The Women's Agenda Podcast

Ronni Kahn's energy and passion brings a much needed voice to one of the most significant issues Australia faces: food insecurity, including the mental and physical tolls such insecurity places on women. Through OzHarvest, Kahn's built a team of staff and volunteers who rescue food and repurpose it for those who need it most. But in 2025, during a cost-of-living crisis and housing crisis, OzHarvest is highlighting the more than 50,000 people who get turned away from food services every month and the very real and simple solutions available for us to do something about it. We discuss the new research from OzHarvest out today, as well as how Ronni Kahn remains so dedicated to her purpose so many years after founding OzHarvest, and the serious work still ahead.

Olympian turned politician: Zali Steggall on holding power to accountIndependent MP Zali Steggall joins the podcast from the campaign trail as she fights to retain the seat of Warringah.Steggall discusses taking on a former prime minister when she first won the seat, as well as the work she has done since, including her involvement in the climate wars.Steggall also talks about he potential for a minority government and holding major parties to account from the crossbench.An Olympian turned barrister and now politician, Steggall opens up on the energy it takes to take on hard careers and new challenges.

What's missing from the election campaign? Lifesaving and opportunity-creating policies for women.We discuss the latest, as well as women's representation across the major parties.Elsewhere, Tarla and Angela discuss lessons from the week, including reality, politicians answering questions and the best new word for your vocab.The Women's Agenda Podcast is produced by Agenda Media, publisher of Women's Agenda. You can sign up to our daily news update, and become a member to support our work.

Independent member for Goldstein Zoe Daniel joins the conversation just as she launches her campaign for the upcoming Federal Election. Daniel was a journalist with the ABC for 30 years, including as a well-known correspondent, before she successfully ran for the seat of Goldstein in 2022, beating incumbent Liberal MP Tim Wilson in the process. In this conversation, we discuss her desire to run for a second term and some of her key priorities going in and how she'd deal with a potential minority government if elected. Also, how on Earth can any leader deal with Trump? This episode was recorded on Tuesday the 31st of March.

Angela and Tarla talk through what the 2025-26 Budget means for women. The good bit, the not-so-good and what happens next.Not in terms of "winners and losers" but in terms of all of us.Check out our website for our full Budget coverage. The Women's Agenda Podcast is produced by Agenda Media, publisher of Women's Agenda.

Working from home is under the spotlight, especially if you happen to be working in the Commonwealth Public Sector, with the Coalition recently announcing plans to have such workers return to the office full time. Today's guest is Emma Walsh, founder of Family Friendly Workplaces. Emma recently shared a LinkedIn post urging people to quit weaponising WFH, noting how such options are essential for many workers, especially those with caring responsibilities. While it's hoped such flexibility wouldn't be a political issue, it will be a key talking point during the federal election. The Women's Agenda Podcast is produced by Agenda Media, publisher of Women's Agenda.

Independent MP Allegra Spender joins the podcast to discuss her approach to politics and why women's representation is so critical.She notes the evidence-based decision-making and collaboration across parties, making the case for a minority government to address long-term issues like climate action and economic reform. Allegra Spenda also discusses the intergenerational wealth gap, particularly affecting young women, reiterating her case for tax reform. And she takes on Peter Dutton's proposed work-from-home restrictions. Thanks for listening.

Nine's hit show Married At First Siggt (MAFS) pitches itself as an "experiment" in relationships. But there are 'rules' of the experiment that are problematic when it comes to domestic and family violence. Some of the behaviours depicted on the show, and how they are health-related, are also raising concerns from experts. National Director of the National Women's Safety Alliance, Katherine Berney, joins the podcast to discuss these issues, noting the controlling behaviours and emotional redemption arcs that are being depicted, and the messages these send to the audience on domestic violence. Katherine also shares the latest election platform issued by the Alliance, noting the opportunity to address interconnecting issues of homelessness, You can read Katherine's recent piece on Married At First Sight here. This episode discussing domestic and family violence. If you are concerned about your behaviour, or about someone using violence, call Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491. If you or someone you know is in need of help due to sexual assault or family and domestic violence contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

On today's ep, Tarla Lambert-Patel speaks with award-winning journalist, presenter, and all-around powerhouse, Jan Fran!  You might know Jan from her sharp political commentary, her work on The Feed, or her no-nonsense approach to breaking down the news. And now, she’s back with another compelling project—Australia and Unofficial History, a gripping new SBS docu-series that revisits pivotal social and political moments from the 1970s to today—events that have shaped the way we think, vote, and see ourselves as a nation. Jan shares more on the series, why these stories matter, and how history continues to shape the present.