Podcasts by Heres The Thing, Tho with Soaliha

The Hipsterfication of Ramadan from 2023-04-05T15:36:58

Hello friends! This week's episode is a repost from SBS's five-part podcast series My Ramadan, which Soaliha appeared on last week and we've added a preamble to. SBS has given us permission to r...

Avatar 2: The Way Of The Coloniser from 2023-03-08T06:00

This week we discuss James Cameron’s infamous Avatar films, specifically focusing on the second film and its fetishisation of colonialism. Buckle up folks, it’s a wild ride.

We talk about...

ChatGPT, Deepfake Porn&the Dark Side of AI from 2023-02-15T06:00

Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault and image-based abuse.

This week we discuss the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in recent months and its political implic...

Reproductive Futurism from 2022-12-07T06:00

This week we discuss the pervasive notion of “reproductive futurism” and how it relates to current issues such as abortion rights, queerphobia, and climate change.

We talk about how repro...

News Roundup: BTS Qld Police Tea&A Recycling Scandal from 2022-11-28T20:35:51

This week we discuss a series of alarming recordings that were leaked by a Queensland police officer, and a scandalous recycling story which revealed just how precarious recycling is.

We ...

Toxic Representation&The Weaponisation Of Queerbaiting from 2022-11-09T06:00

This week we discuss representation, toxic identity politics and celebrity queerbaiting. 

We talk about the cancellation of Constance Wu, the way we punish actors for not representing the...

News Roundup: Sustainable Sex, A Smear Campaign&Jeffrey Dahmer Costumes from 2022-10-26T06:00

This week we discuss a controversial article about sustainability in the bedroom, Lydia Thorpe’s ‘conflict of interest’ and ethical issues around Netflix’s Jeffrey Dahmer series. 

We talk...

Nope (2022): Colonial Anxiety, Blackness&Spectacle from 2022-10-12T06:00

Today we talk about Jordan Peele’s latest film ‘Nope’ and explain why we liked it. 

We discuss the film’s subversion of colonial anxieties, its themes of exploitation and spectacle, and a...

News Roundup: Black Mermaids, Hijab Mandates&The Chemical Imbalance Myth from 2022-09-28T06:00

This week we discuss three major news stories from the last two weeks: Black Ariel, Iranian protests against Hijab mandates and a bombshell report about the chemical imbalance myth. 

We t...

Is the Cancellation of Harry Styles Imminent? from 2022-09-14T05:00

We're back!!!

This week we discuss two topics: the death of the queen and gossip surrounding Harry Styles.

We talk about the way monarchists tone police people of colour and downpl...

We’re Taking A Break, But We’ll Be Back! from 2022-04-20T05:00

We have an announcement: we're taking a little hiatus to rest, recuperate and refresh our little brains. In the meantime, listen to our backlog and hit us up on Instagram! Bye for now, not forev...

#TraumaTok and the Commodification of Emotions from 2022-04-06T05:00

This week we talk about #TraumaTok, aka a corner of TikTok where people openly share their harrowing traumas to the app with little concern about where their stories will end up.

We discu...

Are You (Still) An Ecofascist? from 2022-03-23T05:00

*NOTE: This is a reshare of a previous episode. But! The first 20 minutes is a discussion on recent events.

This week we talk about the rise of ‘ecofascism’ and its concerning prevalence ...

The Russia-Ukraine Conflict Is Changing Aussie Media In Real Time from 2022-03-09T05:00

This week we talk about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – not the geopolitics, but the impact these events have had on the boundaries of Australian news media. 

We discuss the racist coverag...

The Weird Underworld of Anti-Refugee Propaganda from 2022-02-23T05:00

CW: This episode briefly discusses suicide.

This week we talk about one of our favourite topics – government propaganda. But not the type fed to civilians like us. This time, we’re talkin...

Are Mental Illness and Capitalism Linked? from 2022-02-09T05:00

This week we talk about the link between capitalism and various mental illnesses, and how our collective trauma is a rational response to a decaying world.

We discuss the chemical imbalan...

The Big Politics of Tiny Houses from 2022-01-26T05:00

This week Mitch takes the lead and deep dives into the surprisingly complex discourse around the tiny house movement, and how it exists in a weird, capitalist paradox.

We talk about decei...

