From research on “cognitive surrender” in AI use to failures with AI-written criticism, the discussion considers whether thinking itself is being outsourced. A jump-scare warning app raises questions about pre-empting emotional experience, while Stephen King’s comparison of Donald Trump to The Dead Zone highlights how fiction frames political reality.

For more info on Media Mothership go to https://mediamothership.au/ and https://www.edgeradio.org.au/. Video episode available here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3opBhNiZmthw64squzl9bTBOAm10LoVt

Support the show: https://www.mediamothership.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April Fools in gaming, Nintendo’s expanding media world, and why Democracy Manifest remains an enduring viral moment. This episode was recorded live at Edge Radio 99.3FM studios in Hobart Tasmania, and first aired on 2nd April 2026.
For more info on Media Mothership go to https://mediamothership.au/ and https://www.edgeradio.org.au/.

Links:

Thousands of Chinese social media users change profile photos to Kris Jenner

From Missy Higgins to a succulent Chinese meal, these are the 2026 Sounds of Australia

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia Adds ‘Succulent Chinese Meal’ Guy

‘Democracy manifest’: Anatomy of a viral moment

Support the show: https://www.mediamothership.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re joined by Dr Emerald King and PhD candidate Ashley Reminga from the University of Tasmania to explore the world of cosplay. We cover the upcoming events including the cosplay competition at the video game event, Level Up Tasmania, and then some of the bigger questions around how cosplay functions as performance, identity, play and fan expression. And we tackle the biggest question: why are cat ears everywhere? From Nekomimi to global cosplay trends, we explore how a simple accessory became a powerful symbol of play, identity, and pop culture.

This episode was recorded live at Edge Radio 99.3FM studios in Hobart Tasmania, and first aired on 26 March 2026.
For more info on Media Mothership go to https://mediamothership.au/ and https://www.edgeradio.org.au/. Video episode available here: https://www.youtube.com/live/sisvi_z2_Ng

LINKS:

gender bending anime survey: https://surveys2.utas.edu.au/index.php/151748?lang=en

LevelUp Tasmania event: https://www.screen.tas.gov.au/leveluptasmania/program

and cosplay competition https://www.emeraldlking.com/levelupcosplay

Support the show: https://www.mediamothership.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.