Big Small Talk
Big Small Talk is a podcast that blends politics and pop culture, offering a fresh take on current events. It features three segments: Big Small Talk on Tuesdays covers news from parliament to pop culture; Small Talk on Thursdays explores cultural trends and life advice; and Big Talk on Wednesdays delves into major news stories from the past few decades. The show aims to make understanding politics and culture both fun and informative.
Episodes
The Feminine Urge to Become a Witch
From WitchTok and tarot cards to manifestation and etsy witches - it seems women are embracing their witchy side more than ever.
But whats the darker history of witches? For centuries, women accused of witchcraft were feared, persecuted and killed, and with them, generations of knowledge, traditions and stories were lost.
This week, Sarah is joined by award-winning journalist and author of The Goo
U.S Midterms, Sexiest Man Alive & Israel votes
Hello!!! The U.S. midterm elections are a week away (a.k.a nerd Christmas) and boy do we have the segment for you. Hannah walks us through the stakes, the key races, and the all important question: do the Democrats actually stand a chance?
Then Sarah talks about the second-biggest political decision of the year – People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive. She explains how the competition started, and
Are We All Becoming Bad Friends?
Everyone wants a village, but nobody wants to be a villager. It’s the phrase taking over the internet, and it raises a pretty uncomfortable question - have we become so obsessed with protecting our peace and setting boundaries that we’ve forgotten how to actually show up for our friends?
This week, we’re joined by internationally recognised friendship expert, journalist and autho
The Rise and Fall of Elizabeth Holmes PART TWO
Is Elizabeth Holmes a bad person? Or is she a person who did bad things?
We’re back for part two of our series on Elizabeth Holmes – the Silicon Valley darling-turned-fraudster who falsely promised that her company could run lab tests with just a single drop of blood.
It’s 2014 and things are looking good for Elizabeth. Her company is valued at $9 billion. Magazines are making he
The Rise and Fall of Elizabeth Holmes PART ONE
Everyone is talking about Elizabeth Holmes.
She’s the star of Nathan Fielder’s buzzy documentary, You Can See Everything. Consider this month’s Big Talk your pre-show guide – everything you need to know before you head to the movies.
But hey, even if you have no interest in watching that film (even though it might be the first doco to win Best Picture at the Oscars EVER),
Megan Markle, Glee reboot & Brazil’s shock election
Hello hello. Do we have an episode for you this week or what!
First up, Hannah talks us through the latest allegations against Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Apparently, Dutch spies hacked his phone and he’s allegedly been receiving some LARGE sums of money from Middle Eastern leaders to influence foreign policy. But this isn’t the only scandal he’s caught up in…
Stop The Wedding!!!! With Ashe
Ashe is a huge US based singer-songwriter, a collaborator of FINNEAS (Billie Eilish’s brother and creative partner), and now the voice behind 'Stop the Wedding!', the viral song making women everywhere rethink what they should expect from love.
And what if expecting more from our life and relationships wasn't cynical, but actually the most romantic and joyous thing we could do?
After going t
Helen Haines’ Attack, Sally Rooney & Victoria Secret Runway
Hi everyone. This episode is coming amidst some tragic developing news: independent federal politician, Helen Haines, is in a critical condition after a man purposefully drove into her multiple times outside her office.
Hannah shares what we know so far about the attack, and discusses the rise we have seen in threats towards female politicians. Note: since recording, the suspect, Brendan Nugent, h
The World Is Getting Meaner. Why Are We Still Playing Nice?
Is our obsession with being nice is actually part of the problem?
This week on Small Talk, I'm joined by one of Australia's most respected political journalists and authors, Amy Remeikis, to unpack why playing nice might be getting us absolutely nowhere.
Amy is the Chief Political Analyst at The Australia Institute, a contributing editor at The New Daily and is known online as Pyjama Politics. Amy
Olivia Dean, US Execution Livestream & Selma Blair Arrest
Hello hello! If you had any doubt before, you can now say for certain that we are living in a dystopian hellhole because the U.S. has announced it will livestream the execution of a prisoner on death row.
