

Quick Smart
ABC
Quick Smart is the show that feeds you big ideas in bite-sized pieces. Get up to speed on some of the biggest issues from psychology, money, health, history, pop culture, in just 10 minutes. Siobhan Marin guides you through!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 14, 2025 • 13min
Is Stockholm syndrome a sexist myth?
'Stockholm Syndrome' is a phrase we use to describe people in toxic relationships. But have you ever considered the first case? This week, meet the woman behind this dubious diagnosis.

Jul 7, 2025 • 13min
Adulting is hard. Should schools be teaching essential life skills?
Oh, adulthood. Suddenly you're a Jack (or Jill) of all trades, negotiating tax returns and changing tires. Many of us feel wildly unprepared. Should our parents have passed down these skills? Or could schools or social media fill in the blanks?

Jun 30, 2025 • 10min
The controversial and very male history of naming body parts
Fallopian tubes. The G-spot. Skene’s glands. Why are so many female body parts named after shady white men... and should that change?

Jun 23, 2025 • 10min
The 'hard men' behind the Israel-Iran war, and why Trump's involved
Missiles are flying, nuclear sites have been bombed, and now Donald Trump has declared a ceasefire. Why do Israel and Iran hate each other? Who are the men in charge? And how much is ego fuelling this conflict?

Jun 16, 2025 • 10min
Why your childhood could be holding you back financially — and how to fix it
Why do some people save every spare dollar, while others blow through their pay the moment it lands? It might have less to do with discipline and more to do with the way you were raised.

Jun 9, 2025 • 10min
How cults are using coercive control to manipulate followers
They tell you how to act, what to believe, and who to surround yourself with. It sounds like coercive control, right? But this type of manipulation doesn’t just exist in intimate relationships, it happens in spiritual ones, too.

Jun 2, 2025 • 11min
Is productivity a scam? How to avoid burnout at work
Do you ever feel a sinking sensation that you’re not being "productive” enough? It doesn’t just hit at work either, it can tarnish weekends with a weird sense of guilt. Hyper-productivity isn't the answer, that leads to burnout. So, how do we find a happy medium?

May 26, 2025 • 11min
One in seven of us take antidepressants. Getting off them can be a nightmare
Chances are you, or someone you know, took an antidepressant this morning. One in seven Australians are on the medication, and for many it's lifesaving. But are we staying on antidepressants for too long? Is there a right time to stop? And what should we know about withdrawal symptoms?

12 snips
May 19, 2025 • 10min
When is it OK to cut off your parents and go 'no contact’?
Rebecca Cushway, a producer for God Forbid, dives deep into the challenging topic of going 'no contact' with family, particularly parents. She discusses the ethical dilemmas surrounding severing ties and the rise of individuals prioritizing mental health over familial expectations. Exploring themes like abuse and societal pressure, Rebecca highlights the emotional toll that estrangement can take. The conversation also addresses the prospects of mending those relationships and the importance of open communication and professional support.

May 12, 2025 • 10min
Polyamory is becoming more popular. What can it teach us about our love lives?
Call it romantically reckless or fiscally responsible, more Aussies are considering ENM (ethical non-monogamy). So, do these relationships work? And how can you stop jealousy taking hold?


