Hack

Four elections around the world could be about to shift international politics. Voters have been gathering in the streets in celebration and protest of what is yet to come. We get you across the developments for Brazil, Serbia, the US and Israel And, federal politicians returned to parliament today for the first time since the attack on Helen Haines. Parliamentary business was suspended to allow MPs to share messages of support. Plus, a US start-up is planning on selling ‘sunlight on demand’ via giant mirrors in space. Sorry, what? Finally, we hear about mutton birding – an Indigenous tradition that's been happening in Tasmania for thousands of years. Listen now: 01:09 – Global elections 12:44 – Helen Haines tributes 17:25 – Selling sunlight 25:00 – Mutton birding Guests: Matt Doran, ABC Middle East Correspondent Sara Webb, Astrophysicist, Swinburne University Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every…

For years we’ve been hearing about how entertainment venues have struggled to stay afloat because of rising costs and shifting drinking habits. Gen Z drinking is drinking less than other generations, and it’s changed how they go out. But some pubs and venues are finding creative ways to attract a new generation. On this week's deep dive you'll hear about what young people are looking for in a night out, and how businesses are adapting. Guests: Mowgli May, Sydney Based DJ Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

It's been a heavy week of news with the alleged targeted attack on MP Helen Haines. We unpack what's unfolded online and in the political sphere And, soon Airbnb will ban hosts from making guests do check-out chores like washing dishes and stripping the sheets (finally). It's got hosts pretty fired up, so how are guests feeling? Plus, the Victorian Premier Ben Carroll made headlines this week when he drove off without paying for his petrol. True to the warnings plastered on every pump, the servo called the cops! He's since settled the bill (it was an accident) but it got us wondering, what have you forgotten to pay for? Host Dave Marchese is joined by former Labor government staffer Alisha Aitken-Radburn and Zak Kirkup, former member of the Liberal Party. Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Heaps of people are pumped about Laneway next year, but not everyone - some are nervous after the accessibility issues of the 2026 festival. Laneway has announced a new disability inclusion plan that they say has taken on the feedback. So what's changing, and how are young people in the disability community feeling about attending? Plus, how do you turn the biggest trauma of your life into something positive? Activist Yonatan Zeigen was on the phone to his mother during the Hamas-led attacks that killed her on October 7. He tells hack how his mother’s death generated a new voice in him. Listen now: 01:03 – Laneway accessibility 08:41 – Yonatan Zeigen Guests: Yonatan Zeigen, activist Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Yonatan Zeigen's mum Vivian Silver was one of the most prominent victims of the 2023 October 7 Hamas-led attacks on Israel. The human rights activist spent her last moments speaking with her son Yonatan before being killed in a massacre. But instead of responding to the death with anger, Yonatan decided to take on his mum's mission of pushing for peace. In this week's long listen, Yonatan tells Dave why his mother's death was a wakeup call, what he believes is the way forward for Palestinians and Israelis, and his biggest fear ahead of Israel's upcoming elections. Guests: Yonatan Zeigen, activist Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Despite reports that Gen Z is drinking less, the 'experience economy' has some pubs packed with young people. So how are they doing it? And, a coroner in Victoria has ruled that a gambling addiction led a 22-year-old man to suicide. We unpack the findings from the coroner’s report. Also, the NSW government says it will use legislation to allow the expansion of a Hunter Valley coal mine – despite a high court ruling against it. The move has been called "reprehensible" by a former Supreme Court Judge. Finally, the latest on Helen Haines's condition and the charges laid against her attacker. Listen now: 01:11 – Haines health update 06:36 – Coroner's gambling findings 12:55 – Hunter Valley coal mine expansion 19:46 – Gen Z drinking less Guests: Charlotte King, ABC Climate Reporter Kristian Silva, ABC Court Reporter Mowgli May, Sydney Based DJ Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Australia's been left stunned after independent MP Helen Haines was attacked outside her electorate office in regional Victoria. In this special edition of hack, we hear the latest from the investigation, speak with friends and colleagues of Helen Haines about how they're feeling, and ask how this has changed Australian politics. Guests: David Pocock, Independent Senator for the ACT Kate Chaney, Independent MP for Curtin Dr Josh Roose, extremism expert, Deakin University Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Police in France have been firing tear gas and stun grenades into crowds, and the streets are littered with burnt cars, but these riots started as peaceful student protests. Why did the demonstrations escalate and how did they spread to other parts of Europe? And, Greens senator Jordon Steele-John has released a lengthy statement on social media denying allegations of inappropriate conduct towards women and has blamed his party for the public fallout. Plus, why are so many women coming forward alleging pregnancy discrimination at their job? Finally, PhD students say that the stipend is not enough to live off and that it’s discouraging students from pursuing important research. Listen now: 01:16 – Protests in Europe 06:22 – Jordon Steele-John responds 11:29 – PhD stipend 20:02 – Pregnancy discrimination Guests: Shalailah Medhora, triple j hack political reporter Avani Dias, Four Corners reporter Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple…

