Big Small Talk

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. This week, a crowd booed a player who had been subjected to homophobic slurs. A rundown on the winners at this years VMA's. In the Q+A, we discuss how Erin Patterson is sentenced to life in prison.

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 friends, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, have announced their engagement! The Prime Minister announced the end of diplomatic relations with Iran last week, proving they can take action to cut ties with some countries. Sabrina Carpenter has released her seventh studio album, Mans Best Friend, directly addressing album cover controversy. 23 time grand slam champion Serena Williams has candidly spoken about her GLP-1 weight loss, dropping more than 14 kilos with Zepbound, which is part of the same family as the better-known name of Ozempic.

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 worldwide. It's 2025 and there is still no early detection test for ovarian cancer, and millions of women are diagnosed when it is too late. The time to make a change is now. One step left. One year left – to get the world's first DNA based early detection test for ovarian cancer to clinical trials. Join the conversation, buy a t-shirt or make a donation and help make this test a reality. LINK TO PURCHASE MERCHANDISE: www.camillaandmarc.com LINK TO DONATE TO THE RESEARCH DIRECTLY:  https://www.camillaandmarc.com/products/donation

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.

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 Baena. Sexual harassment is about to end for good, police in England have started sending female officers jogging undercover to stop catcalling. Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bon Jovi have welcomed their first child - a baby girl!

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.

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 political theatre around Epstein files keep the legacy alive.”  So, who was this man? Who is Ghislaine Maxwell? What did they actually do? Who was involved? What was the Sweet Hearts deal? This is what we hope to begin to answer in the part one of this months Big Talk.

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 reboots ever truly recapture the magic? Multiple charges were dropped against convicted mushroom killer, Erin Patterson. Here's what we didn't know during the trial. Qantas illegally fired more than 1800 staff in 2020, and has received a $90 million record breaking fine.

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 Instagram Follow Big Small Talk on Instagram Follow Sarah on Instagram

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 as a marketing tool by a new cryptocurrency, sparking conversation about the disrespect to women's sport. Australia will recognise a Palestinian state, Anthony Albanese announced yesterday.

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 influencers owe us their wedding content? Are weddings for you or your guests or instagram?

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 and had meetings with the Deputy Attorney General for two days. Second week of Parliament leads to approval of the HELP debt 20%, climate misinformation probe and changes to the social media ban. Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson are dating! Oh, and apparently maybe Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau.

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 infertile if we're on it too long or bad at taking it? Do some pills make us 'crazier' than others? Is cycle tracking effective as contraception? Is anti-pill content right wing programming? Dr Jen Gunter Socials Big Small Talk Socials Dr Jen Gunter BOOKS

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 Trump administration. South Australia is currently responding to an Agal bloom. Astronomer (company behind the infamous Coldplay concert cam scandal) hires Gwyneth Paltrow.

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.

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.

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. Israel's Defence Minister proposed a plan to forcibly relocate the entire population of Gaza to a so-called “humanitarian city”.

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 todays current political climate. We then chatted through why Get Out struck a chord in so many people, the broken conversation about race in both America and Australia and how her character was developed. Finally, we talk about Megan 2.0 (in cinemas now!) and how that reflected current day politics around the use of Artificial Intelligence. A big thank you to Universal Studios

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 recognise that our Indigenous people had rich culture, laws and land ownership long before British invasion. 

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.

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.

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 children.

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?

Billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez 50 million dollar wedding creates an online stir from the guest list, styling choices and protests. The Federal Court rules that the ABC had unlawfully sacked journalist Antoinette Lattouf. Glastonbury festival in the UK feels particularly politically charged this year with many acts choosing to speak on Palestine. Zohran Mamdani wins the NYC mayoral election primary. Anna Wintour steps down as the editor in chief of Vogue after nearly 40 years.

Lets talk about the theory that helped catapult therapy speak and therapytok into the online mainstream - attachment styles. Today I am joined by Rashida Dungarwalla the founder and Principal Psychologist of Flow State Space - which is a psychology practice in Surry Hills, Sydney. We chat about the origins of the theory, the different styles and the limitations of putting too much down to ones attachment style.

In part two we discuss how the legal trials took place, which 'witch tests' the court used, why this went unchecked and how long it took until people began to express their remorse and how this has been reflected on in history.

US bombs Iran to wipe out potential nuclear weaponry, Trump declares ceasefire. The trial of Erin Patterson, the poison mushroom lady, nears its end. New Australian tax reform announcement. Justin and Hailey Bieber divorce rumours amidst bizarre string of Instagram posts, captions and viral paparazzi moment.

