Quick Smart
Quick Smart is a podcast that delivers big ideas in bite-sized episodes, covering topics from psychology and money to health, history, and pop culture. Each episode is just 10 minutes long, hosted by Siobhan Marin. The show aims to help listeners get up to speed on important issues quickly and engagingly.
Episodes
When did all our clothes become plastic? (SUMMER SERIES)
Australia buys more clothes per person than any other country and most of it is made up of plastic. Thanks to fast fashion, even our op shops are becoming flooded with these polyester products.So, when did we start wearing plastic? And why did it take over the fashion industry?Guest: Anna Levy, ABC journo.Anna Levy’s article on the rise of not-so-fantastic plastic fashion can be
Non-alcoholic drinks are wildly popular. What’s in them and are they healthy? (SUMMER SERIES)
Australians love to crack open a ‘cold one’, but increasingly we’re turning to non-alcoholic beers, wines and spirits. How did NoLo drinks become so popular? What’s actually in them? And are they healthier than their boozy counterparts?Guest: Jacinta Bowler, ABC science reporter If you’re into the science of what we eat and drink, check out our episode on the influx of random chi
Feeling stuck? How to make big life decisions, minus the regret (SUMMER SERIES)
Do you struggle with making big life decisions? Maybe it's moving overseas, quitting your job or deciding to have a baby. This week, how to ditch analysis paralysis and make a life-changing choice.Guest: Sana Qadar, host of All in the Mind.If you liked this chat, check out our episode on what makes someone an introvert or an extrovert. Sana also has a longer All in the Mind episo
Why your childhood could be holding you back financially — and how to fix it (SUMMER SERIES)
Why do some people save every spare dollar, while others blow through their pay the moment it lands? It might have less to do with discipline and more to do with the way you were raised.Guest: Emily Stewart, ABC business reporter and author of Sensible MoneyIf this episode has you feeling *triggered*, you can sign up to Emily’s handy money newsletter here (you're looking for Your
See You Next Tuesday? How the ‘worst word’ became a compliment (SUMMER SERIES)
When many of us were growing up, the c-word was the worst thing you could say. Now, it’s having a renaissance. How has an "offensive and hateful” term transformed into a compliment? And why are drag queens, actors and K-pop girlies at the forefront of reclaiming "See You Next Tuesday”?Guest: Virginia Trioli, host of Creative Types on ABC TV and iview.Check out Virginia’s article
Where is all this asbestos coming from?
It feels like asbestos has been having more than it's fair share of limelight over the last few years. But it's manufacture, sale and import was banned in Australia in 2003. So, where is it coming from?Guest: Angelique Donnellan, reporter for ABC's 7:30 program.---------If you liked this chat, you might also like our episode about whether Australia has a problem with class.You ca
Victoria is the first state to have a Treaty. What now?
The Victorian government has signed into law a historic Treaty with First Nations people. It’s supposed to help fix the effects of institutional harm. So, what will actually change?
How to stop companies knowing everything about you
Our personal data can be used to manipulate the prices we see, the disinformation we believe, and sometimes even who we vote for. So, how much does the internet know about you?
What makes a cover song better than the original?
From pub bands and street buskers to TikTok-ing teens, the world is full of music covers. Some are admirable, others are average. Yet every so often, an artist will release a cover that flips a song on its head. So, why are we drawn to making the old new again?
Why some politicians want us to feel 'ripped off'
Democracy dates back to the ancient Greeks and is meant to give us a say on who’s in charge. But lately, some democratically elected leaders are acting more like kings than politicians. So, does democracy still work? And how do we stop “undemocratic” forces from manipulating us?
Jane Austen wrote plenty of classics, but do we really need to read them?
From a muddling Mr Darcy to Clueless diva Cher Horowitz, some of the most iconic characters in books, films and TV were conceived by Jane Austen — or based on her works. So, who was she, really? And what makes her classics... classic?
Why Google’s entering its AI era, and what it means for all of us
Google gets billions of searches every day. But now, the tech giant wants to be AI-fuelled “answer engine”, rather than a gateway to other sites. It poses a massive threat to journalism, but it’ll also affect the information we see and don’t see.
Australia desperately needs more organs. Could pigs be our saviour?
If you needed a life-saving transplant, would you take a gene-edited organ from a pig? It sounds like science fiction, but this procedure has been researched for decades, and it could help solve the massive organ shortage. But is it ethical to use animals for their parts? And are there other risks?
Why your partner’s religious beliefs don’t matter as much as they used to
A Catholic and a Satanist walked into a bar ... and managed to fall in love? During the past two decades, more of us have become non-religious, but we’re also increasingly up for dating and marrying across the spiritual divide. So, how do interfaith couples make it work? And what can we learn from them?
Our last soft plastic recycling scheme flopped. Could a new one work?
Remember when you could drop off soft plastics at the supermarket and feel a little smug, because you knew they’d be recycled? Turns out that scheme was secretly stockpiling rubbish, not recycling it. So, why are soft plastics harder to recycle? And will a new scheme actually work?
How a Pokémon-loving teen became the first millennial saint
When you think of a saint, who do you picture? Chances are it’s not a tracksuit-wearing, video game playing teen, but that's exactly who the Catholic Church canonised recently. So, why was Carlo Acutis special? What miracles did he perform? And could his sainthood help drive younger people back to religion?
Who is Charlie Kirk? And why is Trump calling him a Christian "martyr"?
At a stadium in Arizona, 63,000 people gathered to remember Charlie Kirk. Among them was President Donald Trump, who called the controversial right-wing figure a “martyr”. Who exactly was Kirk? Are politicians weaponising his death to crack down on their opposition?
Nuns, crosses and exorcisms. Why horror films love religious imagery
While cinemas struggle to fill seats, horror films are bringing in billions. So, why do we enjoy being scared? And how come horror flicks are filled with nuns, crosses and other Christian imagery?-------- If you liked this chat, send it to the cinema buff in your life. You might also enjoy our eps on how cults are being targeted with coercive control laws and why certain female b
How to deal with family or friends who hold extreme beliefs
From the sovereign citizen movement to vaccine conspiracy theories, extreme beliefs are on the rise, and they can make family gatherings super uncomfortable. Why do sensible people fall for irrational ideas? And can we challenge these ideas without alienating the people who hold them?
Too much stuff? How to get on top of your clutter
Love decluttering videos, but hate home organising in real life? Too much stuff can make us feel stressed, but parting with objects isn't always easy. This week, what your clutter says about you, and how you can get on top of it.
Who are the Israeli Settlers? And who's holding them accountable?
Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law. And yet, the Israeli government just approved almost 3,500 more of these homes. Meanwhile, settler violence against Palestinians is rising. So, who are the settlers and why are they allowed to exist outside the law?
Why conspiracy theorists are targeting walkable cities
If you had to dash out for a bottle of milk, could you just stroll to the supermarket? If the answer's yes, you might be living in a 15-minute city. What are these neighbourhoods, exactly, and why do conspiracy theorists hate them?
What power does the UN hold if volatile leaders keep ignoring it?
Financial woes, global conflicts, and world leaders who act like the rules don’t apply. The United Nations is at crisis point. So, 80 years since its creation, is the UN still relevant? And how might we fix it?
Are we paying too much tax?
Like it or not, tax affects our incomes and grocery bills. It also helps pay for roads, hospitals and schools. But could the government be taking less from our salaries and more from big business, inheritance, or superannuation?
Why Stephen Colbert’s talk show was cancelled, and what it has to do with Trump
Late night TV legend Stephen Colbert is being taken off air, and suspicions are swirling. His US network CBS says it cancelled the talk show for financial reasons, but could President Donald Trump have something to do with it?
How big tech is pushing teens into the misogynistic ‘manosphere’
Teenage boys have always had a certain reputation for rowdiness, but there’s something different going on in our schools. Fuelled by toxic influencers, misogynistic behaviour is getting worse. So, how bad is it, and how do we stop it?
Is Stockholm syndrome a sexist myth?
'Stockholm Syndrome' is a phrase we use to describe people in toxic relationships. But have you ever considered the first case? This week, meet the woman behind this dubious diagnosis.
Adulting is hard. Should schools be teaching essential life skills?
Oh, adulthood. Suddenly you're a Jack (or Jill) of all trades, negotiating tax returns and changing tires. Many of us feel wildly unprepared. Should our parents have passed down these skills? Or could schools or social media fill in the blanks?
The controversial and very male history of naming body parts
Fallopian tubes. The G-spot. Skene’s glands. Why are so many female body parts named after shady white men... and should that change?
