Best The Polaris Network Podcasts (2025)

1
Leading a politically polarised workforce in 2025 24:57

3d ago24:57

24:57

With political polarisation on the rise worldwide and with Australia’s federal election less than a fortnight away, it is fundamental that business leaders find ways to ensure greater connectivity and collegiality for their workforces. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Adelaide-based Moira Were, the mayor o…

1
Calling A Spade, A Spade - With Julie Macken 5:00

4d ago5:00

5:00

This week on the Five Minute Advocate Julie Macken explores how our society has collectively normalised human rights abuses — so much so, they barely register as atrocities anymore. From Trump’s praise for El Salvador’s brutal prisons to Australia’s own offshore detention regime, she shares the harrowing story of refugee Benham Sattar and connects …

1
Rodents & Chivalry 1:43:33

6d ago1:43:33

1:43:33

Hey! Before you do anything, catch almost thirty minutes of bonus footage (plus other full-length games, behind-the-scenes chats, original art, and more!) at our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rudetalesofmagic , or watch this episode on our Youtube! A warrior squirrel. A wily old hare. An intrepid little mole. A skunk monk (skmonk). Join the cast…

1
Ukraine & Beyond 1:38:32

5d ago1:38:32

1:38:32

In this special panel edition of The Focus, we bring together three of the world’s most seasoned strategic thinkers—Andrew Michta, Ben Hodges, and Anders Puck Nielsen—to unpack the war in Ukraine and its far-reaching consequences. From the battlefield to NATO's frontlines and the shifting dynamics of global power, this is a timely conversation that…

1
Creating and maintaining thriving workplaces 26:29

11d ago26:29

26:29

Here, we discuss SuperFriend’s recently released Indicators of a Thriving Workplace Key Insights report, what it says about the state of affairs in the Australian workforce, and what constitutes best practice moving forward. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with SuperFriend chief mental health adviser Dr Natali…

1
Listen to This Podcast to See if You're an Introvert! 1:12:39

13d ago1:12:39

1:12:39

Studio Ghibli and the creature known only as Ranger lead their flock of spider children on a relentless pursuit of Agrigenta and Fingerdale. Hi, new listeners! Hope that synopsis was straightforward for you! Follow us on twitter for goodness sake, it's fun! And it's probably the best way to contact us, all things considered. Special Thanks as alway…

1
Australia’s Polarisation Paradox 5:00

14d ago5:00

5:00

In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Michael Walker digs into why Australia isn’t following the global trend of political polarisation. He unpacks fresh research showing that Aussies are actually becoming more tolerant of differing views—thanks in part to things like compulsory voting and a general disillusionment with party politics. Plus,…

1
The Chainsaw Presidency? Trump, Tariffs & the Trouble Ahead 1:12:30

14d ago1:12:30

1:12:30

Donald Trump is back in the White House—and the shockwaves are global. In this episode, Professor Scott Lucas joins John Bruni to unpack the trade wars, the constitutional controversy, and the chaos that’s redefining America’s role in the world. Is Trump a misunderstood reformer—or a genuine threat to democratic institutions? What do the tariffs me…

1
Is the ban on non-competes good policy? 33:37

19d ago33:37

33:37

In Labor’s pre-election budget, Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced a ban on non-compete clauses for workers earning less than $175,000. Here, we unpack implications for businesses, workers, and the political climate, as well as the consequences not only for employment law but also for M&As and litigation. In this episode of The HR Leader Show, host J…

1
Uncertain Times Ahead - With Eva Cox 5:00

20d ago5:00

5:00

In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Eva Cox explores how the shifting global landscape, fueled by America's current policies under Trump’s administration, could impact Australia's upcoming federal election. With the US stepping back from its role as a global leader, Eva discusses how this uncertainty could shape Australia's future and its …

1
The role of AI in HR transformation 25:24

26d ago25:24

25:24

In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with Avature, we unpack the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence on the daily operations of human resources teams and how such professionals can and should take advantage. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Avature founder and chief executive officer Dimitri Boylan …

1
This Is Not A Horse Race - Part 1 55:00

26d ago55:00

55:00

The federal election is fast approaching and it got the FMA team thinking about the way in which campaigns are often treated as if they were horse races, with the mainstream media often framing the parties as either winners or losers depending on polling and who “won” the media that day. But this is not a horse race, it’s an election with very high…

1
Lunch is Always Fun With Friends (New Campaign Kickoff! 500th Episode!) 1:08:03

27d ago1:08:03

1:08:03

500th Episode Spectacular, and the start of a new campaign??!? Well that's pretty nice, if you ask me!! When Park Rangers Quincy Ampersand (Joe Lepore), Wendy Baleen (Carly Monardo), and Charlie Chucklebutt (Ali Fisher) enjoy a lunch break on a beautiful spring day, it feels like absolutely nothing can go wrong. And don't worry, by the end of the e…

