Big Small Talk

This week on Small 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. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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! Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Big Small Talk Instagram Hannah's Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram Video Grab Sources: The Age & SBS See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 :)))) Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? Sarah-Jane's Instagram Big Small Talk Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Elouise Show InformationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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! Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 BattersbySee 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) InstagramSee 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 Timothy Chalamet's funny interviews and why rumours are swirling he's secretly a rapper. Finally, the tragedy of Rob and Michelle Reiners death. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Sign up to donate blood at Life Blood Life line: 13 11 14 Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 for Warner only this morning. Sydney Sweeney has switched PR tactics, now making a concession on her American Eagle ad controversy in exclusive interview with People magazine. Bruce Lehrmann's appeal been rejected. Sabrina Carpenter has called out the White House for posting ICE videos to her song. Plus, a listener question about if Alix Earle has broken up with NFL man. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 coming (on socials!) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Part Two, we hit the breaking point of 1975: the Senate blocks supply, the government runs out of money, and the Governor-General makes the most dramatic intervention in Australian political history. We unpack Whitlam's iconic dismissal speech, what the Palace Letters later revealed about the Palace's involvement, and why Cold War tension fuelled long-running rumours of CIA interference. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/listener for privacy information.

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. They also dissect the pressure to be a “provider,” and why the real key to better conversations might be systems literacy. Jack opens up about modern masculinity and the world men are navigating today.

With the 50-year anniversary of the Whitlam era having just passed, we're diving into why this moment still has everyone talking. In part one, we peel back the story of the man who tried to reshape Australia faster than the country could catch its breath and how that boldness created one of the most fascinating political rollercoasters we've ever had. From Medibank to no-fault divorce, free uni to ending conscription, Whitlam arrives in 1972 and immediately begins rewriting the national script. But the pace, the ambition, and the battles with a hostile Senate set the stage for a showdown no one could have predicted. This episode takes you from his historic 1972 win, through the reforms, all the way to the surprising snap election just 17 months later.

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 criminal law reforms that could see children as young as 14 sentenced to adult life sentence.

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 Jacinda Ardern, Kamala Harris and John Howard to Nelson Mandela, Tony Blair and Julia Gillard. In our chat, Phoebe opens up about her own career journey and how she learned just how human our world leaders really are. Perfect content for our fellow political nerds… or if you peaked early as your Primary School Vice Captain.

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. 

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 Small Talk for a while now, should we expect celebrities to speak on politics?? It's a question that both Lucy and I have gone back and forth on many times over the years (and in this episode) and we are so excited to hear your thoughts.

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 Batchelor is standing by her thesis that using condoms are cringey. It's being reported that Millie Bobby Brown has reported David Harbour for bullying on the set of Stranger Things.

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.

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 the Petrov's after the dust settled, trying to then live quietly in Australia.

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 experienced in the Australian Defence Force.

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 episode, we chat with Myf about what she learned making her documentary 'The Truth About Menopause', how the conversation is finally shifting, and why bringing menopause out of the shadows isn't just important for women but is something everyone should be part of. Whether you're going through it, about to, or know someone who will, this is a must-listen. Listen to Myf's podcast Watch 'The Truth About MenoPause' on ABC i-View

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 imagination.  But at the centre of this Cold War storm was a truly wild Australian story: the Petrovs.  In this episode we begin to tell the story of Vladimir and Evdokia Petrov, Soviet diplomats living a quiet life in Canberra - until it was revealed they were actually Soviet spies leaking information back to the USSR.

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 the High Court, and she lost.

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 how nostalgia, femininity, hyper sexualisation and marketing collided to shape a generation. Sophie Gilbert appears in Sydney on 16 October presented by Sydney Writers Festival, in Canberra on 17 October presented by Canberra Writers Festival and in Melbourne at The Wheeler Centre on Tuesday 21 October.

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 Williams Join ‘No Music for Genocide' Campaign, Geo-Blocking Their Music in Israel

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 'too much' or not. Safe to say we cover a lot of ground!! Follow Anisa on Instagram HERE

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 as the host of SNL to share his excitement. New low reached: the US Government is in shut down. Trump is blaming the 'radical democrats' + an explainer on what this really means for the US. The Murdoch's are trying to buy Tik Tok, in yet another episode of Succession.

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 of her mum keeping her gratitude journal while in palliative care and making it to her daughters wedding. ⁠Dom's instagram⁠ ⁠Selfdom website⁠ 20% OFF DISCOUNT CODE: smalltalk