The Karl Stefanovic Show

Australia has released its latest defence strategy — but serious questions remain.In this episode, Karl sits down with former Defence Minister Mike Kelly and one of Australia’s most decorated soldiers, Brigadier Ian Langford to break down what the plan gets right — and where it falls short.The world is rearming. Conflict is evolving fast.But Australia’s response is being challenged on speed, scale and urgency.This conversation covers:Why the new defence strategy may not match the current threatThe reality of modern warfare — drones, cyber and asymmetric attacksThe growing gap between long-term planning and immediate capabilityWhy Australian defence and innovation talent is being forced overseasThe lack of local investment — and what it means for national securityWhether AUKUS is coming at the cost of today’s military capability“Invariably what happens is these companies have to go to the US or Europe to be solvent.”Australia has the talent.The question is why we’re not backing it here.Thank you to R5 for giving me the energy to train. Try it with me at https://revive5.com.au/karl and use the code Karlos for 20% off.

Australia’s fuel crisis is no longer theoretical — it’s here.Flights are at risk. Holidays could be cancelled. Supply chains are already under pressure. And if the situation escalates, everyday Australians will feel it first.In this episode, Karl sits down with billionaire infrastructure operator John Wagner — a man with a proven track record of building what others say is impossible. He built an international airport in Toowoomba in just 19 months and is now leading a $2.5 billion project to turn household waste into aviation fuel.His warning is clear:Australia is dangerously exposed.Wagner explains:Why Australia is effectively on a “war footing” when it comes to fuel securityHow global tensions could disrupt supply overnightWhat happens if jet fuel shortages hit — and which flights get cancelled firstWhy fuel prices could surge toward $4 a litreAnd how his Toowoomba refinery could produce sustainable aviation fuel using everyday waste — fastThis isn’t just about fuel.It’s about national security, economic survival, and whether Australia can stand on its own.Because if we don’t fix this — quickly — the consequences won’t be gradual. They’ll be immediate.Listen now.

Fuel prices are rising. Flights are getting more expensive. And the pressure is building.Karl speaks to James Paterson on defence and fuel security, and John Wagner, who says he can turn rubbish into jet fuel — if government gets out of the way.And Queenslander creative Sammy Thompson - who is creating viral content to remind everyone of what Australia used to be. What happens next might impact more than just your next holiday.

Australia is sitting on its own oil — but can’t use it.In this episode, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli lays out what’s really going on behind the fuel crisis, and why Australia is more exposed than ever.From new drilling opportunities in regional Queensland to the reality of political red tape, this conversation breaks down how we went from energy independence to relying on global supply chains.• Oil discovery in Queensland’s “liquid gold” basin • Why new technology is unlocking deep reserves • The role of government approvals and delays • How Australia shut down its own refining industry • Why fuel security has become a national risk“We celebrated the destruction of refineries… and handed over our sovereignty.”This is about more than fuel — it’s about control, jobs, and whether Australia can rebuild its own industry.A huge thanks to Revive5 for giving me the energy to continue to workout and stay fit. Use code Karlos for 20% off at https://revive5.com.au/Karlos

How do you judge war in a courtroom — 15 years later?As Ben Roberts-Smith faces serious charges, this episode goes beyond the headlines.Karl sits down with those who’ve been there — on the ground and inside the system — to unpack the reality of combat, the legal process, and the questions Australia now has to confront.A big thanks to Revive5 for their support of the show and for keeping me in the zone to be able to continue to train. To try, go to https://www.revive5.com.au/karl and use the code KARLOS.

Joe Brumm, Australian animator and creator of Bluey, shares the story behind the show's rise. He talks about two decades of hustle, the $6M commission that changed everything, insisting on writing every script, and why he ultimately stepped back. Short, candid tales about pressure, viral moments, casting, and upcoming projects.

Australia’s fuel crisis has shifted — and it’s now hitting supply chains, food production and small business in real time.This isn’t about rising prices anymore. It’s about access, prioritisation and what breaks next.In this episode, Karl speaks with operators on the ground already adapting:Charlie Blomfield — farmer and agricultural operator managing real-time fuel and input shortages on the land. Scott Challen — builder and business owner navigating rising costs, supply disruption and construction pressures.Together, they break down what’s actually happening now:Rationing fuel on farmsPulling back productionChanging delivery models to surviveCutting costs and preparing for disruptionBecause the reality is this:There is no short-term fix.And as supply tightens, the impact moves fast — from freight, to food, to everyday Australians.This episode breaks down where things are heading next, what businesses are doing right now to stay afloat, and why the next phase of this crisis will hit harder than the first.Huge thanks to R5 for sponsoring The Karl Stefanovic Show and keeping me energised so I can do this show that I love. Go to https://revive5.com.au/karl and use code Karlos.

What’s really happening in Lebanon — and why does it matter to Australia?In this powerful Easter conversation, Charlie Bakos joins The Karl Stefanovic Show to share firsthand insight from the ground in Lebanon — a country shaped by war, economic collapse and foreign influence.From mass displacement and rising tension to corruption, broken systems and global powers fighting proxy wars, Charlie explains how everyday life has changed — and why Australians should be paying attention.He also speaks candidly about migration, government decisions, freedom of speech, and what he believes Australia is getting wrong.This is a confronting, unfiltered conversation about global conflict, leadership and the future of Australia.Watch now and decide for yourself.Thank you to our legend sponsors R5 who help me stay in shape, despite my schedule. For 20% off use code KARLOS at http://www.revive5.com.au/karl

America showed its power in this war.But it also showed its limits.And the world noticed.China is watching.Russia is benefiting.Netanyahu walks away stronger.Meanwhile, the clock is ticking — because for every day this conflict drags on, it adds weeks of disruption to the global system.Fuel. Supply chains. Defence readiness.This is bigger than a single war. This is a shift in global power.A big thanks to our sponsors R5. To get 20% off add code KARLOS as the checkout. http://www.revive5.com.au/karl

Australia is facing a fuel security crisis, rising costs and growing pressure on its industries – and few voices are more outspoken than MP Bob Katter.From the opening moments, the Katters bring chaos – sharp takes, father-son roasting and zero-filter politics. In this explosive episode of The Karl Stefanovic Show, Bob Katter and his son Robbie Katter break down:Why Australia exports fuel cheaply – and buys it back at a premiumThe looming fuel shortage and its real-world consequencesEthanol, energy policy and what governments aren’t doingMining, gas exports and billions lost in missed opportunitiesThe rise of minor parties like One NationTrump, economic nationalism and whether Australia needs a resetThis is raw, unfiltered and at times chaotic, but it’s a conversation about the future of Australia that you need to hear.A big thanks to our sponsor neds. If you want to have a play, download the neds app. http://www.neds.com.au Also a thanks to R5 for giving me the energy to stay fit and healthy. Get 20% off with code Karlos at https://revive5.com.au/pages/karl