Quick Smart

When did all our clothes become plastic? (SUMMER SERIES)

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 20:00:00 -0000

Australia buys more clothes per person than any other country and most of it is made up of plastic. Thanks to fast fashion, even our op shops are becoming flooded with these polyester products.

So, when did we start wearing plastic? And why did it take over the fashion industry?

Guest: Anna Levy, ABC journo.

Anna Levy’s article on the rise of not-so-fantastic plastic fashion can be found here.

And if you’re into environmental issues and solving them in small but meaningful ways, check out our episode on overtourism.

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You’re listening to Quick Smart's summer season. We’ll return with fresh episodes next year, but in the meantime please enjoy our special curation for the holidays. This episode originally aired on 28th Jan, 2025.

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Non-alcoholic drinks are wildly popular. What’s in them and are they healthy? (SUMMER SERIES)

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 20:00:00 -0000

Australians love to crack open a ‘cold one’, but increasingly we’re turning to non-alcoholic beers, wines and spirits. How did NoLo drinks become so popular? What’s actually in them? And are they healthier than their boozy counterparts?

Guest: Jacinta Bowler, ABC science reporter

If you’re into the science of what we eat and drink, check out our episode on the influx of random chip flavours or why the alt right is obsessed with eating meat.

Read Jacinta’s article on no and low-alcohol drinks here.

If you have something you'd like to see covered on Quick Smart, let us know at quick.smart@abc.net.au

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Feeling stuck? How to make big life decisions, minus the regret (SUMMER SERIES)

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 20:00:00 -0000

Do you struggle with making big life decisions? Maybe it's moving overseas, quitting your job or deciding to have a baby. This week, how to ditch analysis paralysis and make a life-changing choice.

Guest: Sana Qadar, host of All in the Mind.

If you liked this chat, check out our episode on what makes someone an introvert or an extrovert. Sana also has a longer All in the Mind episode about how to decide when you can’t decide.

Drop us a line at quick.smart@abc.net.au if there's a story or topic you'd like us to cover.

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Why your childhood could be holding you back financially — and how to fix it (SUMMER SERIES)

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 20:00:00 -0000

Why do some people save every spare dollar, while others blow through their pay the moment it lands? It might have less to do with discipline and more to do with the way you were raised.

Guest: Emily Stewart, ABC business reporter and author of Sensible Money

If this episode has you feeling *triggered*, you can sign up to Emily’s handy money newsletter here (you're looking for Your Money Explained next to a picture of Emily). You might also like our previous chat about how to survive the cost of living crisis.

And if there are any topics you’d love us to cover, get in touch at quick.smart@abc.net.au

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See You Next Tuesday? How the ‘worst word’ became a compliment (SUMMER SERIES)

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 20:00:00 -0000

When many of us were growing up, the c-word was the worst thing you could say. Now, it’s having a renaissance. How has an "offensive and hateful” term transformed into a compliment? And why are drag queens, actors and K-pop girlies at the forefront of reclaiming "See You Next Tuesday”?

Guest: Virginia Trioli, host of Creative Types on ABC TV and iview.

Check out Virginia’s article on how the the c-word is being reclaimed by women in pop culture here.

If you liked this chat, you might also enjoy our episodes on how teenage girls are shaping our vocabulary or whether Stockholm Syndrome a sexist myth.

If there's a story or topic you'd like us to cover, drop us a line at quick.smart@abc.net.au

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Where is all this asbestos coming from?

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 20:00:00 -0000

It feels like asbestos has been having more than it's fair share of limelight over the last few years. But it's manufacture, sale and import was banned in Australia in 2003. So, where is it coming from?

Guest: Angelique Donnellan, reporter for ABC's 7:30 program.---------

If you liked this chat, you might also like our episode about whether Australia has a problem with class.

You can find Angelique's articles about her investigations here.

Thanks to my producer Jessie Kay. Drop us a line at quick.smart@abc.net.au

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Victoria is the first state to have a Treaty. What now?

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 20:00:00 -0000

The Victorian government has signed into law a historic Treaty with First Nations people. It’s supposed to help fix the effects of institutional harm. So, what will actually change?

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How to stop companies knowing everything about you

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 20:00:00 -0000

Our personal data can be used to manipulate the prices we see, the disinformation we believe, and sometimes even who we vote for. So, how much does the internet know about you?

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What makes a cover song better than the original?

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 20:00:00 -0000

From pub bands and street buskers to TikTok-ing teens, the world is full of music covers. Some are admirable, others are average. Yet every so often, an artist will release a cover that flips a song on its head. So, why are we drawn to making the old new again?

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Why some politicians want us to feel 'ripped off'

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 20:00:00 -0000

Democracy dates back to the ancient Greeks and is meant to give us a say on who’s in charge. But lately, some democratically elected leaders are acting more like kings than politicians. So, does democracy still work? And how do we stop “undemocratic” forces from manipulating us?

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Jane Austen wrote plenty of classics, but do we really need to read them?

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 20:00:00 -0000

From a muddling Mr Darcy to Clueless diva Cher Horowitz, some of the most iconic characters in books, films and TV were conceived by Jane Austen — or based on her works. So, who was she, really? And what makes her classics... classic?

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Why Google’s entering its AI era, and what it means for all of us

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 20:00:00 -0000

Google gets billions of searches every day. But now, the tech giant wants to be AI-fuelled “answer engine”, rather than a gateway to other sites. It poses a massive threat to journalism, but it’ll also affect the information we see and don’t see.

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Australia desperately needs more organs. Could pigs be our saviour?

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 20:00:00 -0000

If you needed a life-saving transplant, would you take a gene-edited organ from a pig? It sounds like science fiction, but this procedure has been researched for decades, and it could help solve the massive organ shortage. But is it ethical to use animals for their parts? And are there other risks?

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Why your partner’s religious beliefs don’t matter as much as they used to

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 20:00:00 -0000

A Catholic and a Satanist walked into a bar ... and managed to fall in love? During the past two decades, more of us have become non-religious, but we’re also increasingly up for dating and marrying across the spiritual divide. So, how do interfaith couples make it work? And what can we learn from them?

