THE SHAKEUP: Happier during COVID, the White House fight cage + why do restaurants want your selfie?

THE SHAKEUP: Happier during COVID, the White House fight cage + why do restaurants want your selfie?

From Hack by triplej

June 12, 2026 · 31 min

About this episode

The episode discusses happiness during COVID, a fight cage at the White House, and restaurant selfie requests.

Were we happier during COVID? New ABS data suggests Aussies were more satisfied during a pandemic than they are now. And Donald Trump is installing an MMA fight cage at the White House to mark 250 years of the United States's independence, holding celebrations not on the real anniversary but on his own birthday. And his birthday wish? "Peace for the world." Plus, we ask if businesses are going too far with apps and logins after it was reported that a restaurant booking platform was asking customers for selfies. Host Dave Marchese is joined by journalist Emma Gillespie from The Daily Aus and comedian Billy D'Arcy. Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

People in this episode

Host: Dave Marchese

Guests: Emma Gillespie, Billy D'Arcy

Topics covered

  • COVID happiness
  • White House
  • MMA fight cage
  • restaurant selfies
  • business practices

Keywords

  • COVID
  • happiness
  • Donald Trump
  • MMA
  • restaurants
  • selfies
  • Australia
  • ABS
  • business practices

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ABS, The Daily Aus, triple j

Places: Australia

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