traverses systematic theology, social theory, ethics, aesthetics, philosophy, political theory and political theology.
The Political...
2023-05-211h 37
The Political AnimalsDr Knox Peden on his Journey from Spinoza and Marx to CatholicismKnox Peden returns to the show to discuss his interesting, and by today's standard unusual, journey from secular intellectual influenced by Spinoza and Marx to practicing Catholic.
Dr Knox Peden is an intellectual historian who has taught philosophy and history at the University of Melbourne, the Australian National University and the University of Queensland. He has published widely on French philosophy and on a variety of topics in intellectual history, including Spinozism and Marxism.
The Political Animals is hosted by Dr Jonathan Cole, a scholar, writer and translator specialising i...
2023-04-301h 46
The Political AnimalsEvangelicalism: An Insider's Critique of a Wayward Movement, with Prof Constantine CampbellConstantine Campbell joins Jonathan for a discussion of his provocative book Jesus v. Evangelicals: A Biblical Critique of a Wayward Movement. They discuss Penal Substitutionary Atonement, the hierarchy of evangelical sins, megachurch culture, Evangelical social and political engagement and more.
Constantine Campbell is a New Testament scholar who has taught at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Chicago, and Moore Theological College, Sydney, Australia. He is currently professor and associate director at the Sydney College of Divinity. He is the author of Jesus v. Evangelicals: A Biblical Critique of a Wayward Movement.
2023-04-132h 02
The Political AnimalsRussian Orthodoxy: From Communist Repression to State Ideology and the War in Ukraine, with Prof Kristina StoecklJonathan is joined by sociologist Kristina Stoeckl for a deep dive on the Russian Orthodox Church, tracing its complex journey from repression under Soviet communism to support for Vladimir Putin and source of an orthodox nationalist state ideology.
Kristina Stoeckl is Professor of Sociology at LUISS Guido Carli University in Rome, as well as an adjunct professor at the University of Innsbruck in Austria. Her main areas of research are sociology of religion, political sociology and social and political theory. She is a leading specialist on Russian Orthodoxy and religion-state relations in Russia. Her...
2023-04-021h 35
The Political AnimalsThe Wreck of Western Culture: The Struggle to Find Meaning in a Post-Christian World, with Prof John CarrollSociologist John Carroll joins Jonathan for an examination of the decline of Western culture. They discuss the failure of humanism to find meaning on the big metaphysical questions in a post-Christian world, the importance of archetypes and their transmission through a canon of great literature, the way that popular culture has replaced high culture, and why that might be a good thing (it's more conservative than people realise), the role of universities in the decline of Western culture and what is wrong with young people today, plus more!
John Carroll is Emeritus Professor of...
2023-03-261h 35
The Political AnimalsSymbolism and the Sacred in Cities, Ancient and Modern, with Dr Mario BaghosMario Baghos joins Jonathan for a conversation about the symbolic and sacred function of ancient cities and the decline and mutation of this function in modern cities.
Dr Mario Baghos is an Academic Sessional in the Department of Philosophy and Theology at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney, as well as Adjunct Lecturer in Theology in the Faculty of Arts and Education at Charles Sturt University. From 2010 to 2022 he taught patristics and church history at St Andrew's Greek Orthodox Theological College, Sydney. He has also lectured in the discipline of Studies in Religion at...
2023-03-121h 40The Political AnimalsWhy Secularism is Good for Religion and its Perversion Bad for Everyone, with Dr Michael BirdMichael Bird returns to the show for a discussion about secularism. Jonathan and Michael cover the Christian origins of secularism, why it is in the interests of religious people to have a secular government, the threat to the secular compact by militant secularism and the inimical impact of the contemporary perversion of genuine secularism.
Dr Michael Bird is Academic Dean and Lecturer in New Testament at Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia. He is the author and editor of more than thirty books, including Religious Freedom in a Secular Age: A Christian Case for Liberty, Equality...
2023-03-0556 minThe Political AnimalsSydney Anglicanism, with Rev Dr Michael JensenMichael Jensen joins Jonathan for an exploration of the ins and outs of Sydney's unique, and influential, brand of Anglicanism. The conversation covers the historical origins of the Sydney diocese and its distinct character, controversies surrounding the chasuble, lay presidency (administration) and women in ministry, as well as Sydney Anglican politics (ecclesial and secular), and whether Sydney Anglicans (and other Evangelical Anglicans) can, and should, remain part of the Anglican Church of Australia.
Rev Dr Michael Jensen is the Rector at St Mark's, Darling Point, Sydney, a former lecturer in theology at Moore Theological...
2023-02-2657 minThe Political AnimalsA Pox on Both Their Houses: Libertarianism, with Katherine Mangu-WardKatherine Mangu-Ward joins Jonathan for a conversation about libertarianism. They explore the role of reason and free markets in the libertarian philosophy, the role and legitimate scope of government, progress towards libertarian goals over the 20th century, the tension between libertarianism's future-oriented optimism and conservatism's past-oriented pessimism about the future, the libertarian perspective on the contemporary Left and Right in America, the culture wars and why Christians are finding libertarianism increasingly attractive.
Katherine Mangu-Ward is editor in chief of Reason, the magazine of "free minds and free markets." She has worked at The Weekly St...
