News Club

Weekly Wrap: The NDIS overhaul and the gas tax debate

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:00:00 -0000

Today we explain the government changes to the NDIS - something that impacts a lot of Australians. Plus, why the debate about taxing gas companies was all over the news this week. And there’s been a couple of notable leadership movements at major companies - Apple CEO Tim Cook stepping down, and Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings stepping down as chairman.

Links

Captain stranded in Strait of Hormuz tells of being trapped amid Iran war

Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings book, ‘No Rules Rules’

Claire’s recommendation: Ms. Kimball’s ANZAC biscuit recipe

Kate’s recommendation: also the biscuits

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PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Sophie Felice

Weekly Wrap: The Geelong oil refinery fire, and Trump vs the pope

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 19:00:00 -0000

One of our two oil refineries caught fire this week, because of course, we didn't have enough issues with fuel supply. We'll take you through that, plus the latest in the Iran war - Israel and Lebanon have a ceasefire deal and the feud between Trump and the Pope. We'll also talk about Meghan and Harry's royal (but not royal) Australia tour. And we'll cap things off with a nice, palette-cleansing recommendation.

Links

Meghan and Harry’s Australia tour photos

Eliza’s recommendation: The New Yorker’s investigation into Sam Altman (or if the length intimidates you, the podcast interview with the authors)

Claire’s recommendation: The Other Bennet Sister

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Eliza Harvey

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Sophie Felice

Weekly Wrap: The fragile US-Iran ceasefire, and the arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 19:00:00 -0000

This week, we're starting with the imminent return to Earth for the Artemis 2 crew. Then we're helping you make sense of the US-Iran negotiations — how Israel and Lebanon factor in, and where Australia sits in all of it. We'll look at the economic ripple effects, including what's happening with oil and how we're securing enough of it. And we’ll cover the arrest of former SAS soldier Ben Roberts-Smith, who has been charged with five counts of war crime murder.

Links

Kate’s recommendation: How Donald Trump Took the US to War with Iran

Claire’s recommendation: Elizabeth Hewson’s Home Food Cookbook

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Sophie Felice

Our PM For a Day meets the real PM

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0000

This is a special episode of Squiz Kids that we wanted to share with you.

Throughout the month of March - The Squiz Kids team has been asking primary school aged listeners if you were Prime Minister for a day, what one thing would you do to make the country a better place to live.

Almost 500 kids from right across this magnificent nation of ours sent in a video entry - and the ideas were as incredible as the kids themselves.

From the bush to the city - from WA to Tassie, Queensland to Victoria - and every where in between - Squiz Kids answered the call - imagining themselves running the country – all part of our commitment to civics engagement.

In this episode, we head to Parliament House to follow our PM for a Day winner, Jett Jarvis, as he lives a day most adults will never experience.

After almost 500 incredible entries from kids right across Australia, Jett’s idea stood out: tackling food waste by helping Australians understand that wonky fruit and veg still taste just as good.

You’ll hear Jett sit down with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to ask what it’s really like to lead the country every day, whether the job ever gets tiring, and why it matters for Australians to understand that imperfect fruit and veg are just as good as the perfect-looking ones.

It’s a conversation about big responsibilities, small actions that ripple outward, and why young voices matter more than ever.

A huge thank you to everyone who entered PM for a Day. Your ideas, creativity, and enthusiasm prove one thing loud and clear: The future is in very good hands!

Weekly Wrap: The fuel crisis, and are US-Iran ceasefire talks actually happening?

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0000

What’s happening with the fuel crisis is our focus for today. Lots of ideas being suggested about how our government is going to respond - working from home, fuel rationing. We’re all wondering when and how this war is going to end, so we’ll unpack where the US-Iran ceasefire talks are at (if they’re happening at all). And a huge event in Parliament House… what would you do if you were PM for a day?

Links

Offline with John Favreau's podcast interview with Anthropic's inhouse philosopher

Kate’s recommendation: ⁠Subscribe to the Saturday Squiz newsletter

Eliza’s recommendation: Oprah and Kristin Cabot in an Exclusive Interview about the Coldplay Kiss Cam

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Hosts: Kate Watson & Eliza Harvey

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Sophie Felice

Weekly Wrap: How is the war in the Middle East impacting Australia?

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0000

For the past few weeks we’ve been helping you out with a global view on the war between the US, Israel and Iran. We’ll get into what’s taken place there in the past week, but we’re also zooming in to the impacts on Australia, as those effects are being increasingly felt here at home. Then, we’ll update you on what’s happened with the Iranian football team, we’ll run through the election happening today in South Australia, and cyclone Narelle is hitting the shores of north Queensland as we record.

Links

Iran's deputy foreign minister interview on ABC’s 7.30

Jess Wilson MP’s CFMEU reel

Kate’s recommendation: 70% off second pair of Jo Mercer shoes

Claire’s recommendation: Here’s How to Style Socks Like a True Fashion Pro

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Sophie Felice

Weekly Wrap: The big themes this week from the war in the Middle East

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0000

We’re getting you across some of the big themes from the war in the Middle East this week, including the Iranian women’s football team being granted asylum, and the surging price of oil. Also, the National Party has a new leader, which came as a surprise. And Timothée Chalamet’s got everyone talking about ballet and opera.

Links

Eliza’s recommendation: 'Heart the Lover' by Lily King

Claire’s recommendation: Robert Irwin interviewed on All There Is with Anderson Cooper

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Sophie Felice

Weekly Wrap: What’s going on in Iran?

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0000

This week, we help you make sense of what is happening in the Middle East, the Canadian Prime Minister’s visit to Australia, One Nation’s wild polling, and the Kyle and Jackie O split-up.

Links

If you’re wanting to have a conversation about what’s happening with the little ones in your life, but you’re not sure where to start, Squiz Kids has made a special episode to help - Iran Explained

Claire’s recommendation: The Rest is Entertainment - Dubai Influencers vs Iran

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Sophie Felice

The Squiz Quiz w/ Alex Williams and Brandon McClelland from They Might Become Giants

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with Alex Williams and Brandon McClelland from the podcast, They Might Become Giants. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

Links:

Listen to They Might Become Giants

Follow They Might Become Giants on Instagram

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Host: Andrew Williams

Producer: Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: What we’d do if we were PM and is AI coming for our jobs?

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 18:00:00 -0000

What would your kid do if they were Prime Minister for a day? Apply here: https://www.squizkids.com.au/pm-for-a-day/

Links

The Changes To UK Passports⁠.

Claire’s recommendation: An excerpt from Bob Carr's upcoming book on the loss of his wife Helena, and Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette

⁠Kate's recommendation: A podcast interview with Anthropic's inhouse philosopher, who is teaching their AI, Claude, how to be good. Offline with Jon Favreau.

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson

Producer & Editor: Jay Gasser

Researcher: Sophie Felice

The Squiz Quiz w/ Georgie Trickett from Sport-ish

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 19:04:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with returning guest Georgie Trickett from Sportish

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

SPONSORED: For more information on the disability transport and access trial, check out the full report ⁠here⁠.

Links

Check out the Sportish podcast here

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Host: Andrew Williams

Producer: Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: Aliens, AI, Andrew and what did Pauline Hanson say?

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 18:00:00 -0000

Help us by filling out our survey here!

SPONSORED: For more information on the disability transport and access trial, check out the full report ⁠here⁠.

Links

Kate’s recommendation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfJTX1Y0ynM

Claire’s recommendation: Banana bread (and if you’re feeling wild, add half a cup of chopped walnuts) https://www.taste.com.au/recipes/banana-bread/10c8bf87-6c19-4ffd-b056-2b87ce915717

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson

Producer & Editor: Jay Gasser

Researcher: Sophie Felice

The Squiz Quiz w/ The Bookshelf Podcast

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 18:00:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with Kate Evans and Cassie McCullagh from The Bookshelf Podcast. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

SPONSORED: For more information on the disability transport and access trial, check out the full report here.

Links

Listen to The Bookshelf podcast on the ABC Listen app or wherever you get your podcasts

Join the ABC book club on Facebook

Hungry for more quizzing? You might like to sign up for the Australian Quiz Championships, on this Saturday 21st Feb in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Perth.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EDwzM_LqjG4

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Host: Andrew Williams

Producer: Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: Understanding Israeli President Herzog’s visit, and who is Nancy Guthrie?

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:00:00 -0000

Getting you across Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia is our priority this week. It’s been a challenging one for lots of people, so we’ve tried our best to make sense of it and get you across the facts and different perspectives. Then, we couldn’t look past the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of the NBC TV host who has been missing for over a week now. We’ve got you covered for the Libspill - Sussan Ley is out and Angus Taylor is the new Liberal leader. We’ll also get into our top 3 favourite moments from the Winter Olympics, including the Biathlon Bronze medallist’s cheating confession on international television.

Links

Kate’s recommendation: Ilia Malinin’s backflip at the Winter Olympics

Claire’s recommendation: Margot Robbie on the Table Manners podcast

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Sophie Felice

The Squiz Quiz w/ Fashion Critical and Lauren Sams

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:00:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with Fashion Critical, self-described as ‘the internet’s most amusing and 100% correct fashion critic’, and Lauren Sams, fashion editor at the Australian Financial Review. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

Links

Follow Fashion Critical on Facebook and Instagram

Buy Fashion Critical’s excellent and very funny book

Follow Lauren Sams on Instagram

Read Lauren Sams’ in the AFR

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Host: Andrew Williams

Producer: Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: Unpacking the latest Epstein files, and a lifesaving swim

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 18:00:00 -0000

The US Department of Justice released over 3 million documents in the latest batch of Epstein files. Despite feeling a bit intimidated by digging into it all, we decided we couldn’t look past it, so we’ve done our best to pull out the key details for you. Then, we get into where we’re at with the Liberals and the Nationals - will they get back together, or no? We also wanted to get you across the biggest thing in AI at the moment, Claude Code. And our favourite story from the week had to be the 13-year-old who made a heroic 4km swim to shore to save his family.

Links

Anthropic’s Claude Superbowl ad

Kate’s recommendation: The Guardian’s profile on children’s author Allison Lester

Claire’s recommendation: Justin Bieber’s performance at the Grammys

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Squiz Shortcuts: Trump’s Jeffrey Epstein headache

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:45:00 -0000

This is a Shortcut we made in July 2025 about the backlash towards Trump over the Epstein files. Given the final documents were released this week, we thought it'd be good to resurface it for you here.

US President Donald Trump is dealing with backlash from his political base over the case of Jeffrey Epstein, the paedophile and former financier who died in jail before his case could go to trial. There’s a long history to this, and it’s arguably the most significant political issue Trump has had to deal with since he became President again in January. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll cover the history between the 2 men and why it’s become such a headache for Trump.

SPONSORED: If you're curious about opportunities at Nous Group and want to discover your potential doing interesting, meaningful work, you can find out more at ⁠⁠⁠nousgroup.com⁠⁠

Squiz Recommends:

Reading: A CNN article: 5 Big Questions about Trump’s Ties to Epstein... It gives a breakdown of their history together.

Listening: This episode on The New Yorker Radio Hour podcast about MAGA’s Revolt Over Jeffrey Epstein explores the backlash from Trump’s supporters.

Reading: And we’ve also found this article in the New York Times from the POV of one of Epstein’s accusers, Maria Farmer, suggesting why there’s a possibility that Trump’s and other high-profile names could be in the Epstein files… But just a heads up, you’ll need a New York Times subscription to access it.

Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠.

Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories…

Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

The Squiz Quiz w/ Glen James and Rachelle Kroon from money money money

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 18:00:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with Glen James and Rachelle Kroon from the money money money podcast. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

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Host: Andrew Williams

Producer: Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: Trump threatens Iran, and a Heated Rivalry

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0000

Kate Watson is back! This week, there's a lot going on in Trump's world - threats towards Iran, the release of the Melania documentary, and the administration's shifting position on ICE in Minnesota - we'll try to make sense of that for you. Back at home, parliament sits next week and we're still not sure who will be in charge of the opposition parties. Plus, we cover President Xi's Jinping’s moves to take greater control of the Chinese military, we have some updates on fugitives (and some aspersions cast by Kate), and Claire can't wait to talk to you about Heated Rivalry.

Links

Claire’s recommendation: Watch Heated Rivalry on HBO Max

Kate’s recommendation: CNN interview with Alex Honnold after climbing Taipei 101 skyscraper

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Sophie Felice

The Squiz Quiz: Scorchers, split-ups, and sea creatures

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with Squiz Founder Claire Kimball and… Kate Watson is back from parental leave for her triumphant (perhaps) return on the quiz. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you…

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Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

Host: Andrew Williams

Producer: Ryan Pemberton

The Year Ahead in Entertainment and Sport w/ Andrew Williams

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 23:55:00 -0000

For our look ahead at the year in entertainment and sport, we’re going in-house to chat with Andrew Williams, Squiz News Director and host of Squiz Today. Andrew takes us through the stories that stuck with him in 2025, including the saga around the approval of Tasmania’s AFL stadium, and why Adolescence and Baby Reindeer succeeded in a way that algorithm-driven content hasn’t. Then we get into what Andrew predicts to be the biggest themes for 2026: the decline of Marvel, the ACCC's new merger powers and what they mean for Australian media, and the FIFA world cup taking place with a new format and new political tensions.

Links:

Alanna King’s leg break

Recommendations:

Blue Lights on SBS On Demand

Line of Duty on Stan

The Odyssey (comes out July)

Wuthering Heights (comes out February)

And as mentioned, Andrew loves a list, so here are some lists of the best movies, TV shows, books and albums of 2025 - and here are some lists of the most anticipated movies, TV series, books and albums to whet your appetite for the year in entertainment to come. It looks like a good one…

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Larissa Moore

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: The Coalition split (again), and the Beckham family drama

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0000

It was a massive week in federal politics as the Coalition partnership officially split. Following a fallout over hate crimes legislation and frontbench resignations, Nationals leader David Littleproud called it quits on the Coalition. Then we get into the spike in shark attacks in NSW, we cover Trump’s ambitions around Greenland, and if you’re looking for a distraction from the heavy headlines, we’ve got the latest on the explosive Beckham family drama.

Links

The 3,563 carat Purple Star Sapphire

Watch the Australian of the Year Awards live, Sunday 7:30pm AEDT on ABC TV or ABC iview

The article Kate shared with us: Sharks, risk, and why this conversation matters

Larissa’s recommendation: Bun Cha (Vietnamese Meatballs!)

Claire’s recommendation: Off The Rails: The Pauline Hanson Trip by Margo Kingston

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Larissa Moore

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Sophie Felice

Chapters

00:00 - Coalition splits (again)

12:20 - Shark attack spike in NSW

15:33 - Trump’s ambitions to claim Greenland

20:11 - Beckham family drama

24:27 - What’s coming up in the week ahead

29:50 - Squiz Recommends

31:31 - Squiz Press

The Squiz Quiz: ARMY, an ambassador, and a $1m Aussie Open amateur

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with Squiz Founder Claire Kimball and Squiz Shortcuts host Larissa Moore. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you…

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our News Club newsletter⁠⁠

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

Host: Andrew Williams

Producer: Ryan Pemberton

The Year Ahead in Fashion w/ Lauren Sams

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we’re chatting with Lauren Sams, fashion editor at the Australian Financial Review and Deputy Editor of AFR Magazine. Lauren takes us through the biggest fashion stories for 2025, then she gets out her crystal ball to predict the biggest themes for 2026: how the cost of living crisis will impact fashion, the rise of luxury brand dupes, and the emergence of the Middle East as a big consumer market.

Links:

Follow Lauren Sams on Instagram

New York Magazine

When the Going Was Good by Graydon Carter

I Regret Almost Everything by Keith McNally

Emily Sundberg’s Feed Me newsletter

Casey Lewis' After School newsletter

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Larissa Moore

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: The uprising in Iran, and the Australian Open kicks off

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0000

We’re starting this week with the deadly uprising in Iran. Widespread protests are not uncommon in Iran, but it’s become clear that this uprising is different, and we’ll explain why. Then, we’ll unpick the messy cancellation of Writers’ Week at the Adelaide Festival and how it’s tied to a broader debate on hate speech and antisemitism. We’ll also cover the bushfires and the equipment crisis facing Victorian firefighters, and we’ll get you ready for the summer of tennis as the Australian Open kicks off.

Links

Claire’s recommendation: How Dolly Parton Wrote “I Will Always Love You” - Drunk History

Jodie’s recommendation: Taylor Swift: The End of an Era on Disney+

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Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Chapters

00:00 - The uprising in Iran

11:13 - Adelaide Writers’ Week

19:08 - Victorian bushfires

22:27 - Australian Open

26:09 - What’s coming up in the week ahead

32:17 - Squiz Recommends

34:35 - Squiz Press

The Squiz Quiz w/ Escape This Podcast

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with Dani Siller and Bill Sunderland from Escape This Podcast and Solve This Murder. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

Links:

Listen to Escape This Podcast and Solve This Murder

The Cipher Room in Sydney

The Ministry of Peculiarities in Azusa, California

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Host: Andrew Williams

Producer: Ryan Pemberton

The Year Ahead in Business w/ Joe Aston

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we’re chatting with Joe Aston, Founder of Rampart and columnist for the AFR, to look ahead at the biggest news stories from 2025 and the two themes Joe reckons will dominate 2026: AI and interest rates. We also dive into the Murdoch succession and what it means for News Corp and Fox, where all the power is going to come from for AI data centres, and Joe's verdict on Australia’s political leadership (spoiler: "pathetic").

Links:

Subscribe to Rampart

Listen to Rampart Talks

Follow Joe Aston on Instagram and X

Follow Rampart News on Instagram and X

Semafor's Mixed Signals podcast

Gideon Haigh’s Cricket et al Substack

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Larissa Moore

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: A Royal Commission into anti-semitism, and Betty Boop in the public domain

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0000

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has now called for a Royal Commission into antisemitism and social cohesion - a big turnaround from a few weeks ago, when he was stridently against calling one. There’s plenty of questions for us to help answer on that. We also cover off US President Donald Trump’s moves on Venezuela and Greenland, and then get into the eSafety Commissioner going after X and its AI bot, which is being used to generate sexualised deepfake images of women.

Links

Claire’s recommendation: Watch F1 The Movie on Apple TV+

Larissa’s recommendation: Listen to Good Hang with Amy Poehler

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Larissa Moore

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Chapters

00:00 - Royal Commission into anti-semitism

10:38 - Trump’s eyes on Greenland

14:31 - Sexualised deepfake images of women on X

18:13 - What’s new in the public domain this year

21:44 - What’s coming up in the week ahead

29:25 - Squiz Recommends

30:56 - Squiz Press

The Year Ahead in Politics w/ Claire Harvey

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we’re chatting with Claire Harvey, Editorial Director at The Australian and host of The Front podcast, to look ahead at what’s on the political and news radar for 2026. We dive into the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination and how it’s shaping US political discourse. Locally, we discuss the revelations regarding Iran’s IRGC activity in Australia, the response to the Bondi terror attack, and the social media ban. Plus, we look at upcoming state elections in South Australia and Victoria, and whether Barnaby Joyce’s move to One Nation could energise the populist right.

Links

Listen to The Front - Spotify | Apple

Listen to Sick to Death - Spotify | Apple

Watch Below Deck on Binge

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Larissa Moore

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

From the archives: Newsmakers with cybersecurity expert Alastair MacGibbon

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0000

From the archives - 12 March 2025

When it comes to cyber threats in Australia… Alastair MacGibbon is the guy in the know. Australia's foremost cybersecurity expert, he was the former National Cyber Security Adviser and Special Adviser to the Prime Minister on Cyber Security, served as the Australian Government’s inaugural eSafety Commissioner, and now runs the world-leading cybersecurity company, Cyber CX.

In this chat, we tackle the big themes of cyber warfare, online criminal behaviour, and how exposed we are. Plus, he talks about democracy, the courts, and the free press and how they're the most critical piece of critical infrastructure we have.

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PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Shortcuts with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Host: Kate Watson

Senior Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editors: Ryan Pemberton

From the archives: Newsmakers with Leigh Sales

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0000

From the archives - 11 Dec 2024

When Leigh Sales, one of our earliest supporters, said yes to joining us on Newsmakers—it was a big moment for us. With so much to ask, we dive into everything from her time as a foreign correspondent and anchoring 7.30 to her writing on journalism, research into grief and fear, and her thoughts on news fatigue. Plus, we chat about her side hustle, Chat 10 Looks 3, which has grown into a community of tens of thousands.

Leigh shares her interview approach, dream guests, and even a few celebrity stories. Whether you’re into news, journalism, or just curious, there’s something here for everyone.

You can watch The Assembly on ABC iview

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Prefer to watch this on YouTube

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Shortcuts with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Host: Kate Watson

Senior Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editors: Ryan Pemberton

From the archives: Newsmakers with ABC's 7.30 host Sarah Ferguson

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0000

From the archives - 5 March 2025

Every weeknight Sarah Ferguson pulls together 30mins of news and current affairs, interviewing everyone from Pat Cummins to the Prime Minister. She’s also known for her hard-hitting investigative work— like The Killing Season on the Rudd-Gillard years or her award-winning exposé on live cattle exports, which led to a major policy shift.

We talk about how her upbringing shaped her, the ways journalism and media are changing, and the hardest kind of interview to pull off. She shares what she thinks the most overlooked news story is, and in a time where there are lots of big things happening in global affairs, the answer might surprise you…

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Prefer to watch this on YouTube

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Shortcuts with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Host: Kate Watson

Senior Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editors: Ryan Pemberton

From the archives: Trent Dalton on ambition, regrets and what comes next

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0000

From the archives - 18 June

Not many Aussie authors have made a bigger impact on the book world over the past decade than Trent Dalton. In this chat, the Brisbane-born journo-turned-novelist reflects on surviving the '90s newsroom culture, why he’s drawn to darkness in storytelling, and the incredible success he has had. He opens up about process, ambition, failure - and why he’s only ever watched Boy Swallows Universe once....

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Prefer to watch this on YouTube

PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about Squiz Shortcuts with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Host: Bryce Corbett

Senior Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editors: Charlie Devenport and Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: Unpacking the Bondi terror attack

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0000

The coverage of the Bondi terror attacks has been wall to wall across every new outlet and across social media - it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by it. And while nothing will make sense of it, we thought the most useful thing for us to do this week is to round up the big themes and debates to be aware of - gun laws, intelligence failures, and the rise of antisemitism. No other news stories this week, but we’ll give you some of our reading and recipe recommendations, as you head into your summer break.

Links

ABC’s 7:30 interview with Josh Frydenberg

Claire’s recommendation

Vanity Fair profile on Whitehouse Chief of Staff Susie Wiles

Get ahead gravy

Jodie’s recommendation: Potato salad

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Squiz Quiz: Platforms, puppy gate, and Person of the Year

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with Squiz founder Claire Kimball and Squiz Shortcuts host Larissa Moore. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

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Host: Andrew Williams

Producer: Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: The world reacts to the social media ban, and MP travel entitlements under scrutiny

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0000

The social media ban for under-16s was everywhere this week, so we take stock of how that’s going, and cover the international reactions and responses from big tech. Then we unpack the controversy surrounding Communications Minister Anika Wells’ travel expenses. It’s the debut of Jodie’s ‘crime corner’, with major updates on the Greg Lynn and Toyah Cordingley cases, and we explain why a trip to the US will soon require handing over your social media history.

Links

The Comedy Wildlife Awards’ Dancing Gorilla

Jodie’s recommendation: Unravel: Huntsman

Larissa’s recommendation: The Rest Is Politics interview with Anna Wintour

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Chapters

00:00 - International reactions to Australia’s U16s social media ban

08:12 - Federal politicians travel entitlements under scrutiny

13:08 - Jodie’s ‘crime corner’

18:33 - US mandating social media checks for travellers

21:55 - What coming up in the week ahead

26:50 - Squiz Recommends

27:43 - Squiz Press

The Squiz Quiz: Ashes, AUKUS and acquisitions

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with Squiz Content Manager Nicoletta Hay and Weekly Wrap co-host Jodie Speers. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

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Host: Claire Kimball

Producers: Ryan Pemberton & Nicoletta Hay

Weekly Wrap: A wrap-up of international conflicts, and it’s a yes to Tasmania’s new stadium

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0000

We're starting this week with an around-the-grounds look at international conflicts. There's a fair bit happening with the Russia-Ukraine peace talks, escalating tensions with US and Venezuela, and we go through the latest from Gaza. Then we cover the update on the search for flight MH370, which is set to resume, Tasmania's AFL stadium finally being approved, and the PM's low-key wedding at The Lodge.

Links

Jodie’s recommendation: Virginia Giuffre’s memoir, ‘Nobody's Girl’

Claire’s recommendation: Celebrity Traitors

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Chapters

00:00 - Russia-Ukraine, US-Venezuela, Gaza

12:08 - Search for MH370 to resume

15:29 - Tasmania’s AFL stadium approved

19:59 - PM Anthony Albanese’s wedding

23:45 - What’s coming up in the week ahead

30:10 - Squiz Recommends

The Squiz Quiz: Claire takes over

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, Claire is kicking Andrew out of the hosting seat and testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with Squiz Content Manager Nicoletta Hay and Squiz Shortcuts Host Larissa Moore. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

Here’s the clip of the florist for Anthony Albanese’s wedding

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Host: Claire Kimball

Producers: Ryan Pemberton & Nicoletta Hay

Weekly Wrap: Labor’s deal with the Greens, and we’re on track to eliminate cervical cancer

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0000

There were 2 big stories out of the last sitting week of federal parliament for the year - the Albanese Government’s environmental law reforms passed with support from the Greens, and Barnaby Joyce dumped the Nationals. There's also a bit to get across internationally - the tragic fires in Hong Kong, progress on a Russia-Ukraine peace deal, and Japan and China are at odds over Taiwan. And there was some incredibly good news on the fight against cervical cancer that you might have missed.

Links

Robert Irwin’s Finale Freestyle on Dancing With The Stars

New York Times profile on Robert Irwin

Jodie’s recommendation: The Names by Florence Knapp

Claire’s recommendation: Somebody Somewhere on HBO Max or Apple TV+

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Chapters

00:00 - Last sitting week of parliament

11:01 - Geopolitics round-up

16:30 - Hong Kong fires

19:14 - Cervical cancer on track to be eliminated in Australia

22:01 - What’s coming up in the week ahead

28:26 - Squiz Recommends

30:38 - Squiz Press

The Squiz Quiz w/ Anthony Levin and Nadine J. Cohen from Grave Matters

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with co-hosts of the SBS podcast Grave Matters, Nadine J. Cohen and Anthony Levin. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

Links:

Listen to Grave Matters - Apple | Spotify

The reason(s) Vegemite is not allowed in prisons…

Total Eclipse of the Heart (literal version)

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Host: Andrew Williams

Producers: Ryan Pemberton & Nicoletta Hay

Weekly Wrap: It’s ‘killing season’ in politics, a hospital funding brawl and no COP31 for Adelaide

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0000

Getting you across the week in news - it was a big week in federal politics, starting with Australia ceding the bid to host COP31 (the annual global UN meeting) to Türkiye, and a hospital funding brawl between state and federal governments. Then we hop around state to state to cover off the biggest news stories from around the country. A big one is what's known as the 'killing season' in politics. We’re heading into ‘silly season’, but it’s ‘killing season’ for politicians, with leadership changes in both NSW and Victorian oppositions this week.

We’re also hiring! See below for more info on the role.

Links

We're hiring a Content Manager

Jodie’s recommendation: The Mushroom Tapes (Jodie’s listening to the audio book)

Claire’s recommendation: send someone a card!

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Chapters

00:00 - Federal politics roundup

11:01 - Around the grounds

21:38 - What’s coming up in the week ahead

30:21 - Squiz Recommends

32:28 - Squiz Press

The Squiz Quiz w/ Mark Humphries

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with comedian and satirist Mark Humphries, and Squiz Shortcuts host Larissa Moore. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

Links:

Watch Sold! Who Broke the Australian Dream on Binge

Listen to ‘Skase: Fall of a Tycoon’ - Apple | Spotify

Mark Humphries as Barabbas Loins, predicting the future of Barnaby Joyce

Interview with drop croc researcher

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Host: Andrew Williams

Producers: Ryan Pemberton & Nicoletta Hay

Weekly Wrap: The Libs ditch Net Zero, Epstein’s emails, and nobody’s saying Menulog

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0000

Getting you across the week in news - we’re back with the Coalition and climate policy, because it was announced this week that the Liberal Party were officially abandoning the net zero targets set by former PM Scott Morrison. We’ll take you through what that entails, and what’s yet to unfold. Then it’s over to the US for the latest in the Trump/Epstein saga. And finishing up with the announcement of Victoria’s new ‘Violent Crime, Adult Time’ laws and Menulog shutting up shop.

We’re also hiring! See below for more info on the role.

Links

We're hiring a Content Manager

The Financial Review’s article on the late Graham Richardson

Claire’s recommendation: All Her Fault on Binge

Jodie’s recommendation: Annabel Crabb’s Civic Duty on ABC iview

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Chapters

00:00 - Coalition drops net zero

11:05 - Newly released Epstein emails

14:48 - Victoria’s ‘Violent Crime, Adult Time’ policy

17:32 - Menulog closing shop in Australia

22:12 - What’s coming up in the week ahead

29:08 - Squiz Recommends

31:41 - Squiz Press

The Squiz Quiz w/ Amanda Keller and Anita McGregor

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with media legend Amanda Keller and forensic psychologist Anita McGregor - both co-hosts of the podcast Double A Chattery. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

Have a listen to Amanda and Anita’s podcast Double A Chattery

Here’s our Shortcut to the border dispute between Thailand and [SPOILER]

Craig Emerson singing ‘No Whyalla Wipeout’

AP interview with the teen behind the Louvre heist mystery photo

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Host: Andrew Williams

Producers: Ryan Pemberton & Nicoletta Hay

What’s Coming Up: COP30, the anniversary of Whitlam’s dismissal, and a Bagpipe Bash

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Getting you ready for the week ahead in news, we take a look at 3 big things to watch out for. This week, climate policy will be front and centre as world leaders gather in Brazil for COP30. It’s also the 50th anniversary of the day democracy was tested right here in Australia: the dismissal of Gough Whitlam as Prime Minister. Then we get you across why the visit of a Syrian leader to the White House is so significant.

And if you haven’t listened to the Weekly Wrap yet, just go one episode back and, coupled with this podcast, you’ll be caught up and ready to tackle the week ahead.

Links

The Mushroom Tapes By: Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper, Sarah Krasnostein

The Booker Prize shortlist

Steve Irwin Day and Harriet the Galapagos turtle

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you…

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Larissa Moore

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Chapters:

00:00 - COP30

04:36 - Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to visit the White House

07:07 - 50 year anniversary of the dismissal

10:05 - The run of the news for the week ahead

Weekly Wrap: The Coalition and climate (again), and a winning 3-ingredient cake/pudding

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0000

It’s been a while since we got stuck into some pure Australian politics, but Coalition leader Sussan Ley’s got a lot on her plate - from the Nats ditching Net Zero to leadership spill speculation. We cut through what’s happening in Canberra ahead of the silly season. Then we’ll take you through the latest in the social media ban for under-16s that is one month out from becoming law. And a historic mayoral election in NYC - we’ll get you across Zohran Mamdani’s victory, and why it’s so significant.

Links

Claire’s recommendation: Nutella Microwave Cake

Larissa’s recommendation: Elbow length, leather gardening gloves from Le Sac

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you…

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Larissa Moore

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Chapters

00:00 - Sussan Ley’s leadership woes

12:25 - Reddit and Kick added to social media ban

17:11 - New York’s new mayor

22:47 - Prince Harry’s Remembrance Day essay

26:41 - Squiz Recommends

29:07 - Squiz Press

The Squiz Quiz w/ Sportish's Georgie Trickett: Meetings, mistakes and marathons

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 19:24:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with Georgie Trickett from the podcast Sportish and Squiz Shortcuts host Larissa Moore. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

Here's more about Georgie's podcast Sportish and you can follow the podcast on Instagram here

Here’s our Shortcut on why Andrew is an ex-Prince.

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Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

Host: Andrew Williams

Producers: Ryan Pemberton & Nicoletta Hay

What’s Coming Up: RBA interest rates decision, the NYC mayoral race, and the Melbourne Cup

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Getting you ready for the week ahead in news, we take a look at 3 big things to watch out for. This week, it’s all happening on Tuesday with the RBA set to hand down their latest decision on interest rates. The NYC Mayoral election will take place, and we’ll get you across why a local US government election is so significant. Then giddy up (or don’t) for the Melbourne Cup - we’ll get you across the talking points.

Plus a peek at what’s coming up in the week of sport, what’s on the agenda for politicians in Canberra. The Shonky awards will be announced, and we’ll prep for some more big international meetings and summits that’ll happen later in the week.

And if you haven’t listened to the Weekly Wrap yet, just go one episode back and, coupled with this podcast, you’ll be caught up and ready to tackle the week ahead.

Links

Squiz Shortcuts: Australia’s climate summit showdown

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Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Chapters

00:00 - RBA interest rate decision

03:31 - NYC Mayoral election

06:18 - Melbourne cup

09:15 - The run of the news for the week ahead

Weekly Wrap: A US-China trade agreement, and plain old Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 18:00:00 -0000

The meeting between US President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping made big headlines at the end of the week. A meeting rated 12 out of 10 by Trump, and a trade agreement secured - we’ll take you through what it means for world trade and security. Also in this week’s episode - ‘Prince Andrew’ losing his Prince title, his HRH styling, and his home, plus a warning from new AFP boss Krissy Barrett about sadistic crime networks operating online.

On the lighter side of things, the Bureau of Meteorology has had a shocker with their website redesign. And as always, a recommendation or two as Claire and Jodie discuss Nobody Wants This Season 2, Film Club and an instagram account worth a follow.

Links

Claire’s recommendation: Film Club on Binge

Jodie’s recommendation: Alexander Campbell’s Instagram

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Chapters

00:00 - Donald Trump’s meeting with Xi Jinping

11:05 - AFP boss’s warning about online crime networks targeting teen girls

15:08 - Prince Andrew loses title

18:12 - BOM website bombs

21:59 - Squiz Recommends

24:30 - Squiz Press

Squiz Quiz: Can you beat 'The Professor' from The Chase Australia?

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 18:00:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with 'The Professor' from The Chase Australia and Squiz Founder Claire Kimball. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

What’s Coming Up: What’s on the agenda at ASEAN and APEC

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Getting you ready for the week ahead in news, we take a look at 3 big things to watch out for. This week’s, President Trump will attend both ASEAN and APEC summits, plus visit Japan. We take a look at what’s on the agenda, and why Trump’s tariffs have everyone very interested.

Plus a peek at what’s ahead for our pollies as Parliament returns, from speculation about Barnaby Joyce’s political future to Labor’s proposed reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. And Oasis land on our shores for their much-anticipated reunion tour.

And if you haven’t listened to the Weekly Wrap yet, just go one episode back and, coupled with this podcast, you’ll be caught up and ready to tackle the week ahead.

Links

Day for Daniel

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Hosts: Larissa Moore & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Chapters

00:00 - What’s on the agenda at ASEAN and APEC

03:54 - Parliament returns

06:50 Oasis reunion tour arrives in Australia

08:43 - The run of the news for the week ahead

Weekly Wrap: The Albanese-Trump meeting, and the Louvre heist

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:00:00 -0000

PM Anthony Albanese’s meeting with US President Donald Trump was the news story that carried through the week - how it went diplomatically, the critical minerals/rare earth minerals deal, and China’s response. Then we get into the latest in the Russia/Ukraine ceasefire talks, the fallout from the release of Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, and the Louvre heist.

Looking to get ready for the week in news? What’s Coming Up is now its own episode - in your feeds every Sunday for your podcasting/organisational pleasure.

Links

Bryce Corbett interviews Trent Dalton for our Call Sheet series

Squiz Shortcut… Digging into the Oz-US Minerals Deal

NYT’s The Daily’s episode on the Louvre heist.

Larissa’s recommendation: One for the DIY enthusiasts or aspirants - Geneva Vanderzeil’s instagram account.

Jodie’s recommendation: Top points if you noticed Jodie match her shirt to her recco… get your reading schedule sorted with ABC Radio National’s Top 100 Books.

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Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

Hosts: Larissa Moore & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Chapters

00:00 - Albanese-Trump meeting

10:54 - Virginia Giuffre’s memoir

13:51 - The Louvre heist

17:41 - Squiz Recommends

19:27 - Squiz Press

Rare Earths, Robberies and Ripping Reads: The Squiz Quiz of The Week

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 18:30:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with Squiz Shortcuts host Larissa Moore and Squiz Content Manager Nicoletta Hay. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

Here's a link to our Shortcut on Critical Minerals

Here's that song The Elements we were talking about

And here is a link to Daniel Radcliffe performing it

A bit on Wolf Hall and Hot Milk

And 'Australia's Top 100 Books of The 21st Century' list.

What’s Coming Up: Get ready for PM Albanese’s meeting with President Trump

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Our segment on What’s Coming Up for the week ahead is now its own episode. We get a lot of feedback from Squizers that one of the most helpful things we do is to get you across what’s going on in the day/week ahead. So we decided to create a bit more space for it with this new News Club episode.

This week, we’ll spend a bit of time talking about PM Anthony Albanese’s long-awaited meeting with US President Donald Trump. There’s an upcoming hearing for a coronial inquest into domestic violence in Alice Springs. And we check in on how Indonesian President Probowo Subianto is faring after one year in office.

And if you haven’t listened to the Weekly Wrap yet, just go one episode back and, coupled with this podcast, you’ll be caught up and ready to tackle the week ahead.

Links

Children’s Week

AusArt Day 2025

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Chapters

00:00 - PM Anthony Albanese’s long-awaited meeting with US President Donald Trump.

05:29 - Coronial inquest into domestic violence

07:17 - The first anniversary of Probowo Subianto's presidency

09:52 - The run of the news for the week ahead

Weekly Wrap: Implementing the Gaza peace plan, and reflections on Diane Keaton

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 18:30:00 -0000

There was a lot of attention this week on the release of the hostages held in Gaza, and quite a bit to unpack on the implementation of the peace deal. There’s been a few shaky moments... Then we get into Treasurer Chalmers’ superannuation tax backflip, the renewed search for missing 4yo Gus Lamont, and the big reaction to Diane Keaton's death last weekend.

What’s Coming Up for the week ahead is now its own episode - it will be out tomorrow morning for your podcasting/organisational pleasure.

Links

Ariane Titmus’s coach Dean Boxall going bananas

Squiz Shortcut - Why the super tax got a rethink

Claire’s recommendation: ‘English Teacher’ Soundtrack

Jodie’s recommendation: Season 2 of ‘I Was Actually There’ on ABC iview

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Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Chapters

00:00 - Implementation of the Gaza peace plan

10:18 - Superannuation tax plan changes

14:05 - Renewed search for Gus Lamont

17:29 - Diane Keaton’s death

20:00 - Squiz Recommends

22:13 - Squiz Press

Birds, Breach and Banana Ball: The Squiz Quiz of The Week

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 18:30:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with Squiz Founder Claire Kimball and CyberCX Chief Strategy Officer Alastair MacGibbon. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

And here's the link to some Banana Ball highlights.

What’s Coming Up: Gaza's ceasefire timetable, Japan's locking in a new PM, and it's Oz v Kiwiland in netball

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 18:30:00 -0000

This week, we’ll spend a bit of time talking about the key timings for the newly inked ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. France’s loss of its fifth PM in 2 years and Japan’s vote on Wednesday could see both with new political leadership in the week ahead - we’ll get you across that. And with the first game in the 2025 Constellation Cup coming up, we check in with netball and their efforts to put the elite level of the sport back on track.

And if you haven’t listened to the Weekly Wrap yet, just go one episode back and, coupled with this podcast, you’ll be caught up and ready to tackle the week ahead.

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you…

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Watch all our episodes⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠⁠

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Chapters

00:00 - The implementation of the Gaza peace deal

3:50 - New political leadership for Japan and France

8:09 - Rivals face off in The Constellation Cup

18:20 - The run of the news for the week ahead

Weekly Wrap: What happens now for the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, drama around Mt Everest, and checking in on a silly sausage (dog)

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 18:30:00 -0000

There was a big breakthrough this week with Israel and Hamas agreeing to phase one of a ceasefire deal in Gaza. There’s a lot to unfold from here so we get you across that and US President Donald Trump’s victory lap. Then we get into new details on the Optus triple-0 outage and what it means for the upcoming bushfire season, and efforts to save climbers around Mt Everest this week. We also check in with Valerie, the Kangaroo Island escape artist, and a Vanity Fair subscription offer worthy of your consideration.

Our segment on What’s Coming Up for the week ahead is now its own episode - it will be out tomorrow morning for your podcasting/organisational pleasure.

Links

Our shortcuts episode on the annual whale migration

Claire’s recommendation: $1 USD a month Vanity Fair subscription

Larissa’s recommendation: Valerie the dachshund on Australian Story - ABC iView

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Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Chapters

00:00 - Gaza ceasefire plan

9:33 - Optus outage update

15:03 - Mt Everest rescue

18:20 - Humpback whales bounce back

21:37- Squiz Recommends

24:31 - Squiz Press

Bears, Broncos and bustin' moves: The Squiz Quiz of the Week

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 18:30:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with Shortcuts Host Larissa Moore and Content Manager Nicoletta Hay. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

Weekly Wrap: What Taylor Swift did next, Trump peace plan for Gaza, and the Kidman-Urban split

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Taylor Swift's new album ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ is out, and, like everything she does, it's smashing records. It’s a big talking point, so we’ll get you across the scale of it. Then we get into US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, Australia’s new defence treaty with PNG, and Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s split. In what's coming up, we're heading into a massive weekend of sport, the start of daylight saving, federal parliament resumes, and Daniel Day-Lewis returns to acting.

Links

The BBC’s obituary for Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall talks about how she became interested in animals

Listen to our Shortcuts series on the business of Taylor Swift, Part 1 and Part 2

Claire’s recommendation: The New Yorker long-read ‘Carol Burnett Plays On’

Larissa’s recommendation: Hamnet, by Maggie O’Farrell

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Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Larissa Moore

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Chapters

00:00 - Taylor Swift’s new album

12:23 - Gaza peace plan

14:55 - PNG defence treaty

17:27 - Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban call it quits

21:23 - What’s coming up in the week ahead

26:44 - Squiz Recommends

29:00 - Squiz Press

Snoop Dogg, space travel, and secret Styles: The Squiz Quiz of the Week

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 19:30:00 -0000

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with Squiz Founder Claire Kimball and Shortcuts Host Larissa Moore. Can you best our in-studio guests?

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 8 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8).

Weekly Wrap: What went down at the UN, what’s driving Optus’s woes, and why Tylenol was in the news

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 19:30:00 -0000

A lot of headlines came out of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week, so we pulled out the major themes to make sense of it all. Then, we'll get you across the latest troubles for Optus, the AFR’s Power List, and why US President Donald Trump had Tylenol in his sights this week. In what's coming up, the AFL Grand Final, the Women's Rugby World Cup Final and PM Albanese is in London.

Links

Claire’s recommendation: ABC TV’s Australian Story episode on Kate Reid

Jodie’s recommendation: ‘Three Identical Strangers’ on Netflix

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Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Audio Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Chapters

00:00 - Wrap-up of the UN General Assembly

9:40 - Optus troubles

13:49 - Trump takes on Tylenol

17:27 - The AFR’s Power List

27:09 - What’s coming up in the week ahead

35:31 - Squiz Recommends

36:40 - Squiz Press

Weekly Wrap: A new emissions target, ANZ’s record-breaking fine, and Fat Bear Week returns

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 19:30:00 -0000

There was a lot of climate policy news to get across this week, first with the release of the National Climate Risk Assessment, and then the government setting a 2035 emissions reduction target. We'll pull that together and make sense of it for you. Then, we'll go through a wrap up of what's happened in Gaza this week, ASIC's record-breaking fine against ANZ, and remembering Hollywood star Robert Redford. In what's coming up, the NRLW finals are on, UN Leaders Week begins, and Fat Bear Week is back.

Links

Claire’s recommendation - Sydney 2000 Olympic Opening Ceremony

Andrew’s recommendation - ⁠⁠⁠⁠Task on HBO Max

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Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Andrew Williams

Producer & Audio Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Video editor: Charlie Devenport

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Chapters

00:00 - Australia’s 2035 emissions target

12:51 - Israel’s ground offensive into Gaza City

16:33 - ANZ’s $240 billion fine

22:18 - Remembering Robert Redford

27:09 - What’s coming up in the week ahead

35:31 - Squiz Recommends

36:40 - Squiz Press

Weekly Wrap: Charlie Kirk's assassination, tension in the Liberal Party, and Canberra gets its flowers

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 19:30:00 -0000

The US is on edge following the fatal shooting of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk - we'll explain who Kirk was, why he was significant, and what the political fallout has been as the search for his killer continues. We'll also cover Israel's strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar and Qatar's importance in the Middle East, the ongoing Jacinta Nampijinpa Price drama in the Liberal Party, and the resolved drama in the Murdoch family...

In what's coming up, it's a feast of sport, Canberra's Floriade festival brings back memories, and arrr, it's Talk Like a Pirate Day....

Links

Claire’s recommendations - This (paywalled) article on James Murdoch from The Atlantic and AKA Charlie Sheen

Jodie’s recommendation - ⁠QV Dermcare Sting-Free Ointment with Ceramides

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you…

Also in our News Club show - ‘The Big Threat’ looks at how other democracies are equipping their populations to recognise and resist mis- and disinformation, and what Australia can learn from them.

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Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Chapters

01:00 - Charlie Kirk

09:00 - Israel and Qatar

13:54 - Jacinta Price

18:34 - Murdoch succession decided

22:40 - What’s coming up in the week ahead

29:35 - Squiz Recommends

32:00 - Squiz Press

The Big Threat: The Home Front

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Having spent six weeks travelling to the US, UK, Finland, France and Estonia meeting international experts fighting the scourge of mis- and disinformation, Bryce returns to Australia to take stock of the situation at home. He sits down with the Governor-General, Sam Mostyn AC, former Labor leader Bill Shorten, the University of Canberra’s Professor Sora Park and McKinnon’s Exec Director of Democracy, Jay Weatherill to discover how their shared passion for defending Australia’s civic institutions means a belief in the urgent need for media literacy education.

Links:

Digital News Report - University of Canberra

Squiz Kids Q+A with Governor General Sam Mostyn

McKinnon

Museum of Australian Democracy

eSafety Commission

AMLA - Australian Media Literacy Alliance

ACARA - National Curriculum Authority - recommends Newshounds

Articles:

Social Media Minimum Age Bill

eSafety Commission Guide

Social media ban review - 9 News

Trial of tech that could be used to keep Australian under-16s off social media finds some errors ‘inevitable’ - The Guardian

Enforcing Australia's social media ban on kids is possible but contains risks, report says - BBC

Social media age verification possible but laden with risks, landmark study warns - ABC

This podcast has been made possible by the Winston Churchill Trust Australia

See Newshounds by Squiz Kids for information about our media literacy program for primary school children.

Weekly Wrap: China’s massive flex, the immigration debate, and Monday’s blood moon

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 19:30:00 -0000

China's President Xi Jinping has hosted a major summit and put on the biggest military parade during peacetime. We’ll get you across the significance - and former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews’ attendance. We'll also cover the anti-immigration protests and simmering debate that went into this week, and we’ll intro you to Chloe Malle, American Vogue’s new editor. In what's coming up, Erin Patterson's live-streamed sentencing, and where to be early Monday morning for the astronomical event of the year.

Links

Claire’s recommendation - The Economist’s podcast The Prince about Xi Jinping

Jodie’s recommendation - Hostage on Netflix

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Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Chapters

00:00 - China summit

10:09 - Anti-immigration protests

13:40 - The ongoing search for Dezi Freeman

16:28 - New editor of American Vogue

19:45 - What’s coming up in the week ahead

26:57 - Squiz Recommends

The Big Threat: The Trust Deficit

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 19:30:00 -0000

On the last leg of his international fact-finding mission, Bryce travels to London - where an academic’s calls for media literacy to be taught at school might finally be being answered. He also visits The Guardian newspaper to learn how they’re fighting fake news - and meets with a Cambridge professor who’s an expert on the psychology of misinformation and worries COVID may have changed everything.

Links:

Professor David Buckingham

Professor Jon Roozenbeek

House of Lords Report into Media Literacy

New Yorker cartoon

Guardian Foundation’s NewsWise program

Ofcom’s Media Use in Britain Report

Articles:

Zinoviev letter was dirty trick by MI6 - The Guardian

Professor Jon Roozenbeek on the Psychology of Misinformation

Professor David Buckingham on the Media Literacy Report

UK Parliament launches inquiry into media literacy

This podcast has been made possible by the ⁠Winston Churchill Trust Australia⁠

See ⁠Newshounds by Squiz Kids⁠ for information about our media literacy program for primary school children.

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you...

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Watch all our interviews ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Youtube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Host: Bryce Corbett

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: Porepunkah’s manhunt, a happenstance encounter, and the Swift-Kelce engagement

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 19:30:00 -0000

As we’re recording, the manhunt continues for sovereign citizen Dezi Freeman, who is suspected of killing 2 police officers and injuring a third. We’ll get you up to speed with the details of the incident, the search, and what exactly a sovereign citizen is. We’ll also get you across why the Iranian Ambassador was expelled this week, our Deputy PM Richard Marles’ meetings in Washington (or was it “a happenstance encounter”...) - and some of the many angles to view Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement. In what’s coming up, it’s the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina hitting New Orleans, and the federal parliament returns next week.

Links

Claire’s recommendation - Five Days at Memorial

Jodie’s recommendation - The Guardian article on Serena Williams’ sponsorship deal with health provider Ro

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce: The six centuries-old art history rules hidden in their engagement photo

The Funniest Memes About Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Engagement

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you…

Also in our News Club show - the first 2 episodes of our new series ‘The Big Threat’ that looks at how other democracies are equipping their populations to recognise and resist mis- and disinformation, and what Australia can learn from them.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our News Club newsletter

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Chapters

00:00 - Porepunkah police shooting

07:46 - Iran's ambassador expelled

11:46 - A happenstance encounter

15:45 - Taylor Swift's engagement

19:42 - What's coming up in the week ahead

26:24 - Squiz Recommends

28:17 - Squiz Press

The Big Threat: When Terror Strikes

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 19:30:00 -0000

In Paris, Bryce discovers how the 2015 Charlie Hebdo terror attacks focused the minds of French people to the importance of media literacy - such that lessons are now mandated in all French schools. He visits a high school classroom where teens are being taught to tell online fact from fiction, meets the Agence France Presse team of fact-checkers and sits down with a former journalist turned digital literacy advocate whose organisation, Lie Detectors, is tackling misinformation one lie at a time.

Links:

AFP Fact Check

Entre Les Lignes

CLEMI

Mapping the media literacy landscape in France - European Digital Media Observatory

Media & Learning in France

Lie Detectors

Articles:

In France school lessons ask which Twitter post should you trust? - New York Times
Facebook and Instagram get rid of fact checkers - BBC

This podcast has been made possible by the ⁠Winston Churchill Trust Australia⁠

See ⁠Newshounds by Squiz Kids⁠ for information about our media literacy program for primary school children.

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you...

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to our News Club newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Watch all our interviews ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Youtube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Host: Bryce Corbett

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: Israel-Oz tensions, skibidi in the dictionary, and your survey responses

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 19:30:00 -0000

It's been a rough week for the Australia-Israel relationship… Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is furious about the Albanese Government's decision to recognise Palestinian statehood, and took aim at our PM this week. We also cover where we've landed with Russia-Ukraine after a week of talks about ending the war. And we’ll get you across the key takeaways from the Economic Reform Roundtable, along with Cambridge Dictionary’s Gen Alpha update. In what's coming up, there are a couple of big court dates for both Erin Patterson and Brittany Higgins, and Qantas will release its full-year profit after this week’s record IR fine.

Links

Claire’s recommendation - Ten classic potato dishes ranked from worst to best from Good Food

Jodie’s recommendation - The Family Next Door on ABC iView

The Squiz audience survey report

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you…

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our News Club newsletter

Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Chapters

00:00 - Israel-Australia relations

04:40 - Russia-Ukraine

08:21 - Economic Reform Roundtable

11:58 - Cambridge Dictionary's Gen Alpha update

15:14 - What's coming up in the week ahead

21:56 - Squiz Recommends

The Big Threat: War Footing

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Bryce visits Estonia and Finland where he discovers a shared border with Russia has made universal media literacy not just a nice to have, but existential. Interviewing the Estonian education minister, Kristina Kallas and Finnish government officials - he learns that digital literacy is now a priority at all levels of government - including the Ministries of Defence.

Links:

EU DisinfoLab’s Doppelganger

EU Digital Services Act

Estonia Women’s Voluntary Defence Organisation

Estonian Defence League

US Embassy - Estonia - Small Grants Program

Faktisk website

Faktisk media literacy arm, Tenk

NORDIS: The Nordic Hub for Digital and Information Disorder

Finland’s National Audio Visual Institute

Articles:

EU Prepares Major Penalties against Elon Musk’s X - New York Times

Fakitsk: Norway’s media literacy program - BBC

Finnish newspaper hides news reports in online game - The Guardian

This podcast has been made possible by the Winston Churchill Trust Australia

See Newshounds by Squiz Kids for information about our media literacy program for primary school children.

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Host: Bryce Corbett

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: An economic round-up, recognising Palestine, and Taylor Swift’s Showgirl era

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 19:30:00 -0000

It's a big week for economic news - the Reserve Bank cut interest rates, and next week’s Economic Reform Roundtable has been a big talking point. Westpac CEO Anthony Miller also made waves with his unrelenting work schedule… Then we bundle up 2 big international stories - the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, and the response to Australia’s move to recognise Palestinian statehood. And Taylor Swift has new tunes coming in October - we get into how that was announced. In what's coming up, there’s an infrastructure conference to clock (no, really…) and an exciting air race across the outback.

Links

Acquired’s podcast episode on Google - Claire’s recommendation

Honestly podcast interview with Amanda Knox - Jodie’s recommendation

ABC TV’s 7.30 interview with US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee

Taylor Swift’s podcast appearance on New Heights

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you…

Also in our News Club show - the first 3 episodes of our new series ‘The Big Threat’ that looks at how other democracies are equipping their populations to recognise and resist mis- and disinformation, and what Australia can learn from them.

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Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Chapters

00:00 - Economic round-up

09:38 - Two big international stories

14:03 - What the mushroom murder trial jury wasn't told

18:50 - Taylor Swift's Showgirl era

21:37 - What's coming up in the week ahead

26:40 - Squiz Recommends

29:17 - Squiz Press

The Big Threat: Fightback

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Still in New York, Bryce meets with the News Literacy Project’s Darragh Worland, and compares media literacy education notes with the Poynter Institute’s Brittani Kollar. And against a backdrop of government cuts to public broadcasting and media companies buckling to political pressure, he sits down with Michelle Lipkin who’s built a nationwide community of digital literacy educators, inspired by her own painful experience as a victim of one of the worst terrorist attacks the world has ever seen.

Links:

⁠News Literacy Project⁠

⁠News Literacy in America Report⁠

⁠Poynter Institute - Media Wise⁠

⁠National Association of Media Literacy Educators (NAMLE)⁠

⁠Reuters Institute - Digital News Report⁠

⁠Alan Miller: on founding the News Literacy Project⁠

Articles:

⁠Michelle Lipkin and Pan Am 103⁠ - PBS

⁠Paramount, SkyDance deal - CBS⁠

⁠Paramount, CBS, Stephen Colbert + the SkyDance deal - The Guardian⁠

⁠SkyDance pledges to end DEI at CBS and ‘root out bias’ - CNN⁠

⁠Louisiana mandates Ten Commandments in every classroom - BBC

This podcast has been made possible by the Winston Churchill Trust Australia

See Newshounds by Squiz Kids for information about our media literacy program for primary school children.

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Host: Bryce Corbett

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: Regulating AI, Tassie's political turmoil, and a vigilante parrot

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 19:00:00 -0000

This week, the Productivity Commission released an interim report that's thrown fuel on the fire of the debate around AI and copyright law. We'll get into what's being proposed and why it's got creatives and media companies up in arms. We also cover off where a Putin-Trump meeting is up to, Tassie's new (and maybe temporary) government, and Tourism Australia's new ad campaign. In what's coming up, the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII, the Reserve Bank considers interest rates, and Beijing hosts the world's first World Humanoid Robot Games.

Links

Claire’s favourite internet bird - ⁠Auggie the Quaker parrot⁠

Claire's recipe recommendation - minestrone pasta soup with pork and ricotta meatballs from SMH Good Food

Jodie’s book recommendation - Nesting by Roisin O’Donnell

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Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Researcher: Nicoletta Hay

Chapters

00:00 - Regulations for AI

09:38 - Potential Putin-Trump meeting

14:01 - Ongoing turmoil in Tassie politics

16:52 - Tourism Australia's new campaign

26:35 - Squiz Recommends

28:54 - Squiz Press

The Big Threat: The Enemy Within

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 19:30:00 -0000

On the eve of a Presidential inauguration, Bryce travels to Washington and New York to meet media literacy advocates and fact-checking organisations nervously assessing their futures. As the FT Correspondent Andrew Jack provides a sobering take on the new US administration and its implications for democracy, a visit to a Manhattan elementary school provides a glimmer of hope.

Links:

FT for Schools

Take 2 Media Initiative

News Literacy Project

News Literacy in America Report

Student Reporting Labs

NAMLE: National Association for Media Literacy Education

Pulitzer Centre: Journalist Classroom Visits

Articles:

Daron Acemoglu - Standard Oil op-ed in the Financial Times

Trump-era funding cut delivers blow to local journalism as public broadcasting group forced to close - ABC

This is what Russia propaganda looks like in 2024 - NPR

This podcast has been made possible by the Winston Churchill Trust Australia

See Newshounds by Squiz Kids for information about our media literacy program for primary school children.

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Host: Bryce Corbett

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: Palestinian statehood, the YouTube ban, and our favourite Aussie songs

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 19:30:00 -0000

It’s been a big week for discussion about recognising Palestine as a state. We'll explain what it means and Australia's position on that complex question. Then, it’s onto the Albanese Government’s announcement that YouTube will be included in the under-16s social media ban. The deadline for Trump's tariffs has passed, so we'll cover where Australia's landed. We also dive into Triple J's Hottest 100 Aussie songs of all time (but, because we like to be efficient, we're doing Claire and Jodie's Hottest 3 Aussie songs…). In what's coming up, the Garma Festival has started in Arnhem Land, the Super Netball Grand Final is on, and Sunday brings Aussie TV's night of stars - the Logies.

Links

Watch Mix Tape on BINGE

Try Crispy Lemon Chicken from RecipeTinEats

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you…

Listen on for episode 1 of our new series ‘The Big Threat’ that looks at how other democracies are equipping their populations to recognise and resist mis- and disinformation, and what Australia can learn from them. It’s a new release this week from The Squiz.

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Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Chapters

(00:00) Global push to recognise Palestinian statehood

(09:17) Youtube included in social media ban

(13:28) Trump’s tariff deadline has passed

(20:48) What's coming up for the week ahead

(26:40) Squiz Recommends

(28:30) Squiz Press

The Big Threat: Brave New World

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Against the backdrop of the devastating LA fires, with a new President in the White House and as Meta announces its retreat from fact checking, Bryce visits San Francisco where public broadcaster KQED is mounting a rearguard action to fight fake news, and meets with Stanford University’s Professor Sam Wineburg - an academic sounding the alarm on a looming global disinformation crisis.

Links:

Sam Wineburg’s book, Verified

Professor Sam Wineburg: Stanford

KQED Youth Media Challenge

Corporation for Public Broadcasting - US

Articles:

Sam Wineburg’s USA Today op-ed

KQED faces budget cuts: $8m

Cuts threaten public broadcasting in the US

Australian Government: Social media ban for under 16s

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Watch all our interviews ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Youtube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Host: Bryce Corbett

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: Parliament’s return, Trump’s Epstein problem, and the Hollywood costume designer from Kiama

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Federal parliament is back, and with Labor's 51 seat majority, it was striking to see. We'll give you an around-the-grounds look at how each party is faring as they settle into this new term. Then it’s onto the infamous Epstein files, and why it’s a problem for Trump that’s not going away. We also discuss the joint statement on the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In what's coming up, the Wallabies take on the Lions in Melbourne, some big inflation numbers are out, and Kiama celebrates a legendary Hollywood costume designer.

(00:00) What to know about Parliament's return

(10:06) Trump's Epstein files problem

(14:22) The humanitarian crisis in Gaza

(18:03) Ozzy Osbourne

(26:15) Recommendations

(28:27) Squiz Press

(30:09) The Big Threat

LINKS

Read the Women’s Weekly profile on Sussan Ley

Watch Amy Bradley is Missing on Netflix

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Introducing... The Big Threat

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 19:30:00 -0000

First episode drops Wednesday, July 30th, on your News Club podcast feed.

Weekly Wrap: Albanese’s Taiwan moment, a miraculous rescue, and getting ready for parliament’s return

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 19:30:00 -0000

PM Anthony Albanese has spent 6 days in China - his longest visit to another country since he took office. Taiwan was very much in focus while he was there, and it generated questions so we're diving into what exactly Australia's position is. Also, outback killer Bradley John Murdoch has died, new domestic abuse allegations against Mark Latham, and the miraculous rescue of German backpacker Carolina Wilga. In what's coming up, Tasmanians are set to vote, the Wallabies take on the Lions in Brissie, and our federal pollies get ready to start the new parliamentary term.

LINKS

⁠Fill out our menopause survey here⁠

Princess Kate’s Wimbledon wear

Watch the latest season of Abbot Elementary on Disney+ or the first three seasons for free on ABC iview

Read Long Island by Colm Tóibín

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: Erin Patterson is guilty, the PM is off to China, and we get a shoutout in the UK

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 19:30:00 -0000

On Monday, Erin Patterson was found guilty of murder and attempted murder. We’ll get you across the deluge of analysis that’s flowed since that verdict. Plus, Special Envoy Jillian Segal’s recommendations to the government to combat antisemitism, the findings of the coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker, and interest rates & tariffs. In what’s coming up, Talisman Sabre military exercises get ready to kick off, and the Wimbledon finals. And The Squiz gets a shoutout on the ‘Off Air with Jane and Fi’ podcast from The Times in the UK.

LINKS

People watching at Wimbledon

Australian Story: Franklin River rescue

Lin-Manuel Miranda performing Alexander Hamilton at the White House in 2009

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Andrew Williams

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: The childcare safety scandal, a data breach at Qantas and a long-awaited sequel

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 19:00:00 -0000

The safety of kids in childcare has been a big topic this week after a Melbourne childcare worker was accused of committing acts of abuse. We’ll get you across the policy implications. We’ll take you through the Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs verdict, the Qantas data breach, and a much-anticipated movie sequel with ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’. In what’s coming up - NAIDOC Week, the Dalai Lama turns 90, and it’s a big weekend for camel racing.

LINKS

Support for those impacted by the alleged abuse at a Victorian childcare centre

List of support services and helplines

RecipeTinEats Pot Roast

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Watch all our interviews ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Youtube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: The US strikes on Iran, Ley's vision for the Liberals, and Bezos's big wedding

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Last week, the US bombed 3 nuclear facilities in Iran. We get you across the details of those strikes, and what the major players are saying about the outcome. Plus, Sussan Ley's vision for an electable Liberal Party, a very extravagant Venice wedding, and Lake Eyre is back. Coming up next week - the jury in the trial of Erin Patterson start deliberations, the Fijian PM is in Canberra, and the NRLW season kicks off.

LINKS

Send your questions to us for Ask The Squiz

Subscribe to the Financial Times

Watch Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem on Netflix

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Host: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Senior Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editor: Ryan Pemberton

The Call Sheet: Stan's Dan Taylor on building a streaming service

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 21:11:00 -0000

In a world where Netflix and Disney dominate, how does a platform like Stan hold its own?

We put that to Dan Taylor - he’s the Managing Director of Stan and the guy leading Australia’s only locally owned streaming service. We chat about the strategy behind streaming, how the industry’s shifted (and where it's heading), and what it all means for local content. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the business end of what we watch.

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PS: Love what we do? Click ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify, leave us a 5-star review, or share the pod with a mate, your mum, or even your barista.

Weekly Wrap: The Israel-Iran conflict, mushroom trial wraps up, and sunscreen drama

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Global news was dominated by escalating tensions between Israel and Iran this week. We get you across what’s happened so far, and how the US plays into it. Plus, the mushroom murder trial is almost done, an update on Australia’s proposed social media ban, and the Choice/Ultraviollete sunscreen controversy. Looking ahead - the NATO summit, new EU-Australia deals, and a nostalgic Glastonbury lineup.

LINKS

Watch/listen to our interview with Trent Dalton on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠The Bear season 4 trailer⁠

⁠Simple Home Edit's crispy sesame chicken recipe⁠

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Host: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Senior Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editor: Ryan Pemberton

The Call Sheet: Trent Dalton on ambition, regrets and what comes next

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 19:00:00 -0000

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Host: Bryce Corbett

Senior Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editors: Charlie Devenport and Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: LA protests, a rough week in TV, and Monash IVF does it again

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Trump has deployed the National Guard and Marines, we'll get you across what that means as the protests in LA continue. It was also a rough week for broadcast TV, with both The Project and Q+A cancelled. And there was another Monash IVF bungle. Coming up - the G7 kicks off in Canada, and State of Origin.

LINKS

Watch/listen to our interview with Stephanie Bendixsen on ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

Listen to The Beach Boys album Pet Sounds.

The Survivors on Netflix.

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Host: Claire Kimball & Andrew Williams

Senior Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editor: Ryan Pemberton

The Call Sheet: Stephanie 'Hex' Bendixsen on why gaming’s not niche

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Gaming is a global powerhouse, pulling in more revenue than film and music combined. In this episode, we chat with Stephanie Bendixsen - or Hex - a gaming critic, author and presenter who’s carved out her place in a male-dominated industry. We talk about the evolution of gaming, from TV to Twitch, and what it says about where entertainment and culture are heading. Yes, it’s about gaming, but it’s also about so much more...

Games mentioned:

Firewatch

What remains of Edith Finch

Gone Home

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Host: Andrew Williams

Senior Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editors: Charlie Devenport and Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: Bromance break-up, retail battles, and what’s going on in Tassie?

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Ukraine’s drone strike has defence watchers calling it a turning point in the war - we’ll unpack what it means for global security. Plus, the Trump/Musk bromance takes a hit, and we’ll get you across the latest from the mushroom murder trial, with Erin Patterson taking the stand. Also on the radar - Tassie could be heading to the polls early, and the French Open finals get underway tonight.

LINKS

Watch/listen to our interview with Aunty Donna on ⁠Spotify⁠ or ⁠YouTube⁠

Operation Spiderweb map

The Eye of the Sheep by Sofie Laguna

Murderbot on Apple TV+

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Host: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Senior Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editor: Ryan Pemberton

The Call Sheet: How Aunty Donna are changing the comedy world

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 19:00:00 -0000

You might know Aunty Donna from their YouTube channel, their Netflix series Aunty Donna’s Big Ol' House of Fun, or their ABC show Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe. But behind the scenes, they're doing something quite revolutionary.

In this episode, we chat with Mark Bonanno and Sam Lingham - two of the brains behind the Melbourne comedy group - about taking the business side of comedy into their own hands. They reflect on their story, the best advice they've ever received, and why they want to change it for the next generation of Aussie talent.

Check out Aunty Donna here

'Sinners', Coogler, and the question of ownership - The Hollywood Reporter

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Host: Andrew Williams

Senior Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editors: Charlie Devenport and Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: The aid crisis in Gaza, Healthscope goes under, and a lovers scuffle

Fri, 30 May 2025 19:00:00 -0000

A couple of developments in the Israel-Gaza war this week, we get you across what’s happening. Then we’re wrapping up three stories with a common thread: Trump’s legal battle over tariffs, the collapse of Healthscope, and a lovers’ scuffle featuring the Macrons. In the week ahead, a world-first election in Mexico, and the latest ABS data.

LINKS

Watch/listen to our interview with Daina Reid on Spotify or YouTube

The viral video of The Macrons

Swedish potato and anchovy casserole

Four Years Later on SBS on Demand

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Host: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Senior Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editor: Ryan Pemberton

The Call Sheet: Daina Reid on directing The Handmaid's Tale

Tue, 27 May 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Daina Reid has directed some of Australia’s most iconic TV - Offspring, Paper Giants, The Secret Life of Us - and made her mark globally with The Handmaid’s Tale. In this chat, she shares her journey from Perth sketch comedy to Hollywood... There are a few name drops, but also the meaty stuff: how streaming is reshaping the industry, what it means for Aussie stories, and how she’s navigated it all as a woman behind the camera.

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Watch all our interviews ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Youtube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Host: Bryce Corbett

Senior Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editors: Charlie Devenport and Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: A political break up, genocide claims, and the doping games

Fri, 23 May 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Our 2025 audience survey (please, and thank you!)

In this episode: devastating floods in northern NSW, we’ll get you across why they say they’re a once-in-500-years event. Plus, a Coalition uncoupling, and Trump turns up the rhetoric on South Africa. In what's coming up, Beef Week and Kamala Harris is Gold Coast bound.

Recs:

Lonely Mouth by Jacqueline Maley

Couples Therapy on Paramount+

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Watch all our interviews ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Youtube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Host: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Senior Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editor: Ryan Pemberton

The Call Sheet: Travel Guides' Mel Maclean on the reality of reality TV

Wed, 21 May 2025 13:07:00 -0000

Gogglebox, Travel Guides, Parental Guidance, The Assembly... if you're into TV, you've probably seen Mel Maclean's work. She’s the go-to producer for some of Australia's most-watched reality and factual shows. In this chat, Mel shares her journey from a cattle farm to the small screen, why she thinks this genre is having such a moment, how ordinary Australians become household names, and the deep sense of responsibility she feels when telling their stories.

You can take part in our 2025 audience survey here

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Host: Bryce Corbett

Senior Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editors: Charlie Devenport and Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: A week of factions, world leaders on tour, and baby names

Fri, 16 May 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Sussan Ley took over as Liberal leader this week, while PM Anthony Albanese reshuffled his frontbench - we’ll take you through what it means and how it’s landed. US President Donald Trump made a visit to the Middle East, the Diddy trial is everywhere, and looking ahead, it’s RBA rate day on Tuesday and Qantas is back in court.

LINKS

Our News Club chat with Peter Greste

The Flat Share on Paramount+

JSHealth Signature Green Soup

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Host: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Senior Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editor: Ryan Pemberton

The Call Sheet: Peter Greste on seeing his story told on the big screen

Tue, 13 May 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Welcome to The Call Sheet – the latest News Club series. This time, we’re turning the spotlight on the people behind what we watch, listen, and stream - the people shaping Aussie entertainment. Kicking things off is journalist Peter Greste, whose real-life story has just hit the big screen. The Correspondent is based on his book and follows his arrest and imprisonment in Egypt back in 2013. Peter talks about his harrowing story, seeing that chapter of his life brought to life on film, and what it was like being portrayed by Richard Roxburgh.

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Watch all our interviews ⁠⁠⁠on Youtube ⁠⁠⁠

Host: Bryce Corbett

Senior Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editors: Charlie Devenport and Ryan Pemberton

Trailer: Introducing The Call Sheet...

Mon, 12 May 2025 02:30:00 -0000

First episode drops Wednesday on your News Club podcast feed.

Weekly Wrap: Our election wrap, an American Pope, and and lights, camera, Call Sheet...

Fri, 09 May 2025 19:00:00 -0000

The federal election's over, so we're doing a lap of the map to see how things shook out in each state. Also: the new Pope has been elected, an update on the mushroom murder trial, tensions flare between India and Pakistan, and Donald Trump’s is heading to the Middle East.

LINKS

Vogue's Met Gala gallery

Australia's Eurovision entry

The Four Seasons on Netflix

Fashion Critical

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Host: Claire Kimball & Jodie Speers

Senior Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: Election takeouts, a baking beef, and the mushroom murder trial

Fri, 02 May 2025 19:00:00 -0000

It’s Election Day! We dive into our takeouts from what some are calling a 'dull' election campaign. Plus, the plagiarism allegations between Receipt Tin Eats and Brooki, the blackout in Spain, and the first week of the mushroom trial. And as always, what’s coming up next week as we move into post-election mode.

Links

Mushroom Case Daily podcast

Snake on a globe game

Your shortcut to what happens in a conclave

Your shortcut to the election

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Our Election Quiz Part 2

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 19:00:00 -0000

We're back with round 2 of our special election-themed Squiz Quiz - and tell us how you go at hello@thesquiz.com.au... We'd love to know!

Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 10 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 10).

Special episode: Our Election Quiz

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 19:00:00 -0000

This long weekend, we're bringing you our special election-themed Squiz Quiz. Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home:

The quiz has 10 questions.

Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 10).

The final round is worth a maximum of 5 points - Andrew will read 5 quotes about a news story - the faster you identify the story, the more points you get!

The final score is out of a possible 15 points.

Newsmakers with Mandi Wicks

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Mandi Wicks has been running the news division at SBS for nearly five years. She’s a former journo who’s also led SBS’s audio and language content. We wanted to chat to Mandi because SBS plays a unique role in our media landscape. It’s taxpayer-funded, and its job is to reflect Australia’s multicultural society. So in a time when trust in the media is under pressure and audiences are tuning out, we're curious...how’s SBS thinking about all that?

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PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better—spread the word about News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.

Host: Kate Watson

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: The art of the tariff, Meta in the hot seat, and a tragic mix-up

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Dire wolves are back from extinction (kinda), and after sending shockwaves through the stock market with his tariff announcement, Donald Trump has hit pause on new tariffs for most of the US’s trading partners. We dive into both those stories, plus look at what’s ahead for Meta as it faces fresh scrutiny and the heartbreaking news that an IVF error has led to a woman giving birth to a stranger’s baby.

The Free Press' interview with Usha Vance

Italian wedding soup recipe

Send your election questions to hello@thesquiz.com.au

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Newsmakers with Clare Stephens

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 19:00:00 -0000

For many, the name Clare Stephens is synonymous with Mamamia. After all, she spent close to a decade working there, taking on roles such as Editor-in-Chief and Executive Editor. But in February this year, she left. In this chat, we talk about all the things that made up that decision, how she’s handling it, and of course, what is on the cards for Clare Stephens - solo.

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Hosts: Kate Watson

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: Tariffs for all, AI goes Ghibli, and keeping up with The Sussexes

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 18:00:00 -0000

President Trump imposed tariffs on nearly all US trading partners this week. We break down the formula and what it means for the global economy. Plus, Queensland is battling severe floods, the Sussexes are back in the spotlight, and ChatGPT had its biggest day since launch with a new feature mimicking Studio Ghibli's iconic style.

LINKS

How the US tariffs are calculated

Meghan Markle's interview in the New York Times

The Pitt on Binge

The Yuka app

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Newsmakers with former Deputy PM John Anderson

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 18:30:00 -0000

John Anderson is a name many will recognize from the Howard Years (1996-2007), when he served as Leader of the Nationals and Deputy Prime Minister of Australia. But while his political career is well-known, what’s less familiar is his rise as a media powerhouse. With a YouTube channel that has hundreds of millions of views and 700,000 subscribers, John has managed to carve out a significant digital presence.

On this chat, we dig into how John transitioned from politics to digital media, why his content is hitting such a chord, and what he believes is Australia's path forward.

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Weekly Wrap: It's an election, top-secret group chats, and the new Olympics plan

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 18:30:00 -0000

The federal election for 2025 has officially been announced, and we cover what happened this week with the Budget. Plus, the story out of the US about a journalist being accidentally added to a top-secret chat group, and big news about the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

LINKS

Sign our petition for the fight against fake news - but please don't make a donation (it does not go to Squiz Kids...)

The Trump administration accidentally texted me war plans

Lemon and ricotta cake

The Studio on Apple TV+

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Newsmakers with Bryce Corbett

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Bryce’s career spans many of Australia’s top media outlets, but these days, he is the Director of Squiz Kids, having started our daily news podcast for busy families back in 2020. Bryce just returned from a Churchill Fellowship trip, exploring how global efforts are tackling mis and disinformation. He talks about what he learnt and also shares his experience interviewing Belle Gibson in 2015, when she confessed to faking her cancer diagnosis.

Sign our petition for the fight against fake news - but please don't make a donation (it does not go to Squiz Kids)

Newshounds, our media literacy program

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Host: Kate Waston

Senior Producer: Annelise Taylor

Weekly Wrap: ACCC's supermarket probe, ceasefires, and back down to Earth

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Two astronauts caused a splash this week. We chat about that, plus the latest on the ceasefires between Israel-Gaza and Ukraine-Russia. We also talk about ACCC's recent findings from their supermarket inquiry and why the new Netflix series Adolescence has started some big conversations.

LINKS

Sign our petition for the fight against fake news - but please don't make a donation (it does not go to Squiz Kids...)

Adolescence

The School of St Jude

Gwyneth Paltrow's interview with Vanity Fair

Newsmakers with Betoota Advocate

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Newsmakers with The Betoota Advocate

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 20:00:00 -0000

For nearly 10 years, The Betoota Advocate has reigned as one of Australia’s most popular satirical news brands. In this chat, Charles Single (aka Errol Parker) and Zenon Kosmider (aka Wendell Hussey) share the backstory to The Betoota Advocate, their unique approach to news content, and how they’ve managed to engage us for almost a decade.

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Weekly Wrap: A wild weather wrap-up, Trump's tariffs, and a Snow White saga

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 18:00:00 -0000

In this Weekly Wrap we kick off with a look at the WA and Greenland election results before looking at the mop up from ex-TC Alfred and the drought in southern Oz. We also get across the latest on tariffs, why global share markets struggled this week, and former Aussie of the Year Richard Scolyer's update this week.

LINKS

Potato recipe (again...)

Pics of the beach erosion from ex-TC Alfred

The New York Times' visual story on former President Rodrigo Duterte's 'war on drugs' (warning: graphic images)

Variety's story - Rachel Zegler on Reinventing Snow White

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Hosts: Kate Watson & Claire Kimball

Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Newsmakers with cybersecurity expert Alastair MacGibbon

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 18:30:00 -0000

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Weekly Wrap: Cyclone Alfred, Ukraine and the US, Panda Mart and rogue chickens

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 18:00:00 -0000

In this Weekly Wrap we talk Cyclone Alfred, Ukraine and the US, rogue chickens, some positive economic data and we look at the week coming up in elections.

LINKS

Potts Pointers Facebook group

Broadsheet newsletter

Potato recipe

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Hosts: Kate Watson & Claire Kimball

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editor: Ryan Pemberton

Newsmakers with ABC's 730 host Sarah Ferguson

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 19:00:00 -0000

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Weekly Wrap: China's warships make waves, Ukraine and Gaza updates, and growing up Murdoch

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 18:00:00 -0000

In this Weekly Wrap we discuss everything from the latest cheese news to the Chinese military exercises off Australia. We also get across Trump’s AI-generated video on Gaza, the latest on Richard White and WiseTech, and Andrew outlines the extent of his board game obsession.

LINKS

Atlantic - James Murdoch

Trump AI Video

SMH article - Chinese Warships

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Hosts: Kate Watson & Andrew Williams

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Newsmakers is back...

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 02:00:00 -0000

Season 2 of Newsmakers is here. The first episode drops next Wednesday.

Weekly Wrap: A new world order, buying Whyalla, and ASIO's worried

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:10:00 -0000

Three years into Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Trump sent shockwaves through Europe this week by embracing Putin and snubbing Zelensky. We break down what that could mean, plus why the Aussie government dropped $2 billion on Whyalla steelworks. Also, RBA's rate cut, ASIO boss Mike Burgess's security warning, and a potential cure for advanced melanoma.

LINKS

We're looking for a video editor

Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson

Craig Emerson sings 'no Whyalla wipe-out'

Trailer for Conclave

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Hosts: Kate Watson & Andrew Williams

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Weekly Wrap: NSW nurses stood down, dodging US tariffs, and Kendrick vs Drake

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 19:00:00 -0000

The reaction and fallout to antisemitic comments made by two nurses in Sydney, Trump’s call with Vladimir Putin, and what happened with tariffs this week. Plus, we explain the Drake/Kendrick Lamar feud, and the first RBA interest rate decision of 2025 is coming...

LINKS

Our shortcut to...Belle Gibson

Video of a kayaker getting swallowed by a whale

The Daily's episode on Kendrick and Drake

The 50 best SNL sketches

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Hosts: Kate Watson & Andrew Williams

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Weekly Wrap: Trump’s Gaza plan, Queensland floods, and who is Bianca Censori?

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 18:50:00 -0000

We break down President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza, and what happened this week in the US trade wars. Plus, why Bianca Censori's Grammy outit caused such a stir, and Mecca might be up for grabs. In what's coming up - it's Super Bowl Sunday.

UPDATE: Since recording, MCoBeauty confirmed its sale to retail/pharmacy entrepreneur Dennis Bastas, who is behind Australia’s largest privately owned healthcare products business. As we said, it's all happening in the Aussie beauty sector...

LINKS

Our Year Ahead episode with Lauren Sams

The naked truth about Bianca Censori

Hetty's spiced sweet potato recipe

Vienna Blood

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Andrew Williams

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editor: Carter Quinn

Weekly Wrap: The new AI player, a deadly plane crash, and all things music

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 19:30:00 -0000

It was a big end to the week, with DeepSeek shaking up the markets and a deadly plane crash in Washington. Plus, the fallout from Triple J’s Hottest 100, what to expect from the Grammys, and a possible caravan terror plot. Also, there is plenty of cricket and the latest on inflation.

LINKS

The Year Ahead...in Fashion

Pork Skewers recipe

We're hiring

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Hosts: Claire Kimball & Andrew Williams

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editor: Carter Quinn & Yashica White

The Year Ahead...in Fashion

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 21:12:00 -0000

What will 2025 bring in the business of fashion? Lauren Sams is the fashion editor at the Australian Financial Review and now Deputy Editor of the AFR Mag. In this chat, we cover fashion and how it intersects with business. Who the big players are in Australia, the moves at the very top fashion houses and why they matter to you and me.Plus, the big concerns for the industry and why the way we shop matters both ethically and economically.

Links

Mr. McMahon

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Weekly Wrap: The many facets of Donald Trump’s inauguration, polling numbers, and we're hiring

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 18:30:00 -0000

The key takeaways from Donald Trump’s inauguration and what happened in Israel and Gaza this week. Plus, antisemitism in Australia and a new poll on Dutton vs Albanese. And in what's coming up... tennis, cricket and the school holidays are done for some.

Links

News Club interview with PM Anthony Albanese

Inside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Big Business Ambitions

Squid Game

We're hiring

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INTERVIEW: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 18:20:00 -0000

In his first podcast interview of 2025 ahead of the federal election, PM Anthony Albanese joins News Club to talk about his values and why he doesn’t think the Coalition can win. We asked about his approach to Donald Trump, his news habits, the threat of misinformation, and his views on national pride. We got to educate him on the phrase ‘cossie livs’ aka cost of living... He also talks about his fiance, Jodie, and his friendship with his son Nathan. It’s a great listen as you ponder how you’ll vote in the upcoming election.

Who is Anthony Albanese? - The Guardian

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Hosts: Kate Watson & Claire Kimball

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Editing: Carter Quinn

Weekly Wrap: Talking to the PM; a ceasefire in the Middle East; Oscar Jenkins and Donald Trump’s inauguration

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 18:30:00 -0000

We preview our conversation with the Prime Minister + the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Gaza, LA fires and understanding the case of Oscar Jenkins. There’s also tennis, a looming TikTok ban in the US + Donald Trump's Presidential inauguration.

Links

The Wide Wide Sea

My Old Ass

Destanee Aiva

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The Year Ahead...Politics

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 18:30:00 -0000

2025 is a federal election year, so in this episode, we’re chatting with Clare Harvey, Editorial Director at The Australian and host of The Front podcast, about what’s on her political radar. We dive into the rise of anti-Semitism, cost-of-living pressures, and the influence of Teals and independents. Plus, we discuss Peter Dutton’s strategy and the tension between Albanese and Plibersek over Tassie salmon farming.

You can watch Wolf Hall on Apple TV

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Weekly Wrap: Hollywood burns, Trudeau quits, and the Aussie Open

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Unpacking the devastating wildfires in LA, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau's time at the top comes to an end, and we chat about the Golden Globes. Plus, a big week ahead in sports with the Women's Ashes, rhe Australian Open, and Santos Down Under.

Links

The Year Ahead...Entertainment

Long Life Grout Cleaner

Lit Hub's most anticipated books for 2025

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The Year Ahead… Entertainment

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 18:30:00 -0000

The Year Ahead is our hit-the-ground running podcast series, where we chat with our friends in news about the big stories and trends on their radar for 2025. Starting with our Squiz Today co-host Andrew Williams for his take on the world of entertainment and his big predictions for the year ahead.

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Weekly Wrap: Natural disasters, mysterious drones and Christmas gifts

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 18:00:00 -0000

This week: It’s Christmas so Claire and Kate exchange gifts plus we talk natural disasters, drones, an assassination in Russia and give our news predictions for the year ahead. Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, Weekly Wrap is all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Links

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/athletes-deserve-to-feel-safe-and-supported-olympi[…]ure-of-abuse/news-story/1458601af95b04cad7b892a8db29d7f2

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From the producer: “It’s the biggest reality TV show in the world”: former US Ambassador Arthur Sinodinos on a second Trump administration

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 18:30:00 -0000

Arthur Sinodinos was US Ambassador for a time under the first Trump Presidency. He shares with us why he thinks the American people voted for him again and what he expects from a second Trump administration.

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Weekly Wrap: The Murdoch succession saga, nuclear numbers, and who is Luigi Mangione?

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 18:30:00 -0000

This week: A rise in attacks on Jewish communities and Rupert Murdoch loses family trust battle. Plus, the Coalition releases the cost of thier nuclear power plan, and the manhunt for the UnitedHealthcare CEO's shooter ends.

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, Weekly Wrap is all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Links

This hat from Canopy Bay

Australian Gospel by Lech Blaine

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From the producer: Newsmakers with Leigh Sales

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 18:30:00 -0000

When Leigh Sales, one of our earliest supporters, said yes to joining us on Newsmakers—it was a big moment for us. With so much to ask, we dive into everything from her time as a foreign correspondent and anchoring 7.30 to her writing on journalism, research into grief and fear, and her thoughts on news fatigue. Plus, we chat about her side hustle, Chat 10 Looks 3, which has grown into a community of tens of thousands.

Leigh shares her interview approach, dream guests, and even a few celebrity stories. Whether you’re into news, journalism, or just curious, there’s something here for everyone.

You can watch The Assembly on ABC iview

Weekly wrap: Syrian rebels take on Assad, Joe Biden pardons his son, and the end of an era

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 18:00:00 -0000

This week on Weekly Wrap, we discuss the Syrian rebels take on Assad, Joe Biden pardon of his son, and the end of an era...

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, Weekly Wrap is all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Links

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From the producer: Bernie Shakeshaft on more kids, more towns, more empathy

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 19:30:00 -0000

With all the news of late about youth crime, gendered violence, and incarceration rates, we have found ourselves asking - I wonder what Bernie thinks? Bernie Shakeshaft is the 2020 Australian Local Hero of the Year recipient and the founder of Backtrack. It's a community-led organisation for young people who are having a tough time. In this chat, he delves into what helping those kids who need it most means and why it makes a big difference.

Club Picks:

This piece on the ABC looks at the data around youth offender rates and the various solutions being offered.
This Moree report, written by Adam Harvey in March, paints a picture of what it is like to live with the issue of youth crime on your doorstep. We interviewed Adam Harvey previously on News Club about reporting on conflict zones.
This is the documentary made in 2018 about BackTrack and a recent update to it. You can also watch the trailer here.
This is Bernie featured in the AFR’s Philanthropy edition. If you don’t have time for the doco or our News Club interview, this is an easy way to get across what he has built/is building.

Find out more about BackTrack here

Host: Kate Watson

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Weekly Wrap: What to know about the social media ban, ceasefire in the Middle East, and a swimming GOAT retires

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 18:30:00 -0000

Cricket’s in the spotlight, a big week for federal parliament, including a world-first social media ban for under-16s, and a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Plus, a major report on domestic violence out of the NT you might’ve missed, and a swimming legend says goodbye.

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, Weekly Wrap is all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Links

Our AFLW shortcut

I'm with kids travel kit

Bad Sisters on Apple TV

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"In some ways I feel guilty": Australian of the Year Richard Scolyer has incurable brain cancer

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 18:30:00 -0000

Richard Scolyer is our 2024 joint Australian of the Year and Medical Director of the Melanoma Institute of Australia, alongside his colleague and friend Professor Georgina Long. Less than a decade ago, advanced melanoma was fatal. Thanks to their work in immunotherapy, it’s now curable.

But in June 2023, Richard was diagnosed with incurable grade four brain cancer, with an average survival of 14 months. It’s now been 18 months since his diagnosis. Why is he still here? No one knows. It could be luck, or it could be the world's first experimental treatment he undertook.

Richard's book, Brainstorm, is out now.

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Weekly Wrap: Domingo explained, Alan Jones’s arrest, methanol poisoning and schoolies

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 18:30:00 -0000

This week in the news, we shed light on who Domingo is and why it's everywhere, Alan Jones' arrest, methanol poisoning and more.

Since recording the podcast on Friday, Holly Bowles has died from a suspected case of methanol poisoning. Her friend Bianca Jones died on Thursday. The owner of a backpacker hostel in Laos where the 19yo Aussies were staying has been detained by police for questioning.

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, Weekly Wrap is all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Links

Domingo: https://www.tiktok.com/@nbcsnl/video/7425139246610091294

Cormac McCarthy: https://www.vanityfair.com/style/story/cormac-mccarthy-secret-muse-exclusive?srsltid=AfmBOopINdiONjV9egw031m9Y0Yc62t_j_OHbHQfJ3vq9mksZLzov4My

A Complete Unknown: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11563598/

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Weekly Wrap: Donald Trump’s appointments, understanding the mis- and disinformation debate and who is Joseph Sua’ali’i?

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 18:30:00 -0000

This week in the news, Donald Trump makes his major cabinet appointments, the Block's finale, the Wallabies Joseph Sua’ali’i and more.

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, Weekly Wrap is all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

We'd love it if you could complete our News Club survey.

Links

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"We need to talk about it as a country": The Alice Springs Mayor on the reality of life there

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 18:30:00 -0000

Alice Springs has come and gone from national news coverage over the past few years. It started with the lapse of alcohol and pornography bans in remote communities around Alice Springs in mid-2022. Property offences increased by almost 60%, assaults rose by 38%, and domestic violence assaults doubled. Since then, steps have been taken to reinstate restrictions, but the town and its surrounding communities have remained in the national spotlight. We debated who to speak with, but all roads pointed back to Matt Paterson, the young, outspoken Mayor who won the job by just two votes in 2021.

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Trump's back, Labor's HECS debt plan, and an Qantas upgrades update

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 18:30:00 -0000

Donald Trump won the US election this week. We break down who voted for him and why, what it means for Australia, and what happens to his ongoing legal battles. Plus, Labor's plan to cut HECS debt for 3 million Australians, the Melbourne Cup, and an update on the Qantas upgrade debacle.

Links

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Weekly Wrap: Qantas upgrade drama, a report card on Australia’s COVID-19 response, and Broken Hill’s power problem

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 18:30:00 -0000

This week in the news, the Qantas upgrade scandal that wouldn't stop, the latest inflation data, and Broken Hill's broken power supply. Plus, the US election is finally upon us, and Bluey World opens.

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, Weekly Wrap is all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

We'd love it if you could complete our News Club survey.

Links

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“Power affects people”: Joe Aston on his new book about Qantas

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 18:15:00 -0000

Joe Aston’s name rings out in business, politics, and media circles. If you know him, it’s probably from his time writing Rear Window for the Australian Financial Review. Joe took over the column in 2012, making it a feared and revered staple—landing a mention in Rear Window likely meant you’d found yourself on the wrong side of Joe’s sharp pen.

Now, he’s out with his first book, The Chairman’s Lounge, which takes aim at Qantas through the pandemic and the Alan Joyce era. As usual, Joe’s work has stirred the pot.

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Interview: Will Glasgow is Australia’s only journalist in China

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 18:30:00 -0000

China’s always in the news—from trade wars and political tensions to human rights issues. But for nearly four years, no Australian journalist was stationed there. That changed when The Australian’s North Asia correspondent, Will Glasgow, returned this year as the only Aussie reporter on the ground in China. In this episode, we explore what it's like to report from inside China post-COVID, the unique challenges he faces under a communist regime, and how he navigates safety for both himself and his sources.

Here is Will Glasgow’s report upon returning to China

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Weekly Wrap: Lidia Thorpe’s royal protest, Queensland votes, and a Menendez brothers' update

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 18:30:00 -0000

This week, we break down the Queensland election, including why abortion has become a big issue. Plus, the Aussie billionaire Richard White we all now know, and a major update in the Menendez brothers’ saga. We also get across what to expect as we roll into the final week of the US election, and the fallout from Lidia Thorpe heckling King Charles.

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, Weekly Wrap is all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Links

How the 2024 Election became a battle fought by podcast - New York Times

Our 2024 report on Australian News Consumers

Our News Club interview with Ben Smith on the US election

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you...

Watch all our interviews on Youtube

Interview: Tanya Notley on the critical issue of media literacy

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 18:30:00 -0000

The Bondi stabbings, the Wakely church attack, the Voice referendum, the war in the Middle East... They're just some examples of news stories that have sparked conversations that go beyond the events themselves. We're talking about the information we’re being fed: Is it harmful? Misleading? Persuasive? And what’s the intent behind it? This is all about the rise of misinformation and disinformation and the growing concern over how we, as a society, can make sense of what’s true and what’s not, especially regarding our kids.

To mark media literacy week, we sit down with Associate Professor Tanya Notley. We came across her through our work on Newshounds—our media literacy program for primary school kids. She dives into the problem of misinformation, the tricky task of solving it, and her frustration with how slow progress has been. Plus, we discuss what’s at stake if we don’t get this right.

Check out Tanya's work on media literarcy here and here.

You can check out Newshounds here. It's currently being used in 3,400 classrooms, and we want to get it into every school. If you know a teacher, or even a parent who might be keen, share it with them!

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you...

Watch all our interviews on Youtube

A flurry of activity around Taiwan, Vale Liam Payne, and King Charles touches down

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 18:30:00 -0000

In the news this week, a whirlwind of developments between China and Taiwan, PM Anthony Albanese’s new home purchase making headlines, and tributes pour in for former One Direction star Liam Payne. Plus, your guide on where to spot the royals during their visit to Canberra and Sydney

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, Weekly Wrap is all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

LINKS

Watch The Iron Claw on Amazon Prime

Watch Cunk on Earth on Netflix

Our media literacy program Newshounds

Interview: Adam Harvey on being in Israel a year on from 7 October

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 18:30:00 -0000

It’s been a year since the October 7 attacks, and the conflict in the Middle East remains a huge news topic around the world.

ABC journalist Adam Harvey recently went back to Israel to report on the kibbutz that was targeted during the 7 October attacks. He shares his reflections on what’s happening on the ground, how things have changed since his last visit, and the mood in Israel towards their government and the West. Plus, with his experience as a former Middle East correspondent in Beirut, we ask about how he views the escalating war between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah.

Read his report on the Be'eri massacre here

Listen to our previous episode with Adam on a foreign correspondent's perspective on the Israel-Gaza war here

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you...

Watch all our interviews on Youtube

Hurricane Milton hits Florida, Parliament’s bruising week, and Aussies leave Lebanon

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 18:30:00 -0000

This week, we’re breaking down Hurricane Milton’s impact, Israel’s ongoing strikes on Lebanon, and marking the anniversary of October 7. Plus, tennis legend Rafa Nadal announces his retirement, and the King and Queen are heading to Australia.

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, Weekly Wrap is all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

LINKS

The Daily's podcast episode - The Parents Aren’t Alright…

Raising Parents podcast with Emily Oster

30 for 30 Lance Armstrong documentary

Interview: Ben Smith on the US election

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 18:30:00 -0000

Today, we're launching the second season of our News Club interview series! This time, we're unpacking the biggest stories of the year – kicking off with the US election.

Our first guest is Ben Smith, former media reporter for The New York Times, political reporter for Politico, and ex-editor-in-chief of BuzzFeed News. Two years ago, he launched Semafor, a media company tackling the issue of polarization. Ben shares his insights on how the media is playing into this election, plus what it's like being in the US right now. He’s met Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, has stories from covering Barack Obama’s election, and even a cracking tale about the Clintons.

You can check out Semafor here

Want more News Club in your life? We've got you...

Watch all our interviews on Youtube

Queensland’s election ramps up, tensions rise between Iran and Israel, and what we learned about Maggie Smith

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 19:45:00 -0000

As the 7 October anniversary approaches, Iran and Israel’s airstrikes continue, and the local spotlight is on the pro-Palestine protests. We pay tribute to Maggie Smith and Kris Kristofferson and chat about an A-lister’s daughter who made a splash this week. Plus, Queensland’s election campaign officially kicks off, the NRL Grand Final looms, and Melania Trump’s memoir makes headlines.

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, Weekly Wrap is all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

LINKS

Guardian piece on Maggie Smith and Judy Dench's friendship

ABC's Australian Story on Fiona MacDonald

BBC's explainer on the Iron Dome

The big conversations: our next News Club series

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 19:30:00 -0000

Get ready because next week, we’re launching our new interview series all about the big news conversations of 2024! Stay tuned...

This week in the Middle East, the ACCC takes on supermarkets, and P Diddy's downfall

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 19:30:00 -0000

It’s a big one this week… We’re breaking down the escalating tension between Israel and Hezbollah, plus what the Aussie government’s saying about it. We’ll also dive into the latest inflation data and why negative gearing is making headlines again. Meanwhile, the ACCC is taking Woolies and Coles to court, and we take a look at P Diddy’s history and the charges he’s facing. What’s coming up? The AFL Grand Final, the NRL’s Dally M Awards, the US Vice Presidential debate, and yes… Fat Bear Week!

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, Weekly Wrap is all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

LINKS:

Squizers will know we’re dedicated to this edamame dip, and it’s with good reason.

Claire recommends A Very Royal Scandal on Prime and Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story on Netflix

Our wrap on Newsmakers

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 19:30:00 -0000

Kate & Claire dive into thier four big takeaways from our Newsmakers series. Our first season is done and dusted, but don’t worry—we’ll be back very soon with our next limited series on News Club. Want more News Club in your life? We've got you...

Watch all our Newsmakers interviews on Youtube

Weekly Wrap: Pagers explode in Lebanon, another assassination attempt, and our best recommendation yet

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 19:30:00 -0000

This week, we dive into the escalating conflict in the Middle East, another assassination attempt on Donald Trump, and why a debate over housing policy in the Senate could trigger a double dissolution election this year. Looking ahead, we’ve got footy finals and the Reserve Bank’s decision on interest rates. And Kate delivers what could be our best recommendation yet.

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, Weekly Wrap is all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

LINKS

ABC's Four Corners episode on Hezbollah and Israel

This Free Press article about why journalists took Ryan Routh seriously

Justin Steven's speech at the Melbourne Press Club

Snackachangi Chips

Weekly Wrap: The US presidential debate (ft. Taylor Swift), age limits for social media, and the Murdoch's showdown

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 19:30:00 -0000

This week's biggest headline is a toss-up between Taylor Swift’s US Open appearance, her endorsement of Kamala Harris, and her wins at the VMA's. We also break down the US presidential debate, the government's move to set social media age limits, and what’s going on with the protests in Melbourne. And we get you prepped for the footy finals and the Murdoch family's showdown in court.

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, Weekly Wrap is all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

LINKS

Our Shortcut on the Royal Family's wealth

Part 1 of ABC's Australian Story on Lachlan Murdoch

Watch The Perfect Couple on Netflix

Princess Kate's health update video

King Charles' hug with the NZ women's rugby team

Weekly Wrap: Protests in Israel, Chalmers v.s the RBA, and Elle Macpherson comes under fire

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 01:19:58 -0000

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, Weekly Wrap is all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

LINKS

Our Newsmakers episode with Dr Karl

Elle Macpherson's interview in Women's Weekly

Politico's article on what to know about the US debate

The Front's episode on Netanyahu and the hostages

Newsmakers with Dr Karl

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 01:19:00 -0000

For many Aussies who grew up listening to Dr Karl's science show on Triple J, he’s an icon. Beyond that, he's written 48 books, co-hosted the Sleek Geeks show with Adam Spencer, made countless TV appearances, and even had a brief political run in 2007. Kate’s 4-year-old knows him from Playschool.

Dr Karl’s latest book, A Periodic Tale, dives into his life – from being the son of Holocaust survivors to becoming a physicist, taxi driver, children's doctor, and TV star. In typical Dr Karl fashion, this chat is a bit whirlwind...We hope you enjoy!

This is our final episode of Newsmakers. If you've enjoyed it, we'd love if you shared an episode with someone you know or left us a review.

A Periodic Tale :HarperCollins Australia, $45.00, available now.

Weekly Wrap: The CFMEU protests, trouble for Telegram's founder, and Oasis returns

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 19:30:00 -0000

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, Weekly Wrap is all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

LINKS

Take 5 with Zan Rowe and Noel Gallagher

ABC's Four Corners episode on 'The Big War'

Our Newsmakers episode with Leigh Sales

Weekly Wrap: The star-studded Democratic Convention, a new NDIS deal, and a yacht conspiracy theory

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 19:30:00 -0000

Weekly Wrap is published every Saturday morning in our News Club podcast feed. Follow News Club on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, Weekly Wrap is all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

LINKS

Our News Club interview with Bernie Shakeshaft

Kate recommends our Squiz Shortcut on the astronauts stranded in space

Claire recommends this podcast series about the 300 bodies discovered in Noble, Georgia

You can watch Leigh Sales' new series The Assembly on ABC iView

Newsmakers: Capital Brief's John McDuling on the new economy

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 19:30:00 -0000

Capital Brief is the new kid on the business block and John McDuling is leading the charge as editor-in-chief. You might know him as the former national business editor for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, or from his stints at the Financial Review and US-based Quartz.

Why chat with John? Capital Brief just celebrated its first year, launched with the belief that Australia needs more than just a couple of business papers. John says there's a gap for a publication focused on "decision-makers in the new economy." We dive into what that means, how millennials are shaking up boardrooms, the state of trust in media, and how Capital Brief is tackling it. Plus, we get into some of the big business themes of late.

Weekly Wrap: A helicopter crash in Cairns, Ukraine's push into Russia, and biscotti...

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 19:30:00 -0000

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, it's all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Support News Club by signing up for our newsletter.

LINKS

Our Heroes in Paris - 60 Minutes

Lemon and Pistachio Biscotti - Great British Bake-off

The Ezra Klein Show - The New York Times

Our Squiz Kids shortcut on Roald Dahl

Newsmakers episode with Mia Freedman

Newsmakers with Mia Freedman

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 19:30:00 -0000

Mia Freedman is a powerhouse in Australian media and the co-founder of women's media company Mamamia. In this chat Mia talks about her approach to content, her thoughts on authenticity, cancel culture, and the complex role of social media. We also discuss the unique dynamics of working with family, the challenges facing young men today, and even touch on topics like Botox.

Check out Mia's own interview podcast, No Filter. She also hosts the daily podcast, Mamamia Outloud, where she and her co-hosts dissect the news and issues of the week.

Weekly Wrap: Australia's Olympic gold rush, riots in the UK, and a visit from across the ditch

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 19:30:00 -0000

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, it's all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Support News Club by signing up for our newsletter.

LINKS

Squiz Kids Q&A episode with gold medalist Arisa Trew

Two astronauts are stuck at the International Space Station

This read on the Russian spies who went deep undercover with their children

Media Watch covered how fake news started the UK riots

Kate's interview on the Future Women Leadership Series podcast

Newsmakers: What Aussies really want with Nine.com.au's Kerri Elstub

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 19:30:00 -0000

Kerri Elstub oversees some of Australia's biggest websites: nine.com.au, 9news.com.au and 9honey.com.au. This means she leads a team producing news that millions of Australians read and watch every day. She is also one of those people you immediately want to grab a glass of wine with - she's relatable, energetic, and positive.

What do we care about? What are we really reading? How trashy are we? Kerri answers all this and more in our conversation, including the story behind her appearance on the Royals' Instagram account and her big concerns about the future of the industry she has worked in since starting as an intern at 2UE back in 1991.

Why you should never tie a ribbon to your suitcase - Nine.com.au

Weekly Wrap: An Olympics around the grounds, escalating tensions in the Middle East, and mustard day...

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 19:30:00 -0000

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, it's all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Support News Club by signing up for our newsletter.

LINKS

Chris Burton's interview following his silver medal win

This profile on Harry Garside in The Australian. And you can watch his interview after his Olympic loss here

Watch Nine's segment on BMX siblings Kai and Saya Sakakibara

Claire recommends this tiramisu recipe from Neil Perry

Newsmakers: The big challenges for local news with Claire Stuchbery

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 19:30:00 -0000

Claire Stuchbery is the CEO of LINA - the Local and Independent News Association. LINA works to ensure that local audiences are served with independent, original, high-quality public-interest news reporting covering important issues. In our conversation, Claire points to some real examples of where local reporting has been able to combat misinformation and surface stories that would not have been told otherwise.

