Forget book club, CBR Gals’ Podcast Club is the new way to find connections

Posted on 11 August, 2025

You’ve heard of book clubs, tried your hand at a craft circle and even attended a networking night – but have you heard of a Podcast Club?

Bringing together women and gender-diverse people of all ages to unpack themed playlists of podcasts in a warm, welcoming space, feminist not-for-profit The CBR Gals Network has launched the Podcast Club to help tackle loneliness in Canberra one curated playlist at a time.

Before each monthly session, attendees receive a curated playlist (about one to four hours of listening) on a specific theme. Then, after a few weeks of solo listening, they come together at Contentious Character in Fyshwick for a guided group discussion designed to spark conversation, reflection, and personal growth.

With research showing that two in five young Australians feel lonely at any given time, and one in seven experience persistent loneliness, CBR Gals Network President Zoë Becvarik says that this fresh take on building community offers a fun and genuine way to build connections in Canberra.

“In the past seven years of CBR Gals, we have brought people together in so many different ways – happy hours, hush hours, book club, clothes swaps”, says Zoë.

“But Podcast Club is the first time we feel that we have cracked the code to creating a truly intergenerational space. Women and gender-diverse people of all ages can show up with equal voice, equal weight and deep generosity of perspective. Whether you are in your 20s or approaching your 80s, we engage in dialogue where wisdom flows in both directions”.

Launching the first session in July with a focus on women’s friendships and the search for community, the next event will be held on Thursday 21 August.

The theme for this session is all about feminism and the rise of the Trad Wife – a timely topic that offers a chance to interrogate how feminism is evolving. And with ticket costs covering nibbles for the night, it’s also a fun chance to chat big ideas over good wine, and with some great company.

With no prior knowledge and no pressure, whether you’re a podcast junkie or just curious about what other Canberrans are talking about, grab those headphones!

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