Quick Smart

Remember when you could drop off soft plastics at the supermarket and feel a little smug, because you knew they’d be recycled? Turns out that scheme was secretly stockpiling rubbish, not recycling it. So, why are soft plastics harder to recycle? And will a new scheme actually work? 

When you think of a saint, who do you picture? Chances are it’s not a tracksuit-wearing, video game playing teen, but that's exactly who the Catholic Church canonised recently. So, why was Carlo Acutis special? What miracles did he perform? And could his sainthood help drive younger people back to religion? 

Patti Manning, an investigative journalist and commentator, dives into the political implications surrounding Charlie Kirk's recent memorial in Arizona, attended by Donald Trump. She discusses Kirk's framing as a martyr and the troubling rhetoric of a spiritual war against the Left. Patti analyzes Kirk's controversial influence and the weaponization of his death by political figures to suppress opposition. They also explore how this trend in the U.S. may be influencing Christian nationalism globally, particularly in Australia, raising alarms over rising far-right sentiments.

While cinemas struggle to fill seats, horror films are bringing in billions. So, why do we enjoy being scared? And how come horror flicks are filled with nuns, crosses and other Christian imagery?-------- If you liked this chat, send it to the cinema buff in your life. You might also enjoy our eps on how cults are being targeted with coercive control laws and why certain female body parts are named after shady, white men.  Plus, check out Anna Levy’s article about religion in horror films.

From the sovereign citizen movement to vaccine conspiracy theories, extreme beliefs are on the rise, and they can make family gatherings super uncomfortable. Why do sensible people fall for irrational ideas? And can we challenge these ideas without alienating the people who hold them?

Rose Kerr, a producer for All In The Mind, dives into the psychology behind our attachment to clutter and its emotional toll. She explores the challenges of letting go, particularly for those experiencing hoarding tendencies. The discussion critiques societal pressures around minimalism and reveals how clutter impacts mental well-being. Rose highlights popular decluttering media and emphasizes identifying personal values to ease the process. With practical strategies and insights, she guides listeners toward finding a sense of freedom in letting go of the unnecessary.

Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law. And yet, the Israeli government just approved almost 3,500 more of these homes. Meanwhile, settler violence against Palestinians is rising. So, who are the settlers and why are they allowed to exist outside the law?

If you had to dash out for a bottle of milk, could you just stroll to the supermarket? If the answer's yes, you might be living in a 15-minute city. What are these neighbourhoods, exactly, and why do conspiracy theorists hate them?

Financial woes, global conflicts, and world leaders who act like the rules don’t apply. The United Nations is at crisis point. So, 80 years since its creation, is the UN still relevant? And how might we fix it?

Like it or not, tax affects our incomes and grocery bills. It also helps pay for roads, hospitals and schools. But could the government be taking less from our salaries and more from big business, inheritance, or superannuation?