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