News Club – Details, episodes & analysis

The US Department of Justice released over 3 million documents in the latest batch of Epstein files. Despite feeling a bit intimidated by digging into it all, we decided we couldn’t look past it, so we’ve done our best to pull out the key details for you. Then, we get into where we’re at with the Liberals and the Nationals - will they get back together, or no? We also wanted to get you across the biggest thing in AI at the moment, Claude Code. And our favourite story from the week had to be the 13-year-old who made a heroic 4km swim to shore to save his family. Links Anthropic’s Claude Superbowl ad Kate’s recommendation: The Guardian’s profile on children’s author Allison Lester Claire’s recommendation: Justin Bieber’s performance at the Grammys 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

This is a Shortcut we made in July 2025 about the backlash towards Trump over the Epstein files. Given the final documents were released this week, we thought it'd be good to resurface it for you here. US President Donald Trump is dealing with backlash from his political base over the case of Jeffrey Epstein, the paedophile and former financier who died in jail before his case could go to trial. There’s a long history to this, and it’s arguably the most significant political issue Trump has had to deal with since he became President again in January. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll cover the history between the 2 men and why it’s become such a headache for Trump. SPONSORED: If you're curious about opportunities at Nous Group and want to discover your potential doing interesting, meaningful work, you can find out more at ⁠⁠⁠nousgroup.com⁠⁠ Squiz Recommends: Reading: A CNN article: 5 Big Questions about Trump’s Ties to Epstein... It gives a breakdown of their history together. Listening: This episode on The New Yorker Radio Hour podcast about MAGA’s Revolt Over Jeffrey Epstein explores the backlash from Trump’s supporters. Reading: And we’ve also found this article in the New York Times from the POV of one of Epstein’s accusers, Maria Farmer, suggesting why there’s a possibility that Trump’s and other high-profile names could be in the Epstein files… But just a heads up, you’ll need a New York Times subscription to access it. Email us: Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send us your Shortcut suggestions to ⁠hello@thesquiz.com.au⁠.  Squiz Shortcuts is your back story to the big news stories… Want the email version? Sign up for the Shortcuts newsletter here

On this episode of the Squiz Quiz, we're testing your knowledge of everything that happened this week with Dani Siller and Bill Sunderland from Escape This Podcast and Solve This Murder. Can you best our in-studio guests? Here's a quick scoring guide if you're playing along at home: The quiz has 8 questions. Each question is worth 1 point (for a total of 8). Links: Listen to Escape This Podcast and Solve This Murder The Cipher Room in Sydney The Ministry of Peculiarities in Azusa, California  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. Host: Andrew Williams Producer: Ryan Pemberton

In this Weekly Wrap we discuss everything from the latest cheese news to the Chinese military exercises off Australia. We also get across Trump’s AI-generated video on Gaza, the latest on Richard White and WiseTech, and Andrew outlines the extent of his board game obsession. LINKS Atlantic - James Murdoch Trump AI Video SMH article - Chinese Warships Want more News Club in your life? We've got you... Sign up to our News Club newsletter Watch all our interviews on Youtube Follow us on Instagram: @The Squiz 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 & Andrew Williams Producer: Annelise Taylor

Season 2 of Newsmakers is here. The first episode drops next Wednesday.

Three years into Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Trump sent shockwaves through Europe this week by embracing Putin and snubbing Zelensky. We break down what that could mean, plus why the Aussie government dropped $2 billion on Whyalla steelworks. Also, RBA's rate cut, ASIO boss Mike Burgess's security warning, and a potential cure for advanced melanoma. LINKS We're looking for a video editor Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson Craig Emerson sings 'no Whyalla wipe-out' Trailer for Conclave Want more News Club in your life? We've got you... Sign up to our News Club newsletter Watch all our interviews on Youtube Follow us on Instagram: @The Squiz 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 & Andrew Williams Producer: Annelise Taylor

The reaction and fallout to antisemitic comments made by two nurses in Sydney, Trump’s call with Vladimir Putin, and what happened with tariffs this week. Plus, we explain the Drake/Kendrick Lamar feud, and the first RBA interest rate decision of 2025 is coming... LINKS Our shortcut to...Belle Gibson Video of a kayaker getting swallowed by a whale The Daily's episode on Kendrick and Drake The 50 best SNL sketches Want more News Club in your life? We've got you... Sign up to our News Club newsletter Watch all our interviews on Youtube Follow us on Instagram: @The Squiz 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 & Andrew Williams Producer: Annelise Taylor

We break down President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza, and what happened this week in the US trade wars. Plus, why Bianca Censori's Grammy outit caused such a stir, and Mecca might be up for grabs. In what's coming up - it's Super Bowl Sunday. UPDATE: Since recording, MCoBeauty confirmed its sale to retail/pharmacy entrepreneur Dennis Bastas, who is behind Australia’s largest privately owned healthcare products business. As we said, it's all happening in the Aussie beauty sector... LINKS Our Year Ahead episode with Lauren Sams The naked truth about Bianca Censori Hetty's spiced sweet potato recipe Vienna Blood Want more News Club in your life? We've got you... Sign up to our News Club newsletter Watch all our interviews on Youtube Follow us on Instagram: @The Squiz 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 & Andrew Williams Producer: Annelise Taylor Editor: Carter Quinn

It was a big end to the week, with DeepSeek shaking up the markets and a deadly plane crash in Washington. Plus, the fallout from Triple J’s Hottest 100, what to expect from the Grammys, and a possible caravan terror plot. Also, there is plenty of cricket and the latest on inflation. LINKS The Year Ahead...in Fashion Pork Skewers recipe We're hiring Want more News Club in your life? We've got you... Sign up to our News Club newsletter Watch all our interviews on Youtube Follow us on Instagram: @The Squiz 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 & Andrew Williams Producer: Annelise Taylor Editor: Carter Quinn & Yashica White

What will 2025 bring in the business of fashion? Lauren Sams is the fashion editor at the Australian Financial Review and now Deputy Editor of the AFR Mag. In this chat, we cover fashion and how it intersects with business. Who the big players are in Australia, the moves at the very top fashion houses and why they matter to you and me.Plus, the big concerns for the industry and why the way we shop matters both ethically and economically. Links Mr. McMahon Want more News Club in your life? We've got you... Sign up to our News Club newsletter Watch all our interviews on Youtube Follow us on Instagram: @The Squiz 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.