Off Embargo with the Australian Science Media Centre

About Off Embargo with the Australian Science Media Centre

In a world awash with misinformation, the Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) takes you behind the scenes on what it takes to make reliable science information a breeze to read, watch, and listen to in the news. Tune in to get a look at interesting stuff that’s just off embargo, hear insightful interviews with scientists and journalists, and find out what goes on in the AusSMC office to ensure credible science hits the headlines. We’re giving you the stories behind the stories. Hosted by Olivia Henry and Steven Mew. Off Embargo is the official podcast of the Australian Science Media Centre. AusSMC website: https://www.smc.org.au/ (https://www.smc.org.au/) Scimex, AusSMC’s Science News Portal: https://scimex.org (https://scimex.org) Instagram: http://instagram.com/aussmc (http://instagram.com/aussmc) Made possible through a Science Engagement Grant from Inspiring South Australia: http://inspiringsa.org.au/ (http://inspiringsa.org.au/) Music by Nathan Hui-Yi Instagram: @nathanhuiyi TikTok: @nathanhuiyi Spotify: Nathan Hui-Yi YouTube: Nathan Hui-Yi Website: nathanhuiyi.com (nathanhuiyi.com) Edited by Steph Hefferan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-heff/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-heff/) Friends of the P. Zinner Network https://www.pzinner.com.au/ (https://www.pzinner.com.au/)

Publisher

AusSMC, Olivia Henry and Steven Mew

Category

news · science · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

5 Jul 2026

Latest episode

25 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

9 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   25 Oct 2026

   A brilliant new dinosaur, whales road-tripping, and Aussie handwashing habits

   This week we talk about a new dinosaur that was identified from bones left in a museum for nearly 100 years, the mysterious way that whales navigate when they migrate from New Zealand to Australia, and the horrifying stats behind how many Aussies are not washing their hands. Interview guest: Dr Jake Kotevski (https://www.scimex.org/experts?name=jake-kotevski&a=1246256) - Vertebrate Paleontologist at Monash University Links to the stories: New dinosaur: https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/forgotten-fossil-revels-new-dinosaur-species (https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/forgotten-fossil-revels-new-dinosaur-species) Whale road trips: https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/whales-take-different-routes-but-reach-supper-on-the-same-time (https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/whales-take-different-routes-but-reach-supper-on-the-same-time) Wash your hands: https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/many-aussies-still-not-always-washing-hands-after-a-pee-or-a-poo-handwashing-day-15-october-2026 (https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/many-aussies-still-not-always-washing-hands-after-a-pee-or-a-poo-handwashing-day-15-october-2026) ---- OFF EMBARGO PODCAST: In a world awash with misinformation, the Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) takes you behind the scenes on what it takes to make reliable science information a breeze to read, watch, and listen to in the news. Tune in to get a look at interesting stuff that’s just off embargo, hear insightful interviews with scientists and journalists, and find out what goes on in the AusSMC office to ensure credible science hits the headlines. We’re giving you the stories behind the stories. Hosted by Olivia Henry (https://instagram.com/heyojaye) and Steven Mew. Off Embargo is the official podcast of the Australian Science Media Centre. AusSMC website: https://www.smc.org.au/ (https://www.smc.org.au/) Scimex, AusSMC’s Science News Portal: https://scimex.org (https://scimex.org) Instagram: http://instagram.com/aussmc (http://instagram.com/aussmc) Made possible through a Science Engagement Grant from Inspiring South Australia: http://inspiringsa.org.au/ (http://inspiringsa.org.au/) Music by Nathan Hui-Yi Instagram: @nathanhuiyi TikTok: @nathanhuiyi Spotify: Nathan Hui-Yi YouTube: Nathan Hui-Yi Website: nathanhuiyi.com (nathanhuiyi.com) Edited by Steph Hefferan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-heff/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-heff/) Executive Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthur/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthur/) Friends of the P. Zinner Network https://www.pzinner.com.au/ (https://www.pzinner.com.au/) See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

2. 

