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John Anderson: Conversations

149 episodes listed below

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Civil conversations on uncivil times.

The gist

John Anderson: Conversations brings a grave, civil tone to political and cultural fault lines. Recent episodes range from Japan’s fears over China to Australia’s fuel security, Middle East strategy, public-service accountability, Christianity, Islam, and Western democratic confidence.

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About John Anderson: Conversations

John Anderson: Conversations is a long-form political interview show with a distinctly Australian center of gravity. Its recent run is preoccupied with danger, drift, and the cost of complacency. The show asks whether democratic societies still know how to defend themselves. It asks whether Australia has enough fuel, food security, institutional accountability, strategic seriousness, and cultural confidence for the pressures now gathering around it. The conversations are calm, but rarely soft. Guests speak about China, Japan, Taiwan, Iran, Israel, Hamas, Islam, Christianity, public bureaucracy, young men, secular disenchantment, and the fragility of Western political habits. The format gives them room. A discussion of fuel security becomes a wider argument about farms, diesel, plastics, refineries, supply chains, and the federal government’s basic duties. A conversation about Japan becomes a meditation on proximity to hostile powers, trust between former enemies, and the practical meaning of friendship between nations. The Middle East episodes weigh military aims, regime change, antisemitism, radical Islam, Iranian protesters, and Western double standards. Faith is not treated as a side issue. Christianity, secularism, Islam, morality, and the worth of the individual recur as live political questions. The show is blunt in places. It is also formal, civil, and often almost parliamentary in cadence. Anderson’s questioning style, as reflected in the excerpts, is admiring toward many guests but still built around pressure points: what is the objective, how did this happen, and why did leaders fail to prepare? Listeners looking for quick headlines may find it too deliberate. Listeners who want political commentary rooted in history, national security, religion, and institutional responsibility will find a substantial, serious-minded interview program. The show’s best fit is an audience already interested in conservative political thought, Australian public life, and the moral vocabulary behind policy arguments.

Made for: For listeners drawn to long-form Australian political commentary, national security, religion, and the future of Western democracy. It especially suits those who prefer serious interviews over fast partisan exchanges.

What sets it apart: The show combines Australian public-policy concerns with broader civilizational questions about faith, sovereignty, security, and institutional decay. Its signature is patient, civil pressure applied to urgent arguments.

In their own words

Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia John Anderson sits down with world-leading historians, economists, politicians, and thinkers to examine the ideas shaping our society. Drawing on decades at the highest levels of government, John brings rare depth and civility to conversations that mainstream media won't have.This podcast covers everything from Australia's political future to faith, freedom, and the fragility of Western democracy. Thoughtful, rigorous, and genuinely independent.

Why you'd press play

John Anderson turns faith, Israel and Australian bureaucracy into arguments you cancel small talk for.

Press play if you want

  • your secular assumptions challenged through Christian apologetics rather than polite hints
  • forceful arguments about Islam, antisemitism and Western institutions that do not hide their premises
Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
Australian politicsAsia-Pacific securityChina and Japanfuel and food securityMiddle East conflictWestern democracyChristianity and secularismbureaucracy and accountability

Talks about

News & PoliticsPolitical Commentary

Podcasts like John Anderson: Conversations

Episodes

  1. 1

    Britain’s Path to Renewal and Reform | Matt Goodwin

    ·1h 18m
  2. 2

    An Unholy Alliance: Islam and Progressives Will Topple The West

    ·1h 25m
  3. 3

    Nothing Left In The Tank: Australia's Fuel And Food Crisis | Dr. John Coyne

    ·50m
  4. 4

    Why the West Condemns Israel but Ignores Iranians | Brendan O'Neill

    ·1h 5m
  5. 5

    Iran's Regime Change, Future & The End of the Rules-Based Order? | Rodger Shanahan

    ·57m
  6. 6

    Australia: The World’s Most Bloated Bureaucracy | Mike Newman

    ·1h 5m
  7. 7

    The Rejection Of Atheism Is Turning Boys Into Men | Wes Huff and Dan Paterson

    ·1h 11m
  8. 8

    After Bondi: We Can No Longer Ignore Islam | Ayaan Hirsi Ali

    ·1h
  9. 9

    Multiculturalism And Extremism Are Sabotaging The West | Henry Ergas

    ·1h 25m
  10. 10

    Born Into Decline: Gen Z’s Fight to Rebuild The West | Gerard Holland, Freya Leach & Jossiah Langton

    ·1h 23m
  11. 11

    Radical Islam, Depopulation & Identity Politics: The UK In Crisis | James Orr

    ·1h 12m
  12. 12

    Faith, Family And The Films Audiences Actually Want | Ted Baehr

    ·57m
  13. 13

    No Longer The Lucky Country For Jews | Julian Leeser

    ·56m
  14. 14

    Why The World Still Needs Coal | Michelle Manook

    ·1h 8m
  15. 15

    The UK Is Funding & Importing Cultural Chaos | Connor Tomlinson

    ·1h 26m
  16. 16

    Exposing Australia’s Radical Transgender Clinics | Helen Joyce

    ·57m
  17. 17

    What Charlie Kirk’s Murder Reveals About Us | Dave Rubin

    ·1h 17m
  18. 18

    Insiders Expose China’s Proxy War In Myanmar | David Eubank and Sean Turnell

    ·1h 15m
  19. 19

    The True Story Of Australia: A Nation Of Heroes | Tony Abbott

    ·1h
  20. 20

    “What starts with the Jews never ends with the Jews” | Josh Hammer

    ·1h 9m
  21. 21

    Why Christianity Still Defines Us | Greg Sheridan

    ·1h 9m
  22. 22

    Love Isn’t Enough: Gay Marriage, Surrogacy & Divorce | Katy Faust

    ·1h 12m
  23. 23

    Love Isn’t Enough: Gay Marriage, Surrogacy & Divorce | Katy Faust

    ·1h 11m
  24. 24

    The Science Points to Purpose: A Logical Defence of Intelligent Design | Stephen Meyer

    ·1h 9m
  25. 25

    Erasing Sex & Reality: The Tickle v Giggle Case | Sall Grover

    ·53m
  26. 26

    Islam and The Battle For Britain: Past, Present and Future | Sean Oliver-Dee & David Goodhart

    ·1h 21m
  27. 27

    Q&A with John: Politics, Principles, Priorities

    ·39m
  28. 28

    Epstein, Immigration and War: A Deep Dive | Victor Davis Hanson

    ·1h 17m
  29. 29

    Will Xi Jinping’s Maoist Vision Cause China’s Collapse? | Robert Suettinger

    ·1h 8m
  30. 30

    Why Climate Fanaticism Is Killing Us | Lord Matthew Ridley

    ·49m
  31. 31

    The End of Weakness: Trump’s Stand Against Iran | Dr. Rebeccah Heinrichs

    ·54m
  32. 32

    Religious Freedom: The New Blasphemy | Paul Coleman, Kristen Waggoner & John Steenhof

    ·1h 8m
  33. 33

    Iran’s Nuclear Threat, Trump’s Choice and Global Stability | John Lee

    ·1h 17m
  34. 34

    After Collapse: A Strategy for Renewal In The Age Of AI | Daniel Priestley

    ·59m
  35. 35

    The Great Energy Deception: The True Cost Of Renewables | Chris Uhlmann

    ·53m
  36. 36

    The Vibe Shift: Christianity’s Subversive Comeback | Bethel McGrew

    ·1h 18m
  37. 37

    Former Japanese Ambassador: "Placating China Is A Recipe For Disaster" | Shingo Yamagami

    ·58m
  38. 38

    Rebuilding Australia: The Path Forward After Defeat

  39. 39

    Post-Election Breakdown with Tony Abbott

    ·57m
  40. 40

    UK Supreme Court Ruling: The Triumph Of Reality | Louise Perry

    ·1h 22m
  41. 41

    Why Your Way Of Life Is Collapsing: Green Paganism & The Depopulation Bomb | Philip Pilkington

    ·1h 1m
  42. 42

    Trump’s New World Order: Tariffs, China and Nationalism | Walter Russell Mead

    ·1h 10m
  43. 43

    Can Islam Co-Exist? | Dr. Mark Durie and Dr. Richard Shumack

    ·1h 51m
  44. 44

    Australia Isn’t Ready For War | Michael Pezzullo

    ·1h 4m
  45. 45

    Konstantin Kisin | The Western Reset: Immigration, Energy, and Cultural Confidence

    ·1h 19m
  46. 46

    Melanie Phillips, Journalist, Author and Broadcaster IV

    ·1h 43m
  47. 47

    Kevin Roberts – The West’s Last Stand

    ·1h
  48. 48

    Peter Hitchens, Journalist and Author IV

    ·1h 18m
  49. 49

    The Hon John Howard OM AC – 25th Prime Minister of Australia

    ·1h 3m
  50. 50

    Aidan Morrison, Director – Energy Program, C.I.S.

    ·1h 19m
  51. 51

    Dr. Nigel Biggar CBE, Emeritus Regius Prof. of Moral and Pastoral Theology, University of Oxford; Dr. Stephen Chavura, Author and Academic

    ·1h 35m
  52. 52

    Marilynne Robinson, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Novelist And Author

    ·1h 2m
  53. 53

    David Bahnsen, Managing Partner of The Bahnsen Group & Author

    ·1h
  54. 54

    Amy Dangerfield and Tom Ellsworth, Co-Hosts of The Decision 2024 – Valuetainment

    ·1h 9m
  55. 55

    Katy Faust, Author and Children’s Rights Activist

    ·1h 13m
  56. 56

    Victor Davis Hanson, Historian, Commentator and Author

    ·1h 11m
  57. 57

    Niall Ferguson, Historian And Senior Fellow, Stanford University

    ·1h 5m
  58. 58

    Shawn Ryan, CIA Contractor and Former Navy Seal

    ·1h 13m
  59. 59

    Patrick Bet-David, Entrepreneur and Podcast Host

    ·1h 32m
  60. 60

    Conversations: Anthony Dillon, Indigenous Academic and Commentator.

    ·59m
  61. 61

    Dale Ahlquist, President of The Society of G.K. Chesterton

    ·43m
  62. 62

    Victor Davis Hanson, Historian, Commentator and Author

    ·1h 28m
  63. 63

    Tim Cross, British Army Officer and Military Logistics Expert

    ·1h 17m
  64. 64

    John Lennox, Professor of Mathematics, Oxford University and Author

    ·1h 3m
  65. 65

    Steve Tsang, Professor of China Studies, Author, Political Scientist

    ·1h 20m
  66. 66

    Justin Brierley, Writer, Podcaster and Apologist

    ·1h 21m
  67. 67

    Lord Mervyn King, Baron of Lothbury, Economist and Author

    ·1h 16m
  68. 68

    Konstantin Kisin, Comedian, Podcaster and Writer

    ·1h 13m
  69. 69

    Peter Hitchens, Journalist and Author III

    ·1h 12m
  70. 70

    Conversations: Andrew Kern, Author and Proponent of Classical Education

    ·1h 26m
  71. 71

    Direct: Iain McGilchrist, Psychiatrist, Philosopher, Researcher and Literary Scholar

    ·55m
  72. 72

    Conversations: Peter Court and Walter Purio, Experts in Maritime Security

    ·1h 5m
  73. 73

    Direct: Alexander Downer AC, Former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia

    ·1h 16m
  74. 74

    Direct: Dennis Prager, Commentator and Author

    ·1h 5m
  75. 75

    Direct: With Victor Davis Hanson, Historian, Commentator and Author

    ·1h 24m
  76. 76

    Direct: With Dr Albert Mohler, Author, Commentator and Theologian

    ·58m
  77. 77

    Direct: With Helen Joyce, Author and Journalist

    ·1h 16m
  78. 78

    Direct: with Dave Rubin, Political Commentator and Talk Show Host

    ·1h 4m
  79. 79

    Direct: With Molly Worthen, Christian Historian and Journalist

    ·1h 3m
  80. 80

    Conversations: Konstantin Kisin, Podcaster, Comedian & Commentator IV

    ·1h 1m
  81. 81

    Conversations: With Danny Kruger, British Politician and Author

    ·41m
  82. 82

    Direct: With Victor Davis Hanson, Historian and Writer

    ·1h 8m
  83. 83

    Direct: with Mary Harrington

    ·1h 17m
  84. 84

    Direct: Matthew Goodwin, Academic, Author and Pollster

    ·59m
  85. 85

    Direct: Prof. Nancy Pearcey, American Evangelical Author

    ·1h 20m
  86. 86

    Direct: Prof. John Mearsheimer, American political scientist

    ·1h 8m
  87. 87

    Conversations: Dr. James Orr, A/Prof of Philosophy of Religion

    ·1h 20m
  88. 88

    Conversations: Niall Ferguson, Historian and Author

    ·58m
  89. 89

    Conversations: Douglas Murray, Journalist and Author

    ·1h 1m
  90. 90

    Conversations: Peter Hitchens, Journalist and Author II

    ·49m
  91. 91

    Conversations: Victor Davis Hanson, Historian and Writer

    ·1h 10m
  92. 92

    Conversations: Glen Scrivener, Author, Minister and Director of Speak Life

    ·1h 6m
  93. 93

    Conversations: With Seth Dillon, CEO and Owner of The Babylon Bee

    ·50m
  94. 94

    Conversations: With John Cleese, Comedian

    ·1h 5m
  95. 95

    Conversations: With Dr. Andrew Browning, Author & Christian Missionary Doctor

    ·55m
  96. 96

    Conversations: With Louise Perry, Author and Journalist

    ·1h 17m
  97. 97

    Conversations: With Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, British Conservative Member of Parliament

    ·1h 7m
  98. 98

    Conversations: With Professor Nigel Biggar, Ethicist, Theologian and Author II

    ·1h 3m
  99. 99

    Conversations: With Yoram Hazony, Philosopher, Scholar & Political Theorist

    ·1h 11m
  100. 100

    Conversations: With Konstantin Kisin, Podcaster, Comedian & Commentator III

    ·56m
  101. 101

    Former Japanese Ambassador: "Placating China Is A Recipe For Disaster" | Shingo Yamagami

    Hidden gem

    John Anderson interviews former Japanese ambassador Shingo Yamagami about Australia-Japan relations, China’s regional conduct, and preparedness for a Taiwan Strait crisis.

    Apr 10, 2026·58m·4 clips
  102. 102

    An Unholy Alliance: Islam and Progressives Will Topple The West

    Hidden gem

    John Anderson interviews Michael Youssef about An Unholy Alliance, a book arguing that progressivism and political Islam are cooperating against Western institutions.

    Apr 2, 2026·1h 25m·5 clips
  103. 103

    Nothing Left In The Tank: Australia's Fuel And Food Crisis | Dr. John Coyne

    John Anderson interviews John Coyne about Australia's fuel and food security, focusing on diesel, urea, agriculture, plastics, and abattoir operations.

    Mar 20, 2026·50m·3 clips
  104. 104

    Why the West Condemns Israel but Ignores Iranians | Brendan O'Neill

    John Anderson interviews Brendan O'Neill, chief political writer and former editor of Spiked, about Western condemnation of Israel, Hamas, Iran, antisemitism, and freedom of speech.

    Mar 6, 2026·1h 5m·4 clips
  105. 105

    Iran's Regime Change, Future & The End of the Rules-Based Order? | Rodger Shanahan

    Middle East analyst Rodger Shanahan discusses the complexities of Iran's regime change prospects and the regional security implications of Israeli and US military actions.

    Mar 3, 2026·57m
  106. 106

    Australia: The World’s Most Bloated Bureaucracy | Mike Newman

    John Anderson interviews Mike Newman, a former New South Wales senior trade and investment commissioner, about Australia’s expanding government bureaucracy and its economic effects.

    Feb 20, 2026·1h 5m·4 clips
  107. 107

    The Rejection Of Atheism Is Turning Boys Into Men | Wes Huff and Dan Paterson

    John Anderson interviews Wes Huff and Dan Paterson about renewed interest in Christianity among young people and the decline of confidence in materialism.

    Feb 6, 2026·1h 11m·5 clips
  108. 108

    After Bondi: We Can No Longer Ignore Islam | Ayaan Hirsi Ali

    John Anderson: Conversations examines the Bondi Beach attack that killed 16 people and its connection, according to Ayaan Hirsi Ali, to rising anti-Semitic threats after October 8, 2023.

    Feb 2, 2026·1h·4 clips
  109. 109

    Multiculturalism And Extremism Are Sabotaging The West | Henry Ergas

    Jan 23, 2026·1h 25m
  110. 110

    Born Into Decline: Gen Z’s Fight to Rebuild The West | Gerard Holland, Freya Leach & Jossiah Langton

    Jan 9, 2026·1h 23m
  111. 111

    Radical Islam, Depopulation & Identity Politics: The UK In Crisis | James Orr

    Dec 22, 2025·1h 12m
  112. 112

    Faith, Family And The Films Audiences Actually Want | Ted Baehr

    Dec 17, 2025·57m
  113. 113

    No Longer The Lucky Country For Jews | Julian Leeser

    Dec 12, 2025·56m
  114. 114

    Why The World Still Needs Coal | Michelle Manook

    Dec 5, 2025·1h 8m
  115. 115

    The UK Is Funding & Importing Cultural Chaos | Connor Tomlinson

    Nov 27, 2025·1h 26m
  116. 116

    Exposing Australia’s Radical Transgender Clinics | Helen Joyce

    Nov 14, 2025·57m
  117. 117

    What Charlie Kirk’s Murder Reveals About Us | Dave Rubin

    Nov 7, 2025·1h 17m
  118. 118

    Insiders Expose China’s Proxy War In Myanmar | David Eubank and Sean Turnell

    Oct 31, 2025·1h 15m
  119. 119

    The True Story Of Australia: A Nation Of Heroes | Tony Abbott

    Oct 17, 2025·1h
  120. 120

    “What starts with the Jews never ends with the Jews” | Josh Hammer

    Hidden gem

    Josh Hammer discusses the war in Gaza, defending Israel's military conduct and criticizing Western appeasement of domestic Muslim voters.

    Oct 3, 2025·1h 9m·2 clips
  121. 121

    Why Christianity Still Defines Us | Greg Sheridan

    Sep 19, 2025·1h 9m
  122. 122

    Love Isn’t Enough: Gay Marriage, Surrogacy & Divorce | Katy Faust

    Sep 5, 2025·1h 12m
  123. 123

    Love Isn’t Enough: Gay Marriage, Surrogacy & Divorce | Katy Faust

    Sep 5, 2025·1h 11m
  124. 124

    The Science Points to Purpose: A Logical Defence of Intelligent Design | Stephen Meyer

    Aug 22, 2025·1h 9m
  125. 125

    Erasing Sex & Reality: The Tickle v Giggle Case | Sall Grover

    Aug 11, 2025·53m
  126. 126

    Islam and The Battle For Britain: Past, Present and Future | Sean Oliver-Dee & David Goodhart

    Aug 8, 2025·1h 21m
  127. 127

    Q&A with John: Politics, Principles, Priorities

    John discusses political disengagement and the need for courageous leadership in Australia, responding to a question about how everyday Australians can get involved.

    Aug 1, 2025·39m
  128. 128

    Epstein, Immigration and War: A Deep Dive | Victor Davis Hanson

    Jul 23, 2025·1h 17m
  129. 129

    Will Xi Jinping’s Maoist Vision Cause China’s Collapse? | Robert Suettinger

    Jul 18, 2025·1h 8m
  130. 130

    Why Climate Fanaticism Is Killing Us | Lord Matthew Ridley

    Jul 11, 2025·49m
  131. 131

    The End of Weakness: Trump’s Stand Against Iran | Dr. Rebeccah Heinrichs

    Jul 1, 2025·54m
  132. 132

    Religious Freedom: The New Blasphemy | Paul Coleman, Kristen Waggoner & John Steenhof

    Jun 27, 2025·1h 8m
  133. 133

    Iran’s Nuclear Threat, Trump’s Choice and Global Stability | John Lee

    Jun 20, 2025·1h 17m
  134. 134

    After Collapse: A Strategy for Renewal In The Age Of AI | Daniel Priestley

    Jun 13, 2025·59m
  135. 135

    The Great Energy Deception: The True Cost Of Renewables | Chris Uhlmann

    Jun 6, 2025·53m
  136. 136

    The Vibe Shift: Christianity’s Subversive Comeback | Bethel McGrew

    May 23, 2025·1h 18m
  137. 137

    Britain’s Path to Renewal and Reform | Matt Goodwin

    May 16, 2025·1h 18m
  138. 138

    Post-Election Breakdown with Tony Abbott

    Tony Abbott discusses the coalition's unexpected election loss and urges supporters not to lose heart, drawing parallels to past political comebacks.

    May 7, 2025·57m
  139. 139

    UK Supreme Court Ruling: The Triumph Of Reality | Louise Perry

    Apr 24, 2025·1h 22m
  140. 140

    Why Your Way Of Life Is Collapsing: Green Paganism & The Depopulation Bomb | Philip Pilkington

    Apr 17, 2025·1h 1m
  141. 141

    Trump’s New World Order: Tariffs, China and Nationalism | Walter Russell Mead

    Apr 8, 2025·1h 10m
  142. 142

    Can Islam Co-Exist? | Dr. Mark Durie and Dr. Richard Shumack

    Mar 28, 2025·1h 51m
  143. 143

    Australia Isn’t Ready For War | Michael Pezzullo

    Former Home Affairs Secretary Michael Pezzullo discusses Australia's historical and current lack of preparedness for war, particularly regarding China's naval activities.

    Mar 21, 2025·1h 4m
  144. 144

    Konstantin Kisin | The Western Reset: Immigration, Energy, and Cultural Confidence

    Mar 13, 2025·1h 19m
  145. 145

    Melanie Phillips, Journalist, Author and Broadcaster IV

    Feb 28, 2025·1h 43m
  146. 146

    Kevin Roberts – The West’s Last Stand

    Feb 21, 2025·1h
  147. 147

    Peter Hitchens, Journalist and Author IV

    Feb 15, 2025·1h 18m
  148. 148

    The Hon John Howard OM AC – 25th Prime Minister of Australia

    John Howard discusses the importance of the upcoming Australian election and reflects on the post-WWII global order and the decline of Western leadership.

    Feb 7, 2025·1h 3m
  149. 149

    Aidan Morrison, Director – Energy Program, C.I.S.

    Jan 31, 2025·1h 19m