Hannah talks about how this announcement, and the recent failed execution of Christa Pike, has sparked universal outrage from all sides of politics.
Then, Sarah explains why Olivia Dean is being
How Well Do You Understand Your Hormones? With Dominique Elissa
We spend years learning about our bodies through trial and error because no one ever really taught us how our hormones work.
Model, founder of Selfdom and creator of the bestselling gratitude journals, Dominique Elissa returns to the pod this week to discuss her new journal 'Flow State' and why understanding your hormones has completely changed the way she lives. From the four phases of the menstr
The Cornell 7, Pete Davidson & Greens New Leader
Prosecutors have reopened an investigation into an alleged rape at Cornell University after public outrage and mounting questions over how the case was handled.
Then, the New York Times has decided the best TV shows of the 21st century and naturally, we have thoughts.Back home, the Greens have a new leader, but the result has exposed some pretty major divisions within the party.
Plus, has the inte
Daisy Edgar-Jones & Esmé Creed-Miles: Big Sister Advice
Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles on in studio with us? Consider this Sarah’s pinch-me moment.
The girls join us to talk about their new film, Sense and Sensibility, which by the way, is perfect cinema. You’ll know Daisy of course from the cult classic, Normal People, as well as Where the Crawdads Sing, Fresh and Twisters, and Esmé from Hanna, The Doll Factory and Si
Watergate: Nixon, Vietnam & The Pentagon Papers PART TWO
Richard Nixon wins re-election in one of the biggest landslides in American history. Less than two years later, he becomes the first and only U.S. president to resign.
So, how did it all fall apart?
In Part Two, we get into Nixon’s growing paranoia, the creation of CREEP, the increasingly unhinged schemes of the people around him, and the break-in at the Watergate complex that started the un
Watergate: Nixon, Vietnam & The Pentagon Papers PART ONE
Welcome back to Big Talk! It’s the political scandal so infamous that, 50 years later, we’re still adding “gate” to the end of every controversy.
But Watergate didn’t begin with a break-in.
In Part One, we’re going back to Richard Nixon’s rise to power, the lies America was told about the Vietnam War, the explosive leak of the Pentagon Papers, and the incr
Taylor Swift’s Encore, OpenAI Hacks Medicare & The VMAs
AUDIENCE SURVEY LINK HERE!!!! THANK YOU ILY: https://forms.gle/dc9iXh7BEwntMuiW9
On the show this week, OpenAI hacked a Medicare portal months ago, and we’re only just hearing about it now. So… how did that happen?
Then, Taylor Swift has released new music. Of course, she’s the biggest pop star in the world, so we HAVE to deep it, but if you’re not in the mood to psychoan
Trial By TikTok With Amber Heard's Lawyer, Jen Robinson
This week, Sarah sits down with renowned human rights and media lawyer Jen Robinson, whose career has taken her from Julian Assange’s legal team and the Murdoch phone-hacking scandal to representing Amber Heard.
Jen unpacks how defamation laws can be weaponised to silence women, survivors and journalists, and the enormous legal and financial risk that can come with telling your story.
We als
Lena Dunham's Surrogacy, Channing Tatum & Joanna Howe
Hey BSTies! On the show this week – anti-abortion activist Dr Joanna Howe and her husband James have come under fire after he said that he doesn’t “do consent”.
Then, the girls unpack Lena Dunham’s announcement that she has become a mum via surrogacy. Is it ever okay to pay someone to carry your child?
Plus – Labor and One Nation announce migration crackdowns, C
How Do You Build A Beauty Empire In 2026? With Conserving Beauty
The beauty industry is worth more than $450 billion globally. So what actually makes us buy one product over another?
Sarah sits down with Natassia Nicolao, founder and CEO of Conserving Beauty, to unpack what it really takes to build a beauty brand in an industry obsessed with virality, celebrity launches, dupes and the next “must-have” product.