Most of us would agree this is important work. But if the business model doesn’t stack up, the means ability for these newsrooms to continue is diminished. Claire doesn’t sugarcoat or shy away from that reality. So the question becomes, what does an Australia without local news look like?

Claire is one person who’s doing her best to ensure we don’t find out.

Weekly Wrap: Biden drops out, wall to wall Olympics, and the Australian birthrate recession

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 19:30:00 -0000

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, it's all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Support News Club by signing up for our newsletter.

LINKS

The most clicked link was to this ballet-inspired double skyscraper design that tricks the eye

Claire recommends The Rest is Politics (US) podcast

Kate recommends checking out Nielsen's Gracenotes predictions

Newsmakers: From Paris to our screens with Murray Shaw - our Olympic newsmaker

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 19:30:00 -0000

Murray Shaw, one of Nine’s Executive Producers for the Olympics, is the guy behind getting the Games from Paris to your screen. He’s on top of everything from camera setups to guessing which athletes will steal the spotlight. And in this chat he provides a behind-the-scenes look at how it all comes together. Not an Olympics fan? Shaw’s enthusiasm might just win you over...

The episode was hosted by Kate Watson and produced by Annelise Taylor

Weekly Wrap: The assassination attempt on Donald Trump, troubles at the CFMEU, and our new socks

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 19:30:00 -0000

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, it's all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Support News Club by signing up for our newsletter.

LINKS

The most clicked link this week was to this gallery of celebrities at Wimbledon

Here is JD Vance's memoir Hillbilly Elegy. It was also made into a Netflix movie.

Claire recommends these Uniqlo socks

And we're hiring! Send us your CV at hello@thesquiz.com.au

Weekly Wrap (US Politics Bonus Ep): Donald Trump shot, the Republican Convention, and Biden's next moves

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 07:59:00 -0000

There was so much US politics news following the assassination attempt on Donald Trump this week that we had to make a special Weekly Wrap episode to cover it all. We dive into what happened, who the shooter was, and the big questions about who’s to blame. Plus, the Republican National Convention, the latest on Trump's court cases, and what this all means for Biden.

LINKS

Obstructed view may have delayed sniper response at Trump rally - Washington Post interactive.

Here’s What Would Happen If Joe Biden Drops Out - Forbes

The Chief Photographer in Washington Evan Vucci's Instagram

Newsmakers: Chris Uhlmann on western values and what’s worth fighting for

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:39:14 -0000

Chris Uhlmann began his journalism career at The Canberra Times, eventually joining the ABC and becoming their chief political correspondent. Since then, he has co-authored several books and now works for Sky News and The Australian. In this episode of Newsmakers, Chris shares his views on Australia’s pandemic response, the rise of China, and Donald Trump’s leadership. He also discusses the importance of values and why he participated in a documentary about Ukraine, believing it’s a fight for us all.

This episode is hosted by Kate Watson and produced by Annelise Taylor.

Weekly Wrap: A tragic fire in Sydney, Biden's name problem, and the $320 million wedding we can't get enough of

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 19:30:00 -0000

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, it's all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Support News Club by signing up for our newsletter.

LINKS

French cyclist Julien Bernard fined after stopping to kiss his wife at the Tour de France - CNN

Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's Estimated $320 Million Wedding - Architectural Digest

The marathon Indian wedding turning heads around the world - BBC

Newsmakers: Nick Shelton on why he built Broadsheet, our go-to city guide

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 19:30:00 -0000

Welcome to our Newsmakers series. We believe quality journalism is essential, and throughout this series, we chat with people who work behind the headlines to explore their approach to news, media and publishing in Australia. In our first interview we talk to Nick Shelton, founder and CEO of Broadsheet. He shares the founding story of the popular culture and lifestyle publication, the surprising impact of COVID-19, and why social media, AI, and big tech are shaking things up (again).

Check out Broadsheet, Australia's go-to city guide, here

This episode is hosted by Kate Watson and produced by Annelise Taylor.

Weekly Wrap: It's raining elections, Senator Payman quits Labor, and World Chocolate day...

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 20:00:00 -0000

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, it's all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Support News Club by signing up for our newsletter.

LINKS

Watch Austin on ABC iview

Check out Ms Peacock Chocolates

Our most clicked link in Squiz Today

Your local events for NAIDOC week

Trailer: Introducing Newsmakers...

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 20:00:00 -0000

Our first interview with Broadsheet's Nick Shelton drops on Wednesday, 10 July. Sign up to our News Club newsletter here.

Weekly Wrap: Wall to wall Assange, inflation and federal parliament’s night of nights

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 19:30:00 -0000

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, it's all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Support News Club by signing up for our newsletter.

LINKS

Watch I Am Celine Dion

Watch Federer: Twelve Final Days

NYT’s Rogue to Victim

4:00

Weekly Wrap: A nuclear update, Putin embraces North Korea, and the world's most valuable company

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 20:30:00 -0000

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, it's all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Support News Club by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Instagram.

LINKS

Watch Summer Love on Netflix

The Brutal Calculation of Hamas’s Leader - The Journal podcast

Europe tilts right. Australia is watching - The Fin

Read/listen to our Squiz Shortcuts on the European parliament

SPONSORED: To learn more about Woolworths Group click here

From the archive: The high cost of hosting big sporting events

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 21:00:00 -0000

Support News Club by signing up to our newsletter and following us on Instagram. If you have 2 minutes, we'd love if you could complete our survey

Last week, several major news stories highlighted the tension between governments wanting to host big sports events and the substantial cost to taxpayers. Cue plenty of opinions and analyses about whether it's worth it. So, we're delving into the debate in this week's News Club

Club Picks:

Want a presentation with arrows? You got it… This link takes you to the International Olympic Committee’s thinking on the expense of hosting the Games and how they’re trying to solve it.
Some analysis from John Verano from Oxford Uni on the risk and reward of hosting the Olympics, and why emerging nations/those with reputation problems are willing to pay the price.
And what’s happening with the Brissie Olympics? The Sydney Morning Herald/The Age’s Chris Barrett looks at the money and the people involved in deciding how to pull it off.
Melburnians are no strangers to the cost-benefit discussion around big sporting events… This article by Chip Le Grand in The Age dives into the economics of the Australian Grand Prix, an event which has been angering/delighting locals since 1996.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Weekly Wrap: The Chinese Premier to visit down under, the UK election, and swimming to the Olympics

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 20:30:00 -0000

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, it's all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Support News Club by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Instagram.

LINKS

The most clicked link in Squiz Today was on the UK's bamboo crisis

Claire recommends Roger Federer's Dartmouth commencement address

Kate recommends this round table video from Hollywood Reporter

Our Squiz Shortcut on the Nuclear energy debate

SPONSORED: To learn more about Woolworths Group and the Baronio family click here

Weekly Wrap: D-Day anniversary & Ukraine, a Canberra Airport tangle, and that State of Origin hit...

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 20:30:00 -0000

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, it's all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Support News Club by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Instagram.

LINKS

The most clicked link in Squiz Today was Simone Biles Leotard

You can sign up to our Squiz Today newsletter here

Our Shortcut on the 80th anniversary of D-Day

Larissa recommends two episodes of The Daily. This one on Trump's guilty verdict and this one on how it may shape the US election

Kate recommends this episode of Conversations with Bonnie Garmus

Hosts: Kate Watson and Claire Kimball

Producer: Annelise Taylor

From the archive: Is Joe Biden too old to be president?

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 21:36:00 -0000

Our News Club podcast is getting a revamp. We will be back shortly, but in the meantime, we are re-publishing some of our fave episodes that you might have missed.

Club Picks:

Politico Playbook’s podcast episode goes into the nuts and bolts of the Special Counsel’s report and how it’s relevant to the US election.

This Sydney Morning Herald/The Age opinion piece by Bruce Wolpe explores what it would look like if Biden did step aside for the 2024 election

This SBS article zooms out on the question of leadership and age

This article on 'How will America choose?' by The Guardian's Marina Hyde

Weekly Wrap: Trump found guilty, the latest from Rafah, and Iceland's election....

Fri, 31 May 2024 20:30:00 -0000

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, it's all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Support News Club by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Instagram.

LINKS

We'd love it if you could take our 2024 Audience Survey

Our shortcut on Donald Trump's legal issues

Our shortcut on Rafael Nadal - you can read or a listen here

Claire recommends watching the third season of Hacks on Stan

Kate recommends this BBC article on underground schools in Ukraine

Hosts: Kate Watson and Claire Kimball

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Are magazines back?... With Galah founder Annabelle Hickson

Mon, 27 May 2024 21:00:00 -0000

Annabelle Hickson is the founder and editor of Galah Magazine, an independent print magazine that captures regional Australia and the people who live there. With the return of several big magazine titles this year, we ask her if there is a growing desire for non-digital experiences. We also talk about the lack of local newspapers and how that might be feeding perceptions of rural and regional Australia that aren’t quite accurate.

Club picks:

This Australian Financial Review piece from last year by Squiz fave Lauren Sams about the magazines making a comeback lays out the case and data.
This article from ABC Online about the closure of Broken Hill’s last newspaper, The Barrier Truth. After more than 125 years, they published their final edition in April.
A piece of research by Pew that takes a look at American’s local news consumption habits. While a large majority say they value local news, only 15% have paid for it in the last year.
Finally, we’ve recommended Galah a few times on the podcast and often gift it to friends and family. Sign up here, and you’ll receive 3 issues delivered to your door.

Weekly Wrap: From slop to Telstra job cuts, what the ICC did this week, and a very wet Rishi Sunak...

Fri, 24 May 2024 20:30:00 -0000

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, it's all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Support News Club by signing up to our newsletter and following us on Instagram.

LINKS

The most clicked link in Squiz Today was a link to Tatler's portrait of Princess Kate

This video demo of Google's AI platform Gemini

A video of Rishi Sunak's press conference announcing the UK general election.

Our Squiz Shortcut on the Aussie debate about nuclear energy

Listen to our News Club episode on Baby Reindeer

Hosts: Kate Watson and Claire Kimball

Producer: Annelise Taylor

The truth about Baby Reindeer

Tue, 21 May 2024 00:04:00 -0000

Over 60 million people have watched the massive Netflix hit, Baby Reindeer. Made in the UK, it’s described as a dark comedy drama-thriller miniseries, but it’s the label it gave itself that has thrust the show into the news - ‘this is a true story’. Cue a debate about entertainment and the truth in the era of streaming platforms that aren’t necessarily putting much stock in compliance with broadcasting codes of conduct. It’s an issue that has made it all the way to the UK’s Parliament…

Club Picks:

An interview with Richard Gadd in GQ from early April outlining where he is coming from…
This piece in the Free Press called Baby Reindeer Is a True Story - But Whose True Story?
The Hollywood Reporter’s report on some comments made by Russell T Davies. He’s the guy behind the most recent Doctor Who series and he’s got a lot of experience in complying with broadcasting standards.

Weekly Wrap: Unpacking the Budget, a global wrap on protests, and happy b'day to us...

Fri, 17 May 2024 20:30:00 -0000

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, it's all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Support News Club by signing up to our newsletter and following us on Instagram.

LINKS

The most clicked link in Squiz Today was a link to Horseshoe jeans

Claire recommends watching The Holdovers

Kate recommends this episode of Conversations with Troy Cassar-Daley

Listen to our News Club episode with BackTrack founder Bernie Shakeshaft. And you can listen to our episode with James Chessell about making and reporting on the Federal Budget here.

Hosts: Kate Watson and Claire Kimball

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Weekly Wrap: The Meh-Gala, Aussie brothers murdered in Mexico, and what to expect in the Federal Budget

Fri, 10 May 2024 20:00:00 -0000

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, it's all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Support News Club by signing up to our newsletter and following us on Instagram.

LINKS

The most clicked link in Squiz Today was a gallery of the Eta Aquariid meteor shower

Listen to our News Club episode on making and reporting on the Federal Budget

Larissa recommends this viral tomato soup recipe

Kate recommends this episode on HECS from our How Far We've Come series

Listen and/or read our Shortcut on the Nuclear Power debate

Hosts: Kate Watson and Larissa Moore

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Making and reporting on the Federal Budget with former Managing Director of Nine Publishing James Chessell

Mon, 06 May 2024 21:00:00 -0000

With Treasurer Jim Chalmers set to hand down the Federal Budget next week, we thought it would be a good time to dive into the process of how it gets made and how the media reports on it. James Chessell, a Walkley Award-winning journalist and former Managing Director of Publishing at Nine Entertainment, is well-versed in covering budgets. Plus, his former time working as a staffer for Joe Hockey makes him uniquely qualified on the topic.

Club Picks:

This episode of Politics with Michelle Grattan with economist Chris Richardson. She’s the doyen of political coverage out of Canberra’s Press Gallery, and he’s the go-to guru for anyone looking to make sense of the Budget. Ahead of its release, they set the scene for what’s on the government’s economic plate.

This piece from 2017 by Dr Denis Muller, a journalism expert from Melbourne Uni, goes into the art of the leak…

And speaking of leaks, the mother of them all came about in 1980 when then-Ten News political reporter Laurie Oakes got access to the Budget in a dark Canberra car park 2 days ahead of its release… This clip of how it unfolded on air is fun, if only for then Treasurer John Howard’s reaction…

Weekly Wrap: National Cabinet tackles gendered violence, Solomon Island's has a new PM, and it's Eurovision time...

Fri, 03 May 2024 20:30:00 -0000

Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, it's all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Support News Club by signing up to our newsletter and following us on Instagram.

LINKS

This episode of The Daily on the pro-Palestine student protests at Columbia University

Listen to the Eurovision entry from Electric Fields here

Larissa recommends this doco that goes behind the scenes for the 2015 Met Gala

Kate recommends this episode of The NYT's new podcast series called The Interview

Listen to our News Club episode on ultra-fast fashion with AFR fashion editor Lauren Sams

You can sign up to our Squiz Today and Saturday Squiz newsletters here

Hosts: Kate Watson and Larissa Moore

Producer: Annelise Taylor

AFR fashion editor Lauren Sams on faster, faster, faster fashion

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 20:00:00 -0000

This week on News Club, we talk with Lauren Sams, fashion editor at the Australian Financial Review, about the rise of ultra-fast fashion and how businesses like Temu and Shein manage to offer such cheap clothes. In Australia alone, they are on track to record more than $2 billion in sales this year and they’re fast grabbing a huge chunk of market share both here and overseas. But there are plenty of questions about the ethics of what we’re buying from these sites.

Club Picks:

Two videos from the Wall Street Journal - ‘How Temu’s Explosive Growth Is Disrupting American E-Commerce’ and ‘How Shein Built a $66B Fast-Fashion Empire’ - are less than 10 mins each and very informative.

A 2022 investigation by Wired, ‘Fast, Cheap, and Out of Control: Inside Shein’s Sudden Rise,’ explores the problems facing the company.

This Money Talks podcast episode by The Economist called ‘Why Amazon should be afraid of Temu’.

Lauren Sams recommended this book - Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes.

And here is The Devil Wears Prada clip Kate mentions from The Devil Wears Prada

Host: Kate Watson

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Weekly Wrap: Musk v eSafety, the US TikTok ban, and a viral baby story

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 21:00:00 -0000

Weekly Wrap is a look at the week in news and what’s coming up. Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, it's all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Support News Club by signing up to our newsletter and following us on Instagram

LINKS

The most clicked link in Squiz Today was about the Aurora Australis

Unmade's article on why the Arj Barker story went viral

Kate recommends ABC's Australian Story on Aiden Dix

Listen to our News Club episode on Ozempic

Hosts: Kate Watson and Claire Kimball

Producer: Annelise Taylor

The weighty issue of Ozempic

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 01:30:00 -0000

Ozempic, designed for type-2 diabetes treatment, has garnered widespread attention for its potential to aid weight loss in obese individuals. In Australia, where obesity affects 30% of the population, it has sparked significant interest and Novo Nordisk, the company behind it, has seen its share price surge by almost 500% in 5 years. While there are other similar drugs on the market, Ozempic is the OG. Which is why we are delving into it for News Club...

Club Picks:

This podcast on ABC Radio National’s Life Matters program includes an interview with podcaster Claire Murphy. S

The invention of these drugs has had - and will continue to have - economic impacts. This episode of The Economist’s Money Talks podcast goes through that, and the industry that’s booming off the back of them.

You can’t go far in this discussion without mentioning Oprah Winfrey… The US multi-media legend has had a decades-long struggle with her weight. She’s even made a show about it - Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution - a clip is here.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Weekly Wrap: 2 knife attacks in Sydney, Lehrmann loses his case, and a buttery recommendation

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 20:30:00 -0000

Weekly Wrap is a look at the week in news and what’s coming up. Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, it's s all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Support News Club by signing up to our newsletter and following us on Instagram

LINKS

The most clicked link in Squiz Today was about the floods in Dubai

Listen to our News Club ep with Adam Harvey on a reporter's perspective on the Israel-Hamas war

Check out our Shortcut on Iran and Israel

Claire's recommendation is this Vegemite butter recipe

Hosts: Kate Watson & Claire Kimball

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Adam Harvey: A foreign correspondent's perspective on the Israel-Gaza war

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 21:45:00 -0000

Adam Harvey is a reporter with ABC TV’s 7.30 and their former Middle East correspondent. We sat down with him to talk about his experience working in the Middle East, what it was like when he returned to Israel late last year, and how journalists get their information. Plus, we ask whether he would ever have thought the events of 7 October were possible and if he is surprised by Israel’s response.

Club Picks:

This article that was written by Adam himself. He talks about it in the podcast because it was published 24 hours after the 7 October attack.

He also discusses CNN reporter Clarissa Ward, one of the only reporters who has been able to enter Gaza without an escort. Here is a piece she produced after doing so.

Adam recommends this podcast by Yonit Levi of Israel’s Channel 12 News and Jonathan Freedland of The Guardian - 2 prominent journalists - called Unholy: Two Jews on The News.

Finally, Adam pointed us in the direction of 3 books called ‘Jerusalem’ as background to a city he and so many others love:

Simon Montefiore’s biography Jerusalem*
Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collin’s O! Jerusalem*, which covers the events surrounding the creation of the state
And Ottolengi’s famous Jerusalem cookbook*

*Purchase using this link, and we may earn a little commission

Weekly Wrap: Wong floats 2-state solution, Trump's abortion issue, and an unfortunate bird update...

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 20:00:00 -0000

Support News Club by signing up to our newsletter and following us on Instagram

Links:

The most clicked link in Squiz Today was about these 2 unlikely friends

Listen to our News Club ep on The business of Bluey

The Daily's podcast episode on Arizona and Trump's abortion dilemma

Kate recommends this episode of The Fin podcast with Lauren Sams

Claire recommends Season 2 of Loot and Not Dead Yet

Hosts: Kate Watson & Claire Kimball

Producer: Annelise Taylor

The business of Bluey

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 01:46:00 -0000

Bluey is one of the most-streamed TV shows in the world. But whilst Bluey is owned and produced by Ludo Studios - an Aussie outfit based in Brisbane - the commercial rights are owned by the BBC. It’s all a bit interesting, so this week, News Club will be about the juggernaut that is Bluey.

Club Picks:

An interview in The Independent with the creator of Bluey, Joe Brumm.

A piece in the Financial Review from a few years ago which goes through how the ABC missed out on the commercial rights to Bluey.

A recent piece by Bloomberg that throws up the possibility Bluey won’t continue forever. You can listen to the transcript of that for free here.

And ahead of the Bluey ‘movie’ on Sunday, an interview in the Weekend Australian with Melinda Zanetti aka Chilli.

Weekly Wrap: Lehrmann case hears new evidence, Alice has a curfew, and a Bluey kind of movie

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 20:00:00 -0000

Support News Club by signing up to our newsletter and following us on Instagram

Links:

The most clicked link in Squiz Today was about this Gucci wallet in Big W

The Daily's podcast episode on Israel's airstrike on the World Central Kitchen

Claire recommends The Rest is History's 2-part podcast episode on Captain Cook

Kate recommends watching Oppenheimer on Netflix

Read Kate's op-ed in Mumbrella here

Hosts: Kate Watson & Claire Kimball

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Interview: Bryce Corbett on teaching the next generation to be media literate

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 19:00:00 -0000

Support News Club by signing up to our newsletter and following us on Instagram

Bryce Corbett is the director of Squiz Kids. In this special episode, he discusses the challenges facing the next generation of news consumers and how we, through our media literacy program Newshounds, are doing our bit to help.

Bryce also discusses his life as a journalist, his work as a ghostwriter on two best-selling biographies, and how his journey from gossip columnist to deputy editor at the Women's Weekly, to author, and more personally to father led him to be at the forefront of helping the next generation become critical news consumers.

Host: Kate Watson

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Weekly Wrap: When sports and politics collide, the latest on Donald Trump, and a very big yeehaw

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 19:00:00 -0000

Support News Club by signing up to our newsletter and following us on Instagram

If you have 2 minutes, we'd love if you could complete our survey

Links:

Watch ABC's 730 report on Trump's possible running mate here

Claire recommended The New York Times' The Daily episode on the Trump campaign and the US Wildlife Bald Eagle cam

Kate recommends subscribing to Galah

Listen to our News Club interview with ITV's royal producer here

Hosts: Kate Watson & Claire Kimball

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Interview: ITV's Lizzie Robinson from inside a royal newsroom

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 23:05:08 -0000

Support News Club by signing up to our newsletter and following us on Instagram

If you have 2 minutes, we'd love if you could complete our survey

Lizzie Robinson is the royal producer for ITV in London. When we asked Squizers about the recent coverage of Princess Kate and that photo, 65% said the situation had been blown out of proportion. It left us with lots of questions about royal PR strategies and their interactions with the media. So, we sat down with Lizzie to delve into the dynamics of the British media's relationship with the Royals.

Listen to Lizzie's podcast The Royal Rota here

The Royals and that photo that won't go away...

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 01:00:00 -0000

Support News Club by signing up to our newsletter and following us on Instagram

We ummed about this week’s News Club topic. Questions like ‘are people still interested?’, ‘is it too old?’, is it too gossipy’ and ‘can we all just leave Kate alone?’ were the kinds of conversations we were having. But the news around Princess Kate, her whereabouts and that photo just keep on keeping on - so here we are...

If you have 2 minutes, we'd love if you could complete our survey

Club Picks:

This interview with BuzzFeed News’ former royal reporter on how the game works between the palace and the press.

A piece in The Scotsman about why this is more than a photo editing fail

A video of White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre answering questions about Kate’s pic. It got us thinking about the difference between ‘digitally altered’ and deep fakes and how it relates to the upcoming US election.

Weekly Wrap: State elections, the US TikTok ban, and where's Kate...

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 19:00:00 -0000

Support News Club by signing up to our newsletter and following us on Instagram

If you have 2 minutes, we'd love if you could complete our survey

Links:

Our most clicked link in Squiz Today was about this mysterious silver monolith

Claire recommends the US Wildlife Bald Eagle cam

Kate recommends this podcast by The Free Press in Israel

Our News Club episode on 'Meta's beef with news' and listen to our interview with Tim Duggan here

Hosts: Kate Watson & Claire Kimball

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Interview: Tim Duggan on Meta and news

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:22:00 -0000

Support News Club by signing up to our newsletter and following us on Instagram

If you have 2 minutes, we'd love if you could complete our survey

Tim Duggan is the co-founder of several digital media ventures, most notably junkie media. He is also the Chair of the Digital Publishers Alliance, an industry body that represents over 150 titles from leading independent digital publishers. Meta's recent decision not to re-sign deals with some news Aussie publishers has set in motion a chain of events that could see them pull news from Facebook and Instagram. So, we sat down with Tim to chat about what that means for publishers and you as news consumers.

Meta's beef with news

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 01:00:00 -0000

Support News Club by signing up to our newsletter and following us on Instagram

Meta, the mega US company that owns Facebook and Instagram, recently announced it would not re-sign deals with some Aussie news publishers. That sets in motion a possible chain of events that could change a lot for our media industry - and you as a news consumer.

If you have 2 minutes, we'd love if you could complete our survey

Club Picks:

To answer the question of what’s going on here and how it could affect publishers, we have an opinion piece in The Australian by Tim Duggan, the chair of the Digital Publishers Alliance.

A podcast from Future Media by tech/media insider Ricky Sutton. Let’s just say he has some “tough truths” he reckons Australia’s publishers need to hear…

A look more widely at how Meta is looking at news content is picked up in this New York Times article

Weekly Wrap: Sam Kerr faces court, tweaks to paid parental leave, and 7 years of The Squiz

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 19:30:00 -0000

Support The Squiz by sharing our newsletters and podcasts with your friends.

Links

Our most clicked link was to this pic of QLD Premier Steven Miles

Kate recommends the Unmade podcast with Tim Burrows. You can find our recent interview on it here.

Listen to our News Club episode with Jamila Rizvi on the gender pay gap

Follow News Club on Instagram for all our Weekly Wrap content

Interview: Jamila Rizvi on the gender pay gap

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 01:09:03 -0000

Support News Club by signing up to our newsletter and following us on Instagram

Jamila Rizvi is the Deputy Managing Director of Future Women, a gender equality commentator, and best-selling author. Last week, WGEA released data on the median pay gap for individual private-sector companies. Kate sat down to chat with Jamila about her take on the data, getting out of her bubble to see things from other perspectives, and that big essential question: what sort of society are we looking to build here?

Perspectives on the gender pay gap

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 00:51:00 -0000

Last week the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) published data from all private sector companies in Australia that employ over 100 people on their gender pay gaps. Cut to Wednesday, and there were scores of headlines with varying takes on the data. So in this episode, we'll explore some of those takes, you can form your own opinion on the reasons behind the gap and how to address it.

Club Picks:

The first is the cold hard data published by WGEA - this is their Instagram post, so you don’t have to read the full report

The transcript of the press conference with federal Women’s Minister Katy Gallagher and the WGEA CEO Mary Woodridge -

An opinion piece in the Sydney Morning Herald/The Age by Jacqueline Maley titled ‘Pay gap stats aren’t about naming and shaming? Um, they kind of are.’

This personal piece in The Australian by columnist Janet Albrechsten on women's choices

Weekly Wrap: A private look at the gender pay gap, viva las NRL, and is Kate Middleton ok...

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 19:00:00 -0000

Links

Our most clicked link was this viral TikTok of Golf pro Georgia Ball

Kate recommends this Fred Again article from the Guardian

Claire recommends the TV series Estonia on SBS On Demand

Follow News Club on Instagram for all our Weekly Wrap content

Supermarkets...price gouging or good business?

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 01:24:00 -0000

It’s the BBQ stopper of our time - how much things cost at the supermarket. Throw in six enquiries, headlines on competition, the cost of living, and a CEO's interview walkout, and it's a prime topic for this week's News Club

Club picks:

This graph on the market share of different supermarkets in Australia.

The Four Corners episode on the tactics supermarkets are using to keep prices high and competition out.

This editorial in the Financial Review says the price gouging claims levelled against the Coles and Woolworths are a bit of a beat-up. Instead, they say it has more to do with the pressure the Albanese Government is facing on the cost of living.

For more News Club content, follow us on Instagram and sign up for our News Club newsletter.

Interview: Georgie Tunny on Taylor Swift

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 18:00:00 -0000

There isn’t much bigger news so far in 2024 than Taylor Swift. And there isn’t a much bigger fan than co-host of The Project Georgie Tunny. This New Club special is for anyone who is bamboozled by Swiftmania or is just interested in how the celebrity media machine works (note: she recently interviewed Tom Cruise).

Follow Georgie Tunny on Instagram and check out the Ready For It podcast here.

Is Julian Assange a criminal or journalist?

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 01:00:00 -0000

For more News Club content, follow us on Instagram and sign up to our News Club newsletter.

Club Picks:

This article from Time is a good overview to get up to speed on who Julian Assange is and why the US is pushing for his extradition.

This Sydney Morning Herald/Age profile from 2022 of Jennifer Robinson. She’s an Aussie human rights lawyer who works with Assange’s legal team.

Hillary Clinton’s interview on ABC TV’s Four Corners (skip to the 25-minute mark). Clinton was the US Secretary of State when WikiLeaks published the classified information in question.

Extras:

This New Yorker article on the Russian artist holding art hostage in a bid to protect Assange

David Crowe's opinion piece on the showing of support by Aussie politicians towards Assange

Weekly Wrap: Albanese proposes, Kanas triumphs, and VIC in the dark

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 19:00:00 -0000

Looking for more? Check out our Saturday Squiz newsletter. Click here to get it in your inbox each weekend.

LINKS

Follow News Club on Instagram

Our most clicked link this week was this video of Jeff Goldblum at the Superbowl

This Australian article by Jared Lynch in The Australian on the Victorian outage and surge in electricity prices

Kate recommends this Jennifer Lopez profile in Variety

Claire recommends this NYT piece on the rise of celeb-funded docos

Weekly Wrap: A royal diagnosis, the right to disconnect, and our Grammy's roundup

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 19:00:00 -0000

Looking for more? Check out our Saturday Squiz newsletter. Click here to get it in your inbox each weekend.

LINKS

Our most clicked link this week was the Wildlife Photographer of the year winner and this video of a graffiti-covered luxury high-rise

Tracey Chapman sang ‘Fast Car’ at the 1989 Grammys

Get your royal gossip fix from Tatler

This SBS explainer on the Lunar New Year

Our Squiz Shortcut on this week’s election in Pakistan

This read by Hannah-Rose Lee on going inside the Golden Globes

The Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman

News Club: The backstory to The Squiz...

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 01:00:00 -0000

Drumroll....We're launching News Club! Before the first episode drops next week, Kate and Claire take a look back at how they met, how The Squiz started, and the journey that led us to here.

Follow @thesquiznewsclub on Instagram

Weekly Wrap: Swifties tackle AI deepfakes, changes to tax cuts, and a Sydney shark attack...

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 19:00:00 -0000

Looking for more? Check out our Saturday Squiz newsletter. Click here to get it in your inbox each weekend.

LINKS

The most clicked article this week was on the coastal grandma trend

ABC's article on the AI-generated image of MP Georgie Purcell

Read this SMH article on shark attack survivors

Watch Nemesis on ABC iView

Listen to The Front's episode with journalist Yoni Bashan

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Weekly Wrap is back...

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 18:00:00 -0000

The Year Ahead with Abbey Gelmi and Georgie Tunny

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0000

In our final Year Ahead ep for 2024, Claire and Kate talk with sports journalist Abbey Gelmi and The Project host Georgie Tunny about their sports news predictions for 2024. They chat about the Paris Olympics, the exoneration of Peter Bol, and the big 'bin-fires' of 2023...

Listen to Abbey and Georgie's podcast, Two Good Sports, and follow them on Instagram.

Buy The Thursday Murder Club series here

Watch Lessons in Chemistry on Apple TV and The English Game on Netflix (correction from: The Gentleman's Game).

Listen to Take Me to Your Leader here and Empowering Leaders with Luke Darcy here

Know someone who'd enjoy the way we do news? You telling them about us is the only present we need... go on, give us a plug. Or leave a review!

The Year Ahead with Helen McCabe

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 18:00:00 -0000

Today, Claire and Kate talk with Helen McCabe, the former editor of Australian Women's Weekly and founder of Future Women. They chat about the number of female politicians at the top of their game, the big changes to workplace gender equality laws, and housing.

Squiz listeners can redeem a free FW Red membership valued at $48 using the code SQUIZ2024

Read Helen's speech at the Andrew Olle Media Lecture here

Watch the Beckham doco on Netflix

Follow Helen McCabe on Instagram

Know someone who'd enjoy the way we do news? You telling them about us is the only present we need... go on, give us a plug. Or leave a review!

We're working on something...

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 21:59:13 -0000

The Year Ahead with fashion editor Lauren Sams

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0000

We're talking with our friends in the news about what stuck with them in 2023 and their predictions for 2024, with 4 special episodes across January.

Today, Claire and Kate talk with AFR fashion and lifestyle editor, Lauren Sams, about the big Aussie fashion and business news, fast fashion, and the return of the concept store. Next up - Helen McCabe, ex-editor of the Australian Women's Weekly and founder of Future Women

Follow Lauren Sams on Instagram

Read Lauren Sams' interviews with Kayla Itsines and Tom Parker Bowles

Listen to the Articles of Interest podcast here

Watch Kingdom of Dreams on AppleTV+

Know someone who'd enjoy the way we do news? You telling them about us is the only present we need... go on, give us a plug. Or leave a review!

The Year Ahead with Sammy J

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0000

We're talking with our friends in the news about what stuck with them in 2023 and their predictions for 2024, with 4 special episodes across January.

Today, Claire and Kate talk with Sammy J, ABC radio host and comedian, about the Referendum, the return of Neighbours, AI, and the future of media. Next up - Lauren Sams, the fashion and lifestyle editor at the Financial Review.

Follow Sammy J on Instagram or Facebook

Check out his reading recommendation - Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman

Know someone who'd enjoy the way we do news? You telling them about us is the only present we need... go on, give us a plug. Or leave a review!

Weekly Wrap: Our 2023 news wrap, floods and fires in Oz, and a news-y gift exchange

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 19:00:00 -0000

Looking for more? Check out our Saturday Squiz newsletter. Click here to get it in your inbox each weekend.

LINKS

A visual explainer from the ABC on the conflict in the Red Sea

Is the world in a democracy recession? - Stanford

Send us your 2024 news predictions

Claire's recommendations are Netflix's WHAM! doco and these $25 jogger jeans from Kmart

Kate's recommendations are The Deepest Breath and the Bluey Cricket episode

#Sponsored: Find out more about Woolworths teaming up with OzHarvest here.

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Weekly Wrap: The UN resolution, QLD loses their premier, and what we googled in 2023

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 19:00:00 -0000

Looking for more? Check out our Saturday Squiz newsletter. Click here to get it in your inbox each weekend.

LINKS

The most googled search terms in 2023

David Crowe wrote this piece about Australia's vote in Israel-Gaza- The SMH

Squiz Kids' podcast episode on media literacy

Watch Ukraine: Forged in the Fire on Nine

Listen to WSJ's podcast episode on Republican Presidential candidate Nikki Hayley

#Sponsored: Find some Woolworths Fresh Ideas Magazine recipes here

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Weekly Wrap: A big wrap of Aussie politics, airstrikes in Gaza, and Taylor Swift named 2023 Person of the Year

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 19:00:00 -0000

Looking for more? Check out our Saturday Squiz newsletter. Click here to get it in your inbox each weekend.

LINKS

The most clicked link was this article on the new IOS update

How Victoria is really governed - The Age

Taylor Swift's interview with Time Magazine for Person of the Year

Jewish families confront the generational divide over Israel - NYT

Claire's foot cream recommendation

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Shortcuts has a new home...

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 18:00:00 -0000

Looking for your weekly explainer? It's got a new home over on The Squiz Today podcast feed. Just search 'Squiz Today' in your podcasting app, and hit follow.

The Squiz Today podcast is a daily news podcast designed to fit into your morning routine. In a 10 minute listen we'll get you across the main Australian and international news stories of the day. It's like your smart friend taking you through it, always with a quirky/good news story or two as well. Opinion-free, agenda-free news, with a touch of analysis and an eye on what's coming next.

As for News Club? Watch this space... and in the meantime, enjoy Kate and Claire taking you through the week in news and what's ahead, each Saturday in the Weekly Wrap. News Club is the place for conversations about news.