The 'hard men' behind the Israel-Iran war, and why Trump's involved
Missiles are flying, nuclear sites have been bombed, and now Donald Trump has declared a ceasefire. Why do Israel and Iran hate each other? Who are the men in charge? And how much is ego fuelling this conflict?
Why your childhood could be holding you back financially — and how to fix it
Why do some people save every spare dollar, while others blow through their pay the moment it lands? It might have less to do with discipline and more to do with the way you were raised.
How cults are using coercive control to manipulate followers
They tell you how to act, what to believe, and who to surround yourself with. It sounds like coercive control, right? But this type of manipulation doesn’t just exist in intimate relationships, it happens in spiritual ones, too.
Is productivity a scam? How to avoid burnout at work
Do you ever feel a sinking sensation that you’re not being "productive” enough? It doesn’t just hit at work either, it can tarnish weekends with a weird sense of guilt. Hyper-productivity isn't the answer, that leads to burnout. So, how do we find a happy medium?
One in seven of us take antidepressants. Getting off them can be a nightmare
Chances are you, or someone you know, took an antidepressant this morning. One in seven Australians are on the medication, and for many it's lifesaving. But are we staying on antidepressants for too long? Is there a right time to stop? And what should we know about withdrawal symptoms?
When is it OK to cut off your parents and go 'no contact’?
Have you ever considered cutting a family member off? It's called going "no contact" and social media is filled with stories from people who’ve done just that. But how do you know you're making the right choice? And can fractured relationships be saved?
Polyamory is becoming more popular. What can it teach us about our love lives?
Call it romantically reckless or fiscally responsible, more Aussies are considering ENM (ethical non-monogamy). So, do these relationships work? And how can you stop jealousy taking hold?
New Pope, Who Dis? How the Catholic conclave actually works
More than a hundred red-cloaked figures will enter in the Sistine Chapel, but only one can walk away with the top role. This isn't a new reality TV show, it's the real-life drama of the papal conclave. Who could be the next Pope, how much will his voice matter in the modern world, and was the movie accurate?
Why politicians are allowed to lie in election ads
Politicians love to overwhelm us during election campaigns. But often, we're left wondering what they actually stand for. Who has the best policies on issues you care about, and how are young people changing the tide of this election?
How long can President Trump ignore the law?
Donald Trump is wreaking havoc on America's legal system. He's disobeying court rulings, calling judges "crooked", and pressuring law firms to donate to hand-picked causes. We've never seen this behaviour from a US president. So, how far is he willing to go?
See You Next Tuesday? How the ‘worst word’ became a compliment
When many of us were growing up, the c-word was the worst thing you could say. Now, it’s having a renaissance. How has the most "offensive and hateful” term transformed into a compliment? And why are drag queens, actors and K-pop girlies at the forefront of reclaiming "See You Next Tuesday”?
How marketing 'shamed' us into using deodorant, and where BO comes from
Body odour. It’s one of those things we all experience, but rarely talk about. This week, how BO became a social taboo, why you shouldn't fear aluminium in anti-perspirants, and whether natural deodorants are as effective as the conventional kind.
Feeling stuck? How to make big life decisions, minus the regret
Do you struggle with making big life decisions? Maybe it's moving overseas, quitting your job or deciding to have a baby. This week, how to ditch analysis paralysis and make a life-changing choice.
The 'incestuous' publishing trick that's making you buy books
When you’re looking for a new book, are you ever swayed by the little quotes on the front cover? They might say “Unputdownable!” or "Obsessed!” and they can help books become bestsellers. But one US publisher thinks this “incestuous” practice needs a rethink. Author and radio host David Marr drops by to explain.
Why your hormones probably don't need 'balancing'
Scour social media as a Millennial or Gen Z woman, and you're bound to come across wellness influencers claiming your hormones are out of whack. Is there any science behind so-called 'hormone balancing'?
Artworks hidden, a creator dumped. Is this censorship?
There’s something going on in the art world. Works are being covered up, a creator was controversially dropped, and an Oscar-winning documentary can’t get an American distributor. Why is this happening? And what does it have to do with the war in Gaza?
‘Party like it’s 1939’. Why Germany’s far-right is back
Elon Musk did that questionable “hand salute” at a Trump rally. Now, Germany's far-right party has doubled its share of votes. How did we get here, and what could happen next?
Non-alcoholic drinks are wildly popular. What’s in them and are they healthy?
Australians love to crack open a ‘cold one’, but increasingly we’re turning to non-alcoholic beers, wines and spirits. Why have NoLo drinks become popular? What goes into them – and are they healthier?
Why award ceremonies have always been provocative — and political
Award ceremonies, like the Oscars and GRAMMYs, used to be the height of glamour and success. But are these events increasingly irrelevant? Or are we just seeing them in a different light?
Will 'arrogance' be the downfall of our major parties?
If you've tuned out of Aussie politics, you’re not alone. Apathy is high, especially among young people, and there’s a genuine concern that elected representatives don't actually represent us. But are things about to change?
Why Aussies are using Facebook groups to get sperm from strangers
Getting pregnant through a fertility clinic can be difficult and wildly expensive. That’s why thousands of Australians are using Facebook groups to solicit sperm from strangers. But not all donors have pure intentions.
When did all our clothes become plastic?
Australia buys more clothes per person than any other country, and most is made of plastic. So, when did synthetic fibres take over fashion? And why does it matter?
Would you fall in love with an AI chatbot?
Millions of people are turning to AI chatbots for friendship, fun banter and even romance. But these digital companions come with a dangerous catch.
Why the zeitgeist is Mormon obsessed + a Quick announcement
Mormons seem to be everywhere right now—on our TVs and social media feeds. So, why is the zeitgeist currently obsessing over The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its followers?And if you’re Quick Smart obsessed, make sure to listen until the end for an announcement about the show.
How to boost your creativity while you sleep
When you fall asleep do you dream of falling Tetris pieces? There’s a name for this – the Tetris Effect. Scientists have been investigating its use in boosting creativity and productivity and brands are trying to figure out how to monetise it. So just how malleable does playing video games make our minds? And is it possible for companies to use this research to hijack our dreams?
Demure, skibidi, brat: why teenage girls are behind your future vocabulary
Linguists have discovered that teenage girls play a significant role in shaping our future vocabulary.But how do 16-year-old girls end up being the arbiters of what we will and won't say?
Is our love for pets killing the planet?
Our relationship with pets has dramatically shifted over the decades. Historically, we domesticated and bred pets for utility, such as catching rats and protection. Now, we breed them to be as cute as possible and consider them part of the family unit.
Does Australia have a problem with class?
Australians generally like to think we're a classless society and that if you have a go, you get a go. This could be one of the reasons why most Australians think they're middle class, but the figures say otherwise. So, how did we get here, and is our perception of class shifting?
What not to do on jury duty
You often hear about "mistrials" or cases being "thrown out of court," but how do these situations actually occur? In an age of constant information overload, how can a juror keep their mind clear and unbiased? And what are the consequences when jurors can't resist the temptation to engage with outside sources?
How the DNA of 15 million people ended up for sale
23andMe launched in 2016 to widespread excitement from Silicon Valley evangelists. It promised a simple and fun way to explore our genetic makeup.Eight years on, 15 million people are now left wishing they had dug deeper into the T&Cs and understood what they were actually signing up for.
How overtourism became a problem
This year’s European summer saw an unprecedented influx of tourists flocking to idyllic holiday destinations. Tourists faced longer lines, fully booked accommodations, and soaring prices. But what is the cost for the locals who call these places home, and how did these once peaceful spots become overrun with visitors?
Why your job decides who you'll marry
If you're in a relationship with someone in the same profession as you, you're not alone. Most people are, and there are stats to prove it. So why do we end up with people just like us, and what does this say about us as a society?
How Mormons could decide the US election
The US election is around the corner, and the polls are neck and neck. Both candidates are zeroing in on key voter groups that could win them the election.
How mindfulness was commodified
How much should inner peace cost? For the people selling the idea of mindfulness and inner peace the price tag can be limitless. Apps, retreats, balms and oils, mindfulness is now something you can buy. So how did a practice with ties to an ancient religion turn into a mindfulness industrial complex?
Are dictators taking over the world?
Around the globe, governments have been shifting across the political spectrum. Have some leaders exploited the public's desire for change, and are we seeing an increase in dictators and demagogues?
Why we're breaking up with dating apps
The advent of dating apps gave a whole new meaning to the phrase 'plenty of fish in the sea.' Suddenly, you could cast your search for 'the one' into the limitless depths of the internet. So why are people ghosting the apps and instead looking for love IRL?
