News Weakly is the sharpest, funniest, and most professional news satire podcast in Australia—where we punch the news in the headlines… weakly.
Hosted by multi-award-winning comedian, journalist, and author Sami Shah, the show delivers a fast-paced, fiercely intelligent breakdown of the biggest stories in politics, global affairs, and culture. With a background that spans stand-up comedy, radio broadcasting, and serious journalism—including bylines in The New York Times, The Guardian, and ABC RN—Sami cuts through the noise with biting satire, relentless wit, and just enough sarcasm to keep us all from screaming into the void.
News Weakly isn’t just about the headlines—it’s about the hypocrisy, the absurdity, and the sheer chaos behind them. Whether it's Australian politics, international disasters, or billionaires doing dumb things, Sami delivers a fresh, fearless take that keeps listeners informed and entertained.
With a growing and engaged audience of news junkies, comedy lovers, and politics obsessives, News Weakly is the perfect space for advertisers looking to reach smart, curious, and highly engaged listeners.
Get in on the conversation. Stay ahead of the spin. And never trust a headline again.
New episodes every week.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
News Weakly is the sharpest, funniest, and most professional news satire podcast in Australia—where we punch the news in the headlines… weakly.
Hosted by multi-award-winning comedian, journalist, and author Sami Shah, the show delivers a fast-paced, fiercely intelligent breakdown of the biggest stories in politics, global affairs, and culture. With a background that spans stand-up comedy, radio broadcasting, and serious journalism—including bylines in The New York Times, The Guardian, and ABC RN—Sami cuts through the noise with biting satire, relentless wit, and just enough sarcasm to keep us all from screaming into the void.
News Weakly isn’t just about the headlines—it’s about the hypocrisy, the absurdity, and the sheer chaos behind them. Whether it's Australian politics, international disasters, or billionaires doing dumb things, Sami delivers a fresh, fearless take that keeps listeners informed and entertained.
With a growing and engaged audience of news junkies, comedy lovers, and politics obsessives, News Weakly is the perfect space for advertisers looking to reach smart, curious, and highly engaged listeners.
Get in on the conversation. Stay ahead of the spin. And never trust a headline again.
New episodes every week.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NEWS WEAKLY 185 — 8th November 2025
One Dick Less in the World!
Don’t Mess with the Zohran!
Platforms of Our Discontent!
Streaming the Nation!
“Dick Cheney was, without question, the most powerful vice president in American history—which is like being the world’s most dangerous koala. You’re not meant to do anything, but somehow you’ve become a drop bear.”
Keep News Weakly independent, and fuelled by sarcasm!
Join the Patreon at patreon.com/samishah.
Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.
For more: http://thesamishah.com
Theme music ‘Historic Anticipation’ by Paul Mottram
This podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Sami Shah.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I’m doing a one-night-only 20th anniversary stand-up show:
You'd Think After 20 Years I'd Be Better At This
13 Nov, 6:30pm — Comedy Republic (Melbourne)
Tickets via comedyrepublic.com.au.
The Artist Formerly Known as Prince Andrew
Ceasefire Withdrawal Symptoms Erupt
Sudan’ed If You Do, Sudan’ed If You Don’t
You Can’t Spell Sussan Without SS
Babies, Barnaby & Bullshit
“Barnaby Joyce is 80% liver damage and 20% child support."
If you want to support News Weakly, join the Patreon at patreon.com/samishah. You’ll get bonus content, early releases, and the smug satisfaction of knowing your money isn’t going to Barnaby Joyce’s bar tab.
Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.
For more: http://thesamishah.com
Theme music ‘Historic Anticipation’ by Paul Mottram
This podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Sami Shah.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We’re on baby watch at News Weakly HQ! Two weeks off incoming—don’t unsubscribe! I’ll be back once I’ve defeated a boss-level nappy.
