Best Phillips Obrien Podcasts (2024)

1
The Art of the Possible: Discussing Strategy for Ukrainian Victory (with Phillips O'Brien) 34:15

13d ago34:15

34:15

Disclaimer: This episode was recorded before the Biden administration announced it would allow Ukraine to carry out limited strikes inside of Russia using US-made weapons. In many ways, Ukraine is fighting with one hand tied behind its back as its access to weapons systems has been limited. On this episode of The Eastern Front, Giselle, Dalibor, an…

1
The Future of Georgian Democracy: Challenges and Opportunities (with Shota Gvineria) 36:19

1h ago36:19

36:19

Since the ruling Georgian Dream party passed a controversial 'foreign agents' law in the face of mass public protests, fears about Russian influence and the future of Georgian democracy have been heightened. On this episode of The Eastern Front, Giselle, Dalibor, and Iulia welcome Shota Gvineria, a lecturer at the Baltic Defence College and senior …

1
Gavin Grey: Europe Correspondent on the rescue of migrants in the Mediterranean 3:02

14m ago3:02

3:02

Dozens of migrants have been rescued from a sinking ship in the Mediterranean. German aid group RESQSHIP said it picked up 51 people from a sinking wooden boat, including two unconscious people, and found ten bodies trapped in the lower deck. A second ship sank nearby, and 64 people total are still missing from the vessels. Europe Correspondent Gav…

1
Victor Billot: Maritime Union spokesperson on the ballooning costs of maintaining the Interislander ferries 3:35

14m ago3:35

3:35

Maintenance on ageing Interislander ferries is seen as a short-term solution by the Maritime Union. Estimated annual maintenance costs to keep KiwiRail’s three ageing Interislander ferries running could almost double to $65 million by next year, and keeping the ferries afloat will be an “ongoing battle”. A previous assessment of the fleet’s conditi…

1
John Moffat: Bovine disease vaccine research lead on the impact of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea on costs 2:49

26m ago2:49

2:49

There’s hopes an improved vaccine against an infectious disease running rife through New Zealand cattle could ease costs for farmers. The Ministry for Primary Industries is backing a project which aims to develop a modified vaccine against Bovine Viral Diarrhoea. It impacts about 80% of our dairy and beef herds and costs the industry more than $190…

1
Ruth Money: Victims advocate on the introduction of time frame goals in the justice system 4:48

14m ago4:48

4:48

A victims' advocate says new measures to address court backlogs are doable if all players in the system play their part. The Chief District Court Judge has introduced maximum waiting times based on the seriousness of the crime. For the least serious category —where there's no risk of prison— the aim is six months. Independent victims' advocate Ruth…

1
Donna Demaio: Australia Correspondent on the talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang 2:20

15m ago2:20

2:20

Following his visit to New Zealand, the Chinese Premier has begun his visit to Australia. Li Qiang was greeted by hundreds of supporters and protestors upon his arrival in Canberra on Sunday, receiving a ceremonial welcome at Parliament House. Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking that there has been talks of better military commu…

1
Ro Edge: Save Women's Sport Spokesperson on the Government taking a watching brief on transgender involvement in community sport 3:09

17m ago3:09

3:09

The Government's changed its tune on transgender people participating in community sports. A policy in the New Zealand First-National Coalition agreement threatened to withhold public funding if sports bodies didn't separate trans athletes from grassroots competitions. After feedback from Sport New Zealand, Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bisho…

1
Malcolm Fleming: Certified Builders CEO on the proposed building law change to building small dwellings 2:38

2h ago2:38

2:38

The Government promises “granny flats” of 60 square metres or less will be easier to build after planning changes that will force councils to permit small dwellings on rural and residential zones without resource consent. Making it easier to build granny flats was part of NZ First’s coalition agreement with National. NZ First leader Winston Peters,…

1
Andrew Alderson: ZB sports reporter on the reduced crowd numbers for Super Rugby semi-finals 4:31

7m ago4:31

4:31

This weekend's Super Rugby semifinals have raised a few eyebrows over their smaller-than expected attendance numbers. ZB sports reporter Andrew Alderson suspects this is because these Super Rugby matches had to compete with this weekend's Warriors' clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on the Princess of Wales making her first public appearance following cancer diagnosis 3:04

1d ago3:04

3:04

The Princess of Wales has returned to the public eye for King's Birthday celebrations, making her first public appearance this year. Kate faced wild internet speculation on her whereabouts earlier this year before revealing she's undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer. She was pictured smiling, sitting alongside her three children in a carria…

1
Mark Potter: NZEI president responds to Ministerial Advisory Group recommending checkpoint tests and a stronger focus on handwriting 3:12

12m ago3:12

3:12

One teachers' union is concerned abut the recommended changes to teaching standards in a new report. The Ministerial Advisory Group reviewing English and maths learning has recommended annual 'checkpoint' tests for students. It also recommends children be encouraged to write by hand as much as possible for their first three years at school - and cu…

1
Jason Walls: ZB political editor on Prime Minister Luxon's trip to Japan being impacted by plane breakdown 4:45

4m ago4:45

4:45

Christopher Luxon is on the ground in Japan, but his business delegation won't be touching down for another day. The Prime Minister's plane has broken down yet again, this time while refuelling in Papua New Guinea. Luxon's been forced to fly commercial to Tokyo, while the business leaders, officials and others in his delegation are travelling to Br…

1
Episode 10 - Anna Lapwood - Abandoned monastery organ - Crisis in Scotland 1:07:08

3h ago1:07:08

1:07:08

In this episode, Mark O'Brien is joined by organ builder David Wood as they engage in some organ archaeology whilst exploring an abandoned organ in an old monastery chapel in Staffordshire. https://www.woodofhuddersfield.com/ https://npor.org.uk/survey/D02316 A crisis is facing the pipe organ in Scotland as hundreds of churches are earmarked for cl…

1
Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent on the Labour Party announcing their manifesto 3:35

6m ago3:35

3:35

Britain’s Labour Party has launched its manifesto. It said on Thursday that it would be “pro-business” and prioritise “wealth creation”. Among the party’s flagship pledges is the creation of a new publicly owned energy company, a ban on awarding new North Sea oil and gas licences, and reducing medical wait times. UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney t…

1
Sam Ackerman: Sports Commentator ahead of the Super Rugby semifinals this weekend 3:06

12m ago3:06

3:06

It’s a big weekend in sports as the Super Rugby semifinals kick off tonight. The Blues and the Brumbies are facing off at Eden Park tonight, the Hurricanes and the Chiefs going head-to-head in Wellington’s Sky Stadium tomorrow afternoon. Sports Commentator Sam Ackerman told Mike Hosking that if he could only watch one of the matches, he’d take the …

1
Dr Jamie Hosking: Healthy Auckland Together spokesperson on the removal of 24-7 speed reductions around schools 2:40

22m ago2:40

2:40

There’s been push back against the Government's plan to scrap around the clock speed limits outside schools. The Coalition's reversing speed limit reductions implemented over the past four years under the previous Government. The draft report wants speed limits in place at the start and end of each school day as opposed to the current 24-7 system. …

1
Dellwyn Stuart: Mind the Gap co-Founder on the Government's decision to make gender gap pay reporting voluntary 4:02

32m ago4:02

4:02

The Government's ditching plans to make gender pay gap reporting compulsory. The Labour Government pledged it would require companies with more than 250 workers to publish a pay gap report. But acting Minister for Women Louise Upston's instead developing a tool for businesses to calculate pay gaps voluntarily. Mind the Gap Co-Founder Dellwyn Stuart…

1
Navigating the Black Sea Arena: Turkey's Geostrategic Puzzle (with Ozgur Ünlühisarcikli) 34:15

1d ago34:15

34:15

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Turkey has attempted to balance its relationship with Russia and its commitments to NATO. On this episode of The Eastern Front, Giselle, Dalibor, and Iulia welcome Ozgur Ünlühisarcikli, regional director of the German Marshall Fund in Turkey, to give his insights on Turkish politics and strategy. How has T…

1
Katherine Firkin: US Correspondent on the Hunter Biden verdict and his likely appeal 3:31

6d ago3:31

3:31

Yesterday saw another historic ruling in the United States, as Hunter Biden was found guilty in his federal gun trial. The conviction makes him the first child of a sitting President to be found guilty of a crime. He was convicted of three gun offences for lying about drug use while illegally buying and possessing a gun in 2018. US Correspondent Ka…

1
Mark Smith: ASB Senior Economist on the number of NZ Citizens leaving New Zealand 3:14

6d ago3:14

3:14

There's an expectation New Zealanders will continue to file out of the country in high numbers. The latest figures from Stats NZ show more than 130,000 people left the country in the year to April, the highest number on record. Among those were a record 81,200 NZ citizens. ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith told Mike Hosking that we are moving in the …

1
Gavin Male: NZ Compare CEO on the problems with New Zealand's electricity business model 4:01

24m ago4:01

4:01

There’s a belief that there's a problem with the New Zealand electricity business model, not just the new disclosure rules. Gentailers —companies that both generate and sell electricity— are required to disclose the price they use internally to sell power to their retail arms. But NZIER research found the new disclosure rules don't provide enough i…

1
Gabrielle O'Brien: Rural Women NZ CEO on the growing lack of faith in rural banks 3:22

9m ago3:22

3:22

It's thought New Zealanders' faith in rural banks is dwindling. The Government's requested for the Finance and Expenditure and Primary Production select committees to lead a joint inquiry into rural banking. Rural Women NZ says their communities are facing a range of problems including banking competition and customer service. Chief Executive Gabri…

1
Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the rise in the unemployment and inactivity rates in the UK 2:57

13m ago2:57

2:57

Unemployment is hitting the UK hard. It’s unexpectedly risen to its highest level for two and a half years, climbing to 4.4% in the three months to April. On the other hand, wage growth has remained strong and is outstripping inflation, having increased at an annual rate of 2.9%. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking the other striking figu…

1
Chris Budge: Private Investigator on the $80 thousand reward in the Phillips children missing person case 4:49

5m ago4:49

4:49

Police have already received tips on the back of the $80 thousand reward offered in the case of the Phillips children. The now eight, nine, and ten year olds, along with their father Tom Phillips, have been missing since 2021. They're believed to be in western Waikato, near or in Marokopa. Police have given two weeks for the reward to be claimed an…

1
Jason Krupp: Meat Industry Association Advocacy Manager on the Government's decision to work with farmers to price emissions 2:35

12m ago2:35

2:35

The Government's decision to work with farmers to price their emissions by 2030 is being welcomed by the industry. A law change will stop farming being charged through the Emissions Trading Scheme, which offsets credits against emitting. It was a fallback option if partnership group He Waka Eka Noa didn't find an alternative for agriculture. Meat I…

1
Simon Parham: Waitomo Group CEO on the Commerce Commission calling out fuel prices ahead of the removal of the Auckland Fuel Tax 3:53

20m ago3:53

3:53

A fuel retailer's applauding the Commerce Commission for raising awareness about prices at the pump ahead of the removal of Auckland's fuel tax. The commission's calling out retailers who lag in dropping prices at the pump, saying it's costing motorists millions each year. It says it's a timely reminder, with the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax being re…

1
Lesley Yeomans: Australia Correspondent on the Hornsby Shire council being ordered to repay $36 million 3:46

7d ago3:46

3:46

A council in Australia’s New South Wales is displeased after being ordered to repay millions of dollars. The NSW Government has ordered the Hornsby Shire council to repay $36 million as after six years, it still has yet to develop and build a park. Hornsby Mayor Philip Ruddock, a former federal minister, has accused the government of looking to sav…

1
Pete Wolfkamp: Newstalk ZB's Resident Builder on house building costs stabilising 3:56

14m ago3:56

3:56

The cost of building a new home's starting to stabilise. Figures from QV CostBuilder show the average cost to build a three-bedroom home in main centres has risen by 1.8% for the year, and 0.3% this quarter. It compares to an annual average increase of nearly 5% last December, and nearly 10% last June. Newstalk ZB’s Resident Builder Pete Wolfkamp t…

1
Grant Duncan: Political commentator on the potential misuse of Census data by Te Pāti Māori 3:36

30m ago3:36

3:36

A political scientist says the allegations that Census data has been misused by a political party would be very concerning if true. The Prime Minister's announced the Public Service Commission will undertake an independent investigation amid allegations surrounding Te Pāti Māori and Manurewa Marae. It relates to the misuse of Census data and Covid-…

1
Geoffrey Miller: International Relations Expert on Chinese Premier Li Qiang's visit to New Zealand 4:00

5m ago4:00

4:00

It's expected China will try to sweeten the pot for New Zealand. Chinese Premier Li Qiang will arrive in Wellington this week, the first such visit since 2017. International relations expert Geoffrey Miller told Mike Hosking that expects he'll want to cover business, education, and likely New Zealand's position on AUKUS. He says tempting offers wil…

1
John Carnegie: Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive on government decision to reverse oil exploration ban 4:32

9d ago4:32

4:32

The Government will remove the 2018 ban on petroleum exploration beyond onshore Taranaki. The decision's being labelled a 'backwards step' by environmentalist groups. Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive, John Carnegie, told Mike Hosking “In New Zealand, the ironic thing is coal has been a balancing energy fuel.” Carnegie said “There’s plenty …

1
Gavin Grey: UK and Europe Correspondent on the death of TV Doctor Michael Mosley 2:55

19m ago2:55

2:55

British TV presenter Michael Mosley has been found dead on the Greek Island of Symi after disappearing while on holiday last week. The 67-year-old healthy living advocate, had been a prominent face on TV in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. His body was found as teams were searching the coastline with cameras, and searchers were approaching a cav…

1
Tony Johnson: Sports Commentator ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinals 4:17

19h ago4:17

4:17

The Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinals are kicking off this weekend. The Hurricanes are still sitting at the top of the table, just ahead of the Blues on a points differential. The Chiefs are starting the action, facing off against the Reds tonight at 7pm. Sports Commentator Tony Johnson told Mike Hosking that the season is heading towards a pretty …

1
Nick Leggett: Infrastructure NZ CEO on the $4b investment in pothole prevention 3:40

22h ago3:40

3:40

It's a much-needed record funding boost in pothole prevention. The Transport Agency's confirmed it'll put just over $2 billion into prevention on state highways, and nearly $2 billion for local roads. It'll cover resealing, rehabilitation, and drainage maintenance, with more than 62,000 holes recorded last year. Infrastructure New Zealand chief exe…

1
Bryan Betty: General Practice NZ Chair on the increasing number of Kiwis unable to access specialist care 4:04

22h ago4:04

4:04

A concerning healthcare trend finds more Kiwis unable to access specialist care, leaving GPs to manage cases without extra resources. Otago University has found between 2018 and 2022, the risk of being declined referred specialist services increased significantly, by 5.2%. General Practice New Zealand chair Bryan Betty told Mike Hosking that the th…

1
Katherine Firkin: US Correspondent on Boeing's Starliner capsule's launch 3:30

2d ago3:30

3:30

Third time’s a charm for Boeing as its first manned ship takes off to space. Previous launch attempts had been called off due to system and machinery failures. Two veteran NASA astronauts are riding aboard the Starliner capsule, on a journey to the International Space Station. US correspondent Katherine Firkin told Mike Hosking that it's a much-nee…

1
Kathy Wolfe: Early Childhood NZ CEO on the Ministry of Regulation review on the sector 3:43

2d ago3:43

3:43

The Early Childhood Sector is welcoming the Ministry of Regulation review. Regulation Minister David Seymour's saying affordability, access, and regulation will be tackled in the review. In six months, a report will be sent back with recommendations for Cabinet on rules that could be removed or changed. Early Childhood New Zealand Chief Executive K…

1
Peter Dunne: Political Commentator says the allegations against Te Pāti Māori need to be handled carefully 3:51

8d ago3:51

3:51

The allegations against Te Pāti Māori need to be handled with sensitivity. It's been alleged information collected at Auckland's Manurewa Marae was used to help the party's election campaign, something Te Pāti Māori denies. Stats NZ has appointed an investigator, Police have received a complaint, and the Privacy Commissioner's considering what to d…

1
Leanne Watson: Business Canterbury CEO on the proposed changes to the Holidays Act 3:33

2d ago3:33

3:33

There's hopes the holiday law changes will benefit Kiwi businesses. The Government's drafting legislation and will put it out for consultation in September. It includes proposing moving annual leave from an entitlement system to an accrual system and linking sick leave to hours worked. Business Canterbury CEO Leeann Watson told Mike Hosking that th…

1
Adam Blair: Former Warrior on Christchurch Council being urged to back the bid for a South Island NRL team 3:49

3d ago3:49

3:49

The Christchurch Council is being urged to back the bid for a South Island NRL team. It’s said the team could bring in $50 million in revenue for the city each year. The call’s come from South Island NRL Bid ltd, led by Canterbury Rugby League Chairman Tony Kidd, and is a rival bid to David Moffett’s South Island Kea. Adam Blair, former Warriors pl…

1
Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the newly revealed details of abandoned Baby Elsa 3:29

3d ago3:29

3:29

UK police are still unable to find the parents they say abandoned three babies across East London across seven years. DNA testing shows newborn Baby Elsa —found in a park earlier this year— is the sibling of two others found similarly in 2017 and 2019. UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking that a judge has made allowances because of the cas…

1
Shaun Robinson: Mental Health Foundation CEO on the dropping rate of people accessing specialist services 3:13

3d ago3:13

3:13

More people are getting mental health support in primary care, but not as many are accessing specialist services. A Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission report shows more people are receiving community-based care. But access to specialist services dropped from 3.8% of people in 2018 and 19 to 3.4% in 2022 and 23. Mental Health Foundation Chief Ex…

1
Andrew Alderson: ZB Sports Reporter on the Super Rugby matchups, T20 World Cup 4:31

4d ago4:31

4:31

The T20 World Cup is coming up soon, and New Zealand has been put out in the back paddock with no games in the United States. The Super Rugby quarterfinals have been set after a tense weekend of matches. The Blues are on top of the board, and the final looks to be between them, the Hurricanes, or the Chiefs. Andrew Alderson wrapped the long weekend…

1
Mark Mitchell: Police Minister on the large boy racer event in Levin over the weekend 4:00

7d ago4:00

4:00

Police Minister Mark Mitchell says there’s been a drop in respect for police over the past six to seven years and they have become “punching bags” - and he wants to fix it. Speaking to Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking about a large boy racer event in Levin on the weekend - in which two police officers were hurt - Mitchell said police had been overwhelmed…

1
Robert Patman: Otago University International Relations Professor on Christopher Luxon's visits to Fiji and Nuie 3:26

15d ago3:26

3:26

The Prime Minister will be doing what he can to steer clear of Fiji's domestic political issues while there. Christopher Luxon's visiting Fiji and Niue this week, his first visit to the region as PM. The Fiji trip will have a significant trade and economic focus and includes a meeting with the country's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. Otago Univers…

1
Episode 16: The Biden Administration Allows Ukraine to Attack Into Russia (Finally) 28:37

13d ago28:37

28:37

Mykola and Phillips are back with their latest Ukraine-Russia War Talk Podcast. We go into detail about the big story of the week, the decision by the Biden Administration to allow Ukraine (to a limited degree) to fire into Russia. We discuss how its taken so long, what it might do, and Ukrainian opinion on the matter. Then we discuss Ukrainian str…

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