1
Navigating the Election Campaign with Julie Macken 5:00

28d ago5:00

5:00

In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Julie Macken discusses the federal election campaign, highlighting how international instability and disillusionment with politics shape public sentiment. She explores how political campaigns use imagery and slogans to tap into the collective imagination, urging listeners to stay grounded in reality and …

1
Why a new workplace gender conversation is needed 25:11

1M ago25:11

25:11

When it comes to creating thriving workplaces, a more idiosyncratic approach to gendered needs may well be what businesses have long been missing. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Dr Michelle McQuaid, an honorary fellow at Melbourne University’s Centre for Wellbeing Science, about the importance of speakin…

1
Australia’s Climate Blindspot - With Michael Walker 5:00

1M ago5:00

5:00

Australia faces an existential threat from climate change, yet unlike a rogue asteroid, which mobilises immediate global action, the government has no transparent strategy to tackle the crisis. In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate Michael Walker highlights how despite possessing a secret climate risk assessment described as “frankly terrifyi…

1
What Price Peace? 43:47

1M ago43:47

43:47

Professor Jeffrey Sachs joins The Focus to discuss the war in Ukraine, global power shifts, and the West’s role in the conflict. In a thought-provoking conversation, we challenge Sachs on his views, exploring the geopolitical landscape and what the future holds. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the most pressing issues of our time. 🎙️ The Focu…

1
Office romances, infidelity, and boundaries: How HR can navigate workplace relationships 18:56

1M ago18:56

18:56

In this episode of the HR Leader podcast, host Kace O’Neill sits down with Rachel Voysey, founding director and principal psychologist of the Relationship Room, to unpack the complexities of workplace relationships – from platonic bonds to office romances. With over a decade of expertise in relationship dynamics, Voysey unpacks HR’s delicate role: …

1
The Only Good Elf 56:33

1M ago56:33

56:33

Lemon finds herself alone, facing impossible odds against- you guessed- the Fungalganger. Meanwhile, Linus, Uly, and Paris search for answers on a ship that may not be above water for very long. And what if, thrown into the mix, was a legendary warrior, the one Dark Elf cursed-with goodness?? Well who knows what could happen... Follow us on twitter…

1
Returning to Civility – With Eva Cox 5:00

1M ago5:00

5:00

In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Eva Cox challenges us to rethink what truly matters, emphasizing that civility—our ability to trust and care for one another—has been lost in political agendas focused on money and power. She calls for a return to valuing our shared humanity, reminding us that a good society is built on connection, not j…

1
Europe Alone | Germany’s Security in an Uncertain World 1:32:59

1M ago1:32:59

1:32:59

With rapidly shifting global alliances, Germany now faces a critical security dilemma. Can Europe defend itself without unwavering U.S. support? In this episode of The Focus, Dr. Karl-Heinz Kamp, a leading expert in German and European security, joins John Bruni to discuss Germany’s strategic vulnerabilities, NATO’s uncertain future, and the broade…

1
Improving remuneration and incentive strategies 30:37

2M ago30:37

30:37

Remuneration and incentives have always been a Pandora’s box for business leaders. In the post-pandemic climate, however, in which employee values have shifted, the equation has become trickier. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with TalentCode HR founder and managing director Trudy MacDonald about the difficult…

1
Introducing: This Is Not A Horse Race – With Julie Macken 5:00

2M ago5:00

5:00

In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Julie Macken introduces our upcoming extended special series that will focus on the looming federal election campaign. Entitled ‘This Is Not A Horse Race’ Julie and the team will be amplifying community voices and looking at policies over political theatrics. They’ll be asking experts: what should we loo…

1
Understanding the new wage theft laws and payroll obligations 26:22

2M ago26:22

26:22

“Nothing sharpens the mind,” a leading barrister says, like the threat of serious financial penalties or imprisonment. Under the newly legislated wage theft laws, businesses need to ensure their payroll and other administrative processes meet the requisite standard. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Sydne…

1
You've Got Mail 2: You've Still Got Mail 52:26

2M ago52:26

52:26

Now that Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) has finally found love in-of all places-the heart of Book Megastore tycoon Joe Fox (Tom Hanks), she thinks she has it all. But when Joe heads off to open the world's largest bookstore across the pond, can his same old emails compete with the new missives she starts receiving from a mysterious stranger? And when fo…

1
NBN & The Cost of Delay - With Michael Walker 4:30

2M ago4:30

4:30

In this episode of The Five-Minute Advocate, Michael Walker takes us on a journey through the history of Australia's National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout and its lasting impact on the country's digital future. From Tony Abbott's decisions to scale back the NBN, to the surprising connection with Rupert Murdoch's Foxtel, Michael explores how poli…

1
Trump’s influence on workplace DEI and beyond 36:36

2M ago36:36

36:36

Donald Trump’s presidency has already begun reshaping the corporate and political landscape in the US, with executive orders rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and clean energy efforts. What impact does this have on organisational culture globally? In this episode of the Relative Return Unplugged Podcast – produced by t…

