Former deputy leader Julie Bishop warns the Liberal Party will be "a lesser party" if the Teal Independents challenging moderate Liberal incumbents are successful on election day. Renowned adman Russel Howcroft on why the election's most annoying ad is probably its most successful. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They say time flies but with one week to go in a six week campaign - where the polls haven't moved an inch - the Prime Minister must be thinking time stands still. Nine's Political Editor Chris Uhlmann on how voters simply aren't buying what Scott Morrison is selling. In tight contests it pays to follow the money. TAB's Gerard Middleton shares the odds in the seats where teal independents threaten to unseat liberal incumbents,See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two weeks out from polling day and more than a third of voters are yet to make up their mind as fatigue and disillusionment sets in. AFR Political Editor Phil Coorey says these undecided voters cast doubt over the polls that say Labor has it in the bag.  Political operatives Jinane Bou-Assi and Sally Branson on the coordination required to set up and staff polling booths across the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stepping outside in a marginal seat is like stepping into the election equivalent of Times Square. An outdoor advertising blitz of corflutes, banners, billboards, and volunteers swathed in a candidate's t-shirt. Renowned adman Russel Howcroft explains why even in this digital age, the original form of advertising still packs a punch .See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you thought this election was already fiery, an RBA rate rise will pour petrol on the flames. You want a cost of living election? You got it. Walkley award winner Annika Smethurst on how inflation is an election issue 'on crack'. Renowned adman Russel Howcroft on whether the original form of advertising is still the best - even in the digital age.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister has a few nicknames. One he gave himself, ScoMo, while another was handed to him by others. This moniker is typically used as a sledge but renowned adman Russel Howcroft wonders if in a high stakes sales pitch like an election, does it actually help - not hurt - to be Scotty From Marketing?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A frustrating campaign COVID curveball sidelines Anthony Albanese for a full week. The Labor leader had regathered his mojo after a strong showing in the first debate, and where did all of this happen? Where else but Queensland, the state that all roads to the lodge pass through as detailed by 4BC Breakfast host Neil Breen. Renowned adman Russel Howcroft on why the "Scotty from Marketing" smear might really be a strength. Political operatives Jinane Bou-Assi and Sally Branson take us behind the podium and into the greenroom for debate prep.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The campaign is called - here come the ads! Renowned adman and 3AW Breakfast Host Russel Howcroft says the opening ads serve as foundation stones for the six-week campaign but it's likely to be the last time we'll see this style of carefully curated set-pieces. Also, how many positive ads must be aired to cover up a single gaffe?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labor hasn't won a majority of federal seats in WA since 1990 when Bob Hawke was PM. However, recent events and shifting sentiment sees the WA Liberals potentially facing a kind of existential crisis which could result in Labor getting the keys to the lodge, as detailed by 6PR Breakfast host Gareth Parker. Election advertising allows parties to keep control of the messaging even when the campaign has other ideas. Renowned adman Russel Howcroft on the opening wave of election ads. What's it like within the inner circle when a major gaffe jams a stick in the spokes? Hear from veteran political operatives Jinane Bou-Assi and Sally Branson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Subscribe to the On The Trail: Election 2022 podcast. Renowned adman and 3AW Breakfast host Russel Howcroft reveals why the lack of a requirement for truth in political advertising is "the least worst option".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nine's Political editor Chris Uhlmann says Labor’s chances of winning the federal election rest largely on destroying Scott Morrison’s character, but the most devastating weapon has come from within the PM's own party. Renowned adman Russel Howcroft on why the lack of a requirement for truth in political advertising is the "least worst" option.  Resolve Strategic pollster Jim Reed reveals how voters are feeling on the eve of the campaign being called. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elections are little more than high-stakes selling exercises -- they sell ideas, visions, candidates. So who better to talk us through the sizzle that goes into the sell than Australian advertising guru, Russel Howcroft. Russel will feature in each episode of the On The Trail. Here's a bite-sized edition of his first segment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before we head to the ballot box, join host Charles Croucher for the first time On The Trail. As the sugar hit from the cash and calorie heavy budget wears off, AFR Economics Editor John Kehoe reveals why the budget should have been better but could have been worse. Veteran adman and 3AW Breakfast host Russel Howcroft explains why you'll soon be peppered with negative ads - most of them from Clive Palmer. With a small army of staffers and advisors preparing to pile onto the campaign bus, get the inside word on what happens on the hustings with political operatives Sally Branson and Jinane Bou-Assi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After two years we’ll never forget, Australia faces two months like never before. Before you get to the ballot box, join Charles Croucher On The Trail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.