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Big Small Talk

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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Episodes

The Life Of A Showgirl, Greta Thunberg & Bad Bunny

Greta Thunberg and other members of the Global Sumud Flotilla have been deported, after being abducted and physically abused by Israeli soldiers. Taylor Swift has released her new album, Life Of A Showgirl - we dissect her love with Travis Kelce, her diss track about Charli XCX, her being a 'father figure' in the industry and cultivating loyalty from her 'protege's' and her take on cancel culture. Bad Bunny has been announced as this year's Super Bowl halftime show, and has used his latest gig a...

Oct 07, 202539 min

SMALL TALK: Why Is Gratitude So Hard — And So Powerful? With Dom Elissa

Small Talk is back! It couldn't feel like a more perfect moment in these crazy times for such an important topic, gratitude. In this episode I am lucky enough to sit down with Dominique Elissa - a model, founder of Self Dom, host of the Self Dom podcast, a pilates instructor and now a gratitude coach. We hear not only about tools to implement gratitude and the science to back it, but Dom's personal story of finding this practice at her rock bottom. Also, the heartwarming and heartbreaking story ...

Oct 01, 202556 min

BIG TALK: Roe V Wade PART TWO

Welcome to part two of our Roe v Wade deep dive. In this episode we focus on the international ripple effects of the decision, Australia's own history of legalising and decriminalising abortion state by state, and the devastating fallout after the overturning of Roe v Wade and how that was legally made possible. We also look at how it has continued to be a debate in Australian culture and politics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Sep 30, 202535 min

Emma Watson, UN Assembly & Freya Leach

Emma Watson did her first ever podcast interview with Jay Shetty, talking about her childhood, activism, Hollywood and of course, JK Rowling. This year marked the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, we discuss Albanese, Trump and Netanyahu's speeches. Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez tie the not in Santa Barbara, California. Freya Leaches show, 'Freya Fires Up', on Sky News has been cancelled. Leonardo DiCaprio has also made his podcasting debut, choosing to give the exclusive to n...

Sep 30, 202555 min

BIG TALK: Roe V Wade PART ONE

In this episode, we dive into the true story behind Roe v. Wade, exploring not just the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case itself, but the real people at the heart of it and the decades-long fight over reproductive rights that followed. We introduce Norma McCorvey, who was Jane Roe, as well as Linda Coffee and Sarah Weddington, the 26 and 28 year old lawyers who stood before the Supreme Court. We also look at the legal explanations of the case, criticisms of it, the following cases that altered it...

Sep 23, 202548 min

Kimmel Suspended, Kirk Memorial & The Summer I Turned Pretty

Last week, the ABC announced it was suspending Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show “indefinitely” following backlash from conservatives who accused him of not being respectful enough of far-right activist Charlie Kirk’s death and Trump’s recent reactions - raising questions over free speech. Charlie Kirks memorial was attended by over 200,000 and watched by over a million online - speakers included Trump, RFK Jr, Donald Trump Jr, Erika Kirk and Tucker Carlson. Trump also used the memorial to discuss ...

Sep 23, 202558 min

Charlie Kirk, The Emmys & Murdoch Succession Battle Ends

The eldest boy, Lachlan Murdoch, has secured full control of the Murdoch Media empire. A recap of the 2025 Emmys: Hannah Einbender speaks out on Palestine, Adolescence's Owen Cooper becomes the youngest winner at 15 years old and Stephen Colbert receives standing ovation. Far right activist was shot dead last week, we discuss the details of what happened, the shooter being identified and the online commentary since. Liam Hemsworth has announced his engagement to Aussie model girlfriend of six ye...

Sep 16, 202559 min

Mr Fantasy, Nauru & The AFL

This week, Labor signed a secretive deal with the Nauruan Government. We discuss the details. Actor KJ Apa posting online as his alter ego, a British man with a bob and a dream of being a famous musician called Mr Fantasy, is proof Hannah Montana was absolutely a believable, realistic plot line. The Beijing Military Parade marked the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in WWII. Why was former Victorian Premier Dan Andrews there? Last week, the AFL had it’s first openly bisexual player come out...

Sep 09, 202552 min

'March For Australia', Mans Best Friend & Serena Williams

In today's episode we want to start by addressing the response creator Chloe Baradinsky (Chloe Barry Hang) had to our latest episode where we discussed broadly the recent influx of content creators in Afghanistan, following her posting her recent travels there. ABC Podcast ABC article NBC article We then discuss the tens of thousands who attended ‘March for Australia’ rallies on Sunday, they were violent, led by nazis and met by counterprotestors in most cities. Everyone’s close and dearest frie...

Sep 02, 202559 min

Ovaries. Let's Talk About Them: With Camilla Freeman-Topper

Today is a very special episode of Small Talk, chatting to the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Camilla and Marc, Camilla Freeman Topper, about the impact of their 'Ovaries: Let's Talk About Them" campaign. Camilla speaks to her career, how fashion and advocacy can work hand-in-hand, research into women's health and how important this campaign is after losing her Mum to Ovarian cancer as a child. #OvariesTalkAboutThem is now a movement that exists for all women and people with ovaries worldwi...