2023-02-161h 26The Political AnimalsLiberalism in Australia, with Prof Judith BrettJonathan is joined by historian Judith Brett for a conversation about the history of liberalism in Australia. They explore the impact of 19th century liberalism on Australian politics and identity, the political struggle between liberalism and the Labor movement in the 20th century, the idea of the 'moral middle class' and its support for the Liberal Party in the early and mid-20th century, the changing demographics and economy of Australia and their impact on liberalism and the fortunes of the Liberal Party.
Judith Brett is Emeritus Professor at La Trobe University, where she...
2023-01-291h 34The Political AnimalsBeyond Religion and the Secular: A Conversation with Prof Wayne HudsonIntellectual historian Wayne Hudson returns to the show for a discussion of his recently published book, Beyond Religion and the Secular: Creative Spiritual Movements and Their Relevance to Political, Social and Cultural Reform (Bloomsbury, 2023). Wayne and Jonathan ponder what religion has to offer humanity in advanced technological societies (a question posed in the book), and along the way explore Wayne's critique of the concept "religion," the role of the Enlightenment in the problematic category of "religion," false ontological and epistemological assumptions underpinning contemporary critiques of "religion," problematic dualistic notions of "religion" and the "secular," problems with the new concepts...
2023-01-151h 19The Political AnimalsConservatism vs Liberalism: Reviewing Yoram Hazony's Case for Conservatism, with Dr Simon KennedyJonathan is joined by Simon Kennedy for a discussion of Yoram Hazony's celebrated 2022 book, Conservatism: A Rediscovery. They focus on the the contrast Hazony draws between conservatism and liberalism, with particular emphasis on conservative and liberal epistemologies, the role of public religion, the failure of liberalism and the the influence of neo-Marxist ideas in contemporary Western culture and institutions.
Dr Simon Kennedy is a Research Fellow at the University of Queensland, both in the Law School and at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities, where he works on the intersections between law...
2023-01-082h 27
Saving Elephants | Millennials defending & expressing conservative values122 – The Political Animals with Jonathan ColeLate last year Jonathan Cole had Saving Elephants host Josh Lewis on his podcast, The Political Animals, to talk about the quirkiness of American conservatism, the rise of the NatCons, and whether there's any hope for Josh's brand of fusionist conservatism in the future. The conversation was simply too good not to share, so here is a re-podcast of Jonathan's original episode. About Jonathan Cole From Jonathan Cole's website: Dr Jonathan Cole is a scholar, writer, translator and lecturer specializing in political theology—the intersection between religion and politics.
2023-01-031h 50The Political AnimalsThe Triumph of Nationalist Populism and the Failure of Conservatism: Dissecting the American Right, with Josh LewisJonathan is joined by fellow conservative podcaster Josh Lewis for a discussion about the evolving realignments on the American Right in the wake of the political earthquake that was (still is) Donald Trump. They explore conservative philosophy, fusionism, the rise of nationalist populism, the state of American culture, the place and role of America on the global stage, the Right's loss of faith in the American project and finding hope amidst a profound and pervasive sense of conservative failure in the US.
Josh Lewis is the host of the Saving Elephants podcast: "Re-igniting Conservatism f...
2022-12-181h 47The Political AnimalsChristian Apologetics in an Age of Secular Ignorance and Hostility, with Dan PatersonHost Jonathan is joined by Dan Paterson, a pastor, apologist and evangelist, for an exploration of the challenges and opportunities to introduce young people to the Christian good news in a culture now characterised by widespread ignorance of Christianity and growing hostility towards the faith, yet crying out for meaning.
Dan Patterson is the founder of Questioning Christianity, a ministry helping people to connect the Christian story to life’s deepest questions. He has been a pastor, lecturer and public speaker and has studied theology and apologetics in Australia and at Oxford.
...
2022-12-111h 34The Political AnimalsTrump, Ukraine, Covid Forgiveness and Living in Babylon: A Conversation with Martyn IlesMartyn Iles joins Jonathan for a wide-ranging conversation about the wisdom of Donald Trump making another presidential bid, the moral equivocation among sections of the Right over Putin's invasion of Ukraine, the need to move on from the trauma of Covid, but also to learn lessons from mistakes in the response, and why Christians need to adjust to living in a modern version of Babylon.
Martyn Iles is Managing-Director of the Australian Christian Lobby and host of The Truth of It. You can watch The Truth of it Live 'Babylon' trilogy here.
2022-12-042h 26
2022-11-301h 01The Political AnimalsAnti-Communism, the Labor Party Split, the Rise of the DLP and Catholic Tribalism: Remembering B.A. Santamaria, with Gerard HendersonAuthor and political commentator Gerard Henderson joins Jonathan for a conversation about B.A. Santamaria and the seminal political moments in Australia history that he was involved in. Drawing on his personal recollections of knowing and working with Santamaria, as well as the three books he has written on this "most unusual man," Gerard tells the story of communist influence in the trade union movement and Santamaria's efforts to combat it through "The Movement," the Labor Party split and Labor Party leader Bert Evatt's efforts to lay the blame at the feet of Santamaria and Victoria's catholics, the creation...
