Big Small Talk

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, has been publicly named. Latest reports also say that one of Ms Haines’ legs has been amputated.

Then, Sarah explains why Sally Rooney’s support for Palestine is seeing her books pulled from UK shelves. The situation also raises some pretty uncomfortable questions about how Britain's terrorism laws are being applied.

Plus: how Trump’s press secretary, Katie Zacharia, lost her job in just five days, the GIRLS reboot, the allegations against Greens senator Jordon Steele-John, and the shock appearances at the Victoria Secret Runway Show.

Like what you hear? Let’s be friends!

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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 is able to make the complicated world of politics accessible without losing any of its nuance. And her latest book, Screw Nice, makes a compelling case for why it's time to rethink our relationship with politeness.

We talk about why women are conditioned to be agreeable, the difference between being nice and being kind, and why the people causing the most outrage seem to face the fewest consequences.

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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 sued for allegedly copying Bill Withers’ classic hit ‘Just the Two of Us’. And the whole debacle has us asking – is it possible for anything in music, fashion or art to feel original these days?

Plus, the Coalition’s migration promise, the Greens’ public supermarket proposal, Mia Goth and Shia Le Bouf’s divorce, One Nation’s racist AI-generated campaign ad, and why actress Selma Blair was arrested at JFK airport.

Send in a question for us to answer next ep HERE on the SpeakPipe. 

Like what you hear? Let’s be friends!

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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 menstrual cycle and learning to work with your body instead of against it, to her fertility journey and now expecting her first baby, Dominique has an honest conversation about reconnecting with your body

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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 internet officially changed its mind on Pete Davidson? He’s opening up about his famous exes, his confrontations with Kanye West and why he has an issue with female content creators. And former Bachelor star Sam Wood has been charged with domestic violence offences.Then in our Q+A: Megan Fox’s Letterboxd four. Yes, we’re judging.

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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 Silver Haze.

Together we're talking Jane Austen, big sister energy and why a story written more than 200 years ago still understands our dating lives so well. From sibling-order theory and family dynamics to a bestie dating an absolute flop and an ex wanting a second chance, we get into the advice we all need through the eyes of Elinor and Marianne.

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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 unraveling.

We take you inside what actually happened that night, before following the investigation, the secret White House tapes and the cover-up that ultimately reached all the way to the President.

This is the break-in, the cover-up and the bitter end of Richard Nixon’s presidency.

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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 increasingly secretive White House determined to stop its secrets getting out.

This is how we got to Watergate.

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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 psychoanalyse Taylor with us, you can always skip ahead.

Plus, looksmaxxing influencer Braden Peters, otherwise known as Clavicular, has been charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl. We then unpack everything that went down at the VMAs, Anthony Albanese getting a Trump selfie in New York, and Susan Sarandon and Hacks star Hannah Einbinder are arrested while protesting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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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 also get into the rise of trial by TikTok: how viral clips, algorithms and bot campaigns can distort high-profile court cases, what Jen witnessed during the Depp v Heard saga, and why we should be far more sceptical of what lands on our feeds.

Plus, the global fight at the centre of Jen’s documentary Silenced, and what needs to change to protect the right to speak.

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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, Channing Tatum allegedly has a burner account (!?), the latest on Macklemore and Ed Sheeran, and how to hold on to hope with the UN General Assembly’s Be Hope campaign.

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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 dissolving makeup wipe to getting stocked in MECCA, Natassia reveals how science and sustainability became her competitive edge, why 12-year-olds are suddenly using actives, and just how much of a product’s success comes down to clever marketing or genuine innovation.

Plus, she takes us behind the scenes of building a business from scratch, the education that helped her get there, and what she’s learned about taking the leap before you feel completely ready.

This episode is brought to you by Deakin University.

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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 believes AI could help kill humanity, and what the people leading these companies are saying about that risk. Plus, Macklemore was asked to leave Ed Sheeran’s tour after saying “Free Palestine” on stage, and somehow Pink is involved too.

And finally, unfortunately, we have another Sydney Sweeney ad to talk about! This time however, the backlash is coming from some of the biggest names in women’s sport.

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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 week.

Thanks for bearing with us xx 

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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 happened, on the eve of Chanel’s National Press Club address. We talk about what it was actually like becoming the face of the consent movement. Then of course, we discuss how algorithms have impacted dating in 2026. 