Why the prince of Saudi Arabia wants you to move to NEOM
The prince of Saudi Arabia has a vision for a sci-fi like city in the middle of the desert called NEOM and he wants you to move in. The futuristic sci-fi city is being spruiked online by influencers and if you've seen the marketing you might think it's too good to be true. So will the prince's sci-fi dreams turn into reality and why does he want to get people to move to the middl
Is our love for pets killing the planet?
How much is that doggy in the window impacting climate change? And do we need to take paws for thought before buying a pet?
Will Kamala Harris become the first female US President?
Amidst the culture wars and identity politics stirred up during the election campaign, can Kamala Harris secure the presidency and make history? And if history is made do her policies align with the progressive youth base that have memed her into a lime green oval office, or are these voters not seeing the forest for the coconut trees?
What happens when the world goes cashless?
The whole world is moving towards a cashless future. So what does our digital money future look like and is it for the best?
Why is sex tech still so taboo?
Sex tech conjures up images of hot robots sent from the future and while that might be where this multi million dollar industry is headed - for now a big slice of the demand is from people hoping to enjoy their own body so why do we make that so hard for people living with disabilities? And who are the inventors and engineers breaking down the taboos to create the products that s
Demure, skibidi, brat: why teenage girls are behind your future vocabulary
Linguists have discovered that teenage girls play a significant role in shaping our future vocabulary.But how do 16-year-old girls end up being the arbiters of what we will and won't say? Guest: Fiona Pepper for Future Tense
One year on from a fatal mushroom lunch, the saga continues
Where is the case now and when will mushroom murder-accused Erin Patterson face trial? We find out and get into the weeds about the legality and ethics of making a true crime podcast happening in real time. If you liked this episode of Quick Smart you might like this other episode we did about The truth behind reality TV villains or this one about The mysterious disappearance of
How to boost your creativity while you sleep
When you fall asleep do you dream of falling Tetris pieces? There’s a name for this – the Tetris Effect. Scientists have been investigating its use in boosting creativity and productivity and brands are trying to figure out how to monetise it. So just how malleable does playing video games make our minds? And is it possible for companies to use this research to hijack our dreams?
Why are criminals using video games to launder money?
Cryptocurrency and block chain technology has dramatically shifted the way criminals launder money - so what are the techniques some criminals are using to clean dirty money and what does it have to do with a video game about salamanders? Guest: Nick Baker for The Money and ABC Digital And if you liked this episode check out some of the other episodes we've made with The Money li
Why are so many women freezing their eggs?
If you’re a woman between 25 and 45 on Instagram there’s a good chance you’ve seen ads for egg freezing. And in recent years, the popularity of IVF clinics has sky rocketed - so much so that the clinics are are actually starting to run out of storage space. So what has led to the huge uptick in people wanting to freeze their eggs and is it actually the insurance policy that peopl
How the Olympics were almost cancelled
The Olympic Games are about to kick off and athletes from all over the world will make their way to France to compete. The event is watched by billions, there's a massive increase to local tourism and of course an eye watering amount of advertising dollars at stake so it’s wild to think that at one stage - the Olympics was almost cancelled for good. Guest: Jack Schmidt for God Fo
The truth behind reality TV villains
In the back of our minds we all know that there’s very little that’s real about reality TV… but you might be shocked to discover just how deceptive – and ethically questionable – some of the television tactics really are. So are the humans behind these characters we love to hate really so awful? And how does being cast as a TV villain impact a person’s mental health and life outs
Should we ban teens from social media?
Social media is a huge part of our lives. We use it to talk to friends, to read about what’s happening in the world, and to find out whether or not something is cake. But recently there’s been talk of banning people under the age 16 from using social media because of the negative impact on their mental health and to protect them from harm. So is the government’s plan for age rest
The rise of AI in the movies
AI is impacting every creative industry - and movies are no exception. If a young Harrison Ford can be churned out of a computer, what does the future of film look like? And would you feel differently about your favourite TV show if you knew the characters in it were created by a computer?Guest: Bev Wang for Stop Everything!This episode was originally published in January 2024
The science behind singing in a choir
Whether you're singing in a karaoke room at 2am, or at a more reasonable time with a local choir, there’s something about singing without inhibition that feels great. Our brains get this warm fuzzy feeling when we come together and sing as a group - and it turns out there's neuroscience that backs that up. So what are the health benefits for our brain and mental health? Should we