2022-11-201h 27The Political AnimalsAre States Illegitimate, Dangerous and Unnecessary? Radical Consociationalism, with Prof Gary ChartierJonathan is joined by Gary Chartier for a critical dialogue about his forthcoming book, Christianity and the Nation-State: A Study in Political Theology. The book provocatively contends that states are fundamentally illegitimate and dangerous, notwithstanding many Christian attempts at justifying their existence, and that they can be replaced with a stateless world constituted by multiple forces of independent, self-organising, overlapping associations.
Gary Chartier is Distinguished Professor of Law and Business Ethics and Associate Dean of the Tom and Vi Zapara School of Business at La Sierra University, Riverside, California. He is a theologian, philosopher...
2022-11-132h 12The Political AnimalsMonarchy vs Republic and the Power of Political Symbols, with Dr Joshua NeohWith the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the accession to the throne of King Charles III, Jonathan engages in a friendly debate with legal philosopher Joshua Neoh about Australia's constitutional monarchy and its republican alternatives. Joshua outlines his case for monarchy per se, and the British monarchy specifically, followed by Jonathan outlining his case for a minimalist republic. The conversation covers the role of the British monarchy in the Australian constitution, its symbolic force, the changing nature of Australian culture and its evolving relationship to the United Kingdom, the dangers of a popularly elected head of state and...
2022-10-301h 45
Saving Elephants | Millennials defending & expressing conservative values117 – Conservatism Down Under with Jonathan ColeAmerican conservatism has long struggled to reconcile the American Revolution with a worldview that defers to the slow accretion of cultural and historical development over generations. Yet some nations followed this more "conservative" path. How might American conservatism appear to them? Joining Josh in this episode is bona fide conservative and Australian Jonathan Cole to discuss how Australian conservatism differs from both the American and British models and what each of us might learn from the other. Also discussed are how Jonathan defines conservatism, whether it's an ideology or the negation of ideology, why conservatives are over-focused on power dyna...
2022-10-181h 27The Political AnimalsNeoliberalism: The Scope, Application and Limits of Free Markets, with Dr Gordon MenziesJonathan is joined by economist Dr Gordon Menzies for a deep dive on neoliberalism. They discuss the concept of free markets and the logic of extending free market thinking to aspects of human life that are not obviously economic. They examine and evaluate the neoliberal economic reforms of the 1980s, including floating the dollar, trade liberalisation and privatisation. They explore the causes of the global financial crisis and the role of neoliberalism in the near collapse of the financial system and the policies employed to deal with it. They discuss poverty and the purported role of neoliberal economic policies...
2022-10-161h 30The Political AnimalsAndrew Thorburn and the Death of Pluralism, with Religious Freedom Lawyer John SteenhofJohn Steenhof, Principal Lawyer at the Human Rights Law Alliance, joined Jonathan for another conversation about the kinds of cases he works in the religious freedom/discrimination space. The conversation was scheduled prior to, but coinciding with, the the eruption of the Andrew Thorburn case—the CEO of the Essendon Football club forced to resign his position just 24 hours after being appointed because of his affiliation with a church. So while the pair do still discuss a number of recent freedom of religion/discrimination cases in Australia at the beginning of the conversation, they naturally end up focusing on th...
2022-10-061h 21The Political AnimalsAre Women Fully Human? Gender Norms and the Politics of Feminism, with Dr Holly Lawford-SmithHolly Lawford-Smith returns to the show for a discussion about her new book, Gender-Critical Feminism (OUP). Following a quick tour of significant developments in the transgender space since Holly and Jonathan last spoke (December, 2021), the pair delve into gender norms, including their connection to sex, distinction from identity, cultural and political significance, the balance of nature versus nurture in gender differences, whether women can genuinely enjoy and embrace gender norms of femininity, the gender-critical feminist critique of liberal feminism, the problem with intersectionality and woke feminism and the place and role of men in the feminist movement.
2022-10-022h 02The Political AnimalsA History of Conservatism in Australia, with Prof Greg MelleuishIn this episode, Jonathan is joined by Prof Greg Melleuish for a conversation about conservatism in Australia. They explore the dominant liberal tradition in Australian history and the place of conservatism in that tradition, the reasons why the language of conservatism emerges late in Australian political history, the general conservative nature of Australian settler culture, the evolution of the Liberal Party of Australia into a party with liberal and conservative wings and the recent influence of American conservatism on the developing conservative movement in Australia.
Greg Melleuish is Professor in the School of Humanities...
2022-09-251h 22The Political AnimalsGod and Religion in the Australian Constitution, with Dr Ben SaundersHow did "Almighty God" come to be mentioned in the preamble to the Australian Constitution? Why and how did a whole provision (s116) find its way into the constitution setting out the Commonwealth's legislative powers in relation to religion? And what are the states' powers to establish religion and pass other laws relating to religion? Jonathan discusses these questions and much more with constitutional scholar Dr Ben Saunders in this episode of The Political Animals.
Ben Saunders is an Associate Professor at Deakin Law School. His principal areas of research interest are constitutional law...
2022-09-181h 13The Political AnimalsReligion and Spirituality in Australia: A Demographic Analysis with Dr Ruth PowellSociologist Ruth Powell joins Jonathan for a conversation about religion and spirituality in contemporary Australia. They discuss the recent historic census which saw those identifying as religious drop below 50%, demographic trends within different Christian denominations, the growth of non-Christian minority religions, the surprising and growing interest in Christianity among younger generations and what surveys are telling us about spirituality and its connection (or disconnection) with religion.
