Parramatta Council development updates

1800 RESPECT funding w/ Sherele Moody

Health & environment w/ Dr John Van Der Kallen

Sydney busking updates

The City of Parramatta Council believes it has done its "fair share" in building housing, and will write to the state government to ask to be exempt from the Housing Development Authority. Backchat producer and local council head Holly explains what this means for development in Western Sydney. 

The Albanese government increased funding for 1800 RESPECT by 40% in light of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Sherele Moody, founder of the RED HEART Campaign and Australian Femicide Watch joins us to discuss what more needs to be done to eliminate gender-based violence. 

How does climate change intersect with health? Dr John Van Der Kallen from Doctors for the Environment Australia breaks it down for us and speaks about how climate policy can better address the national health impact of climate change. 

Last month, the City of Sydney updated Sydney's busking code that relegated buskers to specific spots in the city. Producer Nyaboth Chuol unpacks the changes and the impact it will have on Sydney's busking scene. 

This episode of Backchat was produced by Holly Payne, Euan Kielly, Nyaboth Chuol, Jess D’Souza and Bec Cushway.

Executive produced by Bec Cushway.

Hosted by Dani Zhang and Tanita Razaghi.

Aired 29 November 2025 on Gadigal land.

Want to support our show? Follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave us a five-star review, and share an episode with a friend. 

 

 

The City of Parramatta Council believes it has done its "fair share" in building housing, and will write to the state government to ask to be exempt from the Housing Development Authority. Backchat producer and local council head Holly explains what this means for development in Western Sydney.&nbsp;
The Albanese government increased funding for 1800 RESPECT by 40% in light of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Sherele Moody, founder of the RED HEART Campaign and Australian Femicide Watch joins us to discuss what more needs to be done to eliminate gender-based violence.&nbsp;
How does climate change intersect with health? Dr John Van Der Kallen from Doctors for the Environment Australia breaks it down for us and speaks about how climate policy can better address the national health impact of climate change.&nbsp;
Last month, the City of Sydney updated Sydney's busking code that relegated buskers to specific spots in the city. Producer Nyaboth Chuol unpacks the changes and the impact it will have on Sydney's busking scene.&nbsp;
This episode of Backchat was produced by Holly Payne, Euan Kielly, Nyaboth Chuol, Jess D&rsquo;Souza and Bec Cushway.
Executive produced by Bec Cushway.
Hosted by Dani Zhang and Tanita Razaghi.
Aired 29 November 2025 on Gadigal land.
Want to support our show? Follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave us a five-star review, and share an episode with a friend.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Parramatta Council housing goss | 1800 RESPECT funding increase | How climate change is affecting your health | New busking reforms in Sydney 

Intro

Pharmacists v GPs debate over prescriptions

Fight to protect Glebe's public housing

Pride in Protest on Mardi Gras over-policing

Has our skincare obsession gone too far?

Teen Vogue merger

Producer Euan Kielly breaks down the beef between pharmacists and GPs after a proposal to expand the scope of practice for pharmacists to include medicine prescriptions.

 

Demolition work has begun on a 35-year-old public housing estate in Glebe. Producer Gabriella Accaria unpacks the fight to defend public housing against privatisation with ACP member Dan Miller and Socialist Alliance seat for Sydney Rachel Evans.

 

Backchat speaks to Pride in Protest candidate for the Mardi Gras board, Luna Choo, about the new petition to stop over-policing at Mardi Gras parades, board elections, and what this means for Sydney’s queer community.

 

Has social media’s obsession with skincare gone too far? Producer Nyaboth Chuol breaks down the controversy around ‘Rini’, the new skincare brand made for children, and the exploitation of self-care with Dr Michelle Wong.

 

Producer Jess D’Souza discusses the implications of Teen Vogue’s merger with Vogue.com on youth media diversity and takeaways for the Australian media landscape. Founder of news initiative In My Head Kriti Gupta and Zee Feed co-founder Crystal Andrews pitch in.

 

This episode of Backchat was produced by Gabriella Accaria, Nyaboth Chuol, Jess D’Souza, Euan Kielly and Bec Cushway.

Executive produced by Bec Cushway.

Hosted by Dani Zhang and Tanita Razaghi.

Aired 15 November 2025 on Gadigal land.

