Hi friends! Welcome to Culture Club. In this week's ep we have pop culture bites that we NEED to discuss with the class. First up, the new Sense and Sensibility adaptation starring Daisy Edgar-Jones has been announced. Plus, author (and Culture Club Chats alumni ) Diana Reid worked on the screenplay! Huge. Next, Olivia Rodrigo had her movie moment as she spotted at Glastonbury singing along with the "Common People". Sabrina Carpenter has an album cover that's "approved by God". And, has the rumo...
Jun 30, 2025•39 min•Ep. 179
Hi friends! The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders have had a pay increase and Jojo Siwa says she felt pressured to come out as a lesbian. We reference the Cosmopolitan article 'Prestige Won’t Pay My Rent' by Cait Emma Burke. Next, actress and advocate Jameela Jamil says she's done being interviewed by women. After an interview with The Times UK , Jameela took to social media and her Substack to share that the story “read like a cheap, bitchy, Daily Mail blog, written by a student desperate to get click...
Jun 23, 2025•39 min•Ep. 178
Maggie shares some field notes from her Europe trip as she chats from Paris! Oui oui. We discuss Choice's SPF findings , which had the country stressing, and a local celebrity sighting. There’s been more Sabrina Carpenter outrage this week after she announced her new album, Man’s Best Friend. From violence against women to puritan culture and using pop stars as a scapegoat for our anger at the world, we share our own takes on the discourse. We reference this Substack . Next, what does it mean to...
Jun 16, 2025•40 min
In this special solo episode of Culture Club, Jas gets candid about all things wedding. From planning to the pressures of being a bride thanks to social media, Jas shares the tips that have been helping her and answers your burning wedding questions. Jas references a reel by fitness coach and content creator, Laura Girard . HUD Skincare clinic in Northcote and St Kilda, Melbourne is where Jas is getting her skin prep done and Modern Day Romance is their wedding content creator. Did you enjoy thi...
Jun 09, 2025•33 min•Ep. 176
Our live Melbourne Writers Festival recording with debut author Chloe Elisabeth Wilson is here! Chloe Elisabeth Wilson is the author of debut novel, Rytual , a story about aimless 20-something Melburnian Marnie Sellick. She gets swept up into the glamorous world of Rytual Cosmetica, a beauty brand where everything is not what it seems and Friday Night Drinks are very important. Marnie embarks on a journey of girl-bossery and discovery, helped along by the enigmatic beauty CEO, Luna Peters. Rytua...
Jun 02, 2025•55 min•Ep. 175
Hi friends! Lorde has had an interesting first press cycle moment for her forthcoming album, Virgin. We speak about the Rolling Stone comments and whether Lorde's ovulation sentiment is veering into right-wing territory. We reference a Glamour UK article by Chloe Laws. Next, Australian Fashion Week has been... a lot. We break down Maggie's TikTok video and ask who fashion week is actually for? It references an article from RUSSH magazine by Cassandra Dimintroff. KIC CEO (and former Culture Club ...
May 19, 2025•48 min•Ep. 174
Hi friends! This week we’re basking in the literary glow of the Melbourne Writers Festival, and feeling the pre-event buzz of AFW (Australian Fashion Week). After our catch-up, we dive into our chit-chat of the week including the latest Harry Styles’ sighting, and an update on Maggie’s White Boy of The Month. In our Culture Shock, the partner of disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, Billy Evans, has begun raising money for his new start-up , a blood-testing company. Sorry, what? We refere...
May 13, 2025•33 min•Ep. 173
Spacey Jane doesn’t really need an introduction – this Australian indie rock band has stolen the hearts of fans here locally and globally. As a result, band members Caleb Harper, Peppa Lane, Ashton Hardman-Le Cornu and Kieran Lama have quickly risen to the heights of Australian music royalty. Spacey Jane scooped up an ARIA for their hit song, Booster Seat, which also made it to number two in Triple J’s Hottest 100 in 2020, and their sold-out tours have cemented their formidable live reputation. ...
May 05, 2025•31 min•Ep. 172
Who is Maggie's new White Boy of The Month, and why is one of Australia's biggest radio networks using an AI host?? We reference Stephanie Coombes' Substack on the topic. Next, South Asian clothing has been pulled into the fashion limelight recently, and has once again become the subject of cultural appropriation discourse. We discuss what the new conversation is and why TikTok's 'Scandi Summer' may be problematic. We reference the PTV article, Scarves, Shararas & Erasure: How Western Fashio...
Apr 23, 2025•33 min•Ep. 171
We have a new home! Yep, we've officially signed to One Daydream Network . You'll be hearing some fresh segments, fun new voices and seeing more of us. We can't wait to take the pod to new heights! In our first ep in the studio, we share our thoughts on Coachella, Lorde's new music and Matilda Djerf's latest scandal (yes, there's another one). Of course, we also had to chat about Ms Katy Perry and co's 11-minute jaunt to space and the subsequent backlash. Next, we discuss White Lotus season thre...
Apr 17, 2025•36 min•Ep. 170
Anjali Sharma was just 15 years old when, in 2021, she launched a landmark federal court case against the Australian Government. As one of the lead plaintiffs, Anjali argued that the then-Minister for the Environment, Sussan Ley actually had a duty of care to protect young Australians from the impacts of climate change, particularly when approving new fossil fuel projects. While the court originally voted in favour of Anjali and her team, it was later (disappointingly) overturned on appeal. Now,...
Apr 07, 2025•38 min
Hi friends! Elon Musk's estranged daughter Vivian Jenna Wilson covers Teen Vogue , the dangers of male fitness influencers, and do you need a nemesis? On this week's ep we dive into a chat about 2025's cover star of the moment, Elon Musk's estranged daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson. The 20-year-old spoke to Teen Vogue about the “cartoonishly evil” Trump administration and being a young trans woman today. We love. Next, are alpha male fitness influencers the new MLM? One morning routine by Christian...
Mar 24, 2025•38 min•Ep. 168
Why are people calling New York City influencers boring? Are we in a party deficit? And should we be compartmentalising all of our different selves? A TikTok by @martinifeeny has garnered millions of views after she declared: “I hate all of the New York influencers. I think that they're boring as fuck and they're all carbon copies of each other.” This has sparked a week of TikTok discourse as users question why they're following rich, white influencers. Spoiler alert: The app is a microcosm of s...
Mar 17, 2025•44 min•Ep. 167
A Tumblr blast from the past, Millie Bobby Brown's call out, and is food now an aspirational status symbol? After a quick recap about Melbourne Fashion Festival and Jas' Adelaide trip, we get into some pop culture tidbits and discourse . Fila has dropped a new collection with Hailey Bieber this week and while it's giving Sporty Spice, the campaign images have us asking whether we've reached a crescendo of food as an aspirational luxury item. In this segment we reference a TikTok by user Zauey an...
Mar 10, 2025•36 min•Ep. 166
In the last few years, Nawal Sari has become one of Australia's most notable influencers. As a modest fashion influencer, she's worked with the likes of Gucci, Valentino and Fendi and was the first Muslim hijabi bride in Vogue Australia . Aside from social media creation, Nawal also hosts her podcast Just Delusional and has a Substack called Nawal's Diary . She was a contributing editor for Refinery29 Australia and has led her own TedX talk . In this chat, we the balance between faith and influe...
Feb 24, 2025•43 min•Ep. 165
After a quick Laneway recap, we dive into this week's episode. Firstly, The Cut has published an article interviewing five Reddit "snarkers" who love to hate online personalities. This comes after anonymous gossip site, Tattle Life , announced it was shutting down (although the site is still live at the time of recording). We ask why these sites exist and even dissect Maggie's very own anonymous hate mail. Next, would you pay thousands to be a part of a member's club that doesn't physically exis...
Feb 17, 2025•47 min•Ep. 164
Hi friends! We have a bumper episode today so strap in. Firstly, what was with those Ryan Reynolds paparazzi photos last week? Amidst the It Ends With Us lawsuits between his wife, Blake Lively and her co-star Justin Baldoni, TikTok users wonder if Ryan's PR team set him up with staged fans. We also briefly recount where the lawsuits are at as of this week. Next, Gracie Abrams fans have been called out after they tried to create a petition to replace Dora Jar , her tour's opening act. We discuss...
Feb 03, 2025•46 min•Ep. 163
It's awards season and we have a bone to pick with the Academy. Rugby star Ilona Maher has sparked a conversation this week around imposter syndrome . We share our own experience with the phenomenon that feels increasingly common amongst women (for better or for worse?). During this chat we also reference the Mel Robbins Podcast and the 'Let Them' theory . Next, we've been read to filth by Melbourne-based brand strategy consultant and lecturer Eugene Healey who posted a TikTok about what he deem...
Jan 27, 2025•48 min•Ep. 162
After some positive feedback from last year's ep, we've brought back our yearly book reviews. We debrief about the best, worst and most unexpected books we've read in 2024. Huuuuge disclaimer that these are just our own opinions and we hope this doesn't deter you from any titles or authors! Katie Zhou created our fab cover art and India Raine is our wonderful editor and composer of our jingle. Email us at cultureclubmail@gmail.com, find us on Instagram @cultureclubpod , or on our personal accoun...
Jan 20, 2025•50 min•Ep. 158
Concetta Caristo is one of Australia's most exciting media stars. From hosting the coveted Triple J Breakfast slot with co-host Luka Muller to her impressive comedy chops and work on TV screens across the country, we sat down with Concetta in the DM Sydney studio to learn more about her journey. In this chat, we take a behind-the-scenes look at the world of comedy (plus the graft it took Concetta to get to where she is) and touch on her lived experience with domestic violence, including how she'...
