Car Chats with Tess, Kat & Shaun

Join us this week for our season 8 finale as we recap some of our favourite episodes and discuss how far we've come...as well as talk about the future of Car Chats. In this episode we have an extended personal update as we catch you up what we've been up to the last couple of weeks as well as our feelings over lockdown easing, international borders opening and the ability to go out and catch up with friends and family. We also unpack some recent headlines such as: The tragic death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of 'Rust', The TGA's push to allow pharmacist to prescribe the 'pill' without needing a prescription from your GP, The Save our Scene campaign to restore life back to Australia's highly impacted gigging and live music community, Scomo's super secret plan to get Australia to become carbon neutral by 2050 through technology not 'yet' invented, as well as the upcoming COVID-19 booster shots. As usual we end with our weekly recommendations and a massive thank you to all our lovely listeners who have stuck with us on this journey...See you on the other side!  

Dave Chappelle is famous for his uncomfortable, boundary-pushing comedy. Has he taken the jokes too far in his recent Netflix special ‘The Closer'? Then, what on earth is going on between Jesy Nelson, Nicki Minaj and Leigh-Anne Pinnock in the recent ‘blackfishing’ controversy? Make sure to tune in live every Tuesday at 5pm on Radio Monash and check us out on our Instagram @carchatspodcast. We would love to hear your thoughts on the episode!

We are back baby after a two week break and hell yeah we're excited for this ep. A lot has happened over the break and WE ARE READY to talk about it. We deep dive into Gladys Berejiklian's surprise resignation and then we chat about Rancid Eddie and their controversial new single. Make sure to tune in live every Tuesday at 5pm on Radio Monash and check us out on our Instagram @carchatspodcast. We'd love to hear your thoughts on the episode!

This week we discuss the most talked about event of the year and fashion's big night out: The Met Gala. Join us as we talk about the origins of the event, the exclusivity (invite-only), the themes, the dresses (our favourites), and of course the controversies and drama. Later on we talk about FITSPO... #thinspiration's sinister but subtle younger sister. Many of us would remember thinspiration from our high school days; images shared on social media of (almost impossibly) thin bodies overlaid with inspirational quotes promoting "health and fitness". It sparked conversations about 'thigh gaps' and promoted almost impossible thinness as the benchmark for women.  The goal of fitspo (short for fitspiration) was to motivate people to pursue fit and healthy lifestyles by promoting body positivity over weight loss... however the rise of fitspo has been closely aligned with the rise of fitness influencers who have gained mass following online by posting toned and slender athletic bodies attached with motivational quotes. So join us as we discuss the potential dangers and harms of this growing online phenomena. 

We all know what it’s like to be scrolling through LinkedIn, seeing the successes of your network, and feeling like you're falling behind in comparison. We've labelled this feeling 'career dysmorphia'. Join us as we share personal experiences and unpack the reasons why these feelings are so widespread. Then, we switch gears and discuss all things pronouns: what they are, what they mean, how we should use them moving forward.  Make sure you check out our socials if you'd like to get involved in the conversation @carchatspodcast on Instagram and Car Chats with Tess, Kat and Shaun on Facebook. 

On this week's episode, we discuss the Triple J tweet that got musicians and their audience talking about how the Aussie music scene isn't up to scratch with representing people from all backgrounds. We then chat about the good, the bad and the ugly of reality TV. Yes, that's right... listen in to hear us talk about all the reality TV shows we're obsessed with, we're disappointed with and we're frustrated with. Make sure you check us out on our socials if you'd like to get involve in the conversation @carchatspodcast on Instagram and Car Chats with Tess, Kat and Shaun on Facebook.

This week join your favourite hosts (and special guest Olivia) for one roller coaster of an episode where we debunk some common COVID-19 myths and vaccine misinformation. We also take a look at the vaccine rollout in other countries and how their governments are handling re-opening boarders and travel. We then switch gears entirely and talk all things period! We've asked you, our lovely listeners, for your pressing period questions so join us (hosted by Shaun) as we get candid and discuss our own personal experiences and opinions (Kat, Tess & Liv). 

BRITNEY'S BACK! We touch base with our favourite pop queen and discuss recent developments in her legal battle to remove her father, Jamie Spears, from his role as her conservator. Then, we revisit the #FreeBritney movement and unpack the highlights and criticisms of the New York Times' documentary titled 'Framing Britney Spears'. 

WE'RE BACK BABY! Car Chats is officially back for another season and boy we're excited. After a much needed break, the gang is back and better than ever. We give you all the personal updates you never asked for and a quick run through of what's been going on in the world over the past week. We then dive into a discussion about the 2020 Tokyo Olympics; all the ups and downs, the weird and the wacky. And later, we unpack the ABC's recent investigation into TikTok and how the new social media app is causing more problems than you think. If you'd like to join in on the conversation, check us out on our instagram @carchatsmonash or on Facebook at Car Chats with Tess, Kat and Shaun.

***Trigger Warning: Emotional abuse, manipulation, gaslighting*** For our season finale we are taking a little trip to gaslit city and unpacking gaslighting within intimate relationships and friendships; how to recognise and how to shut it down. Have you ever asked yourself "am I being sensitive?" multiple times a day, often feel confused or crazy in a relationship, you're always apologising, or you feel like you're constantly not good enough... you might wanna listen as these are often the symptoms of being gaslit. As gaslighting is a form of abuse we would also like to urge our listeners to reach out to 1800 RESPECT or Lifeline on 13 11 14 should you feel uncomfortable or relate to any of the content discussed.  In the second half of the show we get into queer-baiting; a form of profiting from attention from the LGBTQI+ community by hinting at on-screen same-sex couples or queer characters without actually confirming or following through with it. LGBTQI+ representation is super important, and often when these representations are implied, authors, artists, and producers profit from buzz within the LGBQTI+ community without actually providing proper representation. PSA: This is our last show of the season, so we will be back to regular programming in the coming months, in order to stay up to date please follow our socials on instagram (@carchatsmonash) or facebook (Car Chats with Tess, Kat and Shaun).

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains details of family violence and coercive control. If you, or anyone you know, is struggling, please contact 1800RESPECT. On this week’s episode we are talking about coercive control. This type of family violence involves a pattern of controlling behaviours that creates an unequal power dynamic in a relationship. We discuss the shortfalls of the legal and criminal justice system when it comes to recognising and responding to these issues. Then, we identify signs and behaviours to look out for and provide details for resources you can access if you are struggling. In the second half of the episode, we unpack the age old debate of whether you and your ex can remain friends after a breakup. We talk about situations where it does and doesn't work and provide tips on how you should approach it.

Due to Mother's Day being last Sunday, we decided to honour the occasion by reflecting on significant women who have inspired us and played a positive part in our lives. We then jump into part 2 of friendship breakups by discussion what it means to drift from a friends, balancing friendships once you get into a relationship and how and why you may want to rebuild a friendship after a breakup. Join the conversation on our socials @carchatsmonash on Instagram or Car Chats with Tess, Kat and Shaun on Facebook.

This week we get into the scandal surrounding former US Bachelor Colton Underwood. In his bombshell interview on Good Morning America, the former NFL player came out as gay to the surprise of the general public as well as ex-girlfriends. Furthermore, Underwood's past behaviour has raised many concerns in the public eye, with the most worrisome being his ex-partner filing a restraining order against him for alleged stalking and abusive behaviour. With Underwood's coming out interview and news of a Netflix docu-series about his journey it raises the question; should coming out essentially be a blank slate and fresh start for Colton, now that he's found himself? In the second half we get into the nitty gritty of friendship breakups; they're more common and just as emotionally draining as romantic breakups but we don't seem to talk about them as much. Sometimes it's mutual, and sometimes it's not; either way it's something every person has gone through at some point in their lives, so join us as we discuss our own experiences and strategies as a means to cope and process the loss of friends. 

On today's episode we discuss censoring and moderation of *potentially* offensive content on social media sites. Then, we unpack how dating apps have created a hookup culture which may have long term damaging effects when it comes to sex and relationships. 

In this episode we chat about how measuring and defining success can be difficult to understand, especially in our early 20s. Then we jump into a discussion about toxic positivity and how the #goodvibesonly mantra isn't as realistic as it seems. If you wanna see more of us outside of the show, then why not check out our socials @carchatsmonash on Instagram and Car Chats with Tess, Kat and Shaun on Facebook. Catch you next week!

Hey guys! Join us this week as we unpack the recent scandal surrounding Khloe's recent unedited photo surfacing on social media; What does this say about our rights on the internet?  What does it say about body image?  What does it say about fame and celebrity power? Do you think it was right for her to take it down? In the second half of the show we talk boundaries: How do we establish our boundaries and what are they? What are the challenges when setting boundaries? & Differentiating boundaries when it comes to friendships, work, and relationships. 

On today's episode we discuss the Netflix documentary titled 'Operation Varsity Blues'. This explores the 2019 College admissions scandal that saw over 50 people charged for conspiring to get their children into elite colleges in the US through bribery and cheating. Then, we switch gears entirely and unpack conflict management styles and how this influences relationship compatibility. If you'd like to discover your conflict style, take the quiz here: https://www.oprah.com/relationships/whats-your-conflict-style-quiz-dealing-with-conflict. This week, Tess recommends enjoying some cheese and wine at Milk the Cow, Kat has been watching 'Black Books' on Netflix and Shaun has loved 'Ginny and Georgia', also on Netflix.

In this weeks episode we're joined with our good friend Soph! We discuss the recent deadly attacks in Atlanta that sparked discussions over anti-asian sentiments and hate crimes. We then throw it back to the controversial Oprah interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the comments made about race and mental health. If you're interested in listening to what Kat mentioned about the history of anti-Asian sentiment, you can check it out here --> https://www.npr.org/2021/03/18/978832077/the-history-of-anti-asian-sentiment-in-the-u-s Our recommendations for this week includes, Kat's mum's knitting instagram page called @orangekknitting, Shaun's Laps for Life (you can donate here https://www.lapsforlife.com.au/fundraisers/shaunkhambatta/laps-for-life), Tess' TV show on Disney+ called en Pointe, and Soph's local Salvos. Thanks for listening and make sure to follow us on our socials @carchatsmonash on Instagram or Car Chats with Tess, Kat and Shaun on Facebook.

***Content/Trigger warning: the second half of this show contains discussions of rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment*** For our first episode back we're talking about the recent public outrage against gendered violence and inequality in Australia culminating in the nationwide March 4 Justice. Listen in as we discuss the march itself, the scandals and allegations surrounding Members of Parliament as well as the Australian Prime Minister's public response on the matter. Later in the show we also discuss the capitalisation of Mardi Gras by corporations and organisations who profit from merchandise however lack in diversity, support, and action when it comes to LGBTQI+ community. On a similar note we dive into several tone deaf advertisements from the recent International Women's Day by companies who also clearly lack female presence in their marketing department. 

IT'S OUR FINAL EPISODE FOR SEASON 6! Thank you for listening to Car Chats with Tess, Kat and Shaun this season. We hope you have enjoyed every minute of our weird and whacky discussions. To finish off the year, we talk about how to be ethical when purchasing gifts and the impact fast fashion can have. Then to end the year with a BANG, we reflect on the year that's been, the best, worst and future of Car Chats. Let us know if you enjoyed the show and make sure to follow us here on your podcast app and our socials @carchatsmonash  HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Are babies the latest fashion accessory? We unpack whether or not it's ethical for social media influencers to post pictures or videos of their babies and then monetise on these posts and use them to grow their following. Then, we discuss manifestation: what it is, how to practice it and why it could be useful.

We celebrate Elliot Page, the 33-year old star of Juno, X-Men and the Umbrella Academy, who came out as transgender.  Then, we discuss whether or not it's okay to cast straight actors in queer roles or cisgender actors in transgender roles (and vice versa).