From creating the world’s first d
Macklemore, Sydney Sweeney & Trumps 5K Promise
This week, Donald Trump is promising every American adult $5,000 if Republicans win the midterms - yes, really. Then, NFL star Aaron Rodgers has opened up about his breakup with actress Shailene Woodley and revealed the wild request she made before they got married, which has somehow only made the internet like her more.
We’re also getting into a former Anthropic employee who quit because he
We’re Running 24 Hours Late
For the first time in almost three years, your Tuesday episode is running a day late!
A perfect storm of sickness, international travel and terrible timing has thrown us slightly off course — so Sarah is jumping into your feeds with a tiny update.
The good news: we’ll be back TOMORROW (Wednesday) at 5pm with a VERY big Big Small Talk. And trust us, there is a lot to talk about this wee
Are You Ready to Fix Your Feed? With Chanel Contos
Our friend Chanel Contos is on the podcast, and she’s casually changing Australia again!
Chanel is the activist behind Teach Us Consent, the campaign that helped change consent education in Australian schools. Now, she’s coming for our algorithms with Fix Our Feeds - which, huge news, just got the green light from the Australian Government this week.
We recorded this chat before that h
Earle Meets World, Lindsay Clancy & The 'Feminisation' of Schools
Nationals leader Matt Canavan is blaming the ‘feminisation’ of schools, consent education, and female teachers for the online radicalisation of young men, and Hannah is… not impressed.
She unpacks his controversial comments, why we need to stop blaming women for the actions of men, and the latest push to finally regulate social media algorithms + fix our feeds.
Then, Sarah dive
What Do You Do When Life Falls Apart? With Gretta Ray
At some point, you'll probably face what we on the pod call a Diabolical Quarter -- a time in your life when everything falls apart and you just can't catch a break.
Singer-songwriter Gretta Ray knows about these seasons of life all too well. Just 48 hours after moving to London -- ready to take next big leap in her career -- Gretta ended up in hospital and diagnosed with a life-threatening condit
Olivia Rodrigo's Festival, Dolly Parton & Meta's $17b Settlement
Guyyssss Olivia Rodrigo threw a festival raising money for women’s health, safety and reproductive rights and THE WORLD IS HEALING.
Sarah kicks off this episode talking all things Daisy Chain Festival – Stevie Nicks’ appearance, the whopping $20 million donation, and the way a 23-year-old pop star is building a legacy that goes way beyond her music.
Hannah then breaks down Meta&
How To Fight Back with Pussy Riot's Maria Alyokhina
There’s a good chance that you’ve heard of Pussy Riot – the punk band from Russia that has made global headlines for speaking out against Vladimir Putin.
Maria Alyokhina was just 23 years old when she joined the group and, consequently, became Putin's political prisoner. She was arrested and jailed multiple times for her activism over the years. But in 2022, she hatched a plan. S
Pauline Hanson & the Rise of One Nation PART ONE
As whispers of the next federal election swirl, one name keeps coming up: Pauline Hanson. Hanson and her party are rapidly rising in popularity. Polling over the last few weeks suggests that the next election might come down to a race between Labor versus One Nation.
So – who is Pauline Hanson? And how did we get here?
In this two-part series, we talk about the rise, the fall, and resurrec
Pauline Hanson & the Rise of One Nation PART TWO
We are back for part two of our series on Pauline Hanson, and things are not looking good. It’s 2003, the authorities have come knocking, and Pauline is staring down a criminal trial.
In our final episode, we track Hanson’s return to parliament and meteoric rise in popularity. Her reality television rebrand, her
We ask ourselves: how do we make sense of Pauline Hanson? Is there a One
Lindsay Clancy's Trial, The Sydney Swans & VMA 2026 Snubs
Sarah kicks us off with a breakdown of the Lindsay Clancy trial unfolding in the US right now - who she is, what happened, the evidence we’ve heard in court and the reality of trial by TikTok.
Hannah then talks through the latest developments in the Sydney Swans scandal, with multiple players now stood down from the club, plus the powerful show of support for the Swans women’s team ove
What Career Advice Should We Stop Giving Women? With Pip Northeast
Pip Northeast is the breakout star of Netflix’s My Brilliant Career, currently one of the Top 10 shows in the world.