Want to support our show? Follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave us a five-star review, and share an episode with a friend. 

Producer Euan Kielly breaks down the beef between pharmacists and GPs after a proposal to expand the scope of practice for pharmacists to include medicine prescriptions.
&nbsp;
Demolition work has begun on a 35-year-old public housing estate in Glebe. Producer Gabriella Accaria unpacks the fight to defend public housing against privatisation with ACP member Dan Miller and Socialist Alliance seat for Sydney Rachel Evans.
&nbsp;
Backchat speaks to Pride in Protest candidate for the Mardi Gras board, Luna Choo, about the new petition to stop over-policing at Mardi Gras parades, board elections, and what this means for Sydney&rsquo;s queer community.
&nbsp;
Has social media&rsquo;s obsession with skincare gone too far? Producer Nyaboth Chuol breaks down the controversy around &lsquo;Rini&rsquo;, the new skincare brand made for children, and the exploitation of self-care with Dr Michelle Wong.
&nbsp;
Producer Jess D&rsquo;Souza discusses the implications of Teen Vogue&rsquo;s merger with Vogue.com on youth media diversity and takeaways for the Australian media landscape. Founder of news initiative In My Head Kriti Gupta and Zee Feed co-founder Crystal Andrews pitch in.
&nbsp;
This episode of Backchat was produced by Gabriella Accaria, Nyaboth Chuol, Jess D&rsquo;Souza, Euan Kielly and Bec Cushway.
Executive produced by Bec Cushway.
Hosted by Dani Zhang and Tanita Razaghi.
Aired 15 November 2025 on Gadigal land.
Want to support our show? Follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave us a five-star review, and share an episode with a friend.&nbsp;

Pharmacists and GPs debate over prescription power | Fight to protect public housing | Pride in Protest on over-policing at Mardi Gras | Do we need skincare for children? | Teen Vogue merger

Earlwood's Greek anarchist posters

Rise in triple zero outages

Cairo Takeaway's legal battle

National Socialist Network protests

Who is putting up, and now tearing down, the Greek anarchist posters in Sydney’s suburb of Earlwood? Producer Gabriella Accaria talks to Dr Sky Croeza to investigate.

 

Producer Euan Kielly joins to break down the uptick in triple-zero outages and telecommunications failures in Australia.

 

Have you stumbled upon the ‘Cairo Takeaway needs our help’ posts on your social media feed? Backchat breaks down the legal defence battle between pro-Israel activist Ofir Birenbaum and much-loved Inner West restaurant Cairo Takeaway.

 

Recently, members of the National Socialist Network were seen protesting outside the Parliament House. Backchat spoke to what’s doin media founder Scobie McKay about the neo-Nazi organisation and its worrying impact on our communities.

 

This episode of Backchat was produced by Gabriella Accaria, Euan Kielly, Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis and Bec Cushway. 

Executive produced by Bec Cushway. 

Hosted by Bec Cushway and Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis. 

Aired 22 November 2025 on Gadigal land. 

Want to support our show? Follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave us a five-star review, and share an episode with a friend. 

Who is putting up, and now tearing down, the Greek anarchist posters in Sydney&rsquo;s suburb of Earlwood? Producer Gabriella Accaria talks to Dr Sky Croeza to investigate.
&nbsp;
Producer Euan Kielly joins to break down the uptick in triple-zero outages and telecommunications failures in Australia.
&nbsp;
Have you stumbled upon the &lsquo;Cairo Takeaway needs our help&rsquo; posts on your social media feed? Backchat breaks down the legal defence battle between pro-Israel activist Ofir Birenbaum and much-loved Inner West restaurant Cairo Takeaway.
&nbsp;
Recently, members of the National Socialist Network were seen protesting outside the Parliament House. Backchat spoke to what&rsquo;s doin media founder Scobie McKay about the neo-Nazi organisation and its worrying impact on our communities.
&nbsp;
This episode of Backchat was produced by Gabriella Accaria, Euan Kielly, Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis and Bec Cushway.&nbsp;
Executive produced by Bec Cushway.&nbsp;
Hosted by Bec Cushway and Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis.&nbsp;
Aired 22 November 2025 on Gadigal land.&nbsp;
Want to support our show? Follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave us a five-star review, and share an episode with a friend.&nbsp;

Cairo Takeaway's legal battle | National Socialist Network protests | Rise in Australia's triple zero outages | Earlwood's Greek anarchist posters

Protests outside Sydney defence expo

NSW treaty process w/ Naomi Moran

Australian climate policy updates

Secret deportations to Nauru

Pro-Palestinian protestors clashed with police outside the recent Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney. Dani Zhang takes us through how the government's support of the defence expo contradicts its public statements about Australia's role about the war in Gaza. 

Producer Jessica D'Souza chats to NSW Treaty Commissioner Naomi Moran about the process towards a treaty with Aboriginal people in the state, following Victoria's passing of treaty legislation.

Can't keep up with Australia's climate policy updates? Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis breaks down all the latest flops from Labor and the Coalition with the Climate Council's Ben McCleod. 

Producer Jaspar McCahon-Boersma unpacks the circumstances surrounding the government's recent murky deportations to Nauru with the Refugee Council of Australia's Dr Graham Thom. He also speaks to Zaki Haidari from Amnesty International, who speaks about his experience seeking asylum in Australia by sea. 

This episode of Backchat was produced by Dani Zhang, Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis, Jessica D'Souza, Jaspar McCahon-Boersma and Bec Cushway. 

Executive produced by Bec Cushway. 

Hosted by Dani Zhang and Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis. 

Aired 8 November 2025 on Gadigal land. 

Want to support our show? Follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave us a five-star review, and share an episode with a friend. 

Pro-Palestinian protestors clashed with police outside the recent Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney. Dani Zhang takes us through how the government's support of the defence expo contradicts its public statements about Australia's role about the war in Gaza.&nbsp;
Producer Jessica D'Souza chats to NSW Treaty Commissioner Naomi Moran about the process towards a treaty with Aboriginal people in the state, following Victoria's passing of treaty legislation.
Can't keep up with Australia's climate policy updates? Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis breaks down all the latest flops from Labor and the Coalition with the Climate Council's Ben McCleod.&nbsp;
Producer Jaspar McCahon-Boersma unpacks the circumstances surrounding the government's recent murky deportations to Nauru with the Refugee Council of Australia's Dr Graham Thom. He also speaks to Zaki Haidari from Amnesty International, who speaks about his experience seeking asylum in Australia by sea.&nbsp;
This episode of Backchat was produced by Dani Zhang, Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis, Jessica D'Souza, Jaspar McCahon-Boersma and Bec Cushway.&nbsp;
Executive produced by Bec Cushway.&nbsp;
Hosted by Dani Zhang and Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis.&nbsp;
Aired 8 November 2025 on Gadigal land.&nbsp;
Want to support our show? Follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave us a five-star review, and share an episode with a friend.&nbsp;

Clash at Sydney weapons expo | Update on NSW treaty | Australia's climate policy updates | Secret deportations to Nauru

Host Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis speaks about the controversial opening of a kebab shop by notorious Sydney influencer and outspoken homophobe, Spanian, in Sydney's queer capital, Newtown.

Executive producer Bec Cushway gives an update on the recent highs and lows of trans healthcare policies in Queensland.

Eva and Bec discuss the Labor Party's leaked talking points on Israel and Palestine and it's political ramifications wth Deep Cut News journalist Alex McKinnon. They also highlight international AI copyright laws with Dr. Louise Buckingham, looking into artists' rights amid AI advancements. 

Producer Nyaboth Chuol delves into ASMR - a phenomenon that has gone from the fringes of the Internet to garnering mainstream attention. 

This episode of Backchat was produced by Bec Cushway, Eva-Sikes Gerogiannis and Nyaboth Chuol. 

Executive produced by Bec Cushway.

Hosted by Bec Cushway and Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis

Aired 1 November 2025 on Gadigal land.

Want to support our show? Follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave us a five-star review, and share an episode with a friend. 

