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Not Stupid is the podcast that helps you understand the news of the week and the stories in your social media feed. Julia Baird and Jeremy Fenandez chat about the stories they are obsessed with and the stories you may have missed.
They look at what shapes our politics here in Australia from Anthony Albanese to Peter Dutton. As the Federal Election looms they’ll unpack and explain some of the big issues that might affect your vote.
Jules and Jez also try to explain what’s going on in the world. They both follow US politics closely and will be watching to see what the next Donald Trump presidency means for the US and the world.
But it’s not all about politics. If it is in your Facebook or Instagram feed (or even on X) they will talk about it. They look at the pop culture figures who are shaping our world from Elon Musk to Mr Beast and Ariane Grande.
There’s also a focus on the issues that affect you like the cost-of-living crisis and the duopoly of the Supermarkets Coles and Woolworths. They’ve also looked at microplastics and bushfires, looking at how climate change is affecting us and what impact humans are having on the environment.
The show will also make you laugh or cry. And on a good day, maybe both. They talk about poetry and history, about films and cakes and everything in between. Julia is passionate about grace and forgiveness so they talk a lot about that, but also about resilience and what makes us human.
At the end of each show, Julia and Jeremy talk about their “pick of the week”. It’s something that has made them think or giggle that week from the silliest Guinness World Record attempts to great books and silly Tiktoks.
They look at what shapes our politics here in Australia from Anthony Albanese to Peter Dutton. As the Federal Election looms they’ll unpack and explain some of the big issues that might affect your vote.
Jules and Jez also try to explain what’s going on in the world. They both follow US politics closely and will be watching to see what the next Donald Trump presidency means for the US and the world.
But it’s not all about politics. If it is in your Facebook or Instagram feed (or even on X) they will talk about it. They look at the pop culture figures who are shaping our world from Elon Musk to Mr Beast and Ariane Grande.
There’s also a focus on the issues that affect you like the cost-of-living crisis and the duopoly of the Supermarkets Coles and Woolworths. They’ve also looked at microplastics and bushfires, looking at how climate change is affecting us and what impact humans are having on the environment.
The show will also make you laugh or cry. And on a good day, maybe both. They talk about poetry and history, about films and cakes and everything in between. Julia is passionate about grace and forgiveness so they talk a lot about that, but also about resilience and what makes us human.
At the end of each show, Julia and Jeremy talk about their “pick of the week”. It’s something that has made them think or giggle that week from the silliest Guinness World Record attempts to great books and silly Tiktoks.
243 Episodes
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In the middle of the night five members of the Lionesses, the Iranian women's soccer team, escaped their minders to stay in Australia. The five women feared persecution after they were labelled "traitors" for refusing to sing the national anthem before a game at the Women's Asian Cup.Jules and Jez also talk about MAFS and how one particular contestant is being challenged on his sexist views.Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.auSHOW NOTES:Not Stupid Podcast Opera & Ballet Mixtape
Would you give yourself an electric shock to stave off boredom? Or do you never get bored anymore because you're too busy doom-scrolling? Jules and Jez chat about boredom, phones and the highs and lows of raising small humans.Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au
As Trump continues to flout international law and doubles down on the war on Iran, the regime names Ayatollah Khamenei's successor. But the question is can regime change actually be achieved?Jules and Jez also talk about the spat that broke up the 25-year partnership of shock jock Kyle and Jackie-O. And Jez sings the praises of the Quiet Queers - introverts who showed up to Mardi Gras on couches with bookJulia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au
Trump wants to boost the US birth rate and is the self-proclaimed “fertilization president"... if that's enough to make you shudder, keep in mind that his government has approved paid parental leave, which is a positive step.However rising childcare costs, combined with a freeze on childcare funding in five states, and the Trump administration's cuts to Medicaid are making things more difficult for women and low-income families.But there is one interesting boost to the birth rate that could be staring us all in the face. Jules and Jez discuss the possibilities. Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au
2Following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest, more questions are being asked of the royals. How much did did his mother, Queen Elizabeth, and his brother King Charles know?Jules and Jez also chat about the BAFTAs, Tourette's and the criticism levelled at the BBC for failing to bleep or edit racial slurs, but editing out 'free Palestine'.Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au
The winter Olympics has been full of highs, seeing athletes at the top of their game hurtling down mountains, absolutely nailing their performance. And then seeing some of those same athletes having a bad run and messing up their chances for a spot on the podium. While the pressure on the Olympic world stage is huge, the disappointment and compassion we feel is relatable.Jules and Jez talk about some of the winter Olympic highs and lows and some of the more curious sports like the double luge. Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has faced a series of allegations over his contacts with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein for years. But on his 66th birthday, he became the first senior royal to be arrested since King Charles I in 1647.Jules and Jez unpack what we know. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au
Should the Australian government repatriate Australian women and children with links to Islamic State fighters?As One Nation rises in popularity, how can the conversation around immigration be constructive and not descend into racist rhetoric?Jules and Jez also talk about GoFundMe and whether celebrity families deserve a hand too.Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au
Are people really getting ruder? Well according to experts the answer is yes, and there’s been a sharp uptick in rudeness since COVID. People are less patient, more entitled and the crank factor overall has definitely increased.Jules and Jez chat about things that rile and how to calm your farm. But it’s not all doom and gloom, there are beacons of kindness that shine through. We'd love to hear about random acts of kindness you've seen, you've done, or someone has done for you. Please send them to notstupid@abc.net.auJulia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon.
Tension is on the rise as NSW police face questions over their clashes with protesters in Sydney who were demonstrating against Israeli President Herzog's visit.The term "social cohesion" is being bandied about but what does it actually mean and how can we achieve it? Is Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit a threat to social cohesion or is it the activists who are protesting against it? And what will it take to "turn the temperature down"?Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au
Margot Robbie is known for promoting her films in full costume and her latest red carpet effort for Wuthering Heights is no exception. She turned up in a bespoke gown and a heart-shaped diamond necklace. When asked about it she said that it was 'the Elizabeth Taylor necklace', at which point the internet let loose with people pointing out it's 400 year history and that the diamond was originally a gift from 1600s Mughal emperor Shah Jahangir to his wife Nur Jahan.Jules and Jez talk about who should get to wear fancy jewels with complicated histories and whether they should be on red carpets or in museums. Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au
The latest Epstein file dump is over 3 million pages, 180,000 images, and 2,000 videos and more names.The list has grown and the messages are shocking, banal, and concerning in terms of Epstein's reach for power and influence.Jules and Jez talk about the fight for justice for victim-survivors and how the latest files have uncovered strange links to Australian politics.They also talk about when politics becomes personal at the Grammys, remembering Catherine O'Hara, and an inspiring 13 year-old homegrown hero, Austin Appelbee.Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.auSHOW NOTESJez's pick: https://www.instagram.com/p/DULYeojDOAK/?img_index=1Jules's pick: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-04/survival-expert-praises-teen-family-geographe-bay-rescue/106301816
Sometimes kids come up with the best words for things like wonderbumps, parkeling, and confuzzled. Jules and Jez explore the wonderful world of language inspired by kids and authors like Shakespeare, Roald Dahl and Dr Seuss. And they also chat about words that should be retired!Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au
Following the second death of a US citizen at the hands of ICE agents on the streets of Minneapolis, there has been a huge backlash from the public, Democrats, Republicans and even Trump stalwarts like Joe Rogan. Trump has started to walk back his hardline rhetoric, but will the US President rein in Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents?Jules and Jez also talk about the characteristics of extreme altruists, plus the Museum of Personal Failure and what happens when AI makes up travel tips?Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au
Martin Luther King III is an American human rights activist who has followed in the footsteps of his parents. He is the eldest son of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King who were both prominent American civil rights activists.Jules and Jez talk to Martin Luther King III about the current situation in Minneapolis, ICE, leadership and whether the US can find a path out of political violence.Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au
Trump continues escalating his rhetoric to take over Greenland, putting the US's relationship with NATO and the EU into question. Jules and Jez also talk about the shocking number of shark attacks in Sydney and NSW this week, why they might be occurring, and whether we need better shark literacy.Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.auJez's pick: Australian of the Year Awards 2026 https://australianoftheyear.org.au/recipients/listing/2026Jules's pick: Naomi Osaka takes to the court in style https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekTPFRTvwd8
The Adelaide Writers’ Week board’s decision to disinvite Palestinian-Egyptian-Australian author and academic Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah has seen over 180 writers and participants boycott the festival, leading to its cancellation. Board members have resigned. Dr Abdel-Fattah's lawyers have threatened defamation proceedings against South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas. AWW director, Louise Adler, also resigned saying that she “cannot be a party to silencing writers.” As the fall-out continues, Jules and Jez talk about their love of writers’ festivals, the very real contribution writers’ festivals make to the community, and the importance of free speech.Jules’s pick: Heated RivalryJez’s pick: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8j30kx1vk3oJulia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au
We all know what the world map looks like. It was probably on your classroom wall when you went to school. But what if it is wrong? Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.auSHOW NOTESThe true size of countries: https://thetruesize.com/The Ocean Map: https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/ocean/turning-our-view-world-inside-out-introducing-new-ocean-mapJez Pick: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-29/native-oyster-reefs-restored-algal-bloom-recovery-sa/105943318Jules' Pick: https://apnews.com/article/australia-prison-vegemite-ban-court-victoria-e46084defadc9757c8ecf2f53027d215
This year UK singer-songwriter Lily Allen released her album "West End Girl" and it goes into a lot of detail about the break down of her marriage. So what makes a good break-up song? And should anything be off-limits?Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.auSHOW NOTESJez Pick: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2506595-man-unexpectedly-cured-of-hiv-after-stem-cell-transplant/
If someone picks an argument with you online, are you the kind of person who argues back? Jez found a video this week of a US women who tracked down a troll and knocked on his front door. It got Jez thinking about how we talk to people online.Every week, Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.auSHOW NOTESWoman drives three hours to confront troll: https://www.fox26houston.com/video/1755386"I taught an octopus to play piano " https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcWnQ7fYzwIHelloFresh and Youfoodz sued by ACCC over allegedly misleading consumershttps://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-16/hellofresh-and-youfoodz-sued-by-accc-for-misleading-consumers/106148656Dolphin friendships https://theconversation.com/friendship-is-magic-male-dolphins-with-close-friends-age-more-slowly-271411
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Most women hope that they will never need to use the requirements of reproductive freedom choices. The need to do this is fraught with heartache and is unplanned. So rationally women are voting on something real like the economy, rather than on something that may never happen to them.
mNM
I am so excited that you are doing this podcast and that I have found it! Can't wait to hear weekly drops
I live on a DSP and have given up treatment as I can not afford primary health care without bulk billing. my life is going backwards and is significantly worse. we have universal health care in name only. so disgusted with a rich country that makes people like me have to beg for treatment.
Disappointing Propaganda