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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 dives into Alix Earle’s new reality tv show, Earle Meets World. She unpacks the BTS drama with Alex Cooper, the Ashley Dupree scandal, and answers the all-important question: do the Earles have what it takes to be the next Kardashians?

Plus, Mamdani bans AI in schools, the Lindsay Clancy mistrial, and why the Met Gala Exhibition has been cancelled for 2027.

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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 Rayknows 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 condition. Then came a break up, a flight home to Australia, and a long recovery process. 

So, we wanted to ask Gretta: what do you do when shit really hits the fan? How do you rebuild from that?

Gretta's album Heartsongis out on October 30.

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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’s historic $17 billion legal settlement, and the company’s promise to combat teen social media addiction on Instagram and Facebook. But is this really the public win they are making it out to be???

Plus, the world remembers Dolly Parton, Australia looks to outlaw strangulation porn, and why we should be paying attention to what’s happening in Nepal.

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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. She dressed up as a food delivery driver and, with the help of her friends, fled the country.

Maria is one of the bravest people we will ever speak to. So, given the state of the world right now, we asked her: how do you maintain hope in politically dark times? And how do you find the courage to keep fighting back?

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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 Nation without her? Can you build a movement on anger? And what happens when the major parties stop speaking to a chunk of the country.

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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 resurrection of Pauline Hanson. Her days as a fish and chip shop owner, the letter that got her sacked from the Liberal Party, the criminal trial that put her behind bars, her Dancing with the Stars redemption arc, and the messy fights and fallouts that have plagued One Nation.

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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 over the weekend.

Plus, the girls unpack the VMA nominations (Olivia Rodrigo snubbed?!), the latest changes to the NDIS, and finally… what the hell is going on with KATSEYE?

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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 “lean in”? Do you actually need a mentor? Can you be in love and have a career? 

Pip gives us her verdict on the best, worst and most outdated career advice, with insights into her own experiences. 

My Brilliant Career is out now on Netflix.

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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 fashion tech startup, a billionaire nepo baby, and a bunch of celebrity investors? Sounds like the making of a Netflix series.

Plus, AOC freezes her eggs, the world mourns Hayden Panettiere, what happened to Jason Arday, and One Nation is one of the “gayest” parties!?

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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 "reverse centaur", why bosses and billionaires are so obsessed with AI, why he believes it's one of the dumbest financial investments of our time, and where Australia fits into the global AI race.

Cory Doctorow appears at Sydney's Festival of Dangerous Ideas from 22-23 August and Now or Never on 25 August at Melbourne's The Capitol, presented by The Wheeler Centre.

Cory's books mentioned in this episode: 

 Enshittifcation: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What to Do About It

The Reverse Centaur's Guide to Life After AI: How to Think About Artificial Intelligence Before It's Too Late

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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-table meals, beekeeping, and cognitive dissonance.

The girls how TikToker Sydney Towle changed the way we see cancer, and why Abdul El-Sayed’s monumental Michigan Senate nom could shake-up the Democratic party.

Plus, Role Model loves Dakota Johnson, Olivia Rodrigo’s normie finance boyfriend, and Gracie Abrams has Phoebe Bridges’ sheets!?

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When did women become expected to grow out of having fun?

This week, Sarah is joined by Happy Hour hosts Lucy & Nikkito 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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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 rogue OpenAI escaped its container and hacked another company. And just a few days later, Anthropic (the company behind Claude) revealed that THEIR model had done the same thing three times. Yay.

Plus, a Nantucket store goes viral for putting up a “No Influencers” sign, former NRL player and BookTok sweetheart Luke Bateman outs gambling companies at a Senate inquiry, and Nara Smith is actively walking back her #tradwife label.

Oh, and everybody please welcome producer Justine!

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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 discuss Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film The Odyssey, and why Esme believes it stripped away the complexity of its female characters and sanitised the role sex played in Homer's original epic.

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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'sThe Hot History Podcast, Sarah is joined by historian and host Ainslie to uncover the true story behind the world's most famous grand duchess. Together, they explore the rise and fall of the Romanov dynasty, Rasputin's influence, the Russian Revolution, the family's final days, and the mystery that captivated the world for decades: did Anastasia really survive?

Part Two is out now. 

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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 fiction.

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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 for IMAX and his refusal to use CGI or AI. Hannah then unpacks Pauline Hanson's comments on domestic violence, which sparked widespread backlash, before breaking down the bizarre moment Barnaby Joyce went viral for yelling at a dog on live TV.

Plus, Charli XCX drops her long-awaited new album, Matty Healy gets married, Trump declares he'll run for president again after the White House Correspondents' Dinner, and we pay tribute to the legendary Sam Neill.

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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, social media's impact on ambition, and why the finish line for success always seems to move. If you've ever felt behind despite loving your life, this conversation is for you.

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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 major career moments. Then, inspired by her new album, they unpack the idea of rage: what happens when you stop worrying about being "the nice girl", why so many women struggle to express anger, and whether it's possible to be both soft and grounded while moving through difficult emotions.

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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, returning to that same show as a mentor and championing the next generation of First Nations artists. 

We talk about reconnecting with your inner child, trusting your intuition, finding your way back to your roots, and how success changes as you grow. 

Please do watch and listen to the very special That BlackFella Show back on ABC iView now. 

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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 while interviewing Piers Morgan on a yacht. 

Dua Lipa opens a library in one of Europe's most famous, beautiful bookshops. The library is a permanent collection of hotly debated or banned books. 

We then talk through the tragic murder of a teenage girl in Thailand at the hands of an Australian man. 

Finally, we unpack supermodel Karlie Kloss recent PR moves, opening up about her marriage to a Kushner and becoming a media mogul. 

Then of course, we had to mention the Prime Minister playing a game of shag, marry, date. 

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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 most controversial opinions, our "hear me out" crushes, comfort movies, whether streaming killed cinema, and what you should do if you spot us out in the wild!! It's a proper catch-up, with plenty of oversharing, questionable takes and a few things you probably weren't expecting us to say. All while sipping on a Lipton Matcha! 

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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 teal political party and what they're hoping to represent.

Then, we have the best time going through all the reports and rumours surrounding Taylor Swift's wedding. We also break down New York City's primary election, where Zohran Mamdani-backed candidates all won while JFK's grandson, Jack Schlossberg, lost.

Finally, in our Q&A, we answer a listener question on Australia's FIFA Women's World Cup campaign and where the tournament goes from here. 

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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 start investing? What's the best budget for beginners? And how do you protect yourself financially in a long-term relationship or marriage?

Whether you've been avoiding your bank account or you're just looking to make smarter money decisions for the second half of the year, this is your reminder that getting on top of your finances is a lot less scary than you think !!! 

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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 embassy, and the legal battle that eventually brought him back to Australia.

Hero, journalist, hacker, criminal? You can decide!

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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 corruption in Kenya and Guantánamo Bay documents to Scientology secrets and Australia's internet censorship blacklist.

And finally, we meet the whistleblower who would change everything: Chelsea Manning. Part Two is out now.

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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 inaugural Las Culturistas Awards (our new favourite event, ever), and Olivia Rodrigo announces her very own music festival. 

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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, social media testimonials, Big Pharma conspiracies, why Australia is stricter than the US, and whether we're racing ahead of the evidence in pursuit of self-optimisation.

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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’ historic NBA Championship win. Plus, the latest developments in efforts to secure a peace deal involving Iran.

Then, we dive into the early reviews of Olivia Rodrigo’s new album, her comments about Taylor Swift, and a little tidbit from Taylor’s induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. And in this week’s Q&A, we discuss Indy Clinton’s court appearance outfit.

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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 that actually looks like) and what joy does to your brain! And Ash shares how gratitude practice helped her through loneliness and major life changes - plus why she's embracing a new chapter as she approaches 40.

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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 Nation, why Phoebe Bridgers put on a $1 no phones concert and we touch on Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater's split.

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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, why it's so important to own your own work, and how difficult women who challenge the status quo are consistently targeted for doing so.

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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.

Plus, Cynthia Erivo has made it clear she's over talking about Wicked, Pope Leo has become one of the loudest global voices on the ethics of AI, and we break down the trademark battle between the brand Patagonia and drag queen climate activist Pattie Gonia. 

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Beloved cook, artist and TV personalityPoh 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 question things, and what her relationship with spirituality looks like now.

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You can catch Poh on MasterChef Australia which airs on Sundays at 7pm, and Monday-Wednesday at 7.30pm. Watch and stream on 10.

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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-Lynette. 

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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. Miscavige’s missing wife. And finally, the center of it all – the element of celebrity, and how they have controlled John Travolta and Tom Cruise for years. 

