4BC Drive with Gary Hardgrave - Highlights

Despite a massive drop in global cocoa prices from record highs, your favourite chocolate treats aren't getting any cheaper at the checkout. Professor David Guest explained the "chocolate crisis" lag and why the beans used for this year’s treats were actually bought at peak prices.

Proposed laws may soon strip under-16s of their e-bikes and require licenses for pedal-assist cycles. Hear how a snap protest this Wednesday aims to stop "draconian" rules from stalling the city’s active travel.

Chief Crime Correspondent Cassie Zervos joined Shane from the scene to reveal how a massive $100 million reward tip-off led heavily armed officers to the fugitive's hideout. Hear the latest details on Freeman's final moments and the unanswered questions about who helped a cop-killer hide for half a year.

Retired supertanker captain Barry Cuneo revealed the lawless reality of navigating the world’s most dangerous oil chokepoint, where "life is cheap" and rules don't exist. From using Marlboros as medical currency to dodging Iranian gunships, hear the harrowing firsthand account of what it’s really like behind the wheel of a $200 million target.

After losing both legs in Afghanistan, veteran Curtis McGrath traded his combat boots for a kayak and a new lease on life. He joined Shane Doherty to share how "larrikinism" saved him in his darkest hour and why he’s now on a mission to get more Australians with disabilities into the game.

Donald Trump has sparked a firestorm by labelling Australia "not great" and questioning the strength of our historic alliance during the conflict in Iran. 

With New Mexico and California courts handing down massive damages for platform-induced harm, the tide is officially turning against Silicon Valley. Andrew Wallace joined the program to explain how these legal precedents could finally force the "kicking and screaming" tech industry to prioritise safety over algorithms.

Labor Opposition Leader Jared Cassidy joined Shane Doherty to reveal "damning" reports suggesting a decade of underinvestment has left the Story Bridge in a state of decay.  As major Easter closures loom for both the bridge and rail networks, find out why Cassidy believed your holiday commute is paying the price for the Lord Mayor’s "dropped ball."

From "opt-out" fine print to physical SIM card removals, listeners reveal the lengths they are going to to keep the government out of their air conditioning units. Shane Doherty dived into the growing fears over remote power control and whether mandatory smart meters are truly around the corner.

Master Plumbers Association of Queensland CEO Penny Cornah joined Shane Dougherty on 4BC Drive to highlight the urgent need for more female plumbers to combat a statewide workforce shortage affecting housing and Olympic infrastructure. She also revealed how surging PVC pipe costs and a lack of employer subsidies are placing heavy financial burdens on local plumbing businesses.

The Queensland Government has narrowed down consortia for a new 17,000-seat Brisbane Arena at the Gabba while fast-tracking Olympic construction at Victoria Park. However, the Victoria Park development faces fierce backlash from former mayors who are planning federal legal action to save the heritage-listed site.

AMA Queensland President Dr. Nick Yim joined Shane Dougherty on 4BC Drive to warn of a potentially severe flu season, urging residents to combat "vaccine fatigue" by taking advantage of free immunisations, including a new nasal spray for toddlers. They also covered the AMA's support for treating minor drug possession as a health issue rather than a criminal offence.

Following the tragic passing of TV personality Mel Schilling, Shane Dougherty on 4BC Drive slammed the Queensland government for delaying a much-needed $1 billion cancer treatment centre. He highlighted severe concerns from medical professionals that prioritising a new stadium next to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital will create dangerous traffic bottlenecks for ambulances and vulnerable patients.

2025 Queensland Australian of the Year nominee and Emmanuel City Mission founder, Roby Curtis, will tackle the 2500-kilometre walking challenge next month, in an effort to raise $1-million for Emmanuel City Mission’s homelessness services.  You can donate to Roby's walk here.

Recent data shows that interest in electric vehicles has exploded, with online searches for EVs jumping more than 70% since the fuel crisis hit. Electric models even hit a record last month, making up nearly 12% of all new car sales in Australia.  Managing Editor of Wheels Magazine, Trent Nikolic, joined Shane Doherty on 4BC Drive to help us understand the sometimes mysterious world of electric vehicles.

The Queensland government is set to accept 28 recommendations made by a parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility devices. The recommendations include banning the use of e-mobility devices for children under 16, reducing the speed limit on footpaths to 10 km/h, and giving police the power to randomly breath test riders.

Today, the Federal Government officially signed off on a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement with the European Union that has been 10 years in the making. Cattle Australia has labeled the negotiations "disingenuous" and the final deal "appalling" for regional Australia.  Board Director at Cattle Australia, David Foote, told Shane Doherty on 4BC Drive that the deal is 'worse than a kick in the guts.

Experts are concerned about high levels of screen time shrinking our brains, leading to an increase in early-onset dementia in young people. Cognitive neuroscientist, Dr. Mark Williams, has travelled the world publicising this concern, and he joined Shane Doherty on 4BC Drive to discuss his findings.

Shane Doherty on 4BC Drive has a suggestion for saving us all a lot of grief... and a lot of petrol.

Earlier this month, Police Minister Dan Purdie moved to outlaw the three-strike policy, cracking down on what they call a gateway to addiction and criminal offending. The changes would mean only first-time offenders would be referred to a drug diversion program, while further offending would incur fines or criminal charges. Richard French joined Shane Doherty on 4BC Drive to discuss the proposal.   

Nine News reporter Pat Heaney joined us from the ground in Cooktown to explain how a last-minute northern "duck" saved the community of Coen from a direct hit by Category 4 winds. While roofs have been stripped and remote towns remain isolated by floodwaters, find out why authorities are feeling a massive sense of relief despite the 250km/h gusts.

Forget the two-week party; the real value of the 2032 Olympics lies in the world-class infrastructure that stays behind for Queensland families. Swimming Australia CEO Rob Woodhouse explained how the new National Aquatic Centre will transform from a 20,000-seat arena into a community hub for the next fifty years.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s attempt to mark the end of Ramadan at the Lakemba Mosque took a sharp turn when local leaders and crowds confronted him over his stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. Hear the raw audio of the exchange and why critics are questioning the PM’s "business as usual" response to the unfolding drama.

Australia is literally throwing away enough food to fill the Melbourne Cricket Ground ten times over, costing our economy a staggering $36 billion every year. Wendy Hughes from End Food Waste Australia joined the show to explain how simple household habit shifts can save the average family $50 a week at the checkout.

The Wokey Pokey is our weekly opportunity to laugh at the world of woke that is slowly taking over...  because if you don’t laugh - you cry. 

Senator James Paterson joined Gary Hardgrave to sound the alarm on Australia’s depleted surface fleet, claiming our warships lack the modern defences needed to survive a drone-filled battlefield. He argued that without urgent investment in sovereign manufacturing, the nation remains a "sitting duck" reliant on allies who are growing tired of doing the heavy lifting.

Heart Foundation dietitian Gemma O'Hanlon joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Drive to bust common myths about nuts and weight gain, revealing that a staggering 98% of people don't meet their daily 30-gram requirement. She explained how eating a handful of any unsalted nut variety each day provides essential fibre and can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.

Public policy expert Dr Scott Prasser joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Drive to strongly criticise the Queensland government's $100 Back to School Boost, labelling it a "placebo policy" that fails to target families in genuine need. The pair discussed how universal, non-means-tested handouts contribute to inflation, ultimately suggesting alternative solutions like tax deductibility or cutting government spending entirely.

Brisbane City Council is tackling the housing crisis by proposing massive high-rise developments of up to 30 storeys around major shopping centres like Carindale and Indooroopilly. The move has sparked severe backlash from locals in suburbs like Wynnum, who fear the changing landscape despite the Council's assurances of better transport and housing supply.

Queensland Rail is facing heavy criticism over a proposal to remove staff from select train stations after 1:00 PM and on weekends, starting in May. Union leaders and commentators argue this undermines passenger safety and completely ignores the massive surge in public transport use driven by the new 50-cent fares.

Shadow Energy Minister Dan Tehan joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Drive to heavily criticise Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Energy Minister Chris Bowen for a severe lack of leadership during Australia's escalating fuel shortage. He argued that immediate action, such as boosting oil exploration and increasing domestic storage, is desperately needed to keep the country's diesel-reliant economy moving.

The Indian Myna bird has officially been declared a public enemy in Mackay, but experts warn this "flying cane toad" is a national crisis threatening to wipe out our iconic native species. From stealing nests to killing young kookaburras, find out why these "super-smart" invaders are winning the battle for our suburbs and what you can do to join the resistance.

Matt Canavan warned that real wages have plummeted to 2011 levels and outlined his strategy to "expand Australia" through mining and manufacturing. Listen to his plan to reverse the 14 interest rate rises that he claims are crushing local families.

As fuel stocks dwindle and political leaders debate emergency measures, we look back at the 1940s and 70s to see if "even-odd" license plate days are making a comeback. Listen to the full deep dive to find out how jet fuel shortages could ground commercial flights and why your Easter road trip might be at risk.

As the RBA delivers another stinging interest rate hike, David Koch revealed why federal and state projects are actually driving up your cost of living. Discover which "essential" household expenses you should cut immediately to survive the looming economic squeeze.

The Wokey Pokey is our weekly opportunity to laugh at the world of woke that is slowly taking over...  because if you don’t laugh - you cry. 

The 2026 NRL season has started with a whimper for Queensland’s elite clubs, leaving fans and pundits wondering where the "grit" has gone. Veteran scribe Robert "Crash" Craddock joined Gary Hardgrave to dissect the disappointing form of the Broncos, Cowboys, and Titans, while offering a glimmer of hope for a Dolphins resurgence.

Foreign editor Greg Sheridan joined Gary to deliver a blistering reality check on why the federal government is refusing to send ships to aid international efforts in the Middle East.  He argued that years of neglect have left our Navy "defunct," revealing the startling lack of operational vessels and missiles actually available to defend Australian interests.

Australia is currently holding less than four weeks of fuel in reserve, leaving our food and medical supplies more vulnerable to global collapse than those of Cuba. Listen to this hard-hitting analysis on why the government ignored a decade of warnings and how a simple registration-plate rationing system could be our only way to save the traditional Easter road trip.

From the South Side of Brisbane to national folklore, the passing of Jamie Dunn has sparked a heartfelt debate about the future of his iconic companion. Shane Doherty explored why the "talking bath mat" deserves a permanent home alongside Queensland’s greatest icons at the museum.

With Queensland’s electoral map undergoing its biggest transformation in years, political scientist Paul Williams joined Shane Doherty to break down why seats like Hill and Stretton are vanishing. Discover how shifting populations, not sneaky politics, are recalibrating the "roulette wheel" of our state elections and what it means for your next vote.

After years of legal battling over "ghost flights" and restrictive credits, Qantas has finally agreed to a massive nine-figure settlement for impacted passengers. Find out if you’re eligible for a cash refund and why critics say this "drop in the ocean" payout isn't enough to punish the airline.

As conflict in the Middle East sends fuel prices soaring, Australia finds itself with significant "skin in the game" and a looming threat to superannuation. Shane Doherty took a look at why this war isn’t just a headline—it’s a direct hit to your grocery basket and your retirement plans.

The Wokey Pokey is our weekly opportunity to laugh at the world of woke that is slowly taking over...  because if you don’t laugh - you cry. 

Lyndy Atkinson joined Gary to discuss the "torturous" legal loopholes allowing a convicted killer to appeal his 16-year sentence for the fatal stabbing of 70-year-old Vyleen White. She revealed the shocking reality of youth sentencing where "life" sentences are being whittled down to just months, leaving victims' families in a cycle of constant trauma.

Former Broncos captain Alex Glenn opened up about his transition from star player to official pitchside "hype man" and the tactical role the crowd plays in disrupting the opposition's communication. He also shared a candid look at the team’s headspace as they look to bounce back from a tough start to 2025.

With a massive hole left in the forward pack, Peter discusses the rumours surrounding a potential move for veteran front-rower Mitch Barnett. Learn why this experienced signing could be the key to supporting Adam Reynolds in what many hope is a premiership-winning swan song.

Brisbane Roar CEO Kaz Patafta joined Gary Hardgrave to discuss the club's open invitation to the asylum-seeking Iranian players. Listen to how the club is offering these elite athletes a place to train, belong, and continue their professional careers without the weight of political pressure.

New psychosocial regulations have seen mental health claims jump by nearly 50% in a single year, with the average payout now dwarfing physical injury costs. Dr. Alan Patching joined Gary to discuss whether these laws are protecting vulnerable workers or creating a "shonky" system ripe for abuse.

Why is Australian superannuation funding bridges in Canada while, our own projects sit stuck in eight years of red tape? Gary dove into the "imagination deficit" stalling our nation-building, and why we need to stop admiring the problem and start pouring the concrete.