Dr Ruth Powell is Director of NCLS Research and an Associate Professor and Research Fellow at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture at Charles Sturt University. She...
2022-09-111h 25The Political AnimalsWoke Theology, with Dr Jacqueline Service and Dr Amy EricksonIn a first for the show, Jonathan hosts two guests. The topic? Woke theology. The trio explores the definition of woke theology before embarking on a critical engagement of three articles characterisable as woke theology: one on queering Jesus, one in feminist Christology and one on whiteness and Jesus. The three conclude with a discussion of how best to respond to woke theology.
Dr Jacqueline Service is Lecturer in Systematic Theology in the School of Theology, Charles Sturt University. Her research focuses on Trinitarian theology, divine ontology and human well-being. She is on the...
2022-08-282h 03The Political AnimalsSex, Singleness, Identity and the Modern Self, with Dr Dani TreweekDani Treweek joins Jonathan for a conversation about the place and role of sex and sexuality in contemporary Western cutlure. They examine Carl Trueman's work on the rise and triumph of the modern self, including expressive individualism, the psychologised self and the politicisation of sex. They then pivot to the place of marriage and singleness in the church, particularly against the backdrop of a culture so intent on defining humans by their sexual desires and encouraging their actualisation.
Dr Dani Treweek is the founding director of Single Minded, a parachurch ministry which seeks to...
2022-08-211h 22The Political AnimalsAdam Smith, the Invisible Hand and the Intersection between Economics and Theology, with Prof Paul OslingtonJonathan is joined by economist and theologian Paul Oslington for a wide-ranging discussion on the intersection of economics and theology. The conversation begins with Adam Smith, the great father of economics, with a particular focus on his idea of the invisible hand and its allusions to providence. The conversation covers the reception, misreception and new (theological) reading of Smith, plus the virtues and limitations of free markets, the idea of capitalism, wealth and the theological roots of economics.
Professor Paul Oslington has PhDs in economics (University of Sydney) and theology (University of Divinity). He...
2022-08-141h 27The Political AnimalsA Voice to Parliament, Acknowledgment of Country, Cultural Safety and Cancel Culture, with Dr Anthony DillonIndigenous commentator Anthony Dillon returns to The Political Animals for a conversation about the mooted Indigenous voice to parliament and other aspects of the evolving culture around the place of Aboriginal people in contemporary Australia, including welcome to and acknowledgement of country, the idea of cultural safety, reconciliation, cancel culture in relation to Indigenous issues and the evolving language used to describe Aboriginal, now First Nations, Australians.
Dr Anthony Dillon is an indigenous commentator and behavioural scientist and researcher at The Australian Catholic University. He blogs at www.anthonydillon.com.au and tweets at...
2022-08-071h 17The Political AnimalsReligious Liberty: A History, with Dr Sarah Irving-StonebrakerIntellectual historian Sarah Irving-Stonebraker joins the show for a conversation about the history of religious liberty, exploring the emergence and development of the concept from its first explicit usage by the third century church father Tertullian to its more recent secular evolution towards the present. Key moments in the history of religious liberty are covered, including the medieval period, the Reformation, colonisation, the American constitution and the French Revolution, conscientious objection and the Australian context.
Dr Sarah Irving-Stonebraker is Senior Lecturer in History at Western Sydney University and co-editor of the Journal of Religious Hi...
2022-07-241h 23The Political AnimalsRobert Menzies: An Exploration of the Faith and Politics of Australia's Longest Serving Prime Minister, with Dr David Furse-RobertsJonathan is joined by historian David Furse-Roberts for an exploration of the faith, political philosophy and political career of Australia's longest serving prime minister, Robert Menzies (over 18 years). They explore the Christian theological influences that shaped the faith of Menzies and his worldview, the way his Christian faith shaped his understanding of and approach to politics, society and civilisation, significant moments in Menzies' political career, particularly in the area of education, Menzies' liberal philosophy and the founding of The Liberal Party of Australia, and the contemporary fight over Menzies' legacy on the centre right in Australia today.
2022-07-171h 41The Political AnimalsKarl Marx: Myths, Misconceptions and Other Marxist Heresies, with Prof Wayne HudsonIntellectual historian Wayne Hudson rejoins the show for a fresh look at the thought and impact of Karl Marx. They look at Marx's philosophy of freedom, the German intellectual tradition in which Marx arose, Marx's view of utopia, the negative impact of eschatology in Marx's thought, his poor philosophy of history and politics, his reception (or misreception) in Russia, China and the West, the Christian engagement of Marx, Marxist corruptions of Marx's thought, and the relevance of Marx to a critique of contemporary capitalism.
Wayne Hudson is an adjunct professor at Charles Sturt University...
2022-07-101h 12
The Political AnimalsTranshumanism and the Quest for Technological Immortality: A Conversation with Prof Ben MitchellIn this episode, Jonathan talks to bioethicist Ben Mitchell about transhumanism. They discuss the origins, philosophy and goals of the transhumanist movement, the movement's desire for a post human future, the impact of technology on the human being, including the possibility of uploading consciousness to a computer, or merging the human brain with technology, and finally what it actually means to be human.
Prof Ben Mitchell recently retired after serving ten years as the Graves Chair of Moral Philosophy at Union University, Jackson, Tennessee. He taught ethics at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago...