But forget everything you’ve been told about getting ahead at work.
After chatting about taking on one of Australia’s most iconic stories - and the woman behind it all, Miles Franklin, we put the career advice we’ve all been fed to the test. Should you really
Hayden Panettiere, Phoebe Gates & One Nation 'Gayest' Party
First up, Hannah takes us through reports that three teenage boys from one of Sydney’s most expensive private boys schools – The Scots College – were arrested on charges of sexual assault. She also talks about Victoria Police’s investigation into the Sydney Swans.
Sarah dives into the business scandal that could see Bill Gates’ 23-year-old daughter go to prison. A fas
Do We Need To Pop The AI Bubble? With Cory Doctorow
Everyone has an opinion on AI. Some say it's the inevitable future. Others think it'll take our jobs, fuel misinformation, and hand even more power to Big Tech and billionaires.
This week, Sarah sits down with bestselling author, technologist and journalist Cory Doctorow to unpack whether AI really is the future or just a wildly overhyped tech bubble.
They also dive into Cory's theory of the "reve
Open AI Hosts Influencer Retreat, Sydney Towle & The Celebs Are In LOVE
First up, Hannah unpacks the ABC’s apology to Gina Rinehart over comments made during its new Gen Z-coded show, Race Around the World. What’s really upsetting people here – the fact the public broadcaster said sorry OR who it is saying sorry to?
Sarah talks about the OpenAI luxury influencer brand trip (yep you read that right). The theme? Eco-friendly summer camp. Think farm-to-
Do Men Find Party Girls Intimidating? With Lucy and Nikki
When did women become expected to grow out of having fun?
This week, Sarah is joined by Happy Hour hosts Lucy & Nikki to chat about dating as a party girl, whether men are intimidated by fun, successful women, being on the apps and why your friendships shouldn't disappear just because you're in a relationship.
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Ariana Grande, AI goes rogue & Nara Smith is NOT a Trad Wife
BSTies – it’s been a week!
Sarah talks about Ariana Grande’s new album (which has sparked intense online debate around her appearance), as well as her decision to step away from public life. The girls chat about why we need to be careful in these conversations concerning Ariana’s body and health, but also about the dangers of collective silence.
Hannah dives into how a rogu
Why Is There Moral Panic Around Sex? With Dr Esme Louise James
This week, Sarah sits down with historian, author and educator Dr Esme Louise James, creator of Kinky History, to explore the fascinating history of sex, desire and shame. Esme explains how many of the things we consider "new" or "unnatural" have actually existed for millennia, and how our modern attitudes towards sex have been shaped by history, religion, medicine, law and power.
They also discus
The Last Romanovs: The Story of Anastasia PART ONE
If you grew up watching Anastasia, chances are you believed there was always a chance the youngest Romanov princess escaped. But the true story behind one of history's most enduring mysteries is even more extraordinary than the film.
In this special two-part crossover with Ainslie Harvey's The Hot History Podcast, Sarah is joined by historian and host Ainslie to uncover the true story behind the w
The Last Romanovs: The Story of Anastasia PART TWO
The mystery isn't over !!!
In part two of our VERY special The Hot History Podcast crossover, we unravel the century-long question that captivated the world: did Princess Anastasia really survive? From the famous imposters and Soviet cover-ups to the discovery of the Romanovs' remains, DNA testing with Prince Philip, and the family's surprising legacy under Vladimir Putin, we separate fact from fi
Hannah Ferguson Runs Against the PM, The Odyssey & Matty Healy's Wedding
It's good to be back!!
Hannah has officially announced she's running against the Prime Minister at the next federal election. The girls chat about what she'll be campaigning for, why she's doing it, how she's feeling, and what it means for the podcast.
Sarah dives into the film everyone can't stop talking about, The Odyssey, unpacking how it was made, why Christopher Nolan insisted on shooting it
The Pressure To Be Extraordinary In Your 20s. With Jemma Sbeg
Have we accidentally created an impossible definition of success?
