Overnights with Mike Jeffreys

Listen to the Full Show Podcast.

John Preston joins Mike Jeffreys to discuss all things politics.

Mike is joined by consumer behaviour analyst and Managing Director of Marketing Focus, Barry Urquhart, to discuss allegations Woolworths staff intimidated IGA employees. Barry explains the difference between corporate values and competitive behaviour, after large groups of uniformed Woolworths staff reportedly visited an IGA store to compare prices and products.  While such comparisons are common, Barry questions whether these visits crossed the line into intimidating behaviour - and what it could mean for Woolworths’ reputation and the relationship between big retailers and small businesses.

If leaders sign up to play the publicity game, they can't throw their toys out of the sand pit when things don't go their way. Mike is joined by Dr Neryl East, expert on communication, media, credibility, influence and reputation, says Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate, telling a journalist to “f**k off” is just the latest example of a leader overstepping the line when pushing back on tough questions, rather than fielding them in a credible and professional manner. It’s also another sign of a general race to the bottom when it comes to the quality of political communication, with savage name-calling and swearing becoming commonplace in media interviews. If voters are looking to pollies for inspirational leadership that gives them hope as they face increasing pressures, they might be struggling to find it right now.

Mike speaks with conflict strategist, mediator and social commentator Sarah Blake about when music meet. The discuss artists using music as protest, the debate over neutrality, support acts pulling out of Ed Sheeran’s tour, and the growing influence of corporate power.  At its heart, the controversy raises questions about free expression, taking sides and the power dynamics behind political conflict.

Mike Jeffreys chats with Dale Sinden for the story behind today’s National Days for 20th September.

Mike is joined by radio host, voice artist and commentator Nicole Senior to discuss calls for tighter kids’ screen-time limits amid falling school results, and a controversial case involving a US mother charged after allowing her five-year-old son to walk unsupervised. They discuss whether limiting classroom screen use could improve academic performance, and where the line should be drawn between responsible parenting and giving children independence.

Jason Morrison, Broadcaster and 2GB contributor speaks to Mike on all things politics and news   

Listen to the Full Show Podcast.

Listen to the Full Show Podcast.

Mike is joined by author and technology consultant Mark Roeder from Chicago-based geopolitical advisory firm Hale Strategic to discuss warnings from AI leaders including Elon Musk and Sam Altman that the race to develop artificial intelligence must slow down. The warnings come amid concerns from AI safety researchers that increasingly powerful technology could pose an existential threat to humanity, with some arguing development should pause until its risks are properly understood.

Mike is joined by relationship counsellor and bestselling author Amanda Lambros to discuss young Aussies increasingly turning to AI for companionship, with almost one in five admitting they’ve ditched real-life partners for AI bots. Body+Soul’s Sex Census 2026 found two in five Australians would consider swapping human intimacy for software, while almost one in three Gen Z respondents said they were in a “relationship” with a bot. 

Mike speaks with former Howard government adviser Terry Barnes about whether One Nation leader Pauline Hanson went too far with comments about Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s late mother and public housing. The comment has received bipartisan backlash against Hanson, but is Liberal MP Andrew Hastie’s attack also driven by concerns about his own electorate?

Mike is joined by Sarah Boorer, Communications professional & CWA award-winning cook, to look at the world of baked goods, delicious treats and & easy recipes. This week Sarah whips up Cheesy Zucchini Muffins (recipe courtesy recipetineats.com) Ingredients Olive oil spray, for greasing the muffin tins well 1 zucchini, larg-ish, about 180g / 6 oz each, shredded using a box grater, excess liquid squeezed out using hands (Note 1) 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (or tasty, Colby or other melting cheese except mozzarella Dry Ingredients: 2 cups plain flour / all-purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda / bi-carb soda (sub 1 1/2 tsp baking powder) 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt Wet ingredients (no need to bring to room temp): 1 large egg  3/4 cup milk (full or low fat) 1/4 cup plain yoghurt or sour cream, full fat best but low-fat works as well 1/4 cup olive oil (or any plain flavoured oil) 1 garlic clove, grated or crushed using a garlic press Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 200°C/390°F (180°C fan-forced). 2. Prepare muffin tin – Spray a 12 hole standard muffin tin generously with oil. If your non-stick coating isn't in great shape either use liners instead or lightly dust with flour. Cheese is a strong glue!! 3. Grate the zucchini with a standard box grater. Grab handfuls and squeeze out excess water (no need to go to extremes with a tea towel). 4. Dry ingredients – Whisk Dry ingredients in a large bowl. 5. Wet ingredients – Whisk Wet ingredients in a separate bowl. 6. Combine wet and dry – Pour Wet into the Dry ingredients bowl. Mix 8 times or until flour is almost mixed in but you can still see some. 7. Add zucchini and cheese then mix as few times as possible just to incorporate remaining bits of flour – no more than 7 big stirs (secret to soft muffs). The batter will be quite thick – don't worry, the zucchini releases moisture as it bakes. 8. Bake 25 min – Divide between 12 holes in muffin in (I use an ice cream scooper). Bake for 25 minutes or until the muffins are golden and crusty, and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. 9. Cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack. If they are a bit stuck (cheese!), run a knife around the rim then invert and bang the pan on the counter so they tumble out. Serve warm for optimum experience!

Mike Jeffreys chats with Dale Sinden for the story behind today’s National Days for 14th September.

Mike Jeffreys talks movies and entertainment with Alex First, editor of itellyouwhatithink.com This week Alex takes a look at Runner & Hope.

Listen to the Full Show Podcast

Listen to the Full Show Podcast.

Dr Marny Lishman a Health Community Psychologist, Doctor of Psychology and mindset coach joins Mike to speak on why a relationship break can be a good thing.   

Chief Economist at the MB Fund and MB Super and Co-founder of MacroBusiness joins Mike to discuss where Australia's future is heading and what the super changes One Nation has proposed could mean. 

 A new report from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has found that while rising petrol prices increase petrol theft, over time, broader cost-of-living pressures appear to have an even greater influence on petrol theft rates. BOCSAR Executive Director, Jackie Fitzgerald speaks to Mike on what the research found. 

Film and Tv reviewer and a 2GB contributor Shane Adam Bassett reviews the latest movies and TV shows with Mike 

Dr Mel Milton-Smith  AN Authentic Communications Specialist speaks to Mike on the power of relatability and how its is paying off for Pauline Hanson. 

Listen to the Full Show Podcast.

Listen to the Full Show Podcast.

Mike speaks with Daily Telegraph columnist Tim Blair about Anthony Albanese’s attacks on Pauline Hanson, One Nation’s surge in support, and whether the PM’s anger is only helping Hanson.

A bizarre new dating trend called ‘pheromone-maxxing’ is encouraging young men to skip showers and deodorant before dates, believing their natural body scent will make them more attractive. Mike is joined by dating and Connection Coach, Karina Chapman, who agrees that smell plays an important role in attraction. “We can be drawn to someone’s natural aroma and fragrance they use, but there’s a big difference between natural scent and poor hygiene,” Karina says. “Turn up to a date smelling like a sweaty old sock, and instead of releasing some magical attraction chemical, you’re simply turning the other person off. Have a shower, use deodorant and, if you wear fragrance, keep it subtle. Your date should want to get closer to you, not need to move further away because of the smell.” With pheromone-maxxing gaining attention, Karina says the trend raises a bigger question about our obsession with finding dating hacks instead of focusing on genuine connection.

Mike speaks with former Howard Government adviser Terry Barnes about Angus Taylor’s push to make burning the Australian flag a jailable offence, the clash between Michelle Rowland and Pauline Hanson, and what Nigel Farage’s party scandal could mean for One Nation.

Mike is joined by Sarah Boorer, Communications professional & CWA award-winning cook, to look at the world of baked goods, delicious treats and & easy recipes. This week Sarah whips up One-Pan Portuguese Chicken & Potatoes (recipe courtesy recipetineats) Ingredients  5 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on – about 1.2kg total weight Portuguese Seasoning:  3 1/2 tsp paprika, sweet/regular or smoked  1 1/2 tsp garlic powder  1 1/2 tsp dried oregano  1/2 tsp coriander  1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, optional (for faint spiciness)  1 tbsp brown sugar (tightly packed)  3/4 tsp cooking salt  1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil  1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice, or white or red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar Potato Vegetable Bake:  700g medium waxy potatoes ("washed potatoes";, red potatoes, US: Yukon), skin-on, cut into 5 mm slices  1 large red onion, cut into wedges  1 large red capsicum / bell pepper, deseeded, cut into large 3.5cm squares  6 garlic cloves, crushed using a garlic press  2 tsp dried oregano  1 tsp cooking salt  1/4 tsp black pepper  2 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil  3 tbsp lemon juice Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). 2. Vegetable bake head start– Put all the Potato Vegetable Bake ingredients in a large pan. Toss well to coat, separating the potato slices. Bake for 25 minutes while you prepare the chicken. 3. Portuguese Chicken – Mix the Portuguese Seasoning ingredients in a bowl. Add the chicken and turn to coat. 4. Bake 2 – Place the chicken on top of the potatoes, tucking the excess skin under to form bundles. Bake for 40 minutes or until the chicken is golden and cooked through. 5. Serve the chicken and vegetables with the tasty lemony garlic broth. Bread for mopping is encouraged!

Mike Jeffreys chats with Dale Sinden for the story behind today’s National Days for 7th September.

Mike Jeffreys talks movies and entertainment with Alex First, editor of itellyouwhatithink.com This week Alex takes a look at 'By Any Means' and '& Sons'

Mike is joined by Barry Urquhart, Consumer Behaviour Analyst and Managing Director of Marketing Focus, to discuss whether advertising is still getting through to consumers. Barry says discounts and sales alone aren’t enough. Consumers respond more strongly to people they can relate to - friendly faces, personalities and positive interactions that build trust and loyalty. He also looks at the challenges facing CBDs, including parking costs, accessibility and perceptions around homelessness, and explains why understanding customers is crucial to effective advertising, staffing and ultimately, sales.

Listen to the Full Show Podcast

Listen to the Full Show Podcast.

”Mike is joined by veteran political journalist A.G. Gancarski, whose work has appeared in the New York Post, Washington Post, Washington Times and numerous national magazines. They discuss Donald Trump, the Democrats and the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, Trump floating the idea of renaming Lake Ontario “Lake America,” and how New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani is settling into the job.

Mike is joined by Dr Marny Lishman, Doctor of Psychology and Mindset Coach, to discuss the passing of the much-loved Dolly Parton. Why does the death of someone we’ve never met feel so personal? Dolly became part of our lives through her music, philanthropy and personality, creating a powerful parasocial connection with millions of people. So, what was it about Dolly that made her feel like a friend - and why does it feel like the world has lost a little of its sparkle?

Mike speaks with Terry Barnes, former Howard Government adviser, about One Nation’s recent WA by-election win and what Anthony Albanese must do to win back voters. Labor and the Liberals are licking their wounds after a bruising defeat, with One Nation celebrating the result as a major political shift. Albanese has warned against the “hard-right populists”, while Labor figures concede its campaign messaging may have missed the mark. So, what went wrong for Labor - and what can Albanese do next?

Mike Jeffreys chats with Dale Sinden for the story behind today’s National Days for 31st August.

Mike is joined by Sarah Boorer, Communications professional & CWA award-winning cook, to look at the world of baked goods, delicious treats and & easy recipes. This week Sarah whips up Air fryer pea and ham risotto Ingredients  2 tbs olive oil  1 brown onion, finely chopped  40g butter, chopped  2 cups (400g) Cucina Matese Arborio Rice  6 cups (1.5L) salt-reduced chicken stock  1 cup (120g) frozen peas  3/4 cup (60g) parmesan, shredded  4 slices prosciutto, coarsely torn Method 1. Step 1 Place oil and onion in a 20cm (base measurement) round cake pan. 2. Step 2 Place in a large (about 7L) air fryer basket and cook at 180°C for 8 mins or until onion softens. 3. Step 3 Add the butter to the pan in the air fryer. Cook for 2 mins or until the butter melts. 4. Step 4 Add the rice to the pan. Carefully stir to coat. 5. Step 5 Add 4 cups (1L) stock and stir to combine. Cook, stirring twice, for 30 mins or until the liquid is absorbed. 6. Step 6 Add remaining stock to pan and carefully stir to combine. Cook for 10 mins or until rice is tender yet firm to the bite and mixture is creamy. 7. Step 7 Add peas. Cook for a further 5 mins or until mixture is heated through. 8. Step 8 Add ½ cup (40g) parmesan to the pan and stir to combine. Season. 9. Step 9 Divide risotto among bowls. Top with prosciutto and the remaining parmesan.

Mike speaks with former radio announcer Mike Welsh about the clichés that have taken over the media - the tired phrases and buzzwords we hear so often they’ve almost lost all meaning.

Mike Jeffreys talks movies and entertainment with Alex First, editor of itellyouwhatithink.com This week Alex takes a look at The End Of Oak Street & The Dog Stars.

Listen to the Full Show Podcast.

Listen to the Full Show Podcast.

Mike is joined by journalist, broadcaster and 2GB contributor Jason Morrison to discuss Australia’s trillion-dollar debt, the rising cost of interest payments, and the political debate over government spending. Also discussed is the Sydney Swans debacle, with five players stood down over alleged breaches of club standards, amid a Victorian police investigation into an alleged sexual assault.

Is that couple kissing in public making you smile, or making you want to yell “Get a room!!!”? New research suggests public displays of affection (PDAs) could be a sign of a more satisfying relationship. Connection and Dating Expert, Karina Chapman, tells Mike it’s healthy to show some PDAs, as long as we recognise the line between connection and cringe. Public kissing can be seen as romantic and reassuring to some, but awkward and downright annoying to others. But what if that PDA we’re rolling our eyes at is actually good for the couple doing it? Physical affection communicates closeness, love and connection, but Karina says there’s an important distinction: affection should create connection, not make everyone else uncomfortable. While public affection can strengthen connection, private affection may be even more important. Regardless, whether you’re a hand-holder or a passionate kisser, affection matters.

Mike speaks with former Howard Government adviser Terry Barnes about whether Australians should be able to access their superannuation to help buy a home.  Terry argues compulsory super has become too powerful, limits young Australians’ ability to enter the property market, and takes away their choice over how to use their hard-earned money. He says the debate needs practical policy solutions, not just political “thought bubbles.”

Mike is joined by Sarah Boorer, Communications professional & CWA award-winning cook, to look at the world of baked goods, delicious treats and & easy recipes. This week Sarah whips up Lemony barramundi parcels (recipe courtesy Steph de Sousa) Ingredients 1 bunch broccolini 2 x 200g barramundi fillets Salt and pepper 1 lemon 100g butter, chopped Instructions 1. Trim the broccolini stems to roughly match the length of your barramundi fillets. This makes everything nice and neat! 2. Lay out a large piece of foil and top with a piece of baking paper. They need to be large enough to lovingly wrap up your fish and broccolini. Think of it as a cosy blanket for your ingredients! 3. Season your barramundi fillets with salt and pepper then place your broccolini in the middle of the baking paper and your fish on top, like they're both ready for a snooze. 4. Now, slice your lemon into thin rounds. Place 3 lemon slices on top of each barramundi fillet. 5. Next, place your butter on the lemon. Add a little more salt and pepper for good measure. Butter plus citrus equals delicious! 6. It's time to wrap up your parcels! Make sure they're secure because we don't want any of those yummy juices to escape.  7. Remember, it's like wrapping a present: bring the sides of the baking paper up to meet on top, then fold down a few times. Do the same with the ends and tuck them under to keep everything sealed. It's like origami for food! 8. Pop both your parcels into the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 180°C and the timer for 20 minutes or until your fish is cooked through. 9. Just like it's Christmas morning, unwrap your delicious parcels!

Mike Jeffreys chats with Dale Sinden for the story behind today’s National Days for 24th August.

Mike Jeffreys talks movies and entertainment with Alex First, editor of itellyouwhatithink.com This week Alex takes a look at Spa Weekend & Insidious: Out of the Further.

Listen To The Full Show Podcast.