You Cannot Be Serious

You Cannot Be Serious Podcast with Sam Newman

You Cannot Be Serious is an independent Australian podcast hosted by Sam Newman, a former professional footballer and a long-standing figure in the country’s sports media landscape. Based in Melbourne, the program serves as an unfiltered platform for commentary on current events, sports, and societal trends. Newman, known for his career with the Geelong Football Club and his decades on television, brings a direct and often provocative perspective to a wide range of topics, ensuring the show remains a consistent source of debate within the Australian media sphere.

The podcast’s content is predominantly structured around topical chat and opinion pieces. While Australian Rules Football (AFL) serves as a frequent focal point—covering everything from on-field performance to the administrative decisions of the league—the scope of the show extends far beyond the sporting arena. Episodes regularly delve into local and national politics, international affairs, and cultural critiques. Common themes include the state of civil liberties, the evolution of social norms, and critiques of mainstream media reporting.

The format is conversational and typically features Newman alongside recurring co-hosts and guest contributors who share backgrounds in professional sports or journalism. This dynamic allows for a blend of insider sporting anecdotes and robust discussion on modern life. Episodes are frequently divided into multiple segments or parts, allowing the hosts to pivot from lighthearted banter to serious analysis of global political developments, such as the American electoral process or Victorian state governance.

Characterized by a straightforward production style, the show prioritizes the dialogue and personal opinions of its hosts over complex sound design. It caters to an audience looking for perspectives that often sit outside the conventional media consensus. By maintaining a frequent release schedule, the podcast provides timely reactions to the news cycle, positioned through the lens of one of Australia’s most recognizable and outspoken public figures. Through its mix of sports analysis and social commentary, the program continues to engage with a dedicated listenership interested in direct, unscripted discourse.

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Episode's summary

The speakers examine the rise of right-wing political movements, linking figures like Donald Trump and Nigel Farage to growing concerns over immigration and national identity. They criticize mainstream media bias, specifically targeting the ABC, and discuss the impact of 'cancel culture' on free speech. The conversation further explores political grievances including government funding of activist groups, the economic aftermath of COVID-19 policies in Victoria, and the influence of the 'deep state' on global conflicts involving Russia and Ukraine. The episode concludes with a discussion on Australian political accountability and a personal travel update.

Chapters

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Highlights

And people then get accused of being racist, the most overused word in the English lexicon, and xenophobic because they want to protect the country that they've traditionally grown up in

00:05:02 · The speaker argues that accusations of racism are frequently used to silence those who wish to preserve their national identity.

this is the kind of thing you know and also too when we were younger we all thought of the future of spaceships and everything but no we're dealing with immigrants you know what i mean and where our societies are devolving this is no longer evolution this is de-evolution

00:08:40 · The speaker compares the loss of technological progress to the social challenges they perceive from immigration.

in the last 25, 30 years, the ABC is so left-wing, it hurts your back teeth.

00:15:22 · The speaker uses hyperbole to criticize the perceived extreme political bias of Australia's national broadcaster.

37 million out of the 135 or whatever it was has gone to the legal eagles.

00:20:16 · The speaker highlights the high cost of legal fees associated with a class action regarding COVID-19 business support.

And these endless wars continue, whether it's Biden or Trump.

00:30:51 · The speaker argues that political leadership changes do not prevent ongoing global conflicts due to underlying powers.

Episodes

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Episode 375 - Part 2 - Can we be saved

The speakers examine the rise of right-wing political movements, linking figures like Donald Trump and Nigel Farage to growing concerns over immigration and national identity. They criticize mainstream media bias, specifically targeting the ABC, and discuss the impact of 'cancel culture' on free speech. The conversation further explores political grievances including government funding of activist groups, the economic aftermath of COVID-19 policies in Victoria, and the influence of the 'deep state' on global conflicts involving Russia and Ukraine. The episode concludes with a discussion on Australian political accountability and a personal travel update.

19 Aug 2026
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Episode 375 - Part 1 - Specifically Speaking

The speaker addresses recent controversies, including his use of the term 'buyer's remorse' regarding Ralph Carr and Guy Sebastian, as well as allegations involving Swans players. He critiques the AFL's formation of a gender diversity committee and comments on political hypocrisy. The episode also covers scandals surrounding the Logies, the implications of AI on accountability, and upcoming sporting events like the Brownlow Medal. The discussion concludes with AFL game predictions and analysis for the upcoming round of matches.

19 Aug 2026
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Episode 374 - Part 2 -Family Affair

The speakers discuss the motivations behind podcasting, with Doug explaining his use of the platform to push back against misinformation and 'gutter journalism.' The conversation covers AFL news, including women's game integration, controversy surrounding concussion-related contracts, and the impact of new finals formats. The episode also addresses the AFL's relationship with betting agencies, the rise of eGames, and serious concerns regarding child safety in schools. The discussion concludes with a look at systemic corruption and the hosts providing their AFL betting tips for the upcoming round.

12 Aug 2026
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Episode 374 - Part 1 -Simpletons Exposed

In this episode, the host addresses recent intense media backlash and character assassination following comments made on a previous podcast. He discusses the controversy surrounding his use of the term 'buyer's remorse' in relation to an incident involving Ralph Carr, arguing that his words were deliberately taken out of context by social media users and news organisations to create a feeding frenzy. The host further critiques what he describes as a hypocritical media landscape, citing examples of selective outrage regarding political figures and the treatment of controversial interview subjects. He defends his right to express opinions and asserts that he has no regrets about his statements, provided they are understood within their original context.

12 Aug 2026
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Episode 373 - Part 2 - Fake Win, The Wizard

The hosts discuss political alignment and the impact of government decisions on sporting events like the Commonwealth Games, before moving into an in-depth AFL analysis. The conversation covers Carlton's finals prospects, coaching critiques, and the challenges of comparing modern players to legends of past eras. The episode also explores AFL coaching predictions regarding North Melbourne, the expansion of the Tasmanian football team, and land use regulations in Australia. The segment concludes with a story about a golfer's practical joke and the host's weekly AFL game tips.

05 Aug 2026