Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps

Sam Jay, Emmy-nominated comedian and former SNL writer who created Pause with Sam Jay, talks about starting stand-up late, her surprising SNL audition and writing routine, choosing her HBO show over cast life, and identity riffs on nationality and belonging. Conversation is playful, candid, and full of behind-the-scenes anecdotes.

A sharp timeline of escalating threats to Iran and the sudden pullback that followed. Analysis of why Iran held leverage and how bluster functioned as a bargaining tool. A critique of bombastic rhetoric and its political fallout. Discussions on regional consequences, nuclear risks, and why returning to the Moon still matters. Pop culture lessons from Survivor about showmanship in diplomacy.

Dave Hughes, legendary Australian comedian and media personality, shares hilarious career tales and festival anecdotes. He talks about late-night mishaps, early bombed gigs and breakthrough moments, radio and TV highs, the Kyle Sandilands fallout, health fads, and circus-like festival life. Quick, funny snapshots of a long career with plenty of mischief and memorable mishaps.

Steve Vizard, Australian comedian and TV creator who launched Tonight Live and Fast Forward. He recounts bringing the American late-night format to Australia. He talks about the pressures of hosting five nights a week. He recalls sketch-to-talk-show mixes, on-air stunts, and competing with live sports.

Zainab Johnson, a Black Muslim comedian and actor known for her Amazon special Hijabs Off and named one of Variety’s Top 10 Comics to Watch. She chats about traveling and Aussie wildlife, growing up in a big Harlem family, and the craft of stand-up — from bombing and workshopping to mixing poignancy with punchlines.

Tom Ballard, Australian comedian and satirical writer, talks about performing controversial routines and navigating cancel culture. He revisits a Nazi-salute routine and its fallout. They debate limits of offensive comedy, punching down, Jewish responses, satire of Nazis, and how Israel–Gaza tensions reshape public humor.

Parnell Palme McGuinness, columnist and policy fellow who studied young Australians’ wellbeing, explains her six “tribes” of youth. She maps groups from far-left identitarians to family‑oriented nationalists and affluent “nepo” kids. They all want security, homes and agency. The conversation covers welfare cliffs, housing, integration and how perceived agency shapes political discontent.

Evan Pivonka, community manager and university professor, jumps into a live Q&A. They tackle reports of Ozempic apathy and addiction drugs, debate pandemic risk management, unpack insider trading whispers around oil bets, and explore how city design and simple habits can revive real conversation and community.

Stephen Biegun, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State who led U.S. talks with North Korea, shares behind-the-scenes tales. He recounts the surprise DMZ meeting, rapid crisis logistics, and leader-level diplomacy experiments. He reflects on negotiating with closed systems, interactions with Kim, and how U.S. strategy shaped responses to Putin, Ukraine, and Iran.

Eamon Waterford, chief executive of the Committee for Sydney and urban policy expert, breaks down what separates thriving cities from failing ones. He explores density versus suburbia, walkability and local amenities, planning trade-offs, congestion pricing, and how funding and coordination shape real urban outcomes.