Straight Talk with Mark Bouris

In this conversation with NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane, she explains why she believes New South Wales has gone from the nation's top-performing economy to the bottom of the pack under Labor's watch. Kellie discusses her journey from country journalism to opposition leadership, her experience during the Bondi terror attack, and her strategy for defeating a first-term government. She also addresses federal-state tensions within Labor, the importance of assimilation in modern Australia, and why authenticity matters more than ever in contemporary politics. New South Wales economic decline under Labor government Federal-state tensions over GST and infrastructure funding The Bondi Junction terrorist attack response Assimilation versus multiculturalism debate Coalition relationship between Liberals and Nationals Presidential-style campaigning in state elections Young people's disillusionment with traditional politics Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/ Subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this conversation, political strategist and pollster Kos Samaras explains how Australia’s political landscape is fragmenting beyond recognition.  He reveals why traditional Liberal and Labor voters are abandoning both major parties, how disillusioned Australians are turning to One Nation and the Greens, and why the country is heading toward a more divided political future. From the collapse of manufacturing in regional Australia to the psychological impact of Melbourne’s lockdowns, Samaras breaks down the economic, cultural and generational forces reshaping Australian democracy. He also explores why younger Australians are losing faith in the system, why many no longer believe they can afford children or home ownership, and how social media algorithms are accelerating political polarisation across the country.  Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/ Subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://the-mentored-platform-pty-ltd.myklpages.com/l/WWJGc5See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NRL star turned Fox League host Braith Anasta joins me for an honest, wide-open conversation about footy, family, mental health and life after the game. We get into:• Losing his dad to suicide at 15• Mental health• NRL career highlights• Who scared him the most in the game• What he learned from the Johns brothers• Dealing with controversy• Fatherhood• Transitioning post-retirement Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/  Claim $500 Bitcoin with OKX SMSF. SMSF trustees: Successfully sign-up your SMSF and getverified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibilityrequirements and T&Cs apply. Book a 1-1 call with the OKX SMSF team today for guidance. Offer ends 31 March 2026. Join the Facebook Group.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Kohler is a 35 year old Australian financial journalist, author, and content creator, currently serving as Finance Editor across the 9News network. As one of the most recognisable faces in Australian business reporting, he is known for making complex economic issues clear and accessible to everyday Australians. Purchase Chris's book here: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/how-they-get-you-9781761356414  In this episode, we cover: • His journey into journalism and rise within financial media • Building a strong social media presence and developing a well known alter ego• Breaking down interest rates and Reserve Bank decisions for the public• Behind the scenes insights from RBA press conferences • Leadership pressures facing central bank governors • Public trust in institutions and media accountability• Themes from his book and broader social commentary• Consumer behaviour, subscriptions, and loyalty programs • Productivity trends and economic pressures • The evolving media landscape and digital integration • Communicating complex narratives to a broad audience • Ethical responsibility in modern journalism Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/  Claim $500 Bitcoin with OKX SMSF. SMSF trustees: Successfully sign-up your SMSF and getverified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibilityrequirements and T&Cs apply. Book a 1-1 call with the OKX SMSF team today for guidance. Offer ends 31 March 2026. Join the Facebook Group.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.