Did you know you could lose your job for being gay, getting divorced or falling pregnant? Protections in our national laws shield people from discrimination based on gender, sexuality, marital and pregnancy status, but exemptions allow religious schools to discriminate in certain circumstances for religious reasons. A new bill attempts to change this, and has reignited debate between faith-based organisations and LGBTQIA+ advocates. On this week’s Deep Dive, host Dave Marchese sits down with Michelle Pearse, CEO of the Australian Christian Lobby, and James, an LGBTQIA+ advocate, to hear both sides of the argument. Guests: Michelle Pearse, CEO of the Australian Christian Lobby James, LGBTQIA+ advocate Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

New US press secretary Katie Zacharia’s first week on the job has been a bumpy ride with a rocky debut press conference followed by intense questioning over her qualifications. So, we hear about your first day bungles. And, comedian Shane Gillis is in hot water over a joke about women’s gym outfits in his SNL monologue. Critics have labelled it sexist and misogynistic. Plus, Donald Trump has confirmed the execution of Nihal Hasan by firing squad will not be live streamed, following intense backlash. Also, Kelly Clarkson had her Pretty Woman moment... over a $22k mechanical bird? Host Dave Marchese is joined by author and comedian, Lucinda Price AKA Froomes, and journalist, Marty Smiley. Listen now: 03:43 – Live stream execution off 10:51 – Press secretary bungles first day 18:11 – Shane Gillies SNL joke 25:10 – Kelly Clarkson v bird Guests: Lucinda Price AKA Froomes, writer, comedian & content creator Marty Smiley, ABC reporter Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the…

Greens senator Jordon Steele-John has taken leave from the Greens party room today, following allegations he made inappropriate comments toward women, which he denies. We get you across it. And, should we scrap Youth Allowance? A new report from Anglicare Australia reckons yes – saying young people shouldn’t get less than the regular Job Seeker Payment. Plus, we’re joined by journalist and host of new documentary The State of Man, Marc Fennell, who has investigated the world of the manosphere, and reveals what he thinks could be the antidote. Listen now: 01:11 – Jordon Steele-John allegations 05:05 – Nixing Youth Allowance? 14:05 – The ‘manosphere’ and more Guests: Shalailah Medhora, triple j hack political reporter Felix Hughes, President of the National Union of Students Marc Fennell, journalist and host of 'The State of Man' Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

What's attracting Aussie guys into the manosphere? It's a question investigative journalist Marc Fennell has set out to answer in his new ABC documentary The State of Man. Marc's journey started in his own home, after his young sons stumbled upon Joe Rogan while watching Minecraft videos on YouTube. In this chat he unpacks his trip around the world, speaking with self-described incels, fitness bros, trad wives and police, and reveals what he thinks could be the antidote to the manosphere. Guests: Marc Fennell, filmmaker Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Should prisoners be allowed to freeze their eggs? A 'landmark' High Court decision could soon give one Queenslander prisoner the chance after her initial application was rejected. And the NT government has announced it will make pepper spray available to 16 and 17-year-olds as it moves to permanently legalise the weapon for self-defence. We speak to both sides of the debate. Plus, it’s not often you see intergenerational competition in sport... unless you attend your local wood chopping competition, where it’s often passed down through families. Listen now: 01:10 – Prison reproductive health 07:01 – Legalising pepper spray 24:55 – Fourth-generation wood choppers Guests: Talissa Siganto, ABC Reporter Tatum Martin, advocate for the legalisation of pepper spray Jeff Rodwell, pepper spray retailer Dr Chay Brown, FDV victim survivor and advocate Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

