Not Stupid
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 wa...
Wed, April 30, 2025
Welcome to the election culture war
"Welcome to Country" ceremonies are the latest culture war as we reach the pointy end of the Federal Election campaign, so Jules and Jez look at why it has become such a hot button issue this week. And we had so much feedback about using Chat GPT for relationship advice, so Jules and Jez have been asking it their deepest, darkest secrets with mixed results.
Wed, April 23, 2025
What did Pope Francis teach us about leadership?
Pope Francis was the most humble Pope in living memory, so has he shaped the future of Catholicism? For some, he was too much and for others, not enough. Jez and Jules chat about his legacy and the future of the Catholic Church. And we asked you about incorrect lyrics or "mondegreens" and you have so many great examples. SHOW NOTES Peter Kay's misheard lyrics: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7my5baoCVv8&t=206s Jeremy's pick of the week: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/love-sex/relationships/a64444507/men-asking-chatgpt-for-dating-advice/ Julia's pick of the week: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/fifty-years-ago-this-irresistible-disco-song-and-dance-craze-swept-the-nation-and-changed-the-music-landscape-180986460/
Wed, April 16, 2025
Katy Perry and putting the "ass" into "astronaut"
Katy Perry went to space with a group of famous women, so was it one giant leap for womankind or just a really weird marketing blunder? We have a lot of thoughts. And what do we want from our leaders? We are half way through the election campaign and it has got us thinking about what makes a good leader. JULES' PICK: https://science.nasa.gov/mission/voyager/voyager-1s-pale-blue-dot/
Wed, April 09, 2025
White Lotus and our obsession with the unhappy rich
The HBO TV drama "White Lotus" focuses on a number of very rich and in many ways deeply unpleasant people. So why are we so fascinated by the lives of the super rich? And the US has dominated the global news this week with Donald Trump’s new tariffs, but Jules and Jez are keen to talk about deportations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE. Since Donald Trump returned to the Presidency, tens of thousands of people have been arrested and it's leading to a lot of fear for migrants and for people planning on travelling to the US. SHOW NOTES Buy tickets to our live show in Sydney ! https://www.swf.org.au/program/season-2025/not-stupid-live-with-julia-baird-and-jeremy-fernandez Jules' pick: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/30/world/plants-make-sounds-scn
Wed, April 02, 2025
Did influencers pop the Canberra bubble?
The election campaign is in full swing, but when it comes to the news you consume, who do you trust? The ALP offered to pay travel expenses so some influencers could go to the Federal Budget lock-up. So did it get the Government favourable coverage? Or find audiences who just aren't listening to the mainstream media? And we've heard from so many teachers about the Netflix show, Adolescence. Lots of them have ideas about how we talk to boys. And because we like to tackle the big topics, Jez has been pondering the meaning of life. SHOW NOTES Rebecca Sparrow on Adolescence: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccasparrow72/p/DH3KKfNBnxa/?img_index=2 Tom Holland "Umbrella" Lip Sync Battle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPCJIB1f7jk JEZ PICK: The Meaning of Life: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/mar/22/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-15-possible-answers-from-a-palliative-care-doctor-a-holocaust-survivor-a-jail-inmate-and-more JULES PICK: Paddington Bear statue: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/judge-reprimands-thieves-in-bear-statue-heist-your-actions-were-the-antithesis-of-everything-paddington-stands-for-180986337/
Wed, March 26, 2025
Why the drama Adolescence hit a raw nerve
The Netflix drama, Adolescence, has been watched millions of times in the last week and it is raising a lot of questions about masculinity and how we treat boys. So why this series has hit such a nerve? And Jez was in Canberra for the Federal Budget, so what is the government offering and have we lost the capacity for long term planning? Buy tickets to our Sydney show here: https://www.swf.org.au/program/season-2025/not-stupid-live-with-julia-baird-and-jeremy-fernandez SHOW NOTES Donald Trump portrait removed: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-26/donald-trump-portrait-removed-from-colorado-state-capitol/105096442 George W Bush's portraits https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-26890910 Blobfish is the fish of the year https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0l125d0597o
Wed, March 19, 2025
Trump hates DEI, so will Australians care?
US President, Donald Trump, is slashing diversity programs in the US, so is DEI over here too? Jules and Jez chat about what might happen in Australia. Also, Elon Musk says he has a prescription for ketamine and it comes at a time when the use of the drug in Australia is at an all time high. And Jules is obsessed with the story of the two astronauts who have spent nine months in space. Come to our Sydney show! https://www.swf.org.au/program/season-2025/not-stupid-live-with-julia-baird-and-jeremy-fernandez SHOW NOTES Astronauts arrive back https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-18/iss-arrival-back-in-us-after-months-stuck-in-space/105064762 Club apologises after sports star found alive https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/clydxyv94k8o
Wed, March 12, 2025
Why Meghan Markle is not our jam
After being slammed by the tabloids for the best part of decade, Meghan Markle (or is it Sussex?) has emerged with jam and cake and maybe a bit too much perfection. Jules has thoughts. And in the wake of ex-Cyclone Alfred, politicians have been pitching in and helping out. So what do we want from our leaders in a time of crisis? SHOW NOTES What we want in a leader https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092656620300787 With Love, Meghan https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-05/with-love-meghan-markle-duchess-sussex-review-netflix/105009410 Grandmother gets X-rated AI message https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0l1kpz3w32o Scottish Elevator https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMS2VnDveP8 Brighton Man breaks record on crutches https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2gkvn0k9vo
Thu, March 06, 2025
Adelaide Live: Hunting for awe
Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez have been in Adelaide for their first live show as part of Adelaide Writers' Week. It was a chat about the news, hope, awe and sparkly suits. If you missed it in Adelaide, here is a taste!
Wed, March 05, 2025
How do we focus when the world feels overwhelming?
The news can be a lot. And sometimes it feels hard to keep up and difficult to keep paying attention. So how do we cope when the world is full of triggering news?
Wed, February 26, 2025
Trump, Ukraine and the art of the deal
It's been three years since Russia invaded Ukraine and the US President Donald Trump says its time to make a deal. But he is also rewriting history with the American president saying Ukraine has been the aggressor all this time. Jules and Jez have been doing some fact checking. And how do you itemise the amount of work you do in a week? Elon Musk wants people to write lists of their weekly achievements, so will it work? SHOW NOTES Anne Applebaum on Ukraine: https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2025/02/putins-three-years-of-humiliation/681810/ Jules' Pick: https://apnews.com/article/valentines-day-animal-shelters-fundraisers-rats-elephants-40537881d8f5ad65dd971fef11a856f5 Jeremy's Pick: https://x.com/SusanDavid_PhD/status/1894066591551086683
Wed, February 19, 2025
What we're missing with the Belle Gibson story
There's plenty of hype around Netflix's new series about serial liar Belle Gibson, but what does the story mean to cancer survivors? Plus, we've got an interest rate cut, but when everything is costing more, so will voters blame the Government at the election? And Jez has been thinking about birthday cakes and making quite a few of them. SHOW NOTES Financial Review "Cost of Living" article: https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/how-australia-became-the-world-s-biggest-cost-of-living-loser-20241118-p5krgk Julia's Pick: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-12/belle-gibson-apple-cider-vinegar-where-is-she-now/104918624 Jeremy's Pick: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2025/02/14/birthday-jail-visit-centenarian/ https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-09/childrens-birthday-cake-book-changed-shape-kids-birthdays/10208246
Sun, February 16, 2025
Why are more young men going to church?
Jules has been looking at some Australian and US studies about church attendance and they show an increase in young men identifying as Christian. At the same time, the number of women in the Anglican priesthood in Australia is dwindling, so is the Anglican Church becoming more masculine? SHOW NOTES The Anglican Church's disappearing women https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-09/the-church-s-disappearing-women/104910172 In a first among Christians, young men now more religious than young women https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/23/us/young-men-religion-gen-z.html
Wed, February 12, 2025
What Sam Kerr's trial was all about
Sam Kerr has been found not guilty of racially harassing a police officer and Jules and Jez are wondering how we decide if "white" is a racial slur. And Donald Trump has pulled funding from USAID, so what does that mean for global aid and for the US' position in the world. SHOW NOTES I was a London judge. Sam Kerr’s case should never have gone to trial https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/i-was-a-london-judge-sam-kerr-s-case-should-never-have-gone-to-trial-20250210-p5lb1e.html US Soft Power took decades to build. Trump is dismantling it in weeks https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/02/03/donald-trump-tariffs-canada-mexico-soft-power/ Jez Pick https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-11/hiv-campaigner-david-polson-qtopia-dies/104922742 Jules Pick https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/g63725350/best-dressed-men-celebrities-super-bowl-2025/
Wed, February 05, 2025
Does Gen Z really want a dictator for a leader?
