Small Talk: Is It Dying?

Mascara is over. Yes, it’s joined side parts as beauty cringe, according to the ghost lashes trend that Em Vernem has embraced. We’re unpacking: Are bare eyes cool or do they leave some of us looking like 'elderly babies'?

Plus, the fear of public speaking has morphed into something else: the fear of speaking in public, full stop. So why is small talk dying, and does it matter? We’re asking: Is a quick chat about the weather actually the secret to a happier life?

And, meet the internet’s new favorite literal girlboss — a 13-year-old skincare CEO who edits her COO mom’s 'cringe' captions. While Em feels like a failure by comparison, Holly Wainwright is fascinated by the 'corporatisation of kids' and brand-building curriculums. But is it smart? In an AI world, has 'building a business' become more important than actually knowing things? 

In other business, Clare Stephens wants to know why the word 'matrescence' isn't in the dictionary yet? 

And, of course, recommendations:

Holly recommends The Walkers podcast by Tortoise Media & The Observer — a wild investigation into the author of The Salt Path.

Emily recommends the book Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy.

Clare recommends Hometown Boys, a six-part investigative podcast from ABC’s Background Briefing.

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What to read: 

• 'I thought I was bad at small talk. Turns out, I was doing it wrong.'
• 'After having my daughter, motherhood was not what I thought it would be. Then I discovered matrescence.'
• 'For the first 5 years of motherhood, I thought something was wrong. Then I discovered matrescence.'
• If your teen's skincare stash is growing, here's what to keep (and what to toss).

THE END BITS: 

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CREDITS:

Hosts: Emily Vernem, Clare Stephens & Holly Wainwright

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Video Producer: Josh Green

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

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