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Our last soft plastic recycling scheme flopped. Could a new one work?

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 20:00:00 -0000

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

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How a Pokémon-loving teen became the first millennial saint

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 21:00:00 -0000

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

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Who is Charlie Kirk? And why is Trump calling him a Christian "martyr"?

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 21:00:00 -0000

At a stadium in Arizona, 63,000 people gathered to remember Charlie Kirk. Among them was President Donald Trump, who called the controversial right-wing figure a “martyr”. Who exactly was Kirk? Are politicians weaponising his death to crack down on their opposition?

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Nuns, crosses and exorcisms. Why horror films love religious imagery

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 21:00:00 -0000

While cinemas struggle to fill seats, horror films are bringing in billions. So, why do we enjoy being scared? And how come horror flicks are filled with nuns, crosses and other Christian imagery?

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If you liked this chat, send it to the cinema buff in your life. You might also enjoy our eps on how cults are being targeted with coercive control laws and why certain female body parts are named after shady, white men.

Plus, check out Anna Levy’s article about religion in horror films.

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How to deal with family or friends who hold extreme beliefs

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 21:00:00 -0000

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

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Too much stuff? How to get on top of your clutter

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 21:00:00 -0000

Love decluttering videos, but hate home organising in real life? Too much stuff can make us feel stressed, but parting with objects isn't always easy. This week, what your clutter says about you, and how you can get on top of it.

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Who are the Israeli Settlers? And who's holding them accountable?

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 21:00:00 -0000

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

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Why conspiracy theorists are targeting walkable cities

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 21:00:00 -0000

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

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What power does the UN hold if volatile leaders keep ignoring it?

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 21:00:00 -0000

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

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Are we paying too much tax?

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 21:00:00 -0000

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

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Why Stephen Colbert’s talk show was cancelled, and what it has to do with Trump

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 21:00:00 -0000

Late night TV legend Stephen Colbert is being taken off air, and suspicions are swirling. His US network CBS says it cancelled the talk show for financial reasons, but could President Donald Trump have something to do with it?

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How big tech is pushing teens into the misogynistic ‘manosphere’

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 21:00:00 -0000

Teenage boys have always had a certain reputation for rowdiness, but there’s something different going on in our schools. Fuelled by toxic influencers, misogynistic behaviour is getting worse. So, how bad is it, and how do we stop it?

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Is Stockholm syndrome a sexist myth?

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 21:00:00 -0000

'Stockholm Syndrome' is a phrase we use to describe people in toxic relationships. But have you ever considered the first case? This week, meet the woman behind this dubious diagnosis.

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Adulting is hard. Should schools be teaching essential life skills?

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 21:00:00 -0000

Oh, adulthood. Suddenly you're a Jack (or Jill) of all trades, negotiating tax returns and changing tires. Many of us feel wildly unprepared. Should our parents have passed down these skills? Or could schools or social media fill in the blanks?

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The controversial and very male history of naming body parts

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 21:00:00 -0000

Fallopian tubes. The G-spot. Skene’s glands. Why are so many female body parts named after shady white men... and should that change?

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The 'hard men' behind the Israel-Iran war, and why Trump's involved

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 21:00:00 -0000

Missiles are flying, nuclear sites have been bombed, and now Donald Trump has declared a ceasefire. Why do Israel and Iran hate each other? Who are the men in charge? And how much is ego fuelling this conflict?

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Why your childhood could be holding you back financially — and how to fix it

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 21:00:00 -0000

Why do some people save every spare dollar, while others blow through their pay the moment it lands? It might have less to do with discipline and more to do with the way you were raised.

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How cults are using coercive control to manipulate followers

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 21:00:00 -0000

They tell you how to act, what to believe, and who to surround yourself with. It sounds like coercive control, right? But this type of manipulation doesn’t just exist in intimate relationships, it happens in spiritual ones, too.

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Is productivity a scam? How to avoid burnout at work

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 21:00:00 -0000

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

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One in seven of us take antidepressants. Getting off them can be a nightmare

Mon, 26 May 2025 21:00:00 -0000

Chances are you, or someone you know, took an antidepressant this morning. One in seven Australians are on the medication, and for many it's lifesaving. But are we staying on antidepressants for too long? Is there a right time to stop? And what should we know about withdrawal symptoms?

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When is it OK to cut off your parents and go 'no contact’?

Mon, 19 May 2025 21:00:00 -0000

Have you ever considered cutting a family member off? It's called going "no contact" and social media is filled with stories from people who’ve done just that. But how do you know you're making the right choice? And can fractured relationships be saved?

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Polyamory is becoming more popular. What can it teach us about our love lives?

Mon, 12 May 2025 23:00:00 -0000

Call it romantically reckless or fiscally responsible, more Aussies are considering ENM (ethical non-monogamy). So, do these relationships work? And how can you stop jealousy taking hold?

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New Pope, Who Dis? How the Catholic conclave actually works

Mon, 05 May 2025 21:00:00 -0000

More than a hundred red-cloaked figures will enter in the Sistine Chapel, but only one can walk away with the top role. This isn't a new reality TV show, it's the real-life drama of the papal conclave. Who could be the next Pope, how much will his voice matter in the modern world, and was the movie accurate?

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Why politicians are allowed to lie in election ads

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 21:00:00 -0000

Politicians love to overwhelm us during election campaigns. But often, we're left wondering what they actually stand for. Who has the best policies on issues you care about, and how are young people changing the tide of this election?

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How long can President Trump ignore the law?

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 21:00:00 -0000

Donald Trump is wreaking havoc on America's legal system. He's disobeying court rulings, calling judges "crooked", and pressuring law firms to donate to hand-picked causes. We've never seen this behaviour from a US president. So, how far is he willing to go?

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See You Next Tuesday? How the ‘worst word’ became a compliment

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 21:00:00 -0000

When many of us were growing up, the c-word was the worst thing you could say. Now, it’s having a renaissance. How has the most "offensive and hateful” term transformed into a compliment? And why are drag queens, actors and K-pop girlies at the forefront of reclaiming "See You Next Tuesday”?

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How marketing 'shamed' us into using deodorant, and where BO comes from

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 21:00:00 -0000

Body odour. It’s one of those things we all experience, but rarely talk about. This week, how BO became a social taboo, why you shouldn't fear aluminium in anti-perspirants, and whether natural deodorants are as effective as the conventional kind.

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Feeling stuck? How to make big life decisions, minus the regret

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 20:00:00 -0000

Do you struggle with making big life decisions? Maybe it's moving overseas, quitting your job or deciding to have a baby. This week, how to ditch analysis paralysis and make a life-changing choice.

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The 'incestuous' publishing trick that's making you buy books

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 20:00:00 -0000

When you’re looking for a new book, are you ever swayed by the little quotes on the front cover? They might say “Unputdownable!” or "Obsessed!” and they can help books become bestsellers. But one US publisher thinks this “incestuous” practice needs a rethink. Author and radio host David Marr drops by to explain.

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Why your hormones probably don't need 'balancing'

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 20:00:00 -0000

Scour social media as a Millennial or Gen Z woman, and you're bound to come across wellness influencers claiming your hormones are out of whack. Is there any science behind so-called 'hormone balancing'?

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Artworks hidden, a creator dumped. Is this censorship?

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0000

There’s something going on in the art world. Works are being covered up, a creator was controversially dropped, and an Oscar-winning documentary can’t get an American distributor. Why is this happening? And what does it have to do with the war in Gaza?

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‘Party like it’s 1939’. Why Germany’s far-right is back

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 20:00:00 -0000

Elon Musk did that questionable “hand salute” at a Trump rally. Now, Germany's far-right party has doubled its share of votes. How did we get here, and what could happen next?

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Non-alcoholic drinks are wildly popular. What’s in them and are they healthy?

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 20:00:00 -0000

Australians love to crack open a ‘cold one’, but increasingly we’re turning to non-alcoholic beers, wines and spirits. Why have NoLo drinks become popular? What goes into them – and are they healthier?

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Why award ceremonies have always been provocative — and political

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 20:00:00 -0000

Award ceremonies, like the Oscars and GRAMMYs, used to be the height of glamour and success. But are these events increasingly irrelevant? Or are we just seeing them in a different light?

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Will 'arrogance' be the downfall of our major parties?

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 20:00:00 -0000

If you've tuned out of Aussie politics, you’re not alone. Apathy is high, especially among young people, and there’s a genuine concern that elected representatives don't actually represent us. But are things about to change?

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Why Aussies are using Facebook groups to get sperm from strangers

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Getting pregnant through a fertility clinic can be difficult and wildly expensive. That’s why thousands of Australians are using Facebook groups to solicit sperm from strangers.

But not all donors have pure intentions.

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When did all our clothes become plastic?

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 20:00:00 -0000

Australia buys more clothes per person than any other country, and most is made of plastic. So, when did synthetic fibres take over fashion? And why does it matter?

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Would you fall in love with an AI chatbot?

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 23:00:00 -0000

Millions of people are turning to AI chatbots for friendship, fun banter and even romance. But these digital companions come with a dangerous catch.

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Why the zeitgeist is Mormon obsessed + a Quick announcement

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 17:30:00 -0000

Mormons seem to be everywhere right now—on our TVs and social media feeds. So, why is the zeitgeist currently obsessing over The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its followers?

And if you’re Quick Smart obsessed, make sure to listen until the end for an announcement about the show.

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How to boost your creativity while you sleep

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 17:00:00 -0000

When you fall asleep do you dream of falling Tetris pieces? There’s a name for this – the Tetris Effect. Scientists have been investigating its use in boosting creativity and productivity and brands are trying to figure out how to monetise it. So just how malleable does playing video games make our minds? And is it possible for companies to use this research to hijack our dreams? Guest: Shelby Traynor for All In The Mind

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Demure, skibidi, brat: why teenage girls are behind your future vocabulary

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 17:00:00 -0000

Linguists have discovered that teenage girls play a significant role in shaping our future vocabulary.

But how do 16-year-old girls end up being the arbiters of what we will and won't say?

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Is our love for pets killing the planet?

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 17:00:00 -0000

Our relationship with pets has dramatically shifted over the decades. Historically, we domesticated and bred pets for utility, such as catching rats and protection. Now, we breed them to be as cute as possible and consider them part of the family unit.

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Does Australia have a problem with class?

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 17:00:00 -0000

Australians generally like to think we're a classless society and that if you have a go, you get a go. This could be one of the reasons why most Australians think they're middle class, but the figures say otherwise. So, how did we get here, and is our perception of class shifting?

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What not to do on jury duty

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 17:00:00 -0000

You often hear about "mistrials" or cases being "thrown out of court," but how do these situations actually occur? In an age of constant information overload, how can a juror keep their mind clear and unbiased? And what are the consequences when jurors can't resist the temptation to engage with outside sources?

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How the DNA of 15 million people ended up for sale

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 17:00:00 -0000

23andMe launched in 2016 to widespread excitement from Silicon Valley evangelists. It promised a simple and fun way to explore our genetic makeup.

Eight years on, 15 million people are now left wishing they had dug deeper into the T&Cs and understood what they were actually signing up for.

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How overtourism became a problem

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 17:00:00 -0000

This year’s European summer saw an unprecedented influx of tourists flocking to idyllic holiday destinations. Tourists faced longer lines, fully booked accommodations, and soaring prices. But what is the cost for the locals who call these places home, and how did these once peaceful spots become overrun with visitors?

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Why your job decides who you'll marry

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 17:00:00 -0000

If you're in a relationship with someone in the same profession as you, you're not alone. Most people are, and there are stats to prove it. So why do we end up with people just like us, and what does this say about us as a society?

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How Mormons could decide the US election

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 17:00:00 -0000

The US election is around the corner, and the polls are neck and neck. Both candidates are zeroing in on key voter groups that could win them the election.

