The Swanston Explainer

TikTok quickly shot into the spotlight a couple of years ago and has since become the most popular social media among Gen Z. However, concerns have been raised over its safety due to data sharing, and possible connections to the Chinese Government. Over the past few weeks the app has been banned from federal government devices across Australia, following similar actions across the UK, Canada, Fran...

AUKUS is a military alliance between Australia, the UK, and the US that was originally agreed upon in 2021. The deal will see the three countries collaborate their resources and information to design a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. The deal is projected to cost the Australian Government upwards of $300 Billion AUD. The deal has since been criticized by multiple sources, including; France, C...

As the 2024 Olympics slowly loom upon us, sport has again become divided over inclusiveness. In its announcement, governing body of World Athletics has tightened their policy and effectively banned transgender women from participating in elite track and field competitions. This divide has posed questions surrounding the science of the ban: is the science actually based on evidence? Won't this...

ChatGPT is on the tip of everyone's tongue. It's the talk around town, and its advancement doesn't seem to be slowing down. What does this mean for education? High schools are banning its use, universities are updating their assessment guidelines, and still some students can only sing its praises. As AI technology moves into the future, schools are travelling back in time to pen-and-pa...

With many athletes suffering from post-professional sport injuries, the rate of long term effects of concussions in those professional sports has increased. Many of these athletes struggle in their day-to-day life mentally, physically, and psychologically after they leave their respective sports. Sports psychologists who work first-hand with professional players or ex-players have a deeper underst...

The rise of Melbourne as a DIY tattoo mecca in Australia, exploring the differing opinions within the tattoo community and its relationship within the greater community. To explore how legislation and historical forces has created the tightly-knit scene in Melbourne’s northern suburbs including the adversary some artists are facing from abandoning traditional spaces and practices. We wish to shine...

You may have seen it on the news and in the hands of many, but you probably haven’t seen it on the shelves. Prime is the drink everyone’s talking about and it’s stirring up some controversy — particularly about influencer products, their marketing, and the effect this has on its mostly young audience. In this episode, we ask why it’s in the news, and find out what’s behind this social media craze....

Living in a home off our own merit is one of the first rights of passage we cross into the world of adulting. Unfortunately, the affordability for housing among university students continues to deplete year by year with students scrambling to find solutions. Why has the economic stability of the housing market imploded like this? What can we do to help solve it for others in need? These are just s...

Live music is a passion for so many, yet many venues fall short of providing accessible experiences for those with disabilities. Recently, Chloe Hayden, a young Australian with autism who rose to fame on tik tok and has recently been on the Netflix show ‘Heartbreak High’ spoke out about her experience with the sensory rooms at Marvel Stadium after the Harry Styles concert in February. So, music ve...

Melbourne’s controversial e-scooter trial has been given extended life, expanded for six months and now includes the use of private devices. The news comes as injuries presented at Melbourne hospitals soar into the hundreds. Innocent victims are sharing their stories of being hit on city streets. This week, the Swanston Explainer examines the trial's progression, its flaws and what is being do...

Melbourne's International Comedy has just finished up after a month of laughs, with many newcomers and young comics making their mark on the comedy stage. In today's climate cancel culture is more prevalent than ever so comedians have to tread carefully along the line of funny or too far. We spoke to some of the Festivals debut comics as well as some familiar young faces to see how they ar...

Sleep is an essential aspect of our lives that affects our physical and mental health, productivity, and overall well-being. The conversation around sleep has become increasingly important in recent years as more research has shed light on the negative consequences of sleep deprivation and poor sleep habits. From exploring the science of sleep to discussing effective strategies for improving sleep...

Dementia is currently the second leading cause of death in Australia, with provisional data showing that dementia is likely to become the leading cause of death among Australians in the near future. In society, there seems to be a common belief that by simply listening to music can benefit dementia patients. While there is no current cure, the combination of music therapy, interaction, and engagem...

First trialed in 2018, the North Richmond safe injecting facility has passed its trial period and has been made a permanent site. The controversial safe injection rooms have many locals in uproar with them feeling their concerns have been largely unanswered. With a similar facility planned for Melbournes CBD near Queen Victoria Market, many question if the Richmond facility is a necessity. Given i...

Australians are notorious for their gambling and the government is trying to find solutions to drive that number of gamblers down. There have been recent legal modifications to the way gambling advertisements are presented, where gambling companies were forced to change the "Gamble responsibly" slogan to other alternatives such as "What's Gambling really costing you?" In th...

Could poo cure you of depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder? A growing body of research suggests that it could. In this episode, we take a look at how the gut microbiome impacts mental health, and speak to a woman who says an experimental treatment called faecal microbial transplantation cured her bipolar 1. Host: Freddie Moffat Reporter: Tee Mitchell Producer: Phoebe Miller Series Producer: Sab...

Anecdotal stories of botched cosmetic procedures have periodically appeared in the news. Why is this issue coming to a head now? Tune in with Gabrielle Petracca and Jemina Nuredini to hear more. Series produced by Benita Miciulis and Rebecca Kazmierczak.

The AFL does not pay corporate tax under an exemption clause dating back to 1936. Is this outdated in our commercialised era of sport? Afraa Kori talks to reporter Casey McCarthy. Series produced by Benita Miciulis and Rebecca Kazmierczak.

Host Alana Fernandez speaks to reporter Cody Fowler about the uncertain future of Myanmar. Series produced by Benita Miciulis and Rebecca Kazmierczak. 

Before Covid-19, Australian music was experiencing an extraordinary growth with a pipeline of talent coming from across the nation. The 2022 federal election provides a unique opportunity for Australian music to pick up from where it left off. It is an opportunity to learn from the Pandemic and build a better, more sustainable, innovative cultural asset , supporting the local artists while fosteri...

COVID-19 introduced widespread effects, including on Australia's mental health; its impact felt through the effectiveness of mental health services during the pandemic. In our podcast, we explore the support provided to Australians during and after the pandemic, and how each party propose to strengthen our mental health system. By Ethan Benedicto and Rochelle Putnikovic Series Producer Sienna Tayl...

In the third year of the pandemic, and with an election on the horizon, the safety of aged care services has grown increasingly polarising. With both major parties reacting to the findings of the Royal Commission, and the vulnerability of Australia's elderly under COVID-19, the safety of our seniors may decide the future of the state's leadership.  We talk with experts and analysts at the center o...

Originally a 2019 election commitment, passing a religious discrimination bill proved impossible for the last parliament.  Controversy and criticism from all sides ultimately saw the last attempt at a bill crucified in February this year.  Now, Scott Morrison has resurrected the bill in the last fortnight of the election campaign, making a renewed commitment to faith leaders.  But w...

The floods, fires and droughts that are fuelled by climate change are affecting the livelihoods of farming families and damaging supply chains. On the other hand however, farming is a major contributor to fossil fuels in our atmosphere. Exploring what the future of climate-friendly farming looks like involves many moving factors and as the globe requires decisive action. As rural communities head...

The Uluru Statement was gifted to the Australian people as a way for them to vote on giving First Nations Australians a constitutionally enshrined voice in Parliament. That was in 2017 - half a decade on and we still haven't seen the Uluru Statement's goal achieved. We sat down with activist Thomas Mayor to discuss his role with the sacred canvas and what the post-election future might look like f...