Unboxed

After changes to DEI policies in the US under the Trump presidency, questions have been asked about the future of DEI in an Australian landscape. In this episode, we discuss what DEI policies are, what they could look like in the future, plus with an election looming – will Aussie politicians follow America's lead? Disclaimer: Any views expressed in this podcast are the opinions of the speake...

Content warning: This episode discusses mental health. For confidential support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. With one of Australia's most-watched shows back on screen, we delve a bit deeper into the ratings juggernaut that is reality TV show, Married At First Sight.  In this episode, we discuss cast members past and present opening up about their struggles wit...

Following "Where's Your Visa" chants targeting South Asians at a cricket match and a meltdown in the comments after an Unboxed video called it out, Khushaal and Alicia explore the rise of anti-migrant sentiments across the world and on social media.  In this episode, we explain the reasons why that tide of anti-migrant rhetoric is on the rise, why scapegoating migrants can be so att...

January is almost over and we're already running out of things to binge. Fortunately, 2025 has some exciting (...and maybe some questionable) things to add to your watchlist.  From new dramas, a docuseries, the return of Harvey Specter and a heated discussion about the cash cow of live action remakes. Whatever your genre, we've got you covered.  Bookmark this episode for those times you...

One of the reasons for creating Unboxed was to challenge the overwhelmingly monoculture of mainstream Australian media. And in news that will shock no one, it still doesn't look like it's changed all that much over the years. Just recently the ABC, Australia's public broadcaster, announced its eight core hosts of some of its flagship programs. Unsurprisingly, it remains overwhelming...

Welcome to Unboxed's first episode of 2025! Alicia & Khushaal start the new year off at Kirribilli House with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese preparing for another "test series" coming up later this year - the Australian Federal Election.  Breaking down the basics, this episode unboxes some of the policies and issues the two major parties are backing, and features the launch of...

As the wild year of 2024 comes to a close, Unboxed sneaks in one final episode before the year's end in case your ears needed an intermission from Michael Buble's dulcet Christmas tunes.  In this episode, Alicia uncovers a controversial TikTok trend of 'The Great Indian Shift' raising questions about beauty standards, fetishisation of culture and the quest for social media vali...

It's been a heavy few weeks in the world of current affairs & global politics - you deserve a bit of a break. Alicia & Khushaal did the same and took some time to check out Netflix's latest craze - 'Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare'.  Before advances in social media and modern tech, 'catfish' just referred to the interesting looking aquatic animal. Today, it...

With the US Election results sending shockwaves across the globe, this episode of Unboxed breaks down exactly what's happened, how it's happened & what the return of Donald Trump means for Australia and the world more broadly. In the chaos of unboxing it all (and just in time for Christmas), you also may just find that the blueprint for confronting another Trump presidency may appare...

This week marked the one year anniversary since the defeat of the Voice to Parliament referendum. A year on, the heartbreak for many Indigenous Australians and allies remains and people across the country have been left wondering - where to from here? In this special episode of Unboxed, our co-host Khushaal Vyas (co-founder of the Desis For Yes campaign) speaks with human rights advocate, author a...

Alicia and Khushaal breakdown recent announcements which contemplate a social media ban for kids. Is a ban warranted? Would it go too far? Is it even possible to enforce?  Speaking of social media, the latest thirst trap doing the rounds on Instagram and Tiktok is actor Ishan Khatter in 'The Perfect Couple'. But beyond pure eye candy, is there something more meaningful behind that kind o...

Welcome to Unboxed! In this launch episode, Alicia and Khushaal unpack what we're all about and answer why one should even bother tuning in when everyone and their dog seems to have podcast already.  True to their promise, this first episode covers politics and pop culture with a dive into the recent NSW council elections followed by a trip to tinsel town with some updates in the world of Bri...

Here's a sneak peek into what to expect from Unboxed, a podcast produced by Draw Your Box and hosted by Alicia Vrajlal and Khushaal Vyas. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram at @unboxedpodcastau