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How mindfulness was commodified

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0000

How much should inner peace cost? For the people selling the idea of mindfulness and inner peace the price tag can be limitless. Apps, retreats, balms and oils, mindfulness is now something you can buy. So how did a practice with ties to an ancient religion turn into a mindfulness industrial complex?

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Are dictators taking over the world?

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0000

Around the globe, governments have been shifting across the political spectrum. Have some leaders exploited the public's desire for change, and are we seeing an increase in dictators and demagogues?

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Why we're breaking up with dating apps

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0000

The advent of dating apps gave a whole new meaning to the phrase 'plenty of fish in the sea.' Suddenly, you could cast your search for 'the one' into the limitless depths of the internet. So why are people ghosting the apps and instead looking for love IRL?

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Why the prince of Saudi Arabia wants you to move to NEOM

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 17:00:00 -0000

The prince of Saudi Arabia has a vision for a sci-fi like city in the middle of the desert called NEOM and he wants you to move in.

The futuristic sci-fi city is being spruiked online by influencers and if you've seen the marketing you might think it's too good to be true. So will the prince's sci-fi dreams turn into reality and why does he want to get people to move to the middle of the desert in Saudia Arabia?

Guest: Matt Bevan for If You're Listening

If you liked this episode you might like this one Your cheat sheet for the US Presidential election or this one on why we don't have driverless cars yet.

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Is our love for pets killing the planet?

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 17:00:00 -0000

How much is that doggy in the window impacting climate change? And do we need to take paws for thought before buying a pet?

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Will Kamala Harris become the first female US President?

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0000

Amidst the culture wars and identity politics stirred up during the election campaign, can Kamala Harris secure the presidency and make history?

And if history is made do her policies align with the progressive youth base that have memed her into a lime green oval office, or are these voters not seeing the forest for the coconut trees?

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What happens when the world goes cashless?

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 17:00:00 -0000

The whole world is moving towards a cashless future. So what does our digital money future look like and is it for the best?

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Why is sex tech still so taboo?

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 17:00:00 -0000

Sex tech conjures up images of hot robots sent from the future and while that might be where this multi million dollar industry is headed - for now a big slice of the demand is from people hoping to enjoy their own body so why do we make that so hard for people living with disabilities? And who are the inventors and engineers breaking down the taboos to create the products that suit their needs?

Guest - Rebecca McLaren for the Health Report

If you liked this episode of Quick Smart you might enjoy our chat with Lucy Sweeney about the neuroscience of singing in a choir or our episode with James Purtill on why we still don’t have driverless cars.

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Demure, skibidi, brat: why teenage girls are behind your future vocabulary

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 17:00:00 -0000

Linguists have discovered that teenage girls play a significant role in shaping our future vocabulary.

But how do 16-year-old girls end up being the arbiters of what we will and won't say?

Guest: Fiona Pepper for Future Tense

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One year on from a fatal mushroom lunch, the saga continues

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 17:00:00 -0000

Where is the case now and when will mushroom murder-accused Erin Patterson face trial? We find out and get into the weeds about the legality and ethics of making a true crime podcast happening in real time.

If you liked this episode of Quick Smart you might like this other episode we did about The truth behind reality TV villains or this one about The mysterious disappearance of Agatha Christie

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How to boost your creativity while you sleep

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 15:00:00 -0000

If you liked this episode of Quick Smart you might like this other episode we did about whether we're all too addicted to our phones or this one about how to find out whether you're in introvert or an extrovert

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Why are criminals using video games to launder money?

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 15:00:00 -0000

Cryptocurrency and block chain technology has dramatically shifted the way criminals launder money - so what are the techniques some criminals are using to clean dirty money and what does it have to do with a video game about salamanders? Guest: Nick Baker for The Money and ABC Digital

And if you liked this episode check out some of the other episodes we've made with The Money like this one about how the RBA wants you to lose your job, or this one about how the Australian housing crisis got so bad.

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Why are so many women freezing their eggs?

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 15:00:00 -0000

If you’re a woman between 25 and 45 on Instagram there’s a good chance you’ve seen ads for egg freezing. And in recent years, the popularity of IVF clinics has sky rocketed - so much so that the clinics are are actually starting to run out of storage space. So what has led to the huge uptick in people wanting to freeze their eggs and is it actually the insurance policy that people think it is?Guest: Sophie Kesteven for ABC News

And if you liked this episode check out our episodes about office romances with Zoe Ferguson or the woman who got a Pap smear everyday for 21 years with Belinda Smith.

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How the Olympics were almost cancelled

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 15:00:00 -0000

The Olympic Games are about to kick off and athletes from all over the world will make their way to France to compete. The event is watched by billions, there's a massive increase to local tourism and of course an eye watering amount of advertising dollars at stake so it’s wild to think that at one stage - the Olympics was almost cancelled for good. Guest: Jack Schmidt for God Forbid

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The truth behind reality TV villains

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 15:00:00 -0000

In the back of our minds we all know that there’s very little that’s real about reality TV… but you might be shocked to discover just how deceptive – and ethically questionable – some of the television tactics really are. So are the humans behind these characters we love to hate really so awful? And how does being cast as a TV villain impact a person’s mental health and life outside the show?

And a content note: this episode contains discussion of suicide and mental health. Guest: Annika Blau for Background Briefing

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Should we ban teens from social media?

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 15:00:00 -0000

Social media is a huge part of our lives. We use it to talk to friends, to read about what’s happening in the world, and to find out whether or not something is cake. But recently there’s been talk of banning people under the age 16 from using social media because of the negative impact on their mental health and to protect them from harm. So is the government’s plan for age restriction really the best way to tackle this crisis? And will it actually improve the wellbeing of kids or will it just push their social media use underground?

Guest: Ange Lavoipierre Technology Reporter for ABC News

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The rise of AI in the movies

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 15:00:00 -0000

AI is impacting every creative industry - and movies are no exception. If a young Harrison Ford can be churned out of a computer, what does the future of film look like? And would you feel differently about your favourite TV show if you knew the characters in it were created by a computer?

Guest: Bev Wang for Stop Everything!

This episode was originally published in January 2024

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The science behind singing in a choir

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 15:00:00 -0000

Whether you're singing in a karaoke room at 2am, or at a more reasonable time with a local choir, there’s something about singing without inhibition that feels great. Our brains get this warm fuzzy feeling when we come together and sing as a group - and it turns out there's neuroscience that backs that up. So what are the health benefits for our brain and mental health? Should we all be joining a community choir?

Guest: Lucy Sweeney for ABC Online

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Why is the alt right obsessed with eating meat?

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 15:00:00 -0000

What makes a man, a man? Well eating copious amounts of red meat of course – at least according to certain corners of the internet. The alt-right has made mass beef consumption their business, and this comes at a time where climate scientists and animal activists are urging people to eat less meat to help the planet. So why is the alt-right so focused on eliminating “soy boys” and getting into that Bronze Age Grindset?

Guest: Jonathan Green for Blueprint for Living

This episode was originally published in November 2023

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Are we addicted to our phones?

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 15:00:00 -0000

On average Australians spend around three hours on their phones everyday - and experts believe our screentime is impacting our relationships, our ability to focus and our health. So is phone addiction really as bad for us as we think? And what are the health benefits of putting down your phone once and a while and breaking the cycle?

Guest: Anna Kelsey-Sugg for ABC Online

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What's the deal with nuclear energy?

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 15:00:00 -0000

If we want to avoid the worst of the climate crisis, it's vital we switch to clean energy and fast. Wind and solar have long been on the agenda as clean forms of power to replace coal, but more recently in Australia there's been a charged political discussion about nuclear.

So how would implementing nuclear energy actually work? And is it a better option for power than the tried and tested methods of solar and wind?

Guest: Tim Leslie, ABC News Climate Lead
ABC News article on CSIRO GenCost report
ABC News article explaining nuclear power in 12 numbers
Quick Smart climate anxiety episode
Quick Smart driverless cars episode

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Is life coaching a giant con?

Wed, 29 May 2024 15:00:00 -0000

Scrolling on instagram it’s impossible to avoid people giving their unsolicited advice - about fashion, the news, or the latest food trend. But with the rise of the hot take, comes the people trying to monetise this advice in the form of life coaching… and unfortunately a lot of people looking for real help are falling into the trap.

Guest: Kellie Scott for ABC Online

This episode was originally published in November 2023

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Why we need to start talking about dying

Wed, 22 May 2024 15:00:00 -0000

Death is something we don’t really like to think about. But when you or someone you love becomes ill, it’s important to be able to have a conversation about end of life care in a respectful and informed way. Despite being legal, there are still obstacles to accessing voluntary assisted dying or VAD, and because no one likes to talk about it, these issues are often discovered when it’s too late. So how can we ensure those who want to make the choice to end their life can do so with safety and dignity?

Guest: Annika Blau for Background Briefing

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How to survive the cost of living crisis

Wed, 15 May 2024 15:00:00 -0000

Australians have been in the midst of a cost of living crisis for a while now. Groceries are more expensive. Petrol is more expensive. Rent is more expensive. We're all in the same boat, so why is talking about money still so taboo? And what can we do to feel more in control of our finances?

Guest: Maani Truu from ABC Online

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Why are book bans skyrocketing?

Wed, 08 May 2024 15:00:00 -0000

Banning books feels like a thing of the past. A humble past-time of authoritarian leaders and churches trying to control the way people think. These days; thanks largely to our streaming services, it seems we’re reading much less than we used to. But in the last few years 10,000 books have been banned in the US alone. So why is the number of banned books sky rocketing?

Guest: Sarah L'Estrange for The Book Show

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Office romances are more common than you think

Wed, 01 May 2024 15:00:00 -0000

We spend more of our waking hours at work than anywhere else – and by extension, a lot of time with our colleagues. That might explain why up to half of us have been in a workplace relationship. So is it true a successful office romance can make you a better worker? And what about if it's your colleagues who are involved in not-so-subtle flirting while you’re just trying to get your job done?

Guest: Zoe Ferguson for This Working Life

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Should TikTok be banned?

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 15:00:00 -0000

TikTok has over a billion users and counting. Recently there’s been a lot of talk about the national security threat that such a large user base owned by a Chinese company poses and now the US government has just passed a bill banning TikTok all together. So how did TikTok turn videos of synchronised dancing and lipsyncing into a multi-billion dollar business? And is the company’s Chinese ownership really as dangerous as governments would have us believe?

Since this episode was recorded US President Joe Biden signed a law that would ban TikTok unless it was sold within a year. The measure formed part of a bill providing foreign aid to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan and stipulates that the parent company ByteDance must sell its stake in TikTok in 12 months under the threat of being shut down.

Guest: Jen Leake for Rear Vision

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Could AI swing elections around the world?

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 15:00:00 -0000

AI is already impacting the way we work, the way we design and the way we think but there’s a growing concern that soon it’s going to start impacting the way we vote. And it’s got governments and regulators scrambling. So with AI-generated images and videos flooding the internet, how can voters know what’s real and what’s a deep fake? And what regulations might help control AI without stifling the industry or sending people underground?

Guest: Hamish Macdonald for Global Roaming

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Have Australians forgotten how to relax?

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 15:00:00 -0000

With more Australians working from home than ever, the lines between work and leisure time have really blurred. With so many huge advances in technology why does it sometimes feel like we're working more not less than peasants in Medieval times, and with our always on lifestyles have we actually forgotten how to stop and smell the flowers?

Guest: Anna Kelsey-Sugg for ABC Digital

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Since when do Australian cities have flags?

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 14:00:00 -0000

Outside of the Olympics or the driveway to the United Nations, how often do you think about flags? Countries and states have them but Australian cities have them as well. And unsurprisingly for something that was created largely during colonial times, nowadays these flags can feel a little problematic. So what’s the history behind our city flags? And is it about time we gave their tired old designs a bit of a refresh?

Guest: Nick Baker for ABC Digital

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Why is Facebook deleting Australian news?

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:00:00 -0000

When it comes to finding and sharing news, one third of Australians use Facebook. But that’s about to change because Facebook’s owner Meta has decided to stop paying Australian news outlets for their news. So what impact will Meta’s decision have on the way news is shared in this country? And will the news vacuum lead to an uptick in misinformation?

Guest: Technology reporter James Purtill for ABC Science

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Where in the world is Kate Middleton?

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 14:00:00 -0000

The Royal family has a knack for being the centre of controversy. And over the last few weeks - rumours about the health and location of Kate Middleton have reached a fever pitch. So is she actually recovering from an operation or is it something much more sinister? What is Kate’s media team trying to hide? And what does the Royal family owe the public in terms of transparency about their health?

Guest: Lucia Stein for ABC Online

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Why does the internet love to hate fan girls?

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 14:00:00 -0000

There’s nothing wrong with a healthy celebrity obsession - but throughout pop culture history, fan girls have had a bad rap. While being an expert on a topic is seen as intellectual being a fangirl is often portrayed as hysterical, immature and downright creepy. So why aren’t the same judgements made about male-centric fandoms? And why do we care so much about what women do with their spare time?

Guest: Anna Levy for ABC Digital

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Streaming services killed the Christian radio star

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 14:00:00 -0000

In the early 2000s the Christian rock scene was a billion dollar industry, there were huge international acts, massive multi-day festivals and thousands of album sales - but with the growing popularity of music streaming and TikTok that's all coming to an end. So just how much longer does Christian music have left?

Guest: Rohan Salmond for Soul Search

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The science behind your favourite chips

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 14:00:00 -0000

Cheeseburger, roast duck, grapefruit, sizzling steak and cucumber are flavours you expect to find in a supermarket, but perhaps not in the potato chip aisle. But due to huge leaps in food science, there are now 1400 chip flavours and that number is rapidly increasing. So, is there a limit to how many different flavours we really want on our chips? And what sort of broader benefits are there from scientists breaking down new chip flavours?

Guest: Bel Smith for ABC Science

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The conspiracy theories plaguing Taylor Swift

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 14:00:00 -0000

Taylor Swift just set the record for the biggest crowd of her career in Australia. And while the most successful female artist playing to half a million people should be the biggest story right now - she’s found herself at the centre of conspiratorial fantasies sweeping American right-wing politics. So why is the far right so obsessed with Taylor Swift? And now that Joe Biden has been pulled into the drama could the conspiracy theories be true?Guest: Lucia Stein for ABC Online

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Your cheat sheet for the US Presidential election

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 14:00:00 -0000

In November Americans will head to the polls to vote for their next president. And it’s looking like the contenders will be Joe Biden and Donald Trump. The catch is, while running for president, Trump is also facing 91 charges. So can he still run for the top spot if he’s in jail? And why this particular election is so important to people around the world.

Guest: Matt Bevan for If You're Listening

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Is air travel really as safe as we think?

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 14:00:00 -0000

In the last few months there have been some very close calls with planes. In Japan a plane burst into flames on the tarmac, and a plane in Alaska lost a door mid flight, so just how safe is air travel really? And are all the recent technological advances improving flights or creating more room for malfunction?

Guest: Lucy Sweeney from ABC Digital

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UFOs could be more real than we think

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 14:00:00 -0000

For most of history believing in UFOs and aliens has been considered pretty fringe… that is until now. In the last few years talk of UFOs has become so mainstream that it has been the topic of debate in the US Congress, and now NASA is doing its own research. So was the X Files actually factually accurate? And could aliens have been watching us this whole time?

Guest: Taryn Priadko for Rear Vision

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Will the real extroverts please stand up?

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 14:00:00 -0000

Despite how true personality tests might feel, a lot of them are pseudoscience. But it turns out there is science behind at least one of the big personality factors: introversion versus extroversion. So what makes someone an introvert or an extrovert? And is one innately better than the other (because it turns out one is on average happier!)

Guest: Sana Qadar for All in the Mind

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How did Australia's housing crisis get so bad?

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 14:00:00 -0000

The harsh reality of being an adult in Australia is spending a huge chunk of time talking about house prices! So what’s the deal with our housing obsession? Is it possible to afford a home anymore without getting help from the bank of mum and dad? And how is the housing crisis further entrenching our growing class divide?

Guest: Richard Aedy for the Money

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Why are we addicted to cheesy, salty foods?

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 14:00:00 -0000

For better or worse, ultra processed foods are the backbone of many of our diets. But much like their effect on our cholesterol, blood pressure and waist lines, the evidence that they do us harm is rapidly increasing.

Guest: Jen Leake from Rear Vision

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The brave new world of AI in cinema

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 14:00:00 -0000

AI is impacting every creative indsutry - and movies are no exception. If a young Harrison Ford can be churned out of a computer, what does the future of film look like? And would you feel differently about your favourite TV show if you knew the characters in it were created by a computer?

Guest: Bev Wang from Stop Everything!

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The rise of the Disney adult

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 14:00:00 -0000

There are people who love Disney and then there are people who really really love Disney. Disney adults are a rapidly growing group who have all the costumes, they know all the songs and some have even sprinkled a loved ones ashes in a Disneyland. So it is possible to love Disney a little too much?

Guest: Rohan Salmond from Soul Search

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The mysterious disappearance of Agatha Christie

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 14:00:00 -0000

If you’re a fan of detective novels you’ll know this name almost as well as you know your own: Agatha Christie. She’s the mind that created Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, and she put the Orient Express on the map... But there’s one Agatha Christie mystery that’s never been solved – and you’ve probably never heard of it. It’s the story of her own disappearance, on one December evening in 1926.

Guest: Bec Armitage for ABC Online

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The truth behind your favourite Christmas songs

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 14:00:00 -0000

Jingle Bells, Rocking Around the Christmas Tree, Walking in a Winter Wonderland....You know it's almost the end of the year when you can shamelessly blast your Christmas playlist.

We know all the words to the songs, we sing them every year, but have you ever given much thought to where those songs came from? And isn’t it about time we had some tracks about Australian Christmas?

Guest - Anna Levy for ABC Online

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Is your boss secretly surveilling you at work?