Much Like Covid, We’re Back from 2022-01-12T05:00

This week we catch up on all of the Covid related stories that broke while we were on break – and, oh boy, a lot has happened.

We discuss the constant backflipping from our leaders regard...

BONUS EPISODE: Q&A Special from 2021-12-22T05:00

This week we are actually on our end of year break, but we pre-recorded a bonus Q&A session to celebrate reaching our 50th episode!

We answer questions about our careers, studies, our r...

Cutting Off Problematic Friends: A Moral Dilemma… Or Is It? from 2021-12-08T05:00

This week we discuss a topic that our listeners request every month: should we cut off friends that have problematic opinions?

We talk about what we define as friendship, what we expect t...

Kyle Rittenhouse, Racist Cops and Other Shit News Stories from 2021-11-24T05:00

This week we talk about a range of news topics that have occurred over the last fortnight. A little variety episode for you lovely listeners! The contents? Not so lovely.

We discuss the i...

Facebook Groups Are Where Safe Spaces Go To Die from 2021-11-10T05:00

This week we talk about Facebook groups, university campus culture, fandoms and what they all have in common: safe spaces. 

We discuss the ways in which a lot of safe spaces have lost the...

Journalism, Churnalism and Appeasing the Brand Gods from 2021-10-27T05:00

This week we discuss the concept of ‘churnalism’: a type of journalism that relies on PR packages and repurposing other articles in the writing of stories.

We talk about what it’s like wo...

Three Billboards Outside Knox Grammar from 2021-10-13T05:00

This week we talk about brand activism: can it ever be sincere? And if so, does it matter if the work being done is still positive?

We discuss a recent news story where a brand went viral...

Celebrity Gossip Is… Good, Maybe? from 2021-09-29T05:00

This week we talk about parasocial relationships, celebrities, and society’s love for gossip. 

We break down what a parasocial relationship is, discuss celebrity culture and how we use it...

Georgia Love, ‘The Activist’ and Other Cursed News Stories from 2021-09-15T05:00

This week we talk about a range of news topics that have occurred over the last fortnight. A little variety episode for you lovely listeners!

We discuss Georgia Love’s racism scandal, the...

No Ethical Consumption Under Capitalism… Unless? from 2021-09-01T05:00

This week we discuss a phrase that’s becoming a bit of a buzzword: no ethical consumption under capitalism.

We talk about what the term means, how it’s being co-opted, and the inherently ...

Aliens Built The Pyramids (And Other Racist Conspiracy Theories) from 2021-08-18T05:00

This week we discuss ~conspiracies~: why are they so popular, what is the appeal to them, how are they concocted, and who are the most vulnerable to believing them?

We also talk about the...

How (not) To Talk About Ethnic Misogyny Without Validating White Saviours from 2021-08-04T05:00

This week we discuss the way white people use narratives of domestic violence and misogyny in ethnic communities to justify colonisation.

We talk about the way western media reports on fe...

INTERVIEW: Revisiting Nostalgia (w/ Grafton Tanner) from 2021-07-23T05:00

Welcome to our first interview! In this bonus episode we are in conversation with Grafton Tanner to discuss the politics of nostalgia as it relates to colonial racism, capitalism, and the buildi...

The Katie Hopkins Saga Tells Us A Lot About Racism In Australia from 2021-07-21T05:00

This week we talk about the Katie Hopkins saga that took over our newscycle as we watched her go from entering the country as a celebrity VIP for Big Brother, to being deported over contempt for...

Cops, Covid and Incompetence from 2021-07-14T05:00

*Note: this episode was recorded on Monday 11 July and since then some things have changed. NSW has since announced COVID relief payments for workers, and health authorities are now recommending...

Who Gets To Be A Woman? Not Black Athletes, Apparently from 2021-07-07T05:00

This week we talk about the anti-Blackness that's been in headlines recently regarding the Olympics.

We talk about where this discourse is coming from — how is it that in 2021, Black wome...

#FreeBritney Is Still Feminist Discourse from 2021-06-30T06:00

*Due to Covid lockdowns in Sydney we weren't able to record a new episode this week. But in light of the Britney Spears conservatorship updates, we're republishing our #FreeBritney episode with ...

Gaslight, Gatekeep, Girlboss from 2021-06-23T06:00

This week we finally talk about Girlboss feminism. Where it came from; what it is; and why we hate it.

We talk about Girlboss feminism and its relationship to capitalism, the way it relie...

There’s A Lot More To Imposter Syndrome Than Just Insecurity from 2021-06-09T06:00

This week we talk about imposter syndrome – what it is, what it isn't, and how it's different from regular insecurity. 

We talk about the way imposter syndrome's racial intersections mean...

Why Are We So Nostalgic? from 2021-06-02T06:00

This week we talk about nostalgia. Everything in the 2020s from the latest fashion trends, movies, and popular music are often retro-inspired, if not just straight up recycling old trends. 

Selective Activism and Medical Racism from 2021-05-26T06:00

This week we talk about TWO different topics!! First we talk about selective activism and the way people weaponise their marginalised status to justify political inaction. 

Then we talk a...

Shadow and Bone: Grooming in the Fantasy Genre from 2021-05-12T06:00

This week we talk about the new Netflix adaptation of 'Shadow and Bone' and how it encapsulates some problematic trends in the YA fantasy genre.

We discuss the prevalence and romanisation...

Are You An Ecofascist? from 2021-05-05T06:00

This week we talk about the rise of ‘ecofascism’ and its concerning prevalence in left wing circles. 

We talk about what it is, why it’s so convincing and how to spot ecofascist myths. Listen

Too Brown for the White Kids, Too White for the Brown Kids PART 2 from 2021-04-28T06:00

Due to popular demand, this week we continue our conversation on what it's like being in-between two identities. 

We talk about wanting to be white, resenting your culture, the alienation...

Too Brown for the White Kids, Too White for the Brown Kids from 2021-04-21T06:00

This week we talk about the concept of being “white-passing”, and how the term has become more sinister than its originators planned.

We also talk about the disconnect of growing up away ...

Do the Ramadan from 2021-04-14T06:00

This week we do a casual explainer on Ramadan – what it is, why we love it, why some Muslims start fasting on different days, all the random questions we get from non-Muslims about it, etc. 

Does The Female Gaze Exist? from 2021-03-31T06:00

This week we talk about the controversial ‘female gaze’ - what is it, where did the term come from, and does it even exist?

We discuss Laura Mulvey’s work on the male gaze, how it birthed...

Is It ‘In-Fighting’ or Are People Just Racist? from 2021-03-24T06:00

This week we break up our topics into little segments - first, we talk about the sudden popularity of NFTs and their connection to our commodity-obsessed capitalist dystopia, and then we discuss...

Racism in The Royal Family... What’s New? from 2021-03-17T06:00

This week we talk about the bombshell Meghan/Harry/Oprah interview that’s been saturating entertainment news. 

We talk about the response we have to the interview, the intriguing relation...

The Commodification and Projection of 'Wokeness' from 2021-03-10T06:00

This week we talk about the way people project ideas of ‘wokeness’ onto WOC, and the higher standards we are held to compared to other people. 

We talk about racial trauma and my relation...

Anastasia, Frozen and Monarchist Propaganda 4 Kidz from 2021-03-03T06:00

This week we discuss Anastasia, Disney princesses and monarchist propaganda in kids movies, leading to a conversation about propaganda in general. Is everything political? 

We talk about ...

Rape Culture Is Well and Truly Alive in Australia from 2021-02-24T07:00

CW: Discussions of rape, including descriptions of Brittany Higgin’s sexual assault.

This week we follow up on Facebook’s news ban, and discuss what this means for democracy and Australia...

Bridgerton and the Failings of "Colour-Blind" Casting from 2021-02-17T07:00

This week we talk about the much hyped period drama Bridgerton and its attempt at 'colour-blind' casting - and all the ways that awkwardly backfired. 

We discuss Hamilton's contentious ra...

Promising Young Women from 2021-02-10T07:00

This week we discuss the film Promising Young Woman - or more specifically, why we felt it does more harm than good for women and rape survivors. 

We also follow up on the #FreeBritney mo...

#FreeBritney as Feminist Discourse from 2021-02-03T07:00

This week we discuss the #FreeBritney movement and its relevance to feminist discourse. 

We talk about Britney Spear’s conservatorship and the conversations it opens around conspiracy the...

Invasion Day Protests and Capitol Riots from 2021-01-27T07:00

This week we change up the structure of our episode a bit - instead of one long topic, we’re doing two shorter ones. 

First we follow up on Sydney’s Invasion Day protest, and discuss the ...

Australia Day Shouldn’t Exist from 2021-01-20T07:00

This week we discuss the concept of 'Australia Day' - or rather, why we think it shouldn't exist. 

We talk about the history of Australia Day as a national holiday, the 'Australian' ident...

The Politics of Turmeric Lattes from 2021-01-13T07:00

This week we discuss Eurocentrism in the culinary industry, and the gentrification and colonisation of ethnic food under capitalism. 

We talk about identity, the way white people profit o...

New Year's Resolutions (and Other Capitalist Lies) from 2021-01-06T07:00

Welcome back to the first episode of 2021! This week we talk about New Year's resolutions and their role in trapping you in the consumerist cycle. 

We talk about New Year's as a capitalis...

The Conflicts of Navigating Christmas as a Muslim from 2020-12-16T07:00

This week we talk about the normativity of Christmas, and the expectation of religious minorities to get involved with Christmas festivities despite not believing or celebrating it. 

We d...

This Isn’t Wholesome, This Is Capitalist Dystopia from 2020-12-09T07:00

This week we discuss the media's habit of framing tragic stories of struggle and poverty as wholesome, romantic events to distract from capitalism's failure to provide. 

We talk about Cho...

The Struggle of Being a Child of Immigrants from 2020-12-02T07:00

This week we talk about the struggles that come with being a child of immigrants - the expectations of success, internalised servitude and all the complexes that come with living in-between two ...

ACAB! from 2020-11-25T07:00

This week we discuss the term “ACAB” - what it means, why we say it and who it applies to. 

We discuss the history of the police as an institution, their role in subjugating marginalised...

Get To Know Us! Q&A Special from 2020-11-18T07:00

This week, we’re doing a Q+A episode! Get to know us as we answer your questions on both the fun stuff like our music tastes and how we met each other, and the serious stuff like my career and femi...

Djab Wurrung Trees And Ongoing Genocide from 2020-11-11T07:00

Happy NAIDOC week! This week we discuss the tearing down of a 350 year old Djab Wurrung directions tree, the cultural genocide it represented and how the subjugation of First Nations people neve...

9. France, Islamophobia and Terrorism from 2020-11-04T07:00

This week we discuss the recent terror attacks in France - and also the hate crimes that went unreported. We discuss France's political climate, the way it fans the flames of Islamophobia, and h...

8. Why Are White Women So Obsessed With True Crime? from 2020-10-28T07:00

Welcome to our Halloween Special episode! This week we discuss society's obsession with true crime - and particularly how this has become so popular with white women in particular. 

We ta...

7. Climate Anxiety from 2020-10-21T09:00

This week we discuss climate anxiety - the feeling of impending doom and panic we feel as a result of our environment collapsing around us. I argue that climate anxiety shouldn’t be pathologised be...

6. Interracial Dating from 2020-10-14T09:00

This week we discuss interracial dating - all things internalised racism, awkward race preferences and the unique challenges that come with dating someone outside your culture.   We answer some que...

5. Internalised Racism from 2020-10-14T01:15:36

This week we discuss internalised racism - what it means, how it manifests in our lives and the damaging effects it has on POC's self worth and identity. 

We talk about skin bleaching, fe...

4. 'The Notorious RBG' Does Not Exist from 2020-09-30T07:00

An icon of women’s rights and gender equality: the esteemed and much loved RBG’s death has left the world reeling, but as critics highlight the inconsistencies of her politics, we must ask -- wh...

3. Can Makeup Ever Actually Be Empowering? from 2020-09-16T07:00

This week we discuss the power of makeup - does it really empower us? Can it ever be liberating? Or does it just reinforce unattainable beauty standards and strengthen our ties to the capitalist...

2. Token Diversity from 2020-09-09T07:00

This week we debate the value of token diversity - does it really make a difference to society? Is it actually progressive? Is it worth fighting for? 

We discuss John Boyega’s recent GQ i...

1. White Feminism and Tone Policing from 2020-09-05T23:14:36

Welcome to the first episode of our new podcast! 

This week we talk about the toxicity of white feminism and how it exists in direct opposition to intersectional feminism (the only valid ...