Michelle Battersby is back, and a lot has changed! Since we last spoke, she’s sold her startup Sunroom, stepped into a new role as President of Peanut, and welcomed her second child.

We get into her experience of being a mum and that transition, before unpacking why the “girl boss” conversation is suddenly back in the headlines and why it needs a serious rethink when motherhood enters the equation. Michelle opens up about the tension so many women feel between wanting a career and wanting to be present as a parent, and how financial pressure (especially Australia’s obsession with home ownership) shapes the risks we feel able to take.

Plus, she shares why she’s campaigning to get 'matrescence' recognised in the dictionary. Matresence is the profound psychological and neurological shift that happens during and after pregnancy, and how its insane we haven't all known the word for it.

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We kick off with the latest out of the US, unpacking the posts from Trump about threatening to 'take out' the whole country of Iran and that tomorrow will be "plant day and bridge day", alongside updates of the firing of Pam Bondi and Kristi Noem.

Then, the $180 million legal war surrounding Kyle and Jackie O Show. We break down what’s actually going on, who seems to have the stronger case, and whether traditional broadcasters can still “own” personalities in a world where podcasts exist.

Next, Anthony Albanese delivers a national address that had many people saying “this could have been an email". It was then followed with a National Press Club speech announcing major gambling ad reforms.

And finally, beware, a spoiler (maybe?) !! The new film starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson has sparked a full-blown debate about what audiences are owed when it comes to plot twists. Hannah and Sarah debate the ethics of this movies marketing.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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