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 14:00:00 -0000

More people are working from home now than ever. Which means everything we've been told about workplace culture and standing desk ergonomics is out the window. So how can managers know that people working from home are actually working from home? Well... some have taken to spying on their employees.

Guest: Sophie Kesteven from the Law Report

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Is life coaching a sham?

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 14:00:00 -0000

Scrolling through Instagram it's impossible to avoid people giving their unsolicited advice - about fashion, the news or the latest food trend. But with the rise of the hot take comes the people trying to monetise this advice in the form of life coaching... and unfortunately a lot of people looking for real help are falling into the trap.

Guest: Kellie Scott for All in the Mind

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Isn't it about time we had driverless cars?

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 14:00:00 -0000

Driverless cars feel like they've been "two or three years away"… for the last 10 years. So why don't we have them yet? What technical and ethical hurdles do we still need to overcome to finally make robots our designated drivers?

Guest: James Purtill from Science Friction.

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Why is the alt-right eating so much meat?

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 18:00:00 -0000

What makes a man, a man? Well eating copious amounts of red meat of course – at least according to certain corners of the internet. The alt-right has made mass beef consumption their business, and this comes at a time when climate scientists and animal activists are urging people to eat less meat to help the planet. So why is the alt-right so focused on eliminating "soy boys" and getting into that Bronze Age Grindset?

Guest: Jonathan Green from Blueprint for Living

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Is Stockholm Syndrome a sexist myth?

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 14:00:00 -0000

The term Stockholm syndrome has become a phrase we throw around to describe people in toxic relationships and bad jobs, but originally it was a diagnosis for a young woman who fell for her captor during a week long bank heist. But it turns out the psychologist who first invented the term never even met the the woman. So what’s the history of this strange syndrome? Is it an early understanding of what we now call coercive control or is it all just a sexist myth?

Guest: Bec Armitage from ABC Online

This episode was originally broadcast on the 7th July 2023.

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How the Olympics were almost cancelled

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 14:00:00 -0000

The Olympic Games are about to kick off and athletes from all over to the world will make their to France to compete. The event is watched by billions, there's a massive increase to local tourism and of course an eye watering amount of advertising dollars at stake so it’s wild to think that at one stage - the Olympics was almost cancelled for good. Guest: Jack Schmidt for God Forbid

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What the writers strike means for Australian creatives?

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 14:00:00 -0000

We've all been there. Laying on the couch after a long day of work, paralysed by the task of choosing what show to watch. We're so spoiled for choice — and there are thousands of new shows hitting multiple platforms everyday. The big streaming services — like Netflix and Amazon argue that television writers are getting more money up front — but the writers say it's become impossible to make a living. So how has the streaming industry changed the way television is created? And is Netflix and Chill about to be cancelled?

Guest: Hannah Reich from ABC Arts Digital

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Would you let strangers watch you sleep for money?

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 14:00:00 -0000

It's no secret we should be working a little bit less, and sleeping a little bit more. And in the age of the always on hustle, some people are doing just that - and these "Sleepfluencers"are making a whole lot of money. So who are these people that are cashing in on their sleep cycles? Why are people paying to watch strangers sleep? And how could the online phenomena of sleepfluencing be a gateway to better mental health?

Guest: Anna Levy from ABC Digital

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Can we capitalism our way out of climate change?

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 14:00:00 -0000

We all try to do our bit for the climate, we say no to plastic bags, we consider buying an electric car, we bring our keep cups to the cafe...but it’s going to take us drinking from a keep cup everyday for 100 million years to cancel out the problems caused by the big polluters - so how do we get everyone on the same page? Are we incentivising the wrong things when it comes to climate? And, should we be thinking about ways to make the economy a little less single use, and a little more circular and sustainable?

Guest: Antony Funnell from Future Tense

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Opting out of the cult of productivity

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 14:00:00 -0000

In the last little while, you've likely told someone "you've had a busy few weeks", or "work is so crazy right now" but can you actually remember a time when you weren't busy? Will the busy-ness every stop or are we destined to feel like we're on the cusp of burnout for the rest of our lives? Is it possible to reach that mystical balancing point where we can be productive at work but also have enough of ourselves left for the other parts of our lives too?

Guest: Lisa Leong from This Working Life

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TikTok is changing the way we think about faith

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 15:00:00 -0000

Around 85% of the world’s population is religious. And 22% of the world’s population is on TikTok, so it makes sense that a whole lot of religious content is making it’s way into people’s feeds. So with more and more people of faith getting online, is TikTok about to become the new religious pulpit? How is the advent of the religious influencer changing the idea of faith? And how can we ensure people aren’t radicalised by disinformation and those all-knowing algorithms?

Guest: Sami Shah from God Forbid

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Making sense of the Voice Referendum

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:00:00 -0000

On October 14th, Australians will head to the polls to vote in the Voice referendum. An important vote which could ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a say when it comes to matters relating to them. In our history, we’ve only had 44 referenda and of those, only eight have been successful. So will this one buck the trend? And will it really improve the lives of Indigenous people?

Guest: ABC Indigenous Affairs reporter and host of The Voice Referendum Explained Carly Williams

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Bushfire season is coming - how to deal with climate anxiety

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 15:00:00 -0000

Summer in the northern hemisphere was the hottest on record. There were unprecedented wildfires and floods resulting in mass destruction and deaths, so what does that tell us about what summer will be like in Australia? And after already experiencing such widespread devastation during the 2019 bushfires, how can we better handle the spike in our collective climate anxiety?

Guest: Nate Byrne from ABC News

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The truth about Stockholm Syndrome

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 15:00:00 -0000

The term Stockholm syndrome has become a phrase we throw around to describe people in toxic relationships and bad jobs, but originally it was a diagnosis for a young woman who fell for her captor during a week long bank heist. But it turns out the psychologist who first invented the term never even met the woman. So what’s the history of this strange syndrome? Is it an early understanding of what we now call coercive control or is it all just a sexist myth?

Guest: Rebecca Armitage

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Does the RBA want people to lose their jobs?

