Hack

Albo stayed but Dutton and Bandt were booted, as Aussie voters handed Labor more control than ever: 2025 was a big year in politics. And it's been fiery: from cost-of-living rage to heated fights over immigration, government spending and political stunts, punters have been questioning whether politicians are actually acting in their best interest. And in the US, the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the election of Zohran Mamdani added fuel to the political divides that are reshaping the world. So which of the big changes in politics in 2025 will stick?Host Dave Marchese is joined by former Labor staffer Alisha Aitken-Radburn and former WA Liberal leader Zak Kirkup. Get the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

When Big Brother contestant Abiola introduced herself on the show as a "fat black lesbian", she instantly gained fans around Australia for her disarming honesty. And with cameras, microphones and even a 24/7 TikTok live stream capturing the contestants' every move, Abiola found herself at the centre of some big conversations inside the house. From discussing the meaning of "pretty privilege" to the loss of her mum and the real impacts of the cost of living crisis, Abiola wasn't afraid to be vulnerable.And then, there's how she wrapped up on the show, deciding to take $15,000 from the prize pool with her. So how's she feeling now?In this week's extended interview, Abiola opens up to Dave about what she's doing with the money, what she really thinks of the housemates, and what it means to be a "fat black lesbian" who blew up online.Guest:Abiola, Big Brother contestantGet the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

From Gout Gout's meteoric rise to Sam Kerr's big return to the Matildas and Oscar Piastri's F1 saga, it's been a massive year in sport.But it wasn't just huge achievements: 2025 was also the year a lot of sporting codes were forced to grapple with tough questions on everything from gambling and misogyny, to homophobia and racism.For this special episode of The Shakeup, we upack the highlights and controversies that dominated the sporting world this year. Host Dave Marchese is joined by sports podcasters Elle Baillieu and Josh Garlepp. Get the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Australia's world first social media ban for teens under 16 is kicking in tomorrow. So how are teenagers prepping, and what will they turn to instead? Plus, do Anika Wells' travel expenses pass the pub test? And spotted a walking stick prop at a festival this summer? We get into why disability advocates are concerned about risks to accessibility. Also, with revamped Big Brother wrapping up, we speak to one contestant about why they signed up and what the experience was like.Listen now: 00:59 - Social media ban comes in05:58 - David Pocock on how much politicians should spend14:45  - Walking sticks at doofs19:28 - Abiola from Big Brother opens upGuests:David Pocock, independent senatorAbiola, Big Brother contestant Get the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

The first week of summer has already seen deadly bushfires raging from WA to Tassie and NSW. So what's it going to take to get more young volunteers to sign up to spending their summer fighting fires?And a WA coroner examining the death of Cleveland Dodd in a notorious youth detention facility has handed down his findings, recommending Perth's Unit 18 be closed 'as a matter of urgency'.Plus, it happened: former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce has officially joined One Nation. How will he get on with Pauline Hanson? We're also talking about the health risks of vaping after Fraser Olender says it brought on a heart attack. Listen now: 01:20 - Cleveland Dodd inquest findings08:18 - Would you fight fires for free?18:34  - Barnaby Joyce and Pauline Hanson team up22:49  - What we know about vaping and heart attacksGuests: Cason Ho, reporter, ABC PerthHamish Clark, Senior Research Fellow, University of MelbourneAlexander Larcombe, Associate Professor, Curtin School of Population HealthGet the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

In most of Australia, people using medicinal cannabis can't legally drive - even if they're unimpaired. But now the NSW government is thinking about bringing in a medical exemption to change that.So, how does cannabis affect your ability to drive? And do you think the laws need an update? On this week's hack deep dive, we hear from young people trying to navigate medicinal cannabis use and driving. They're worried about what could happen if they get pulled over.Also, you'll hear from an expert who breaks down exactly how THC impacts your ability to drive and whether or not a medical exemption is safe.Guests: Dr Danielle McCartney, Associate Lecturer in Pharmacology, University of SydneyGet the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

It's Spotify Wrapped time. But with all the controversy surrounding the music streaming giant this year, are attitudes towards this cultural tradition changing? And TikTok has apologised after several Black creators reported racism at its awards event. What does this all say about how the media treat people of colour? Also, we're asking if arguing is a healthy part of a relationship after Travis Kelce revealed he and Taylor Swift never do it. Plus, is it easier to make friends in the city or the country? Host Dave Marchese is joined by 7NEWS Sydney's Daniel Healion and culture writer Maggie Zhou. Get the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

The live music scene is in trouble, with Park Waves this week becoming the latest festival to announce its Australian cancellation. So why does this keep happening? And is the federal government's main plan to fix it working?And if you're getting served up stuff in your social feeds that you never asked for, this one's for you: Chanel Contos from Teach Us Consent has a plan, and she wants Australia to get onboard.Listen now: 01:17 - The gigs Revive Live is helping make happen07:37 - Can Australia save its live music scene?16:04  - How to opt out of your algorithmGuests: Dr Sam Whiting, senior research fellow, RMIT UniversityChanel Contos, founder and CEO, Teach Us Consent Get the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

If you could quit your own algorithm and start again, would you be happier?And if everyone could do it: would it make the world a better place?Chanel Contos thinks so, and she wants Australia to do something nobody else has tried yet: make algorithms opt-in.A petition she's set up already has the names of some of Australia's most powerful people on it.So can we fix our feeds? And what would an internet that's no longer governed by algorithms even look like?In this week's interview pod, Chanel chats to Dave about the fight for our feeds.She gets into how algorithms fuel sexual violence, why we've all become so addicted to them, and what freedom from their content could mean.Guests:Chanel Contos, founder and CEO, Teach Us Consent Get the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

It's the biggest fight in the smallest state. So how do people in Tassie feel about the new AFL stadium, now it has the votes in the Parliament to happen?And Bruce Lehrmann's had another loss, this time in trying to challenge his failed defamation suit. So with the full federal court now backing the original ruling that on the balance of probabilities he raped his then colleague Brittany Higgins, is the case officially over?Plus, we unpack the scandal around a viral song sung by what a lot of people reckon sounds like an "AI clone" of Jorja Smith. And could improving accessibility in netball also help with the umpire shortage? Listen now: 01:20 - What happened with Bruce Lehrmann's appeal?07:31 - The future of the Hobart stadium14:06 - Does 'I Run' infringe copyright?25:01 - Umpiring in a wheelchairGuests: Jade Toomey, reporter, ABC CanberraRichard Savery, Senior research fellow, University of CanberraGet the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Getting a mate a job is great for the mate, obviously. But what if the mate isn't the best candidate, and the job is on a government board that pays $300k? A report into nepotism in Australia was finally released today, and its findings are scathing.Plus, Australia is getting an inquiry into sexual assaults in the defence force. We speak with victim-survivors.Also, what can artists do to make music greener? We head to a vinyl factory in Melbourne that's going green. And could Aussie F1 driver Oscar Piastri still win the world title in Abu Dhabi? There's still a pathway.Listen now: 01:09  - Sexual violence in the ADF06:00 - Governments giving jobs to their mates17:30 - Green vinyl 22:35 - Could Oscar Piastri win the F1? Guests: Clancy Moore, Chief Executive Officer, Transparency International AustraliaElle Baillieu, co-host Paddock 43Get the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Almost 10 years after medicinal cannabis was legalised in Australia, driving laws in many parts of Australia haven't changed. So how does cannabis affect your ability to drive, and do laws need an update? And we hear from tourism operators on WA's Ningaloo Reef who feel forgotten and "out of sight" after mass coral death from this year's marine heatwave. Plus, we unpack how weight loss drugs are changing the global business of how we eat, after a pharmaceutical company reached a $1.5 trillion valuation.Listen now: 01:07 - Should you be able to drive on medicinal cannabis? 12:59 - The Ningaloo's "underwater bushfire"24:23 - The big business of weight loss drugsGuests: Dr Danielle McCartney, Associate Lecturer in Pharmacology, University of SydneyDr James Gilmour, Experimental Scientist, AIMSAlan Kohler, finance journalist, ABCGet the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

In the big cities, they deliver everything from pizza and pad thai to booze and groceries, but are delivery riders and drivers earning enough to make it worth their while?A lot reckon no — but could that be about to change?This week, two of Australia's biggest apps, Uber Eats and DoorDash, announced they'd agreed on a minimum level of pay.So what could this mean for drivers?On this week's hack deep dive, we head out with the riders and drivers delivering Australia convenience.We hear how the apps work on the rider's side, how they've learned to game the bonuses, and chat with an expert about how sustainable this kind of work really is.Guests:Alex Veen, employment relations researcher, University of SydneyGet the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

From sandwich press steaks and the burka stunt to last-minute laws, we unpack the serious and silly moments of the last week of Parliament for 2025. And has flight etiquette gone out the window? A US transport official who is asking flyers to "dress with respect" seems to think so. Also, 'tis the season... for taking things too far — we hear your Christmas party horror stories. Host Dave Marchese is joined by editor-in-chief of The Daily Aus, Billi FitzSimons and actor Remy Hii. Get the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Labor has done a last-minute deal with the Greens to overhaul the nation's "broken" environmental laws, on the last sitting day of Parliament for 2025. So what changes?And the findings of an inquest into the murder of 21-year-old Sydney woman Lilie James were handed down today. We get into what the coroner's recommending.Plus, what would you do if you inherited $50 million? Hear why one woman's choice is to give it all away. Listen now: The findings of an inquest into the murder of 21-year-old Sydney woman Lilie James were handed down today. We get into what the coroner's recommending.And Labor has done a last-minute deal with the Greens to overhaul the nation's "broken" environmental laws, on the last sitting day of Parliament for 2025. So what changes?Plus, what would you do if you inherited $50 million? Hear why one woman's choice is to give it all away. Listen now: 01:14 - What needs to change after Lilie James' murder06:05 - Explaining the new environmental laws10:54 - Giving away your fortuneGuests: Isobel Roe, journalist, ABC NewsMarlene Engelhorn, Austrian heiress and wealth equality advocateGet the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

When Marlene Engelhorn inherited tens of millions of dollars from her grandma, she felt she had two choices: do something about it, or confirm she was "full of shit". Marlene lives in Austria and inherited some of the Boehringer Mannheim fortune, but she's also a campaigner against wealth inequality, calling for higher taxes on wealthy people like herself. Now, she's giving it away, redistributing her $50M inheritance in a bid to take herself "out of the 1%" she was born into. But can you actually leave the 1%, or is Marlene just cos-playing as a poor person?Does having so much money inevitably make you a bad person? And what can the rest of us learn from one woman's decision to stand against the power of her own wealth?Marlene Engelhorn answers all these questions and more in this extended interview with Dave. Guest:Marlene Engelhorn, Austrian heiress and wealth equality advocateGet the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

A historic deal could transform Australia's gig economy, with UberEats and DoorDash agreeing to minimum pay rates. So what's a day in the life like doing deliveries? And oysters are known as the kidneys of the ocean. Could they help address the major ecological disaster off South Australia?Plus, young men struggling with body image are increasingly turning to a radical option: limb-lengthening surgery. Listen now: 01:11 - The big breakthrough for delivery riders13:46 - Visiting oyster reefs 18:24 - Getting taller by breaking legsGuests: Alex Veen, employment relations researcher, University of SydneyDr Ben Buchanan, clinical psychologist Get the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Pauline Hanson got suspended from the Senate today, and she's being condemned by all sides. But Muslim Australians say the damage from yesterday's burka stunt has already been done.And anti-gambling advocates want the government to completely ban betting ads. Now, one Labor MP says there's a way to do it: give MPs a conscience vote. Plus, calls for help to 1800RESPECT have risen by 3,000%. Why?Also cinemas used to be the community hub in a lot of small towns. Are they still relevant?Listen now: 01:09 - Muslim Australians react to the burka stunt07:28 - How a gambling ad ban could pass parliament13:58 - Demand for 1800RESPECT soars18:03 - The future of regional cinemasGuests: Yasmeen Shadid, member of the Islamophobia Register's Youth CommitteeMike Freelander, Labor MP for MacarthurDr Ruari Elkington, Chief Investigator, QUT Digital Media Research CentreGet the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Ukraine might have to reduce its armed forces and hand over territory under a US plan. Is Russia about to get what it wanted? Also, are you driving around with Russian oil in your tank? There are reports that Australia may be indirectly supporting the war by importing 'blood oil' through third countries. And Darwin is cleaning up after Cyclone Fina hit on the weekend — and it's heading towards WA's Kimberley coast next. Plus: why hasn't Matildas fever translated into support for women's professional football? Listen now:01:03 - Trump's peace plan for Ukraine 05:41 - 'Blood oil' in Aussie petrol tanks 16:35 - The clean-up in Darwin after Cyclone Fina 21:40 - Why is women's soccer struggling? Guests:Kateryna Argyrou, chair, Australian Federation of Ukrainian OrganisationsConor Cartwright, producer, ABC Radio Darwin BreakfastTracey Holmes, host, The Sports Ambassador podcastGet the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Do you know a Kiwi in Australia? Chances are good that you do, because young Kiwis are coming here in record numbers.It's being called a "brain drain", and with the median age of people leaving 29 experts are worried about what it means for New Zealand's future.So why do so many young Kiwis leave?And are they planning on staying away for good?In the hack deep dive this week, we speak to young Kiwis who've made the jump across the ditch and ask an expert whether New Zealand needs to worry about so many people jumping on one-way flights.Guests:Asha Sundaram, Associate Professor,  University of AucklandGet the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm