Not Stupid
ABC Australia
Not Stupid is the podcast that helps you understand the news of the week and the stories in your social media feed. Julia Baird and Jeremy Fenandez chat about the stories they are obsessed with and the stories you may have missed.
They look at what shapes our politics here in Australia from Anthony Albanese to Peter Dutton. As the Federal Election looms they’ll unpack and explain some of the big issues that might affect your vote.
Jules and Jez also try to explain what’s going on in the world. They both follow US politics closely and will be watching to see what the next Donald Trump presidency means for the US and the world.
But it’s not all about politics. If it is in your Facebook or Instagram feed (or even on X) they will talk about it. They look at the pop culture figures who are shaping our world from Elon Musk to Mr Beast and Ariane Grande.
There’s also a focus on the issues that affect you like the cost-of-living crisis and the duopoly of the Supermarkets Coles and Woolworths. They’ve also looked at microplastics and bushfires, looking at how climate change is affecting us and what impact humans are having on the environment.
The show will also make you laugh or cry. And on a good day, maybe both. They talk about poetry and history, about films and cakes and everything in between. Julia is passionate about grace and forgiveness so they talk a lot about that, but also about resilience and what makes us human.
At the end of each show, Julia and Jeremy talk about their “pick of the week”. It’s something that has made them think or giggle that week from the silliest Guinness World Record attempts to great books and silly Tiktoks.
They look at what shapes our politics here in Australia from Anthony Albanese to Peter Dutton. As the Federal Election looms they’ll unpack and explain some of the big issues that might affect your vote.
Jules and Jez also try to explain what’s going on in the world. They both follow US politics closely and will be watching to see what the next Donald Trump presidency means for the US and the world.
But it’s not all about politics. If it is in your Facebook or Instagram feed (or even on X) they will talk about it. They look at the pop culture figures who are shaping our world from Elon Musk to Mr Beast and Ariane Grande.
There’s also a focus on the issues that affect you like the cost-of-living crisis and the duopoly of the Supermarkets Coles and Woolworths. They’ve also looked at microplastics and bushfires, looking at how climate change is affecting us and what impact humans are having on the environment.
The show will also make you laugh or cry. And on a good day, maybe both. They talk about poetry and history, about films and cakes and everything in between. Julia is passionate about grace and forgiveness so they talk a lot about that, but also about resilience and what makes us human.
At the end of each show, Julia and Jeremy talk about their “pick of the week”. It’s something that has made them think or giggle that week from the silliest Guinness World Record attempts to great books and silly Tiktoks.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 29, 2026 • 16min
Let them eat cake
A lighthearted chat about Victorian table manners and an 1850s etiquette extract that sparks a cake conversation. They debate the correct way to eat different cakes and whether strict chewing rules ever made sense. Listeners share random acts of kindness at meals. A new idea of a gentle community centred on tea, gardening and music gets a cheerful shout-out.
8 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 37min
Could China benefit from the Iran war?
Discussion about how global fuel shortages from the Iran war ripple through oil routes and prices. Exploration of renewables and EVs as strategic shields that could reshape energy demand. Examination of China’s economic ties to Iran and how decades of renewable investment might alter its geopolitical and market position. Brief cultural asides on film creativity and a UK initiative teaching dads hair-styling skills.
Mar 22, 2026 • 15min
The bikers helping abused kids feel safe
Sometimes help comes from unlikely quarters like the big burly bikers whose mission is to protect and help kids. Jules heard about a group called Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) and she chats to Jez about how they're helping vulnerable kids.Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.auSHOW NOTES:The bikers helping abused kids feel safe
Mar 18, 2026 • 39min
Fuel panic, the manosphere and the truth about Banksy
As people panic buy petrol, questions are being asked about whether Australia has enough fuel stockpiled and how we can secure our future. Jules and Jez also talk about Louis Theroux's documentary Inside the Manosphere and whether we actually need to know Banksy's identity. Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au
Mar 15, 2026 • 17min
What's Chalamet's beef with ballet and opera?
As the Oscars get underway, the internet is still in outrage mode following actor Timothée Chalamet's comments about 'no one caring about' ballet and opera anymore.Is Chalamet being an arrogant upstart or does he have a point? Jez and Jules chat about these art forms that are literally hundreds of years old, and how ballet and opera companies are clapping back. Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.auSHOW NOTES:Not Stupid Podcast Opera & Ballet Mixtape
Mar 10, 2026 • 38min
Iranian soccer players escape minders to stay in Australia
In the middle of the night five members of the Lionesses, the Iranian women's soccer team, escaped their minders to stay in Australia. The five women feared persecution after they were labelled "traitors" for refusing to sing the national anthem before a game at the Women's Asian Cup.Jules and Jez also talk about MAFS and how one particular contestant is being challenged on his sexist views.Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.auSHOW NOTES:Not Stupid Podcast Opera & Ballet Mixtape
Mar 8, 2026 • 16min
Boredom, phones and electric shocks
Would you give yourself an electric shock to stave off boredom? Or do you never get bored anymore because you're too busy doom-scrolling? Jules and Jez chat about boredom, phones and the highs and lows of raising small humans.Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au
Mar 4, 2026 • 31min
Trump's war, Kyle and Jackie O and Quiet Queers
As Trump continues to flout international law and doubles down on the war on Iran, the regime names Ayatollah Khamenei's successor. But the question is can regime change actually be achieved?Jules and Jez also talk about the spat that broke up the 25-year partnership of shock jock Kyle and Jackie-O. And Jez sings the praises of the Quiet Queers - introverts who showed up to Mardi Gras on couches with bookJulia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au
Mar 1, 2026 • 17min
The "fertilization president"
Trump wants to boost the US birth rate and is the self-proclaimed “fertilization president"... if that's enough to make you shudder, keep in mind that his government has approved paid parental leave, which is a positive step.However rising childcare costs, combined with a freeze on childcare funding in five states, and the Trump administration's cuts to Medicaid are making things more difficult for women and low-income families.But there is one interesting boost to the birth rate that could be staring us all in the face. Jules and Jez discuss the possibilities. Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au
Feb 25, 2026 • 44min
Epstein, the Royals, and the BAFTAs
Following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest, more questions are being asked of the royals. How much did did his mother, Queen Elizabeth, and his brother King Charles know?Jules and Jez also chat about the BAFTAs, Tourette's and the criticism levelled at the BBC for failing to bleep or edit racial slurs, but editing out 'free Palestine'.Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au