2022-07-031h 45
The Political AnimalsAnglicanism: A House Divided, with The Rt Rev Prof Stephen PickardIn this episode, Jonathan tackles Anglicanism with recently retired Anglican bishop and theologian Stephen Pickard. They explore Anglicanism's long struggle with unity, through the prism of history, ecclesiology, theology, Scripture and the pressures, tumult and anxieties of contemporary secular culture, in relation to both the national church in Australia and the Anglican communion globally.
The Rt Rev Prof Stephen Pickard has served as an Assistant Bishop in the Anglican dioceses of Adelaide and Canberra-Goulburn and held many positions in the church and academy, including director of St Mark's National Theological Centre and Executive Director...
2022-06-191h 56
The Political AnimalsComplementarianism, Egalitarianism, Male Headship and the Role of Women in the Church: A Conversation with Prof Graham ColeJonathan is joined by biblical and systematic theologian Graham Cole for a discussion about men, women, the Bible and the church. They explore complementarianism, egalitarianism, Male headship and the place of women in the church according to the Bible and theological doctrines such as the Trinity. They also discuss the views and applications of these doctrines in different institutional settings, including the Anglican Diocese of Sydney, Moore Theological College and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
Graham Cole is Emeritus Dean and Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Chicago, US. He...
2022-05-291h 07
The Political AnimalsIslam and Christianity: Theological Continuity or Discontinuity? A Conversation with Dr Mark DurieIn this episode Jonathan talks to Dr Mark Durie, author of The Qur'an and Its Biblical Reflexes: Investigations into the Genesis of a Religion. They explore the theological relationship between Christianity (and Judaism) and Islam, with a particular focus on explaining the large presence of Biblical material in the Qur'an and whether this constitutes theological continuity or discontinuity. The pair also discuss the implication's of Mark's thesis that Islam constitutes a theological innovation rather than a continuous development from Christianity for inter-faith dialogue and pluralism in Western liberal democracies.
Dr Mark Durie is a S...
2022-05-081h 45
The Political AnimalsEuthanasia: A Conversation with Dr Megan BestThis episode covers all things euthanasia, from the origins and drivers of the pro-euthanasia movement, to the medical, social, cultural, economic, political, legislative and ethical circumstances surrounding it. The episode, however, is much more than merely a deep dive on euthanasia; it is an exploration of death, existential crisis and the way Western liberal democracies handle (and mishandle) the important role and function of death in the lives of its citizens.
Megan Best is an Associate Professor with the Institute for Ethics and Society at the University of Notre Dame Australia. She has a...
2022-05-011h 26
The Political AnimalsCampbell Newman on Why He Left the Liberal Party, the Virtues of Small Government and His Senate Bid with the Liberal DemocratsFormer Queensland Premier and Liberal Democrats Senate Candidate for Queensland, Campbell Newman, joins Jonathan for a chat about Australian politics and the 2022 Federal Election. They discuss Newman's decision to leave the Liberal Party and join the Liberal Democrats, the Liberal Democrats' Freedom Manifesto, libertarianism in Australia, differences between libertarians and conservatives on moral questions, the role of the media in contemporary politics and reflections on Newman's time as Premier of Queensland.
Campbell Newman, AO is the Liberal Democrats Senate Candidate for Queensland. He is Chairman of Arcana Capital, a Director & adviser to a number...
2022-04-101h 47
The Political AnimalsAtheism and the Failures of Modern PhilosophyIntellectual historian Wayne Hudson rejoins the show for a discussion about atheism and modern philosophy. The discussion covers the history of atheism, shifts in its meaning over time and place, the purported role of the enlightenment in its rise, the difficulty of understanding what people actually mean today when they declare themselves to be atheists, common mistakes made by both atheism and theism, the failure of modern philosophy to make any serious advance in knowledge, the challenges facing theology in the 21st century and the role of science and mathematics in our understanding of reality.
2022-04-031h 04
The Political AnimalsThe War on Christian Schools, with Mark SpencerMark Spencer, Director of Public Policy at Christian Schools Australia, joins Jonathan to discuss the difficult cultural environment in which Christian schools now must operate. They cover the history, nature and purpose of Christian schools in Australia, the tension between discipleship and mission, the way state-based curricula are taught from a Christian perspective, the place of Christian education in secular Australia, the various controversies surrounding Christian schools, particularly in relation to LGBTIQ issues, the fiasco of the recently failed religious freedom bill and the growing attacks on Christian schools from activists.
The Political Animals...
2022-03-271h 26
The Political AnimalsLyle Shelton on the Demise of the Christian Democratic Party and the Future of Christian Politics in AustraliaLyle Shelton discusses the sorry saga that led to the dissolution of the Christian Democratic Party in NSW, the lessons to be learned from it and future strategies for Christians seeking to make a difference in the political arena.
Lyle Shelton is Director of Campaigns and Communication for the Christian Democratic Party. He is a former Managing Director of the Australia Christian Lobby, a Queensland Senate candidate with Cory Bernardi's Australian Conservatives, a former elected member of the Toowoomba City Council and author of I Kid You Not—Nots from 20 Years in the Trenches of...
