Nights with John Stanley

John Stanley hosts a comprehensive program covering economic, political, and social developments. The episode explores the implications of employment data on interest rates, the financial impact of moving the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow, and the rising political influence of One Nation in Victoria. The discussion also delves into the potential for AI to disrupt the workforce, the complexities of reporting domestic violence statistics, and an exploration of Australian history through travel adventures in Central Australia. The program concludes with a 'Word Clinic' on etymology and medical insights from Dr. Ross regarding lifestyle interventions for dementia risk.

This episode features a special reveal regarding an upcoming river cruise on the AMA Sonata along the Danube. The hosts introduce theatre royalty Rachel Beck, who will be performing Christmas carols at various stops including Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna during a late November voyage. The discussion covers the magical atmosphere of European Christmas markets, the experience of singing in public squares, and the seasonal beauty of the Danube region. In addition to cruise details, the episode highlights Rachel Beck's current Australian tour of her one-woman show, In Her Own and Words, which features monologues and songs from high-profile Australian women. The conversation also touches upon upcoming cruise availability in Australia and the history of performing at the Theatre Royal.

The host and guest 'the duck' discuss an upcoming six-week adventure through South Australia and the Northern Territory to film episodes of the Oz Off-Road TV show, detailing a travel itinerary that includes the Oodnadatta Track, Uluru, and Alice Springs. The episode also covers travel plans through the Australian outback, exploring historical sites and the Simpson Desert. Additionally, the hosts discuss the scientific explanation for the moon illusion, share news regarding a $40 million Powerball win in Brisbane, and present Wilco's Gig Guide featuring upcoming musical performances.

In this episode of the Gig Guide, musician Dave Wilkins joins the hosts to share a curated selection of upcoming live music performances across the coast and beyond. The discussion covers major venue announcements, including an upcoming event at the Evan Theatre featuring Casey Chambers and special guest Casey Barnes on September 19th. The segment provides a detailed rundown of various shows, ranging from Casey Donovan's This Is Me tour and the Rogue Traders to iconic performances by Richard Clapton at the State Theatre. The hosts also highlight intimate gigs in locations like Katoomba and Lower Portland, offering listeners a comprehensive look at the local live music landscape.

This episode explores the intersection of economic hardship and political integrity, beginning with a look at the Labor Party conference in Adelaide and allegations of lobbyists paying for ministerial access. The discussion extends to the escalating food insecurity crisis in Australia, featuring insights from Foodbank Australia on how inflation and housing costs are driving unprecedented demand for assistance. The program also covers diverse social and automotive topics, ranging from the challenges faced by the homeless to the shifting trends in the Australian SUV market and the rise of Chinese manufacturers. The episode concludes with a variety of news headlines, including discussions on AI security risks, geopolitical tensions involving Iran, and the practical use of AI tools for managing grocery costs.

In this episode, host John and guest Joel Gibson discuss how AI-driven meal planning can serve as a powerful tool for household money saving. The conversation explores the connection between reduced shopping frequency and lower grocery expenditures, highlighting how automated planning helps streamline busy schedules and minimize food waste. The discussion provides a detailed comparison of several digital tools, including the Woolworths 'Olive' chatbot, Grocerise, and Plate Planner. Listeners will learn about the specific features of these apps, such as price comparisons between Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, and IGA, as well as how premium tiers can help manage pantry inventory to reduce the significant financial impact of food waste.

This episode of Frank's Treasure Trove explores a collection of vintage radio recordings, featuring station identifications and promos from Melbourne's 3MP and Sydney's 2SM. These clips provide a historical snapshot of life in the late 1970s, ranging from news roundups to disco-themed advertisements. The episode also features a retrospective look at an archival 1989 radio clip featuring Arch Tambacis. The segment captures Tambacis expressing controversial views regarding the influence of minority groups on government and discussing his perspectives on identity and freedom of speech.

In this episode of the Entertainment Report, Peter Ford and John discuss several major developments in the Australian media landscape. The conversation begins with a legal update regarding Rebel Wilson's recent victory in a defamation case involving actress Charlotte McGuinness, noting that an appeal is already underway. The report then shifts to television industry changes, specifically the conclusion of Channel 10's '10 News Plus' and its transition to a Sunday night format. The episode also covers the rise of Karl Stefanovic's podcasting ventures and his upcoming interview with Ben Roberts-Smith. Finally, the hosts reflect on the recent state funeral of journalist Darren Hinch, examining his controversial legacy, his commitment to investigative truth, and his impact on Australian journalism.

The hosts introduce Trent Nikolic as the new motoring editor and dive into various automotive trends, including privacy concerns regarding police access to toll camera footage and the rising popularity of SUVs in Australia. The episode explores the competitive landscape of Chinese car manufacturers, debating their long-term reliability compared to Toyota and the potential risks of remote disabling features in connected vehicles. The conversation also covers vehicle durability under Australia's intense UV rays, the unique characteristics of the DeLorean, and a debate over the road safety of large vehicles like Land Cruisers. The episode concludes with car valuations for various models, ranging from classic Mustangs to modern Teslas, and insights into how geopolitical tensions can impact electric vehicle resale values.

John Stanley covers a wide range of national and international news, beginning with local updates on e-bike safety and immigration policy discussions featuring Abul Rizvi. The episode explores the complexities of managing visa overstayers and the economic implications of migration on sectors like agriculture. The program also delves into financial matters, analyzing recent superannuation performance driven by tech shares and discussing tax implications for managed funds and property valuations. The episode concludes with interviews regarding child nutrition, reflections on the power of television, and a global news briefing covering economic outlooks in Australia and the UK.

TV expert Rob McKnight joins the hosts to discuss the current state of Australian television, highlighting a lack of innovation and an over-reliance on recycled international formats. The episode explores recent programming shifts between major networks and revisits iconic live television moments, including legendary mishaps involving Graham Kennedy. The conversation also covers media industry news, such as Karl Stefanovic's departure from Channel 9, and reflects on the lasting impact of Australian Idol contestants compared to modern reality stars. Finally, the hosts discuss potential advertising on the ABC and address recent listener feedback.

In this episode of the Financial Planning Show, hosts discuss recent high returns in Australian superannuation funds driven by tech shares and explore factors influencing future market performance. The discussion also covers the tax implications of switching between superannuation funds and provides advice on property valuations for tax purposes. The segment features a series of caller questions regarding financial planning, covering topics such as the tax implications of holding term deposits in superannuation versus personal names, and the impact of changing primary residences on age pension eligibility. The hosts also discuss the importance of reviewing insurance policies and the security of large superannuation funds.

An interview with Australian country music artist Hayley Jensen regarding her upcoming performance at the Groundwater Country Music Festival on the Gold Coast. The discussion covers the festival's unique unticketed, free-to-attend format in Broad Beach, featuring a lineup that includes Casey Chambers and the Wolf Brothers. The conversation also explores Jensen's diverse career trajectory, moving from Australian Idol and jazz studies at ANU to becoming one of Australia's top-selling female country performers. She discusses how her background in economics and management has aided her as a self-managed artist and reflects on the storytelling power of country music.

John Stanley and guest Jamie Rogers explore shifting political allegiances in Australia, focusing on the rise of One Nation and the Liberal Party's communication challenges. The discussion covers diverse topics including immigration policy, nuclear energy, and the economic impact of rising business insolvencies. The episode also examines broader societal trends, such as the decline of social courtesy and the limitations of AI as an analytical tool. From tech updates on Samsung and wearables to real estate market analysis and the implications of falling stamp duty revenue, the hosts navigate a wide range of current events and global news.

An analysis of the Australian property market comparing July 2025 to July 2026, highlighting a significant drop in auction sales volumes under the new tax regime. The discussion explores the economic implications of halved sales volumes, specifically focusing on the potential crash in state government stamp duty revenue and the subsequent risk of higher state taxes. The episode also addresses broader social consequences, including falling home ownership rates in Sydney, rising homelessness among working individuals, and the complex decision-making process for investors navigating changes to negative gearing and interest rate uncertainty.

The hosts discuss several legendary entertainers who are still active in their 80s and 90s, including Willie Nelson's recent health struggles and new book, and the mysterious disappearance of Bill Cosby. The segment also covers Sir Anthony Hopkins' transition into classical music and William Shatner's unexpected move into heavy metal with his new band, The Uckers. The episode further explores William Shatner's heavy metal project in comparison to Pat Boone's previous genre transition. Additionally, the hosts explore claims that Zsa Zsa Gabor is haunting her widower by manipulating electronic devices in his apartment.

The hosts explore the latest in consumer technology, from upcoming Samsung Galaxy Unpacked announcements and Amazfit wearables to the practical benefits of flatbed microwaves. The episode also examines shifts in Australian solar battery subsidies and the potential for vehicle-to-grid technology in EVs. Further discussions cover the utility of AI as an analytical tool versus a search engine, technical advice on using D-Link mobile hotspots, and recent political developments in the UK. The episode concludes with listener feedback on travel experiences and the use of Starlink for streaming during international flights.