Rear Window columnists Mark Di Stefano and Hannah Wootton look back on the action-packed year that was and ahead to what 2026 might bring.

This podcast is sponsored by Acenda 

Further reading:

Cannon-Brookes now travels by private jet Mike Cannon-Brookes, Atlassian co-founder and leading climate change crusader, has recently picked up a private jet.
Dutton left ‘very serious’ cyclone area for Hemmes’ Sydney mansion The opposition leader said people wanted the prime minister “governing, not campaigning” as Queensland braced for Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Billionaires, boardrooms and office romances: Rear Window’s 2025 year-in-review
There was no shortage of hypocrites in corporate and political life in 2025, and a veritable surfeit of illicit office romances.

Rear Window columnists Mark Di Stefano and Hannah Wootton look back on the action-packed year that was and ahead to what 2026 might bring.
This podcast is sponsored by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.acenda.com.au/">Acenda</a>&nbsp;
Further reading:
<a href="https://www.afr.com/rear-window/cannon-brookes-now-travels-by-private-jet-20250313-p5ljbf" data-stringify-link="https://www.afr.com/rear-window/cannon-brookes-now-travels-by-private-jet-20250313-p5ljbf" data-sk="tooltip_parent">Cannon-Brookes now travels by private jet</a>&nbsp;Mike Cannon-Brookes, Atlassian co-founder and leading climate change crusader, has recently picked up a private jet. <a href="https://www.afr.com/rear-window/dutton-sneaks-in-sydney-fundraiser-at-justin-hemmes-mansion-20250305-p5lh64" data-stringify-link="https://www.afr.com/rear-window/dutton-sneaks-in-sydney-fundraiser-at-justin-hemmes-mansion-20250305-p5lh64" data-sk="tooltip_parent">Dutton left &lsquo;very serious&rsquo; cyclone area for Hemmes&rsquo; Sydney mansion</a>&nbsp;The opposition leader said people wanted the prime minister &ldquo;governing, not campaigning&rdquo; as Queensland braced for Tropical Cyclone Alfred. <a href="https://www.afr.com/rear-window/billionaires-boardrooms-and-office-romances-rear-window-s-2025-year-in-review-20251217-p5nodj" data-stringify-link="https://www.afr.com/rear-window/billionaires-boardrooms-and-office-romances-rear-window-s-2025-year-in-review-20251217-p5nodj" data-sk="tooltip_parent">Billionaires, boardrooms and office romances: Rear Window&rsquo;s 2025 year-in-review</a> There was no shortage of hypocrites in corporate and political life in 2025, and a veritable surfeit of illicit office romances.

Jetsetting, love scandals and hypocrites: Rear Window’s 2025

This week we James Thomson and Anthony Macdonald wrap up the year with their annual Chook awards, look forward to a huge year on markets with one of Australia’s top fund managers, and take a quick peek at how the nation’s financial engine is ticking over. 

To ask a question, email chanticleer@afr.com

This podcast is sponsored by Acenda

This week we James Thomson and Anthony Macdonald wrap up the year with their annual Chook awards, look forward to a huge year on markets with one of Australia&rsquo;s top fund managers, and take a quick peek at how the nation&rsquo;s financial engine is ticking over.&nbsp;
To ask a question, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:chanticleer@afr.com">chanticleer@afr.com</a>
This podcast is sponsored by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.acenda.com.au/">Acenda</a>

End of year special: Chook Awards and stocks to watch in 2026

This week on The Fin podcast political editor Phillip Coorey and NSW political correspondent Paul Karp on the carnage at Bondi, what is being done to make sure it never happens again and whether it’s enough.

This podcast is sponsored by Acenda 

Further reading: 

‘When is the shooting gonna stop?’ 9 minutes of terror on Bondi Beach
At first, the crowd thought it was fireworks; but as the bloodied bodies dropped around them, they realised this was a shooting and they were the targets.
Minns wants new laws to block protests after terror attacks
The NSW government has recalled parliament to legislate caps on gun ownership and new protest restrictions, despite federal Nationals rejecting a gun crackdown.
Just like that, the nation grew accustomed to antisemitism
The government did act to ward off “the long shadows of the past” for Jews, but not enough. And for that, it is exposed.

This week on The Fin podcast&nbsp;political editor Phillip Coorey and NSW political correspondent Paul Karp on the carnage at Bondi, what is being done to make sure it never happens again and whether it&rsquo;s enough.
This podcast is sponsored by <a href="https://www.acenda.com.au/">Acenda</a>&nbsp;
Further reading:&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/when-is-the-shooting-gonna-stop-9-minutes-of-terror-on-bondi-beach-20251215-p5nnqj" data-stringify-link="https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/when-is-the-shooting-gonna-stop-9-minutes-of-terror-on-bondi-beach-20251215-p5nnqj" data-sk="tooltip_parent">&lsquo;When is the shooting gonna stop?&rsquo; 9 minutes of terror on Bondi Beach</a> At first, the crowd thought it was fireworks; but as the bloodied bodies dropped around them, they realised this was a shooting and they were the targets. <a href="https://www.afr.com/politics/nsw-parliament-recalled-as-federal-nationals-reject-guns-crackdown-20251217-p5noda" data-stringify-link="https://www.afr.com/politics/nsw-parliament-recalled-as-federal-nationals-reject-guns-crackdown-20251217-p5noda" data-sk="tooltip_parent">Minns wants new laws to block protests after terror attacks</a> The NSW government has recalled parliament to legislate caps on gun ownership and new protest restrictions, despite federal Nationals rejecting a gun crackdown. <a href="https://www.afr.com/opinion/just-like-that-the-nation-grew-accustomed-to-antisemitism-20251215-p5nnoi" data-stringify-link="https://www.afr.com/opinion/just-like-that-the-nation-grew-accustomed-to-antisemitism-20251215-p5nnoi" data-sk="tooltip_parent">Just like that, the nation grew accustomed to antisemitism</a> The government did act to ward off &ldquo;the long shadows of the past&rdquo; for Jews, but not enough. And for that, it is exposed.

'Too dangerous to run': After Bondi, Australia grapples with division

Being in charge of one of Australia’s biggest food and drink companies was never part of Pete Findlay’s plan.

But the chief executive of Bega Group knows how beloved the brands are: “Never go messing with the Vegemite recipe. We do not touch that.”

In the final episode of season three of 15 Minutes with the Boss, host Sally Patten finds out what this dairy products boss has for breakfast and why it’s not just protein he's focussed on.

This podcast was sponsored by Vanta.

Being in charge of one of Australia&rsquo;s biggest food and drink companies was never part of Pete Findlay&rsquo;s plan.
But the chief executive of Bega Group knows how beloved the brands are: &ldquo;Never go messing with the Vegemite recipe. We do not touch that.&rdquo;
In the final episode of season three of 15 Minutes with the Boss, host Sally Patten finds out what this dairy products boss has for breakfast and why it&rsquo;s not just protein he's focussed on.
This podcast was sponsored by <a href="http://vanta.com/boss">Vanta</a>.

Bega CEO reveals his latest health obsession – and it’s not only protein

This week Anthony Macdonald and James Thomson look at why the RBA is stuck between a rock and a hard place, examine the takeover battle that could change how you watch Netflix, and take the pulse of Australia’s top business leaders through the Chanticleer CEO poll.

To ask a question, email chanticleer@afr.com

This podcast is sponsored by Acenda

This week Anthony Macdonald and James Thomson look at why the RBA is stuck between a rock and a hard place, examine the takeover battle that could change how you watch Netflix, and take the pulse of Australia&rsquo;s top business leaders through the <a href="https://www.afr.com/topic/chanticleer-ceo-poll-1nmn">Chanticleer CEO poll</a>.
To ask a question, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:chanticleer@afr.com">chanticleer@afr.com</a>
This podcast is sponsored by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.acenda.com.au/">Acenda</a>

RBA plays Christmas grinch, Australia's top CEOs fire up & how Netflix might change

This week on The Fin podcast: Greg Bearup and Carrie LaFrenz on what’s behind Australia’s retail crime wave, why Victoria is ground zero and whether facial recognition technology is the answer. 

