The Swanston Explainer

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? Through discussions on authenticity, online visiblity, and the economics of influencing, we explore how soc...

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, girlhood and positivity amongst their consumer base. This led to many Australian women questioning t...

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.

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 to boycott, most can’t. This episode examines the ethical and economic dilemma facing musicians in...

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 of both watching, and training MMA. However, engaging with MMA can expose people to far right viewpoints...

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 make sense of the hypocritical hate men give OnlyFans creators. Host: Ruby Fox Reporter: Ruby Parkinson...

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 how a Birkin knock-off has led to the divide between social classes and the culture behind the bag. We a...

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 to answer the question: is longer term social media abstinence a solution to self esteem issues and we...

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: Alexandra Mulcaster Executive Producers: Kate Arnott and Janak Rogers

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 experienced it firsthand. Host: Will Dunlop Reporter: Saskia Turner Producer: Jack Sutton Series Pr...

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, and better education are leading the charge — but the time to act is now. Let’s use the knowledge w...

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

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 criticism towards the policy, and how his alleged desired affects of bringing production back to Ame...

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 drink again, cost of living pressures and alcohol tax combining to create a cost of beer crisis...

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, we unpack the financial strain, explore why you’re told not to mention it’s a wedding, and ask: Is love...

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 reshaping the democratic conversation in Australia. Host/Producer: Edie Williamson Reporter/Producer:...

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 years, A24 expanded into television and production, becoming synonymous with high-quality, unconventional s...

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 about how this content is affecting society. Host: Mackenzie Mitchell Reporter...

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 Vitale will take over Donatella’s former role. In the wake of this, we spoke to RMIT Senior Lecturer...

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 listening to online health information and Belle Gibson's horrific impact on those suffering from can...

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 the increasingly polarsing gap or reinforcing old lines? Join us as we discuss how digital content bo...

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. From the influence of social media to evolving views on identity and masculinity, we unpack what'...

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 issues-like high university fees and repayment thresholds-unresolved and has sparked backlash from those who alr...

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 announcement for The Beatles film and why Daisy-Edgar Jones is saying “[she’s] worked with basically all of the in...

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 Daley, we explore how the laws affect vulnerable groups, particularly youth, women, and Indigenous com...