Aug 27, 202526 min

BIG TALK: The Epstein Files PART TWO

We pick up where we left in Part One, Epstein in jail awaiting trial. We examine the conspiracy about if he was in fact killed and why so many people believe that. We assess his friendship to President Donald Trump and Prince Andrew, as well as his infamous BBC interview. We then look to Ghislaine Maxwell's trial and what she is demanding from the President now, in the present day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Aug 26, 202536 min

Catcalling, Lehrmann Appeal & Influencers In Afghanistan

Bruce Lehrmann went back into the lion’s den, entering the federal court to appeal his defamation case. It hasn’t gone well for him. Four years after the Taliban took power following a chaotic withdrawal of U.S.-led forces in 2021, influencers are traveling to Afghanistan in droves. Benjamin Netanyahu has attacked Anthony Albanese, calling him ‘weak’ for recognising Palestinian Statehood. Actress Aubrey Plaza, while on Amy Poehler's podcast, has spoken about the recent death of her husband, Jeff...

Aug 26, 202523 min

SMALL TALK: How Do We Know If It's Appropriation (& Can I Not Wear It?) With Kriti Gupta

Inspired by an article Kriti Gupta wrote for Elle, Fast Fashion Has A Problem With Co-Opting South Asian Design , this weeks small talk will be an open conversation around how TikTok trends and major fashion houses co-opt different cultures. We discuss the trickle down effect of that on everyday consumers and how so many of these trends might be taken from other cultures without so many even realising. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Aug 20, 202529 min

BIG TALK: The Epstein Files PART ONE

Epstein is a name that has dominated the headlines for years. To convince you of how pivotal this story is - let me use a recent direct quote from Trump himself. “Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy’s been talked about for years … are people still talking about this guy, this creep? … I can’t believe you’re asking a question about Epstein.” Or perhaps, this ABC headline, “ The ghost of Jeffrey Epstein is haunting the world's most powerful men ” Or Politico, “ Conspiracies and p...

Aug 19, 202543 min

New Heights Podcast, Putin's Meeting & TV Reboots

Sourdough, internet hate, being in love, the new album, countless easter eggs - we go through everything of note from the New Heights and Taylor Swift 2 Hour Podcast Episode. Also, a conversation about if we should expect Taylor Swift to be political. Donald Trump met with Vladimir Putin in Alaska last week and failed to negotiate a ceasefire for Ukraine, in news that surprises no one. Sex and City Reboot, And Just Like That, has come to an end. Reigniting the age-old Hollywood question: can reb...

Aug 19, 20251 hr

SMALL TALK: Is Feminism About Choice? With Kriti Gupta

This week we tackle a big, very current conversation - the complexities of choice feminism. Kriti Gupta, a writer and multi hyphenate creative chats to me today about the difference waves of feminism, what choice feminism is, acceptance that no one can embody the 'perfect' feminist and how to be better aware of positions of privilege. It's a complicated conversation and this is still only scratching the surface, so keen to hear your thoughts and ideas for further conversations! Follow Kriti on I...

Aug 13, 202529 min

The Life of a Showgirl, Las Culturistas Award Show & Palestine Recognition

FOLLOW BIG SMALL TALK ON ON INSTAGRAM TS12 is coming!! The Kelce brothers podcast secure the big new album announcement. NSW MP for Kiama and convicted criminal, Gareth Ward, tried to keep his job from prison. The Las Culturalista's podcast has made headlines with their new Awards Show. Kathleen Folbigg, who was wrongfully convicted of the murder of her children, is offered only $2 million in compensation from the NSW government. Sex toys were thrown on court during multiple WNBA games, claimed ...

Aug 12, 202557 min

SMALL TALK: Are Weddings For You, Your Guests or Instagram? With ZigsMom

Let's talk about Weddings. There are endless discussions we could have about traditions, proposals, wedding parties, expenses and events. Thankfully, Carmen (ZigsMom) is not only a friend and incredibly funny, she is somewhat of a wedding expert having attended so many now. We ask, do you want a wedding? A proposal? How should you ask your wedding party? Are Hen's tacky now? Do you want to be walked down the aisle? What about kids at weddings? Would you be thinking about social content? Do influ...

Aug 07, 202548 min

Sydney Sweeney Ad, Ghislaine Maxwell Requests Pardon & Palestine Protests

Why was the Sydney Sweeney American Eagle Ad such a hot topic this week? We discuss eugenics, Sydney being Republican, if the discourse is justified and Trumps recent Tweet (naming both Sydney and Taylor Swift). The protest in Sydney for Palestine across the Harbour Bridge had a huge turnout, prompting more of a response from the Labor government. Ghislaine Maxwell asks for Pardon and Immunity to speak to the Supreme Court about Epstein. She is shockingly transferred to a more comfortable prison...

