Not Stupid - podcast cover

Not Stupid

ABC Australiawww.abc.net.au
Not Stupid is the podcast that helps you understand the news of the week and the stories in your social media feed. Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories they are obsessed with and the stories you may have missed. They look at what shapes our politics here in Australia from Anthony Albanese to Peter Dutton. As the Federal Election looms they’ll unpack and explain some of the big issues that might affect your vote.  Jules and Jez also try to explain what’s going on in the world. They both follow US politics closely and will be watching to see what the next Donald Trump presidency means for the US and the world.  But it’s not all about politics. If it is in your Facebook or Instagram feed (or even on X) they will talk about it. They look at the pop culture figures who are shaping our world from Elon Musk to Mr Beast and Ariane Grande.  There’s also a focus on the issues that affect you like the cost-of-living crisis and the duopoly of the Supermarkets Coles and Woolworths. They’ve also looked at microplastics and bushfires, looking at how climate change is affecting us and what impact humans are having on the environment. The show will also make you laugh or cry. And on a good day, maybe both. They talk about poetry and history, about films and cakes and everything in between. Julia is passionate about grace and forgiveness so they talk a lot about that, but also about resilience and what makes us human.  At the end of each show, Julia and Jeremy talk about their “pick of the week”. It’s something that has made them think or giggle that week from the silliest Guinness World Record attempts to great books and silly Tiktoks.
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Episodes

Trump's oil advice and a legal ruling on social media

As Australia and many other countries continue to feel the effects of fuel shortages due to the closure of the straight of Hormuz, US President Donald Trump hits out in a Truth Social post at American allies saying: "Go get your own oil!" Jules and Jez also talk about the landmark US ruling against Meta and YouTube that found the tech companies liable for deliberately designing addictive products that harmed a young user. And finally, this is the last Not Stupid show for a while as Jules and Jez...

Apr 01, 202641 min

Let them eat cake

Jules and Jez chat about dinner table etiquette, the correct way to eat cake, random acts of kindness and Lisa's antidote to the manosphere, the nannasphere. Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au

Mar 29, 202616 min

Could China benefit from the Iran war?

Many countries around the world are feeling the effects of fuel shortages due to the war in Iran. While China treads a delicate diplomatic path between the US and Iran, its 25 year investment in renewables like solar power and electric cars could mean that it is more protected. Jules and Jez also talk about Chloe Zhao's approach to creativity and collaboration, as well as a UK event called Pints and Ponytails that helps dads learn how to style their daughters' hair. Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernan...

Mar 24, 202637 min

The bikers helping abused kids feel safe

Sometimes help comes from unlikely quarters like the big burly bikers whose mission is to protect and help kids. Jules heard about a group called Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) and she chats to Jez about how they're helping vulnerable kids. Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.n...

Mar 22, 202615 min

Fuel panic, the manosphere and the truth about Banksy

As people panic buy petrol, questions are being asked about whether Australia has enough fuel stockpiled and how we can secure our future. Jules and Jez also talk about Louis Theroux's documentary Inside the Manosphere and whether we actually need to know Banksy's identity. Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and em...

Mar 18, 202639 min

What's Chalamet's beef with ballet and opera?

As the Oscars get underway, the internet is still in outrage mode following actor Timothée Chalamet's comments about 'no one caring about' ballet and opera anymore. Is Chalamet being an arrogant upstart or does he have a point? Jez and Jules chat about these art forms that are literally hundreds of years old, and how ballet and opera companies are clapping back. Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episo...

Mar 15, 202617 min

Iranian soccer players escape minders to stay in Australia

In the middle of the night five members of the Lionesses, the Iranian women's soccer team, escaped their minders to stay in Australia. The five women feared persecution after they were labelled "traitors" for refusing to sing the national anthem before a game at the Women's Asian Cup. Jules and Jez also talk about MAFS and how one particular contestant is being challenged on his sexist views. Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed an...

Mar 10, 202638 min

Boredom, phones and electric shocks

Would you give yourself an electric shock to stave off boredom? Or do you never get bored anymore because you're too busy doom-scrolling? Jules and Jez chat about boredom, phones and the highs and lows of raising small humans. Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au...

Mar 08, 202616 min

Trump's war, Kyle and Jackie O and Quiet Queers

As Trump continues to flout international law and doubles down on the war on Iran, the regime names Ayatollah Khamenei's successor. But the question is can regime change actually be achieved? Jules and Jez also talk about the spat that broke up the 25-year partnership of shock jock Kyle and Jackie-O. And Jez sings the praises of the Quiet Queers - introverts who showed up to Mardi Gras on couches with book Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff yo...

Mar 04, 202631 min

The "fertilization president"

Trump wants to boost the US birth rate and is the self-proclaimed “fertilization president"... if that's enough to make you shudder, keep in mind that his government has approved paid parental leave, which is a positive step. However rising childcare costs, combined with a freeze on childcare funding in five states, and the Trump administration's cuts to Medicaid are making things more difficult for women and low-income families. But there is one interesting boost to the birth rate that could be...

Mar 01, 202617 min

Epstein, the Royals, and the BAFTAs

Following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest, more questions are being asked of the royals. How much did did his mother, Queen Elizabeth, and his brother King Charles know? Jules and Jez also chat about the BAFTAs, Tourette's and the criticism levelled at the BBC for failing to bleep or edit racial slurs, but editing out 'free Palestine'. Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesda...

Feb 25, 202644 min

How do Olympic athletes deal with failure?

The winter Olympics has been full of highs, seeing athletes at the top of their game hurtling down mountains, absolutely nailing their performance. And then seeing some of those same athletes having a bad run and messing up their chances for a spot on the podium. While the pressure on the Olympic world stage is huge, the disappointment and compassion we feel is relatable. Jules and Jez talk about some of the winter Olympic highs and lows and some of the more curious sports like the double luge. ...

Feb 22, 202619 min

Unpacking former prince Andrew's arrest

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has faced a series of allegations over his contacts with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein for years. But on his 66th birthday, he became the first senior royal to be arrested since King Charles I in 1647. Jules and Jez unpack what we know. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au

Feb 20, 202617 min

ISIS brides, Pauline Hanson and the advice our parents gave us

Should the Australian government repatriate Australian women and children with links to Islamic State fighters? As One Nation rises in popularity, how can the conversation around immigration be constructive and not descend into racist rhetoric? Jules and Jez also talk about GoFundMe and whether celebrity families deserve a hand too. Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday after...

Feb 18, 202640 min

Are people getting ruder?

Are people really getting ruder? Well according to experts the answer is yes, and there’s been a sharp uptick in rudeness since COVID. People are less patient, more entitled and the crank factor overall has definitely increased. Jules and Jez chat about things that rile and how to calm your farm. But it’s not all doom and gloom, there are beacons of kindness that shine through. We'd love to hear about random acts of kindness you've seen, you've done, or someone has done for you. Please send them...

Feb 15, 202620 min

Police and protesters clash over Herzog visit

Tension is on the rise as NSW police face questions over their clashes with protesters in Sydney who were demonstrating against Israeli President Herzog's visit. The term "social cohesion" is being bandied about but what does it actually mean and how can we achieve it? Is Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit a threat to social cohesion or is it the activists who are protesting against it? And what will it take to "turn the temperature down"? Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stor...

Feb 11, 202632 min

Margot Robbie and the Taj Mahal necklace

Margot Robbie is known for promoting her films in full costume and her latest red carpet effort for Wuthering Heights is no exception. She turned up in a bespoke gown and a heart-shaped diamond necklace. When asked about it she said that it was 'the Elizabeth Taylor necklace', at which point the internet let loose with people pointing out it's 400 year history and that the diamond was originally a gift from 1600s Mughal emperor Shah Jahangir to his wife Nur Jahan. Jules and Jez talk about who sh...

Feb 08, 202618 min

More Epstein files and the search for justice

The latest Epstein file dump is over 3 million pages, 180,000 images, and 2,000 videos and more names.The list has grown and the messages are shocking, banal, and concerning in terms of Epstein's reach for power and influence. Jules and Jez talk about the fight for justice for victim-survivors and how the latest files have uncovered strange links to Australian politics. They also talk about when politics becomes personal at the Grammys, remembering Catherine O'Hara, and an inspiring 13 year-old ...

Feb 04, 202636 min

Wonderbumps and other awesome words

Sometimes kids come up with the best words for things like wonderbumps, parkeling, and confuzzled. Jules and Jez explore the wonderful world of language inspired by kids and authors like Shakespeare, Roald Dahl and Dr Seuss. And they also chat about words that should be retired! Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation a...

Feb 01, 202615 min

Has Trump reached a turning point on ICE?

Following the second death of a US citizen at the hands of ICE agents on the streets of Minneapolis, there has been a huge backlash from the public, Democrats, Republicans and even Trump stalwarts like Joe Rogan. Trump has started to walk back his hardline rhetoric, but will the US President rein in Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents? Jules and Jez also talk about the characteristics of extreme altruists, plus the Museum of Personal Failure and what happens when AI makes up travel tips? ...

Jan 28, 202638 min

Martin Luther King III on ICE and division in the US

Martin Luther King III is an American human rights activist who has followed in the footsteps of his parents. He is the eldest son of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King who were both prominent American civil rights activists. Jules and Jez talk to Martin Luther King III about the current situation in Minneapolis, ICE, leadership and whether the US can find a path out of political violence. Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff...

Jan 27, 202630 min

Trump vs Greenland and a lot of shark attacks

Trump continues escalating his rhetoric to take over Greenland, putting the US's relationship with NATO and the EU into question. Jules and Jez also talk about the shocking number of shark attacks in Sydney and NSW this week, why they might be occurring, and whether we need better shark literacy. Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join ...

Jan 21, 202640 min

The fall out from Adelaide Writers’ Week

The Adelaide Writers’ Week board’s decision to disinvite Palestinian-Egyptian-Australian author and academic Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah has seen over 180 writers and participants boycott the festival, leading to its cancellation. Board members have resigned. Dr Abdel-Fattah's lawyers have threatened defamation proceedings against South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas. AWW director, Louise Adler, also resigned saying that she “cannot be a party to silencing writers.” As the fall-out continues, Ju...

Jan 14, 202640 min

There's something wrong with the world map

We all know what the world map looks like. It was probably on your classroom wall when you went to school. But what if it is wrong? Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au SHOW NOTES The true size of countries: https://thetruesize.com/ The Ocean Map: https://www.rmg.co.uk/stori...

Jan 07, 202618 min

Lily Allen and the art of the break-up song

This year UK singer-songwriter Lily Allen released her album "West End Girl" and it goes into a lot of detail about the break down of her marriage. So what makes a good break-up song? And should anything be off-limits? Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au SHOW NOTES Jez Pick...

Dec 31, 202519 min

Should you ever argue with an internet troll?

If someone picks an argument with you online, are you the kind of person who argues back? Jez found a video this week of a US women who tracked down a troll and knocked on his front door. It got Jez thinking about how we talk to people online. Every week, Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at not...

Dec 24, 202524 min

What Bondi tells us about who we are

The terrorist attack that took place at Bondi Beach at the Jewish festival of Hanukkah on Sunday evening left fifteen dead, 40 injured and the Jewish community fearing for their lives. Jules and Jez talk about gun control, antisemitism and the heroism and kindness of ordinary people. Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversat...

Dec 17, 202530 min

Anika Wells, a drunk raccoon and the pub test

Taxpayer funded ski trips, thousand dollar dinners in Paris and business class flights to New York. Do these expenses pass the pub test? What about the sniff test? The thing is Communications and Sports Minister Anika Wells hasn’t racked up the most expenses – in fact, Australian politicians have claimed $1.1 million dollars in the past year. There’s no doubt the job is demanding, but should the expenses rules be reviewed? And Queensland Museum has found itself in a bit of a pickle following an ...

Dec 10, 202533 min

Is this the end of body positivity?

With the rise in Ozempic use, people are shrinking before our very eyes. But are Ozempic-style drugs all they’re cracked up to be? There are new global guidelines from the World Health Organisation and the TGA is warning about side effects. But are we also seeing a shift in how we think about weight? Also Jules and Jez also talk about dodgy subscriptions and the government’s strategy to take on consumer “tricks and traps”. We’d love to hear from you! Please take a minute to fill in our audience ...

Dec 03, 202534 min

AI slop and the push for gambling reform

Per capita, Aussies are the world’s biggest losers, gambling away between $25 to $31.5 billion per year. In 2023, an inquiry into gambling harm chaired by the late MP Peta Murphy made 31 recommendations. Despite crossbench support for gambling reform, none of these recommendations have been implemented by the Australian government. Jules and Jez also chat about the perils of AI slop which has just dubbed Macquarie Dictionary's 2025 word of the year. We want to hear from you! Please fill in our a...

Nov 26, 202537 min
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