Neil Mitchell Asks Why

This is my take on the last week in news: Others will tell you the outcome of the US election doesn't matter to Australia - It does. This is why.  

Tell me what you think: 

EMAIL: neil.mitchell@nine.com.au

X: x.com/3AWNeilMitchell

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is my take on the last week in news: The PM has shown he’s become inept at handling basic political crises, Covid report proves the plot was lost in Victoria and we need to develop a system for Cannabis use while driving. 

Tell me what you think: 

EMAIL: neil.mitchell@nine.com.au

X: x.com/3AWNeilMitchell

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is my take on the last week in news: The Senate needs to condemn Thorpe’s outburst at Charles & Camilla, Royal media coverage was outdated and over the top and advice for David Warner & Jacinta Allan.

Tell me what you think: 

EMAIL:neil.mitchell@nine.com.au

X:x.com/3AWNeilMitchell

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is my take on the last week in news: Anthony Albanese is entitled to buy any property he chooses - but he's losing a sense of what people really care about; Australia's birth rate is at an all time low and it could be a serious problem in the future. The Government needs to wake up to it!

Tell me what you think: 

EMAIL: neil.mitchell@nine.com.au

X:x.com/3AWNeilMitchell

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony Ayres is arguably the busiest TV producer in Australia. His company Tony Ayers Productions, and the company he co-founded, Matchbox Pictures, has produced some of the most applauded and award winning dramas in recent years.

In this episode, Tony Ayers tells me why his love for film and TV started young, and how his extraordinarily tough migrant upbringing shaped him. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My take on the last week in news: The media is struggling and losing credibility, questions raised around the Andrews' car crash need to be answered and we could be losing a generation of productivity thanks to Gen Z. 

Tell me what you think: 

EMAIL: neil.mitchell@nine.com.au

X: x.com/3AWNeilMitchell

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Garry Linnell has built a name and career out of being a professional cynic. He's an award-winning journalist, author and former director of news and current affairs for the Nine Network. But, after a recent trip to the Arctic, he has seen what he believes is evidence the world is dying. 

Garry is not a greenie, and he's the last person you'd expect to start campaigning on climate change, but in this episode, Garry Linnell tells me WHY it's time to start ringing the alarm bells. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My take on the last week in news: Victoria is in the process of losing everything it's worked so hard to build, Kamala Harris trumped Donald in the debate, common sense has burst onto the floor of Parliament and the rule change the AFL needs to look at. 

Tell me what you think: 

EMAIL: neil.mitchell@nine.com.au

X: x.com/3AWNeilMitchell

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Klim is one of the most physically imposing athletes in Australian history, as well as being one of our greatest swimmers. 

In this episode Michael Klim tells me how he's made peace with a rare and debilitating disorder called CIDP (a neurological disorder that can cause weakness, wasting and sensory loss in the legs and arms) and WHY he had to drop his ego. 

Michael's memoir 'KLIM' is available now at all good book stores. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My take on the last week in news: Albanese could find himself to be a one term PM and if Raygun wants to play the celebrity game, she should prepared to be targeted. 

Tell me what you think: 

EMAIL: neil.mitchell@nine.com.au

X: x.com/3AWNeilMitchell

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Opposition Leader says he doesn't care about popularity - but Peter Dutton has a plan to win the next election, and in this episode he tells me how. 

Tell me what you think

EMAIL: neil.mitchell@nine.com.au

X: x.com/3AWNeilMitchell

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My take on the last week in news: The Greens are living in a fantasy land and we need a fresh approach to tackling the road toll. 

Tell me what you think: 

EMAIL: neil.mitchell@nine.com.au

X: x.com/3AWNeilMitchell

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In my view,Nick McKenzieis the best investigative journalist in the country. 

In this episode, Nick tells me how the pressure of his job follows him home and what the underworld, business & politics all have in common. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is my take on the last week in news: Politicians need to wake up to cost of living crisis,  right to disconnect laws will spell trouble and fickle US voters impressed by razzmatazz over substance. 

Tell me what you think: 

EMAIL: neil.mitchell@nine.com.au

X: x.com/3AWNeilMitchell

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a young man, Jay Malkounwent to jail for 10 years for trafficking heroin. He survived the notorious Pentridge Prison and went on to become president of outlawed bikie gang The Comancheros. Jay Malkoun has been a very serious criminal. But now, he says he's not. You be the judge. 

In this episode, Jay Malkoun tells me WHY he's written a memoir 'The Consultant' and thrust himself back in the media limelight. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is my take on the last week in news: NOW is the time to ban all sports gambling ads and why I think Peter Dutton will come out on top in the Gaza debate. 

Tell me what you think: 

EMAIL: neil.mitchell@nine.com.au

X: x.com/3AWNeilMitchell

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emily Lahey understands the value of time better that most. The 32 year old is dying - and she doesn’t know how much longer she has to live. But she’s determined to spend what time she does have sharing this message. 

The Time To Live Exhibition takes place on Saturday 17th August, 2024

You can book time with Emily at: acrf.com.au/time-to-live/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is my take on the last week in news: Collingwood great Tony Shaw is not an unreasonable man and it's time to wake up from the Covid hangover. 

Tell me what you think: 

EMAIL: neil.mitchell@nine.com.au

X: x.com/3AWNeilMitchell

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judge Lex Lasry was one of the most experienced and respected judges in Australia. He was a Supreme Court judge in Victoria for 17 years and he's handled some of the worst murder cases to come before the court. 

In this episode I find out WHY he resigned suddenly and dramatically earlier this year, and WHY he thinks society is becoming more violent. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is my take on the latest week in news. Drug cheats in Paris and it's time victims of crime were given a voice. 

Tell me what you think: 

EMAIL: neil.mitchell@nine.com.au

X: x.com/3AWNeilMitchell

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Newman has made a lot of money out of pretending to be an idiot. He made his name as a professional footballer and a serial trouble maker in the media - and now - out of the limelight - he's sailing the East Coast of Australia in his 66 foot yacht with close friend, and aerobics world champion, Sue Stanley.

In this episode, I chat to Sam and Sue about their unlikely friendship and find out WHY Sam resents the AFL. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's my take on the last week in news. Is the time coming for our politicians to rethink the number of migrants coming into this country? And is a lack of hope driving the 'baby recession'?

Tell me what you think: 

EMAIL: neil.mitchell@nine.com.au

X: x.com/3AWNeilMitchell

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kim Williams as chair of the ABC is responsible for spending $1.1 billion in your money, and is one of Australia’s most erudite men.

In this episode, he talks openly about seeing dead people, WHY he believes the ABC is doing a pretty good job and WHY some might see him as an “old fashioned weirdo.”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Its been a huge week in news: Here's my take on what's happened in the last 7 days. Does Donald Trump have PTSD? Are our leaders turning a blind eye to alleged corruption in the CFMEU?

Tell me what you think: 

EMAIL: neil.mitchell@nine.com.au

X: x.com/3AWNeilMitchell

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cathy Charlton is what I consider a medical miracle. Throughout her life, Cathy has continually cheated death, miraculously surviving three separate bouts of cancer and a heart transplant - making her one of the longest living heart transplant recipients in the world. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Wales has been a sharp end solider in the SAS. Served in several war zones, including four tours of Afghanistan. He saw action. He saw mates killed. And he saw the signs that things were going sour in Afghanistan. 

Since leaving the army, Mark completed an MBA in the US, started up a fashion label, became a reality TV star, wrote a number of books and is now considering politics. 

In this episode, I find out WHY someone would take all of this on. 

Mark is the author of two books including his debut novel, Outrider (Macmillan Australia), published 25th June. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the people you see running the country, there is a powerful, faceless army of staffers, advisers and political analysts. 

They can win and lose an election. They can be responsible for the most excellent policies, and they can be responsible for the dirtiest of dirty tricks. 

For 14 years, Kos Samaras was one of those 'faceless' people, working as the deputy campaign director for Labor in Victoria. He's behind one of the most successful Labor elections in Australia - sweeping Dan Andrews into power in landslide election wins.

In this episode, Kos Samaras talks about the personal toll of politics, the power behind the policy and what the Australian public really cares about. 

Kos Samaras is now Director Strategy and Analytics at social research company RedBridge Group. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This a view of the world you don't normally get. It's a view of the world out there, most of us don't know about, from the front line of Policing.

In this episode, I speak to two men: Senior Constable Tom Wilson, and his father, Constable Andrew Wilson, who followed his son into The Job.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jade Benham is a survivor of harrowing domestic violence at the hands of her former partner. She's also a Politician; And she's choosing now to share her very personal story with the world.

In this episode, I'm also joined by Stephen Wilson, the founder and CEO of Protective Group, a support service providing safety and security solutions to vulnerable people. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please contact 1800RESPECT for support.

Call: 1800 737 732

Visit Website: 1800RESPECT

1800RESPECT is available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's no denying AI will shape the future of human life: How we work, live and communicate.

In this episode, I speak to Australia's leading expert on Artificial Intelligence, Professor Toby Walsh, the Chief Scientist at the UNSW AI Institute. He's written a number of books on the subject, and been a vocal supporter of AI intelligence - but he has his concerns too. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're four months into the year, so i'm roping in friends and colleagues Tony Jones and Heidi Murphy, 'The Jock and the Beast', to re-cap this years events so far, debate and discuss the big issues. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I dive into the unexpected, unassuming world of fungi - and what I've found is astounding. 

I speak to Mycologist Dr.Teresa Lebel and discover fungi has the potential to change, save and shape the world like you wouldn't believe. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who controls space will control the Earth. What happens up there impacts every aspect of modern life: Satellites, GPS, power grids. And there are some weird things going on. 

What's happing in space today could help save the world - but it could also help destroy it. 

In this episode I speak to Rebecca Shrimpton, director of Defence and National Security at ASPI, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. She has a warning of what we stand to gain, and what stands to be lost

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After ten years as the Victorian Ombudsman, Deborah Glass is now free to explain how the systems designed to keep the bastards honest are working, when they are failing, and WHY they are so important. 

In one of her last interviews as Ombudsman, Deborah Glass opens up on the personal side of a life spent battling bureaucracy, and standing up for the little guy. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They say it's inevitable. But what sort of world are we heading into with legalised cannabis? 

In this episode, former head of the AFP, barrister and advocate for cannabis reform Mick Palmer, and adolescent psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, discuss the PROS and CONS of an Australia where cannabis is legal. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For more than 20 years, David Koch had one of the most recognisable faces in Australian show biz. But very little is known about Kochie since he stepped down from his role as host of Sunrise in 2023, and what he’s planning for the future. 

In this episode, David Koch tells Neil Mitchell WHY finding fame was an accident, and why the future of small business is so important to him. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you were terminally ill, what would you pay to survive? It's an ugly question, but life is always above money. 

In this episode, multiple myeloma patient Geoff Nyssen and Professor Miles Prince, explain how Geoff's CART T cell treatment in the US saved his life, after he was told he'd only have 10 years to live. 

Neil finds out WHY Australian lives are being lost, because they can't access this treatment. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Rule and John 'Sly' Silvester are the odd couple of crime. One can write, the other can talk. They've built their careers writing, and talking, about the most unpleasant things in life. Murder. Armed robbery. Gang wars.

They revolutionised the way journalists wrote about crime, and they're responsible for bringing one of Australia's most notorious, and now infamous criminals, into public consciousness: Chopper Read. 

In this episode, Andrew Rule and Sly explain why they write, and why some cases still haunt them. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Immigration is one of the greatest policy failures of the past 20 years. It's also one of the least understood.

In this episode, Victorian Chamber of Commerce boss Paul Guerra and former Deputy Secretary for the Department of Immigration, Abul Rizvi, explain how it works, how it's failing, and what it all means for Australia. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Richard Scolyer is the world's leading melanoma pathologist, and along with his colleague Professor Georgina Long, has been named co-Australian of the year. Thanks to them, Australia's national cancer, melanoma, has become a curable disease. 

Now Richard is on a journey to beat another cancer. His own. 

In this episode, professor Richard Scolyer tells Neil why he's become a human guinea pig.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harry Garside surged into the public consciousness at the Tokyo Olympics. He won a lightweight bronze boxing medal, Australia's first for 33 years, and now he's chasing gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

But he's not your average jock. 

In this episode, Harry Garside and his mum Kate, tell Neil Mitchell why:  

This episode discusses sensitive issues around suicide. If you or someone you know needs support, please seek help from a mental health professional, or contact the Lifeline helpline: 13 11 14

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From making headlines with Eddie McGuire, debating protestors on the streets of Melbourne, to his last interview with former Premier Daniel Andrews, this episode is a compilation of some of the most memorable clashes of Neil Mitchell's radio career.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over his career, Neil has had his fair share of the weird, the whacky and the wonderful interviews. Perspectives from a different point of view, different ways of life and ways of thinking. 

From international superstar Jordan Peterson, to closer to home with Fiona Patten and Sam Newman, this episode is a compilation of some of the more unusual conversations, that stuck with Neil over the years. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Mitchell has quit his day job. In this special episode, Neil sits down with two friends and colleagues, Heidi Murphy and Tony Jones, to look back at his radio career; The highs and lows, the behind the scenes chaos, the on air (and off-air) spats, the deadlines, the regrets and the editorial decisions that made Mornings with Neil Mitchell so successful. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke McLeod has put himself through a gruelling reality TV series, not once, but twice. Now, the former Bachelorette star turned meditation guide, opens up on the challenges of life in the public eye, finding enlightenment and fatherhood. 

In this episode, Luke McLeod tells Neil Mitchell Why:  

A recent medical scare turned his life upside down

Saying sorry is so hard for a parent

He desperately wants to be a father

Reality TV changed him

Social media is one of the biggest threats to happiness

He feared his life was on the line 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgie Purcell and Joe McCracken are no ordinary politicians. Joe is a Liberal MP who came out as gay in his maiden speech to parliament. Animal Justice MP Georgie is a lawyer, a former stripper and covered head to toe in tattoos. They're both in their early 30s, opinionated and passionate. 

In this episode, Georgie Purcell and Joe McCracken tell Neil Why: 

The writing is on the wall for the Melbourne Cup

Shame is shaping public debate 

They don't agree on 'that' Jacinta Allan cartoon 

Politician's work "bloody hard"

They both suffer from anxiety

People don't care about politicians 

Also in this episode, Georgie and Joe switch places and ask Neil a couple of questions of their own...

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What you're about to hear sounds like science fiction. Professor Nicholas Opie is leading the world in developing a brain chip, capable of mind control. Through the company he co-founded, Synchron, Nick Opie is close to helping millions of people living with paralysis do things they never dreamed of doing.

Synchron may have been created in Melbourne, but it’s a big deal in Silicon Valley and it’s backed by some of the world's richest and most powerful men - Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos.  

But Nick Opie is not your average professor. He’s something of a genius. An inventor with an altruistic vision. 

In this episode, Professor Nicholas Opie tells Neil Mitchell Why... 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony Abbott was Australia's 28th Prime Minister, but he was only in office for two years before the revolving door hit him on the way out. He was a divisive figure as a politician, and now as a conservative commentator and business person. 

In this episode, Tony Abbott tells Neil Mitchell Why:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ross Coulthart is a distinguished investigative journalist with a sparkling career. But, he's made an extraordinary pivot into the realm of UFOs and the extraterrestrial.

Coulthart has become the face of a growing, global fascination into the world of aliens. In this episode, he tells Neil Mitchell Why he's convinced we are not alone. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Associate Professor Monique Watts is a cardiologist and one of Australia's leading heart failure specialists. She's speaking up with an urgent message for women. 

In this episode, Dr Monique Watts tells Neil Mitchell Why:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Betty Klimenko was abandoned by her drug addicted mother, then adopted by a billionaire. She is now one of the wealthiest women in Australia. Her story is not widely known, but should be the stuff of Australian folklore. 

In this episode, Betty Klimenko tells Neil Mitchell Why:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a rare thing to interview a Prime Minister, uninterrupted, for an hour. In this episode, Anthony Albanese sits down with Neil Mitchell and reveals WHY: 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Avi Yemini is a self described attention seeker. He's a loud mouth, opinionated and largely shunned by the media, but, he might surprise you. 

In this episode, Avi Yemini tells Neil Why...

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane Patton is Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, but beneath the bureaucracy, he's a frontline officer through and through. Over his 40 year career, Shane Patton has seen things that will stay with him for life. He's chosen now to reveal some of those stories. 

In this episode of Neil Mitchel asks Why, Shane Patton reveals...

The terrifying house call that still haunts him to this day.

The truth behind lockdown restrictions in Victoria.

The hardest, most thankless job every police officer has to faced.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Woodland is what you’d call an 'industry disruptor'. A self-made entrepreneur, millionaire and former soldier. He’s a young rich lister, with no business training to speak of. 

In this episode, Mark Woodland reveals WHY: 

He thinks national service is a good thing

Going to the doctor terrifies him 

Flashy cars are more trouble than they’re worth 

He's learnt to be ruthless

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brain McNamee is one of Australia's most successful business people, but chances are you've never heard of him. Back in the 90s, Brian took a broken down government lab and turned it into a multi-billion dollar biotech company, called CSL. 

In this episode, Brian McNamee tells Neil WHY...

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back in 2011, Neil interviewed Australia's three living Victoria Cross recipients at that time: Keith Payne, Mark Donaldson and Ben Roberts-Smith. Now, following Ben Roberts-Smith's highly public fall from grace, Neil is revisiting what the VC recipients had to say. 

In this episode, Neil Mitchell finds out Why... 

They don't consider themselves brave

You never forget a face from combat 

Mortality does not frighten them

Receiving a VC changes your life

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sophie Matterson is restless. It's what makes her adventurous, and led her to being a world record holder. She's the first woman to walk the width of Australia, with a herd of camels. But why did she do it? And what did she learn on her own in the outback? 

In this episode of Neil Mitchell Asks Why, Sophie explains why:

She encountered the best of humanity in the outback 

She's a little bit weird

Camels are the best travel companions 

She thinks all women should find their own adventure

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kerry O'Brien is a veteran journalist with a reputation as a hard-nosed political interviewer. Since quitting his job with the public broadcaster, Kerry has softened his tough exterior, and is free to express his own opinion.

In this episode of Neil Mitchell Asks Why, Kerry shares why:

He got kicked out of school and never made it to university

He's still passionate about Australian politics

He almost joined the army

Nelson Mandela was the greatest political leader of his time

Truth in journalism matters

There is still racism in Australia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matthew Guy has led the Victorian Liberal party to election defeat… twice. For the
first time since his 2022 loss, Matthew has chosen to talk about the trouble plagued
campaign... Why?

In this episode of Neil Mitchell Asks Why, Matthew explains why:

The Liberal Party is being undermined from the inside
He thinks democracy is under threat in Victoria
Politics is brutal and unforgiving

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Baker was a freelance surf writer living a life of bliss, until one day all that changed. At just 50 years old, Tim was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. 

In this episode, Neil Mitchell finds out Why...

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been 11 years since the legendary Jim Stynes passed away from cancer. Neil reflects on one of the most memorable interviews of his broadcasting career with Jim, and another Australian icon, Olivia Newton-John. 

In this episode, Neil Mitchell finds out why..

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leigh Matthews is one of the most famous names in the AFL. His entire life has revolved around football, but very little is known about him outside his career. 

In this episode of Neil Mitchell Asks Why, Leigh explains Why: 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mick Hughes is a former Victoria Police detective and at one point was head of the Homicide Squad. He's chosen now to openly talk about his long and at times painful career... why?

In this episode of Neil Mitchell Asks Why, Mick explains why...

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgie Purcell is the recently elected Member of the Legislative Council for the Animal Justice Party, and her first step is to tell all about her personal life... why?

In this episode of Neil Mitchell Asks Why, Georgie explains why:
She told off farmers at the age of five
She eats in the bath
She has a law degree but has never used it
Sex work is not dirty
You can be a vegan AND pro-choice

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Neil Mitchell Asks Why,a podcast series where Neil interviews high profile and interesting guests to find out why they made the choices they made.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.