When Spotify CEO Daniel Ek invested over $1 billion AUD in Helsing — an AI defence company developing military drone technology — the backlash was immediate. Bands like Deerhoof, Xiu Xiu, and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard pulled their music in protest. But while established artists can afford to boycott, most can’t.

This episode examines the ethical and economic dilemma facing musicians in an industry dominated by platform capitalism. Spotify has long been accused of exploiting artists through low payouts, algorithmic bias, and a shift toward profit-driven podcasting. Ek’s investment in military AI, critics say, only exposes the company’s deeper values.

Can artists resist a system that both sustains and compromises them? And what does it mean when the world’s biggest music platform is literally funding war?

Reporters: Ethan Seiderman and Izzy Lewis

Mixed martial arts, or MMA, is becoming increasingly popular amongst Australians. A partnership between the UFC and the NSW State Government will see multiple fight promotions hosted in Australia over the coming years. Politicians and practitioners alike promote the physical and mental benefits of both watching, and training MMA.

However, engaging with MMA can expose people to far right viewpoints. Extremist groups are actively using MMA gyms and clubs to recruit unsuspecting followers.

Can the positive and negative impacts of MMA exist at the same time? Listen to find out.

Reporters: Will Pascua and Sandra Thomsen

Men love to watch OnlyFans content, but hate the women that make it?

Sex workers are always in the spotlight, but the online platform OnlyFans makes it all too easy for men to spit out abuse at the women they watch with no consequences.

We dive into the impacts, reasoning and solutions to try to make sense of the hypocritical hate men give OnlyFans creators.

Host: Ruby Fox

Reporter: Ruby Parkinson

Producer: Amelia McQuoid

Series Producer: Joanna Beard

Executive Producer: Kate Arnott

Early this year, Tik Tok went crazy over fake Birkin’s being sold at popular chain, Walmart. Many were stunned over its almost identical look to the real deal, others weren’t too impressed arguing that this affects the status of a bag that can retail up to 6 figures.
In this podcast, we explore how a Birkin knock-off has led to the divide between social classes and the culture behind the bag. We also explore the ethics behind fake designer items.
Host: Deanna Lotesto
Reporter: Julia Hunt
Series Producer: Rex Chard
Executive Producers: Kate Arnott and Janak Rogers

Social media is often touted as being bad for mental health. However, a March study out of Belgium found that short social media detoxes didn’t really affect participants’ wellbeing. This episode explores the concept of ‘digital minimalism’, switching off the social media apps entirely, and tries to answer the question: is longer term social media abstinence a solution to self esteem issues and wellbeing, or does today’s society require the interconnectedness it provides?

Host: Amy Brook

Reporter: Emily Williams

Series Producer: Rex Chard

Executive Producers: Kate Arnott and Janak Rogers

From the historic Espy to the little venues tucked away in back streets, St Kilda has always been Melbourne's home of live music.

But with the cost of living crisis, more and more venues are struggling to get customers and bands are feeling the pinch.

Reporter: Thomas Stock

Series Producer: Alexandra Mulcaster

Executive Producers: Kate Arnott and Janak Rogers

A dive into some of the AFL's biggest scandals and the players involved.

We explore how times have changed, with the powerful presence of social media causing detrimental to those in the limelight.

We speak to players from the past and present to gain some unique perspectives from those who have experienced it firsthand.

Host: Will Dunlop

Reporter: Saskia Turner

Producer: Jack Sutton

Series Producer: Joanna Beard

Executive Producer: Kate Arnott

A knock to the head isn't just a bump — it can end a career.

Concussion is now front and centre in sport, from the pros to the juniors. Athletes are retiring early, brain injuries are being uncovered, and leagues are racing to change protocols before it’s too late.

More research, stricter rules, and better education are leading the charge — but the time to act is now.

Let’s use the knowledge we have, to protect our players before the damage is done.

Host: Maddison Cutajar

Reporting: Grace Boyd

Producer: Zac Fahey

Series Producer: Louis Harrison

Executive Producer: Kate Arnott

In this episode we breakdown the rise of the Incel movement and its worrying influence on young men through the new Netflix drama, Adolecence.

Host: Orlando Cox

Reporter: Dash Spencer-White

Producer: James Payne

Series Producer: Rex Chard

Executive Producers: Kate Arnott and Janak Rogers

On April 2nd, when US President Donald Trump announced his sweeping economic policy, essentially isolating the United States from the rest of the world, he singled out one specific industry as the reason behind what he called, "reciprocal tariffs" for Australian trade.

Despite the endless criticism towards the policy, and how his alleged desired affects of bringing production back to America is likely not going to be achieved through it, there's still a lot more that doesn't make sense.

Why does he consider the tariff reciprocal in the first place? Join Patrick Lyne and Alexander Scott as they unpack the proverbial minced meat that this policy is, and how exactly Australians and US consumers are going to deal with it.

Host: Patrick Lyne

Reporter: Alexander Scott

Series Producer: Alexandra Mulcaster

Executive Producers: Kate Arnott and Janak Rogers

Young Australians are drinking less than ever before. Many of them are choosing to put down the bottle entirely.

We spoke to two young Australians about why they don't drink, and discussed the different reasons why young people aren't drinking.

Whether it's having hangovers so bad they never drink again, cost of living pressures and alcohol tax combining to create a cost of beer crisis, or an increase in illicit drug use.

Host: Jack Larkin

Reporter: Matilda Prelec

Producer: Hayley Archer

Series Producer: Joanna Beard

Executive Producer: Kate Arnott

Amid a cost-of-living crisis, young Aussie couples are feeling the pressure-especially when it comes to planning a wedding.

With the average cost hitting $41,400 in 2024 and the dreaded “wedding tax” inflating prices, many are forced to rethink how (and if) they’ll tie the knot.

In this episode, we unpack the financial strain, explore why you’re told not to mention it’s a wedding, and ask: Is love really worth the price tag?

Host: Charlie Kondos

Reporting: Lucy Donnelly

Producer: Aisha Ambesi

Series Producer: Louis Harrison

Executive Producer: Kate Arnott

From the increasing use of viral memes and pop culture references made by political parties, to collaborations with influencers like Abbie Chatfield - political messaging and entertainment are increasingly intertwining.

Join Edie Williamson and Julia Sicilia as they dissect how digital culture is reshaping the democratic conversation in Australia.

Host/Producer: Edie Williamson

Reporter/Producer: Julia Sicilia

Series Producer: Alexandra Mulcaster

Executive Producers: Kate Arnott and Janak Rogers

What was once considered a small indie film distributor, production company A24 has redefined what it means to be mainstream in the film industry. Gaining attention with films like Spring Breakers and Moonlight, it quickly carved out a niche for innovative, risk-taking storytelling.

Over the years, A24 expanded into television and production, becoming synonymous with high-quality, unconventional stories. Its success with award-winning projects and cult favourites like Hereditary and Everything Everywhere All at Once cemented its reputation as a powerhouse in the film industry, reshaping modern entertainment.

Host: Anthea Kalathas

Reporter: Jade Nacionales

Series Producer: Rex Chard

Executive Producers: Kate Arnott and Janak Rogers

A new Netflix series called 'Adolescence' has brought to light the dangers of 'red pill' content and how it's effecting the behaviours of young men.

On this week's podcast, Mackenzie and Skye will discuss the ins and outs of this rising culture.

Mackenzie also speaks to a domestic violence worker about how this content is affecting society.

Host: Mackenzie Mitchell

Reporter: Skye Fenton

Producer: Tayla Gofton

Series producer: Joanna Beard

Executive producer: Kate Arnott

With Donatella Versace stepping down as Versace’s Creative Director, a position which she had held for nearly 30 years after her brother Gianni's passing, the future of the brand has been a hot topic.

With the news that Prada has now acquired Versace from Capri Holdings, fashion designer Dario Vitale will take over Donatella’s former role.

In the wake of this, we spoke to RMIT Senior Lecturer at the School of Fashions and Textiles, Harriet Richard,s to discuss the state of luxury in global but also Australian contexts.

Host: Ava Ross

Reporting: Eva Ramos

Producer: Astra Yol

Series Producer: Louis Harrison

Executive Producer: Kate Arnott

For years social media influencers have posted their advice and healthy recipes to help people engage with their physical health.

However, sometimes influencers are not who they say they are and most likely can't offer professional medical advice.

Our podcast will delve into the dangers of listening to online health information and Belle Gibson's horrific impact on those suffering from cancer.

As Netflix's hit show Apple Cider Vinegar re-opened the disturbing conversation about trusting online health influencers, we will unpack Gibson's cancer lie and how to go about listening to online medical advice.

Host: Nicole Manolitsas

Reporter: Ella Rusmir

Producer: Rebecca Murphy

Series Producer: Alexandra Mulcaster

Executive Producers: Kate Arnott and Janak Rogers

In Bias & Balance, we explore how feminism is portrayed, challenged, and championed in the media—and what that means for the gender divide in society.

From film to TV, todays episode unpacks the narratives that shape public perception of gender roles, power, and progress. Is the media bridging the increasingly polarsing gap or reinforcing old lines? Join us as we discuss how digital content both reflects and reshapes the fight for equality and the responsibility they have to their viewers to educate and empower.

Host: Cass Muir

Reporter: Sophie Ciardulli

Producer: Claudia Coombe-Tennant

Series Producer: Rex Chard

Executive Producers: Kate Arnott and Janak Rogers

Following the 2025 federal election, it was made clear that Australia remains deeply divided on political issues, with a growing conservative lean among young Australian men.

On this week's podcast, we discuss the surprising rise of conservatism among Gen Z males and why it’s striking a chord.

From the influence of social media to evolving views on identity and masculinity, we unpack what's drawing a new generation to adopt traditional values and what it means for the future of politics.

Host: Annalee Daly

Reporter: Kiara Angelini

Producer: Poppy Knight

Series producer: Joanna Beard

Executive producer: Kate Arnott

The 2025 Federal Budget will cut all outstanding HELP student debts by 20%, providing immediate relief to around 3 million Australians and addressing mounting frustration over rising indexation and the cost-of-living crisis. 

While many welcome the change, critics argue it leaves deeper issues-like high university fees and repayment thresholds-unresolved and has sparked backlash from those who already paid off their loans.

Host: Zara Selmani

Reporting: Max Ecuyer

Producer: Sid Caulfield

Series Producer: Louis Harrison

Executive Producer: Kate Arnott