The Good Oil with Scott Phillips
Episodes
Rebuilding the WNBL, with Jennie Sager
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Women's sport is having its (overdue) time in the sun. And that includes the reborn Women’s National Basketball League. From a standing start ju...
The Shortest History of Innovation, with Andrew Leigh
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From axes to algebra, and steam to steel, innovation has been at the forefront of our development as a society and improved living standards. Scott ch...
How property has performed, and the outlook for 2026, with Eliza Owen
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
House prices jumped last year, thanks in part to interest rate reductions. But not that alone. And housing affordability has worsened… but not ...
Gold, ETFs and investor behaviour, with Gemma Dale
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There’s never a dull moment in investing, and right now, gold and rare earths are in the spotlight. Then there’s the longer-term trend tow...
“What ought one to do?” - the importance of ethics, with Simon Longstaff
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How should we make decisions? What frameworks should guide us? And can organisations truly be ethical? The study and application of ethics is at the c...
Breaking the investing rules, with David Gardner
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode Scott speaks with Motley Fool co-founder, co-Chairman and Chief Rule Breaker, David Gardner, about his long term investing suc...
The secret of long term investing success, with Rob Millner
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What do you get when you have the fourth generation of a family running a business that dates back the the 1870s, is the second-oldest company on the ...
The way we are (and have become), with Hugh Mackay
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are some trends (disruptions?) impacting our society, and they’re doing us harm. The good news is that we can all be part of the solution....
The past, present and future of AI, with Professor Toby Walsh
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s the buzzword (acronym?) of the day, and with good reason. AI is going to revolutionise the way we all work, in both expected and unexpected...
House prices and affordability, with Eliza Owen
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With interest rates coming down, it’s no surprise that house prices are rising. Great news if you’re a seller, but it means worsening affo...
The state of corporate Australia, with Joe Aston
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Having been the scribe behind AFR's Rear Window for 12 years, then writing a best-selling book about the travails of Qantas, Joe Aston is no stranger ...
Murchison River Swags
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Continuing with the aim of this podcast, conversations with entrepreneurs, executives and experts, the people who know what’s going on, and the ...
The world according to Richard Glover
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Author, journalist and broadcaster Richard Glover retired from ABC Radio Sydney's Drive program at the end of 2024 after 26 years behind the microphon...
The business of DNA, with Claire Aird
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Claire Aird hosts a brand new podcast series on LiSTNR 'Secrets We Keep - Should I Spit?'. The series looks at the global DNA industry and wheth...
Revisiting making your Super the best it can be, with Andrew Fisher
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
SMSF? Or hand it off to one of the big dogs? Aggressive? Passive? What's the best strategy? It's a topic for everyone and we thought, worth revi...
The future of legacy media, with Rob McKnight
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded literally as the sale of Foxtel was being announced, the future of legacy media remains uncertain, in the face of an onslaught from digital a...
Why we should love small-l liberalism, with Alexandre Lefebvre
24 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Whether we know it or not, Australians have inherited, and carry forward, a long history of what we now know as (small-l) liberalism. And it’s a...
The (unappreciated) forces shaping the Australian economy, with Warren Hogan
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Australian economy is not the same as it was over the past half-century, and policymakers risk making a big mistake if they use that history to de...
The business of YouTube, with Harry Fisher
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What do you get when you mix an authentic host, quality filming, a beautiful backdrop and campfire cooking? You get the YouTube channel and cookbook s...
Smart charity matchmaking with Seedling Giving
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There are more than 60,000 charities in Australia. So how do you know which is the right one for you... And whether that charity even passes muster? T...
Simon Holmes à Court and The Big Teal
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Simon Holmes à Court is an executive, entrepreneur, investor and more recently political influencer, through his political fundraising organisation...
Revisiting housing market myths, with Cameron Murray
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There are a set of myths that dominate the way we look at housing, and a new book is outlining why they exist and how you can bypass them to get a cle...
The state of employment, with Charles Cameron
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is navigating the Australian employment market tougher than it looks? In this episode of The Good Oil, Charles Cameron, CEO of the RCSA, cuts throug...
Who should be funding your retirement, with Maiy Azize
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Robin Hood type situation? Or is it not that simple? What's the best way to fund Australia's retiree's, and is it as simple as taxing the rich? Maiy...
How to be a better ally, with Emma Bennison
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Living with a disability comes with its barriers, but those at Life Without Barriers are challenging what those barriers are, and how they can be pull...
Is your super the best it could be, with Andrew Fisher
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
SMSF? Or hand it off to one of the big dogs? Aggressive? Passive? What's the best strategy? Andrew Fisher from Australian Retirement Trust sits down...
Australia's big land tax change, with Tim Helm
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What's the best way to tax Australians? Income, land, inheritance, capital growth, assets? It's been a conversation for decades, and isn't one with an...
How to retire early, with David Gow
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The magic number, but one which is tough to reach - but, according to some, a lot easier than you think. Best selling author Dave Gow unpacks the trut...
How to actually budget, with Effie Zahos
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can you be aware of your money? How can you stay in control of your money, whilst still making return savvy decisions? A reheat of one of our favo...
BONUS: Peter Dutton's nuclear announcement, with Simon Holmes à Court
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After Peter Dutton announced the Liberal's plans for nuclear power, the convenor of the climate 200 political movement has his say on whether nuclear ...
Who the government should be taxing more, with Thomas Walker
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Should the government be taxing more or less? And who should be carrying the brunt of the taxation load? Thomas Walker, the CEO of Think Forward sit...
Why ending period poverty means more than profit, with Eloise Hall
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In a world of profit and cash, why is a social-enterprise a viable option for founders looking to make an impact? Eloise Hall is the co-founder of T...
The interest only investment property strategy, with Chris Gray
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
No principle, interest only. That's the strategy of Chris Gray, who's had major success in the industry and is passionate about sharing his methods. H...
Predicting interest rates in 2024, with Warren Hogan
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A genuine prediction on what will happen to interest rates in 2024, and why this particular prediction is one people should really take note of. War...
How to work smarter, with Tim Duggan
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We all work hard, but do we work smart? What's the trick to optimising your time and finding the sweet spot between life and work? Tim Duggan is a bes...
How to start a not-for-profit, with Josie Clarke
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ability Agriculture is trying to change the game for people with disabilities working in agriculture, and it's founder Josie Clarke is leading from th...
The housing market myths, with Cameron Murray
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There are a set of myths that dominate the way we look at housing, and a new book is outlining why they exist and how you can bypass them to get a cle...
Is our immigration policy working, with Abul Rizvi
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What is the minimum number of new arrivals Australia needs to be sustainable? And what are the details of Labor's "bigger Australia policy"? Abul Ri...
Is the RBA making the right decisions, with Stephen Koukoulas
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Changes came and new decision makers were brought in, but is it working? Are the decisions around interest rates really have the desired outcome? And ...
The State of Australian Politics, with Brett Worthington
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Albanese, Dutton, Stage 3 tax cuts, the budget, Canberra real estate and the political climate as a whole....a decent field of knowledge but no person...
Why you should still avoid Crypto, with Mark Pesce
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There have been cries of a come back for the crypto markets in recent months, but futurist Mark Pesce is still letting the train go by. What would mak...
A 2024 Prediction, with Chris Richardson
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What's on the horizon, and how does that affect your decision making? Join host Scott Phillips as he unpacks what could be coming this year with econo...
Is there a solution to migration, with Jennifer Duke
02 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One of Australia's biggest conundrums, but one that has one of the largest upsides if executed correctly. Jennifer Duke is an economics superstar and ...
2023 Recap - Brickworks' Lindsay Partridge
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A reheat from one of our more popular episodes this year. The robotics that are revolutionising the housing market, and how an investment made two yea...
The media you shouldn't consume, with Jane Caro
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
An iconic figure in Aussie commentary, and a figure determined to empower, educate and entertain, no matter the cost. Speaker, writer, advertising g...
Should you invest in whisky, with Mark Coburn
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Advertised returns of 9.25% PA, and a flash product to back it up. But is it all legit? Depends who you ask. But, if you ask Mark Coburn he'll give yo...
Financial journalism with Michael Pascoe
01 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How do you ethically report on the finance of Australia? And what is the origin story of one of Australia's leading financial journalists? A revisit...
Are travel shares worth buying in 2023, with Adam Schwab
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A guru in every sense in the world of travel offers insight into whether the travel industry is one you should be jumping into in 2023. Now Adam of co...
The trick to small business success, with Owen Rask
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you're an investor, small business owner or founder, you understand the struggles of the day to day grind. But Owen Rask, through his experience an...
Why you shouldn't buy a new car, with Chris Noone
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is it a money trap? Rego, servicing, insurance, tolls...it all adds up. But what's an alternative? Renting, leasing? What about a subscription? Now ...
The economics of farming with Simon McDougall
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The dream of a different life is closer than you think, especially if you plan on going rural and building a new life on a few acres. Understand the...
Are the Matildas good for the economy with Tim Harcourt
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Matildas took the nation by storm. But, does that translate to financial success for the sport, and for the overall economy? Tim Harcourt is an ...
How much you need to retire early with David Gow
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The magic number, but one which is tough to reach - but, according to some, a lot easier than you think. Best selling author Dave Gow unpacks the tr...
How dating apps make money with Bill Schwab
25 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There's a lot of money in relationships, and developers know it. Apps are coming thick and fast - but how are they built? And how do they make money? ...
Why superannuation is broken with Cameron Murray
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is superannuation still a viable option? What changes should be made? And how would those changes benefit you? Scott Phillips sits down with Cameron...
Is Phillip Lowe getting it wrong with Commsec's Craig James
28 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After another interest rate hike, and comments suggesting Australian consumers aren't doing enough to combat inflation, is Phillip Lowe's time as the ...
The FIRE Movement & how to retire early with the Aussie Firebug
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A step by step introduction to retiring early, and why it's a different process to what you might think. Plus, the pros and cons of taking on this ide...
The decision to quit the ABC with Martin Cuddihy
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when you get your dream job? But, then feel the urge to leave? What do you adjust financially? And what provisions do you take to secure ...
The future of housing with Brickworks' Lindsay Partridge
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The robotics that are revolutionising the housing market, and how an investment made two years ago is finally paying off. The CEO of Brickworks' Linds...
Is Tasmania's economy ready for an AFL team?
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tasmania are set to become the 19th team in the AFL. But is it good for the state's economy? Who are the biggest winners, and who are the losers? He...
The type of company you should be investing in
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There's something about the structure of this company that is brilliant, and could have long term upside. We know all about debt collection, but you m...
Australian Super, and what the changes mean in the long run
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Albanese Government's changes are in the rear view mirror for now, but what will they mean in the long run? This conversation comes from the Aussi...
My thoughts on Silicon Valley Bank
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
SVB's collapse came quickly, and the fallout has been felt worldwide, but is it now under control? These are my thoughts on how it impacts Australia a...
My take on Australian Super
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A change to Australian Super was announced by the Albanese government - it's small, but does it have larger implications? Unpack the challenges of sup...
Working with Perrottet and the fight against Labor with Matt Kean MP
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How does the NSW Treasurer manage such a challenging set of books? And how do you appeal to voters whilst maintaining realistic expectations? NSW Trea...
Why the rising cash rate is worrying with Stephen Koukoulas
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A new cash rate hike, and continued conversation about what interest rates mean for a rising inflation, but will it help? And how does it affect you? ...
Building the next AirBnB with Justin Hales
25 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Building a company that is in direct competition with a giant like AirBnB is a brave call. How do you start, and where does the inspiration come from?...
Trailblazing financial journalism with Michael Pascoe
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How do you ethically report on the finance of Australia? And what is the origin story of one of Australia's leading financial journalists? MIchael P...
How Audible and Amazon revolutionised audio books
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Audio books are booming, and Audible have changed the game - but how did they do it and how are they still at the top and growing? Leanne Cartwright...
Making the most of your money with Effie Zahos
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How can you be aware of your money? How can you stay in control of your money, whilst still making return savvy decisions? Effie Zahos, editor of Mone...
Why investing in Picasso and Banksy is better than buying shares with Allen Sukholitsky
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A claimed 15% annual return, a fast and easy to use platform and a promise of an uncorrelated asset class. Fine art is an investment usually reserved ...
Revisit: How polling impacts politics with Rebecca Huntley
20 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Liz Truss' future, is polling an accurate way to measure, and how are we now looking at politics? A revisit of an episode that holds relevance today m...
Are we exploiting gambling addicts with Matthew Browne
05 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Where is the line? How do we evaluate the psychology of people who gamble? And when do we begin to question money over ethics? Professor Matthew Bro...
Why travel agencies are a good investment with Adam Schwab
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
COVID may have done some damage - but how are travel businesses coming back? And how can you capitalise? Adam Schwab is the co-founder of Luxury Esc...
The future proof car you should buy in 2022 with Scott Nargar
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What is the answer to the future of automotive? Is it hydrogen? Electric? Which car should you by right now to ensure you're ready for the changing au...
Commsec's interest rate predictions with Craig James
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Commsec's Chief Economist on potentially higher interest rates, inflation, property prices, petrol prices and what every Aussies should do to prepare....
How musical festivals really make their money with Greg Donovan
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Artist fees, set up costs, weather insurance and round the clock safety assessments - how are musical festivals really making their cash, and what's t...
Australian Public Transport's massive tech upgrade with Joseph Garrone
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Automatic traffic lights, game changing background software and the technology that's set to drive the public transport future in Australia. Joseph ...
Why Ukraine isn't actually affecting petrol prices with Andrew Purcell
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What's really causing an increase in Aussie petrol prices? Why the price hike would've happened regardless, and what petrol companies aren't doing to ...
Why your home office will be redundant in 5 years with Martin Creighan
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Will we ever work from the office again? Are businesses pivoting too aggressively? What do consumers need to know to enable/benefit from flex work?&nb...
Why angel investing will never be the same after 2022 with Joe Magyer
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How is angel investing changing in 2022? What can your business do to attract investors? Who's next to receive a big influx of cash? Co-Founder ...
Are venture capital firms redundant in a post-covid world with Matt Vitale
17 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Birchal was set up to change the game, and help both businesses and customers invest and raise funds. But has it? And what needs to be done to evolve ...
How Lime's E-Scooters are changing transport forever with Hugo Burt-Morris
03 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Melbourne's E-Scooter trial is 3-months in, but how is it really going? How has it changed public transport? What are the challenges for Lime? And how...
Where, when and how to buy property with Chris Bates
19 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Where are Australian's booming locations? What's driving the market? When should you look to buy? Unpack the complexity of the Australian proper...
Why CommSec dominates the ASX with Andrew Page
06 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Why did Commsec become the dominant player on the ASX? How are digital platforms pivoting in 2022? And what's on the horizon for smarter investing?&nb...
How to beat Amazon with Cat Baab-Muguira
21 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What are small publishers doing to beat Bezos? How are writers pivoting financially? And what are the economics of a well selling book? Cat Baab-Mugui...
Why war in Ukraine impacts Australia with Tim Harcourt
09 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How will trade be affected? Why are Japan, South Korea and China involved? Is Australia prepared for the fallout? The humanitarian crisis create...
Property prices during inflation with Pete Wargent
21 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What does 2022 have in store for Aussie real estate? Is it best to be a buyer or a seller? How does a post pandemic world impact your property? ...
Blockchain unpacked with Steve Vallas
08 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Why is everyone so excited about blockchain? Are NFTs really a thing? How is it being used beyond crypto? Scott Phillips chats with CEO of Block...
China, COVID and climate change with Tim Harcourt
25 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Airport Economist unpacks the domino effect of China's economic influence, how COVID is affecting markets, and the climate disaster's biggest impa...
How polling impacts politics with Rebecca Huntley
10 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Why Australians are more compliant than rebellious, how rapid polling has influenced politics and why it’s still so hard for many politicians to...
Technology for human connection with Jennie Sager
27 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Head of the neighbourhood social network Nextdoor Australia discusses what she learnt from her earlier career in TV production and at Twitter, how soc...
The future of Australian healthcare with nib CEO Mark Fitzgibbon
13 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Why nib decided to target young people (and succeeded), why status quo in business equals death, and why he believes that private health insurance wil...
Long term investing in a changing world with Kevin Gandiya
29 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How to think about long term investing in such a changeable environment, what the Australian investing landscape is like at the moment, and why he's s...
The exciting growth of 'boring' investing with Nick Nicolaides
15 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Co-founder and Director of long term investing platform Pearler explains why he is proud to call Pearler a 'boring' business, why he approached transi...
How digital video platforms are changing the game with Kylie Merritt
01 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Founder of the financial news video streaming platform ausbiz, Kylie explains why free to air television is struggling to complete with online and on ...
The future of banking with Police Bank's Greg McKenna
18 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How Jeff Bezos has influenced him to always put the customer first, how the Afterpay model could soon revolutionise banking, plus Greg explains why he...
Trailblazing beauty e-commerce in Australia with Kate Morris
04 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Co-founder and director of Adore Beauty, Australia's foremost beauty e-commerce website. Hear how the company continues to hit record sales and growth...
Why e-commerce keeps booming with Ruslan Kogan
20 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
CEO and founder of Australian e-commerce website Kogan.com reveals how Kogan.com managed to do 1.2 BILLION dollars in sales last year when the rest of...
Why property prices keep going up with analyst Eliza Owen
06 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Head of Australian property research at CoreLogic discusses the amazing pace of property price increases, the highs and lows around the country, the r...