Western Weekender
Podcasts by The Western Weekender, Penrith's premier media outlet.
Tension's Running High E81 - Peter Lang returns, Panthers v Cowboys preview & Mary Fowler's announcement
Nathan Taylor and special guest co-host Peter Lang from 'Lang on League' chat Penrith's recent loss to the Titans and preview their upcoming match against the Cowboys.
Plus Mary Fowler's big call on her future (and how it affects Penrith).
And lastly they chat Origin III teams, and 'Storytime with Pete' makes a comeback!
Let's go Panthers!
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Tension's Running High E80 - Panthers v Titans, Ashley Klein & Final Word on Origin
Troy and Nathan deliver their final word on State of Origin II ahead of the big showdown at the MCG.
Plus a preview of Panthers v Titans, we discuss the Ashley Klein story and how close did Tom Jenkins come to leaving the Panthers?
The boys also add a couple of fresh items into the Panthers museum!
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Tension's Running High E79 - Record-breaking Panthers
Troy and Nathan discuss that incredible win by the Panthers over the Tigers, plus will anyone stop Penrith's run to the Premiership?
We discuss State of Origin, put more items in the Panthers Museum and track down another player in Where Are They Now.
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Tension's Running High E78 - Nathan drops a bombshell!
Nathan reveals something huge that has Troy questioning his credentials as a Panthers fan.
We preview the Panthers v Tigers showdown, plus was rugby league really better in the 1990s?
And we hear from Ivan Cleary.
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Weekender Women E2 - Things our mums told us
Amanda, Emily and Maria are back!
This month, the girls discuss some of the things their mums drummed into them growing up - do they still apply today? Were they ever really accurate?
Plus Chanel in Penrith?
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Tension's Running High E77 - Our Origin reaction, Panthers v Warriors preview
Troy and Nathan talk about the State of Origin result and THAT send off! Plus how did the four Panthers players perform?
The boys also preview the showdown between the Panthers and Warriors on Sunday.
Plus reaction to Andrew Abdo's huge news and Nine's big TV rights play.
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Tension's Running High E76 - Troy doesn't believe Ivan
Troy doubts whether Ivan Cleary will actually finish his NRL coaching career at the end of 2027. Plus the boys unpack his huge announcement last week.
Nathan launches a new Where Are They now? segment, and we chat all things Magic Round and State of Origin.
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Tension's Running High E75 - We draft our NSW Origin team!
Nathan Taylor and special guest co-host Peter Lang from 'Lang on League' draft their NSW Origin team ahead of next Monday's big announcement.
Plus the boys preview this Sunday's Magic Round clash against the last-placed Dragons.
And they have the latest on Nathan Cleary's new contract, chat all things PNG, and 'Storytime with Pete' makes its podcast debut!
We hope you enjoy!
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Tension's Running High E74 - Crowning the best Panthers song of all-time!
Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor crown the winner of the best Penrith Panthers song of all-time.
Plus the boys preview Sunday's Mother's Day match-up with the Canberra Raiders.
And run their eye over the PNG Chiefs situation.
Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender app.
Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.
Weekender Women E01 - The generation gap is real
Welcome to an all new podcast - Weekender Women!
In this episode, Amanda, Emily and Maria explore their generation gap. Is it really that big? From dating apps to technology and more - what does age change?
Join us for a new episode of Weekender Women on the first of every month.
Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.
Tension's Running High E73 - Jarome Luai to the Chiefs, can Panthers stop Fozball?
Huge news in rugby league with former Panther Jarome Luai agreeing to join the PNG Chiefs.
Plus the boys preview Sunday's showdown between Penrith and Manly.
And a shock result in the quest to discover Penrith's best ever theme song.
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Tension's Running High E72 - Troy's wild Bunker and Set Restart plan
Troy has a plan to solve frustrations around The Bunker and Set Restarts, and he's offering it free to the NRL.
Plus we preview the Panthers v Knights showdown in Newcastle.
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Tension's Running High E71 - Nathan delivers Ivan Cleary an ultimatum
Should Panthers impose a deadline on Ivan Cleary to make a decision about his future?
Plus, we preview the big clash between the Panthers and Dolphins and discuss the rugby league media - is it at a crossroads?
And can we please fix the NSW Cup?
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On The Record Revisited: - One-on-one with Luke Priddis
Luke Priddis joined our podcast in 2024. We go back to the interview and revisit his time at the Panthers - plus he talks about his frosty relationship with Wayne Bennett.
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Tension's Running High E70 - Moses Leota joins us and Nathan calls for a mid-season sacking
Moses Leota joins us to talk about Nathan Cleary's 200th NRL game this Thursday night. Plus we dissect the list of players coming off-contract in 2026 and 2027 as Panthers officials desperately try to build the squad from 2028 onwards. And Nathan declares someone must be sacked mid-season!
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Tension's Running High E69 - Panthers v Storm Preview
Troy and Nathan preview the big clash between Penrith and Melbourne this Friday night. Plus why did Troy miss the Battle of the West? And we launch a new game!
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Tension's Running High E68 - Luke Garner joins us
Luke Garner joins us to chat about his new deal with the Panthers. Plus the boys preview the Battle of the West between the Panthers and Eels.
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Tension's Running High E67 - Roosters v Westies, Unpacking Izack Tago mystery plus that Alex Johnston moment
In a bumper edition of the podcast, Troy and Nathan preview Friday's Panthers v Roosters showdown. They also try to work out exactly what's going on with Izack Tago, plus the Alex Johnston record and what Penrith moment would see us storm the field? Nathan tries his hand at The Price Is Right with a shock result, plus what excuse does Nathan have for missing the Panthers v Sharks game?
