Best James McKenzie Podcasts (2025)

1
Inside the Mysterious World of Credit Cards (with Patrick McKenzie) 1:15:14

15h ago1:15:14

1:15:14

Patrick McKenzie explains to EconTalk's Russ Roberts how credit cards work, who makes money from them and how, and gives his take on whether cash customers and debit card users subsidize the users of credit cards with reward programs.By EconTalk: Russ Roberts

1
Director Yvette Turnbull, Fourteen and Nine Months, St Kilda Film Festival

4d ago

—

A young person meets a lesbian couple and searches for answers about turkey basters in short queer film Fourteen and Nine months. Screens at the Victorian Pride Centre, 15 June, 2 pm, with seven other short queer films for the St Kilda Film Festival's Pride Without Prejudice: LGBTIQ Showcase. Fourteen and Nine Months | SKFF…

1
LGBTIQA+ Heritage Sites in City of Yarra, IDAHOBIT, Sean Mulcahy, Rainbow Local Government

4d ago

—

Sean Mulcahy from Rainbow Local Government discusses IDAHOBIT and news about LGBTIQA+ heritage sites in the City of Yarra, including The Laird and AIDS Memorial Garden. Rainbow Local Government is a Victorian Pride Lobby campaign. Rainbow Local Government - Victorian Pride LobbyBy Sean Mulcahy with James McKenzie

1
115 | Where's my 'Menopause: What's Happening to Me?' book with Jay Martin, author of 'Boom Town Snap' 47:13

6d ago47:13

47:13

How did Jay Martin go from an award-winning memoir to a fiction manuscript she ultimately abandoned? And what did she learn that helped her craft her debut novel, Boom Town Snap? Jay talks with Ashley and James about what toxic workplaces have in common with abusive relationships, and how we get trapped in toxic relationships at the community level…

1
Stories From the President's Daily Brief 25:34

6d ago25:34

25:34

Conflict has been escalating between two nuclear powers–India and Pakistan. It started in April, after India blamed Pakistan for supporting militants who carried out a massacre in Kashmir. President Trump offered to help defuse the tensions.Throughout history, India and Pakistan’s hostility has been documented in the President's Daily Brief, a high…

1
195. Lahmajoun: More Than Armenian Pizza! 38:15

7d ago38:15

38:15

This week, hosts Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) and Teffer Adjemian (@tefferbear) dig into the Armenian classic Lahmajoun! Teffer brings us a deep dive into its history and mythology as well as its cultural significance throughout the Levant! Also, the Random Meal Generator serves up a delicious sandwich that I'm going to need to eat as soon as possib…

1
The Past and Present of Privacy and Public Life (with Tiffany Jenkins) 1:22:59

8d ago1:22:59

1:22:59

A paradox of our time is our willingness to bare all to strangers while worrying about who exactly is watching us online and anywhere else. Listen as author Tiffany Jenkins discusses her book, Strangers and Intimates, with EconTalk's Russ Roberts. In this wide-ranging conversation, they explore the role of Martin Luther, J.S. Mill, reality TV, and …

1
Belle Hansen, Love and Information

11d ago

—

Director & Choreographer Belle Hansen joins us to chat about Love and Information at Theatre Works, May 29 to June 14. Written by Caryl Churchill. Love and Information | Theatre WorksBy Belle Hansen with James McKenzie

1
Alana Louise, Clown School in France and new show The Deadmouse and Peabrain Dreams

11d ago

—

Australian-based actor Alana Louise is studying at clown school in Étampes, France and plans to bring her new immersive clown show The Deadmouse and Peabrain Dreams to Australia later this year, after taking it to Edinburgh.By Alana Louise with James McKenzie

1
The Minions: Putin's Expendable Spies 32:36

13d ago32:36

32:36

They were a spy cell like no other — operating from quiet British suburbs, hailing from Bulgaria, and working on behalf of Russia. Their handler dubbed them “The Minions,” and their plots stretched across Europe and spanned honeytraps, abductions, and murder. At the time of this recording, six have been convicted and await sentencing. To parse out …

1
194. Ground Beef ft. Matt Cole! 47:39

14d ago47:39

47:39

This week, host Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) talks with special guest Matt Cole (@mc_dj_mc) for a deep dive into ground beef! White People Taco Night! Air Fryer Meatballs! Meatloaf! Barbecue Beef Cups! Then, the Random Meal Generator brings us another beautiful opportunity for schnitzel! Debate This! www.debatethiscast.com Three of Cups Tea! https:/…

