Nights with John Stanley

The hosts introduce Trent Nikolic as the new motoring editor and dive into various automotive trends, including privacy concerns regarding police access to toll camera footage and the rising popularity of SUVs in Australia. The episode explores the competitive landscape of Chinese car manufacturers, debating their long-term reliability compared to Toyota and the potential risks of remote disabling features in connected vehicles. The conversation also covers vehicle durability under Australia's intense UV rays, the unique characteristics of the DeLorean, and a debate over the road safety of large vehicles like Land Cruisers. The episode concludes with car valuations for various models, ranging from classic Mustangs to modern Teslas, and insights into how geopolitical tensions can impact electric vehicle resale values.

John Stanley covers a wide range of national and international news, beginning with local updates on e-bike safety and immigration policy discussions featuring Abul Rizvi. The episode explores the complexities of managing visa overstayers and the economic implications of migration on sectors like agriculture. The program also delves into financial matters, analyzing recent superannuation performance driven by tech shares and discussing tax implications for managed funds and property valuations. The episode concludes with interviews regarding child nutrition, reflections on the power of television, and a global news briefing covering economic outlooks in Australia and the UK.

TV expert Rob McKnight joins the hosts to discuss the current state of Australian television, highlighting a lack of innovation and an over-reliance on recycled international formats. The episode explores recent programming shifts between major networks and revisits iconic live television moments, including legendary mishaps involving Graham Kennedy. The conversation also covers media industry news, such as Karl Stefanovic's departure from Channel 9, and reflects on the lasting impact of Australian Idol contestants compared to modern reality stars. Finally, the hosts discuss potential advertising on the ABC and address recent listener feedback.

In this episode of the Financial Planning Show, hosts discuss recent high returns in Australian superannuation funds driven by tech shares and explore factors influencing future market performance. The discussion also covers the tax implications of switching between superannuation funds and provides advice on property valuations for tax purposes. The segment features a series of caller questions regarding financial planning, covering topics such as the tax implications of holding term deposits in superannuation versus personal names, and the impact of changing primary residences on age pension eligibility. The hosts also discuss the importance of reviewing insurance policies and the security of large superannuation funds.

An interview with Australian country music artist Hayley Jensen regarding her upcoming performance at the Groundwater Country Music Festival on the Gold Coast. The discussion covers the festival's unique unticketed, free-to-attend format in Broad Beach, featuring a lineup that includes Casey Chambers and the Wolf Brothers. The conversation also explores Jensen's diverse career trajectory, moving from Australian Idol and jazz studies at ANU to becoming one of Australia's top-selling female country performers. She discusses how her background in economics and management has aided her as a self-managed artist and reflects on the storytelling power of country music.

John Stanley and guest Jamie Rogers explore shifting political allegiances in Australia, focusing on the rise of One Nation and the Liberal Party's communication challenges. The discussion covers diverse topics including immigration policy, nuclear energy, and the economic impact of rising business insolvencies. The episode also examines broader societal trends, such as the decline of social courtesy and the limitations of AI as an analytical tool. From tech updates on Samsung and wearables to real estate market analysis and the implications of falling stamp duty revenue, the hosts navigate a wide range of current events and global news.

An analysis of the Australian property market comparing July 2025 to July 2026, highlighting a significant drop in auction sales volumes under the new tax regime. The discussion explores the economic implications of halved sales volumes, specifically focusing on the potential crash in state government stamp duty revenue and the subsequent risk of higher state taxes. The episode also addresses broader social consequences, including falling home ownership rates in Sydney, rising homelessness among working individuals, and the complex decision-making process for investors navigating changes to negative gearing and interest rate uncertainty.

The hosts discuss several legendary entertainers who are still active in their 80s and 90s, including Willie Nelson's recent health struggles and new book, and the mysterious disappearance of Bill Cosby. The segment also covers Sir Anthony Hopkins' transition into classical music and William Shatner's unexpected move into heavy metal with his new band, The Uckers. The episode further explores William Shatner's heavy metal project in comparison to Pat Boone's previous genre transition. Additionally, the hosts explore claims that Zsa Zsa Gabor is haunting her widower by manipulating electronic devices in his apartment.

The hosts explore the latest in consumer technology, from upcoming Samsung Galaxy Unpacked announcements and Amazfit wearables to the practical benefits of flatbed microwaves. The episode also examines shifts in Australian solar battery subsidies and the potential for vehicle-to-grid technology in EVs. Further discussions cover the utility of AI as an analytical tool versus a search engine, technical advice on using D-Link mobile hotspots, and recent political developments in the UK. The episode concludes with listener feedback on travel experiences and the use of Starlink for streaming during international flights.