Big Small Talk
Big Small Talk
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
Nov 26, 2025 • 38min
SMALL TALK: What Did We Get Right -and Wrong -This Year?
This week, the hosts share their biggest lessons from the past year. They reflect on navigating personal and work challenges, emphasizing the importance of managing social energy and setting boundaries. Friendship dynamics are explored, highlighting the need for clear expectations. Career growth advice comes with the mantra of seeking new learning opportunities. They discuss emotional maturity in relationships and integrating friend groups for a richer social life. The conversation wraps up with insights on health awareness and fashion choices.
Nov 25, 2025 • 32min
BIG TALK: The Whitlam Dismissal PART TWO
The podcast dives into the dramatic events of the 1975 Whitlam Dismissal, exploring how the Senate blocked government funding and the tense culmination of political deadlock. It examines the iconic dismissal speech and reveals the Palace's involvement through the Palace Letters. Discussions unfold around the controversial decisions by Malcolm Fraser and the resulting protests across the nation. They also tackle the murky legalities of the Governor-General's actions and speculate about CIA influence during the Cold War, all while reflecting on Whitlam's complicated legacy.
Nov 25, 2025 • 56min
Trump’s “Piggy” Insult, UN Gaza Plan, Colleen Hoover Regret
The hosts dive into Trump's bizarre meet-and-greet and his infamous 'piggy' remark. They tackle the controversial UN plan for Gaza and unpack Colleen Hoover's regret over her hit novel. Highlights from the ARIA Awards and Olivia Dean's criticism of Ticketmaster add spice. Plus, Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini's breakup drama brings the celebrity gossip, while Mary Fowler speaks out on discrimination she's faced. It's a mix of politics, pop culture, and literary confession!
Nov 19, 2025 • 57min
SMALL TALK: Where Are The Male Role Models? With Jack Toohey
This week, Sarah sits down with Jack Toohey, the content creator behind THAT viral housing-crisis video, author of Better Things Are Possible, and creative production lead at Teach Us Consent. It’s a rare Small Talk moment: a man in the guest chair. So Sarah dives straight in. They unpack why men react so defensively to the word “privilege,” what Jack is actually seeing in his algorithm, and how fitness and diet culture have become unexpected gateways into identity and politics for young men. They also dissect the pressure to be a “provider,” and why the real key to better conversations might be systems literacy. Jack opens up about modern masculinity and the world men are navigating today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 18, 2025 • 44min
BIG TALK: The Whitlam Dismissal PART ONE
With the 50-year anniversary of the Whitlam era having just passed, we’re diving into why this moment still has everyone talking. In part one, we peel back the story of the man who tried to reshape Australia faster than the country could catch its breath and how that boldness created one of the most fascinating political rollercoasters we’ve ever had. From Medibank to no-fault divorce, free uni to ending conscription, Whitlam arrives in 1972 and immediately begins rewriting the national script. But the pace, the ambition, and the battles with a hostile Senate set the stage for a showdown no one could have predicted. This episode takes you from his historic 1972 win, through the reforms, all the way to the surprising snap election just 17 months later. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 18, 2025 • 53min
Epstein's Emails, Wicked: For Good & Net Zero
20,000 emails have been released from Epstein’s estate - including one that indicates Vladimir Putin may have photos of Donald Trump having oral sex with Bill Clinton. Ryan Murphy's new legal drama starring Kim Kardashian, Naomi Watts, Glenn Close and Sarah Paulson has been panned by critics, many giving 0 stars. The Liberal party scraps Net Zero. The Wicked: For Good press tour and premieres are underway, we recap the headlines so far. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is introducing sweeping criminal law reforms that could see children as young as 14 sentenced to adult life sentence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 12, 2025 • 41min
SMALL TALK: Who Helps Run the World (But Never Gets the Credit)? With Phoebe Saintalin
This week we explore the power behind the power - the hidden figures quietly pulling the strings in the rooms where world leaders make history (but don't call them puppeteers though… they don’t love that). This week, I’m joined by Phoebe Saintalin Stocks, founder of Missing Perspectives and author of the brilliant new book The Right Hand. What makes this book so extraordinary is that Phoebe sat down with the real chiefs of staff to some of the most influential leaders on the planet - from Jacinda Ardern, Kamala Harris and John Howard to Nelson Mandela, Tony Blair and Julia Gillard. In our chat, Phoebe opens up about her own career journey and how she learned just how human our world leaders really are. Perfect content for our fellow political nerds… or if you peaked early as your Primary School Vice Captain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 11, 2025 • 51min
Sydney Sweeney GQ, Zohran Win & Children's Skincare
Sydney Sweeney Has Spoken Out About Her Controversial American Eagle Jeans Ad. Zohran Mamdani has won the race to be mayor of NYC. Actress Shay Mitchell Launches ‘Rini’, A Skincare Company for Small Children. Victoria’s Inquiry into women’s pain has confirmed what we already know, the health system was built around men. The 2026 Grammy Nominations are in, here are the best surprises and shocking snubs. Tasmania compensates those convicted under homophobic laws. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 5, 2025 • 49min
SMALL TALK: Should We Want Celebrities Political Opinions? With Shit You Should Care About
Lucy Blakiston, founder of the popular Instagram account Shit You Should Care About, dives into the impact of social media on news consumption and activism. They discuss the responsibilities of celebrities regarding political commentary, questioning if fans should expect them to speak out. Lucy shares her experiences with audience growth and the challenges of navigating misinformation while maintaining integrity. The conversation tackles the delicate balance of activism, celebrity influence, and the complexities of silence in public figures.
Nov 4, 2025 • 48min
Julia Fox, Zohran Mamdani & Dean Lewis
Julia Fox has found herself in the middle of a heated online debate over her Halloween costume choice. It’s time for some hope, the election for NYC Mayor is upon us - and let’s hold hands in a circle for Zohran. Australian singer Dean Lewis has issued an apology following multiple sexual misconduct allegations. Victoria has become the first Australian jurisdiction to pass a formal treaty with Indigenous Traditional Owners. On a hill that seems bizarre to die on, Podcaster and Creator Hallie Batchelor is standing by her thesis that using condoms are cringey. It's being reported that Millie Bobby Brown has reported David Harbour for bullying on the set of Stranger Things. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
