The Battler

Battlers! Tim is sick with Hentai Virus and Pat has been busy animating Hentai! So we’ve had to take the week off—Latham forgive us!But on Tuesday, May 12, Pat had the honour of sitting down with renowned OzLit scholar/academic/critic Emmett Stinson to talk all things NOCK LOOSE at Lawson Flats in Perth. Regular scheduling returns next week. Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week the wh*te d*gs don’t have much to talk about in the news, so they talk about the Fremantle Dockers bris-based goal celebrations, Sopranos dolewave, Paul Kelly’s italian heritage erasure, Sergeant Johnson’s Purple Heart award, slurs for white people, The Safran Defence, KRudd’s Eunuch aesthetics, Martin Sharp and the ghost train fire, the Mining Boom as foundation of auspol, the Ocker Gump in history, Classic Israeli Bits, Australian Racism’s Immunity to Woke, Irish Rebel Wilson Ballads.Thanks as always to “Dictator” Dan Dare for production.Song is No Strain by Southend Rainbows. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week, Pat is in Melbourne to open the new High Street Maccas. Timbo is at Tigertown activating the Tinny Dome. They chat Apple stores and the disappearance of dudes with Stretcher earrings; Cheers lore and the differential status of bar flies in Amerikkka and Australia; IDF Hentai boobytraps; ANZAC raves and ANZAC hecklers and the Bed and Rest Sanctuary wellness centre. They also talk about the longterm Zio goal of destroying presses like UQP, with the new fuckery around Jazz Money and Matt Chun’s Bila. Thanks as always to “Dictator” Dan Dare for production.Song is “No Strain” by Southend Rainbows. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week the g**ners chat with poet and flaneuse Zarah Butcher-McGunnigle, about the release of her two new-old books, Autobiography of a Marguerite and Leaves Fall Off to Create Drama. They talk about the legacy of L=A=N=G=U=A=G=E poetry; the changes in verse in the last couple of decades; Autofiction and fragmentary writing; cracking open old works and the vicissitudes of life on the scene.Before that, Putrid Pat and Tumescent Tim discuss JJJ and Raw Comedy aesthetics; revivalism in noughties music; the death of music press; Australian political memoirs; CTE-lit; magic realism v fabulism; the nature of the middlebrow; playfulness in comedy; Masculinity: a gay conspiracy; the BRS Read-a-thon. Production by “Dictator” Dan Dare.Song: No Strain by The Southend Rainbows. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week the f*dayeen are (finally) flying solo again, like a drone over the red sea; collecting expensive missiles from the haters as they go. They chat Clavicular getting Minutemogged; One Nation’s predator problem and the MILLENNIAL WOMEN supporting them!!!!; Angus Trumpchrist; the papal/presidential 1v1; the motives for Israel’s crimes. They also chat about the “Lowering of the sights”: the running-rampant of “guilty pleasures” in the kidlerite endumbening of the public sphere; the “too-hard” argument against Woke; and the path towards a joyous Left. Thanks as always to “Dictator” Dan Dare for production. Song is “No Strain by the Southends.”Like and subscribe to The Yeah Nah Review and Straying for the Morsel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week, the adl*ys chat with Michael Winkler, author of 2021’s Grimmish and the recently-published Griefdogg. Between Pat’s heavy breathing and voluminous outpourings of admiration, they chat about the stakes of aussie lit, the nature of literary style, the lack of it in much of our local literature, and the terror of criticism in a small country.Before that, the lads talk about their good friend and hero of regular Australia Ben Robert Smith, the inertia of Australian politics and the aesthetics of Trump 2.0.Glory as always to supreme leader Dan Dare. Song is “No Strain” by the Southend Rainbows. Go follow Straying for the Morsel and Patrick Marlborough . This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week the fr*telli speak to Steve Toltz, whose new novel, A Rising of the Lights is out next week from Penguin. He tells them about his theories of comedy, influences from across history, and his resistance to blame the publishing industry for the inveterate dullness of so much of Ozlit. You can catch Steve reading from the novel in Sydney and Melbourne in the coming months, and at various Writers’ Festivals thereafter.Before that, the B*ys talk about the Death of Dezi Freeman, the extreme relatability of the Liberal National Party, run-ins with reactionary writers and more.Thanks as always to “Dictator” Dan Dare for production. Song is No Strain by the Southend Rainbows. Subscribe to The Yeah Nah Review and Straying for the Morsel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week the fr*telli talk about the strike wave lapping the shores of the island continent, from teachers to uni staff to ABC employees. They also talk about the SA election and Iran, and get caught in a spiral complaining yet again about the state of literature. They take particular umbrage with a particular Melbournian outlet and some of its particular critics. Thanks as always to “dictator” Dan Dare for production.Follow Straying for the Morsel and The Yeah Nah Review.Song is No Strain by Southend Rainbows This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week the Battlers talk to Amy Remeikis about her new book: Where It all Went Wrong: the Case Against John Howard. Amy, a real battler, cuts sick on the legacy of The Rat, from privatisation to political culture to the destruction of the parliamentary liberal party. Next Wednesday (25th) is the second instalment of At Large, at Sean and Dolly’s at 7:30 pm, with Shaun Prescott, Lexi Freiman, Jack Jeweller, Brandon Jack and Madelaine Lucas. Thanks as always to “dictator” Dan Dare for production. Theme song is No Strain by the Southend Rainbows. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week the fellxs talk the ozymandian collapse of Kyle and Jackie O, David Littleproud and Pornhub. They also chat (a lot) about adult content, the changing face of misogyny and the state of play in the war on Iran. True to form, they call the rise of Matt Canavan-San before it happened.Next “At Large” event in Sydney is on the 25th of March at Sean and Dolly’s, 730pm.Thanks as always to “Dictator” Dan Dare for his tireless production work on the pod. Song is “no strain” by southend rainbows. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

The Battler is officially the last great broadcast duo still recording in Australia. This week, the fellangists talk about the liberation of Iran from several hundreds of its citizens; Operation Epic Fury; the strangely uneventful feeling of descending into WW3; Drew Pavlou Shen Yun false flags; Cruising; Tim’s experiences on the nudist beaches of Coffs Harbour; Gay Cronulla; Holly Valance Nazi arc.JaysusProduction as always from “Dictator” Dan Dare. Song is “No Strain” by The Southend Rainbow. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week, the l*ds talk about the stupid, dumb and idiotic reporting on the CFMEU by king rat Nick McKenzie and Geoffrey “Wages Are a Gift” Watson. They also talk about Sega World Green Bans; the Eternal Howard and his enduring influence, the cultural hooliganism of older Australians, disagree about Patrick “Name and Nature” White, and why you should join the Socialists :) If you’re interested in the “Bread and Roses” NSW caucus, slide into DMs or emails.Thanks as always to “Dictator” Dan Dare for wonderful production. Song is No Strain by the Southend Rainbows. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week, the fellangists are talking about the rise to the Shadow Khanate of Genghis Taylor and the encirclement of Sultana Sussan Ley after her abandonment by the various slimy Viziers of her erstwhile cabinet. In other Turkish news, Drew Pavlou was “Drewported” from Amerikkka for the simple sin of threatening Billie Eilish with being briefly in his presence. They also talk about the importance of Irish and Italian people in Australian and world history, the feminist credentials of PHON, and the contradictions of the class orientation and culture war credentials of the LNP.Thanks as always to “Dictator” Dan Dare for wonderful production. Song is “No Strain” by Southend Rainbows. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week the fell*s talk about the violent Pali Rally that put police officers in an impossible situation, and the heroic efforts of the cops to restore order. They talk about the poise and gallantry of Isaac Herzog, President of the Jews, as he fronts his people. They also talk about the impressive intellectual facility of our ruling class, the KISSocracy; Starmer’s upstanding group of friends and the glorious victory of the Liberal Democratic Party in Japan. And meatlovers sushi. Production as always by “Dictator” Dan Dare. Song is “No Strain” by the Southend Rainbows. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week the fell*s are joined by writer, actor, housepainter but in no ways comedian Yaraman “Yazzy” Thorne. They chat about what the hell happened to the ABC; the great icons of comic broadcast; Paul Fenech’s Indigenous heritage; and the conservative meltdown over Always Was Tonight. Beforehand, the l*ds talk about surviving another Epstein dump; the One Nation grift; Coalition 66.0 and the turn to the “comic book Right” by Australian Reactionaries. Thanks as always to “Dictator” Dan Dare for production.Song is No Strain by The Southend Rainbows. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week, Pat and Tim talk about the disgusting act of violence attempted by a nazi fuckstick on invasion day in Perth. In more responsible moments, they also talk about Hamas crocodiles, autistic magneto. the long tail of the Howardocene. indigenous culture and snowflake conservatives; and the political talent Nullarbor.Thanks as always to producer “Dictator” Dan Dare for his tireless efforts at making us sound less criminally insane.Song is No Strain by the Southend Rainbows. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week, the B*ttlers talk about the shiny new hate speech laws, which were minted the day after we recorded. We talk about how the coalition have managed to turn victory into a colossal autocucking, which has properly materialised in the days since Monday. We also remind you of the importance of looking at C(ordite) P(ublishing) on your computer, and discuss the “dissolution” of the dirty-diapered N@zi party. Thanks as always to “Dictator” Dan Dare for production. Song is No Strain by the Southend Rainbows. Remember to subscribe to Straying for the Morsel and Patrick Marlborough . This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week the fellxs talk to Lexi Freiman, author of Inappropriation and The Book of Ayn. They talk NEW YORK vs Sydney vs Hungary, the nature of satire, and the problems besetting Australian literary culture. Lexi tells us about At Large, the reading series she is putting on in Sydney with an unnamed legend of the field, the first session of which is taken place on the 22nd of January at Sean and Dolly’s on the Cross, with Jen Craig, Steve Toltz, Lauren Curtis, Dan Hogan and Mannix Thomson.Before that, the lxds talk Iran and the Royal Comish, and destroy the Adelaide festival in real time, live. They also talk about the need for a “Star Wogs” production with Nick Giannopoulos. Thanks as always to Dictator Dan Dare for his loving production. Song is “No Strain” by the Southend Rainbows. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

In this week’s episode, Los Guerreros talk about the precipitous idiocy of a “Royal Commission” into an attitude. As always, things have become six times stupider since the podcast was recorded, so listen here for the talking points you’ll need to use when people bring up the Royal Commission that has actually now been announced. They also talk about the wonderful country of Venezuela and its obscure, evil Northern Neighbour; their beloved bigheaded Pakistani comrade DrewP and his gallant defence of freedom at a protest in Sydney, met with a deplorable act of police aggression (pictured); and chat terminal shit about Jane Austen, Alexis Wright, James Joyce and Ezra Pound as if the mics had been switched off.Thanks as always to “Dictator” Dan Dare for production.Song is No Strain by the Southend Rainbows. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week The Battlers process the events of the last week, starting with the antisemitic attack in bondi on Sunday. Tim talks about the atmosphere at bondi over the week, they discuss the cynical response by the universe of grifters on the Right. We also chat about it the geopolitical context and the mistakes that our noble fourth estate have made in reporting on the issue. It’s the last episode of the year, and The Battler sends out its secular festive greetings and solidarities to one and all.May it be a season of comradeship and care. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

The Battlers yarn with author Miriam Webster about her brilliant debut short story collection, The Slip, out now via Aniko Press.Beyond that, Pat and Tim stake their claim as “Australia’s wokest podcast” and discuss the social media ban, the inevitable BPDification of Barnaby Joyce’s blood pact with Pauline Hanson, Pat’s huge hog…and more!You can buy Miriam’s book here. As always, subscribe to Straying for the Morsel and The Yeah Nah Review. thanks to Producer Supremo Dan ‘Da Man’ Dare for making The Battler listenable. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

Tim is back from Nippon, where he destroyed Tokyo in a fight to save Mothra from George “Hands” Christensen. The B*ttlers talk about the Great Land of Wa; kids TV and capitalism in the 1990s; Tony Abbott’s new collab with James Murphy and the glorious reversion of Pauline Hanson to the One True Faith. They also talk about Albo’s great Craft Beer Wedding and the AUKUS aesthetics of its Ben Folds playlist; and the prospects for the Australian–Lebanese Hezbollahbies at the next Rugby World Cup.Sorry for the late drop on this one; various parts moving autonomously of one another.Music as always is Southend Rainbows- No Strain.Thanks as always to “Dictator” Dan Dare for production. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week, the fell*s discuss the death of Graham “Richo” Richardson and John “Sponsor” Laws, and what this means for the era of “bloke” politics and aesthetics that they represented. We also chat about the coup of 1975, probably garbling some of the nuanced history that makes it such an interesting event. We chat a little about the Greens and the NSW Socialists Conference, which Tim went to over the weekend. Song is No Strain by The Southend Rainbows. Thanks as always to “Dictator” Dan Dare for production. Subscribe to Straying for the Morsel and Patrick MarlboroughWell may we say Subscribe to the Battler. Because nobody will subscribe to The Par…. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

The Battlers meet in the flesh again as Pat drifts East-side to look at the back of Andrew G’s head at Blue Mountain Writers Festival. A wild and rambling episode that covers the usual, but most importantly features a lengthy chat about 2025’s must watch TV: Columbo. Follow Straying for the Morsel and Patrick Marlborough and special thanks to Dan ‘The Man’ Dare for all things behind the scenes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week The Battlers discuss Albo’s scene cred (has he ever listened to Mark E. Latham?), the Trump and Albo craft beer summit, the undeniable wow factor of LNP wunderkind (37) James Paterson, and of course, the dire state of OzLit and Oz culture funding. Thanks as always to producer Dan Dare who makes everything sound decent! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

It’s 30 episodes of Battlerdom, and the fellas are on a tredecennial tear. They talk Millenial culture, Stitch race science, Barnxit and the collapse of the Coalition, rightwing grifter meme politics, the Radio National top 100 colouring books of the 21st century, Israel’s Blood Meridian (Epstein revelations). And an old friend joins the pod– Wokey Allen.Song is No Strain by the Southend Rainbows. Thanks as always to “Dictator” Dan Dare. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

Ceasefire, all alone in the moonlight. Trump has saved the world and brought the Gazans back from the dead in their thousands. He has a stately pleasure dome decreed on the beleaguered strip. Meanwhile, Australian cookers are on the prowl and the patron saint of guys whose undies have lost their elastic (Paul Thomas Anderson) has made another movie. Pat and Tim talk One Battle After Another, conspiracies, the outlook for the Labubu Dubai Gaza Riviera, and the “antisemitism” “reports” in “New South Wales.”Song is No Strain by Southend Rainbows. Thanks as always to “Dictator” Dan Dare. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week, the boys talk about the March of the far right across the world. Trump in Amerikkka; Farage in the UKKK and Hastie’s hasty march forward in AuSStralia. In unrelated news they have discovered a cure for autism, and all our fans are lesbians. Pat and Tim also unveil the FY25-26 plan for cultural appropriation, dubbed the “axis accents” report. This is the year of Japanese Sopranos. Thanks as always to “dictator” Dan Dare. Song is No Strain by Southend Rainbows. Subscribe to Straying for the Morsel and Patrick Marlborough and buy Nock Loose! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week, Tim is in Coffs and Pat is in Melbourne; so unclear as to who has the bum end of the stick. They talk through the stakes of recognising Palestine; Trump’s love of Andrew Lloyd Weber; the Kirk Memorial; Hamburgler Melania; ballroom pizzagate; Tim fielding accusations of Italian human trafficking; the Ausstralian Far Right’s love of Amerikkka; Pine gap; the disappearance of the liberal and the consequences of privatisation.We want your merch ideas! Send us designs for Battler tees and other paraphernalia.Song is No Strain by Southend Rainbows; thanks as always to “Dictator” Dan Dare for production. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

On this episode the boys mourn their wonderful friend Charlie Kirk, murdered by the coward Tyler Robinson. They remember his calm, measured presence in debate; his commitment to democracy and his belief in a free, egalitarian, multi-ethnic America. They also talk about Trump’s ballroom (of course), Albo’s pitch into authoritarianism and the evil of creative writing programs.Song is No Strain by the Southend Rainbows. Subscribe to Straying for the Morsel and The Yeah Nah Review This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week on the pod The Battlers talk to the suddenly former deputy editor of Meanjin, Eli McLean, about the untimely killing of the 85yo literary journal. Jump to 37.55 for the interview.Before that, Pat and Tim discuss Australia under Iranian rule, Bondi ZioNazis, and Glorious Leader Xi Danping.As always, subscribe to Straying for the Morsel and Patrick Marlborough This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week, Pat and Tim talk about the March for Australia that cooked on the streets of Sydney, Melbourne, and the other cities last weekend. Tim was there and gives an eyewitness account. The lads talk about why all nazis are pedos, and the poor honest racists who were blindsided by the presence of fash at the rally (sorry to Tim’s uncle). They also talk Trump, the New American Novel and Tim’s “Class and Art” survey results. Thanks as always to Dictator Dan Dare for production. Song is No Strain by the Southend Rainbows. Photo credit Michael Bianchino. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week it’s just Pat and Tim, the way God intended. Unencumbered by guests, they rage about the resposne of the government to the protest on Sydney Hamas Bridge; the rising tide of Naarm Nazism; the cowardice of Bendigo Writers’ Festival adopting a stifling definition of antisemitism in their code of conduct; and Christos Tsiolkas’ delightful article on the benefits of fencesitting.It’s a quick one; when Pat gets back to Boorloo we’ll be back in the Castro saddle and giving five-hour diatribes. Thanks as always to Dan Dare: producer, friend and defamation prophylactic. Song is No Strain by the Southend Rainbows. Onya,Battlers. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

On July 18th, The Battler host Patrick Marlborough joined with the podcast’s most ‘faptastic’ fan, Giacomo Bianchino, to launch Patrick’s debut novel, NOCK LOOSE, in a city that counts (Sydney), at the big smoke’s best bookstore, Better Read Than Dead.A feral chat about OzLit and the creative process and long term unemployment, enjoy Giacomo’s attempts to get Patrick to admit he is horny for cartoons, amongst other things.Forgive us for the patchy audio quality: the crowd’s laughter was so uproarious it literally broke the mics. Thanks to Dan, as always, for the audio edits. Follow Straying for the Morsel and Patrick Marlborough and buy and read NOCK LOOSE!The Battler will return to its regular programming next week! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week Pat n Tim talk shop with author and artiste Madison Griffiths, who has just released Sweet Nothings, her second monograph after 2022’s Tissue. We talk about the book, which is a study of four relationships between students and university teachers. We walk through power dynamics; horny academia; and the interminable thirst of European writers for stories of scholarly seduction.Production as always from “Dictator” Dan Dare. Song is No Strain by the Southend Rainbows.Also, if you live in Shit City, don’t forget to come down to Readings at 630pm this Wednesday, 6th August to hear Pat launch Nock Loose with friend of the show Evelyn Araluen! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week, Pat and Tim talk with Max Easton, paesano and the author of novels liek The Magpie Wing and Paradise Estate and the reams of top-notch music crit over at Barely Human. We talk about “Western Sydney Literature,” the DIY ethos and class autonomy, the importance of self-publishing, and the singularity of Rugby League. It’s a big yarn, and a very invested take on writing in Aus in 2025.Shout out as always to Dictator Dan Dare. Title song is No Strain by the Southend Rainbows. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

20th EPISODE SPECTACULAR!The Battler Boys meet in person for the FIRST TIME and immediately attempt to kill each other as they reckon with show mascot, Mark Latham, being accused of doing Mark Latham things (allegedly). Also touched on (allegedly) is the pedogeddon of the Epstein files, Albo’s woeful drip on his China trip, the soothing sounds of Israeli psytrance, Ancient Greek pottery, and whether or not Tim and Pat are ‘hoteps’.as always, subscribe to Straying for the Morsel and The Yeah Nah Review, share The Battler far and wide, and buy Nock Loose! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week, Pat M talks to Pat L: Journalist, Writer and substacker at the Nonsense Newsletter We cover Lenton’s new book, In Spite of You; queer lit; youth media and vulture capitalism. Unfortunately, Tim had “technical difficulties” (nothing to do with queerphobia) on his extended Eurotrip at “Marxist summer school,” and couldn’t make it to the interview (mistimed his alarm and nursed a raki hangover). He’s back now, and will be there to watch Pat and friend of the program Giacomo Bianchino launch Nock Loose, at Better Read Than Dead in Newtown, this Friday at 6pm! Come down and say hi/punch them in the back of the skull.As always, thanks to Dictator Dan Dare. Song is “No Strain” by Southend Rainbows. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week, Pat and Tim talk about the Sabsabi decision, the solidification of anti-protest reactionism across the world, and the transformation of the ALP into a Party of Order and domination. We talk about the brutalisation of Hannah Thomas and Tony Burke’s response; the practice of “slave day” in East Coast schools; and the changing structure of Labor’s branches.We are still on opposite sides of the planet still, and Tim is at his little Marxist summer camp; so the audio is a little cooked. But Dictator Dan Dare is in again to save the day. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week, Pat and Tim are guestless and ill, but stoked nonetheless as a self-proclaimed socialist takes the dem nomination in the New York mayoral elections. We talk about what the DSA is in 2025, how it has outgrown its own grad-student-podcast nexus, and what we can learn from the movement in Australia. We also talk about the importance of white genocide, Trump’s dropping of F and other bombs, Israel doing aid truck flour massacres in their spare time, and Aunty trying to bribe her staff not do industrial action. Thanks as always to the saint Dan Dare in his intercession with the tech gods. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

Battlers! First off, sorry for the delay! With Pat sick, and Tim in Italy, and a few tech issues, producer Dan (that Saint, that Angel!) has had to work overtime to stitch this episode together. But thank CHRIST for him, because it is a BEAUTY!This week, we talk to award wining poet (author of Drop Bear) and editor of Overland Literary Journal and overall genius, Evelyn Araluen, about what it means to hold your ground agains Zionist censorship, and what work goes into maintaining your craft and honing your art while besieged on all sides by fascists. Evelyn got us all fired up, it truly is a yap for the ages. Tim & Pat’s initial pre-interview chat for this episode is now in the ether, and we’ve instead attached last week’s chat to the interview — the news is moving like an e-bike twink on too much Vyvanse, and we didn’t think there was much point in you listening to our riffs (though they were very good) from two weeks ago. We get into Iran, Cuck Country Blues, and the rest of it…Apologies again for the delay, we will be back to our regular scheduling as soon as Tim is back and Pat is cured of his many ailments. GET IT IN YA! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week Pat and Tim talk to writer and painter Joseph Earp about writing and painting. There’s also a little bit about the importance of failure and unfinished works; about influence and about the insecurities of Australian writers.Before that, the Battler regular corps chat Gillard’s feminism, Western Liberal Leaders in their Noble Stand Against Israel and the Woodside North West Shelf Gas extension project.Song as always is No Strain by Southend Rainbows. Produced by the wonderful Dan Dare.Jo’s novel, Painting Portraits of Everyone I’ve Ever Dated, is available in bookstores everywhere, or right here at this link. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week Pat and Tim talk to dan hogan, author of A Secret Third Thing, award-winning poet and co-founder of Subbed-In small press. We chat about the terrors of the lit “scene” in Sydney and Melbourne (and beautiful Boorloo); the agnosticism of Australian publishing on matters of class; and the squeamishness of the industry towards any sort of novelty. Beforehand, Pat and Tim talk Zionist zombie propaganda; the implications of having our first Nigerian head of an Australian political party; and Ben Roberts-Smith’s tragic loss of his court appeal. We also talk about the NatLib split (the splat). We recorded it on Wednesday, and now their back together. It seems like our prognosis– that they were trying to build leverage and push the libs to the right, but that they ultimately would repair the rift– was vindicated again, but in accelerated time.Caveat: Tim, the professional, called Paul Bongiorno Frank Bongiorno at one point. These bloody wog writers dio mio– I guess it’s buonanotte for Tim! Song is No Strain by The Southend Rainbows. Produced as always by Dictator Dan Dare. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week we chat with Crystal Andrews, journalist and founder of Zee Feed. We cover the “Stephen Graham effect” in talking about the politics of zoomer boys; the tension between legacy and new media; and the role of cringe in Ozpol.Pat and Tim also talk about Sussan Ley’s new role in a Guy Ritchie film; Ted O’Brien losing his milk arrowroot; and how all small business owners are fascists.Production once again by “Dictator” Dan Dare, and intro song is by The Southend Rainbows. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week we celebrate the death of the parliamentary Liberal party and herald the millennium of Albanese’s Red Sea. We also speak with Pundit, Plaudit and Puerile Pedant Osman Faruqi, co-host of Lamestream with Scott Mitchell. We talk about the ghoulish indifference of Australian media and politics to Gaza; the devastating electoral result for the Greens in the lower house; and the superiority of NRL to AFL.It’s a wonderful conversation, adulterated only by the near-hour of bilious whingeing that we do before Oz gets on the pod. Pat and Tim talk about being right all the time; about the leaderhip aspirations of Sussan “SS” Ley; and about the possible trajectories of our major parties in the wake of the Albogensian Crusade. You might notice that this week’s ep sounds better. That’s because “Dictator” Dan Dare has come onboard as a producer for the show. We doff our trilbies to his efforts at getting us to sound less like your cousin’s basement manifesto project and more like the evil podcasters against which we are competing. While we figure out our new processes, it might also mean a slight delay in the pod. Stick with us.Finally, we’ve got a new logo from Andy Pratt. It’s a pearler, signifying our desire to become the “Latham Handshake” that cripples the Australian media. Title song is No Strain by the Southend Rainbows. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

Two days out from the election, things look set for a Big Fat Labor Drubbing. In this episode, Pat and Tim talk about what a routing would mean for the Tories; the possibility of a revanchist rapprochement between the minor and major Rightwing parties; Kyle Sandilands’ prospects as ambassador to Trump; Jackie O’s Archibald portrait; and the seeping evil of the Craft Beer era.Caveat: we spent several minutes talking about what Bill Shorten is up to, mistakenly claimed he was still minister for the NDIS. Later on, we actually had a conversation about him being Vice Chancellor of Canberra University. It’s this kind of rigour that you can expect from us. Subscribe to Straying for the Morsel and The Yeah Nah Review, follow Timwintoncellectuals and Cormac McCafe on insta; don’t vote for the Tories (or Labor); don’t be a dork.The Yemeni banger in this week’s episode: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

In this ep, Pat and Tim talk to writer, musician and editor Cher Tan, whose Peripathetic was one of the better books to come out of Australia last year. We chat about the repression of pro-Palestine speech; the role of independent outlets and substack in Australian writing; the development of the internet-friendly “house style” among writers and the need to protect our nepo babies and venture capitalists.Beforehand, the Battler boys talk about the dead Prelate (RIP to a real one); the absolute carnage of the Liberal election campaign and the peak Craft Beer aesthetics of Betoota Advocate running a Labor social media campaign. We also talk in general about Australian comedy writing, from Rodney “The Duke” Rude to Friendly “Sleep in a Suit” Jordies.Like and subscribe, and follow Straying for the Morsel and Patrick Marlborough on substack.Onya. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

An easter treat with two eps in a single week. Tim’s off to do the Yuppie Ghan (driving from Garramilla to Uluru) so we’re in early. Alithya anesti.Joined this week by Charlie Lewis from Crikey and RRR, chatting about the rizz problem in the Liberal party and Dutton’s calamitous campaign; the absence of intrigue in this year’s election and Crikey’s own bit of brattery in running a fake candidate for the senate. Then, Pat and Tim talk about the WA Greens doing the settler thing and throwing an ANZAC doof. We also listen to the AI “diss track” that the Libs unveiled to collective horror on the weekend; speculate on what goes in on George Brandis’ opera box; and pine for Pyne and his gawky brand of cuntservery. Bit of an easter egg at the end, with the glorious Southend Rainbows paean to Christopher: Place Beyond the Pynes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com

This week we talk to Joana Partyka: artist and activist with Disrupt Burrup Hub. DBH have been protesting against Woodside’s gas mining bonanza up around the Pilbara for the last several years. Joana takes Pat and Tim through their strategy, their actions and the extreme, terrifying response of Western Australia’s police force. This is heavy stuff, and shows the lengths to which the petro-state is willing to go in order to protect capital and prolong the waning boom.Before the interview, the fellangists talk about Dutton’s festering personality problem; the debate; and the recent candidate’s forum on environmental policy in the Division of Wentworth, to which Timbo went last Tuesday. For the record, Jo was right that Wentworth is the old seat of Mr Trumble; also the piece of legislation to which “honest” Tim refers is the 1999 (not 1997) Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. Like and subscribe, and follow Straying for the Morsel and Patrick Marlborough on Substack.Also, if you know an editor that wants to relieve Tim of cutting up the episodes, slide into comments/dms.Music: No Strain by the Southend Rainbows. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebattler.substack.com