Big Small Talk
Big Small Talk
MIK MADE
Big Small Talk: 5 PM Tuesdays So you want to know what’s happening in parliament, but you also want to know the latest in pop culture? Good, as you should. From the front page to your newsfeeds, no story is too serious, stale, funny or frivolous. Because, if you haven’t realised, loving pop culture doesn’t mean you don’t understand politics. Knowing all your shit? That’s hot. New Episodes 5pm Tuesday. Small Talk: 6 AM Thursdays It might not be tangible news but each week there’s something in the cultural zeitgeist that gets us all talking. We want to unpack these frivolous conversations, from new trends to relationship theories to life advice. In an age of never-ending small talk, we want to examine how these collective thoughts affect the way we see the world. We may even reach out to a few friends and experts to weigh in. Big Talk: Wednesday 6 AM - Last Two Weeks of Every Month Over the past few decades, there have been news headlines so shocking that we still hear and feel their impact, such as Roe V Wade, Monica Lewinsky, Epstein, Mabo and Hillsong.  Don’t you think it’s about time you knew all the important and salacious details about the real stories that have happened that shaped our world today? Come on, I know you’re curious.
BIG TALK: The Whitlam Dismissal PART ONE
With the 50-year anniversary of the Whitlam era having just passed, we’re diving into why this moment still has everyone talking. In part one, we peel back the story of the man who tried to reshape Australia faster than the country could catch its breath and how that boldness created one of the most fascinating political rollercoasters we’ve ever had. From Medibank to no-fault divorce, free uni to ending conscription, Whitlam arrives in 1972 and immediately begins rewriting the national script. But the pace, the ambition, and the battles with a hostile Senate set the stage for a showdown no one could have predicted. This episode takes you from his historic 1972 win, through the reforms, all the way to the surprising snap election just 17 months later.
Nov 18, 2025
45 min
Epstein's Emails, Wicked: For Good & Net Zero
20,000 emails have been released  from Epstein’s estate - including one that indicates Vladimir Putin may have photos of Donald Trump having oral sex with Bill Clinton. Ryan Murphy's new legal drama starring Kim Kardashian, Naomi Watts, Glenn Close and Sarah Paulson has been panned by critics, many giving 0 stars. The Liberal party scraps Net Zero. The Wicked: For Good press tour and premieres are underway, we recap the headlines so far. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is introducing sweeping criminal law reforms that could see children as young as 14 sentenced to adult life sentence.
Nov 18, 2025
54 min
SMALL TALK: Who Helps Run the World (But Never Gets the Credit)? With Phoebe Saintalin
This week we explore the power behind the power - the hidden figures quietly pulling the strings in the rooms where world leaders make history (but don't call them puppeteers though… they don’t love that). This week, I’m joined by Phoebe Saintalin Stocks, founder of Missing Perspectives and author of the brilliant new book The Right Hand. What makes this book so extraordinary is that Phoebe sat down with the real chiefs of staff to some of the most influential leaders on the planet - from Jacinda Ardern, Kamala Harris and John Howard to Nelson Mandela, Tony Blair and Julia Gillard. In our chat, Phoebe opens up about her own career journey and how she learned just how human our world leaders really are. Perfect content for our fellow political nerds… or if you peaked early as your Primary School Vice Captain.
Nov 12, 2025
43 min
Sydney Sweeney GQ, Zohran Win & Shay Mitchell Skincare for Kids
Sydney Sweeney Has Spoken Out About Her Controversial American Eagle Jeans Ad. Zohran Mamdani has won the race to be mayor of NYC. Actress Shay Mitchell Launches ‘Rini’, A Skincare Company for Small Children. Victoria’s Inquiry into women’s pain has confirmed what we already know, the health system was built around men. The 2026 Grammy Nominations are in, here are the best surprises and shocking snubs. Tasmania compensates those convicted under homophobic laws.
Nov 11, 2025
52 min
SMALL TALK: Should We Want Celebrities Political Opinions? With Shit You Should Care About
Today I am joined by Lucy Blakiston, owner of the OG Instagram news account, Shit You Should Care About, which now has over 3.4 Million followers (& I can almost bet you've shared one of their tiles on your story before). In this episode we not only talk about the origins of content creating, online performance activism and the conflicting feelings of sometimes being the only news source for people - but we decide to tackle a big question that I have been desperately wanting to cover on Small Talk for a while now, should we expect celebrities to speak on politics?? It's a question that both Lucy and I have gone back and forth on many times over the years (and in this episode) and we are so excited to hear your thoughts.
Nov 5, 2025
50 min
Julia Fox, Zohran Mamdani & Dean Lewis
Julia Fox has found herself in the middle of a heated online debate over her Halloween costume choice. It’s time for some hope, the election for NYC Mayor is upon us - and let’s hold hands in a circle for Zohran. Australian singer Dean Lewis has issued an apology following multiple sexual misconduct allegations. Victoria has become the first Australian jurisdiction to pass a formal treaty with Indigenous Traditional Owners. On a hill that seems bizarre to die on, Podcaster and Creator Hallie Batchelor is standing by her thesis that using condoms are cringey. It's being reported that Millie Bobby Brown has reported David Harbour for bullying on the set of Stranger Things.
Nov 4, 2025
48 min
SMALL TALK: What Are The Rules For Dating This Summer? With Chantelle Otten
We are joined today by the incredible sexologist, content creator and Bumble's very own dating expert, Chantelle Otten! In this episode we chat through a few tips and tricks for those keen on dipping their toes back in the dating scene this summer. From being silly, setting up profiles to picking your pre-date playlist.
Oct 29, 2025
46 min
BIG TALK: The Petrov Affair PART TWO
In part two of our deep dive into the Petrov Affair, we unpack the political chaos that followed one of Australia’s biggest Cold War scandals. The defection of a Soviet spy didn’t just make headlines, it reshaped an election, launched a Royal Commission, and sent the Labor Party spiralling into accusations of communism. We look at how the opposition leader’s desperate attempt to clear his name became a full-blown witch hunt, how fear shaped the nation’s politics, and what life looked like for the Petrov's after the dust settled, trying to then live quietly in Australia.
Oct 28, 2025
29 min
Lily Allen New Album, Louvre Heist & ADF Class Action
Lily Allen obliterates her ex husband, actor David Harbour, in her new album called West End Girl. Two suspects have been arrested over the Louvre Heist, spoiling the limited fun we have available in these dark times. Ex Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and pop star Katy Perry are confirmed to be dating. A Melbourne based content creator has died after having a home birth. Women are launching a class action lawsuit against the Commonwealth for sexual harassment, assault and discrimination experienced in the Australian Defence Force.
Oct 28, 2025
50 min
SMALL TALK: Why Aren't We Talking About Menopause? With Myf Warhurst
You might know Myf Warhurst from Spicks and Specks, her years of Radio or as the voice of Aunt Trixie and Indy’s mum on Bluey - but today, we’re diving into a topic that’s rarely talked about, even though it affects half the population: menopause. It’s something every woman will go through, yet most of us know next to nothing about it until it’s already happening. People write into our Q Box saying they have to do so much research just to know what to even ask their GP - and that’s wild. In this episode, we chat with Myf about what she learned making her documentary 'The Truth About Menopause', how the conversation is finally shifting, and why bringing menopause out of the shadows isn’t just important for women but is something everyone should be part of. Whether you’re going through it, about to, or know someone who will, this is a must-listen. Listen to Myf's podcast Watch 'The Truth About MenoPause' on ABC i-View
Oct 22, 2025
46 min
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