I am very excited to have the gorgeous Laura Henshaw, co-founder and CEO of KIC app and co-host of KICPOD, as the Small Talk guest this week! We first have to discuss the very exciting news of her pregnancy and how she is feeling after her series 'Do I Want Kids?'. But the crux of todays episode is actually to pick Laura's brain on all the different 'wellness' trends that I am being bombarded with online - from #diettok to #skinnytok to gut health. How do we know which ones are toxic? What is the effect of these trends? TULA DRINKS (my friends adorable looking, delicious, non-alcoholic drinks brand that we're sipping on!) Use the code SMALLTALK for one month free when you sign up to Kic on a monthly subscription at www.kicapp.com. Available for new and returning users only. Expires September 30th, 2025.

We know this one is a little different and certainly not something the was hitting he headlines in our lifetime! However, the Witch Trials are a fascinating part of history that is continually referred to and remains relevant to our modern day and continually experiences resurgences in our pop culture. So in part one, we look at the origins of witches, what led to the Salem witch trials, who the 'afflicted' girls were and who were among the first to be accused. We also see parallels to our modern day in the way women and minorities were targeted and conservatism weaponised.

Another huge week in the news. An update on the ICE raids, deployment of the national guard, protests and curfew enforced in LA. Sabrina Carpenters new album cover creates massive online controversy. Israel launched multiple strikes across Iran and they have now responded with further attacks. Australian influencer Indy Clinton hires a private investigator to find the anonymous trolls who have been attacking her online. Trump administration puts AUKUS under review. Call Her Daddy host, Alex Cooper, reveals in new documentary that she was sexually assaulted by her college Soccer Coach for years.

Today I am joined by Two Broke Chicks to chat all things friendship. We get messages every week asking us for advice on how to make friends as an adult, when to know you've outgrown a friendship, remaining friends with exes and how to have tough conversations with friends. So who better to reach out to than best friend duo, Al and Sal, the authors of the book 'Finding Your People'! Finding Your People Two Broke Chicks

BIG episode this week! Sydney Sweeney's decision to release a soap that has her actual bathwater in it has sparked debate over if she has 'set feminism back decades'. Elon Musk and Trump are in the midst of a messy break up, meanwhile an Australian journalist is purposefully shot by police with rubber bullet during LA protests. Judge dismisses Justin Baldoni's $400 million dollar countersuit to Blake Lively. Israel seizes Gaza aid ship, the Freedom Flotilla, carrying Greta Thunberg and other prominent figures. White Lotus stars Aimee Lou Wood and Walton Goggins give Variety an interview to put feud rumours to rest. An Australian study reveals 2 out 3 men have committed intimate partner violence.

Comedian, performer and author of best selling book 'All I Ever Wanted Was To be Hot' (yes, correct title!!) joins me in studio to discuss cosmetic surgeries and the latest online phenomenon, 'instagram face', as inspired by this fantastic New Yorker article. Check out Lucinda's book HERE and her socials HERE

In part two we look at the ripple effect of the Bostons Globes articles across the US and how the church reacted. We then shifted to looking at the global impact, particularly in Ireland. Then the response in Australia, the royal commission, it's findings and how this is relevant today.

Taylor Swift has successfully regained control of her music, ending the feud that inspired her re-recordings and the era tour. Labor government green lights a major gas project until 2070. ELF cosmetics purchases Hailey's makeup and skincare brand 'Rhode' for US 1 Billion. Harvard and Trump's legal confrontation intensifies, Elon Musk insinuates fall out and announces resignation from the White House. A first nations man dies in Police custody in the Northern Territory. Plus, a Q+A on the debate over Luke Bateman's book deal.

In this episode I am joined by Georgia Grace (otherwise known as GSpot) who is a certified sex and relationships therapist to talk all about the taboo topic of age gap relationships! Is it fair to judge age gap relationships? What makes it acceptable/unacceptable? Have new movies like Baby Girl changed perspectives? How does attraction play into this? For more of Georgia's incredible insights and expertise, follow her here!

In this months Big Talk series we take a look at the incredible 'spotlight' journalists at the Boston Globe who back in 2003 uncovered the systemic cover up of child sexual abuse at the hands of thousands of priests world wide. In part one, we explain at the structure of the Catholic church as well as it's resources and wealth. Then, we look into the first priest uncovered, John Geoghan. We delve into exactly how the church moved him around and he 'rehab' centres they sent him to. Then, the actual investigation and the obstacles the journalists faced.

Despite Hailey Bieber making the cover of Vogue, her husband Justin Bieber's comments online steal the headlines. An update on the Liberal and National party break up. Lorde is the cover star for Rolling Stone, talking about her new album, coming off contraceptive and her gender. Prime Minister Albanese speaks on Gaza. Chris Hughes and Jojo Siwa confirm romance. NSW GP's to now diagnose ADHD.

In this New York City episode I sit down with stand up comedian legend Gabby Bryan. Famous for her crowd work and gritting her teeth on the big apple, she was the perfect person to chat to about the world of comedy, being a woman in the industry, if trauma is what makes people funny and if anything should be off limits in comedy.