Dec 30, 2024•54 min•Ep. 160
In our last pop culture episode for 2024, we debrief on the Internet's new hyperfixation: Luigi Mangione. Is the alleged murderer a flash-in-the-pan meme? Or will this American antihero spark meaningful change in the US social systems? We reference a piece in the New Yorker titled Luigi Mangione And The Making Of A Modern Antihero by Jessica Winter. Next, Matilda Djerf, founder of fashion label Djerf Avenue and the prototype for Scandi Clean Girls worldwide, is under fire this week after Swedish...
Dec 16, 2024•44 min•Ep. 159
There’s no denying that Shameless Media has been taking over our podcast apps and socials since 2018. After years of growing the business, Shameless has recently launched Inherited , an open and honest interview show that asks guests about their recipes, rituals, relics and rules for life. Described as an "anti-small talk" podcast, the show is hosted by Everybody Has A Secret's producer, Ruby Hall. Ruby’s career journey has been anything but linear, from being a child actor in a beloved Australi...
Dec 03, 2024•45 min•Ep. 158
Hi friends, Maggie went to a naked dinner party and we saw the Wicked film at the Melbourne premiere. Next, what the hell happened on night two of the Melbourne Dolly Alderton show? Hugh van Cuylenburg, known for his work on healthy masculinity, vulnerability and motivational speaking through The Resilience Project, apparently “ hijacked ” the conversation with Dolly sparking disappointment from attendees. We reached out to the Culture Club listeners who were there to hear their first-hand thoug...
Nov 18, 2024•43 min•Ep. 157
Carmen Azzopardi ( Zigs Mom ) is one of Australia’s most exciting content creators. Having worked in PR, fashion, writing and social media spaces, Carmen is a modern-day multi-hyphenate with an enviable career. From her outfit inspo for people with bigger busts to her advocacy work for those with Type 1 Diabetes, Carmen is using her platform to share her story and advocate for others. We were lucky enough to have the Sydney-based creator drop by our Melbourne studio so we could chat all things f...
Nov 11, 2024•43 min•Ep. 156
Hi pals, In today's ep we start off with a quick chat about our fashion weeks and the latest Kardashian PR nightmare (will they ever end?). Next, a Dazed article has us asking if we're in an irony epidemic. With every big moment being meme-ified, can we actually take anything seriously anymore? We reference an article by Halima Jibril titled Ethel Cain Says We Are In An Irony Epidemic – Is She Right? We also reference an interview with Amyl and The Sniffers for Triple J. Since the Barbie movie w...
Oct 28, 2024•44 min•Ep. 155
Hi friends, Before we get into it, a disclaimer that this episode was recorded on Friday 18 October. Former One Direction member, Liam Payne , was found dead in a hotel in Buenos Aires last week. We recount the news and tributes that poured in, discuss our own complex emotions toward the event and share our thoughts on the community aspect of fandom that we've seen in recent days. We also touch on the allegations that were being brought forward by Liam's ex Maya Henry in the weeks before his dea...
Oct 21, 2024•41 min•Ep. 154
Martina Calvi is a creative entrepreneur and Australia’s very own ‘sentimental crafty girl’. Her signature scrapbooking projects, tactile approach to content creation, and crafty supplies on Martina’s Tiny Store has led to her 300,000-strong following. Martina’s book, The Art of Memory Collecting, is being released later this month and features 15 scrapbook, collage, trinket and zine projects. Ahead of its launch, we sat down with Martina to discuss her career journey, social media in the creati...
Oct 14, 2024•34 min•Ep. 153
We start off today's episode with some bite-sized culture bits: MONA has won an appeal in the state’s supreme court in a bid to continue barring men from entering the Ladies Lounge, and Lana Del Rey and Millie Bobby Brown tie the knot. Australian trend forecaster Lucinda Pikkat has us asking if everyone is dressing the same nowadays. Maggie shares how fast fashion hurt her sense of personal style and spills a savage garment game she plays in public. Sherry Ning's writing has sparked discourse ...
Oct 07, 2024•42 min•Ep. 152
Hi besties, Sally Rooney's latest novel is set to hit shelves this week. As the hype of another Cool Girl Book takes over our feeds, we discuss the impact that Advanced Reading Copies (or, ARCs) can have on a novel's success. We reference the Esquire article Are You Cool Enough For The Latest Sally Rooney Novel? by Madeline Diamond and Cameron Gibson's TikTok account Slaggy Book Club . In the last month, two of our childhood stars have returned to the spotlight. But something was different. Both...
Sep 23, 2024•44 min•Ep. 151
Lucinda Price, AKA Froomes, is one of Australia’s most riveting creatives. A writer, presenter, comedian and self-confessed reformed podcaster, Lucinda is smart and hilarious. This month, Lucinda added author to her list of achievements with the publishing of her debut book, All I Ever Wanted Was To Be Hot . An interrogation into self image, desirability, pop-culture and power, Lucinda’s book weaves in her own experience with eating disorders and body image alongside clever analysis of Western b...
Sep 09, 2024•50 min•Ep. 150