2022-03-061h 09
The Political AnimalsThe Christian Foundations of Australia: A Conversation with Dr Michael GladwinHistorian Michael Gladwin joins the show for a conversation about the role and impact of Christianity on the European settlement and foundation of Australia. They look at the role of clergy in the early colonial period, the relationship between church and state and the cultural and political impact of Christians in the formation of Australia. They also discuss the failure of Australian historians to take proper account of the importance of religion in Australian history.
Dr Michael Gladwin is Lecturer in History at St Mark’s National Theological Centre in the School of Theology, Ch...
2022-02-271h 43
The Political AnimalsRight Wing Extremism: A Conversation with Dr Kristy CampionTerrorism scholar Kristy Campion joins the show for a deep dive on right wing extremism. Kristy and Jonathan cover the definition of right wing extremism, its history and its diverse ideologies, including white supremacism, ethnonationalism, Christian Identity, Odinism, Satanism, the sovereign citizen movement, Qanon and ecofascism. They also examine the anti-Islam ideologies of right wing terrorists Brenton Tarrant and Anders Breivik.
Dr Kristy Campion is a lecturer in Terrorism Studies with the Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security at Charles Sturt University. She is the author of Chasing Shadows: The Untold and Deadly...
2022-02-201h 47
The Political AnimalsAre China and America destined for War? Great Power Rivalry in the Asia-Pacific, with Sam RoggeveenThe Lowy Institute's Sam Roggeveen joins Jonathan to discuss the rise of Chinese military power, its implications for American power, the prospects of great power conflict in the Asia Pacific, scenarios regarding Taiwan, the American response to China's rise and the defence strategy and military configuration Australia should be pursuing in light of changed strategic circumstances in the region.
Sam Roggeveen is Director of the Lowy Institute's International Security Program. He specialises in China's military, American defence and foreign policy, Australian defence and foreign policy, and military technology. He has worked at Australian intelligence...
2022-02-131h 53The Political AnimalsCultural Marxism: A Conversation with Dr Knox PedenIn this episode, intellectual historian Knox Peden joins Jonathan for a deep dive on cultural marxism. Along the way, they explore the intellectual history of marxism, including Western marxism, the political history of marxist revolutionaries, the Frankfurt School, critical theory, cultural studies, right-wing polemical uses of the term "cultural marxism" and the relationship (and tension) between today's progressive identitarian politics and marxist theories of class conflict.
Dr Knox Peden is a senior lecturer in European enlightenment studies at the University of Queensland, where he teaches in the program on Western civilisation. He specialises in...
2022-01-162h 21
The Political AnimalsRoger Scruton on Freedom, Authority and the Meaning of ConservatismIn this throwback episode, Simon Kennedy joins Jonathan for a discussion of Roger Scruton's classic work The Meaning of Conservatism. In particular, they hone in on Scruton's conception of freedom and authority and its potential illumination in the current political turbulence of the covid era.
Dr Simon Kennedy is Director of the Millis Institute at Christian Heritage College, a research fellow at the University of Queensland, host of The Millis Podcast and author of the forthcoming Reforming the Law of Nature: The Secularisation of Political Thought, 1532–1689.
The Political Animals is...
2022-01-091h 50The Political AnimalsGender Critical Feminism and the Transgender TERF War: A Conversation with Holly Lawford-SmithIn this episode, political philosopher and gender critical feminist Holly Lawford-Smith talks to Jonathan about sex, gender and the conflict between the radical feminist movement and transgender activists. They cover gender critical feminism, the conflation of sex and gender, the impact of subjective gender identity on women and the law, biology versus identity, non-binary gender identity, the relationship between LGB and T in LGBT, the transgender movement and why our culture has proved so receptive to gender identity at the expense of sex. Holly also talks about how she came to be banned (for life) on Twitter and efforts...
2021-12-121h 57The Political AnimalsBeing the Bad Guys: Doing Church in a Hostile Culture, with Stephen McAlpineStephen McAlpine, author of the 2021 Australian Christian book of the year—Being the Bad Guys: How to Live for Jesus in a World That Says You Shouldn't—joins Jonathan for a conversation about the fate of the church in a hostile culture. "The church used to be recognised as a force for good, but this is changing rapidly. Christians are now often seen as the bad guys, losing both respect and influence. In our post-Christian culture, how do we offer the gospel to those around us who view it as not only wrong but possibly dangerous? And how do we e...
2021-12-051h 39The Political AnimalsMulticulturalism, Liberalism and Australian Culture: A Conversation with Dr Alex NaranieckiAlex Naraniecki joins Jonathan for a conversation about multiculturalism. Among other things, they discuss the origins of Australia's bipartisan policy of multiculturalism, how that policy morphed from a strategy for managing migrant integration to a celebration of cultural diversity, the Cronulla riot and its fall out, the role of law in successful multiculturalism, the reasons why multiculturalism has fallen out of public discussion, Australia's "thick" and "thin" culture, the intersection of multiculturalism and political liberalism and the potential threat of civilisational states on Australia's cultural cohesion and security.
Dr Alex Naraniecki is a researcher...
2021-11-281h 31The Political AnimalsThere is no salvation in politics: Christianity in an age of deep political anxiety, with Martyn IlesMartyn Iles returns to the show for a chat about the challenges of being a Christian in an age of deep political anxiety, from the stresses of covid and the increase in government power and control over life and death to the new religion of secular political power and the attendant temptation of political Christianity.
