Episodes
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Operation Mincemeat, The Underdog Musical Heading To Australia
Calling all theatre kids: A bonus episode on Operation Mincemeat, the hit UK musical heading to Australia next year. Earlier this year, Maggie headed over to London as part of a select group of Australian journalists to learn more about Operation Mincemeat. The Olivier and Tony-winning musical...
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Grief, Ambition & Creative Recovery With Musician Gretta Ray
Musician Gretta Ray was just 18 years old when she shot to national fame after winning the coveted Triple J Unearthed High competition in 2016 with her breakout single ‘Drive’. Gretta has since gone on to release two records, ‘Begin To Look Around’ in 2020 and ‘Positive Spin’ in 2024. As her…
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Friendship Wellness Gaps, Sally Rooney’s Book Ban & Bias In Traitors
Sally Rooney’s book ban, the unconscious bias in Traitors, and does your friendship have a wellness gap? Hi friends! After a quick catch-up, we get into pop culture news, including the HBO Max reunion of the CENTURY. We play a Reel from Girls Rewatch Podcast. Books by Sally Rooney will no longer…
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Alix Earle And The Literary Crisis, The Privilege Of Logging Off & Olivia Rodrigo’s Invasive Paparazzi
Alix Earle and the literary crisis, Olivia Rodrigo speaks out about invasive paparazzi, and the privilege of being off social media. Hi friends! We kick things off with a chat about our weeks including Jas' experience at Reading Party Melbourne and Maggie's Olivia Dean concert. In other Olivia...
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The Death Of Criticism, Cornell Seven, & Influencer “Girls”
Neighbours is being re-released for vertical video, Taylor Swift and the cult of fandom, and the Cornell 7 case. In today's episode, we begin with the news that the Australian soap, Neighbours, is returning to our screens. Our vertical screens, that is. Pete Davidson is being dragged for not...
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Robots Infiltrate Fashion, Celeb Burner Accounts & Iced Coffee Debates
The generational interview debate, celeb burner accounts, and why are robots infiltrating fashion shows? We kick off with popcorn celeb bits: Taylor Swift is back, Channing Tatum could be running a burner account, and Mary Beth Barone & Joe Awlyn are starring in a rom-com. At both Vogue World in...
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Spring Favourites: What We’re Reading, Watching & Listening To
Spring is here, and these are our seasonal favourites: from books and music to hobbies and beauty. Let us know in the comments what you're loving as well! Forest Therapy Brat by Gabriel Smith The Ruiners by Ellena Savage Rebecca Daphne du Maurier Pool House by Mary K. Choi Alien Minority Report...
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The Rise of Thoughtfluencers, Ed Vs Macklemore & Sydney Sweeney’s Ad
A new season means a new Troye Sivan track, and we are sat for the medieval music video that came with it. We reference Gladys Lai's trend piece for Vogue Australia on the rise of the Renaissance Fair. Plus, Lena Dunham is officially Mother, having had a baby via surrogate. In culture's biggest...
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Opt-In Algorithms, Wimbledon Bans Influencers & Stella Lefty, Pop’s New Nepo Baby
Wimbledon bans influencers, Australia might be opting out of social media algorithms, and unpacking the Stella Lefty nepo pop-star drama. First up: Current SNL cast member Veronika Slowikowska (AKA Veronka is Cool) revealed a new singing project: Me As A Girl. Even local sleuth, Triple J…
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Cyberfeminism & The Internet’s Sexual History With Tech Researcher Mindy Seu
The internet's sexual beginnings, cyberfeminism, and the intersection of design, fashion and tech with author and academic Mindy Seu. Mindy Seu is an American designer, researcher, author and one of the youngest tenured professors teaching Design Media Arts at UCLA. In 2023, Mindy published the...
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Are Baby Bumps An Accessory? Plus, Dolomites Style & Amazon’s Book Shredding
Amazon is burning rare books, why girls are dressing up for the Dolomites, and the pros and cons of trending pregnancy bumps. Shoutout to the state of Queensland for our slate of AI updates up top. From Australia banning AI music in the ARIA charts to Brisbane banning "smart glasses" in public...
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The “Kinda Chic” & Yellow Font Epidemic, Plus Role Model’s Break-Up & Auto-Fiction Ethics
Role Model’s break-up, the ethics of auto-fiction, and how has the ‘kinda chic’ trend altered our vocabulary? Maggie is back from her Europe trip, meaning we're back with a pop culture episode for you! First up, Role Model and Dakota Johnson have broken up. But wait? Didn't she just feature on a...
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Big Tech, Enshittification & Why AI Isn’t Inevitable, With Tech Journalist Cory Doctorow
Why the AI bubble is bound to burst, the influence of Big Tech and the concept of ‘enshittification’ with tech journalist Cory Doctorow. In today’s episode of Culture Club Chats, we sit down with Canadian-British author, activist, journalist and blogger Cory Doctorow. Cory’s work at the...
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Cosy Fantasy Fiction & Japanese Folklore With Author Naomi Ishiguro
Cosy fantasy, famous fathers, and spinning fact into fiction, with author Naomi Ishiguro. Our guest today is British author Naomi Ishiguro. She’s the author of the short story collection, Escape Routes, and the novel, Common Ground. If her name rings a bell, it could be because her dad is the…
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Witch Hunts, Femininity & Capitalism, With Author Lucianne Tonti
The history of the witch hunts, the devaluation of female power, and how to tap into your witchy side, with Good Witch author and journalist Lucianne Tonti. Lucianne Tonti is an Australian-based fashion expert, author, and journalist. She’s the fashion editor of The Saturday Paper, sustainability...
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August Curriculum: What We’re Reading, Watching & Listening To
This week, enjoy a bonus bumper Bookmarked episode. This is what we've enjoyed watching, reading and listening to this winter. Plus, what we're looking forward to consuming in August. References: Famesick by Lena Dunham Good Witch by Lucianna Tonti Hot History Podcast Frances Ha Who Is Lily Jay?...
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Is ‘Cool Girl’ Content Cool? Shein’s Shady New Brand & Olivia Rodrigo’s New BF
The rise of cool girl content, Shein’s UK rebrand, and Olivia Rodrigo’s new finance bro. Olivia Rodrigo reportedly has a new beau and fans are talking about his "fake job". Who is the mystery man? In some fashion popcorn bits: Christopher Nolan banned uggs from his set, Zara has created "death"...
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The Hudson Williams’ Double Standard, Zendaya’s Private Jetted Dress & AI In Media
Hudson Williams’ paparazzi blow-up, Zendaya’s private jet dress and another AI gaffe. Hi listeners! A reminder that you can receive a few extra Bookmarked recommendations on our Substack, plus you can watch this episode on YouTube. Lots of pop culture popcorn this episode, so grab your coffee/…
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Wasia Project On Sibling Tests, Heartstopper & Their Debut Album, Nocturne
Wasia Project sits down and opens up about sibling dynamics, new music and Heartstopper Forever. Hi listeners! A reminder that we are on YouTube AND now Substack! Consisting of siblings William Gao and Olivia Hardy, Wasia Project was formed in 2019 and grew during the COVID lockdowns when Olivia...
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Celebrity Flops, Finstas & Breaking Out Of The Khia Asylum
Ashley Tisdale's Toxic Mom TV show, Zoella’s surprising life update, and Lizzo speaks out about the Khia Asylum. Hi listeners! A reminder that we are on YouTube AND now Substack! More Culture Club, woo hoo! In this week's episode, we start with Maggie's Zoella update and the TikTok comment that…
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Kylie Jenner’s Meta Glasses, The Surveillance State, Rebranded And Taylor Swift’s Wedding
Hi friends, Olivia Rodrigo launches an all-women festival, A24’s AI deal, and the rebranding of the surveillance state is here. Reminder: you can join the Culture Club world on YouTube and Substack! First up – we have some pop culture popcorn bits for you, including another nostalgic adaptation…
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The Aestheticisation Of Loneliness, Grammys’ Asian Award & Girl Math Hits Retail
The Grammys' new controversial category, Girl Math hits the retail sector, and the problem with aestheticised loneliness influencers. Reminder, we're on YouTube and SUBSTACK. Hi friends! In this episode, we kick off with some celebrity pop culture bits, including a revelation from TikTok user...
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Our Winter Favourites: Books, Films, Music, Beauty & More
Our winter favourites, from hobbies and skincare to books and music. Cosy up with this episode on YouTube. Here are the links for our picks! Skincare Dr Jart Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Cream Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 | Exfoliating Face Toner Aesop Sublime Replenishing Night Masque…
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Gwyneth Paltrow Sells Out, Dua Lipa’s Wedding & Olivia Rodrigo’s Best Album Yet?
Hi friends, This week is a shorter episode as we have a bonus ep coming later this week! Keep your eyes peeled for our seasonal winter recommendations. You can watch this episode on YouTube. Olivia Rodrigo is coming for the Queen of Pop title with her new album 'You Seem Pretty Sad For A Girl So…
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Gen Z’s Horror Obsession, Taylor Swift Does Disney & The Rise Of Phone-Free Concerts
The rise of phone-free shows, Taylor Swift’s new Disney song, and what’s behind Gen Z’s horror movie obsession? You can watch this episode on YouTube. Taylor Swift has written a song for Toy Story 5 –– I Knew It, I Knew You marks Taylor’s return to the country genre and was inspired by the…
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Dot Cakes, Pattie Gonia & The Demonisation Of Joy
Cynthia Erivo speaks out about Wicked, the Pattie Gonia lawsuit explained, and why are dot cakes creating discourse? Hi friends, We're back in the studio this week, so if you want to watch this podcast, head here. In today's episode, Cynthia Erivo speaks out about Wicked, the Pattie Gonia lawsuit...
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Bad Aura Karma, The Dystopian Enhanced Games & Are Artists “Purging” Fans?
Pete Davidson’s messy break-up, are Harry Styles and Charli XCX purging fans, and what the hell are the enhanced games? Hi friends! After a quick catch up we jump straight into music news. Olivia Rodrigo has released a brand new single titled ‘The Cure’ and we theorise on whether Harry Styles,...
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The Moral Panic-ification Of Olivia Rodrigo’s Babydoll Dress, Shein Buys Everlane & The Endless Shilling of AI
Shein buys sustainable brand Everlane, celebrity women are shilling AI, and unpacking the moral panic of Olivia Rodrigo’s babydoll dress. Hi friends! In today's episode, we have a quick chat about Australian Fashion Week and our trip to Rarotonga, Cook Islands with Jetstar. Want to see it for...
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The Truths & Monstrous Myths of PMDD, With Author Emma Hardy
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, the myths and taboos of menstruation, and what happens when a mood becomes an illness, with author Emma Hardy. A few weeks ago on the podcast, you may have heard Jas' tears as she struggled to cope in the midst of a hard premenstrual dysphoric disorder (or PMDD)...
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Harry Styles’ Taxi Cab Theory, Meryl Streep’s Money Advice & Rebel Wilson’s Court Case
Harry Styles’ taxi cab engagement theory, the latest on Rebel Wilson’s lawsuits, and Meryl Streep’s pay rise energy. Hi friends! One of the biggest engagement stories of 2026 has landed: Harry Styles and Zoe Kravitz are betrothed after just eight months of dating. We break down the details and…
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Anti-Capitalist Creativity, Quitting Their Music Label and Family Estrangement With Musician Montaigne
Today’s guest is Jessica Cerro, AKA Montaigne. Montaigne is one of Australia’s most distinct and exciting musicians. The 30-year-old has a certified platinum hit, an ARIAs Breakthrough Artist of the Year title, and represented Australia on the Eurovision stage in 2021. They also compose music for...
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Alex VS Alix, Tween Culture Revived, Clavicular & Looksmaxxing Go Mainstream
Tween media is back, the battle of the Alexs/Alixs, and how looksmaxxing has hit the mainstream media. You can watch our episode on YouTube! Cosy season is here! After a catch-up, we discuss new media news. Glamour is launching in Australia, and W Magazine is launching WYouth, its teenage sister...
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Parasocial Fans, Coming Out Online & Being A Private Public Figure With Louis Hanson
Today’s Culture Club Chats guest is Louis Hanson. Louis is a Melbourne presenter, writer, podcaster, columnist, and comedic content creator. He’s known for his internet comedy sketches, podcast co-hosting duties on Everybody Has A Secret, and writing in publications like The Guardian, GQ, SBS and...
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Tradwife Irony, The Devil Wears Vogue & Man Repeller Slop
Anna Wintour’s in her personal brand era, leave Aubrey Plaza alone, and the irony of the tradwife movement. You can watch our episode on YouTube! We start off the ep with a chat about the Melbourne Comedy Festival and Repeller's tragic Instagram AI slop buyout. Anna Wintour has fronted the cover…
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A New Beauty Standards Theory, Mahjong's Rebrand & Are Men Getting Woman'd?
Mahjong’s getting appropriated… again, a TikTok posits a new beauty standards theory, and is this male actor getting woman’d? You can watch this episode on YouTube! We're back with some chit chat about life and Emma Chamberlain's new furniture collab with West Elm. The New York Times published a...
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Creativity In The Desert & Embracing Change & Self-Doubt With Courtney Barnett
In this special solo episode of Culture Club Chats, Jas sits down with the Australian musician Courtney Barnett, who has just released her fourth album, Creature of Habit. The album is all about embracing change and journeying through self doubt in your thirties via Courtney’s signature poetic...
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The AI Book Scandal, Hannah Montana Forever & Reboot Fatigue
The reboots we didn’t ask for, Hannah Montana’s nostalgic trip, and the world’s first major AI book scandal. Reminder, you can watch this episode on YouTube. In chit chat, Jas opens up about her week, including the media preview of KICStudio in Melbourne. In some popcorn culture news, we discuss...
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Autumn Favourites: Books, Films, Habits, Fashion & More
Bonus ep time! Given it's a brand new season, we thought we'd sit down for a cosy chat to discuss what we're looking forward to diving into this autumn. Reminder, you can watch this episode on YouTube. Here are the links for our picks! Creativity: Milanote & 642 Things To Write About What we're...
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#MomTok Won't Survive This, Olivia Rodrigo's New Era & The Influencer-fication Of Red Carpet Hosts
Lorde goes independent, in defence of influencer red carpet hosts, and when does reality TV become too toxic? You can watch this episode on YouTube! Olivia Rodrigo is back with a new era, while Lorde has started her own by breaking away from her record label after over 15 years. Club Chalamet is...
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Inside Louis Theroux's Manosphere, Internet It Girls Are Acting, Plus How Linked Are Class & Taste?
Billie Eilish’s acting debut, Louis Theroux infiltrates the manosphere, and how linked are class and taste? In this week’s episode, we start with Cody Simpson’s recent podcast episode and discuss why all of the It Girls are using acting as a career shift. From Billie Eilish up for a role in The...
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Dating Rumours, Delayed Gratification & Working With Your Best Friends With The Beaches
Today’s guests are Leandra Earl and Kylie Miller from Canadian rock band, The Beaches. The four-piece band also features Eliza Enman-McDaniel and Kylie’s sister Jordan Miller. They formed in 2009, and have released three albums, Late Show, Blame My Ex, and their most recent, No Hard Feelings. You...
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Harry Styles' Slow Life, Charli XCX's Mockumentary & Keeping Friends' Secrets From Your Partner
Harry Styles drops his new album, Justin Timberlake experiences the Streisand effect, and should you tell your partner your friends’ secrets? Reminder: You can now watch our podcast on YouTube. In this episode, we have a smattering of pop culture news stories from the week. To begin, Jas…
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Call Her Daddy Issues, Topshop's Nostaglic Return & Why Are All Period Dramas Sexy?
Topshop’s Australian Comeback, Hilary Duff’s opens up on Call Her Daddy and why are we all obsessed with sexy period dramas? Reminder: We’re on YouTube! Hilary Duff’s “Luck… Or Something” album has dropped – and she’s riding the wave of her press tour. We listened to her ep on Call Her Daddy…
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Alysa Liu's Joyful Nihilism, A Spiritual Lorde Experience and Manon Splits From Katseye
Our spiritual Lorde experience, Manon splits from Katseye, and how figure skater Alysa Liu’s Gold Medal win is shifting culture. PSA: There may be some tinny audio in today's episode. We're working on a solution asap for you! We recount Lorde's Melbourne tour and, in pop culture news, Manon...
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Zayn's Never Been In Love, The Olympics' Cheating Scandal & What's The Tofu Theory?
The Olympics’ cheating scandal, Zayn Malik’s Call Her Daddy revelation and what is the tofu theory? BIG NEWS! You can now WATCH this episode. We’re officially on YouTube! Head here. Bad Bunny has won the MAGA culture war this month thanks to his NFL Super Bowl halftime performance. We break down…
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Olivia Dean Is Too Nice, The Future Of Concert Tickets & Why Is Everyone Becoming Chinese?
Hi friends! To kick this episode off, we chit-chat about some celebrity headlines, including Olivia Dean being criticised for being... too nice, and Jason Bateman’s awkward Charli XCX kids moment. Was this an embarrassing Dad moment or a representation of where the culture is when it comes to...
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Sydney Sweeney Sells Lingerie, Nicki Minaj Loves Trump & PR Relationships Suck Now
Hi friends! Nicki Minaj has hammered the final nail into the coffin that is her music career this week after outing herself as Trump's number one fan. Writer Tarla Lambert wrote a piece for the Women's Agenda on the topic titled, “Nicki Minaj thinks Trump is her ally. He sees her as his prop”....
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The Over-Simplification Of Streaming, Hilary Duff's Comeback & The Biggest Celeb Feud Of 2026
Hi friends, Hilary Duff's first new album in over a decade, titled luck … or something, is out on Feb. 20. We discuss the appeal of the Disney star and how she's handling her comeback tour. Next, we’re at the stage of celebrity where even the camera people are getting swept up in controversy. The...
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Harry Styles Is Back, Book To Screen Adaptations & Why Are We All Obsessed With 2016?
2026 has started with a bang thanks to Harry Styles' return. His fourth studio album, Kiss All The Time. Dance, Occasionally will be released on March 6th. Euphoria Season 3 is also back on HBO this April, and a number of book-to-screen adaptations are in the works. In Culture Shock, we discuss…
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13 Books You Should Read In 2026
Here at Culture Club, we're big readers, and after our 2025 book recap, listener Holly asked what's on our TBR piles in 2026! In this mini episode, we discuss the books we're currently reading, what's on our TBR list, and the 2026 book releases we're most excited about. Maggie: Great Big…
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About this show
Culture Club is a weekly podcast discussing pop culture, internet trends and current affairs, hosted by writers and editors Jasmine Wallis and Maggie Zhou.
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