Big Small Talk
MIK MADE
The big and the small – all in one place. Because loving pop culture doesn’t mean you don’t understand politics. Tuesdays we unpack the headlines you need to know. Thursdays we talk to the people you want to hear from on the topics you care about. And every month, we deep the stories from the past that you’ve been dying to understand. Hosted by Sarah Jane Adams and Hannah Ferguson. Find us at @bigsmalltalk_pod for more.
The big and the small – all in one place. Because loving pop culture doesn’t mean you don’t understand politics. Tuesdays we unpack the headlines you need to know. Thursdays we talk to the people you want to hear from on the topics you care about. And every month, we deep the stories from the past that you’ve been dying to understand. Hosted by Sarah Jane Adams and Hannah Ferguson. Find us at @bigsmalltalk_pod for more.
U.S Midterms, Sexiest Man Alive & Israel votes
Episodes
Hello!!! The U.S. midterm elections are a week away (a.k.a nerd Christmas) and boy do we have the segment for you. Hannah walks us through the stakes, the key races, and the all important question: do the Democrats actually stand a chance? Then Sarah talks about the second-biggest political decision of the year – People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive. She explains how the competition started, and how we ended up with this year’s pick, sweetie pie Noah Wyle. Plus – Netanyahu loses the Israel election, and Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato are friends again in the name of… blush?? Like what you hear? Let’s be friends! Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram This ep was produced by Sarah Jane Adams and Justine Landis-Hanley
Everyone wants a village, but nobody wants to be a villager. It’s the phrase taking over the internet, and it raises a pretty uncomfortable question - have we become so obsessed with protecting our peace and setting boundaries that we’ve forgotten how to actually show up for our friends? This week, we’re joined by internationally recognised friendship expert, journalist and author of Modern Friendship, Anna Goldfarb, to unpack why adult friendships feel harder than ever. We talk the different types of friendship we should experience, what we should be expecting and how to not only make but maintain your best friends. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is Elizabeth Holmes a bad person? Or is she a person who did bad things? We’re back for part two of our series on Elizabeth Holmes – the Silicon Valley darling-turned-fraudster who falsely promised that her company could run lab tests with just a single drop of blood. It’s 2014 and things are looking good for Elizabeth. Her company is valued at $9 billion. Magazines are making her out as a once-in-a-generation, world-saving genius. But the cracks are starting to show: Suspicions are rising. Former employees are starting to talk. And a Wall Street Journal reporter is on the case. Like what you heard? We recommend: Bad Blood by John Carreyrou The Dropout podcast (Spotify or Apple) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Everyone is talking about Elizabeth Holmes. She’s the star of Nathan Fielder’s buzzy documentary, You Can See Everything. Consider this month’s Big Talk your pre-show guide – everything you need to know before you head to the movies. But hey, even if you have no interest in watching that film (even though it might be the first doco to win Best Picture at the Oscars EVER), we think you’ll still LOVE these two eps. Because the story of Elizabeth Holmes and her company, Theranos, is like a movie in itself. It’s wild, dramatic, and, at times, unbelievable. It’s about a 19-year-old who took on an industry with a ‘fake it ‘til’ you make it’ attitude, and gambled people’s lives in the process. In part one, we go back to the beginning: Elizabeth’s time at Stanford, Theranos’ meteoric rise, and… what was really going on behind closed doors. Like what you heard? We recommend: Bad Blood by John Carreyrou The Dropout podcast (Spotify or Apple) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hello hello. Do we have an episode for you this week or what! First up, Hannah talks us through the latest allegations against Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Apparently, Dutch spies hacked his phone and he’s allegedly been receiving some LARGE sums of money from Middle Eastern leaders to influence foreign policy. But this isn’t the only scandal he’s caught up in… Then, Glee is returning! And Lea Michelle, Diana Agron, and Heather Morris are among the confirmed cast. Sarah revisits the highs and lows of the show that helped raise us, and asks: is this a good idea!? Plus: why people are protesting across France, the criminal allegations against Megan Markle’s dad, Brazil’s shock election results, and the latest on Helen Haines’ attack. Like what you hear? Let’s be friends! Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane’s Instagram Hannah’s Instagram This ep was produced by Sarah Jane Adams and Justine Landis-Hanley See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ashe is a huge US based singer-songwriter, a collaborator of FINNEAS (Billie Eilish’s brother and creative partner), and now the voice behind 'Stop the Wedding!', the viral song making women everywhere rethink what they should expect from love. And what if expecting more from our life and relationships wasn't cynical, but actually the most romantic and joyous thing we could do? After going through a divorce in her twenties, Ashe is now happily remarried, and has some beautiful wisdom to share about walking away, and how having big expectations for your life might just be a wonderful thing. Also, her new album is one of the best things I've listened to all year. Enjoy !!! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hi everyone. This episode is coming amidst some tragic developing news: independent federal politician, Helen Haines, is in a critical condition after a man purposefully drove into her multiple times outside her office. Hannah shares what we know so far about the attack, and discusses the rise we have seen in threats towards female politicians. Note: since recording, the suspect, Brendan Nugent, has been publicly named. Latest reports also say that one of Ms Haines’ legs has been amputated. Then, Sarah explains why Sally Rooney’s support for Palestine is seeing her books pulled from UK shelves. The situation also raises some pretty uncomfortable questions about how Britain's terrorism laws are being applied. Plus: how Trump’s press secretary, Katie Zacharia, lost her job in just five days, the GIRLS reboot, the allegations against Greens senator Jordon Steele-John, and the shock appearances at the Victoria Secret Runway Show. Like what you hear? Let’s be friends! Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane’s Instagram Hannah’s Instagram This ep was produced by Sarah Jane Adams and Justine Landis-Hanley See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is our obsession with being nice is actually part of the problem? This week on Small Talk, I'm joined by one of Australia's most respected political journalists and authors, Amy Remeikis, to unpack why playing nice might be getting us absolutely nowhere. Amy is the Chief Political Analyst at The Australia Institute, a contributing editor at The New Daily and is known online as Pyjama Politics. Amy is able to make the complicated world of politics accessible without losing any of its nuance. And her latest book, Screw Nice, makes a compelling case for why it's time to rethink our relationship with politeness. We talk about why women are conditioned to be agreeable, the difference between being nice and being kind, and why the people causing the most outrage seem to face the fewest consequences. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane’s Instagram This ep was produced by Sarah Jane Adams See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hello hello! If you had any doubt before, you can now say for certain that we are living in a dystopian hellhole because the U.S. has announced it will livestream the execution of a prisoner on death row. Hannah talks about how this announcement, and the recent failed execution of Christa Pike, has sparked universal outrage from all sides of politics. Then, Sarah explains why Olivia Dean is being sued for allegedly copying Bill Withers’ classic hit ‘Just the Two of Us’. And the whole debacle has us asking – is it possible for anything in music, fashion or art to feel original these days? Plus, the Coalition’s migration promise, the Greens’ public supermarket proposal, Mia Goth and Shia Le Bouf’s divorce, One Nation’s racist AI-generated campaign ad, and why actress Selma Blair was arrested at JFK airport. Send in a question for us to answer next ep HERE on the SpeakPipe. Like what you hear? Let’s be friends! Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane’s Instagram Hannah’s Instagram This ep was produced by Sarah Jane Adams and Justine Landis-Hanley See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We spend years learning about our bodies through trial and error because no one ever really taught us how our hormones work. Model, founder of Selfdom and creator of the bestselling gratitude journals, Dominique Elissa returns to the pod this week to discuss her new journal 'Flow State' and why understanding your hormones has completely changed the way she lives. From the four phases of the menstrual cycle and learning to work with your body instead of against it, to her fertility journey and now expecting her first baby, Dominique has an honest conversation about reconnecting with your body See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prosecutors have reopened an investigation into an alleged rape at Cornell University after public outrage and mounting questions over how the case was handled. Then, the New York Times has decided the best TV shows of the 21st century and naturally, we have thoughts.Back home, the Greens have a new leader, but the result has exposed some pretty major divisions within the party. Plus, has the internet officially changed its mind on Pete Davidson? He’s opening up about his famous exes, his confrontations with Kanye West and why he has an issue with female content creators. And former Bachelor star Sam Wood has been charged with domestic violence offences.Then in our Q+A: Megan Fox’s Letterboxd four. Yes, we’re judging. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane’s Instagram Hannah’s Instagram This ep was produced by Sarah Jane Adams and Justine Landis-Hanley See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles on in studio with us? Consider this Sarah’s pinch-me moment. The girls join us to talk about their new film, Sense and Sensibility, which by the way, is perfect cinema. You’ll know Daisy of course from the cult classic, Normal People, as well as Where the Crawdads Sing, Fresh and Twisters, and Esmé from Hanna, The Doll Factory and Silver Haze. Together we're talking Jane Austen, big sister energy and why a story written more than 200 years ago still understands our dating lives so well. From sibling-order theory and family dynamics to a bestie dating an absolute flop and an ex wanting a second chance, we get into the advice we all need through the eyes of Elinor and Marianne. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Richard Nixon wins re-election in one of the biggest landslides in American history. Less than two years later, he becomes the first and only U.S. president to resign. So, how did it all fall apart? In Part Two, we get into Nixon’s growing paranoia, the creation of CREEP, the increasingly unhinged schemes of the people around him, and the break-in at the Watergate complex that started the unraveling. We take you inside what actually happened that night, before following the investigation, the secret White House tapes and the cover-up that ultimately reached all the way to the President. This is the break-in, the cover-up and the bitter end of Richard Nixon’s presidency. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome back to Big Talk! It’s the political scandal so infamous that, 50 years later, we’re still adding “gate” to the end of every controversy. But Watergate didn’t begin with a break-in. In Part One, we’re going back to Richard Nixon’s rise to power, the lies America was told about the Vietnam War, the explosive leak of the Pentagon Papers, and the increasingly secretive White House determined to stop its secrets getting out. This is how we got to Watergate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
AUDIENCE SURVEY LINK HERE!!!! THANK YOU ILY: https://forms.gle/dc9iXh7BEwntMuiW9 On the show this week, OpenAI hacked a Medicare portal months ago, and we’re only just hearing about it now. So… how did that happen? Then, Taylor Swift has released new music. Of course, she’s the biggest pop star in the world, so we HAVE to deep it, but if you’re not in the mood to psychoanalyse Taylor with us, you can always skip ahead. Plus, looksmaxxing influencer Braden Peters, otherwise known as Clavicular, has been charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl. We then unpack everything that went down at the VMAs, Anthony Albanese getting a Trump selfie in New York, and Susan Sarandon and Hacks star Hannah Einbinder are arrested while protesting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, Sarah sits down with renowned human rights and media lawyer Jen Robinson, whose career has taken her from Julian Assange’s legal team and the Murdoch phone-hacking scandal to representing Amber Heard. Jen unpacks how defamation laws can be weaponised to silence women, survivors and journalists, and the enormous legal and financial risk that can come with telling your story. We also get into the rise of trial by TikTok: how viral clips, algorithms and bot campaigns can distort high-profile court cases, what Jen witnessed during the Depp v Heard saga, and why we should be far more sceptical of what lands on our feeds. Plus, the global fight at the centre of Jen’s documentary Silenced, and what needs to change to protect the right to speak. Silenced Film Instagram Jen Robinsons Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Big Small Talk's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hey BSTies! On the show this week – anti-abortion activist Dr Joanna Howe and her husband James have come under fire after he said that he doesn’t “do consent”. Then, the girls unpack Lena Dunham’s announcement that she has become a mum via surrogacy. Is it ever okay to pay someone to carry your child? Plus – Labor and One Nation announce migration crackdowns, Channing Tatum allegedly has a burner account (!?), the latest on Macklemore and Ed Sheeran, and how to hold on to hope with the UN General Assembly’s Be Hope campaign. AUDIENCE SURVEY LINK HERE!!!! THANK YOU ILY: https://forms.gle/dc9iXh7BEwntMuiW9 Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram This ep was produced by Sarah Jane Adams and Justine Landis-Hanley See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The beauty industry is worth more than $450 billion globally. So what actually makes us buy one product over another? Sarah sits down with Natassia Nicolao, founder and CEO of Conserving Beauty, to unpack what it really takes to build a beauty brand in an industry obsessed with virality, celebrity launches, dupes and the next “must-have” product. From creating the world’s first dissolving makeup wipe to getting stocked in MECCA, Natassia reveals how science and sustainability became her competitive edge, why 12-year-olds are suddenly using actives, and just how much of a product’s success comes down to clever marketing or genuine innovation. Plus, she takes us behind the scenes of building a business from scratch, the education that helped her get there, and what she’s learned about taking the leap before you feel completely ready. This episode is brought to you by Deakin University. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, Donald Trump is promising every American adult $5,000 if Republicans win the midterms - yes, really. Then, NFL star Aaron Rodgers has opened up about his breakup with actress Shailene Woodley and revealed the wild request she made before they got married, which has somehow only made the internet like her more. We’re also getting into a former Anthropic employee who quit because he believes AI could help kill humanity, and what the people leading these companies are saying about that risk. Plus, Macklemore was asked to leave Ed Sheeran’s tour after saying “Free Palestine” on stage, and somehow Pink is involved too. And finally, unfortunately, we have another Sydney Sweeney ad to talk about! This time however, the backlash is coming from some of the biggest names in women’s sport. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For the first time in almost three years, your Tuesday episode is running a day late! A perfect storm of sickness, international travel and terrible timing has thrown us slightly off course — so Sarah is jumping into your feeds with a tiny update. The good news: we’ll be back TOMORROW (Wednesday) at 5pm with a VERY big Big Small Talk. And trust us, there is a lot to talk about this week. Thanks for bearing with us xx Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our friend Chanel Contos is on the podcast, and she’s casually changing Australia again! Chanel is the activist behind Teach Us Consent, the campaign that helped change consent education in Australian schools. Now, she’s coming for our algorithms with Fix Our Feeds - which, huge news, just got the green light from the Australian Government this week. We recorded this chat before that happened, on the eve of Chanel’s National Press Club address. We talk about what it was actually like becoming the face of the consent movement. Then of course, we discuss how algorithms have impacted dating in 2026. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nationals leader Matt Canavan is blaming the ‘feminisation’ of schools, consent education, and female teachers for the online radicalisation of young men, and Hannah is… not impressed. She unpacks his controversial comments, why we need to stop blaming women for the actions of men, and the latest push to finally regulate social media algorithms + fix our feeds. Then, Sarah dives into Alix Earle’s new reality tv show, Earle Meets World. She unpacks the BTS drama with Alex Cooper, the Ashley Dupree scandal, and answers the all-important question: do the Earles have what it takes to be the next Kardashians? Plus, Mamdani bans AI in schools, the Lindsay Clancy mistrial, and why the Met Gala Exhibition has been cancelled for 2027. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram This ep was produced by Sarah Jane Adams and Justine Landis-Hanley. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At some point, you'll probably face what we on the pod call a Diabolical Quarter -- a time in your life when everything falls apart and you just can't catch a break. Singer-songwriter Gretta Ray knows about these seasons of life all too well. Just 48 hours after moving to London -- ready to take next big leap in her career -- Gretta ended up in hospital and diagnosed with a life-threatening condition. Then came a break up, a flight home to Australia, and a long recovery process. So, we wanted to ask Gretta: what do you do when shit really hits the fan? How do you rebuild from that? Gretta's album Heartsong is out on October 30. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Guyyssss Olivia Rodrigo threw a festival raising money for women’s health, safety and reproductive rights and THE WORLD IS HEALING. Sarah kicks off this episode talking all things Daisy Chain Festival – Stevie Nicks’ appearance, the whopping $20 million donation, and the way a 23-year-old pop star is building a legacy that goes way beyond her music. Hannah then breaks down Meta’s historic $17 billion legal settlement, and the company’s promise to combat teen social media addiction on Instagram and Facebook. But is this really the public win they are making it out to be??? Plus, the world remembers Dolly Parton, Australia looks to outlaw strangulation porn, and why we should be paying attention to what’s happening in Nepal. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram This ep was produced by Sarah Jane Adams and Justine Landis-Hanley. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There’s a good chance that you’ve heard of Pussy Riot – the punk band from Russia that has made global headlines for speaking out against Vladimir Putin. Maria Alyokhina was just 23 years old when she joined the group and, consequently, became Putin's political prisoner. She was arrested and jailed multiple times for her activism over the years. But in 2022, she hatched a plan. She dressed up as a food delivery driver and, with the help of her friends, fled the country. Maria is one of the bravest people we will ever speak to. So, given the state of the world right now, we asked her: how do you maintain hope in politically dark times? And how do you find the courage to keep fighting back? Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane Adams Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We are back for part two of our series on Pauline Hanson, and things are not looking good. It’s 2003, the authorities have come knocking, and Pauline is staring down a criminal trial. In our final episode, we track Hanson’s return to parliament and meteoric rise in popularity. Her reality television rebrand, her We ask ourselves: how do we make sense of Pauline Hanson? Is there a One Nation without her? Can you build a movement on anger? And what happens when the major parties stop speaking to a chunk of the country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As whispers of the next federal election swirl, one name keeps coming up: Pauline Hanson. Hanson and her party are rapidly rising in popularity. Polling over the last few weeks suggests that the next election might come down to a race between Labor versus One Nation. So – who is Pauline Hanson? And how did we get here? In this two-part series, we talk about the rise, the fall, and resurrection of Pauline Hanson. Her days as a fish and chip shop owner, the letter that got her sacked from the Liberal Party, the criminal trial that put her behind bars, her Dancing with the Stars redemption arc, and the messy fights and fallouts that have plagued One Nation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sarah kicks us off with a breakdown of the Lindsay Clancy trial unfolding in the US right now - who she is, what happened, the evidence we’ve heard in court and the reality of trial by TikTok. Hannah then talks through the latest developments in the Sydney Swans scandal, with multiple players now stood down from the club, plus the powerful show of support for the Swans women’s team over the weekend. Plus, the girls unpack the VMA nominations (Olivia Rodrigo snubbed?!), the latest changes to the NDIS, and finally… what the hell is going on with KATSEYE? Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pip Northeast is the breakout star of Netflix’s My Brilliant Career, currently one of the Top 10 shows in the world. But forget everything you’ve been told about getting ahead at work. After chatting about taking on one of Australia’s most iconic stories - and the woman behind it all, Miles Franklin, we put the career advice we’ve all been fed to the test. Should you really “lean in”? Do you actually need a mentor? Can you be in love and have a career? Pip gives us her verdict on the best, worst and most outdated career advice, with insights into her own experiences. My Brilliant Career is out now on Netflix. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane Adams Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
First up, Hannah takes us through reports that three teenage boys from one of Sydney’s most expensive private boys schools – The Scots College – were arrested on charges of sexual assault. She also talks about Victoria Police’s investigation into the Sydney Swans. Sarah dives into the business scandal that could see Bill Gates’ 23-year-old daughter go to prison. A fashion tech startup, a billionaire nepo baby, and a bunch of celebrity investors? Sounds like the making of a Netflix series. Plus, AOC freezes her eggs, the world mourns Hayden Panettiere, what happened to Jason Arday, and One Nation is one of the “gayest” parties!? Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram This ep was produced by Sarah Jane Adams and Justine Landis-Hanley See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Everyone has an opinion on AI. Some say it's the inevitable future. Others think it'll take our jobs, fuel misinformation, and hand even more power to Big Tech and billionaires. This week, Sarah sits down with bestselling author, technologist and journalist Cory Doctorow to unpack whether AI really is the future or just a wildly overhyped tech bubble. They also dive into Cory's theory of the "reverse centaur", why bosses and billionaires are so obsessed with AI, why he believes it's one of the dumbest financial investments of our time, and where Australia fits into the global AI race. Cory Doctorow appears at Sydney's Festival of Dangerous Ideas from 22-23 August and Now or Never on 25 August at Melbourne's The Capitol, presented by The Wheeler Centre. Cory's books mentioned in this episode: Enshittifcation: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What to Do About It The Reverse Centaur's Guide to Life After AI: How to Think About Artificial Intelligence Before It's Too Late See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
First up, Hannah unpacks the ABC’s apology to Gina Rinehart over comments made during its new Gen Z-coded show, Race Around the World. What’s really upsetting people here – the fact the public broadcaster said sorry OR who it is saying sorry to? Sarah talks about the OpenAI luxury influencer brand trip (yep you read that right). The theme? Eco-friendly summer camp. Think farm-to-table meals, beekeeping, and cognitive dissonance. The girls how TikToker Sydney Towle changed the way we see cancer, and why Abdul El-Sayed’s monumental Michigan Senate nom could shake-up the Democratic party. Plus, Role Model loves Dakota Johnson, Olivia Rodrigo’s normie finance boyfriend, and Gracie Abrams has Phoebe Bridges’ sheets!? Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram This ep was co-produced by Sarah-Jane Adams and Justine Landis-Hanley See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When did women become expected to grow out of having fun? This week, Sarah is joined by Happy Hour hosts Lucy & Nikki to chat about dating as a party girl, whether men are intimidated by fun, successful women, being on the apps and why your friendships shouldn't disappear just because you're in a relationship. Sarah-Jane Instagram Big Small Talk Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BSTies – it’s been a week! Sarah talks about Ariana Grande’s new album (which has sparked intense online debate around her appearance), as well as her decision to step away from public life. The girls chat about why we need to be careful in these conversations concerning Ariana’s body and health, but also about the dangers of collective silence. Hannah dives into how a rogue OpenAI escaped its container and hacked another company. And just a few days later, Anthropic (the company behind Claude) revealed that THEIR model had done the same thing three times. Yay. Plus, a Nantucket store goes viral for putting up a “No Influencers” sign, former NRL player and BookTok sweetheart Luke Bateman outs gambling companies at a Senate inquiry, and Nara Smith is actively walking back her #tradwife label. Oh, and everybody please welcome producer Justine! Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, Sarah sits down with historian, author and educator Dr Esme Louise James, creator of Kinky History, to explore the fascinating history of sex, desire and shame. Esme explains how many of the things we consider "new" or "unnatural" have actually existed for millennia, and how our modern attitudes towards sex have been shaped by history, religion, medicine, law and power. They also discuss Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film The Odyssey, and why Esme believes it stripped away the complexity of its female characters and sanitised the role sex played in Homer's original epic. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you grew up watching Anastasia, chances are you believed there was always a chance the youngest Romanov princess escaped. But the true story behind one of history's most enduring mysteries is even more extraordinary than the film. In this special two-part crossover with Ainslie Harvey's The Hot History Podcast, Sarah is joined by historian and host Ainslie to uncover the true story behind the world's most famous grand duchess. Together, they explore the rise and fall of the Romanov dynasty, Rasputin's influence, the Russian Revolution, the family's final days, and the mystery that captivated the world for decades: did Anastasia really survive? Part Two is out now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The mystery isn't over !!! In part two of our VERY special The Hot History Podcast crossover, we unravel the century-long question that captivated the world: did Princess Anastasia really survive? From the famous imposters and Soviet cover-ups to the discovery of the Romanovs' remains, DNA testing with Prince Philip, and the family's surprising legacy under Vladimir Putin, we separate fact from fiction. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's good to be back!! Hannah has officially announced she's running against the Prime Minister at the next federal election. The girls chat about what she'll be campaigning for, why she's doing it, how she's feeling, and what it means for the podcast. Sarah dives into the film everyone can't stop talking about, The Odyssey, unpacking how it was made, why Christopher Nolan insisted on shooting it for IMAX and his refusal to use CGI or AI. Hannah then unpacks Pauline Hanson's comments on domestic violence, which sparked widespread backlash, before breaking down the bizarre moment Barnaby Joyce went viral for yelling at a dog on live TV. Plus, Charli XCX drops her long-awaited new album, Matty Healy gets married, Trump declares he'll run for president again after the White House Correspondents' Dinner, and we pay tribute to the legendary Sam Neill. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Have we accidentally created an impossible definition of success? This week, Sarah is joined by Jemma Sbeg, host of The Psychology of Your 20s, one of the world's biggest podcasts, now adapted for Netflix - to unpack the pressure so many of us feel to achieve something extraordinary before 30. Together they explore the psychology behind comparison, burnout, perfectionism, quarter-life crises, social media's impact on ambition, and why the finish line for success always seems to move. If you've ever felt behind despite loving your life, this conversation is for you. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane Adams Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, Sarah is joined by pop star Kita Alexander. ARIA-nominated, a collaborator of Fisher, started out with Dua Lipa (who she opened for on the Radical Optimism tour), Kita has just released her new album, Rage, which she will be touring this year! Together, they chat about her wellness routine, fitness habits, anxieties, and the role meditation plays in navigating both everyday life and major career moments. Then, inspired by her new album, they unpack the idea of rage: what happens when you stop worrying about being "the nice girl", why so many women struggle to express anger, and whether it's possible to be both soft and grounded while moving through difficult emotions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This is a really special episode. Jessica Mauboy has one of those rare energies that instantly makes you feel at ease, and this conversation is such a genuine reflection on a career that has come full circle. From navigating fame at just sixteen during the unforgiving 2000s media era, being body shamed by Kyle Sandilands, landing a record deal and leading roles in Hollywood, to becoming a mum, returning to that same show as a mentor and championing the next generation of First Nations artists. We talk about reconnecting with your inner child, trusting your intuition, finding your way back to your roots, and how success changes as you grow. Please do watch and listen to the very special That BlackFella Show back on ABC iView now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Taylor Swift Wedding has happened. It's the biggest pop culture story of the year (probably) and we have plenty to unpack. We chat about the venue, Adam Sandler officiating, performances, the extensive (and yes, controversial) guest list, the raffle, the impact on NYC citizens and the comparisons to Bezo's. Next up, Karl Stefanovic has now also been axed by ARN as well. He opens up about that while interviewing Piers Morgan on a yacht. Dua Lipa opens a library in one of Europe's most famous, beautiful bookshops. The library is a permanent collection of hotly debated or banned books. We then talk through the tragic murder of a teenage girl in Thailand at the hands of an Australian man. Finally, we unpack supermodel Karlie Kloss recent PR moves, opening up about her marriage to a Kushner and becoming a media mogul. Then of course, we had to mention the Prime Minister playing a game of shag, marry, date. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's time for hot takes over tea. How do you navigate personal relationships when your job is having opinions on the internet? Have we ever felt lost in our careers? How do we feel about getting married? And seriously, do Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos have therapists? This week both Hannah and Sarah are answering YOUR hot takes and burning questions, from how we actually met to our most controversial opinions, our "hear me out" crushes, comfort movies, whether streaming killed cinema, and what you should do if you spot us out in the wild!! It's a proper catch-up, with plenty of oversharing, questionable takes and a few things you probably weren't expecting us to say. All while sipping on a Lipton Matcha! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's been a BIG week and, honestly, one of our most interesting episodes yet. We kick things off by breaking down why Karl Stefanovic was axed from Nine, his viral "I'm free" video, and what we think comes next. Sarah then dives into Kylie Jenner's new partnership with Meta AI Glasses and whether the feminisation of tech is finally enough to make wearable AI cool. Hannah unpacks Australia's newest teal political party and what they're hoping to represent. Then, we have the best time going through all the reports and rumours surrounding Taylor Swift's wedding. We also break down New York City's primary election, where Zohran Mamdani-backed candidates all won while JFK's grandson, Jack Schlossberg, lost. Finally, in our Q&A, we answer a listener question on Australia's FIFA Women's World Cup campaign and where the tournament goes from here. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, Sarah is joined by award-winning retired financial adviser, best-selling author, and host of Australia’s number one finance podcast, She’s on the Money. In this episode, Victoria Devine answer all your listener questions for a mid-year money reset. No question is too silly, no topic is too intimidating. We discuss, should you prioritise saving or travel? How do you actually start investing? What's the best budget for beginners? And how do you protect yourself financially in a long-term relationship or marriage? Whether you've been avoiding your bank account or you're just looking to make smarter money decisions for the second half of the year, this is your reminder that getting on top of your finances is a lot less scary than you think !!! Sarah-Jane's Instagram Big Small Talk Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chelsea Manning has leaked hundreds of thousands of classified documents to WikiLeaks, including the infamous Collateral Murder video. The fallout is immediate: governments scramble, public trust is shaken, and Julian Assange becomes one of the most divisive figures in the world. We unpack the leaks that changed everything, the 2016 U.S. election controversy, Assange's years inside the Ecuadorian embassy, and the legal battle that eventually brought him back to Australia. Hero, journalist, hacker, criminal? You can decide! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Before WikiLeaks became one of the most controversial organisations in the world, Julian Assange was a teenage hacker from Australia with a fascination for secrecy. In this episode, we trace Assange's journey from hacking NASA and the Pentagon to developing the philosophy that would eventually underpin WikiLeaks. We unpack the leaks that first put the organisation on the map, from government corruption in Kenya and Guantánamo Bay documents to Scientology secrets and Australia's internet censorship blacklist. And finally, we meet the whistleblower who would change everything: Chelsea Manning. Part Two is out now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, Pauline Hanson delivers the National Press Club Address and Gina Rinehart also makes a major announcement. Then, the SA abortion bill is narrowly defeated, we unpack the latest from the UK as Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigns, and Norway's prince is convicted in a case that has dominated headlines across Europe. ARN reaches a settlement with Kyle Sandilands, we break down the inaugural Las Culturistas Awards (our new favourite event, ever), and Olivia Rodrigo announces her very own music festival. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on Small Talk, Sarah is joined by Science Vs host Wendy Zukerman to unpack the internet's latest wellness obsession: peptides. From BPC-157 and MOTS-c to anti-ageing injections and "Wolverine stacks", Wendy breaks down what peptides actually are, what the science says, and where the line sits between promising medical research and wellness-industry hype. They discuss biohacking culture, social media testimonials, Big Pharma conspiracies, why Australia is stricter than the US, and whether we're racing ahead of the evidence in pursuit of self-optimisation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, we unpack Gwyneth Paltrow’s decision to star in an ad for a luxury real estate development in Israel, as well as a recent Goop podcast episode on US defence systems. Then, Elon Musk becomes the world’s first trillionaire thanks to SpaceX. We also break down the FIFA World Cup, the Socceroos’ strong start, and why New York has been electric following the Knicks’ historic NBA Championship win. Plus, the latest developments in efforts to secure a peace deal involving Iran. Then, we dive into the early reviews of Olivia Rodrigo’s new album, her comments about Taylor Swift, and a little tidbit from Taylor’s induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. And in this week’s Q&A, we discuss Indy Clinton’s court appearance outfit. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.