1
Reclaiming Society in a Power-Driven World - With Eva Cox 5:00

2M ago5:00

5:00

This week on The Five Minute Advocate, Eva Cox, born in Austria during Hitler's fascist regime, reflects on how the world seemed to improve over time, but now faces a shift toward power and profit, sidelining community and human connection. In these uncertain times, Eva says we must remind ourselves that society is built on relationships, not just …

1
Introducing Sagas of Sundry: Goblin Mode 1:57:49

2M ago1:57:49

1:57:49

BEEP BEEP! Special Guest Pod on the Feed! Three minions are left alive after the dungeon where they work is ransacked by "heroes." Led by gamemaster Amy Vorpahl, two skeletons (Danielle Radford and Dan Casey) and a goblin (Jason Nguyen) set out to see if they can escape the pit into which they've fallen, find their friends, and get back to serving …

1
Trump World 1:54:38

2M ago1:54:38

1:54:38

What does the dawn of Trump’s second presidency mean for America and the world? In this hard-hitting episode of The Focus, host John Bruni sits down with Dr. Roy Casagranda to break down the first three weeks of the Trump 47 administration. Show Notes: Roy Casagranda LinksX: @RoyCasagranda Website: https://gov.casagranda.com/index.html Books by Roy…

1
CFMEU fallout fizzles? Why unions are still winning the industrial relations game 22:25

2M ago22:25

22:25

The year 2024 was eventful for industrial relations (IR) disputes, with major Australian organisations facing off against disgruntled workers and unions in standoffs that caused a media frenzy. Here, one IR expert breaks down these major disputes and offers an outlook on why employers can’t afford to ignore the 2025 IR wave. In this episode of The …

1
Weird Guys on Boats 46:19

2M ago46:19

46:19

Finally our heroes do the unthinkable: meet a bunch of weird guys on boats! Watch out, folks! First two podcast rows will get wet! And meanwhile: A shoe repair appointment takes an interesting turn... Follow us on twitter for goodness sake, it's fun! And it's probably the best way to contact us, all things considered. Special Thanks as always to Sy…

1
Road to the 2025 Election - With Julie Macken 4:30

2M ago4:30

4:30

In this weeks episode of the Five Minute Advocate, Julie Macken challenges the growing influence of corporate power in politics and its impact on everyday Australians. As key decisions favor big business over the public good, she calls for greater accountability and stronger advocacy. With an election on the horizon, now is the time to demand leade…

1
Prioritise ‘focus culture’, not ‘hustle culture’ 19:38

2M ago19:38

19:38

While “hustle culture” has been celebrated in the mainstream in recent years, one business leader is advocating for the more targeted, deliberated approach of “focus culture” – through which, she says, workers can be passionate about their work without having it become their identity. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy …

1
Frontier Wars – With Michael Walker 4:31

3M ago4:31

4:31

With January 26 just passed, Michael Walker kicks off our first episode for 2025 with a reflection on the divisive and awkward phase the country finds itself in and argues that it is no longer a national day of celebration but is instead an annual exercise in culture wars and division. Michael also examines Australia’s suppression of any recognitio…

1
How workplaces can better support parents of neurodiverse children 26:43

3M ago26:43

26:43

Here, a senior corporate lawyer reflects on the three-year career break she took to be a full-time carer and what businesses need to do to ensure that the idiosyncratic family needs of workers are accounted for. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with ANZ senior procurement lawyer Porscia Lam about her legal care…

1
A Big Bad Baptism 1:04:21

3M ago1:04:21

1:04:21

With Studio Ghibli (Joe Lepore) and the creature known only as "Ranger" (Tim Platt) in hot pursuit of Agrigenta, it's only a matter of time before they find her and stop her wild machinations. That is, as long as they don't run into a truly strange parade. A strange parade indeed... Follow us on twitter for goodness sake, it's fun! And it's probabl…

1
Best practice for HR in 2025 18:12

3M ago18:12

18:12

In the face of myriad market changes, not only do HR professionals need to work differently – they also need to be perceived differently in the workplace. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Ignite Purpose founder and chief executive Christina Foxwell about the key takeaways and lessons for HR professionals f…

1
Why many mentorship programs fail 21:18

3M ago21:18

21:18

With more and more employees wanting access to mentoring, it is essential that businesses get it right, says one investment banker turned executive coach and consultant. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with MentorKey and Serendis founder Maud Lindley about her career journey, the increased demand for mentoring…

1
No Lemon, No Party 52:09

3M ago52:09

52:09

With Lemon captured by the villainous Agrigenta Salumeria and her devious parasite Fingerdale, Linus, Uly, and Paris have no choice but to discuss the evolution of the Sid Meier's Civilizati—rescue her! And when Lemon and her captors reach Pennsylvania Base Camp, you know that can only mean one thing: Intercourse! Follow us on twitter for goodness …

1
Unpacking the High Court’s Elisha decision 28:00

3M ago28:00

28:00

In December, the High Court of Australia overturned a 115-year-old precedent and determined that “sham” terminations can cause psychiatric injury. Here, we unpack the implications of this decision for businesses nationwide. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Pinsent Masons partner and head of employment law …

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