Our Experts Have Observed

After a long break, Our Experts Have Observed is back – with the same beloved quality, but wrapped in a fresh new look. New hosts, new formats, new guests. Stay tuned!

But for our very first episode, we’re kicking things off just the way we know and love: with a news episode featuring our familiar podcast hosts, Mac and Saffron. 

So what was on in week 5?

The ANU paused forced redundancies until the remainder of 2025. That means there will be no further forced stuff cuts in 2025, but what will happen afterwards is not yet defined.

On the 21st of August, ANU students participated in a historical student referendum for Palestine. 

Sticker‘s of the neo-nazi group NSN have been found around campus. The BIPOC department urges everyone to report the stickers, but not to remove them as raisers placed under the stickers might cause harm. 

And lastly, the ANU removed the BIPOC mural for a second time, stating the mural would hurt the poster policy of the university

See you after the break! 

Saffron is back! And as the ANUSA student politics election comes to a close, Ryan and Saffron discuss how the ANU has been struggling with $400 million deficits since 2020, and in turn has released a broader restructuring plan in an attempt to save $250 million by 2025. Ryan and Saffron then discuss how ANU has dropped in ranking, and to wrap it all up, Saffron shares how her time in the catering team for Ursula Hall shaped her into the woman she is today.

Produced by Will Novak. All opinions expressed in the podcast by hosts are theirs alone and do not reflect those of the ANU Observer.

Mac and Ryan return for another episode to discuss all the new changes that have occurred at ANU recently. They discuss an alleged incident that occurred at a Sutton Forest bush doof on the 29th of September where multiple robberies and assaults occurred. Mac and Ryan then discuss the new parking changes and increase in rates, as well as the return of the Daley Road bus. And, of course, Ryan explains what Licencetober is and how he plans to get his P’s in three weeks with only 30hrs on his L’s this October...

Produced by Will Novak. All opinions expressed in the podcast by hosts are theirs alone and do not reflect those of ANU Observer.

It’s Week 9 and Mac and Ryan are here with the weekly news rundown. They discuss Chartwells' and ANU's new campaign to reduce food waste in residential halls. With the recent pro-Palestine protest encampment in Kambri, Ryan and Mac also touch on the current situation and provide an update on the student protests. And to wrap up this weeks episode, Mac shares how her Texan adventure went and reveals all about her recent driving adventures (and subsequent car crash).

Produced by Will Novak. All opinions expressed in the podcast by hosts are theirs alone and do not reflect those of the ANU Observer.

This week, Mac and Ryan are back from break and have lots to share: how beloved vice-chancellor, Julie Bishop, is now working for the United Nations, as well as an update on the September campus stabbing incident (content warning). Plus, Mac has some personal news to share that sparks many questions…

Produced by Will Novak. All opinions expressed in the podcast by hosts are theirs alone and do not reflect those of the ANU Observer.

It’s Week 5 and that means Mac & Ryan are back and ready to rumble. With a protest against Penny Wong occurring in the heart of Kambri against her decision to cut funding for UNRWA and an ANU chemist receiving a Snow Fellowship for antimicrobial resistance and cancer, there's lots to discuss. Ryan tells all about his day at the races, whilst Mac speculates about the state of ANU.

Produced by Will Novak. All opinions expressed in the podcast by hosts are theirs alone and do not reflect those of the ANU Observer.

With a busy week underway, Mac and Ryan have many new stories to discuss. They talk about the recent letting go of two ANU staff members who have been with the university for decades and also chat about a new vaping article that has brought more light onto a heavily discussed topic. And most importantly, Ryan asks his burning question of the week… Is ANU in its flop era?

Produced by Will Novak. All opinions expressed in the podcast by hosts are theirs alone and do not reflect those of the ANU Observer.

This week, Mac and Ryan are back to talk about ANU's global PhD dancer and his new song that just dropped. They discuss the controversial welcome bags given to new residential students and in an absolutely shocking turn of events, Mac derails the episode by giving her full review of the Eras Tour concert. Thankfully, the Swift Society join her to give her someone to chat to and provide their expert opinions on all things Taylor.

Produced by Will Novak. All opinions expressed in the podcast by hosts are theirs alone and do not reflect those of the ANU Observer.

With Taylor mania coming to an end, Mac and Ryan reflect on their Week 1 adventures. We get the debrief on the new ‘Refer a Rezzy’ program and hear about the hottest new club on campus. Most importantly, Ryan asks the next question of the week…what’s your strategy if the Hunger Games were to be held at ANU?

Produced by Will Novak. All opinions expressed in the podcast by hosts are theirs alone and do not reflect those of the ANU Observer.