In Australia today, you can still lose your job for being gay, getting divorced, or getting pregnant. How? Because of exemptions for religious schools that they say are about freedom of religion, not discrimination. But a new bill has been introduced to change those exemptions. We unpack both sides of the discussion. Plus, can Australia stop an execution from being live streamed? Listen now: 01:14 – Live-streamed execution 12:02 – Sex Discrimination Act Guests: Dr Victoria Fielding, Strategic Communications at Adelaide University Michelle Pearse, CEO of the Australian Christian Lobby James, LGBTQIA+ advocate Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

An estimated 15,000 Aussies head overseas for surgery each year – but some people are stepping off the plane home with botched results and infections. We hear about what changes Aussies are getting done overseas, and what's going wrong. And, three of Western Australia's biggest universities are potentially merging, but not everyone is happy about it. Plus, Trump has called an ‘energy ceasefire’ between Ukraine and Russia, which was a surprise to Ukraine’s President Zelensky. So... what exactly is an ‘energy ceasefire’? Listen now: 01:13 – University merger 12:26 – Energy ceasefire 18:40 – Medical tourism Guests: Dylan Storer, President of the Curtin University Student Guild Dr Matthew Sussex, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University Dr Lily Vrtik, President of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

This week the Coalition dropped it's new migration policy. It's promised to slash the number of international students coming to Australia and put a bigger focus on skilled migrants. So how does this stack up to what Labor and One Nation are proposing? And what would it mean for Australia's economy? On this week's Deep Dive, host Dave Marchese speaks to ABC Finance presenter Alan Kohler to unpack the Coalition's migration plan. Plus, Dave asks Liberal MP Andrew Hastie if his party is just copying Pauline Hanson. Guest: Alan Kohler, ABC Finance Andrew Hastie, Liberal MP, Shadow Minister for Industry and Sovereign Capability Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Christa Pike is alive, talking, and reportedly ‘angry’, after surviving a botched execution. So what happens now? And, a One Nation electoral ad has gone viral this week – but not only for its content. It’s raised the question, should AI be allowed in political ads? Plus, is the ‘singles tax’ real? Apparently, it’s costing people thousands of dollars a year... Also, would you cheat... in a marathon? A fitness influencer’s been caught hitching a ride mid-race. Host, Dave Marchese, is joined by Daily Aus Editor-in-Chief , Billi FitzSimons, and comedian, Billy D’Arcy. Listen now: 04:10 – What now for Christa Pike? 12:10 – AI in election ads 19:50 – The ‘singles tax’ 26:40 – Marathon cheater Guests: Billi FitzSimons, Editor-in-Chief at the Daily Aus Billy D’Arcy, Comedian Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

What are the risks of cutting back on immigration? Yesterday, the Coalition released its long-awaited migration policy to dramatically cut back on international students in favour of skilled migrants. Today, Liberal MP Andrew Hastie joined hack to respond to criticism about the plan. And, we unpack a landmark High Court decision for a NSW coal mine and fossil fuel emissions. Plus, would you commit to donating 10% of your income forever? How about a kidney? We’re joined by Hu Pennington - who has done both of those things - to hear about ‘effective altruism’. Listen now: 01:13 – The Coalition on migration criticism 14:00– Landmark climate ruling 18:41– Effective Altruism unpacked Guests: Andrew Hastie, Liberal MP, Shadow Minister for Industry and Sovereign Capability Hu Pennington, Effective Altruism Australia board member

How far would you go to help people you have never met? Would you commit to giving away a proportion of your income for the rest of your life or even donate a kidney? Hu Pennington has done both in the name of "effective altruism" — a social movement centred around positive impact and charity. In this chat with Dave, Hu explains why he decided to give his kidney to a stranger, and how his family reacted when he told them. Guests: Hu Pennington, Effective Altruism Australia board member Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

The stories that matter to The Coalition have dropped their new migration policy with promises to slash visa numbers across the board. So what do the experts think? And how does it compare to the Labor and One Nation plans announced earlier this year? Plus, Christa Pike is talking in hospital after surviving a failed execution last week. Pike, 50, has been on death row for 30 years after murdering her classmate in 1995. So, what went wrong with the execution and what happens now? And, how do you network when your nearest colleague is hundreds of kilometres away? We unpack the new initiative helping young rural workers connect. Listen now: 01:21 – Migration policies explained 11:14 – Christa Pike still alive 25:21 – Networking out bush Guests: Julian Koplin, Lecturer in Bioethics, Monash University Alan Kohler, ABC Finance Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm young Australians,…

The big tech companies were in the hot seat today, ready to be grilled at a parliamentary inquiry into artificial intelligence. We listened in to find out what they were asked, and what they had to say. And, the Greens want to force Coles and Woolworths to sell off 200 stores so they can be publicly owned - much like New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's plan for his city. Why do this? To make groceries cheaper, says Max Chandler-Mather. But we have more questions. Plus, there's been reports of a suspected plague death in Russia that has health experts monitoring closely. So, how worried should we be? Finally, we talk about a country pub with some unexpected stars taking the stage. Listen now: 01:15 – AI inquiry 06:07 – The Greens’ supermarket idea 18:53 – Pneumonic plague 24:17 – Outback drag Guests: Max Chandler-Green, Former Greens MP & Executive Director, The Greens Institute Thomas Jefferies, Senior Lecturer of Microbiology, Western Sydney University Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and…

Australia's native reptiles are highly sought after overseas, with some fetching hundreds and thousands of dollars. But exporting live native reptiles for commercial purposes is illegal — so criminal networks are finding other ways to get them out of the country. This week, we're looking at the illegal trade in Australian reptiles, and the unlikely group of people getting caught up in it. Host Gabby Katanasho is joined by Dr Sebastian Chekunov, who's extensively researched wildlife crime, to unpack how the trade works, where our reptiles are going, and why it matters Guest: Dr Sebastian Chekunov, Adelaide University Wildlife Crime Research Hub Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

The lawsuit alleging a gang rape at Cornell University has sparked a cultural movement that might be the biggest since #MeToo. It's all anyone is talking about right now... but do enough men join the conversation when it really matters? And, how do we create a culture that doesn't enable sexual violence? And, Donald Trump decided AI needed a rebrand this week, and signed an executive order to rename it "Super Intelligence", or "SI". Catchy? Jury's out, but it got us thinking, what are some of the great rebrand flops of all time? Also, the Singapore government is trying to play cupid... for its staff! Is this a good idea or a very bad one? Host Gabby Katanasho is joined by author and creator Jack Toohey and senior writer at Pedestrian TV and co-host of Broadly Relevant", Simran Pasricha. Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Just 24 hours ago, the Greens got a new leader. David Shoebridge shares what he wants young people to know, how the party will combat its ‘unserious’ reputation, and his promise of a ‘red-hot fight’ against Labor and One Nation. Plus, a plane flying to Tel Aviv dropped more than 15-thousand feet, in less than a minute, with a bloody struggle in the cockpit. We get into what's known. And, we're joined by Noongar woman, victim-survivor and DV advocate, Alison Scott. In 2019, her sister was murdered by her partner. She explains what it will take to protect some of the most vulnerable in our society, and what it's like for those who have lost family to domestic violence. Listen now: 00:58 – Cockpit attack 03:40 – Say hello to the new Greens leader 14:51 – Australia’s DV crisis Guests: David Shoebridge, Leader of the Greens Alison Scott, DV advocate Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at…

