Shows
Presidency UpendingDystopia, Populism and the Future of AmericaCan a dystopian novel help us predict America’s future? And what can we learn from an Italian ere shaped by an attention-seeking populist? Clare and Zim sit down with Adriano Tedde, Lecturer in Strategic and American Studies at Deakin’s Centre for Future Defence and National Security, to explore how Italy’s past mirrors modern America and how popular culture may act as a crystal ball for what lies ahead.
2025-11-2543 min
Presidency UpendingAmerica’s Election Expert Finds Answers Down UnderWelcome to Season Two of Presidency Upending! In this first episode, Clare and Zim dive into the complexities of U.S. politics with one of America’s leading experts on election law, Professor Edward B. Foley from Ohio State University.Foley offers historical context and clarity on some of the most perplexing features of American politics, from the Electoral College and campaign finance to the intricacies of social choice theory and the growing challenge of political polarisation.The answer to which, Foley believes, may lie in the work of Melbourne’s very own Edward Nans...
2025-10-1339 min
Kudzu VineDr. Julia AzariDr. Julia Azari joined us to discuss her new book Backlash Presidents: From Transformative to Reactionary Leaders in American History.Julia R. Azari is professor of political science at Marquette University. She is the author of Delivering the People’s Message: The Changing Politics of the Presidential Mandate and the editor (with Lara M. Brown and Zim G. Nwokora) of The Presidential Leadership Dilemma: Between the Constitution and a Political Party. Her work has been featured widely in the media, including The New York Times, MSNBC, Politico, and FiveThirtyEight.
2025-10-131h 02
Presidency UpendingThe 19th-Century Melbourne-born Idea That Could Heal America’s PoliticsWelcome to Season Two of Presidency Upending! In this first episode, Clare and Zim dive into the complexities of American politics with Professor Edward. B Foley of Ohio State University, who is widely regarded as one of the nation’s top experts on election law.During his visit to Melbourne, Foley delivered a lecture on Australia’s Edward Nanson, a 19th-century professor whose innovative electoral system he believes could be the key to eradicating political polarisation.📖 Learn more about Ned’s lecture: https://edwardbfoley.substack.com/p/why-is-american-democracy-in-such
2025-09-1737 minPresidency UpendingA politics podcast on podcasts in politicsIn this episode, Clare and Zim go meta by interviewing a podcast expert on their podcast. Maria Rae, Senior Lecturer in Politics and Policy at Deakin University's School of Humanities and Social Sciences has published extensively on the cultural influence of this burgeoning medium. Join Clare and Zim as they explore the many ways podcasts are shaping political discourse and pepper Maria with such burning questions as, "How are podcasts swaying the political leanings of the masses?" and "What can we do to get more followers?”
2025-04-1122 min
Centre for Public IntegrityCampaign Financing Reimagined: From a Fat Cat Model to the Many Kittens Model In this episode of In the Weeds, Dr Catherine Williams sits down with Associate Professor Zim Nwokora from Deakin University—a political scientist and member of the Centre for Public Integrity’s Money in Politics Expert Committee.In today’s conversation, Zim unpacks innovative approaches to campaign financing—from regulating private donations to exploring mixed public-private models. He advocates for a “kittens model” where many small contributions replace the influence of “fat cat” funding, offering a fresh perspective on creating a more equitable and transparent democratic process. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that challenges conventional fin...
2025-03-2034 min
After AmericaManifest destinyWe discuss US tariffs against its three largest trading partners, the political battle over who gets to be American, and Trump’s imperial ambitions. On this episode of After America, Associate Professor Clare Corbould joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the relentlessness of the new Trump administration and the media coverage of his first two weeks in office. This discussion was recorded on Friday 31 January 2025 and things may have changed since recording. Order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website. Guest: Clare Co...
2025-02-0337 min
Presidency UpendingOn PopulismIn this episode, Clare and Zim, academics from Deakin University's School of Humanities and Social Sciences, dive into the complexities of the American election results and ask what another Trump presidency will mean for America, Australia and the world. They are joined by guest speaker, populism expert and Deakin's Executive Dean of Arts and Educations Professor Simon Tormey who provides some intriguing thoughts on what the upcoming US inauguration will mean for us all.
2025-01-2040 minPresidency UpendingBridging the Pacific: Asia's Perspective Feat. Assoc Prof David HundtIn this episode, political scientist Dr Zim Nwokora sits down with Associate Professor David Hundt to explore how the US election is stirring attention far beyond American borders. From public opinion in South Korea to media coverage in China and Japan, they discuss which candidate is favoured internationally, and what a Trump or Harris victory could mean for US-Asia relations.