Host Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis speaks about the controversial opening of a kebab shop by notorious Sydney influencer and outspoken homophobe, Spanian, in Sydney's queer capital, Newtown.
Executive producer Bec Cushway gives an update on the recent highs and lows of trans healthcare policies in Queensland.
Eva and Bec discuss the Labor Party's leaked talking points on Israel and Palestine and it's political ramifications wth Deep Cut News journalist Alex McKinnon. They also highlight international AI copyright laws with Dr. Louise Buckingham, looking into artists' rights amid AI advancements.&nbsp;
Producer Nyaboth Chuol delves into ASMR - a phenomenon that has gone from the fringes of the Internet to garnering mainstream attention.&nbsp;
This episode of Backchat was produced by Bec Cushway, Eva-Sikes Gerogiannis and Nyaboth Chuol.&nbsp;
Executive produced by Bec Cushway.
Hosted by Bec Cushway and Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis
Aired 1 November 2025 on Gadigal land.
Want to support our show? Follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave us a five-star review, and share an episode with a friend.&nbsp;

Labor Party's leaked talking points on Israel and Palestine | Artist's rights amid AI advancements | QLD Trans Healthcare policies 

Good Food Guide drops Merivale venues

Rise of Christian Orthodoxy in young people

AI use in the insurance industry

Courts dismiss Rising Tide protester cases

South Asian-Australians on Diljit Dosanjh

The Good Food Guide has announced that they are no longer recommending Merivale venues due to allegations made against the company, shortly after dropping Swillhouse venues late last year. Producer Bec Cushway joins to explain the impact on venues and food media.

Producer Gabriella Accaria investigates why Orthodox Christianity is seeing a revival among young people.

Have you wrestled with a chatbot while trying to make an insurance claim? Dr Alexandra Bratanova breaks down the Insurance Council of Australia and CSIRO's joint report on AI use in the insurance industry, and what the risks and benefits this move could pose for you.

Tim Roberts, President for the NSW Council for Civil Liberties, joins us to discuss the courts' decision to dismiss the cases for some of the 129 Rising Tide protesters charged after protesting the world’s largest coal port in Newcastle.

As his AURA tour in Australia began in Parramatta last weekend, producer Jessica D'Souza looks into Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh and how he’s inspiring a new generation of South Asian-Australian artists.

This episode of Backchat was produced by Bec Cushway, Gabriella Accaria, Pongyada Sootthipong, Sana Shaikh and Jessica D'Souza.

Executive produced by Bec Cushway.

Hosted by Dani Zhang and Pongyada Sootthipong. 

Aired 25 October 2025 on Gadigal land. 

Want to support our show? Follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave us a five-star review, and share an episode with a friend. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

The Good Food Guide has announced that they are no longer recommending Merivale venues due to allegations made against the company, shortly after dropping Swillhouse venues late last year. Producer Bec Cushway joins to explain the impact on venues and food media.
Producer Gabriella Accaria investigates why Orthodox Christianity is seeing a revival among young people.
Have you wrestled with a chatbot while trying to make an insurance claim? Dr Alexandra Bratanova breaks down the Insurance Council of Australia and CSIRO's joint report on AI use in the insurance industry, and what the risks and benefits this move could pose for you.
Tim Roberts, President for the NSW Council for Civil Liberties, joins us to discuss the courts' decision to dismiss the cases for some of the 129 Rising Tide protesters charged after protesting the world&rsquo;s largest coal port in Newcastle.
As his AURA tour in Australia began in Parramatta last weekend, producer Jessica D'Souza looks into Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh and how he&rsquo;s inspiring a new generation of South Asian-Australian artists.
This episode of Backchat was produced by Bec Cushway, Gabriella Accaria, Pongyada Sootthipong, Sana Shaikh and Jessica D'Souza.
Executive produced by Bec Cushway.
Hosted by Dani Zhang and Pongyada Sootthipong.&nbsp;
Aired 25 October 2025 on Gadigal land.&nbsp;
Want to support our show? Follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave us a five-star review, and share an episode with a friend.&nbsp;
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.&nbsp;

Good Food Guide drops Merivale venues | Courts dismiss Rising Tide protester cases | Why is Christian Orthodoxy appealing to young people? 

Trauma-sensitive frontline responses

Queensland pill-testing ban

Impacts of Keratoconus

Has rave culture lost its meaning?

NARO report card for renters

EDIT: This episode has been edited after broadcast to accurately reflect the input of the author of the petition to Mandate Trauma-Informed Training for All NSW Police Officers, Claudia Kuper.

Over ten thousand people have signed a legislative assembly petition calling for mandated trauma-informed training for NSW Police. Producer Pongyada Sootthipong speaks to lead petitioner Claudia Kuper and solicitor Sam Lee about trauma-informed responses and what systemic reforms are needed to implement them. 

Cameron Francis, the CEO of not-for-profit drug testing service organisation The Loop joins us to discuss Queensland's recent ban on public and private pill testing operations.

We unpack the impacts of keratoconus (a chronic eye condition) on young people with Dr Jingjing You, a senior lecturer at the University of Sydney's School of Medical Sciences. 

Have raves lost their meaning? Producer Bec Cushway investigates the history of raves and how Sydney's rave scene is being diluted. 

The National Association of Renters' Organisations and National Shelter have released their second report card on renting in Australia. Producer Sana Shaikh speaks to CEO of the Tenants' Union of NSW Leo Patterson Ross on how New South Wales fared and what the results mean for Sydney renters. 

This episode of Backchat was produced by Pongyada Sootthipong, Nyaboth Chuol, Elise Papaioannou, Sana Shaikh and Bec Cushway.

Executive produced by Bec Cushway.

Hosted by Dani Zhang and Bec Cushway. 

Aired 27 September 2025 on Gadigal land. 

Want to support our show? Follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave us a five-star review, and share an episode with a friend. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

EDIT: This episode has been edited after broadcast to accurately reflect the input of the author of the petition to Mandate Trauma-Informed Training for All NSW Police Officers, Claudia Kuper.
Over ten thousand people have signed a legislative assembly petition calling for mandated trauma-informed training for NSW Police. Producer Pongyada Sootthipong speaks to lead petitioner Claudia Kuper and solicitor Sam Lee about trauma-informed responses and what systemic reforms are needed to implement them.&nbsp;
Cameron Francis, the CEO of not-for-profit drug testing service organisation The Loop joins us to discuss Queensland's recent ban on public and private pill testing operations.
We unpack the impacts of keratoconus (a chronic eye condition) on young people with Dr Jingjing You, a senior lecturer at the University of Sydney's School of Medical Sciences.&nbsp;
Have raves lost their meaning? Producer Bec Cushway investigates the history of raves and how Sydney's rave scene is being diluted.&nbsp;
The National Association of Renters' Organisations and National Shelter have released their second report card on renting in Australia. Producer Sana Shaikh speaks to CEO of the Tenants' Union of NSW Leo Patterson Ross on how New South Wales fared and what the results mean for Sydney renters.&nbsp;
This episode of Backchat was produced by Pongyada Sootthipong, Nyaboth Chuol, Elise Papaioannou, Sana Shaikh and Bec Cushway.
Executive produced by Bec Cushway.
Hosted by Dani Zhang and Bec Cushway.&nbsp;
Aired 27 September 2025 on Gadigal land.&nbsp;
Want to support our show? Follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave us a five-star review, and share an episode with a friend.&nbsp;
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.&nbsp;

Trauma sensitivity for frontline responders | Queensland's pill testing ban | impacts of keratoconus | degredation of rave culture | NARO renting report

A new report from market research behemoth Roy Morgan has shown that, while fewer people think homosexuality is immoral than they did 20 years ago, the rate at which that is changing has slowed dramatically. Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine joins the show to break down the findings. 

As neo-nazis become increasingly visible on streets all around Australia, we're rerunning producer Emilios Kwasner-Catsivelakis' package on the psychology of radical political views.

General practice is increasingly hitting the headlines as sweeping Medicare changes loom. But will the November 1 reforms actually make it easier to see a doctor? Tasmanian GP Dr Toby Gardner is here to answer your questions. 

This episode of Backchat was hosted by Pongyada Soothipong and Tanita Razaghi, and produced by Holly Payne, Rebecca Cushway and Emil Kwasner-Catsivelakis.

Executive Produced by Rebecca Cushway.

Aired 11 October on Gadigal Land. 

Want to support our show? Follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave us a five star review, and share an episode with a friend. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report from market research behemoth Roy Morgan has shown that, while fewer people think homosexuality is immoral than they did 20 years ago, the rate at which that is changing has slowed dramatically. Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine joins the show to break down the findings.&nbsp;
As neo-nazis become increasingly visible on streets all around Australia, we're rerunning producer Emilios Kwasner-Catsivelakis' package on the psychology of radical political views.
General practice is increasingly hitting the headlines as sweeping Medicare changes loom. But will the November 1 reforms actually make it easier to see a doctor? Tasmanian GP Dr Toby Gardner is here to answer your questions.&nbsp;
This episode of Backchat was hosted by Pongyada Soothipong and Tanita Razaghi, and produced by Holly Payne, Rebecca Cushway and Emil Kwasner-Catsivelakis.
Executive Produced by Rebecca Cushway.
Aired 11 October on Gadigal Land.&nbsp;
Want to support our show? Follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave us a five star review, and share an episode with a friend.&nbsp;
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are we seeing a rise in homophobia? | The psychology of extremism | GPs and the health of the nation

Data and stats aren't everything!

Can we fix Parramatta Road?

We <3 FBi!!!

Why does Sydney get so flooded when it rains?

Protect Mardi Gras v Pride in Protest

Asian representation in TSITP

Are numbers and statistical data as objective as people think they are? Producer Nyaboth Chuol and journalist Madi Chwasta get into why understanding how stats work could stop you (and your middle aged relos on Facebook) from falling down a conspiracy theory rabbit hole. 

Dani and Bec also chat with Estelle Grech, head of planning and policy at the Committee for Sydney, about whether Parramatta Road could be used for something other than traffic jams (what a concept!).

Later, producer Pongyada Sootthipong looks into why Sydney’s infrastructure is so terrible at coping with wet weather. Sam Kernaghan, Sanaa Shah and Matthew Thompson tell us whether they think our city is ready to withstand the worsening impacts of climate change.

Luna Choo from Pride in Protest came by the studio to chat about their thoughts on Mardi Gras - can a celebration that welcomes cops, corporations and pro-genocide voices truly celebrate queer lives?

Producer Jess D’Souza welcomed the warm weather with a discussion about Asian-American representation on ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ - finally, a conversation about TSITP with minimal Conrad v Jeremiah talk!

This episode of Backchat was produced by Nyaboth Chuol, Sana Shaikh, Pongyada Sootthipong, Bec Cushway and Jessica D’Souza.

Executive produced by Bec Cushway.

Aired 20 September 2025 on Gadigal Land.

Are numbers and statistical data as objective as people think they are? Producer Nyaboth Chuol and journalist Madi Chwasta get into why understanding how stats work could stop you (and your middle aged relos on Facebook) from falling down a conspiracy theory rabbit hole.&nbsp;
Dani and Bec also chat with Estelle Grech, head of planning and policy at the Committee for Sydney, about whether Parramatta Road could be used for something other than traffic jams (what a concept!).
Later, producer Pongyada Sootthipong looks into why Sydney&rsquo;s infrastructure is so terrible at coping with wet weather. Sam Kernaghan, Sanaa Shah and Matthew Thompson tell us whether they think our city is ready to withstand the worsening impacts of climate change.
Luna Choo from Pride in Protest came by the studio to chat about their thoughts on Mardi Gras - can a celebration that welcomes cops, corporations and pro-genocide voices truly celebrate queer lives?
Producer Jess D&rsquo;Souza welcomed the warm weather with a discussion about Asian-American representation on &lsquo;The Summer I Turned Pretty&rsquo; - finally, a conversation about TSITP with minimal Conrad v Jeremiah talk!
This episode of Backchat was produced by Nyaboth Chuol, Sana Shaikh, Pongyada Sootthipong, Bec Cushway and Jessica D&rsquo;Souza.
Executive produced by Bec Cushway.
Aired 20 September 2025 on Gadigal Land.

Data and stats aren’t everything! | Can we fix Parramatta Road? | Why does Sydney get so flooded when it rains? | Protect Mardi Gras vs. Pride in Protest | Asian representation in ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’

To break down the recent news that Melbourne University Press is closing Meanjin, Australia’s second-oldest literary journal, Holly explains why this is about much more than just finances or literary snobbery.

A major conversation is unfolding in New South Wales following the state’s first drug summit in 25 years, with growing calls to reform driving laws for medical cannabis users. To unpack the issue, MP Alex Greenwich joined hosts Holly and Eva on the show.

The theme of this year's National Child Protection Week, was “shifting conversation into action.” One conversation gaining momentum is the Albanese government’s social media ban for under-16s, aimed at protecting kids online. Discussing the proposal and its potential impact, senior lecturer in digital and social media at UTS, Paul Byron, joined the show.

The long-running debate over shark nets has reignited after a fatal shark attack on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. In response, the NSW government has paused a planned trial to remove nets from certain beaches. To explore the controversy and whether shark nets really keep swimmers safe, our producer Olivia takes a closer look.

This episode of Backchat was hosted by Holly Payne and Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis, and produced by Bec Cushway, Holly Payne, Elise Papaioannou, Jaspar McCahon-Boersma and Olivia Nunes-Malek.

Executive Produced by Rebecca Cushway.

Aired 13 September on Gadigal Land. 

Want to support our show? Follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave us a five star review, and share an episode with a friend. 

To break down the recent news that Melbourne University Press is closing Meanjin, Australia&rsquo;s second-oldest literary journal, Holly explains why this is about much more than just finances or literary snobbery.
A major conversation is unfolding in New South Wales following the state&rsquo;s first drug summit in 25 years, with growing calls to reform driving laws for medical cannabis users. To unpack the issue, MP Alex Greenwich joined hosts Holly and Eva on the show.
The theme of this year's National Child Protection Week, was &ldquo;shifting conversation into action.&rdquo; One conversation gaining momentum is the Albanese government&rsquo;s social media ban for under-16s, aimed at protecting kids online. Discussing the proposal and its potential impact, senior lecturer in digital and social media at UTS, Paul Byron, joined the show.
The long-running debate over shark nets has reignited after a fatal shark attack on Sydney&rsquo;s Northern Beaches. In response, the NSW government has paused a planned trial to remove nets from certain beaches. To explore the controversy and whether shark nets really keep swimmers safe, our producer Olivia takes a closer look.
This episode of Backchat was hosted by Holly Payne and Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis, and produced by Bec Cushway, Holly Payne, Elise Papaioannou, Jaspar McCahon-Boersma and Olivia Nunes-Malek.
Executive Produced by Rebecca Cushway.
Aired 13 September on Gadigal Land.&nbsp;
Want to support our show? Follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave us a five star review, and share an episode with a friend.&nbsp;

Closure of Meanjin | Prescription cannabis and driving | Protecting Children Online | Are shark nets effective? 

Your alternative to talkback. Backchat is a weekly show of news, politics, interviews, discussion, satire, and feature reporting.

Hosted by Dani Zhang and Tanita Razaghi. Executive produced by Rebecca Cushway, with producers Dani Zhang, Holly Payne, Tanita Razaghi, Libby Hopper, Sana Shaikh, Lilly Grainger, Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis, Euan Kielly, Elisa Papaioannou, Grace Pittar, Jaspar McCahon-Boersma and Bridgette Donnellan. 

Got an idea for a story? Email us: backchat@fbiradio.com We're also on Instagram @backchatfbiradio and X @BackchatFBi.

Your alternative to talkback.&nbsp;Backchat is a weekly show of news, politics, interviews, discussion, satire, and feature reporting.
Hosted by Dani Zhang and Tanita Razaghi. Executive produced by Rebecca Cushway, with producers Dani Zhang, Holly Payne, Tanita Razaghi, Libby Hopper, Sana Shaikh, Lilly Grainger, Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis, Euan Kielly, Elisa Papaioannou, Grace Pittar, Jaspar McCahon-Boersma and Bridgette Donnellan.&nbsp;
Got an idea for a story? Email us: backchat@fbiradio.com We're also on Instagram @backchatfbiradio and X @BackchatFBi.

Backchat

Your alternative to talkback. Backchat is a weekly show of news, politics, interviews, discussion, satire, and feature reporting from Sydney's best young news journalists.

Hosted by Holly Payne and Tanita Razaghi. Executive produced by Rebecca Cushway, with producers Sana Shaikh, Libby Hopper, and Nic Huntington. 

Got an idea for a story? - backchat@fbiradio.com. We're also on X (Twitter) and Instagram - @BackchatFBi

Your alternative to talkback. Backchat is a weekly show of news, politics, interviews, discussion, satire, and feature reporting from Sydney's best young news journalists.
Hosted by Holly Payne and Tanita Razaghi. Executive produced by Rebecca Cushway, with producers Sana Shaikh, Libby Hopper, and Nic Huntington. 
Got an idea for a story? - <a href="mailto:eamonn@fbiradio.com">backchat@fbiradio.com</a>. We're also on X (Twitter) and Instagram - @BackchatFBi

Backchat

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