4BC Drive with Gary Hardgrave - Highlights

Move over, Paris and New York; new data has officially ranked Brisbane as the global leader for raising a family based on safety, green spaces, and cost of living. Stephen Zeller from Compare the Market joined Gary Hardgrave to discuss why the River City took the top spot and how our "tribal" suburban loyalty might actually be our secret weapon.

Fed-up Queenslanders are demanding a "broken windows" approach to policing as hooning and car thefts spiral out of control. Gary Hardgrave explored why proactive enforcement and a "boot up the backside" might be the only way to stop minor anti-social behaviour from turning into fatal motorway tragedies.

The mural is signed, the "Ed-ale" is flowing, and Mayor Teresa Harding couldn't be prouder of how Ipswich rallied to lure a global superstar to town.  

After nearly a year of gingerbread biscuits, community choirs, and relentless "Ed Watch," the impossible just happened: Ed Sheeran officially touched down in Ipswich to sign his mural at the Hotel Commonwealth. Hear the moment of pure victory as we celebrate the massive community spirit that proved if you channel enough positivity, even global superstars can't stay away.

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.  

After meeting the "Queen's favourite son" twice over two decades, Gary talks about the startling shift from a charming war hero to a smug, entitled man who finally ran out of luck. 

Dozens of rough sleepers were moved on today as Brisbane City Council and Police launched a massive safety operation at a well-known inner-city park. Discover the "grave fears" for public safety, including over 1,500 recovered needles, that forced authorities to take immediate, heavy-duty action.

From a mural in the streets to "ginger Ed" biscuits at the bar, the mission to bring a global superstar to Ipswich is reaching a fever pitch!

Gary revealed his royal connections while a surprise guest with a direct link to Ed’s inner circle shares a special message for the singer. If Oprah and Jim Carrey can manifest their dreams, discover why the "Ed-stravaganza" might actually be written in the stars.

Phil DiBella argued that if the Australian government were a private company, its leaders would be in jail for their lack of accountability and basic qualifications. The coffee mogul and small business champion joined the Ministry of Common Sense to explain why we must stop hiring based on popularity and start demanding "the right people in the right seats on the bus."

In a fiery return to the frontbench, Michaelia Cash drew a line in the sand regarding the return of ISIS brides to Australian suburbs. Hear why she believes the government’s current legal strategy is a "load of crap" that puts our way of life at risk.

The Brisbane City Council has unveiled a proposal to add hundreds of new homes to the quiet, "1950s-style" suburb of Sandgate, sparking a heated debate over heritage and high-rises. Local Councillor Jarred Cassidy weighed in on whether the area can survive "densification" without losing its unique village feel and risking increased flood threats.

Before dropping into the run of his life, Aussie mogul skier Cooper Woods was lying in the snow trying to find a moment of Zen. Hear the Olympic champion describe the "terrifying" moment he realised he was skiing last against the G.O.A.T., and why he ended up standing on the podium in a borrowed pair of UGG boots.

Government tobacco taxes have backfired so spectacularly that 90% of cigarettes are forecast to be sold illegally by the end of the decade. Theo Foukarre from the Australian Association of Convenience Stores joined Gary Hardgrave to explain how high prices are fuelling a violent black market while sending local "mum and dad" shops broke.

Angus Taylor is clearing the deck and bringing back the "exiles," with Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Andrew Hastie returning to the frontbench in high-stakes roles. Listen in to find out why this reshuffle is being called a "statement of intent" for the future of the Coalition.

Normally, they’re fighting for ratings—today, they’re fighting for a pop star. Gary (4BC) and Matt Acton (B105) collaborate to track down the phoneless Ed Sheeran before his Brisbane shows. They compare notes on secret sources, the "Ed Beeran" brews, and why an Ipswich pub owner from Redcliffe might be the key to landing the biggest surprise gig in Queensland history.

What’s it like to watch your daughter hurtle down an ice track at 120km/h? Bree Walker’s parents, Judie and Mick, joined Gary live from the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.  From borrowing second-hand gear to becoming a world-class medal contender, they share the incredible journey of Australia’s "Monobob" pioneer and the "grit and resilience" it takes to compete when you come from a country with no snow.