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Tension's Running High E66 - Panthers v Sharks preview, What's doing with Izack Tago?
The boys preview Penrith's clash with Cronulla in Bathurst. Plus Troy talks about last week's big stadium editorial, and what's going on with Izack Tago?
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Tension's Running High E65 - Hitting the roof
Troy and Nathan discuss "that' roof on the new Penrith Stadium. Plus the footy's back and we preview the Panthers taking on the Broncos.
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Tension's Running High E64 - Unpacking the season launch, top eights revealed
Troy and Nathan review Penrith's season launch and 60th anniversary dinner. Plus the boys reveal their top eight predictions for the year. And will Nathan finally win The Price is Right?
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Tension's Running High E63 - Board returns, player's shocking act!
Troy and Nathan discuss the new State of Origin rules, the recent Panthers Board Election, and which Panthers star has upset Troy!
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Tension's Running High E62 - The pod goes rogue
Troy and Nathan tackle everything from crime to celebrities to plane scheduling dramas. Oh, and there's a bit of footy too.
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Tension's Running High E61 - Off-season media shifts, Panthers Board election
Troy and Nathan are back for another year. They have a quick look at the year ahead including discussing what a pass mark is for the Panthers. The boys also discuss Phil 'Buzz' Rothfield's retirement and Michael Chammas apparently heading to PNG. Plus the latest on the Panthers Board Election and the random situation with the club's NSW Cup coach.
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On The Record - Nathan Taylor
Ahead of his 15th anniversary with The Western Weekender, we catch up with Deputy Editor and Sports Journalist Nathan Taylor. He talks to us about his passion for Penrith, why he's still with the paper after all these years and shares some recent personal challenges.
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On The Record - Rich Evans
Born and bred in Penrith, Rich Evans was at the forefront of Penrith's digital evolution in the 1990s and early 2000s, before moving to the Central West. Rich speaks about growing up in Penrith, connecting with the community in his new home and details the enormous health challenge he's been facing in recent years.
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On The Record - Jim Jones
Jim Jones played more than 40 first grade games for Penrith, but it is as the club's recruitment officer where he has made his name. He's recruited the likes of Penrith and Australian captain Isaah Yeo, and has his fingerpints all over the club's run of Premiership success. Jim speaks about his life in rugby league, and reveals when he may give it all away.
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On The Record: Peter Graham
Panthers Group Chairman Peter Graham talks to us about his 60-year love of the Penrith Panthers, and Penrith as a city. He takes us through his career, the future of Panthers and the changes he's seen in Penrith over the years. Peter also opens up about the Penrith Stadium redevelopment, and guiding the club through the challenges of the COVID lockdown.
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On The Record - Anthony Eddie
Penrith RSL Sub-Branch President Anthony Eddie speaks about his career in the Army, serving in Afghanistan and adjusting to life after discharge at 50. It's a fascinating chat about the mental and physical scars serving your country can bring. Anthony also speaks about the great work being done by the Sub-Branch in Penrith.
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On The Record - Melissa McIntosh
Federal Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh talks about getting started in politics, her three election victories and the challenges that her career presents. She also opens up about future leadership aspirations.
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On The Record - Warren Bird
Warren Bird shares stories of growing up in Penrith in the 1960s and 1970s. From a famous milk bar to the early days of Kingswood High, and then a long career in finance and economics, Warren has plenty of interesting stories to share.
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On The Record - Mark Levy
Mark Levy talks about his career in rugby league, including playing with the Panthers during the early 1980s. He takes us through his time as Panthers CEO during the 1990s, and about life after rugby league. Now retired, Mark still has a strong connection to Penrith.
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On The Record - Barry Dukes
Barry Dukes was born in Emu Plains in 1943 and has spent his life in Penrith. He speaks to us about his career in the motor industry, the people who has had an impact on his life and his family. He opens up about the history of the Dukes name in Penrith, and the significant role it has played in the area. Barry also talks about his recent health battles.
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Tension's Running High E60 - Final show for 2025!
Troy and Nathan discuss the 2026 NRL draw, and reflect on the year that was. They've got a few shout-outs, a few thoughts on the future structure of the NRL and some big news about the podcast next year. Join us for one last hurrah in 2025!
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Tension's Running High E59 - Round One Revealed plus Panthers Leagues Club memories
The boys discuss Round One after Penrith's 2026 season opener was revealed. Plus we talk about potential new rule changes, the wildcard weekend and reminiscence about the old Panthers Leagues Club. And we answer questions from the listeners!
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Tension's Running High E58 - Loss of the bravest Panther
Troy and Nathan pay tribute to John Farragher following his passing at 68. The boys also discuss Nathan Cleary's future, and what Jaxen Edgar's signing means for Dylan Edwards.
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Tension's Running High E57 - Is Global Round a winner?
Troy and Nathan debate the merits of Global Round. Plus we pay tribute to Cliff Cartwright, and talk about all the footy. And we prove we have no idea what we're talking about when it comes to the international game.
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Tension's Running High E56 - Will Dylan Edwards play rep footy again?
We discuss what Dylan Edwards' future looks like when it comes to rep footy. Plus we respond to listener topic suggestions, and chat about international footy.
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Tension's Running High E55 - International footy, 10 years since Ivan was tired
It's been a decade since Gus Gould sacked Ivan Cleary for sleeping on the job. Can you believe what's happened since then? Plus the boys discuss international footy and play a round of a new game.
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Tension's Running High E54 - Are Panthers fans sore losers?
Troy and Nathan chat about the Grand Final, plus why are some Panthers fans such sore losers? We also ponder the next TV deal, and the future of the Dally M Awards.
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