We sit down with retired Major General Mick Ryan, a 35-year veteran of the Australian Army, to delve into pressing issues of modern defense strategy. We explore his advocacy for increased defense spending in Australia and dive into cutting-edge topics like AI, automation, and drone technology in modern warfare. We also delve into the strategic rationale behind the recent U.S. raids on Iranian nuclear sites, discussing the intelligence and motivations behind that decision. Plus, we cover the AUKUS submarine deal and its technological implications. Don't miss this in-depth conversation on how Australia can prepare for future challenges and stay ahead in an ever-evolving global landscape.

Check out Mick Ryan's book, White Sun War, on Amazon - https://bit.ly/4nyiUwM

Follow his insights on his Substack - https://substack.com/@mickryan

#DefenseStrategy #MilitaryTechnology #MickRyan #AustralianArmy #AUKUS #AIinWarfare #DroneTechnology #DefenseSpending #USAustraliaRelations #Geopolitics #SubmarineDeal #WhiteSunWar #militaryinsights

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A Southern Skies Media production

Presented by Steve Visscher

Voiceover by Sarah Patterson

© 2025

Jim Penman: Business, Politics, and the Future of Small Enterprise in Australia

Jim Penman is one of Australia's most successful entrepreneurs, having built Jim’s Group from a humble lawn mowing business in 1989 into a national home services franchise empire, generating over one billion dollars in annual turnover. His story began during an economic downturn — and today, many of those same financial headwinds are back.

In this episode of The Clear Signal, Jim joins Steve Visscher for a wide-ranging conversation about:

✅ Starting a business during recessionary times

✅ How government overreach, excessive taxes, and red tape are stifling small business growth

✅ The ongoing housing crisis and why current policies are failing

✅ His fierce defence of franchisees during Victoria's harsh COVID-19 lockdowns

✅ And why he’s considering a run for politics in the 2026 Victorian state election

Jim also shares insights into the values that underpin his business philosophy, and why empowering small business owners remains his life’s mission.

👉 Subscribe for more interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and policy influencers:

https://www.youtube.com/@ClearSignalMedia

👉 Visit The Clear Signal website:

https://www.clearsignal.com.au

📌 Follow us for more:

#TheClearSignal #JimPenman #JimsGroup #SmallBusinessAustralia #AustralianPolitics #HousingCrisis #Entrepreneurship #VictoriaPolitics #COVIDLockdowns #SteveVisscher #Franchising #BusinessGrowth #EconomicPolicy #RecessionProofBusiness

The 2025 federal election was meant to be a close one. But instead of a tight contest or a hung parliament, Labor walked away with a massive majority. Peter Dutton even lost his own seat. The Coalition? Left looking lost, leaderless, and completely out of touch.

In the latest episode of The Clear Signal, I catch up with journalist and political commentator Damian Coory from The Other Side to unpack the chaos.

We talk about:

👉 Why the Coalition’s message didn’t land

👉 How Labor managed to control the narrative

👉 What Sussan Ley’s leadership means for the future

👉 Whether conservative politics in Australia can be saved—or if we’re witnessing the conditions for something new to emerge

With voter confidence in the centre-right crumbling, is this a historical turning point? Could this moment be the start of a grassroots movement like Reform UK in Britain, driven by people tired of political compromise and weak messaging?

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Host: Steve Visscher

Guest: Damian Coory (The Other Side)

Voiceover: Sarah Patterson

Produced by: Southern Skies Media

© 2025

Edition 23 – Australian Military Strategy: Getting it Right

Guest: Marcus Hellyer | Host: Steve Visscher

Has Australia grown too complacent about its national defence?

In this timely episode of The Clear Signal, host Steve Visscher is joined by long-time defence analyst Marcus Hellyer from Strategic Analysis Australia to unpack the complex challenges facing the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

They discuss:

🇦🇺 Whether Australia has taken its eye off the ball on defence

🪖 Critical recruitment issues and declining ADF capability

🌏 The regional strategic landscape and China's increasing assertiveness

🚢 Australia's future submarine program and the AUKUS alliance

🇺🇸 US military support and shifting policies under Donald Trump

📘 And how Outrider, a novel by former SASR soldier Mark Wales, mirrors potential future conflicts

🎙️ Voiceover by Sarah Patterson

📅 Recorded May 2025

🔗 More from Marcus Hellyer:

🎧 The Grumpy Strategist podcast:

https://strategicanalysis.org/category/strategic-analysis-australia-podcasts

🎙️ ADM Podcast – Episode 94:

https://www.australiandefence.com.au/podcasts/adm-podcast-94-australia-s-ability-to-survive-in-a-rapidly-changing-world-with-the-grumpy-strategists

🌐 Visit https://clearsignal.com.au for full episodes, articles and exclusive interviews.

A Southern Skies Media Production

© 2025

Election 2025: Are Australia's Political Parties Failing at Communication?

In this episode of The Clear Signal, Steve is joined by media analyst Nic Hayes from Media Stable to unpack the media strategies behind Australia’s 2025 federal election campaign.

With Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the ALP cruising toward a possible win — or perhaps a hung parliament with the Greens — and Peter Dutton struggling to connect with voters, we ask: Why is this election so uninspiring?

