Big Small Talk
LiSTNR
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
Aug 7, 2025 • 48min
SMALL TALK: Are Weddings For You, Your Guests or Instagram? With ZigsMom
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?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 5, 2025 • 57min
Sydney Sweeney Ad, Ghislaine Maxwell Requests Pardon & Palestine Protests
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 30, 2025 • 56min
SMALL TALK: Should I Still Be On 'The Pill'? With Dr Jen Gunter
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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 29, 2025 • 55min
Triple J Aussie Countdown, Parliament Returns & South Park
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 35min
SMALL TALK: Do You Also Have Mid-Year Burn Out?
In a refreshing mid-year check-in, the hosts tackle the weight of burnout. They discuss the toll of stressful news cycles and how self-employment can complicate motivation. Creative slumps and the desire for recognition come into play, leading to debates over rest versus new projects for rejuvenation. Practical hacks like bingo cards and vision boards are shared for achieving goals. The importance of mentors and effective recovery habits like walking and sleep are highlighted, alongside the necessity of setting boundaries in toxic work environments.
Jul 22, 2025 • 37min
BIG TALK: The Mabo Case PART TWO
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 22, 2025 • 48min
Coldplay Concert, Trump sues Murdoch & Charli XCX Married
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”. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 16, 2025 • 54min
SMALL TALK: How Do Hollywood Movies Influence Our Politics? With Allison Williams
Allison Williams, renowned for her roles in HBO's GIRLS and the terrifying GET OUT, joins the conversation to dissect Hollywood's political impact. She reflects on how GIRLS broke ground in storytelling and what its premise would look like today. The dialogue dives deep into the cultural resonance of GET OUT and the complexities of race discussions. Finally, they explore the political undercurrents in MEGAN 2.0, focusing on artificial intelligence's role in contemporary society. It's a thought-provoking blend of pop culture and pertinent socio-political issues!
Jul 15, 2025 • 36min
BIG TALK: The Mabo Case PART ONE
Dive into the transformative Mabo case, which challenged the idea that Australia was empty before British arrival. Discover Eddie Mabo's inspiring journey from a marginalized youth to a legal pioneer advocating for Indigenous land rights. The discussion highlights the cultural significance of land ownership for Torres Strait Islanders and the ongoing struggle for justice and reconciliation. Addressing misconceptions, it calls for education to promote a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures and their rich history.
Jul 15, 2025 • 48min
Epstein's List, SWAG album & Superman Movie
The hosts dive into Justin Bieber's latest album and unpack its marketing and cultural significance. They discuss the political fallout from Trump's claims about Jeffrey Epstein's list, igniting conspiracy theories. A tragic case involving Kumanjayi Walker highlights systemic issues in justice. The new Superman movie raises eyebrows for its perceived anti-Israel undercurrents, prompting lively debate. Additionally, proposed tariffs on Australian pharmaceuticals spark concerns about drug accessibility in the U.S., illustrating deep contrasts in healthcare systems.
