The Swanston Explainer

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 data analysis and real life stories, we explore how dating apps have transformed romance into something cl...

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 feeling like we rarely see people or communities reflected realistically, we explore how this global shif...

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 anyone the power to publish. They unpack the tension between accessibility and credibility, examining the da...

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 of choice and individuality being driven by algorithms and the “correct” marketing?

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 more openly about social and political issues. As competitors become more vocal about their personal bel...

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 the face of a lot of changes to policy for gender diversity, like the Olympics' recent introduction o...

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 a feature from experts in the industry.

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 the theories behind panic buying.

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

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 crisis. Host - Amelie Whitfield Reporter - Yasmine Tanner Producer - Sara Waldner Series Producer - Jude...

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 controversial and frightening methods from the use of illicit drugs to taking a hammer to one's...

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 struggles in soccer and analyse their performance ahead of this year’s World Cup. Follow along as we explore w...

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 into if the importance and excitement is still being held onto. There have been a lot of fa...

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 the craze. This has led to the phenomenon of the health halo, convincing customers that their purchase is...

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 time. But also why we as non-famous people actually care about the political opinion of the figures we look...

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, athletes face health risks and harsh sanctions from sporting bodies, leading us to ask, is the million-do...

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 community is Sticky Institute, a volunteer-run artist initiative that is dedicated to zines and “are arde...

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 for performance-enhancement and cosmetic purposes. This podcast from The Swanston Explainer will explore...

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, and experts are starting to wonder why. In this podcast, we explore the reason behind young people's...

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 Victoria is so expensive to begin with. Many commuters avoid tapping on for different reasons. This podca...

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...