Hack

According to Uber drivers, it's the "oldest trick in the book": gaming the system to charge you more. In some cases, it could mean you end up paying 2 or 3 times the normal cost of a trip. So how does the trick work? Well, triple j hack has been speaking to drivers about how they create artificial surge prices, leaving passengers out of pocket. And even more remarkably, the union representing them reckons the consequences for passengers are entirely on Uber itself, because drivers aren't being paid enough for their work.So is any of this fair? We chatted to a few drivers to get an inside look at the industry, as well as a CHOICE spokesperson to find out what this could mean for your next Uber ride. A version of this episode was first published in August 2025. Guest: Jarni Blakkarly, investigative journalist, CHOICE Get the whole story from Hack:Follow us on InstagramSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live at 5:30pm

It's the social season in Australia — barbecues, festivals, long nights out.And with it often comes alcohol and drugs, which are woven into how we celebrate and connect.But what about the costs to your health, your bank account, and your headspace? And while more people are cutting back, others are realising they can't have a healthy relationship with booze, opting for sobriety instead.So how do you stop?Dave Marchese sits down with Julia Rangiheuea from the Soberly Speaking podcast to unpack Australia's drinking culture, the real costs of partying, and her journey from self-described "party girl" to being 3 years sober this month.And if this chat brought up anything for you, there is help available: the National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is on 1800 250 015.A version of this episode was first published in October 2025. Guest: Julia Rangiheuea, host of Soberly SpeakingGet 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 something drummed into Australians before they can even walk or talk. To beat our strong Aussie sun, you've gotta put on sunscreen. We all know the jingles and slogans: Slip Slop Slap, There's Nothing Healthy About A Tan. But is the sunscreen we've been told is so vital... actually working? Consumer group CHOICE tested 20 popular sunscreens this year, and found most of them weren't providing the protection they claimed. So is your favourite sunscreen brand among them?And what should you actually be looking for in SPF protection? We chatted to a bunch of you about your sunscreen habits for this summer pod episode, as well as an assistant professor of medicine to get the lowdown on the study and how to protect yourself from UV. A version of this episode was first published in June 2025. Guests: Dr Jessica Stokes-Parish, educator, registered nurse, assistant professor in medicine at Bond University. Get the whole story from Hack:Follow us on InstagramSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live at 5:30pm

When she was just 14 years old, Molly Burke lost her vision, and with it the way she understood the world. But Molly refused to let losing her sight mean giving up what she loved: beauty. For Molly, makeup isn't just an interest, it's a passion, and today she's a hugely influential beauty creator with millions of followers. So how does someone who can't see choose an outfit, apply makeup, and build a huge following online? In this extended interview, Molly joins host Dave Marchese to talk about why the blind community "deserves to be seen" just as much as anyone else. Also if you want to learn more about Molly's journey, her memoir 'Unseen: How I Lost My Vision But Found My Voice' is out now. A version of this episode was first published in May 2025.Guest: Molly Burke, content creatorGet 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

There are certain things in life that we don't question too much.Like kissing, for example. Snogging, making out, even just a peck... but why? Why is swapping saliva something all human societies have normalised?So where did it originate? Well, it turns out kissing isn't just a human thing: all sorts of species appear to kiss, and new research now suggests Neanderthals did it too, possibly even with modern humans.In this special episode of the hack summer podcast, Dave Marchese unpacks the potential origins and purpose of kissing with University of Oxford evolutionary biologist Dr Matilda Brindle, as well as why we masturbate.Guest: Dr Matilda Brindle, University of Oxford, evolutionary biologistGet 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

Horror, anger and intense grief have gripped Australia in the days since two gunmen opened fire on Bondi Beach targeting those gathered to mark the start of Hanukkah.But many young Jewish Australians are telling us while they were shocked, they weren't surprised.In this chat, Sam and Jas sit down with hack to explain why they've felt like a target for a long time.We hear what it's like experiencing a rise in antisemitism first-hand and what Jewish Australians hope to see from the wider community at this time.Guests:Jas and Sam, members of Sydney's Jewish communityGet the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcast

Australia has changed in the past 24 hours, after a shocking act of terrorism targeted at the Jewish community left 15 people dead on Sydney's Bondi Beach.The attack happened during a community event to mark the first day of Hanukkah on Sunday, with a 10-year-old girl, two rabbis and a holocaust survivor among those who were killed.Amid the devastating pain there have also been stories of heroism, with blood banks inundated with volunteers and that incredible video of Ahmed al Ahmed wrestling the gun from one of the shooters.In this special episode of hack, we head to Bondi Beach.We speak with witnesses, members of Sydney's Jewish community and politicians, and ask how this unspeakable crime happened and how the nation can come to terms with its pain.Listen now: 02:42  - What we know so far08:18 - How Jewish Australians are processing yesterday17:48 - Allegra Spender and Sussan Ley on Australia's antisemitism problem24:21 - Australia's terror threat levelGuests: Sussan Ley, Opposition LeaderAllegra Spender, Independent Member for WentworthAssociate Professor Josh Roose, religious violence expert, Deakin UniversityGet the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcast

Been at a festival lately? You might have spotted more people using walking sticks. But it's not a traditional accessibility aid.So is it Australia's growing ketamine obsession that's fuelling the trend?In the hack deep dive this week, we're unpacking the "ket stick" thing.We speak with young Aussies who are on the walking stick bandwagon, and chat with a disability advocate who's worried the prop could de-legitimise the needs of the community. 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

It's our last show on the radio for the year.So from Labubus and a heist at the Louvre to a court trial in a small Victorian town that captivated the world, we're unpacking the biggest moments of 2025. From the fun moments to the intense, we hear your Ins and Outs from this year, and what you're looking forward to next year.Host Dave Marchese is joined by comedian Anthony Locascio and Gemma Donahoe from Mamamia. 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

Albo stayed but Dutton and Bandt were booted, as Aussie voters handed Labor more control than ever: 2025 was a big year in politics. And it's been fiery: from cost-of-living rage to heated fights over immigration, government spending and political stunts, punters have been questioning whether politicians are actually acting in their best interest. And in the US, the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the election of Zohran Mamdani added fuel to the political divides that are reshaping the world. So which of the big changes in politics in 2025 will stick?Host Dave Marchese is joined by former Labor staffer Alisha Aitken-Radburn and former WA Liberal leader Zak Kirkup. 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

When Big Brother contestant Abiola introduced herself on the show as a "fat black lesbian", she instantly gained fans around Australia for her disarming honesty. And with cameras, microphones and even a 24/7 TikTok live stream capturing the contestants' every move, Abiola found herself at the centre of some big conversations inside the house. From discussing the meaning of "pretty privilege" to the loss of her mum and the real impacts of the cost of living crisis, Abiola wasn't afraid to be vulnerable.And then, there's how she wrapped up on the show, deciding to take $15,000 from the prize pool with her. So how's she feeling now?In this week's extended interview, Abiola opens up to Dave about what she's doing with the money, what she really thinks of the housemates, and what it means to be a "fat black lesbian" who blew up online.Guest:Abiola, Big Brother contestantGet 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

From Gout Gout's meteoric rise to Sam Kerr's big return to the Matildas and Oscar Piastri's F1 saga, it's been a massive year in sport.But it wasn't just huge achievements: 2025 was also the year a lot of sporting codes were forced to grapple with tough questions on everything from gambling and misogyny, to homophobia and racism.For this special episode of The Shakeup, we upack the highlights and controversies that dominated the sporting world this year. Host Dave Marchese is joined by sports podcasters Elle Baillieu and Josh Garlepp. 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

Australia's world first social media ban for teens under 16 is kicking in tomorrow. So how are teenagers prepping, and what will they turn to instead? Plus, do Anika Wells' travel expenses pass the pub test? And spotted a walking stick prop at a festival this summer? We get into why disability advocates are concerned about risks to accessibility. Also, with revamped Big Brother wrapping up, we speak to one contestant about why they signed up and what the experience was like.Listen now: 00:59 - Social media ban comes in05:58 - David Pocock on how much politicians should spend14:45  - Walking sticks at doofs19:28 - Abiola from Big Brother opens upGuests:David Pocock, independent senatorAbiola, Big Brother contestant 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 first week of summer has already seen deadly bushfires raging from WA to Tassie and NSW. So what's it going to take to get more young volunteers to sign up to spending their summer fighting fires?And a WA coroner examining the death of Cleveland Dodd in a notorious youth detention facility has handed down his findings, recommending Perth's Unit 18 be closed 'as a matter of urgency'.Plus, it happened: former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce has officially joined One Nation. How will he get on with Pauline Hanson? We're also talking about the health risks of vaping after Fraser Olender says it brought on a heart attack. Listen now: 01:20 - Cleveland Dodd inquest findings08:18 - Would you fight fires for free?18:34  - Barnaby Joyce and Pauline Hanson team up22:49  - What we know about vaping and heart attacksGuests: Cason Ho, reporter, ABC PerthHamish Clark, Senior Research Fellow, University of MelbourneAlexander Larcombe, Associate Professor, Curtin School of Population HealthGet 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

In most of Australia, people using medicinal cannabis can't legally drive - even if they're unimpaired. But now the NSW government is thinking about bringing in a medical exemption to change that.So, how does cannabis affect your ability to drive? And do you think the laws need an update? On this week's hack deep dive, we hear from young people trying to navigate medicinal cannabis use and driving. They're worried about what could happen if they get pulled over.Also, you'll hear from an expert who breaks down exactly how THC impacts your ability to drive and whether or not a medical exemption is safe.Guests: Dr Danielle McCartney, Associate Lecturer in Pharmacology, University of SydneyGet 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

It's Spotify Wrapped time. But with all the controversy surrounding the music streaming giant this year, are attitudes towards this cultural tradition changing? And TikTok has apologised after several Black creators reported racism at its awards event. What does this all say about how the media treat people of colour? Also, we're asking if arguing is a healthy part of a relationship after Travis Kelce revealed he and Taylor Swift never do it. Plus, is it easier to make friends in the city or the country? Host Dave Marchese is joined by 7NEWS Sydney's Daniel Healion and culture writer Maggie Zhou. 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 live music scene is in trouble, with Park Waves this week becoming the latest festival to announce its Australian cancellation. So why does this keep happening? And is the federal government's main plan to fix it working?And if you're getting served up stuff in your social feeds that you never asked for, this one's for you: Chanel Contos from Teach Us Consent has a plan, and she wants Australia to get onboard.Listen now: 01:17 - The gigs Revive Live is helping make happen07:37 - Can Australia save its live music scene?16:04  - How to opt out of your algorithmGuests: Dr Sam Whiting, senior research fellow, RMIT UniversityChanel Contos, founder and CEO, Teach Us Consent 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

If you could quit your own algorithm and start again, would you be happier?And if everyone could do it: would it make the world a better place?Chanel Contos thinks so, and she wants Australia to do something nobody else has tried yet: make algorithms opt-in.A petition she's set up already has the names of some of Australia's most powerful people on it.So can we fix our feeds? And what would an internet that's no longer governed by algorithms even look like?In this week's interview pod, Chanel chats to Dave about the fight for our feeds.She gets into how algorithms fuel sexual violence, why we've all become so addicted to them, and what freedom from their content could mean.Guests:Chanel Contos, founder and CEO, Teach Us Consent 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

It's the biggest fight in the smallest state. So how do people in Tassie feel about the new AFL stadium, now it has the votes in the Parliament to happen?And Bruce Lehrmann's had another loss, this time in trying to challenge his failed defamation suit. So with the full federal court now backing the original ruling that on the balance of probabilities he raped his then colleague Brittany Higgins, is the case officially over?Plus, we unpack the scandal around a viral song sung by what a lot of people reckon sounds like an "AI clone" of Jorja Smith. And could improving accessibility in netball also help with the umpire shortage? Listen now: 01:20 - What happened with Bruce Lehrmann's appeal?07:31 - The future of the Hobart stadium14:06 - Does 'I Run' infringe copyright?25:01 - Umpiring in a wheelchairGuests: Jade Toomey, reporter, ABC CanberraRichard Savery, Senior research fellow, University of CanberraGet 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

Getting a mate a job is great for the mate, obviously. But what if the mate isn't the best candidate, and the job is on a government board that pays $300k? A report into nepotism in Australia was finally released today, and its findings are scathing.Plus, Australia is getting an inquiry into sexual assaults in the defence force. We speak with victim-survivors.Also, what can artists do to make music greener? We head to a vinyl factory in Melbourne that's going green. And could Aussie F1 driver Oscar Piastri still win the world title in Abu Dhabi? There's still a pathway.Listen now: 01:09  - Sexual violence in the ADF06:00 - Governments giving jobs to their mates17:30 - Green vinyl 22:35 - Could Oscar Piastri win the F1? Guests: Clancy Moore, Chief Executive Officer, Transparency International AustraliaElle Baillieu, co-host Paddock 43Get 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