This podcast is sponsored by Acenda 

Further reading:
We met a professional shoplifter to understand this crime’s popularity
Retailers are contending with a new type of player in their industry. Here’s how such offenders became a nationwide phenomenon and scourge of the country.
Facial recognition tech vital to protect staff and shoppers: retailers
Business leaders are ramping up efforts to combat surging crime rates, but their use of new tech is running up against privacy concerns.
Victoria accounts for half the rise in crime at Woolworths stores
The supermarket giant is the latest retailer to use profit season to highlight an increase in crime and aggression against staff.

This week on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.afr.com/podcast/thefin" data-stringify-link="https://www.afr.com/podcast/thefin" data-sk="tooltip_parent">The Fin&nbsp;podcast:</a> Greg Bearup and Carrie LaFrenz on what&rsquo;s behind Australia&rsquo;s retail crime wave, why Victoria is ground zero and whether facial recognition technology is the answer.&nbsp;
This podcast is sponsored by <a href="https://www.acenda.com.au/">Acenda</a>&nbsp;
Further reading: <a href="https://www.afr.com/companies/retail/how-shoplifting-became-the-crime-of-the-nation-20250827-p5mqa0" data-stringify-link="https://www.afr.com/companies/retail/how-shoplifting-became-the-crime-of-the-nation-20250827-p5mqa0" data-sk="tooltip_parent">We met a professional shoplifter to understand this crime&rsquo;s popularity</a> Retailers are contending with a new type of player in their industry. Here&rsquo;s how such offenders became a nationwide phenomenon and scourge of the country. <a href="https://www.afr.com/companies/retail/facial-recognition-tech-vital-to-protect-staff-and-shoppers-retailers-20250918-p5mw2e" data-stringify-link="https://www.afr.com/companies/retail/facial-recognition-tech-vital-to-protect-staff-and-shoppers-retailers-20250918-p5mw2e" data-sk="tooltip_parent">Facial recognition tech vital to protect staff and shoppers: retailers</a> Business leaders are ramping up efforts to combat surging crime rates, but their use of new tech is running up against privacy concerns. <a href="https://www.afr.com/politics/victoria-accounts-for-half-the-rise-in-crime-at-woolworths-stores-20250827-p5mqdh" data-stringify-link="https://www.afr.com/politics/victoria-accounts-for-half-the-rise-in-crime-at-woolworths-stores-20250827-p5mqdh" data-sk="tooltip_parent">Victoria accounts for half the rise in crime at Woolworths stores</a> The supermarket giant is the latest retailer to use profit season to highlight an increase in crime and aggression against staff.

Why Australia is in the middle of a shoplifting crime wave

Standing up and speaking to a room full of people is a task that many find daunting. 

But there are a few tricks that can help you master the art of public speaking.

On this week’s episode, National Institute of Dramatic Art CEO Liz Hughes sits down with BOSS editor Sally Patten to reveal her secrets for delivering a top address.

This podcast was sponsored by Vanta.

Standing up and speaking to a room full of people is a task that many find daunting.&nbsp;
But there are a few tricks that can help you master the art of public speaking.
On this week&rsquo;s episode, National Institute of Dramatic Art CEO Liz Hughes sits down with <a href="https://www.afr.com/boss">BOSS</a> editor Sally Patten to reveal her secrets for delivering a top address.
This podcast was sponsored by <a href="http://vanta.com/boss">Vanta</a>.

Want to be better at public speaking? NIDA’s CEO shares her tips

This week Anthony Macdonald and James Thomson explain how Australia's data centre boom has changed, give you the inside scoop on the AFR's Business People of the Year awards, and ask the big question: is Australia a giant Ponzi scheme?

To ask a question, email chanticleer@afr.com

This podcast is sponsored by Acenda 

This week Anthony Macdonald and James Thomson explain how Australia's data centre boom has changed, give you the inside scoop on the AFR's Business People of the Year awards, and ask the big question: is Australia a giant Ponzi scheme?
To ask a question, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:chanticleer@afr.com">chanticleer@afr.com</a>
This podcast is sponsored by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.acenda.com.au/">Acenda</a>&nbsp;

Is Australia a Ponzi scheme, OpenAI's grand arrival & the AFR business people of the year

Chanticleer columnist James Thomson and technology editor Paul Smith on the multi-trillion dollar AI investment boom, where the opportunities are for Australia and what happens if it goes wrong.

