From sharing a tour bus with a “band of crazy uncles” in The Church to reviving one of Australia’s biggest rock acts, Ian Haug shared the stories behind his dual music journeys. Discover why relentless nagging from their own kids finally convinced Powderfinger to get back on stage before the Zimmer frame years. Hear more […]
Advertisement
Join Michael McLaren for a mix of news, opinion, entertainment and fun from 12.00pm, Monday to Friday.
You can contact the show on the text line 0460 873 873
Press PLAY below to catch up on Afternoons with Michael McLaren podcasts
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
LATEST STORIES
France’s political turmoil sparks huge warning for Australia
2GB Afternoons host Michael McLaren warns Australia could face an economic decline similar to France, as concerns grow over the government’s ability to manage the country’s challenges. “We’re closer to the French than we’d care to imagine, and I get the feeling people are only now starting to wise up to the predicament we’re in”, […]
Michael McLaren /
28/10/2026
Classroom crisis: Why record numbers of families are fleeing mainstream schools for homeschooling
Following an 18% surge in Queensland homeschooling registrations, Euka Future Learning CEO Brett Campbell joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Breakfast to break down why thousands of families are abandoning mainstream classrooms. The discussion revealed that while parent dissatisfaction with school curricula plays a part, severe bullying, classroom anxiety, and an overburdened education system remain the […]
Jason Matthews / 06:39 /
28/10/2026
‘Things have to change’ – Michael McLaren’s message to the government on spending and the future
2GB Afternoons host Michael McLaren has called on the Australian government to “get smarter” with its spending, warning the nation can’t rely on its natural wealth and good fortune forever. He says “things have to change” and Australia must make better decisions to protect future generations. “Australia has to realise our extraordinary natural endowment can […]
Michael McLaren /
27/10/2026
Ground zero carnage: Why one top cop kept 20 years of trauma hidden in the shadows
Former AFP Commander Glenn McEwan joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings to reflect on 35 years confronting global crises, including being the first investigator at the Bali bombings, aiding the Thai cave rescue, and dismantling transnational drug and people-smuggling networks. Promoting his new book Crime, Chaos and Controversy, McEwen candidly discusses the personal cost of service, […]
Gary Hardgrave / 12:07 /
27/10/2026
Treasurer Jim Chalmers challenged critics to name where to cut funding, and independent economist Saul Eslake has answered directly. Listen to hear Eslake break down the political sacred cows Canberra must tackle to stop Australia from racking up a dangerous debt tab. Listen to more highlights from Afternoons below: Image: Getty / Hilary Wardhaugh
Michael McLaren
/
26/10/2026
‘Grow up’: Michael McLaren slams toxic political deflections
As listeners rush to defend political missteps with “whataboutism,” Michael McLaren delivered a sharp wake-up call to the airwaves. He broke down why holding our elected leaders to a higher standard is essential for a healthy democracy. Listen to more highlights from Afternoons below: Image: Getty / Hilary Wardhaugh
Michael McLaren
/
20/10/2026
Justice or voyeurism? The hypocrisy behind livestreaming capital punishment
Warning that streaming Nidal Hasan’s execution would be “barbarism masquerading as transparency,” Michael McLaren questioned where modern society draws the line on public violence. He explored the unsettling contradiction between our disgust over state executions and our growing appetite for extreme violence in modern entertainment. Listen to more highlights from Afternoons below: Image: Getty / […]
Michael McLaren
/
14/10/2026
Australia’s aging population pushes emergency departments to a tipping point
With ED wait times soaring and thousands of elderly patients trapped in hospital beds awaiting aged care, Dr Justin Thompson warned that Australia’s healthcare system is facing a critical bottleneck. Listen to more highlights from Afternoons below: Image: iStock
Michael McLaren
/
13/10/2026
Angus Taylor defends 100K migration cap amid business backlash
With housing supply strained across Australia, Angus Taylor broke down his controversial proposal to roll back temporary graduate and bridging visas. Stream the full interview to hear how the Coalition intends to balance immigration cuts with a $5 billion infrastructure push. Listen to more highlights from Afternoons below: Image: Facebook
Michael McLaren
/
07/10/2026