This week, Sarah is joined by Jemma Sbeg, host of The Psychology of Your 20s, one of the world's biggest podcasts, now adapted for Netflix - to unpack the pressure so many of us feel to achieve something extraordinary before 30.
Together they explore the psychology behind comparison, burnout, perfectionism, quarter-life crises, soci
What Does A Pop Stars Wellness Routine Look Like? With Kita Alexander
This week, Sarah is joined by pop star Kita Alexander. ARIA-nominated, a collaborator of Fisher, started out with Dua Lipa (who she opened for on the Radical Optimism tour), Kita has just released her new album, Rage, which she will be touring this year!
Together, they chat about her wellness routine, fitness habits, anxieties, and the role meditation plays in navigating both everyday life and maj
What Would You Say To Your 16-Year-Old Self? With Jessica Mauboy
This is a really special episode.
Jessica Mauboy has one of those rare energies that instantly makes you feel at ease, and this conversation is such a genuine reflection on a career that has come full circle. From navigating fame at just sixteen during the unforgiving 2000s media era, being body shamed by Kyle Sandilands, landing a record deal and leading roles in Hollywood, to becoming a mum, re
Taylor Swift's MSG Wedding, Dua Lipa Library & Karlie Kloss
The Taylor Swift Wedding has happened. It's the biggest pop culture story of the year (probably) and we have plenty to unpack. We chat about the venue, Adam Sandler officiating, performances, the extensive (and yes, controversial) guest list, the raffle, the impact on NYC citizens and the comparisons to Bezo's.
Next up, Karl Stefanovic has now also been axed by ARN as well. He opens up about that
Your Frivolous Questions, Our Hot Takes.
It's time for hot takes over tea.
How do you navigate personal relationships when your job is having opinions on the internet? Have we ever felt lost in our careers? How do we feel about getting married? And seriously, do Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos have therapists?
This week both Hannah and Sarah are answering YOUR hot takes and burning questions, from how we actually met to our mos
Karl Stefanovic, Taylor Swift Wedding Rumours & Jack Schlossberg
It's been a BIG week and, honestly, one of our most interesting episodes yet.
We kick things off by breaking down why Karl Stefanovic was axed from Nine, his viral "I'm free" video, and what we think comes next.
Sarah then dives into Kylie Jenner's new partnership with Meta AI Glasses and whether the feminisation of tech is finally enough to make wearable AI cool. Hannah unpacks Australia's newest
Is It Time For A Mid-Year Money Reset? With She's On The Money
This week, Sarah is joined by award-winning retired financial adviser, best-selling author, and host of Australia’s number one finance podcast, She’s on the Money. In this episode, Victoria Devine answer all your listener questions for a mid-year money reset.
No question is too silly, no topic is too intimidating. We discuss, should you prioritise saving or travel? How do you actually
BIG TALK: Julian Assange & WikiLeaks PART TWO
Chelsea Manning has leaked hundreds of thousands of classified documents to WikiLeaks, including the infamous Collateral Murder video. The fallout is immediate: governments scramble, public trust is shaken, and Julian Assange becomes one of the most divisive figures in the world.
We unpack the leaks that changed everything, the 2016 U.S. election controversy, Assange's years inside the Ecuadorian
BIG TALK: Julian Assange & WikiLeaks PART ONE
Before WikiLeaks became one of the most controversial organisations in the world, Julian Assange was a teenage hacker from Australia with a fascination for secrecy.
In this episode, we trace Assange's journey from hacking NASA and the Pentagon to developing the philosophy that would eventually underpin WikiLeaks. We unpack the leaks that first put the organisation on the map, from government corr
Hanson At The National Press Club, Kyle Settles & UK PM Resigns
This week, Pauline Hanson delivers the National Press Club Address and Gina Rinehart also makes a major announcement. Then, the SA abortion bill is narrowly defeated, we unpack the latest from the UK as Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigns, and Norway's prince is convicted in a case that has dominated headlines across Europe. ARN reaches a settlement with Kyle Sandilands, we break down the inaugura
Whats The Deal With Peptides? With Science Vs.
