The Populist: The favourite son | Episode 2 – podcast
News Source
•Sun, 20 Sep 2026 15:00:20 GMT
📰 What Happened
The Guardian has released the second episode of The Populist podcast. The episode focuses on James Ashby, who advises Pauline Hanson. Hanson is the party’s leader, but Ashby holds much of the day-to-day power. He decides when the party speaks to the media.
The podcast traces Ashby’s career. It starts with his work in public relations and moves through a parliamentary scandal. It finishes with his rise inside One Nation as the party gains support across Australia.
🔍 The Backstory
One Nation has grown in popularity in recent years. The party now attracts voters who are unhappy with the major parties. Hanson has been an MP for decades and is one of Australia’s most recognised politicians.
Ashby has been at Hanson’s side for years. He worked as her chief of staff and later became the party’s national director. He often speaks for One Nation when the media is allowed in.
🎯 Why It Matters
This matters because the people around a leader can shape policy and campaigns. Voters deserve to know who really runs a party. The podcast gives a clear look at that behind-the-scenes power.
The Guardian has released the second episode of The Populist podcast. The episode focuses on James Ashby, who advises Pauline Hanson. Hanson is the party’s leader, but Ashby holds much of the day-to-day power. He decides when the party speaks to the media.
The podcast traces Ashby’s career. It starts with his work in public relations and moves through a parliamentary scandal. It finishes with his rise inside One Nation as the party gains support across Australia.
One Nation has grown in popularity in recent years. The party now attracts voters who are unhappy with the major parties. Hanson has been an MP for decades and is one of Australia’s most recognised politicians.
Ashby has been at Hanson’s side for years. He worked as her chief of staff and later became the party’s national director. He often speaks for One Nation when the media is allowed in.
This matters because the people around a leader can shape policy and campaigns. Voters deserve to know who really runs a party. The podcast gives a clear look at that behind-the-scenes power.