A UK poll has found that more than 50% of Gen Z think a dictator is a good idea. Jules and Jez are flabbergasted but when you think about all the things younger generations are up against, maybe it is not a surprise. They discuss the findings, the Grammys and seven hundred Marilyn Monroes. Show Notes: Gen Z: Trends, Truth and Trust: https://www.channel4.com/corporate/about-4/gen-z-trends-truth-and-trust#:~:text=Meet%20Gen%20Z%3A%20a%20diverse,why%20urgent%20action%20is%20needed. Jez' pick: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-02/2025-brighton-jetty-marilyn-swim-fundraiser-cancer-council-sa/104886846
Sun, February 02, 2025
Why are people glamorising sunburn?
Jez attended an Australia Day event recently where last year's Australian of the Year recipients, Richard Scolyer and Georgina Long, were speaking about their work. They shared their concerns that young people aren't paying attention to sun-safe messages. They say we've seen worrying trends on social media in the last few years which glamorise tanning and sunburn. So why are #sunburn and #tanlines trending? SHOW NOTES A TikTok tanning trend is making the rounds on social media. Here's why it's dangerous: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-04/dangerous-tiktok-tanning-uv-levels-trend/104776700
Wed, January 29, 2025
The heckler Tennis Australia didn't want
At the Australian Open, a protester yelled out in the quiet stadium at the end of the men's tennis final. Jules and Jez unpack what it was all about and how sports deal with allegations against players. And after hosting a few days of Australia Day events, Jez has been thinking about how we mark important dates. BUY ADELAIDE SHOW TICKETS HERE https://www.adelaidefestival.com.au/events/2025-writers-week/not-stupid/ JULES PICK The Remarkable Normalcy of Being Disabled and in Love: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/16/well/family/interabled-relationships-burcaw.html JEZ PICK Ariana Grande reveals the truth about "Holding Space" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOo-e-tR3PI
Sun, January 26, 2025
Help! How do I stop work calling me?
Have you come back to work after a summer holiday? Are you thinking that this year, you'll get your work/life balance sorted? Are you wondering if it really is possible? Jules and Jez chat about whether we should have a "right to disconnect" from the office and it turns out they are just very different humans. The Right to Disconnect https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-01/we-now-have-the-right-to-disconnect-but-has-it-changed-anything/104711380
Wed, January 22, 2025
Did God put Trump in the White House?
Donald Trump has taken office, so what will the next four years look like in the White House? Jez and Jules look at what Donald Trump has done in his first days in the job and who is pushing back. And after a series of Anti-Semitic attacks across the country, the Government is promising to act, but Jules thinks we also need to think more about our history. SHOW NOTES COME TO OUR ADELAIDE SHOW! TICKETS HERE: https://my.adelaidefestival.com.au/4188/4189 JEZ' PICK: De-extinction https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/16/science/colossal-de-extinction-funding-resurrection-science/index.html WATERMELON VIDEO: https://www.msn.com/en-in/food-and-drink/recipes/woman-smashes-most-number-of-watermelons-with-thighs-in-a-minute-to-create-guinness-world-record-watch/ar-AA1xnAGK?apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1
Sun, January 19, 2025
Searching for solitude
Jules has been reading up on solitude after finding a piece in The Atlantic about "The Anti-Social Century". It looks at our changing habits around social isolation and says that Americans are spending more time alone than ever. So is it the same here? And if you love your solitude, do you sometimes think about why? "The Anti-Social Century" in The Atlantic https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/02/american-loneliness-personality-politics/681091/ Multi-tasking research https://childmind.org/article/kids-shouldnt-use-phones-during-homework/
Wed, January 15, 2025
What do we do when the truth is burning?
The fires in California have been dominating the news for the last couple of weeks and on social media its getting hard to sort the facts from fiction. Jules and Jez look at the conspiracy theories about the fires and whether Meta's decision about fact checking might make it worse in the future. And we are a few weeks into January, so how are your new year’s resolutions going?? Have they already fallen by the wayside and does it really matter. SHOW NOTES: Jez' Pick: Every Best Actress Award https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMSoIJl9DWc Paloma Diamond https://www.instagram.com/juliansew/reel/DEnoV-yzaMF/ Jules' Pick: Severance https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-15/severance-season-one-recap-ahead-of-season-two-release/104803698
Mon, January 06, 2025
Why robots can't write poetry
A US study found that when a group of people were asked to read poetry by famous authors and poetry written by Chat GPT, they preferred the Chat GPT poems. Jules and Jez put Chat GPT to the test, plus more of your favourite poems. Buy tickets to our Adelaide show here: https://www.adelaidefestival.com.au/events/2025-writers-week/podfest-not-stupid/ Poems discussed: "Good Bones" by Maggie Smith "A May Night On The Mountains" by Henry Lawson "Wild Geese" by Mary Oliver "Still I rise" by Maya Angelou
Mon, December 30, 2024
Why children's books stay with you forever
Do you have a favourite kids book? Can you still recite it? Jules and Jez chat about their most-loved children's books and the ones they remember reading to their own kids. Have you got a favourite? We'd love to hear from you. You can email us at notstupid@abc.net.au Buy tickets to our Adelaide show here: https://www.adelaidefestival.com.au/events/2025-writers-week/podfest-not-stupid/
Mon, December 23, 2024
Lessons from the resilient
This year, Jules has been speaking to lots of people about what makes them resilient. She wanted to know how they cope in the aftermath of horrific events or how they deal with ongoing pain. She's been writing about it in her "Staying Upright" column and she and Jez chat about what she has learnt. STAYING UPRIGHT https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-24/staying-upright-life-can-be-hard-how-do-people-endure/103615514 STAYING UPRIGHT: JAMILA RIZVI https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-07/staying-upright-jamila-rizvi-brain-tumour-diagnosis/103673974 STAYING UPRIGHT: JON OWEN https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-26/jon-owen-wayside-chapel-helping-others-staying-upright/103887876 STAYING UPRIGHT: SARAH LULU FAITH https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-14/staying-upright-crochet-and-healing-power-of-knitting-needles/103700364 STAYING UPRIGHT: DAVE TARNOWSKI https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-05/dave-tarnowski-stigma-mental-illness-disappointing-affirmations/103795176
Wed, December 18, 2024
Hate and the "hot assassin": has 2024 sent us mad?
After a big year of pretty toxic politics globally, can we learn to disagree better? Jules has been reading up about the "Dignity Index", so could it make a difference? And the so called "hot assassin" has lots of people talking about healthcare and health insurance in the US. Also, could "Not Stupid" get in the Guinness Book of Records? SHOW NOTES Buy tickets to our Adelaide show! https://www.adelaidefestival.com.au/events/2025-writers-week/podfest-not-stupid/ Utah Governor advert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5_ajRH0QN8 Jules' Pick: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2024/12/record-breaking-best-of-2024-iconic-meet-ups-amazing-animals-and-age-defying-love Jez' Pick: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/very-musical-christmas
Sun, December 15, 2024
Break glass for emergency trifle
We asked if you needed any life advice and you've got questions. What's the best trifle recipe? Is a plastic Christmas tree better than a real one? Do I have to buy nice presents for people if they only give me rubbish ones? Jules and Jez offer their advice and their baking tips. MADS' EMERGENCY TRIFLE TIPS 1.Use the right bowl. A good bowl is the difference between an amazing looking trifle and slop in a bowl. Making a trifle on holidays? Take the bowl to the holiday house. They never ever have a trifle bowl. 2.Best Christmas trifle recipe: Morello cherry jelly (add alcohol if you want), choc cake (I make and freeze this so its ready when I need it), crushed gingerbread layer, cream or mascarpone cream, more cherries, another chocolate cake, more cream or mascarpone, fresh cherries, shaved chocolate and gingerbread Christmas trees on the top.
Wed, December 11, 2024
Is it ok to make fun of Raygun?
The Raygun Musical was shutdown before it even began, so is it ok to make fun of celebrities? How much do people in the public eye get to control their image? And if we can recreate dead celebrities with A.I., who controls that story? Also Syria is back in the headlines as Syrians across the globe celebrate the end of fifty years of the Assad regime. Jules and Jez take a closer look at what's happened and what it means for the Middle East. SHOW NOTES The Celebrity Machine Never Dies https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2024/12/ai-dead-celebrity-estate-profit/680873/ Jules' pick: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/14/us/fake-bear-insurance-fraud-charges.html Jez's pick: https://www.smh.com.au/national/one-of-the-worst-people-i-know-got-an-oam-so-i-ve-decided-to-act-20241129-p5kujr.html
Sun, December 08, 2024
Our Not Stupid Playlist
Jez had an idea to make a playlist with all the songs he loves to dance to. When he asked for song requests, so many of you got in touch. Jules and Jez chat about some of the songs you love to dance to and why you love them. You can find the playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/36xBCBL6jCrPJe6J8drjYe?si=BF6PCTj-QCK-nIDa1LTPTg&pi=a-CpIDFEEDROGt And if you have other suggestions, you can get in touch at notstupid@abc.net.au
Wed, December 04, 2024
Current mood: enshittification
Has your year been: a) brat b) demure c) enshittified? Join Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez as they chat about the words of the year. Plus why is it so hard to cap the amount of plastic produced globally? And would you eat a $9 million dollar banana? SHOW NOTES NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE ABOUT THE PLASTIC INDUSTRY https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/27/climate/plastic-industry-internal-documents.html MACQUARIE DICTIONARY WORD OF THE YEAR SHORTLIST: https://www.macquariedictionary.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/WOTY_2024_shortlist_FINAL-1.pdf JEREMY'S PICKS https://hbr.org/2024/11/lets-end-toxic-productivity https://hbr.org/2019/07/making-joy-a-priority-at-work JULIA'S PICKS https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/crypto-executive-eats-banana-artwork-bought-for-9-6-million-says-it-tasted-quite-good-20241130-p5kus4.html
Sun, December 01, 2024
It's never too late for a tattoo
Jules got a tattoo in New York after some particularly strong margaritas, so we asked you for your tattoo stories. And boy did you deliver. Join Jules and Jez as they read through some of your emails about weird and wonderful tattoos. You can always get in touch at notstupid@abc.net.au
Wed, November 27, 2024
Is #metoo dead?
Donald Trump's White House picks have many questioning whether the #metoo movement is dead. So is it? And here in Australia, executives from Coles, Woolworths and ALDI have appeared at the ACCC’s supermarket inquiry, so what have we learned and is anything going to change? SHOW NOTES Please do our survey! Link here: https://forms.office.com/r/XCJvrKqCkd JULES' PICK Jesse Krimes Exhibition https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/jesse-krimes-corrections JEZ'S PICK Nadal Retires. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zka2KlZ_-GM
Sun, November 24, 2024
How Americans are handling Trump's return
Jules is in the US talking about grace and forgiveness and it is a tricky topic in the wake of the election result. So what reaction has she been getting? If you can, please fill out our listener survey. It's anonymous and will only take a few minutes. SURVEY LINK HERE: https://forms.office.com/r/XCJvrKqCkd
Wed, November 20, 2024
The downfall of Alan Jones
Veteran broadcaster Alan Jones has been charged with historical indecent assault and sexual touching offences and Jules and Jez chat about what we know about the charges. And Jules is still in the US and everything is so expensive. We talk about how Donald Trump says he will fix the economy and what impact the economy might have on the Australian economy. You can always get in touch with us at notstupid@abc.net.au SHOW NOTES The Not Stupid Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/36xBCBL6jCrPJe6J8drjYe?si=BF6PCTj-QCK-nIDa1LTPTg&pi=a-CpIDFEEDROGt Jez's pick about aliens: https://www.themandarin.com.au/281675-aaro-releases-annual-uap-report/
Sun, November 17, 2024
What you're doing about climate change
When Jules and Jez spoke about Tim Winton's novel "Juice", they spoke about communities trying to do their bit to address climate change and we wanted to hear from you. Lots of you got in touch and we discuss a few of those emails. If you have more stories, please get in touch at notstupid@abc.net.au
Thu, November 14, 2024
Why misogyny has exploded online following Trump's win
When Donald Trump won the US election, sexist, racist and misogynistic comments exploded online. Julia and Jeremy look at what happened at why. And here in Australia, the Government plans to stop misinformation, but will it work? Jeremy's Playlist Dancing may be better than other exercise for improving mental health - The University of Sydney
Mon, November 11, 2024
When Julia Baird met Donald Trump
It has been a big few days in US politics and Jules is about to head to the US. She'll be there talking about grace, after a very tumultuous and divisive election campaign. So will there be any grace on display? Also Jules talks about meeting Donald Trump in 2016.
Wed, November 06, 2024
How Trump won
Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez have been reporting on the US election all day, but after the tv broadcast, they got into the pod studio for a debrief and a chat. They take us through how the day unfolded and how Trump won.
Sun, November 03, 2024
Extra Stupid: Your favourite poems
We asked for your favourite poems and you really delivered. We have been inundated with emails about poetry so we thoughts we'd share a few. Keep sending them at notstupid@abc.net.au and we will share more in coming weeks. POEMS "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten" by Robert Fulghum "Araluen" by Henry Kendall "Small Kindnesses" by Danusha Laméris SONG LYRICS "The Wine Song" by The Cat Empire "Still remains" by Stone Temple Pilots
Wed, October 30, 2024
What we get wrong about Trump voters
There's one week until the US election and Jez and Jules are reading and listening to everything so you don't have to. They chat about the latest and what they think we sometimes get wrong about Trump voters. And Jules has COVID while one of her kids is doing her final exams. It has got us thinking about the pressure of final exams and whether we've got it right. And who steals cheddar? Jez is intrigued by a very weird crime. JULIA'S PICK Saoirse Ronan on Graham Norton JEREMY'S PICK The Great Cheese Theft
Sun, October 27, 2024
Extra Stupid: Part 2 of our US election cheat sheet
Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez answer more of your questions about the US election. Will Trump's criminal cases matter? What are the issues which will decide the election? And when will we have a result?
Wed, October 23, 2024
Who's allowed to heckle a royal?
King Charles and Queen Camilla have been in Australia and a heckle from Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe caused global headlines for heckling the King. So should the King be heckled and are we ever going to be a Republic? Also Julia has been deep down a rabbit hole reading about the Menendez brothers who were convicted of killing their parents more than thirty years ago. Now the case is being looked at again following a couple of tv shows. And Jules and Jez went to pub choir and loved it. SHOW NOTES Survivors and Mates Support Group Menendez Case Pub Choir
Sun, October 20, 2024
Extra Stupid: Your US election cheat sheet
With just a few weeks until the US election Jules and Jez are answering your questions. How does the electoral college work? What does a Vice President really do? What's Donald Trump's golf handicap?
Wed, October 16, 2024
Can the PM buy a nice house?
The Prime Minister has a new coastal house, but should the PM buy a house in a cost of living crisis? Or is it his money and he can spend it however he wants? And after seeing so many fake Hurricane Milton photos, we look at a couple of new studies about how we decide what's true and what's not. And would you go to a Natural History exhibit where the stuffed animals talk to you?
Sun, October 13, 2024
Extra Stupid: Tim Winton's vision for our precarious future
Julia has been reading Tim Winton's new novel, Juice, and it has her thinking about eco-anxiety, climate change and whether a novel can change the public's view on an issue. Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au
Wed, October 09, 2024
Sean "Diddy" Combs and music's #metoo moment
US rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs has been charged with racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking after more than 100 people came forward to say they had been assaulted or harmed by the musician. Julia and Jeremy discuss the music industry's #metoo moment. Also, how do we decide who gets a visa to Australia? It's led to a big debate among our politicians. And how poetry can change the way we think. SHOW NOTES JEREMY'S PICK: Red Room Poetry JULIA'S PICK 8 Year Old drives to Target
Sun, October 06, 2024
Extra Stupid: Your favourite words
We asked for your favourite made up words or words from other languages... and you all have thoughts. Jules and Jez chat about the feedback. Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au
Wed, October 02, 2024
Walz vs Vance: the battle of the MidWest dads
The US Vice Presidents went head to head in their only debate. So who won and does it matter? And a couple of horrific cases have put drink spiking in the spotlight.
Sun, September 29, 2024
Extra Stupid: There's got to be a better word than "skibidi"
Jules and Jez have been informed by their smaller humans that the time for the phrase "so demure" has passed. It has them thinking about where slang comes from and who decides when words are cool and when they are not.
Wed, September 25, 2024
Israel, Lebanon and Hezbollah: what you need to know
Just weeks before the anniversary of the October 7, conflict in the Middle East is escalating. Jules and Jez have been thinking about how we talk about the conflict and if there's any kind of ceasefire in sight. Also the ACCC is taking Coles and Woolworths to court, so will it make your grocery shop cheaper?
Sun, September 22, 2024
Extra Stupid: Celebrating the little things
Julia had a birthday party and there was a lot of dancing. We share your stories about half birthdays, celebrating the little things and why dancing sometimes just feels really great.
Wed, September 18, 2024
Death threats and dead pets: are you ok America?
We've seen two attempted assassinations on Donald Trump in two months, so what does it mean for democracy in the US? Also here in Australia, the Federal Government has a plan to tackle scams, so will it work? And is AI where we should turn for dating advice? SHOW NOTES Scam survey
Sun, September 15, 2024
Extra Stupid: $40 party pants
We were talking about clothes a few weeks ago and lots of you had stories about second hand clothing. Jules and Jez read through some of the emails and wonder if we can do more to encourage the reuse of clothing and reduce fast fashion.
Wed, September 11, 2024
Donald, Kamala and Tay Tay's big debate night
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have come face to face in the US Presidential Debate. It's been billed as a defining moment in the campaign, so who won and who lost? And here in Australia, there's a plan to ban teens from social media. So will it work? And we are talking big milestones because Jules is having a birthday party. Jez even made a cake.
Sun, September 08, 2024
Extra Stupid: Yay or neigh? Your animal stories
We've had so much feedback about support animals and so many of you thing Jeremy Fernandez should have a miniature pony in the tv news studio. We run through some of the feedback and what's the difference between a assistance animal and an emotional support animal anyway?
Wed, September 04, 2024
What really counts in the census bunfight (with Annabel Crabb)
The Federal Government has been arguing over a question about sexuality in the census. But it has got us thinking about the data we collect, the information we don't collect and why it matters. Also there are new calls to get more women into the Liberal Party so why is progress so slow? And Elle Macpherson she used a "holistic" approach to breast cancer treatment, we have thoughts.
Sun, September 01, 2024
Extra Stupid: Can you be honest at a funeral?
We've been talking recently about the film "It ends with us" and the film opens with the main character struggling to read a eulogy as her dad's funeral. We got a really powerful email from a listener who wanted to share her story about the eulogy she gave at her own dad's funeral.
Wed, August 28, 2024
Kamala and the creepy chatbots
Have you ever argued with chatbot? They are spamming social media posts about Kamala Harris, but they are really trying to sell crypto-currency? So who is doing it and why? And Jules and Jez have been watching the Democratic Convention and are divided about whether politicians are taking the high road or the low road. Also: your happiness feedback. Julia's Pick Emotional support parrots Jeremy's Pick A letter to my grandma
Sun, August 25, 2024
Extra Stupid: But are you happy?
There are so many apps designed to track our happiness, but are they making us any happier? In this bonus episode, Jules and Jez have been reading up on what makes for a happy life.
Wed, August 21, 2024
What Hollywood gets wrong about women in danger
The film "It Ends With Us" is being marketed like a romantic comedy... but it's not. So what does Hollywood get wrong about violence against women. And we keep hearing about forever chemicals, so what are they and should we be worried? JULIA'S PICK The Assembly JEREMY"S PICK "Very demure"
Sun, August 18, 2024
Extra Stupid: Jez "Sat Nav" Fernandez
Jeremy would really like to be a "sat nav" voice and when he spoke about it on the show , many of you agreed. Jules and Jez go through the Not Stupid inbox and discuss plans for voiceover world-domination.
Wed, August 14, 2024
Did Raygun break the Olympics?
The Australian female breaking contestant made headlines at the Olympics and everyone has thoughts. Was it larrikinism or inappropriate cultural appropriation? And we know Australia has a gambling problem, but can the Government really tackle gambling ads? SHOW NOTES JULIA'S PICK Nick Cave with Leigh Sales JEREMY'S PICK Michigan Lake Swim
Wed, August 07, 2024
We need a better way to deal with gender in sport
We try to unpack the gender fiasco at the Olympic boxing this week. Is there a better way to deal with gender? Also Kamala Harris has a new VP pick and imagine discovering at age 11 that your parents are Russian spies and you've been living a lie. SHOW NOTES Tweety the cockatoo Sat Nav risks
Sun, August 04, 2024
Extra Stupid: How do they make a gold medal anyway?
In this short bonus episode, Jules and Jez try to answer some of the questions we are all googling while sitting on the couch. How do they make an Olympic medal? What else do you win with your medal? And when should commentators just stop talking?
Wed, July 31, 2024
The highs and lows of a very... French Olympics
The Olympics is underway and Jules and Jez are glued to the couch. So what does the Olympics tell us about winning, losing and politics? And in a plot twist that could be straight out of the tv drama Succession, Rupert Murdoch is locked in a legal dispute with his kids.
Wed, July 24, 2024
Kamala won the nomination but what's with the coconuts?
Kamala Harris won the US Democratic nomination this week but the internet is full of memes about coconut trees. So what's that all about and can she win the Presidency? Also Jules and Jeremy were stuck on air with no computers or autocue last Friday when the CrowdStrike tech outage happened. So how did it happen? SHOW NOTES Jeremy's pick: I was actually there Julia's pick: All Fours
Wed, July 17, 2024
Trump got shot but has it made him unbeatable?
The images of Donald Trump's assassination attempt have been everywhere this week, but has it made him unbeatable at the upcoming election? Also, comedian Ellen DeGeneres says she’s leaving showbiz for good and there’s a lot to learn from her career about generational change in the workplace. SHOW NOTES Some of Jeremy's favourite "Letters Live" Olivia Colman reads a novelist's (rather funny) complaint letter to a funeral parlour Sara Pascoe reads a hilarious letter asking for clarity on God's Law Sir Ben Kingsley reads a letter written by Gandhi to Hitler
Wed, July 10, 2024
UK votes Labour: Goodbye chaos, hello boring
After 14 years of Conservative government, people in the UK have voted for Labour in a landslide. Given the last few years of global turmoil, do voters just want a little bit of boredom? Also: what key seats there tell us about the Fatima Payman saga here in Australia, and the ability of party politicians to represent a diversity of views in their constituencies. And whether the protection we get from shark nets are worth the harm they cause.
Wed, July 03, 2024
Donald Trump lies, Joe Biden needs the truth
After appearing frail and mixing up words in the US presidential debate, the big question is whether Joe Biden should step down as the Democratic nominee. His family has encouraged him to stay in the race, but is it sometimes kinder to tell someone the hard truth? Also the big banks say they're under attack from scammers 24/7, and Japan gets its first LGBTQI reality show.
Wed, June 26, 2024
Is that a Picasso in the toilet?
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is free, and heading back to Australia, after years of fighting extradition to the United States. How have our thoughts on him changed over the years, and will the way it wrapped up change journalism? Also, the Tories placing bets on their own government's election date, and why Mona is hanging Picassos in the toilets.
Wed, June 19, 2024
When good Neighbours become good...Trump supporters?
Former Neighbours star Holly Valance has held a Trump fundraiser, so how did a soap star become a force in right-wing politics? And a New York Times article has us thinking about things we've done for the last time and may never do again. Join the conversation and email the show at notstupid@abc.net.au SHOW NOTES The Contestant is more than a cautionary tale Growing old, with grace and aches
Wed, June 12, 2024
What Michael Mosley's death taught us about life
The death of tv doctor Michael Mosley saw an outpouring of grief across the globe, but it has got us thinking about how precarious life can be. And the Australian Olympic team is taking three baristas to Paris so that they can get the perfect flat white.
Wed, June 05, 2024
Trump is guilty. So what happens next?
We now know Donald Trump is a criminal, but does it change anything? And can he still be President? Also Julia and Jeremy want to know how to get their kids off screens. Can the Prime Minister get 13 year olds off social media? And the anti-discrimination case which challenges some of the outdated ways we think about sex workers. SHOW NOTES Baz Luhrmann interview Mermaid Club
Wed, May 29, 2024
Is it just us, or is airline turbulence getting worse?
Could birds hold the secret to aeroplane turbulence? In the wake of the horrific attack in Rafah in Gaza, is there any more that International courts can do to stop the fighting? And could the weight loss drug Ozempic be causing a baby boom?
Thu, May 16, 2024
INTRODUCING — Not Stupid
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
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