CREDITS:

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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 blessed pair. Of course, they also address that Jeff Bezos interview that has people confused if he’s gone woke. Finally, Kylie Minogue’s new Netflix doco-series and what it reveals about her career, health and relationships. 

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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 film, produced by the same people to bring us Bridget Jones Diary and Love Actually, a rom-com called Finding Emily. Given the perfectly cringe nature of rom-coms, I ask Angourie about her thoughts on embracing cringe, feeling comfortable in Hollywood, what 'cool' is to her and grand romantic gestures. 

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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 unexplained reasons about Abbie Chatfield. Finally, Demi Moore encouraging Hollywood to embrace AI and Alex Coopers pregnancy. 

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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 today, I want to chat to him about why and how that is. 

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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, we break down the latest (and final!) update in the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni legal saga and where the reported settlement now stands.

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This week we are joined by the gorgeous and belovedBlue 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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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 housekeepers. Hannah then breaks down the news media bargaining incentive and what it actually means for how we consume news on social media. Plus, what’s really going on behind the scenes of Euphoria, including Labrinth pulling his music, and an update following the arrest linked to the murder of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby. In the Q+A, we get into the Harry Styles and Zoë Kravitz engagement. 

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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 benefits of being alone and why learning to enjoy your own company might be the key to better relationships.

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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’s founder, L Ron. Hubbard? And, how did Scientology turn into a money-making empire?

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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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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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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 thoughts on the pile-on. 

We dive into the evolution of “girls girl” culture, and how a once lighthearted label has been weaponised into something far more cutting. 

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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 out everyone’s dream as the “One Less Lonely Girl,” and Sabrina brings Madonna on stage. Hannah breaks down the latest developments in Iran and where negotiations currently stand, and Sarah gets into the news that Charli XCX’s next album is going full rock.

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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: 

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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 drama between Alex Cooper and Alix Earle. Also, Australian actress Ruby Rose claims Katy Perry sexually assaulted her at a Melbourne nightclub decades ago. 

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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 enters the equation. Michelle opens up about the tension so many women feel between wanting a career and wanting to be present as a parent, and how financial pressure (especially Australia’s obsession with home ownership) shapes the risks we feel able to take. 

Plus, she shares why she’s campaigning to get 'matrescence' recognised in the dictionary. Matresence is the profound psychological and neurological shift that happens during and after pregnancy, and how its insane we haven't all known the word for it. 

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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, and whether traditional broadcasters can still “own” personalities in a world where podcasts exist.

Next, Anthony Albanese delivers a national address that had many people saying “this could have been an email". It was then followed with a National Press Club speech announcing major gambling ad reforms. 

And finally, beware, a spoiler (maybe?) !! The new film starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson has sparked a full-blown debate about what audiences are owed when it comes to plot twists. Hannah and Sarah debate the ethics of this movies marketing. 

If you listen to and appreciate our content - give 5 stars, leave a review & follow! Also, follow on Instagram! It all really helps :) 

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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 fear of visas being at risk when speaking out, to how political views are now creeping into dating, it’s a side of life in America we don’t often hear.

She’s also come up with her own solution: a multiple-choice quiz men have to take before she gives them her number, covering everything from who they voted for, the podcasts they listen to and if body count matters to them. 

It’s a very timely chat with manosphere content trending off the back of the Louis Theroux doco and gives a firsthand look at what life in the US feels like right now as an Aussie.

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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 Albanese Government begins rolling out measures to address fuel shortages. 

Then, the security guard who confronted a child on behalf of Chappell Roan has spoken out, revealing he wasn’t actually working for her - as reports emerge of a coordinated bot attack fuelling the drama online.

Plus, for the first time in 20 years, workers at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation have gone on strike, citing cost of living pressures, job security and workplace protections.

Finally, in a landmark case out of Los Angeles, a jury has found Meta and YouTube liable in a social media addiction lawsuit a decision that could have major implications for the future of big tech.

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This week onSmall 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 in 2026. Plus whether or not the haul is dead! We also get into personal style in an algorithm-driven world and how to step off the trend treadmill without losing your sense of self.