Aug 05, 202557 min

SMALL TALK: Should I Still Be On 'The Pill'? With Dr Jen Gunter

I am lucky enough to be joined today by OBGYN, NYT best selling author and content creator Dr Jen Gunter. Following recent discussions on the podcast about Lorde saying coming off the pill was the 'best drug' and an influx of anti-pill content online, I was feeling a little unsure if this was something I should still be taking. Dr Gunter answered all my questions - does it impact who we're attracted to? Do we need to be tracking period cycles? Can the pill alter our brains? Can it make us infert...

Jul 30, 202556 min

Triple J Aussie Countdown, Parliament Returns & South Park

The top 10 voted best Australian songs of all time thanks to special Triple J countdown. Parliament returns, cost of living and HECS tops the agenda. Penny Wong introduced a motion to condemn the actions of Hamas, the coalition tried to amend it to remove references to Palestinian suffering, Greens senator Faruqi protested by holding a sign that read "Gaza is starving". South Park kicks off new season following their new billion dollar deal with Paramount by taking aim at both Paramount and the ...

Jul 29, 202555 min

SMALL TALK: Do You Also Have Mid-Year Burn Out?

Hannah is back for this mid-year check-in episode! We open up about how we're feeling in our current work - Hannah post-election and Sarah as a freelancer. We chat about what we can do to help burn out and the best lessons we've learned in 2025 so far. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 23, 202535 min

BIG TALK: The Mabo Case PART TWO

In part two we discuss the short and long term impact of the Mabo Case. We look at how Australians responded, the fear mongering and misinformation and how Keating handled it at the time. We then open up the Wik Case, which addressed native title and pastoral leases. The Howard government response to this, his 10 point plan and how this impacted Native Title. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 22, 202537 min

Coldplay Concert, Trump sues Murdoch & Charli XCX Married

Follow us on Instagram Why is the world so invested in the Coldplay concert cheating scandal? Trump sues Murdoch over the Wall Streets Journal's coverage of his and Epstein's friendship. Charli XCX gets married in a low-key ceremony. Pete Davidson announces he and his girlfriend Elsie are expecting a baby. The Federal Court has determined the government does not owe a duty of care to Torres Strait Islanders to prevent climate harm. Sudden cancellation of Colbert's late night show raises eyebrows...

Jul 22, 202548 min

SMALL TALK: How Do Hollywood Movies Influence Our Politics? With Allison Williams

This is a VERY exciting episode if you, like me, grew up watching the HBO's hit show GIRLS, have seen the Megan movies and also thought Jordan Peele's movie 'Get Out' was a cinematic masterpiece! I got the opportunity to chat to the incredible lead actress, Allison Williams! I asked Allison about the powerful messaging behind all her chosen projects. Starting with Girls, we discuss what was so groundbreaking at the time, being a Marine apologist and what would be different if Girls existed in to...

Jul 16, 202554 min

BIG TALK: The Mabo Case PART ONE

This was such a pivotal moment in Australia’s history, a fascinating legal case and a man, Eddie Mabo, whose story we should all know. Really, what was so important about the Mabo decision is that it challenged one of the biggest lies at the heart of Australia’s foundation — that the land was empty when the British arrived. So today we want to look at who Eddie Mabo was, how his case came to be and the journey of him taking it all the way to the High Court - forcing Australians to formally recog...

Jul 15, 202536 min

Epstein's List, SWAG album & Superman Movie

Justin Bieber releases seventh studio album, SWAG. Unpacking the recommendations handed down by the Special Envoy to combat Anti Semitism. Trump backflips and announces there is no list in the Jeffrey Epstein files, dividing MAGA and fuelling conspiracy theories. Findings from the NT Coroners Inquest into the death Kumanjayi Walker. Superman movie sparks debate over it's perceived 'anti Israel propaganda'. Trumps tariffs threats on Australian pharmaceuticals. See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...

Jul 15, 202548 min

SMALL TALK: How Do I Change My Relationship With Money? With So Invested

Lets talk about a topic that many of us may find a little scary, money. The lovely Soph and Maddy from the So Invested Podcast open up about their own money journey, why we might feel uncomfortable or behind, our 'money type' and some practical tips and tricks we can use in the new financial year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 09, 202542 min

Sean 'Diddy' Combs Verdict, Alligator Alcatraz & Erin Patterson Guilty

Diddy has been acquitted of the most serious of charges; racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. But the jury has found him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. What it means now that Trumps 'Big Beautiful Bill' has passed and the opening of Alligator Alcatraz. The jury, after 6 days of deliberation, has found Erin Patterson guilty on three counts of murder and one on attempted murder. A male childcare worker in Victoria has been charged with more than 70 crimes against child...

Jul 08, 202547 min

SMALL TALK: Would You Send a 'Hey Girly' Message?

The dreaded Hey Girly message. If you don't know what that is, it's the decision to message a poor girl to let her know her partner has been caught out doing the wrong thing (cheating, on a dating app, flirting with others, done something in his past, been particularly rude). To receive one is the worst but to have to send one is equally terrifying. Would you send it? How would you react? Would you be thankful? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Jul 02, 202534 min
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