Queenslander Jessica Lane has become the first Australian to take out a major pageant in two decades.

The last Aussie to do it was Jennifer Hawkins, who became a household name when she won Miss Universe in 2004.

Today on the summer hack podcast, you'll hear Jessica's journey to the Miss Earth title, her passion for the environment and why she thinks pageants are still relevant.

Guest:

• Jessica Lane, Miss Earth 2024

Australia's space sector is estimated to be worth $6.4 billion to the economy.

The sector is experiencing a boom with Australia's landscape key to helping track satellites, launch rockets and observe the deepest reaches of outer space.

So what role can young Australians play in the coming space age? On this episode of the summer hack podcast we find out.

Dr Mohammed Mustafa was told to write a will before he travelled to Gaza last year.

The Perth-based doctor risked his life to volunteer in the war zone but felt compelled to help.

In this episode of the summer hack podcast, he shares the horrors he saw and how it feels to adjust back to life in Australia. 

Guest:

• Dr Mohammed Mustafa, emergency physician

Should prisons be more about rehabilitation or punishment? 

On this episode of the summer hack podcast, we look at a program getting inmates involved in helping injured wildlife and why experts say it could be a game-changer. 

Guest:

• Dr Julie Toohey, criminology lecturer, University of Adelaide

How much time do you spend thinking about death?

Because according to some experts, death anxiety peaks in your early 20s.

Today on the summer hack podcast, you'll hear from someone actually working in the death industry.

And we find out why some of us don't like thinking or talking about dying... and what you can do about it.

Guest:

• Dr Rachel Menzies, clinical psychologist and research fellow, University of Sydney

She was a huge name in Aussie motor sport but after copping blatant sexism, Renee Gracie announced she'd had enough.

Now, years later, having built up a successful second career as an adult content creator, Renee's back in the driver's seat.

So what's she learnt? And what message does she have for young women who want to get into professional racing too?

In this episode of summer hack, we catch up with Renee Gracie to hear about her journey back to the sport she loves.

Guest:

• Renee Gracie, race car driver and OnlyFans creator 

A warning: this podcast contains themes about domestic and family violence. 

2025 might be the year you really want to date and meet someone.

But if you're looking for a hetero relationship, how do you navigate dating in the current gender violence crisis?

In this special edition of the summer hack podcast, we speak with Dee Salmin from the Hook Up, who tried to find out how you can date happily and safely.

If you need support:

1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732

LIFELINE: 13 11 14

Guest:

• Dr Zac Seidler. clinical psychologist and men's mental health expert

Moving to a new city because of the weather isn't a new phenomenon.

Either wanting to be closer to the snow or loving the heat, there's a town that can cater to your favourite climate.

But would you move to a town for the wind?

Today on the summer hack podcast, we take you to a realllllyyyy windy town: Geraldton in the mid west region of WA, where tourists are flocking to enjoy the elements.

A warning: this podcast contains heavy themes about domestic and family violence. 

Young people who grow up surrounded by domestic violence are often not considered victims or survivors in their own right, unless the violence was directed at them.

That can make it difficult to access services and support, further compounding the trauma.

On this episode of the summer hack podcast, we speak to young people breaking the cycle of DV trauma and abuse.

Guest:

• Professor Kathryn Joy, domestic violence homicide researcher, University of Melbourne

When you think of a tradie, who typically comes to mind? For decades, working in a trade has been perceived as a male-dominated career.

But now, heaps of women are working as tradies as well.

So what's it like and what does the industry need to do to support them more?

Today on the summer hack podcast, we hear from some women who have been living and loving the tradie life.

Guest:

• Mel Street, tradie and founder of the Lady Tradies and Rocking Chicks group