Big Small Talk
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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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 1, 2026 • 54min
My Boyfriend Was Red Pilled. With Claudia Giblin
This Small Talk episode features Claudia Giblin, a 26-year-old Australian living in New York, whose ex-boyfriend got “red-pilled” while they were living together and completely changed how she dates. Claudia gets into what it’s actually like being an international in the US right now, where politics don’t just shape the culture, but your relationships too. From the real fear of visas being at risk when speaking out, to how political views are now creeping into dating, it’s a side of life in America we don’t often hear. She’s also come up with her own solution: a multiple-choice quiz men have to take before she gives them her number, covering everything from who they voted for, the podcasts they listen to and if body count matters to them. It’s a very timely chat with manosphere content trending off the back of the Louis Theroux doco and gives a firsthand look at what life in the US feels like right now as an Aussie. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 31, 2026 • 1h 6min
Hannah Montana, War Deadlines & Big Tech Gets Sued
This week, we discuss Hannah Montana's return for a 20th anniversary special, which drew millions of viewers in just days (and pitch what we would have done differently if we were made exec producers!) We then look into the US-Israeli war in Iran entering its fifth week and Donald Trump extending his deadline on proposed strikes while pushing for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen. Back home, the Albanese Government begins rolling out measures to address fuel shortages. Then, the security guard who confronted a child on behalf of Chappell Roan has spoken out, revealing he wasn’t actually working for her - as reports emerge of a coordinated bot attack fuelling the drama online. Plus, for the first time in 20 years, workers at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation have gone on strike, citing cost of living pressures, job security and workplace protections. Finally, in a landmark case out of Los Angeles, a jury has found Meta and YouTube liable in a social media addiction lawsuit a decision that could have major implications for the future of big tech. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 25, 2026 • 54min
Are You Dressing for You or the Algorithm? With Maggie Zhou
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.
Mar 24, 2026 • 47min
Big Talk: The History Of The Pill - PART ONE
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.
Mar 24, 2026 • 35min
Big Talk: The History Of The Pill - PART TWO
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.
Mar 24, 2026 • 56min
War Escalates, Chappell Roan v 11-Year-Old & Bachelorette Pulled
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.
Mar 18, 2026 • 49min
Manifesting Isn’t Delusion, It’s Neuroscience. With Alexis Fernandez
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.
Mar 17, 2026 • 1h 1min
The Oscars, Louis Theroux & Iran Soccer Team
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.
Mar 11, 2026 • 57min
How Do We Talk About Grief? With Toni Lodge
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.
Mar 10, 2026 • 1h 10min
Jackie O, Daddy Issues & Timothee Chalamet
They dig into the surprising split of a high-profile radio duo and the scandals that led up to it. They cover tense regional geopolitics, a new Iranian leader, and an Australian naval incident. They discuss a national anthem protest by Iran's women's soccer team and asylum in Australia. They also talk about celebrity backlash in the arts and a forthcoming tell-all book from a podcast figure.
