Not Stupid
Not Stupid is a podcast that helps you understand the news of the week and the stories in your social media feed. Hosts Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez discuss stories they are obsessed with and those you may have missed, covering Australian politics from Anthony Albanese to Peter Dutton. They also unpack big issues affecting your vote as the Federal Election looms, and explain global events including US politics and the impact of a Donald Trump presidency. Beyond politics, they explore pop culture figures like Elon Musk, Mr Beast, and Ariana Grande, and address issues such as the cost-of-living crisis, supermarket duopolies, microplastics, bushfires, and climate change.
Episodes
Trump's oil advice and a legal ruling on social media
As Australia and many other countries continue to feel the effects of fuel shortages due to the closure of the straight of Hormuz, US President Donald Trump hits out in a Truth Social post at American allies saying: "Go get your own oil!"Jules and Jez also talk about the landmark US ruling against Meta and YouTube that found the tech companies liable for deliberately designing ad
Let them eat cake
Jules and Jez chat about dinner table etiquette, the correct way to eat cake, random acts of kindness and Lisa's antidote to the manosphere, the nannasphere. Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and e
Could China benefit from the Iran war?
Many countries around the world are feeling the effects of fuel shortages due to the war in Iran. While China treads a delicate diplomatic path between the US and Iran, its 25 year investment in renewables like solar power and electric cars could mean that it is more protected.Jules and Jez also talk about Chloe Zhao's approach to creativity and collaboration, as well as a UK ev
The bikers helping abused kids feel safe
Sometimes help comes from unlikely quarters like the big burly bikers whose mission is to protect and help kids. Jules heard about a group called Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) and she chats to Jez about how they're helping vulnerable kids.Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes
Fuel panic, the manosphere and the truth about Banksy
As people panic buy petrol, questions are being asked about whether Australia has enough fuel stockpiled and how we can secure our future. Jules and Jez also talk about Louis Theroux's documentary Inside the Manosphere and whether we actually need to know Banksy's identity. Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and
What's Chalamet's beef with ballet and opera?
As the Oscars get underway, the internet is still in outrage mode following actor Timothée Chalamet's comments about 'no one caring about' ballet and opera anymore.Is Chalamet being an arrogant upstart or does he have a point? Jez and Jules chat about these art forms that are literally hundreds of years old, and how ballet and opera companies are clapping back. Julia Baird and Je
Iranian soccer players escape minders to stay in Australia
In the middle of the night five members of the Lionesses, the Iranian women's soccer team, escaped their minders to stay in Australia. The five women feared persecution after they were labelled "traitors" for refusing to sing the national anthem before a game at the Women's Asian Cup.Jules and Jez also talk about MAFS and how one particular contestant is being challenged on his s
Boredom, phones and electric shocks
Would you give yourself an electric shock to stave off boredom? Or do you never get bored anymore because you're too busy doom-scrolling? Jules and Jez chat about boredom, phones and the highs and lows of raising small humans.Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednes
Trump's war, Kyle and Jackie O and Quiet Queers
As Trump continues to flout international law and doubles down on the war on Iran, the regime names Ayatollah Khamenei's successor. But the question is can regime change actually be achieved?Jules and Jez also talk about the spat that broke up the 25-year partnership of shock jock Kyle and Jackie-O. And Jez sings the praises of the Quiet Queers - introverts who showed up to Mardi
The "fertilization president"
Trump wants to boost the US birth rate and is the self-proclaimed “fertilization president"... if that's enough to make you shudder, keep in mind that his government has approved paid parental leave, which is a positive step.However rising childcare costs, combined with a freeze on childcare funding in five states, and the Trump administration's cuts to Medicaid are making things
Epstein, the Royals, and the BAFTAs
Following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest, more questions are being asked of the royals. How much did did his mother, Queen Elizabeth, and his brother King Charles know?Jules and Jez also chat about the BAFTAs, Tourette's and the criticism levelled at the BBC for failing to bleep or edit racial slurs, but editing out 'free Palestine'.Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat abou
How do Olympic athletes deal with failure?
The winter Olympics has been full of highs, seeing athletes at the top of their game hurtling down mountains, absolutely nailing their performance. And then seeing some of those same athletes having a bad run and messing up their chances for a spot on the podium. While the pressure on the Olympic world stage is huge, the disappointment and compassion we feel is relatable.Jules an
Unpacking former prince Andrew's arrest
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has faced a series of allegations over his contacts with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein for years. But on his 66th birthday, he became the first senior royal to be arrested since King Charles I in 1647.Jules and Jez unpack what we know. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au
ISIS brides, Pauline Hanson and the advice our parents gave us
Should the Australian government repatriate Australian women and children with links to Islamic State fighters?As One Nation rises in popularity, how can the conversation around immigration be constructive and not descend into racist rhetoric?Jules and Jez also talk about GoFundMe and whether celebrity families deserve a hand too.Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the st
Are people getting ruder?
Are people really getting ruder? Well according to experts the answer is yes, and there’s been a sharp uptick in rudeness since COVID. People are less patient, more entitled and the crank factor overall has definitely increased.Jules and Jez chat about things that rile and how to calm your farm. But it’s not all doom and gloom, there are beacons of kindness that shine through. We
Police and protesters clash over Herzog visit
Tension is on the rise as NSW police face questions over their clashes with protesters in Sydney who were demonstrating against Israeli President Herzog's visit.The term "social cohesion" is being bandied about but what does it actually mean and how can we achieve it? Is Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit a threat to social cohesion or is it the activists who are protesting a
Margot Robbie and the Taj Mahal necklace
Margot Robbie is known for promoting her films in full costume and her latest red carpet effort for Wuthering Heights is no exception. She turned up in a bespoke gown and a heart-shaped diamond necklace. When asked about it she said that it was 'the Elizabeth Taylor necklace', at which point the internet let loose with people pointing out it's 400 year history and that the diamon
More Epstein files and the search for justice
The latest Epstein file dump is over 3 million pages, 180,000 images, and 2,000 videos and more names.The list has grown and the messages are shocking, banal, and concerning in terms of Epstein's reach for power and influence.Jules and Jez talk about the fight for justice for victim-survivors and how the latest files have uncovered strange links to Australian politics.They also t
Wonderbumps and other awesome words
Sometimes kids come up with the best words for things like wonderbumps, parkeling, and confuzzled. Jules and Jez explore the wonderful world of language inspired by kids and authors like Shakespeare, Roald Dahl and Dr Seuss. And they also chat about words that should be retired!Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed a
Has Trump reached a turning point on ICE?
Following the second death of a US citizen at the hands of ICE agents on the streets of Minneapolis, there has been a huge backlash from the public, Democrats, Republicans and even Trump stalwarts like Joe Rogan. Trump has started to walk back his hardline rhetoric, but will the US President rein in Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents?Jules and Jez also talk about the char
Martin Luther King III on ICE and division in the US
Martin Luther King III is an American human rights activist who has followed in the footsteps of his parents. He is the eldest son of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King who were both prominent American civil rights activists.Jules and Jez talk to Martin Luther King III about the current situation in Minneapolis, ICE, leadership and whether the US can find a pa
Trump vs Greenland and a lot of shark attacks
Trump continues escalating his rhetoric to take over Greenland, putting the US's relationship with NATO and the EU into question. Jules and Jez also talk about the shocking number of shark attacks in Sydney and NSW this week, why they might be occurring, and whether we need better shark literacy.Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stu
The fall out from Adelaide Writers’ Week
The Adelaide Writers’ Week board’s decision to disinvite Palestinian-Egyptian-Australian author and academic Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah has seen over 180 writers and participants boycott the festival, leading to its cancellation. Board members have resigned. Dr Abdel-Fattah's lawyers have threatened defamation proceedings against South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas. AWW directo
There's something wrong with the world map
We all know what the world map looks like. It was probably on your classroom wall when you went to school. But what if it is wrong? Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid
Lily Allen and the art of the break-up song
This year UK singer-songwriter Lily Allen released her album "West End Girl" and it goes into a lot of detail about the break down of her marriage. So what makes a good break-up song? And should anything be off-limits?Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afte
Should you ever argue with an internet troll?
