Big Small Talk: 5 PM Tuesdays So you want to know what’s happening in parliament, but you also want to know the latest in pop culture? Good, as you should. From the front page to your newsfeeds, no story is too serious, stale, funny or frivolous. Because, if you haven’t realised, loving pop culture doesn’t mean you don’t understand politics. Knowing all your shit? That’s hot. New Episodes 5pm Tuesday.
Small Talk: 6 AM Thursdays It might not be tangible news but each week there’s something in the cultural zeitgeist that gets us all talking. We want to unpack these frivolous conversations, from new trends to relationship theories to life advice. In an age of never-ending small talk, we want to examine how these collective thoughts affect the way we see the world. We may even reach out to a few friends and experts to weigh in.
Big Talk: Wednesday 6 AM - Last Two Weeks of Every Month Over the past few decades, there have been news headlines so shocking that we still hear and feel their impact, such as Roe V Wade, Monica Lewinsky, Epstein, Mabo and Hillsong. Don’t you think it’s about time you knew all the important and salacious details about the real stories that have happened that shaped our world today? Come on, I know you’re curious.
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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...
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...
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 ...
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 , A ustralian 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, e...
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" ...
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!! Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Michelle Battersby See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
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 !! Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Lucinda Price (Froomes) Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
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!). Sarah-Jane's Instagram Big Small Talk Instagram Good Noticing's Podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
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 inte...
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 gover...
Our first episode with LISTNR and in the new studios with new artwork! Thank you to everyone for all your support so far, we're so excited for what's to come. In this episode we discuss the social media ban for under 16s comes into effect tomorrow, December 10th. Miley Cyrus' engagement to drummer Maxx Morando, as well as the posts Firerose has made recently calling out Billy Ray Cyrus. Netflix is acquiring Warner Bros in a 108 billion dollar deal, causing Paramount to also make their own bid fo...
This week on Small Talk, Hannah is back in the guest seat to have one of our favourite yearly yaps: the biggest lessons 2026 handed us. From the (mostly) work-related wake-up calls we didn’t see coming, to friendship lessons to relationship realisations, we each bring the reflections that have been sitting front of mind as the year wraps. And… after years of recording at the studios Sarah worked at since she was 22, we’re officially wrapping up there, which means a very exciting announcement is ...
Part two of the Whitlam dismissal explores the chaotic 1975, where Whitlam's government faced a hostile Senate, economic turmoil, and the controversial Loans Affair. The episode unpacks the Senate's unprecedented decision to block supply, the Governor-General Sir John Kerr's secret intervention, and Whitlam's dramatic dismissal. It examines the public outrage, media reactions, persistent rumors of CIA involvement, and the revelations from the 'Palace Letters', concluding with Whitlam's lasting legacy as a political visionary.
This week we cover Donald Trump’s chaotic meet-and-greet energy with Zohran Mamdani, the “piggy” moment and the Epstein Files to be released. We then cover the ARIA awards and Olivia Dean calling out Ticketmaster. We discuss the UN approving Trump’s plan for Gaza and how Colleen Hoover has admitted she’s embarrassed to have written It Ends With Us . As well as the Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini breakup and Mary Fowler speaking out about discrimination she has faced. See omnystudio.com/listene...
This week, Sarah sits down with Jack Toohey, the content creator behind THAT viral housing-crisis video, author of Better Things Are Possible , and creative production lead at Teach Us Consent. It’s a rare Small Talk moment: a man in the guest chair. So Sarah dives straight in. They unpack why men react so defensively to the word “privilege,” what Jack is actually seeing in his algorithm, and how fitness and diet culture have become unexpected gateways into identity and politics for young men. T...
Explore the controversial era of Gough Whitlam, who, upon taking office in 1972, swiftly implemented a radical agenda including Medibank, free university, and no-fault divorce, fundamentally reshaping Australia. Despite his vision, Whitlam faced immense challenges, battling a hostile Senate and navigating a global economic crisis. This first part covers his historic win, numerous reforms, and the surprising snap election just 17 months later, setting up a dramatic political clash.
20,000 emails have been released from Epstein’s estate - including one that indicates Vladimir Putin may have photos of Donald Trump having oral sex with Bill Clinton. Ryan Murphy's new legal drama starring Kim Kardashian, Naomi Watts, Glenn Close and Sarah Paulson has been panned by critics, many giving 0 stars. The Liberal party scraps Net Zero. The Wicked: For Good press tour and premieres are underway, we recap the headlines so far. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is introducing sweeping cri...
This week we explore the power behind the power - the hidden figures quietly pulling the strings in the rooms where world leaders make history (but don't call them puppeteers though… they don’t love that). This week, I’m joined by Phoebe Saintalin Stocks , founder of Missing Perspectives and author of the brilliant new book The Right Hand . What makes this book so extraordinary is that Phoebe sat down with the real chiefs of staff to some of the most influential leaders on the planet - from Jaci...
Sydney Sweeney Has Spoken Out About Her Controversial American Eagle Jeans Ad. Zohran Mamdani has won the race to be mayor of NYC. Actress Shay Mitchell Launches ‘Rini’, A Skincare Company for Small Children. Victoria’s Inquiry into women’s pain has confirmed what we already know, the health system was built around men. The 2026 Grammy Nominations are in, here are the best surprises and shocking snubs. Tasmania compensates those convicted under homophobic laws. See omnystudio.com/listener for pr...
Today I am joined by Lucy Blakiston, owner of the OG Instagram news account, Shit You Should Care About , which now has over 3.4 Million followers (& I can almost bet you've shared one of their tiles on your story before). In this episode we not only talk about the origins of content creating, online performance activism and the conflicting feelings of sometimes being the only news source for people - but we decide to tackle a big question that I have been desperately wanting to cover on Sma...
Julia Fox has found herself in the middle of a heated online debate over her Halloween costume choice. It’s time for some hope, the election for NYC Mayor is upon us - and let’s hold hands in a circle for Zohran. Australian singer Dean Lewis has issued an apology following multiple sexual misconduct allegations. Victoria has become the first Australian jurisdiction to pass a formal treaty with Indigenous Traditional Owners. On a hill that seems bizarre to die on, Podcaster and Creator Hallie Bat...
We are joined today by the incredible sexologist, content creator and Bumble's very own dating expert, Chantelle Otten! In this episode we chat through a few tips and tricks for those keen on dipping their toes back in the dating scene this summer. From being silly, setting up profiles to picking your pre-date playlist. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In part two of our deep dive into the Petrov Affair, we unpack the political chaos that followed one of Australia’s biggest Cold War scandals. The defection of a Soviet spy didn’t just make headlines, it reshaped an election, launched a Royal Commission, and sent the Labor Party spiralling into accusations of communism. We look at how the opposition leader’s desperate attempt to clear his name became a full-blown witch hunt, how fear shaped the nation’s politics, and what life looked like for th...
Lily Allen obliterates her ex husband, actor David Harbour, in her new album called West End Girl. Two suspects have been arrested over the Louvre Heist, spoiling the limited fun we have available in these dark times. Ex Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and pop star Katy Perry are confirmed to be dating. A Melbourne based content creator has died after having a home birth. Women are launching a class action lawsuit against the Commonwealth for sexual harassment, assault and discrimination ...
You might know Myf Warhurst from Spicks and Specks, her years of Radio or as the voice of Aunt Trixie and Indy’s mum on Bluey - but today, we’re diving into a topic that’s rarely talked about, even though it affects half the population: menopause. It’s something every woman will go through, yet most of us know next to nothing about it until it’s already happening. People write into our Q Box saying they have to do so much research just to know what to even ask their GP - and that’s wild. In this...
In this Big Talk, we are very excited to be unpacking the world of spies during the Cold War. The Cold War was one nerve-wracking periods in modern history. So in part one, we explore how its paranoia, politics, and power struggles impacted the whole world, but specifically, Australia. We’ll look at how this global rivalry between the Western and Eastern nations sparked the creation of ASIO and how everyday fears of communist infiltration seeped into our politics, our media, and the public’s ima...
Albanese finally gets his meeting with Donald Trump. Trump insults Kevin Rudd while he sat across from him at the table. Also in Aus Pol this week, Barnaby Joyce defecting to One Nation? Kim Kardashian Is One Of The Latest Celebs On The Call Her Daddy Podcast, Streamed Well Over A Million Times. Prince Andrew has given up his royal titles, and is now being investigated bt the London Metropolitan Police. Victoria Secret Fashion Show is back for 2025. Candace Owens Australian visa case has gone to...
This week we’re joined by Sophie Gilbert — writer, critic for The Atlantic, Pulitzer Prize finalist, and author of Girl on Girl. We dive into the rise of “girlhood” as an online identity — why it resonated so deeply, how it became a brand, and what it says about how women are seen (and see themselves). From the internet’s obsession with returning to girlhood to our protectiveness around Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter’s star power, and the lasting imprint of 90s and 2000s pop culture, we unpack ...
Israel and Hamas have agreed to Trump’s “peace plan”, with a ceasefire taking effect and the release of hostages. Move Over, Humans !! AI Actress Tilly Norwood Can Cry on Cue, Upload Her Own Headshots, Never Age Out of a Role or Never Needs An Intimacy Co-ordinator! David Pocock is kicked out of the Parliamentary Sports club. Oscar Award Winning Actress Diane Keaton has died, aged 79. An online “wellness” blogger has been found to have influenced her daughter’s death Lorde, Clairo, and Hayley Wi...
Anisa is champion slam poet turned successful stand up comedian who has opened for likes of Chelsea Handler. In this Small Talk we chat about what it is like making a name for yourself in the comedy space, navigating Australian culture and humour after moving to Queensland from Uganda at eight years old, handling the love and making light of the awful comments on TikTok. Oh, and considering Anisa is the Gen Z caption on the show 'Talkin About Your Gen', I also ask if she thinks Gen Z is being 't...