Also: I’m doing a one-night-only 20th anniversary stand-up show:
You'd Think After 20 Years I'd Be Better At This
13 Nov, 6:30pm — Comedy Republic (Melbourne)
Patreon members get a discount code (see the pinned post at patreon.com/samishah). Otherwise, tickets via comedyrepublic.com.au.
“Peace isn’t a miracle, it’s a temporary pause between tragedies.”
Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.
For more: http://thesamishah.com
Theme music “Historic Anticipation” by Paul Mottram
This podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Sami Shah.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Two years after October 7th, the world still argues in absolutes.
Pro-Israel voices call it a war for survival.
Pro-Palestine voices call it resistance against colonialism.
And somewhere between the slogans and the hashtags, the dead keep multiplying.
In this News Weakly special, Sami Shah steps back from the noise and looks at the long view — drawing lessons from the Thirty Years’ War, Northern Ireland, and moments of fragile hope in Israeli and Palestinian history.
From Westphalia to Belfast, from Gaza to Melbourne, this episode explores what centuries of conflict teach us about exhaustion, reconciliation, and how peace survives when certainty doesn’t.
“You don’t make peace with your friends—you make it with your enemies.” Jonathan Powell
Help keep News Weakly independent and ad-free by joining at
Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.
For more: thesamishah.com
Theme music ‘Historic Anticipation’ by Paul Mottram
This podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Sami Shah.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hi everyone, This year marks my twenty years in comedy, and to celebrate I’m doing a one-off, one-time-only anniversary comedy show called:
You'd Think After 20 Years I'd Be Better At This
13th November, 6:30pm
Comedy Republic Theatre, Melbourne
It’s twenty years of stand-up crammed into one night—a greatest hits, a worst-of, and some brand new material, all about surviving two decades of comedy, hecklers, pandemics, marriages, divorces, and jokes that should have stayed in the notebook.
Tickets are just $25. But if you’re a member at patreon.com/samishah, you’ll get a special discount code, plus that smug glow of knowing you’re keeping this podcast alive and healthy!
Quote of the Week:
“When a government points a broad sword inward, it can’t help but cut too deep."
Support the Show
Want to enjoy News Weakly ad-free? Head over to patreon.com/samishah. Your support keeps the podcast alive, independent, and fuelled by sarcasm.
Credits
Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.
For more: http://thesamishah.com
Theme music Historic Anticipation by Paul Mottram.
This podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Sami Shah.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hi everyone, This year marks my twenty years in comedy, and to celebrate I’m doing a one-off, one-time-only anniversary comedy show called:
You'd Think After 20 Years I'd Be Better At This
13th November, 6:30pm
Comedy Republic Theatre, Melbourne
It’s twenty years of stand-up crammed into one night—a greatest hits, a worst-of, and some brand new material, all about surviving two decades of comedy, hecklers, pandemics, marriages, divorces, and jokes that should have stayed in the notebook.
Tickets are just $25. But if you’re a member at patreon.com/samishah, you’ll get a special discount code, plus that smug glow of knowing you’re keeping this podcast alive and healthy!
So, if you want cheaper tickets and better karma, sign up to Patreon. Otherwise, grab your tickets now, because once this show’s done, it’s done.
All that, and just a little bit more, on NEWS WEAKLY!
“Optus is the only telco where ‘Can you hear me now?’ is a philosophical question.”
Keep News Weakly independent and ad-free by joining Patreon: patreon.com/samishah
Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.
For more: http://thesamishah.com
Theme music 'Historic Anticipation' by Paul Mottram
This podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Sami Shah.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sami Shah’s 20th anniversary stand-up show You’d Think After 20 Years I’d Be Better At This is happening on Thursday 13 November, 6:30pm at Comedy Republic, Melbourne. Tickets are $25—but Patreon members get a special discount code. Join at patreon.com/samishah for cheaper tickets and better karma.
U-TURN ON TURNING POINT!
Charlie Kirk gets shot, mourned, memed, and immediately turned into a martyr—because in America, tragedy is always a prelude to propaganda.
DISCORD ON DISCORD!
Gen Z in Nepal just toppled their Prime Minister using Discord. Forget bad anime avatars—this server brought down a government.
NET ZERO TIMES NET ZERO EQUALS NOT ZERO!
Australia’s shiny new 2035 climate targets are “ambitious yet achievable”—which is also what I say about finishing a pack of TimTams and a bottle of wine in one sitting.
Plus: Gaza burns, Sudan starves, and the world still manages to look the other way.
“Because people on the Left weren’t sad enough about Charlie Kirk’s death, she’s going to vote for One Nation. That’s like cancelling your Disney Plus account because the cashier at Woolies didn’t tear up when Matthew Perry died.”
Keep News Weakly ad-free and alive by joining the Patreon: patreon.com/samishah. Members get bonus content, book reviews, and discount codes for live shows.
Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.
For more: http://thesamishah.com
Theme music Historic Anticipation by Paul Mottram
This podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Sami Shah.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Link to the 20th Anniversary live show tickets:
https://www.comedyrepublic.com.au/event/38:520/38:1821/
Thursday 13 November, 6:30pm
Twenty years. That’s how long it’s been since Sami Shah first stepped on stage, told a joke, and thought, “This’ll be easy.”
Two decades later, he's got the stories, and the heckler scars to prove otherwise. In that time, comedy’s changed, the world’s changed, and he's changed. None for the better.
This 20th anniversary show is a greatest hits, a worst-of, and a brand-new set all rolled into one. It’s about survival: surviving bad gigs, hostile audiences, global pandemics, marriage(s), divorce(s), and jokes that should never have made it out of the notebook.
Expect sharp new material, ancient callbacks, and the kind of honesty that only comes from being too tired to lie anymore.
Two decades of stand-up. Zero chance Sami's stopping now.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NEWS WEAKLY 178 – 6th September, 2025
TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK
Wannabe Dictator Dan!
Also, why read a literary journal when you can watch a TikTok instead!
All that, and more, on News Weakly!
Quote of the Week
“The government says this is to help public servants be more ‘frank.’ Which is true, they’ll be frank, because every document will now say: ‘Frankly, fuck off.’”
Support the Show
Did you know you can support News Weakly by giving it a 5-star rating and review in your podcast app? Or better yet, join my Patreon at patreon.com/samishah for ad-free episodes, full scripts as newsletters, free short stories, and updates on upcoming shows. Keep the satire free-range and cruelty-free!
CREDITS
Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.
For more: http://thesamishah.com
Theme music Historic Anticipation by Paul Mottram
This podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Sami Shah.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NEWS WEAKLY 177 – 2nd Sept 2025
TOP STORY OF THE WEEK
March of the Meatheads!
Also, NOM NOM NOM!
And, Katter Does Jefferson!
All that, and more, on News Weakly.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“So no, it’s not an invasion—it’s just registered nurses, accountants, and software engineers. If that’s your idea of a hostile takeover, then your enemy is Excel spreadsheets.”
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Keep News Weakly ad-free and independent by joining my Patreon: patreon.com/samishah
CREDITS
Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.
For more: http://thesamishah.com
Theme music Historic Anticipation by Paul Mottram
This podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Sami Shah.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NEWS WEAKLY 176 – 30TH AUG 2025
TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK
From Tehran With Hate!
Also, Sovereign? More like SoveRUN! Amirite!
And, Things go sideways in Nauru!
All that and more on News Weakly!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Just because Israel’s committing genocide in Gaza doesn’t make Iran freedom fighters. Pretending otherwise is like cheering for the Hindenburg because you hate planes.”
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Hi, did you know you can support News Weakly by giving it a 5-star rating and review in the Podcast app? You can also join my Patreon, where you’ll find ad-free episodes, scripts in newsletter form, plus free short stories and updates. Support free-range, cruelty-free news satire at: patreon.com/samishah.
Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.