If someone picks an argument with you online, are you the kind of person who argues back? Jez found a video this week of a US women who tracked down a troll and knocked on his front door. It got Jez thinking about how we talk to people online.Every week, Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matte
What Bondi tells us about who we are
The terrorist attack that took place at Bondi Beach at the Jewish festival of Hanukkah on Sunday evening left fifteen dead, 40 injured and the Jewish community fearing for their lives. Jules and Jez talk about gun control, antisemitism and the heroism and kindness of ordinary people.Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've mis
Anika Wells, a drunk raccoon and the pub test
Taxpayer funded ski trips, thousand dollar dinners in Paris and business class flights to New York. Do these expenses pass the pub test? What about the sniff test? The thing is Communications and Sports Minister Anika Wells hasn’t racked up the most expenses – in fact, Australian politicians have claimed $1.1 million dollars in the past year. There’s no doubt the job is demandin
Is this the end of body positivity?
With the rise in Ozempic use, people are shrinking before our very eyes. But are Ozempic-style drugs all they’re cracked up to be? There are new global guidelines from the World Health Organisation and the TGA is warning about side effects. But are we also seeing a shift in how we think about weight? Also Jules and Jez also talk about dodgy subscriptions and the government’s stra
AI slop and the push for gambling reform
Per capita, Aussies are the world’s biggest losers, gambling away between $25 to $31.5 billion per year. In 2023, an inquiry into gambling harm chaired by the late MP Peta Murphy made 31 recommendations. Despite crossbench support for gambling reform, none of these recommendations have been implemented by the Australian government.Jules and Jez also chat about the perils of AI sl
US Senators vote to release the Epstein files
Democrats and Republicans voted unanimously today to release the full Epstein files. Now it's up to Trump to sign the bill. He's been under increasing pressure over recent months to release the files and last week had a big falling out with Marjorie Taylor Greene who was previously a huge supporter of Trump and the MAGA movement.Jez and Jules also talk about Victoria's new Libera
The women are coming. And they might ruin EVERYTHING
This week an article in the New York Times set group chats alight everywhere. "Are women ruining the workplace?" it asked. We have thoughts. And what do the resignations at the BBC tell us about the state of the media and power. The BBC's director-general and head of news resigned amid criticism of the broadcaster's editing of a speech Donald Trump delivered before protesters att
Are our phones re-wiring our friendships?
Could messaging apps be keeping us from REAL connection or do they enable connections we otherwise wouldn't have had...? The truth is it's complicated.Jules and Jez also chat about your stories of cleaners flying under the radar, the disconnect between avoiding news broadcasts and bingeing Mafia content, and the story behind a message in a bottle found on a remote beach in WA.Jul
Who wins between Trump and China's Xi
As Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping meet for the first time since 2019, Jez and guest host Emma Shortis discuss the meeting and what it means for the future of the relationship between the two superpowers.And what can the New York mayoral race tell us about the future of the US Democratic Party?Jeremy Fernandez and Emma Shortis chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the
The sordid allegations sinking Prince Andrew
Prince Andrew will no longer be called "the Duke of York" following further revelations about his relationship with US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Jules and Jez chat about what we now know and the lack of transparency in the royal family.And while Barnaby Joyce has led to lots of new speculation about the future of the Coalition, there are calls for the Liberal Party to do more
It somehow feels like Trump won the peace prize...
Despite not winning the Nobel Peace Prize, Trump has been dominating the headlines (as usual), and the real winner: Venezuelan politician and activist, Maria Corina Machado, even thanked him. As violence erupts in Gaza, the real question is whether Trump’s peace plan will hold.Jules and Jez also preview the Boyer Lectures which focus on democracy, and they talk about why Australi
Donald Trump and the Nobel Peace Prize
It's no secret that US President Donald Trump wants to win The Nobel Peace Prize. Badly. Barack Obama won it in 2009 and Trump has repeatedly said he deserves the prize. Jules and Jez take a look at previous recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize which include Martin Luther King Jr, Nelsen Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, Mother Teresa, Desmond Tutu and the Red Cross.But the Nobel Peace P
The gaping hole in Trump’s peace plan
While there's a lot of hope around Trump's 20-point proposal for peace in Gaza, Jules and Jez look at a crucial piece that's missing from it.And despite LGBTQI+ education modules and an action plan, the end of the AFL season has been marred once again by homophobia. Perhaps men's footy could learn a thing or two from the Matildas.Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the st
Kirk, Kimmel and the fight for free speech
Thousands turned out for Charlie Kirk's memorial, but there seems to be a disconnect between Christian values and the policies of the Trump administration.While Jimmy Kimmel is back following a huge backlash against the FCC crackdown, journalism and free speech in the United States is still under threat.Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with,
Charlie Kirk and Trump's divided America
Tyler Robinson has been charged with the murder of Charlie Kirk, but in the week following the death of the right wing commentator and activist, there have been plenty of claims and conspiracy theories about what happened and who is really responsible. Julia Baird and guest host Chas Licciardello attempt to make sense of the week and wonder if America under this Trump administrat
Will a shark net save you?
Jules was swimming in the ocean on the weekend when a surfer was killed by a shark at a nearby beach. She got back to the beach okay, but it got her thinking a lot about sharks. Jules and guest host Darren Saunders chat about sharks, shark nets and spending time in the water.And should your kid go to university? There have been plenty of funding cuts, so are our tertiary institut
Aussie flags, protests and yum cha
Jez and Jules debunk the wild “mass-migration” claims spread by far-right anti-immigration protestors and talk about balancing the right to protest with social cohesion.Also the Governor of California is taking the fight to Trump and the results are hilarious social media posts featuring CAPS, kittens and sick burns.Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're o
Tay Tay and Travis are getting hitched
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have announced their engagement and Jules and Jez have been thinking about celebrity relationships. And the Australian Government says Iran was responsible for several anti-Semitic attacks on Australian soil, so what were they trying to achieve? Also, locals in tourism hotspots like Barcelona and Venice have had enough of rowdy tourists, so what does
Trump's fact-free world
From labour figures to museums, Donald Trump has started a war on data and Julia Baird (and fill in host) Chas Licciardello have been thinking about what it means for the US and the world. And is everyone just getting angrier and meaner? Jules and Chas are looking for the brighter moments. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation an
Is anything off-limits in public debate?
Jules and Jez love a good debate, but can you debate anything? Is a debate featuring sexist or fascist views a good idea? Or does it just give airtime to offensive opinions? And will a robot write the next book you read? The Productivity Commission has been looking at AI and it could have big implications for how copyright is controlled.
Red carpets and bridge marches
Police say 90, 000 people walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday, calling for peace in Gaza. So do protests make a difference? And on the same day, the TV Logie Awards were held and Jez was there. In a room full of "tv stars" he was amazed by the humility of so many people who spend their life on the television.Also actor Sydney Sweeney has been making headlines for a
Will this "tipping point" change anything in Gaza?
The latest images out of Gaza are horrific. There are headlines across the globe and lots of people are posting on social media. But what will it mean for people in Gaza?And Jules and Jez talk about Monica Lewinsky, thirty years after the sex scandal with Bill Clinton broke. JULIA'S PICKhttps://andreagibson.substack.com/p/a-list-of-things-i-loveJEREMY'S PICKhttps://www.telegraph.
Should we punish politicians like Mark Latham?
With the Independent NSW MP Mark Latham in the headlines once again facing unsavoury allegations, Jez and Bev talk about the boundaries of acceptable behaviour of our politicians.Would you like to know if the music you’re listening to has been AI-generated? Boasting a million listens on Spotify, AI-generated band The Velvet Sundown, has prompted questions around the ethics of AI-
Trump backflips on Epstein and MAGA slaps back
On this week’s show, Jez and Bev try to untangle what’s been happening with the Epstein files. The Jeffrey Epstein-related conspiracy rumours US President Donald Trump initially helped stoke are now coming back to bite him. He's facing backlash from his MAGA fanbase as he tries to tamp them down.We also look at The Salt Path controversy and the trust between authors and readers.
Why we're still obsessed with the mushroom case
Even though the verdict has been handed down, thousands of articles and podcasts are still talking about the mushroom case. Jez and Bev chat about the photos, the memes and why we're obsessed with women who kill. Elon Musk says he's starting a new political party in the US and we look at the Big Beautiful Bill that kicked off the latest Trump-Musk Feud.Jeremy Fernandez and Beverl
Slowing down when the world moves so fast
With a phone in your pocket and the news cycle rolling at a frantic speed, it can be so hard to slow down. Jules and Jez have been thinking about how to look at things more slowly and if it is even possible.Plus a couple of weeks ago we asked a really weird question: "have you seen a colour that you've just never seen anywhere else?" We got so many emails about colour, from Monet
Is there any hope for an Israel-Iran ceasefire?
So much has happened over the past week. Despite US President Donald Trump’s attack and intervention, will the ceasefire between Israel and Iran hold? How do the Iranian people feel about the regime?Jules has been watching The Pitt and thinking about “moral injury” the idea of having to betray your own moral beliefs because of lack of staff or lack of supplies.Join the conversati
Will the world be drawn into the Iran-Israel conflict?
The situation in the Middle East got a lot more precarious this week, with Israel attacking Iran. It says it is trying to halt Iran's nuclear plans, but what does it mean for the region and what will Donald Trump do next? And you had such great thoughts about the best thing you've seen in a museum. We go down a rabbit hole about cane toad dioramas, family blankets and everything
Why is Trump going so hard in California?
We've seen cars on fire and riot squads on the streets, so what is going on in California? We take a closer look at the fight between Donald Trump and the Governor of California. And if you could order an object from a museum, what would you want to see or touch? The V&A in London has just opened a new museum where you can do just that.PICKSJeremy's Pick: https://www.youtube.
Can a politician change their mind?
Greens Senator Dorinda Cox has switched from the Greens to the Labor Party, so is it okay for a politician to change their mind? Is switching parties ok? Or what about changing you mind on issues? And Jules has been fascinated with the case of Lucy Letby, the British nurse convicted of killing babies while working in a neonatal ward. It is also our birthday, so we celebrate Not S
Could a famine in Gaza be the tipping point for the West?
News out of Gaza has gone from bad to worse with acute food shortages and growing concern of a famine. So are attitudes from Israel's Western allies starting to change? And will a change in attitude lead to concrete action? And last week we were talking about poison pen letters and we've heard lots of great stories. We go through our favourites. Plus a little treat from our Sydne
How Joe Biden has launched a thousand conspiracies
Joe Biden is back in the news with a cancer diagnosis, but there’s also a new book out looking at his alleged cognitive decline. So what do you need to disclose and why, if you are in public office? And in Australia the Coalition is consciously uncoupling, so Jules and Jez take a look at the messy split.Buy tickets to our Sydney live show here:https://www.swf.org.au/program/seaso
The Pope versus Trump
Jules and Jez are talking reinvention this week because there are new leaders everywhere. There's a new Pope in the Vatican and he is American, so what does he make of Donald Trump? And the Australian Liberal Party has its first female leader in Sussan Ley. Also the recipes you share, the ones you keep to yourselves and the ones you can't quite decipher.PICKShttps://www.aco.com.a
Nagi, Brooki and the caramel slice wars
There's a copyright stoush over caramel slice and Jeremy and Julia have thoughts. Can you own a recipe? And is "Julia Baird's caramel slice" also just "Nagi's Caramel slice"?And you might have noticed an election on the weekend, it was hard to miss. Labor won in a landslide, so how does the Coalition rebuild and how many women will be involved? JEREMY'S PICKhttps://interestingeng
Welcome to the election culture war
"Welcome to Country" ceremonies are the latest culture war as we reach the pointy end of the Federal Election campaign, so Jules and Jez look at why it has become such a hot button issue this week. And we had so much feedback about using Chat GPT for relationship advice, so Jules and Jez have been asking it their deepest, darkest secrets with mixed results.JEZ'S PICKhttps://www.t
What did Pope Francis teach us about leadership?
Pope Francis was the most humble Pope in living memory, so has he shaped the future of Catholicism? For some, he was too much and for others, not enough. Jez and Jules chat about his legacy and the future of the Catholic Church. And we asked you about incorrect lyrics or "mondegreens" and you have so many great examples. SHOW NOTESPeter Kay's misheard lyrics: www.youtube.com/watc
Katy Perry and putting the "ass" into "astronaut"
Katy Perry went to space with a group of famous women, so was it one giant leap for womankind or just a really weird marketing blunder? We have a lot of thoughts.And what do we want from our leaders? We are half way through the election campaign and it has got us thinking about what makes a good leader.JULES' PICK: https://science.nasa.gov/mission/voyager/voyager-1s-pale-blue-dot
White Lotus and our obsession with the unhappy rich
The HBO TV drama "White Lotus" focuses on a number of very rich and in many ways deeply unpleasant people. So why are we so fascinated by the lives of the super rich? And the US has dominated the global news this week with Donald Trump’s new tariffs, but Jules and Jez are keen to talk about deportations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE. Since Donald Trump
Did influencers pop the Canberra bubble?
The election campaign is in full swing, but when it comes to the news you consume, who do you trust? The ALP offered to pay travel expenses so some influencers could go to the Federal Budget lock-up. So did it get the Government favourable coverage? Or find audiences who just aren't listening to the mainstream media? And we've heard from so many teachers about the Netflix show, A
Why the drama Adolescence hit a raw nerve
The Netflix drama, Adolescence, has been watched millions of times in the last week and it is raising a lot of questions about masculinity and how we treat boys. So why this series has hit such a nerve?And Jez was in Canberra for the Federal Budget, so what is the government offering and have we lost the capacity for long term planning?Buy tickets to our Sydney show here: https:/
Trump hates DEI, so will Australians care?
US President, Donald Trump, is slashing diversity programs in the US, so is DEI over here too? Jules and Jez chat about what might happen in Australia. Also, Elon Musk says he has a prescription for ketamine and it comes at a time when the use of the drug in Australia is at an all time high. And Jules is obsessed with the story of the two astronauts who have spent nine months in
Why Meghan Markle is not our jam
After being slammed by the tabloids for the best part of decade, Meghan Markle (or is it Sussex?) has emerged with jam and cake and maybe a bit too much perfection. Jules has thoughts. And in the wake of ex-Cyclone Alfred, politicians have been pitching in and helping out. So what do we want from our leaders in a time of crisis?SHOW NOTESWhat we want in a leader https://www.scien
Adelaide Live: Hunting for awe
Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez have been in Adelaide for their first live show as part of Adelaide Writers' Week. It was a chat about the news, hope, awe and sparkly suits. If you missed it in Adelaide, here is a taste!
How do we focus when the world feels overwhelming?
The news can be a lot. And sometimes it feels hard to keep up and difficult to keep paying attention. So how do we cope when the world is full of triggering news?
Trump, Ukraine and the art of the deal
It's been three years since Russia invaded Ukraine and the US President Donald Trump says its time to make a deal. But he is also rewriting history with the American president saying Ukraine has been the aggressor all this time. Jules and Jez have been doing some fact checking. And how do you itemise the amount of work you do in a week? Elon Musk wants people to write lists of th
What we're missing with the Belle Gibson story
There's plenty of hype around Netflix's new series about serial liar Belle Gibson, but what does the story mean to cancer survivors? Plus, we've got an interest rate cut, but when everything is costing more, so will voters blame the Government at the election? And Jez has been thinking about birthday cakes and making quite a few of them. SHOW NOTESFinancial Review "Cost of Living
Why are more young men going to church?
Jules has been looking at some Australian and US studies about church attendance and they show an increase in young men identifying as Christian. At the same time, the number of women in the Anglican priesthood in Australia is dwindling, so is the Anglican Church becoming more masculine?SHOW NOTESThe Anglican Church's disappearing womenhttps://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-09/the-c
What Sam Kerr's trial was all about
Sam Kerr has been found not guilty of racially harassing a police officer and Jules and Jez are wondering how we decide if "white" is a racial slur. And Donald Trump has pulled funding from USAID, so what does that mean for global aid and for the US' position in the world.SHOW NOTESI was a London judge. Sam Kerr’s case should never have gone to trialhttps://www.smh.com.au/world/e
Does Gen Z really want a dictator for a leader?
A UK poll has found that more than 50% of Gen Z think a dictator is a good idea. Jules and Jez are flabbergasted but when you think about all the things younger generations are up against, maybe it is not a surprise. They discuss the findings, the Grammys and seven hundred Marilyn Monroes.Show Notes:Gen Z: Trends, Truth and Trust: https://www.channel4.com/corporate/about-4/gen-z
Why are people glamorising sunburn?
Jez attended an Australia Day event recently where last year's Australian of the Year recipients, Richard Scolyer and Georgina Long, were speaking about their work. They shared their concerns that young people aren't paying attention to sun-safe messages. They say we've seen worrying trends on social media in the last few years which glamorise tanning and sunburn. So why are #sun
The heckler Tennis Australia didn't want
At the Australian Open, a protester yelled out in the quiet stadium at the end of the men's tennis final. Jules and Jez unpack what it was all about and how sports deal with allegations against players.And after hosting a few days of Australia Day events, Jez has been thinking about how we mark important dates.BUY ADELAIDE SHOW TICKETS HEREhttps://www.adelaidefestival.com.au/even
Help! How do I stop work calling me?
Have you come back to work after a summer holiday? Are you thinking that this year, you'll get your work/life balance sorted? Are you wondering if it really is possible? Jules and Jez chat about whether we should have a "right to disconnect" from the office and it turns out they are just very different humans. The Right to Disconnect https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-01/we-now-
Did God put Trump in the White House?
Donald Trump has taken office, so what will the next four years look like in the White House? Jez and Jules look at what Donald Trump has done in his first days in the job and who is pushing back. And after a series of Anti-Semitic attacks across the country, the Government is promising to act, but Jules thinks we also need to think more about our history.SHOW NOTES COME TO OUR A
Searching for solitude
Jules has been reading up on solitude after finding a piece in The Atlantic about "The Anti-Social Century". It looks at our changing habits around social isolation and says that Americans are spending more time alone than ever. So is it the same here? And if you love your solitude, do you sometimes think about why?"The Anti-Social Century" in The Atlantichttps://www.theatlantic.
What do we do when the truth is burning?
The fires in California have been dominating the news for the last couple of weeks and on social media its getting hard to sort the facts from fiction. Jules and Jez look at the conspiracy theories about the fires and whether Meta's decision about fact checking might make it worse in the future. And we are a few weeks into January, so how are your new year’s resolutions going?? H