2024-11-0151 minPresidency UpendingHook, Line & Sinker Feat. After America's Dr Emma ShortisIn this fifth, special crossover episode of Presidency Pending and After America, Clare and Zim, joined by Dr Emma Shortis, discuss the coalitions of voters the Democratic and Republican parties are trying to balance and to coax out to vote. Together, they discuss whether reproductive rights will mobilise enough voters for Kamala Harris in key states and the role of Biden in the campaign.
2024-11-0125 minAfter AmericaIn the shadeThe Democrats have been largely overshadowed by the Trump spectacle in the final weeks of the campaign. Will it hurt Harris’ chances of winning the presidency? On this special crossover episode of After America and Presidency Pending, Associate Professor Zim Nwokora and Associate Professor Clare Corbould from Deakin University join Dr Emma Shortis to discuss whether reproductive rights will mobilise enough voters for Kamala Harris in key states and the role of Biden in the campaign. This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 30 October 2024 and things may have changed since recording. australiainstitute.org.au // @the...
2024-10-3126 minPresidency UpendingPresidential Scandals Hall of ShameIn this episode of Presidency Pending, hosts Dr Clare Corbould and Dr Zim Nwokora delve into the complex history of presidential scandals, from Jefferson to Trump. They explore the evolving definitions of scandal in American politics, discussing how historical context, media influence, and partisan perspectives shape public reaction to misconduct. With a focus on Trump’s numerous controversies, they examine why some scandals resonate more than others and reflect on how today's polarized media landscape impacts public perception. This episode gives listeners a deeper look into the forces that determine which political controversies make lasting marks on history.
2024-10-2259 minPresidency UpendingDecoding the Dog WhistleIn this episode of Presidency Pending, Clare and Zim delve into the coded language of political campaigns, focusing on "dog whistling" – the subtle yet powerful signals used to appeal to specific voter groups without alienating others. They explore the history of this tactic, its role in modern US elections, and how it shapes discussions on race and immigration. With examples from both US and Australian politics, this episode reveals how dog whistling influences campaigns and the broader political landscape.
2024-10-1839 minPresidency UpendingTaylor Swift & The Ballot BoxIn this episode of Presidency Pending, Clare and Zim dive into the role of celebrity endorsements in US elections, comparing them with the Australian experience. With scandals, AI-generated endorsements, all things 'Brat Summer', and even some Taylor Swift trivia, this is one episode you won’t want to miss!Join the discussion as they compare the American experience with Australia's more reserved approach, reflect on historical examples, and debate whether endorsements still hold sway in today’s polarised political landscape.Don’t forget to hit follow and share the pod with your friends.
2024-09-2637 minPresidency UpendingDogs and Cats?In this episode, Clare and Zim, academics from Deakin University's School of Humanities and Social Sciences, dive into the complexities of the 2024 US election. They explore the significance of cross-party endorsements, the contrasting communication styles between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, and the broader implications of the election for America's future. With insight into Australia's perspective on the US political system, they also tackle issues like political violence and how misinformation is shaping the race.
2024-09-1919 minAfter AmericaSweet home, ChicagoThe Democratic National Convention has landed in Chicago, Illinois. Will Kamala Harris be able to build on her campaign’s momentum or will the Republican ticket be able to stem the tide? On this episode of After America, political scientist Associate Professor Zim Nwokora joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the DNC and the Trump campaign’s failure to cut through against a new Democratic candidate. This discussion was recorded on Friday 16 August 2024 and things may have changed since recording. australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute Guest: Zim Nwokora, Associate Professor, Deakin University
2024-08-2041 min
BreakfastersSuper Tuesday, Sad Oompa Loompa & AI PhotographyProfessor of Politics at Deakin University, Zim Nwokora, fills us in on Super Tuesday and the US election; comedian Greg Larsen chats about his show Revolting at Melbourne International Comedy Festival; Dr. Alison Bennett talks about the execute_photography exhibition about AI and photos; Nat is all in for the Glasgow Willy's Chocolate Experience; book reviewer Laura Pietrobon shares her opinion on Gyan Yankovich’s Just Friends; and comedian and former Breakfaster Geraldine Hickey talks us through what she’s been up to. With presenters Monique Sebire, Daniel Burt & Nat Harris, and guest presenter Gemma Cafarella on International Women's Day....
2024-03-071h 17
People First RadioWhen MPs lose their jobsLosing your job is stressful, to say the least. It can be accompanied by a sense of grief, uncertainty, and psychological distress. There’s one group of people for whom unpredictable job loss is not only possible, but necessary for a well functioning democratic society. Yet as Zim Nwokora explains, there’s not a ton of sympathy […]
2022-06-2527 minPeople First RadioWhen MPs lose their jobsLosing your job is stressful, to say the least. It can be accompanied by a sense of grief, uncertainty, and psychological distress. There’s one group of people for whom unpredictable job loss is not only possible, but necessary for a well functioning democratic society. Yet as Zim Nwokora explains, there’s not a ton of sympathy […]
2022-06-2527 min