Hack

DEEP DIVE: The cost of trauma dumping at the salon 06.06.2026 15min

There's nothing quite like a haircut to make you feel good. You can reinvent yourself in the chair or maybe just sharpen up your current look. And, you get to have a bit of a chat. But are people opening up a little too much in the salon? Because research shows people are using hairdressers as pseudo psychologists - opening up about everything from mental health to relationship troubles and even domestic violence. So what sort of impact is all of this having on salon workers? In this week's hack deep dive, you hear from current and former hairdressers about how client disclosures impact them and the joy of cutting hair. Plus you'll hear why some experts believe hairdressers need mental health training as part of their apprenticeship. If you or someone you know needs help support is available on Lifeline 13 11 14 or the Domestic and Family Violence helpline 1800 737 732. Guest: Dr Hannah McCann, Senior Lecturer in Cultural Studies at the University of Melbourne Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

THE SHAKEUP: GPS horrors, second-hand subs + are we better off with more billionaires? 05.06.2026 31min

Have you ever been sent in the wrong direction by GPS maps? A French national crashed into Hyde Park's Archibald Fountain earlier this week and, allegedly, he was following his maps. Plus, $300 billion, nuclear-powered submarines, and an Australian rock icon — there's been a lot going on with Australia's AUKUS alliance this week and some people reckon we're being ripped off. And, Australia has more billionaires than ever. Is this a good thing, or do we need to be taxing wealth differently? Host Dave Marchese is joined by wealth and culture reporter Mary Madigan and ABC journo Blair Wise. Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

The AUKUS deal is changing + Two mates, 1 chair 04.06.2026 29min

It's the biggest deal in Australian military history, the $368 billion AUKUS alliance between Australia, the US and the UK, but this week, the government announced the deal is changing. Australia is no longer going to get a brand-new submarine — instead, we'll get three second-hand subs. So, does it matter? And does AUKUS still stack up? We speak to Peter Garrett who's leading a crowd-funded inquiry into the deal. Plus, meet mates Fletcher Crowley and Lachie Bennett. They've blown up on socials with hundreds of thousands of people watching them travel the world, pushing the boundaries of what's wheelchair accessible. Listen now: 1:00 - The latest on AUKUS 11:11 - Two mates, 1 chair Guests: Peter Garrett, AUKUS Independent Inquiry lead, lead singer of Midnight Oil Fletcher Crowley and Lachie Bennett, Two Mates 1 Chair Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

INTERVIEW: Two mates, four continents, three months, one wheelchair 04.06.2026 29min

Fletcher Crowley and Lachie Bennett have been living out a dream - two mates, visiting four countries, in three months. Their adventures have blown up on social media with hundreds of thousands of people watching them trek across the globe and pushing the boundaries of what's accessible. Fletcher has been a wheelchair user since he was 17. But he has never let that slow him down. In this week's long listen Fletcher and Lachie give Dave the rundown on their holdiay, the pros of travelling with a wheelchair, and why it's important to support your mates. Guests: Fletcher Crowley and Lachie Bennet, Two Mates 1 Chair Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Sextortion scammers targeting young men, GLP-1 stigma + a global El Niño warning 03.06.2026 31min

You meet someone on a dating app, you link up on socials, you start sharing nudes, it seems like harmless fun — until they threaten to share your intimate photos with your friends and family if you don't pay up. Thousands of Aussies have been targeted by this sextortion and new data shows young men are particularly at risk. So, what do you do if you find yourself in this situation? Plus, are people on weight loss drugs being judged differently? Also, the United Nations has warned the world to prepare for an El Niño this year. Listen now: 01:38 - What is sextortion? 11:46 - Weight loss drug stigma 24:33 - El Niño warning Guests: Julie Inman Grant, E-Safety Commissioner Professor Gemma Sharp, Head of body image, eating, and weight disorders at the school of psychology at Adelaide University. Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Australia's billionaires get richer, a shaky Middle East ceasefire + the youngest Aussie to summit Everest 02.06.2026 31min

Australia now has 178 billionaires, up 17 from last year. Their combined wealth? $686 billion. The government's changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax have been pitched as a way of tackling wealth inequality. But as the billionaire class grows, could our tax system be fairer? Also, the ceasefire in the Middle East is looking shaky, with US President Donald Trump saying he has made calls to Israel and Hezbollah to calm tensions. Plus, meet Bianca Adler, the 18-year-old who just became the youngest Australian ever to summit Mount Everest. Listen now: 01:35 - Is our tax system broken? 13:51 - Middle East update 18:29 - Climbing Mount Everest Guests: Evan Lucas, economic futurist Bianca Adler, youngest Australian to summit Mount Everest Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Trauma dumping at the salon, police assaults + student music festivals 01.06.2026 31min

