Big Small Talk: 5 PM Tuesdays So you want to know what’s happening in parliament, but you also want to know the latest in pop culture? Good, as you should. From the front page to your newsfeeds, no story is too serious, stale, funny or frivolous. Because, if you haven’t realised, loving pop culture doesn’t mean you don’t understand politics. Knowing all your shit? That’s hot. New Episodes 5pm Tuesday. Small Talk: 6 AM Thursdays It might not be tangible news but each week there’s something in the cultural zeitgeist that gets us all talking. We want to unpack these frivolous conversations, from new trends to relationship theories to life advice. In an age of never-ending small talk, we want to examine how these collective thoughts affect the way we see the world. We may even reach out to a few friends and experts to weigh in. Big Talk: Wednesday 6 AM - Last Two Weeks of Every Month Over the past few decades, there have been news headlines so shocking that we still hear and feel their impact, such as Roe V Wade, Monica Lewinsky, Epstein, Mabo and Hillsong. Don’t you think it’s about time you knew all the important and salacious details about the real stories that have happened that shaped our world today? Come on, I know you’re curious.
Ariana Grande, AI goes rogue & Nara Smith is NOT a Trad Wife
BSTies – it’s been a week! Sarah talks about Ariana Grande’s new album (which has sparked intense online debate around her appearance), as well as her decision to step away from public life. The girls chat about why we need to be careful in these conversations concerning Ariana’s body and health, but also about the dangers of collective silence. Hannah dives into how a rogue OpenAI escaped its container and hacked another company. And just a few days later, Anthropic (the company behind Claude) revealed that THEIR model had done the same thing three times. Yay. Plus, a Nantucket store goes viral for putting up a “No Influencers” sign, former NRL player and BookTok sweetheart Luke Bateman outs gambling companies at a Senate inquiry, and Nara Smith is actively walking back her #tradwife label. Oh, and everybody please welcome producer Justine! Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Is There Moral Panic Around Sex? With Dr Esme Louise James
This week, Sarah sits down with historian, author and educator Dr Esme Louise James , creator of Kinky History, to explore the fascinating history of sex, desire and shame. Esme explains how many of the things we consider "new" or "unnatural" have actually existed for millennia, and how our modern attitudes towards sex have been shaped by history, religion, medicine, law and power. They also discuss Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film The Odyssey , and why Esme believes it stripped away the complexity of its female characters and sanitised the role sex played in Homer's original epic. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BIG TALK: The Last Romanovs: The Story of Anastasia PART ONE
If you grew up watching Anastasia, chances are you believed there was always a chance the youngest Romanov princess escaped. But the true story behind one of history's most enduring mysteries is even more extraordinary than the film. In this special two-part crossover with Ainslie Harvey's The Hot History Podcast , Sarah is joined by historian and host Ainslie to uncover the true story behind the world's most famous grand duchess. Together, they explore the rise and fall of the Romanov dynasty, Rasputin's influence, the Russian Revolution, the family's final days, and the mystery that captivated the world for decades: did Anastasia really survive? Part Two is out now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BIG TALK: The Last Romanovs: The Story of Anastasia PART TWO
The mystery isn't over !!! In part two of our VERY special The Hot History Podcast crossover, we unravel the century-long question that captivated the world: did Princess Anastasia really survive? From the famous imposters and Soviet cover-ups to the discovery of the Romanovs' remains, DNA testing with Prince Philip, and the family's surprising legacy under Vladimir Putin, we separate fact from fiction. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hannah Ferguson Runs Against the PM, The Odyssey & Matty Healy's Wedding
It's good to be back!! Hannah has officially announced she's running against the Prime Minister at the next federal election. The girls chat about what she'll be campaigning for, why she's doing it, how she's feeling, and what it means for the podcast. Sarah dives into the film everyone can't stop talking about, The Odyssey, unpacking how it was made, why Christopher Nolan insisted on shooting it for IMAX and his refusal to use CGI or AI. Hannah then unpacks Pauline Hanson's comments on domestic violence, which sparked widespread backlash, before breaking down the bizarre moment Barnaby Joyce went viral for yelling at a dog on live TV. Plus, Charli XCX drops her long-awaited new album, Matty Healy gets married, Trump declares he'll run for president again after the White House Correspondents' Dinner, and we pay tribute to the legendary Sam Neill. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Pressure To Be Extraordinary In Your 20s. With Jemma Sbeg
