The Populist: The favourite son | Episode 2 – Full Story podcast
News Source
•Sun, 20 Sep 2026 15:00:20 GMT
📰 What Happened
Guardian Australia has released episode two of its podcast series The Populist. This episode looks at James Ashby, Pauline Hanson’s top adviser. Most Australians know Hanson’s story well. Far fewer know how much power Ashby holds inside One Nation.
When the party blocks journalists from press conferences, it is Ashby who makes the call. The episode follows his path from public relations work to a major parliamentary scandal. It ends with his rise as One Nation’s popularity grows.
🔍 The Backstory
Pauline Hanson has led One Nation for most of its history. The party began in the late 1990s and has returned to the centre of politics in recent years. Hanson’s maiden speech and her catchphrase ‘please explain’ are famous in Australia.
The Populist is a Guardian series about Hanson’s party and its growing influence. It is reported by Sarah Martin. The series looks at the people and money behind the party.
🎯 Why It Matters
This matters because advisers often shape political decisions more than voters realise. Understanding who holds power helps people judge a party. Podcasts like this make politics easier to follow.
Guardian Australia has released episode two of its podcast series The Populist. This episode looks at James Ashby, Pauline Hanson’s top adviser. Most Australians know Hanson’s story well. Far fewer know how much power Ashby holds inside One Nation.
When the party blocks journalists from press conferences, it is Ashby who makes the call. The episode follows his path from public relations work to a major parliamentary scandal. It ends with his rise as One Nation’s popularity grows.
Pauline Hanson has led One Nation for most of its history. The party began in the late 1990s and has returned to the centre of politics in recent years. Hanson’s maiden speech and her catchphrase ‘please explain’ are famous in Australia.
The Populist is a Guardian series about Hanson’s party and its growing influence. It is reported by Sarah Martin. The series looks at the people and money behind the party.
This matters because advisers often shape political decisions more than voters realise. Understanding who holds power helps people judge a party. Podcasts like this make politics easier to follow.