For more: http://thesamishah.com
Theme music Historic Anticipation by Paul Mottram
This podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Sami Shah.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NEWS WEAKLY 175 – 23rd August, 2025
TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK
Bibi bullies Albo!
And, Fuck off we’re full of rallies!
Also, What’s the deal with beheading dissidents!
All that, and more, on News Weakly.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Yo mama so weak, she calls it appeasement when people recognise Palestine, but negotiation when Trump offers Gaza as a casino franchise.”
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Keep News Weakly independent!
Support Sami at: patreon.com/samishah
Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.
For more: http://thesamishah.com
Theme music "Historic Anticipation" by Paul Mottram
This podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Sami Shah.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NEWS WEAKLY 174 – 16th August, 2025
TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK
Hamas and Albanese sitting in a tree! R.E.C.O.G.N.I.S.E
And, Tickle vs. Giggle 2: Giggle Harder!
Also, Writers tell Bendigo to get bent!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“When your lead story collapses, just add ‘more’ and hit publish.”
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Keep News Weakly independent!
Support Sami at: patreon.com/samishah
Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.
For more: http://thesamishah.com
Theme music "Historic Anticipation" by Paul Mottram
This podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Sami Shah.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NEWS WEAKLY 173 – 9th August, 2025
This week on News Weakly:
BIBI’S ALL YOU CAN OCCUPY BUFFET!
2 ROBOTDEBT 2 FURIOUS!
PRETTY BLOOMIN’ HEALTHY!
TRUMP’S PUTIN IT TO MODI!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“When the government automates welfare, it doesn’t create efficiency, it just creates poverty at scale.”
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Keep News Weakly independent!
Support Sami at: patreon.com/samishah
Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.
For more: http://thesamishah.com
Theme music "Historic Anticipation" by Paul Mottram
This podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Sami Shah.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NEWS WEAKLY 72 – 2nd August, 2025
This week on News Weakly:
TRUMP KEEPS IT AT TEN!
STATEHOOD WITH STRINGS ATTACHED!
LABOR TAKES THE BRIDGE!
SPY HARD: ASIO STRIKES BACK!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Australia: not important enough to punish further. Put that on a tourism billboard.”
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Keep News Weakly independent!
Support Sami at: patreon.com/samishah
Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.
For more: http://thesamishah.com
Theme music "Historic Anticipation" by Paul Mottram
This podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Sami Shah.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NEWS WEAKLY 171 – 26th July, 2025
This week on News Weakly, I go gonzo about my recent trip to America.
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Keep News Weakly independent!
Support Sami at: patreon.com/samishah
Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.
For more: http://thesamishah.com
This podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Sami Shah.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NEWS WEAKLY170 – 26th July, 2025
This week on News Weakly, I talk to one of my favourite comedians and human Alice Fraser
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Keep News Weakly independent!
Support Sami at: patreon.com/samishah
Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.
For more: http://thesamishah.com
Theme music "Historic Anticipation" by Paul Mottram
This podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Sami Shah.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NEWS WEAKLY 162 – 15th June, 2025
This week on News Weakly, an editorial edition that's a dramatic reading of a new short story I've written. It's about how what happens after AI takes over.
Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.
For more: http://thesamishah.com
Theme music 'Historic Anticipation' by Paul Mottram
Sound design: 'AI-Generated Ambient Music Experience: Journey Through Sci-Fi Worlds' by PintoCreation SciFI AI Video
This podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Sami Shah.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NEWS WEAKLY168 – 11th July, 2025
This week on News Weakly, I talk to satirist and tall guy Mark Humphries
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Keep News Weakly independent!
Support Sami at: patreon.com/samishah
Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.
For more: http://thesamishah.com
Theme music "Historic Anticipation" by Paul Mottram
This podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Sami Shah.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Keep News Weakly independent!
Support Sami at: patreon.com/samishah
Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.
For more: http://thesamishah.com
Theme music "Historic Anticipation" by Paul Mottram
This podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Sami Shah.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.