1
Marc Leepson - Unlikely War Hero 43:51

15d ago43:51

43:51

In this episode, Marc Leepson discusses his book The Unlikely War Hero, A Vietnam War POW's Story of Courage and Resilience in the Hanoi Hilton. This book is a biography of Doug Hegdahl, a Sailor that fell off of USS Canberra (CA 2) into the Gulf of Tonkin. Hegdahl was captured by the North Vietnamese and landed in the Hanoi Hilton with other Ameri…

1
The Economics of Tariffs and Trade (with Doug Irwin) 1:32:53

15d ago1:32:53

1:32:53

Is the United States victimized by trade? What causes trade deficits? Are higher tariffs a good idea? Can manufacturing jobs return to the United States? Economist Doug Irwin of Dartmouth College answers these questions and more in this wide-ranging conversation with EconTalk's Russ Roberts.By EconTalk: Russ Roberts

1
Comedian Sarah Bartolo Interview

18d ago

—

Comedian Sarah Bartolo joins us in the studio before she takes her show Daddy Issues to the Sydney Comedy Festival, May 7 to 9. Sarah Bartolo (@sarahtbartolo) • Instagram photos and videosBy Sarah Bartolo with James McKenzie

1
Interview with Musicians Mister Co.

18d ago

—

Mister Co joins us in the studio. Includes chat about their Homegrown music festival at The Corner Hotel and new EP. Mister Co. (@misterco.melbourne) • Instagram photos and videosBy Mister Co with James McKenzie

1
114 | Bonus ep! Winter Writing Retreat with Lynne Ainsworth 24:46

20d ago24:46

24:46

Lynne Ainsworth is the founder of Writers at the Woolshed, an emerging writer, and a person who 'loves hanging out with people who read and write'. She loves it so much, she not only created a pop-up festival to connect authors with regional readers and writers, she's now hosting the first Winter Writing Retreat, featuring masterclasses with Eleano…

1
Escalation: Tracking the US-Ukraine Relationship 40:43

20d ago40:43

40:43

The United States and Ukraine have had a long, complicated history that has been defined by just as much partnership and collaboration as hesitation and disagreement. This dynamic is laid bare in the 7-part podcast series ‘Escalation,’ produced by our partners at Goat Rodeo, with the national security publication Lawfare. In April 2025, The Interna…

1
193. Food Waste & Stock Tips with Chef Kory DiPucchio! 35:55

21d ago35:55

35:55

This week, host Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) talks to special guest Chef Kory DiPucchio (@chefkorydipucchio) from Compass Group Canada about their International Stop Food Waste Day initiative, great uses for scraps and leftovers, and some key ways to invest in your stocks- soup stocks, I mean. The only financial advice given in this episode is relat…

1
The Past and Future of AI (with Dwarkesh Patel) 1:36:44

22d ago1:36:44

1:36:44

Dwarkesh Patel interviewed the most influential thinkers and leaders in the world of AI and chronicled the history of AI up to now in his book, The Scaling Era. Listen as he talks to EconTalk's Russ Roberts about the book, the dangers and potential of AI, and the role scale plays in AI progress. The conversation concludes with a discussion of the a…

1
A Gentleman of the Silver Screen, Jack McKenzie 13:39

24d ago13:39

13:39

Chatting with an actor who can regale you with tales from the beginning of the Star Wars franchise is a rare thing, indeed. But chatting with an Actor whose experience has spanned the decades with the BBC - radio and television - and great movies, i.e. "A Bridge Too Far " and then on to great TV classics such as SPACE 1999 and BLAKE'S 7 is a once-i…

1
Caleb Thaiday, Elijah Money, Three Blak Ravers, The Motherless Collective, YIRRAMBOI Festival

25d ago

—

Caleb Thaiday & Elijah Money from The Motherless Collective join us in the studio to chat about their YIRRAMBOI Festival production Three Blak Ravers, May 1 to 3, 7.30 pm at The Uncle Jack Charles, The Beckett, Malthouse, 113 Sturt St, Southbank, Melbourne. A queer horror production set at a rave. Three Blak Ravers | YIRRAMBOI…

1
Exploring Romantacy with Kamila and Misha LIGHTS OUT 27:52

27d ago27:52

27:52

Someone once said, "A little, dark romance won't hurt anybody." Well, whoever said that wasn't reading their book right. It's time to get "down and dirty" with some "book smut" that will push you on from ACOTOR and FOURTH WING and see if you can truly take on the dark romance genre! Don't worry Kamila and Misha will right next to you holding your h…

1
Admiral James Stavridis and The Admiral's Bookshelf 36:27

27d ago36:27

36:27

Admiral James Stavridis discusses his latest book, The Admiral's Bookshelf. Published by the Naval Institute Press, it is third in a series following The Leader's Bookshelf and The Sailor's Bookshelf. He and host Stephen Phillips discuss works from Stavridis' collection that inspire, each connected to a theme. The books discussed include The Old Ma…

1
Where the ‘West V. Russia’ Plot Begins 34:17

27d ago34:17

34:17

Why does Vladimir Putin often say that the West is conspiring to weaken Russia? Historian James Crossland traces this narrative back to a British intelligence officer and a failed assassination attempt on Vladimir Lenin in 1918. The story is featured in his new book, Rogue Agent, from Secret Plots to Psychological Warfare, the Untold Story of Rober…

1
192. Capital Grille, Steakhouse Dinners & Sides ft. Aslam Choudhury! 41:26

28d ago41:26

41:26

This week, host Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) talks to guest & patron Aslam Choudhury about his love for the Capital Grille restaurant franchise, steakhouse dinners, the Bengali concept of 'jotno', and the difference between classic steakhouse cuts! Plus, the return of the Random Meal Generator!Read Aslam's Blog Here! www.studyroompod.comThree of Cup…

1
Why Christianity Needs to Help Save Democracy (with Jonathan Rauch) 1:20:08

29d ago1:20:08

1:20:08

How does a nice Jewish boy who is also a gay atheist have the chutzpah to lecture Christianity on its obligations to democracy? Listen to author Jonathan Rauch talk about his book Cross Purposes with EconTalk's Russ Roberts as Rauch makes the case for what he calls a thicker Christianity.By EconTalk: Russ Roberts

1
“He Descended into Hell” w/Abp. James Ussher 1:15:01

1M ago1:15:01

1:15:01

In this episode, Jonathan and Jordan take some time to discuss the infamous 'Descent Clause' in the Apostles Creed. Jonathan introduces the history of interpretation as well as the various Reformed positions on how to understand the descent. Then Jordan takes us through James Ussher's definitive treatment on the topic. Follow us on Twitter: @Irenic…

1
113 | Rewriting your stalker with Pip Drysdale, author of 'The Close-Up' 37:42

1M ago37:42

37:42

How does having a stalker change your life? We talk with bestselling novelist Pip Drysdale about her latest novel 'The Close-Up,' its real-life inspirations, and how surviving a stalker shifted her worldview. We also discuss how to navigate public image and the role anxiety has to play in creative pursuits. Plus, this ep's What Are You Reading? ins…

1
From Ironclads to Admiral, John Lorimer Worden 1:37:26

1M ago1:37:26

1:37:26

John Quarstein and Robert Worden join Dr. Stephen Phillips to discuss their book, From Ironclads to Admiral: John Lorimer Worden and Naval Leadership. This important work is a detailed biography with emphasis on Worden's service on USS Monitor and other ironclads during the Civil War. Equally interesting is Worden's time as Superintendent at the U.…

1
DOGE Layoffs and the Counterintelligence Threats They Pose 33:22

1M ago33:22

33:22

Government employees were dismissed with startling swiftness and sweeping in the midst of the Trump administration's relentless pursuit to pare down the federal workforce. The sheer number of fired personnel and the manner in which US officials let them go have led to concerns that disillusioned former employees may share what they know with foreig…

1
P-Funk, Star Wars and Writing Novels - Just another day for Dee Tails 21:40

1M ago21:40

21:40

Sometimes you meet someone, and you click - ya know? Well, that's exactly what happened when we met actor, singer, dancer and author Dee Tails at Tallaght Mini-Con. Dee is the most down-to-earth, friendly and genuine fellow you could ask to meet! Settle down for a run-through of his career through the world of entertainment! It's a wild ride!…

1
191. There's No Such Thing As Bad Food! 32:57

1M ago32:57

32:57

This week, hosts Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) and Teffer Adjemian (@tefferbear) talk about what we mean when we say “There’s no such thing as bad food” and how our relationships with food have changed since we started the show!Vote for No Bad Food in the CultMTL Best Of Montreal 2025 readers poll! Remember to fill out at least 25 categories to make …

1
Rational and Religious (with Ross Douthat) 1:17:31

1M ago1:17:31

1:17:31

How can we explain the world's underlying order? How does consciousness emerge? And why do people from such different cultures have such similar near-death experiences? Listen as Ross Douthat, New York Times columnist and author of the new book Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious, argues that these and other unanswerable questions underscore …

1
LGBTIQA+ Health Policy Priorities for Australia's Election, Carolyn Gillespie, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia

1M ago

—

LGBTIQ+ Health Australia Chairperson Carolyn Gillespie discusses health policy priorities for parties to commit to during Australia's federal election campaign, including funding amounts. LGBTIQ+ Health Australia QLife - Support and ReferralsBy Carolyn Gillespie with James McKenzie

1
Tina - A Tropical Love Story at YIRRAMBOI Festival, Performer and Director Ben Graetz

1M ago

—

Ben Graetz is Tina Turner in YIRRAMBOI Festival's Tina - A Tropical Love Story at the Melbourne Recital Centre, 7 May. Includes a stellar line-up of guest performers. TINA - A Tropical Love Story Program 2025 | YIRRAMBOIBy Ben Graetz with James McKenzie

1
Alyson Kiperman Sullivan is a Wild Force of Kindness and Hope 16:28

1M ago16:28

16:28

A 5th Generation Hollywood Hills "kid", Alyson Kiperman Sullivan is truly a star among stars! She is best known for portraying Air Force pilot Taylor Earhardt in the Power Rangers series Wild Force. She also has the little-known secret of being the first ever LIVE-ACTION Barbie in a 1990's commercial! But the best and most amazing thing about Alyso…

1
Taiwan: China’s Testing Ground for Intelligence Operations 32:11

1M ago32:11

32:11

It's no secret that China has recently stepped up political and military pressure on the democratically governed island of Taiwan. But then, there are the Chinese Communist Party's covert efforts: Recruiting from the inside, gathering intelligence, and exerting influence. Executive Director of the Global Taiwan Institute Russell Hsiao breaks down B…

1
The Music and Magic of John and Paul (with Ian Leslie) 1:17:48

1M ago1:17:48

1:17:48

At the heart of the success of the Beatles was the creative chemistry and volatile friendship between John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Listen as author Ian Leslie discusses his book, John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs with EconTalk's Russ Roberts. It's a deep dive into music and friendship as well as a revisionist history about how John and Paul cre…

1
190. Munch Madness FINALE: Corn vs. Beef ft. Bailey Eastwood, Julian McKenzie, Miriam Zeira, Andrew Henderson, & Chris Walker! 1:22:26

1M ago1:22:26

1:22:26

This week, hosts Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) and Teffer Adjemian (@tefferbear) bring you the FINALE of Munch Madness 2025 with special guest judges Bailey Eastwood, Julian McKenzie, Miriam Zeira, Andrew Henderson, and Chris Walker! Corn vs. Beef! Will we have another victory by a staple grain,, or will we have our first ever meat champ?!The Chris J…

1
Senate Candidate Fiona Patten, Legalise Cannabis Party

2M ago

—

Interview with Senate candidate Fiona Patten, Legalise Cannabis Party.By Fiona Patten with James McKenzie

1
Rainbow Votes, Heather Corkhill, Equality Australia

2M ago

—

Equality Australia released its Rainbow Votes report after it surveyed over 5000 LGBTIQ+ voters. Legal Director Heather Corkhill joins us. Federal Election 2025 - Equality AustraliaBy Heather Corkhill with James McKenzie

1
Introducing Targeted 33:15

2M ago33:15

33:15

Targeted uncovers harrowing stories of people who have been singled out and systematically dismantled—whether for political reasons, personal vendettas, or simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Each episode deep dives into the tactics used against someone, the devastating consequences, and the remarkable lessons they’ve learned in …

1
Understanding Chinese Espionage Through 900 Cases 31:43

2M ago31:43

31:43

Nicholas Eftimiades’ 34 year career in government spanned the CIA, State Department and the Defense Intelligence Agency. He's published three books that examine the structure, methodology and operations of China's intelligence services. This, he says, led a Chinese communist newspaper to declare him an enemy of the state in the ‘90s. Now, Nick is r…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

James McKenzie Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide