The Swanston Explainer

The Swanston Explainer

🎙️Today’s news explained by tomorrow’s journalists 🎧 The big issues unpacked in 15-minute episodes 📚An RMIT podcast 📍 Melbourne ➡️ Follow us @swan_explainer on Instagram

  1. 21/10/2025

    Unpacking the Spotify boycott

    When Spotify CEO Daniel Ek invested over $1 billion AUD in Helsing — an AI defence company developing military drone technology — the backlash was immediate. Bands like Deerhoof, Xiu Xiu, and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard pulled their music in protest. But while established artists can afford to boycott, most can’t. This episode examines the ethical and economic dilemma facing musicians in an industry dominated by platform capitalism. Spotify has long been accused of exploiting artists through low payouts, algorithmic bias, and a shift toward profit-driven podcasting. Ek’s investment in military AI, critics say, only exposes the company’s deeper values. Can artists resist a system that both sustains and compromises them? And what does it mean when the world’s biggest music platform is literally funding war? Reporters: Ethan Seiderman and Izzy Lewis

    17 min

  2. 21/10/2025

    MMA and the Far Right

    Mixed martial arts, or MMA, is becoming increasingly popular amongst Australians. A partnership between the UFC and the NSW State Government will see multiple fight promotions hosted in Australia over the coming years. Politicians and practitioners alike promote the physical and mental benefits of both watching, and training MMA. However, engaging with MMA can expose people to far right viewpoints. Extremist groups are actively using MMA gyms and clubs to recruit unsuspecting followers. Can the positive and negative impacts of MMA exist at the same time? Listen to find out. Reporters: Will Pascua and Sandra Thomsen

    15 min
  3. Haters, Subscribers and Hypocrites: The OnlyFans Discussion

    29/05/2025

    Haters, Subscribers and Hypocrites: The OnlyFans Discussion

    Men love to watch OnlyFans content, but hate the women that make it? Sex workers are always in the spotlight, but the online platform OnlyFans makes it all too easy for men to spit out abuse at the women they watch with no consequences. We dive into the impacts, reasoning and solutions to try to make sense of the hypocritical hate men give OnlyFans creators. Host: Ruby Fox Reporter: Ruby Parkinson Producer: Amelia McQuoid Series Producer: Joanna Beard Executive Producer: Kate Arnott

    13 min
  4. Fake vs Real: The designer controversy

    29/05/2025

    Fake vs Real: The designer controversy

    Early this year, Tik Tok went crazy over fake Birkin’s being sold at popular chain, Walmart. Many were stunned over its almost identical look to the real deal, others weren’t too impressed arguing that this affects the status of a bag that can retail up to 6 figures.In this podcast, we explore how a Birkin knock-off has led to the divide between social classes and the culture behind the bag. We also explore the ethics behind fake designer items.Host: Deanna LotestoReporter: Julia HuntSeries Producer: Rex ChardExecutive Producers: Kate Arnott and Janak Rogers

    12 min
  5. Digital Minimalism: Is deleting Social Media the cure for poor mental health?

    29/05/2025

    Digital Minimalism: Is deleting Social Media the cure for poor mental health?

    Social media is often touted as being bad for mental health. However, a March study out of Belgium found that short social media detoxes didn’t really affect participants’ wellbeing. This episode explores the concept of ‘digital minimalism’, switching off the social media apps entirely, and tries to answer the question: is longer term social media abstinence a solution to self esteem issues and wellbeing, or does today’s society require the interconnectedness it provides? Host: Amy Brook Reporter: Emily Williams Series Producer: Rex Chard Executive Producers: Kate Arnott and Janak Rogers

    13 min
  6. Live and Loud: Is St Kilda's live music scene on life support?

    28/05/2025

    Live and Loud: Is St Kilda's live music scene on life support?

    From the historic Espy to the little venues tucked away in back streets, St Kilda has always been Melbourne's home of live music. But with the cost of living crisis, more and more venues are struggling to get customers and bands are feeling the pinch. Reporter: Thomas Stock Series Producer: Alexandra Mulcaster Executive Producers: Kate Arnott and Janak Rogers

    6 min
  7. The AFL's Biggest Scandals

    27/05/2025

    The AFL's Biggest Scandals

    A dive into some of the AFL's biggest scandals and the players involved. We explore how times have changed, with the powerful presence of social media causing detrimental to those in the limelight. We speak to players from the past and present to gain some unique perspectives from those who have experienced it firsthand. Host: Will Dunlop Reporter: Saskia Turner Producer: Jack Sutton Series Producer: Joanna Beard Executive Producer: Kate Arnott

    13 min

  8. 27/05/2025

    Concussion in Sports: The Epidemic!

    A knock to the head isn't just a bump — it can end a career. Concussion is now front and centre in sport, from the pros to the juniors. Athletes are retiring early, brain injuries are being uncovered, and leagues are racing to change protocols before it’s too late. More research, stricter rules, and better education are leading the charge — but the time to act is now. Let’s use the knowledge we have, to protect our players before the damage is done. Host: Maddison Cutajar Reporting: Grace Boyd Producer: Zac Fahey Series Producer: Louis Harrison Executive Producer: Kate Arnott

    13 min
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About

🎙️Today’s news explained by tomorrow’s journalists 🎧 The big issues unpacked in 15-minute episodes 📚An RMIT podcast 📍 Melbourne ➡️ Follow us @swan_explainer on Instagram

Information

  • Creator
    The Swanston Explainer
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Swanston Explainer
  • Show Website
    The Swanston Explainer