Ex-politician Christopher Pyne finds a new line of work

Christopher Pyne has moved behind the microphone to record an interview podcast series, the first by an Australian politician.

Former politician Christopher Pyne in the studio. Picture: Kelly Barnes

After 26 years in politics, Christopher Pyne has moved behind the microphone to record an interview podcast series, the first by an Australian politician.

Known for his style and humour, the former Defence Minister has lined up a diverse group of politicians, political journalists and a comedian, including old bosses Prime Minister Scott Morrison and former PM Malcolm Turnbull, to talk to as he would with a friend over lunch or dinner on Pyne Time.

Mr Pyne’s latest episode, out on Monday, features Mr Morrison, who has come under the spotlight over his handling of the drought following his win in the federal election on May 18.

Next week's episode will feature Mr Turnbull, who was ousted in August last year following a revolt within the Liberal Party.

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Mr Pyne, who retired from politics before the election, says he did the podcast series because he likes having his ‘‘boundaries tested’’ and trying something new.

"I like conversations, with friends particularly, and when it was put to me by Southern Cross Austereo that this was something they might be prepared to arrange, I thought why not I'll give it a go,’’ Mr Pyne said.

‘‘I thought there's probably some interesting people that I've met over the years, and who I could disarm with my undoubted charm, and who've disarmed me over the years with their undoubted charm.”

Mr Pyne roared with laughter when asked how he felt interviewing his former bosses, describing the talks as ‘‘interesting and fun’’.

‘‘They both got into the spirit of the podcasting world, and we also talked about some serious policy issues that we grapple with in government. They were also very amusing so people should look forward to listening,’’ he said.

As part of the six-episode series, Mr Pyne also talks to Labor's Richard Marles, plus political journalists Annabel Crabb and Barrie Cassidy, who recently retired from ABC's Insiders. Mr Pyne also interviewed comedian Peter Helliar, the host of Network Ten's current affairs and talk show, The Project, on which he also appears about once a month.

‘‘I seem to do as much talking as the guest because most of the time it’s people poking a bit of fun at each other, and certainly dealing with some interesting subjects,” he said.

‘‘But also stories that people wouldn't otherwise hear and that's part of the idea: that I elicit information from my guests that they wouldn't otherwise get out there, and they, particularly Pete Helliar and Annabel Crabb and Barrie Cassidy, being journalists themselves, all tried to do the same thing to me, and I think so far it seems to have worked. The proof of the pudding is whether anybody listens to them I suppose.’’

A Southern Cross spokeswoman said it’s believed that Mr Pyne is the first Australian former politician to do a paid podcast series. No download figures were available yet, she said.