Martyn Iles is Managing Director of the Australian Christian Lobby, Host of The Truth of It and a prominent Christian commentator on theology, law, politics and culture.
The Political Animals is hosted by Jonathan...
2021-11-071h 16The Political AnimalsEducation: What Went Wrong? A Conversation with Dr Kevin DonnellyIn this episode, Jonathan chats to Kevin Donnelly about the degeneration of education. They focus on when, how and why education went into decline in Australia in both schools and universities, covering changes in pedagogy, the role of teachers, the purpose of education, the ideology of educators and academics, the corporatisation of the university and more.
Dr Kevin Donnelly is a Senior Research Fellow at the Australian Catholic University and a regular commentator on education in the Australian media. He is the author of A Politically Correct Dictionary and Guide and the editor of...
2021-10-311h 17The Political AnimalsIs Australia a Racist Country? A Conversation with Indigenous Commentator Dr Anthony DillonIndigenous commentator Anthony Dillon joins the show for a discussion about indigenous affairs. Anthony provides a fresh perspective that is critical of what he calls "blacktivism," the grievance industry and the view that Australia is a racist country. Issues covered in the conversation include poverty, child abuse, incarceration, Aboriginal deaths in custody, indigenous incarceration rates, the infamous Bill Leak cartoon, Bruce Pascoe's Dark Emu and the fraught issue of Aboriginal identity.
Dr Anthony Dillon is an indigenous commentator and behavioural scientist and researcher at The Australian Catholic University. Check out his website: www.anthonydillon...
2021-10-1758 minThe Political AnimalsPublic Christianity with Dr Natasha MooreThe Centre for Public Christianity's (CPX) Natasha Moore joins host Jonathan for a conversation about public Christianity. They begin with an overview of the work of CPX, before moving on to the question of how to define and understand public Christianity more broadly, particularly in light of Christian division, denominational particularity and an often uninterested or hostile secular public. They then take a close and considered look at Marilynne Robinsons's Pulitzer Prize wining novel Gilead as an example of public Christianity. This sparks an unexpected and interesting detour into gender before the pair return to the question of public...
2021-10-032h 03The Political AnimalsOn the Life, Times, Political Theology and Poetry of John Milton with Dr Ben MyersBen Myers joins host Jonathan in this episode for a deep dive on the fascinating life, times and thought of John Milton (1608–1674). They cover everything from the English Civil War, regicide, political authority, republicanism, the Protestant Reformation, tyranny, censorship, theology, exegesis, the individual conscience, freedom, marriage and divorce, poetry and more.
Dr Ben Myers is Director of Graduate Research at Alphacrucis College and writes on the intersection of literature and theology. His international appointments have included visiting fellow at Fuller Theological Seminary and member in residence at the Center of Theological Inquiry in Princeton. He...
2021-09-261h 33The Political AnimalsEuropean Philosophy with Prof Wayne Hudson, Part B: Derrida, Foucault and DeleuzeIn this, the second episode in the show's two-part series on European philosophy, polymath guest Wayne Hudson and host Jonathan Cole discuss the contribution and legacy of French philosophy. The enigmatic, controversial and influential thought of Jacques Derrida, Michel Foucault and Gilles Deleuze serves as a springboard for a wide-ranging diagnostic conversation about contemporary politics, culture and education.
Wayne Hudson is a Research Professor at Charles Sturt University. He is an intellectual historian and a social philosopher who works across the areas of philosophy, history, politics and religion. His research covers religious thought, utopianism...
2021-09-1950 minThe Political AnimalsEuropean Philosophy with Prof Wayne Hudson, Part A: Kant, Hegel and SchellingIn this episode, the first in a two-part series on European philosophy, returning guest Prof Wayne Hudson examines the legacy of German philosophy. He explores the contribution of German giants Kant, Hegel and Schelling and explains the ways in which their thought has been misunderstood in the English-speaking world. He and host Jonathan then embark on a discussion about contemporary science and culture, civilisational decline, the cognitive evolution of the human being and the fate of humanity.
Wayne Hudson is a Research Professor at Charles Sturt University. He is an intellectual historian and a...
2021-09-1241 min
The Political AnimalsThe Tyranny of Health: Government, Law and Freedom in the Covid Era with Prof Nicholas AroneyEminent constitutional scholar Nicholas Aroney joins host Jonathan in this episode for a wide-ranging discussion of life in the era of covid. They discuss the Australian Constitution, federalism, the legislative power of State and Territory governments, the legal basis of lockdowns and associated measures, legal challenges to lockdown measures, vaccine passports and mandates, the power of health bureaucrats, the place of death in our culture, the modern tendency to over-legislate and the impact of covid on our personal freedoms.
Nicholas Aroney is Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Queensland. Professor Aroney has published over 100 journal...
2021-08-291h 49
The Political AnimalsSame-sex attraction and conservative Christianity: An important conversation for the ChurchIn this special episode, host Jonathan talks to a young politically and theologically conservative Christian who is same-sex attracted and called to singleness. Jonathan's guest talks honestly and courageously about his struggle to come to terms with his sexuality and his faith growing up in a conservative Christian home and belonging to a theologically conservative church. In addition to the guest's personal story, they discuss the theology of same-sex attraction, conversion therapy, the ex-gay movement, Milo Yiannopoulos, the secular LGBTIQ movement and the contemporary church's attitude to same-sex attracted believers.