What is it about the salon chair that makes people open up? New research has found some customers use hair and beauty salon workers as substitute therapists. So what impact does all this emotional dumping have on workers? And should they get more training to deal with it? Also, a Four Corners investigation has raised questions about police accountability in New South Wales. Plus, Year 12 students on the Central Coast have thrown their own music festival. Listen now: 01:21 - Are NSW Police being held accountable? 09:09 - Why people trauma dump at the salon 24:38 - High schoolers hold their own music festival Guests: Dylan Welch, Four Corners reporter Dr Hannah McCann, Senior Lecturer in Cultural Studies at the University of Melbourne Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

DEEP DIVE: Would you let AI into your sex life? 30.05.2026 11min

The sex industry is always at the forefront of technology. It was the first sector to really embrace the internet and now it is taking on artificial intelligence. AI powered sex toys are popping up in sex stores around the country promising to change the way you have sex. So would you let AI into your bedroom? And what could all of this mean for how we connect? In this week's hack deep dive we take a look at the growing AI sex industry. You'll hear from young people about how they feel about the idea of AI sex, and experts who say this trend isn't going away. Guests: Zara Rubinsztein, Business Information Systems PhD candidate, University of Sydney Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

THE SHAKEUP: The Pope's AI warning, making sex ed better + should water be free? 29.05.2026 31min

Pope Leo has used his first encyclical to warn the world about the risks AI poses to humanity. And does sex education in this country need an overhaul? Some new research has revealed some concerning trends in young people's understanding of safe sex and consent. Plus, should water at restaurants be free? Italy's top court says no. We also unpack one study suggesting Gen Z aren't interested in fame. Host Dave Marchese is joined by comedian Sammy Crawford-Smith and Allie Daisy King from Missing Perspectives. Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Push for prediction markets in Australia, Iran peace deal + going beyond 'sorry' 28.05.2026 31min

Billions of dollars are traded on platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi each week. Should prediction markets be allowed in Australia? And three months after the war in Iran began, it's still unclear how it will end. Despite suggestions a peace deal was within reach, the US has launched fresh strikes against Iran. Plus, a descendant of the Stolen Generations tells us about the day that changed her life and why she thinks Australia is still in denial about its history. Listen now: 01:02 - The rise of prediction markets 09:43 - Is an Iran peace deal close? 14:18 - Is Australia denying its history? Guests: Myles Houlbrook-Walk, journalist, ABC's 7:30 Ellen Karimanovic, Worimi woman, member of the Healing Foundation's Youth Reference Group Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

INTERVIEW: Why Ellen says it's time to move past apologies 28.05.2026 17min

When you think about the Stolen Generations you might think it is ancient history. A chapter of Australia's past where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were forcibly removed from their families by the government and the Church. But First Nations children were still being removed from homes as recently as 1970 and for survivors, and their descendants, the trauma is something they live with every day. On Tuesday, Sorry Day, the government announced an additional $2.6 million in funding for organisations supporting the Stolen Generations. But survivors, and their descendants, say it's time for more action, and have called for the government to implement all the recommendations of the Bringing Them Home Report. The report was released in 1997 and made 83 recommendations designed to support healing, justice and reconciliation - nearly 30 years on the Healing Foundation says only 6 per cent have been fully implemented. In this week's long listen Worimi woman Ellen Karimanovic tells Dave what it was like to reconnect with family, why it's time for action not apologies, and why she's still hopeful for the future. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this podcast references an Indigenous person who has died. Guest: Ellen Karimanovic, Worimi woman, member of the Healing Foundation's Youth Reference Group Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Having sex with AI, JobSeeker changes + the warning signs before Bondi 27.05.2026 31min

JobSeeker could be about to change in a big way, under a new proposal to overhaul how more than one million unemployed Aussies access support. And what did security agencies know in the lead-up to the Bondi terror attack? We unpack the latest from the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, where the country's top spy boss and federal police have now given evidence. Plus, from humanoid sex robots and 'smart' toys, to dating apps with AI matchmaking, we hear how this kind of tech is infiltrating your sex lives. Is it for better or worse? Listen now: 01:10 - The government's JobSeeker proposal 05:46 - Evidence uncovered at the antisemitism royal commission 11:04 - AI sex toys Guests: Gavin Coote, reporter, ABC News Zara Rubinsztein, Business Information Systems PhD candidate, University of Sydney Dee Salmin, host, The Hook Up Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Is dairy back? Jack's disappearance + the 'Fyre Festival of sport' 26.05.2026 31min

Are people returning to dairy? We hear why some of you are turning away from plant-based milk, and unpack the pros and cons for the environment and health. And what became of Jack McLennan? The 27-year-old Queenslander had been relaxing and drinking beers at a picnic spot when he vanished. Plus, only one world record was broken, but was the Enhanced Games a marketing success? Listen now: 00:57 - Is dairy milk back? 14:39 - What happened to Jack? 21:05 - Enhanced Games results Guests: Jemma O'Hanlon, accredited dietitian Rob Burgin, host, Unravel Andrew Hughes, Lecturer in Marketing, Australian National University Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