Have we accidentally created an impossible definition of success? This week, Sarah is joined by Jemma Sbeg , host of The Psychology of Your 20s , one of the world's biggest podcasts, now adapted for Netflix - to unpack the pressure so many of us feel to achieve something extraordinary before 30. Together they explore the psychology behind comparison, burnout, perfectionism, quarter-life crises, social media's impact on ambition, and why the finish line for success always seems to move. If you've ever felt behind despite loving your life, this conversation is for you. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane Adams Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Does A Pop Stars Wellness Routine Look Like? With Kita Alexander
This week, Sarah is joined by pop star Kita Alexander. ARIA-nominated, a collaborator of Fisher, started out with Dua Lipa (who she opened for on the Radical Optimism tour), Kita has just released her new album, Rage, which she will be touring this year! Together, they chat about her wellness routine, fitness habits, anxieties, and the role meditation plays in navigating both everyday life and major career moments. Then, inspired by her new album, they unpack the idea of rage: what happens when you stop worrying about being "the nice girl", why so many women struggle to express anger, and whether it's possible to be both soft and grounded while moving through difficult emotions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Would You Say To Your 16-Year-Old Self? With Jessica Mauboy
This is a really special episode. Jessica Mauboy has one of those rare energies that instantly makes you feel at ease, and this conversation is such a genuine reflection on a career that has come full circle. From navigating fame at just sixteen during the unforgiving 2000s media era, being body shamed by Kyle Sandilands, landing a record deal and leading roles in Hollywood, to becoming a mum, returning to that same show as a mentor and championing the next generation of First Nations artists. We talk about reconnecting with your inner child, trusting your intuition, finding your way back to your roots, and how success changes as you grow. Please do watch and listen to the very special That BlackFella Show back on ABC iView now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Taylor Swift's MSG Wedding, Dua Lipa Library & Karlie Kloss
The Taylor Swift Wedding has happened. It's the biggest pop culture story of the year (probably) and we have plenty to unpack. We chat about the venue, Adam Sandler officiating, performances, the extensive (and yes, controversial) guest list, the raffle, the impact on NYC citizens and the comparisons to Bezo's. Next up, Karl Stefanovic has now also been axed by ARN as well. He opens up about that while interviewing Piers Morgan on a yacht. Dua Lipa opens a library in one of Europe's most famous, beautiful bookshops. The library is a permanent collection of hotly debated or banned books. We then talk through the tragic murder of a teenage girl in Thailand at the hands of an Australian man. Finally, we unpack supermodel Karlie Kloss recent PR moves, opening up about her marriage to a Kushner and becoming a media mogul. Then of course, we had to mention the Prime Minister playing a game of shag, marry, date. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Your Frivolous Questions, Our Hot Takes.
It's time for hot takes over tea. How do you navigate personal relationships when your job is having opinions on the internet? Have we ever felt lost in our careers? How do we feel about getting married? And seriously, do Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos have therapists? This week both Hannah and Sarah are answering YOUR hot takes and burning questions, from how we actually met to our most controversial opinions, our "hear me out" crushes, comfort movies, whether streaming killed cinema, and what you should do if you spot us out in the wild!! It's a proper catch-up, with plenty of oversharing, questionable takes and a few things you probably weren't expecting us to say. All while sipping on a Lipton Matcha! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Karl Stefanovic, Taylor Swift Wedding Rumours & Jack Schlossberg
It's been a BIG week and, honestly, one of our most interesting episodes yet. We kick things off by breaking down why Karl Stefanovic was axed from Nine, his viral "I'm free" video, and what we think comes next. Sarah then dives into Kylie Jenner's new partnership with Meta AI Glasses and whether the feminisation of tech is finally enough to make wearable AI cool. Hannah unpacks Australia's newest teal political party and what they're hoping to represent. Then, we have the best time going through all the reports and rumours surrounding Taylor Swift's wedding. We also break down New York City's primary election, where Zohran Mamdani-backed candidates all won while JFK's grandson, Jack Schlossberg, lost. Finally, in our Q&A, we answer a listener question on Australia's FIFA Women's World Cup campaign and where the tournament goes from here. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is It Time For A Mid-Year Money Reset? With She's On The Money
This week, Sarah is joined by award-winning retired financial adviser, best-selling author, and host of Australia’s number one finance podcast, She’s on the Money . In this episode, Victoria Devine answer all your listener questions for a mid-year money reset. No question is too silly, no topic is too intimidating. We discuss, should you prioritise saving or travel? How do you actually start investing? What's the best budget for beginners? And how do you protect yourself financially in a long-term relationship or marriage? Whether you've been avoiding your bank account or you're just looking to make smarter money decisions for the second half of the year, this is your reminder that getting on top of your finances is a lot less scary than you think !!! Sarah-Jane's Instagram Big Small Talk Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BIG TALK: Julian Assange & WikiLeaks PART TWO
Chelsea Manning has leaked hundreds of thousands of classified documents to WikiLeaks, including the infamous Collateral Murder video. The fallout is immediate: governments scramble, public trust is shaken, and Julian Assange becomes one of the most divisive figures in the world. We unpack the leaks that changed everything, the 2016 U.S. election controversy, Assange's years inside the Ecuadorian embassy, and the legal battle that eventually brought him back to Australia. Hero, journalist, hacker, criminal? You can decide! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BIG TALK: Julian Assange & WikiLeaks PART ONE
Before WikiLeaks became one of the most controversial organisations in the world, Julian Assange was a teenage hacker from Australia with a fascination for secrecy. In this episode, we trace Assange's journey from hacking NASA and the Pentagon to developing the philosophy that would eventually underpin WikiLeaks. We unpack the leaks that first put the organisation on the map, from government corruption in Kenya and Guantánamo Bay documents to Scientology secrets and Australia's internet censorship blacklist. And finally, we meet the whistleblower who would change everything: Chelsea Manning. Part Two is out now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hanson At The National Press Club, Kyle Settles & UK PM Resigns
This week, Pauline Hanson delivers the National Press Club Address and Gina Rinehart also makes a major announcement. Then, the SA abortion bill is narrowly defeated, we unpack the latest from the UK as Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigns, and Norway's prince is convicted in a case that has dominated headlines across Europe. ARN reaches a settlement with Kyle Sandilands, we break down the inaugural Las Culturistas Awards (our new favourite event, ever), and Olivia Rodrigo announces her very own music festival. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Whats The Deal With Peptides? With Science Vs.
This week on Small Talk, Sarah is joined by Science Vs host Wendy Zukerman to unpack the internet's latest wellness obsession: peptides. From BPC-157 and MOTS-c to anti-ageing injections and "Wolverine stacks", Wendy breaks down what peptides actually are, what the science says, and where the line sits between promising medical research and wellness-industry hype. They discuss biohacking culture, social media testimonials, Big Pharma conspiracies, why Australia is stricter than the US, and whether we're racing ahead of the evidence in pursuit of self-optimisation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gwyneth Paltrow, The World's First Trillionaire & The World Cup
This week, we unpack Gwyneth Paltrow’s decision to star in an ad for a luxury real estate development in Israel, as well as a recent Goop podcast episode on US defence systems. Then, Elon Musk becomes the world’s first trillionaire thanks to SpaceX. We also break down the FIFA World Cup, the Socceroos’ strong start, and why New York has been electric following the Knicks’ historic NBA Championship win. Plus, the latest developments in efforts to secure a peace deal involving Iran. Then, we dive into the early reviews of Olivia Rodrigo’s new album, her comments about Taylor Swift, and a little tidbit from Taylor’s induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. And in this week’s Q&A, we discuss Indy Clinton’s court appearance outfit. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Are The Habits of Joyful People? With Ash London
Ash London has spent years bringing joy to audiences through music, radio, television, podcasts and now even a rom-com novel. From interviewing some of the world's biggest artists to returning to radio in New Zealand after becoming a mum, Ash has built a career around celebrating the things that make life feel good. Today, we chat about how to find joy in the simplest everyday tasks (and what that actually looks like) and what joy does to your brain! And Ash shares how gratitude practice helped her through loneliness and major life changes - plus why she's embracing a new chapter as she approaches 40. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Odyssey, A 'Comedian' Cancelled & Ditch The Witch
Lots to cover this week! We start with a racist "comedians'" skits targeting minority groups, and Hannah unpacks how the internet responded. Then Sarah takes us inside the world of Greek mythology and the ongoing casting debate around The Odyssey - plus Toy Story 5 because why not! We also get into the “ditch the witch” campaign against Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, the rise of One Nation, why Phoebe Bridgers put on a $1 no phones concert and we touch on Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater's split. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Does Australian Media Still Have The Same Problems? With Antoinette Lattouf
Antoinette Lattouf is a journalist, author and co-founder of ETTE Media who knows a thing or two about winning. In her new book, Women Who Win , she explores what it means to win (why women often don't) and the Australian women who have changed the course of history. In this episode we chat about her legal victory against the ABC after she was removed from air over a social media post about Gaza, why it's so important to own your own work, and how difficult women who challenge the status quo are consistently targeted for doing so. Sarah-Jane Instagram Antoinette Instagram Women Who Win ETTE Media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