This week on Small Talk, Sarah is joined by Science Vs host Wendy Zukerman to unpack the internet's latest wellness obsession: peptides.
From BPC-157 and MOTS-c to anti-ageing injections and "Wolverine stacks", Wendy breaks down what peptides actually are, what the science says, and where the line sits between promising medical research and wellness-industry hype.
They discuss biohacking culture,
Gwyneth Paltrow, The World's First Trillionaire & The World Cup
This week, we unpack Gwyneth Paltrow’s decision to star in an ad for a luxury real estate development in Israel, as well as a recent Goop podcast episode on US defence systems.
Then, Elon Musk becomes the world’s first trillionaire thanks to SpaceX. We also break down the FIFA World Cup, the Socceroos’ strong start, and why New York has been electric following the Knicks’ h
What Are The Habits of Joyful People? With Ash London
Ash London has spent years bringing joy to audiences through music, radio, television, podcasts and now even a rom-com novel. From interviewing some of the world's biggest artists to returning to radio in New Zealand after becoming a mum, Ash has built a career around celebrating the things that make life feel good.
Today, we chat about how to find joy in the simplest everyday tasks (and what tha
The Odyssey, A 'Comedian' Cancelled & Ditch The Witch
Lots to cover this week! We start with a racist "comedians'" skits targeting minority groups, and Hannah unpacks how the internet responded. Then Sarah takes us inside the world of Greek mythology and the ongoing casting debate around The Odyssey - plus Toy Story 5 because why not!
We also get into the “ditch the witch” campaign against Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, the rise of One
Why Does Australian Media Still Have The Same Problems? With Antoinette Lattouf
Antoinette Lattouf is a journalist, author and co-founder of ETTE Media who knows a thing or two about winning. In her new book, Women Who Win, she explores what it means to win (why women often don't) and the Australian women who have changed the course of history.
In this episode we chat about her legal victory against the ABC after she was removed from air over a social media post about Gaza,
Dua Lipa Married, Teal Party & Patagonia's Lawsuit
A packed episode today! We start with the moment an anti-abortion activist posted a photo of sugar gliders, claiming they were twin girls named Emma and Ruth. Then, congratulations are in order for Dua Lipa and Callum Turner, who have officially tied the knot! We also unpack the short-lived push for a new teal political party and ask whether Australia actually needs another option on the ballot.
P
What If You Question Your Religion? Poh Ling Yeow on Leaving Mormonism
Beloved cook, artist and TV personality Poh Ling Yeow joins me to talk about her journey with religion and her decision to leave the Mormon Church. Growing up, I watched Poh on MasterChef Australia and Poh's Kitchen, so this conversation felt incredibly special. We chat about her teenage years in the the church, Mormonism's unexpected pop culture resurgence, the material that made her begin to que
Big Talk: Inside The Church Of Scientology - PART FOUR
Finally, we are at the end of our Scientology deepdive, thank you for listening this far!
In our last episode, we're going to finally properly unpack the celebrity element of it all, before going into a 'where are they now' recap of David’s family, then ending the episode with a look forward into the future of Scientology.
CREDITS:
Huge thank you to our Big Talk researcher, Grace Valerie-Ly
Big Talk: Inside The Church Of Scientology - PART THREE
Our first ever part 3 and 4 Big Talk instalment!! We must have received a million messages after last months Big Talk drop asking for more, so thank you!
In these next two episodes, we’re going to go even deeper. You’re going to hear about Scientology’s makeshift prison, known as The Hole. Their laughable negotiation with the IRS to get tax exempt status. Multiple deaths. Miscav
The Enhanced Games, Jenner Dating Elordi & Aussie Flotilla Activists
Big, very chatty episode this week! First, Sarah breaks down the current ‘Enhanced Games’: the rules, the investors, the athletes taking part and the results so far. Then, Hannah explains what happened to the Australians involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Plus, are Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi actually dating? The girls discuss the internet’s obsession with the genetically
To Be Cringe Is To Be Free! With Angourie Rice
An unexpected episode topic for one of the most accomplished, coolest people we've had on the podcast - 25-year-old Australian actress, Angourie Rice. You have definitely seen her before as Cady Heron in Tina Fey's Mean Girls Movie with Renee Rapp. She's also starred in The Nice Guys, Spiderman: Homecoming, Ladies in Black, Mare of Easttown and so much more.
