Eight Best Social Issues Podcasts in Australia to listen to in 2025

Australia faces a number of critical social challenges such as escalating inequality, family and gender-based violence, the ongoing struggle for justice for First Nations peoples, and a mental health crisis. These issues often intersect, creating complex barriers to social cohesion.

To help you understand these multifaceted challenges, we've curated a list of eight Australian social issues podcasts. From immigration and multiculturalism to child protection, family violence, disability advocacy, and First Nations perspectives, these podcasts offer valuable insights into complex issues from unique angles. They provide information on how we can build more tolerant, kind, and thriving communities.

1. Australia Fair – SBS (series)

Host: Janak Rogers

Focus: Australia Fair explores Australia’s complex and troubled immigration history, dating back to the White Australia Policy. It examines key moments in Australia’s migration story, unpacks the nation’s relationship with race, and delves into the evolution of immigration policies and the harms they caused. The podcast also shares stories of migrants and their experiences, highlighting the ongoing challenges of multiculturalism in Australia today. Through these discussions, this series aims to provide a deeper understanding of how historical policies and attitudes have shaped contemporary Australian society.

Availability: Apple podcasts, Spotify, SBS Audio app

2. Voices of Australia – Scanlon Institute Podcast (series)

Host: Anthea Hancocks, CEO of the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute

Focus: Voices of Australia delves into various aspects of Australian society, focusing on what needs to be done to achieve better social cohesion. Hosted by the CEO of the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute, Anthea Hancocks, it features thought-provoking conversations with experts and influential community voices. Topics include the relationship between health and social cohesion, the impact of inequality on society, building social capital, and the role of businesses in creating community cohesion. The podcast aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to an equal society and the challenges that need to be addressed.

Availability: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube

3. This is Alice Springs - Schwartz Media & The Saturday Paper (miniseries)

Host: Daniel James

Focus: This is Alice Springs is a three-part miniseries developed by the 7am podcast, hosted by Yorta Yorta man Daniel James. The series delves into the complex social issues facing the city of Alice Springs. It begins with an exploration of what media described as a “youth riot” that led to the Northern Territory government imposing an emergency curfew on residents. Daniel James investigates how decades of government interventions, both big and small, have contributed to a state of chaos. This is Alice Springs aims to uncover the root causes of the city’s challenges, focusing on the impact of historical and contemporary policies on the community.

Availability: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, 7ampodcast.com.au

4. Stories from Berry Street

Host: Richelle Hunt

Focus: This podcast explores the current crisis facing children and families in Australia, highlighting issues such as violence, abuse, and neglect. Richelle Hunt speaks with Berry Street staff who are providing vital services for children and families. The podcast outlines the innovative work being done within the family services sector to address increasing rates of violence and discusses what can be done to help. Episodes cover topics like early intervention therapies, childhood neglect, trauma-informed education, and providing safe homes for children who cannot live with their families.

Availability: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, berrystreet.org.au

5. Stop and Search - ABC (miniseries)

Host: Paul Farrell

Focus: Stop and Search is a special miniseries developed by Background Briefing, an ABC podcast. Over four episodes, Paul Farrel investigates the killing by police of 20-year-old Brad Balzan. The podcast pieces together the final moments leading to this incident, providing a detailed examination of the events and the broader implications for police practices and community safety. It highlights issues related to police accountability, crime prevention, and justice in Australia.

Availability: Apple podcasts, Spotify, ABC Listen

6. Have the nerve: a podcast about disability - Spinal Cord Injuries Australia

Host: Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA)

Focus: This podcast, funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services, aims to inform, educate, and empower people with disabilities, their families, carers, and those working in the disability sector. It addresses various topics about living with a disability that often don’t receive enough attention. Episodes cover a wide range of subjects, including daily living skills, adaptive sports, exercise and rehabilitation, medical research, and disability awareness and advocacy. The podcast features stories and insights from individuals with lived experiences, professionals, and researchers, providing a comprehensive view of the challenges and triumphs within the disability community.

Availability: Apple podcasts, Spotify, scia.org.au

7. The social work stories podcast - Social Work Media

Host: Dr. Mim Fox and Lis Murphy

Focus: This podcast shares real-life social work stories. In monthly episodes, the hosts cover a wide range of topics that frequently interact with social work practice, such as family violence, early intervention therapies and mental health. Each episode provides insights into the challenges and celebrations experienced by social workers in various contexts.

Availability: Apple podcasts, Spotify, socialwork.media

8. Deep listening stories of country

Host: Dr. Benjamin Nickl and Tracey-Anne Cameron

Focus: Inspired by Dadirri (Deep Listening) practitioner Dr. Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr, this podcast explores the spiritual practice of deep listening. It features stories from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples about their profound connections to Country, promoting truth-telling and respect for nature. Guests include Aboriginal community leaders, professionals working in Aboriginal Education policy and other community advocates. The hosts, both lecturers at The University of Sydney, invite guests to share their personal stories in the spirit of truth-telling and deep meaning.

Availability: Apple Podcasts, Spotify