Host of The Political Animals, Dr Jonathan...
2021-08-011h 37
The Political AnimalsOn the Political and Cultural Legacy of Jordan PetersonThis week, returning guest Stephen Chavura joins host Jonathan for a deep dive on the political and cultural legacy of one of our age's most significant public intellectuals: Jordan B. Peterson. Has Jordan Peterson saved a generation of young basement dwelling deadbeat males from doom? Has he undermined the influence of ideological feminism? Is he one of the greatest theologians of the early 21st century? These are just some of questions Stephen and Jonathan explore in this appreciative tour of the Peterson phenomenon.
Dr Stephen Chavura lectures in history at Campion College and Dr...
2021-07-181h 30
The Political AnimalsReligious Freedom with Human Rights Lawyer John SteenhofThis week, Jonathan discusses religious freedom with John Steenhof, principal lawyer at the Human Rights Law Alliance. John provides insight into the types of religious freedom cases he handles, the legislative situation regarding religious freedoms in Australia, the developing cultural climate that imperils the free practice of religious faith, the reasons secular society struggles to comprehend the importance of religious freedom and how the situation in Australia compares to that in America and elsewhere.
The Human Rights Law Alliance is a Christian charitable law firm set up to protect and advance the religious freedom of all Australians...
2021-07-042h 08
The Political AnimalsThe Conservative Tradition from Menzies to Morrison: A Conversation with Damien FreemanIn this episode, Jonathan discusses the conservative tradition with Damien Freeman, author of Abbot's Right: The Conservative Tradition from Menzies to Abbott (Melbourne University Press). They cover the conservative cast of mind, ideology versus pragmatism, identity and belonging, same-sex marriage and energy policy, the liberal and conservative traditions within the Liberal Party and the political philosophies of prime ministers Robert Menzies, Malcolm Fraser, John Howard, Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison.
Damien Freeman is the Principal Policy Advisor at the PM Glynn Institute, Australian Catholic University. He was educated at the University of Sydney (BA, LLB...
2021-05-121h 47
The Political AnimalsThe Scourge of Pornography: A Conversation with Melinda Tankard ReistHow did it come to this: the pornification of our society? Our children and youth now contend with peer sexual assault and sexual harassment at growing rates and disturbingly young ages. This week Jonathan sits down with Melinda Tankard Reist of Collective Shout for a very honest conversation about the widespread sexual dysfunction of our age and its catastrophic consequences for our children.
Melinda is a co-founder and movement director of Collective Shout, a grassroots campaigns movement for a world free of sexploitation in all its forms. Melinda is author/editor of six books including Getting Real: C...
2021-03-2157 min
The Political AnimalsChristian Citizenship and the Christian Political Vocation: A Conversation with Dan AndersonThis week, Jonathan sits down with Lachlan Macquarie Institute Director, Dan Anderson, to discuss the formation of Christian citizens and political leaders. What is Christian citizenship? What if anything makes it distinct from other conceptions of citizenship in contemporary Western liberal polities? Is politics a legitimate vocation for Christians? How does a political vocation relate to the church's core gospel mission, if at all? Join Jonathan and Dan as they explore these questions and much more.
Dan Anderson the Director (CEO) of the The Lachlan Macquarie Institute (LMI). LMI seeks to train Christian men and women for w...
2021-03-071h 42
Writing the Coast: BC and Yukon Book Prizes PodcastS2 Episode 38: Jonathan Manthorpe talks about the challenges he faced writing Claws of the PandaABOUT THIS EPISODE:In this episode, host Megan Cole talks to Jonathan Manthorpe about his book Claws of the Panda: Beijing's Campaign of Influence and Intimidation in Canada. Claws of the Panda was a finalist for the 2020 Hubert Evans Nonfiction Prize. In their conversation Jonathan talks about using the public record as primary source material for the book and the chapters he'd add to the book a year and a half after it's been published.ABOUT JONATHAN MANTHORPE:Jonathan Manthorpe is the author of three books on international relations, politics, and history. Over his 40-year career...
2021-02-1340 min
The Political AnimalsBlue Labor and the Politics of Jesus: A Conversation with Centre-Left Theologian Scott CowdellIn this episode, Jonathan discusses politics with centre-left blue labor colleague and friend the Reverend Canon Professor Scott Cowdell. They debate the centre-left, blue labor, the radical left, the centre-right, the radical right, political theology, the politics of Jesus and contentious policy questions such as same-sex marriage, abortion and refugees.
Scott Cowdell is Research Professor at the Charles Sturt University Centre for Public and Contextual Theology and Canon Theologian of the Canberra-Goulburn Anglican Diocese. He was Farnham Maynard Lecturer in Theology at Trinity College, Melbourne, and Principal of St Barnabas' Theological College, Adelaide. He is Founding President...
2021-01-311h 23
The Political AnimalsThe Rise of China, the Decline of America and the Future of the Global Order: 2020 in Review with Prof. Wayne HudsonIn this episode Jonathan is joined by the inimitable Prof. Wayne Hudson from Charles Sturt University to review the seminal developments of 2020. They cover the civilisational rise of China, the civilisation decline of America, the consequences of both for the global order, the China-Australia relationship (or what's left of it), as well as covid, economics, law, rights, politics and science.
2021-01-101h 05