I chat to Angourie about her brand new
BabyDoll Dresses, The Budget & Keli Holiday Refused US Visa
HUGE week on the podcast and honestly one of our most passionate episodes yet. Hannah breaks down the federal budget and how it will actually impact us. Sarah then explains the latest internet meltdown, this time over Olivia Rodrigo wearing a babydoll dress. Then, Delta Goodrem in Eurovision and the boycott. How mainstream media's has made an Australian artist being denied entry to the US for unex
What Does The Left Get Wrong? With Punters Politics
Konrad Benjamin (known as Punters Politics) has amassed a huge following online, gone viral numerous times for his political commentary, recently found himself in parliament speaking up about the gas tax and also recently found himself on Karl Stefanovic's podcast. He has a knack for reaching over political lines, engaging with people who would consider themselves right wing and apolitical. So tod
One Nation Win, Taylor Swifts Trademark & Hantavirus
Today we’re unpacking the One Nation win in Farrer and what it could signal politically, before getting into why KJ Apa is publicly calling out mysterious musician Mr. Fantasy. We also chat about Taylor Swift’s latest trademark filing, everything we know about Ariana Grande’s new album and CharliXCX's new 'rock music', and if we should be worried about Hantavirus or not. Finally,
What Is The Business Model of Sex Work? With Blue Eyed Kayla Jade
This week we are joined by the gorgeous and beloved Blue Eyed Kayla Jade, a now globally famous full service sex worker who has amassed millions of followers. In her new book, Call Girl Confidential, and in this episode, Kayla breaks down taboo and stereotypes of sex work and explains how the business model actually works.
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Met Gala, Kylie Jenner's HouseKeepers & News Bargaining Incentive
This week we kick things off at the Met Gala, a celebration of fashion and art that’s starting to feel a little Hunger Games, especially with billionaire backing from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez.
We unpack Victoria’s reforms to better support victim-survivors of sexual violence, and the lawsuits facing Kylie Jenner - who’s being sued by not one, but two former housekeepe
How To Be Alone (And Actually Enjoy It) With Dee Salmin
This week on Small Talk, we’re joined by host of The Hook Up, writer and author Dee Salmin to unpack modern dating and the art of being single. Drawing from her new book It’s Not Love, Actually, Dee breaks down why butterflies might actually be anxiety, why being the 'cool girl' never works and the subtle ways we shape ourselves to attract men. Plus, we get into attachment styles, the
Big Talk: Inside The Church Of Scientology - PART ONE
Scientology is often called the ‘celebrity religion’, popularised by names like Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Nancy Cartwright. Recognised by its long list of scandals and out-of-this-world belief system, Scientology sits in contrast to what many would class as a religion in modern society. So, what lies beneath the surface of the embattled billion-dollar organisation? Who is it’
Big Talk: Inside The Church Of Scientology - PART TWO
In Part Two of this series, we uncover the building blocks of Scientology and get introduced to Hubbard's E-meter. Explain what Thetans are and how they enter your body. Plus we break down the framework that makes Scientology a religion and the celebs, like Tom Cruise and John Travolta, who have been among the Church’s most visible advocates.
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Open AI, Unwell Network & Trump Shot At (Again)
we unpack the terrifying shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Then, closer to home, the legal drama surrounding Kyle and Jackie O continues to heat up, alongside a growing criminal investigation into ChatGPT. We also dive into fresh allegations against Alex Cooper’s Unwell network. We also break down what the gas tax is.
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Is Outrage Culture Turning Us Into 'Mean Girls'?