Weekly Wrap: Bruce Lehrmann v. Network Ten, Aussie journos pen a letter, and a tunnelling hero

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 19:00:00 -0000

Looking for more? Check out our Saturday Squiz newsletter. Click here to get it in your inbox each weekend.

LINKS

The lead negotiator for the release of Thai hostages spoke to Sky News

Harriet Alexander (SMH/ The Age) wrote this piece on the Lehrmann defamation trial

The letter signed by over 300 Australian journalists to media outlets

Watch Cliffy on ABC iView

Sponsored: Woolies has the little things that help make Christmas special

Hosts: Kate Watson and Claire Kimball

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Weekly Wrap Nov 25, 2023: The ceasefire in Israel-Gaza, Open AI's rollercoaster week, and Jeff Bezos's cowboy hat

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 21:04:00 -0000

25 November 2023: Weekly Wrap is a look at the week in news and what’s coming up. Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, it's s all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Looking for more? Check out our Saturday Squiz newsletter. Click here to get it in your inbox each weekend.

LINKS

Vogue's profile on Jeff Bezos and his fiance, Lauren Sanchez

The Guardian's long read on Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu

Watch Nyad on Netflix

Why Treasurer Jim Chalmers went on the wagon - Good Weekend

Kayla Itsines is finally ready to talk now - AFR

#Sponsored: Find the Woolworths Group Regional Report at www.woolworthsgroup.com.au

Hosts: Kate Watson and Claire Kimball

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Weekly Wrap, Nov 18, 2023: Navigating antisemitism and Islamophobia, David Cameron's surprise return to UK politics, and the Robbie William doco

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 21:00:00 -0000

18 November, 2023 - Weekly Wrap is a look at the week in news and what’s coming up. Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, it's s all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Looking for more? Check out our Saturday Squiz newsletter. Click here to get it in your inbox each weekend.

LINKS

Our 2023 Women and News report

Evacuation is a 3-part series about the UK military’s evacuation of Afghanistan’s capital Kabu on ABC

Kylie Moore Gilbert wrote this piece about her experience as a hostage

ABC's 7:30 segment on how Israel and Gaza tensions are playing out in Australia

Robbie William's new doco series is on Netflix

Watch Liberals in Power on Sky

The Buccaneers is on Apple TV+

#Sponsored: Angas Park's apricot and thyme recipe is here

Weekly Wrap Nov 11, 2023: Optus outage stops the nation, Maxwell's record innings, and Albanese's China visit.

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 19:00:00 -0000

11 November, 2023: Weekly Wrap is a look at the week in news and what’s coming up. Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, it's s all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Looking for more? Check out our Saturday Squiz newsletter. Click here to get it in your inbox each weekend.

LINKS

A profile on Glenn Maxwell and the video of him cramping during his double-century.

The Guardian's piece on the benefit of talking to strangers

Barbra Streisand's interview with Vanity Fair. You can also read an excerpt of her memoir here

#Sponsored: Sunbeam’s pearl couscous salad recipe is here

Weekly Wrap Nov 4, 2023: Vale Matthew Perry, the Israel-Hamas propaganda war, and Albanese's visit to China

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 18:00:00 -0000

November 4, 2023: Weekly Wrap is a look at the week in news, and what’s coming up. Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, it's s all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead.

Looking for more? Check out our Saturday Squiz newsletter. Click here to get it in your inbox each weekend.

LINKS

The 2024 Australian Fire Fighters Calendar

Check out Mathews Perry's book Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing

Listen to the BBC podcast episode on the Battle of Dis-information

Read the New Yorker piece on Hamas and propaganda

Our Squiz Shortcut on the what's what of summits

Our Squiz Kids episode on the Israel-Hamas conflict

#Sponsored: Sunbeam’s Australian Fruit Cake recipe is here

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson

Producer: Annelise Taylor

Your Shortcut to... what's going down at COP28

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 18:00:00 -0000

World leaders will be gathering in Dubai for COP28, the annual United Nations conference on climate change. It's the biggest event on the climate calendar, and this year's meeting comes at a fascinating moment for the climate – with wildfires, storms, and heatwaves felt across the last 12 months. In this episode, we look at what COP28 wants to achieve, as well as Australia's current climate policies.

Squiz recommends:

The Uninhabitable Earth, a book by David Wallace-Wells

The latest Squiz Kids episode on climate change

#sponsored: Study a course with Monash Online. Designed by those who change it. Find out more at: https://online.monash.edu/contact/

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

How Far We've Come: Giving a Gonski...

Sat, 25 Nov 2023 16:00:00 -0000

Welcome to season 2 of How Far We've Come, our short series on the big moments that have shaped Australia, plus a look at the challenges we face today. This week, we're diving into the 2011 Gonski reforms....the big personalities, how it has played out, and what's coming up.

A special thanks to our podcast partner on this series, NGS Super. Find out more about them here.

Want more How Far We've Come? Find all episodes and written content here.

How Far We've Come: Put your pencils down... It's NAPLAN

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 23:06:10 -0000

Welcome to season 2 of How Far We've Come, our short series on the big moments that have shaped Australia, plus a look at the challenges we face today. This week, we're diving into the story of NAPLAN, the controversies, the results and what lies ahead.

A special thanks to our podcast partner on this series, NGS Super. Find out more about them here.

Want more How Far We've Come? Find all episodes and written content here.

Your Shortcut to... Sam Altman and OpenAI

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 18:00:00 -0000

Internal troubles at OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, have led to its high profile CEO Sam Altman being sacked – followed by scrambled efforts by investors to reappoint him. It's a messy corporate story with consequences for AI and one of the world's most important tech companies.

Squiz recommends:

Reading: The New Yorker profile on Altman, from back in 2016.

Listening: Our Squiz Shortcut on artificial intelligence from June, if you want to get your head around the basics.

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... the business of Taylor Swift (Part 2)

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 01:28:26 -0000

In our last Squiz Shortcut, we talked about the road Taylor Swift has taken to the top. In Part 2, we're going deep on why her music is so good; her relationship with her fans; and her wealth and business savvy.

Squiz recommends:

The Bloomberg article we mentioned, for a breakdown of Taylor’s net worth

Netflix's Miss Americana from 2020

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

How Far We've Come: The HECS chronicles

Sat, 11 Nov 2023 19:00:00 -0000

Welcome to season 2 of How Far We've Come, our short series on the big moments that have shaped Australia, plus a look at the challenges we face today. This week, we're diving into the journey from limited access to free uni... and we talk HECS.

SA special thanks to our podcast partner on this series, NGS Super. Find out more about them here.

Want more How Far We've Come? Find all episodes and written content here.

Your Shortcut to... the business of Taylor Swift (Part 1)

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 18:00:00 -0000

Taylor Swift is a pop icon… Not only has her new music been lauded by the critics, she’s on a record breaking tour and remaking the rules when it comes to her back-catalogue of hits. In this episode, we lay the groundwork for how Taylor got to icon status.

Squiz recommends:

Delicate – from Reputation

All Too Well: The Short Film – from Red (Taylor's Version)

You're On Your Own, Kid – from Midnights

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

How Far We've Come: The tale of free and compulsory schooling

Sat, 04 Nov 2023 19:01:00 -0000

Welcome to season 2 of How Far We've Come, our short series on the big moments that have shaped Australia, plus a look at the challenges we face today. This time around we are diving into the big education moments, starting with the birth of free, compulsory, and secular education.

A special thanks to our podcast partner on this series, NGS Super. Find out more about them here.

Want more How Far We've Come? Find all episodes and written content here.

How Far We've Come: Learning and earning with TAFE

Sat, 04 Nov 2023 19:00:00 -0000

Welcome to season 2 of How Far We've Come, our short series on the big moments that have shaped Australia, plus a look at the challenges we face today. This week, we're diving into the rise of TAFE and what it means for the future of our workforce.

A special thanks to our podcast partner on this series, NGS Super. Find out more about them here.

Check out the Australian skills priority list

Want more How Far We've Come? Find all episodes and written content here.

TRAILER: News Club

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:00:00 -0000

Hosted by the OG Squiz team, Kate Watson and Claire Kimball, News Club is the place to go for conversations about the news. The Weekly Wrap is like the weekend newspaper in audio form. We take you through the big news stories from the week that was, what's coming up, and the stuff we're reading, watching and listening to. And from early 2024, News Club launches. It's a weekly podcast dedicated to one news topic, sort of like a book club for news...

Your Shortcut to... Lebanon and Hezbollah

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 18:00:00 -0000

As the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza continues to unfold, one major question is whether Israel’s northern neighbour Lebanon will be dragged into the war by Hezbollah, the anti-Israel Islamic militant group that’s based there. So in this episode, we look at the history of Lebanon, and the role Hezbollah might play in the conflict.

Squiz recommends:

The Council on Foreign Relations and their explainer on Hezbollah

A piece from Dr Julie Norman on Hamas and Hezbollah

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... Sam Bankman-Fried

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 18:00:00 -0000

Sam Bankman-Fried is on trial, accused of one of the biggest frauds in American history. In this episode we look at the rise of crypto's former golden boy, and his spectacular collapse.

Squiz recommends:

Search Engine's episode on where the money went

Judging Sam, the podcast from veteran journalist Michael Lewis, who was profiling Bankman-Fried during the collapse of his crypto exchange.

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Weekly Wrap, 21 October: The fallout in Israel-Gaza, unpacking the Voice referendum results, and some top linen tips...

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 19:00:00 -0000

Introducing the Weekly Wrap - the week in news, and what’s coming up. Hosted by the OG team of Claire Kimball and Kate Watson, it drops at 6am Saturday morning and is all about helping you stay on top of the news + we give you some talking points for the week ahead. (Psst: For those who listen to the Saturday Squiz it’s the same, with a fresh new name and look...)

Looking for more? Check out our Saturday Squiz newsletter. Click here to get it in your inbox each weekend.

LINKS

Read this profile on New Zealand's new PM Christopher Luxon

Read two analyses of the Voice referendum results by The Australian's Janet Albrechtsen and Guardian Australia's Katharine Murphy and Josh Butler

Watch Take 5 With Zan Rowe's episode featuring Natalie Imbruglia

Read Lauren Sams' article on how to iron linen - Australian Financial Review (paywall)

Get involved in the Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive

And we'd be over the moon if you could fill in our survey

Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson

Producer: Lara Robertson

A quick hello from us...

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 01:15:11 -0000

We'd be over the moon if you could complete our survey. You can fill it out here.

Your Shortcut to... the Voice results

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 18:00:00 -0000

The votes are in, and so is the analysis. In this Squiz Shortcut, we break down the geography of the vote, and what the major players say are the next steps after a resounding 'No'.

Squiz recommends:

Browsing: We're big data nerds, and luckily for us, the referendum result provided plenty. The Sydney Morning Herald/The Age has taken a deep dive into how the vote divided Aussies by income and education.

Reading: You might not know that South Oz is well on the way to establishing its own state-level Voice to Parliament - so here’s an article explaining how that’s going to work.

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

ASK THE SQUIZ: Answering your questions about the Voice

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 18:00:00 -0000

Want opinion-free, agenda-free information on the Voice and the Referendum? We've got you covered with our resource centre here. If you found it useful, please share it with your people.

Got a question for us? Ask it here or send us an email at hello@thesquiz.com.au.

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... Israel at War

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 03:07:01 -0000

Hamas militants launched a huge attack against the state of Israel in the latest in a long history of conflicts between Israelis and Palestinians. But it wasn't just another attack… Experts say what’s happened is ‘unprecedented’, and Israel has declared war.

Squiz recommends:

A map of the conflict from Reuters

The Guardian's photo gallery from the weekend

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

ASK THE SQUIZ: Answering your questions about the Voice

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 18:00:00 -0000

Want opinion-free, agenda-free information on the Voice and the Referendum? We've got you covered with our resource centre here. If you found it useful, please share it with your people.

Got a question for us? Ask it here or send us an email at hello@thesquiz.com.au.

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... New Zealand's Election

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 01:02:00 -0000

New Zealand is heading to a general election on the 14th of October, in a vote that’s predicted to see a big shake-up of the Kiwi government. It’s also the first election since the former PM Jacinda Ardern stepped down. So ahead of the election, we’re going to look at some of the key issues, as well as the many parties that could form a coalition government after New Zealand votes.

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

ASK THE SQUIZ: Answering your questions about the Voice

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode we cover questions about the wording of the proposal, how other nations have done constitutional recognition, and the difference between a referendum and a plebiscite.

Want opinion-free, agenda-free information on the Voice and the Referendum? We've got you covered with our resource centre here. If you found it useful, please share it with your people.

Got a question for us? Ask it here or send us an email at hello@thesquiz.com.au.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts - a weekly explainer on big news topics

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... Rupert Murdoch's empire

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 19:00:00 -0000

Rupert Murdoch has named his successor: his eldest son Lachlan Murdoch. The announcement comes as Rupert gets set to step down from his management roles with his global media empire in mid-November at the age of 92. In this Squiz Shortcut, we’re going to look back at the power Murdoch accumulated as one of the biggest news proprietors in the world; plus the challenges Lachlan faces as he leads the businesses into their next chapters.

Squiz recommends:

Journalist Paddy Manning's biography of Lachlan Murdoch, The Successor

Wondery's podcast British Scandal on 'The Murdoch Phone Hacking Scandal'

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

ASK THE SQUIZ: Answering your questions about the Voice

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode we cover the issue of campaign funding, who will represent the Voice, and how to postal vote if you can't get to the voting booth on 14 October.

Want opinion-free, agenda-free information on the Voice and the Referendum? We've got you covered with our resource centre here. If you found it useful, please share it with your people.

Got a question for us? Ask it here or send us an email at hello@thesquiz.com.au.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts - a weekly explainer on big news topics

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Noel Pearson

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 03:53:47 -0000

The referendum on enshrining an Indigenous Voice to Parliament into Australia’s constitution is coming at us rather quickly, so in this episode of Squiz Shortcuts we thought we’d step away from the headlines of the day to get to know 2 of the most prominent people of the campaign. From the ‘No’ side, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, and from the ‘Yes’ campaign, Noel Pearson.

Further watching:

Pearson's Boyer Lecture

Price's National Press Club address

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

ASK THE SQUIZ: Answering your questions about the Voice

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode we cover the issue of legal challenges, existing Indigenous bodies, and get into the nuts and bolts of voting again.

Want opinion-free, agenda-free information on the Voice and the Referendum? We've got you covered with our resource centre here. If you found it useful, please share it with your people.

Got a question for us? Ask it here or send us an email at hello@thesquiz.com.au.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts - a weekly explainer on big news topics

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... the earthquake in Morocco

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 19:00:00 -0000

A powerful earthquake hit Morocco over the weekend, with the death toll quickly climbing over 2,000. As the search and rescue operation continues, we look at Morocco’s vulnerability to this type of disaster, and what can and has been done elsewhere to mitigate earthquake risks.

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

ASK THE SQUIZ (Voice Referendum) - Ep1

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 19:00:00 -0000

In this episode we cover questions about improving Indigenous outcomes, how risky is constitutional change, and the ticks and crosses of your vote...

Want opinion-free, agenda-free information on the Voice and the Referendum? We've got you covered with our resource centre here. If you found it useful, please share it with your people.

Got a question for us? Ask it here or send us an email at hello@thesquiz.com.au.

Other things we do:

Squiz Shortcuts - a weekly explainer on big news topics

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... India's G20 Summit

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 02:00:00 -0000

The G20 is meeting this weekend in New Delhi, India, and its a big opportunity for international leaders. So in this Squiz Shortcut we’re going to remind you what the G20 is, what it aims to achieve, and what members – including Australia – are hoping to get out of this year’s summit...

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... the Voice referendum

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 19:00:00 -0000

The date is finally locked in - we now know Australians will be voting on 14 October to decide if there should be amendments to the constitution to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get across the basics of the referendum, the key arguments of the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ cases, and what happens next depending on the result…

Squiz recommends:

Our homebase for all our Voice content on our website. You can dive in to find our previous Shortcuts and a quick snapshot on the voice and the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ cases.

And keep an eye out for our Ask the Squiz podcast series over the coming weeks... We'll be releasing an episode every Thursday instead of our usual Shortcut.

HOSTS: Larissa Moore and Claire Kimball

PRODUCER: Lara Robertson

Your Shortcut to... picking US presidential candidates

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0000

The next US presidential election is more than a year away, but the race to find the candidate from the Republican party is already in full swing. Former president Donald Trump is the frontrunner, but there are other candidates in the news – so we reckon they’re worth knowing a bit more about.

Squiz Recommends:

FiveThirtyEight's page to follow all the polls in the Republican national primary.

For more on the candidates, the website Politico also has a great web interactive.

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... women's sport funding

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 19:00:00 -0000

Over the past month, the Matildas have not just brought the country together with their incredible performances - they've also raised big questions about the way women's sport is funded in Australia. So in this Squiz Shortcut we take a look at why women aren't getting a bigger slice of the pie, which codes are doing better than others, and if the Matildas might just have changed things forever.

Squiz recommends:

The insiders’ view on why Australia switched off AFLW - SMH/The Age

Every goal the Matildas kicked during the 2023 World Cup - YouTube

Hosts: Kate Watson and Claire Kimball

Producer: Lara Robertson

Your Shortcut to... the BRICS summit in South Africa

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 19:00:00 -0000

Some powerful nations are holding a summit this week – and no, it’s not the G20, the Quad or APEC… It’s called BRICS and it’s a gathering of China, India, Russia, Brazil, and South Africa. If there’s a fence going down the middle of global blocks, BRICS is on the other side of it. So in this Squiz Shortcut we’re going to talk about its history, what’s on the BRICS agenda, and why it might be expanding.

Squiz recommends:

A great explainer from The Economist on BRICS and the tensions within the group.

If you’re more of a watcher, Bloomberg TV has some short video explainers on BRICS.

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... political conferences

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 19:00:00 -0000

Over the next few days you're going to be hearing a lot about the Australian Labor Party's national conference – the big Labor love-in which sets the party's policies. In this episode, we're going to dig into how the conference actually works, what might happen this time around, and how similar conferences work for the Liberals and other political parties.

Squiz recommends:

The ABC's list of the greatest hits and biggest moments from previous Labor Party conferences.

Political Lives by historian Chris Wallace, a book about Australian PMs and their biographers.*

*Buy using this link and The Squiz may earn a little commission.

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... the Matildas

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 08:06:00 -0000

The Matildas have had a best-ever World Cup performance, progressing through to the final 4. So we thought now would be a great time to get across the history of our national women’s football team and nail down how we got to this big moment.

Squiz recommends:

Kieran Pender's excellent writing for The Guardian on all things Matildas.

The Disney+ doco Matildas: The World at Our Feet.

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... reporting season

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 19:00:00 -0000

It's the most wonderful time of the year if you're a shareholder of a publicly listed company... Following the end of the financial year, businesses big and not-so-big publicly disclose the details of their financial performance and outline their plans for the future. It's called reporting season and it's a big generator of business news stories in August, so in this Squiz Shortcut, we'll get across what it's all about and why it matters.

Squiz recommends:

Reporting season calendar - CommSec

The socials of the excellent business journo Alan Kohler and his son Chris.

Hosts: Kate Watson and Claire Kimball

Producer: Lara Robertson

Your Shortcut to... Trump's Election Indictment

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0000

Donald Trump has been charged with serious offences related to a plot to overturn the 2020 election, which he lost to Joe Biden. It’s Trump’s third indictment - something that hadn’t happened even once before Trump. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’re going to talk about what these new charges are and why they’re so important, and we’ll cover what might happen next.

Squiz recommends:

Politico's tracker of Trump's legal cases

The Run Up podcast from The New York Times

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... Wally Lewis and concussions in sport

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 19:00:00 -0000

One of Australia's greatest-ever rugby league players, Wally Lewis, is the latest sports star to speak out about a diagnosis of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) - the disease caused by repeated head knocks or concussions. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at why Wally's diagnosis is such a big deal, what our sporting codes are doing about CTE, and what’s happening with a Senate inquiry into concussions.

Squiz recommends:

Wally Lewis' 60 Minutes interview

Our Squiz Shortcut on concussions and sport

Your Shortcut to... the downfall of China's Foreign Minister

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0000

China’s foreign minister, Qin Gang, disappeared from public view in June, and after a month of speculation reports surfaced that he’d been removed from his job. Once a rising star in the Chinese Communist Party, the minister’s sudden downfall has raised questions about doing business with the world’s second biggest economy.

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... the future of the Commonwealth Games

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 19:00:00 -0000

It's been just over a week since Victoria pulled the pin on hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games - and the future of the whole event is still up in the air. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at how Victoria got itself into this mess, who could come to the rescue, and if there even is a future for the Commonwealth Games.

Squiz recommends:

Commonwealth Games weird and wonderful moments - ABC News

Australia’s most iconic Comm Games moments - Fox Sports

HOSTS: Claire Kimball and Kate Watson

PRODUCER: Lara Robertson

Your Shortcut to... Hollywood's strikes

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 02:01:00 -0000

So many of the TV shows and movies we love come out of America, but a writers' and actors' strike over pay and the use of artificial intelligence is disrupting production schedules. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get you across what's behind the dispute, and what effect the strikes could have on the industry.

Are these extras in a film real people or AI generated? Check it out for yourself...

Squiz Recommends:

Dropout.tv, a streaming service for original comedy shows. Find it here or on YouTube.

And from Vox, 'Hollywood's historic double strike, explained'

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... China's economic slowdown

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 19:00:00 -0000

We've been hearing a drip-feed of worrying economic data coming out of China, and we heard this week that their annual growth rate might fall below expectations. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we talk through why China's economy is slowing, and what it might mean for the rest of the world.

Squiz recommends:

The Prince podcast about Xi Jinping - The Economist

The US-China trade war, an interactive graph - The Lowy Institute

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 02:00:00 -0000

It's nearly kick-off time for the biggest women's sporting event ever held in Australia, and our own Matildas will be centre stage. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at the rise of women's football around the globe, the who's who of the 32 nations competing, and how the Aussies will measure up.

Squiz recommends:

Group-by-group guide to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup - The Sydney Morning Herald/The Age

Matildas: The World at Our Feet - Disney+

HOSTS: Claire Kimball and Kate Watson

PRODUCER: Lara Robertson

Your Shortcut to... NATO and Ukraine's relationship

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 19:00:00 -0000

This week NATO held a summit of its leaders, with big consequences for the war in Ukraine. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we though we'd go back to basics and get you across NATO and its involvement in the Ukraine war so far, as well as what the military alliance has to do with the future of the war – and of Ukraine.

Squiz recommends:

A explanation from the NATO website on Australia's involvement with the military alliance

A map from CBS showing the nations currently in NATO

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... the Robodebt report

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 02:00:00 -0000

Robodebt has been in the news all week, after the Royal Commission dropped its final report into the illegal debt recovery scheme. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at the fallout for the politicians and public servants involved in the scheme, and what might change as a result of this report.

Squiz recommends:

The 7am podcast's 'Inside Robo-debt' series

The Royal Commission's list of recommendations, and the report

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... shrinking populations

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 19:00:00 -0000

We’ve heard a lot about overpopulation but for some countries including Japan and South Korea, the issue is not too many people, but too few. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at why some populations are shrinking, what those countries are trying to do about it, and if too few people is really such a big deal.

Squiz recommends:

Japan's Shrinking Population Faces Point of No Return - Newsweek

OECD country birth rate tool

HOSTS: Claire Kimball and Kate Watson

PRODUCER: Lara Robertson

Your Shortcut to... Israel's latest strike on Palestinian militants

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 06:07:00 -0000

At the start of this week, Israel launched its most intense airstrikes on the occupied West Bank in nearly two decades and sent hundreds of ground troops into a crowded refugee camp, saying they are trying to root out armed militants after a year of escalating violence.

In this Squiz Shortcut, we lay out the basics of the conflict between Israel and Palestinians and get across the latest development.

Here's our 2021 Shortcut on the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... Wagner's mutiny in Russia and what it means for Ukraine

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 19:00:00 -0000

All the crazy events in Russia over the past week have left the world wondering what it all means. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at some of the theories on how this could play out for Russia, what it means for the war in Ukraine, and why the experts are having trouble figuring it all out.

Squiz recommends:

The Year Putin Didn't Die - Newsweek

Understanding Ukraine's Counteroffensive - NYTimes' The Daily podcast

Your Shortcut to... Yevgeny Prigozhin

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 05:22:00 -0000

The recent turmoil in Russia centers on one man: Yevgeny Prigozhin. With all the talk of private armies and the potential end of Putin's regime, this Shortcut gives the backstory to Prigozhin: Who is he? And how did he get so much power?

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... sportswashing

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 19:00:00 -0000

When Saudi Arabia pumped billions of dollars into backing the rival LIV golf tour- there were howls of outrage - with many athletes and commentators calling it a blatant example of sportswashing. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at what sportswashing is, some of the most high-profile examples, and how fraught this is getting for both sport and business.

Squiz recommends:

Talk show host John Oliver's takedown of the Qatar World Cup

Sportswashing Is Everywhere, but It’s Not New - Sports Illustrated

Your Shortcut to... the Mediterranean migrant ship disaster

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 06:08:00 -0000

More details are emerging about a migrant ship disaster off the coast of Greece, where an estimated 500 passengers are still missing. We take you through what we know about the boat disaster so far, as well as the latest on Europe’s attitudes towards migration.

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... the 20th anniversary of podcasting

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 19:00:00 -0000

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the birth of podcasting, so in this Squiz Shortcut, we look at how it all got started, how it completely changed the media landscape, and what's ahead for the medium.

Squiz recommends:

Podnews email

13 Minutes to the Moon podcast - BBC

Your Shortcut to... Trump's Second Indictment

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 19:00:00 -0000

Donald Trump has been indicted again, and it’s the first time a former US president has faced federal charges. Those charges will see Trump back in court this week, so in this Squiz Shortcut we’ll get you across what the Justice Department has claimed, why the development is so extraordinary, and what’s next.

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... Prince Harry vs the British tabloids

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 23:00:00 -0000

Prince Harry has taken the unprecedented move, for a royal, to sue Britain's tabloids for unethical practices that he says filled him paranoia and upended his relationships. In this Squiz Shortcut, we unpack why Harry is bringing this case, what the allegations against the tabloids are, and what happens next.

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... artificial intelligence

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 03:17:00 -0000

Artificial intelligence, or AI, has been getting quite a bit of really bad press lately, with experts warning it could ultimately spell the end of the human race. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at what AI is, why some of the biggest names in tech are so worried, and what governments are going to do about it.

Squiz recommends:

A short clip of 60 Minutes reporter Tom Steinfort talking to an AI robot

How to Spot an AI-Generated Image Like the 'Balenciaga Pope' - TIME Magazine

Your Shortcut to... the annual whale migration

Wed, 31 May 2023 19:00:00 -0000

If you live anywhere along the east or west coast of Australia, chances are you might have heard it's whale watching season, when nature's biggest mammals head north in a mass migration. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we look at what a whale migration is, how whales are faring with so much concern about our oceans, and where and when you can get to see all the action.

Squiz recommends:

Underwater vision of the Humpback whale, narrated by the one and only Sir David Attenborough

ORCCA census day information

Your Shortcut to... Erdoğan's re-election in Turkey

Tue, 30 May 2023 03:44:00 -0000

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey's newly re-elected president, has made big promises but has a record of cracking down on dissent and diminishing democratic freedoms. In this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll take you through Turkey’s politics and why it matters to the West.

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... Ron DeSantis

Thu, 25 May 2023 01:49:00 -0000

Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis, has announced that he wants to become the president of the United States. He’ll go head-to-head with another Florida resident, former President Donald Trump. With the race heating up, let's have a look at who DeSantis is, what issues he’s known for, and whether he’s got a shot to become the Republican nominee and maybe even president.

Other things we do:

Squiz Today - a daily podcast and newsletter that gives a fact-filled run-down of what’s making news.

Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

Your Shortcut to... what's happening with the US debt ceiling

Tue, 23 May 2023 03:07:00 -0000

The US has been in the middle of a crazy political stoush over this thing called the “debt ceiling” for the past few months which has been threatening to blow up and cause ripples around the world… So in this Squiz Shortcut, we look at what a debt ceiling is, why it's become such a big deal now, and how it could play out.

Squiz recommends:

Jimmy Fallon "slow jamming" about the debt ceiling.

A good backgrounder from the Council on Foreign Relations on the whole debt ceiling issue

Your Shortcut to... the Sudan crisis

Wed, 17 May 2023 19:00:00 -0000

It's been a horrifying time in the African nation of Sudan with foreign nationals including Aussies being evacuated out of the country. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at why Sudan is in such strife, what's happening on the ground right now, and what the world is doing to try and stop it from becoming a full-blown civil war.

Squiz recommends:

Sudan's conflict explained in 5 minutes - The UK's Telegraph

The backstory on the two Generals now fighting for supremacy in Sudan - BBC News

Your Shortcut to... Thailand's election

Tue, 16 May 2023 03:58:00 -0000

The election in Thailand over the weekend was tipped to be extraordinary, and boy, did it deliver... So in this Squiz Shortcut, we dive into the parties that ran on Sunday, and the results of the vote.

You can listen to our 2020 Shortcut on the protests in Thailand here.

Your Shortcut to... the 2023 Federal Budget

Wed, 10 May 2023 19:00:00 -0000

It's Budget week, and it's been hard to miss the news the Albanese Government has delivered our first surplus in 15 years... So in this Squiz Shortcut, we look why being 'back in the black' is such a big deal, what's in the Budget, and the big economic challenges still facing Oz.

Squiz recommends:

A guide to the Budget winners and losers from The Age and ABC News

Your Shortcut to... King Charles's coronation

Wed, 03 May 2023 19:00:00 -0000

King Charles III will be crowned on Saturday alongside his wife Camilla, the Queen Consort. The coronation is a centuries-old ceremony packed with symbols and meaning that the world hasn't seen for 70 years… So in this Squiz Shortcut, we'll take you through the ceremony's rituals, have a look at what we can expect this time around, and give you some of the lesser-known talking points so you can glisten like a crown jewel at your coronation party.

Squiz recommends:

19 rarely seen images of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation - Vogue

Recipes for Coronation Quiche and Coronation Chicken

Your Shortcut to... the gig economy

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 19:00:00 -0000

The rise of the gig economy has had a huge impact on how we live so it's no wonder it's gotten the attention of pollies, the media and of course, workers or those who use the gig economy for everything from food delivery to cleaning your home. In this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we take you through what the gig economy is, how it has grown over the past decade or so, and some of the challenges it is facing.

This episode of Squiz Shortcuts is brought to you by Uber. For more about what Uber and Uber Eats are doing to provide flexible earning opportunities to more than 150,000 people in Australia each month, head to the link here.

Squiz recommends:

Dara Khosrowshahi, Dad of Silicon Valley - NYT

Gig economy laws coming in first half of 2023 - AFR

Your Shortcut to... Australia's rental crisis

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 19:00:00 -0000

For months we’ve been hearing horror stories from the rental market – of landlords jacking up prices by hundreds of dollars, and lines stretching around the block at open inspections. Australia is in a rental crisis, and experts say it could get a lot worse. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take you through Australia’s rental market, why we’re in a crisis right now, and some ideas being put forward to fix it.

Squiz recommends:

Renter-friendly renovator Alexandra Gater's YouTube channel

An interactive chart of changes to Aussie rents over time - SQM Research

Your Shortcut to... Donald Trump's indictment

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 19:00:00 -0000

Donald Trump has become the first former US president to face criminal charges after 34 felony charges relating to business reporting fraud were made against him. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take you through what Trump has been accused of, how this all came about, the key players involved, and what it might mean for his 2024 presidential bid...

Squiz recommends:

A timeline of Trump's indictment - CBS News

Don’t

Ep 1: How Far We’ve Come… The Married Women’s Property Act

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 19:25:00 -0000

The Squiz team is on a long weekend so we thought we’d pop ‘How Far We’ve Come’ into the Shortcuts feed for any long road trips or lazy mornings you may have planned. It's a 6-part series that looks at some key moments for women on the path to financial equality and aims to give women the tools to lock down their financial freedom.

In this episode, we go back to the early 1880s and The Married Women's Property Act, because there was a time when Aussie women couldn’t own their home or business. We will also take a look at how it impacts homeownership rates today and the work still to do.

A special thanks to our podcast partner on this series, NGS Super. Find out more about them here.

Ep 2: How Far We've Come... A tale as old as time: WWII and the fight for equal pay

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 19:20:00 -0000

In episode 2, we’re taking you back to WWII - a time that saw thousands of Aussie women enter the workforce for the first time, and the setting of women’s pay at 25% of men’s wages. This episode will explore the gender pay gap and what it means for us today.

A special thanks to our podcast partner on this series, NGS Super. Find out more about them here.

Ep 3: How Far We've Come... The lifting of the Commonwealth Marriage Bar

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 19:15:00 -0000

In episode 3, we’re taking you to 1966 when the bar on employment of married women in the Commonwealth public service was abolished. It’s notable because it changed the nation's approach to allowing women to take on permanent employment. So in this episode, we’ll look at women and the fight for the right to work, and issues around participation today.

A special thanks to our podcast partner on this series, NGS Super. Find out more about them here.

Ep 4: How Far We've Come... The introduction of no-fault divorce

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 19:10:00 -0000

In episode 4, we’re diving into one of the watershed moments in family law. Unless you can ‘unconsciously uncouple’ like Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, splitting up isn’t easy… It’s also something that many go through, and a factor in why women over 55yo are the fastest-growing demographic when it comes to homelessness. In this episode, we’ll talk about no-fault divorce and what it means for women’s financial independence today.

A special thanks to our podcast partner on this series, NGS Super. Find out more about them here.

Ep 5: How Far We've Come... Susan Ryan and The Sex Discrimination Act

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 19:05:00 -0000

In episode 5, we’re talking about the 1984 Sex Discrimination Act - a landmark moment for Australian women. We’ll introduce Susan Ryan and talk about the bill she drafted prohibiting discrimination based on gender when it came to hiring, firing, pay, and promotion.

A special thanks to our podcast partner on this series, NGS Super. Find out more about them here.

Your Shortcut to... the banking crisis

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 18:00:00 -0000

In the space of just a few weeks, a handful of big banks have collapsed around the world and many others have got the wobbles. So in this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we take a look at why these banks fell over, if any Aussie institutions have problems, and why there's so much talk about this sparking a global recession.

Squiz recommends:

What happens if your bank goes bust? - Money Magazine

Why almost everyone failed to predict Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse - CNN

Your Shortcut to... the NSW state election

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 18:00:00 -0000

Australia's most populous state heads to the ballot box on Saturday, so in this week's Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at the vibe after 12 years of Coalition government, the relative newbies battling to be Premier, and the big pitches and promises of their campaigns.

Squiz recommends:

ABC election analyst Antony Green on where the NSW election will be decided

Deborah Snow's feature profiles on Dominic Perrottet and Chris Minns

Your Shortcut to... the AUKUS submarine deal

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 18:00:00 -0000

This week, PM Anthony Albanese got together with US President Joe Biden and UK PM Rishi Sunak to unveil one of the biggest Australian defence announcements in decades. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we'll take you through why we're getting nuclear-powered subs, how it's going to play out over the next 30 years, and whether we can actually build them on Aussie shores.