With One Nation now rivalling the major parties in the latest polls, Chief of Staff James Ashby discussed the growing dissatisfaction fuelling their rise. He broke down why blue-collar workers are abandoning Labor and how the party plans to dismantle the "Team Red vs. Team Blue" stronghold over the next two years.

As the Year of the Fire Horse kicks off, a new political battleground is forming over the future of Australian migration and national identity. Explore why over 60% of voters are now siding with "Australia First" policies and whether the Labor government has lost touch with the working class.

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.

From resuscitating a friend at age 12 to standing atop the Olympic podium, Cooper Woods’ journey to gold is defined by split-second bravery. Discover the incredible backstory of the Merimbula local who defied the odds in Italy and the special spectator who travelled from London to witness his historic win.

The Liberal Party’s move to Angus Taylor is about more than a new face; it’s a desperate final stand against the "woke" internal influences that side lined Peter Dutton and buried the truth of the 2025 election defeat.  

As a wave of frontbenchers resigns to back Angus Taylor, Shadow Minister Scott Buchholz explained why a "handshake deal" means he’s sticking with Sussan Ley regardless of the heat. Hear the candid moment he described the "lollies" being promised behind the scenes and why he’s willing to risk his own ministry for his word.

Southeast Queensland is facing a massive three-day weather event with up to 240mm of rain predicted for coastal hubs like Brisbane Airport and Robina. Find out exactly when the heaviest falls will hit your suburb and why authorities are calling it a "boat-building" forecast.

Experience the spine-tingling sound of 1,000 international performers as the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo transforms Suncorp Stadium into a sea of kilts and bagpipes. Officer in Charge Jodie Randall joined Gary Hardgrave to reveal the "Brisbane-exclusive" surprises and the local heroes representing the Queensland Police on this massive global stage.

Policy expert Dr Scott Prasser joined the Ministry of Common Sense to argue that Australia is repeating the expensive mistakes of the past by funnelling billions into electric vehicle subsidies. He warned that these handouts are merely "virtue signalling" that benefits overseas manufacturers and wealthy buyers while doing virtually nothing for the environment.

The countdown to Ed Sheeran’s Queensland arrival is on, and one local pub is taking "Ipswich pride" to a whole new level. Gary chatted with the team who brewed a dedicated "Ed Beeran" lager to prove that our Ipswich is the only place the superstar should be playing his next surprise pop-up.

Investigative reporter Nick McKenzie revealed the shocking details of a "political cover-up" where chapters detailing government inaction were stripped from a landmark corruption report. Discover how bikie gangs and gangland fixers infiltrated major infrastructure projects, leaving taxpayers to foot a staggering $15 billion bill.

Sultana Deen from the Islamic Council of Queensland joined Gary Hardgrave to explain why the government’s plan to ban extremist symbols might be targeting the core tenets of Islam. She warned that banning certain Arabic scripts is the equivalent of banning the crucifix, potentially demonising thousands of law-abiding families for displaying their faith at home.

The sentencing of Nathan McEwan for the death of his dog, Arnie, has sparked national outrage after he avoided a criminal conviction despite a "snowball of lies." Former RSPCA Queensland CEO Mark Townend joined the program to explain why a shift in prosecution powers to government bureaucrats is resulting in a "soft touch" for animal abusers.

In a stunning courtroom moment, Lindy Atkinson had to stand up and interrupt a judge to prevent a vulnerable youth from being returned to a house where the primary caregiver had just been arrested. Hear the full story of the "strike one, two, and three" failures by Child Safety and Youth Justice that nearly left five children in a perilous situation.

The Queensland Government is set to introduce strict new laws banning specific symbols and phrases, including "from the river to the sea," in an effort to curb unprecedented levels of hate. Jewish Board of Deputies President Jason Steinberg joined Gary Hardgrave to explain why these reforms are a "line in the sand" for a community currently facing victimisation in schools and places of worship.

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.

Bus patronage in Brisbane has spiked by over 25% in just two years, but is it the cheap fares or the flashy new "bendy buses" driving the boom? Go behind the scenes of the Metro launch to see why the Lord Mayor is celebrating despite ongoing complaints about route changes and cheeky fare evaders.

Former Liberal Senator Cory Bernardi revealed why he’s coming out of political retirement to run for One Nation in the upcoming South Australian election. He delivered a scathing assessment of his former party’s leadership "revolving door" and explained why he believes Pauline Hanson is now the only credible alternative for voters.

Relive the moment the search for a "stolen" dog turned into a criminal investigation against its own owner. Discover the dark truth uncovered in court about Nathan McEwan’s web of lies and the tragic final hours of his "best friend" Arnie.

With rowing events for the 2032 Games under fire, Michelle Landry joined the program to explain why the Fitzroy River is the perfect stage for gold. She highlighted the hypocrisy of the IOC, noting that if Paris can host surfing in Tahiti, there is no reason Queensland’s regions should be left on the sidelines.

Could the Anzac bond become a formal union? Political commentator David Farrar joined Gary Hardgrave to explain why global instability means it’s time for New Zealand to ditch independence and become Australia’s newest state.

Queensland is teetering on the edge of a credit rating downgrade that could spark a massive surge in interest repayments and household charges. Economist Gene Tunny joined Gary Hardgrave to explain why "buying groceries on a credit card" has left the state budget in a $19 billion hole and what it means for your wallet.

Logan Central is set to host a first-of-its-kind school designed to keep kids out of the justice system through intensive 12-hour days and hands-on learning. Founder Aaron Devine joined Gary Hardgrave to explain how focusing on a student’s passions is the key to breaking the cycle of crime.

Former RBA economist Adam Crichton warned that surging government spending and a "dunce cap" energy policy have left Australia with the highest inflation in the developed world. He argued that without a radical shift toward productivity and growth, young Australians face a future of dwindling living standards similar to the long-term decline of Argentina.

Historian Dr Zachary Gorman revealed striking parallels between the Liberal Party’s current "existential crisis" and the fractured political landscape of the 1940s. Discover why a return to the "Albury Conference" spirit might be the only way to save a party drifting from its core values of family and individual reward.

Before Brisbane was even a free settlement, a group of zealous German missionaries arrived in 1838 with a radical vision for a "Zion Hill" in what we now call Nundah. Discover how their legacy lives on today through the name Zillmere and the surprisingly peaceful stories of their interactions with the local Aboriginal people.

While new home approvals in Queensland are skyrocketing by over 30%, the dream of homeownership is hitting a wall of missing infrastructure and a desperate shortage of tradies. Master Builders Queensland’s Dyan Johnson joined the show to discuss why "begging, borrowing, and stealing" workers from interstate might be the only way to actually get these 40,000 homes off the paper and onto the ground.

The sister of eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs has launched a massive $750,000 lawsuit, alleging the state failed to protect the young girl from the religious cult that ultimately cost her her life. Hear the details of the legal battle and why the Department of Child Safety is now under fire for more than just one tragedy.

From influencers discovering saving to woke job titles, join Gary to laugh at the world of woke!

Queensland is set to lead the charge in solving the nation's energy woes with a massive new gas exploration project spanning 7,000 square kilometres. Natural Resources Minister Dale Last joined Gary to explain how this expansion will drive down power bills and why the southern states are looking to the Sunshine State to keep the lights on.

A "hidden" trigger in wage agreements is handing a salary bump to a quarter of a million public servants as inflation bites across the state. Gary and Richard French dive into why this "cost of living" bonus smells like a rat to struggling Queenslanders.

With polling placing One Nation at a staggering 25% in some regions, the National Party faces an existential wipeout that could redraw the map of Australian politics. Former Liberal campaign VP Graham Young joined Gary Hardgrave to discuss whether the "normalisation" of Pauline Hanson will force the Coalition into an unthinkable alliance.

A beloved Toowoomba family has been granted a last-minute reprieve just hours before they were set to be deported from the country they’ve called home for 16 years. Jason Matthews reported live from the family’s restaurant as a new bridging visa offers a glimmer of hope for these local community pillars.