Outrage culture, cancel culture, and the rise of the “mean girl” accusation - this week, Hannah is back on Small Talk to help me unpack what’s really going on in comment sections right now, and why it feels like other women are increasingly the target. From the algorithm rewarding the angriest opinions, to comments being used to shape our own views, we get honest about our though
Alex Has Receipts, One Less Lonely Girl & The Liberals’ Immigration Policy
Alex Cooper vs Alix Earle is heating up - and yes, somehow Brianna Chickenfry is now involved. We unpack the “mean girl” narrative and whether this is really just a business fallout. Meanwhile, the Liberals have proposed a new immigration policy that feels like a copy-paste out of the Pauline Hanson playbook. Over at Coachella weekend two, we dissect Brandchella, Billie Eilish lives ou
What Do Guys Actually Think Of TikTok Love Advice? With Swag On The Beat
This week I'm joined by comedy duo with over a million Instagram followers, Isaac and Jack from Swag On The Beat. Once again taking advantage of having two guys on the podcast, I ask for their take on the most viral dating and relationship advice circulating TikTok. Including:
The taxi cab theory
If he wanted to, he would
black cat/golden retriever energy
Would you still love me if I was a wor
Coachella, Alix v Alex & Ben Roberts-Smith
We kick off this news week with an update on Trump's Truth Social Post threats and the broken ceasefire agreement after Israel bombed Lebanon. We then compare the biggest Coachella performances - namely, Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber. Hannah then talks us through the arrest of decorated Australian soldier Ben Roberts-Smith, charged with multiple war crimes. Sarah then explains the breaking dram
What Happens To Your Brain When You Become a Mum? With Michelle Battersby
Michelle Battersby is back, and a lot has changed! Since we last spoke, she’s sold her startup Sunroom, stepped into a new role as President of Peanut, and welcomed her second child.
We get into her experience of being a mum and that transition, before unpacking why the “girl boss” conversation is suddenly back in the headlines and why it needs a serious rethink when motherhood
Trump's Threats, 'The Drama' & Jackie O’s Legal War
We kick off with the latest out of the US, unpacking the posts from Trump about threatening to 'take out' the whole country of Iran and that tomorrow will be "plant day and bridge day", alongside updates of the firing of Pam Bondi and Kristi Noem.
Then, the $180 million legal war surrounding Kyle and Jackie O Show. We break down what’s actually going on, who seems to have the stronger case,
My Boyfriend Was Red Pilled. With Claudia Giblin
This Small Talk episode features Claudia Giblin, a 26-year-old Australian living in New York, whose ex-boyfriend got “red-pilled” while they were living together and completely changed how she dates.
Claudia gets into what it’s actually like being an international in the US right now, where politics don’t just shape the culture, but your relationships too. From the real fe
Hannah Montana, War Deadlines & Big Tech Gets Sued
This week, we discuss Hannah Montana's return for a 20th anniversary special, which drew millions of viewers in just days (and pitch what we would have done differently if we were made exec producers!)
We then look into the US-Israeli war in Iran entering its fifth week and Donald Trump extending his deadline on proposed strikes while pushing for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen. Back home, the Alba
Are You Dressing for You or the Algorithm? With Maggie Zhou
This week on Small Talk, we’re joined by writer, editor and Culture Club co-host Maggie Zhou to unpack fashion, trends and identity in the digital age. From growing up on Tumblr to navigating TikTok’s endless trend cycles, Maggie breaks down the difference between slow and fast fashion, the psychology behind overconsumption, and whether influencer and celebrity brands still hold power
Big Talk: The History Of The Pill - PART ONE
The contraceptive pill has been called many things ... controversial, life changing, revolutionary. But one of the most impressive achievements is being universally known as "the pill". Over 150 million women use it worldwide.
But what is the history of contraception? Where did the pill come from? What was the pushback? How did it get approved? When did it come to Australia?
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Big Talk: The History Of The Pill - PART TWO
In Part Two of this series, we deep dive into the backlash the pill faced, including the impacts on mental health, as well as the introduction of other contraceptive methods and its popularity today. We then deep dive into the trials for the Male contraception pill.
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