Squiz recommends:

I'm On a Boat - The Lonely Island

China’s Submarine Fleet Is Huge. The U.S. Navy Plans To Whittle Away At It With Mines - Forbes

Your Shortcut to... defamation laws

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 18:00:00 -0000

Plenty of high-profile people have recently been involved in defamation cases in recent times, like Lisa Wilkinson, Ben Roberts-Smith, and Erin Molan - not to mention the big one in the US last year involving Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. So in this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we take a look at what defamation is, why it seems to be in the news all the time, and the push by media companies to have the laws changed.

Squiz recommends:

Ben Roberts-Smith v the media podcast - Guardian Australia

Sydney man wins $35,000 defamation payout over Rose Bay Facebook stoush - ABC News

Your Shortcut to... Australia's recycling crisis

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 18:00:00 -0000

Plenty of us have a go at recycling - but it turns out a whole lot more than we think is ending up in landfill, despite a bunch of good intentions… So in this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we take a look at how recycling is organised in Australia, why soft plastics are one of our biggest issues, and what we can do to stop a massive waste problem.

Squiz recommends:

Clean Up Australia's tips to reduce waste

'Dow said it was recycling our shoes. We found them at an Indonesian flea market' - Reuters

Your Shortcut to... ChatGPT

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 18:00:00 -0000

Over the past few months, ChatGPT has set the tech world alight with predictions that it will change the internet - and it's raised big questions about artificial intelligence and how it will be used in our everyday lives. So in this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we take a look at exactly where ChatGPT has come from, what the chatbot experience is, and some early problems that have played out very publicly for Microsoft and Google.

Squiz recommends:

Microsoft's Bing search engine

Bing AI chatbot's 2-hour conversation with a New York Times columnist

'The Online Search Wars Got Scary. Fast.' - NYT's The Daily podcast

Your Shortcut to... 2023 Sydney WorldPride

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 18:00:00 -0000

Sydneysiders wouldn't be able to miss the fact that the Harbour City is hosting the 2023 WorldPride - the world's biggest LGBTQIA+ festival that's kicking off this week. So in this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we take a look at the origins of the Pride movement, how Sydney snagged hosting duties, and what's going down during the festivities.

Squiz recommends:

The 2023 WorldPride Program

'I’m a proud, gay, married man. But World Pride looks like a drag' - SMH

The first gay Mardi Gras - National Museum of Australia

Your Shortcut to... what's happening in Alice Springs - Part 2

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 18:00:00 -0000

Last week's Squiz Shortcuts episode got across what's been happening in Alice Springs lately and some historical context. In this week's follow-up episode, we take a look at the discussion around alcohol and step you through a bit more on Alice Springs itself, what the latest report into the problems there has recommended, and what our governments are doing now.

Squiz recommends:

Dorelle Anderson's report

'When will they listen to us?' Town camps on the fringe of Alice, but at the heart of Indigenous debate - Guardian Australia

Your Shortcut to... what's happening in Alice Springs - Part 1

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 18:00:00 -0000

Alice Springs has been in the national spotlight for all the wrong reasons over the past couple of weeks after a shocking escalation of crime in the town forced the PM to take action. So in this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we take a look at what it's been like living in Alice lately, how things got so bad, and the complicated history behind all the previous attempts to help.

Squiz recommends:

'Why an Indigenous Voice to parliament would have helped in Alice Springs' - Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour in The Sydney Morning Herald

NT reporter Matt Cunningham's emotional reaction during live cross about Alice Springs violence - Sky News

A dangerous game - ABC News

Your Shortcut to... Andrew Tate

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0000

You might have seen the name Andrew Tate in the news over the summer - and wondered who is this guy and what has he done to get locked up in a Romanian prison? So in this episode of Squiz Shortcuts we take a look at who he is, why he has such a huge influence, particularly on boys and young men, and why we should care.

Squiz recommends:

Squiz Kids - Newshounds

Young people interviewed about Andrew Tate (scroll down to watch)

Greta Thunberg's viral reply to Andrew Tate

Your Shortcut to... the Hunter Biden saga

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 18:00:00 -0000

If all you know about Hunter Biden is that he's the son of President Joe Biden and he's a bit controversial, this episode of Squiz Shortcuts will fill in the blanks. And he's going to be someone to know about because a big spotlight is about to fall on him as the political cycle heats up ahead of next year's presidential election. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we'll get you across who he is, what his critics say about him, and how it could play out.

Squiz recommends:

Excerpt from Hunter Biden's ex-wife Kathleen Buhle's memoir about the end of her marriage

Transcript of former US President Donald Trump's 2019 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

Your Shortcut to... the latest on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 18:00:00 -0000

There have been some big developments over the summer break in the Albanese Government's proposal to establish a Voice to Parliament. So in this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we take a look at what the Voice is, who's lining up on each side of the debate, and how it's all going to shake out in 2023.

Squiz recommends:

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's letter to PM Anthony Albanese

Uluru Statement: a quick guide - Parliament House Library

Parliament, not the devil, should control the detail on the Voice - SMH

The Uluru Statement from the Heart - Squiz Shortcuts

Your Shortcut to... the forgotten stories of 2022

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 18:00:00 -0000

With 2022 drawing to a close, it got us thinking about what happened to a whole bunch of stories that were really big and then just fell out of the news cycle - like the unrest in Sri Lanka, Monkeypox and of course, Wordle… So in this Squiz Shortcut, we give you the updates on some of the biggest events of the year, some of the people that were grabbing headlines in 2022, and some of the lighter stuff that had us all talking.

Squiz recommends:

Skywhale image gallery

Time Magazine's top 10 viral moments of the year

Your Shortcut to... the future of the British royal family

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 19:00:00 -0000

It's been a pretty turbulent couple of weeks for the Royal family, with Prince Harry and Meghan's new Netflix series really putting the cat among the corgis… So in this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we take a look at the fallout from the latest Sussex download, how the family split is affecting the monarchy, and what's ahead for the Palace and King Charles in 2023.

Squiz recommends:

The Palace Papers by Tina Brown

Harry & Meghan - Netflix

Your Shortcut to... China's COVID protests

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 18:00:00 -0000

China is a country known for quashing any dissent before it makes it anywhere near the media. But recently, anti-lockdown protests have been springing up all over the country and once unheard-of criticism of the Government is creeping into social channels. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at what's fuelling those demonstrations, where COVID's at in China, and what it all means for President Xi Jinping.

Squiz recommends:

Why is China struggling to vaccinate the elderly? - BBC

The Prince: Searching for Xi Jinping - The Economist

Your Shortcut to... moving to the Moon

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 18:00:00 -0000

Alright Squizers, strap yourselves in because we're going to the Moon… Yep, you read that right - US space agency NASA reckons it's about to take another giant leap for man (and woman) kind and this time it's not just about walking on the moon - but actually setting up camp there. So in this week's Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at what steps are being taken to return to the moon, how NASA is planning to set up a village, and why the 2030s will be the big space decade to watch.

Squiz recommends:

The Dish - Netflix

NASA's Twitter and Instagram

Everyday objects that were actually invented for space exploration

Your Shortcut to... the 2022 Victorian election

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 18:00:00 -0000

Victorians head to the ballot box on Saturday and this campaign has been pretty bruising. Premier Daniel Andrews is going for a 3rd term, and while the polls suggest he's on track to stay in power, the state's seemingly endless lockdowns in 2020 and 2021 meant the gloss has well and truly come off. So in this week's Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at the post-COVID vibe in Victoria, why Andrews has earned the name "Teflon Dan", and how the election might play out.

Squiz recommends:

Mashd N Kutcher - Get On The Beers (feat. Dan Andrews)

Daniel Andrews's legacy could be immortalised in bronze, but there's a tightening Victorian election to win first - ABC News

Your Shortcut to... the Qatar FIFA World Cup

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 18:00:00 -0000

Next week, billions of eyeballs will be on Qatar for the start of the soccer World Cup. This has been one of the most controversial tournaments in the game's history - and that's before a ball is even kicked. So in this week's Squiz Shortcut we take a look at why Qatar is hosting the tournament, how the world's reacted to the decision and a form guide on who might take home the glory.

Squiz recommends:

Grey Wiggle video

Ted Lasso clip

Lionel Messi highlights

Your Shortcut to... the 2022 G20 summit

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 18:00:00 -0000

Next week leaders from around the globe will converge on Bali for a meeting of the G20 - which is the forum that brings together the world's biggest economies. There’s been a lot of focus on a possible showdown between the Presidents of Ukraine and Russia - but there is plenty more to watch out for. So in this week's Squiz Shortcut, we break down the big issues on the G20's agenda, how the Russia issue is going to play out in Bali, and some of the other diplomatic landmines waiting for the world's leaders.

Squiz recommends:

Malcolm Turnbull's selfie with Xi Jinping and Donald Trump

A British Vogue gallery celebrating Brigitte Macron's G20 outfits back at the G20 in 2017. So chic...

Your Shortcut to... the US midterm election

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 18:00:00 -0000

Next week in the US voters will cast their votes in the midterms, which will elect a whole bunch of new members to Congress (which is the equivalent of our Federal Parliament.) So in this week's Squiz Shortcut, we break down what the midterms are, why you'll be hearing about them and Donald Trump and the big issues for voters in America right now.

Squiz recommends:

Tracking the states where abortion is now banned - NY Times

Joe Biden falls off bike while cycling in Delaware - YouTube

Why Kari Lake is the next Republican star - Politico

Your Shortcut to... the Albanese Government's first budget

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 03:18:00 -0000

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has just handed down his first Budget, the first for a Labor Government in nearly 10 years. He's called it "solid and sensible" but warned that the world is heading towards tougher economic times. So in this week's Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at the state of the economy, what's in the Budget for you and the big challenges headed our way.

Squiz recommends:

ABC's overview of the winners and losers from the Budget

A summary of the Budget verdicts from SMH's and Age's experts

Your Shortcut to... Mahsa Amini and the Iran protests

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 18:00:00 -0000

Mahsa Amini was a 22yo Iranian woman who was arrested by the country’s morality police in mid-September for wearing her hijab too loosely. She died in custody some days later, which led to large-scale protests across Iran and the world. So in this week's Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at what life is like for women in Iran, how these protests have been unfolding, and what might shake out in Iran's future.

Squiz recommends:

Iranian women before and after the Islamic Revolution

The journalist who broke Mahsa Amini’s story and the price she is paying for it

Your Shortcut to... the 20th anniversary of the 2002 Bali bombings

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 18:00:00 -0000

It was on 12 October 2002 that 202 people including 88 Aussies were killed in a terror attack in Bali. This week marks 20 years since that horrific event, so in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at what happened on that night in downtown Kuta, who was responsible for the attacks, and how it changed our relationship with Indonesia.

Squiz recommends:

Life-saving medical innovations and burns treatments that came from the Bali bombings, 20 years on - ABC News

Operation ALLIANCE: 2002 Bali Bombings - AFP Podcast

Your Shortcut to... Cybersecurity and the Optus data breach

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 18:00:00 -0000

Whether you're an Optus customer or not, you might have heard the news of one of Australia's worst-ever data breaches that left millions of peoples' data exposed. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at how it happened, what the federal government is doing to try to stop history from repeating, and why a lot of Aussie businesses will be stepping up their cyber game.

Squiz recommends:

The government's Essential Eight checklist is a must-do to keep on top of cybersecurity for all your devices.

Two Blokes Talking Tech podcast

Your Shortcut to... Putin's latest moves in Ukraine

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 19:00:00 -0000

There have been some big developments in the war in Ukraine, and the world's on edge wondering how it's all going to play out. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we look at Russia's big call-up of troops, its threats to go nuclear, and the way it's using referendums to claim parts of Ukraine.

Squiz recommends:

Global News Podcast - BBC

Two Cities, Two Armies: Pivot Points in the Fight in Ukraine’s East - The New York Times

Your Shortcut to... the future of streaming

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 03:12:30 -0000

It wasn't that long ago Netflix was that shiny new thing we all went crazy for, but huge competition from other streaming services and a bit of audience fatigue with its shows means the gloss has come off. So in this Squiz Shortcut we take a look at the extraordinary rise of Netflix, who's who in the current world of streaming, and how all this competition might shake out.

Squiz recommends:

Top 10 TV shows in Australia

My Brilliant Friend - SBS On Demand

Your Shortcut to... Queen Elizabeth and King Charles

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 19:00:00 -0000

It doesn't matter about your age, where you live, or what you were doing last week - it's very likely you've been swept up in coverage of the Queen's death and the new era of King Charles III. So in this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we cut through the noise and take a look at a brief overview of the Queen’s 70-year reign, the events of the past week and what could happen going forward, and the future of the monarchy here in Oz.

Squiz recommends:

The Queen's handbag symbolism

The Queen's best outfits

The Age’s Tony Wright gives us an insight into how Queen Consort Camilla has won over hearts and minds after being a much-loathed figure in the UK and abroad.

Your Shortcut to... the UK's new prime minister

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 19:00:00 -0000

It's been a bit of a ride in recent months when it comes to politics in the United Kingdom. The nation's new prime minister - former Foreign Secretary Liz Truss - was sworn in this week, so in this Squiz Shortcut, we get across why there's been a leadership change in the UK, who Liz Truss is, and the biggest challenges she's facing at home and abroad.

Squiz recommends:

The Liz Truss Foreign Secretary One - Political Thinking with Nick Robinson podcast

Liz Truss' dance moves

Your Shortcut to... Australia's worker shortage crisis

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 19:00:00 -0000

Everywhere you turn in Australia people are looking for workers. Businesses are calling it a “crisis” and the new Albanese Government is holding a Jobs and Skills Summit this week to try to fix some of the most serious issues. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we look at how it’s come to this, who's responsible for educating and training the workforce of the future, and some of the ideas on the table to try to turn it around.

Squiz recommends:

Treasury's issues paper for the Jobs and Skills Summit

12 of the most fun jobs

Scott Morrison's multiple ministries

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 19:00:00 -0000

We're currently going through a pretty extraordinary period in Australian politics, with revelations that former PM Scott Morrison secretly appointed himself as a minister to 5 key portfolios. So in this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we'll answer all the big questions on how and why this happened, how are we governed in Australia, and who calls the shots in our Parliament.

Squiz recommends:

Plagued by Simon Benson and Geoff Chambers

A collection of the best memes on the Morrison ministries saga - Pedestrian

Your Shortcut to... an update on what's what in Afghanistan

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 19:00:00 -0000

This week marks one year since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan after the United States and its allies left the country. The country's economy is now in a state of collapse, with the United Nations estimating that almost all Afghans are living below the poverty line and human rights abuses are running rampant, particularly for women and girls. So in this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we take a look at how Afghanistan got to where it is now, what's been happening in the last year under Taliban rule, and what's next for the troubled nation.

Squiz recommends:

Photo essay on women and girl's lives under Taliban rule - Time Magazine

Counterterrorism Chief Christy Abizaid on Top Terror Threats to the US - Intelligence Matters podcast

Secret girls' schools in Afghanistan; China's kangaroo astronaut; mystery caves on the moon; and squirrels that sploot - Squiz Kids podcast

Your Shortcut to... Judith Durham and Olivia Newton-John

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 19:00:00 -0000

Judith Durham and Olivia Newton-John were both giants of Australian music and died within one week of each other. They had very different musical styles, but both left a huge mark, so in this Squiz Shortcut, we get across what was shaping the Australian music scene at the time, the life and times of the 2 women, and the massive legacies they both leave behind.

Squiz recommends:

The Seekers performing I Am Australian at the 1994 AFL grand final

One of ONJ’s classic songs from Xanadu, Magic

Your Shortcut to... a referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 19:00:00 -0000

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The Albanese government said it would deliver the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full, and we've now heard of plans to hold a referendum to establish a constitutionally enshrined Indigenous Voice to Parliament within the next couple of years. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at how a referendum works, what a Voice to Parliament is, and the hurdles it's likely to come across in the process.

Squiz recommends:

The Uluru Statement from the Heart full text

PM Anthony Albanese's annotated Garma Festival speech - The Sydney Morning Herald

The Uluru Statement from the Heart - Squiz Shortcuts

Took the Children Away - Archie Roach

Your Shortcut to... monkeypox and foot and mouth disease

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 19:00:00 -0000

Two and a half years of COVID has made us all more virus literate, and now there are concerns about 2 more that are going around - monkeypox and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). So in this Squiz Shortcut, we'll cover off what monkeypox is and what led to it being declared a global health emergency, what FMD is and the threat it poses to our farming industry, and the steps that are being taken to combat both viruses.

Squiz recommends:

'The agony of an early case of monkeypox' - The New Yorker

'Foot-and-mouth disease is on Australia's doorstep. What will it look like if it spreads?' - ABC News

Your Shortcut to... the new Federal Government and Opposition

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 19:00:00 -0000

It's been 2 months since Anthony Albanese and his Labor team beat the Coalition led by Scott Morrison and Barnaby Joyce to reclaim government at the federal level. With Parliament set to resume on 26 July, we set the scene and take a look at the who's who on the front line, and the government's priorities that will shape the federal political scene in the weeks and months to come.

Squiz recommends:

2022 federal election promise tracker

What the start of a new parliamentary term involves - APH website

Your Shortcut to... Sri Lanka's collapse

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 19:00:00 -0000

The beautiful and culturally rich nation of Sri Lanka is in economic and political collapse. With its President fleeing the country on a military jet amid mass protests, we take a look at the foundations of Sri Lanka, it's recent political history, and how one powerful family brought the nation to its knees.

Our recommendations for further reading/watching/looking:

A photo gallery of the President's official residence in Colombo during the mostly peaceful protests

How one powerful family wrecked a country - Washington Post

Your shortcut to... Australia and our Pacific family

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 19:00:00 -0000

Australia and the Pacific Islands used to go together like cossies and sunscreen, but things have become more complicated and the relationship has been strained in recent times. So before PM Anthony Albanese and other Pacific Islands Forum leaders gather in Fiji to talk, we're going to go through our connection to the region, Australia's role in supporting Pacific Island nations, and the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Recommendations:

Larissa: Our Shortcuts episode on the Solomon Islands and China

Claire: Fiji's Prime Minister on the Paris Climate Agreement, from Fiji's perspective.

Your Shortcut to... overturning Roe v Wade

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 19:00:00 -0000

The US Supreme Court has overturned Roe v Wade, removing American women's constitutional right to have an abortion. It wasn't exactly a surprise - the draft opinion was leaked 2 months ago - but when it was announced it was met with huge disappointment by campaigners for access to the services and celebration by those opposed to abortion. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at what led to the Supreme Court’s decision, what it means for reproductive rights in the US, and where Australia's at on the issue.

Squiz recommends:

Abortion is now banned in these states. Others will follow - Washington Post

Reproductive rights around the world - Foreign Policy

20 ways the Supreme Court just changed America - Politico

Your shortcut to... building a business: You don't always get it right with Matt Whiley

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 00:26:00 -0000

Figuring out how to start and grow a business can be intimidating, so in this 4-part series, we talk to 4 Aussie businesses about what they wished they knew before they started and how they got to where they are today. This is the final episode we are talking to Matt Whiley, founder of RE bar. He has been a business owner for over 20 years, so who better to talk to about the highs and lows of owning a business.

This limited series is brought to you by Square. Learn about how Square can help you to start, run or grow your business here.

Check out RE Cocktail Bar and Kitchen on Instagram or through their website.

Your Shortcut to... how we're keeping the lights on

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 19:00:00 -0000

One of the biggest news stories going around is what's happening with our energy system, with Oz facing a raft of issues that have smashed supply and demand for electricity. It's a discussion that's packed with technical jargon and detail, so in this Squiz Shortcut, we get back to basics and take you through how our power grid works, what's happened to bring it to crisis point, and what can be done about it.

Squiz recommends:

Energy Made Easy website

5 tips on how to save energy and money

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Your Shortcut to... the Murugappan family's return to Biloela

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 19:00:00 -0000

Over the past 5 years, the Murugappan family has become the most high-profile asylum seeker case in Australia. Their fight to stay here started almost 10 years ago, and has taken many twists and turns as the couple and their 2 children fight for permanent residency after the adults' applications for refugee status were rejected. So in this Squiz Shortcut we go through the background to the case, how the Central Queensland town of Biloela took them under their wing, and what happens now that they've gone 'home to Bilo'.

Squiz recommends:

Why do Tamil asylum seekers need protection and why does the Australian government say they don't? - The Conversation

Home to Bilo campaigners for Tamil asylum-seeking family await weekend reunion - ABC News

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Your shortcut to... building a business: Is timing everything? with Collective Closets

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 22:45:00 -0000

Figuring out how to start and grow a business can be intimidating, so in this 4-part series, we talk to 4 Aussie businesses about what they wished they knew before they started and how they got to where they are today. In this third episode, we talk to Collective Closets about dealing with the unexpected, being able to adapt and how it can drive success.

This limited series is brought to you by Square. Learn about how Square can help you to start, run or grow your business here.

Check out Collective Closets on Instagram or through their website.

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Your shortcut to... building a business: Levelling up with Tribe Skincare

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 23:22:00 -0000

Figuring out how to start and grow a business can be intimidating, so in this 4-part series, we talk to 4 Aussie businesses about what they wished they knew before they started and how they got to where they are today. In this second episode, we talk to Tribe Skincare about growing your side hustle from the kitchen bench to a fully-fledged enterprise.

This limited series is brought to you by Square. Learn about how Square can help you to start, run or grow your business here.

Check out Tribe Skincare on Instagram or through their website.

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Your Shortcut to... why Boris Johnson's in trouble

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 19:00:00 -0000

UK PM Boris Johnson is a colourful character whose career has ranged from journalist to politician, to world leader. He's been a significant figure in the UK during Brexit and has been leader throughout the COVID pandemic, which hasn't been without scandal. Having just survived a challenge to his leadership, we take a look at his life, his career, and why 'partygate' has got him into a bit of hot water.

Squiz recommends:

My Boris Johnson story - The Spectator

Boris Johnson, the mystery man and the Bullingdon Club: Where are they now? - ITV

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Your Shortcut to... building a business: You've got an idea with Grumpy Donuts

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0000

In the first episode of our new Squiz Shortcut series on building a business, we take a look at the ins and outs of entrepreneurship. Figuring out where to start can be intimidating, so in this 4-part series, we talk to 4 Aussie businesses about what they wished they knew before they started and how they got to where they are today. And in this episode, we're talking to Grumpy Donuts about where it all starts: finding your big idea.

Brought to you by Square. Learn about how Square can help you to start, run or grow your business here.

Check out Grumpy Donuts on Instagram @grumpydonutsofficial or through their website.

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Your Shortcut to... the Uluru Statement from the Heart

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 19:00:00 -0000

When Anthony Albanese's claimed victory for Labor in the recent federal election, he acknowledged the traditional owners of the land and committed to delivering the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at the background to the statement, what it's about, and how it might be delivered.

Squiz recommends:

The Uluru Statement from the Heart

Treaty - Yothu Yindi (Original Version)

Treaty - Yothu Yindi (Filthy Lucre Radio Edit)

The 2022 federal election sees record Indigenous representation - ABC

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Your Shortcut to... digging into the election result

Wed, 25 May 2022 19:00:00 -0000

The 2022 federal election was quite a ride... What we saw was a result that ushers in a change of government to Labor, sends the Coalition into opposition for some deep reflection, and the arrival of the biggest crossbench the Australian Parliament has seen since WWII. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we'll get into where things have landed, the trends that delivered that remarkable result, and what's next.

Squiz recommends:

The path to power: How the 2022 federal election was won and lost - ABC Four Corners

How the election result has changed our cities - ABC

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Your Shortcut to... the life and times of Mike Cannon-Brookes

Wed, 18 May 2022 19:00:00 -0000

Mike Cannon-Brookes - the billionaire co-founder of tech company Atlassian - has been making a few headlines recently off the back of his attempt to buy Australia's largest energy retailer AGL and transform it into a lean, green, power-generating and retailing machine. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at his early life, his career in business, and why he's so keen on getting his hands on AGL.

Squiz recommends:

Mike Cannon-Brookes’ Ted Talk on imposter syndrome

Article on Atlassian's approach to remote working

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Your Shortcut to... Roe v Wade

Wed, 11 May 2022 19:00:00 -0000

A big battle is brewing in America over the future of abortion rights after it was revealed that the Supreme Court is on the cusp of overturning a judgement that legalised terminations across the country: Roe v Wade. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we look at the landmark legal decision, the efforts over the years to overturn it, and what will happen if that occurs.

Squiz recommends:

'Supreme Court has voted to overturn abortion rights, draft opinion shows' - Politico

'The Roe Baby' - The Atlantic

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Your Shortcut to... Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter

Wed, 04 May 2022 19:00:00 -0000

The world's richest man, Elon Musk, stunned the business world when he launched a $44 billion takeover bid for social media giant Twitter. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at the backgrounds of Twitter and Elon Musk, how this transaction came about, and what's next for the platform Musk calls a digital "town square".

Squiz recommends:

Profile on Aussie Tesla chair Robyn Denholm - Australian Financial Review

Live updates on Musk's Twitter acquisition - The New York Times

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Your Shortcut to... the French election and the future of France

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 19:00:00 -0000

The French have voted to give incumbent President Emmanuel Macron another 5 years in the top job. It was a decisive win, but he faces a divided nation, which is split between the haves and the have nots and differing visions about the future of France. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we run through the election result, what's happening in France, and what it means for the world, including here in Oz.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

Macron bares his 'he-vage' - https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/french-president-emmanuel-macron-turns-heads-with-bristling-carpet-of-chest-hair-exposed/news-story/0c471279134ccb29ea4256a7bda1be09

Macron's official photographer's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/soazigdelamoissonniere/

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Your Shortcut to... the Russia-China alliance

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 19:00:00 -0000

Before the war in Ukraine and on the eve of the Beijing Winter Olympics, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping entered into a strategic partnership to cooperate with each other and challenge the power of the West. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at the 2 countries, their shared world views, and how this new alliance has been challenged by the war in Ukraine.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

Who are Putin's daughters? (BBC) https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61011141

Xi and Putin admire some pandas (Reuters) - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-china-xi-putin-zoo-idUSKCN1T62HW

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Your Shortcut to... the Queen and the future of the British royal family

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 19:00:00 -0000

This year, Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the British throne. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we look back at her reign, what's in store for the Jubilee celebrations, and what's next for the scandal-plagued royal family.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

The infamous 2019 BBC interview with Prince Andrew - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtBS8COhhhM

The Queen (2006) - available to watch on Binge, Foxtel and Paramount+

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Your Shortcut to... the Solomon Islands and China

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 19:00:00 -0000

The Solomon Islands is poised to sign a controversial security deal that would increase China's military presence in our region, putting them less than 2000kms from Australia. It's fair to say that our government isn't too thrilled about it, so in this Squiz Shortcut, we'll get to know our Pacific Island neighbour, their recent troubles, and how China fits into it all.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

Squiz Kids' Squiz the World podcast on the Solomon Islands - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/subscriber-content-squiz-the-world-goes-to-solomon-islands/id1494238283?i=1000556272890

Australia's role in the Battle for Guadalcanal in WWII - https://www.navy.gov.au/history/feature-histories/australians-guadalcanal-august-1942

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Your Shortcut to... the pre-election Budget

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 18:00:00 -0000

The Federal Government handed down its latest Budget this week, including some big-ticket items designed to win your vote in the upcoming election. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we look at the health of the economy as we recover from the pandemic, the sweeteners in the Budget, and the politics of it all as we sprint to the ballot box.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

Liberal and Labor's social media take on the Federal Budget - https://fb.watch/c3r0g-hjIQ/

https://twitter.com/AlboMP/status/1508724113346469888 https://fb.watch/c3r0g-hjIQ

Politics Today website - politicstoday.com.au

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Your Shortcut to... Wild weather and climate change

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 18:00:00 -0000

La Niña has hammered eastern Australia during the last couple of summers. Across Queensland and NSW, so many communities have experienced unprecedented flooding. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we get you across a few of the different weather systems affecting Oz, what climate change has to do with it, and what it means for Aussies going forward.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

The Australian Academy of Science website - https://7news.com.au/news/nsw/elderly-woman-93-found-floating-on-mattress-just-20cm-from-the-ceiling-in-her-flood-ravaged-home-c-5911907

Interview with a 93yo woman who had an incredible escape from her flood-ravaged home - 7News - https://7news.com.au/news/nsw/elderly-woman-93-found-floating-on-mattress-just-20cm-from-the-ceiling-in-her-flood-ravaged-home-c-5911907

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Your Shortcut to... Volodymyr Zelensky

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 18:00:00 -0000

Just a few years ago, Volodymyr Zelensky was a comedian and actor playing Ukraine’s president on television. Now, he’s a real-life wartime leader directing his country in its fight against a Russian invasion. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we look at Zelensky's early life, his path into politics, and how he's galvanised Ukrainians - and the West - behind resisting Russia.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

Watching: Zelensky on Dancing with the Stars https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlJywp7E3Gw

Reading: 'The Betrayal of Volodymyr Zelensky' - The Atlantic https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2019/12/zelensky-ukraine-impeachment/602905/

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Your Shortcut to... Shane Warne and Rod Marsh

Sun, 06 Mar 2022 18:00:00 -0000

It's been a devastating few days for Australia's cricket community and fans around the world with the deaths of 2 giants of the game, Shane Warne and Rod Marsh. So The Squiz and Sport Today have come together for this look at these icons' achievements on the field, and their lives off it.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

Vale Shane Warne: Legends recall their favourite Warnie stories - The Unplayable Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/vale-shane-warne-legends-recall-their-favourite-warnie/id1093437634?i=1000552975945

Rod Marsh's best catches - https://www.cricket.com.au/video/rod-marsh-caught-bowled-dennis-lillee-australia-test-one-day-cricket-1970s-1980s-classic/2022-03-04

Shane Warne's 50 best wickets on home soil - https://www.cricket.com.au/video/shane-warne-top-50-wickets-on-aussie-soil-countdown-highlights-greatest-moments-extended/2022-03-05

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Your Shortcut to... the West's sanctions on Russia

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 18:00:00 -0000

As Russia pushes forward with its invasion of Ukraine, the West has been using sanctions as a key method of retaliation and punishment. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we look at what they are exactly and who imposes them, the impact of these sanctions, and Russia's reaction.

Squiz Shortcuts is the backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

'How Russian sanctions work' - The Atlantic - https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/02/how-russian-sanctions-work/622940/

'As sanctions batter economy, Russians face the anxieties of a costly war' - The New York Times - https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/28/world/europe/russia-economy-sanctions-ukraine.html

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Your Shortcut to... NATO and the Ukraine crisis

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 18:00:00 -0000

As you well and truly know, Russia has launched a full-scale assault on Ukraine. To get you across the background to this, it's time to get to know NATO - the military alliance that is the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. It's at the centre of the stand-off between Russia, Ukraine and the West. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll get you across why NATO was established, how it has operated in times of conflict, and what it has to do with this crisis.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

Smiley's People by John le Carré - https://www.booktopia.com.au/smiley-s-people-john-le-carr-/book/9780241322529.html

A map of NATO's expansion since 1997 - https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-18023383

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Your Shortcut to... the Religious Discrimination Laws

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 18:00:00 -0000

It's been a fractious few weeks in politics as we head towards a federal election. And one of the issues that burned brightly was a new Religious Discrimination Bill. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we'll look at Australia's existing anti-discrimination laws, why religious discrimination is on the agenda now, and what the Coalition had hoped to achieve before an election.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

ABC interview with Paddy Quilter-Jones - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-10/paddy-stephen-jones-son-speech/100819064

Bonegilla website - https://www.bonegilla.org.au/

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Your Shortcut to... the crisis in Ukraine

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 18:00:00 -0000

It's a part of Europe that many of us don't know much about, but the crisis in Ukraine has been in the news a lot recently. Western nations are worried Russia will invade Ukraine, but there's a whole lot of baggage that's gotten us here. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we cover the history of Ukraine's relationship with Russia, why things are at a flashpoint now, and how the US, the UK and Europe are reacting.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

Russia and the US face off over Ukraine - The New York Times' The Daily podcast

Chicken Kyiv nuggets recipe

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Your Shortcut to... the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 18:00:49 -0000

It feels like the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were on 2 seconds ago - and they basically were because of COVID delays. But it's time to get set for the next round - the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. And there's a lot going on, including international politics, human rights issues, the pandemic, and environmental concerns. And, of course, a big global sporting event where Aussies will compete for the medals... So in this Squiz Shortcut, we cover issues like why Australia and other nations are staging a diplomatic boycott, as well as taking a look at the sporting side and Australia's chances on the podium.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

Cool Runnings movie - available on Disney+

Sport Today's Beijing Blitz podcast

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Your Shortcut to... Tonga and the Ring of Fire

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 18:00:27 -0000

The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai undersea volcano erupted with an enormous force less than a fortnight ago, accompanied by cracking sonic booms, stratospheric volcanic ash and tsunami waves that travelled more than 10,000km. The volcano sits in an area prone to eruptions and earthquakes. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we'll take a look at the zone known as the Ring of Fire, the big eruptions and earthquakes that have come from this region, and how Tonga is managing in the wake of the disaster.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

Tonga's volcano eruption in pictures - The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2022/jan/18/tongas-volcano-eruption-in-pictures

Aceh Tsunami Museum https://museumtsunami.id/

Australian Red Cross donation page https://www.redcross.org.au/donation/international/

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Your Shortcut to... calls for Australia to become a republic

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 18:00:25 -0000

This year is Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the British throne. To kick it off, the Australian Republican Movement has outlined its preferred model for appointing an Australian head of state. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we look at Australia's place in the Commonwealth and our relationship with the British monarchy; the push for a republic and the defeated referendum in 1999; and how this new proposal for a republic might work in practice.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

Australia says no to a republic - Sydney Morning Herald

Queen Elizabeth's 'wattle gown' portrait from 1954, painted by Aussie artist William Dargie.

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Your Shortcut to... COVID in 2022

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 18:00:00 -0000

It’s a new year, but an old story… COVID is still here, and now the Omicron variant is ripping through our communities and the world at a rapid pace. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at the latest on Omicron, what Omicron's game-plan might be, and what’s being said about when this pandemic will be over.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

Pfizer chief Albert Bourla's interview with the Wall Street Journal's podcast The Journal

How to Meditate - The New York Times

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Your Shortcut to... Desmond Tutu

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 18:00:55 -0000

When one of South Africa's biggest characters - Archbishop Desmond Tutu - died on Boxing Day, he was remembered as a champion for freedom and equality who made things happen for the troubled nation. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we look back at Tutu's early life, his role in the anti-Apartheid movement, and his legacy both at home and abroad.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

Desmond Tutu and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission - US 60 Minutes

Long Walk to Freedom - Nelson Mandela

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2021 Year In Review - Part 3 - The Lighter Stuff

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 19:00:25 -0000

In the final episode of our 3-part Year in Review series, we revisit the stories that kept us entertained during 2021.

You can find a written version of the content here: https://www.thesquiz.com.au/2021-news-year-in-review/

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2021 Year in Review - Part 2 - All Australian

Wed, 29 Dec 2021 19:00:23 -0000

In the 2nd episode of our 3-part Year in Review series, we revisit the big local stories that shaped 2021.

You can find a written version of the content here: https://www.thesquiz.com.au/2021-news-year-in-review/

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2021 Year in Review - Part 1 - Around the World

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 19:00:45 -0000

In the first episode of our 3-part Year in Review series, we revisit the big international stories that shaped 2021.

You can find a written version of the content here: https://www.thesquiz.com.au/2021-news-year-in-review/

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The Great Big Squiz Quiz 2021

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 18:00:17 -0000

It’s a bit of fun, it’s a bit festive, with a lot of laughs. Take a lighter look at year that was 2021 by joining us for The Great Big Squiz Quiz.

And a link to the quiz on our website is here: https://www.thesquiz.com.au/quiz/2021-great-big-squiz-quiz/

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Your Shortcut to... Angela Merkel

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 18:00:52 -0000

After 16 years Angela Merkel is no longer Chancellor of Germany. Leading Europe's biggest economy - and in a lot of ways, Europe - through some of the most challenging times post-WWII, she has certainly left a mark on modern political history. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we delve a little deeper into Merkel's early life growing up in East Germany, her political legacy, and what's expected to happen in Germany post-Merkel.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

Waiter spills beer on Angela Merkel - YouTube

'The Merkel legacy' - The Guardian

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Your Shortcut to... the Ashes

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 18:00:42 -0000

It is near-impossible to ignore cricket news during an Aussie summer, and this year will be a big 'un… That's because the Ashes are on Aussie soil, where our team is going up against the Brits in one of our biggest sporting rivalries. The first Test started yesterday, so this week we've handed the Squiz Shortcut reins to the team from Sport Today to step you through the history of the Ashes, why the Ashes is so lucrative, some talking points on the teams, and the names to look out for.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

The Test - Amazon Prime

The Captains by Malcolm Knox

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Your Shortcut to... Omicron

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 18:00:27 -0000

As much as we wish it wasn't the case, Omicron is here and it's a thing. And there are lots of questions about what that might mean... So in this Squiz Shortcut, we look at what's different about the Omicron variant, what a variant even is, what it means for the current crop of vaccines, and vaccination inequality around the world.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

Bloomberg vaccination tracker

'The Omicron variant: We know almost nothing' - The Atlantic

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Your Shortcut to... China's cultural crackdown

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 02:02:48 -0000

The disappearance of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai has us left with a lot of questions… After all, she's not the first high-profile person to have seemingly vanished after criticising the Chinese government. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we look at what's been called China's cultural crackdown. We’ll cover the rise of Chinese President Xi Jinping and his authority over the Chinese Communist Party and the country, the CCP’s history of cultural crackdowns and what’s happening now, and a few high-profile disappearances, including, of course, Peng Shuai.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

China's Cultural Revolution - Vox

Cheng Lei no closer to release a year after being detained - The Guardian

The disappearance of Alibaba's Jack Ma - Squiz Shortcuts

Xi Jinping - Squiz Shortcuts

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Your Shortcut to... Inflation

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 18:00:06 -0000

Inflation is a key piece of the economic puzzle, and it's a hot topic in Oz and across the globe right now. So In this Squiz Shortcut, we'll look at inflation and what drives it, what happens when it's too low or too high, and how inflation is playing out now and into next year's federal election campaign.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

Zimbabwe's inflation and currency problems explained - BBC Africa

RBA website

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Your Shortcut to... Remembrance Day

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 18:00:55 -0000

At 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month was the time in 1918 when the guns on Europe’s Western Front fell silent after more than 4 years of war. And to this day, we are encouraged to observe one minute’s silence in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we give you a quick guide to WWI and how it ended, how its commemoration was observed after the war, and what it means today.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

Photo gallery of the centenary celebrations of the end of WWI

Photo gallery of the first Armistice Day in 1918

The Australian War Memorial - The Menin Gate lions

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Your Shortcut to... what's going down at COP26

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 18:00:06 -0000

There's been a lot of buildup to the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow. It's currently underway and the world leaders part of it is now wrapped up. So at the nearly halfway mark, we'll take you through Australia's climate change policy, what other nations' agendas are, and the 2 new pledges countries have made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

COP26 summit photo gallery – The Guardian

How Much Are Countries Pledging to Reduce Emissions? - The New York Times

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Your Shortcut to... the what's what of summits

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 18:00:25 -0000

With a meeting of G20 nations this week and COP26 taking place next week, there's lots of talk about summits of late. So we've handpicked a few of the big meetings of world leaders that Australia is involved with each year to give context around each. We start with the one happening this weekend, the G20, and then get you across some other ones in our region that at certain times of the year, get a lot of attention.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

The best of APEC's fashion diplomacy - SBS

Why your meetings stink and what to do about it - Harvard Business Review

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Your Shortcut to... the Japanese Imperial Family's woman problem

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 18:00:00 -0000

In Japan, a royal wedding scheduled for 26 October is causing quite the stir. That's because it's the wedding of the Emperors' niece, and if you are female royalty in Japan and you get married, you're out of the family. It's an age-old rule and one that is now being challenged. So in this Squiz Shortcuts, we take you through how Japan's Imperial family works, their public life in Japan, and the background to the wedding that has brought the Japanese royal family back to the fore.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

Watching: How Japanese citizens are reacting to princess' wedding date - CNN. It has lots of clips of the Japanese royals, Princess Mako and her husband to be, and it helps with putting names to faces.

Reading: The princess, the palace and the shrinking royal line - BBC. It's a great explainer on all the issues with Princess Mako's engagement and it's got a handy family tree so you can visualise it.

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Your Shortcut to... Voluntary Assisted Dying Laws

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 18:00:00 -0000

Just a few weeks ago, Queensland joined Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania in passing voluntary assisted dying laws, which makes NSW the last state not to have them. That could all change soon with a new bill being introduced into the NSW parliament this week. It's a sensitive topic, and one that comes up from time to time in the news, in conversation, and of course, in our lives. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we cover the history of the euthanasia debate here in Australia, the arguments for and against it, and where each state has landed on voluntary assisted dying laws.

Squiz Shortcuts is the backstory to the big news story.

Squiz recommends:

Sydney Morning Herald op-ed by former NSW Premier Mike Baird - 'Why I hope NSW does not embrace voluntary assisted dying'

Mental health helplines

Go Gentle Australia website

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Your Shortcut to... Anti-corruption Commissions

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 18:00:00 -0000

In a shock to many, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklan not only resigned but bowed out of state politics completely last Friday. That's because she's being investigated by the state's ICAC, the Independent Commission Against Corruption. If you're confused about why exactly she had to go, you're not alone... In this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we explain anti-corruption commissions and why they exist, the ongoing debate on why or why not there should be a federal ICAC, and what happened with Gladys Berejiklian.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

ABC's Four Corners - Moonlight State

Wag the Dog - available on Netflix

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Your Shortcut to... Australia's climate agenda in 2021

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 19:00:00 -0000

As we head towards the end of the year, climate change is going to be the talk of the town. That's because in just over a month's time, around 25,000 people will descend on Glasgow in Scotland for what's been called the most significant climate gathering since the Paris Agreement was nutted out in 2015: COP26. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at why this conference is such a big deal, where Oz is at with its climate commitments, what we can expect in the lead-up, and why it’s such a tricky issue.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

ABC - What does the latest IPCC report mean for Australia?

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Your Shortcut to... Submarines

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 19:00:00 -0000

Australia will join a new security alliance with the United Kingdom and the United States to share their top-secret technology, which means we can build our own nuclear-powered subs. And France isn't too happy about it... So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take you through why submarines are such a big deal in defense, the contention around nuclear, what's happening with the French, and our chequered history with getting subs built.

Squiz recommends:

ABC Radio National: Submarines: 'The history and future underwater warfare'

Vigil - available on Foxtel or Binge

Greyhound - available on Apple TV

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Your Shortcut to... State and territory borders

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 19:00:00 -0000

The closing of our state and territory borders is something most Aussies had never thought possible. But then came COVID-19, and those state lines have become the subject of much conjecture... As we look to a life free of lockdowns, state borders continue to throw up some hurdles in our quest to return to what was 'normal'. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we give you the background to the responsibility of the states and territories when it comes to our borders, the differing points of view about opening up, and what might come to be.

Squiz recommends:

Squiz Shortcuts - The Federation

The University of Melbourne's vaccine hesitancy tracker

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Your Shortcut to... 9/11

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 19:00:00 -0000

This Saturday will mark the 20th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States. Two decades later, the impact of what happened that day is evident around the world due to the wars that followed, but it’s also apparent in our day to day lives ... It's a huge topic so in this episode of Squiz Shortcuts we’ll recap what happened on September 11, how America and the West responded and how it changed things forever.

Squiz recommends:

Listening: ABC’s Conversations Podcast from 2011. It interviews former PM John Howard about being in the US at the time of 9/11.

Watching: ABC’s Beyond the Towers series. It’s 4 episodes hosted by Tony Jones and it looks at all this though an Aussie lens.

Learn about how you can do more, sell more and grow more online with Square’s eCommerce tools

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Your Shortcut to... the ANZUS alliance

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 19:00:00 -0000

This week it's the 70th anniversary of the ANZUS alliance - that's a treaty between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. So, it's an important one... In this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at how it came to be, where things are out now and what the new focus is for the alliance.

Squiz recommends:

Squiz Shortcut - The China-Australia Relationship

Squiz Shortcut - What's Happening in Taiwan

The ANZUS Treaty. It's about 800 words...

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Your Shortcut to... Australia's vaccines

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 19:00:00 -0000

There are set to be four different vaccines available to Australians in the coming year. If you're anything like us, incessant reporting about AstraZeneca and Pfizer has meant things can often get confusing - and now there are two more to consider... So in this Shortcut, we step back and talk through each vaccine that will become available to Australians, including how the deals were done, how they're funded, who can get what and how the rollout is tracking.

Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

ABC's 7.30 Report - Children and COVID – Dr Norman Swan has the facts

Forbes - Covid’s Forgotten Hero: The Untold Story Of The Scientist Whose Breakthrough Made The Vaccines Possible

Learn about how you can do more, sell more and grow more online with Square's eCommerce tools.

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Your Shortcut to... The Paralympics

Sun, 22 Aug 2021 19:00:36 -0000

The Paralympics start next week and after a massive medal haul by the Aussies at the recent Olympics, we're riding the Olympics train for as long as we can... To get you geared up and ready for the start of the games we get you across how the Paralympics came to be, the sports included, how the often referred to 'classifications' work, and the big one - who and what to look out for.

Squiz Shortcuts is the backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

Reading: A Guardian article about Paralympian Curtis McGrath who was deployed to Afghanistan and lost both his legs just months later. It’s an incredible story about how he turned to sport to stave off PTSD and other mental health issues.

Watching: The best moments of the Paralympics over the years - just to get you excited for what’s to come...

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Your Shortcut to... the Taliban

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 19:00:00 -0000

This week the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. Given the conditions in the country when they last ruled, there are huge concerns about what a Taliban-led Afghanistan will be like for the people who live there - and beyond. In this Squiz Shortcut, we talk through who the Taliban are and what they stand for, what life under the Taliban was like in the 1990s, how they have been able to regain control, and what Afghanistan might expect under the Taliban once again.

Squiz recommends:

Squiz Shortcut - Afghanistan

The New York Times' The Daily podcast - 'The Fall of Afghanistan'

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Your Shortcut to... Buy Now, Pay Later

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 18:55:00 -0000

Online shopping is a favourite pastime but how we finance it is big business and therefore news. Lately, that news has been the sale of buy now, pay later business Afterpay. It's been valued at $39 billion which makes it the biggest acquisition in Aussie history. So in this episode, we'll look at how buy now, pay later works, who's who in the zoo, and the issues surrounding the sector.

Squiz recommends:

An interview by the ABC's Geraldine Doogue with Jonathan Shapiro and James Eyers from the Financial Review who have just written a book about Afterpay's founders and the company.

A story by Kathryn McConnell, the founder of Brighte which provides BNPL-style finance for big purchases like solar panels and batteries. She's a real innovator and has the backing of billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes and others who are excited about what she and her team are building.

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Your Shortcut to... the Census

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 19:00:00 -0000

The Census is a massive national survey taken by the Australia Bureau of Statistics - the ABS - that counts every single person and household in Australia. Census night is just around the corner on the 10 August - and by the way, it is compulsory - so given you'll all be getting involved... In this Shortcut, we'll take you through just what the Census is and why it's important its history, and what we can expect for Census 2021.

Squiz recommends:

Census website www.census.abs.gov.au

Census helpline: 1800 512 441

ABS Instagram

'What the religion question in the census really measures' - Sydney Morning Herald

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Your Shortcut to... Elon Musk

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 19:00:00 -0000

Elon Musk is definitely one of a kind - whether it's because of his ambitious business goals or controversial tweets he's someone that pops up in the news more often than most... So in this Shortcut we take you through his fascinating life, what he gets up to in the business world and the quirky things about him that make him hard not to talk about.

Squiz recommends:

Elon Musk explains how to pronounce his son's name

'Grimes’s Digital Art of Spear-Wielding Babies Sells for $5.8 Million' - Vanity Fair

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Your Shortcut to... the Road to Tokyo

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 19:00:00 -0000

The Games are finally here... Of course we’re talking about the Tokyo Olympics. Delayed last year, it’s been a long and tough road to get to the starting line, so it's only fitting that we handball this Shortcut to the team at Sport Today, Sam Ferris and Martin Gabor. They’ll give you the background on pulling off a delayed Olympics, how the Japanese public feel about it, what it will look like for the athletes and as a viewer, Australia's medal hopes, and some athletes to watch.

Squiz recommends:

Aussie swimmer Emily Seebohm's Instagram

Eliud Kipchoge's record-smashing win

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Your Shortcut to... Afghanistan

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 19:00:00 -0000

The US and its allies are withdrawing the last of their troops from Afghanistan after one of their longest military engagements. It amid rising violence from the Taliban, and concerns that a civil war between it and supporters of the Afghan Government could follow. It's the latest for a country that has suffered through decades of conflict. We've talked about it a bit on the Squiz Today podcast, so in this episode, we'll dive into Afghanistan's history, why the US and other nations including Australia got involved, and what's next.

Squiz recommends:

Famous picture of women in Kabul in the 1970s

Profiles of Australian soldiers who died serving in Afghanistan

Afghan lamb pilaf recipe

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Your Shortcut to... Superannuation

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 19:00:00 -0000

Superannuation, for plenty of us is something that’s just always been a line item on our pay check. Its goes out, and somewhere way in the future we’ll be able to get our hands on it and live happily every after in retirement, simple. But actually there’s whole system in place to make that happen. Plus, from now, your contributions are going up and there's other changes too. So in this Squiz Shortcut we take you through how super became a thing in Australia, how the system works, and what these new changes mean for you.

Squiz recommends:

YourSuper comparison tool

ABC 7.30's special report on the future of retirement

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Your Shortcut to... the Mouse Plague

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 19:00:00 -0000

Mouse plague - chilling words. For parts of Australia, it's been the reality for thousands of people. They've been battling millions of mice in their homes, on their farms, and in their towns - everywhere they go. In this Squiz Shortcut we'll get acquainted with the house mouse, the scale of the current plague, and just what can be done to stop it.

Squiz recommends:

Mouse Alert app

ABC journo Lucy Thackray's Twitter account

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Your Shortcut to... the life and times of Barnaby Joyce

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 19:00:00 -0000

Barnaby Joyce has been in politics for the best part of 16 years. This week, for the second time, he was has won the job of Leader of the Nationals Party which makes him our Deputy Prime Minister. In this Squiz Shortcut, we get you up to speed on the background to Barnaby, his rise to and fall from grace, and his resurrection.

Squiz recommends:

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's apology

Midsomer Murders

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Your Shortcut to... Cyberattacks

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 19:00:00 -0000

Cyberattacks are one of those things we all know we are exposed to, and if you follow the news, you know it happens... And not just to individuals but there are big organised cyberattacks happening to big companies like the recent one on one of America's largest fuel pipeline, and one on the world's largest meat processing company. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take you through what is a cyberattack, who is behind them, and importantly, how you can avoid one...

Squiz recommends:

The Australia Cyber Security Centre website - it's got all those tips we mentioned around protecting your biz from an attack and some great links to resources...

Vanity Fair - The untold story of the Sony hack

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Your Shortcut to... Concussion and Sport

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 19:00:00 -0000

As evidence builds around the long term impact of repeated head knocks in sport, sporting codes are putting in place protocols to protect players. There are a lot of opinions about all of that and it's likely to be an ongoing issue. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we take a look at what the science says about head knocks and injuries, and what it means for athletes and sport.

Squiz Shortcuts is the backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

Reading: The Australian Sports Brain Bank website. The ASBB was established in 2018 by the Neuropathology Department at RPA Hospital Sydney in partnership with the Brain and Mind Centre at the University of Sydney, and the Concussion Legacy Foundation in the USA.

https://www.brainbank.org.au/

Watching: Concussion. You can catch it on Stan or Amazon.

https://play.stan.com.au/programs/1098344

https://www.amazon.com/Concussion-Will-Smith/dp/B01AB6PODK

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Your Shortcut to... Belarus

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 19:00:00 -0000

Belarus has been making news lately after a commercial flight was forced to land in the capital Minsk and a journalist and his girlfriend - both outspoken critics of the President of Belarus - were arrested. It sounds like a movie but it's real life... So it got us asking, what's going on in Belarus? This episode of Squiz Shortcuts will help you understand the politics of Belarus, why President Alexander Lukashenko is considered to be "Europe's last dictator", and why the public has been taking to the streets.

Squiz Shortcuts is the backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

An interactive article by the ABC on two women protesting against Lukashenko's regime

Friends Minsk clip

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Your Shortcut to... Cryptocurrency

Wed, 26 May 2021 19:00:00 -0000

Cryptocurrency, perhaps the most requested Shortcut and one that has taken a little bit of time to wrap our head around. But we've got there and in this Shortcut, we'll help you understand the basics of how cryptocurrency became a thing, how they hold value, we'll tell you about bitcoin, and get you across the big players in the crypto game...

Squiz Shortcuts is the backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

NFTs are getting weird…

https://www.forbes.com/sites/cathyhackl/2021/05/15/nfts-are-getting-weird/?sh=51a1f9107343

Video: Bitcoin explained

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6hnqpn

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Your Shortcut to... the Israel-Gaza Conflict

Wed, 19 May 2021 19:00:00 -0000

The latest eruptions of long-running tensions between Israel and the Palestinian Territories have prompted the UN to warn of a "full-scale war". It's followed a month of simmering tensions in Jerusalem, over a conflict that is deep-rooted in history and has been ongoing for decades... So in this Shortcut, we are going to rehash the history between Israel and Palestine, go through what's happening now and why the international community is getting involved.

Squiz recommends:

Squiz Shortcuts - Israel and Palestine

Washington Post - A timeline of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

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Your Shortcut to... the 2021 Federal Budget

Wed, 12 May 2021 19:00:00 -0000

After what has been one of the most expensive policy years in Australian history, the Federal Government handed down its 2021-22 budget this week. Let's face it - underlying cash balances, fiscal strategies and the price of iron ore aren't everyone's cup of tea... But given the global pandemic we have found ourselves in, the budget is more relevant to our everyday life than ever before... So in this Squiz Shortcut we'll get you across what it all means.

Squiz recommends:

ABC - Treasurer Josh Frydenberg's Federal Budget 2021-22 speech

Annabel Crabb - Does the Federal Budget deliver for women?

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Your Shortcut to... the Modern-Day Space Race

Wed, 05 May 2021 19:00:00 -0000

For thousands of years, people have looked up at the night sky with questions and as technology has advanced so have we in coming closer and closer to answering them. Since the race between the US and the Soviet Union to reach the moon in the 1960s there has been a growing appetite to explore the great unknown. In this Squiz Shortcut, we take you through what's been happening since Neil and Buzz touched down, why there is so much talk about Mars, and the private companies joining the space race.

The Squiz is the backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

Elon Musk is adding the host of Saturday Night Live to his resume. That’s on Saturday, 8 May and it’s controversial already…

The landing of NASA’s Perseverance Rover on Mars - that only happened a few months ago in February so it’s still pretty raw and exciting.

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Your Shortcut to... Australia's Gun Laws

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 19:00:00 -0000

It’s the 25th anniversary of the Port Arthur massacre, the worst single-person mass shooting in Australia’s history and a tragedy that left 35 people dead. In this edition of Squiz Shortcuts we’ll take you through the background to that dark day, the gun law reforms that followed, and where that sits today.

Squiz Shortcuts is the backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

Reading: An opinion piece former Prime Minister John Howard wrote in 2013, calling on US President Barack Obama to follow his model on gun laws.

Watching: John Oliver's humorous but blade-sharp series into Australia's gun laws showing American's that it can be done. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

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Your Shortcut to... Australia's Vaccine Rollout

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 19:55:59 -0000

The rollout of Australia’s coronavirus vaccination program has had a couple of bumps in the road... There have been challenges with supply and the program’s logistics, along with safety issues to address. In this week’s episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we take you through Australia’s vaccine deals, what’s behind the issues that have arisen, and where things are at with the program to get Australians vaccinated.

The Squiz is the backstory to the big news stories.

Episode notes:

A short 7-minute video by VOX explaining different types of vaccines. A good way to get your head around all that scientific lingo...

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Your Shortcut to... The life and death of Prince Philip

Sun, 11 Apr 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was described by his wife Queen Elizabeth as “my strength and stay”. He died on Friday at 99yo, just a couple of months short of his 100th birthday. In this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we take you through his early years, the bumpy transition to the Queen's consort and the formalities around his funeral. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

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Your Shortcut to... What's happening in Taiwan

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 19:00:00 -0000

The Chinese Government sees Taiwan as a breakaway province that will eventually be part of the country again. While some Taiwanese think this could eventually happen, others now feel that they are very much a separate nation. This dispute has caused friction and a constant threat of a violent flare up. In this episode of Squiz Shortcuts we'll take you through the background on how Taiwan came to be, it’s complicated history with China, and Beijing's recent moves to take control over it. Squiz Shortcuts is your backstory to the big news stories.

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Your Shortcut to... What's going on with property prices

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 18:00:00 -0000

With a global pandemic on our hands and Australia’s first recession in almost 30 years, some analysts thought property prices would collapse… but they’re booming. So whilst the topic is hot, this episode of Squiz Shortcuts will take you through the late 80s and 17% interest rates, how that period compares to now and the factors that influence a person’s ability to buy a place to call home.

Squiz Shortcuts is the backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

Graphs, graphs and more graphs - an almost kinder way to see the numbers

A year on from the smashed avo column, Bernard Salt writes about the reaction (paywall)

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Your Shortcut to... Making the Tokyo Olympics happen

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 18:00:00 -0000

The Tokyo Olympics have already been postponed once and questions about whether they will happen this year have been highly speculated on. So in this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we take you through why the Olympics are such a big deal anyway, the impact of postponing them, and how organisers are now planning to pull it off.

Squiz Shortcuts is the backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz recommends:

Cathy Freeman's famous 400m sprint at the 2000 Sydney Olympics

Nikki Webster's performance at the 2000 Sydney Olympics

'The Odd Couple: Roy and HG' - Australian Story

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Your Shortcut to... China's tightening grip on Hong Kong

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 18:00:00 -0000

It was back in August 2019 when we launched Squiz Shortcuts with our very first topic being Hong Kong and its relationship with China. At the time, China was making moves to increase control over Hong Kong, and pro-democracy demonstrations had been ongoing for some months. Now, it’s 18 months on and whilst many Hong Kongers have rallied against China, it's control over the territory has only tightened. In this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we step through the complicated history between China and Hong Kong, the territory’s historic protest movement, and where things are at now.

Squiz recommends:

Hong Kong on Edge. It’s a good look into the causes of the unrest in the territory, and possible solutions to the crisis.

BBC’s The Documentary episode Hong Kong at a Crossroads. It’s about Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters who are facing that difficult decision on whether to stay and fight or take the opportunity to flee to the UK.

Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WVQVZQW

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Your Shortcut to...freeing Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 18:55:00 -0000

Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert is a 33yo British-Australian who until her arrest in Iran in 2018 was a lecturer in Islamic Studies at the University of Melbourne. She recently spoke out about her time in Iranian prison, as well as our government’s handling of her case, her release and the lasting effects of her 804-day detention. In this episode of Squiz Shortcuts we explain what hostage diplomacy is, why Moore-Gilbert found herself caught up in it, what happened to her, and how her case was handled by the Australian government.

Squiz recommends:

Kylie Moore-Gilbert Sky News interview. It’s behind a paywall but those who have Foxtel can watch it.

BBC article on Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe. The British-Iranian is another high profile victim of hostage diplomacy. She was an aid worker and was arrested in Iran in 2016, and since then she's been in and out of prison.

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Your Shortcut to... the Royal Commission into Aged Care

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 18:00:00 -0000

Over the past two years, a Royal Commission into aged care quality and safety has heard the harrowing evidence of a broken system. It’s a system that supports 1.3 million Australians, their families and friends and the 400,000 people who work in the sector. In this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we take a look at the system itself, why a Royal Commission was called and its findings, and where it goes from here.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au.

Squiz recommends:

Life advice from the residents of Waratah Lodge

The ABC's Four Corners two-part series Who Cares?

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Your Shortcut to... Why Facebook Removed the News

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 18:00:00 -0000

Many Aussies got quite a shock when they woke up on 18 February to find no news content on their Facebook feeds. But less than a week later, following discussions with the federal government, Facebook announced it will be reversing its decision. It was the latest move in what has been a back-and-forth feud with the government and media outlets over whether they should pay to have news on their platforms. So in this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we cover the events leading up to Facebook’s decision, the push by the Australian government to protect Aussie media outlets, and where it's all heading.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au.

Squiz recommends:

The Squiz Facebook page

Paul Fletcher's outburst over the loss of the North Shore Mums Facebook page during question time (Fast forward to about the four minute mark...)

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Your Shortcut to... Crown's Casino Woes

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 18:00:00 -0000

Crown Resorts is in the news after an inquiry launched by NSW's gaming regulator found it unfit to operate a newly built casino in Sydney after allegations of money laundering emerged in 2019. In this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we take a look at the company's history, its major shareholder James Packer, what came out at that independent inquiry, and what it all means for Crown.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au.

Squiz recommends:

Watching: James Packer’s 2019 interview with Sunday Night’s Mike Willesee. It’s a candid interview with the late, great journo about growing up rich, his friendship with Tom Cruise, and his father Kerry.

Reading: The troubled birth of Crown Casino (The Age). It’s a fascinating look into the complicated web between the big business names, the government and the casino operations.

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Your Shortcut to... the Coup in Myanmar

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 18:00:00 -0000

The coup in Myanmar is the latest flex of military muscle in a nation that is 70 years into a fight for democracy. In this episode of Squiz Shortcuts we cover Myanmar's chequered democratic history, the rise of its popular de facto civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and what led to the coup on 1 February.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au.

Squiz recommends:

The BBC’s Global News podcast. Events in Myanmar reminded us that for a daily dose of world news, it’s unparalleled.

Aung San Suu Kyi’s Nobel Peace Prize lecture. It was the moment the world fell in love with her.

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Your Shortcut to... What's Happening with the Economy

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 18:00:00 -0000

The coronavirus pandemic is not just a health crisis - it’s also delivered a once-in-100-years economic blow. We talk a lot about the health issues, so in this Squiz Shortcut, we focus on the other side of the equation. We'll get acquainted with the commonly used economic terms, look at the state of play, and outline 3 things to look out for this year.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au.

Squiz recommends:

The Age/SMH journo Stephen Bartholomeusz aka a Team Squiz favourite for accessible economics/business analysis.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics Instagram account. It’s funny - trust us...

Producer: Lara Robertson

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Your Shortcut to... Biden's Agenda

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 18:00:00 -0000

In the past few months, there's been a bit happening in the United States... Democrat Joe Biden is now the president and there's been a lot of talk about what he will change, and what needs to be done to unify the nation after the turmoil of Donald Trump's stint in office. In this Squiz Shortcut, we look at Biden's top priorities, how he plans to tackle them, and why Trump still looms large.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au.

Squiz recommends:

Squiz Shortcuts - Joe Biden

Presidential Inaugural Committee Store

Producer: Lara Robertson

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Your Shortcut to... the Disappearance of Alibaba's Jack Ma

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 18:00:00 -0000

As the founder and former boss of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, Jack Ma is one of the most powerful people in the world. Which means he's drawn the eye of the Chinese government, with the planned launch of Ma’s financial services giant Ant Group on the Shanghai and Hong Kong stock exchanges was cancelled last year after Ma criticised them. In this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we take a look at Jack Ma himself, his rise and success, what it means to run a business venture in Communist China and the reasons a usually very public character is thought be laying low.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au.

Squiz recommends:

Jack Ma dancing to Billie Jean

Where next, Jack Ma? - Lowy Institute

Producer: Lara Robertson

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Your Shortcut to... Trump's Social Media Ban

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 18:00:00 -0000

After the assault on the US Capitol by Donald Trump supporters last week, Twitter decided to permanently suspend the President's account. It wasn’t alone - with Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit and even Pinterest making moves to restrict his presence on their platforms. In this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we take a look at why these decisions have been taken, the rise of alternative social media platforms, and what it all means in the ongoing free speech debate.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au.

Squiz recommends:

Rabbit Hole podcast

Public sector guidance sheet on free speech in Australia

Producer: Lara Robertson

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Your Shortcut to... Changes to Australia's National Anthem

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 18:00:00 -0000

Discussion about our national anthem Advance Australia Fair was a big part of the start of 2021. That's because our PM announced that the song's second line, 'for we are young and free' would be officially changed to 'for we are one and free'. So in the first episode of Squiz Shortcuts for 2021 we dig into the background of our anthem, how it came to be the song for our nation, and what changes have been made to it over the years and why.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au .

Squiz recommends:

Advance Australia Fair performed in both the Eora language and English

Song of Australia

Producer: Lara Robertson

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Year in Review - Part 3 (Sep-Dec)

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 18:00:00 -0000

In the third and final episode of our three-part Year in Review series, we revisit the big local and international stories that shaped September through to December, as well as the most clicked links in the Squiz Today email.

The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed.

You can find a written version of the content here:

Episode notes:

Wedding announcement goes wrong

Princess Mary's eldest son Prince Christian turns 15yo

Rockefeller Christmas tree fail

The best Christmas ad of 2020

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Year in Review - Part 2 (May-August)

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 18:00:00 -0000

In the second episode of our three-part Year in Review series, we revisit the big local and international stories that shaped May through to August, as well as the most clicked links in the Squiz Today email.

The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed.

You can find a written version of the content here:

Episode notes:

Crabs on the baggage carrier

Kiwi pornography public service announcement

Lockdown online shopping mishaps

Roger Federer surprises fans on rooftop

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Year in Review - Part 1 (Jan - April)

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 19:00:00 -0000

In the first episode of our three-part Year in Review series, we revisit the big local and international stories that shaped January through to April, as well as the most clicked links in the Squiz Today email.

The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed.

You can find a written version of the content here:

Episode notes:

An unlikely parrot love story

Dog training academy fail

The story behind that Harry and Meghan umbrella photo

Barbie marries One Directioner Louis Tomlinson

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Your Shortcut to... 2020 Catch Up

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 23:50:07 -0000

2020 - it was a big one. In our final Squiz Shortcut for the year, we're aiming to achieve one thing - to catch you up on where some of the big issues are so you can impress your friends and family over the Christmas break. So we'll take you through the fall out from the bushfires, where things are at with coronavirus around the world, what's the latest between Australia and China, how our economy is faring in this year of upheaval and finally, where things landed post-US election.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au .

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The Great Big Squiz Quiz 2020

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 18:00:00 -0000

It's a bit of fun, it's a bit festive, with a lot of laughs. Take a lighter look at year that was 2020 by joining us for The Great Big Squiz Quiz.

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Your Shortcut to... Paying for the News

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 18:00:00 -0000

Australia is set to become the first place in the world where Google and Facebook will have to pay for news content, with the mandatory bargaining code currently up for debate in Parliament. In this episode of Squiz Shortcuts we'll set the scene for how we got to this point, the problem news organisations have with big tech platforms, the counterarguments from Facebook and Google and what the code will do to address each parties issues.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au .

Squiz recommends:

Squiz Shortcuts - Facebook

The Social Dilemma

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Your Shortcut to... Shark Attacks in Australia

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 18:00:00 -0000

This year, there have so far been eight fatalities from shark attacks - the most in nearly a century - and a total of 23 attacks. So with summer upon us, public pressure is mounting to find out why this is the case. In this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we take a look at Australia's history of shark attacks, why they seem to be becoming more prevalent, and what experts are suggesting we can do to prevent them.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au .

Squiz recommends:

Dorsal Watch app

Why do hammerhead sharks look like that? - BBC Earth

Producer: Lara Robertson

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Your Shortcut to... Who Owns the Music

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 18:00:00 -0000

Pop star Taylor Swift was MIA from the recent American Music Awards, saying she was busy re-recording all of her old music. Her fight to own the masters of her first six mega-hit albums is big news in the music industry. In this Squiz Shortcut we’re going to take a look at what master recordings are, the power relationship between a record label and an artist, and how this battle has played out before.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au .

Squiz recommends:

Taylor Swift and Scooter Braun’s Drama, Explained - Cosmopolitan

Taylor & Kanye: How two superstars, four words and 15 seconds of TV influenced a decade of pop culture - Washington Post

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Your Shortcuts to... Alleged War Crimes in Afghanistan

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 18:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Squiz Shortcuts we dive in to the events leading up to the release of the Brereton Report - which looks into allegations that members of our special forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan between 2005 to 2016 - as well as what we know about the report's findings, and what happens next.

Defence All-Hours Support Line: 1800 628 036 / Open Arms: 1800 011 046

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au .

Squiz recommends:

Life on the Line podcast

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Your Shortcut to... The US Elections (Part 5): What Went Down

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 06:12:15 -0000

As we come down from a frantic week of wall-to-wall US election talk, this final episode in our shortcut on the US elections covers how it all went down. We take a look at how America voted; how the House and the Senate vote played out, and what happens in the lead up to Joe Biden's inauguration on 20 January.

Squiz Shortcuts gives you the backstory to the big stories.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au

NYTimes The Daily - About Those Polls...

Slate - Trump Team Holds News Conference Outside Drab Landscaping Firm, Next to Adult Bookstore

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Your Shortcut to... the US Elections (Part 4): Navigating Election Day

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 06:24:03 -0000

In Part 4 of our Squiz Shortcut series in the lead up to the US election, we arm you with handy information that'll help as you tune into the see the results. We take a look at the important numbers, how demographics play a part, what the key battleground states are, when you can expect a results and finally, what's being predicted.

Squiz Shortcuts gives you the backstory to the big stories.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au

Squiz recommends:

When To Expect Election Results - fivethirtyeight.com

The Battleground States Trump and Biden Need to Win - New York Times

Can We Trust the 2020 US Election Polls? - Quartz

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Your Shortcut to...the US Elections (Part 3): the Policy Debate

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 09:34:57 -0000

If you've been tuning into to news about the US election it would be easy to think the race to the White House is only about character. So in Part Three of our four-part Squiz Shortcuts series in the lead up to the US election, we take a step back from the personality contest, and look at the what each candidate will bring to to the table on policy issues including foreign affairs, climate change, immigration, racial injustice and of course, the coronavirus.

Squiz Shortcuts gives you the backstory to the big stories.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au

Squiz recommends:

PolitiFact

Squiz Shortcuts - The US Election series

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Your Shortcut to...the US Elections (Part 2): the Presidential Race

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 20:26:13 -0000

In the second episode of our four-part Shortcuts series in the lead up to the US election we tackle the Presidential Race - so we're talking the electoral college system and how a the President actually wins the election.