Nine years after Kim Kardashian was violently robbed in Paris for her diamonds, the trial commences. The Liberals and Nationals split, The Greens party has a new leader. Australian Fashion Week attendees and interviews causes debate online. New abortion laws pass in NSW. Cassie takes the stand during Diddy's trial. In the Q+A, thoughts on the Clementine Ford and Abbey Chatfield online conflict.

Very excited to have internet best friend and incredible author ⁠Eli Rallo⁠ join me at the Spotify Studios in NYC to give all the best advice on all things moving on and dating. ⁠Pre Order: Does Anyone Else Feel This Way? ⁠ ⁠I Didn't Know I Needed This: The New Rules For Flirting, Feeling And Finding Yourself ⁠

Albanese announces his cabinet, Adam Bandt loses his seat Sussan Ley is appointed head of the Liberal Party. Sean Combs (Diddy) Trial finally begins in Manhattan, the jury is finalised and opening statements given. Pope Leo XIV from Chicago is elected post conclave. After being subpoenaed in the Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni case, Taylor Swifts team releases a strong statement. Q+A about what is happening between India and Pakistan.

Welcome to our first Small Talk episode recorded in New York! I was so lucky to get to chat to Claire Parker and Ashley Hamilton from the ⁠Celebrity Memoir Bookclub⁠ podcast. As comedians and successful pop culture connoisseurs, I thought they would be the perfect people to chat to about gossiping. Why do we love gossip? Can you really be above it? Is the ability to gossip (within reason) important to establishing social norms and reputations? What about celebrities and reality TV?

Our thoughts on the Labor party win, Greens result and Liberal defeat. Coverage of the 2025 Met Gala and explanation of this years politically charged theme. Nagi vs Brooki caramel slice recipe debate intensifies. Erin Patterson, charged for murder after feeding her in-laws death cap mushrooms in 2023 is now on trial.

Today Sarah sits down with Jack and Falcs from The Inspired Unemployed to chat about Tall Poppy Syndrome. They discuss why being an 'Aussie battler' is so engrained in our culture, rooting for the underdog and why people feel bitter when they see others are over-achieving. Also, being in the public eye, starting businesses and imposter syndrome. If you didn't know, Sarah got her start in podcasting at 21 years old after she was tapped on the shoulder by Spotify who were looking for help on a new show they were developing with comedy duo and influencers - The Inspired Unemployed. It was years of building that show with Jack and Falcs that gave her enough experience and confidence to then start Big Small Talk. Also, don't worry Inspired fans, she's working on getting their show back in studio soon too!

It's time to take a look at the real life story of succession. We examine the roles the kids played in the businesses and the irrevocable trust. Then, the estrangement, the backstabbing and the never ending plot twists as the eldest son, Lachlan, and Rupert Murdoch attempt to take voting rights and power away from the other three children. Finally, how this all played out in court and the damage caused to one of the most powerful, richest families in the world.

Jojo Siwa breaks it off with our friend, Aussie influencer and podcaster Kath Ebbs following a controversial season Big Brother UK where she had a close relationship with Love Island contestant, Chris Hughes. Welcome to Country is booed during an ANZAC day dawn service in Melbourne, sparking debate. Charli XCX ends Brat Summer and passes the baton to Lorde. An update on the Australian election and recent debates. Harvey Weinstein's retrial begins.

Today I chat to the lovely Kayla Jade, a very well known OF creator and TikTok star (over 2 million followers!) all about feminism, her story and the ethics of sex work and social media. Of course, we also get the background story on where 'Peggy Sue' came from! Kayla's TikTok Kayla's New Podcast - Storytime With Kayla Jade

After re-watching succession and spending time in the US, we thought it was about time we truly looked into the most powerful man in the world, Rupert Murdoch. In part one, we look at Rupert's early life, career, how he expanded the family business, his multiple marriages, children and creation of Fox News.

Pope Francis passes away on the Easter Long Weekend. Pop Star Tate McRae faces backlash choosing to collaborate with country music star Morgan Wallen. Update on Australian election campaign and policies. Gayle King defends her trip to space with Katy Perry and Amanda Nguyen's story overlooked. Harvard goes head to head with the Trump administration.

Today we talk about the TikTok trend, 'rejection therapy'. Where people put themselves in embarrassing situations and film it to overcome their fears of judgement and others. Do we think it's annoying? Has it gone too far? What is the psychological merit in exposure therapy? What are our own experiences with rejection? Joining us today are our friends Kath Ebbs and Carmen Azzopardi (zigs mom) who are also the hosts of the podcast I've Always Said That. If you have a topic you want Small Talk to cover next - leave a comment! Or message bigsmalltalk_pod.