'Look Down Under'

In the opening chapter of 'Down Under', the account of his epic journey across Australia, Bill Bryson once wrote that Europeans and Americans pay "shamefully scant attention" to their Antipodean cousins. It is hard to argue with his conclusion. While Ashes Syndrome might strike the UK every few years, and those nostalgic for teenage memories might occasionally bop along to the music of Kylie Minogue, it is rare that news of political wranglings in Canberra or the sporting agenda at the Adelaide Oval engender much attention in the media beyond Australia's shores. Yet Nathan and Chris have long held a passion for two aspects of Australian culture that exist outside of the mainstream consciousness of most in the UK: State of Origin Rugby, and the Premiership of Paul J Keating.The annual rugby league contest between New South Wales and Queensland is as titanic a sporting rivalry as anyone could ever wish to witness. Sparkling skill, unparalleled intensity (not to mention the occasional "blue"), and matches which often go right down to the wire, we defy any sports fan to engage with a State of Origin series and not be hooked for life. It really does represent the pinnacle of a sport that is dear to the heart for both Nathan and Chris. Likewise, to watch a political performance from Paul Keating, Australia's PM between 1991-96, is to watch a supreme political operator at work.In the latest episode of 'The Way We See Sport, The Way We See Life', the podcast makes a case for why those interested in sport and politics should pay a little more heed to events in the Antipodes. We hope you enjoy this attempt to encourage you to Look Down Under.