It's a real treat to have the OG of Australian journalists with a penchant for foreign affairs named Hamish McDonald, Hamish McDonald on the pod to discuss his fascinating new book Melanesia: Travels in Black Oceania.

This is a brilliant mix of travelogue, history and political analysis of a under analysed and misunderstood region. The books journeys from Fiji through Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and finally Papua New Guinea, where this chat mostly focuses.

Hamish helps us delve through the milestones, landmarks and checkpoints of the Australia-PNG relationship that help explain how we've arrived at place where Rugby League tops the agenda when our two Prime Ministers meet. From the early European explorers to the World Wars, independence, and all the way to the impending inclusion of a PNG team into the NRL in 2028.

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ABC commentary doyen, Quentin Hull, joins the pod to discuss the art of commentary.

This curious artform is a soundtrack to so many of our lives. Let's get under the hood to better understand how good Rugby League commentary is made, the ins and outs of radio commentary, how TV commentary differs, and the challenges of switching between sports.

Plus, Quentin shares a fascinating perspective of the Brisbane sporting landscape and how it compares with Sydney's.

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Hard Ons founding member, bassist, artist and staunch Parramatta Eels fan, Ray Ahn joins the pod to take stock of 40-plus years of the Hard Ons and the travails of being a Parramatta supporter throughout the journey.

A really engaging chat encompassing distant memories of Eels glory and not-so-distant Eels heartbreak, all while charting the rise of one of Australian rock n roll's seminal bands.

Hard Ons Bandcamp - https://hard-ons1.bandcamp.com/

Hard Ons doco trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3HgvrlDUwk

Contact The Progressive Rugby League Podcast - progressiverugbyleague@gmail.com

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It's time again to shove the thermometer where it needs to go to take the temperature of Rugby League in the Old Dart as we observe the State of the UK Rugby League Nation 2024.

Joining us is a panel (if two guests can be counted as a panel) comprising two fine UK Rugby League minds - Anthony Broxton, author of Hope & Glory: Rugby League in Thatcher's Britain and Gavin Willacy, author of No Helmets Required: The Remarkable Story of the American All Stars and Rugby League Bravehearts: The Official History of Scottish Rugby League.

IMG, the on-field product, broadcast market trends and more... on the table for your listening consideration.

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A reboot from 2022 of a great chat with Brendan Cowell about his novel Plum, which has just been turned into a beaut TV series. Plum is the tale about the turbulent post-footy life of Rugby League great, Peter Lum.

Brendan shared what he knows and what he's learnt about footy, fame, concussion, masculinity, the Johns brothers' reading habits and plenty more.

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Rugby League in New Zealand: A People's History is the definitive account of the people and the culture of the great game in Aotearoa.

Author and historian, Ryan Bodman joins us to chat about Rugby League's unique voyage in New Zealand, the events that have shaped its trajectory, and how it's faring in the modern day.

It's simply a brilliant book - warmly conveyed, thoroughly researched and beautifully produced.

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Newtown Jets CEO Stuart McCarthy joins the pod to give us a glimpse into what it's like running a Rugby League club away from the bright lights of the NRL. What are the spreadsheet tabs that matter? Is it possible to make ends meet? How does a rainy Saturday at Henson Park impact the bottom line? Who came up with the idea for the Beer Footy Food Festival? Oh and how close were we to experiencing the "Western Jets"?

There's nothing quite like second-tier sport. And no-one does second-tier sport quite like the Newtown Jets.

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