From the Gaza flotilla to Israeli detention, a party of independents + young birders 25.05.2026 31min

A group of independent politicians — including multiple 'teals' — say they're exploring the idea of forming a new political party. With one poll now suggesting One Nation could become the federal opposition, how would another alternative rock the major parties? And Australian activists on the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla have returned home after being detained by Israel. A Melbourne student who was among them opens up about her experience. Plus, we find out why more and more young people are getting around birdwatching. Listen now: 01:13 - Flotilla activists return home 08:57 - What happens if independents form a party? 18:11 - Birdwatching's comeback Guests: Kos Samaras, director of strategy and analysis, Redbridge Group Gemma O'Toole, activist Sean Dooley, senior advisor, Birdlife Australia Note: this podcast features audio supplied from the Atlas of Living Australia. Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

DEEP DIVE: Galah or gronk? Here's why your answer matters 23.05.2026 10min

Drongo, galah, wombat: they're some of Australia's favourite insults, but their use in everyday language has changed throughout the decades. While everyone has their preferred flavour of insult, there is one thing that linguists agree on: younger generations swear in a different way to those who came before them. So what's behind that change? And are we losing parts of our national identity? In today's deep dive we speak to young people right across Australia about their go-to swear words and insults, and how the internet is changing the way we use and create slang. Guests: Dylan Hughes, Monash University School of Languages PhD student Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

THE SHAKEUP: Bezos' tax idea, mortifying work mistakes + can you beat Trump's excuse? 22.05.2026 31min

With talk about tax dominating Australian politics this week, we unpack billionaire Jeff Bezos' call for the bottom half of earners in the US to pay zero income tax. And something truly unprecedented is about to happen in the world of sports. So how do you feel about the Enhanced Games? Plus, a radio station in the UK accidentally announced the King was dead (he's not) so we find out about your most embarrassing work stuff ups. Also we hear your best excuses for missing events after Donald Trump flagged he might not attend his son's wedding. His reason: "I have a thing called Iran". Dave Marchese is joined by Mamamia's Gemma Donahoe and journalist Marty Smiley. Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Is ChatGPT good for humanity + the cost of fighting for human rights in Gaza 21.05.2026 31min

Is ChatGPT's creator, OpenAI, dedicated to bettering humanity or making money? That's the question at the heart of a court battle between Elon Musk and Sam Altman. And Francesca Albanese is both celebrated and condemned for her work as the UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories. After facing sanctions in the US, allegations of antisemitism, and death threats, she opens up about what scares her and why she thinks young people can save the world. Listen now: 01:18 - Elon Musk vs Sam Altman 10:19 - Gaza flotilla update 15:47 - Francesca Albanese's hope for the world Guests: Cam Wilson, national AI reporter, ABC Francesca Albanese, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

INTERVIEW: Francesca Albanese on being sanctioned and impartiality 21.05.2026 14min

Francesca Albanese has become synonymous with the fight for human rights in Gaza. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories is both celebrated and condemned around the world. But despite the constant criticism and even calls for her resignation, Ms Albanese insists she is just doing her job. In this week's long listen, Dave asks Francesca Albanese about her new book, the impact of sanctions the US has imposed on her, and why she believes young people hold the key to everything. Guest: Francesca Albanese, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

'In the bed'; inside WA's mouse plague, calls for a DV royal commission + how swear words change 20.05.2026 31min

Is it time for a royal commission into violence against women and children in Australia? Some advocates say yes, after at least four women and two children died in four days in suspected domestic violence-related incidents, but the government is against the idea. Plus, residents in WA's Mid-West say they're frustrated with the response to a mouse plague in the area. And, what changes the swear words we use? Listen now: 01:50 - Calls for a DV Royal Commission 15:01 - WA's mouse plague 20:03 - How swear words have changed Guests: Elena Rosenman, Chair of the Women's Legal Services Australia Dylan Hughes, Monash University School of Languages PhD student Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Young investors call out CGT change + the Enhanced Games 19.05.2026 31min

Some young people are furious, saying they'll have to rethink their financial planning due to the government's proposed changes to the capital gains tax discount. That's because the changes aren't just applicable to property - but investments like ETFs and crypto. They say the government is stopping them from reaping the rewards previous generations had access to - or is it evening the playing field, like the government suggests? And this weekend athletes from around the world compete in an 'Olympics'-style event where doping is allowed. Are the Enhanced Games the future of human performance, or a dangerous PR stunt? Listen now: 01:21 - What the CGT change means for young investors 17:37 - The "steroid Olympics" controversy Guests: Natasha Etschmann, personal finance educator (@tashinvests) Bridie O Donnell, former professional road cyclist Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm