Big Small Talk

This Small Talk episode features Claudia Giblin, a 26-year-old Australian living in New York, whose ex-boyfriend got “red-pilled” while they were living together and completely changed how she dates.  Claudia gets into what it’s actually like being an international in the US right now, where politics don’t just shape the culture, but your relationships too. From the real fear of visas being at risk when speaking out, to how political views are now creeping into dating, it’s a side of life in America we don’t often hear. She’s also come up with her own solution: a multiple-choice quiz men have to take before she gives them her number, covering everything from who they voted for, the podcasts they listen to and if body count matters to them.  It’s a very timely chat with manosphere content trending off the back of the Louis Theroux doco and gives a firsthand look at what life in the US feels like right now as an Aussie. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we discuss Hannah Montana's return for a 20th anniversary special, which drew millions of viewers in just days (and pitch what we would have done differently if we were made exec producers!) We then look into the US-Israeli war in Iran entering its fifth week and Donald Trump extending his deadline on proposed strikes while pushing for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen. Back home, the Albanese Government begins rolling out measures to address fuel shortages.  Then, the security guard who confronted a child on behalf of Chappell Roan has spoken out, revealing he wasn’t actually working for her - as reports emerge of a coordinated bot attack fuelling the drama online. Plus, for the first time in 20 years, workers at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation have gone on strike, citing cost of living pressures, job security and workplace protections. Finally, in a landmark case out of Los Angeles, a jury has found Meta and YouTube liable in a social media addiction lawsuit a decision that could have major implications for the future of big tech. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram  Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Small Talk, we’re joined by writer, editor and Culture Club co-host Maggie Zhou to unpack fashion, trends and identity in the digital age. From growing up on Tumblr to navigating TikTok’s endless trend cycles, Maggie breaks down the difference between slow and fast fashion, the psychology behind overconsumption, and whether influencer and celebrity brands still hold power in 2026. Plus whether or not the haul is dead! We also get into personal style in an algorithm-driven world and how to step off the trend treadmill without losing your sense of self. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The contraceptive pill has been called many things ... controversial, life changing, revolutionary. But one of the most impressive achievements is being universally known as "the pill". Over 150 million women use it worldwide.  But what is the history of contraception? Where did the pill come from? What was the pushback? How did it get approved? When did it come to Australia?  Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram  Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Part Two of this series, we deep dive into the backlash the pill faced, including the impacts on mental health, as well as the introduction of other contraceptive methods and its popularity today. We then deep dive into the trials for the Male contraception pill.  Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram  Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We give an update on the escalation of the war in Iran - new strikes, global shipping chaos, conspiracy theories and the impact on our fuel prices. Then, we give a timeline on this bizarre feud between Chappell Roan and an eleven year old, who is also the daughter of a Brazilian football star. Hannah and Sarah discuss how One Nation have had their strongest result in more than 25 years at the South Australian election. New season of The Bachelorette US has been pulled three days before airing as a video of this seasons lead, Taylor Frankie Paul, attacking her ex-boyfriend surfaced. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram  Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Small Talk, we’re joined by the host of Do You Fucking Mind, Alexis Fernandez, to unpack the neuroscience of manifesting. From what affirmations are actually doing in your brain to how visualisation can quite literally rewire your thinking. We get into the real difference between a vision board and a mood board, how to actually manifest without just hoping for the best, and why venting might be a crucial part of the process, not something to feel guilty about. If you’ve ever been unsure about manifesting but secretly wondered if it works… this is the episode that explains it all, with science to back it up. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We kick off todays episode with the Oscars - the major winners to the most political moments of the night, the best dressed, and yes… the ballet and opera jokes. Then, we unpack how major porn sites have become completely inaccessible in Australia amid a stand off over new age-verification requirements. Next, we dive into the latest Louis Theroux documentary exploring the manosphere — what it reveals, why it’s resonating, and the conversations it’s sparking. We also update on the war in Iran and the uncertain future of the Iranian women’s soccer team - including whether they may seek asylum in Australia or choose to return home. And finally, we discuss Britney Spears following reports of a DUI arrest and growing concerns about her wellbeing. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram  Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Toni Lodge is a comedian, podcaster and now author, who has built a huge following for her chaotic, hilarious and painfully relatable takes on everyday life (and she's one half of the Toni and Ryan Podcast). I was lucky enough to sit down with Toni and chat about everything from losing her mum and the strange ways we talk about grief (and why she doesn't like people say sorry). Plus she unpacks her chaotically perfect engagement story. If this chat doesn't make you want to laugh and cry at the same time I don't know what will! Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram  Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kyle and Jackie-o have called it quits, ending their 200 million dollar ten year contract (or have they??) Hannah and I discuss the show, the controversies, what it means for the industry and levels of sympathy for Jackie O.  We discuss Iran's new supreme leader, Spain's PM calling out Trump and the US submarine that had Australian navy personnel on board that took down an Iranian ship. Oh, and of course, the Iran's Women's Soccer Team now staying in Australia for safety reasons after refusing to sing Iran's national anthem.  Was a tough week for Timothee Chalamet who has been called out by the Opera and Ballet community after he said nobody cared about them.  We unpack what came out of Hillary and Bills deposition over what they know about Epstein.  Sofia Franklyn, half of the original Call Her Daddy Podcast, has announced she will release a tell-all book about her relationship and business breakdown with Alex Cooper and Barstool Sports.  Tickets to Dome Fest  Big Small Talk Instagram Hannah's Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singer, songwriter Maisie Peters joins us in the studio! At just 25, Maisie has already opened for Taylor Swift on the Eras Tour, supported Coldplay, sung Stick Season with Noah Kahan, and performed at Wembley Stadium eight times! Not to mentioned just released a music video directed byt Amelia Dimz and starring BennyDrama. Oh! She also teased her new album with creating a very iconic rom-com scene. So, as a longtime fan of Maisie’s beautifully gut-wrenching lyrics, I was lucky enough to do every fans dream and read out to her my favourite lyrics and get her to unpack the stories and lessons behind them. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is a big one. We unpack everything going on in Iran and Australia's response. Hannah breaks down Anthony Albanese's "difficult" week - from the bomb scare to commenting on David Pocock on Karl Stefanovic podcast to calling Grace Tame 'difficult'. Sarah takes us into the world of the Kennedy Family and if Ryan Murphy's new show on JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette is ethical. Plus, everything we need to know about the Paramount Warner merger and the biggest moments from The BRIT Awards. For the Q+A Hannah explains the recent Four Corners damning investigation into the handling of Endometriosis.  Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram  Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Small Talk we’re joined by Josh Van Cuylenburg from The Imperfects!! Josh is a producer-turned-host and the architect of the Vulnerabilitea House. To test the theory on the 'hangover', Josh has kindly let me host a special Small Talk edition of the Vulnerabitea house with him.  If you're wondering what the Vulnerability Hangover is - it's that wave of shame, regret and “why did I say that?” that hits after you take an emotional risk. We unpack why being vulnerable feels so much worse from the inside than it looks from the outside, why men in particular are often taught to shut it down, and whether in the age of TikTok tell-alls and authenticity, vulnerability has become expected content. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Picking up where we left off in Part One, we now deep dive into the sectarian violence that unfolded in Iraq and layout a timeline on how they attempted to implement democratic processes as well as Saddam Hussein's trial. We also look at the collapse of the America's central justification for the war: no weapons of mass destruction found. We then jump into Bush's re-election and changing public opinion internationally.  Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram  Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big Talk is back for 2026! The Iraq War was one of the most consequential political decisions of the 21st century. In this episode of Big Talk, we trace the road from 9/11 to the invasion of Iraq, unpacking how the trauma of that moment reshaped American and Australian foreign policy overnight and how George W. Bush framed the world in binaries of “good versus evil”. This episode takes us from Bush's election all the way through to the fateful, pre-emptive 'mission accomplished' speech delivered after the initial invasion.  Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram  Hannah's Instagram  Video Grab Sources: The Age  & SBS See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we explain the grounds of Andrew Mountbatten Windsors arrest. We then reminisce our Disney Channel days in the wake of Hillary Duff's crazy ticket sales for her Australian shows and the announcement that Hannah Montana will return. Hannah explains the abhorrent comments by Pauline Hanson and the discussion around 'ISIS Brides'. Sarah talks us through the explosive America's Next Top Models docu-series and why Winter Olympic star Eileen Gu went viral this week.  Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram  Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior Producer and professional on-mic giggler from Shameless Media and host of Everybody Has a Secret, Annabelle Lee, is in the studio with us. We dive into the ethics of secrets — why we’re so drawn to them, what makes them powerful, and what really goes on behind the scenes of Everybody Has a Secret. Then, with the help of some very juicy listener submissions, we put our moral compasses to the test: which secrets should you keep… and which ones absolutely need to be told? Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We unpack the fallout from Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia and why police are now being investigated over their handling of the protests. Then how Zayn Malik claims he was never in love with Gigi Hadid (partner of six yers and mother to his child??). A Norwegian Winter Olympian publicly begs for his ex back, all while the Olympic Village somehow runs out of condoms. Back home, the Liberals spill, Angus Taylor steps up and Sussan Ley leaves politics entirely. We get an update on the Epstein Files, including Pam Bondi’s very tense responses under questioning. Then, Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes split again.  GET DOME TICKETS HERE :))))  Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram  Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Small Talk, we’re joined by comeback king Mitch Churi. From starting in commercial radio at 19 to hosting national shows - and then being unexpectedly let go - Mitch knows what it means to publicly rebuild and rebrand. We giggle over it being the year of the horse and the insane amount of content encouraging our 2026 personal rebrands.  Thankfully Mitch is also well up to date with pop culture, so we also get to evaluate a few of our favourite celeb comebacks - from Zara Larsson to Addison Rae. We ask, what separates a reinvention that sticks from one that feels forced?  Sarah-Jane's Instagram  Big Small Talk Instagram  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we’re unpacking the Super Bowl and Bad Bunny's joyful and perfect performance. Then to the major protests around the Israeli president’s visit to Australia and the police response. We dive into why the internet absolutely melting down over "Wuthering Heights" discourse (yes, justice to the English lit majors). We also break down the latest developments in the Epstein files and why Elon Musk’s Grok AI is under fresh scrutiny. In the Q+A we squeeze in a chat about Taylor Swifts new Opalite music video.  Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram  Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Small Talk, we’re joined by comedian Elouise Eftos, aka “Australia’s first attractive comedian.” Fresh off five-star reviews, major comedy festival wins and an upcoming New York debut, Eloise joins us to unpack the very online, very uncomfortable concept of pretty privilege. Is it real? Is it choice feminism? Is it survival? And why are women punished less for being pretty than for knowing they’re pretty? We talk beauty standards, comedy, confidence, sexual empowerment, online hate, and why leveraging attractiveness gets framed as smart for men but suspect for women. Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram  Elouise Show InformationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We dive into the Grammy Awards - the big winners, the performances, the political moments, and the red carpet. We then unpack the bomb attack at Perth on Invasion Day and how reporting was minimised. We explain the updates to the Jeffrey Epstein files - what new evidence has surfaced and the DOJs response. Plus, Sydney Sweeney's Cosmopolitan cover story, which she talks about her 'MAGA Barbie' label and her new lingerie line. We use that to segue into talking about Nicki Minaj becoming Trumps #1 fan and Melania's new documentary. We break down the increasingly messy Nationals–Liberals situationship, and finally, actress Katherine O'Hara's death.  Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram  Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I’m joined by one of my all-time favourite comedians, Daniel Sloss. Daniel is a laddish Scottish stand-up whose Netflix specials didn’t just make people laugh, but famously ended relationships. In fact, over 250,000 breakups have been attributed to his 2018 special Jigsaw.  We also dive into the more serious turns in his work, from his groundbreaking material on consent and accountability (watch viral clip here), to being the only comedian to speak out against Russell Brand in the channel 4 investigation. I also asked what he thinks about the male loneliness epidemic, Andrew Tate and issues he has with left side of politics (as someone very much on the left side of politics).  Warning - plenty of swear words in this episode! But if you love Daniel you can see him in his Australian tour here! Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We unpack the new hate speech laws finally passing parliament and why the Coalition then split. Sarah finally gets to discuss Zach Bryan marrying someone who looks uncannily like his ex Brianna Chickenfry, as well as Harry Styles dropping a new single hinting at a pivot into house music. Donald Trump backs down from his Greenland ambitions. We dive into what’s happening with ICE in the US - including the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti and the detention of a five-year-old. We also explain what we know about the Sydney shark attacks.   Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram  Hannah's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our first Small Talk of the year, we’re joined by award winning journalist Jan Fran, now also the co-founder of Ette Media alongside Antoinette Latouff - for a big, messy, start-of-year powwow about where things are headed in 2026. To kick off I’ve pulled together a few predictions from Vogue Business, Australian Financial Review, The New York Times and Reuters, and put them all on the table. From lifestyle shifts (are dumb phones about to make a comeback?) to how we’ll consume media, escapism, changes in journalism to Chat GPT boyfriends.  It’s not science or a crystal ball. It is a much needed powwow before a year that already feels… a lot (and it’s only January).  ETTE MEDIA LIVE SHOW LINK  Big Small Talk Instagram Sarah-Jane's Instagram   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.