Hack

Hack

Hack brings you the stories that matter to young people. Every weekday host Dave Marchese and the triple j Hack team cover the latest news, politics and culture from all around Australia.
00:00
00:00

Episode's summary

Did you know you could lose your job for being gay, getting divorced or falling pregnant? Protections in our national laws shield people from discrimination based on gender, sexuality, marital and pregnancy status, but exemptions allow religious schools to discriminate in certain circumstances for religious reasons. A new bill attempts to change this, and has reignited debate between faith-based organisations and LGBTQIA+ advocates. On this week’s Deep Dive, host Dave Marchese sits down with Michelle Pearse, CEO of the Australian Christian Lobby, and James, an LGBTQIA+ advocate, to hear both sides of the argument. Guests: Michelle Pearse, CEO of the Australian Christian Lobby James, LGBTQIA+ advocate Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Episodes

5089-

DEEP DIVE: Can you be fired for being gay?

Did you know you could lose your job for being gay, getting divorced or falling pregnant? Protections in our national laws shield people from discrimination based on gender, sexuality, marital and pregnancy status, but exemptions allow religious schools to discriminate in certain circumstances for religious reasons. A new bill attempts to change this, and has reignited debate between faith-based organisations and LGBTQIA+ advocates. On this week’s Deep Dive, host Dave Marchese sits down with Michelle Pearse, CEO of the Australian Christian Lobby, and James, an LGBTQIA+ advocate, to hear both sides of the argument. Guests: Michelle Pearse, CEO of the Australian Christian Lobby James, LGBTQIA+ advocate Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

17 Oct 2026
5088-

THE SHAKEUP: First day fails, Trump cans live stream, Shane Gillis joke falls flat + Kelly Clarkson v bird

New US press secretary Katie Zacharia’s first week on the job has been a bumpy ride with a rocky debut press conference followed by intense questioning over her qualifications. So, we hear about your first day bungles. And, comedian Shane Gillis is in hot water over a joke about women’s gym outfits in his SNL monologue. Critics have labelled it sexist and misogynistic. Plus, Donald Trump has confirmed the execution of Nihal Hasan by firing squad will not be live streamed, following intense backlash. Also, Kelly Clarkson had her Pretty Woman moment... over a $22k mechanical bird? Host Dave Marchese is joined by author and comedian, Lucinda Price AKA Froomes, and journalist, Marty Smiley. Listen now: 03:43 – Live stream execution off 10:51 – Press secretary bungles first day 18:11 – Shane Gillies SNL joke 25:10 – Kelly Clarkson v bird Guests: Lucinda Price AKA Froomes, writer, comedian & content creator Marty Smiley, ABC reporter Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the…

16 Oct 2026
5087-

Should Youth Allowance be scrapped? Greens senator allegations + the state of men

Greens senator Jordon Steele-John has taken leave from the Greens party room today, following allegations he made inappropriate comments toward women, which he denies. We get you across it. And, should we scrap Youth Allowance? A new report from Anglicare Australia reckons yes – saying young people shouldn’t get less than the regular Job Seeker Payment. Plus, we’re joined by journalist and host of new documentary The State of Man, Marc Fennell, who has investigated the world of the manosphere, and reveals what he thinks could be the antidote. Listen now: 01:11 – Jordon Steele-John allegations 05:05 – Nixing Youth Allowance? 14:05 – The ‘manosphere’ and more Guests: Shalailah Medhora, triple j hack political reporter Felix Hughes, President of the National Union of Students Marc Fennell, journalist and host of 'The State of Man' Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

15 Oct 2026
5086-

INTERVIEW: What really goes on inside the 'manosphere'?

What's attracting Aussie guys into the manosphere? It's a question investigative journalist Marc Fennell has set out to answer in his new ABC documentary The State of Man. Marc's journey started in his own home, after his young sons stumbled upon Joe Rogan while watching Minecraft videos on YouTube. In this chat he unpacks his trip around the world, speaking with self-described incels, fitness bros, trad wives and police, and reveals what he thinks could be the antidote to the manosphere. Guests: Marc Fennell, filmmaker Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

15 Oct 2026
5085-

Freezing your eggs in prison, the pepper spray debate + four generations of wood choppers

Should prisoners be allowed to freeze their eggs? A 'landmark' High Court decision could soon give one Queenslander prisoner the chance after her initial application was rejected. And the NT government has announced it will make pepper spray available to 16 and 17-year-olds as it moves to permanently legalise the weapon for self-defence. We speak to both sides of the debate. Plus, it’s not often you see intergenerational competition in sport... unless you attend your local wood chopping competition, where it’s often passed down through families. Listen now: 01:10 – Prison reproductive health 07:01 – Legalising pepper spray 24:55 – Fourth-generation wood choppers Guests: Talissa Siganto, ABC Reporter Tatum Martin, advocate for the legalisation of pepper spray Jeff Rodwell, pepper spray retailer Dr Chay Brown, FDV victim survivor and advocate Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

14 Oct 2026