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 15:00:00 -0000

Unless you’re living under a rock, you’ve heard of the recent hike in RBA interest rates. But let’s face it, with the cost of housing as it is, living under a rock is looking more and more likely. These increases are a measure to curb spending to bring down inflation, but the RBA is secretly hoping something else will happen …. and that’s for you to lose your job. So do we really need inflation to be below 3%? And in a cost of living crisis, why is it better to have higher unemployment?

Guest: Richard Aedy from The Money

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Is the golden age of literary fraudsters over?

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 15:00:00 -0000

There's nothing better than disappearing into a good book. You can fall in love with people who have never existed and revel in events that never happened. But how does your perception of that book change when that author isn’t who they made themselves out to be? There's a long tradition of literary fraudsters in Australia, So why are we still so scandalised when this happens? And why is it still so hard to catch an errant author at it – what other hoaxes could be out there?

Guest: Sarah L'Strange from The Book Show

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Varroa mites are coming for your food

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 15:00:00 -0000

Recently, a tiny, pesky parasite called the varroa mite was detected in Australia for the first time, and already they are absolutely wreaking havoc on bee colonies. Bees are fundamental for Australia's produce, without them - we'd lose a third of our fresh fruit and vegetables. So what impact will these mites have on our food supply? And is there anything we can do to stop them wiping out local bees entirely?

Guest: Carl Smith from ABC Science

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Why do we keep locking up Indigenous children?

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 15:00:00 -0000

On any night, around half of people aged 10 -17 in detention facilities across the country are Aboriginal or Torres Strait islander, but Indigenous people only make up 3% of the population. So why are so many Indigenous kids ending up behind bars? And what the programs that are trying to stop that from happening? And are they actually working?

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A Pap test a day for 21 years — meet a medical hero

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 15:00:00 -0000

Have you ever thought about the origin of the pap test? Admittedly, most people would prefer not to think about pap tests at all, so spare a thought for the woman who endured a vaginal test every day for more than 20 years. So, why on earth would this woman subject herself to such a thing? How did her doctor husband get all the credit? And what groundbreaking medical discoveries can be traced back to her sacrifice?

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Will 15 minute cities solve the housing crisis?

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 15:00:00 -0000

The concept of a 15 minute city - where neighbourhoods provide life's essentials in 15 minutes by foot or bike is almost as old as urban planning itself. But recently, this idea has become a flash point for conspiracy theorists. So, while new developments are built at pace to keep up with Australia's housing shortage how should we be thinking about the cities of the future? And is there something sinister about keeping everything in the neighbourhood?

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Why experts think an AI doomsday is coming

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 15:00:00 -0000

Within a month of its launch, ChatGPT had 100 million users. Suddenly AI was doing our assignments, proofreading our emails, and planning our holidays. But in the process of absorbing all this information - AI has been learning a great deal about us humans. So how soon will artificial intelligence eclipse human intelligence? And what happens if AI decides that it’s had enough of us?

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Is Disney a religion?

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 15:00:00 -0000

Whether it’s theme parks, iconic characters or beloved films, Disney has enchanted millions around the world. But for its biggest fans — sometimes called “Disney adults” — it can be an intense and often spiritual experience, involving weddings, annual pilgrimages to Disneyland, and even ways to mourn loved ones.

So, when you put it like that, could Disney be its own kind of religion? And what does this example tell us about what is and isn’t a religion? Some experts say it all comes down to how we think about nostalgia, ritual and the sacred.

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Diet pills have a dark history, but will Ozempic change that?

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 15:00:00 -0000

In the last decade the body positivity movement has been deprogramming our pop culture brains from believing being thinner is better. Finally we’re seeing diverse bodies on runways, on television, and on magazine covers and the supermarket. But is the rapid rise of weight loss drugs like Ozempic… about to change all that?

This is not the first time drugs have promised to make us all thin… In fact diet pills have a pretty long history involving experiments on kids, heart problems and even deaths. So will things be different this time?

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When is Indigenous fashion for everyone and when is it just for mob?

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 15:00:00 -0000

Indigenous fashion is having a moment. But with the boom has come a conversation about whether this trend is commodifying culture, are artists being fairly compensated and are big brands the ones benefiting from aligning themselves with a movement rather than actually doing the work.So, if you want to invest in Indigenous fashion, how can you ensure your money is actually going to Indigenous creators?

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Sovereign Citizens fought the law... and the law won

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 15:00:00 -0000

There comes a time in every kid's life when they realise their parents can't make them do anything. As we grow up we realise that social rules are there for a reason, but what happens if you continue to disobey the rules?Since the pandemic, more and more people are calling themselves 'sovereign citizens', and they believe the law shouldn't impact the way they live. So what happens to the social fabric when certain members of society opt out of the law?

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Why do we love goss… but hate a gossip?

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 15:00:00 -0000

When someone says "I've got goss" we get a visceral reaction, it brings out the best and the worst in us. So why is it that we absolutely cannot resist the goss? We have an insatiable appetite to hear about the private lives of celebs – people we'll probably never meet in real life… but beyond providing good banter about who is sleeping with who does gossip have a role to play in keeping society running smoothly?

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Why does everyone you know suddenly have ADHD?

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 15:00:00 -0000

Something weird happened in the last 12 months or so – it's the fact that all your friends – and perhaps you as well – have ADHD now. So where did this ADHD spike come from? Just how big is the gap between people seeking treatment and those able to give it? And if people are being overdiagnosed, or underdiagnosed, or diagnosed with the wrong thing… what are the risks?

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INTRODUCING — Quick Smart

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 01:00:00 -0000

Why do so many people suddenly have ADHD? What happens when you opt out of the law? Could Disney become a new religion? Is AI going to supersede all our jobs?

We've all been there… sitting with our friends at dinner, when some smart conversation starts about something that you maybe probably should definitely know about but you don't because you can't possibly read everything…

Introducing Quick Smart — the show that feeds you big ideas in bite-sized pieces, hosted by Siobhan Marin your fellow busy person who sometimes needs a little cheat sheet on the big stories.

The first episode drops June 8.

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