Squiz Shortcuts gives you the backstory to the big stories.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au

Squiz recommends:

Squiz Shortcut - US Elections

The Pew Research Centre analysis of the 2016 US Presidential Election

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Your Shortcut to... the US Elections (Part 1): the Congressional Races

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 00:18:08 -0000

This is the first in our four part series in the lead up to the US Election on 3 November. We're going to start though outside of the presidential race itself, and have a look at the other important races that are being run on the same day - and thats the US Senate and the House of Representatives. So strap yourself in for round one, as we take a look at the implications these elections have for governing in the US, and what's happening in those races in the lead up to 3 November.

Squiz Shortcuts gives you the backstory to the big stories.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au .

Squiz Recommends:

Squiz Shortcuts - Mail-in voting

FiveThirtyEight website

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Your Shortcut to... Protests in Thailand

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 19:00:00 -0000

Thailand has a particularly turbulent political history. It's got a lot of beautiful beaches, but it's also got military coups and a monarchy that's central to its national character. It's also one of the few places in the world with lèse majesté laws, which is tricky because their current king is quite a colourful character...

A recent protest movement has been in the news a bit lately, and in this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we'll take a look at why Thailand is unique amongst southeast Asian nations, how its monarchy is protected, and what demonstrators are risking by calling for change to the way the country is governed.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au .

Squiz Recommends:

Vox profile on King Vaijiralongkorn .

The invention of Pad Thai as a national dish .

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Your Shortcut to... Australia's Border Restrictions

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 19:00:00 -0000

The lockdown of our national border along with state and territory borders, have become some of the most contentious issues of the coronavirus crisis. In this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we look at why our borders closed in the first place, how it has unfolded and the impact it has had.

Squiz Shortcuts gives you the backstory to the big stories.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au/

Squiz Recommends:

Squiz Shortcuts - The Federation

Geoscience Australia - Border facts

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Your Shortcut to... the Australia-China Relationship

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 19:00:00 -0000

It seems like every week, there's a new low in the Australia-China relationship. From trade disputes to diplomatic arguments - these have been some of the biggest news stories of the year. But it wasn't always like this. So in this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we're taking a look at how Australia's ties with China were established, how we've thrived together - and how we've recently hit some very choppy waters.

Squiz Shortcuts gives you the backstory to the big stories.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au/

Squiz Recommends:

Chinese President Xi Jinping's address to the Australian Parliament (2014)

Inside Story - Whitlam in China

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Your Shortcut to... Vladimir Putin

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 19:58:36 -0000

Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, is in the news a lot. Whether it's on the diplomatic trail, in dealings with the US and other big nations, or in relation to the poisoning of political opponents, he's someone worth knowing a bit more about. In this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we take a look at who he is, how he came to be the leader, his broad agenda and how he is using his increasing power.

Squiz Shortcuts gives you the backstory to the big stories.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au/

Squiz Recommends:

Putin playing ice hockey

ABC podcast - 'Russia, If You're Listening'

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Your Shortcut to... Aged Care in Australia

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 20:00:00 -0000

"It’s not easy growing old. We avoid thinking and talking about it." That's how the interim report from the Royal Commission into aged care starts. Since it was released in October 2019, we've been hearing a lot about the sector, especially as its been significantly affected by COVID-19. In this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we look at how the sector is set up, who's responsible for it, and the massive challenges it faces.

Squiz Shortcuts gives you the backstory to the big stories.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au/

Squiz Recommends:

Aged Care Royal Commission Interim Report

'Pearls of Wisdom'

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Your Shortcut to... Mail-in Voting in the US Election

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 20:00:00 -0000

The 2020 US presidential election is happening in November, but with the country still in the grip of COVID-19, there's a lot of talk about how the vote will be carried out, and more specifically, the role of mail-in voting. In this episode of Squiz Shortcuts, we take a look at how US elections work, what mail-in voting is, and the issues surrounding it.

Squiz Shortcuts gives you the backstory to the big stories.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au/

Squiz Recommends:

FiveThirtyEight article on 2020 US election mail-in voting trends

Vox article on Facebook's new voter information centre

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Your Shortcut to... the US Vice Presidential Race

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 20:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Squiz Shortcuts we take a look at the role of the Vice President of America, and learn a bit more about the current veep, Mike Pence, and the potential veep, Kamala Harris.

Squiz Shortcuts gives you the backstory to the big stories.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au/

Squiz Recommends:

NYT profile on Kamala Harris

Business Insider - Inside the 34-year marriage of Mike Pence

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Your Shortcut to... Vaccines

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 20:00:00 -0000

A vaccine for the coronavirus is being held out as the thing that's going to get the world back on track. In this episode of Squiz Shortcuts we look at what a vaccine is, how it's developed, and the challenges public health officials are facing with finding one for COVID-19.

Squiz Recommends:

Squiz Shortcuts - Infectious Diseases

NYT The Daily - The Vaccine Trust Problem

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Your Shortcut to... Yemen

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 19:30:00 -0000

It's one of the Arab world's poorest countries and in recent years has been devastated by a civil war. Millions of civilians are now starving and thousands have died. The conflict itself is complicated. In this episode we step through the origins of the conflict and what it has meant for the people of Yemen.

Squiz Recommends:

UNICEF - Yemen: https://www.unicef.org/emergencies/yemen-crisis

Secretary Clinton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=es-Tc0bMUKA

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Your shortcut to... Vaping

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 19:45:00 -0000

It comes up a bit in the news due to concerns about the health effects. In this episode we’ll take you through exactly what vaping is, the arguments for and against, as well as how it is regulated both here in Australia, and abroad.

Squiz Recommends:

BBC "The Inquiry - Vaping" - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-inquiry/id932499233?i=1000454551494

The New Yorker - A b=Beginner's Guide to Vaping - https://www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-shouts/a-beginners-guide-to-vaping

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Your shortcut to... Facebook

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 20:00:00 -0000

It's the biggest social media platform in the world so inevitably Facebook is in the news a lot. In this episode we take a look at how Facebook makes money, how it collects and uses our data and how at times that has the platform in a bit of strife.

Squiz Shortcuts is the backstory to the big news stories.

Squiz Recommends:

The Social Network - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1285016/

Facebook Activity Tool - https://www.vox.com/2020/1/28/21112380/facebook-activity-tool-data

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Your Shortcut to... TikTok

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 19:30:00 -0000

Squiz recommends:

Forbes profile on Zhang Yim- https://www.forbes.com/sites/giacomotognini/2019/11/04/meet-zhang-yiming-the-chinese-billionaire-behind-tiktok/#24f55b3475b3

Mallee Boy - https://www.tiktok.com/@malleeboy3490?source=h5_m

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Your shortcut to... Israel and Palestine

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 20:02:00 -0000

The conflict between Israel and Palestine is in essence a fight over territory. But it is so much more that with religion, nationalism, and a lot of history behind it. Consider this episode a starting points as we take a look at Israel and Palestine, what they are fighting over, and why America and others are involved in this immensely complicated conflict.

Squiz recommends:

BBC Israel profile - https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-14628835

Vox Israel-Palestine Explainer - https://www.vox.com/2018/11/20/18079996/israel-palestine-conflict-guide-explainer

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Your shortcut to... Donald Trump

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 20:00:00 -0000

Donald Trump is probably the most talked about person on the planet. The leader of the free world had a colourful path to becoming President of the United States - and a turbulent time in office so far. In this episode we take a look at a young Donald Trump, his family, his business and showbiz careers as well as his politics.

Squiz Recommends:

Barbara Walters interview with Donald and Melania Trump: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgYTCHrWkxI

Washington Post "Donald Trump's misleading claims": https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/trump-claims-database/

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Your shortcut to... Joe Biden

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 20:00:00 -0000

He's the Democratic candidate running against Donald Trump in November's presidential election. A former vice president, Biden's been around American politics a long time. This episode takes a look at his background, his family, his politics and how he came to be the man up against Trump come November.

Squiz Shortcuts gives you the backstory to the big stories.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au/ ...

Squiz Recommends:

Hunter Biden - https://www.businessinsider.com.au/hunter-biden-life-scandals-ukraine-involvement-with-trump-giuliani-2019-9?r=US&IR=T ...

Vanity Fair 'Obama-Biden friendship' - https://www.vanityfair.com/news/photos/2016/12/barack-obama-joe-biden-friendship .

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Your Shortcut to... China's Belt and Road Initiative

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 19:00:00 -0000

It's one of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s most ambitious foreign policy initiatives - and it's contentious. Officially called One Belt, One Road it's all about China investing in big infrastructure projects across the world. In this episode we take a look at what China is setting out to do, which nations have signed up and why it’s causing concern, especially here in Australia.

Squiz Shortcuts gives you the backstory to the big stories.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au/ .

Squiz Recommends:

Lowy Institute map - https://www.lowyinstitute.org/publications/understanding-belt-and-road-initiative

The New York Times - https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/18/business/china-loans-coronavirus-belt-road.html

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Your Shortcut to... Royal Commissions

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 19:55:00 -0000

In this Shortcut we'll look at what a Royal Commission is, the power and effectiveness of Royal Commissions, and take a quick look at the ones currently running.

Squiz Shortcuts is your shortcut to more than the headlines.

Squiz Recommends:

Black Summer, the ABC - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-03/inside-the-australian-bushfires-crisis/11890458 .

ABC's interview with Nicola Gobbo (Lawyer X): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z4kDCeUVt0 .

Check out The Squiz Today - a free weekday email and podcast that's your shortcut to the news. Out each weekday at 6 am. Sign up at https://www.thesquiz.com.au/ .

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your Shortcut To... Civil Rights in America

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 19:30:00 -0000

We take a look at the history of slavery in America, the fight for civil rights, and what's happening now.

Squiz Shortcuts - The Back Story To The Big Stories .

Squiz Recommends:

The Smithsonian Museum – Talking About Race .

Childish Gambino, This is America and the break down the video here.

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Your shortcut to... Xi Jinping

Wed, 27 May 2020 20:00:00 -0000

Xi Jinping is the man in charge of China. So, let’s take a look at who he is, how he came to be the leader, his broad agenda and how he is using his increasing power.

Squiz Shortcuts gives you the backstory to the big stories.

Check out The Squiz Today email and podcast - published 6 am each weekday, it's your shortcut to the news: https://www.thesquiz.com.au/ .

Squiz Recommends:

The New Yorker – Xi Jinping

The Guardian – China Bans Winnie The Pooh

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Your shortcut to ... the South China Sea

Wed, 20 May 2020 19:52:00 -0000

It's the big 'un of global politics... we're talking the South China Sea. By popular request we explain why it is so strategically important, the competing claims to it, and how the world is managing China's increasing presence in the region.

Squiz Recommends:

Map Men - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypMCK7NcbxU

The Squiz Today is a free weekday email and podcast that's your shortcut to the news. Sign up at https://www.thesquiz.com.au .

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Your Shortcut to... The Federation

Wed, 13 May 2020 20:00:00 -0000

With the coronavirus crisis requiring a coordinated response between the federal government and our states and territories we take a step back and look at how the federation operates. In this episode we focus on its formation, we talk you through how responsibilities are split, the structures that have been put in place to coordinate those responsibilities as well as how some of it has been rethought recently.

Squiz Recommends:

The Federation - Parliamentary Education Office

Henry Parkes "Tenterfield Address"

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Your shortcut to... the World Health Organisation

Wed, 06 May 2020 19:00:00 -0000

We don't need to tell you why the World Health Organisation is in the news a lot lately. That's why you might want to know a bit more about how it operates, the guy in charge, and some of the criticisms centred at it of late.

Squiz Recommends:

Inside Bill's Brain - https://www.netflix.com/au/title/80184771

Time Magazine "Dr Tedros" - https://time.com/5735544/world-health-organization-chief-tedros-adhanom-ghebreyesus-interview/

Get in touch: hello@thesquiz.com.au

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Your Shortcut to... Coronavirus Key People (Prof. Brendan Murphy, Greg Hunt and Neville Power)

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 20:00:00 -0000

They're some of the key people involved in our coronavirus response. So, who are they and what are we relying on them for? This week on Squiz Shortcuts we tell you a bit about each of these men and the role they're playing during this health and economic emergency.

Squiz Recommends:

AFR: https://www.afr.com/companies/mining/man-of-resource-nev-power-s-wild-ride-to-the-top-20140802-j6yr1

Insiders Interview: https://www.abc.net.au/insiders/greg-hunt-and-brendan-murphy-joins-insiders/12057676

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your Shortcut to... Recession

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 19:30:00 -0000

Hand in hand with the measures being used to contain the spread of Covid-19 comes the economic consequences. While we are flattening the curve, businesses are shutting down and unemployment is rising. Talking about economics can be as exciting as watching paint dry, but once you get your head around some basic concepts, it is, shock horror, actually quite interesting. In this Squiz Shortcut we're going to take you through some economic fundamentals that'll help give some context to what is happening right now with the Coronavirus pandemic, including what a recession looks like, and what governments can do when times get tough.

Squiz Shortcuts is your shortcut to more than the headlines.

The Squiz Today is a free weekday email and podcast that's your shortcut to the news. Sign up at https://www.thesquiz.com.au .

Recommendations:

Buy local! Find your local businesses on social media and support them if you can. Buy From The Bush and Buy Aussie Now are also good places to discover Australian businesses.

The Labor in Power series documented the Hawke and Keating years. This episode on the economic downturn in the late 80s and early 90s is a good one.

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A Squiz Kids Shortcut: Kids-only Coronavirus Q&A with Prime Minister Scott Morrison

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 20:00:00 -0000

Prime Minister Scott Morrison answers kids' questions about Coronavirus, in a kids-only Q&A.

Squiz Kids is a news podcast just for kids. A short weekday podcast, created here in Australia, that gives kids (and their adults) the rundown on the big news stories, delivered without opinion, and with positivity and humour.

‘Kid-friendly news that keeps them up to date without all the nasties’ (A Squiz Parent)

This Australian podcast for kids easily fits into the morning routine - helping curious kids stay informed about the world around them. Learn more: https://www.squizkids.com.au .

Squiz Kids is proudly supported by the Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas.

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your Shortcut to... Infectious Diseases

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 10:30:00 -0000

As the world braces for the impact of COVID-19, we're going to take a look back at some of the big infectious disease outbreaks of the past. Where they started, their devastating mortality rate, and how they were eventually contained.

Squiz Shortcuts is your shortcut to more than the headlines.

The Squiz Today is a free weekday email and podcast that's your shortcut to the news. Sign up at https://www.thesquiz.com.au .

Squiz Recommendations:

Houseparty app: https://houseparty.com/ .

Coronavirus Australia app: Search for 'Coronavirus Australia' in the App Store or Google Play

WhatsApp Bot: Download WhatsApp, then visit www.aus.gov.au/whatsapp .

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your shortcut to... Daylight Saving Time

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 16:00:00 -0000

Turns out there's a long history of people messing with time. In this episode we'll get you across the reasons it came about in the first place, the countries who use it and the great daylight savings debate here in Australia.

Squiz recommends:

John Oliver - Daylight Saving "Why is this still a thing?"

Thrive Global - Sleep Tips

Got a Squiz Shortcuts suggestion for us? hello@thesquiz.com.au

Hear our daily podcast: https://www.thesquiz.com.au/podcast/

The Squiz is a weekday Australian news podcast. It’s your shortcut to being informed about international and Australian news.

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Squiz Kids Shortcut: Coronavirus Explained

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 19:30:00 -0000

This Squiz Shortcuts episode is a little different. It’s brought to you by Bryce Corbett, the host of our Squiz Kids podcast. In this 10 minute episode, Bryce and kids from around Australia ask well-known GP Dr Ginni Mansberg some frequently asked questions about the Coronavirus outbreak. It's great for kids, but we certainly learned a lot as well. We hope you enjoy it, and if you do, check out our Squiz Kids podcast - a weekday news update for 8-12yos - and some adults we know...

Check out Squiz Kids: www.squizkids.com.au .

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your shortcut to... Note-able Australian Women

Sun, 08 Mar 2020 18:00:00 -0000

Dame Mary Gilmore, Mary Reibey, Edith Cowan, and Dame Nellie Melba are four notable Australian women whose significant achievements are honoured through their inclusion on our currency. So let's get to know them - who they were, what they achieved, and their legacies.

Recommendations:

The first publication of Mary Gilmore's 'No Foe Shall Gather Our Harvest'. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/51271905 .

Nellie Melba Museum: https://www.nelliemelbamuseum.com.au/recordings.htm .

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your shortcut to... The US Election

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 18:29:00 -0000

Who can become the President of the USA, how the parties elect their candidates, the all-important numbers; and what to watch out for in the 2020 election ...

Squiz Shortcuts is your shortcut to more than the headlines.

Squiz Recommendations:

Axios - https://www.axios.com/ .

Everything Explained - What Is The Electoral College? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-is-the-electoral-college/id1124110920?i=1000371562184 .

Hamilton soundtrack - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ZcGI2hFTy5Rruln175z9X .

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your shortcut to... Education in Australia

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 17:00:00 -0000

How Australian kids perform at school is always a hot topic with parents, teachers and taxpayers. We're taking to take a look at how the Australian education system works, where Australia ranks relative to the rest of the world, and the debate about how to lift our game.

Take the PISA tests: https://www.oecd.org/pisa/test/

Subscribe to Squiz Kids, our news podcast for 8-12 year olds: www.squizkids.com.au

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your shortcut to... The Rohingya and the Uyghurs

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:50:00 -0000

The Rohingya and the Uyghurs - both groups are considered by the United Nations to be victims of human rights abuses. Here we explain who they are, as well as why and how they're being persecuted.

Squiz Recommends:

Four Corner documentary : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-axd1Ht_J8 .

Cate Blanchett's address to the UN Security Council on the Rohingya crisis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AO49WFl4FE.

The Squiz is a free weekday email and podcast, we're your shortcut to being informed on international and Australian news. Want more? Sign up at www.thesquiz.com.au.

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your shortcut to... Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 09:11:00 -0000

From how they grew up, how they came to politics and where they stand on key issues - this episode looks at the bloke who runs the country and the bloke who wants too.

Squiz recommends:

Anthony Albanese op-ed: https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/shout-less-listen-more-let-s-make-this-our-new-year-s-resolution-20191226-p53myc.html .

Jenny Morrison interview: https://honey.nine.com.au/latest/jenny-morrison-interview-scott-morrison/e4af2ed3-2117-489f-86d1-8b11b08fdd32 .

The Squiz is a free weekday email and podcast, we're your shortcut to being informed on international and Australian news.

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your shortcut to... Coronavirus

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 07:30:00 -0000

What coronavirus actually is, where it came from, the broader implications, and how we stop the spread.

Squiz Recommends:

Quartz "How China can build a hospital for coronavirus patients in a week": https://qz.com/1792705/coronavirus-the-engineering-behind-wuhans-rapidly-built-hospitals/ .

Mayo Clinic "Washing your hands": https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/hand-washing/art-20046253 .

The Squiz is a free weekday email and podcast, we're your shortcut to being informed on international and Australian news.

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your shortcut to... Harry and Meghan's 'new arrangement'

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 01:04:00 -0000

What it means to be a 'senior royal', how are the Royal Family funded and how do they work with the media? In this episode we tackle those questions while we talk you through Harry and Meghan's new arrangement, and how it'll work.

Squiz recommends:

Sussex Royal: https://sussexroyal.com/

Sussex Royal instagram: @sussexroyal

The Squiz is a free weekday email and podcast, we're your shortcut to being informed on international and Australian news.

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your shortcut to... Huawei

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 18:33:00 -0000

It's the Chinese tech company that's been banned from rolling out 5G networks here in Australia, in NZ and in the US. Here we step through what the concern is, how it plays into broader diplomatic tensions between China and the West and what Huawei has to say.

Squiz Recommends:

Quartz "Huawei's Journey to Becoming Us tech enemy No 1": https://qz.com/1627149/huaweis-journey-to-becoming-us-tech-enemy-no-1/

The Daily "Why Controlling 5G Could Mean Controlling the World": https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/25/podcasts/the-daily/5g-technology-huawei-china-us.html

Got a Squiz Shortcut suggestion for us? hello@thesquiz.com.au

How about our daily podcast and email? www.thesquiz.com.au

The Squiz is a free weekday email and podcast. We're your shortcut to the being informed on international and Australian news.

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your shortcut to... Australia Day

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 18:02:00 -0000

What the date marks, how it evolved, the argument for and against moving it, and what our leaders think.

Squiz recommends:

Australia Day Council advertisement: https://www.australiaday.org.au/

The Australian "Voyage of the damned": https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/inquirer/first-fleet-sets-sail-for-australia-and-were-bound-for-botany-bay/news-story/26c7e05017e6a42d50a0f6f6a58d2751

The House with Annabel Crabb: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/house-with-annabel-crabb

The Squiz is a weekday Australian news podcast. We're your shortcut to being informed about international and Australian news.

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your shortcut to... Bushfires in Australia

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 05:30:00 -0000

Australia’s bushfire history, the scale and extent of what we've seen in 2019/2020, the conditions that have caused this event, what we can learn from it, as well as the response.

Squiz Recommends:

Batlow:https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-06/nsw-fires-in-batlow-residents-return-home-to-damage/11845072

How to donate: https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/bushfire-crisis-how-can-i-donate-and-help/11839842?utm_source=TheSquiz&utm_medium=Email&UTM_campaign=200106

Black Saturday 10 Years on: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/aftermath-beyond-black-saturday

Got a Squiz Shortcut suggestion for us? hello@thesquiz.com.au

How about our daily podcast and email? www.thesquiz.com.au

The Squiz is a free weekday email and podcast. We're your shortcut to the being informed on international and Australian news.

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

UPDATED: Your shortcut to... Brexit (Part 2)

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 17:29:00 -0000

Since the UK Election we've updated this episode of Squiz Shortcuts. It now covers Brexit - post Johnson becoming Prime Minister. A bit about him, his Brexit plan, what happened in the election and how it impacts Brexit.

Squiz Recommends:

The Guardian "Isaac Levido: the Australian political strategist credited with Boris Johnson's victory": https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/dec/16/isaac-levido-the-australian-political-strategist-credited-with-boris-johnsons-victory

The Daily "Switching Sides in Britain": https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-daily/id1200361736#episodeGuid=gid%3A%2F%2Fart19-episode-locator%2FV0%2FAe_60FweiiR0fpYYt6KP_rb5Xhv9vRSkUKrN8-mHnzQ

Got a Squiz Shortcuts suggestion for us? hello@thesquiz.com.au

Seen our daily podcast? https://www.thesquiz.com.au/podcast/

The Squiz is also a free weekday email with a uniquely Australian take on the news headlines. It’s a quick read and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Get on it. Sign up at www.thesquiz.com.au

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Great Big Squiz Quiz 2019

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 18:04:00 -0000

It's a bit of fun, it's a bit festive, with a lot of laughs. Take a lighter look at year that was 2019 by joining us for The Great Big Squiz Quiz.

The Great Big Squiz Quiz - Written Edition: https://www.thesquiz.com.au/quiz/.

2019 Year in Review: https://www.thesquiz.com.au/2019-news-year-in-review/.

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your shortcut to... Julian Assange

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0000

Who is he and what is exactly is Wikileaks? Plus, the events that thrust Assange and Wikileaks into the spotlight and the ongoing legal fallout.

Squiz Recommends:

Timeline of Events - BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-11949341

The New Yorker - Raffi Khatchadourian’s profile: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/08/21/julian-assange-a-man-without-a-country

Got a Squiz Shortcut suggestion for us? hello@thesquiz.com.au

How about our daily podcast and email: www.thesquiz.com.au

The Squiz is a free weekday email and podcast. We're your shortcut to the being informed on international and Australian news.

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your shortcut to... US-China Trade War

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 03:00:00 -0000

The battle of the big economies. Why the trade war started, how it is playing out and how it is affecting all of us.

Squiz Recommends:

The Conversation "How Soybeans became China's most powerful weapon in Trumps trade war": https://theconversation.com/how-soybeans-became-chinas-most-powerful-weapon-in-trumps-trade-war-118088 WTO Explainer: https://money.cnn.com/2018/03/12/news/economy/what-is-the-wto/index.html

Got a Squiz Shortcuts suggestion for us? hello@thesquiz.com.au

Seen our daily podcast? https://www.thesquiz.com.au/podcast/

The Squiz is a weekday Australian news email and podcast. It’s your shortcut to being informed on international and Australian news.

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

UPDATED: Your shortcut to... Impeachment

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0000

We'll tell you what it means, what the process is, when it's happened before and why it's happening to Donald Trump.

Squiz Recommends:

Tim 'Apple'

Vox - Ukraine PM

Got a Squiz Shortcuts suggestion for us? hello@thesquiz.com.au

Seen our daily podcast? https://www.thesquiz.com.au/podcast/

The Squiz is a weekday Australian news email and podcast. It's your shortcut to being informed on international and Australian news.

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your shortcut to... Online Mega Sales

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 06:00:00 -0000

How has online shopping changed the face of retailing? And what are the major shopping events that are now landmarks on the shopping calendar?

Squiz Recommends:

New York Times' The Strategist - http://nymag.com/strategist/.

Curated lists that land in your inbox.

Browser extension Honey - https://www.joinhoney.com/.

Add to your browser and it will scan and apply all available discount codes.

Got a Squiz Shortcuts suggestion for us? hello@thesquiz.com.au

Seen our daily podcast? https://www.thesquiz.com.au/podcast/

The Squiz is a weekday Australian news email and podcast. It’s your shortcut to being informed on international and Australian news. Sign up at www.thesquiz.com.au

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your shortcut to... Drought

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0000

It's no secret Australia is in drought. In this episode we look at how bad this one actually is, and what's being done to help.

Squiz recommends:

Instagram page - Buy From the Bush - https://www.instagram.com/buyfromthebush/?igshid=7wyptef01wul

National Museum - Federation Drought - https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/federation-drought

Got a Squiz Shortcuts suggestion for us? hello@thesquiz.com.au

Seen our daily podcast? https://www.thesquiz.com.au/podcast/

The Squiz is a weekday Australian news email and podcast. It’s your shortcut to being informed on international and Australian news.

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your shortcut to... Islamic State

Sun, 17 Nov 2019 18:44:00 -0000

A look at how Islamic State came to be, the power it had at its peak, and the push to defeat it.

Squiz Recommends:

ABC "Married to Islamic State": https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-30/women-of-isis-reveal-australian-network/11549490

News York Times "Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, ISIS Leader Known for His Brutality, Is Dead at 48": https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/27/world/middleeast/al-baghdadi-dead.html

Got a Squiz Shortcuts suggestion for us? hello@thesquiz.com.au

Seen our daily podcast? https://www.thesquiz.com.au/podcast/

The Squiz is a weekday Australian news email and podcast. It’s your shortcut to being informed on international and Australian news.

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your shortcut to... World Leaders (Erdogan, Bolsonaro, Modi)

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 06:00:00 -0000

Three world leaders who are in the news a lot are the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, and India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi... Here, we take a closer at who they are, how they came to power, their politics and just why they're in the news all the time.

Squiz Recommends:

Modi's 'complicated' marriage: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/abandoned-as-a-child-bride-indias-first-lady-still-hopes-her-husband-will-call/2015/01/25/3509dac5-5ac1-49e3-8b44-7d92e027c9ec_story.html

Macron v Bolsonaro: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/26/macron-rebukes-bolsonaro-over-extraordinarily-rude-comments-about-wife

Got a Shortcut suggestion: hello@thesquiz.com.au

The Squiz is a weekday Australian news podcast. It’s your shortcut to being informed about international and Australian news.

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your shortcut to... 1MDB

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 18:45:00 -0000

This episode of Squiz Shortcuts is all about 1MDB - the fund, set up by former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, and is at the centre of one of the biggest corruption scandals ever. This story has it all - money, corruption, power, celebrity. In this podcast, we'll start by getting you across what 1MDB is, who was involved, how the money this fund generated was spent and how the whole thing has gone down.

Squiz Recommends:

Sydney Morning Herald, Andrew Horney article: https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/ps-malaysian-investigation-recalls-first-lady-s-sydney-shopping-spree-20180522-p4zgqo.html

More about Jho Low: https://www.vice.com/en_au/article/pa8pj8/the-pretend-billionaire-who-threw-insane-parties-for-celebs-and-vanished-1

Got a Squiz Shortcuts suggestion for us? hello@thesquiz.com.au

Seen our daily podcast? https://www.thesquiz.com.au/podcast/

Squiz Shortcuts is your shortcut to more than the headlines.

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your shortcut to... Climate Change

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 18:21:00 -0000

This episode of Squiz Shortcuts will give you the background to one of the most commonly used phrases in news - climate change. We'll steer clear of the politics and rather take you through what climate change means, why it's a problem, what the world has agreed to do about it and Australia's position.

Squiz Recommends:

Australian Academy of Science: https://www.science.org.au/learning/general-audience/science-climate-change/1-what-is-climate-change

Squiz Shortcuts is your shortcut to more than the headlines.

Got a Squiz Shortcuts suggestion for us? hello@thesquiz.com.au

Other things we do:

The Squiz Today is a free email and podcast with a uniquely Australian take on the news headlines. It’s a quick read and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Sign up to our free weekday email newsletter here: www.thesquiz.com.au. Or subscribe to our daily news podcast here https://www.thesquiz.com.au/podcast/

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your shortcut to... West Papua

Sun, 20 Oct 2019 18:24:00 -0000

West Papua is seeing the largest scale uprising for some time which has led to deadly riots and mass arrests. Here is the history of the region, the major players and the background to the unrest.

This podcast is presented by Urban You.

Book here and use the code SHORTCUTS30 for $30 off your first clean... https://urbanyou.com.au/book/new/cleaning/check_postcode?coupon_code=shortcuts30&utm_medium=partner&utm_source=The+Squiz

Squiz recommends:

West Papua - Lonely Planet

The Conversation - "Not so clueless about Papua"

Got a Squiz Shortcuts suggestion for us? hello@thesquiz.com.au

Seen our daily podcast? https://www.thesquiz.com.au/podcast/

The Squiz is a weekday Australian news email and podcast. It’s your shortcut to being informed on international and Australian news.

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your shortcut to... America, Turkey and the Syrian Kurds

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 06:10:00 -0000

The context to what is going on in northeast Syria. This shortcut will get you across why America is in Syria in the first place, who the Kurds are, their relationship with Turkey, and how all involved have responded to after the US announced the removal of troops from the region.

This podcast is presented by Urban You.

Book here and use the code SHORTCUTS30 for $30 off your first clean... https://urbanyou.com.au/book/new/cleaning/check_postcode?coupon_code=shortcuts30&utm_medium=partner&utm_source=The+Squiz

Squiz recommends:

New York Times‘ ‘The Daily’ podcast – ‘Is the US betraying its Kurdish allies..”

The Smithsonian Magazine on Kurdish heritage and traditions

Got a Squiz Shortcuts suggestion for us? hello@thesquiz.com.au

Seen our daily podcast? https://www.thesquiz.com.au/podcast/

The Squiz is a weekday Australian news email and podcast. It’s your shortcut to being informed on international and Australian news.

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your shortcut to... US and Iran

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 19:10:00 -0000

This episode of Squiz Shortcuts will get you across why the relationship between the US and Iran is so significant for the world; why Iran is strategically important, the history of the relationship, why the US walked away from the nuclear deal with Iran and other tensions that have foreign affairs and military experts worried.

Squiz Recommends:

Vox video

A Separation (film)

Strait of Hormuz

Got a Squiz Shortcuts suggestion for us? hello@thesquiz.com.au

Seen our daily podcast? https://www.thesquiz.com.au/podcast/

The Squiz is a weekday Australian news podcast. It’s your shortcut to being informed about international and Australian news.

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your shortcut to... Brexit (Part 1)

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 07:40:00 -0000

This is all things Brexit pre-Boris Johnson. Have a listen for an understanding on why Britain was ever part of the EU, why they decided to leave, why it's so hard to leave and the major sticking point - the Northern Ireland backstop.

Brexit (Part 2) is coming soon!

Squiz Shortcuts is your shortcut to more than the headlines.

Squiz Recommends:

Brexit Yoga: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqwEa6I1lwI

BBC Brexit Explainer: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-32810887

Got a Squiz Shortcuts suggestion for us? hello@thesquiz.com.au

Seen our daily podcast? https://www.thesquiz.com.au/podcast/

The Squiz is also a free weekday email with a uniquely Australian take on the news headlines. It’s a quick read and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Get on it. Sign up at www.thesquiz.com.au

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your shortcut to... Ash Barty

Sun, 01 Sep 2019 19:15:00 -0000

In this episode of Squiz Shortcuts we're getting you across Ash Barty. 2019 really has been her year, winning the French Open and spending eight weeks as world #1.

So if you're keen to know more about this Aussie tennis prodigy, we'll get you across her life growing up, her break from tennis and how she made her way back and to the top of the sport.

Squiz Shortcuts is your shortcut to more than the headlines.

Squiz Recommends:

Great video from Tennis Australia.

Interview with Stellar magazine (paywall).

Got a Squiz Shortcuts suggestion for us? hello@thesquiz.com.au

Seen our daily podcast? https://www.thesquiz.com.au/podcast/

The Squiz is also a free weekday email with a uniquely Australian take on the news headlines. It’s a quick read and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Get on it. Sign up at www.thesquiz.com.au

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your shortcut to... Hong Kong

Mon, 26 Aug 2019 18:15:00 -0000

In this (first) episode of Squiz Shortcuts we are looking at Hong Kong. It's been in the news every day for the past few months given the ongoing demonstrations in the region against what protestors see as an erosion of freedoms to China.

That's the news. In the episode of Squiz Shortcuts we'll give you the background. We'll start with Hong Kong pre-Britain, we'll then have a look at what happened during the British lease-period and then the more recent history, when it was handed back to China. Finally we'll look at how this all ties in with what is happening there now.

Squiz Shortcuts is your shortcut to more than the headlines.

Squiz Recommends:

BBC World Service: The Inquiry podcast - Will China crackdown on Hong Kong?

(Or on Apple here).

Got a Squiz Shortcuts suggestion for us? hello@thesquiz.com.au

Seen our daily podcast? https://www.thesquiz.com.au/podcast/

The Squiz is also a free weekday email with a uniquely Australian take on the news headlines. It’s a quick read and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Get on it. Sign up at https://www.thesquiz.com.au/signup/

See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

TRAILER: Squiz Shortcuts

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 17:26:00 -0000

Welcome to Squiz Shortcuts - our new weekly podcast. It's your shortcut to more than the headlines.

Are you interested in the news but sometimes find there is a whole lot of assumed knowledge which makes it hard to get the full picture? We hear you.

Once-weekly, in under ten minutes, Squiz Shortcuts will give you the background on the news, personalities and historical events that often come up but can be overwhelming and time-consuming to get across.

Hosted by Kate Watson and Claire Kimball, Squiz Shortcuts will give you the context to the news. You're smart and busy, so in the usual Squiz-way we'll keep it short and sharp, and opinion-free.

As always, The Squiz is your shortcut to being informed.

Have a Squiz Shortcut idea for us? hello@thesquiz.com.au

Seen our daily podcast? https://www.thesquiz.com.au/podcast/

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