News Club

4.8 (686)
News Commentary
Updated Weekly

News Club is the place to go for conversations about the news. Agenda-free and hosted by friends - Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - we are here for you - making it easy to keep across the big issues and get ahead of what's coming up.

1 hr ago

A wild week for One Nation, and a new world map

This is the week in news and what’s coming up with Claire Kimball and Anna Pykett, stepping in from the Squiz Today team. One Nation has had a bit of a wild week - questions over the party's finances, a state leader answering allegations about his past, and a controversial political cartoon about Andrew Hastie. Meanwhile the Prime Minister is under pressure over a community grant fund and a golf club membership. There’s a throughline to all this that Claire will pull together for you. Then to Germany, where the far-right AfD has won 44% in a state election - the strongest result for a right-wing party since World War II. We'll explain what it can and can't do with that, and why European leaders elsewhere are watching. The government has introduced its Digital Duty of Care bill, which would make platforms offer you the choice to switch your algorithm off. We spoke about calls for this last week, and the government has since announced draft legislation. And the UN has voted to back a new world map. Africa's been the wrong size for 450 years, and 54 African nations have been pushing to fix it. Links The West Wing map scene Anna’s recommendations: Viral Biscoff Cheescake Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (in Cinemas) Claire’s recommendation: Season 3 of Colin From Accounts on BINGE Want more News Club in your life? We've got you… ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our News Club newsletter⁠⁠ Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram:⁠⁠⁠ @TheSquiz⁠⁠ PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista. Hosts: Claire Kimball & Anna Pykett Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton Researcher: Sophie Felice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
4 Sept

The push to switch off the algorithm, and the Lindsay Clancy trial

We're starting with the algorithm. Chanel Contos, founder of Teach Us Consent, used a National Press Club address this week to go after the way social media platforms funnel boys toward misogynistic content. She asked the government for something specific: the right to switch off the algorithm. We'll explain what she's proposing, and what the response has been from members of government. Then to the Lindsay Clancy trial in the US. It's a difficult one, involving the deaths of three young children. So we've flagged it in the episode if you'd rather skip ahead. The Coalition has put its tobacco policy on the table - an 80% cut to the excise, aimed at the black market rather than at smokers. We'll take you through the argument, the numbers, and why the health lobby is not on board. And we remember Gloria Steinem, who died this week at 92. Links The Moms of TikTok Have Gone Insane - The Free Press Oprah’s podcast interview with Gloria Steinem Claire’s recommendation: Untold: Raygun on Netflix Want more News Club in your life? We've got you… ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our News Club newsletter⁠⁠ Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram:⁠⁠⁠ @TheSquiz⁠⁠ PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista. Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton Researcher: Sophie Felice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
28 Aug

The Nepal disaster, Meta’s big settlement, and Dolly Parton’s legacy

This is the week in news and what’s coming up with Claire Kimball and Kate Watson. We're starting in Nepal, where an avalanche near the border with Tibet triggered a catastrophic flood down a valley popular with trekkers and pilgrims. Hundreds are dead and many more are missing, including Australians. We'll take you through how it happened, and why the early warning systems didn't do their job. Then to Meta, which has settled a multi-billion dollar lawsuit over claims its platforms harmed young people. Claire's retail corner returns - she’ll explain how Ooshies and Sumo mandarins factored into Woolworths’ massive profits. And Dolly Parton died this week, aged 80. We look at her musical legacy, her sharp business instincts, and how she managed to stay beloved on both sides of American politics. Links The BBC’s Nepal flood explainer Kate’s recommendation: Yogi Peace Club Yoga Mats Claire’s recommendation: Bill Gates AI essay Want more News Club in your life? We've got you… ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our News Club newsletter⁠⁠ Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram:⁠⁠⁠ @TheSquiz⁠⁠ PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista. Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton Researcher: Sophie Felice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
21 Aug

The Sydney Swans allegations, and a cancer vaccine breakthrough

This is the week in news and what’s coming up with Claire Kimball and Kate Watson. We're starting with the Sydney Swans and sexual assault allegations. We’ll walk you through the chain of events, and the responses to that. Then, the week in Aussie politics, including the Israeli ambassador being summoned to parliament over the decision not to criminally investigate the death of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankom. We’ll cover Harry and Meghan moving back to the UK. And we’ve also got a genuinely hopeful story for you - an exciting medical breakthrough in cancer research. Links Kate’s recommendation: The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout Claire’s recommendation: Jersey Barrel Leg Pants from UNIQLO Want more News Club in your life? We've got you… ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our News Club newsletter⁠⁠ Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram:⁠⁠⁠ @TheSquiz⁠⁠ PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista. Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton Researcher: Sophie Felice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14 Aug

The housing downturn, Trump’s plane switch, melons and smelters

This is the week in news and what’s coming up with Claire Kimball and Eliza Harvey. We’re starting this week with the housing market, which, after all, is our national pastime. This week saw some heavyweights give us their take on where things are at and where it might be going. Donald Trump has delivered an executive order on vaccinations, linking vaccines to rates of autism. He also confirmed a ruse to ensure he was removed from the risk of being shot down in Air Force One. And, we’ll explain why melons and smelters have been the focus in Aussie politics this week. Links Eliza’s recommendation: Patience on ABC iview Claire’s recommendation: Politico Canberra Playbook Want more News Club in your life? We've got you… ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our News Club newsletter⁠⁠ Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram:⁠⁠⁠ @TheSquiz⁠⁠ PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista. Hosts: Claire Kimball & Eliza Harvey Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton Researcher: Sophie Felice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7 Aug

Understanding the Russia-Ukraine drone strikes

This is the week in news and what’s coming up with Claire Kimball and Kate Watson. We thought it was time to get you caught up on what’s going on with the Russia-Ukraine war, including the drone strikes making headlines this week. Bird flu (the bad strain) has unfortunately reached our shores, Jet Star has a new baggage policy that’s got chins wagging, and there’s some interesting threads to pull out of the latest NAPLAN results. Links Ukrainian vegetable seller targeted in 'human safari' drone attack - BBC Ukraine drone strikes on Russian holiday spot and Crimea kill 11 - ABC MySchool NAPLAN results Kate’s recommendations: ‘I’m Begging You: Never Write with AI’ - New York Times ‘Miracle baby’ undergoes pioneering surgery in the womb - ABC Squiz Kids Shortcut to Understanding Racism Claire’s recommendations: Kitchen Cabinet Season 8 - ABC iview Curly sock hair Want more News Club in your life? We've got you… ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our News Club newsletter⁠⁠ Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram:⁠⁠⁠ @TheSquiz⁠⁠ PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista. Hosts: Claire Kimball & Kate Watson Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton Researcher: Sophie Felice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
31 July

Explaining the construction corruption scandal in Victoria

This is the week in news and what’s coming up with Kate Watson and Eliza Harvey. Victoria has a new Premier, and will hold a royal commission into the construction industry, so we’ll bring you up to date on all the political changes there. We’ll also get you across the bushfires in southern France and Spain. Plus, why you might want to check your offset account. Links A huge thank you to everyone who has filled out our survey - we really appreciate you! It’s here and still open until Sunday night, if you’d like to get involved. ‘The fire has such power’: why the wildfires gripping France and Spain are off the charts - The Conversation Devastating European wildfires in maps - and how they're being tackled - BBC Kate’s recommendation: Strangers by Belle Burden Eliza’s recommendation: Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan Want more News Club in your life? We've got you… ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our News Club newsletter⁠⁠ Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram:⁠⁠⁠ @TheSquiz⁠⁠ PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista. Hosts: Kate Watson & Eliza Harvey Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton Researcher: Sophie Felice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
24 July

Who is Andy Burnham? The 'King of the North' now UK Prime Minister

Fill out The Squiz 2026 Survey - Thank you! This is the week in news and what’s coming up with Andrew Williams and Kate Watson. The UK has a new Prime Minister this week, we’ll help you get across who Andy Burnham is. There’s lots going around about the nuclear deal between the US and Saudi Arabia that’s helpful to understand. Plus, an increase in the tariffs on exports from Australia to the US. And then we're gonna get into the debate about how to combat the problem of illegal tobacco, which has been going on for a long time. We’ll get into what’s on at the Commonwealth Games. And make sure you stick around to hear us talk about AusAlert, especially if you don’t know what that’s about, because it is worth knowing that your phone will get very loud at 2pm Eastern Time on Monday. Links Kate’s recommendation: Voicemails for Isabelle on Netflix Andrew’s recommendation: The Odyssey Want more News Club in your life? We've got you… ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our News Club newsletter⁠⁠ Watch all our episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram:⁠⁠⁠ @TheSquiz⁠⁠ PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better - spread the word about News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista. Hosts: Andrew Williams & Kate Watson Producer & Editor: Ryan Pemberton Researcher: Sophie Felice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See All (511)

Claire Kimball

Host
Kate Watson

Host

4.8

out of 5

686 Ratings

Refreshing

29 Aug

Meggals Tasmania

Love it 🧡
Best news outlet ever!

24 July

Annie445!

I adore the way you share and explain the latest news. It’s relevant, easy to understand and quite funny!! Keep up the wonderful work :)
News Club

18 July

anniemiller01

Such a great balance of well thought out news items from the week, national and international, slightly digging in deep to the things that people are interested in, fun banter and staff lifestyle picks all bundled up from an independent news team. Love your work and love that you keep asking your listeners what they want. Go you good things
A Must listen on a Saturday

13 June

SofiaC50

Makes me feel informed and ready for the week ahead. Great banter and recommendations too

News Club is the place to go for conversations about the news. Agenda-free and hosted by friends - Claire Kimball and Kate Watson - we are here for you - making it easy to keep across the big issues and get ahead of what's coming up.