   11 Oct 2026

   Seth Westhead on Aboriginal health, youth engagement, and managing the media

   This week we are joined by Seth Westhead, a Research Fellow at The Kids Research Institute Australia, who is working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescent health and wellbeing. Seth recently participated in the AusSMC's Indigenous Media Mentoring Program, an intensive media training program aimed at giving Indigenous scientists and researchers the skills and the confidence to engage with the media. More on the IMMP here: https://www.smc.org.au/our-latest/indigenous-media-mentoring-program (https://www.smc.org.au/our-latest/indigenous-media-mentoring-program) ---- OFF EMBARGO PODCAST: In a world awash with misinformation, the Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) takes you behind the scenes on what it takes to make reliable science information a breeze to read, watch, and listen to in the news. Tune in to get a look at interesting stuff that’s just off embargo, hear insightful interviews with scientists and journalists, and find out what goes on in the AusSMC office to ensure credible science hits the headlines. We’re giving you the stories behind the stories. Hosted by Olivia Henry (https://instagram.com/heyojaye) and Steven Mew. Off Embargo is the official podcast of the Australian Science Media Centre. AusSMC website: https://www.smc.org.au/ (https://www.smc.org.au/) Scimex, AusSMC’s Science News Portal: https://scimex.org (https://scimex.org) Instagram: http://instagram.com/aussmc (http://instagram.com/aussmc) Made possible through a Science Engagement Grant from Inspiring South Australia: http://inspiringsa.org.au/ (http://inspiringsa.org.au/) Music by Nathan Hui-Yi Instagram: @nathanhuiyi TikTok: @nathanhuiyi Spotify: Nathan Hui-Yi YouTube: Nathan Hui-Yi Website: nathanhuiyi.com (nathanhuiyi.com) Edited by Steph Hefferan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-heff/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-heff/) Executive Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthur/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthur/) Friends of the P. Zinner Network https://www.pzinner.com.au/ (https://www.pzinner.com.au/) See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

3. 

   27 Sept 2026

   Our most popular story EVER (s*x!), and the crimes of Bubbles the Dolphin

   This week we are putting the O in OMG with our most-viewed story ever, and we look at why a dolphin is getting shamed for the way it finds a meal. Links to the stories: Bubbles the food-stealing dolphin: https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/bubbles-the-food-stealing-dolphin-finds-shortcut-to-easy-meal (https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/bubbles-the-food-stealing-dolphin-finds-shortcut-to-easy-meal) Female dolphins have a functional clitoris: https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/do-female-dolphins-enjoy-sex-the-cliterature-suggests-they-do (https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/do-female-dolphins-enjoy-sex-the-cliterature-suggests-they-do) Our most viewed story ever: https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/angling,-rocking,-shallowing-and-pairing-could-help-women-get-to-the-big-o (https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/angling,-rocking,-shallowing-and-pairing-could-help-women-get-to-the-big-o) ---- OFF EMBARGO PODCAST: In a world awash with misinformation, the Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) takes you behind the scenes on what it takes to make reliable science information a breeze to read, watch, and listen to in the news. Tune in to get a look at interesting stuff that’s just off embargo, hear insightful interviews with scientists and journalists, and find out what goes on in the AusSMC office to ensure credible science hits the headlines. We’re giving you the stories behind the stories. Hosted by Olivia Henry (https://instagram.com/heyojaye) and Steven Mew. Off Embargo is the official podcast of the Australian Science Media Centre. AusSMC website: https://www.smc.org.au/ (https://www.smc.org.au/) Scimex, AusSMC’s Science News Portal: https://scimex.org (https://scimex.org) Instagram: http://instagram.com/aussmc (http://instagram.com/aussmc) Made possible through a Science Engagement Grant from Inspiring South Australia: http://inspiringsa.org.au/ (http://inspiringsa.org.au/) Music by Nathan Hui-Yi Instagram: @nathanhuiyi TikTok: @nathanhuiyi Spotify: Nathan Hui-Yi YouTube: Nathan Hui-Yi Website: nathanhuiyi.com (nathanhuiyi.com) Edited by Steph Hefferan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-heff/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-heff/) Executive Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthur/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthur/) Friends of the P. Zinner Network https://www.pzinner.com.au/ (https://www.pzinner.com.au/) See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

4. 

   13 Sept 2026

   Mysterious abdominal marks, elephant impulse control, and a human-pig kidney transplant

   Join Olivia and Steven as they cover some of their most interesting stories from Scimex this week. links to stories: Mysterious rash: https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/resting-your-laptop-on-your-lap-for-long-periods-could-risk-skin-disfiguration (https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/resting-your-laptop-on-your-lap-for-long-periods-could-risk-skin-disfiguration) Elephant impulse control: https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/asian-elephants-can-resist-impulse-and-think-before-they-act (https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/asian-elephants-can-resist-impulse-and-think-before-they-act) Pig kidney transplant: https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/genetically-modified-pig-kidney-kept-a-patient-off-dialysis-for-6-months (https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/genetically-modified-pig-kidney-kept-a-patient-off-dialysis-for-6-months) ---- OFF EMBARGO PODCAST: In a world awash with misinformation, the Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) takes you behind the scenes on what it takes to make reliable science information a breeze to read, watch, and listen to in the news. Tune in to get a look at interesting stuff that’s just off embargo, hear insightful interviews with scientists and journalists, and find out what goes on in the AusSMC office to ensure credible science hits the headlines. We’re giving you the stories behind the stories. Hosted by Olivia Henry (https://instagram.com/heyojaye) and Steven Mew. Off Embargo is the official podcast of the Australian Science Media Centre. AusSMC website: https://www.smc.org.au/ (https://www.smc.org.au/) Scimex, AusSMC’s Science News Portal: https://scimex.org (https://scimex.org) Instagram: http://instagram.com/aussmc (http://instagram.com/aussmc) Made possible through a Science Engagement Grant from Inspiring South Australia: http://inspiringsa.org.au/ (http://inspiringsa.org.au/) Music by Nathan Hui-Yi Instagram: @nathanhuiyi TikTok: @nathanhuiyi Spotify: Nathan Hui-Yi YouTube: Nathan Hui-Yi Website: nathanhuiyi.com (nathanhuiyi.com) Edited by Steph Hefferan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-heff/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-heff/) Executive Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthur/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthur/) Friends of the P. Zinner Network https://www.pzinner.com.au/ (https://www.pzinner.com.au/) See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

5. 

   30 Aug 2026

   Current research on cannabis: where it harms, and where it helps

   Ever wondered what the research says about medical marijuana? On this episode, we cover the latest research that’s come across our desks on medical marijuana and cannabis more broadly. Featuring interviews with: Matthew Large, a Conjoint Professor in the School of Psychiatry at UNSW Carly Stevens, a trainee doctor and lead author from the UNSW School of Biomedical Sciences ---- OFF EMBARGO PODCAST: In a world awash with misinformation, the Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) takes you behind the scenes on what it takes to make reliable science information a breeze to read, watch, and listen to in the news. Tune in to get a look at interesting stuff that’s just off embargo, hear insightful interviews with scientists and journalists, and find out what goes on in the AusSMC office to ensure credible science hits the headlines. We’re giving you the stories behind the stories. Hosted by Olivia Henry (https://instagram.com/heyojaye) and Steven Mew. Off Embargo is the official podcast of the Australian Science Media Centre. AusSMC website: https://www.smc.org.au/ (https://www.smc.org.au/) Scimex, AusSMC’s Science News Portal: https://scimex.org (https://scimex.org) Instagram: http://instagram.com/aussmc (http://instagram.com/aussmc) Made possible through a Science Engagement Grant from Inspiring South Australia: http://inspiringsa.org.au/ (http://inspiringsa.org.au/) Music by Nathan Hui-Yi Instagram: @nathanhuiyi TikTok: @nathanhuiyi Spotify: Nathan Hui-Yi YouTube: Nathan Hui-Yi Website: nathanhuiyi.com (nathanhuiyi.com) Edited by Steph Hefferan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-heff/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-heff/) Executive Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthur/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthur/) Friends of the P. Zinner Network https://www.pzinner.com.au/ (https://www.pzinner.com.au/) See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

6. 

   16 Aug 2026

   New in athlete health: from the Olympics to local footy

   This episode, we’re talking about the latest in sports research. We’re looking at the physical health of our community athletes, and the mental health of our elite olympians. Featured expert: A/Prof Jessica Orchard from the University of Sydney Links to stories: Heart attacks in young athletes: https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/how-can-clubs-prepare-for-a-sudden-heart-attack-in-a-young-athlete (https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/how-can-clubs-prepare-for-a-sudden-heart-attack-in-a-young-athlete) Mental health of Olympians: https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/olympic-athletes-mental-health-should-be-routinely-screened-and-monitored-says-ioc (https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/olympic-athletes-mental-health-should-be-routinely-screened-and-monitored-says-ioc) ---- OFF EMBARGO PODCAST: In a world awash with misinformation, the Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) takes you behind the scenes on what it takes to make reliable science information a breeze to read, watch, and listen to in the news. Tune in to get a look at interesting stuff that’s just off embargo, hear insightful interviews with scientists and journalists, and find out what goes on in the AusSMC office to ensure credible science hits the headlines. We’re giving you the stories behind the stories. Hosted by Olivia Henry (https://instagram.com/heyojaye) and Steven Mew. Off Embargo is the official podcast of the Australian Science Media Centre. AusSMC website: https://www.smc.org.au/ (https://www.smc.org.au/) Scimex, AusSMC’s Science News Portal: https://scimex.org (https://scimex.org) Instagram: http://instagram.com/aussmc (http://instagram.com/aussmc) Made possible through a Science Engagement Grant from Inspiring South Australia: http://inspiringsa.org.au/ (http://inspiringsa.org.au/) Music by Nathan Hui-Yi Instagram: @nathanhuiyi TikTok: @nathanhuiyi Spotify: Nathan Hui-Yi YouTube: Nathan Hui-Yi Website: nathanhuiyi.com (nathanhuiyi.com) Edited by Steph Hefferan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-heff/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-heff/) Executive Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthur/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthur/) Friends of the P. Zinner Network https://www.pzinner.com.au/ (https://www.pzinner.com.au/) See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

7. 

   2 Aug 2026

   Orca fashion, speeding, and the lost lives of Egyptian princesses

   Speeding and saving time; the ancient lives of Egyptian princesses; and the latest trends in the Orca community. This week, we talk about some recent stories that stirred up conversation in the office. Links to today’s stories: What is speeding costing you every day? (https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/what-is-speeding-costing-you-every-day) Ancient Egyptian princesses knew how to use the daggers and bows they were buried with (https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/ancient-egyptian-princesses-knew-how-to-use-the-bows-they-were-buried-with) Orcas ram one of the world’s heaviest fish so hard it explodes (https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/orcas-ram-one-of-the-worlds-heaviest-fish-so-hard-it-explodes) Also mentioned: The car you passed will always catch up with you thanks to 'Friday the 13th' rule (https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/the-car-you-passed-will-always-catch-up-with-you-thanks-to-friday-the-13th-rule) Killer whales were killing boats (https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/the-aussmcs-top-10-weird-science-stories-2023) ---- OFF EMBARGO PODCAST: In a world awash with misinformation, the Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) takes you behind the scenes on what it takes to make reliable science information a breeze to read, watch, and listen to in the news. Tune in to get a look at interesting stuff that’s just off embargo, hear insightful interviews with scientists and journalists, and find out what goes on in the AusSMC office to ensure credible science hits the headlines. We’re giving you the stories behind the stories. Hosted by Olivia Henry (https://instagram.com/heyojaye) and Steven Mew. Off Embargo is the official podcast of the Australian Science Media Centre. AusSMC website: https://www.smc.org.au/ (https://www.smc.org.au/) Scimex, AusSMC’s Science News Portal: https://scimex.org (https://scimex.org) Instagram: http://instagram.com/aussmc (http://instagram.com/aussmc) Made possible through a Science Engagement Grant from Inspiring South Australia: http://inspiringsa.org.au/ (http://inspiringsa.org.au/) Music by Nathan Hui-Yi Instagram: @nathanhuiyi TikTok: @nathanhuiyi Spotify: Nathan Hui-Yi YouTube: Nathan Hui-Yi Website: nathanhuiyi.com (nathanhuiyi.com) Edited by Steph Hefferan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-heff/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-heff/) Executive Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthur/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthur/) Friends of the P. Zinner Network https://www.pzinner.com.au/ (https://www.pzinner.com.au/) See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

8. 

   19 Jul 2026

   Showstoppers: When no news is good news

   Do contraceptives cause brain tumours? Can microplastics lead to heart attacks? Sometimes the findings seem simple, but the context is cloudy. When a story could scream panic in tomorrow's headlines, we turn to the experts to help. Join us as we discuss two stories we worked hard on that received very little coverage in the media... and why we're happy about that. It's not a breakthrough, it's a showstopper! LINKS TO STORIES ON OUR NEWS PORTAL, SCIMEX: Birth control and brain tumours: https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/expert-reaction-progestogen-birth-control-options-linked-to-higher-meningioma-risk (https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/expert-reaction-progestogen-birth-control-options-linked-to-higher-meningioma-risk) Microplastics and heart attacks: https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/micro-and-nano-plastics-in-blood-linked-to-heart-attack (https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/micro-and-nano-plastics-in-blood-linked-to-heart-attack) ---- OFF EMBARGO PODCAST: In a world awash with misinformation, the Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) takes you behind the scenes on what it takes to make reliable science information a breeze to read, watch, and listen to in the news. Tune in to get a look at interesting stuff that’s just off embargo, hear insightful interviews with scientists and journalists, and find out what goes on in the AusSMC office to ensure credible science hits the headlines. We’re giving you the stories behind the stories. Hosted by Olivia Henry and Steven Mew. Off Embargo is the official podcast of the Australian Science Media Centre. AusSMC website: https://www.smc.org.au/ (https://www.smc.org.au/) Scimex, AusSMC’s Science News Portal: https://scimex.org (https://scimex.org) Instagram: http://instagram.com/aussmc (http://instagram.com/aussmc) Made possible through a Science Engagement Grant from Inspiring South Australia: http://inspiringsa.org.au/ (http://inspiringsa.org.au/) Music by Nathan Hui-Yi Instagram: @nathanhuiyi TikTok: @nathanhuiyi Spotify: Nathan Hui-Yi YouTube: Nathan Hui-Yi Website: nathanhuiyi.com (nathanhuiyi.com) Edited by Steph Hefferan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-heff/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-heff/) Friends of the P. Zinner Network https://www.pzinner.com.au/ (https://www.pzinner.com.au/) See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

9. 

   5 Jul 2026

   Symposiums and meme factories

   With every scroll on our social feed, we're met with a funny image or video. But what if the memes we see are actually carefully planned and planted to get us to feel a certain kind of way? Join us as we talk to Professor Crystal Abidin (insta: @wishcrysdotcom), a digital anthropologist and ethnographer of vernacular internet cultures from Curtin University. ---- OFF EMBARGO PODCAST: In a world awash with misinformation, the Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) takes you behind the scenes on what it takes to make reliable science information a breeze to read, watch, and listen to in the news. Tune in to get a look at interesting stuff that’s just off embargo, hear insightful interviews with scientists and journalists, and find out what goes on in the AusSMC office to ensure credible science hits the headlines. We’re giving you the stories behind the stories. Hosted by Olivia Henry and Steven Mew. Off Embargo is the official podcast of the Australian Science Media Centre. AusSMC website: https://www.smc.org.au/ (https://www.smc.org.au/) Scimex, AusSMC’s Science News Portal: https://scimex.org (https://scimex.org) Instagram: http://instagram.com/aussmc (http://instagram.com/aussmc) Made possible through a Science Engagement Grant from Inspiring South Australia: http://inspiringsa.org.au/ (http://inspiringsa.org.au/) Music by Nathan Hui-Yi Instagram: @nathanhuiyi TikTok: @nathanhuiyi Spotify: Nathan Hui-Yi YouTube: Nathan Hui-Yi Website: nathanhuiyi.com (nathanhuiyi.com) Edited by Steph Hefferan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-heff/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-heff/) Friends of the P. Zinner Network https://www.pzinner.com.au/ (https://www.pzinner.com.au/) See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

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