PODCAST · news
The Swanston Explainer
by The Swanston Explainer
🎙️Today’s news explained by tomorrow’s journalists🎧 The big issues unpacked in 15-minute episodes📚An RMIT podcast📍 Melbourne➡️ Follow us @swan_explainer on Instagram
Episodes
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What's behind the surge in Australian youth mental disorders?
A timely investigation into the surge in mental disorders among young Australians. Groundbreaking research led by the University of Sydney’s Matilda Centre was published less than a month ago revealing the number of Australians aged 16 to 24 meeting diagnostic criteria for a mental disorder…
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The Rise, Fall and Potential Rise of Chapel St
Chapel St was once Melbourne's premier shopping and cultural district, a pride of the growing city. But nowadays, the common public opinion about Chapel St is that it's a crime and drug ridden den of debauchery, a perfect example of how far the city has fallen. We ask then, why has Chapel St…
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The USA, China and Australia: How to govern AI
Artificial intelligence is transforming work, education, warfare, and our social lives. The US, China and Europe all have disitinct approaches to governing this unprecedented new technology. But where does Australia fit in? Declan Moore - Host | Steven Christou - Reporter | Jake Matthews…
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Can Independent Cinema Bring Audiences Back to the Big Screen?
The way we watch films has changed dramatically in the 21st century. With streaming on the rise, cinema attendance declines as the traditional movie-going experience has increasingly been portrayed as a thing of the past. But Melbourne’s cinemas are telling a different story. The Melbourne...
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The camera adds 10 pounds: body negativity in the social media age
High profile celebrities are appearing on red carpets and world tours thinner than ever before, and social media algorithms are pushing videos under the hashtag skinnytok. What does it mean that the world seems to be favouring ever smaller bodies, and what can we do to fight back against this...
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The Downfall of Prince Charming
In a city like Melbourne where the dating pool is endless, meaningful connection somehow feels increasingly rare leading some to believe finding their ‘Prince Charming’ is impossible. This podcast episode dives into the chaotic and quietly unsettling reality of modern dating. Through a mix of…
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Is TV dying?
TV is starting to look very different. The days of the 22 episode season, slow-burn storylines, and becoming attached to characters are quickly being replaced by short 8 episode drops designed for binge-watching and streaming, but what does that mean for audiences? From losing comfort shows to...
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Who gets to call themselves a journalist in the newsletter age?
This episode of The Swanston Explainer explores the question: Should everyone have a voice online? And who gets to call themselves a journalist in the newsletter age. Host Juliet Bond and reporter Danae Tsakalakis investigate how platforms like Substack are transforming journalism by giving…
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The rise of Booktok and its effect on literature
The rise of BookTok has transformed reading into a highly visible online trend, reviving interest in literature among younger audiences. However, concerns are being raised about its effect on literature. Is depth and critical thinking being swapped for faster paced, trope centered books? Is lack…
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Do Sports and Politics Go Together?
In the world of sport, athletes are given the opportunity to compete at the highest level, but sport has also long been a way to bring people together. What was once seen as an escape from everyday life has increasingly become a space shaped by politics, with athletes and organisations speaking...
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Are Victorians’ Attitudes to Trans People Changing?
Scroll through any social media, flip through any channel or turn on any station, and you’ll inevitably hear discussions and arguments about being transgender. In our media, it can feel like gender diversity is constantly argued about, and transgender people are always under the microscope. In…
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Social Media Ban for under 16s- effective or not?
Australia has introduced a world-first proposed ban on social media for under-16s. Driven by concerns around online safety, screen addiction, and mental health impacts on young users, on this podcast we have discussed the overriding impact that these factors are having on under 18's, backed with…
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Australia's Panic Buying Culture
Recently, many Australian's may be feeling a sense of déjà vu. Just as we thought the days of panic buying were behind us, as occurred in the Covid-19 pandemic, the conflict in the Middle East has seen its return. In this episode, we explore the habits Australian's have during times of crisis and...
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The Unanticipated Rise Of One Nation
In this episode, we unpack the modern political resurgence of Pauline Hanson and One Nation. Despite three decades of relentless controversy, the party is experiencing a significant media renaissance. But how long will it last, and how far can it go? By Henry Brook and Archie Frazer
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The Krishna Kitchen: supporting communities in a cost-of-living crisis
Food prices are rising, but community kitchens across Melbourne are stepping up. In this episode, we explore Hare Krishna’s Food for Life program and Crossways restaurant, speaking to the people behind the meals supporting students, families and vulnerable communities during the cost-of-living...
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Looksmaxxing: The Extreme Social Media Trend Endangering Youth
Looksmaxxing has seen a boom in popularity over the last few years. The trend promotes the idea that the way to succeeding in life is predominantly through how you look, aimed almost entirley and teenaged boys it promotes the unorthodox alteration of someone's physical appearance. Centred around...
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The Missing Link in Australian Football
Australia dominates the sporting stage - swimming, cricket, AFL - but in soccer, we still fall short. The Socceroos have reached the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 twice, but why can’t they go further? Is it cost, grassroots support, or something deeper? In this episode, we unpack Australia’s…
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Local Live Music - Dying or Transforming?
Melbourne's live music scene is one of the many prides and passions of the city. With a rich history of cultural and artistic expression, there's been a mix of rock, jazz and even a rise in electronic music all originating from gritty pubs and iconic late-night bandrooms. We're gonna take a dive...
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The Protein Health Halo: Are we being sold a lie?
Protein has become a massive craze amongst gym goers In Australia. However, some of these high-protein products on the supermarket’s shelves are just as processed as a bag of chips. Thanks to clever marketing techniques, many brands have been creating a high protein image in order to appeal to…
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How do celebrities influence politics?
Do you care about the political views of your favourite actor or artist? Social media has granted us access to the lives of celebrities on a larger scale than ever before, including their political views. We look into how celebrities interact with politics, and how that may have changed over…
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Juiced to the gills: Australia's place in the Enhanced Games
The inaugural Enhanced Games are mere days away. It’s the controversial brainchild of Australian billionaire Aron D’Souza that will see athletes push human limits. How? By consuming as many performance enhancing drugs as they want, and showing us how fast they can really go. But by signing on,...
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Stapled Together: Why Zines Still Matter in a Digital World
Zines are small, self-published booklets that have remained a staple of Melbourne’s arts landscape, despite the dominance of digital media. They offer a more grounded experience as they are typically self-produced, with DIY methods and a lack of censorship. At the forefront of Melbourne’s zine...
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Peptides: can the good outweigh the bad?
In the last few months, the popularity and discourse around the use of peptides has skyrocketed – especially on social media, among young people. While some peptides are legal as prescribed by a doctor to treat legitimate medical conditions, many are being bought and sold illegally in Australia…
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AI Is My Bestfriend: Why are young people finding companionship in AI?
Reliable. Dependable. Accessible. Agreeable. Supportive. These are all traits that any of us would like to have from a perfect best friend. These also happen to be traits of every AI chatbot ever made. Young people are slowly replacing real and meaningful friendships with these faux imitations…
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Fare Game: Changing Affordability and Authority across Victoria’s Public Transport
Starting from April, due to the fuel crisis, public transport has been free, with this initiative now extended until the end of May and fares halved for the remainder of the year. While this eases financial pressure for many Melbournians, it also reignites debate around why public transport in...
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Influencer Valley: Festival of Advertising
Another Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has come and gone, with GRWM videos and outfit checks flooding social media feeds. More than ever, the lines between music festivals, influencer culture and advertising are blurring. In this episode, we ask: is Coachella still about the music?...
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The Companies That Value Women's Money, but Not Their Work
The latest data from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency revealed that many companies targeted towards a female consumer base, are those with the biggest gender pay gaps in the nation. Yet, these very same companies proudly came out in support of International Women's Day, preaching soldarity,...
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THE SWANSTON EXPLAINER 2026 TRAILER
The Swanston Explainer 2026 season will premiere on the 18th of May. The big issues are unpacked in 15-minute episodes. Created and presented by RMIT Journalism students.
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Unpacking the Spotify boycott
When Spotify CEO Daniel Ek invested over $1 billion AUD in Helsing — an AI defence company developing military drone technology — the backlash was immediate. Bands like Deerhoof, Xiu Xiu, and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard pulled their music in protest. But while established artists can afford…
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MMA and the Far Right
Mixed martial arts, or MMA, is becoming increasingly popular amongst Australians. A partnership between the UFC and the NSW State Government will see multiple fight promotions hosted in Australia over the coming years. Politicians and practitioners alike promote the physical and mental benefits…
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Haters, Subscribers and Hypocrites: The OnlyFans Discussion
Men love to watch OnlyFans content, but hate the women that make it? Sex workers are always in the spotlight, but the online platform OnlyFans makes it all too easy for men to spit out abuse at the women they watch with no consequences. We dive into the impacts, reasoning and solutions to try to...
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Fake vs Real: The designer controversy
Early this year, Tik Tok went crazy over fake Birkin’s being sold at popular chain, Walmart. Many were stunned over its almost identical look to the real deal, others weren’t too impressed arguing that this affects the status of a bag that can retail up to 6 figures. In this podcast, we explore…
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Digital Minimalism: Is deleting Social Media the cure for poor mental health?
Social media is often touted as being bad for mental health. However, a March study out of Belgium found that short social media detoxes didn’t really affect participants’ wellbeing. This episode explores the concept of ‘digital minimalism’, switching off the social media apps entirely, and tries...
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Live and Loud: Is St Kilda's live music scene on life support?
From the historic Espy to the little venues tucked away in back streets, St Kilda has always been Melbourne's home of live music. But with the cost of living crisis, more and more venues are struggling to get customers and bands are feeling the pinch. Reporter: Thomas Stock Series Producer:...
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The AFL's Biggest Scandals
A dive into some of the AFL's biggest scandals and the players involved. We explore how times have changed, with the powerful presence of social media causing detrimental to those in the limelight. We speak to players from the past and present to gain some unique perspectives from those who have...
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Concussion in Sports: The Epidemic!
A knock to the head isn't just a bump — it can end a career. Concussion is now front and centre in sport, from the pros to the juniors. Athletes are retiring early, brain injuries are being uncovered, and leagues are racing to change protocols before it’s too late. More research, stricter rules,...
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Adolecense and The Rising Tide of Misogyny in Young Men
In this episode we breakdown the rise of the Incel movement and its worrying influence on young men through the new Netflix drama, Adolecence. Host: Orlando Cox Reporter: Dash Spencer-White Producer: James Payne Series Producer: Rex Chard Executive Producers: Kate Arnott and Janak Rogers
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All Beef and No Bull: Trump's tariffs on the Australian beef market.
On April 2nd, when US President Donald Trump announced his sweeping economic policy, essentially isolating the United States from the rest of the world, he singled out one specific industry as the reason behind what he called, "reciprocal tariffs" for Australian trade. Despite the endless…
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Why Young Australians Are Putting Down the Bottle
Young Australians are drinking less than ever before. Many of them are choosing to put down the bottle entirely. We spoke to two young Australians about why they don't drink, and discussed the different reasons why young people aren't drinking. Whether it's having hangovers so bad they never…
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The Wedding Tax
Amid a cost-of-living crisis, young Aussie couples are feeling the pressure-especially when it comes to planning a wedding. With the average cost hitting $41,400 in 2024 and the dreaded “wedding tax” inflating prices, many are forced to rethink how (and if) they’ll tie the knot. In this episode…
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Brainrot in Politics: How are parties targetting young voters?
From the increasing use of viral memes and pop culture references made by political parties, to collaborations with influencers like Abbie Chatfield - political messaging and entertainment are increasingly intertwining. Join Edie Williamson and Julia Sicilia as they dissect how digital culture is...
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A24: from indie to industry leader
What was once considered a small indie film distributor, production company A24 has redefined what it means to be mainstream in the film industry. Gaining attention with films like Spring Breakers and Moonlight, it quickly carved out a niche for innovative, risk-taking storytelling. Over the…
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The Devastating Impact of 'Red Pill' Content
A new Netflix series called 'Adolescence' has brought to light the dangers of 'red pill' content and how it's effecting the behaviours of young men. On this week's podcast, Mackenzie and Skye will discuss the ins and outs of this rising culture. Mackenzie also speaks to a domestic violence worker...
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"I'm wearing Versace": Luxury Down Under?
With Donatella Versace stepping down as Versace’s Creative Director, a position which she had held for nearly 30 years after her brother Gianni's passing, the future of the brand has been a hot topic. With the news that Prada has now acquired Versace from Capri Holdings, fashion designer Dario...
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Wellness Influencers: Do they do more harm than good?
For years social media influencers have posted their advice and healthy recipes to help people engage with their physical health. However, sometimes influencers are not who they say they are and most likely can't offer professional medical advice. Our podcast will delve into the dangers of...
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Bias & Balance: Feminism in the media mirror, do we like what we see?
In Bias & Balance, we explore how feminism is portrayed, challenged, and championed in the media—and what that means for the gender divide in society. From film to TV, todays episode unpacks the narratives that shape public perception of gender roles, power, and progress. Is the media bridging…
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Why Are Young Men Leaning Conservative?
Following the 2025 federal election, it was made clear that Australia remains deeply divided on political issues, with a growing conservative lean among young Australian men. On this week's podcast, we discuss the surprising rise of conservatism among Gen Z males and why it’s striking a chord.…
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HECS Decoded: Budget Impact on Student Debt
The 2025 Federal Budget will cut all outstanding HELP student debts by 20%, providing immediate relief to around 3 million Australians and addressing mounting frustration over rising indexation and the cost-of-living crisis. While many welcome the change, critics argue it leaves deeper…
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The Rise of New Media: How is it impacting the coverage of celebrities?
New Media has become the third sphere of dissecting celebrity culture. Created through social media audiences can offer up their own voices through established new media businesses like Deuxmoi, a popular Instagram page that releases stories about celebrities. We cover the recent cast…
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Victorian Bail Laws: Are they actually protecting Victorians?
In this episode of The Swanston Explainer, we break down Victoria’s tough new bail laws and their impact two months on. Reporter Mia Branda-Pavlakis joins Brandon Tripptree to unpack community reactions, expert concerns, and the political pressure behind the changes. With insights from Dr Kathryn...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
🎙️Today’s news explained by tomorrow’s journalists🎧 The big issues unpacked in 15-minute episodes📚An RMIT podcast📍 Melbourne➡️ Follow us @swan_explainer on Instagram
HOSTED BY
The Swanston Explainer
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How many episodes does The Swanston Explainer have?
The Swanston Explainer currently has 97 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Swanston Explainer about?
🎙️Today’s news explained by tomorrow’s journalists🎧 The big issues unpacked in 15-minute episodes📚An RMIT podcast📍 Melbourne➡️ Follow us @swan_explainer on Instagram
How often does The Swanston Explainer release new episodes?
The Swanston Explainer has 97 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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Who hosts The Swanston Explainer?
The Swanston Explainer is created and hosted by The Swanston Explainer.
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