Gay conversion therapy is banned in Victoria!!! We unpack the dangers of this process and how religion has influenced its practice. Then, we discuss 'This is Paris'; the Paris Hilton documentary that was swept under the rug.  

Can men wear dresses? We unpack the controversy that surrounded the recent US Vogue cover featuring Harry Styles wearing a skirt and explore how our definitions of masculinity and femininity are based in misunderstanding. Then, we take a deep dive into our friendship, how we met and some of our favourite memories together. 

As the spring racing season has kicked off, we decide to discuss its cultural significance in Melbourne and whether it is ethical to participate and support the sport. We then jump ship and share our craziest, funniest and most memorable travel stories. Ranging from weird massage encounters to tooth aches and psycho Airbnb hosts. If you missed us live, why not check us out on your podcast app. Otherwise tune in next week at 11am on Radio Monash for more Car Chats with Tess, Kat and Shaun.

This week we are joined with a very special guest, AMANDA. We talk about managing a healthy and sustainable lifestyle whilst also considering the corruption behind the produce industry (eg. Avocados in Mexico). Then, we switch gears and discuss the recent investigation into Tinder's response to predators and the lack of access, communication and support available to survivors. Want more from us? Check us out @carchatsmonash on Instagram and Facebook!

We launch the new season of Car Chats by discussing the ‘The Social Dilemma’, a Netflix documentary that details how social media companies psychologically manipulate their users via algorithms that encourage addiction. We unpack the dangers of social media usage and offer strategies to break the habitual use of these platforms.

On our last show for the season, we question the value and impact of separating (or boycotting) problematic artists from their art. Reflecting on themes that have been mentioned across the season, we unpack how pedo culture, cancel culture and cultural appropriation have contributed to controversies involving art and artists. We differentiate between problematic artists and then problematic art, by using examples such as Mulan, R.Kelly, Chris Brown and Cuties, Bill Henson, Lucas Grogan.

Do 'pretty' people have it easier? We unpack what it means to be beautiful and the privileges systematically afforded to people who are physically attractive. Then, join Tess and Kat as we reminisce on our high school days, the lessons we have learnt and the advice we would pass on to our younger selves. 

What does record collections, indie music and cord pants all have in common? THEY'RE COOL! On this weeks episode we're joined with special guest STEFAN as we talk about the impact of social activism in sport and the meaning of alternative culture.

*Content Warning: Please note that this episode contains descriptions of mental health & mental health issues that some people may find disturbing and/or triggering* This week we discuss the changing media landscape in Australia, the recent open letter from Mel Silva (Managing Director of Google, Australia) regarding the introduction of fees aimed at Google and Facebook in order to display news content. We also discuss the  proposals to cut funding for Arts degrees, the recent job losses in the news and media sector as well discussing the ethics of free news content and the necessity of paywalls as a means of maintaining the honesty and integrity of good journalism. On a different note, we explore how the media handles celebrity mental health issues- particularly public and widely covered breakdowns and episodes.

Has Ellen DeGeneres been cancelled? We are joined by a special guest this week to unpack 'cancel culture' and reminisce on our most memorable celeb encounters. 

We investigate the realities of pedo culture and the fetishisaton of our youth by questioning Hollywood's part to play in catering towards hypersexualisation of children and whether kawaii culture, anime and manga facilitate these ideas.

Often when we think of domestic abuse the first thing that comes to mind are physical and maybe even emotional forms abuse. In today's episode we talk about the silent and often overlooked form of domestic abuse: financial abuse. On a lighter note we also dive into the question of whether or not it's okay to have a type. 

We are live every Tuesday at 11am on Radio Monash. You can catch our podcasts here on Spotify or the Radio Monash podcast site.

As we take a break this week, we bring you an old episode from the studio where we talk all things fashion from the 2019 MET Gala.

This week we dive into the Smiths' recent 'entanglement' scandal as well as breaks- what do they really mean and how to approach them, as well as the difference between dating versus seeing someone.

We discuss Britney Spears’ conservatorship and how this raises important questions about bodily autonomy and it’s preservation.

We unpack Kanye West's announcement on running for President and the rise of OnlyFans and how it's taken over social media.