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Back to Back Barries

by The Guardian · English · News

Back to Back Barries examines the strategies behind the week's politics with co-hosts Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry. Barrie Cassidy has covered 14 federal elections as a political journalist, and two from the inside as a senior press secretary to then prime minister Bob Hawke. He is also the former

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 33 min
Latest: 8 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026 · 33 min

Back to Back Barries: How Labor should fight One Nation

Tony Barry and Jessie McCrone examine the latest Redbridge poll (‘the poll that stops the nation’) that shows support for the prime minister and Labor is slipping significantly. Tony asks Jessie – a former senior Labor advisor – how she would counsel Anthony Albanese and what she thinks could improve Labor’s chances against One Nation. And the two former sparring partners also look at the upcoming Victorian election and what it could mean for both the major parties at a federal level

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

2 Oct 2026 · 33 min
Back to Back Barries: Can the Greens beat Labor?
Barrie Cassidy and Sean Kelly (filling in for Tony Barry) discuss the Greens leadership change this week. Senator David Shoebridge defeated two women to take out the top job in a rare contested ballot. So what direction will he take the progressive party and can they ‘replace’ Labor as he claims? Also in this episode: what did the prime minister say at George Megalogenis’ Melbourne book launch that surprised both of these former political advisers? And as we draw ever nearer to the Victorian election, what do the polls reveal about how it could all play out?
25 Sep 2026 · 33 min
Back to Back Barries: Should the media boycott One Nation?
Barrie Cassidy and Sean Kelly (filling in for Tony Barry) look at the prime minister’s week in the US against the backdrop of Donald Trump’s ban of three news organisations from the White House. Would the Australian media ever join together like their American counterparts and boycott a political party or politician? The two former press advisers also examine press conference ethics and why Australian politicians should be wary of using AI to write their speeches
18 Sep 2026 · 36 min
Back to Back Barries: Labor’s migration dilemma
Barrie Cassidy and Jessie McCrone, a former adviser to the former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews and now managing partner for FMRS Advisory, examine the migration reforms as announced by the home affairs minister, Tony Burke, this week. Is One Nation controlling the narrative on this issue, and how will the Coalition respond? They also look at the Guardian’s new investigative podcast series The Populist; plus, with just two months to go until the Victorian election, what does Jessie think about the state of play and Labor’s chances at the ballot box? Jessie is filling in for Tony Barry…
11 Sep 2026 · 33 min
Back to Back Barries: Andrew Hastie v Pauline Hanson
Barrie Cassidy and Sean Kelly (filling in for Tony Barry this week) go straight to Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie’s stoush with Pauline Hanson over an animated cartoon. Is Hastie one of the few politicians willing to take on the One Nation leader? And could this be the beginning of the Liberal party fighting back? Staying with One Nation: what does the coverage of Warren Pickering’s press conference this week say about how the media – and the public – treats political leaders differently? And the prime minister continues to come under scrutiny over grants awarded to a golf club in his…
4 Sep 2026 · 32 min
Back to Back Barries: The forces that can stop One Nation’s rise
Barrie Cassidy and George Megalogenis (filling in for Tony this week) examine George’s new book, Three Shocks: Who We are Becoming in the 21st Century, and how these forces are reshaping our national identity and Australian politics. They also look at the politics of the housing market and Barrie responds to a listener who questions his analysis of One Nation’s inability to get over the “wall” around the cities Best Australian books out in September House prices could fall 10%, analysts predict, as fourth interest rate hike looms
28 Aug 2026 · 36 min
Back to Back Barries: How is One Nation influencing Labor’s migration policy?
Tony Barry and Sean Kelly, sitting in for Barrie Cassidy, examine the politics of immigration and asylum after contradictory policy statements this week from Labor and One Nation. They discuss how much Labor is being led by One Nation and whether the government is doing enough to make the case for migration. They also talk about the concessions made by the Albanese government to the states on GST and renewable energy for datacentres, as well as the bumpy economic road ahead for Labor, with new inflation numbers suggesting possible interest rates hikes in the future Albanese vows refugee…
21 Aug 2026 · 27 min
Back to Back Barries: Political stitch-up or compromise? A tale of two political deals
Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry examine the two deals made this week between the Coalition and Labor on gambling advertising and the NDIS. They also look ahead to the upcoming byelection in the Western Australian electorate of Secret Harbour, which sits within Andrew Hastie’s electorate. Could One Nation again emerge victorious? If so, what threat would that pose to the federal Liberal MP’s political fortunes? And after the break the Barries take a question from Neil in Bendigo, a super fan of the show, about when Albanese is likely to go and who could take the leadership
14 Aug 2026 · 29 min
Back to Back Barries: what ‘melon-gate’ really reveals about our politics and the media
Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry look at Liberal senator Andrew Bragg’s speech this week in which he outlined his plan to solve the housing crisis – a plan that doesn’t have the support of his own party. The Barries also discuss the ‘melon-gate’ controversy, with Tony asking if a conservative politician would be subjected to more or less outrage if they had done the same thing. Also in this episode, the deal on gambling between Labor and the Coalition
7 Aug 2026 · 34 min
Back to Back Barries: why Labor is split on migration
Barrie Cassidy is back, and kicks off the episode by analysing the conflict in the Labor party over migration that led to the home affairs minister, Tony Burke, pulling out of his scheduled press club speech this week. Tony Barry delves into new Redbridge polling suggesting small gains for One Nation and the Coalition at a federal level. And as the conversation turns to Victorian politics, he surprises everyone – including himself – by defending a trade union leader. They also answer some listener questions, and Tony has his say on Jetstar’s new cabin luggage charges.
31 Jul 2026 · 32 min
Back to Back Barries: the fallout from a Victorian coup
Tony Barry and Jon Faine (sitting in for Barrie Cassidy this week) examine the ousting of Jacinta Allan and the anointing of Ben Carroll as the new premier of Victoria. They discuss what it could all mean for the upcoming election and while they say anything can happen, Tony’s tummy compass points to a win for Jess Wilson. And, weeks into the royal commission on antisemitism and social cohesion, Faine gives his take on the hearings so far
24 Jul 2026 · 37 min
Back to Back Barries: Barnaby bends the media cycle
Tony Barry and George Megalogenis (filling in for Barrie Cassidy) give their view on One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce’s viral moment this week and why they think it played well to his party’s base. George takes us back to past elections that produced favourable results for One Nation to remind us that we have been here before and that political predictions often don’t come true. And they sign off with a listener email asking if the rise in polling is damaging democracy
17 Jul 2026 · 33 min
Back to Back Barries: will Tommy Robinson sink Pauline Hanson?
This week Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry examine the One Nation leader’s podcast interview with far-right British activist Tommy Robinson and ask: will this interview cause fractures within the party and weaken her leadership? They also look at the rightwing party’s position on international affairs and new polling in the lead-up to the Victorian election
10 Jul 2026 · 30 min
Back to Back Barries: The worst political gaffe of the week
Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry examine a long list of stumbles and missteps made by politicians this week. They also discuss the prime minister’s Pacific push as China tested a long-range missile – and Nigel Farage’s resignation from politics only to stand at an upcoming byelection
2 Jul 2026 · 34 min
Back to Back Barries: The Liberal party needs more than a rebrand
Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry discuss what led to the first drop in One Nation’s poll numbers in more than a year, and why the voters turning away from Pauline Hanson are not turning back towards the Liberal party. They also examine the politics of falling house prices and why it may end up being a challenge for Labor
26 Jun 2026 · 28 min
Back to Back Barries: Angus Taylor’s multiculturalism mess
Tony Barry and Barrie Cassidy examine a big week in politics. Will Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender prove successful with their new centrist political party? Is Angus Taylor in trouble after a week of stumbles responding to One Nation policies? And what lessons should Anthony Albanese learn from Keir Starmer’s downfall?
19 Jun 2026 · 37 min
Back to Back Barries: Is the media giving Pauline Hanson a free pass?
Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry dissect Pauline Hanson’s National Press Club appearance this week and ask: is the leader of One Nation treated differently to other political leaders by the media? They also give their take on Hanson’s attacks on minorities, her pledge to dismantle public broadcasting and they meditate on whether appealing to people’s prejudices will backfire. And also: will the government’s backdown on tax be enough to silence Anthony Albanese’s critics?
12 Jun 2026 · 33 min
Back to Back Barries: Who is donating to One Nation?
Tony Barry and Barrie Cassidy discuss One Nation’s successful fundraising drive which raised nearly $3m this week. They look at how the major parties are handling the rise of the rightwing party and where they agree the prime minister made a missstep. Also in this episode: the return of the ‘Ditch the Witch’ slogan in politics and the likelihood of a Liberal win in the upcoming Victorian election
5 Jun 2026 · 33 min
Back to Back Barries: Does One Nation have a ceiling or a wall?
Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry break down the new Redbridge polling that shows One Nation with the highest primary vote in the country, a result unprecedented in Australian politics. They also discuss Peter Garrett’s appointment to head a new public inquiry into Aukus and whether Anthony Albanese has enough political capital to afford it
29 May 2026 · 35 min
Back to Back Barries: Is Labor in trouble over tax?
Tony Barry and Barrie Cassidy examine the government’s struggle to sell its ambitious tax changes as the legislation hit parliament this week. The Barries also look at the pros and cons of a ‘teal’ party and dig into new Redbridge polling that shows One Nation could overtake the Liberals as the official opposition
21 May 2026 · 40 min
Back to Back Barries live: How long will Angus Taylor survive as Liberal leader?
In this special recording of the Barries in front of a live audience of 600 at the Sydney Writers’ festival, Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry discuss why budget criticism is hurting Labor more than many anticipated. They also examine the Coalition’s many leadership changes and ask who could take the reins next Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast
15 May 2026 · 29 min
Back to Back Barries: Angus Taylor’s migration muddle
Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry deliver their verdict on the federal budget – including opposition leader Angus Taylor’s targeting of migrants in an effort to solve the housing crisis. They also discuss Pauline Hanson’s soon-to-be released energy policy and why dissatisfaction with Labor isn’t translating into more votes for the Greens
8 May 2026 · 32 min
Back to back Barries: One Nation’s Trump-sized achilles heel
Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry dive into new Redbridge polling that shows Pauline Hanson’s support of Donald Trump’s war on Iran could turn voters off. They also discuss the upcoming federal budget, the returning IS-linked families and listener feedback on last week’s gas tax debate
1 May 2026 · 32 min
Back to Back Barries: Focus on Farrer
Barrie Cassidy gives his take on the mood in Farrer after moderating a debate with the candidates in Albury, while Tony Barry raises new statistics that show India has overcome England as Australia’s leading overseas country of birth and asks why so many politicians fail to understand Australia today. Also on the table: rising inflation, negative gearing and Albanese’s decision not to tax gas giants
24 Apr 2026 · 35 min
Back to Back Barries: Can Labor’s 'tough decisions' save the NDIS?
Tony Barry and Barrie Cassidy examine health minister Mark Butler’s announcement this week that Labor will move thousands of people off the NDIS to save costs. The Barries also discuss the economy, taxing gas giants and Donald Trump
17 Apr 2026 · 39 min
Back to Back Barries: the Coalition’s ‘risky’ immigration plan
Tony Barry and Barrie Cassidy discuss the opposition leader, Angus Taylor’s, new immigration policy and why Tony sees it as a strategy to come second. They also look at Donald Trump’s stoush with the pope, Anthony Albanese’s cautiousness when it comes to taking on gambling advertising and why this years budget will be one of the toughest ever delivered
10 Apr 2026 · 34 min
Back to Back Barries: Cutting through Trump’s ‘wall of noise’
Tony Barry and Barrie Cassidy discuss the fragile ceasefire in Iran and the pressure building on Australian politicians to respond to Donald Trump’s escalating rhetoric. The Barries also examine the prime minister’s trip to Singapore, Matt Canavan’s “economic revolution” and the political response to Ben Roberts-Smith’s arrest.
27 Mar 2026 · 33 min
Back to Back Barries: How the fuel crisis could hurt Albanese
Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry go for a deep dive into the South Australian election outcome and what it means for federal politics. They examine what the results tell us about preferences and why the Liberals should be cautious when placing One Nation second on the ballot. They also discuss whether Anthony Albanese has any appetite for tax reform in the upcoming budget, whether the fuel crisis could take a turn for the worse against Labor, and why Andrew Hastie is such a dangerous political opponent
20 Mar 2026 · 26 min
Back to Back Barries: Will the war on Iran war trigger another recession we have to have?
Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry examine the fuel crisis and whether the Australian public will blame the Albanese government for the growing economic fallout from Trump’s war on Iran. They also discuss Liberal MP Andrew Hastie’s criticism of – and distancing from – the US president, the RBA’s raising of the cash rate and why the treasurer, Jim Chalmers, is ‘opening the door’ for a recession
13 Mar 2026 · 27 min
Back to Back Barries: Does Matt Canavan have a strategy to take on One Nation?
Matt Canavan has emerged as the leader of the National party. But, ask Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry, is he the right person to take on One Nation? And will the upcoming South Australian election be an extinction-level event for the Coalition? They also discuss how it took just two weeks for Australia to become involved in Trump’s war on Iran, and why it may just be the thin edge of wedge Email the Barries: [email protected]

About Back to Back Barries

Back to Back Barries is a English news podcast from The Guardian. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: The Guardian
Language: English
Category: News
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 33 min
Latest episode: 8 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id6816273636

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