This podcast is sponsored by Acenda 

Further reading: 

OpenAI in Australian blitz as it woos start-ups, corporates
The Silicon Valley giant behind ChatGPT will offer free services to major venture capital-backed tech companies as it attempts to steal a march on rivals.

Burry, Buffett and boomers: How markets drive our ugly generation gap
While investors love the contrarian wisdom of Michael Burry and Warren Buffett, capital-soaked markets mean the world they won in is gone, creating deep societal problems.

Reasons the AI bubble doesn’t look like the dotcom crash (yet)It’s the biggest spending spree in history. Is the AI boom a bubble, and what does it mean for investors and the Australian economy if it bursts?

Chanticleer columnist James Thomson and technology editor Paul Smith on the multi-trillion dollar AI investment boom, where the opportunities are for Australia and what happens if it goes wrong.
This podcast is sponsored by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.acenda.com.au/">Acenda</a>&nbsp;
Further reading:&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.afr.com/technology/openai-in-australian-blitz-as-ai-giant-woos-start-ups-corporates-20251202-p5nk44" data-stringify-link="https://www.afr.com/technology/openai-in-australian-blitz-as-ai-giant-woos-start-ups-corporates-20251202-p5nk44" data-sk="tooltip_parent">OpenAI in Australian blitz as it woos start-ups, corporates</a> The Silicon Valley giant behind ChatGPT will offer free services to major venture capital-backed tech companies as it attempts to steal a march on rivals.
<a href="https://www.afr.com/wealth/investing/burry-buffett-and-boomers-how-markets-drive-our-ugly-generation-gap-20251120-p5ngxa" data-stringify-link="https://www.afr.com/wealth/investing/burry-buffett-and-boomers-how-markets-drive-our-ugly-generation-gap-20251120-p5ngxa" data-sk="tooltip_parent">Burry, Buffett and boomers: How markets drive our ugly generation gap</a> While investors love the contrarian wisdom of Michael Burry and Warren Buffett, capital-soaked markets mean the world they won in is gone, creating deep societal problems.
<a href="https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/4-reasons-the-ai-bubble-doesn-t-look-like-the-dotcom-crash-yet-20251029-p5n6cy" data-stringify-link="https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/4-reasons-the-ai-bubble-doesn-t-look-like-the-dotcom-crash-yet-20251029-p5n6cy" data-sk="tooltip_parent">Reasons the AI bubble doesn&rsquo;t look like the dotcom crash (yet)</a>It&rsquo;s the biggest spending spree in history. Is the AI boom a bubble, and what does it mean for investors and the Australian economy if it bursts?

The AI bubble comes to Australia: what happens if it goes pop?

One of the most pivotal moments in Tim Helyar’s career was when he was first put in charge of a project, running a team and a $100 million piece of work.

No longer unfamiliar with positions of leadership, Helyar is now the country head of State Street, the world’s fourth-largest asset manager.

On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out how he’s developed his leadership style and why it’s the captain of the Australian men’s cricket team, Pat Cummins, whom he admires most.

This podcast was sponsored by Vanta.

One of the most pivotal moments in Tim Helyar&rsquo;s career was when he was first put in charge of a project, running a team and a $100 million piece of work.
No longer unfamiliar with positions of leadership, Helyar is now the country head of State Street, the world&rsquo;s fourth-largest asset manager.
On this week&rsquo;s episode, <a href="https://www.afr.com/boss">BOSS</a> editor Sally Patten finds out how he&rsquo;s developed his leadership style and why it&rsquo;s the captain of the Australian men&rsquo;s cricket team, Pat Cummins, whom he admires most.
This podcast was sponsored by <a href="https://www.vanta.com/lp/demo-1k?utm_campaign=1k_offer">Vanta</a>.

This asset manager says leaders have a lot to learn from Pat Cummins

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