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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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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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We give an update on the escalation of the war in Iran - new strikes, global shipping chaos, conspiracy theories and the impact on our fuel prices. Then, we give a timeline on this bizarre feud between Chappell Roan and an eleven year old, who is also the daughter of a Brazilian football star. Hannah and Sarah discuss how One Nation have had their strongest result in more than 25 years at the South Australian election. New season of The Bachelorette US has been pulled three days before airing as a video of this seasons lead, Taylor Frankie Paul, attacking her ex-boyfriend surfaced.

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This week on Small Talk, we’re joined by the host of Do You Fucking Mind, Alexis Fernandez, to unpack the neuroscience of manifesting. From what affirmations are actually doing in your brain to how visualisation can quite literally rewire your thinking. We get into the real difference between a vision board and a mood board, how to actually manifest without just hoping for the best, and why venting might be a crucial part of the process, not something to feel guilty about. If you’ve ever been unsure about manifesting but secretly wondered if it works… this is the episode that explains it all, with science to back it up.

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We kick off todays episode with the Oscars - the major winners to the most political moments of the night, the best dressed, and yes… the ballet and opera jokes. Then, we unpack how major porn sites have become completely inaccessible in Australia amid a stand off over new age-verification requirements. Next, we dive into the latest Louis Theroux documentary exploring the manosphere — what it reveals, why it’s resonating, and the conversations it’s sparking. We also update on the war in Iran and the uncertain future of the Iranian women’s soccer team - including whether they may seek asylum in Australia or choose to return home. And finally, we discuss Britney Spears following reports of a DUI arrest and growing concerns about her wellbeing.

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Toni Lodge is a comedian, podcaster and now author, who has built a huge following for her chaotic, hilarious and painfully relatable takes on everyday life (and she's one half of the Toni and Ryan Podcast). I was lucky enough to sit down with Toni and chat about everything from losing her mum and the strange ways we talk about grief (and why she doesn't like people say sorry). Plus she unpacks her chaotically perfect engagement story. If this chat doesn't make you want to laugh and cry at the same time I don't know what will!

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Kyle and Jackie-o have called it quits, ending their 200 million dollar ten year contract (or have they??) Hannah and I discuss the show, the controversies, what it means for the industry and levels of sympathy for Jackie O. 

We discuss Iran's new supreme leader, Spain's PM calling out Trump and the US submarine that had Australian navy personnel on board that took down an Iranian ship. Oh, and of course, the Iran's Women's Soccer Team now staying in Australia for safety reasons after refusing to sing Iran's national anthem. 

Was a tough week for Timothee Chalamet who has been called out by the Opera and Ballet community after he said nobody cared about them. 

We unpack what came out of Hillary and Bills deposition over what they know about Epstein. 

Sofia Franklyn, half of the original Call Her Daddy Podcast, has announced she will release a tell-all book about her relationship and business breakdown with Alex Cooper and Barstool Sports. 

Tickets to Dome Fest 

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Singer, songwriter Maisie Peters joins us in the studio! At just 25, Maisie has already opened for Taylor Swift on the Eras Tour, supported Coldplay, sung Stick Season with Noah Kahan, and performed at Wembley Stadium eight times! Not to mentioned just released a music video directed byt Amelia Dimz and starring BennyDrama. Oh! She also teased her new album with creating a very iconic rom-com scene. So, as a longtime fan of Maisie’s beautifully gut-wrenching lyrics, I was lucky enough to do every fans dream and read out to her my favourite lyrics and get her to unpack the stories and lessons behind them.

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This episode is a big one. We unpack everything going on in Iran and Australia's response. Hannah breaks down Anthony Albanese's "difficult" week - from the bomb scare to commenting on David Pocock on Karl Stefanovic podcast to calling Grace Tame 'difficult'. Sarah takes us into the world of the Kennedy Family and if Ryan Murphy's new show on JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette is ethical. Plus, everything we need to know about the Paramount Warner merger and the biggest moments from The BRIT Awards. For the Q+A Hannah explains the recent Four Corners damning investigation into the handling of Endometriosis. 

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This week on Small Talk we’re joined by Josh Van Cuylenburg from The Imperfects!!

Josh is a producer-turned-host and the architect of the Vulnerabilitea House. To test the theory on the 'hangover', Josh has kindly let me host a special Small Talk edition of the Vulnerabitea house with him. 

If you're wondering what the Vulnerability Hangover is - it's that wave of shame, regret and “why did I say that?” that hits after you take an emotional risk. We unpack why being vulnerable feels so much worse from the inside than it looks from the outside, why men in particular are often taught to shut it down, and whether in the age of TikTok tell-alls and authenticity, vulnerability has become expected content.

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Picking up where we left off in Part One, we now deep dive into the sectarian violence that unfolded in Iraq and layout a timeline on how they attempted to implement democratic processes as well as Saddam Hussein's trial. We also look at the collapse of the America's central justification for the war: no weapons of mass destruction found. We then jump into Bush's re-election and changing public opinion internationally. 

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Big Talk is back for 2026!

The Iraq War was one of the most consequential political decisions of the 21st century. In this episode of Big Talk, we trace the road from 9/11 to the invasion of Iraq, unpacking how the trauma of that moment reshaped American and Australian foreign policy overnight and how George W. Bush framed the world in binaries of “good versus evil”. This episode takes us from Bush's election all the way through to the fateful, pre-emptive 'mission accomplished' speech delivered after the initial invasion. 

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In this episode we explain the grounds of Andrew Mountbatten Windsors arrest. We then reminisce our Disney Channel days in the wake of Hillary Duff's crazy ticket sales for her Australian shows and the announcement that Hannah Montana will return. Hannah explains the abhorrent comments by Pauline Hanson and the discussion around 'ISIS Brides'. Sarah talks us through the explosive America's Next Top Models docu-series and why Winter Olympic star Eileen Gu went viral this week. 

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Senior Producer and professional on-mic giggler from Shameless Media and host of Everybody Has a Secret, Annabelle Lee, is in the studio with us.

We dive into the ethics of secrets — why we’re so drawn to them, what makes them powerful, and what really goes on behind the scenes of Everybody Has a Secret. Then, with the help of some very juicy listener submissions, we put our moral compasses to the test: which secrets should you keep… and which ones absolutely need to be told?

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We unpack the fallout from Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia and why police are now being investigated over their handling of the protests. Then how Zayn Malik claims he was never in love with Gigi Hadid (partner of six yers and mother to his child??). A Norwegian Winter Olympian publicly begs for his ex back, all while the Olympic Village somehow runs out of condoms. Back home, the Liberals spill, Angus Taylor steps up and Sussan Ley leaves politics entirely. We get an update on the Epstein Files, including Pam Bondi’s very tense responses under questioning. Then, Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes split again. 

GET DOME TICKETS HERE :)))) 

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This week on Small Talk, we’re joined by comeback king Mitch Churi. From starting in commercial radio at 19 to hosting national shows - and then being unexpectedly let go - Mitch knows what it means to publicly rebuild and rebrand. We giggle over it being the year of the horse and the insane amount of content encouraging our 2026 personal rebrands. 

Thankfully Mitch is also well up to date with pop culture, so we also get to evaluate a few of our favourite celeb comebacks - from Zara Larsson to Addison Rae. We ask, what separates a reinvention that sticks from one that feels forced? 

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This week we’re unpacking the Super Bowl and Bad Bunny's joyful and perfect performance. Then to the major protests around the Israeli president’s visit to Australia and the police response. We dive into why the internet absolutely melting down over "Wuthering Heights" discourse (yes, justice to the English lit majors). We also break down the latest developments in the Epstein files and why Elon Musk’s Grok AI is under fresh scrutiny. In the Q+A we squeeze in a chat about Taylor Swifts new Opalite music video. 

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This week on Small Talk, we’re joined by comedian Elouise Eftos, aka “Australia’s first attractive comedian.”

Fresh off five-star reviews, major comedy festival wins and an upcoming New York debut, Eloise joins us to unpack the very online, very uncomfortable concept of pretty privilege. Is it real? Is it choice feminism? Is it survival? And why are women punished less for being pretty than for knowing they’re pretty?

We talk beauty standards, comedy, confidence, sexual empowerment, online hate, and why leveraging attractiveness gets framed as smart for men but suspect for women.

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We dive into the Grammy Awards - the big winners, the performances, the political moments, and the red carpet. We then unpack the bomb attack at Perth on Invasion Day and how reporting was minimised. We explain the updates to the Jeffrey Epstein files - what new evidence has surfaced and the DOJs response. Plus, Sydney Sweeney's Cosmopolitan cover story, which she talks about her 'MAGA Barbie' label and her new lingerie line. We use that to segue into talking about Nicki Minaj becoming Trumps #1 fan and Melania's new documentary. We break down the increasingly messy Nationals–Liberals situationship, and finally, actress Katherine O'Hara's death. 

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Today I’m joined by one of my all-time favourite comedians, Daniel Sloss. Daniel is a laddish Scottish stand-up whose Netflix specials didn’t just make people laugh, but famously ended relationships. In fact, over 250,000 breakups have been attributed to his 2018 special Jigsaw. 

We also dive into the more serious turns in his work, from his groundbreaking material on consent and accountability (watch viral clip here), to being the only comedian to speak out against Russell Brand in the channel 4 investigation. I also asked what he thinks about the male loneliness epidemic, Andrew Tate and issues he has with left side of politics (as someone very much on the left side of politics). 

Warning - plenty of swear words in this episode! But if you love Daniel you can see him in his Australian tour here!

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We unpack the new hate speech laws finally passing parliament and why the Coalition then split. Sarah finally gets to discuss Zach Bryan marrying someone who looks uncannily like his ex Brianna Chickenfry, as well as Harry Styles dropping a new single hinting at a pivot into house music. Donald Trump backs down from his Greenland ambitions. We dive into what’s happening with ICE in the US - including the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti and the detention of a five-year-old. We also explain what we know about the Sydney shark attacks.  

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For our first Small Talk of the year, we’re joined by award winning journalist Jan Fran, now also the co-founder of Ette Media alongside Antoinette Latouff - for a big, messy, start-of-year powwow about where things are headed in 2026.

To kick off I’ve pulled together a few predictions from Vogue Business, Australian Financial Review, The New York Times and Reuters, and put them all on the table. From lifestyle shifts (are dumb phones about to make a comeback?) to how we’ll consume media, escapism, changes in journalism to Chat GPT boyfriends. 

It’s not science or a crystal ball. It is a much needed powwow before a year that already feels… a lot (and it’s only January). 

ETTE MEDIA LIVE SHOW LINK 

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We’re kicking off the year with a stacked first episode - breaking down the extraction of Venezuela’s dictator Nicolás Maduro (with expert insight from Venezuelan senior journalist Claudianna Blanco), unpacking Ashley Tisdale’s viral op-ed about toxic celebrity mum groups, and explaining what Australia’s Royal Commission into Antisemitism and new hate speech laws could actually change. The full Beckham family feud timeline as Brooklyn finally breaks his silence and claims his family "hijacked" his wedding. An explainer on the importance of the protests in Iran. Plus, the pop culture sensation that is Heated Rivalry. 

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We're back next week (so excited!!) but in the meantime, have a listen to this chat with the incredible Michelle Battersby, otherwise known as one of the OG girl bosses. Enjoy!! 

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Wishing you a happy new year !!! We wanted to replay another chat we loved from earlier last year, this time with the incredible Lucinda Price, author of the best selling book 'All I Ever Wanted Was To Be Hot'. Together we discuss the rise of the latest internet aesthetic phenomenon, 'instagram face'. Enjoy !!

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Hope you're having a gorgeous holiday!! We thought we would replay a few of our favourite Small Talk episodes this year. This one was recorded in NYC last year with Claire and Ashley from Good Noticing's Podcast (previously known as Celebrity Memoir Bookclub!). 

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Last episode for the year! Thank you so much for all your support this year, excited to see you in 2026! 

In this episode we give an update on what's unfolded in the news since the devastating terrorist attack in Bondi. We deep dive into the Sean Combs documentary produced by 50 Cent and Sean's alleged involvement in both Tupac and Biggie's death. We discuss TIME's decision to make their person of the year the 'architects of AI'. For comic relief, we replay a few of Timothee Chalamet's funny interviews and why rumours are swirling he's secretly a rapper. Finally, the tragedy of Rob and Michelle Reiners death. 

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In light of the horrific and senseless attack in Bondi on Sunday - an act of violence aimed at members of the Jewish community gathering to mark the first day of Hanukkah - it didn’t feel right to talk about anything else.

In this episode, we lay out the information that is currently known about the attack, the victims, and the shooters, the heroic efforts of Ahmed el Ahmed, alongside the global response and the rapid spread of misinformation in the days since. We discuss what the Albanese government has said and promised in response, the deeply concerning rise of antisemitism, and why that cannot - and must not - fuel further rising Antisemitism or Islamophobia. 

Our hearts are with the lives lost, those injured and everyone witnessing and processing this distressing incident. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones. 

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