Albanese announces his cabinet, Adam Bandt loses his seat Sussan Ley is appointed head of the Liberal Party. Sean Combs (Diddy) Trial finally begins in Manhattan, the jury is finalised and opening statements given. Pope Leo XIV from Chicago is elected post conclave. After being subpoenaed in the Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni case, Taylor Swifts team releases a strong statement. Q+A about what is happening between India and Pakistan.

Welcome to our first Small Talk episode recorded in New York! I was so lucky to get to chat to Claire Parker and Ashley Hamilton from the ⁠Celebrity Memoir Bookclub⁠ podcast.

As comedians and successful pop culture connoisseurs, I thought they would be the perfect people to chat to about gossiping.

Why do we love gossip? Can you really be above it? Is the ability to gossip (within reason) important to establishing social norms and reputations? What about celebrities and reality TV?

Our thoughts on the Labor party win, Greens result and Liberal defeat. Coverage of the 2025 Met Gala and explanation of this years politically charged theme. Nagi vs Brooki caramel slice recipe debate intensifies. Erin Patterson, charged for murder after feeding her in-laws death cap mushrooms in 2023 is now on trial.

Today Sarah sits down with Jack and Falcs from The Inspired Unemployed to chat about Tall Poppy Syndrome.

They discuss why being an 'Aussie battler' is so engrained in our culture, rooting for the underdog and why people feel bitter when they see others are over-achieving. Also, being in the public eye, starting businesses and imposter syndrome.

If you didn't know, Sarah got her start in podcasting at 21 years old after she was tapped on the shoulder by Spotify who were looking for help on a new show they were developing with comedy duo and influencers - The Inspired Unemployed.

It was years of building that show with Jack and Falcs that gave her enough experience and confidence to then start Big Small Talk. Also, don't worry Inspired fans, she's working on getting their show back in studio soon too!

It's time to take a look at the real life story of succession.

We examine the roles the kids played in the businesses and the irrevocable trust. Then, the estrangement, the backstabbing and the never ending plot twists as the eldest son, Lachlan, and Rupert Murdoch attempt to take voting rights and power away from the other three children. Finally, how this all played out in court and the damage caused to one of the most powerful, richest families in the world.

Jojo Siwa breaks it off with our friend, Aussie influencer and podcaster Kath Ebbs following a controversial season Big Brother UK where she had a close relationship with Love Island contestant, Chris Hughes. Welcome to Country is booed during an ANZAC day dawn service in Melbourne, sparking debate. Charli XCX ends Brat Summer and passes the baton to Lorde. An update on the Australian election and recent debates. Harvey Weinstein's retrial begins.

Today I chat to the lovely Kayla Jade, a very well known OF creator and TikTok star (over 2 million followers!) all about feminism, her story and the ethics of sex work and social media.

Of course, we also get the background story on where 'Peggy Sue' came from!

Kayla's TikTok

Kayla's New Podcast - Storytime With Kayla Jade

After re-watching succession and spending time in the US, we thought it was about time we truly looked into the most powerful man in the world, Rupert Murdoch. In part one, we look at Rupert's early life, career, how he expanded the family business, his multiple marriages, children and creation of Fox News.

Pope Francis passes away on the Easter Long Weekend. Pop Star Tate McRae faces backlash choosing to collaborate with country music star Morgan Wallen. Update on Australian election campaign and policies. Gayle King defends her trip to space with Katy Perry and Amanda Nguyen's story overlooked. Harvard goes head to head with the Trump administration.

Today we talk about the TikTok trend, 'rejection therapy'. Where people put themselves in embarrassing situations and film it to overcome their fears of judgement and others.

Do we think it's annoying? Has it gone too far? What is the psychological merit in exposure therapy? What are our own experiences with rejection?

Joining us today are our friends Kath Ebbs and Carmen Azzopardi (zigs mom) who are also the hosts of the podcast I've Always Said That.

If you have a topic you want Small Talk to cover next - leave a comment! Or message bigsmalltalk_pod.

Coachella Weekend One performances and recap, Australian Election policy update, White Lotus Star Aimee Lou Wood defends herself after 'mean and unfunny' SNL sketch about her teeth, Trumps Tariff pause and insider trading, Katy Perry returns to earth after space trip and NSW Doctors Strike.