And more importantly: Why are major parties ignoring newer media platforms like podcasts, YouTube, and independent creators?

As American politicians embrace non-legacy media, Australia’s political strategists appear stuck in the past — relying on one-liners and controlled slogans rather than authentic, long-form discussions. Is this a missed opportunity to connect with modern voters? Are the parties afraid their candidates can’t handle open dialogue?

It’s also clear that the ALP and the broader left side of politics are far more adept at harnessing modern media messaging techniques — often finding success even during periods of unpopularity. Perhaps the most striking example of this was former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, who maintained a strong narrative despite the harsh COVID lockdowns imposed on the state. Now acting as a political advisor to Anthony Albanese during this campaign, Andrews’ influence appears to be paying dividends, leaving Dutton and the Liberal Party trailing in both messaging clarity and media strategy.

We dive deep into these questions and more in this critical analysis of political communication in 2025.

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Recorded April 2025

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Presented by Steve Visscher

Voiceovers by Sarah Patterson

The Clear Signal is a Southern Skies Media Production

© 2025

clearsignal.com.au

#Election2025 #AustralianPolitics #PoliticalStrategy #AnthonyAlbanese #PeterDutton #MediaAnalysis #NicHayes #TheClearSignal #SteveVisscher #AusPol #PodcastAustralia #IndependentMedia #CommunicationStrategy #NewMedia #LegacyMedia #GreensAustralia #HungParliament #DanielAndrews

Show 21 (Series 2 - Episode 1)

John Kiriakou - John was recruited into the CIA in the late 1980's and worked in many overseas postings in a career spanning 14 years. From Greece to Afghanistan and many other places besides, it was his role heading an operation in Pakistan to capture high ranking al-Qaeda leader Abu Zubuydah that would bring him to prominence, and would have an impact on his life which was in equal parts profound and unexpected.

In 2007, Kiriakou made the decision to publicly expose the CIA's use of "enhanced interrogation techniques" on Zubuydah, calling into question their legality. It was a decision which would eventually lead to him being imprisioned for more than two years.

Upon his release, John embarked on careers in business and journalism, and regularly appears on television, radio and podcasts analysing world events and talking about his exploits in the clandestine world.

In this edition, we discuss the recent US elections, Donald Trump's first months back in-office, and how Australia's intelligence services are regarded by their US counterparts. We look back to 9/11 and forward to the growing influence of China in the Asia Pacific region, and we touch on some of John's exploits during his long career...and beyond.

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Links

Loud & Clear with John Kiriakou - https://johnkiriakou.substack.com/

Speaking Tour - https://tigerslanestudios.com/an-evening-with-the-ex-cia/

Julian Dorey Podcast - https://juliandoreypodcast.com/

Dalton Fischer Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@DaltonFischerPodcast/videos

Danny Jones Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbtV5L8TVB0zQ9khThGApLw

Andrew Bustamente - https://everydayspy.com/

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Recorded March 2025

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Presented by Steve Visscher

Voiceovers by Sarah Patterson

The Clear Signal is a Southern Skies Media Production

© 2025

clearsignal.com.au

SHOW 20

Trevor Long - One of Australia's best known technology reporters discussing recent government attempts at regulating online and social media, digital identities and the wonders of industry trade shows.

Find Trevor at eftm.com

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John Cadogan - Long-time motoring journalist from autoexpert.com.au discussing the latest sales trends in the local automotive market, Chinese imports and the continued rise of electric vehicles​

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Recorded November 2024

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Presented by Steve Visscher

Voiceovers by Sarah Patterson & Terry Daniel

The Clear Signal is a Southern Skies Media Production

© 2025

clearsignal.com.au

Media Power & Retail Psychology | The Clear Signal with Steve Visscher – Episode 19

In this thought-provoking episode of The Clear Signal, Steve Visscher is joined by two experts to explore the changing media landscape and the subtle tactics behind successful retail sales.

🗞️ Nic Hayes – Media analyst, journalist, and Managing Director of Media Stable, Nic provides a sharp analysis of the recent U.S. elections and what they reveal about the rise of "new media." Has traditional political communication taken a back seat? Nic dives deep into how modern messaging, influencer-driven content, and digital platforms are reshaping the way political narratives are delivered and received.

🛍️ Nicole O'Sullivan – Business coach and Director at Birds Eye View Consulting, Nicole shares fascinating insights into the psychology of retail. Learn how brands and sales professionals use powerful psychological cues to influence buyer behaviour, and how anyone in sales can master the art of closing with confidence and authenticity.

🎧 This episode blends media strategy and consumer psychology into one essential listen for marketers, communicators, and curious minds alike.

🔗 Catch more episodes at clearsignal.com.au

📲 Available on all major podcast platforms!

#MediaStrategy #NewMedia #USElections2024 #PoliticalCommunication #NicHayes #RetailPsychology #SalesCoaching #NicoleOSullivan #BirdsEyeViewConsulting #MarketingTips #DigitalInfluence #TheClearSignal #SteveVisscher #PodcastAustralia #ConsumerBehaviour #ModernMedia

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Recorded November 2024

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Presented by Steve Visscher

Voiceovers by Sarah Patterson & Terry Daniel

The Clear Signal is a Southern Skies Media Production

© 2025

clearsignal.com.au