Big Small Talk
LiSTNR
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
Dec 22, 2025 • 1h 4min
Bondi Update, Timothy Chalamet & Rob Reiner
Last episode for the year! Thank you so much for all your support this year, excited to see you in 2026! In this episode we give an update on what's unfolded in the news since the devastating terrorist attack in Bondi. We deep dive into the Sean Combs documentary produced by 50 Cent and Sean's alleged involvement in both Tupac and Biggie's death. We discuss TIME's decision to make their person of the year the 'architects of AI'. For comic relief, we replay a few of Timothy Chalamet's funny interviews and why rumours are swirling he's secretly a rapper. Finally, the tragedy of Rob and Michelle Reiners death. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 16, 2025 • 32min
Bondi Shooting, Misinformation & Support For Jewish Community
The podcast tackles the shocking attack in Bondi during Hanukkah, focusing on the victims and the courage of hero Ahmed Al-Ahmed who disarmed one of the shooters. It delves into the identities of the perpetrators and the chaotic police response. Listeners learn about the rapid spread of misinformation in the aftermath and the international reactions. The discussion extends to the rise of antisemitism, calls for tougher gun laws, and the vital need for community support, underscoring the importance of unity amidst rising tensions.
10 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 1h 1min
Miley Cyrus Engaged, Social Media Ban & Netflix Merger
Miley Cyrus's recent engagement to Max Morando sparks a deep dive into her family drama and musical collaborations. A new social media ban for under-16s is set to shake up the digital landscape, prompting debates about privacy and responsibility. Meanwhile, Netflix's massive acquisition of Warner Bros raises industry eyebrows, with Paramount's response adding fuel to the fire. Sydney Sweeney navigates the fallout from her ad controversy, and Sabrina Carpenter calls out the White House for using her song in a controversial context. Plus, listener gossip about Alix Earle!
23 snips
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.