Warning: This story contains images and descriptions of an Indigenous person who has died. How do we stop women and children being murdered? It's a question politicians, communities and families have been grappling with for decades. And, it seems we're still looking for the answer. Last month, across 10 hours, three women were allegedly killed by men they knew in separate attacks. Politicians have called the deaths 'profoundly distressing' but said more funding alone won’t solve this problem. So what will? Alison Scott has been working in this space for nearly three decades. She is a victim-survivor and her sister was murdered by her partner in 2019. In this week's long listen Alison tells Gabby Katanasho about the moment she learnt her sister had been murdered, the continued pain of losing someone to domestic violence, and how she thinks the system needs to change. Editor’s note: During this discussion, it is stated that Jessica Bairnsfather-Scott died at 22, however she was 32. We asked the WA government…

A recent study found a majority of popular TikToks about birth control weren't posted by medical professionals. So, how do you sift through this so-called 'expert' advice online? And one of the biggest football teams in the world, Manchester City, is currently wrapped up in one of sports' biggest scandals... and they've been found guilty. So how serious is this, and what will happen to the club that has dominated the English Premier League for the last decade? Plus, what happens when 31 tonnes of whale washes up on an Aussie beach? The local council hauls it to the tip... but how do they get it there? Why the tip? Tell me more! Finally, is AI getting in the way of uni students developing the skills they'll need when they graduate? Listen now: 01:21 - AI in uni 13:30 - Manchester City found guilty 19:30 - Contraception misconception 23:47 - Whale carcass Guests: Joel Pearson, professor of psychology and neuroscience at UNSW Dane Heverin, digital reporter at Fox Sports Vanessa Pirotta, marine scientist at…

Internationally the reptile trade is big business – and Aussie reptiles are being pulled into it. We learn how criminal syndicates are smuggling Australian animals out of the country. Also, the Reserve Bank has lifted interest rates to the highest level since 2011. But how does that actually impact young Aussies? Plus, the Beau Lamarre-Condon trial has started. He's accused of the double murder of his former lover, Jesse Baird, and Jesse's new boyfriend, Luke Davies. We bring you up to speed on what happened in the first week of the trial. Listen now: 01:12 - Interest rates rise 11:32 - Beau Lamarre-Condon trial 18:12 - Illegal reptile trade Guests: Evan Lucas, economic futurist Sarah Gerathy, ABC News Reporter Sebastian Chekunov, Wildlife Crime Research Hub Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

It’s a typical weeknight at home: you’re sitting at the dinner table, arguing with your parents about politics. Sound familiar? Some research suggests Gen Z is the least likely generation to support One Nation, while support among Gen X and Boomers is strongest. So what’s it like when you and your parents can’t see eye to eye on politics? And we get into Iran’s offer to open the Strait of Hormuz – a global shipping route that’s key to rising fuel prices around the world – and just how quickly the US Government rejected their proposal. Plus, have you heard about the ‘snack exchange’? Part food adventure, part cultural exchange, all happening through the mail. Finally, we get into the huge weekend of footy we’ve just had – all about the underdogs, and all about the heartbreak. Listen now: 01:22 - Iran’s latest proposal 05:54 - Intergenerational political divide 18:57 - The ‘snack exchange’ 23:20 - Footy’s heartbreaking weekend Guests: Professor Pip Collin, Professorial Research Fellow, Western Sydney…

Have you ever been unsure if something in your feed was real or AI? Well, you’re not alone – it’s even getting hard for the social media platforms to spot them. We looked into one FIFO influencer, Bindi Raye, who has 85k followers across Instagram and TikTok. She looks like a regular woman sharing her life online – posting pictures of her life at the mine site, at the beach, or at the footy – but she’s actually one of several generative AI accounts pushing their followers to pay-walled AI adult content. In the deep dive this week, host Ali Angeloni is joined by Dan Miller, senior lecturer in psychology at James Cook University, to unpack what these AI influencers are doing to our brains, what they mean for real sex workers, and how we feel about paying someone who isn’t real. Guest: Dan Miller, senior lecturer in psychology, James Cook University Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at…

How would you feel if your favourite artist didn’t play their biggest hit? Tones and I has pulled out of her headline performance at the upcoming NRL Grand Final, and apparently, it’s because she didn’t want to perform her most popular song. We get into this, plus, if we should even have pre-game entertainment. And, the latest Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey is out, revealing that half of young Aussies are living at home with their parents. We unpack why this might have gone up, and chat about why it’s mostly men who still live at home. Also, Channing Tatum is in the headlines this week because some internet sleuths reckon they’ve found his burner account – otherwise known as a ‘finsta’. Finally, we want to know if bringing an iced coffee to a job interview is unprofessional, and if so, why? Host Ali Angeloni is joined by ABC journalist and creator Issy Phillips and Seven News journalist Sam Payne. Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to…

So, an OpenAI agent went rogue and infiltrated Australian Government websites a few months ago – and we only found out today. We unpack what went wrong, why the government didn’t know and what happens next. And, we’re joined by Gumbaynggirr artist and activist Aretha Brown to chat about why she is leaning into joy, why she describes the relationship between artists and some galleries as 'parasitic' and how it feels to be a real romantic in 2026. Listen now: 01:16 - OpenAI Medicare hack 14:15 - “The most romantic job in the world” Guests: John Lyons, Americas editor, ABC News Aretha Brown, artist and activist Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Aretha Brown has been in the public eye since she was 16 years old when a speech she gave at an Invasion Day rally made national headlines. Last year, she became one of the youngest artists ever selected for the National Indigenous Triennial at the National Gallery and her art collective, Kiss My Art, has painted more than 65 murals around the world. Now Aretha is preparing for her first solo show, Born Romantic. In this week's long listen, Aretha tells Ali why she is leaning into joy, why she describes the relationship between artists and some galleries as 'parasitic' and how it feels to be a romantic in 2026. Born Romantic is on at the Abbotsford Convent in Melbourne from September 26 - October 4. Guests: Aretha Brown, Gumbaynggirr artist Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Have you ever been unsure if something in your feed was real or AI? Well, you’re not alone. We look into a FIFO influencer who has almost 85,000 followers, but she’s actually one of several generative AI accounts pushing their followers to pay-walled AI adult content. And, we hear about US president Donald Trump’s threat towards Iran in his address at the United Nations General Assembly, and the reasons behind the high fuel prices we’re seeing around Australia. Plus, the AFL Grand Final is this weekend at the MCG, featuring two non-Victorian teams. We find out the lengths some fans are going to get around the sky-rocketing prices for flights, and whether all states should have the day off on Friday. Listen now: 01:15 - Fuel prices and Trump’s address 06:22 - AI FIFO ‘influencer’ 20:41 - AFL Grand Final creative fans Guests: Dan Miller, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, James Cook University Poppy Penny, ABC Sport reporter Oli, Seb and Ronan, Fremantle Dockers fans Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on…

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 ADF 06:00 - Governments giving jobs to their mates 17:30 - Green vinyl 22:35 - Could Oscar Piastri win the F1? Guests: Clancy Moore, Chief Executive Officer, Transparency International Australia Elle Baillieu, co-host Paddock 43 Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen 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 drugs Guests: Dr Danielle McCartney, Associate Lecturer in Pharmacology, University of Sydney Dr James Gilmour, Experimental Scientist, AIMS Alan Kohler, finance journalist, ABC Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen 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 Sydney Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen 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 TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen 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' murder 06:05 - Explaining the new environmental laws 10:54 - Giving away your fortune…

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 advocate Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or…

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 riders 13:46 - Visiting oyster reefs 18:24 - Getting taller by breaking legs Guests: Alex Veen, employment relations researcher, University of Sydney Dr Ben Buchanan, clinical psychologist Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen 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 stunt 07:28 - How a gambling ad ban could pass parliament 13:58 - Demand for 1800RESPECT soars 18:03 - The future of regional cinemas Guests: Yasmeen Shadid, member of the Islamophobia Register's Youth Committee Mike Freelander, Labor MP for Macarthur Dr Ruari Elkington, Chief Investigator, QUT Digital Media Research Centre Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live…

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 Organisations Conor Cartwright, producer, ABC Radio Darwin Breakfast Tracey Holmes, host, The Sports Ambassador podcast Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your…

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 Auckland Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

From changing his mind on the release of the Epstein files, to lashing out at reporters, there's been a bit on for Donald Trump. And the Sky Sports TikTok channel for female sports fans has collapsed after massive backlash for being patronising and misogynistic. Plus, we hear your solo adventure stories after a UK bar banned drinkers drinking alone. Host Dave Marchese is joined by political reporters Jessica Wang from The Daily Telegraph and Dominic Giannini from AAP. 04:00 - Quiet, piggy 14:35 - The Sky Sports TikTok fail 21:50 - Going out with... yourself Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

When it comes to contraceptives, we aren't opting for methods like the IUD or implant in Australia anywhere near as much as people in other countries are. The federal government's made IUD insertion cheaper and added the NuvaRing to the PBS — but what stops people from using alternatives to the pill? Plus: after 12 years of addiction, Dylan is exposing the strategies betting companies used to keep him addicted to gambling. He chats to Dave about how much he lost, and what is helping him to go more than 150 days without a bet. Listen now: 01:10 - Australia's low rate of long-acting reversible contraceptives 14:40 - Overcoming a gambling addiction Guests: Dr Jacqueline Coombe, Sexual Health Unit, University of Melbourne Dylan, anti-gambling advocate Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Dylan's gambling started at school, and it just got worse from there. To fuel his bets, he reckons he started borrowing money from friends, but as the addiction spiralled out of control he resorted to stealing. Gambling cost Dylan a lot, in terms of both money and opportunities. Now, he's trying to quit, and he's documenting the journey on TikTok and Instagram. In this longer interview cut for the hack podcast, Dylan talks with Dave about the road that got him here. He describes the clarifying moment when he placed his last bet, the daily battle to keep going in a world where gambling ads are everywhere, and what it's like to do it all so publicly. Guests: Dylan, anti-gambling advocate Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Has an AI investment frenzy created a "bubble"? And if so, is it going to burst? Google's boss has weighed in with a warning: if AI stocks go bust, no company will be safe. Also: scientists are asking questions about the future of research and innovation in Australia, after CSIRO announced hundreds of job cuts. And for the first time in decades, there's no hip hop in the Billboard Top 40. Is the genre dying? Plus hundreds of thousands of fans are getting ready to pack stadiums right around Australia, with the Ashes series starting in Perth this week. Listen now: 01.01 - Is AI over-hyped? 08.52 - CSIRO job cuts 13.27- Is hip hop dead? 24.22- Ashes preview Guests: Jason Murphy, economist and journalist Chris Lambert, musician and lecturer, SAE University College Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Do you use a hair loss drug? A vocal minority of younger users of finasteride are speaking out about the rare but potentially long-lasting mental health side effects. Plus: the UN Security Council has approved Donald Trump's plan for an international stabilisation force to provide security in Gaza. So what happens now? And young Kiwis are streaming out of New Zealand in record numbers, with a lot ending up here. What's the appeal, and are they planning to stay? Listen now: 01.13- What it's like on hair loss drugs 14.08 - What's next in Gaza? 18.22- Choosing Australia over New Zealand Guests: Tynan King, reporter, Background Briefing Asha Sundaram, Associate Professor, University of Auckland Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

After months of unanswered questions and speculation, the Coalition has finally unveiled an energy policy, ditching emissions targets and focusing on lower power prices. So what about doing something about climate change? And what about younger voters? We sit down with the Opposition Leader Sussan Ley to ask these and more questions, including whether her leadership is now officially on life support. Plus, Donald Trump has urged Republicans to vote for the release of the Epstein files — a proposal he's been fighting, until now. Listen now: 01.01 - Dave's interview with the Opposition Leader Sussan Ley 18.39 - Why did Trump backflip on the Epstein files? Guests: Sussan Ley, opposition leader Emma Shortis, US politics expert, The Australia Institute Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Could trans athletes be banned from women's sport at the 2028 Olympic Games? We don't know for sure, but the International Olympic Committee is considering a ban and the US government has already banned trans athletes at college level. So what would a total ban on trans athletes look like for women's sport? And what does the science say? In the deep dive this week, we're taking a look at what's driving this debate. We set out why it's been in the news this week, which sporting codes have changed their policies already, and how all of this might play out at the next Olympics. And we speak to an expert about the science at the heart of this issue. Guests: Ada Cheung, Professorial Fellow in Endocrinology, The University of Melbourne Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm