Hack

Juggling study and work can be a struggle at the best of times.But some uni students are also required to complete thousands of unpaid hours for placement, and many say 'placement poverty' is causing severe financial and psychological distress. Now, a group of students and politicians are calling for the government to expand its paid placement scheme. Last year, the government started paying students in nursing, midwifery, teaching and social work degrees a small wage during their mandatory placement. But students in medicine, speech pathology, dentistry, pharmacy, OT and other courses are not included. In this episode, we hear what it's like struggling to get by while on placement and unpack a new proposal to expand the scheme.Guests: Seniru Mudannayake, president, Australian Medical Students' Association Get the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Angus Taylor has been voted in as the new leader of the Liberal party and Sussan Ley says she's quitting politics. We unpack the leadership showdown (and Taylor's infamous social media comment).And is a grand gesture romantic or manipulative? Olympain Sturla Holm Lægreid's public confession about cheating on his girlfriend has left the internet divided. Plus, Wuthering Heights is out and people have thoughts. Some reckon they've done the book dirty, others are loving the Queensland duo's chemistry. Host Dave Marchese is joined by Konrad Benjamin aka Punter's Politics and creator and author Alisha Aitken-Radburn.Get the whole story from Hack:Follow us on InstagramSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Australia may have a new opposition leader by tomorrow, with Angus Taylor officially challenging Sussan Ley today. As of now, eight members of the shadow frontbench have quit ahead of the partyroom vote. So how did we get here?We unpack the key players and dark horses vying for a new position. Plus, from toothbrushes and food wrapping to your desk at work, the plastics we use contain thousands of chemicals — and most have never been tested for the health risks they pose.So how worried should we be about our plastic dependence, and how can we use less? Listen now: 01:12  - How the Liberal Party turned on Sussan Ley05:13 - Would Angus Taylor be a good leader? Not everyone thinks so16:19 - The plastic inside youGuests:Hollie Hughes, former Liberal SenatorKal Glanznig, Sutherland Shire Councillor, documentary makerGet the whole story from Hack:Follow us on InstagramSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Have you ever thought about how much plastic might be in your body?We're in constant contact with plastics, even though we don't know much about many of the chemicals that are used to make them.It's something that was worrying Kal Glanznig, so he decided to have his urine tested.And the results left him speechless.In this week's long listen, Dave speaks with Kal about why he's hopeful Australia can get on top of its plastic addiction, what he fears most after getting his test results, and his new documentary, The Plastic Country.Guests: Kal Glanznig, Sutherland Shire Councillor, documentary makerGet the whole story from Hack:Follow us on InstagramSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

The injectables industry in Australia is booming, and practitioners say their clientele is getting younger. So what's driving young people towards cosmetic procedures?And as the Queensland government moves to introduce hate speech reforms, including bans on controversial slogans "globalise the intifada" and "from the river to the sea", we unpack what your rights are when it comes to free speech. Plus, is the Liberal Party about to have a new leader? Angus Taylor's backers reckon he's going to resign from the frontbench, paving the way for a challenge to Sussan Ley. Listen now: 01:01 - Injectables in your 20s12:45  - What is free speech?21:36  - Is Sussan Ley about to lose the leadership?Guests:Dr Gemma Sharp, Adelaide UniversityMaria O'Sullivan, Associate Professor, Deakin Law SchoolEvelyn Manfield, political reporter, triple j hackGet the whole story from Hack:Follow us on InstagramSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

You've been seeing the videos: violent clashes in Sydney between police and people protesting the visit of the Israeli President Isaac Herzog.The protesters were breaking special restrictions in place during Isaac Herzog's trip, and police are defending how they handled it. So what happened? And how does the police response leave Australia's Palestinian community feeling? Plus, people with disability say they've been unable to access stages and have been locked out of accessible viewing platforms at Laneway. Could the festival do better?Listen now: 01:06 - What happened at the Sydney protest07:00 - Dr Mo on the police response and Isaac Herzog20:16 - Access issues at LanewayGuests: Dr Mohammed Mustafa, physician and Palestinian advocateZack Alcott, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Get Skilled AccessGet the whole story from Hack:Follow us on InstagramSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Should more students be paid for their compulsory course placements? The government says "placement poverty" is a real issue. So why do a bunch of students in courses from medicine and pharmacy to psychology and occupational therapy miss out?And Israeli President Isaac Herzog spent his first full day in Australia, meeting with members of Sydney’s Jewish community in Bondi in the wake of the December terrorist attack. Plus, Bad Bunny celebrated his Latino heritage with his halftime show at the Super Bowl. We unpack the significance of his performance, and his meteoric rise in the charts. Listen now:01:16  - Isaac Herzog in Bondi07:53 - The students fighting against placement poverty19:07  - Bad Bunny in Trump's AmericaGuests: Isobel Roe, journalist, ABC NewsSeniru Mudannayake, president, Australian Medical Students' Association Jason Lipshutz, co-chief content officer, BillboardGet the whole story from Hack:Follow us on InstagramSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

It's hard enough already being a young person in Australia and trying to buy your first home.Saving for a deposit can take years, finding a place you're happy to live in can take months, and then after all of that, your dream might disappear in minutes when you rock up at an auction and get out-bid by a cashed up older buyer.But are real estate agents conspiring to make the experience worse?And is it driving up prices?The government in one state thinks so, and it's trying to do something about it.This year, Victoria's government says it is cracking down on "underquoting", the practice where real estate agents give a price guide for a property that's dramatically lower than what the seller will actually accept.So will it work?And will it make it easier to buy your first place?After an interest rate rise this week, we're taking a deeper look at how often underquoting is happening, and asking how much it's contributing to the stress of buying a first home. Guests: Matthew Bowes, housing expert, Grattan InstituteGet the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Three million documents from the Epstein files including the names of some of the world's most powerful people were dumped on the internet this week. We take stock of the fallout.And 13-year-old Austin Appelbee's wild story of survival made international headlines this week. He swam 4 kilometres across the sea to save his family. Can anyone top this hero story?Plus, are Winter Olympics ski jumpers artificially enhancing their penis size to help performance on the slopes?Also: are we worried about AIs hanging out on their own social media platform?Host Dave Marchese is joined by editor-in-chief of The Daily Aus, Billi FitzSimons, and Sydney Morning Herald crime reporter Perry Duffin. Get the whole story from Hack:Follow us on InstagramSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

An attempted terrorism attack, motivated by "pro white ideology": that's what WA authorities allege happened in Perth 10 days ago, when they say a man threw a homemade bomb into an Invasion Day crowd. And Iranians say they're being harassed and silenced right here in Australia, as they speak up for friends and family who are facing a vicious crackdown back home.Plus: why do young Nats see some benefits in the Coalition's latest relationship break? We chat to federal president of the Young Nationals as the first sitting week of Parliament wraps up.Listen now: 01:00 - Dave's interview with the President of the Young Nats09:53 - What WA police say about the alleged Perth terrorism plan14:25 - What Iranians want Australians to hearGuests:Charlie Plant, president, Young NationalsTina Kordrostami, Iranian Australian advocate and councillor, Ryde City CouncilGet the whole story from Hack:Follow us on InstagramSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Every week, protesters have been taking to the streets of Aussie cities begging for other Australians to listen.They're standing in solidarity with Iranians facing a violent crackdown by their own government, as the country's religious rulers try to crush protests and stifle debate by cutting off internet access.International observers think tens of thousands of Iranians have been killed by the regime since early January.Meanwhile, US president Donald Trump is this week threatening military action against Iran, after previously posting online that help was on the way for Iran's protesters.So could Australians do more to help Iranians?And why are some of the Iranian Australians standing up for their friends and family being harassed and threatened here?Today on the hack pod, Dave speaks with an Iranian Australian who's been copping it for her advocacy.In this extended chat, Tina Kordrostami talks with Dave about being stalked by Iranian government agents in Australia, about fearing for her family back home, and about why she's decided to quit the Australian Greens.Guests: Tina Kordrostami, Iranian Australian advocate and councillor, Ryde City CouncilGet the whole story from Hack:Follow us on InstagramSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

After the deaths of 2 teenage brothers in a suspected double murder-suicide in Perth last week, disability advocates say some of the talk online is becoming dangerous.Plus years of rising antisemitism, anti-Zionism and the Bondi Beach terror attack have many Jewish Australians living with fear, grief and social ostracism. And with Israeli president Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia further dividing the Jewish community, we hear how life is changing after Bondi. Also, AI bots have created their own social media platform, Moltbook, and their own religion. Listen now: 01:19 - Autistic Australians and the reaction to the Mosman Park murder-suicides11:44 - The protests being planned against Isaac Herzog16:49 - What Jewish Australians want you to know21:28  - Now AI has invented religion?Guests: Isabella Choate, disability advocateTahlia Bowen, member, Jewish Council of AustraliaAudrey Courty, journalist, ABCGet the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Should courts hear about the "good character" of people who get convicted of crimes? One state has decided no, and is changing rules around sentencing. So with other states looking into it too: what's really in a reference?And while some young victim-survivors who've been campaigning for an end to good character references are celebrating, not all legal experts are convinced it's the right move.Plus, everyone knows Aussies are good at sport: think cricket, tennis, footy... but what about bobsleigh? We speak to an Aussie athlete who's in Italy and about to compete in the Winter Olympics.Listen now:01:04 - Why NSW is banning "good character" references05:03 - How it feels to hear your abuser is a "good bloke" 19:26 - Monobob at the Winter Olympics Guests:Harrison James, victim-survivor advocateFelicity Graham, barristerBree Walker, Australian bobsleigh competitor Get the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

The US Department of Justice has released millions of files related to the investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. So what's new? And the leaders of both the National and Liberal parties are fighting to hold their positions after the Coalition's break-up. David Littleproud held on today — can Sussan Ley do the same?Plus: one state is cracking down on underquoting to stop real estate agents tricking first home buyers into attending auctions they don't stand a chance at. Listen now:01: 18 - The latest Epstein dump07:00 - The Nationals spill that wasn't16:00 - Is this real estate trick costing first home buyers money?Guests:Evelyn Manfield, political reporter, triple j hackMatthew Bowes, housing expert, Grattan InstituteGet the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Often when you hear people talk about screen time, the focus is on young people. The Australian government has even banned kids from being on social media before they turn 16.But is Gen Z really the problem? Or are older generations spending more time staring at their phones (and tablets and TVs)?On the deep dive today, we ask young Aussies about screen time, disconnecting and talking to their parents about tech.Also, you'll hear from an expert who outlines which generation spends the most time on their phones, and what it's doing to their brains.Guest:Dr Michoel Moshel, clinical neuropsychologistGet the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Pauline Hanson is launching a music and film career, all while her One Nation party keeps surging in opinion polls. What's going on?And a private moment, or fair game for the cameras? Coco Gauff wasn't happy when her racquet smash backstage at the Australian Open this week went viral. Plus, a new twist in the Beckham family drama. Now brothers Cruz and Romeo have entered the feud. How long can it go on? Host Dave Marchese is joined by The Daily Aus's Em Gillespie and creator Lachy McIntyre for the first Shakeup of 2026.Get the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Police in Perth say they're investigating a "potential terrorist act" at an Invasion Day rally on Monday, as Indigenous communities say they've felt ignored and scared all week.So could the media, politicians and police have done better?And ever dreamed of being the ruler of your own domain?We speak to the young Aussie who's claimed a piece of land in eastern Europe and declared it his own country. Listen now: 01:17 - First Nations leaders welcome terrorism investigation11:05  - Running the Free Republic of VerdisGuests: Professor Braden Hill, Edith Cowan UniversityDaniel Jackson, President of VerdisDr Harry Hobbs, Associate Professor in Law, University of New South WalesGet the whole story from Hack:Follow us on InstagramSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Daniel Jackson says he's the youngest head of state in the world.There's just one problem: no other nation recognises his country.What started out as joke when he was 14 has developed into the Free Republic of Verdis.The micronation which Daniel is working to set up is between Croatia and Serbia, on a marshy piece of land in the Danube river.It has a flag, a government, and hundreds of "citizens" with IDs that some are even using to get into bars.But does it have a legal right to exist?In this chat, Daniel puts forward his case for Verdis, why he believes so many gen z are getting behind his idea, and talks through life as a world leader.Plus, you'll hear from an expert who breaks down whether or not you can actually just start your own country.Guests: Daniel Jackson, President of VerdisDr Harry Hobbs, Associate Professor in Law, University of New South WalesGet the whole story from Hack:Follow us on InstagramSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

From recreational shooters to contract hunters, gun-owners are still working out how Australia's new firearms laws will impact them. So what's changing?And does Australia need to do more to monitor radical preachers? Former prime minister Scott Morrison thinks so. Plus boomers love to slam young people for the amount of time they spend on their phones. But is it boomers that actually have the bigger screen time problem? Listen now: 01:08 - What's in the new gun laws13:36 - Tracking radical preachers18:01 - Boomers and screensGuests:Stephen Bendle, senior advocacy advisor, Alannah & Madeline FoundationDr Michoel Moshel, clinical neuropsychologistGet the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

ICE officers in the US city of Minneapolis have killed a second protester, as locals fight against the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration. We get the latest from the ground with journalist Laura Jedeed. Plus as part of her reporting, Laura was researching what it takes to sign up for ICE. So why did the agency end up hiring her?And back home: there were 4 shark attacks in 48 hours last week, including one which claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy in NSW. Is it time for a cull? Guests: Laura Jedeed, freelance journalistDr Vanessa Pirotta, wildlife scientistGet the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm