The Briefing: Recent Episodes

LiSTNR

Australia’s fastest growing daily news podcast, The Briefing serves up the latest news headlines and a deep dive into a topic affecting you. All in under 20 minutes. Hosted by Tom Tilley and co-hosts Jan Fran, Katrina Blowers, Antoinette Lattouf and Jamila Rizvi. Published Monday to Saturday at 6am, this is the go-to podcast for Australian’s looking for a thorough briefing on the news of the day. For more episodes download the free LiSTNR app.

Tuesday Headlines:

Hanson to introduce foreign fighters bill as PM and Taylor hammer out gambling, NDIS and widow tax deal
More than 80 people dead after Colombia earthquake
South Australia announce royal commission into AI
Aussies being urged to challenge their car insurers over price hikes
It's Census night

Deep Dive: How do you escape from a cult? That was one of the questions a Victorian parliamentary inquiry has been trying to answer, ever since a LiSTNR podcast exposed an abusive cult in Geelong and sparked a firestorm of advocacy from cult survivors.

Last month, that inquiry handed down its report, “Coercion and harm in high control groups”. There are 39 recommendations in the report, with a focus on protecting children and better support for those exiting a coercive group.

One of the advocates behind that inquiry was Laura McConnell, a survivor of the Two By Twos fundamentalist cult who speaks to Sacha Barbour Gatt in this episode of The Briefing.

You can listen to Pray Harder – Episode 1 – Noel's War here.

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Monday Headlines:

Parliament returns, support for Labor slumps to decade low
Two airport workers stood down after another near miss at Sydney airport
Netanyahu rejects US peace proposal for Gaza
Ukraine says 50,000 North Korean soldiers will be deployed to fight for Russia
90,000 take part in world’s biggest fun run in Sydney

Deep Dive: Tomorrow is census night, and this year the form looks a little different.

For the first time, Australians are being asked directly about their sexual orientation and gender - and for the first time, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) says artificial intelligence is helping process the millions of responses that pour in.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou goes behind the questionnaire with someone who's helped shape it for the best part of thirty years. How does the ABS land on which categories make the cut? Where do your name and address actually end up? Can the online system survive the night after its infamous 2016 collapse? And in an era of shaky faith in government, does the ABS really expect all of us to tell the truth?

Chris is joined by Jenny Telford, General Manager of the Census and Population Division at the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

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Fresh data shows nearly 1,500 homes purchased under the federal government's 5% deposit scheme have been flipped into investment properties.

It’s a bit of a plot twist for an initiative built on a very specific promise: helping everyday Aussies get onto the property ladder as owner-occupiers with just a fraction of the usual deposit and zero lenders mortgage insurance.

In this episode of The Briefing we revisit Helen Smith's chat with David Koch from last year about the scheme to get you across how it all works and what you need to know about it.

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We're back with The Briefing: Our Take, our weekend hang-out where we loosen our ties and kick off our shoes to take you behind the scenes of the week that was, and what you (and we) made of it.

This weekend Chris is joined by Justine Landis-Hanley and they unpack how Miles Phillips and his Eastern Rosellas went from a backyard novelty to the ARIA record books. Chris answers your questions about the Kyle Sandilands interview, before they dig into your thoughts on Kmart's knock-off Meta glasses (+ the bird flu conspiracy theory we didn't know existed).

We’re also joined in studio by LiSTNR entertainment executive producer Elise Cooper for The Weekend Quiz, who brings more live vocals to the show than actual recording artists. Plus we cap it all off with the Weekend List.

The Weekend Quiz (just questions, no answers):

Which airline announced it will start charging passengers to put carry-on luggage in the overhead lockers?
Which former NRL player and viral book-tokker alleged this week that gambling company promoters would supply him with drugs and alcohol to keep him betting?
Who said this and who was he talking about?
"What single answer does she have to any of the list of problems and challenges which I went through before? Zip is the answer to that.”
What crashed into the moon this week?
Name one song Delta Goodrem performed in the Comm Games closing ceremony.

The Weekend List:

To Watch: Enola Holmes 3 (listener Georgie)
To listen to: Dungeon Crawler Carl (listener Narikka)
To read: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

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Friday Headlines:

US Senate committee votes to hold Dr Fauci in contempt of Congress
15-year-old charged with manslaughter over death of Melbourne shopkeeper
Alan Jones’ alleged victim denies making up sex abuse claims for money
ABC Apologises to Gina Rinehart over ‘violent’ skit
Millions of Aussies told to brace for icy temps
Brisbane’s Ekka kicks off tomorrow

Deep Dive: Discussion around Ariana Grande’s weight reached a fever pitch this week.

Photos from her tour, press appearances, and her new music video for Petal, show her shrinking frame, prompting fans to worry over what is going on behind the scenes.

The public discourse hasn’t gone unnoticed. Also this week, Ariana announced that she will be taking a break from public life at the end of her album tour in September. Her representative told People Magazine that this decision came after “endless, ongoing public scrutiny”.

Do we have a responsibility to raise concerns over Ariana’s weight loss? Editor of Mediaweek Natasha Lee says yes.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natasha sits down with Justine Landis-Hanley to discuss her article in Mediaweek, in which she shares her experience dealing with an eating disorder while working on Australian television, and argues that we’ve been scared into silence.

Link to the article: https://www.mediaweek.com.au/silence-isnt-always-kindness-ariana-grande-debate

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Thursday Headlines:

Labor’s 5% first-home deposit scheme has been used to purchase 1500 properties converted to investments
Federal government will force states to make AI data centres run on renewable energy
Israel issues evacuation orders for first time since June ceasefire, starts striking Lebanon
Omar Musa wins Miles Franklin literary award
NASA warns about space debris after SpaceX junk slams into the moon

Deep Dive: Every year in Australia, dozens of women and children are killed in violent circumstances - and in 2026 the toll is already climbing fast.

Behind those numbers is a support system that campaigners say is buckling: refuges at capacity, transitional housing waitlists stretching years, and women turned away from help at the very moment they need it most.

Sherele Moody is one of the country's foremost researchers on femicide and child deaths, and the founder of the Red Heart Movement where she records the names and stories of women killed across the country, and pushes for a system that takes their safety seriously.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sherele Moody sits down with Chris Spyrou to unpack why billions in spending isn't stopping the deaths, why she's calling for a Royal Commission into femicide, and what a properly funded response to violence against women would actually look like.

Help is available:
1800 Respect national helpline: 1800 737 732

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Wednesday Headlines:

Albanese under pressure to do more on gambling ads reform
Tony Burke delays migration cut announcement
Competing drone videos in Russia, Ukraine war
Alan Jones trial continues
Jetstar to charge for carry-on baggage lockers

Deep Dive: Five months into the United States' war on Iran, Donald Trump keeps insisting that a deal, or a decisive victory, is within reach. So why does neither ever arrive?

Trita Parsi's answer is blunt: the President is chasing a knockout blow that doesn't exist.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Parsi, who is an expert on US-Iranian relations and Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft - about who can really outlast whom and whether Trump has walked into a new forever war.

Trita’s last chat with Chris from March: Why the Iran war can’tend ‘soon’

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Tuesday Headlines:

Sportsbet and TAB execs to be grilled at Senate inquiry into gambling reform today
One Nation climbs in the polls as Hanson refuses ABC and Guardian entry to Victorian press conference
Ralph Carr unmasked as rapist after suppression order lifted
Kmart sells out of dupe Meta camera glasses amid global privacy concerns
Ariana Grande steps back from public life amid scrutiny over her weight

Deep Dive: For years, Australia watched from a distance as bird flu tore through wildlife on every other continent - before it finally reached our shores in June.

What began with a few lone migratory birds is now spreading through our native populations, and while conservationists welcome the more than $113 million already invested to get us prepared - they say now that it's here, more needs to be put on the table.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Jack Gough, CEO of the Invasive Species Council, who's urging the Albanese Government to commit at least $200 million to help our wildlife survive what's coming. He explains what that money would go towards, what species are most at risk, and how the strain can move from low risk in humans to a higher one.

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Five months after the Kyle and Jackie O Show was pulled off air, Kyle Sandilands will be back behind the microphone with a paid subscription show that launches next week.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou sits down with the veteran broadcaster for a wide-ranging chat about what really brought down the most expensive act in Australian radio.

Sandilands responds to the workplace bullying allegations at the heart of his former co-host's lawsuit against their old employer, explains why he chose to settle his own multi-million-dollar case rather than fight on, and reflects on the mistakes that have marked his 25 years on air - the moments, he says, that taught him where the line sits.

Then it's over to you: we put your questions to him, and he talks up a possible reunion with Jackie, floats getting Karl Stefanovic on the payroll, and names the controversial figure he's booked for the show's first week.

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Monday Headlines:

Motorists warned to expect fuel shock as excise ends
Donald Trump cancels Iran strikes subject to deal being made rapidly
Authorities await results from South Australia mass bird death event
Alan Jones indecent assault trial getting underway today
Housing market downturn spreads across Australia
Australia wins the Comm Games

Chris' chat with Kyle Sandilands is out now.

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Victoria has a new premier this week - and within hours of being sworn in, Ben Carroll did the one thing his predecessor spent months refusing to do: call a royal commission into the CFMEU.

Jacinta Allan's resignation was driven in large part by a corruption scandal engulfing the state's Big Build, where a landmark report earlier this year alleged the construction union had siphoned $15 billion from taxpayers while the government turned a blind eye.

Reporters at The Age have been documenting the organised crime, intimidation and misconduct across the union's Victorian operations since 2024.

In this episode of The Briefing, we revisit Chris Spyrou's conversation with award-winning investigative journalist Nick McKenzie from The Age, recorded back in February when that explosive report first landed.

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Welcome back to our new weekend format, The Briefing: Our Take.

Every Saturday we're loosening our ties and kicking off our shoes to take you behind the scenes of the week that was; stories we loved or debated, what you, the listener, thought of a topic or conversation, the Weekend Quiz and capping it off with a Weekend Briefing favourite: The List.

In this episode we talk about the feedback we got ahead of Chris' sit-down with Kyle Sandilands, comments on Hannah Ferguson’s run against the PM and Jacinta Allan’s resignation.

We also stop by the red carpet of the new Spider-Man movie and quiz friend of the show Justin Hill on everything that happened in the news this week – make sure you play along!

The Weekend Quiz (just questions, no answers):

What’s this sound? (listen to hear it!)
Europe is threatening to boycott what ... and for a bonus point, why?
Victorian premier Jacinta Allan resigned this week. Who was named her successor?
It was revealed this week that it cost $45,000 for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to manage which loveable marine chaos agent?
Who announced this week they’d be running as an independent against Anthony Albanese in the seat of Grayndler at the next federal election?

The Weekend List:

To Watch: Spider-Man: Brand New Day (Justin Hill)
To Listen: Wet Leg (listener Chris – you can watch the Coachella performance here)

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Friday Headlines:

US completes ‘heavy wave’ of strikes against Iran
Australian family beg for government help as son faces death penalty in Syria
Labor housing plan already 100,000 homes behind schedule
UEFA agrees to boycott FIFA competitions over controversial World Cup sell-off plans
Revealed: Neil the Seal's damage and care bill

Deep Dive: A new push is starting for access to Voluntary Assisted Dying to be expanded to telehealth services, in a move that advocates say would directly benefit people living in the regions or who are too sick to travel.

Labor this week endorsed a change in law that'd lift a ban on the practice, but the Prime Minister doesn't agree, saying allowing it would threaten the strict safeguards in place to ensure VAD is only accessed by people who genuinely want and need it.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Go Gentle spokesperson Andrew Denton to discuss why there's a debate on this issue and what's next in the fight to allow VAD via telehealth.

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Thursday Headlines:

Pause in fighting between US and Iran over as Trump threatens to ‘beat the f** shit out of Iran’
SA police call off search for missing 3-month-old boy
Bird flu has first local transmission
Rate hike unlikely after inflation numbers lower than expected
OpenAI's rogue agent also hacked other companies

Deep Dive: Australia's no stranger to famous faces trading their day jobs for politics. Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett, broadcaster Derryn Hinch, Olympians Nova Peris and Zali Steggall, as well as former journalists Zoe Daniel and Maxine McKew.

But only one of them has unseated a sitting Prime Minister.

Hannah Ferguson is looking to become the second.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Ferguson to unpack her independent tilt at Anthony Albanese in his seat of Grayndler - why she won't be joining forces with the Greens or Teals, and some of the policy platforms and values at the heart of her campaign.

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Wednesday Headlines:

One Nation support plateaus in new poll
Search for missing baby boy in South Australia continues today
Human casualties confirmed after magnitude 7.1 earthquake hits Japan
Ben Carroll calls for Royal Commission as Opposition criticises his integrity
3.6 million people track Qantas flight to France

Deep Dive: Jacinta Allan has stepped down from the Victorian Labor leadership after less than three years in the role.

With an election just four months away, how does her decision affect the party's chances of winning? And can Labor get back on top in Victoria?

In this episode of The Briefing, Channel 7's Political Editor, Mark Riley joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to explain.

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What does it really take to run Australia’s most iconic airline, and oversee one of the biggest public backlashes in corporate history?

Alan Joyce has written a tell-all memoir, pulling back the curtain on his high-stakes leadership, political access, Chairman's Lounge secrets, and the personal cost of being one of Australia's first openly gay CEOs.

In this episode of The Briefing, the former Qantas boss sits down for an unvarnished chat about his fifteen years at the helm, his new book Riding the Jet Stream, and whether he regrets any of the calls that have defined his legacy.

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Tuesday Headlines:

Vic Labor leadership spill could happen today
Hanson considering High Court after losing Faruqi appeal
Wildfires burn across France and Spain
Australia eyes its first new refinery in 60 years
AusAlert test hailed a 'success', but Queensland won't use it

Deep Dive: For over a century, Qantas built a reputation as Australia’s most trusted airline ... until COVID forced a desperate survival strategy that triggered the biggest reputational crisis in its history.

Former CEO Alan Joyce was the man at the helm during those three years, overseeing brutal layoffs, emergency repatriations and a response that saved the company from impending bankruptcy.

But that also came with severe public backlash that defined his final years at the helm.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with Joyce to discuss his new memoir Riding the Jet Stream and his own reflections on what it took to save the Flying Kangaroo, and whether he regrets any of it.

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Monday Headlines:

Jacinta Allan expected to face leadership challenge
US and Iran pause strikes as fears petrol could return to $2 a litre in Australia
Berlin gay pride terror suspect shot dead
More bird flu detections in South Australia
Australia's flag bearer wins gold at the Commonwealth Games

Deep Dive: There’s a good chance your phone and millions of others will freak out this afternoon.

If things go to plan, all compatible mobile devices in Australia will sound a loud siren at 2pm AEST and display a "CRITICAL AUSALERT", as the federal government tests a new nationwide emergency warning system.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by QUT Associate Professor Paula Dootson to unpack how the system works and who it might leave behind. They also discuss the unsolved risk for domestic violence victim-survivors who keep a hidden phone, and what some of the backlash says about our trust in government.

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OpenAI admitted this week that two of its most powerful models broke out of a sealed test environment and hacked another company - on their own initiative, to steal the answers to an exam they were sitting.

The AI lab says it’s unprecedented but it lands about a month after the Five Eyes spy alliance - the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand and Australia - warned that advanced AI is accelerating the speed, scale and sophistication of cyber threats, and that the shift would take months, not years. Australia's own signals directorate put its name to that warning.

So how worried should we be? And what can any of us actually do about it?

In this bonus episode of The Briefing, we revisit Chris Spyrou’s conversation with cybersecurity expert Alastair MacGibbon, the founding head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre, recorded in the days after the Five Eyes warning was issued.

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Usually this is where you'd find The Weekend Briefing - a feature chat with a human behind the headline. This Saturday, we're launching something a little different: the week that was, and what we all made of it.

And by "we" we don't just mean us. You're in on this one too.

Each Saturday kicks off with a debrief on one story we couldn't stop talking about off air - this week it's the Divine Playhouse, the queer-led arts venue shut down inside a Sydney building that stopped being a church in 1932.

Then it's our first ever weekend quiz, which Chris has not shut up about for a fortnight (full questions below).

Then we open the inbox - your DMs, your comments, and where you landed on the big one this week: should men be working in early childcare?

And of course we cap it off with the weekend list:

Revenge – unsure if the TV series or the act (listener Claire)
The Boys on Amazon Prime (listener Chris)
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi – NYT bestselling novel (listener Suzanne)
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey – in cinemas now, or 6.15am at IMAX if you’re producer Alex.

The Weekend Quiz (just questions, no answers):

Which controversial influencer faced court this week after being arrested in Miami?
After being in Europe and spotted at a luxury resort in Italy with Gina Rinehart, Pauline Hanson was back on home soil. Which state did she head to first?
What is the name of the UK's new Prime Minister?
An Australian woman made global headlines this week for an extremely rare "one in 15 million" event. What was it?
Which member of parliament yelled “sit down” while on live television this week?

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Friday Headlines:

Billions more invested in AUKUS as Labor looks to keep a lid on debate at national conference
Pauline Hanson lashes DV payments, child support, in newly surfaced interview
Global oil price back up above $100 for the first time in two months
Warnings after Open AI model breaks out of cage and hacks another company
Aussies have already won gold as slimmed down Comm Games get underway

Deep Dive: Why do Australia’s telcos fail so catastrophically? This month, Telstra’s network suffered a nationwide outage that shut down trains and blocked Triple Zero calls, following major outages for Optus customers in 2023 and 2025.

Do other countries have similar telco failures, or are Australia’s uniquely bad? What has to change to make sure Aussies are always connected to the phone network?

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Carol Bennett, the CEO of the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network.

Further listening from headlines:

Gambling chat with Kate Chaney: What the govt buried on budget day
The world’s spies are worried about AI

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Headlines:

Pauline Hanson under fire after claiming domestic violence is a ‘two-way street’
Labor's national conference begins today
Libs call for guarantee Australian ISIS doctor won't be able to return
Victorian teachers strike
Prince George turns 13

Deep Dive: Last week, Hamish Tait became the third man to be accused of carrying out widespread sexual abuse against children in Australian childcare centres in just two years.

It's the latest in a string of cases that have shocked the country and prompted a fierce debate around whether men should be banned from working with babies and toddlers.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by early childhood expert Dr. Martyn Mills-Bayne to explore whether a blanket ban would truly keep children safe, or if it misses the real core of the crisis.

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Wednesday Headlines:

Another interest rate hike now twice as likely as tensions flare in the middle east
Pauline Hanson hits back at White Australia claims
Interim report into Kumanjayi Little Baby's death finds child protection failings
Victorian teachers to strike after rejected pay offer
Aussie mum of 1 in 15 million quadruplets shares social media update

Deep Dive: Victoria's Premier has spent the past few days taking on some of the biggest companies on the planet.

Jacinta Allan wants to force tech giants to reveal who's behind anonymous accounts spreading hate. She wants to clear the way for families to drag those same companies into court. And she wants to stop employers using artificial intelligence to monitor staff - right down to how often they visit the toilet.

But none of it’s been written yet, parliament is almost out of time, and some experts say the tools to fix this already exist.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou puts those questions to Jacinta Allan and asks whether one state government can actually take on Silicon Valley.

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Tuesday Headlines:

Israel criticises proposed Labor policy on even of national conference
Melbourne ‘ISIS bride’ granted bail
Andy Burnham sworn in as the new UK Prime Minister
Australia's ski resorts set new winter heat record
Aussie mum's 1 in 15 million birth sees her deliver identical quadruplets
Barnaby Joyce with the top contender for TV blooper of the year

Deep Dive: Now in its fifth year, it seems like there is no end in sight to the war between Russia and Ukraine, especially on the back of another round of deadly strikes on Kyiv over the weekend.

But conflict in the middle east is having an impact on how this war is being fought, and there is a sense that Putin's army is slowing down.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou and Dr Malcolm David discuss the latest in the Ukraine war and try to figure out what might happen next.

Further listening from the headlines:

How Australia funds Israeli settlements
Who is Andy Burnham, the man who could lead the UK next?

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Monday Headlines:

One Nation rebounds in the polls and Pauline Hanson criticised by Albo
Fighting continues in Iran as two US personnel killed
Tate brothers arrested
New rules for gov departments using AI
2026 FIFA World Cup final plays this morning

Deep Dive: More than half a million Israeli settlers live in the occupied West Bank - in settlements the UN's top court considers illegal, and which have kept expanding while the world's focus has been on the wars in Iran, Lebanon and Gaza.

Australia’s noticed. Last month, the government sanctioned three Israeli settlers over escalating violence against Palestinians.

But our connections to the settlements may run deeper than sanctions suggest - from West Bank wines in local bottle shops to allegations Australian charities are helping finance settlement projects.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Rawan Arraf, Executive Director of the Australian Centre for International Justice, to unpack life under the settlements - and whether Australia's response goes far enough.

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One and a half billion sets of eyes will be on New Jersey come Monday morning, when Spain and Argentina face off to decide who takes home football's biggest prize.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Ed Kavalee - co-host of SBS's nightly show Santo & Ed's Cup Fever - to get you across everything you need to know before kick-off.

They unpack Ed's theory on how both finalists made it this far, whether the World Cup is rigged, plus:

the Ronaldo-Messi era reaching its final chapter,
Donald Trump's phone call to FIFA's president, and
an honest post-mortem on the Socceroos' performance this year.

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Georgie Tunny has spent more than a decade working her way through Australian newsrooms, from an ABC cadetship to Network 10's flagship desk.

In this episode of The Weekend Briefing, Helen Smith asks Georgie what it took to carve out a place in sports journalism as a woman when the industry offered few seats at the table, the exhaustion of breakfast TV and the long road to trusting her own instincts.

She also reflects on turning 35, her time on The Project, taking on The Amazing Race Australia with her fiancé Rob Mills and her debut novel set inside the cutthroat world of television, inspired by the friendships and rivalries she's lived firsthand.

You can get your hands on Georgie’s debut novel ‘Over to You’ here.

THE WEEKEND LIST:

Listener Bec’s to-do: Phase 10 + guac for six hours with friends
To read: Angel Down by Daniel Kraus
To do: Delete Pinterest
To do: Start a Spotify account and only listen to Powderfinger

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Friday Headlines:

Bianca Jones’ father calls on Albanese to intervene over inadequate methanol poisoning charges
Iran launches fresh attacks on Gulf states as US strikes ship attempting to breach blockade
Second case of bird flu detected in NSW
Smoking rates hit historic low across Australia
Pauline Hanson and Gina Rinehart spotted at White Lotus hotel

Deep Dive: Is Australia a world leader on AI? Anthony Albanese wants you to think so – he gave a speech last week in the Great Hall at The University of Sydney, where he implied that new Australian AI regulations could set a global benchmark – similar to superannuation and the social media ban.

Today we’re looking at Labor’s AI plan, and whether it really is a world-leading attempt to curb the harms of AI and harness its potential. What’s right with the plan, and what’s missing?

Joining The Briefing is AI expert Professor Toby Walsh, Chief Scientist of the Artificial Intelligence Institute at the University of New South Wales.

Further listening from the headlines:

Why smoking is ‘cool’ again

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Thursday Headlines:

Albanese’s plan to protect water, energy, and content from AI
Brisbane teen granted bail after alleged school stabbing
Trump threatens to expand strikes on Iran
A network of Australian doctors’ clinics have been hit by a cyberattack
Argentina v England World Cup semifinal is underway

Deep Dive: From the demolition of the White House East Wing to his push for a towering, 250-foot Triumphal Arch, Donald Trump is physically rebuilding Washington D.C. to match his personal brand.

But aside from an obsession with the grandiose, what is motivating the president to push for these ego-driven federal megaprojects?

In this episode of The Briefing, former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to explore why he believes this obsession with monarchical grandeur is a direct threat to democratic ideals.

Follow The Briefing:
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Wednesday Headlines:

Donald Trump walks back threat to charge toll on the Strait of Hormuz
Albanese to announce world-first AI office
Brisbane teen critical after school stabbing
Angus Taylor rules out a coalition with One Nation
First FIFA World Cup semi-final underway

Deep Dive: Beetlejuice has cancelled its national tour; Waitress is no longer coming to Sydney. The big musicals said that production costs were too high and sales were too low. The show could not go on.

This week, the Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance held an emergency meeting to discuss the future of Australia’s musical theatre industry and how to save it.

In this episode of The Briefing, the Federal President of the MEAA, Michael Balk, joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to reveal the union's plan to save the industry, and how fans and the government can help.

Follow The Briefing:
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Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines:

Trump says US will collect tolls in the Strait of Hormuz
Sydney daycare worker accused of abusing 150 children
Alleged DV murder victim’s family attend court vowing to fight for justice
Albanese to unveil AI vision as Labor plots hands-on approach
Tributes flow for actor Sam Neill, after his death at the age of 78

Deep Dive: Australia has been plagued by a chronic skills shortage in recent years, exacerbated by declining apprentice numbers, the pandemic and a cultural shift towards university as the preferred post-school pathway.

Labor has this week claimed a couple of big wins in this space, talking up 814,000 TAFE enrolments in the last three years and more than 30,000 new apprentices in the past 12 months, off the back of two key policy roll outs.

But do these numbers tell the full story? Is Australia’s tradie crisis really close to being solved? In this episode of The Briefing, Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to discuss.

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YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

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Monday Headlines:

One Nation loses support to the Coalition
Trump says strait of Hormuz open despite Iran closure
Australian Universities forced to adopt new definitions on antisemitism and Islamophobia
Aussie students flock to free TAFE courses, but apprentice figures dip
Australia to wave goodbye to paper arrival cards for incoming travellers

Deep Dive: Pattaya has long traded on two reputations: a tourist playground by day, and one of the world's busiest red-light hubs by night.

That darker side made global headlines last month when the body of 17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla was discovered stuffed inside a suitcase beside a railway line on the edge of the city.

A 45-year-old Australian man has been accused of her murder, which he denies.

The case has reignited scrutiny of an industry that's technically against the law in Thailand, yet thrives in full view - raising questions about corruption, worker safety, and the surprising truth about who's actually driving demand.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with emeritus professor at George Washington University and author of Sex Tourism in Thailand: Inside Asia's Premier Erotic Playground, Ronald Weitzer to unpack it.

Follow The Briefing:
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Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

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At this week's NATO summit in Turkey, Donald Trump was once again talking about wanting to take control of Greenland.

So why does the US President keep talking about the country, could the US really try to take it, and what and what does it all mean for Australia?

In this bonus episode of The Briefing, we revisit Tara Cassidy's chat with defence and security expert, Jennifer Parker, who explains why Greenland has become such a fixation for the US president, and why this isn’t as unprecedented as it might sound. Jen explains the strategic value of the Arctic, the role of NATO and Denmark, and why Trump’s rhetoric is alarming key allies.

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Karl Stefanovic launched an independent podcast at the beginning of the year and one Sunshine Coast radio host has been paying VERY close attention.

Henry Bretz has posted dozens of videos parodying Nine's former breakfast king - earning a follow from Karl himself, then an unfollow, and now a full block.

In this episode of The Weekend Briefing, Chris Spyrou sits down with the comedian behind the impressions to discuss his viral posts, what Lisa Wilkinson said when she slid into his DMs, and what he really thinks is going on with Karl's "lurch to the right.”

Plus, Sportsbet has Henry at $34 to replace Karl on the Today Show… so is Channel Nine actually calling?

The Weekend List:

Henry's recco: Olivia Rodrigo’s new album - you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love
Listener Brett’s recco: Madonna’s Confessions II album
To eat: It’s winter which means ... soup! Check out RecipeTin Eats soup recipes here, and the recipe for the Greek lamb lettuce soup here (dill optional, but it’s fine if you’re a dill person).

Follow The Briefing:
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Friday Headlines:

SA death possibly linked to Telstra outage
Modi mania sweeps Melbourne
US and Iran exchange fire as Supreme Leader buried
Angus Taylor mounts strongest attack yet on Pauline Hanson
Bonnie Tyler has died at the age of 75

Deep Dive: Ten years ago, in 2015, the world collectively launched 221 objects into space. Last year that number was 4,510, a record by a huge margin. There’s now a record number of satellites and other space objects zooming over our heads.

Why are we shooting so many objects into space? Most launches are coming from the United States, where a commercial space race is well and truly underway. But what are the consequences for the rest of the world?

As mysterious space debris washes up on our shores here in Australia, we speak with Dr Matt Agnew, the scientist (and former Bachelor star) to learn about why we’re launching thousands of satellites a year.

Follow The Briefing:
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Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines:

Fresh Telstra outage hits customers
Trump says Iran-US ceasefire is ‘over’
Australian rents hit record high
Australians with cancer are living longer
NSW wins 2026 State of Origin

Deep Dive: The tragic death of 27-year-old Melbourne footy player Nathan Fitzgerald has sparked questions over the hidden hazards of shared suburban fields and whether enough is being done to protect local athletes.

This tragedy coincides with an alarming new report from the Australian Sports Brain Bank and Four Corners revealing high rates of the brain disease CTE in deceased players, ramping up the pressure on the AFL to establish formal CTE protocols.

In this episode of The Briefing, neuroscientist Dr Alan Pearce joins us to break down the latest brain research and ask the difficult question: as the evidence stacks up, can footy ever truly be safe again?

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines:

Aussies suffer sharpest decline in real wages in the developed world
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage resigns and vows to fight to win by-election
Prince Harry and Elton John lose privacy lawsuit against Daily Mail’s publisher
NATO summit underway as Trump revives Greenland bid
Male testosterone levels have halved in 50 years
Pam the Bird prankster to remain behind bars

Deep Dive: You might have heard that house prices are falling – at least in Sydney and Melbourne, which tend to set the direction for the other capital cities. Auction clearance rates were below 50% for the third weekend in a row, and experts say the slump could continue.

Is Australia on the brink of a Labor-created societal collapse? Or are we finally having the much-needed correction of an overstimulated property bubble? What direction do we want house prices to go, anyway?

Joining Chris Spyrou in this episode of The Briefing to look beyond the headlines is My Bui, an economist with AMP.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines:

China’s pacific ballistic test labelled ‘destabilising’ by Australia
Melbourne teacher dies after footy head knock
Hamas to dissolve Gaza government
Trump admits he asked FIFA for red card review
Karl Stefanovic reportedly blocks comedian that keeps parodying him

Deep DIve: Dodgy businesses, you’ve been warned. Last week Australia’s consumer watchdog launched a Federal Court case against Amazon for unfairly stuffing ads into its Amazon Prime streaming service; and, in the same week, the federal parliament passed laws that’ll protect consumers against unfair trading practices.

Those ‘dark patterns’ that make it super hard to unsubscribe from a service, or the countdown timer that pressures you into a purchase? They’ll be targets under the new laws, along with surprise fees. The laws were passed last Thursday, and will be implemented from 1 July 2027.

On The Briefing today is one of the people who campaigned loudest for the new Unfair Trading Prohibition laws, Chandni Gupta, the deputy CEO and Digital Policy Director of the Consumer Policy Research Centre.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines:

Albo slams Liberal party rebrand ahead of Pacific blitz
Cannibalism link being investigated in NSW child murder
USA celebrates its 250th independence anniversary as Iran mourns supreme leader
Warnings against panic buying after bird flu confirmed in third Australian state
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce tie the knot

Deep Dive: If you believe the polls, One Nation is demolishing the political order and might become Australia’s biggest party.

At this moment of political flux, two of the ‘teal’ independents are bidding for a piece of the action by establishing their own alternative party: Community Strong Australia.

Joining us on The Briefing to discuss her new party, why she started it and whether it’ll have any electoral cut through is Waringah MP Zali Steggall.

Further listening from the headlines:Bird flu's hit Australia. What now?

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If the rumours are true, Taylor Swift has tied the knot this weekend in a stadium in New York City.

Since Swift's August 2025 engagement to footballer Travis Kelce, there has been speculation about the venue, the guest list, the setlist... everything. Swift is, after all, one of the world’s biggest pop stars, and her success has been built on turning the details of her life into stories. This wedding is one hell of a story.

On this bonus episode of The Briefing, we revisit Swift’s most recent batch of stories on her 2025 album ‘The Life of a Showgirl’. Chris Spyrou speaks with Kate Pattison, a PhD candidate on Swift’s fandom and our in-house TS expert.

Follow The Briefing:

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YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

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Few politicians in Australian history have quite the standing that John Howard does.

While his time in power as Australia’s 25th Prime Minister between 1996 and 2007 was characterised by both economic wins and policy fails (think industrial relations and immigration), he is looked to now as an elder statesman and a symbol of when things in Australia were ‘good’.

But that’s revisionist history, according to political journalist Amy Remeikis, whose new book Where It All Went Wrong: The Case Against John Howard, explores how Howard sold out the younger generations to benefit their parents, undermined the public health system and destroyed the housing market.

In this chat with Amy Remeikis, Sacha Barbour Gatt explores these ideas with Remeikis while discussing the Canberra bubble and how a child of a conservative Lithuanian dad who voted One Nation went on to become one of the leading progressive voices in this country.

Follow The Briefing:

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YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines:

Social media platforms are monetising gore content: eSafety Commissioner
Man pulled from rubble in Venezuela eight days after twin quakes
NSW to crack down on nangs
Australia’s wealth going backwards but the rich get richer
Eminem loses trademark battle with Aussie beach brand

Deep Dive: We’re more than a decade into the Netflix era, and every year we’ve heard the prediction that streaming will kill in-person cinema.

In 2026, those predictions are wrong, again, with June and July set to mark, some of the biggest release months this year with films including Odyssey and Toy Story 5 expected to rake in billions.

But it’s not only the big films that are winning with smaller franchises and female-skewing films also outperforming expectations.

So, is the box office back, for good? In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Christian Kloukinas from Village Cinemas to find out.

Further listening from the headlines:

Venezuela's 'abysmal' earthquake response

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines:

New analysis proves its harder to own a house now than when interest rates were 17%
Pollies turn out for Midwinter Ball
Online fraud and scams have increased as we become less vigilant
Karl Stefanovic to lose radio show
Details emerge about Taylor Swift’s wedding

Deep Dive: Twin earthquakes tore through Venezuela's north last week, leaving more than seventeen hundred dead and tens of thousands missing.

The emergency response has been widely criticised, international aid has faced unexpected obstacles getting in, and the government is carefully controlling the narrative as the outside world watches.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by LiSTNR senior journalist Claudianna Blanco to examine what this disaster reveals about the state of the country and what life actually looks like for Venezuelans six months on from the US capture of President Nicolás Maduro.

Further listening from headlines:

What a 'free' Karl Stefanovic really means

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines:

Thai police investigating Australian man for possible links to suitcase murders
Support for One Nation remains high despite rejection of key policies
House prices drop by biggest amount since 2022
Donald Trump’s controversial birthright citizenship policy struck down by Supreme Court
Grad sacked after allegedly accessing Albo’s bank account
NT residents named the happiest in the country

Deep Dive: July 1 marks the start of the new financial year and also when a raft of new laws, policies, regulations and pricing comes into effect.

This year that includes cheaper electricity for most states, bucking recent trends which have seen prices for everything else go up.

But it’s a little more complicated than just getting a cheaper bill, in fact, some people will be paying more.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Canstar’s Data Insights Director, Sally Tindall, to unpack the changes coming to our power bills and how to get the best deal.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines:

Anthony Albanese backs multiculturalism as Coalition considers a rebrand
US-Iran talks resume
Bruce Lehrmann loses bid for Brittany Higgins footage
Aussie fuel prices return to pre-Iran war levels
Musical theatre industry calls for government help

Deep Dive: Karl Stefanovic got tongues wagging last week when he had controversial UK figure Tommy Robinson on his independent podcast for a conversation that did little to challenge the far-right agitator on his problematic views about immigration and Islam.

Within days of the podcast episode going live, it had sensationally been pulled from all platforms, and the Nine Network’s highest-paid star had been shown the door, in an exit that signals yet another shift in the media space.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Jacqueline Maley, columnist and senior writer at The Age to discuss Karl’s Nine exit, why he’s happy about it and what it means for free speech and the broader media landscape in Australia.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines:

Labor recovers in the polls, One Nation takes a hit
Australian man denies murder charges after 17-year-old's body found in suitcase
Thousands still missing from Venezuela earthquakes
US and Iran recommence strikes
NSW announces major shark mitigation strategy after Coogee attack
World Cup moves to the knockouts

Deep Dive: Your cybersecurity is at risk, according to the world’s spies. Five Eyes is the alliance of spies from the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia – and last week, they published a warning that cutting-edge AI “accelerates the speed, scale, and sophistication of cyber threats”.

They also wrote that the timeline of the transformation is “not years, it is months.”

How worried should we all be about these cyber threats? And what can we, individually and collectively, do about them?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by cybersecurity expert Alastair MacGibbon, the founding head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre.

Further listening from headlines:

The truth about shark culls
Your guide to Aus v Paraguay

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Theo first captured Australia's attention as one of the stars of Love on the Spectrum.

Since then, he's gone on to lead the ABC comedy-drama Austin - a performance that has now earned him a Silver Logie nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy.

To mark the nomination, we're revisiting one of our conversations with him from the archives.

This bonus Sunday episode of The Briefing is Antoinette Lattouf's 2024 conversation with Michael Theo about finding fame through Love on the Spectrum, making the leap into acting, and the very specific checklist he has for his ideal partner.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He went from busking in Pitt Street Mall to winning Australia's Got Talent with Justice Crew, signing a record deal despite none of them being trained singers, and touring the world with the likes of Pitbull, Janet Jackson and One Direction.

Now John Pearce - Big Strong John, the internet's "hot Wiggle" - sits down with Chris Spyrou in this episode of The Weekend Briefing to look back on the wild ride from western Sydney dancer to ARIA chart-topper, including what he actually did with his AGT prize money, whether twin telepathy with his brother Lenny is real, and the moment Justice Crew quietly wound down.

They also get into how he came to join the Wiggle-verse, how his life has changed since becoming a dad and his honest feelings about being labelled a heartthrob while dressed as a children's entertainer.

WEEKEND LIST:

To watch: Widow's Bay on Apple TV (Listener Nial)
To eat: GYG Breakfast Burrito
To gift: Gourmet Basket
To explore: Bunnings on Uber Eats?!

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines:

World leaders commit aid after Venezuela hit by two earthquakes
Albo to target social media companies and algorithms in strengthening of under-16 ban
Sydney shark attack victim awake, reunited with daughter
Nearly 1 in 20 fuel pumps short-changing Australians
SBS braces for record viewing audience as Socceroos take on Paraguay

Deep Dive: The Socceroos are back in action today, taking on Paraguay in their final World Cup group match.

Australia heads into the clash knowing a win or draw would put it in a strong position to reach the knockout stage - but even a loss may not be enough to end our campaign.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by SBS's Santo & Ed's Cup Fever host Ed Kavalee to unpack Australia's chances, the big names to watch, and the World Cup facts that'll help you sound like you've been following the tournament all along.

Further listening from headlines:Your anger is being sold, Ed Coper knows what to do about it

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines:

Bird flu found in second Aussie state
Hanson says Socceroos are an example of monoculturalism
ASIO defends resourcing ahead of Bondi attack, warns of ‘unprecedented’ number of threats
Karl Stefanovic to leave after podcast interview with far-right activist
Neil the seal is back 🦭

Deep Dive: The world is in El Niño again – the weather pattern caused by warmer sea surface temperature in the Pacific Ocean. For Australia, an El Niño usually means less rain and hotter days, but also more extreme temperatures, including a higher frost risk.

The big question, though, is whether hotter and drier conditions are likely to lead to a dramatic bushfire season. Could we be in for another Black Summer?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Dr Kimberley Reid, a Research Fellow with the Centre of Excellence for Weather of the 21st Century at the University of Melbourne to unpack it all.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can someone please explain what’s going on in the United Kingdom? Within two years of a landslide election, the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer became so unpopular that his own party wanted to throw him out. The man set to replace him, Andy Burnham, seems like he’s going to assume the top job unchallenged, after only recently being re-elected into parliament. Burnham will be the seventh UK Prime Minister in a decade.

What went wrong with UK politics? And is the Labour leadership drama just a distraction before the right-wing Reform party sweeps the next election?

Joining this episode of The Briefing is Katy Balls, an editor and columnist for The Times and The Sunday Times.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines:

Labor to pass contentious tax reforms
Angus Taylor grilled on multiculturalism
Urgent testing underway but no new cases of bird flu yet
40 die in France amid record heat
Legal win for Sydney nurses after viral video struck out
Daryl Braithwaite announces retirement from live gigs

Deep Dive: The Australian political narrative has been completely hijacked by the rise of Pauline Hanson and One Nation, as the party and its leader continue to surge ahead in the polls.

But after the Prime Minister publicly challenged her claim that she is the ultimate champion of the "Aussie battler" this week, a critical question remains: who does her party actually stand for?

In this episode of The Briefing, Big Small Talk host Hannah Ferguson joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to break down the reality behind the rhetoric.

Further listening from headlines:Bird flu's hit Australia. What now?

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines:

UK PM Sir Keir Starmer resigns
Vance says Iran will allow nuclear inspectors
Aussie support for multiculturalism plunges in historic survey shift
Rare warning from Five Eyes urges leaders to ‘act now’ on powerful new AI models
Messi breaks World Cup goal-scoring record

Deep Dive:For years, Australia managed to avoid a strain of bird flu that has devastated wildlife populations and agricultural industries across much of the world.

That changed over the weekend, after authorities confirmed an infected migratory bird was discovered with H5N1 in Western Australia.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Professor Paul Griffin, Director of Infectious Diseases at Mater Health, about what we know about the virus, the risks it poses to both humans and animals, and why authorities are urging us to roll up our sleeves for this year’s flu shot to help reduce its impact.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines:

National Cabinet to meet today to lock in fuel excise cut extension
JD Vance says ‘great progress’ made as Iran talks kicks off in Switzerland
UK Prime Minister could resign in next 24 hours
Auction clearance rates hit lowest levels since the pandemic
Socceroos 90% likely to reach next stage of World Cup

Deep Dive:Last month, Australian neo-Nazi group White Australia, also known as the National Socialist Network, became a prohibited hate group. That means it is now illegal: it’s a crime to join, fund, or support the group. The NSN is challenging the government’s declaration, with a showdown scheduled in the High Court for September.

In the meantime, it’s been revealed a $2.5m Victorian property the neo-Nazi group is currently using as their headquarters has been paid for by a millionaire backer. And it’s not just one millionaire, but a network of rich and influential sympathisers.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with journalist Sherryn Groch from The Age, who has followed the money to find the neo-Nazis' mansion and the millionaire-backers supporting them.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In April, a company called Anthropic claimed they had a new AI model that was too powerful to release. They called it ‘Mythos’, and said it could find new ways to hack computers which humans had overlooked for decades. Mythos, they said, was too dangerous for public consumption. Instead, Anthropic released Mythos to trusted partners in government and businesses, including in Australia.

Then, in mid-June, a public version of Mythos was made available. Anthropic said this version was safe for anyone to use; the U.S. government strongly disagreed. After only a few days the U.S. government banned foreigners from accessing the new AI model. Australians were cut off, and we don’t know when access will be resumed.

Today, we’re bringing back an interview from April with cybersecurity expert Dr. Suelette Dreyfus. What dangers does Mythos pose, and are we ready for a tsunami of AI-enabled hacking?

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YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was meant to bring us all together, to cross the divides of land and sea and become a virtual town square. A place for people to connect and share their thoughts, ideas and dreams.

The vision was there, but the reality of social media has become something much different.

It’s a place driven by outrage, hate, and controversy. And it’s ruining public debate and possibly us as a society.

Ed Coper is one of the founding strategists behind GetUp! and he’s written a new book Angertainment about how social media has birthed an entire outrage industry that is harvesting and monetising our worst impulses.

In this chat with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Ed tells us how we got here and why understanding it is the first step to defeating it.

Ed Coper appears at The Wheeler Centre in Melbourne on Wednesday 24 June. Angertainment is available now.

The Weekend List:

To do: Get to a Jazz bar (recommended by listener Timmy)
To do: Get around the SBS
To Watch: John Safran’s new doco Shut Your Big Fat Mouth John Safran (on SBS)
To Watch: The Socceroos (beat?) the US at the World Cup

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines:

Australia’s migration numbers revealed
Ships begin moving through the Strait of Hormuz
Gina Rinehart gifts Pauline Hanson a 'beautiful big fat orange bulldozer'
Labor unveils CGT carve-outs as inquiry hands down report
All eyes on Seattle for Socceroos vs USA

Deep Dive:Australia has been rocked by another shark attack this week, with a Sydney mum losing an arm after being mauled by a suspected Great White.

It’s prompted yet another debate about how to keep people safe at our beaches, but calls have grown louder this time around for a shark cull to be brought in to lower populations and protect swimmers.

But it’s not as simple as that, says Lawrence Chlebeck, a marine biologist with Humane World for Animals.

In this episode of The Briefing, he sits down with Sacha Barbour Gatt to explain shark culls, their flaws, and what could work better.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines:

Pauline Hanson criticised for press club address as AFP investigates banner incident
US officials reveal Iran peace deal details
Pakistani officials apologise for fatal shooting of Australian girl
First non-stop flight to Europe from Australia’s east coast confirmed
The Maroons thump the Blues in State of Origin 2

Deep Dive:Kyle Sandilands and ARN have settled their legal dispute, clearing the way for the radio shock jock to make his next move in the audio space.

But it turns out he’ll still be tied to his former employer, which will be taking a cut of the profits from his new show, and they’ll still have to host ads for him on the station he once called home.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined again by industry insider Craig Bruce to break down the deal and what it means for the future of audio in Australia.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines:

Interest rate hike reprieve, but the pain might not be over
Ben Roberts-Smith bail conditions varied
Pauline Hanson to address the National Press Club for the first time in her political career
Virgin Australia lashed as it plans to pocket $90 million in travel credits
Kyle Sandilands apparently settles with ARN for $15 million

Deep Dive: The Albanese government has been struggling to convince voters its proposed changes to the Capital Gains Tax – as outlined in last month’s budget – will be beneficial for Australians.

The business sector and Coalition is up in arms about the effects it will have on investment in this country, with accusations the two-day Senate inquiry into the planned changes is rushed.

Independent economist Saul Eslake appeared at that hearing this week. In this episode of The Briefing, he joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to explain how the reforms to CGT will affect different Aussies and give his verdict on the changes.

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Tuesday Headlines:

Skepticism surrounds US-Iran peace deal
AFP confirms investigation into allegations of sexual assault by flotilla activists
Sydney shark attack victim loses arm
Economists back government’s CGT plan, but admit it’s not perfect
Gina Rinehart buys ‘significant’ stake in SpaceX

Deep Dive: A new cosmetic procedure is plumping faces – and raising eyebrows – in the US.

It involves using the fat from dead bodies as filler in patients seeking plumper lips, butts and faces, despite very limited clinical trials or proof it’s safe.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by QLD plastic surgeon Dr David Sparks to talk zombie filler and ask not only whether it’s safe, but also whether it’s ethical to use cadaver tissue for beauty.

Further listening from headlines:'I heard the screams': Inside Israeli detention
Elon’s road to $1,000,000,000,000

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YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

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The United States and Iran have announced a cease-fire deal that would pause fighting for 60 days. “Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” Trump wrote on social media.

Sacha Barbour Gatt has this breaking news update.

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Monday Headlines:

New poll has Pauline Hanson as preferred PM
Trump tells all sides to ‘stand down’ amid peace talks
Nine-year-old Australian girl killed in Pakistan
Renewed calls for a Sydney shark cull after Coogee attack
Socceroos stun in World Cup opener against Turkiye

Deep Dive: A proposed $900 million waste-to-energy plant in Fiji sparked fierce criticism before it was ultimately rejected, with opponents warning the nation risked becoming the "Pacific's ashtray" and accusing Australia of engaging in "waste colonialism".

The project has reignited debate around waste-to-energy technology, which supporters say can reduce landfill and generate electricity, but critics argue risks creating a dependence on burning waste rather than reducing it.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with environmental researcher Professor Ray Wills about the Fiji proposal, the future of waste-to-energy in Australia, and whether burning rubbish is a necessary part of solving the country's growing waste problem.

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YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

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Terence Tao was a child prodigy, and became a mathematics professor in the United States at age 24. In his early 30s he won the Fields Medal, known as 'the Nobel Prize of Mathematics'. Tao is considered one of the greatest living mathematicians, in part because of the breadth of his contributions to the field – from finding new patterns in prime numbers to solving several of the "unsolvable" Erdős problems.

On Monday, the King's Birthday, Tao was awarded Australia's highest civilian honour, the Companion of the Order of Australia.

In this bonus episode of The Briefing, Terence Tao, AC, speaks with Natarsha Belling about the pleasures of solving problems, and how maths makes the world a less scary place.

If you want more Terence Tao, one of the YouTube channels he mentions is 3Blue1Brown, and Tao is featured on an episode.

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He became one of the breakout stars of Married At First Sight Australia last year, but life after it wasn't exactly what Dave Hand expected.

The self-described "gentle giant" found himself navigating one of TV’s biggest experiments, alongside sudden fame and online scrutiny all while his dad was undergoing cancer treatment.

And this year he swapped one reality TV juggernaut for another, joining Netflix's Perfect Match alongside stars from Love Is Blind, Love Island, Vanderpump Rules and Too Hot To Handle.

In this episode of The Weekend Briefing, Dave joins Chris Spyrou to unpack the reality behind reality TV, from MAFS dinner parties to producer relationships, tattoo regrets and how he managed to avoid Bali belly while filming in ... Mexico.

The Weekend List

To Watch: Project Hail Mary (recommended by listener Rebecca)
To Watch: Not Suitable For Work on Disney+
To Do: Get around Baby Bunting’s ‘Storktake’ sale

To Listen: Anything from Madonna’s upcoming Confessions II album.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

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Friday Headlines:

Pauline Hanson says $2.6m donations legit after PM casts doubt
Donald Trump calls off strikes on Iran
El Niño returns, likely to bring extreme weather to Australia
Government says it won’t repeat the mistakes of the resource boom with AI
FIFA World Cup kicks off in Mexico

Deep Dive: The world could see its first trillionaire soon, as Elon Musk’s rocket company, SpaceX, goes public. If the SpaceX public offering goes to plan, then Musk could increase his personal fortune by hundreds of billions of US dollars in just a few days.

How did Musk get so filthy rich? And how should we think about one individual controlling a trillion US dollars, and the unique power that type of wealth confers?

In this episode The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Tom Maloney - an editor and wealth reporter at Bloomberg in New York to unpack Musk’s path to a trillion and how he conquered capitalism.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

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In this episode of The Briefing, we continue Chris Spyrou’s chat with NSW Premier Chris Minns.

After discussing medicinal cannabis driving reforms, abortion laws and the state of political debate in part one, the conversation turns to One Nation.

Minns shares whether he pays attention to the polls, why he's concerned about his own seat, his reactions to the Federal Budget and his response to the political donations case heading to court next week.

Listen to part one here

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Thursday Headlines:

Trump promises to hit Iran ‘hard again today’
Belfast stabbing accused faces court as victim’s family condemns unrest
Pauline Hanson met with protests on Perth campaign trip
TGA launches crackdown on unregulated peptides
Bad Bunny meets the Pope

Deep Dive: There’s a lot going on in Aussie politics at the moment.

One Nation is polling ahead of Labor in surveys for the first time, abortion access is being debated, and one of the country's tougher states on drugs is carving out an exemption for medicinal cannabis users who drive.

NSW Premier Chris Minns is at the centre of a lot of it.

In part one of this two-part chat with Chris Spyrou, the Premier walks us through the state’s cannabis driving reforms, the push to outlaw sex-selective abortions and his reaction to the “ditch the witch” campaign targeting Jacinta Allan.

Listen to part two here.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:

High Court: Australian government may have to compensate people who were illegally detained
One Nation’s anti-Labor fundraising drive brings in hundreds of thousands
Neale Daniher farewelled at MCG state funeral
Alleged Bondi shooter charged with 19 more offences
Oyster farmer elected to run for U.S. Senate
New research links iPhone to declining birth rate

Deep Dive:

The Iran war has escalated again, and the ceasefire has never looked more fragile. In the last 24 hours a U.S. helicopter was shot down over the Strait of Hormuz, leading to further rounds of strikes between the nations. Iran and Israel have also been exchanging fire, and Israel is still conducting an offensive against Lebanon.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by defence and maritime expert Jennifer Parker. Is the Middle East heading back into all-out war?

Follow The Briefing:

TikTok: @thebriefingpod

Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast

YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines:

Trump promises to ‘respond’ after US helicopter shot down by Iran
Elon Musk calls for anti-immigration protests after brutal stabbing in Ireland
Apple ‘inspired’ by Australia’s world-first social media ban
Opening date announced for new Western Sydney Airport
Matildas win friendly against Mexico in Caitlin Foord’s 150th game

Deep Dive: Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital has taken a 15-year-old girl to the Supreme Court after she refused treatment for her leukaemia – and won.

Backed by her mother, who believed God could heal her daughter, the teenager rejected a bone marrow transplant despite doctors warning her chances of survival without it were just five per cent. The court sided with the hospital, authorising treatment against her wishes last month.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with University of Sydney law professor Cameron Stewart about the legal doctrine that allowed the court to intervene and what happens when medicine, parental authority and religious belief collide.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:

Angus Taylor isn't ruling out One Nation preference deal
Trump's $US100,000 H-1B skilled worker visa fee struck down by Judge
New research calls for urgent Jobseeker boost with Aussies skipping meals and healthcare
Survey finds 57% of Netflix subscribers spend $119 a year without watching a thing

Deep Dive:

The FIFA world cup kicks off in a few days, but the tournament has already been rocked by a number of controversies including visa denials - with the US, a host nation, denying a top referee entry into the country citing vetting concerns.

Then there’s also the interesting bromance between Donald Trump and the controversial FIFA president who recently gifted Trump a peace prize.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by David Rowe, Emeritus Professor of Cultural Research, Institute for Culture and Society from Western Sydney University to unpack how politics and sport collide.

Follow The Briefing:

TikTok: @thebriefingpod

Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast

YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines:

Iran and Israel promise to halt strikes
35 people dead after 7.8 earthquake strikes the Philippines
PM condemns ‘ditch the witch’ campaign against Victorian premier as Hanson tells her to ‘suck it up’
Every Australian generation thinks things are worse than they were ten years ago
Couple donates $40 million to Fight MND at this year’s Big Freeze

Deep Dive: Every time there is a major sporting event, be it State of Origin or the AFL grand final, we hear how they coincide with an increase in domestic violence reports.

It’s a trend that advocates call “predictable and preventable” with calls growing for changes to liqour laws to help combat the scourge.

In this episode of The Briefing, advocate and investigative journalist Jess Hill sits down with Sacha Barbour Gatt to discuss how simple regulatory changes could be a gamechanger when it comes to the prevention of DV.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Valentine passed away in April, voluntarily. The beloved ABC radio presenter and musician had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and chose voluntary assisted dying so he could have a say over how he lived his last moments.

Valentine cared about moments. In a moving eulogy at Valentine’s public memorial, his son, Roy Valentine, said that his dad always asked the question: “How do you want to live?” James Valentine lived with joy, curiosity, and openness, and wanted everyone else to be able to do the same.

Today, James Valentine is being officially honoured as a Member of the Order of Australia. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Roy Valentine to talk about his father’s legacy.

Follow The Briefing:

TikTok: @thebriefingpod

Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast

YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines:

Former Australian of the year Professor Richard Scolyer dies aged 59
More than 900 Aussies on the Kings Birthday honours list
Newspoll has One Nation ahead of Labor for the first time
Oscar Piastri misses podium at Monaco Grand Prix

Deep Dive: June 8 marks the UN’s World Oceans Day, a chance to raise global awareness of the critical role our seas play in the health and wellbeing of the planet.

While a lot of our focus and knowledge of the ocean is on the parts we can see, there are teams of scientists and researchers who are probing the deep sea, around three quarters of which remains unmapped and unexplored.

In today’s deep dive, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by the CSIRO’s Dr Will White to discuss the deep sea, the recent discovery of new species off the coast of Australia and why it matters.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As most states (sorry, WA and QLD) gear up to celebrate the King's Birthday public holiday tomorrow, some might be asking the question Aussies have been asking themselves for decades;

Why are we still living life under the British monarchy?

In this bonus episiode of The Briefing, we hear from a republican and a monarchist about their arguments to either leave or stay.

This episode was first published in October 2024 as King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in Australia for a royal tour.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

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Antoinette Lattouf is no stranger to The Briefing. Long before she became the centre of one of Australia’s most closely watched media controversies, she was sitting in the host’s chair herself.

Since then, the journalist, author and co-founder of ETTE Media has endured a very public battle with the ABC after being taken off air over a social media post about Gaza - a dismissal later found by the Fair Work Commission to be unlawful.

In this chat with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Antoinette reflects on the fallout from that experience, the lessons behind her new book Women Who Win, and why women who challenge the status quo are so often punished for it.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

Listener Karli TO WATCH: Widows Bay on Apple TV
TO WATCH: The Sheep Detectives in cinemas
TO TRY: Digital photo frame
TO WATCH: The Real Housewives of Rhode Island on Hayu

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:

One Nation’s Barnaby Joyce backtracks over kicking permanent residents out of their homes
ASIC is formally investigating KPMG
Thermos King Food Jar recalled after causing vision loss in the US
China’s about to put a 55% tariff on Aussie beef
Prince Andrew appears with a massive face bruise

Deep Dive:

Aussies love to talk about property prices, and the focus this week has been on new data showing declines in some house prices. But how significant are the downturns in Sydney and Melbourne, and what kind of properties are still hitting record highs?

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by My Bui, economist at AMP, to talk about whether Australia is actually in a property correction, and what it could mean for your finances.

Follow The Briefing:

TikTok: @thebriefingpod

Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast

YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines:

Labor facing uphill battle to get CGT and NDIS legislation passed
Government calls for investigation into sexual assault allegations of Australian flotilla members
Hezbollah rejects latest ceasefire
Bondi hero charged with assault
Content creator fired over viral Indigenous skit

Deep Dive: A robot recently beat the human half-marathon world record by seven minutes, another walked the Met Gala red carpet, while one major world religion is ordaining them as monks.

Humanoid robots are turning up in spaces we once thought were exclusively ours - and that's not an accident. It's the latest move in a multibillion-dollar effort to make machines feel familiar, relatable and, ultimately, welcome.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou traces the 60-year playbook behind our relationship with machines - from a 1960s MIT chatbot to a breathing AI in your pocket – to explain how we arrived at a moment where robots are beginning to move from our screens and showrooms into our streets.

Further listening from headlines:'I heard the screams': Inside Israeli detention

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:

Trump rebuked by Congress over war powers, as Iran and Lebanon agree to new ceasefire
Elderly man was stabbed before shooting home invader in rural NSW
Melbourne Neo-Nazis convicted over ANZAC Day boos, as High Court dismisses hate group challenge
Mary the Tassie Devil is still on the loose

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TikTok: @thebriefingpod

Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast

YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines:

One Nation support surges among women, inner-city livers and the wealthy
Netanyahu brushes off tensions as Trump confirms fiery phone call
Australia among countries facing new US tariffs
80% of cigs and vapes smoked in Australia last year were illegal
Lisa Jane Spencer faces backlash for skit mocking Aboriginal Australians
NSW to allow medicinal cannabis users to drive

Deep Dive: We already know that our increasing appetite for all things AI has the potential to harm the planet and our hip pockets, with energy-hungry data centres needed to power the demand.

A new report by the Climate Council has highlighted this fact, with fears of a 25% increase in electricity prices by 2035 and 3x growth in water consumption and energy needs in less than four years if things keep going unchecked.

But there are ways for data centres to be green, with the Climate Council’s CEO Amanda McKenzie explaining how on this episode of The Briefing.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:

GDP growth in March quarter was 0.3%, lower than expected
Carlton dick pic case to be heard in public
Protests in Britain over police actions during stabbing death
Active fighting again between Iran and the US
Bear attacks in Japan are on the rise

Deep Dive:

The accounting firm KPMG is in crisis, after a whistleblower revealed KPMG had used confidential client information to secure further work for itself. Accounting firms are meant to be the upstanding citizens of the corporate world – now, though, KPMG is at risk of losing customers who no longer trust their documents will be kept secret.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Tansy Harcourt, senior writer for The Australian.

Follow The Briefing:

TikTok: @thebriefingpod

Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast

YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines:

Israel strikes southern Lebanon despite Trump’s announcement
Changes to the NDIS will cause ‘material harm’ to disabled Australians
Barnaby Joyce joins anti-abortion rally in Sydney
Charlie Pickering calls Grace Tame's ABC podcast 'problematic'
The ‘franken-can’ named Australia’s worst packaging

Deep Dive: Tony Abbott is back in frontline Liberal Party politics, after being appointed the party’s Federal President.

But not everyone in the party is convinced it's a good idea. Supporters see Abbott as a powerful communicator who can help reconnect the Liberals with their base, while critics fear his return could overshadow leader Angus Taylor and deepen divisions between the party's conservative and moderate wings.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with AFR political editor Phillip Coorey about why Abbott is back, how much influence a party president really has, and whether his return can help reverse the Liberal Party's decline

Further listening from the headlines:“Globalise the Intifada” explained

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:

Minimum wages rise across Australia by 4.75%
New Australian sanctions against West Bank settlers
AI company Anthropic, worth $900bn, is going public
Tennis legend Serena Williams is returning to the game
1,037 Marilyn Monroes celebrate her 100th birthday

Deep Dive:

“Nobody knows the true scale and severity of this outbreak,” a Médecins Sans Frontières spokesman said about the current Ebola emergency in the Congo. Officially, at least 43 people have died with 263 cases confirmed. Doctors suspect the numbers are much higher.

As the disease spreads the race for a vaccine is on. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Ebola expert and epidemiologist, Professor Paul Griffin.

Follow The Briefing:

TikTok: @thebriefingpod

Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast

YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines:

Iran reportedly halts peace talks with US over Israeli strikes on Lebanon
Peter Garrett to head independent probe into Aukus
Australia hits record number of billionaires
UNSW ranked best Australian uni
Jill Biden reveals her reaction to Joe Biden’s disastrous presidential debate against Donald Trump

Deep Dive: They may be five months away, but chatter is already ramping up ahead of the US midterm elections.

The vote – which helps decide who controls Congress – will be the first major verdict on Donald Trump’s second presidency, but factors other than his performance in the White House will be at play.

In this deep dive, Planet America’s Chas Licciardello joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to break it all down and explain how this election could signal be end of democracy.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:

Jim Chalmers brushes off One Nation polling
Israel expands ground offensive in Lebanon, seizes 900-year-old castle
Police investigate Melbourne house fire that killed child
Harvard speaker urges grads to “kill AI”

Deep Dive:

Complaints against NSW Police have risen by almost 70% in the last decade, and last year police paid $40 million in legal costs and settlements over alleged misconduct. Today the ABC’s Four Corners is airing an explosive report with videos of police bashing civilians, and calls for greater scrutiny.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Four Corners reporter Dylan Welch.

Follow The Briefing:

TikTok: @thebriefingpod

Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast

YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines:

One Nation becomes most popular political party in Australia
Defence Minister reveals changes to AUKUS pact
Searches continue in flooded Laos cave for missing miners
Australian house prices fall
Socceroos lose friendly as countdown to the World Cup hits two weeks

Deep Dive: The government last week launched its biggest lawsuit ever: Australia is suing the US corporate giant 3M for $2 billion, alleging that 3M concealed the fact that its firefighting foam was harmful.

3M's firefighting foam was made from PFAS chemicals, which scientists now say are environmental contaminants, and the government is seeking damages for the contamination of 28 military bases around Australia.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Ian Wright, Associate Professor in Water Science at Western Sydney University, to unpack what we know about PFAS and whether the Commonwealth's case goes far enough.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elon Musk has sparked fresh space-race chatter after revealing SpaceX is shifting its focus from Mars to the Moon, with ambitions to build a “self-growing” lunar city within the next decade.

With multiple countries and private companies rolling out lunar missions, the push to develop Earth’s only natural satellite is heating up fast.

In this bonus episode of The Briefing, astrophysicist Brad Tucker from ANU joins us to break down who the major players are, what a self-growing city actually means, and why inflatable moon hotels might not be as sci-fi as they sound.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Safran is a cult Australian documentarian and professional bear-poker whose career has included everything from trying to join the Ku Klux Klan to getting crucified in the Philippines - and he says he’d probably still do it all again.

The filmmaker first gained fame in Race Around the World in 1997 and since then has always inserted himself into the centre of uncomfortable stories, including squatting inside Kanye West’s abandoned mansion while trying to understand the psychology behind Ye’s antisemitic spiral.

In this chat with Sacha Barbour Gatt, John shares his take on free speech in 2026, why censorship means something completely different in the internet age and how Australians are smarter than we give them credit for.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

Listener Daniel TO READ: Griefdogg by Michael Winkler
TO WATCH: Prime Minister (Jacinda Ardern) on Netflix
TO TRY: Uber pool
TO DO: Check out Broadsheet

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:

Aussie Rents could increase
Opposition Leader withdraws his comments
Amazon Backpack in trouble with ACCC
Tribute show to John Farnham announced

Deep Dive:

Sports journalist Emma Lawrence made history this year as the first woman to call an NRL game, with her achievement being hailed as a win for all women in broadcasting and the industry.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Emma who reveals why she wanted to smash the glass ceiling and how her young daughter inspired her to take on one of the toughest jobs in a male dominated industry.

Follow The Briefing:

TikTok: @thebriefingpod

Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast

YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines:

90% of young Aussies will be better off under tax overhaul
US and Iran agree on 60-day ceasefire extension
Australian joins rescue mission for Laos villagers trapped in a cave
AFP commissioner defends Ben Roberts Smith airport arrest
Blues women win clean sweep of Origin

Deep Dive: The way Australians think about their money has shifted amid years of uncertainty and global impacts outside their control, according to a new report.

One of the big ways we’re seeing this is in Aussies focusing on the things they can control, from joining loyalty programs and rentvesting, to splurging on things that bring them joy and prioritising travel.

In this episode of The Briefing, ING’s CEO Melanie Evans sits down with Sacha Barbour Gatt to reveal why we’re seeing this, and whether the great ‘Australian dream’ has permanently shifted from full time work and houses to side hustles and investing.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:

Govt. launches $2bn lawsuits against 3M over “forever chemicals”
Fourth ‘ISIS bride’ arrested and charged with terrorism offences
Trump rape accuser targeted by criminal investigation
More US strikes in Iran, alongside peace negotiations
Germany’s “most wanted” woman, 67, found guilty of armed robbery

Deep Dive:

Teenagers are having worse sex and getting more STIs. New research shows that one in five teenagers (aged 14-18) have experienced unwanted sex, and that condom use is falling. What’s happening to Australia’s teenagers?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Professor Jennifer Power, Deputy Director of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, and the lead researcher of the new study into teenage sexual health.

Follow The Briefing:

TikTok: @thebriefingpod

Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast

YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines:

Appeal date set for Erin Patterson
Five people found alive after week trapped in Laos cave
240,000 people to be cut from NDIS over four years
Labor’s controversial tax changes to be introduced to parliament today
Blues win Origin 1 in stunning comeback

Deep Dive: Australia’s courts have long allowed judges to consider “good character” references during sentencing, even in child sexual abuse cases.

For many survivors, hearing offenders described in court as “good people” or “champions of young people” can be deeply retraumatising and after years of campaigning, one Australian state has now changed its laws.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with survivor advocate and co founder of Your Reference Ain’t Relevant, Harrison James, about the new laws and why advocates believe this should become a national standard.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:

Inflation drops to 4.2% in year to April
Biggest shake up in the employment system in decades
Westpac hit with 26-million-dollar penalty
Europe swelters in record summer heatwave
NASA reveals plans to settle on the Moon

Deep Dive: What caused the top boss of the National Anti-Corruption Commission to resign? We unpack Paul Brereton’s controversial tenure at NAC and who may be next to take on the top job...

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by UNSW Law Faculty Prof. Gabrielle Appleby.

Read her article here: We need a new anti‑corruption commissioner. Here’s how to pick the right one

Follow The Briefing:

TikTok: @thebriefingpod

Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast

YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines:

More ‘ISIS brides’ touch down in Sydney and Melbourne
More small businesses to be exempt from CGT changes amid backlash
Australia records first diphtheria-related death in almost a decade
Donald Trump to undergo third physical in 13 months
Europe hit by unseasonal heatwave
Aussie wildcard downs former world number one at French Open

Deep Dive: The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail for Gaza two weeks ago with the intention of delivering aid to the people of Gaza, as Israel continues its land, air, and sea blockade of the strip.

Instead, 428 activists on board 50 vessels were intercepted by Israeli forces and detained, with video footage of some of what they went through posted by far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, drawing global outrage.

In this episode of The Briefing we speak with Neve O’Connor, one of the 11 Australians who were part of this group to hear her story of being captured and abused in Israeli detention.

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Headlines:

Two men arrested in Victoria in connection to Dezi Freeman
Police renew search for missing four-year-old Gus Lamont
Energy prices to fall for most households in NSW and QLD, with bigger drops for businesses
US military unleashes new ‘self-defense' strikes on Iran, amid tense peace talks
The Australian share market tumbles, following news of US strikes on Iran
Vivid Sydney drone shows cancelled, following technical malfunction

Deep Dive: Following the death of former AFL great and charity campaigner Neale Daniher, many are asking what is Motor Neurone Disease (MND), what are the warning signs, and what can we do to help prevent it?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by MND Australia CEO Clare Sullivan.

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Tuesday Headlines:

Labor asks for donations to fight One Nation surge
Tributes flow for Neale Daniher
New group of ‘ISIS brides’ to return within days
Ebola outbreak in Central Africa outpacing health response
Aussie astronaut offered a spot on the ISS
Enhanced Games finish with just one record broken

Deep Dive: Is Australia about to get a brand-new political party?

Canberra has been abuzz this week after reports surfaced over the weekend that the already elected Teal independents were gearing up to unite under one banner.

In this deep dive, former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull sits down with Sacha Barbour Gatt to discuss the centrist movement and whether he'd consider joining it.

Further listening from the headlines:Footy's ice-cold ritual
How to be an Astronaut with Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg
Antisemitism Royal Commission returns + Did the ‘steroid Olympics’ flop?

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Headlines:

Budget legislation is coming Thursday, as CGT pushback grows
Steggall and Spender explain why they’re exploring a new political party
Royal Commission hearings return with focus on Bondi attack
Second person dies of diphtheria in the Northern Territory
More Aussie flotilla activists return, and Israel’s president condemns poor treatment
Guzman y Gomez faces US class action lawsuit over hasty exit

Deep Dive:

Can drugs make us superhuman? That’s one question behind the Enhanced Games, the juiced-up sporting event that took place in Las Vegas throughout today. Athletes were paid big money to compete, with US$1 million for anyone who broke a world record time. In the end, only one drug-enhanced athlete did.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Tom Decent, chief sports writer for The Sydney Morning Herald, who was at the event in Vegas.

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Monday Headlines:

Flotilla activists claims of sexual assault while detained
Trump says no rush for Iran deal despite it being ‘largely negotiated’
Second Australian killed in shark attack in as many weeks
Independents in 'advanced talks' to create a new political party
Animals thriving in Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

Deep Dive: One of Australia’s biggest cocaine stings almost collapsed because of a behind-the-scenes turf war between Australian police and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). At the centre of it was a $1 billion shipment linked to a Mexican cartel and a covert operation that exposed deep fractures inside the agencies meant to stop it.

Behind the White Line, published in collaboration with The West Australian on LiSTNR's Secrets We Keep feed, traces the journey of cocaine from narco to nostrils, uncovering the global syndicates, corruption and violence behind Australia’s appetite for the world’s glamour drug.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with investigative journalist Richard Baker about the extraordinary operation, the infighting that threatened to derail it, and the human cost behind Australia’s cocaine obsession.

Listen to Rich’s latest season of Secrets We Keep: Behind the White Line here.

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What happens when the Australian dream turns into a family nightmare?

The new Australian film Birthright takes a darkly funny look at housing inequality, intergenerational wealth and the growing divide between baby boomers and younger Australians - as more adults find themselves moving back in with their parents.

As Australia’s housing crisis deepens, the idea that hard work alone can secure a home is feeling increasingly out of reach, fuelling resentment, financial pressure and shifting family dynamics.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Zoe Pepper, writer and director of Birthright, to unpack the reality behind the satire and ask whether the ‘great Australian dream’ has become more myth than reality.

Find Birthright in cinemas now

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Lyse Doucet is a proud Acadian woman who was born in a small town in Canada and went on to become the BBC’s chief international correspondent - having just the other week returned from reporting in Iran.

She's spent her career on the ground in some of the most dangerous and infamous war zones - ranging from Damascus to Tehran and the Ivory Coast to Gaza, but she’ll be the first to tell you that there’s a lot more to these places than the conflicts they become known for.

In this chat with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Lyse unpacks her new book which takes place inside the walls of Afghanistan’s first luxury hotel, the importance of truth in journalism and how to make a home even in the midst of bombs and wars.

You can see Lyse at Sydney Writers Festival on May 24

Weekend list with Helen Smith

Listener Roxy TO WATCH: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives on Disney+
TO WATCH: Nakba video by NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani
TO DO: Skin check!
TO WATCH: At home with the Fury's on Netflix

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Headlines:

Australian man dies after fall on Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Guzman y Gomez is closing its doors on US business
New Zealand’s Finance Minister invites Aussies over after latest budget changes
Stephen Colbert's Late Show finale begins

Deep Dive:

Kylie Minogue kept her second cancer diagnosis a secret – until this week. Australia’s pop princess has a tell-all Netflix documentary out now, which includes the stories of her 2021 diagnosis and her struggle to become a mum. Filled with home footage, the documentary gives an insider look at Kylie’s rise, her losses, her loves, and the music that helped her through.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by entertainment reporter Justin Hill.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines:

Australian flotilla activists released
More ‘ISIS brides’ heading to Australia
Pauline Hanson announces Norway-inspired gas policy, staffer tells journalist to ‘shut up’
New documents reveal Queen’s hopes for Andrew
Legendary BBC international correspondent Lyse Doucet on the Weekend Briefing

Deep Dive: The sudden departure of Kyle and Jackie O has triggered a power struggle in Australian radio, leaving KIIS’s parent company ARN on the hunt for listeners.

In a surprising move, the network has gambled on television veterans Karl Stefanovic and Eddie McGuire to headline a brand-new national show.

In this episode of The Briefing, industry expert Craig Bruce joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to break down the strategy behind the move and whether this controversial pairing can help save the embattled network.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:

Paul Keating backs the CGT changes
The US reveals arrest warrant for Cuban ex-president
World’s first trillionaire? Two big tech companies are going public
Aussie unemployment climbs higher than expected
Avalon airport resumes flights after a hairy scare

Deep Dive:

Diphtheria was eradicated in Australia, so why is the government spending $7.2 million to contain an outbreak? The disease kills one in ten people, and can present as slow-healing sores or a respiratory infection – and there are now about 200 cases in Australia. Vaccination prevents the disease, but it's made a resurgence in the NT, WA, SA, and Queensland.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by epidemiologist A. Prof. Sanjaya Senanayake.

Follow The Briefing:

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines:

Israeli minister condemned for taunting handcuffed Gaza flotilla activists
Anthony Albanese meets with the family of Kumanjayi Little Baby
NRL player announces immediate retirement after MND diagnosis
Queensland's new public hospital to refuse VAD or abortions
Melbourne teen becomes youngest Aussie to reach Everest summit

Deep Dive: AI-generated images of The Prime Minister as a startup co-founder, tradie and “silent business partner” have flooded social media this week - all in protest of one controversial Budget measure.

The government’s plan to scrap the 50% capital gains tax discount on most assets from 2027 has sparked backlash from startup founders and small business owners, who say it could punish innovation and push investment offshore.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with ABC Business Daily host Daniel Ziffer about what capital gains tax actually is, why business owners are panicking, and whether the fears stack up.

Further listening from headlines:Inside Everest’s death zone

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Headlines:

Minns enters the tax reform chat, as Chalmers and Taylor spar over CGT
Putin arrives in China to meet Xi Jinping, days after Trump leaves
Trump threatens Iran again, a day after calling off another strike
Hillsong’s Houston has another problem with porn on Twitter
Kylie Minogue’s second cancer diagnosis revealed in doco

Deep Dive:

The war in Iran has taken all attention away from the ongoing, four-year-long war between Russia and Ukraine. Now the tide is turning against Putin, with Ukrainian drone strikes reaching Russian cities and Russia’s army losing territory.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr. Malcolm Davis, defence expert at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines:

DFAT seeking confirmation on the welfare of Aussies on board flotilla reportedly taken by Israel
Questions about BOM efficiency after Gold Coast rainfall
Australia's 'biggest diphtheria outbreak’ in decades spreads into Qld, SA and WA
SA politicians walk out of One Nation leader’s maiden speech
Axing carparks in apartments could make them cheaper

Deep Dive: A recent social media exchange between American airline JetBlue and a customer has sparked not only a broad conversation about how companies are watching us, but also a lawsuit.

We know that our clicks are being tracked when we browse for things online and that data is being collected and used to set prices ... but this could be the first time it’s been openly admitted to.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by marketing expert Professor Nitika Garg who explains exactly what surveillance pricing is and how it’s being – and could be used - against us.

Follow The Briefing:
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YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:

47-year-old man faced court after being charged over alleged murder of wife and two children
PM Anthony Albanese addresses AI images slamming tax changes
Five dead after Mosque shooting in US
Bunnings bomb threat in Brisbane
Shakria to be paid nearly $90 million AU

Deep Dive:

A bombshell new report has revealed a concerning amount of alcohol sold at Australian bottle shops is contaminated.

The top drug and alcohol experts found unsafe levels of methanol and plastics during testing and are now calling for a crackdown on retailers and also better regulation.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr Nicholas Taylor from the National Drug Research Institute who explains how dangerous this contamination is and the deadly side effects.

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In part two of our chat with the deputy leader of the Liberal Party, Senator Jane Hume, we get into her party’s migration policy and what the “right mix” of migrants looks like in Australia.

After announcing welfare would be limited to citizens in its budget reply, the Coalition has been asked whether it’s failed in its promise to not become ‘One Nation Lite’ and if its future could include Pauline Hanson’s party.

Hume responds to those questions, as well as Sussan Ley’s claims that the Coalition is worse off now than it was when she was dumped.

Listen to part one here.

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Tuesday Headlines:

Elon Musk loses high profile lawsuit against Open AI
Australians among those on-board Israeli-seized Gaza flotilla
Sydney triple murder a suspected domestic violence incident
Global scramble underway to try to stem Ebola outbreak
Social media ban preventing Aussie teens from accessing news
Two men arrested over stunt at Punch the monkey’s enclosure

Deep Dive: The Coalition has spent the last year in the political wilderness, battling an increasingly influential One Nation and a failure to present genuine and clear policies.

Last week, opposition leader Angus Taylor issued his budget reply speech, with a focus on taxes and migration as a way to win back disaffected voters.

In this special two-part interview, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with the deputy leader of the Liberal Party, Senator, Jane Hume, about whether this budget platform will be the one to claw them back votes and re-cement them as a meaningful opposition to Labor.

Follow The Briefing:
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Headlines:

Opposition promises to scrap Labor's tax changes
US President Donald Trump's new threat for Iran
Passenger detained and banned from Qantas after allegedly biting attendant
Thousands queue across the globe for SWATCH watch

Deep Dive:

Over the weekend the World Health Organisation declared an Ebola outbreak in the Republic of Congo and Uganda as a ‘public health emergency of international concern’, following the recent Hantavirus cruise ship crisis, which has left many asking if Australia is prepared for another pandemic?

Have we learnt any lessons from COVID-19 and what is needed to make sure that next time the Government gets the balance right?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Paul Griffin, a microbiologist and director of infectious diseases at Mater Hospital, who explains why trust in the public health system is vital for prevention.

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In the second part of this special two-part deep dive, we continue to learn about the investigation that exposed a global online rape academy.

It wasn’t hiding on the dark web either, but in plain sight on forums and websites accessible by anyone with an internet connection.

So far, we’ve heard from CNN’s Kara Fox about the early days of her team’s probe, and in this episode, we learn how they tracked one of these abusers to his hometown in Poland – and what happened next.

You can read Kara and her team’s investigation piece here.

Listen to part one here.
Pt 1: Exposing a global ‘rape academy’

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines:

Angus Taylor overtakes Anthony Albanese as preferred PM
Tributes flow for Perth dad killed in shark attack
WHO declares global health emergency over Ebola outbreak
Health experts warn big tobacco is exploiting illicit market fears to unwind health gains
Cops guarding king under investigation for falling asleep

Deep Dive: The shocking case of Gisèle Pelicot was one that gripped the world and lead a team of investigative journalists to expose what’s come to be known as a ‘global rape academy’.

Their investigation revealed that just like Gisèle’s former husband, men around the world are taking to forums and websites to openly discuss, plan and carry out and profit from the drug facilitated sexual abuse of their partners without their knowledge as they sleep.

In this special two-part deep dive, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by CNN Senior Reporter Kara Fox, whose team tracked down perpetrators and spoke with survivors to expose the online world hiding in plain sight.

You can read Kara and her team’s investigation piece here.

Listen to part two here.
Pt 2: Tracking an abuser inside the global ‘rape academy’

Follow The Briefing:
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YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An investigation into Australia’s cocaine binge, Behind the White Line, traces the trail of white powder, from narco to nostrils. The series goes inside a $1 billion shipment, exposing a police turf war between the United States' DEA, the AFP and WA cops over an audacious sting to outwit a Mexican cartel.

With exclusive interviews of high-ranking detectives, undercover operatives, DEA agents and coke users, Behind the White Line, examines the human cost of the world’s glamour drug hosted by investigative journalist Richard Baker.

Available from 21 May on LiSTNR's Secrets We Keep, on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years, Colin Fassnidge was sold to Australian audiences as the gruff Irish answer to Gordon Ramsay, but off camera he’s far more thoughtful, self-aware and surprisingly soft-hearted than his TV persona suggests.

After becoming a household name on My Kitchen Rules, Colin continued to travel through food and delivering TV gold, but behind the fiery one-liners and shows, he’s now opening up about therapy, burnout and the pressure of constantly performing.

In this chat with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Colin opens up about the realities of making television, why a recent filming trip to Mongolia pushed him to his limits, his friendship with Pete Evans and what food still means to him after decades in the industry.

Check out Vivid Fire Kitchen - May 22 to June 13

Weekend list with Helen Smith

Listener Bree TO READ: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
TO TRY: L'Oreal Paris Elvive Bond Repair shampoo and conditioner
TO EAT: Get a slow cooker!
TO WATCH: Ladies of London season 4 on Hayu

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Headlines:

Neo-Nazis are now a prohibited hate group
Hantavirus cruise passengers land in Perth
Ten remain in hospital after Queensland bus crash kills one
New poll has One Nation beating Labor
Day Two of Trump’s China visit is underway
Delta Goodrem is through to the Eurovision grand final

Deep Dive:

Housing tax reforms were at the centre of Labor’s Budget, but the big question is: will they help? Is Labor right that investment incentives are the problem, or is the Coalition right to blame migrants... or are both parties missing the biggest issues with Australia's housing market?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by housing expert Dr Michael Fotheringham, Managing Director of the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute.

Follow The Briefing:

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Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast

YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines:

Angus Taylor has laid out his budget reply
Xi says US and China ‘should be partners, not rivals’ despite earlier warning on Taiwan
Leadership challenge imminent on UK PM Sir Keir Starmer
NSW wins Women’s State of Origin
Sam Kerr to leave Chelsea
Delta hits the Eurovision stage

Deep Dive: Australia is currently deep in what some experts are calling a ‘running revolution’.

It feels like everyone and their dog are tracking their workouts on Strava, getting kitted out in the best gear and signing up for their local half-marathon.

Should you be too? In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Emeritus Professor Mark Hargreaves, an expert in physiology, to discuss.

Further listening from headlines:China’s quiet role in the Iran war

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Headlines:

Trump boasts of high-powered delegation to China
Aussie hantavirus passengers to begin their journey home
Labor has a new senator, as Tammy Tyrell switches sides
Budget reactions see major Aussie banks lose value

Deep Dive:

Coles misled its customers over false discounts, a Federal Court ruled today. The supermarket raised prices only to slightly drop them, and then presented the new, higher, prices as “Down Down” discounts. Coles shoppers were misled over hundreds of common supermarket items, the judge found.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Joel Gibson, consumer expert, to talk about what penalties Coles could face and whether we’ll ever be able to trust supermarkets again.

Follow The Briefing:

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines:

Coalition to stop non-citizens from accessing welfare
Trump arrives in Beijing for talks with Xi Jinping
Aircraft secured to bring Aussies home from hantavirus outbreak
US Court overturns Alex Murdaugh's murder convictions and orders new trial
Evidence of dentistry found in Neanderthals

Deep Dive: This week, in the shadow of the budget, the federal government dropped its long-awaited response to gambling harm.

It’s left critics not only underwhelmed with the response, but also angry at the decision to try to bury it under headlines focusing on the 2026 budget.

In this episode of The Briefing, Independent MP Kate Chaney joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to dissect the government’s response and what needs to happen next to address gambling harm in this country.

Further listening from the headlines:
Budget reactions, from love to hate
China’s quiet role in the Iran war

Follow The Briefing:
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YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:

Politicians react, and budget battle lines are drawn
Iran still has missiles, according to US intelligence
FBI director grilled over his drinking
Inquest begins into taser death of 95yo Clare Nowland
Scrapped: plans for Gold Coast Trump tower

Deep Dive:

On the day after the Federal Budget we get a preview of a year’s worth of political messaging. The Coalition are calling the tax reforms an assault on aspiration, while the Greens have said the budget helps big corporations and cuts off disabled Australians. Barnaby Joyce thinks you might be better off buying a boat than investing.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Tim Lester, Politics and National Security correspondent for Channel 7.

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Jim Chalmers has handed down his fifth federal budget overnight, revealing a $45 billion improvement to the bottom line.

But amidst the numbers and policies, what are the things you should know about?

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt and Chris Spyrou take you through the biggest announcements, from changes to negative gearing to a little tax time sweetener.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:

Soldier Lachlan Muddle dies in parachuting accident
Another hantavirus infection, as Aussies wait in Netherlands
Chalmers gives a final pre-budget preview
UK is heading towards a leadership spill
Canvas hack resolves with hackers supposedly deleting data
... and Wordle is becoming a TV game show

Deep Dive:

Australia is a data centre destination: investors and developers love our stable infrastructure and the submarine internet cables that connect us to the rest of the world. That means that we have a lot of data centres, and more on the way.

So: what exactly is a data centre? Who owns them? Who uses them? And where are they being built? In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr Bronwyn Cumbo from the University of Technology Sydney.

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Tuesday Headlines:

Aussies on hantavirus cruise ship board flight back home
Pauline Hanson says she’ll ‘never ever’ give Coalition a preference deal again
Police find body believed to be Lake Cargelligo triple murderer
Alleged white house dinner shooter pleads not guilty
Trump says Iran ceasefire on 'life support'
Dua Lipa sues Samsung

Deep Dive: Australia is on the brink of a major shift in ADHD care, with GPs across the country now able, or soon to be able, to diagnose the condition for the first time.

But questions remain about whether the system is ready to do it well.

Prescription rates have surged elevenfold in 20 years, access has long been unequal across regions, and each state is rolling out its own rules with little consistency in training requirements or funding.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Leanne Maskell - author, ADHD and autism advocate, founder of ADHD Works, and adviser to Australian state governments on this rollout- to explain what getting this right actually looks like in practice, and what's at stake if it goes wrong.

Further listening from the headlines:Our chat with Pauline Hanson

Follow The Briefing:
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Headlines:

One Nation aims for Western Sydney next, says Barnaby Joyce
Media boss Catalano faces court over assault allegations
Trump calls Iran peace plan “TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!”
Australian pharmaceutical giant CSL suffers 17pc one-day drop
Delta Goodrem walks the ‘turquoise carpet’ for Eurovision

Deep Dive:

Pauline Hanson joins Natarsha Belling for a conversation about the wipeout election in Farrer. One Nation won its first lower house seat in the federal parliament, and is already aiming for more. How does Hanson feel about the Liberal Party? Should Australians trust someone who has been to prison? Are her supporters racist? Senator Pauline Hanson responds.

Follow The Briefing:

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines:

Coalition leadership questions after Farrer by-election loss to One Nation
Melbourne ‘ISIS brides’ to apply for bail
Aussies stuck on hantavirus ship set to fly home tomorrow
Woman charged after allegedly making antisemitic comments at junior netball game
Best place to live in Australia revealed

Deep Dive: As we head into winter, Australians are being told the same thing: get your flu jab.

But how much do we know about the vaccine we’re encouraged to get every single year? And how effective is it really?

The science behind the flu jab is more nuanced than the public messaging often suggests - and that’s something infectious disease expert Professor Peter Collignon thinks we need to talk about more honestly.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with the ANU Medical School professor, physician and microbiologist about how the flu spreads, who benefits most from vaccination, and whether public health messaging around the flu shot has become too simplistic.

Follow The Briefing:
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For most families, Mother’s Day is about celebrating our mums and all they do for us. But for those whose mum is no longer around, it can be a pretty tough day.

Research shows more than 1 million women lose their mums before the age of 44. There are fears their grief is being ignored with women reporting higher rates of depression, anxiety, prolonged grief and post-traumatic stress.

So, is their pain being ignored? And what can be done to raise more awareness to make sure they get the help they need?

In this rewind episode of The Briefing, we talk to Danielle Snelling – the Co-Founder of Motherless Daughters Australia to find out.

If this episode has raised any issues for you, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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Multiple outlets project he will claim the victory over Independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine writing a song in just a couple of hours that ends up with over a billion streams on Spotify, making you the second solo female country artist in history to hit that milestone. That's the story of Dasha.

The country artist freestyled the now viral line 'did your boots stop workin'?' and it changed her career trajectory - earning her fans from Australia to Europe, and even inside prison walls.

Dasha is rewriting what it means to be a woman in country music as she does shooeys for the crowd and follows the lead of the great Dolly Parton on how to break every rule with a smile.

In this chat with Helen Smith, Dasha opens up about navigating overnight success, what she learned about gut instinct and trusting yourself and why she believes the girls are officially taking country back.

Weekend list with The Briefing Mums and Helen Smith

Helen's Mum: French toast!
Jade's Mum: Frozen Portuguese Tarts from Aldi
Sacha's Mum: The Life Impossible by Matt Haig
Kurt's Mum: Kick your shoes off, be in the moment and do something you love

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Headlines:

Renewed fighting in the Strait of Hormuz
NT announces review into child protection system
Julie Bishop resigns as ANU Chancellor
‘ISIS brides’ charged, and are set to apply for bail on Monday
More budget announcements: $3.8bn for Melbourne’s rail project
... and talk of a French Open boycott

Deep Dive:

Months after Dezi Freeman escaped into the bush after killing two police officers, nobody was sure if he was even still alive. One journalist, Cassie Zervos, followed the case even as the trail went cold. Then, months into the hunt, Zervos received two text messages from her police contacts: “DF found”, and “DF dead”.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Cassie Zervos to talk about the search for Freeman, and the speculation about how he might have survived on the run for so long.

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Friday Headlines:

‘ISIS Brides’ arrested and expected to face court today
Vigils held across the country to honour five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby
WHO assures the world hantavirus outbreak isn’t the next Covid
Man arrested after allegedly threatening former Prince Andrew with a weapon
Parasitic wasp named after David Attenborough for his 100th birthday

Deep Dive: David Attenborough is 100 today, and to celebrate a century of extraordinary storytelling and wildlife filmmaking, we’re taking a look back on his career.

From the accidental presenter of Zoo Quest in the 1950s, to the most trusted voice in the natural world, he’s also received two knighthoods, has had 30 species named after him, and is a fierce advocate for action on climate change.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by science broadcaster, journalist, and longtime host of ABC RN's The Science Show, Robyn Williams AO, who has known and worked alongside Sir David for decades, to discuss the documentarian’s incredible life.

Follow The Briefing:
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Headlines:

‘ISIS brides’ and children landing around 5:30pm AEST
Education platform Canvas hit by global data breach, with Aussies affected
Apparent Epstein suicide note is unsealed
Melbourne reverses course on Fed Square FIFA matches
... and French professor investigated for awarding fake prize to himself

Deep Dive:

When the Liberal Party dumped Sussan Ley as leader, they inadvertently set up a direct challenge with One Nation. Ley’s old seat of Farrer is going to a by-election this weekend, and One Nation is aiming to win its first seat in the House of Representatives. The Liberal candidate isn’t even a frontrunner; instead, the competition is between the independent Michelle Milthorpe and One Nation's candidate David Farley. Is One Nation about to become an existential risk to the Coalition?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Tony Barry, an expert political consultant from the Redbridge Group.

Follow The Briefing:

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Thursday Headlines:

US-Iran deal could be closed soon
Deadly hantavirus outbreak spreads to Europe
Three states to cop snow in cold snap
Legal warnings as One Nation backs Ben Roberts-Smith
One Nation volunteer clashes with Liberal senator James Paterson
Public FIFA screenings banned in Melbourne ahead of the World Cup

Deep Dive: Critical minerals are being sold as the backbone of Australia’s future, and right now, countries around the world are scrambling to secure them.

But what exactly are they? Why have they become such a major economic and national security priority? And what does Australia, a country built on digging things up and shipping them overseas, stand to gain?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Professor in Global Governance at the University of Sydney Susan Park to unpack it all.

Follow The Briefing:
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YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:

Police investigate swastika wearer outside Royal Commission
Three NT child workers stood down over Kumanjayi Little Baby case
Islamic State wives and children book return to Australia
Fuel update: $10bn in budget for fuel security
Trump steps back Hormuz hostilities, pauses Project Freedom
... and the Pope calls customer support

Deep Dive:

There's a cruise ship off Africa that’s infected with hantavirus – but what exactly is hantavirus? How does it spread? Should we be worried about this disease?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Professor Meru Sheel, an epidemiologist from The University of Sydney, to get the facts about hantavirus.

Follow The Briefing:
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines:

Australia’s big four banks pass on rate hike with more pain on the way
WHO suspects human-to-human transmission in deadly cruise ship hantavirus outbreak
Carlton whacked with fine over Elijah Hollands incident
Illegal cigarettes could wipe out the legal trade in Australia as soon as 2030
Met Gala red carpet has dominated social media feeds overnight

Deep Dive: Restaurants, pubs, brothels and bars have become the latest targets of firebombings across Melbourne, with a new taskforce set up to investigate the recent spate of attacks.

Since February, at least 32 businesses have been hit with molotov cocktails, shot up with bullets and broken into.

In today’s episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by former AFP officer who led one of Australia’s illicit tobacco taskforces Rohan Pike to find out why the city’s hospitality businesses are being targeted by organised crime gangs and what’s being done to stop the violence.

Follow The Briefing:
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YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:

RBA raises cash rate target to 4.35%
Australian author Craig Silvey pleads guilty
Jefferson Lewis excused from first court appearance
Police confirm fatalities of two Marine Rescue Crew
Lively and Baldoni settle two weeks before trial

Deep Dive:

For the third month in a row, the RBA has raised interest rates. At the start of February, the RBA’s cash rate target was 3.6%; it’s now 4.35%. We know that rising rates will affect consumer debt, like mortgages – but what are the flow-on effects for businesses?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Dan Hunter, the CEO of Business NSW.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines:

Government to keep EV tax break despite cost blowout
Three dead in waters off NSW as rescue goes wrong
UAE intercepts Iranian missiles for first time since ceasefire
Calls for urgent action after revelations police can be tracked through their tasers
Britney Spears pleads guilty to reckless driving
Met Gala is about to get underway in New York

Deep Dive: Palantir has grown from a post-9/11 counterterrorism tool into a powerful AI platform now embedded across military, security, and corporate systems, including here in Australia.

But its ability to collect and analyse huge amounts of data is raising big questions about privacy, surveillance, and who really has control and challenging the idea that if you’ve got nothing to hide, you’ve got nothing to worry about.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou chats with Greens senator David Shoebridge about how Palantir’s presence in Australia poses a national security risk and why he’s calling for closer scrutiny.

Follow The Briefing:
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YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:

Royal Commission hears stories of antisemitism
Australia and Japan sign agreement on energy and critical minerals
US to begin guiding ships through Strait of Hormuz
Rudy Giuliani, Trump’s former lawyer, is hospitalised
Hantavirus kills three on cruise ship
Shakira performs for free on Copacaban Beach

Deep Dive:

What were the 1970s oil shocks? As the world reacts to the blocked Strait of Hormuz, energy experts are comparing the current economic fallout to the crises of the 1970s, when oil supplies were also suddenly constrained. The effects of those oil shocks lasted for decades. Will the effects of the current oil shock be just as severe... or even bigger?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Professor Greg Bourne, a former energy advisor to British PM Margaret Thatcher, former regional president of BP Australasia, and now a councillor at the Climate Council.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines:

Family of Kumanjayi Little Baby ‘relieved’ after man charged with her murder
PM setting up major budget announcement that’ll break election promise
Man charged over ‘horrendous’ alleged triple murder in Sydney’s southwest
Japan’s Prime Minister touches down in Australia
Kate Ceberano among 2026 ARIA Hall of Fame inductees

Deep Dive: Amidst growing concern about our vaccine uptake, the Australian government has launched a new ad campaign specifically targeting parents, encouraging them to get their kids immunised.

But with vaccine fatigue, hesitancy and misinformation at an all-time high, what happens if the messaging doesn’t cut through?

In this episode of The Briefing, Health Minister Mark Butler joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to discuss why it’s becoming increasingly critical to change the messaging around jabs.

Follow The Briefing:
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The death of 32-year-old Australian man Rory Sykes in the devastating Los Angeles Palisades fire in January 2025 was described by police as a tragic accident. His mother Shelley spoke publicly about her grief, sharing stories of her disabled son who had defied the odds throughout his life.

But instead of compassion, what followed was a torrent of online abuse and dark conspiracy theories, with trolls levelling heinous accusations against a mother mourning her child.

In this bonus episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by 7News Spotlight investigative journalist Sarah Greenhalgh, who set out to understand why Shelley Sykes became a target.

You can watch Spotlight on 7Plus

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Stephanie Alexander may be one of Australia’s most influential culinary figures, but her impact goes far beyond the kitchen. Long before becoming a household name, she was shaping the way Australians think about food - through restaurants, writing and a deep commitment to simple, seasonal cooking.

You might recognise her from appearances on MasterChef, but for many, Stephanie’s presence has been constant on the bookshelf with her iconic book The Cook’s Companion guiding generations of Australians through everything from kitchen basics to timeless recipes.

In this conversation with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Stephanie reflects on 30 years of The Cook’s Companion, the philosophy that has defined her career, and why she believes good food doesn’t need to be complicated - just thoughtful, shared and perhaps best enjoyed with a roast chook, a glass of red and a proper cloth napkin.

See Stephanie at Melbourne Writers Festival on May 10th and find The Cook's Companion 30th Anniversary Edition here

Weekend list with Helen Smith

Listener Laura TO LISTEN: Matt Corby's new album Tragic Magic
TO WATCH: Roommates on Netflix
TO WATCH: The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl
TO TRY: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask and Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

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Headlines:

Dr. Reza Adib, parter of former Queensland Premier, charged with rape
Calls for calm after grief and rage in the Northern Territory
Trump is briefed on further Iran strikes
House prices fall in Sydney and Melbourne
Cellmate claims there’s an Epstein suicide note
... and the brands that Aussies trust most

Deep Dive:

In 1991, an American physiologist made the wild claim that a human could run a marathon in under two hours. Last weekend, that physiologist was proven right, when Sabastian Sawe ran the London Marathon in 1:59:30.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by the pioneering American physiologist, Dr. Michael Joyner, to talk about the extraordinary human achievement of the sub-2 marathon, and what it takes to push yourself to the limit.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When two police officers were shot dead in regional Victoria, the man accused vanished into the bushland. What followed was one of the most extensive manhunts in Australian history.

7NEWS journalist Michael Usher and Crime Editor Cassie Zervos take you inside the case from every angle: what happened, how it unfolded, his ideology, and the impact on those left behind.

Dezi Freeman: The Hunt, is a 7NEWS and LiSTNR co-production.

Listen to the podcast on Secrets We Keep or watch the vodcast on 7+.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines:

Violence erupts in Alice Springs after Jefferson Lewis arrested over the death of Kumanjayi Little Baby
Australia in talks with US to open Strait of Hormuz
Queensland rules out gun buyback
Chalmers criticised for ‘grandfathering’ CGT and negative gearing changes
NSW women claim first Origin win

Deep Dive: The new Michael Jackson biopic has opened to rave reviews from fans and has broken box office records here in Australia.

But the film is courting controversy with critics saying it’s sanitised and ignores some of the grittier details of the artist’s highly contentious life.

In today’s deep dive, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by entertainment guru Justin Hill to break down everything we need to know about the new Michael Jackson movie, Michael.

Further listening from headlines:Bondi Beach Royal Commission findings

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:

Body of missing Sharon found near Alice Springs
The US gives a cost estimate for the Iran war
Mark Latham to pay $100k for tweets
More Aussie residents now from India than England
... and the top 50 Aussie films

Deep Dive:

The Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion handed down its interim report this morning, and PM Albanese has already vowed to implement all 14 recommendations. Among those recommendations are that Jewish festivals and events should receive greater security protections from police, and that Australia’s national gun control laws should be strengthened.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Antony Loewenstein, a journalist, film-maker, and author of The Palestine Laboratory, who is also on the Advisory Committee of the Jewish Council of Australia.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines:

China to resume jet fuel exports to Australia
Pauline Hanson billed taxpayers for multiple flights to fundraisers
Family of missing Alice Springs girl say they’re ‘desperate’ for her return
Australia’s meth use soars to record highs
Australia’s best places to work revealed

Deep Dive: A new toolkit targeting 'uniquely female' mental health challenges is being put to the test - addressing burnout, caregiving, stigma and coercive control, where traditional approaches haven't kept pace.

Launched by Smiling Mind in partnership with the Sisterhood Foundation, the free Women and Girls Mental Fitness Hub focuses on building everyday resilience and prevention, and it's already showing promising results.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Michele, a psychologist, mother, carer and survivor of coercive control, who shares how the program has helped reshape her daily life.

Further listening from the headlines:
Why smoking is ‘cool’ again

Follow The Briefing:
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Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:

Child abuse material found at Dezi Freeman’s home
Mum of Beau Lamarre-Condon charged with witness tampering
James Comey, former FBI director, faces new retribution charges
... and a dinner menu fit for a king

Deep Dive:

Inflation is on the rise again, with consumer prices rising 4.6% in the 12 months to March. Transport costs alone rose 8.9% over the last year, jacked up by the oil crunch caused by the US-Iran war.

What do these figures mean for you? And for interest rates? In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Carrington Clarke, host of the ABC Business Daily podcast and the ABC’s Fuelcast.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines:

King Charles addresses US Congress
Tech giants slam PM’s news laws
World’s most powerful oil cartel dealt major blow
New poll shows a majority of Aussies approve of Pauline Hanson’s leadership
Victorian teachers to be offered major pay deal
Olivia Rodrigo shows up unannounced to New York open mic night

Deep Dive: Donald Trump has once again been the target of an assassination attempt, with Cole Tomas Allen charged with attempting to kill the US President.

It’s the third time in less than two years that a plot against Trump has been either attempted or foiled, and you might be wondering – what would happen if an assassin succeeded?

In today’s episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou investigates what succession plan is in place if the US President is killed in office and how such an event could reshape US politics and the world.

Guest: Garrett M. Graff, journalist, historian and author of Raven Rock: The Story of the U.S. Government's Secret Plan to Save Itself While the Rest of Us Die

Follow The Briefing:
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Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:

Trump unhappy with Iran's proposal to end the war
The US names a new Aussie ambassador
Rebel Wilson begins her evidence in court
PM announces new levy on Big Tech
Elon Musk is suing Sam Altman: expect fireworks
Elbie the dog saved from window ledge ordeal

Deep Dive:

On 28 April, 1996, a gunman killed 35 people in Australia’s worst mass shooting. Within months, Prime Minister John Howard had harnessed the grief of the country to implement world-leading gun control laws. We didn’t have another mass shooting for decades, until recently.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Mike Amor, who reported from the scene of the Port Arthur massacre.

You can find the Alannah & Madeline Foundation here.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines:

Cole Tomas Allen charged with attempting to assassinate Donald Trump
Iran offers deal to end the war
RSL to review its Welcome to Country policies
Port Arthur 30th anniversary
Majority of Aussie teens still using social media
Taylor Swift is trying to trademark her voice amid AI concerns

Deep Dive: For two months, the world’s been fixated on the escalating conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel, but another superpower, China, has been quietly shaping events behind the scenes.

While Beijing presents itself as a calm mediator, reports suggest it may also be covertly supporting Iran’s war efforts.

So, is China a peacemaker, a silent backer, or simply playing both sides? In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou asks international conflict expert Dr Jessica Genauer.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:

Trump responds to shooter’s manifesto
Iran’s foreign minister is meeting with Putin
Two children dead in Bowen Mountain house fire
Abduction fears for Alice Springs 5-year-old
And: ANZAC Day with Brian Barry

Deep Dive:

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men; and it’s highly treatable. April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, and in this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by race car driver Thomas Randle to talk about his diagnosis and how he survived the disease. Plus: Randle gives some potentially life-saving advice.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines:

Trump likely target of shooting at White House correspondents’ dinner
Israel-Lebanon ceasefire shattered
Penny Wong to visit China, Japan and South Korea to shore up fuel supply
Angus Taylor says Welcome to Country ceremonies are “overused”
London Marathon sees world record tumble

Deep Dive: Since the devastating October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel in 2023, and Israel’s subsequent war in Gaza, racism in Australia has been on the rise.

Impacted communities have reported increases in threats, graffiti, abuse, and violence against them, and now a new report is shining a stark light on the situation.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by the Australian Race Discrimination Commissioner, Giridharan Sivaraman to break down a groundbreaking report into racism against our Jewish, Arab and Muslim communities in the wake of October 7.

Follow The Briefing:
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The far right is becoming more visible globally, including in Australia, through online activity and public protests involving extremist nationalist groups and neo-Nazi figures. But experts say understanding this rise requires looking at its deeper history.

One key moment often pointed to is the 2017 Charlottesville rally in the US, where white supremacists, neo-Nazis and counter-protesters clashed violently, leaving one woman dead and many injured.

In her book Charlottesville: An American Story, historian Deborah Baker examines not just the event, but the long history of racism and political tension that led to it.

In this bonus episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith speaks with Baker about why Charlottesville is seen as a turning point for the modern far right.

You can see Deborah at Sydney Writers' Festival (17-24 May)

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Luke Hemsworth may be part of one of Australia’s most famous acting families, but his path to Hollywood was anything but conventional. Before the spotlight, he was pearl farming in remote Western Australia, sanding floors, and taking on odd jobs while never fully expecting acting to become his career.

As the eldest Hemsworth brother, Luke was actually the first to step in front of the camera, building his early career in Australian TV before breaking through internationally with Westworld and beyond - all while carving out his own identity alongside brothers Chris and Liam.

In this chat with Helen Smith, Luke reflects on the unexpected journey into acting, leaving the US to return home to Australia and his latest action film Beast – sharing why he believes Australian stories still deserve a bigger place on the world stage.

Weekend list with Sacha Barbour Gatt

Listener Billy TO DO: Watch the ANZAC day sport matches
TO WATCH: Twister 2024 sequel on Netflix
TO DO: Sell your old electronics
TO DO: Update you rewards app

Follow The Briefing:
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YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:

Trump announces 3-week Lebanon-Israel ceasefire
Charges for soldier who gambled on Maduro capture
Ben Roberts-Smith to attend ANZAC Day event
More tech layoffs: Microsoft and Meta
Spotify turns 20, releases top artists of all time

Deep Dive:

The nation’s biggest radio drama went to court today. Both Kyle and Jackie O are suing their former boss, ARN, and ARN is suing them right back. Kyle appeared in court, while Jackie O has said she never wants to be in the same room as Kyle again.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by workplace relations lawyer Michael Byrnes to explain the strengths and weaknesses of each legal suit.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines:

Trump claims the US is in control of the Strait of Hormuz even as Iran seizes ships
Court documents have revealed Ben Roberts-Smith was allegedly attempting to move overseas before his arrest
Albanese unlikely to increase tax on gas exports
British actor Russell Brand has admitted to having sex with a 16-year-old when he was 30
Tomorrow is ANZAC Day, with commemorations happening right across the country

Deep Dive: Burnout is often framed as a personal failure, but neuroscience tells a different story, one where chronic stress and cognitive overload are predictable biological responses to modern work and life.

Basically, our brains aren’t equipped to deal with how we’re forced to work and live in 2026.

In this episode of The Briefing, Neuro‑performance scientist Dr Kristy Goodwin explains how chronic stress rewires our heads, why the brain prioritises short‑term survival over long‑term health, and why “powering through” often leads to physical breakdown, not resilience.

Further listening: Your guide to the budget’s tax reforms

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:

US turns back more Iranian ships
National Cabinet: PM says fuel secure
Royal Commission interim report coming next week
Microsoft to invest $25 billion in Aussie data centres
Vale to James Valentine

Deep Dive:

The British Prime Minister is on the ropes as the scandal around Peter Mandelson continues. Mandelson was the UK’s ambassador to the United States, but was forced out due to his links to Jeffrey Epstein.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by journalist Juliet Rieden to talk about “the dark prince” of British politics.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines:

Iran says reopening of the Strait of Hormoz is impossible if ceasefire continues to be breached
NDIS cuts set to impact autistic Aussies the most
First home buyer scheme driving up house prices
KIIS sues Kylie and Jackie O
Netflix has revealed more details about Kylie Minogue’s long awaited doco

Deep Dive: The 2026 Federal Budget is shaping up to be one of the biggest in recent years when it comes to tax reform.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers is promising sweeping changes, but how will they balance the needs of struggling Aussies with that of the budget bottom line?

In today’s episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by economist Matt Grudnoff to break down the five areas we could see reform on May 12 and how the changes could impact you.

Further listening:

Follow The Briefing:
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Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:

Further cutbacks to the NDIS
Australia to get more fuel shipments
Iran reacts to Trump’s extended ceasefire
Britain will ban selling tobacco to next generation
ChatGPT under criminal investigation in Florida shooting
Scientists study salmon on cocaine

Deep Dive:

Uh oh – AI is now really, really good at hacking. Earlier this month, the leading AI company Anthropic declared it would hold back from releasing its latest model, named “Mythos”, because the model could find novel ways to hack computer systems. In one instance, Mythos found a bug that's been undetected for 27 years in a fundamental piece of software.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr. Suelette Dreyfus, Senior Lecturer in the School of Computing and Information Systems at The University of Melbourne.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has announced the ceasefire between the US and Iran will be extended via Truth Social.

This comes after peace talks between the two nations were put on hold earlier today.

In this breaking episode of The Briefing, we unpack the US Presidents announcement as the blockage on the Strait of Hormuz continues.

Follow The Briefing:
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Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines:

The hopes of ceasefire talks between the US and Iran are fading
Major changes to NDIS to be announced today
The Australian government has been urged to protect Chinese international students
Rebel Wilson called “f****ing nuts” by crisis PR team, court hears
Victorian Premier slams YouTuber who filmed Dezi Freeman’s hideout

Deep Dive: The mental health and wellbeing of Australia’s sporting professionals has been thrust into the spotlight this week, after AFL player Elijah Hollands played during what the club has now called a “mental health episode”.

While the AFL and Carlton launch separate reviews into last Thursday’s incident, serious questions are being asked about whose responsibility it was to pull Elijah from the field.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by sport media and branding expert Associate Professor Robert Gill to discuss what should happen next and whether anyone is to blame.

A reminder, if you or someone you know needs help, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978 or Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line 13YARN on 13 92 76

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:

Uncertainty over Iran peace talks, ceasefire extension “unlikely”
New Zealand’s PM survives his own leadership spill
Keir Starmer, UK PM, under pressure
Apple gets a new CEO

Deep Dive:

Woolworths is in court, accused of misleading practices around its pricing of “discounted” goods. The case, brought by the ACCC, began in Sydney today. It follows a similar case against Coles. What are the supermarket giants accused of?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by behavioural economist Dr. Meg Elkins of RMIT, to discuss what, if anything, can be done about alleged dodgy pricing.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines:

Hopes of a peace deal between Iran and the US fade
ACCC is accusing Woolworths of deliberately misleading shoppers
AFL player Elijah Hollands admitted to hospital following mental health episode
Rebel Wilson has appeared in federal court for a major defamation trial
Robot beats human record in half-marathon

Deep Dive: Protest laws are under fresh scrutiny in Australia, after the arrest of 20 people in Brisbane over the weekend who used a phrase now banned by the state government.

Peaceful protest remains a fundamental human right under international law, so with these tighter rules in the wake of pro-Palestinian rallies and climate change marches; are we eroding that right?

In today's episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Sarah Schwartz, Legal Director at Human Rights Law Centre speaks, who explains Australia’s patchwork of protest laws, your rights when you march, and how far authorities can go in restricting them.

If you or anyone needs help you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line 13YARN on 13 92 76

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Headlines:

Treasurer flags risks to inflation, unemployment
U.S. attacks and boards an Iranian ship
Mass shooting in Louisiana, 8 children killed
Geelong oil refinery recovery better than expected
South Korean wolf captured safely
Robot runners blitz a Beijing half-marathon

Deep Dive:

Thousands more Australians will now be able to donate blood after outdated restrictions were lifted. All donors, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, will be able to donate blood.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Jemma Falkenmire from Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to explain the important changes and her message for Australians wanting to make a difference.

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Monday Headlines:

Iran has rejected a second round of peace talks with the US
Ben Roberts-Smith breaks his silence
33 year old learner driver charged over Supanova death
Support for One Nation wanes in two new polls
Madonna wraps up Coachella

Deep Dive: Australia’s migration debate has taken a sharper turn, with the Federal Opposition unveiling a plan that puts ‘Australian values’ at the centre of the visa system.

The plan includes enhanced screening for all visa applicants, including social media checks, a legally binding ‘values’ statement and tougher enforcement measures aimed at refusing or removing people deemed not to meet the threshold. It also signals a broader tightening across the system, from faster visa refusals to stronger action on overstayers and reduced avenues for appeal.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Abul Rizvi, a former senior immigration official and one of the country’s most experienced analysts of migration policy to unpack what this policy could look like in practice.

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Looksmaxxing is taking over millions of young men’s algorithms - a trend focused on maximising appearance that can start off harmless, but spiral into extreme measures to appear more masculine.

This week, looksmaxxer influencer Clavicular was hospitalised in Miami after a suspected overdose during a livestream. He’s previously spoken about using drugs, including methamphetamine, to suppress his appetite as part of the trend.

After leaving hospital, he described his substance use as “a cope trying to feel neurotypical while being in public” and “not a real solution.”

In this bonus episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by UNSW public health researcher Samuel Cornell who unpacks the rise of looksmaxxing and why influencers are selling so-called 'ascension' programs.

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Sofia Levin does a lot more than just eat. She’s built a name as one of Australia’s most respected food critics and landed her dream job as a judge on MasterChef Australia - bringing her expertise to one of the country’s biggest cooking shows.

From carving out a career in food media to earning her first Logie nomination, she’s rubbed shoulders with names like Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver, Robert Irwin and Poh Ling Yeow - learning what it takes to stand out in a world full of big personalities.

In this chat with Chris Syprou, Sofia shares stories from her travels, the reality behind her career, and the personal loss of her father to Motor Neurone Disease, a cause she’s now more driven than ever to fight.

Weekend list with Sacha Barbour Gatt and Helen Smith

Listener Matt TO WATCH: Big Mistakes on Netflix
TO LISTEN: Raye's album This Music May Contain Hope
TO WATCH: Trust Me: The False Prophet on Netflix

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Headlines:

Bail for Ben Roberts-Smith
Israel-Lebanon ceasefire begins
Trump “not happy” with Australia
Pope calls out “tyrants”
A Sydney man gets a $40m phone call

Deep Dive:

Harry and Meghan are finishing their Australian tour. Thousands turned out to catch a glimpse of Harry and Meghan as they visited Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney, and the Australian media followed the pair around on every stop. One journalist in the press pack was 7 News journalist Paul Dowsley – he gives the inside view of the tour.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines:

Trump confirms 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel
Farmers warn of impending grocery price rises
Ben Roberts-Smith to face court today
Prince Harry praises Australia's social media ban
Red hair gene favoured by natural selection

Deep Dive: You might’ve heard of the term ‘mum brain’ or ‘baby brain’ to describe the forgetfulness and brain fog that women can experience during pregnancy and into motherhood.

But there’s actually a word for it – matrescence – and rather than denigrating the experience of women during this evolutionary phase of their lives, it describes the total biological, psychological and emotional transformation that comes with becoming a mum.

Now, there are calls for ‘matrescence’ to be added to the dictionary.

In today’s deep dive, Sacha Barbour Gatt talks about why that recognition is important with the president of the Peanut app, Michelle Battersby.

You can check out the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/it-s-time-to-gaf-about-mothers-add-matrescence-to-the-dictionary

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Headlines:

Bowen on refinery fire: “Not good timing”
Marles lays out Australia’s next defence challenges
Bank data shows 45% rise in fuel spending
Unemployment at 4.3%
NZ Airlines introduces bunk beds
Jail time for ant-smuggler

Deep Dive:

Fuel prices were high, and then an oil refinery caught on fire. Australia has two oil refineries and late on Wednesday night one of them sprung a leak that became a half-day fire. Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the blaze at Viva Energy Refinery in Geelong was “not great timing”. But why is Australia reliant on such fragile energy infrastructure?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by David Leaney, a Lecturer at the ANU College of Business and Economics and expert in international supply chain management.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines:

Iran threatens to stop all trade in the Gulf region
Labor set to boost defence spending by $53bn over next decade
Large fire broken out at one of Australia’s only two remaining oil refineries
Second school shooting in Türkiye in two days
A British tourist has paid a LOT of money for a kebab while on holiday in Brazil.

Deep Dive: The government is unveiling its new defence strategy that places drones and autonomous systems at the forefront of how it prepares for future conflict. Shaped by lessons from Ukraine and the Middle East, the plan signals a major shift away from traditional big-ticket military assets toward cheaper, scalable technologies designed for speed, surveillance, and agility.

But as the government commits billions to this transformation, questions remain about whether Australia can move fast enough to keep up with the pace of modern warfare, close critical capability gaps, and balance ambitious spending with existing defence priorities.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by retired Major General Mick Ryan, a former Australian Army commander and respected military strategist who has closely studied the war in Ukraine and the future of industrial-age warfare to explain how drones and autonomous systems are changing the way we approach conflicts.

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Headlines:

Gina Rinehart to pay rival family millions
Virgin also cutting flights due to fuel prices
Albanese back in Asia; Chalmers flies to D.C.
Israel and Lebanon agree to peace talks
South Korean wolf still on the loose

Deep Dive:

It's about to get easier to access the pill. In NSW, pharmacists will soon be able to prescribe the contraceptive pill without a GP appointment. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined in the studio by NSW Health Minister Ryan Park to talk about the change to pill access and the concerns raised by GPs.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines:

Positive ceasefire talks between the US, Israel and Lebanon
International Monetary Fund warn of global recession
NSW city shaken by a magnitude 4.5 earthquake
St Kilda VFL player handed 9 week ban for using homophobic slur
Royal Ballet and Opera thank Timothee Chalamet for boosting ticket sales

Deep Dive: Millions of Australians are turning to chatbots instead of doctors - using AI to interpret symptoms, scan results and diagnoses without clinical oversight.

A recent YouGov poll found 40 per cent of Aussie adults have already done it, with many acting on that advice or using it to question their GP - raising concerns about accuracy, regulation and trust.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Poppy Reid about the rise of the “shadow doctor,” why and how people are relying on it, and what it could mean for the future of healthcare.

Further listening: Will Asia fix our fuel crisis? and THE BEEFING: The AFL vs homophobia

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Headlines:

More face-to-face U.S.-Iran negotiations coming
Australia in talks to safeguard Strait of Hormuz
Qantas and Uber hike prices
TGA warns against unregulated peptides
Harry and Meghan visit children’s hospital

Deep Dive:

What happens when you offend a billion Catholics? Trump’s about to find out. After feuding with the Pope and posting an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus, Donald Trump is facing criticism from some of his biggest supporters.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Corey Alpert, a researcher at the University of Melbourne and a former staffer in the Biden Administration, to talk about the role of religion in American politics and Trump’s religious boundary-pushing.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines:

US blockage of the strait of Hormuz has officially begun
The Opposition leader will unveil the details of the Coalition’s Immigration Policy
Booking.com hit by data breach
Two thirds of under 16s still have access to social media despite the ban.
Harry and Megan will touch down in Australia today for a four day visit

Deep Dive: Anthony Albanese is continuing his rapid diplomatic tour through Southeast Asia, visiting Brunei, Malaysia, and Singapore as fuel security concerns grow amid escalating Middle East tensions.

With petrol and diesel prices staying high and Australia’s supply under pressure, the government is trying to reassure the public but at the same time has launched a $20 million ad campaign asking us to use less fuel.

So how secure is Australia’s fuel supply, and could the country actually run out?

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Saul Kavonic, Head of Energy Research at MST Financial, to find out.

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Headlines:

Reactions to Trump’s Hormuz threat
Trump’s broadside against Pope Leo
Albanese reveals new defence chief
Three Victorian ministers resign
Rory McIlroy wins the Masters, again

Deep Dive:

Hungary’s right-wing strongman, Viktor Orbán, suffered an election wipeout this morning, despite an endorsement from Donald Trump. How will this historic moment change Hungary? And what are the implications for the EU and the war in Ukraine? In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Associate Professor Ben Wellings to talk about Hungary’s fading illiberal democracy.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines:

Trump says the US Navy would start a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz
Anthony Albanese continues Southeast Asia fuel blitz
Convicted gang rapist arrested after five days on the run
Bondi stabbing heroes honoured two years on
Gout Gout’s win heralds new sprinting golden age

Deep Dive: Donald Trump has fired two high-profile women this year; the Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and now Pam Bondi, the Attorney-General. Why?

Trump has put huge expectations on his lieutenants during the second term – but both women also made serious political fumbles which cast Trump in a bad light. For Noem it was a US$220 million dollar ad campaign, and for Bondi it was her mishandling of the Epstein investigation.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith and Chris Spyrou break down the stories of Bondi, Noem, and their very public downfalls.

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Many of us are worried about Donald Trump. The US President has become increasingly aggressive, self-aggrandizing and erratic, making threats such as “a whole civilisation will die tonight.”

So how did he get like this?

In this bonus episode from The Briefing's archive, we're bringing you the extended version of Tom Tilley’s compelling interview with Donald Trump's niece Mary.

You’ll hear Mary’s fascinating insights into her uncle, whom she describes as "the world's most dangerous man."

With a PHD in psychology, Mary’s helps us understand more about the man, his mind, and what he might do next.

Mary wrote the book Too Much and Never Enough - How My Family Created The World’s Most Dangerous Man.

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Joshua Fox has built a reputation as one of Australia’s most relentless wedding crashers, better known as the ‘MAFS Guy’ for his viral ambushes on the set of Married at First Sight. But long before the online notoriety, he was Britain’s youngest paparazzo - landing an early win photographing Paris Hilton and earning more than he ever imagined.

From those beginnings in Manchester to producing one of Australia’s biggest radio shows, The Kyle and Jackie O Show, Josh’s path has been anything but conventional.

In this chat with Chris Syprou, Josh opens up about the reality behind his MAFS persona, his unexpected foray into OnlyFans, and the darker chapters he’s faced - from getting divorced before 30 to reinventing himself as one of the country’s most listened-to podcasters.

Content warning: This chat does touch on themes of suicide and sexual assault

Weekend list with Helen Smith

Listener Chris TO LISTEN:
TO WATCH: Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom on Netflix
TO WATCH: The Moment
TO READ: Girl on Girl by Sophie Gilbert

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Headlines:

Albanese's energy agreement with Singapore
U.S.-Iran talks to begin over the weekend
Queensland MP found dead
Artemis II splashing down Saturday morning
A wolf on the loose in South Korea

Deep Dive:

Is Australia ready for an electric car revolution? The war in Iran has sent petrol prices spiking and Aussies looking for other ways to drive. But is our infrastructure ready for a rapid transition? And what should you watch out for if you’re considering an EV purchase?

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Paul Maric from carexpert.com.au.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines:

Israel tells hundreds of thousands in Beirut to evacuate
Melania Trump says rumours linking her to Epstein ‘need to end today’
Convicted gang rapist remains on the run after escaping police custody
Funding cuts force Grace Tame Foundation to close
Traffic volumes take a dive across the country

Deep Dive: Smoking is making a comeback in pop culture, appearing in shows like The Bear and Euphoria, and in music videos from Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter. Even Australian band DMA’S opens their latest video My Baby’s Place with multiple people smoking within the first 30 seconds.

The trend isn’t limited to entertainment. Instagram ‘cigfluencers’ are glamorising the habit, while depictions of smoking have surged by 70%, despite it remaining a leading cause of death worldwide.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by public health professor Becky Freeman to discuss why smoking is resurfacing and whether vaping is playing a role in its resurgence.

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Headlines:

The world watches a shaky Iran ceasefire
Albanese travels to Singapore to secure fuel supply
A hammer attack in a Sydney hospital
Bruce Lehrmann loses final chance to appeal defamation case
Plus: the cop chase stopped by a cactus

Deep Dive:

When women began disappearing on Long Island in the 1990s, police didn’t know they were facing a new serial killer. Today, architect Rex Heuermann pleads guilty to the murders of eight women in what have become known as the Gilgo Beach murders.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr Xanthe Weston, associate professor of criminology and host of the Motive & Method podcast, to talk about how the killer was caught.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines:

Ceasefire in doubt as Israel pounds Lebanon and Iran halts oil tankers
Fuel price drops unlikely to hit your tank in a hurry
AI tool that spots heart failure risk five years before it develops
Activist group infiltrates Coles
You could own a Queensland town for $400K

Further listening from headlines:Your supermarket is spying on you
The controversial ICE tech at our door

Deep Dive: Israel says its invasion of Lebanon is about security and pushing Hezbollah away from its northern border. But on the ground, more than a million people have been displaced, infrastructure is being torn apart, and tensions inside the country are rising fast.

With villages flattened, others cut off, and communities turning on each other, fears are growing of a prolonged Israeli occupation and the risk the conflict could tip Lebanon into something it hasn’t seen since the 1970s – a civil war.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Middle East and counter-terrorism expert Dr Mariam Farida from Macquarie University about Israel’s long-term strategy in Lebanon, whether it can ‘dismantle’ Hezbollah and why the risk of a broader crisis is rising.

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Headlines:

A two-week ceasefire in Iran
Matt Canavan sets out his “Patriot Agenda”
Ben Roberts-Smith doesn’t seek bail
Australia’s sporting rich list revealed

Deep Dive:

Trump has announced a two-week ceasefire against Iran, hours after making the threat to wipe out the “whole civilization” if a deal wasn’t reached.

But will the ceasefire last? And what does Trump have to show for his five-and-a-half weeks of war?

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Jennifer Parker, an expert on national security and the principal and founder of Barrier Strategic Advisory.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BREAKING: Donald Trump has announced he will suspend all bombing and attacks on Iran for two weeks - but only if Iran agrees to the complete and immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post to Truth Social, the US President says he's agreed to a request from Pakistan, which has been working as a mediator, to hold off on his threatened bombardment of Iran's power and civil infrastructure. Follow The Briefing:
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Wednesday Headlines:

Trump warns a 'whole civilisation will die' if Iran doesn't make deal
Ben Roberts Smith to appear before court today
Record number of scam websites taken down by Australia's financial regulator
Kanye West blocked from entering the UK
EV sales hit record highs in Australia

Deep Dive: War used to be reported. Now it’s being packaged.

Footage shared by the White House showing strikes on Iran is being edited like gameplay - complete with stylised overlays, dramatic pacing and even ‘killstreak’-style visuals, pulling in millions of views.

But this isn’t a one-off. From ICE raid clips set to the Pokémon theme to military operations branded like blockbuster titles, conflict is being reframed through the language and aesthetics of entertainment.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith speaks with Daniel Baldino from the University of Notre Dame Australia about how war is being gamified - and what that shift does to public perception, accountability, and reality itself.

Further listening: Will Elon unplug your EV dream?

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Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia’s most decorated soldier, has been arrested at Sydney Airport over allegations of war crimes.

It comes after a joint operation by the AFP and the Office of the Special Investigator.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by lawyer Justin Quill to explain what this latest development means.

Headlines:

Trump repeats threat to destroy civilian infrastructure in Iran
PM Albanese will be travelling to Singapore to address the fuel shortage
One Nation surges in the latest Newspoll
The Artemis mission is heading home

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines:

Donald Trump says Iran ‘can be taken out in one night’
Fuel shipments to Australia are now secured 'well into' May
14 people killed on roads over Easter long weekend
Kanye West's right to enter UK under review
Artemis II sets new record

Further listening from headlines:Why today’s moon mission matters Deep Dive: Zomi Frankcom was the Australian aid worker killed by an Israeli strike in Gaza, and her family still want answers.

Last week was the second anniversary of Zomi’s killing, and her brother Mal Frankcom was in parliament advocating for a more open and transparent investigation into Israel’s strikes, which also killed six other aid workers.

The day before the anniversary, Israel’s ambassador to Australia refused to apologise for the killing. He said “sympathy had been expressed”.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Mal Frankcom about the family’s push for justice.

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Monday headlines

Trump threatens Iran in expletive-laden social media post
WA gets tough on Petrol Retailers
Pope Leo urges those with the power to unleash wars- to choose peace.
Sydney Kings break their championship Trophy
Newcastle Knights injury against Raiders

Deep Dive: Married at First Sight isn’t just dominating TV ratings - it’s driving a constant stream of online content that keeps the show alive well beyond each episode.

Beyond the drama on screen, a growing ecosystem of podcasts, parody accounts and creators are shaping the conversation - stretching a few episodes a week into a 24/7 cycle in your feed.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with creator Amanda Catalano about why MAFS is “the easiest content on the internet,” how her parody videos rack up huge numbers, and what it says about how we feel about the show.

You can follow Amanda on Instagram @amanda.catalano and TikTok @amanda.catalano

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Chocolate prices have surged, with blocks now selling for $8 at major supermarkets - more than double what we were paid a decade ago.

Global cocoa prices spiked last year, but climate change and inflation aren’t the only culprits - with a little-known international deal also at play.

In this episode of The Briefing, we revisit Chris Spyrou’s chat with journalist and host of The Internet Reviewed on YouTube Kirsten Drysdale where they unpacked what’s really driving the rising cost of chocolate.

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Feras Basal spent nearly 50 days on a remote island for Australian Survivor - facing the ‘wheel of torture’ for hours, dislocating his shoulder in week one and enduring intense psychological strain that pushed him to his absolute limits.

But alongside the physical and mental toll came a historic win, becoming the first Arab Muslim to take out the title, and the $500,000 prize. His time on the show became something bigger: a chance to challenge stereotypes, represent his community, and show a different side of his culture and faith to a national audience.

In this chat with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Feras opens up about what really happens behind the scenes, how the experience changed him long after the cameras stopped rolling, and why representation in Australian media still has a long way to go.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

Listener Lindsey TO READ: Remarkably Bright Creatures
TO WATCH: Season 4 Love on the Spectrum on Netflix
TO EAT: Nagi Maehashi My very best Vanilla Cake
TO DO: Tell everyone it's your Birthday!

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Friday's Headlines:

Australia takes part in talks to re-open straight of Hormuz
TV Broadcasters call for financialhelp after gambling ad ban
Artemis II crew preparing to leave earth's orbit
Manly beat the Dolphins and the Lions beat the Pies in the AFL

Deep Dive: The Good Friday Appeal is synonymous with the Easter long weekend, and this year will be no different.

Culminating with a primetime TV event and telethon on Channel 7, the appeal – in its 95th year – looks to raised much-needed funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.

In today’s deep dive, you’ll meet an incredible family whose little boy ended up on an RCH operating table at just four weeks old, along with Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies, hosts of The Morning Show, about why the the Good Friday Appeal is such a worthy cause.

Follow The Briefing:
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US President Donald Trump delivered a rambling speech to the US people and the world earlier today.

He began by saying the US military operations in Iran have been an overwhelming success, calling them “victories like few have ever seen before.”

Mr Trump hinted the US would leave the war in the coming weeks and urged other countries to head to Iran to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, to secure their own oil.

Earlier in the day Mr Trump said he was considering removing the United States from the NATO alliance.

Headlines:

PM Albanese addressed the National Press Club, announcing bans on gambling ads
NASA's Artemis mission is on its way to the moon
Mary Fowler signs a record-breaking $10 million deal with Adidas

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines:

Anthony Albanese’s address to the nation draws criticism
Trump to give primetime address on Iran war
Gambling reform finally on the way
Gen Z craving connection, collecting vinyls without record players

Further listening from the headlines:Why Albo isn’t banning gambling ads Deep Dive: More than fifty years after the last Apollo mission, humans are heading back toward the moon.

NASA's Artemis II launches today - a ten-day fly-by that marks the first crewed mission to travel this deep into space since 1972, and the first to include a woman and a Black astronaut.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with astrophysicist and ANU Associate Professor Dr Brad Tucker about what Artemis II is actually testing, why the moon has become the centrepiece of a new global space race, and what Australia's quietly crucial role looks like.

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In a rare national address, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has attempted to reassure Australians as the war in the Middle East hits home, sparking the biggest spike in fuel prices in history and pushing up grocery prices.

He outlines temporary measures the Federal Government is taking to ease cost‑of‑living pressures, while imploring Australians to "do their bit" by resisting the urge to stockpile and taking public transport where possible.

Acknowledging the coming months "may not be easy" and these are "uncertain times", Mr Albanese says we will deal with these global challenges "the Australian way".

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A comprehensive review led by cancer researchers at UNSW has found that vaping is likely to cause lung and oral cancer, even before long-term studies can confirm the exact risk.

The study analyses a wide body of global research to assess the ability of vapes to cause cancer on their own, rather than as a gateway to smoking.

The analysis draws together clinical studies, animal experiments and laboratory research examining the chemicals produced by e-cigarettes.

In this episode of the Briefing, the study’s lead author Bernard Stewart, an Adjunct Professor in the Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health at UNSW Sydney, joins Natarsha Belling to discuss "by far the strongest evidence" that vapes are likely to cause lung and oral cancer.

Headlines:

PM to address the nation on war in the Middle East
ATO hands small business tax relief in wake of Iran war
Double demerits in NSW/ACT kick in tonight for the Easter long weekend.
Tiger Woods stepping away from golf to focus on his health

Follow The Briefing:
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Wednesday Headlines:

Trump tells allies to ‘get your own oil’
Israel's ambassador defends new death penalty for Palestinians
Dezi Freeman’s family speaks out after his death
Hip pocket changes coming in from today
Kris Jenner becomes Chinese cultural icon

Deep Dive: Despite its insanely strict, all-encompassing rejection of meat and animal by-products, veganism was once the darling of sustainable and ethical consumption.

But lately, many are reporting a decline in interest in the lifestyle, with areas once dominated by vegan restaurants and stores now seeing a move away from it.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by freelance food journalist Quincy Malesovas to try to answer the question – is veganism in Australia dying?

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Dezi Freeman was shot dead by Victorian police early Monday morning. He’d been on the run for almost seven months after shooting and killing two police officers outside the regional Victorian town of Porepunkah in August last year.

Police are now trying to determine if he was helped by anyone else. Freeman considered himself to be a sovereign citizen, so he believed Australian laws didn’t apply to him.

How did he survive for so long on the run, how did he evade police for all that time, and what can we learn from the investigation now underway?

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Macquarie University’s Dr Vincent Hurley, one of Australia leading policing and criminological academics…

Headlines:

RBA scraps card surcharges in big win for consumers
Jackie O sues ARN Media
Iran says there have been no negotiations with US + Further Attacks
Celine Dion to return to live performing

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Tuesday Headlines:

Cheaper fuel could take weeks to flow despite excise cut
Albanese calls on Donald Trump to be clearer about his war plans
Vaping likely causes cancer
Five social media platforms are being investigated for potentially failing to comply with the social media ban
Latest additions to the National Film and Sound Archive revealed

Deep Dive: A landmark US court ruling has found Meta and Google legally responsible for the way their platforms are designed, declaring Instagram and YouTube addictive by design.

The decision is being framed as big tech’s “big tobacco moment,” raising the prospect of global lawsuits while intensifying pressure on governments, including in Australia, to regulate algorithms before more harm is done.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young about her party’s proposed ‘Fix Our Feeds’ bill, how it would give users control over algorithms, and whether Australia is ready or even capable to take on the power of big tech.

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Deep Dive: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced he will halve the fuel and diesel excise, after a National Cabinet meeting this morning over the fuel crisis.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Katina Curtis, Canberra bureau chief at The West Australian, to bring you everything you need to know and the PM’s plans for the nation for challenging times ahead.

Headlines:

Dezi Freeman shot dead in rural Victoria after seven months on the run
Trump claims Iran has agreed to most of 15-point peace plan
One Nation wins third seat in South Australia
ARN to call Jackie O as witness in case against Kyle Sandilands

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BREAKING: Dezi Freeman, the man at the centre of one of Victoria’s most extensive manhunts, has been shot dead by police, ending a six-month manhunt.

In this breaking news update from The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt gets you up to speed on what we know so far.

Further listening:Inside the hunt for Dezi Freeman

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Monday Headlines:

National Cabinet to discuss fuel crisis today
Iran says it will ‘rain fire’ on US troops
Emergency relief announced for residents after tropical Cyclone Narelle
Australia to play a key role in this week’s moon expedition
Kylie Minogue to headline AFL grand final

Deep Dive: The state of democracy is always up for debate here in Australia - whether it’s the rise of One Nation, the influence of Donald Trump and his “voter fraud”, social algorithms, or just how well our democratic society is really functioning.

While democracy is often seen as stable or even untouchable, that may not actually be the case. So, what does it take for a democratic society to function successfully?

In this episode of The Briefing, David Moscrop, a Canadian political scientist and author of Too Dumb For Democracy, unpacks what happens when factors like emotion, technology, AI and our values begin to work against it.

David Moscrop appears at Melbourne Writers Festival (7-10 May) and Sydney Writers' Festival (17-24 May)

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The multi-billion dollar fertility industry brings joy to so many who need medical assistance to have a baby. But it's also described as the "Wild West" for a lack of regulation.

In the latest case to make headlines, twin sisters discovered they weren't biologically related to their parents following a DNA test. The woman they knew as mum had been implanted with the wrong embryos in an IVF mix-up 30 years ago in Sydney.

They're not alone. In this bonus episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling talks with Amelia Oberhardt, who investigated the fertility industry for her podcast Secrets We Keep: By Any Means

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Katherine Bennell-Pegg is the 2026 Australian of the Year and the first person to qualify as an astronaut under Australia’s own space program.

She’s an engineer, a space leader, and one of just a handful of people on the planet to complete astronaut training with the European Space Agency selected from more than 22,000 applicants.

In this chat with Helen Smith, Katherine unpacks what it really takes to become an astronaut, the invisible ways space technology shapes our everyday lives, and whether we’ve truly made progress for women in STEM.

Find Katherine on Insta @aussieastrokatherine

Weekend list with Dan Mullins

Listener Zoey TO WATCH: Australian Survivor
TO WATCH: Project Hail Mary
TO DO: Walk 🚶🏼‍♂️
TO WATCH: The Magic Faraway Tree

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There’s a new TikTok wellness trend doing the rounds: so-called 'Trimester Zero'.

But experts warn online fertility advice can be exploitative and is creating unnecessary pressure and anxiety among people trying to conceive.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr Rachel Rodgers, fertility specialist at IVF Australia, to discuss the growing focus on health before pregnancy - and sort fact from fiction.

Headlines:

PM responds to Trump condemning Australia's lack of support for US in war
Calls to cut fuel excise amid skyrocketing costs
Cyclone Narelle smashes WA coast
Kyle Sandilands has his day in court over $100 million contract

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Friday Headlines:

Trump says it’s up to Iran to make ceasefire deal
Fuel crisis continues with more than 650 stations running dry
Tropical Cyclone Narelle heads to north west WA
IOC bans trans athletes from women's Olympic events
Former Venezuelan president appears in court in New York

Deep Dive: The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton is one of those stories that’s been loved across generations and now, it’s getting a fresh life on the big screen.

The new film tackles our addiction to technology and follows a modern family who swap screens for the outdoors, only to discover a magical world that helps them reconnect with each other and themselves.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith speaks with Jessica Gunning, who plays Dame Washalot and who you might also recognise from Baby Reindeer. She joined us while in Australia ahead of the film’s premiere to unpack why nostalgia continues to resonate, and whether the Faraway Tree series reminds us of the wonder we lose when we’re always looking down at our devices.

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Deep Dive: Meta and YouTube have been found liable in a landmark social media addiction trial – that's being called the ‘Big Tobacco’ moment for Big Tech.

A Los Angeles jury has delivered the victory for a young woman who filed a lawsuit against the big tech giants, claiming their platforms contributed to her childhood social media addiction with negligence being a substantial factor .

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Seven’s Sarah Greenhalgh, who’s reported extensively on social media, to talk about the decision expected to have wide-reaching implications, potentially shaping the outcome of hundreds of similar cases currently moving through US courts.

Headlines:

Qantas to swap larger planes with smaller one to save on fuel
National Cabinet to meet next week to discuss fuel crisis
Trump prepares to ‘unleash hell’ on 'uncooperative' Iran
Israel making further advances into Lebanon
NAB slashes almost 500 jobs

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Thursday Headlines:

Iran rejects US peace plan
Meta and YouTube found liable in social media addiction trial
National cabinet is set to convene next week to discuss Australia’s fuel supply
Super El Nino on the way later this year
Ahmed al Ahmed keys to the city

Deep Dive: The Installation of the 106th, and first female Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, took place at Canterbury Cathedral on Wednesday March 25 (UK time), the Feast of the Annunciation.

Historically known as an enthronement, the Installation marks the symbolic start of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s public ministry in the Church of England and across the Anglican Communion.

The Canterbury Cathedral released a statement saying: “Rooted in centuries of tradition, the service will look forward with the hope of Jesus Christ - and celebrate the diversity of the Church of England, the nation and the Anglican Communion today”.

In this episode of the Briefing, Natarsha Belling talks to cultural historian Associate Professor Cindy McCreery about this historic moment for the Church.

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Deep Dive: Australia could see its food production halved within months in a nightmare scenario, brought about by the continuing war in Iran. What will it mean for putting food on your table?

Farmers are warning they’re already unable to purchase enough fertiliser and diesel to plant their winter crops. It’s a perfect storm.

The federal government this week announced a new trade deal with the European Union, worth $10billion. Farmers say it was a dud deal.

With the war in Iran now showing no signs of easing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Hamish McIntyre, President of the National Farmers Federation to take us through what will it mean for Australians and their weekly grocery bills?

Headlines:

US sends 15-point plan to Iran to stop the war
Commonwealth not planning on fuel rationing
ABC staff walk off the job over pay dispute
Inflation slightly lower than expected
Narelle gearing up for record-breaking move

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Wednesday Headlines:

Fuel shortages ramp up as diesel standards lowered
Most Aussies want the Iran war to end and Pakistan tipped to lead peace talks
ABC programs pulled as staff walk off the job
Married at First Sight expert Mel Schilling has died at the age of 54
The Hannah Montana 20th anniversary special is out

Deep Dive: It’s been more than a thousand days since a landmark inquiry recommended a full ban on gambling advertising in Australia, yet despite the scale of harm and billions lost each year, the federal government has failed to act.

Evidence from the probe revealed an inescapable and predatory system, with aggressive tactics normalising gambling for young Australians and targeting those most at risk.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Independent MP Kate Chaney about why reform has stalled, the influence of powerful lobbying groups, and her push to force change in Parliament.

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The world was stunned but not surprised when US President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran over the weekend – open the Strait of Hormuz or Trump will order the US military to begin an unprecedented campaign on the gulf state. Trump’s now extended that deadline for a further five days, claiming Iran is keen to reach an agreement with the US. Iran denies it's in talks.

In this episode of the Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr Malcolm Davis, a Senior Analyst with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s Defence Strategy Program to discuss the standoff between the US and Iran. What are the latest developments and what they mean...and are we paying the price of Trump's war games? If Trump gets this strategy wrong, what it could mean for the rest of the world.

Headlines:

Australia signs trade deal worth $10b per year.
War continues as Trump extends 48-hour ultimatum.
Consumer confidence crashes in wake of war.
Tehran-aligned terror group claims responsibility for London ambulance attack.
Bill Cosby ordered to pay $US19m for historical sexual assault.

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Tuesday Headlines:

Trump postpones strikes on Iran’s power plants, says talks scheduled for today
Multiple crises headed for Australia as Iran war continues
Australia to sign free trade deal with EU
ABC staff to strike for the first time in 20 years
Less eggs and higher prices hit Easter choccies

Further listening from the headlines:
China & the secret chocolate factory

Deep Dive: One Nation had its biggest showing in a state election in decades - with one in five South Australians backing it at the ballot box over the weekend.

The polls flagged it was coming, but the scale of support has forced a harder look at what's really driving voters away from the major parties, and it's not just Pauline Hanson’s anti-immigration politics.

In this episode, Chris Spyrou speaks with Sean Kelly, a former advisor to Prime Ministers Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard, to unpack the forces behind One Nation's resurgence, what the major parties can actually do about it, and whether this result is unique to South Australia.

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In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by NSW Premier Chris Minns who speaks candidly about the challenges facing Australians and the challenges politicians face in an ever-changing political landscape. Think housing affordability and availability, the Middle East, Donald Trump, One Nation, immigration and much more....

Mr Minns talks about problems facing all Australians opening up about his greatest achievements and his greatest learnings.

This is an extended sit-down interview and Mr Minns announces a new bond rental scheme for the very first time.

Headlines:

Iran not backing down to Trump’s ultimatum.
Cyclone Narelle moves west as tropical low.
Kyle Sandilands sues ARN for breach of contract.

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Monday Headlines:

One Nation wins at least one lower house seat at SA election
NT braces for flooding on the back of ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle
Deadline looms for Iran to re-open strait of Hormuz
Aussie gen Z women feeling more disconnected than men
Saturday Night Live UK debuts to mixed reviews

Further listening from the headlines:

Part 1: The real victims of the manosphere

Part 2: How Flynn escaped the manosphere

How Wil Anderson escaped the Sunday scaries

Deep Dive: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization or NATO has been the backbone of western security for eight decades. But with Donald Trump turning up the heat on the alliance and a war in the Middle East pulling members in different directions, questions about its future are louder than ever.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by national political editor of The Nightly, Andrew Greene to unpack what NATO actually is, why it matters to Australia, and what western security might look like if the US walked away.

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Shein is back in the headlines, as a court in Paris considers whether the fast-fashion giant’s online platform should be suspended. The retailer has faced intense scrutiny after disturbing products including child-like sex dolls - which were discovered on its site late last year.

Campaigners say this isn’t just a European issue, pointing to a rise in the sale of child-like sex dolls to Australians through major online platforms like Shein and Temu. With advocates warning these dolls may normalise child abuse, and argue some platforms are using questionable tactics to bypass strict laws and border enforcement in Australia.

In this bonus episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy is joined by Caitlin Roper from Collective Shout, who is leading the campaign for stronger action.

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Anthony Mundine has spent most of his life in the spotlight and by his own admission he's no stranger to danger.

From the highest-paid player in the NRL to a world champion boxer, he's one of the most talked-about athletes this country has ever produced. But it's never just been about sport.

Mundine has always mixed his success with politics, music, and moments that have kept him firmly in the headlines - sometimes for the right reasons, sometimes not.

In this episode of The Weekend Briefing, Chris Spyrou sits down with Anthony ‘The Man’ Mundine to hear about the moments that shaped him – from growing up with little money to owning the same car as James Bond, the racism he faced on and off the field, and why he walked away from footy at the peak of his powers.

They also get into his complicated relationship with the Australian media, what he really thinks about Pauline Hanson, and the deeply personal story behind his collaboration with the late Archie Roach - a song about the Stolen Generation that sat unreleased for nearly 20 years.

Weekend list with Sacha Barbour Gatt

Listener Matty TO LISTEN: From Zero by Linkin Park
TO LISTEN: Tracy Chapman
TO TAKE: Berocca Immune Daily Defence
TO PLAN: Flu vaccine

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There have been some major upsets in this year’s Aussie Rich List, with some standout winners and losers.

In this episode of the Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by the curator of the annual list, John Stensholt, to unpack the top 10 and the Aussie leaders who have made and lost billions.

Headlines:

The Prime Minister has played down being heckled while visiting a mosque in Western Sydney
Trucking industry groups are warning that food costs will skyrocket as operators deal with fuel and diesel shortages
US President Donald Trump has made a joke about Pearl Harbour while meeting the Japanese Prime Minister
Australia has slipped to its lowest-ever ranking in the World Happiness Report

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The manosphere became the focus of content creator Flynn Martin’s online presence. He went viral for a video many called offensive and out of touch, triggering a huge backlash.

Flynn now says he was 'radicalised' by figures like Andrew Tate, with the constant stream of content shaping how he saw the world. Now, he warns much of what these influencers promote is misleading and often false.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith talks to Flynn about how he got pulled into the manosphere, the role his mental health played and the support that helped him find a way out.

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Friday Headlines:

Tropical Cyclone Narelle to make landfall today
Australian soldiers considered 'legitimate targets' by Iran
Health insurance premiums to hike as much as 25%
Power prices to fall by July
Queen Mary and King Frederick wrap up their Australian visit

Further listening:How to beat the private health hike

Deep Dive: The Manosphere has hit the mainstream this week, with Louis Theroux’s Netflix documentary Inside the Manosphere exposing the very dark corner of the internet targeting young boys and men.

While it’s gaining critical acclaim for shining a light on the toxic space, others say it completely ignores the real story.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with the CEO of The Man Cave, Ben Vasiliou about the lessons we need to learn about the manosphere and ‘toxic masculinity’.

Listen to Part 2: How I escaped the manosphere here

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Australia’s fuel crisis is intensifying, with empty bowsers, soaring prices, and growing fears it could spill into a full-blown shortage. In response, the Prime Minister has announced a new national task force to keep petrol and diesel flowing. But will it actually fix the problem… or is it just political theatre?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Seven News Political Reporter, Josh Martin, to unpack the latest developments.

Headlines:

There’s been a concerning escalation in the war in the Middle East, with key gas plants targeted in ongoing strikes.
The Former Director of the United States National Counterterrorism Centre has broken his silence over the Iran war after sensationally quitting from the top job
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has brushed off speculation that she could face a leadership challenge
And Australia’s unemployment rate has increased to 4.3%

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Thursday Headlines:

Emergency National Cabinet meeting called amid fuel shortage fears
Iranian women’s soccer team back in Iran as third senior leader killed
Changes coming for Australia’s tobacco laws
Pauline Hanson confronts SA Premier
Possum hides among soft toys at Hobart Airport

Deep Dive: Have you ever heard of water cremation? What about human composting or natural burials?

These are some of the greener ways Aussies are choosing to dispose of their bodies after they die, in place of traditional burials or cremations.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Dr Sandra van der Laan talks about the newest and greenest ways to go when you die.

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It’s long been hailed as the breakthrough treatment – but now a breakthrough study on medicinal cannabis has found it's not effective in treating common mental health conditions like depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by lead author of the study, Dr Jack White, who unpacks the groundbreaking research and why he’s calling for tighter regulations on medicinal cannabis prescriptions.

Headlines:

Australian military facilities in the UAE have been damaged in an Iranian attack
The Prime Minister has urged Australians not to panic buy petrol
Residents in Far North Queensland are bracing for Tropical Cyclone Narelle

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Kyle Sandilands has released a statement this morning saying his $100 million contract with ARN has been terminated - and he's not going quietly.

The split follows a very public on-air fight between Kyle and Jackie O, a walk-out, competing legal claims, and a 14-day ultimatum that just ran out.

In this breaking news episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt walks through the latest development, what Sandilands is saying, and why this saga is far from over.

Further listening:
Inside the Kyle & Jackie no show
Who really split Kyle & Jackie O

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Wednesday Headlines:

Australia’s big four banks pass on interest rate rise
Donald Trump calls out Australia in scathing post
Potential jail time for displaying banned Islamic symbols in NSW
Pauline Hanson fails to properly declare Gina Rinehart flights
Matildas book spot in Asian Cup final

Deep Dive: Mass layoffs are sweeping through the tech sector, with one of Australia's biggest success stories cutting hundreds of local jobs in the name of efficiency.

Across the industry, artificial intelligence is being pointed to as part of the explanation - raising questions about whether AI is genuinely reshaping work or simply becoming the most convenient scapegoat in corporate history.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with AFR senior columnist James Thomson about “AI washing,” what the new wave of tech layoffs signal and whether Australia’s economy is ready for what’s next.

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As widely expected, the RBA has again increased the official cash rate. Experts are predicting there could be another two increases on the way this year, with the RBA flagging that inflation is still a concern.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by financial expert Jessica Brady, who explains the fallout from an increase in interest rates and why the government now needs to look at other economic measures to try and control inflation.

Headlines:

A number of world leaders have condemned escalating violence in Lebanon
The family of the men accused of the deadly Bondi Beach massacre say they’re living in constant fear and have faced death threats and harassment
Two Iranian footballers who sought asylum in Australia have started training with Brisbane Roar FC

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Tuesday Headlines:

Consumer watchdog to grill petrol companies over price hikes
Australians blaming the federal government for cost of living pain
Sydney Swans apologise for removing references to Jewish community in Bondi speech
Whistleblowers claim Meta and TikTok push harmful content to remain competitive
Melbourne trial of tap and go payments on public transport begins

Deep Dive:

Should we be paying grandparents to look after kids, instead of childcare centres?

That’s what some parents and politicians think should be happening in the wake of distressing revelations of abuse within the industry.

But taking kids out of the system isn’t necessarily the best way to protect them.

In today’s deep dive, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by the CEO of The Parenthood, Georgie Dent, to break down what the major parties are offering and what the future of childcare should look like.

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Australia is facing growing concern over its fuel security, with experts warning the country remains dangerously dependent on overseas supplies.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by defence analyst, John Blackburn, who’s been sounding the alarm for more than a decade, warning governments from both sides of politics that Australia’s fuel supply chain leaves the nation vulnerable in a global crisis...like the one we’re currently unfolding in the Middle East.

Headlines:

Donald Trump has warned it would be “very bad for the future of NATO” if allies fail to help protect the Strait of Hormuz
Australia’s media watchdog has cracked down on ARN, the radio network behind The Kyle and Jackie O Show
Controversy at the Oscars

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The 98th Academy Awards are underway. Hosted by TV presenter and comedian Conan O’Brien in Hollywood, they honour the best films from 2025.

In this special Oscars coverage from The Briefing team, we unpack the latest from the red carpet, the big winners and how the internet is reacting in real time.

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Monday Headlines:

Four more Iranian soccer players give up asylum in Australia
Gov expects inflation to rise, while facing pressure to send warship to Middle East
New leader has little impact on Coalition’s polling
Vape catches fire on Virgin Australia flight
Queen Mary and King Frederik tour Uluru

Further listening from the headlines:
Is it unethical for us to read the lips of famous people?

Deep Dive:Porn sites like Pornhub, RedTube and YouPorn have gone dark for Australians, not because they were banned, but in protest of our new age-verification rules.

The government says it’s about protecting kids from “lawful but awful” content, but it could mean handing over your ID, credit card, or even your face just to access parts of the internet.

In today’s deep dive, Chris Spyrou chats with Dr. Giselle Woodley from the School of Arts and Humanities at ECU about how teens are reacting to the new rules and how it’s not just them that could be pushed to very dark corners of the web as they come into effect.

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Getting ahead in the workplace is something many Australians aspire to - but for a lot of women, the hurdles can be higher and more complex.

So, what does it really take to succeed at work? How do you ask for a pay rise or a promotion? And why do so many of us still hesitate to put ourselves forward for leadership roles?

In this bonus episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Helen McCabe, who left one of Australian media’s most coveted roles as editor of The Australian Women’s Weekly to launch her own business, Future Women - a platform dedicated to helping women grow their careers and leadership skills.

Read about Helen in the The Nighty On Leadership here https://thenightly.com.au/on/leadership

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Matt Okine’s resume reads like that of a classic overachiever. He’s a comedian, actor, writer, podcaster and radio host, with Logie and ARIA award nominations and a critically acclaimed TV show to his name.

But after doing just about everything in Australian media, he’s returning to where it all started - stand-up, for the first time in six years, with his new tour No. 10 Hope St, which touches on everything from family to failure and full-body ringworm.

In this chat with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Matt debates dogs versus cats, reflects on going bald, and gets really candid about losing his mum when he was just 12.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

Listener Kate TO WATCH: Beetlejuice
TO EAT: Bingsu dessert
TO WATCH: Taskmaster UK series
TO BUY: Mode Mischief

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After a 17-year legal battle, Australian fashion designer Katie Perry has finally won her David vs Goliath fight with international popstar, Katy Perry.

In this episode, Katie recounts the moment it all began in 2009 -- celebrating the launch of her clothing label before opening a shocking cease-and-desist letter that threatened to shut down her business.

What followed was years of legal fights, emotional setbacks, and a roller-coaster court battle that stretched all the way to the High Court.

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Friday Headlines:

Australian officials told to leave Israel and the UAE
Australian towns run out of fuel amid Middle East crisis
Families of Chinese backpackers killed in Queensland floods to travel to Australia
Grace Tame says she has no more speaking engagements, blames ‘smear campaign’
How much Super you need to retire 'comfortably' revealed
The Pussycat Dolls are reuniting

Further listening from the headlines:
Will petrol hit $3 a litre?
BONUS: Inside the life of the 'difficult' Grace Tame

Deep Dive: Last week we brought you an inside look at all the drama surrounding the shock axing of the Kyle and Jackie O show.

After 25 years on air, it seemed the pair were no more ...

But in the week and a half since we covered the story, a LOT has changed.

In today’s deep dive, Sacha Barbour Gatt welcomes industry insider Craig Bruce back to The Briefing to discuss all the latest developments on the Kyle and Jackie O saga, and answer the question: is this just a massive publicity stunt?

Last week's deep dive: 'Inside the Kyle & Jackie no show'

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You can gamble on anything. Now you can even bet on the war in the Middle East. Concern is growing over a dangerous new form of prediction markets, where users are anonymous, and crypto is the only currency. There are even claims of insider trading, where players make billions betting on military strikes and a country's next move in a major war...

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Karoline Thomsen from UNSW to explain how this popular platform works and the dangerous fallout.

Headlines:

Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen has announced an extra 100 million litres of fuel a month will be made available as concerns grow over Australia’s fuel supplies in the wake of the Middle East war
Australian software giant, Atlassian, has confirmed it’s slashing 1600 jobs
Former ASIO boss, Dennis Richardson, has abruptly resigned from the Royal Commission into Antisemitism
Melbourne has been crowned the best city in the world

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Thursday Headlines:

Iran accuses Australia of hypocrisy and kidnapping footballers
Ships targeted in the Strait of Hormuz
Protestors arrested for using banned pro-Palestinian phrase
Calls for NAPLAN test to be scrapped after test outage
Aussie city crowned the best in the world

Further listening from the headlines:

THE BEEFING: Sydney vs Melbourne

Deep Dive: Israel and the US’s war on Iran has seen missiles flying across the Gulf, regional powers drawn in and Australia now sending aircraft, weapons and personnel to the Middle East.

While Donald Trump is suggesting the conflict could end soon, many analysts warn the reality is far more complicated, and that the roots of this war stretch back decades, long before the latest strikes began.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with foreign policy expert Trita Parsi about the history shaping the conflict: from a CIA-backed coup in Iran in 1953 to the 1979 revolution, the rise of Iran’s regional alliances and why attempts to overthrow the regime have repeatedly failed.

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The Nationals have been rocked by a shock leadership shake-up after the sudden resignation of David Littleproud, just weeks after he survived a leadership spill.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by The West Australian Canberra bureau chief, Katina Curtis. They discuss why Littleproud really stepped down, the role of the surging support for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation in reshaping the political landscape, and new Nationals leader Matt Canavan -- an outspoken figure now tasked with reviving the party as it faces internal unrest, defections, and declining support in key rural seats.

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Wednesday Headlines:

Iranian women footballers defected to Australia last night
US warn today will be the most intense so far in Iran
Nationals to choose new leader after Littleproud’s shock resignation
Lululemon cops $700k + fine for spam emails
Australia’s favourite toilet paper revealed

Deep Dive: Digital price tags that can change instantly, smart trolleys that track what goes in your basket and cameras that are monitoring more than just shelves.

The modern supermarket is evolving quickly as major chains invest heavily in automation, AI and data-driven systems designed to make shopping faster and more efficient. But while many of these changes promise convenience for customers, they also raise important questions about privacy, pricing and the growing power of Australia’s supermarket giants.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt and Chris Spyrou dig into some of the tech quietly reshaping our supermarket aisles and what it could mean for the future of shopping.

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We’re often told to seek help if we’re struggling with trauma. But what happens when the therapy that helps you heal could also impact your chance at justice? EMDR is widely recognised as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD, but one Australian woman says undergoing the therapy later became a factor in prosecutors deciding not to proceed with her case alleging sexual abuse as an adolescent...and she’s not alone.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Katie Bird, who explains how EMDR changed her life... but also prevented her from seeking justice in a flawed system.

In a statement to the ABC, who originally reported this story, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions would not comment on individual matters but said: "Each prosecution is assessed individually in accordance with the prosecution policy of the Commonwealth."

"Part of the assessment is the consideration of the admissibility of the evidence both at statute and common law."

For information and support, you can contact Australia's national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service on 1800 RESPECT.

Headlines:

Nationals Leader David Littleproud has sensationally quit as leader of the National Party
The federal government has stepped up its commitment to the War in the Middle East
The 5 Iranian soccer players who fled from their handlers overnight have been granted humanitarian visas
Labor will push through new superannuation tax changes after securing support from the Greens in the Senate
A spokesperson for Kyle Sandilands has released a statement demanding the radio host be allowed back on air

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Tuesday Headlines:

Donald Trump and Albanese speak about Iranian footballers
Alleged Bondi terrorist seeks suppression order
Nationals float tripling paid parental leave and lowering HECS debts for women
Union calls on Labor to legislate four-day work weeks
Anger at plan to charge visitors an entry fee to the Twelve Apostles

Deep DIve: Fuel prices are already rising and the conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel could push them even higher. But the impact won’t stop at the bowser.

From fuel and gas to inflation and interest rates, global conflicts can quickly hit household budgets in Australia, even when the fighting is thousands of kilometres away.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with AMP Chief Economist Dr Shane Oliver about how long the pressure could last and what the conflict could mean for inflation and the Australian economy.

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Iran has a new Supreme Leader - but who is he, and what does it mean for the region and the future of the Middle East conflict?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Kylie Moore-Gilbert, who explains the rise of Mojtaba Khamenei, who has stepped into power during one of the most volatile moments in Iran’s history. Kylie reveals what his rise means for the Iranian people, why the US and Israel may be deeply unhappy with this outcome, and whether the escalating conflict could spiral into a long and messy war. Plus, the growing calls in Australia to offer asylum to Iran’s women’s soccer team amid fears of persecution back home.

Headlines:

Former NSW Liberal MP, Rory Amon, has been found not guilty on a majority of child sex abuse charges
More than $110 billion has been wiped off the Australian stockmarket
Investigations are underway after two separate shootings in Sydney’s west
Prince Harry and Meagan will visit Australia next month

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Monday Headlines:

Australia’s role in Middle East being considered
Crocs “absolutely everywhere” in flooded NT
Tributes for 22-year-old Melbourne Good Samaritan
Age verification comes into effect for porn sites from today
Matildas draw 3-all with South Korea in electric Asian Cup clash

Further listening from the headlines:

Watching porn? ID please
How I escaped porn addiction

Deep Dive: There are fears one family is accumulating more control over tech, government and media than any other family in modern history. Most Australians have barely heard of them, but they probably should.

Tech titan and Trump backer Larry Ellison is one of the wealthiest people on the planet, and his company Oracle doesn't just do business with governments - it helps run them.

Now his son David has won the most expensive bidding war in entertainment history, bringing a vast collection of film studios, news networks and streaming platforms under the same family umbrella.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by NPR host Roben Farzad to unpack what the Ellison empire actually controls and what its latest moves tell us about who really holds power in 2026.

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Before she was busy being “difficult”, Grace Tame was side-eyeing former Prime Ministers, calling out power at the highest levels and reshaping Australia’s conversation around sexual abuse.

The former Australian of the Year has endured more scrutiny than many public figures twice her age, all while staying fiercely outspoken and unapologetically herself.

In this bonus episode of The Weekend Briefing with Antoinette Lattouf, we bring you a discussion with Grace Tame about what it really takes to ‘win’ as a woman in Australia.

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When Sam Taunton was a kid, he dreamed of becoming a professional golfer. Instead, he found himself in a blazer, behind the desk of The Project, working live on national television alongside a man whom he calls “the smartest guy in the country."

He didn’t grow up with a lot of money and his dad would often get creative to keep the family home standing. But long before he invited the whole of Australia to his New Year’s Eve party on live TV, Sam was chasing a very different future.

In this chat with Chris Spyrou, Sam reveals what it's actually like working on live TV, the moment he found out the show was no more, his gratitude journal and how losing one dream can sometimes lead to finding the right one.

Tickets to Sam's tour here

Weekend list with Helen Smith

Listener Krissy TO WATCH: Upper Middle Bogan on ABC iView
TO LISTEN: BBC World of Secrets: The Child Cancer Scam
TO DO: Dance Party
TO DO: Share the Dignity Drive

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Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is driving Australia’s first work from home laws, arguing they will boost productivity and help families.

But there's backlash from small businesses, who warn the extra pressure of remote working and lack of exemptions will force some to move operations interstate or overseas.

In this interview with Natarsha Belling, the Premier addresses the new WFH controversy - and the mystery of how 90,000 fake followers appeared on her Instagram account.

Headlines:

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirms Australian sailors were on board the US submarine that sank an Iranian frigate
ACCC has written to the top fuel companies as concerns grow over price gouging
Coroner reveals cause of death of 19-year-old Canadian backpacker Piper James
Australian billionaire James Packer announces engagement

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Friday Headlines:

More Aussies return from Middle East as thousands flee Beirut
Hizb ut-Tahrir officially banned
'From the river to the sea' and 'globalise the intifada' outlawed in Queensland
Number of kids enrolled in public school drops to record low
Matildas beat Iran 4-0 in Asian Cup clash
Britney Spears arrested in California

Deep Dive: Millions of young men’s algorithms are being taken over by looksmaxxing.

What starts as self-improvement - gym sessions, grooming routines and ‘mewing’ -can spiral into extreme dieting, steroids, cosmetic surgery and even ‘bone-smashing,’ where men attempt to break and reshape their own facial bones to appear more masculine. Critics warn the trend is fuelling a pipeline toward incel culture, wrapped up in the language of optimisation and status.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Sam Cornell a public health researcher who unpacks how the rise of looksmaxxing has racked up millions of views online and is more than vanity – turning into something darker.

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The rapidly escalating conflict in the Middle East is now sending shockwaves through global aviation, with major airspace closures and key international travel hubs suddenly out of action. So what does it mean for Australians planning to travel overseas?

In this episode, Natarsha Belling is joined by aviation expert Professor Ron Bartsch, who explains why this disruption could be the most significant to hit global travel since COVID. With major Middle Eastern airline hubs like Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi affected, airlines are scrambling to reroute flights through Asia -- triggering delays, reduced capacity and the likelihood of soaring airfares.

Headlines:

Qatar has evacuated residents near the US embassy in Doha
Canadian PM Mark Carney hasn’t ruled out the Canadian military joining the Middle East conflict
Former Jetstar pilot Greg Lynn has had his application for bail denied while he awaits a retrial for the alleged murder of 73-year-old Carol Clay
The US House Oversight Committee has voted to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi
A man has been airlifted to hospital after being attacked by a shark on the Great Barrier Reef

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Thursday Headlines:

First war-trapped Aussies arrive back home
Attorney General pays back $8000 for family flights
Inquiry launched into racism, hate and violence directed at Indigenous people
Scorching temps and hot nights plagued summer 2025/26
Beckhams post birthday messages for estranged son Brooklyn
Your thoughts on our high-speed rail deep dive

Deep Dive: While they were controversial and certainly not everyone’s cup of tea, there was no denying the power and influence of the Kyle and Jackie O show.

So, what happens now that the pair has been dumped from their lucrative $200 million Sydney and Melbourne breakfast radio show on KIIS FM?

Industry insider Craig Bruce joins Sacha Barbour Gatt in this episode of The Briefing to discuss the astronomical rise and sensational fall of Kyle and Jackie O.

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Women’s bodies are back in the headlines with Kelly Osbourne this week slamming online trolls for their cruel and dehumanising comments about her appearance at the BRIT Awards. So, is it ever ok to comment on someone’s body? And when you are concerned someone could be unwell, what do you do?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Body Image expert Professor Gemma Sharp from The University of Adelaide to unpack it all.

This episode contains descriptions of disordered eating and body image that may be triggering or distressing for some listeners. For support, call the Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673) or visit www.butterfly.org.au to chat online or email, 7 days a week, 8am-midnight (AEDT).

Headlines: The federal government has announced it will deploy six Australian crisis consular teams to the Middle East, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has warned inflationary pressure from the Middle East Conflict will affect the upcoming Budget, and Greens Senator Sarah Hanson Young has called for radio host Kyle Sandilands to be sacked effective immediately.

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Wednesday Headlines:

Oil and gas prices surge as the US and Israel’s war on Iran continues
Australian girl dies in Japan after snowmobile accident
Secret Liberal election loss review labels Dutton ‘grim’ and ‘unattractive to women’
Jackie O sensationally quits breakfast radio show with Kyle Sandilands
Oscar Piastri mobbed by fans in Melbourne

Deep Dive: Australia has long been promised high speed rail is on the way, and last week, the federal government announced a further $230 million for detailed design work on an east coast bullet train.

While we’re dazzled by the promise of connectivity, greener travel and a boom of jobs and opportunities, the idea of super-fast rail in this country is being described by one expert as a “beautiful waste of time”.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt chats with financial journalist Alan Kohler about why the Aussie dream of a bullet train is unlikely to ever be a reality.

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The latest Gender Pay Gap report has been released with a major wake-up call for some of our leading companies and organizations. While the gap is closing, there is still a need for massive improvement, especially in male-dominated industries like finance and mining.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by PwC Diversity and Inclusion consultant, Elizabeth Shaw. Elizabeth unpacks the biggest takeaways and reveals what needs to happen next to help close the gender pay gap.

Headlines:

An Australian military base near Dubai was hit by a drone over the weekend
Police have shot a man dead in inner Sydney
The US Department of Justice has released video of the closed-door depositions of Bill and Hillary Clinton
You have the chance to catch a rare total lunar eclipse, known as a blood moon, tonight

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Tuesday Headlines:

Trump says war with Iran could run for five or more weeks
Little progress made in closing Australia’s gender pay gap
Pauline Hanson censured, questioned over taxpayer-funded travel
High-profile lobbyists could be exposed under new parliament rules
Jim Carrey responds to viral internet theory that he’s been cloned

Deep Dive: The death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has triggered celebrations across Tehran and in diaspora communities worldwide - including here in Australia.

But it's also brought mourning processions, portraits carried through the streets, and mosques announcing days of grief.

For many Australians, that contrast is hard to make sense of.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by peace and conflict researcher Shadi Rouhshahbaz to unpack the difference in reactions, what the celebrations actually mean, and why calls for Iranians to "rise up" are anything but straightforward.

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Top international law experts are warning that the latest strikes by the US and Israel on Iran set a very dangerous precedent, especially for countries like Australia.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by international law expert Dr Tamer Morris, who explains why these latest attacks contravene international law and how it now opens the floodgates to further attacks from other nations.

Headlines: US President Donald Trump has warned there will be more casualties in Operation Epic Fury, The Israeli Military say senior members of Hezbollah have been struck in Beirut, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the UK will allow the US to use it's military bases, a top-secret report that investigated what went wrong with the Liberal party during last year’s federal election defeat has been leaked, and Delta Goodrem will represent Australia at Eurovision.

Further listening from the headlines: Iran’s deadly protests explained

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We all recognise the green and gold kangaroo - it's one of the most trusted logos in the country. 

But what does Australian Made actually mean? And with cost of living biting harder than ever, is choosing local still worth the extra dollars?

In this sponsored episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with Ben Lazzaro, Chief Executive of Australian Made, to unpack the certification process behind the iconic label, why trust is its biggest commodity, and how buying local can pump billions back into the economy.

We look at the real impact on farmers, manufacturers and communities, the surprising research on what Australians are willing to pay, and the rise of  buy local campaigns that are shaping how we spend.

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Monday Headlines:

Conflict escalates in the Middle East as Israel, Iran and the US engage in strikes
Petrol prices and travel: how this latest Middle East conflict will impact Australia
Parents of backpacker killed on K’gari call for inquest
Penny Wong to move censure motion against Pauline Hanson
The Matildas win their Asian Cup opener

Further listening from the headlines:Jane Hume on migration, One Nation and laughing at Angus Taylor

Deep Dive: Getting on the property ladder in Australia has never been easy, but new data from Domain shows just how steep the climb has become.

The 2026 First Home Buyers Report reveals entry-level property prices have risen in every capital city (except for units in Canberra), deposit saving timelines are stretching longer and mortgage stress now hitting lower-end buyers nationwide.

In this episode of The Briefing, Domain’s Dr Nicola Powell joins us to unpack why this crisis is structural, not cyclical, and what, if anything, can be done to fix it.

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A new report is reigniting debate over the future of captive wildlife entertainment in Australia, with fresh scrutiny on breeding programs at Sea World on the Gold Coast. Advocates say global tourism is moving away from keeping animals in captivity… but here, polar bears and dolphins are still being bred for performance, in what many experts say are inhumane conditions.

So, is Australia falling behind the rest of the world? And should the practice be banned altogether?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Suzanne Milthorpe from World Animal Protection Australia to unpack the latest findings in the new report.

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When Gary Stevenson was 20 years old he won a card game that led him to landing a trading job at Citibank. Then in 2008, the middle of a global financial collapse, he was making millions. And by 2011, he was the bank’s most profitable trader in the world.

Today, Gary is better known to 1.5 million subscribers as Garys Economics - the inequality economist who says while other economists make predictions, his actually come true. His career was built on the bet that rising inequality would permanently damage the American and British economies, and that living standards would fall for good.

In this chat with Helen Smith, Gary shares how he went from working class to multi-millionaire, what he learned rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s richest people and why he believes there is still hope for those not born into extreme wealth.

Gary's Australian tour tickets here

Weekend list with Helen Smith

Listener Annabelle TO WATCH: Love Story: John F Kennedy Jr & Carolyn Bessette on Disney Plus
TO DO: Greg Davies Aus tour
TO WATCH: Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model on Netflix
TO WATCH: Tick, Tick... Boom! on Netflix

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So, what is Shen Yun? The Chinese dance group was thrown into the spotlight this week after it was linked to a bomb threat against the Prime Minister at the Lodge in Canberra.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Professor Haiqing Yu from the School of Media and Communication to explain what Shen Yun is, its controversial links to Falun Gong and why we all need to care about this new fragile geopolitical environment.

Headlines: The Liberal Party has confirmed it won’t release a report into its disastrous performance at last year’s federal election, the Commonwealth Bank is investigating a major fraud scandal, the federal government is warning child care centres are on notice if they don’t lift standards and meet new deadlines, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has lashed out after being grilled over Jeffrey Epstein, and some good news from Magda Szubanski.

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Friday Headlines: Hillary Clinton testifies in Epstein probe, calls for PM to hold Israel responsible for destruction of Australian war graves, Instagram to send alerts to parents over their kids' mental health, Jacinda Ardern is moving to Australia and Australia’s best beach named.

Deep Dive: Trying to reach the summit of Mount Everest continues to gain popularity with hundreds of people attempting the climb each year.

But with the growth comes an increase in people who don’t have enough experience trying to achieve the brutal feat and with the new climbing season about to get underway, the Nepalese government is bringing in new rules to clamp down on so-called Everest “influencers” from attempting the climb.

In today’s deep dive, Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with Aussie Everest climber Daniel Bull to get his take on the new regulations and hear his tale of the Death Zone.

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It’s the scandal that refuses to die, and it’s climbing higher up the royal ladder.

Revelations from the so-called “Epstein files” have already toppled a former prince and a senior British ambassador. Now, for the first time, King Charles is named in an email from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with claims he was blamed for stripping then Prince Andrew of his trade envoy role.

In this episode of The Briefing with Natarsha Belling, royal historian Andrew Lownie reacts to the ongoing fallout from the Epstein files and the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He claims what we’ve seen so far is only the tip of the iceberg, pointing to a vast network spanning sex trafficking allegations, financial dealings, intelligence agencies and even national security concerns.

Andrew Lownie wrote the unauthorised biography, Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, which alleges a massive cover-up by key government agencies and the Monarchy over the former Prince Andrew.

Headlines: Former Australian of the Year Grace Tame has rejected an apology from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after he described her as “difficult", an alarm will sound from almost every mobile phone across the country on the 27th July, and Aussie rock legends INXS are in the running for one of music’s highest honours.

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None

Thursday Headlines: Families of Australian diplomats told to leave Israel and Lebanon, Sydney duo charged over 85-year-old grandfather's kidnapping and murder, RBA governor denies inflation is 'taking off', health and education records of kids to be tracked for social media ban research, ayahuasca flagged as potential therapy for depression and here's what you think about the proposed e-bike laws.

Deep Dive: He was one of the world’s most feared drug lords accused of flooding the US with fentanyl and expanding its grip across Mexico.

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, was killed in a US-backed military raid on Sunday, sparking cartel retaliation that saw several Mexican cities thrown into chaos.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with cartel expert Angelica Duran-Martinez about who El Mencho was, whether removing a kingpin changes the drug trade and what this chaos means for Mexico just months out from hosting the FIFA World Cup.

Further listening from the headlines:

An Australian clinic is 'transforming' lives with MDMA-assisted therapy
How MDMA freed Kate from PTSD

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Donald Trump promised America is “winning again”, but is the country buying it?

In this episode, Natarsha Belling speaks with US analyst Cory Alpert after President Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in history, a near two-hour political spectacle covering the economy, tariffs, Iran, the military and even Olympic athletes.

From a Supreme Court ruling that could curb his tariff powers, to fresh warnings for Iran and a heavy dose of patriotic theatre inside the chamber, Cory unpacks what the president was really trying to achieve, and whether any of it will cut through to voters ahead of November’s crucial midterm elections.

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Wednesday Headlines: PM evacuated from The Lodge for hours over bomb scare, more than half of Aussies say they’d consider voting for One Nation, more flu deaths recorded in 2025 than any other year this century, Guthrie family offers $1 million USD reward for info in mother’s disappearance and there are calls for Aussie kids to be banned from e-bikes and scooters.

Deep DIve: For decades the Australian government has tried, but failed, to meaningfully crack down on Hizb ut-Tahrir.

The Islamist group was founded in Jerusalem in 1953, has been in Australia since the early 1990s and is on track to become the first group banned under the Federal Government’s new hate laws.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with counter-terrorism expert Josh Roose about what Hizb ut-Tahrir believes, how it recruits and operates in Australia and whether banning it will disrupt extremism, or simply push it further underground.

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The Victorian Premier has announced she will refer serious allegations about surgical misconduct with endometriosis patients by leading gynecologist Dr Simon Gordon to police.

It follows a damning investigation by Four Corners on the ABC, which alleges that countless women had been misdiagnosed and had undergone unnecessary, expensive surgery.

In a statement to Four Corners, Simon Gordon said, “across my entire career, I never performed surgery to treat endometriosis, or any other condition, unless I was absolutely convinced it was in the patient's best interests and to improve their overall quality of life,” and that throughout his career, he’d always “acted ethically and responsibly."

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Jodie Avery, a lead researcher in Chronic Reproductive Health Conditions,who unpacks what should happen when pelvic pain is investigated, why invasive surgery is no longer the first-line diagnostic tool, and what the latest evidence says about imaging, medical management and multidisciplinary care. She explains the current guidelines, the risks of repeated surgeries, and why women should never feel pressured into procedures without exploring alternatives.

Disclaimer: This interview is for general information only; it does not constitute medical advice.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists diagnosis guidelines state patients with symptoms suggestive of endometriosis should be offered a transvaginal pelvic ultrasound as the first-line investigation. A pelvic MRI can be offered if ultrasound is not available, or if deep endometriosis is suspected. If transvaginal ultrasound is not possible or not appropriate, and MRI is not available, a transabdominal ultrasound could be suggested. Surgery is not required as a first-line option to diagnose endometriosis.

Headlines: Human remains have been found in the search for missing grandfather Chris Bahgsarian, Lord Peter Mandelson has been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, and the theme for this year's Met Gala has been revealed.

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Tuesday Headlines: Albo backs removal of Andrew from royal line of succession, Coalition’s ISIS brides proposal slammed, Australia’s first bullet train could be “shovel ready” in two years, Trump Tower greenlit for the Gold Coast and punch the monkey soft toy sells out.

Deep Dive: Australians are about to see a major shift in how they access pornography online, with new age-verification rules set to require users to prove they’re over 18.

For Jason Blyth, the issue is deeply personal. He was first exposed to porn at just 10 years old, and what began as something secretive and normalised spiralled into addiction - one that ultimately led him to rehab at 30.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith speaks with Jason about breaking a porn addiction, why many young people don’t recognise the warning signs, and whether Australia’s new age-verification laws can meaningfully curb harm.

Further listening from the headlines:
Secrets We Keep Uncovered | Confronting Prince Andrew on Epstein
The Weekend Briefing | Meet the journalist who brought down Prince Andrew

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New research surveying 16,000 Australian teachers over five years has revealed that mid-career teachers are the most likely to quit before retirement. These aren’t new grads struggling through their first years - they’re the mentors, subject leaders, and backbone of our schools. So why are they walking away?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by research author and former teacher, Dr Fiona Longmuir from Monash University, who breaks down the two major driving forces behind the exodus, and what schools and governments need to do to retain our best educators.

Headlines: Authorities say they are deeply concerned for the welfare of a missing grandfather who was kidnapped from his Sydney home more than a week ago, violence has erupted on the streets of Mexico after the local military killed the country’s most powerful drug kingpin, and Prince William and Princess Catherine have made their first public appearance at the BAFTAs since the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.

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Monday Headlines: Coalition to propose new ‘ISIS brides’ law, armed man shot and killed trying to enter Trump’s Mar-a-Lago, Australia looking at ‘all options’ to avoid new 15% US tariffs, Bondi hero reveals what he said to gunman when he took his gun, and the Winter Olympics wraps up.

Deep Dive: Private health insurance is sold as peace of mind - faster surgery, money back on extras, a way to dodge the Medicare Levy Surcharge.

But with 15 million Australians now facing the biggest premium hike in nearly a decade, many are wondering who it’s really working for.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by consumer and money-saving expert Joel Gibson to unpack why the government signed off on the increases, what’s driving it and whether it’s time to switch, downgrade or walk away altogether.

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When Emily Maitlis sat down to question then-Prince Andrew about his links to Jeffrey Epstein in 2019, few could have predicted she would walk away with the scoop of the century.

The interview on the BBC’s Newsnight became one of the most explosive moments in modern media and a masterclass in calm, forensic questioning that reshaped the global conversation around power and accountability.

In this chat with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Emily reflects on the decades of reporting that led that night, the meticulous planning behind the scenes and the unexpected message she received from a close friend of the King just weeks after it aired.

Tickets for Emily Maitlis live in Australia. Emily Maitlis appears at the MCEC presented by The Wheeler Centre on 5 March and at the All About Women festival in Sydney on 8 March.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

Listener Marc TO WATCH: Fleabag on Amazon Prime
TO READ: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
TO WATCH: Frankenstein on Netflix
TO EAT: Dumpling Lasagna

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When James Summerhayes got the call from Special Olympics Australia, he’d finished fourth at nationals and thought his Olympic dream was over. But a shock withdrawal changed everything — and suddenly he was pulling on the green and gold.

In this inspiring conversation, James takes Natarsha Belling inside his journey to becoming a dual silver medallist at the Special Olympics World Games. From years of hospital stays, to standing on the podium representing Australia, James shares why the medals were never the main goal. For him, it was about connection, inclusion and representing his country with pride.

Headlines: Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has been released from police custody after he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, four teenagers have been arrested for a number of violent incidents allegedly targeting the son of former NRL star Matt Utai, and Eric Dane, star of Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, has passed away at the age of 53.

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Friday Headlines: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested, first meeting of Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, Greg Lynn applies for bail, Aussies drop $17bn at Bunnings and Kmart, and YouTube’s first-ever video deemed museum-worthy.

Deep DIve: Dinosaur bones and fossils are a highly sought-after market - snapped up by private investors, celebrities, researchers, museums, and increasingly, sold online to the highest bidder.

Just before Christmas, an Australian family made a remarkable discovery: a fossilised vertebra believed to be more than 20 million years old. But their findings sparked a much bigger conversation over the debate of science vs status.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by leading paleontologist Michael Archer to unpack the ethics, economics and how everyday Aussies are helping make ancient discoveries.

Further listening from the headlines:The Trump 'vanity project' on Albo's desk

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The NSW Government has announced a review after two men escaped from a mental health facility at a major Sydney hospital, and then allegedly went on to cause three deaths in separate incidents. Premier Chris Minns has admitted something hasgone “badly wrong”, with many saying the mental health system is broken after decades of neglect from both sides of government.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr Angelo Virgona, President-Elect of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, who explains why our mental health system is failing so many people and why we need targeted funding at both the community and federal levels.

Headlines: A Sydney man has faced court charged with threatening to kill Treasurer Jim Chalmers, there are numerous reports that the US is mobilising its military ahead of possible strikes on Iran, and the Moto GP is heading to Adelaide.

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Thursday Headlines: Australian citizen with ISIS links in Syria temporarily banned from returning, MPs admit to accepting free sport tickets from gambling companies, Supermarkets in hot water over item pricing, Shark attacks rise sharply in 2025, And we’ve picked up another medal at the Winter Olympics!

Deep Dive: Jane Hume is the new deputy leader of the Liberal party after helping to roll Sussan Ley and install Angus Taylor in the top job.

The pair have since named their shadow cabinet and have promised to restore faith in the party after years of in-fighting, poor policy decisions and a lack of direction.

In today’s episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with Jane Hume to discuss the new-look Libs and whether they can win back not only their old base, but new voters too.

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Police have announced a new taskforce just a day after former NRL star Matt Utai was gunned down outside his Sydney home. Since then another two other houses that are allegedly linked to his son have been targeted - one firebombed and the other peppered with bullets by masked gunmen.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by 7NEWS Reporter Liam Tapper to unpack these latest developments as rival gangs seek revenge at all costs.

There is no suggestion Matt Utai nor any of his family members impacted by the Sydney attacks are involved in criminal activity.

Headlines: Pauline Hanson issues partial apology for suggesting there are no 'good' Muslims, Hillary Clinton accuses Trump's administration of Epstein files 'cover-up' and Australians' pay rises are not keeping up with the rising cost of living

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Wednesday Headlines: Identity of man accused of attempted Invasion Day bombing revealed, Angus Taylor unveils his front bench, landmark report finds 70% of Australian university students and staff have experienced racism, private health insurance costs to increase by biggest margin in ten years, American civil rights legend Jesse Jackson dies and Aussie pubs thriving as cafes call it quits.

Deep Dive: Terror attacks and the people accused of committing them will almost always elicit a strong response from the community – ranging from anger to outright hatred.

When emotions are high and public anger is intense, what does it take for a barrister to put aside personal feelings to represent a client?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou sits down with barrister Greg Barnes SC to chat about the ethics, pressures, and principles of defending the most reviled accused in our justice system.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he has no sympathy for the latest group of so-called ISIS brides wanting to return to Australia. The PM also refused to provide assistance or repatriation.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Peta Lowe, who is a Countering Violent Extremism expert. Peta explains what threat these women and children pose and why the government needs to change its approach to tackling extremism and radicalisation.

Headlines: Investigations are underway after former NRL star Matt Utai was shot in a drive-by shooting, one person has been killed after a random stabbing attack in Western Sydney, and YouTube star Logan Paul has sold a Pokémon card for $US16.5 million.

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Tuesday Headlines: Libs’ hardline immigration policy leaked, ‘ISIS brides’ turned back after leaving Syrian camp for Australia, grandparent of Gus Lamont arrested, intermittent fasting makes “no difference” to weight loss, and Barack Obama clarifies his stance on aliens.

Deep Dive: Allegations of mob-linked figures, intimidation and inflated costs on taxpayer-funded infrastructure have triggered a political firestorm in Australia.

At the centre of it is the construction arm of the CFMEU.

A recent inquiry has floated a $15 billion figure, which the Victorian government says is untested, as it resists calls for another royal commission.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with award-winning journalist from The Age, Nick McKenzie about what is alleged, how it connects to one of Australia’s largest infrastructure pipelines, and what it reveals about public money, unions and accountability.

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It’s been called the “Case of the Century”, and it could change supermarket pricing forever.

The ACCC is taking Coles to the Federal Court, alleging it engaged in a planned campaign to mislead customers over price discounts. Coles is denying allegations, saying the prices were a result of global inflation.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha is joined by economist Dr Meg Elkins, who unpacks today’s historic case and its implications for both consumers and companies.

Headlines: Accused Bondi Gunman, Naveed Akram, has appeared in court for the first time, South Australian Police have announced a new search for evidence related to the disappearance of 4-year-old Gus Lamont, police are appealing for information after an 85-year-old was kidnapped from his Sydney home, and former US President Barack Obama has admitted he believes in aliens.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: New-look Libs get on the policy front foot following spill, Albanese shakes off AUKUS concerns with $3.9bn downpayment, Winter Olympics officially Australia’s best-ever, 52-year-old man to face court over Egyptian artefact theft, and millions of Aussies have scored an extra public holiday.

Deep Dive: Peptides are being hyped online as miracle fixes for everything from glowing skin and fat loss to muscle growth and anti-ageing, with influencers injecting compounds that sound more like science fiction than skincare.

While peptides are legitimate biological building blocks used in medicine, the social media boom has blurred the line between evidence-based treatments and unregulated, risky products.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by leading dermatologist Dr Ryan De Cruz to break down what peptides actually are and the dangers of buying and injecting them without medical oversight.

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In a historic first, NSW police have used Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy, or FIGG, to identify and arrest a 77-year-old man over alleged sexual assaults dating back to 1991. It’s a watershed moment for Australian forensic science. But how exactly does it work?

In this bonus episode of The Briefing, we're sharing the first part of Secrets We Keep: Should I Spit?. In the series, journalist Claire Aird unpacks the science behind FIGG -- where investigators compare crime scene DNA to profiles uploaded to public genealogy databases like Ancestry and 23andMe, then painstakingly build out family trees to narrow in on a suspect.

It sounds revolutionary...But it’s also deeply controversial.

From privacy concerns and consent issues to wrongful accusations, this episode explores the risks, the ethical grey zones, and the global debate over whether our most personal data - our DNA - is ever truly anonymous.

Listen to episode 2 of Secrets We Keep: Should I Spit?

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Ash London has interviewed Taylor Swift in Paris, hitched piggyback rides from Ed Sheeran and helped shape the sound of Australian radio for more than a decade - but in 2026, she’s entering a bold new era across the ditch.

The former national radio host is back on the airwaves in New Zealand with a brand new show - after helming Ash London LIVE for five years, co-hosting 2Day FM’s powerhouse breakfast show and becoming a familiar face on Have You Been Paying Attention?

In this chat with Chris Spyrou, Ash opens up about motherhood, life behind the mic, writing 90,000 words during nap time and why stepping away from radio made her a better broadcaster.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

Listener Rabia TO EAT: Figs and ricotta with honey on toast
TO WATCH: Crime 101
TO DO: Find Celine Dion’s TikTok
TO WATCH: Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance

And you can order Ash's novel 'Love on the Air' here!

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Australia’s most dangerous killers...The new podcast series that investigates our country’s soaring rates of domestic violence and homicide.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling speaks with the host of “Kiss and Kill”, Alison Sandy, who explains the dangerous narcissistic traits these murderers display, the warning signs to look out for, and the urgent action authorities need to take.

Listen to Kiss and Kill here.

Headlines: Sussan Ley has announced she's leaving parliament after being defeated by Angus Taylor and the police watchdog has announced it will investigate the actions of officers at Sydney’s Town Hall rally on Monday night.

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Friday Headlines: We’ve won our first gold at the Winter Olympics, Liberal leadership spill today, Israeli President's visit to Australia wraps, ICE agents to pull out of Minnesota, Katie Holmes pays tribute to Dawson's Creek co-star James Van Der Beek and Kylie Minogue's been honoured with her very own Barbie collector doll.

Deep Dive: Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights has never been short on drama - but the latest big-screen adaptation is generating heat long before the final act.

Starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, “Wuthering Heights” leans hard into sex and spectacle, sparking backlash and fresh debate over casting, race and portrayals of abuse.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by LiSTNR Entertainment reporter Justin Hill to unpack the hype, and whether this gothic tragedy has been reborn for a new generation or rewritten beyond recognition.

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After months of speculation, Angus Taylor will finally challenge Sussan Ley for the Liberal Party leadership. So, who is Angus Taylor, and can he save a party heading into political oblivion?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by political reporter Katina Curtis to unpack how the spill will unfold and the race to save the Liberal Party.

Headlines: Only 4 of the 19 Closing the Gap targets are on track to be met ahead of the 2031 deadline, RBA Governor Michelle Bullock has fired back at Senator Matt Canavan, and NSW Premier Chris Minns has refused to apologise to the Muslim community after a group of people praying were forcibly removed during a pro-Palestinian rally.

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Thursday Headlines: Leadership spill imminent as Angus Taylor quits, Herzog cancels visit to firebombed Synagogue amid security concerns, just three Aussie millionaires have backed calls for more taxes on the super rich, police release audio of Austin Appelbee’s heroic 000 call, Jakara Anthony misses medal in moguls final, and Britney Spears sells rights to her music catalogue.

Deep Dive: Elon Musk has sparked fresh space-race chatter after revealing SpaceX is shifting its focus from Mars to the Moon, with ambitions to build a “self-growing” lunar city within the next decade.

With multiple countries and private companies rolling out lunar missions, the push to develop Earth’s only natural satellite is heating up fast.

In today’s episode of The Briefing, astrophysicist Brad Tucker from ANU joins us to break down who the major players are, what a self-growing city actually means, and why inflatable moon hotels might not be as sci-fi as they sound.

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“Globalise the Intifada” has been in the spotlight this week after Grace Tame used the contentious phrase at a pro-Palestinian rally. Calls are growing from both sides of politics for Grace to be stripped of her Australian of the Year Award, with the NSW Premier inferring the phrase means a violent uprising in Sydney streets.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Middle East political expert Dr Martin Kear, to explain what "globalise the infidata" means, why it’s controversial and its complicated history.

Headlines: A woman has killed at least 9 people in a Canadian mass shooting, a person has been detained for questioning over the disappearance of US grandmother Nancy Guthrie, and new data has revealed rent affordability has hit an all-time low.

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Wednesday Headlines: Albanese meets with the President of Israel, Liberal leadership challenge set to begin today, Australia calls in Lao ambassador over response to the methanol poisoning deaths of Melbourne teens, Aussie ruled out of Winter Olympics after neck fracture, and Robert Irwin has been reduced to a daggy white boy on the internet.

Deep Dive: Convicted Christchurch terrorist Brenton Tarrant is appearing in court this week, attempting to have his guilty plea for the 2019 mosque shooting vacated.

He claims the harsh conditions of his confinement in a “prison within a prison” at Auckland’s most secure facility affected his ability to make rational decisions when he pleaded guilty to the murders of 51 people.

So how likely is it that a judge will grant his wish? And what will the impact be on the survivors and families of victims of the Christchurch attack? LiSTNR’s investigative journalist Joey Watson joins Sacha Barbour Gatt in today’s deep dive to discuss.

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What began as a peaceful rally in Sydney’s Town Hall Square turned into scenes Abigail Boyd MP says she never thought she’d witness in New South Wales.

In this episode of The Briefing, the NSW Greens MP joins Natarsha Belling to describe the moment she was knocked to the ground and allegedly punched by police while filming a protest, and what she says unfolded around her as officers moved in on demonstrators, including people praying, elderly protesters and families with children.

As the NSW Premier and Police Commissioner defend police actions and label the rally violent, Boyd rejects those claims, pointing to hours of video footage she says tells a very different story.

Headlines: A high-profile barrister has been found dead in his home, Ghislaine Maxwell has invoked her Fifth Amendment right to silence in front of a US congressional committee, and Sussan Ley has come out firing.

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Big tech is under fire for failing to protect Aussie kids from online sexual abuse, including a sharp rise in sextortion and abuse via video calls and livestreams.

Reports to the Australian Federal Police jumped 41% last year, showing just how fast the problem is growing.

In part two of this deep dive, Sacha Barbour Gatt chats with Brisbane radio host Matt Acton, a dad whose son was targeted by an online sextortion scam, on what he wishes he’d done differently and what parents need to know.

If you need help, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or reach out to 1800 RESPECT.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Violence erupts at Sydney protests against Israeli President’s visit, King Charles 'ready to support' police investigation into Prince Andrew, Communications Minister seeks urgent meeting with Roblox over predator claims, and Elon Musk switches Space X’s focus to the moon.

Deep Dive: Big tech is under fire for failing to protect Aussie kids from online sexual abuse, including a sharp rise in sextortion and abuse via video calls and livestreams.

Reports to the Australian Federal Police jumped 41% last year, showing just how fast the problem is growing.

In part one of this special two-part deep dive, Chris Spyrou chats with co-lead of the CSAM Deterrence Centre and asociate professor from the University of Tasmania, Joel Scanlan.

In part two, Sacha Barbour Gatt chats with Brisbane radio host Matt Acton, a dad whose son was targeted by an online sextortion scam, on what he wishes he’d done differently and what parents need to know.

If you need help, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or reach out to 1800 RESPECT.

Follow The Briefing:
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YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

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Australia’s definition of terrorism was set up after the Sept 11 terror attacks, but now the world and Australia have changed dramatically. In 2026, the landscape of terror and radicalization is complicated with new threats from a range of different groups including lone actors.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Associate Professor Keiran Hardy from the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Griffith University to unpack how we define terror and how we crack down on dangerous radicalisation and extremism.

Headlines: Israeli President Isaac Herzog arrives in Sydney ahead of national protests, Former Hong Kong media mogul sentenced to 20 years in prison and Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime message.

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Monday Headlines: Sussan Ley could face leadership spill within the week, Sydneysiders told to avoid non-essential travel during Israeli President’s visit, Tropical Cyclone Mitchell approaches Exmouth, Christchurch mosque terrorist to appeal sentence, fears Australia is on track to becoming an “artless country” and The Super Bowl is on today.

Deep Dive: Protests are planned in every capital city across the country today in protest of Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s official visit to Australia.

While Anthony Albanese says the trip is appropriate and aimed at promoting unity, critics argue it risks deepening divisions as the war in Gaza continues, and allegations of war crimes dominate global scrutiny.

In this episode of The Briefing, we hear from lawyer Josh Bornstein and Greens Senator David Shoebridge who help us unpack why Herzog’s visit is so divisive and what it reveals about protest, social cohesion, and Australia’s relationship with the Israeli government.

You can read the Zionist Federation of Australia’s December 23 statement here.Further listening from the headlines:Obsession drove Joey Watson into the warped mind of a terroristBad Bunny’s historic halftime show

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Chappell Roan took home the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2025, clocked more than 68 million streams in the first 6 months of 2024 and she's currently touring Australia, headlining Laneway music festival.

Over the last few years, female-made, female-focused pop has been in the middle of a full-blown renaissance and all signs suggest it’s carrying straight through into 2026 - with artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX still dominating and Lily Allen re-entering the race.

In this bonus ep of the Briefing from 2024 Sacha Barbour-Gatt is joined by Nic Kelly, host of The Hot Hits on the Hit Network, to unpack the female pop revolution and the secret ingredient to becoming a pop star today.

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At just 19 years old, Sherele Moody’s life was irrevocably changed when she learned her stepfather had murdered a child in the home he shared with her, her siblings and their mother.

Since then Sherele has become a pioneer in the domestic violence space - widely known as Femicide Watch on Instagram with over 123k followers, where she tracks every woman and child killed by violence.

She went on to found The RED HEART Movement - a living memorial and meticulously maintained public database for victims and survivors of violence in Australia, ensuring their stories are named, seen, and never forgotten.

In this chat with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Sherele shares her deeply personal journey and how she’s transforming grief into accountability and silence into action.

She also gives her verdict on ethics in crime reporting and the frenzy over the case of Erin Patterson that elevated the convicted murderer to a "true crime popstar".

Weekend list with Helen Smith

Listener Issy TO WATCH: Tell Me Lies on Disney Plus
TO WATCH: Bridgerton season 4 on Netflix
TO DO: Imagine a holiday!
TO DO/WATCH: EUROPA Film Festival

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Hundreds of new 'Jeffrey Epstein files' were dropped this week, with more damaging allegations about high-profile politicians. The British PM Keir Starmer’s leadership is now under serious threat after his links to former ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Foreign Editor of 7 News, Hugh Whitfeld, who unpacks this week’s developments and explains why the political fallout from the Epstein files is only just beginning.

There is no suggestion that Peter Mandelson, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor or Bill Clinton have committed any sexual offences.

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Friday Headlines: Deadline looms for Coalition reunion, Penny Wong defends Israeli President’s visit among death threats, Queensland man charged with 596 child abuse offences, child vaccination rates plunge to 30-year low and footy fandom has tangible impact on our stress levels.

Deep Dive: The Super Bowl halftime show is set to make history this year, with Bad Bunny becoming the first artist to perform solely in Spanish - sparking both celebration and backlash.

From a supermarket job in Puerto Rico and SoundCloud uploads to Grammy wins and four years as Spotify’s most-streamed artist, his rise has reshaped global pop music.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Seany B from the HIT Network’s The Pulse to unpack Bad Bunny’s rise to superstardom, why this moment matters, and whether his Super Bowl stage could double as a political statement.

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The findings of the coronial inquest into the Bondi Junction Westfield stabbing attack have been handed down, and they paint a devastating picture of a mental health system riddled with gaps. Six people were killed and ten others injured when Joel Cauchi went on a stabbing rampage in April 2024. The Coroner has now recommended the psychiatrist who treated Cauchi be referred to the Queensland Health Ombudsman.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by the CEO of the Australian Society of Psychiatrists, Dr Pramudie Gunaratne, who unpacks the Coroner’s key recommendations and what they reveal about chronic underinvestment, fractured care, and missed opportunities across Australia’s mental health system.

Headlines: Authorities have declared the attempted bombing of an Invasion Day rally in Perth a terrorist act, police say they have identified a suspect in the disappearance of four-year-old Gus Lamont, and the graves of more than 250 Australian soldiershave been destroyed by Israeli forces in Gaza.

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Thursday Headlines: Future of Coalition in doubt after peace talks fail again, Donald Trump’s would-be assassin handed life sentence, Bill Gates denies ‘false’ allegations in new Epstein files, prominent neo-Nazi has become Australia’s first person to be jailed for performing a nazi salute, Australia’s Winter Olympics flag bearers named, and Draco Malfoy has become an unlikely Chinese New Year symbol.

Deep Dive: Political campaigns are known to be run on slogans, slick visuals and attack ads, but what voters don’t see is the money quietly powering it all.

New Australian Electoral Commission data for the 2024/25 financial year shows millions flowing from well-known donors like Clive Palmer, Gina Rinehart and Climate 200, alongside tens of millions in legal but undisclosed “dark money.”

With the rules set to change and questions over whether they’ll work, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with The Australia Institute’s Bill Browne in this episode of The Briefing.

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Every year, hundreds of young Australians aged 15 to 29 take part in the Burnet Institute’s Sex, Drugs and Rock ’n’ Roll survey - a look into the behaviours, attitudes, and well-being of our nation’s youth. First launched at the Big Day Out in Melbourne more than a decade ago, the survey covers sexual behaviours and alcohol and other drugs, giving us a rare, long-term look at how young people are living, thinking, and experimenting.

In this episode, Natarsha Belling is joined by the study’s lead researcher, Megan Lim, who breaks down the latest findings, exploring what’s changing, what’s worrying, and what it all means for young Australians today.

Headlines: The government will sell off more than $3b worth of defence land, Clive Palmer has announced he will launch a High Court challenge to Labor’s new electoral donation caps, the US Military says they’ve shot down an Iranian drone, and Bunnings may have a solution to the housing crisis.

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Wednesday Headlines: Four major banks pass on interest rate hike, first senior royal publicly comments on latest release of Epstein files, Melbourne man charged over allegedly giving Nazi salute to Jewish schoolchildren, Sydney’s biggest Mardi Gras party cancelled, and Aussie teen hailed a hero after swimming 4km to save family swept out to sea.

Deep Dive: AI-generated inanimate objects have been dominating social media feeds in recent weeks, dishing out what seems like innocent health and home hacks.

Pages generating this content have exploded in popularity as each post gets more clicks and more comments, but many are asking whether we can trust the content, but also who is behind it and what their goals are.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with Dr Karl Kruszelnicki to unpack it.

Further listening from the headlines:What to expect from interest rates in 2026

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Former Liberal Senator Cory Bernardi is the latest recruit to join One Nation as support for the party continues to soar. So, will the swing to the hard right One Nation party work in the long-term as disillusioned voters desert the major parties?

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by ANU Political Expert Dr Jill Shepard to unpack the latest developments and why the major parties need to do better.

Headlines: The Reserve Bank has announced it will lift the official cash rate, a last-minute deal to reunite the Coalition has collapsed, NSW Police have extended restrictions on protests ahead of Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit, Bill and Hilary Clinton have agreed to testify in the House investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and investigators in the US say the mother of a high-profile TV host has been kidnapped.

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Tuesday Headlines: Parliament back today with a split Coalition, Australia's political donors revealed, Trump threatens to sue Grammy host Trevor Noah, millions lost in daytime spending during recent heatwave, and nuggets revealed as the top Aussie canteen food.

Deep Dive: Anthony Albanese is weighing an invitation to join a group integral to Donald Trump’s plan to permanently end the war in Gaza - the so-called ‘Board of Peace.’

With major allies declining to take part and accusations that it’s a power grab laden with human rights risks, questions are growing over whether it’s a genuine security solution or simply a Trump vanity project.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Guardian Australia’s Ben Doherty about the Board’s proposed role, its prospects for delivering peace, and how Australia is likely to decide.

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Another crazy day in Australian politics... The National’s Leadership spill fell over, the Coalition is apparently getting back together and now Pauline Hanson is Australia’s most popular leader.

A growing number of Australians are fleeing the major parties as support continues to soar for One Nation.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by 7News political editor Mark Riley who explains just what is going on and why this political circus is detrimental for all of us.

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Monday Headlines: Leadership spills and poor polling for the Coalition as parliament resumes, Clive Palmer responds to mention in Epstein files, Gaza’s Rafah crossing has reopened, Carlos Alcaraz becomes the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, and The Grammys are on today.

Deep Dive: The Reserve Bank will hand down its first decision of 2026 on the official cash rate tomorrow.

While some economists had been predicting the RBA wouldn’t change the cash rate at all this year, a recent rise in inflation has poured cold water on that notion.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with economist and journalist Peter Martin about what we should expect in 2026, and why we should we care about interest rates.

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You might know him as the conviction politician who speaks out on issues like poker machines, euthanasia and war.

But independent MP Andrew Wilkie first made national headlines as a whistleblower who took a very big risk in the name of truth.

As Australia geared up to join the US in the Iraq War in 2003, he was working as an analyst for an intelligence agency that reported to the Prime Minister. Here he says he found himself at an extraordinary ethical crossroads on discovering our government’s claims to justify the war were untrue.

"The government was lying to the Australian people about why we should support to the US and join in the invasion of Iraq in 2003," Mr Wilkie says. "I felt ultimately I had a moral duty to alert people to this dishonesty."

In this interview with our colleague Joey Watson at Secrets We Keep: Uncovered, Mr Wilkie speaks candidly about whistleblowing against the official narrative, the personal cost of his actions and what it means to challenge power in the lead-up to war.

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Ilai Matangi was crowned Australia’s TikTok creator of the year in 2025, becoming the first man and first Pacific Islander to win the gong.

Under his username, Havea676, he’s been dubbed Australia’s favourite girl dad and creates hilarious relatable content for his 1.8 million followers on Insta and nearly 3 million on TikTok.

In this chat with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Ilai shares the importance of representation on stages like the TikTok Australia awards and why he’s not going back to stand-up comedy anytime soon.

Weekend list with Sacha Barbour Gatt and Chris Spyrou

TO WATCH: Burlesque
TO DO: Pickleball
TO SCROLL: WeRateDogs
TO EAT: Biscoff cheesecake

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Birdwatching isn’t just for dads anymore; it’s booming, addictive, and drawing a new generation into nature.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by wildlife vet and host of Death by Birding, Dr César Puechmarin. Cesar reveals how spotting birds can connect us to nature, spark curiosity, and even transform the way we see the world around us.

Headlines: The federal government will provide an extra $25 billion in public hospital funding, Sussan Ley has unveiled an interim liberal shadow ministry, there's been a double murder suicide in Perth, and screenings of the Melania documentary have been delayed in Australia.

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Friday Headlines: Health funding and gun reforms set to dominate today’s National Cabinet meeting, Albanese defends Israeli president’s visit, Australia spends more on tax breaks for investors than affordable housing, health authorities closely monitoring Nipah virus, and the women’s finalists are locked in at the AO!

Deep Dive: The Australian Open has long been the most entertainment-driven of the world’s four tennis Grand Slams.

But this year, as more influencers fill the stands and branded content fills our feeds – some fans are saying the spectacle has overtaken the sport.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Ben Clare, Creative Director at social media agency We Are Social Australia, about the role of influencers at the AO and how they might be benefiting the sport rather than taking away from it.

Further listening from the headlines:
Larissa Waters on Sussan Ley, One Nation, and the embarrassment of Aussie politics

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Australia’s political landscape feels bleak at the moment. From the coalition consumed by infighting to the brutal realities facing women in leadership, voters are frustrated. As trust erodes, support for protest parties like One Nation is rising, fuelled by cost-of-living pressure, culture-war politics and a growing sense that no one is actually listening.

In this episode, Natarsha Belling is joined by Greens Leader Larissa Waters. Larissa unpacks how economic anxiety is being weaponised, why climate change and household bills are inseparable, the controversial hate speech laws, and the failure of political leaders to offer unity or accountability.

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Thursday Headlines: Perth bomb scare investigated as a potential terrorist act, PM to push states on gun buyback scheme, Trump threatens Iran as US fleet arrives in the Gulf, Telstra phone update leaves some customers unable to access Triple 0, and Djokovic and Sinner set up semifinal clash at the Australian Open

Deep Dive: OpenAI is introducing advertising into ChatGPT.

The company says it won’t sell user conversations or allow ads to influence answers, but history suggests platforms rarely stay neutral once money enters the chat.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with senior lecturer in business information systems at the University of Sydney, Raffaele Ciriello about why these ads are more dangerous than others on socials and whether this is the beginning of the familiar slide from useful tool to profit-driven platform.

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What happens when a trusted surgeon doesn’t listen to his patients?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by investigative journalist and author of Duty to Warn, Charlotte Grieve. Charlotte takes us inside her explosive investigation into one of Australia’s most controversial medical cases, and the powerful doctor at the centre of it. What began with an unsettling appointment involving her own father, spiralled into years of reporting, court battles, and a landmark defamation trial.

Dr Munjed Al Muderis denies any wrongdoing and has launched an appeal against the defamation finding.

Headlines: Nationals Leader David Littleproud will face a leadership spill next week. The chance of another interest rate cut has taken a major hit, and scientists have moved the doomsday clock to the closest it has been to midnight since its creation.

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Wednesday Headlines: Bushfire threatens homes in Victoria after record-breaking heat, Perth man remanded in custody after allegedly throwing homemade bomb at Invasion Day rally, support for One Nation continues in latest poll, ABC reviewing security controls after news account hacked, and Alex De Minaur is out of the Aus Open.

Deep Dive: When Meghan Trainor announced the birth of her third child via surrogate, celebration from fans collided with accusations of exploitation - reigniting a familiar argument about whether surrogacy empowers women or takes advantage of them.

The controversy comes as the Australian government reviews its own surrogacy laws and considers how, or if, they should change.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Sarah Jefford - surrogacy lawyer and former surrogate to break down why this case has inflamed the debate, what’s being misunderstood and what reform could realistically look like.

Further listening from the headlines:
Could Pauline Hanson be our next PM

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Bail laws are under the spotlight after the alleged murders of three people, including a young pregnant mother in rural NSW. The alleged gunman, who is still on the run, was on bail at the time for domestic violence related offences.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Professor Julia Quilter, who breaks down how the bail system works and explains what magistrates are legally required to consider, and why predicting risk is one of the most challenging decisions in the justice system.

Headlines: A 31-year-old man has been charged after an improvised explosive device was allegedly thrown into a crowd at an Invasion Day rally in Perth, A federal watchdog has found Services Australia deliberately broke the law for six years, a controversial British-Israeli influencer has had his visa cancelled, and Australia’s top ChatGPT searches have been revealed.

If this discussion raised any issues for you, the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service can be contacted confidentially anytime at 1800 737 732, or by visiting 1800 RESPECT.

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Tuesday Headlines: Australia Day and Invasion Day events marred by bomb threat and antisemitism, heatwave hits large parts of southeastern Australia, Trump says his administration is ‘reviewing everything’ after ICE shooting of Alex Pretti, calls to tradie mental health hotline soar, and the quarter finals of the AO get underway!

Deep Dive: Hackers are promising to release tens of millions of audio files they claim to have scraped from Spotify, in what’s been described as one of the most brazen digital heists of all time.

It comes as global piracy rates continue to rebound after years of decline, prompting some to declare we’re living through a new “golden age” of piracy.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou walks us through what this new ‘age’ looks like and what role streaming services and governments have played in it.

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Monday Headlines: Australian of the Year named, dingoes involved in Canadian backpacker’s death euthanised. calls for a full investigation after second fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis, heatwave to hit millions of Australians this week, and Alex De Minaur is through to the AO quarter finals.

Deep Dive: Patriotism in Australia is shifting, with once‑common symbols of national pride now bringing with them significant political and cultural baggage.

From the anthem to the flag to January 26, the way we talk about and display national pride has changed, with some expressions now seen as ‘cringey,’ while others are viewed as outright racist.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with historian and associate professor at Central Queensland University, Dr Benjamin Jones, about how patriotism in Australia has changed and whether it can survive the 21st century.

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The Beckham family feud has reignited after Brooklyn Peltz Beckham posted a damning statement addressing his fractured relationship with his parents.

In this bonus episode of The Briefing, Alexandria Funnell breaks down the timeline of events and the swirl of rumours, unpacking how one of the world’s most famous families went from picture-perfect to fractured. From public absences to whispered feuds, she explores whether the Beckham legacy can withstand the cracks now spilling into public view.

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Wil Anderson (not to be confused with Adam Hills) is one of Australia’s most enduring and influential comedians - with a career that spans radio, television, podcasting across generations.

You might remember him from Triple J Breakfast, hosting Gruen or more recently from one of his hugely popular podcasts which reach hundreds of thousands of listeners.

In this chat with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Wil reflects on navigating a never-ending news cycle, the evolution of comedy and why the Sunday scaries hit us all - no matter how successful we appear.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO WATCH: It Was Just an Accident by Jafar Panahi
TO DO: Pap smear check up!
TO WATCH: The Australian Open
TO EAT: Cadbury Dairy Milk Biscoff Chocolate

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It’s the multi-billion-dollar industry that’s preying on the insecurities of young men with dangerous consequences. The MANOSPHERE is fuelled by social media and is now playing out in the real world, with major impacts on mental health, behaviour, and relationships.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by extremism researcher Vivian Gerrard to explain what the Manosphere is and the solutions we all need to fight for.

Headlines: A major manhunt continues for 37-year-old Julian Ingram after three people were shot dead in the central west of NSW, the Prime Minister claims the Liberal Party has undermined its first female leader, and a number of NSW beaches are set to reopen this weekend after four shark attacks this week.

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Friday Headlines: PM apologises to Jewish community at Day of Mourning service, regional NSW town in lockdown after three people shot and killed, Victorians told to brace for another heatwave, the Special K's crash out of the AO doubles, and the 2026 Oscars nominations have been revealed

Deep Dive: The Beckham family feud has dominated headlines all week, after Brooklyn Peltz Beckham posted a damning statement addressing his fractured relationship with his parents.

But beyond the celebrity fallout, the story raises bigger questions about family breakups, performative parenting and so-called “boy mum” culture.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Associate Professor Megan Willis from ACU to unpack the psychology behind family estrangement, public parenting and the pressures of growing up in the spotlight.
Further listening from the headlines:How to rig the Oscars
The Marty Supreme hype machine

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Prince Harry is back in court, giving emotional testimony as part of a High Court lawsuit against the publishers of The Daily Mail.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Journalism Professor Andrew Dodd, who explains this latest court case and what it means for Harry’s ongoing war with the media.

Headlines: Speculation is rife once again that Sussan Lee’s days as Liberal leader are numbered after the Coalition formally split again, a number of people are missing after a major landslide in New Zealand, Australia’s unemployment rate dropped from 4.3% to 4.1% in December, and the lead singer of Men at Work has slammed the use of his hit song Down Under at anti-immigration rallies.

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Thursday Headlines: Coalition’s future in doubt after mass shadow cabinet walkout, Australia to mark National Day of Mourning for Bondi victims today, Trump rules out using force to acquire Greenland, Gen X overtake Baby Boomers as richest landholders by generation, and Alex De Minaur becomes the first Aussie through to round three of the AO.

Deep Dive: The ACT government has reopened an investigation into its fleet of Chinese-made electric buses amid renewed warnings they could be remotely disabled through a "kill switch.”

Security experts say the issue goes far beyond buses and points to a broader trend where we're trading national security in the interest of affordability.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Alastair MacGibbon, Chief Strategy Officer at CyberCX, about when concern over Chinese-made EVs is warranted and how seriously we should be taking these new warnings.

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The Coalition is again in crisis, as three Nationals MPs quit after opposing the Coalition’s stance on hate crime laws.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by 7News Political Editor Mark Riley, to unpack today’s unprecedented developments and what it means for Sussan Ley and the future of the Coalition.

Headlines: Leaders of both France and Canada have taken aim at Donald Trump in speeches at the World Economic Summit, a top barrister has been charged with possessing child abuse material, Premier David Crisafulli has confirmed Queensland will not partake in the federal gun buyback scheme, and new research has revealed cows may be far smarter than we first thought.

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Wednesday Headlines: Hate speech and gun laws pass parliament, new restrictions on MP travel expenses, tributes flow for Midnight Oil drummer, shock as Maya Joint knocked out of AO, and David Beckham 'responds' to son's explosive family feud reveal.

Deep Dive: Sydney has been rocked by three shark attacks in a little over 24 hours this week, plus a fourth in Northern NSW, sparking beach closures and fresh safety fears.

The incidents have also started a conversation on how to better educate the public about sharks and a push for better communication when it comes to when the water is and isn’t safe to swim in.

In this episode of The Briefing, shark bite policy researcher Professor Chris Pepin-Neff chats with Sacha Barbour Gatt to explain the need for a rethink when it comes to sharks in Australia.

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A new landmark report has found there is no link between pregnant women taking paracetamol and a child developing autism and/or ADHD. The Lancet study contradicts the US administration’s advice last year when they warned women to stop taking paracetamol because of risks to their unborn child.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling, is joined by leading child disability expert Professor Helen Leonard, who explains what this latest study means and the new advice for pregnant women.

Headlines: A watered-down version of hate crime laws has passed its first hurdle in Parliament, there's been a fourth confirmed shark attack in NSW in just 48 hours, and the Bureau of Meteorology has issued an aurora alert amid a rare surge in solar activity.

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Tuesday Headlines: Labor’s Bondi bills set to pass today, Sydney beaches closed after three shark attacks in 24 hours, Police ‘traumatised’ after 19-year-old found dead on Queensland beach, Donald Trump declines to rule out seizing Greenland by force and Aussies advance through at the Aus Open in day two action.

Deep Dive: Pauline Hanson’s One Nation is polling higher than ever, overtaking the Coalition in one survey, prompting the Senator to declare she wants to run the country.

With Pauline Hanson’s primary vote surging and mainstream parties under pressure, what was once considered fringe appears to be shaping the national conversation.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with political scientist Dr Jill Sheppard from ANU about the rise of One Nation, what the polling really tells us, and whether Hanson could ever translate her support on paper into real power.

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The collapse of key parts of the federal government’s legislation on hate speech is now raising serious questions about the Prime Minister’s leadership. Concerns have already been raised about key aspects of the proposed overhaul, with the Greens and Coalition stating they will not support it.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Crikey’s political editor Bernard Keane, who explains why rushing through the changes was a mistake, and why this political disaster is one of the worst he’s seen in Australian history.

Headlines: An emotional tribute for the victims of the Bondi Terror attack in parliament, at least 21 people have been killed and many more injured after two high-speed trains derailed in Spain, and Sydney’s Dee Why Beach has been closed after another shark attack.

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Monday Headlines: Politicians return to Canberra today ahead of contentious vote on hate speech laws, boy critical after Sydney shark attack, Anthony Albanese asked to join Gaza ‘Board of Peace,' Trump threatens tariffs on Europe over Greenland bid, and round one of the Aus Open is underway!

Deep Dive: In the aftermath of the Bondi terror attack, questions are being raised about how far governments should go in the name of security.

One company that’s surfacing in those conversations is Palantir - a powerful and controversial data firm used by both companies and intelligence agencies around the world.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with journalist Paul Gregoire about Palantir’s origins, its role in surveillance, and why its possible expansion in Australia is contentious.

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Donald Trump has been eyeing off a Nobel Peace Prize, after scoring nominations from countries including Israel and Pakistan - and it looks like he’s finally gotten one.

The Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has “presented” her gold Nobel peace prize medal to the US President in a meeting at the White House - nearly a fortnight after he ordered the arrest of Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro.

In this bonus episode of The Briefing from 2025, Helen Smith is joined by Allan Behm, a special advisor at the Australia Institute, to unpack what a Trump win would mean for the award’s credibility, and whether he could be ruled out of the race altogether.

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In 2020, at just 22 years old Hannah Ferguson launched Cheek Media Co - an independent news platform designed to break down big, complex issues and speak to people who feel alienated by traditional media.

Since then, she’s built a media empire: publishing two books, launching a hit podcast, speaking at the National Press Club, interviewing the Prime Minister and even designing a vibrator - all while advocating for social change.

In this chat with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Hannah unpacks why talking politics at the dinner table actually matters and the role Cheek Media played in shaping the 2025 election result.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO WATCH: Marty Supreme
TO EAT: Sacha’s easy take on bruschetta
TO DO: What's your best TK Maxx find?
TO READ: Books by Jodi Picoult, like Mad Honey

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20% of Aussies with depression don't respond positively to antidepressant medication.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Co-Director of Health and Policy at The University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre, Professor Ian Hickie, who explains why antidepressants work well for many people — and fail badly for others. Drawing on new Australian research, involving more than 15,000 Australians, Professor Hickie unpacks the evidence that shows depression is not one condition, but many, each with distinct biological drivers.

Headlines: Some of Australia’s most prominent religious leaders have urged the government to halt their hate speech reforms, Venezuela’s opposition leader has presented her Nobel Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump, and the mother of one of Elon Musk’s fourteen children is suing X.

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Friday Headlines: Cars, caravans and tents swept out to sea as flash flooding hits Victoria, millions of accounts deactivated after world-first social media ban, British band agrees to play Adelaide Festival after apology to Randa Abdel-Fattah, astronauts splash down to earth after first medical evacuation in the International Space Station’s history and Australia’s first Trump Tower could be built in the Gold Coast.

Deep Dive:A24’s Marty Supreme has become one of the most talked-about films of the awards season and is proving that buzz can be just as powerful as trophies.

Starring Timothée Chalamet and directed by Josh Safdie, the film has had a chaotic, headline-grabbing PR campaign, and its limited release has already broken records for the independent studio, setting a new benchmark for how hype is built in 2026.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by senior producer Holly Mitchell, who attended the Australian premiere, to unpack how the Marty Supreme hype has worked and when it hasn’t in the past.

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Australia’s largest Neo-Nazi group, the National Socialist Network, has announced its disbanding ahead of the proposed overhaul of hate speech laws by the federal government. But there are concerns that this latest move will not see the extremists disappear, with some experts warning it will only fuel further hate and unify more dedicated followers.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr Kaz Ross, a researcher on far-right extremism, who unpacks these latest developments and shares her analysis on what may happen next.

Headlines: The federal government’s hate speech bill appears to be on shaky ground, with both the Greens and the Coalition refusing to back it in its current form, there’s been another shooting by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, and authorities in Canberra are investigating after 11 explosive devices were found in the city.

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Thursday Headlines: Coalition set to vote against new hate speech laws, Iran fast-tracks trials and possible executions, JD Vance meets with foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland, Victorian schools students’ details leaked in major hack, and Aussie amateur wins $1 million at Australian Open ‘One Point Slam’.

Deep Dive: Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok is under renewed scrutiny after it emerged it could be used to digitally undress women and children and manipulate images into sexually suggestive content.

While the tool stops short of generating full nudity, it has sparked concern from regulators worldwide, reigniting questions about platform responsibility, AI guardrails, and whether Musk’s push for “unsanitised” technology has gone too far.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with The New York Times’ Silicon Valley correspondent, Mike Isaac about Grok, how it fits into Elon Musk’s wider tech empire, and why this latest scandal may be less an anomaly and more a pattern.

Further listening from headlines:Trump vs Greenland explained

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Victoria Premier, Jacinta Allan, is under increasing pressure over a funding crisis for firefighters. Firefighters and volunteers say they’ve been calling for more money for years, with their trucks and equipment out of date - putting lives and property at risk.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Peter Marshall from the United Firefighters Union, who claims Jacinta Allan is lying, warning lives will be lost as a horror bushfire season continues.

Headlines: Palestinian Australian Author, Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah has threatened the South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas with legal action, Tom Silvagni has applied to appeal his rape convictions, and Bill & Hilary Clinton have refused a congressional subpoena linked to an investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

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Wednesday Headlines: New hate speech laws trigger the disbanding of neo-Nazi group, Trump says killers of protesters in Iran will ‘pay a big price,' acclaimed Australian author charged with child exploitation material offences, threatened habitats approved for land clearing in Australia hit 15-year high, and the creators of Stranger Things have been accused of using ChatGPT to write the last season.

Deep Dive: Free speech has surged back into the spotlight in Australia after Palestinian Australian author and academic Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah was removed from Adelaide Writers’ Week.

Her axing triggered a mass boycott by writers, culminating in the event’s collapse. And the controversy raises bigger questions about how we navigate polarising debates in Australia.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Dr Denis Muller from the Centre for Advancing Journalism to discuss free speech in Australia and how we regain the art of having tough discussions respectfully.

Further listening from headlines:
'The child experiments that inspired Stranger Things: The Montauk Project explained' is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you listen to your podcasts.

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Former PM Kevin Rudd has resigned as US ambassador a year early. His reign has been filled with plenty of controversy, including critical comments about US President Donald Trump. So, why did Mr Rudd leave early, who are the frontrunners to replace him, and what does this latest move mean for our fragile alliance with the US, in very uncertain international times?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by political reporter with 7NEWS, Josh Martin, to unpack all today’s developments.

Headlines: Adelaide Writers Week has been cancelled after days of controversy, Adelaide United has strongly rejected allegations from former player Joshua Cavallo that the A-League club is homophobic, and Etihad Airways has been named the world’s safest full-service airline.

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Tuesday Headlines: Labor facing pushback against Bondi terror law reforms, man killed in Victorian bushfires named, Jacinda Ardern pulls out of Adelaide writers’ week, Grok blocked in Malaysia and Indonesia, and Australia’s women’s cricket captain is retiring.

Deep Dive: Protests in Iran’s capital which started over rising inflation have turned into a nationwide challenge to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

As the regime cracks down, cutting internet access and killing hundreds, tensions are rising at home and abroad amid talk of US intervention.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou chats with Middle East expert and former Iranian political prisoner, Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert, to explain what’s unfolding on the ground.

Further listening from headlines:
Alyssa Healy's retirement call

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ICE agents are under the spotlight in the US after the shooting death of a mother of three in her car in Minneapolis. Concerns and protests are growing over their actions, with a concerning lack of transparency.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Associate Professor David Smith from the US Studies Centre, who explains what ICE is, who controls it, and the training they receive.

Headlines: The Prime Minister has recalled Federal Parliament for next week to introduce new hate speech legislation, the heroic police officer who shot dead the Bondi Junction Westfield attacker has been diagnosed with cancer, and Aussie Rose Byrne has won her first Golden Globe.

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Monday Headlines: Victoria’s bushfires turn deadly, thousands turn out for vigil one month on from Bondi attack, Iran promises retaliation if US intervenes over anti-government protests, board members of Adelaide Writers’ festival resign, and the Australian Open kicks off today!

Deep Dive: A big Medicare promise dominated last year’s election campaign - with the government promising more funding, higher bulk-billing rates, and cheaper GP visits for families.

Health officials warned it could take years to see real change, but new data suggests the impact may already be showing.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Cleanbill CEO James Gillespie about what’s actually changed since the Medicare reforms rolled out and whether it’s helping or hindering.

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Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah is back in the headlines after being removed from the Adelaide Writers’ Week 2026 program in the wake of the Bondi terror attack.

Festival organisers say the decision wasn’t about linking Randa or her work to the attack, but about concerns that, based on her past public statements, her appearance could be culturally insensitive at this time. Randa has strongly rejected that explanation, accusing the festival of anti-Palestinian racism, censorship, and of trying to associate her with the Bondi massacre.

Dozens of high-profile authors, including Zadie Smith, Helen Garner, Hannah Ferguson and Peter Greste, have pulled out of the festival in solidarity.

In this episode, we revisit Antoinette Lattouf’s conversation with Randa on The Weekend Briefing, where she spoke candidly about a similar controversy at the Bendigo Writers Festival, the personal cost of sustained public attacks, and what it’s like to keep speaking out amid public scrutiny.

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Rachel Perkins is one of Australia’s most formidable directors, whose work has reshaped how this country tells its own story. A powerhouse of Indigenous storytelling, Perkins has spent decades bringing truth to the screen where silence once stood.

The Indigenous filmmakers latest project, The Australian Wars, tells the true story about the bloody battles fought to establish a nation from both perspectives of the coloniser and colonised - challenging the myths many Australians were taught to accept.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Rachel shares why she co-chaired the Yes campaign, her career forged through purpose rather than permission and how she found her way back to creative work when hope felt fragile.

Weekend list with Helen Smith and Chris Spyrou

TO WATCH: Stranger Things season 5
TO READ: Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men
TO EAT: Paprika and fish
TO DO: Create a collaborative note in the notes app

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Firefighters are currently battling two emergency-level blazes in central Victoria, where homes have already been destroyed and three people, including a child, remain missing.

These are the worst conditions the country has faced since the deadly Black Summer fires that tore through Victoria in 2019 and 2020. Experts warn that, without urgent action, our risk of more frequent and devastating fires will only increase.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy is joined by climate criminologist and Director of the Future Emergency Resilience Network, Dr Paul Read.

Headlines: Queenslanders have been told to prepare for the high chance of a tropical cyclone, US Federal Immigration agents have shot two people in Portland, and one of Australia’s deadliest spiders could soon be saving lives.

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Friday Headlines: Firefighters bracing for ‘a very bad day’ as heat engulfs parts of Australia, Jewish groups welcome PM’s announcement of a Royal Commission, Trump defends ICE agents who killed US Citizen Renee Nicole Macklin Good, authors boycott Adelaide Writers' Week after pro-Palestine advocate Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah removal and Leonardo da Vinci’s DNA potentially found on artwork.

Deep Dive: The rules of the music industry are shifting again, and in 2025, the balance of power seemed to tilt towards artists.

Some experiments paid off and opened new ways for fans to connect - from Justin Bieber livestreaming online to Charli XCX building direct channels with fans.

Others, however, exposed just how risky it can be to step outside industry norms.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with music journalist Sam Murphy about who’s really setting the rules and how that will shape the artists, sounds, and stories we hear in 2026.

Further listening: Randa Abdel-Fattah had her name written on a bomb

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After weeks of mounting pressure, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reversed his decision and announced a royal commission into the Bondi Beach terror attack that claimed 15 lives and left many injured. Former High Court justice Virginia Bell has been appointed to lead the inquiry, despite objections from prominent members of the Jewish community.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy is joined by Associate Professor of public policy Deirdre O'Neill, who explains the unique powers of royal commissions, who leads them, what makes them effective, and whether this is the strongest path to answers, accountability, and prevention.

Headlines: A woman has been shot dead by a US ICE officer during an operation in Minneapolis, Australia is in the grip of its worst heatwave since Black Summer, with catastrophic fire conditions across parts of Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, and NASA has been forced to postpone its first spacewalk of 2026.

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Thursday Headlines: PM expected to announce Federal Royal Commission into the Bondi terrorism attack, US seizes Russian-flagged vessel linked to Venezuelan oil, thousands of Aussies hit with highly transmissible flu strain, Grok under investigation by Australia’s online safety watchdog over deepfakes, and Warner Bros rejects ‘inadequate’ $160bn Paramount bid.

Deep Dive: In 2025, the architects of artificial intelligence were named Time’s Person of the Year - making the question no longer whether AI will shape our future, but how fast and on whose terms.

What started in our feeds is now reshaping classrooms, the economy and the physical world around us - with massive AI data centres now being built in Australia.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Toby Walsh, Chief Scientist at the UNSW AI Institute, to break down what to expect from the tech in 2026.

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Why does Donald Trump keep talking about Greenland, could the US really try to take it, and what does it all mean for Australia?

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy is joined by defence and security expert, Jennifer Parker, who explains why Greenland has become such a fixation for the US president, and why this isn’t as unprecedented as it might sound. Jen explains the strategic value of the Arctic, the role of NATO and Denmark, and why Trump’s rhetoric is alarming key allies.

Headlines: US President Donald Trump says Venezuela will turn over at least 30 million barrels of oil to the US, inflation has slowed to 3.4 per cent, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has attended a Bondi terror attack victims' funeral for the first time.

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Wednesday Headlines: Multiple states on high alert amid forecasts not seen since Black Summer bushfires, Venezuelan opposition leader vows to return as the country cracks down on Maduro critics, Swiss ski bar not inspected for five years before deadly fire, and Tomorrowland's inching a little closer to Australia.

Deep Dive: January is the rude awakening after the break - routines and alarms return, and exhaustion sets in fast.

Sleep is often the missing link, with the way we treat it affecting our energy levels, mood, and ability to retain information.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with neuroscience expert and host of Do You F*cking Mind, Alexis Fernandez-Preiksa, about what actually happens in the brain during sleep, why falling asleep can feel so hard and how small changes can reset your energy in 2026.

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Deposed Venezuelan authoritarian leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have faced a New York court, pleading not guilty to multiple drug and weapons-related charges. Maduro’s lawyers are expected to argue his arrest was illegal, and he's immune from prosecution.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy is joined by Colombian-born legal scholar Juan Zahir Naranjo Cáceres to unpack the latest developments.

Headlines: Senior Labor figures expect Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to back down on his opposition to a royal commission into the Bondi Beach terror attack, millions of Australians living on the outskirts of major cities could face bushfire risks similar to the deadly 2025 Los Angeles fires, and exciting news for Lego lovers.

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Tuesday Headlines: Nicolás Maduro pleads not guilty in New York court, alleged Bondi shooter moved to supermax as parliament expected to return to Canberra early, Paris court finds 10 people guilty of cyberbullying France's first lady, and the new campaign trying to get Australia back in the top 10 happiest countries list.

Deep Dive: From AI hype to lingering chatter around crypto and gold, 2026 is already shaping up as a year thick with financial noise - now layered with fresh global shocks.

Predictions of stock crashes, bubbles about to burst, and market swings are everywhere - raising questions about what actually matters and how it can affect us.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Motley Fool Australia’s Chief Investment Officer Scott Phillips about what we should realistically be paying attention to when it comes to the world of finance this year.

Further listening:What the headlines are missing on Venezuela

PART 1: The Macrons vs Candace Owens & PART 2: French president sues podcaster over claims first lady is a man

The ugly truth about your delicious bacon sandwich

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The US-led capture of Venezuela’s authoritarian leader, Nicolás Maduro, has sparked a storm of debate. For many, removing a leader long labelled a dictator and accused of severe human rights abuses is a hopeful moment for Venezuela. Yet experts warn the operation raises serious questions under international law.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy is joined by Venezuelan-born journalist Claudianna Blanco, who takes us inside Venezuela's decades-long fight for democracy, the devastating human toll of Maduro’s regime, and the uneasy questions about what comes next.

Headlines: Tensions over Greenland are rising after US President Donald Trump said the United States “absolutely” needs the territory, hundreds of mourners have paid tribute to the 40 people who died in a New Year’s Eve bar fire in Switzerland, and Aussie actors Sarah Snook and Jacob Elordi win Critics Choice awards.

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Monday Headlines: Mixed reactions from Australia’s Venezuelan community after US arrests authoritarian leader, Australian sports stars call for a royal commission into Bondi terror attack, severe heatwave warnings for large parts of the country, and the Special Ks are back!

Deep Dive: Dating is something many of us have a love-hate relationship with and as 2026 begins, new trends are already reshaping how people meet and connect.

That shift is already showing up online, with January 4 the busiest day of the year for dating apps, dubbed “Dating Sunday,” with Australians logging on in search of the one.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by media consultant and mental health advocate Kriti Gupta to unpack the dating trends set to define the year and whether last year’s viral idea that “having a boyfriend is embarrassing” is here to stay.

Further listening from the headlines:What's behind Trump's 'war on narco-terrorism'

Why more Australians are drowning than ever before

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In the 1990s, millions of dollars’ worth of gold vanished from the Sydney CBD office of Australia’s richest man - and police believed the thief didn’t act alone.

In part two, investigators zero in on a prime suspect known as Mr X, pursuing a theory that someone inside Kerry Packer’s inner circle tipped him off about the gold. As the net tightens, uncomfortable questions emerge about how much Packer himself may have known.

In this episode of The Briefing, we continue our break from the daily news cycle and bring you part two of this extraordinary story from LiSTNR’s Crime in Focus.

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In the 1990s, $5.5 million worth of gold bullion was stolen from the Sydney CBD office of Australia’s richest man, Kerry Packer.

It was a heist so precise it left even professional safecrackers impressed - and suspicious.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re continuing to take a break from the daily news cycle and we bring you part one of this wild story from LiSTNR’s Crime in Focus.

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Friday Headlines: At least 40 dead after fire at Swiss ski resort bar, More than 100 business leaders call for Royal Commission into Anti-Semitism, House prices are set to jump more than 5% in 2026, and Usman Khawaja's Test future is up in the air leading into the Sydney test.

Deep Dive: When you book in with a psychologist, how much do you really know about the kind of treatment you’ll receive? While cognitive behavioural therapy is one of the most common approaches, new and emerging therapies are constantly being developed.

But how do these therapies move from theory into real-world practice and how long does that process take?

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Kelvin Wong, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Swinburne University of Technology, who unpacks new therapies for 2026 and when someone should consider seeking therapy in the first place.

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It’s been almost a decade since Stranger Things first dropped us into the town of Hawkins - and today, the final episode of the series lands, closing out one of the most influential TV shows of the past ten years.

But behind the monsters, secret labs and psychic experiments is a lesser-known origin story: a conspiracy theory tied to a place called Montauk in New York.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Christopher Garetano - researcher and filmmaker behind the 2014 documentary ‘Montauk Chronicles’ about how fact, fiction and conspiracy collided to create a global pop-culture phenomenon.

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Wednesday Headlines: Queensland flood fatality as WA cyclone makes landfall, Australians encouraged to "Celebrate not hide" this New Years eve, and good news with the PBS cap falling to $25 from New Years day.

Deep Dive: Australians have spent billions of dollars on travel in 2025, and that’s not a trend that’s expected to change in the new year.

98% of people who took a holiday this year say they will again in 2026, while overseas and domestic trips continue to be popular. So, where will we all be going in 2026? Where should we be going? And most importantly, how can we snag a bargain?

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Quentin Long from Australian Traveller to talk 2026 travel.

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Tuesday Headlines: Menorah to light up Sydney Harbour Bridge in tribute to Bondi terror attack victims, Australian Cruise ship runs aground in PNG, Tropical cyclone Hayley to make landfall in WA today, and the ICC has rated the Boxing day pitch as "unsatisfactory".

Deep Dive: BookTok is a community on TikTok where people create and share content about books and in 2025, it truly entered the zeitgeist.

The hashtag helped platform new authors, sparked controversy, and even reshaped book sales and the way the publishing industry operates.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Evelyn Araluen, a Goorie and Koori author and teacher, who explains how BookTok works, it’s cultural impact and how it’s influencing what we read.

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Monday Headlines: Families of Bondi Beach terror attack victims call for federal royal commission, US President Donald Trump has a “good and very productive call” with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Iconic French film star Brigitte Bardot dies age 91, and Master Lock Comanche has won Sydney to Hobart line honours.

Deep Dive: New national drowning data shows deaths are at their highest since records began, with a sharp and alarming rise among teenagers and young adults.

In this episode of the Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by water safety expert Justin Scarr, who breaks down what’s driving the crisis. Unpack why child drowning has fallen while risk skyrockets after age 10, how rip currents are catching even confident swimmers off guard, and why so many rescues are now being attempted by parents and bystanders - often with tragic consequences.

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Melbourne barman’s brush with unlimited cash takes a darker turn, as an ATM loophole that once felt like luck begins to feel like a trap.

In part two, Dan Saunders’ Hollywood-style spending spree collides with his conscience. As the money keeps flowing, he tries to come clean - only to find no one seems willing to stop him.

In part two of this extraordinary story from LiSTNR’s Crime In Focus, the question sharpens: will Dan be forced to face justice, or has he pulled off one of the stealthiest bank heists in Australian history?

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An ordinary Melbourne barman stumbles across an extraordinary loophole - an ATM glitch that lets him withdraw unlimited cash, no questions asked.

What follows is a rapid transformation into a high-roller fantasy: luxury hotels, designer shopping, five-star dining and private jets, all fuelled by money that shouldn’t exist.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re taking a break from the daily news cycle and bringing you part one of an extraordinary story from LiSTNR’s Crime in Focus.

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Boxing Day in Australia has become synonymous with a few things; cricket, shopping and the movies.

It’s arguably the biggest day for movie releases down under, and the streamers too are getting in with some big drops the day after Christmas.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by host of LiSTNR’s The Streaming Service, Justin Hill to chat all things TV and movies this festive release season.

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It’s Christmas day! And while it’s often seen as a time of joy and togetherness for many Australians, it can also be a period of deep hardship.

With the cost-of-living crisis and record rental and housing prices putting unprecedented pressure on Australians, more people are experiencing homelessness.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Ben Kharblas, Deputy CEO of Mission Australia, who explains what Christmas looks like for someone experiencing homelessness, why loneliness and mental health challenges spike over the holiday season and how you can help.

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Wednesday Headlines: Anthony Albanese has delivered his official Christmas message to Australians, Canterbury-Bankstown Council shuts down prayer hall linked to Naveed Akram, and Aussies expected to spend nearly 4 Billion dollars this Christmas.

Deep Dive: The Christmas break often brings families together and with that can come awkward, uncomfortable, or even confronting conversations.

From navigating tense dynamics with relatives you’d rather avoid to responding to racist or misogynistic comments at the dinner table, these moments can be hard to handle in the heat of the moment.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Carly Dober, Director of the Australian Association of Psychologists, about why these conversations tend to surface during the holidays and how to tackle an unwanted comment thrown your way.

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Tuesday Headlines: 3/4's of Australians want tougher gun laws, Britain wants to follow our under 16 social media ban,New warnings to keep Christmas snacks away from pets.

Deep Dive: Australia has recorded one of its worst road tolls on record this year. New data from the National Road Safety Hub shows 1,340 people died on our roads across the country in the 12 months to July 2025.

In this episode, we’re joined by the NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison, who explains why the death toll is so high and her important message for every driver this holiday season.

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Monday Headlines: Albo booed at Bondi memorial a week after terror attack with his approval rating plunging, Red Cross see a spike in blood donations, and Interest rates likely to go up twice in 2026.

Deep Dive: Christmas leftovers are often one of the best parts of the holidays, but they can also make you wonder, is this still safe to eat?

Every year, hospital emergency departments across Australia see a spike in food poisoning cases over the Christmas and New Year period, often linked to improperly stored leftovers.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by food technologist Cheryl Hughes from Facts on Food who explains how to safely store, freeze and reheat leftovers, what the ‘sniff test’ can tell you and how to avoid getting sick while still making the most of your festive food.

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For centuries, Christmas at the White House has been the gold standard of tradition with elaborate gingerbread houses and classic spruce trees. But for Melania Trump, the festive season sparked something else entirely: a meme jackpot of controversy online, leaked audio and public backlash.

In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks the most chaotic holiday in the White House, from the infamous ‘blood-red’ trees to the secret 2018 recording where the First Lady famously asked, ‘Who gives a f*** about Christmas stuff?’

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Phoebe Santillan-Stocks has spoken to some of the most powerful right hands in the world - the people operating just out of sight, shaping history from behind the scenes.

The founder of Missing Perspectives and author of The Right Hand, explores what it’s really like to be a chief of staff or adviser to global leaders from Nelson Mandela to Jacinda Ardern and even Kamala Harris.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Phoebe Santillan-Stocks shares what she learned by asking big questions in her twenties, why she’s driven to amplify overlooked voices, and the lessons that stayed with her long after the interviews ended.

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Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO EAT: Panettone tiramisu
TO EAT: Fruit kebabs
TO DO: Ette Media Live Show tickets here
TO DO: Gift an experience over a material item

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Thousands of Australians turned out this morning for an emotional paddle out at Bondi Beach, with a powerful message of healing, unity and hope just five days after Australia's worst terror attack.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by one of the organisers and members of the Bondi Jewish community, David Solsky, who explains why today was an important step forward.

Headlines: The Prime Minister has announced the federal government will launch a new national gun buyback scheme, the NSW Government has announced the details of its gun reform legislation, and Bondi hero, Ahmed al-Ahmed, has been presented with a cheque for more than $2.5 million in hospital.

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Friday Headlines: Anthony Albanese facing increasing anger from Bondi victims' families, heavily armed tactical police arrest seven men in Sydney’s southwest, migrant intake hits three-year low, Australia facing storms and heatwaves today as Christmas Day forecast drops and our fav stories of 2025!

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Deep Dive: Australia has a long track record of world-changing research, from Wi-Fi to the bionic ear, and now one Melbourne academic thinks the next frontier might be in comedic robots.

University of Melbourne researcher Dr Robert Walton has received more than half a million dollars in public funding to explore whether AI and robots can perform believable comedy, and what it can teach us about humour and human-machine interaction.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Dr Walton about what this research could mean far beyond the stage.

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The NSW Premier has announced a major overhaul of gun laws in the wake of the Bondi Terror attack. We unpack the proposed changes as the rates of gun ownership soar across the country.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Rod Campbell, a gun ownership researcher at the Australia Institute, to discuss why this overhaul is needed and how governments have become too complacent about the number of weapons in our community.

Headlines: The Prime Minister has announced tougher hate-speech laws targeting preachers who promote violence, Optus has released a damning review into September’s network outage, and the son of Hollywood director Rob Reiner has appeared in court for the first time.

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Thursday Headlines: Charges laid in Bondi Beach terror attack, pressure mounts on Anthony Albanese in the wake of the Bondi attack, teens clash with police on popular beach after storming Melbourne supermarket, search history of some Pornhub users hacked and the first trailer of Melania Trump’s Amazon doco is here.

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Deep Dive: Does it count as cheating if it’s with AI?

A recent YouGov survey found one in seven adult Australians could imagine falling in love with a chatbot, with one in six preferring to stay home and talk with it over going out with friends.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Raffaele Ciriello an expert in AI companions from The University of Sydney to discuss how worried we should be about AI relationships, romantic or not.

Further listening from headlines:
How the Philippines became a terrorist training ground

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Alleged Bondi gunman Naveed Akram has been charged with 59 offences at his bedside while in hospital.

The charges include 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of wounding with intent to murder and one count of commit a terrorist act.

The 24-year-old woke from a coma yesterday following Sunday's attack. He is understood to have declined to be interviewed about his alleged involvement in the terror attack.

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Authorities have confirmed the alleged gunmen behind the Bondi Beach massacre had both recently travelled to the Philippines, with allegations they had undergone extensive terrorist training. The Southeast Asian country has been a terrorist training ground for extremists around the world for decades, but now it appears there’s a dangerous resurgence.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by criminologist Dr Clarke Jones, who has interviewed convicted terrorists behind bars in the Philippines, on what’s behind this new wave of radicalisation.

Headlines: The NSW Premier has announced parliament will be recalled next week to discuss urgent new reforms in the wake of the Bondi terror attack, the first funerals of the victims of Sunday’s terror attack have been held today, and former Liberal treasurer Josh Frydenberg has criticised the Albanese government's lack of action and called for a royal commission into antisemitism.

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Wednesday Headlines: Community anger grows as youngest victim in Bondi Beach attack mourned, surviving Bondi gunman wakes from coma as investigation stretches beyond Australian borders, Donald Trump sues the BBC, renewables are the key to cheaper energy new CSIRO report finds and a seal visits a pub in South Australia.

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Deep Dive: Australia has become the test case for a world-first social-media ban, launched last week by the Prime Minister alongside campaigners, grieving parents and media figures who helped drive the push.

In the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack, supporters argue the ban has already proven its value - saying it spared millions of children from exposure to the very content it was designed to block.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Crikey’s Cam Wilson about how the legislation came together, who lobbied hardest for it, and what interests were at play.

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As top authorities continue to investigate what motivated the two alleged gunmen to carry out Sunday’s terror attack at Bondi Beach, questions are being asked if our counter terrorism authorities could have done more. Authorities have also confirmed the two alleged terrorists had recently travelled to the Philippines, with unconfirmed reports they had engaged in military style training.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by former counter terrorism detective, Peter Moroney, who explains why some of our top authorities have dropped the ball and the crucial red flags they missed.

Headlines: The NSW Police Commissioner has confirmed the father and son accused of carrying out the Bondi terror attack had recently travelled to the Philippines, Former Prime Minister John Howard has lashed out at Anthony Albanese’s leadership, and Bondi hero, Ahmed al-Ahmed has broken his silence.

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Tuesday Headlines: Sydney comes together to mourn the victims of the Bondi Massacre, hero Ahmed al-Ahmed recovers in hospital, the political response and blood donations surge.

Deep Dive: Australia is coming to terms with the Bondi Beach massacre, as leaders urge calm and unity in the aftermath of the attack. But experts warn this moment is different from anything the country has faced before.

For the first time, grief and anger are colliding with a flood of AI-generated and manipulated content online - misinformation spreading at a speed and realism that’s challenging even seasoned security professionals.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with security consultant and future-crime researcher Skeeve Stevens to unpack it.

Links:

Make an appointment to give blood here
Sign the online condolence book here
Lifeline: 13 11 14

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The nation is still reeling after yesterday’s mass terror attack on Bondi Beach. The Prime Minister has flagged an overhaul of gun laws as questions are raised over how the gunmen had access to such high-powered registered weapons.

It comes as a number of the 15 victims killed in the worst mass shooting since Port Arthur have been identified. In this special episode, we bring you all the latest details on this terror attack on Jewish people celebrating Hanukkah.

If you or someone you know is feeling distressed, support is available:

Griefline (National grief support line) : 1300 845 745
Lifeline (24-hour Crisis Line): 13 11 14

Members of the public can contact the Public Information & Enquiry Centre on 1800 227 228 for information relating to people impacted by the Bondi Beach Terrorism Incident.

Police are urging anyone with mobile phone or dashcam vision relevant to the incident to upload it through the NSW Police website. It can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers.

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Sydney and Australia are reeling after two shooters opened fire on a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach, killing 16 people and injuring dozens more.

One of the shooters was killed, the other is in police custody in hospital.

In this special extended headlines episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt and Chris Spyrou take you through everything we know so far about Australia’s worst mass shooting since the Port Arthur massacre.

Resources:

If you have been directly impacted or know someone who has been, the Public Information and Inquiry Centre can be contacted by calling 1800 227 228.
The Red Cross has activated its ‘Register, Find, Reunite’ service to help people confirm the safety of their loved ones at register.redcross.org.au.
Lifeline: 13 11 14

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At least ten people are dead in one of the worst mass shootings in Australia's modern history.

Two men are in custody after gunmen opened fire on beachgoers at Bondi Beach with high-powered weapons on Sunday evening. Multiple people were injured, including children.

Police are investigating reports of an improvised bomb at the scene.

NSW Police are urging the public to avoid the area.

More to come.

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20 years ago this week was one of the most volatile moments in modern Australian history - the 2005 Cronulla riots. A week of rising racial tensions exploded into violence, fuelled by talkback radio, misinformation, and hatred. And when the chaos spread, intelligence warned of a possible attack on Lakemba Mosque. Caught in the middle was young police officer Danny Mikati, who was suddenly facing an angry crowd, with no backup. It was a moment where years of community trust became the only thing standing between him and tragedy.

In this bonus episode, Danny sat down with Crime Insiders host Brent Sanders to share his extraordinary life-or-death experience.

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Michael Klim is one of Australia’s most celebrated swimmers, known for breaking world records, the 2000 Olympics and for his strength in the pool. But his life took a turn when a sudden decline in his health left him unable to walk.

In his 40s he was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease, CDIP forcing him to confront a new reality. Since then, he has redirected the course of his life, becoming a vocal advocate for awareness and others living with the condition.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Michael opens up about how he's committed to living a life of wellness beyond just the hashtags and promos.

If you want to donate blood search Lifeblood

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO LISTEN: Uncovered – How undercover police radicalised an autistic child
TO READ: The Conversation
TO EAT: Fancy pantry Mi Goreng Noodles
TO READ: Nature's Last Dance by Natalie Kyriacou

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Former Jetstar pilot Greg Lynn, who was accused of killing campers Carol Clay and Russell Hill, has had his murder conviction overturned. He was found guilty last year of murdering Clay and acquitted of Hill’s death. But now, in a bombshell development, the Court of Appeal has ruled there were serious irregularities in his trial - so serious they may have caused a miscarriage of justice...

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Criminologist Xanthe Mallett, who explains what these latest developments mean and what’s next for Greg Lynn, who has always maintained his innocence.

Headlines: The Prime Minister has asked Australia’s independent expenses watchdog for advice on taxpayer-funded travel entitlements, the woman who was raped by Tom Silvagni has made an emotional victim impact statement in court, and Australians are in for one last celestial show of 2025, with the Geminid meteor shower set to peak this weekend.

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Friday Headlines: Son of Carlton footballer unmasked in rape case, one in two cigarettes in Australia now illegal, Bonnie Blue to be deported and blacklisted from Bali, Trump introduces million-dollar 'gold card' visa and architects of AI named Time’s Person of the Year.

Take part in The Briefing survey HERE.

Deep Dive: Women make up 87% of male-on-male romance readers and are also the ones behind a lot of gay ‘smut’ content.

The hit TV show Heated Rivalry has been dubbed ‘Gay Hockey Smut’ and has entered the mainstream, opening up the conversation around who consumes queer romance.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Darcy Green, an author and writer of Queer romance, who explains why straight women commonly request male-on-male erotic stories.

Further listening from headlines:
BONUS: Bonnie Blue's schoolies return
US Border security is getting personal

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The long-running tension between Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber has become one of the internet’s most contested celebrity feuds - with Justin Bieber at the centre if it all.

Selena and Hailey both grew up in the limelight, finding fame at an early age and both went on to date teen pop royalty Justin Bieber which undoubtedly magnified them further into spotlight.

In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks how much of this feud is fuelled by the internet or whether the rivalry is genuinely rooted within Selena and Hailey’s inner circles.

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The US government has proposed tough new laws that will affect millions of travellers, including Australians heading to the US. While they are only proposals at this stage, travellers could be forced to hand over private information, including social media details, family information and numbers and emails from a decade ago.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by immigration lawyer Melissa Vincenty, who unpacks these changes and explains why handing over our private information, especially when AI is used, is incredibly concerning.

Headlines: Former pilot Greg Lynn will face a new trial over the death of Victorian camper Carol Clay, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has fired back as pressure grows over parliamentary travel entitlements, and a “zombie-proof” electric car ad has topped Australia’s most-complained-about advertisements for 2025.

Take part in The Briefing survey HERE.

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Thursday Headlines: Teens skirting social media ban told it won’t last forever, Australia records highest number of Indigenous deaths in custody in four decades, US considers forcing tourists to disclose their social media history before entry, Italian cuisine becomes world’s first to win UNESCO status, and the best AU/NZ song of the 21st century revealed.

Take part in The Briefing survey HERE.

Deep Dive: The 2025 bushfire season has already turned deadly, with a firefighter killed and homes destroyed across multiple states.

Authorities are warning the early conditions look “ominous,” raising fears Australia could be heading toward another Black Summer.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with former Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Greg Mullins about what this early fire activity tells us and how prepared we really are for the season ahead.

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This week, our top defence bosses joined their US counterparts in Washington for AUSMIN. Some experts say the latest meeting was an important win for Australia after a rollercoaster year in our fragile security alliance with America. As the presence of US troops and defence personnel grows in Australia, are we preparing for an imminent conflict on our doorstep?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Defence and Security expert Jennifer Parker to unpack this week’s developments at AUSMIN and why Australia needs to prepare for greater uncertainty in the Indo-Pacific.

Headlines: A 36-year-old man has been arrested after a woman was allegedly assaulted and then ran over, the federal Coalition is preparing a hardline immigration policy, and a 68-million-year-old dinosaur fossil is going under the hammer.

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Australia’s world leading social media ban has officially come into force, with hundreds of thousands of kids getting kicked off platforms today.

We’ve heard a lot about how teens are feeling, but what about teachers and parents?

On this bonus episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with teacher and dad, Dr Ryan Stewart about how he’s navigating the ban with his own kids and students.

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Wednesday Headlines: Anika Wells refers her own expenses to the independent watchdog, Toyah Cordingley’s killer sentenced to life in prison, another death linked to a 000 failure, Donald Trump launches attack on European leaders and threatens to ditch Ukraine, and thousands of fans miss the start of Lady Gaga’s Brisbane show due to a technical glitch.

Take part in The Briefing survey HERE.

Deep Dive: A world-first social-media ban cutting off Australians under sixteen has now taken effect, with the government framing it as a necessary pushback against harm and addiction.

Critics argue it’s a blunt overreach built on shaky evidence that unfairly limits young people’s rights - including fifteen-year-old Noah Jones, who’s taking the fight to the High Court.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Noah about why he’s opposing the ban and what he believes a smarter response would look like.

BONUS: Why this teacher is in favour of the social media ban is out now.

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The rivalry between Australia’s two biggest cities runs so deep it literally forced the country to build a brand-new capital. Canberra wasn’t chosen for political symbolism; it was created a bid to simmer the fighting between Sydney and Melbourne.

This beef covers everything from weather to nightlife, tourist attractions, footy, house prices and coffee – creating one of our longest rivalries between cities.

In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks if Sydney has the looks and Melbourne has the personality - or whether it's more complicated than that.

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A new report has revealed that thousands of Australians living with serious mental health conditions can’t get the lifesaving care and support they need because they don’t meet NDIS requirements. Experts say there are solutions, and it won’t cost any more, but an overhaul of the current funding system is needed.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Rielly Polascheck from the Grattan Institute, who unpacks the new research and the workable solutions.

Headlines: The RBA has kept the official cash rate on hold, the United States will station more troops and military assets in Australia, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has delivered the eulogy at the state funeral for Graham Richardson.

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Tuesday Headlines: Communities brace for worsening fire conditions today, jury finds Toyah Cordingley murdered by former nurse, Barnaby Joyce says Australia is late to embrace the wave of right-wing politics sweeping the world, and Golden Globes nominations announced.

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Deep Dive: Our eating habits are changing so significantly thanks to new weight loss medications that it’s impacting the globe’s food supply.

In Australia, the sale of GLP-1's like Monjauro and Ozempic have soared tenfold in the last five years, with new research shining a light on how we’re not only eating less but also prioritising certain foods.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with RaboResearch’s Stefan Vogel about the future of food in a post GLP-1 world.

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The controversy over Anika Wells’ taxpayer-funded trips has again put politicians’ expenses back in the spotlight. More details have been revealed about the Federal Communications Minister's trips, including AFL games, family skiing trips and a friend’s wedding.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Political Journalist with the AFR Phil Coorey, who explains that while the Minister didn’t break any official rules, in a cost-of-living crisis, it’s not a good look.

Headlines: Barnaby Joyce has officially defected to One Nation, A NSW firefighter has been killed, and popstar Katy Perry and former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau have gone Instagram official.

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Monday Headlines: Cooler conditions ease bushfires across NSW, Coalition calls for independent review of minister’s $100,000 US visit, warning Chernobyl radiation no longer being contained, around 600 protesters call on SBS to boycott Eurovision, and the F1 has a world champion!

Enter The Briefing survey HERE

Deep Dive: The US has 15,000 troops and a dozen warships stationed in the Caribbean, escalating tensions with Venezuela after weeks of controversial strikes - including a double-tap attack some experts say may constitute a war crime.

While Washington maintains it is targeting drug traffickers, analysts argue the motivations run far deeper, from oil and geopolitics to decades of tension with an authoritarian regime.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou unpacks it with the help of La Trobe University’s Professor Raul Sanchez-Urribarri and LiSTNR’s investigative journalist, Claudianna Blanco.

Further listening from headlines:
Inside Oscar Piastri's and Lando Norris' fight for number one at McLaren

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In today's bonus episode, Secrets We Keep: Uncovered host Joey Watson interviews the parents of a young teenager with autism radicalised by covert Australian Federal Police (AFP) operatives and later charged with terrorism. His charges were dropped by a Victorian court.

For the first time, Thomas’ parents speak publicly about the devastating moment they learned the state had pursued a criminal case against a child with significant cognitive vulnerabilities, and how a system meant to protect their son instead put him at greater risk.

Their account, alongside the court’s damning findings, that police conduct fell “profoundly short” of acceptable standards, raises questions about policing, oversight, and how a terrorism prevention program turned into an institutional failure.

Part 2 of this extraordinary story will be published on Tuesday 9 December at Secrets We Keep: Uncovered. You can listen wherever you get your podcasts.

POLICE RESPONSE

The AFP referred us to its previous comments regarding this matter:

Senate Estimates LINK
Parliamentary Joint Committee LINK

Victoria Police claimed that to their knowledge, the Imam assigned to the family through their CVE program did not record without the family’s knowledge or consent.

“Victoria Police does not publicly provide specific details of the operations or programs of this nature," a spokesperson said. "This is partly to ensure we maintain the confidentiality needs of all of those involved. The community can be reassured that we remain committed to working with the community and other law enforcement and intelligence agencies to divert those vulnerable to radicalising towards violent extremism to a different path, assist those who are already holding violent extremist beliefs to disengage, and ensure the safety and security of the Victorian public.”

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Fidan Shevket has mastered the art of turning the mundane into content gold, amassing more than a million TikTok followers simply by sharing her daily life.

The lawyer launched her TikTok career by breaking down family law cases and offering viewers a rare glimpse into the real-world challenges behind them. But the mum-of-two eventually found herself gaining a following for her straight-shooter personality and candid content, with many checking in for their daily dose of 'Fidan-tok.'

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Fidan shares how she built a cult following from her viral catchphrases, to 'Saturday Platter day' and the weekly grocery shop.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO WATCH: A Man on the Inside on Netflix
TO DO: Get your presents wrapped by someone esle
TO LISTEN: Stuff you should know: How Conversion Therapy Doesn't Work
TO FOLLOW: So informed on Insta

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US Journalist Olivia Nuzzi has released her new bombshell book detailing her alleged “digital affair” with RFK Junior in the lead-up to the US Presidential election. Nuzzi's book raises serious questions about political sabotage, conflicts of interest and why RFK Junior from the famous Kennedy dynasty remains untouchable.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Crikey journalist and US Political expert Charlie Lewis to unpack these latest bombshell developments.

Headlines: Victoria Police have concluded a 5-day targeted search for fugitive Dezi Freeman, two gunmen are still at large after opening fire in a Sydney carpark, and a number of countries will boycott this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

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Friday Headlines: Instagram and Facebook begin shutting down teen accounts as High Court challenge to social media ban approved, millions told to brace for heatwave, Bruce Lehrmann sentenced for using car without consent, new report confirms Aussies paying more but getting less from private health insurance, our most trusted brands of the year revealed.

Deep Dive: Australia is home to 20 of the world’s 25 most venomous snakes, with the critters found in every corner of the country, including our suburbs.

With urban development driving up the number of encounters between humans and our slippery friends, there’s been a boom in people wanting to become snake catchers.

On this episode of The Briefing, Julia Baker, aka Snake Sheila, talks all things snakes with Sacha Barbour Gatt, and explains the recent trend seeing more of us ditching our day jobs to work with the misunderstood animals.

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The real-life succession battle over the Murdoch media empire worth billions resulted in one of the biggest family feuds playing out in court and destroyed the relationship between Rupert Murdoch and his son James.

Earlier this year James Murdoch gave a rare interview in the Atlantic sharing his side of the story, where he called his father a “misogynist” and described Fox News as a “menace” to US democracy.

In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks why James spoke out against his family, how Donald Trump was involved and if their feud is anything like HBO’s hit series Succession.

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A Federal MP is calling for a nationwide crackdown on dangerous e-bikes, claiming the government has been too slow to act. Hospitals are seeing hundreds of serious e-bike injuries, and experts warn the situation could become catastrophic if urgent measures aren’t introduced.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Federal Member for Mackellar, Dr Sophie Scamps, to discuss her Safer E-Bikes Bill, why tougher laws are needed, and what it could mean for riders across Australia.

Headlines: Victoria Police have announced they have laid 83 new charges against alleged Melbourne childcare pedophile Joshua Dale Brown, the Victorian government will cut 1,000 public sector jobs, and Google has revealed the most searched terms in Australia this year.

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Thursday Headlines: Brittany Higgins says she ‘can breathe again’ after Lehrmann loses appeal, government warned to curb spending or risk rising inflation in 2026, baby among dead as Hong Kong fire death toll climbs to 159, controversial Hobart stadium gets parliament's support, and Spotify has dropped its Wrapped for 2025!

Deep Dive: If you could, would you ditch the algorithm that decides who and what you see on social media?

That’s the idea behind a new campaign which is calling on the Australian Government to legislate an “opt-in” feature to help us avoid misogynistic, racist, homophobic and harmful content online.

On this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Chanel Contos, the founder of Teach Us Consent, to learn more about the Fix Our Feeds campaign.

If you want to check out the open letter to Anthony Albanese, you can do that here: https://www.teachusconsent.com/fix-our-feeds#open-letter

Further listening from headlines:
Higgins v Lehrmann: Part 1
Brittany Higgins v Bruce Lehrmann explained: Part 2

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The Victorian government is investigating mothers’ groups and a homeschooling network run by neo-Nazis. Experts say these groups can often end up as patriarchal cults with coercive control.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by far-right researcher Dr Kaz Ross, who explains what’s really fuelling this far-right extremism and why governments need to listen.

Headlines: Bruce Lehrmann has lost his latest defamation appeal, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that if pushed, Russia is ready for war, and Anika Wells is under fire after revelations that taxpayers footed a massive bill for a New York event promoting Australia’s teen social media ban.

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Wednesday Headlines: New apps soar in popularity ahead of social media ban, internal Liberal Party review blames Trump for election defeat, coroner hears of pilot’s breakdown before deadly SeaWorld chopper crash, flagship gambling reform has done little to deter addicts, and the Matildas have ended their playing year on a high, beating New Zealand 2-0.

Deep Dive: The 2025 TikTok Awards made headlines last week for their celebrity guests, record-breaking votes and history-making Creator of the Year - but another story quickly took over online.

Black creators publicly alleged they were blocked from the red carpet while white creators walked through freely, prompting accusations of racism and a response from TikTok Australia that many say fell short.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with independent journalist and Back Cover Media founder Mibenge Nsenduluka about what unfolded, why it escalated so quickly online, and how events like this can be handled better in the future.

You can read TikTok Australia’s statement here.

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In 1995 a history making interview inside Kensington Palace between the late Princess Diana and ex-BBC reporter Martin Bashir changed the trajectory of the monarchy forever.

The Panorama TV interview watched by an estimated 200 million worldwide, became one of the most dissected moments in modern royal history but resulted in an inquiry into how the BBC 'covered up’ the controversial methods Bashir used to secure it.

In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks fresh claims made in a new book, Dianarama, and explores why nearly three decades on many still blame Bashir for Diana’s death.

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The WHO has released new guidelines recommending breakthrough weight loss drugs like Ozempic as long-term treatments for obesity. While the new measures are hoping to make the medications more accessible and cheaper, it comes as our TGA released new safety warnings for people taking the drugs.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by endocrinologist and obesity specialist Katherine Samaras,who explains the complexities of managing obesity and why, in many cases, the benefits of these game-changing drugs far outweigh any negatives.

If this discussion raised any issues for you, contact the Butterfly Foundation on 1800 33 4673 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Headlines: A long-awaited review into government board appointments has blasted Australia’s “jobs for mates” culture, Environment Minister Murray Watt has admitted that greater oversight was needed on the controversial $96 million Bureau of Meteorology website redesign, and a new report has revealed Australia’s happiest workers.

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Tuesday Headlines: Labor to launch its National AI Plan today, WHO recommends Ozempic-style meds for weight-loss as TGA issues fresh warning, landmark class action against ADF starts today, Donald Trump says he will release his MRI results, and Joey Watson joins us to chat about this week’s investigation on Secrets We Keep: Uncovered.

Deep Dive: Millions of Aussies are being duped by sneaky subscription traps, drip pricing, and refund runarounds - and the government’s calling time.

A proposed ban on unfair trading practices could soon make it illegal for businesses to deliberately trick or trap us into spending more and it’s not just consumers paying the price.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Erin Turner, CEO of the Consumer Policy Research Centre, about what the ban would cover, how it could work, and whether it can actually stop the dodgy tactics.

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It’s the frightening new frontier of coercive control and family violence. Abusers are now weaponising smart devices and even the software in cars to spy, abuse and manipulate victim survivors. In one case, there are allegations that an abuser manipulated an ex-partner’s software in her car, which allegedly allowed him to control where she was going or completely shut down the vehicle.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by CEO of Full Stop Australia Karen Bevan, to explain what technology-facilitated abuse is and where you can go to get help.

If this discussion raised any issues for you, or you think you may be a victim of technology-facilitated abuse, contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

Headlines: Australia is keeping a close eye on a Chinese Navy flotilla currently in the Philippine Sea, four Sydney men have been charged in connection with an international "satanic" child sex abuse material ring, and more than $150,000 worth of snails have been stolen from a farm north of Paris.

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Monday Headlines: More than 100 arrested at major port protest, death toll rises in Hong Kong apartment blaze, Benjamin Netanyahu asks for pardon in corruption case, Gen Z Australians are attempting suicide more than previous generations and what we’ve learnt about Albo’s wedding.

Deep Dive: Scientology is turning to TikTok in Australia as a way to advertise to and recruit young people.

Mirriam Francis spent 26 years of her life as a member of the Church of Scientology in Australia, the US and UK.

At just 15 years old, she was working in the Department of Promotion and Marketing of Scientology in LA, a division of the church which looks to find the best ways to sell the religion to potential members.

Mirriam has since left the church and has recently been giving evidence at a Victorian inquiry into high control religious groups. In this episode of The Briefing, she’s joining Sacha Barbour Gatt to reveal why she’s deeply concerned at the church’s recent foray into TikTok.

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John F Kennedy’s grandson Jack Schlossberg, is a self-described silly goose, social media provocateur and one of vogues political correspondents, and now he’s running the U.S. House of Representatives next year.

The Democrat officially launched his campaign via social media, leaning into the online persona that has made him both a curiosity and a headline regular.

In this bonus episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by LiSNTR's entertainment reporter Justin Hill who unpacks the strategy behind Schlossberg’s viral rise.

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Bob Brown is nothing short of a trailblazer. A pioneering environmentalist, he became a defining force in Australia’s conservation movement and made history as the first openly gay leader of an Australian political party.

Before entering politics, Bob trained as a doctor more than 50 years ago shaping his understanding of life and fragility. In his latest book, Defiance, he shares why he’s entering a new era of being at peace with death.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Bob explains why he still refuses to give up on humanity and how people like Trump find themselves in such powerful positions.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO WATCH: Bugonia
TO WATCH: Kevin Hart: Acting My Age on Netflix
TO DO: Watch out for scams
TO WATCH: Yurlu Country

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A special plea for more Australians to donate blood, plasma and platelets, with supplies at dangerous levels in the lead up to Christmas. Australia needs a new donor every 5 minutes, but only one in 30 donates.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by 11-year-old Rosie, who has been diagnosed with a rare blood disease and needs donations to stay alive. The 11-year-old and her mum Ann share their heartbreaking story, and their important message for Australians to help others in need.

https://www.lifeblood.com.au/

Headlines: Two people have been arrested after a man was shot dead in Sydney’s west, one of the National Guards shot near the White House in the US yesterday has died, and shoppers are being warned it may cost more to buy prawns this Christmas because of low stock.

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Friday Headlines: Anger grows in Hong Kong as death toll rises from horror apartment fires, Labor strikes deal with Greens on environment laws, FBI launches terror probe into National Guard shooting, Pollies react to Barnaby Joyce’s Nationals defection and Sydney train station forced to remove AI art

Deep Dive: Would you sit on your bed for an hour with no phone, no music, no book - literally nothing to distract you?

Well, that’s a trend that’s been sweeping socials called ‘rawdogging boredom,’ where users film themselves doing absolutely nothing for a set amount of time, in the hopes it’ll improve their dwindling attention spans.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou and Sacha Barbour Gatt give it a go before unpacking the neuroscience behind it with author, podcaster and neuroscience expert, Alexis Fernandez-Preiksa.

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Colin Kaepernick was a star quarterback in the NFL, but his decision to kneel during the national anthem in 2016, in protest against racial inequality and police brutality, ended up costing him his career.

His silent gesture exposed deep power imbalances between players and team owners, sparking a league-wide reckoning - with his beef resulting in athletes being able to protest the national anthem without facing the same consequences he did.

In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks how Kaepernick was quietly side-lined by all 32 teams, why it took the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement for the NFL to shift its stance and what prompted Donald Trump to label him a ‘son of a bitch.’

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The latest gender pay gap report has been released, and while there is some good news, there is still a long way to go, especially when it comes to inequity at the CEO level. The pay gap still stands at just over 20 per cent, with overall numbers showing men still earn almost $30,000 more per year compared to women.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Mary Woolridge, the CEO of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, to unpack all the latest data and what to do if you think you’re being paid unfairly.

Headlines: Barnaby Joyce has officially announced his resignation from The Nationals, The United States has stopped processing all immigration requests from Afghan Nationals effective immediately, three men have been arrested over the horrific inferno in Hong Kong, and investigations are continuing after a woman was killed in a shark attack on the NSW Mid North Coast.

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Thursday Headlines: AUKUS submarine deal to be examined by secret government committee, at least 36 people killed in high-rise apartment fire in Hong Kong, teens launch High Court challenge to social media ban, Trump’s final criminal charge abandoned, and the TikTok awards were on in Sydney last night.

Deep Dive: Black Friday is no longer a single day, rather a month-long retail marathon that’s become the centrepiece of what feels like Australia’s never-ending sales season.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with QUT Professor Gary Mortimer about when this shift began, how it reshaped business, and whether it’s still worth chasing a bargain tomorrow.

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The federal government has introduced a major change to social security payments, which allows financial support to be cut off if recipients with outstanding warrants, even before they’re found guilty. The government says the new powers will only be used in exceptional circumstances based on expert advice from law enforcement.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Kristin O’Connell from the Anti-Poverty Centre who raises serious concerns that some of our most vulnerable will be unfairly targeted in these changes that have just passed the Senate.

Statement from a Spokesperson for Minister Tanya Plibersek:

The social safety net is a pillar of this country, and we are deeply committed to upholding its integrity.

If someone is charged with a serious offence like murder or child sexual abuse and is on the run, they should not continue receiving a payment from the Government.

Continuing to provide support in these circumstances is not appropriate, but there is currently no legal authority to cancel a payment.

These powers will only be used in exceptional circumstances, based on expert advice from law enforcement agencies.

Any impact on dependents must be considered by the Minister for Home Affairs before issuing a notice.

It is a serious power, for the most serious of circumstances.

Headlines: South Australian police have announced they’ve concluded a new search for missing four-year-old Gus Lamont, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has admitted inflation is higher than the federal government would like, and Robert Irwin has won Dancing with the Stars in the US.

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Wednesday Headlines: Experts warn food delivery could become more expensive’ after ‘world first’ deal, Sea World employee breaks down at inquest into deadly helicopter crash, Labor to squeeze public service, new research finds our brains have ‘five eras’, and Trump pardons two turkeys, rambles about ‘fat slob’ governor.

Deep Dive: AI-generated child sexual abuse material is seeing a horrifying increase in Australia, but detectives are working on something that could soon be hitting abusers with a dose of digital poison.

That’s the hope of the AFP, which is behind a new tool that will look to disrupt the production of these heinous images by corrupting data in the backend.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Elizabeth Perry from the AI for Law Enforcement and Community Safety (AiLECS) Lab. She’s the research lead behind this new tool to find out how it will work and put a major dent in the production of CSAM.

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Former My Kitchen Rules judge Pete Evans once was one of the highest rating Australian celebrity chefs, but after rebranding himself as an outspoken wellness crusader, he found himself in a series of public feuds with the TGA, medical experts, and health professionals.

Dubbed ‘Paleo Pete’, he's been back in the headlines, this time sporting a MAGA hat and releasing a new cookbook, The MAHA Cookbook: Real Food, Real Change, Real Health, Real Health, inspired by the MAHA Commission report and championed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks why the TGA issued Evans thousands of dollars in infringement notices and what ultimately led Meta to pull down his social media accounts.

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What happened to Gus Lamont? The 4-year-old has been missing for almost 8 weeks after vanishing from his family’s property in outback South Australia. Now, authorities say they are searching disused mine shafts in the area, as they desperately search for any new clues.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by forensic anthropologist Xanthe Mallet, who explains what investigators may be looking for and why she believes Gus’s disappearance is one of Australia’s most baffling cases.

Headlines: Pauline Hanson has hit back after being suspended from the Senate for 7 days, a 15-year-old boy who’s been charged with the alleged stabbing murder of a 17-year-old near a school in Sydney’s northwest has faced court, and the Macquarie Dictionary is the latest to unveil its word of the year.

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Tuesday Headlines: Pauline Hanson’s facing criticism over recycled burqa stunt, US and Ukraine edge closer to a peace deal, Aussie house prices have surged almost 50% since COVID, more than half of us regret Black Friday buys, and Joey from Secrets We Keep joins us to chat his new ep ‘Unmasking Australia’s most corrupt cop’.

Deep Dive: Australia’s second-largest food delivery app shuts down on Wednesday- a decision that signals not only the end of a jingle, but a 20-year-old operation that once helped pioneer the industry.

Menulog made the announcement a fortnight ago with little detail, so why is it shutting up shop and could this see the creation of another duopoly in Australia?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with the Motley Fool’s Chief Investment Officer in Australia, Scott Phillips to break it down.

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A breakthrough new fertility treatment is giving new hope to thousands of parents to be.

Often when IVF isn’t working, there are few viable options available, but now PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma is showing promising results for couples struggling to conceive.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr Scott Pearce, the Clinical director of Create Fertility to explain how PRP works and one of his patients Emily, who struggling to fall pregnant with IVF but her dreams have come true through using PRP.

Afternoon headlines: Some politicians in Parliament House urged to turn off their electronic devices during a visit by Chinese officials, SA Police to recommence search for 4yo Gus with six mine shafts to be searched and New AI deepfake bill could see Aussie’s sued or fined for sharing content without consent

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Monday Headlines: Coalition polling at record low as government looks to pass enviro laws, Trump accuses Ukraine of being ungrateful as officials meet in Geneva for peace plan, BoM ordered to review whopping $96 million price tag for website revamp, Lando and Piastri disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix, and Matcha and Acai dominating Australian Uber Eats orders.

Deep Dive: A major crackdown is unfolding on Australia's doorsteps as global authorities try to shut down a vast network of scam compounds built on human trafficking.

With more than 120,000 people believed to be trapped inside these sites along the Myanmar-Thailand border, the question now is whether the international push to take them apart can work.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Andrew Wasuwongse from International Justice Mission Thailand about how these compounds operate and what it will take to stop them.

Further listening from headlines:
Albo's green gamble
The Beefing: Oscar Piastri vs Lando Norris

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Bonnie Blue has been making national headlines again over her return to schoolies. The controversial OnlyFans star's visa was cancelled last year, but she told media 'I’ve got good lawyers and I will be doing schoolies this year.'

In this Bonus episode of The Briefing from 2024, Helen Smith is joined by Bonnie to discuss her schoolies plan to invite “barley legal” young men attending the event on the Gold Coast to have sex and film it for content on her wildly popular OnlyFans account.

The second part of this episode is an interview with Harrison James, who was calling for Bonnie's visa to be cancelled at the time. He’s a survivor of sexual violence and now works as an activist speaking about consent, sexual violence and the safety of children and young people.

Content warning: This episode mentions sexual violence. If this episode has brought up any issues for you, help is available:
Lifeline 13 11 14
1800Respect

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Marcia Hines is a music icon - 22 albums, more than 2.6 million sales, and a career that made her a household name as a judge on Australian Idol.

She moved to Australia when she was 16 to star in Hair, the anti-Vietnam war musical, and ended up building her life here after discovering she was pregnant with her daughter, Deni.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Marica shares what stardom looks like in 2025 and how she feels being a 2026 Wall of Fame inductee at Parkes Elvis Festival.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO WATCH: Frankenstein on Netflix
TO TRY: Vision facial serum by Lush
TO LISTEN: Ausify on Insta
TO WATCH: Rush Hour and old movies you love

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Half of what Australians eat is ultra processed and now a damning new international report has revealed how these everyday foods are putting us at greater risk of serious chronic disease and mental health issues.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr Priscila Machado from the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition at Deakin University, who explains exactly what ultra processed foods are and why we need tougher regulations.

Afternoon headlines: Coroner hands down findings on deadly Wieambilla attack,Kellie Sloane elected NSW Liberal leader unopposed, Virgin and Qantas ban use of portable power banks and Darwin Cyclone warning

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Friday Headlines: Third Coalition leader ousted from top job this week, neo-Nazi leader reportedly charged over alleged harassment of federal MP, coroner to hand down findings into Australia’s first Christian terror attack today, Anthony Albanese touches down in South Africa for G20 summit, and an Aussie surprise as the world’s coolest streets are named.

Deep Dive: After 13 long years of schooling, thousands of kids across the country are packing their bags for destinations across Australia – and now the world – to celebrate Schoolies.

While many will likely party too hard and head home with some regrets, or worse, there’s a growing trend among teenagers to swap getting wasted for wellness.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks to the founder of Red Frogs, Andy Gourley, about how kids are celebrating in 2025 and how much that’s changed since he started his work at leavers events more than 25 years ago.

Further listening from headlines:The Coalition killing season has arrivedVote #1 neo-Nazis

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It’s one of the oldest, pettiest, and most iconic sporting feuds on earth: Australia vs England, fighting over a tiny terracotta urn.

From England’s full-blown 1882 meltdown at The Oval, to the chaos of Bodyline, Bradman’s god-tier dominance, ball-tampering scandals, this rivalry isn’t just cricket - it’s the biggest beef in sporting history.

In this episode of The Beefing, Alexandria Funnell breaks down the century-long beef that’s shaped cricket history: the legends, the collapses, the controversies, the sledging, and the moments that turned two nations into lifelong frenemies.

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The CSIRO, Australia's peak science agency, has cut 350 researchers in their latest round of redundancies.

But experts are warning this is just the tip of the iceberg, with various Federal Governments over the years not properly funding or supporting our world-leading scientists and researchers.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by the CEO of Science & Technology Australia Ryan Winn to unpack why the Government isn’t choosing to invest in Australian science and the dangers of not keeping the research and development in our own backyard.

Afternoon headlines: Donald Trump signs off on releasing the remaining Epstein files, Australia hands over COP31 to Türkiye, and real estate agents in Victoria required to reveal a property’s reserve price.

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Thursday Headlines: Australia accused of censoring US citizens, Tropical Cyclone Fina is heading toward the NT, calls for governments to step up action to fight chips and soft drinks, The Louvre announces 100 new security cameras, and Amyl and The Sniffers clean up at the ARIAs!

Deep Dive: AI anxiety is fuelled by warnings that artificial intelligence could replace jobs, upend industries, and even surpass human control within decades. So how seriously should we take these risks, and which human skills will matter most in a future shaped by rapidly advancing AI?

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith chats with UNSW AI Institute chief scientist Toby Walsh to break down how worried we should be and what we can do to stay future-proof in an AI-driven world.

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The ARIAs are on tonight... and we find out why the music industry’s night of nights is more important than ever. As local artists struggle to cut through in a content-overloaded world, we unpack why the ARIAs are a vital showcase for the superstars of the future.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by podcaster and music expert Alex Dyson.

Headlines: The legislation to release the Epstein files now needs to be signed by the US President, new laws banning Nazi slogans and symbols have been introduced by the New South Wales Government, and the Cambridge Dictionary has revealed its word of the year for 2025.

Matt & Alex All Day Breakfast Live.

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Wednesday Headlines: Outage takes down popular apps and Aussie airport sites, US lawmakers to vote on Epstein files, skilled migrants and international students could be slashed under Libs, Roblox to roll out age-verification checks in Australia despite social media ban exemption, and Eminem sues Aussie swim company.

Deep Dive: A new claim for native title rights has been filed with the Federal Court, which, if successful, will cover Melbourne and its surrounds.

While corners of the community might react with concern and even anger at new native title claims, what exactly are they? And is the criticism justified?

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Kieren Murray, a Wiradjuri man and lawyer at the First Nations Legal & Research Services to unpack it.

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Pauline Hanson and Mehreen Faruqi’s long-running feud has turned into a legal showdown, with Hanson's tweet telling Faruqi to ‘pack your bags and piss off back to Pakistan’ at the centre of the battle.

The two senators' politics sit at complete opposite ends of the spectrum, Faruqi a senator for the Greens and Hanson the leader of One Nation.

In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks how these senators ended up in politics and why Hanson is refusing to accept the court’s ruling in Faruqi’s favour - launching an appeal that’s pushed the feud back into the headlines.

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The Coalition implosion continues... while the focus has been on the Federal infighting... now the state parties in both NSW and Victoria are falling apart. Victoria has a new Opposition leader, the NSW Nationals boss has resigned, and now speculation is rife that the NSW Liberal leader will also go.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Liberal Party strategist turned pollster Tony Barry to unpack the fallout and why he is warning the party is dead unless it returns to its core values.

Headlines: The family of Hannah McGuire has broken down in tears after her killer was sentenced to 28 years' jail for the young woman’s murder, the federal government has welcomed the UN Security Council passing Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, and the finalists for the Macquarie Dictionary’s word of the year have been released.

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Tuesday Headlines: Visa revoked for Neo-nazi who attended Sydney rally, Sussan Ley says she will lead the Coalition to the next election, jail time for Aussie man who ambushed Ariana Grande on red carpet, more schools to close over asbestos contamination and Joey takes you inside another undercover investigation in the new episode of Secrets We Keep: Uncovered.

Deep Dive: The Church of Scientology has long been shrouded in controversy and secrecy, with allegations of mental, emotional, financial, sexual and physical abuse.

It was even banned in Australia following an inquiry in the 1960s, before being recognised as a religion by the High Court in 1983.

Now in 2025, Scientology Melbourne has started posting on TikTok in a bid to lure younger members, as an inquiry in Victoria examines the harms caused by high-control religious groups, including Scientology.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with investigative journalist Bryan Seymour about the church’s attempts to recruit on social media and why we should be worried about it.

Further listening from headlines: Vote #1 neo-Nazis is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts
BONUS: Inside the Wicked press tour insanity on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.

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Sussan Ley is under siege. Faced with selling the Coalition’s new energy policy, the Opposition Leader is fighting for survival with renewed leadership speculation and the party again recording plummeting polling numbers.

In this special edition of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Sussan Ley for a revealing conversation about net zero, values over votes and her late mother’s timely advice.

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Monday Headlines: Coalition releases energy plan with immigration up next, almost 70 schools closed due to asbestos fears, ‘traitor’ congresswoman hits out at Trump ahead of Epstein file vote, phone use linked to skyrocketing rates of dementia in young people, and a Labubu movie is on the way!

Deep Dive: The first generation raised with AI woven into daily life and instant communication as the default is officially entering the workforce.

Gen Alpha’s arrival brings a fifth generation into Australian workplaces, and in this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by psychologist and HR specialist Natalie Petruzziello to unpack what they’ll be like as your co-workers and what their arrival means for the future of work.

Further listening from headlines:
Wtf is a Labubu?

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Wicked: For Good is hitting screens this week, and whether you’re a fan or not, you can’t deny the absolute juggernaut that has been the Wicked movie press tour.

Headlined by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the press tour last year copped some flak for being cringey and over the top, amid viral videos of reporters crying in interviews to ridiculous platitudes about “holding space” for the lyrics of the movie’s title track Defying Gravity.

In this bonus episode of The Briefing, we revisit Sacha Barbour Gatt's chat with LiSTNR Entertainment's Justin Hill where they broke down the insanity of the Wicked press tour at the time and why it got people so riled up.

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Zoe Terakes made history as Marvel’s first trans actor and you might also know them from Wentworth or the Netflix hit Nine Perfect Strangers, starring alongside Nicole Kidman.

The trans masculine actor and newly minted author’s new book, Eros: Queer Myths for Lovers, explores reclaiming voice, desire and autonomy.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Zoe shares for the first time how they were groomed as a young actor and what sets American performers apart from Australians.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO EAT: Pesto lasagne
TO TRY: Lush Glen Coco facemask
TO LISTEN: Viva Betty the podcast
TO WATCH: Fleabag on Prime Video

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As AC/DC and Oasis take over Australia... a whole new generation is falling in love with old school music. So, what’s behind this resurgence of rock gods from the 1980’s and 90’s?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Aussie rock legend James Reyne, who’s about to head out of a new tour. He shares his love of live performance and why he couldn’t be happier about seeing a whole new generation of fans in the audience.

Headlines: The ex-boyfriend of 28-year-old Molly Ticehurst has pleaded guilty to her murder, Retail groups in Victoria have welcomed a new government crackdown on offenders who assault retail workers, and the former president of Spain’s National Football Federation, who made headlines in Sydney in 2023, has been egged during the launch of his new book.

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Friday Headlines: Sussan Ley survives net zero week, people working with kids to be tracked on national register, Oasis and Jelly Roll concerts hit by measles cases, Kyle Sandilands is threatening to quit radio, and Apple has released an iPhone sock to widespread amusement.

Deep Dive: Ryan Murphy's new legal drama All’s Fair starring Kim Kardashian, has been hit with brutal reviews, including a rare zero-star rating, with some calling it the ultimate “second-screen show.”

As streamers churn out more content designed to be watched while scrolling, the debate is growing over whether this style of TV is diluting quality or simply reflecting how we actually watch.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with LiSTNR Entertainment’s Amy Kimball about the rise of second-screen viewing and whether All’s Fair really deserves the no-stars treatment.

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When Prince Harry met Meghan Markle in 2016, it looked like a modern royal fairytale. Instead, it became one of the most explosive feuds in the crowns history.

This bitter clash between tradition and independence, has accusations of racism and tabloid wars from Kate-Meghan tensions, to claims Charles cut Harry off. It even spawned a Wikipedia page dedicated to 'Megxit' - a play on Brexit.

In this episode of The Beefing, Alexandria Funnell unpacks how this feud led to Harry and Meghan leaving the UK, moving to the US, sitting down with Oprah, a Netflix docuseries and Harry’s memoir Spare - that fractured the monarchy.

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The Liberals have officially dumped their 2050 net zero target, joining the Nationals, and sparking fresh chaos inside the Coalition. So what does this mean for the party’s future… and for Sussan Ley’s leadership?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling speaks with Saturday Paper Special Correspondent Jason Koutsoukis to unpack the fallout.

Headlines: Neo Nazi leader Thomas Sewell has been released from prison, a 17-year-old has been sentenced for the murder Vyleen White, and Australia’s first Treaty between First Peoples in Victoria and the Victorian Government has been signed.

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Image Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald/Alex Ellinghausen

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Thursday Headlines: New Epstein emails mentioning Trump released, Liberals poised to dump net zero after marathon meeting, AEC says it has no scope to block neo-Nazis from running in elections, Aussie fortune teller charged over $70 million fraud, and the Irwin's pay tribute to Steve on DWTS.

Deep Dive: The Victorian Labor government has unveiled a hardline shift on youth crime - announcing that offenders as young as 14 could now face adult court and, in extreme cases, life behind bars.

The move comes alongside a machete ban and tougher bail laws, marking an unusual stance for Labor as experts continue to warn that tougher penalties rarely deter young offenders.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Premier Jacinta Allan about whether the crackdown is about cutting crime or chasing votes ahead of next year’s state election.

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Every year Australians spend billions on Black Friday sales, but along with the bargains come hidden dangers. We reveal how to spot the scammers and the best way to bag a bargain.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by consumer law expert Jeannie Marie Paterson, on the best way to bag a bargain and your rights as a consumer if something goes wrong.

Headlines: Anthony Albanese has announced a new landmark security treaty with Indonesia, there are reports from sources inside the Liberal party room meeting that Andrew Hastie says the Coalition should consider forcing a double dissolution election, and former CFMEU boss John Setka has been charged.

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Wednesday Headlines: Liberal party to hash out net zero plans, Victoria and NSW announce new protest laws, man survives shark attack in WA, we've spent $1.4m on our former PMs this year and the staggering amount Aussies are dropping on hens' parties revealed.

Deep Dive: New research shows two key groups of Australians are losing faith in democracy - young people and those living outside major cities.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith chats with Australia’s new high commissioner to the UK and McKinnon’s executive director Jay Weatherill about what’s behind this growing distrust and what it would take to win it back.

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Steve Jobs and Bill Gates built one of the fiercest rivalries in tech history - the battle between Apple and Microsoft. Their competition changed the modern world as we know it, giving us the Macintosh computer, the iPhone and revolutionised the personal computer.

However, the pair share a lot of similarities. They were both college dropouts, both started their companies with a friend and both went on to become billionaires who defined the tech world.

In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks how Jobs and Gates went from working together in the early days to feuding the decades-long debate over who really borrowed ideas from whom.

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Skyrocketing specialist costs are forcing a growing number of Australians to delay or stop critical medical care and treatment. A new investigation by The Guardian has found a concerning lack of transparency regarding why specialists are charging so much.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by The Guardian Health reporter Natasha May, who explains what’s behind the increase in the costs and what your rights are as a patient.

Headlines: The retiring RSL President has called for more Australian Defence Force support, Donald Trump has reportedly asked the Supreme Court to overturn a sexual assault verdict, and The Wiggles may have breached consumer law.

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Tuesday Headline: Donald Trump threatening to sue BBC for $1 billion, more Libs reportedly threatening to quit frontbench over Net Zero, eight killed after explosion near major Indian landmark, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price backs out of anti-immigration rally, and Aussie researchers rubbish Tylenol autism claims.

Deep Dive: The group behind a recent far-right rally outside NSW Parliament and which infiltrated March for Australia protests is now attempting to move into mainstream politics.

Members of the National Socialist Network (NSN) are rebranding and preparing to contest future elections.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with leading far-right researcher Kaz Ross about how the NSN is seeking political legitimacy and whether they could gain real electoral support in Australia.

Further listening from headlines:The 'future PM' taking on Sussan Ley is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, LiSTNR, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Federal MP Zali Steggall is predicting the Liberal Party will be obliterated if it backs down on Net Zero. With a decision imminent this week from the embattled Opposition Leader over its policy stance. Zali says now is the time for Sussan Ley to stand up to the Nationals.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Zali Steggall, who says we are all paying the price for the lack of action on the climate crisis.

Headlines: The United States Senate has voted to end a government shutdown, two senior BBC executives have resigned, and ANZ has recorded a 10% decline in yearly profits.

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Monday Headlines: Coalition to meet this week to discuss Net Zero position, NSW police accused of ‘double standards’ as neo-Nazi rally outside Parliament House reviewed, more than 900,000 people evacuated as a super typhoon hits the Philippines, Princess Anne is in Melbourne today, and tributes flow for radio legend John Laws.

Deep Dive: More than 200,000 Year 12 students are sitting their final exams right now - but as they prepare to choose what’s next, are universities still worth it? With rising costs, leadership scandals and claims they’re being run more like businesses than places of learning, higher education is under pressure to prove its value.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Western Sydney University Vice Chancellor Professor George Williams about whether uni still offers the ladder of opportunity it once promised.

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History was made this week. 34-year-old democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has become New York's first Muslim Mayor, winning around half the vote in the biggest election turnout in more than 50 years. So how did he pull it off? Why has his campaign sent shockwaves around the world? And what lessons could Australian politicians take from his stunning victory?

In this bonus episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling breaks it down with Simran Pasricha from Pedestrian TV.

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Mel Tracina turned her celebrity obsession into a full time job, becoming a cultural correspondent for The Cheap Seats and being crowned one of Australians ‘most likeable’ voices in radio.

Now, she’s stepping into one of the biggest hosting gigs in Aussie TV, Big Brother. It’s the show that revolutionised Australian reality television and this time around it’s live 24/7. Returning to its roots with live evictions and public voting; putting the power in the hands of the viewers.

In this chat with Helen Smith, Mel shares her biggest celebrity run-ins with Margot Robbie and Jamie Lee Curtis and why our fascination with fame is so addictive.

Weekend list with Chris Spyrou

TO LISTEN: Oasis (first two albums)
TO WATCH: Boots on Netflix
TO DO: Join a social sport club
TO DO: At home trivia on YouTube

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On the same day he had his Royal titles stripped, another major setback for Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. He’s now been summoned to appear before a US congressional panel investigating Jeffrey Epstein. So, what happens next, and could this be the beginning of the end for the embattled Royal formally known as Prince Andrew...

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by monarchy expert, Associate Professor Cindy McCreery, who explains if Andrew has to give evidence and what this latest development means for the survivors of Epstein’s abuse and for a monarchy in crisis.

Headlines: Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has broken her silence over renewed leadership speculation, a new report has revealed the cost of organised crime in Australia, and Tesla shareholders have approved a staggering $1 trillion pay deal for CEO Elon Musk.

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Friday Headlines: Crackdown on dodgy auction tactics, Queensland nurse charged with raping two elderly women, Qantas reviewing battery policy after man catches fire and causes business lounge evacuation, audit finds Louvre museum managers prioritised buying high-profile art over security upgrades and Nick Kyrgios teases possible return to the Australian Open.

Deep Dive: The algorithm shapes more than just what we see on our social media; it also decides what we listen to. With local artists making up less than ten percent of Australia’s music streams, a new push is urging listeners to take back control.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Ben Lee about the ‘Ausify Your Algo’ campaign that’s hoping to help Aussie music cut through the noise.

Follow Tara on Instagram and listen to her award-winning podcast series 'Killer Charm' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, LiSTNR or wherever you get your podcasts.

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The short-lived marriage between Britney Spears and Kevin Federline was chaotic, messy and impossible to escape - dominating tabloids and defining mid-2000s celebrity culture. Their split becoming the catalyst of Britney’s infamous public breakdown, playing out under the glare of flashing cameras and relentless scrutiny.

Nearly twenty years later they’re back in the spotlight, with Kevin's new memoir You Thought You Knew hitting the shelves, justtwo years after Britney’s bestseller The Woman in Me. Both books tell wildly different versions of their shared past, each claiming to reveal what really happened behind the heartbreak and headlines.

In this episode of The Beefing,Alexandria Funnellunpacks the long-running feud between Britney Spears and Kevin Federline - and how their dueling memoirs have reignited a cultural battle over fame, truth and who gets to profit from Britney’s story.

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The nation’s top doctors and midwives are calling for a crackdown on free births – where women give birth at home without a medical professional present. There’s been a concerning increase in complications and deaths around freebirths, with some unqualified support workers misleading vulnerable mothers to be.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by the President of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dr Nisha Khot, who explains why women need better support to make informed decisions about the best way to give birth safely.

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Thursday Headlines: Reasons for Erin Patterson’s appeal revealed, Donald Trump blames record US government shutdown for three Democratic victories, France suspends retail giant Shein over sale of child-like sex dolls, push for national inquiry into workplace racism, and tell us how you really feel ...

Deep Dive: From Neo-Nazi's to Satanists, sadistic criminals are wreaking havoc via a new wave of online offending.

They target vulnerable victims for notoriety and clout, coercing them to carry out horrific acts of self-harm, sexual abuse, animal cruelty, and suicide.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with Australian Federal Police Commander Helen Schneider about the extremists and the new task force catching them in their tracks.

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Senator David Pocock is calling out the federal government, saying it’s the most secretive in 30 years. With the Coalition self-imploding, the Independent Senator is calling the Albanese government to account, saying the public has a right to know what’s behind its lack of transparency.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Senator David Pocock, who is concerned about the Federal Government’s crackdown on freedom of information laws and its delay in releasing the long-awaited report into “jobs for mates”.

Headlines: Investigations are continuing into what caused a plane to crash in Kentucky, New York City has elected its first Muslim mayor, and there are reports of another major Optus outage.

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Wednesday Headlines: ASIO boss warns of three countries willing to carry out assassinations on Australian soil, former US Vice President Dick Cheney dead at 84, CommBank and Temu among Australia’s ‘shonkiest’ brands, Netflix and Amazon to pay millions a year to make Australian TV shows and David Beckham’s been knighted by King Charles!

Deep Dive: There’s been a concerning rise in the sale of child-like sex dolls to Australians by major retailers online.

Yesterday, Shein announced it was removing all sex dolls from its site, after France threatened to ban it for selling child-like dolls to predators.

Meanwhile, pressure’s mounting on the Australian Government to take a stronger stance, with other platforms still using dodgy tactics to get around our laws and past border police.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with Collective Shout’s Caitlin Roper, who is spearheading the Australian campaign.

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Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell says The Melbourne Cup represents the worst parts of our society, from animal cruelty to gambling harm and rising family violence rates. Calling the racing industry the ‘most visible display of animal cruelty’ pointing to the deaths of 175 racehorses linked to the sport.

The Victorian politician has been a vocal critic of the horse racing industry, which generates around $9.5 billion dollars a year and employs up to 80,000 people from jockeys to stable hands.

In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks why Georgie wants to ban jumps racing and whip use, and what Racing Australia is doing to improve welfare standards for racehorses.

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In bad news for millions of mortgage holders, the RBA has today left the official cash rate on hold at 3.6%. The RBA governor warning there are turbulent times ahead for the Australian economy, admitting the Board is keeping a very close eye on inflation and unemployment data.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by financial expert Sally Tindall, who unpacks today’s decision and her predictions on what the RBA may do next.

Headlines: History has been made at the Melbourne Cup, 13 people have been arrested after police and demonstrators clashed at a Pro Palestine protest in Sydney’s CBD, and a New York mayoral candidate has taken a bizarre swing at Sydney’s Parramatta.

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Tuesday Headlines: Convicted triple murderer Erin Patterson formally lodges appeal, charges laid after UK train mass stabbing, US judge ends Justin Baldoni lawsuit against Blake Lively, millions of Aussies set to get three hours of free power a day, and Ash Barty visits a western Sydney school.

Deep Dive: It’s the race that stops the nation - but in 2025, the Melbourne Cup is also the race chasing Gen Z.

As horse racing continues to face scrutiny over gambling harm and animal welfare, younger Australians are surprisingly turning up in record numbers to major racing events.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with commentator Melissa Hoyer about why and how the Melbourne Cup is finding new life with this new generation.

Further listening from the headlines:
Justin Baldoni v Blake Lively explained

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New CCTV has been released of an alleged daylight kidnapping in suburban Sydney. The man was returned unharmed this morning, after allegations of a million-dollar ransom and a police investigation. But the kidnappers are still on the run.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Sydney Morning Herald crime reporter Riley Walter, who unpacks why there’s been an escalation in brazen crime and what’s behind it.

Headlines: Calls are growing for Optus boss Stephen Rue to stand down, Sussan Ley is reportedly set to abandon the Liberal Party’s controversial Net Zero target, and a list of Australia’s most gruelling jobs has been released.

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Monday Headlines: Sussan Ley under pressure after Nationals formally scrap Net Zero, mass UK train stabbing ‘not a terror attack’ police say, former Prince, Andrew, to be stripped of final military title, Optus 000 failure senate inquiry begins today, and security to ramp up for Rugby Ashes final after serial pitch invader joins anthem.

Deep Dive: Private security guards on patrols across a capital city in Australia could soon be armed with guns following a rise in crime and youth offending in some suburbs.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with security expert and former Victoria Police detective, Graeme Simpfendorfer about what’s really driving the calls to arm guards in Melbourne, how serious the threat really is, and whether adding guns to suburban streets will make people safer.

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British pop icon Lily Allen's explosive new album West End Girl set the internet alight this week.

Raw and confessional, the record was written in the aftermath of her split from Stranger Things star David Harbour and seemingly offers personal insights that have resonated with people around the world.

In today's bonus episode, The Hot Hits host Nic Kelly joins Natarsha Belling to unpack why this might be Lily Allen’s most powerful work yet.

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Dr Richard Harris is best known as one of the extraordinary people behind the rescue of a Thai soccer team from a cave back in 2018.

It was a feat that stunned the world that also earned him the title of Australian of the Year.

Now, the self-proclaimed introvert is plunging back into the depths - this time in Deeper, a breathtaking new documentary that explores one of the most remote underwater cave systems in New Zealand’s South Island.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Richard shares why he never set out to be a doctor and how he mentally prepares to face the dark, icy waters most of us would run from.

Weekend list with Chris Spyrou

TO WATCH: Invasion on Apple TV+
TO EAT: Frozen pretzels at ALDI
TO LISTEN: Jennifer Aniston on Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
TO READ: Picture of You by Tony Birch

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It’s the greatest crisis that has rocked the British Royal Family since King Edward was forced to abdicate in 1936. As the fallout continues over Jeffrey Epstein, King Charles has now stripped his brother of a number of Royal titles, including his birthright of Prince. Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, and has also been kicked out of the Royal Cottage along with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Royal Correspondent Juliet Rieden, who warns that more damaging allegations may be on the way, involving not only Andrew but also other very powerful people.

Headlines: Former NSW MP Gareth Ward has been sentenced to five years and nine months in prison, tens of thousands of Orthodox Jewish men have flooded the streets of Jerusalem in a mass protest, and NASA has stepped in to correct Kim Kardashian.

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Friday Headlines: Fresh search for missing four-year-old Gus Lamont, prison guards ordered to return to work after snap strike over violent assaults, ARIA-Award-winning musician Dean Lewis issues apology to fans for ‘inappropriate behaviour’, five new suspects arrested over Louvre crown jewel heist, and dictionary.com confirms “word of the year”.

Deep Dive: Witches have re-entered the mainstream through the power of social media, which has also catapulted the prevalence of the Etsy and DIY witch.

But with so many witches entering your TikTok feed or telling you about your future through a screen, how do we know if what they’re selling us is magic or marketing?

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Dr Caroline Tully, a scholar of modern Pagan religions, who explains the rise of the modern witch and why, for many, witchcraft is more than just a trend.

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Oasis were the soundtrack to a generation - two brothers from Manchester who turned Britpop into a global phenomenon. But behind the swagger and sing-alongs, Liam and Noel Gallagher’s relationship was as volatile as it was iconic.

From drunken brawls and backstage walkouts to public insults that played out across decades, the Oasis feud became one of rock’s most infamous sibling rivalries. Their creative genius built the band - but their egos ultimately destroyed it.

In this episode ofThe Beefing, Alexandria Funnell unpacks how Oasis went from conquering the charts and breaking world records to imploding in spectacular fashion - and whether peace is finally on the horizon.

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Infectious disease experts are raising the alarm over a concerning increase in antibiotic resistance, with rates increasing by more than 40% in just seven years. But the over-prescription of antibiotics is only a small part of the problem...

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by infectious diseases expert Sanjaya Senanayake, who explains why antibiotics are not working on so many serious diseases and the urgent action that’s needed.

Headlines: President Donald Trump has ordered the US Department of War to resume testing of nuclear weapons, the family of a teenage cricketer killed in a training accident has issued a heartbreaking statement, and Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce has denied allegations that he verbally abused a female staffer.

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Thursday Headlines: Albo praised by Trump alongside world leaders in South Korea, thousands of child abuse allegations in Aus childcare centres, Hurricane Melissa leaves trail of destruction across Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti, safety questions sparked after woman dies being left behind by cruise, and two Louvre heist suspects admit involvement.

Deep Dive: 'Awareness ads' for drugs are being called promotions in disguise by health experts, who say they may be encouraging the overdiagnosis or overuse of medication.

In Australia, it’s illegal to advertise prescription medicines directly to the public, but some ‘awareness’ ads have been found to do so indirectly.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Dr Ray Moynihan, a Senior Research Manager at the University of Sydney, who explains the legalities of ‘awareness’ ads and why he believes they can turn people into patients.

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The BOM is being slammed over its brand-new, taxpayer-funded multimillion-dollar website makeover. Meteorologists say the changes make it almost impossible to read the vital radar and weather information.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by 7News meteorologist, Tony Auden, who says automation is partly to blame and explains why the major changes are incredibly dangerous...and even potentially deadly.

Headlines: The chance of an interest rate cut has plunged, a woman accused of sabotaging two Sydney hospitals has appeared in court, and Kai Trump is set to make her professional golf debut.

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Wednesday Headline: Israel strikes Gaza as Hamas postpones hostage handover, new AFP taskforce cracking down on ‘crimefluencers’ targeting young girls, neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell found not guilty, Queensland’s Health Minister reintroduces puberty blocker ban, and eight Aus state high schools have taught their year 12 students the wrong stimulus.

Deep Dive: The next two weeks in Australian politics are shaping up to be the biggest test of Anthony Albanese’s second term, and it’s all over the Government’s plan to revamp our country's 25-year-old environmental laws.

The Coalition says it’ll strangle business; the Greens claim it doesn’t go far enough, and without one of them on board, it’s doomed.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by co-CEO of the Australia Institute, Leanne Minshull, to unpack what we know about the proposed reforms and whether they can protect the environment.

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Artificial intelligence has gone from science fiction to rapidly infiltrating our everyday lives, with experts now predicting AI could surpass human intelligence within the next three decades.

From Siri to chatbots, self-driving cars and robotic surgeons, we can't live without it. But as AI starts replacing human jobs, generating art and even making 'moral decisions' - leading tech experts have started sounding the alarm, including former employees of OpenAI.

In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith breaks down the growing feud between artificial intelligence and humans, from its beginnings in the 1950s to today’s chatbot revolution and whether AI is our greatest creation or the biggest threat to humanity yet.

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Young Aussies are being screwed over and are facing a tougher reality than their parents and grandparents, according to new research.

Education, home ownership, psychological distress, loneliness and delayed adulthood are the five key factors impacting young people the most.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Intifar Chowdhury, a youth researcher and lecturer in government at Flinders University, who explains the great generational divide and the solutions we all must face.

Afternoon headlines: Woman arrested after gas supplies allegedly sabotaged at two Sydney hospitals, first member of the NZYQ cohort has been deported to Nauru, 80-year-old women dies after failing to board a cruise and top state school admits to teaching wrong topic for year 12 exam

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Tuesday Headlines: Trump says he ‘would love’ to run for a third term, pre-sentence hearing for Hannah McGuire’s killer resumes today, neo-Nazi leader Tom Sewell faces court in Victoria, Aussies can claim share of $50m Cambridge Analytica payout and the BOM’s new website bombs.

Deep Dive: From athlete doping to criminal syndicate match fixing, for as long as there’s been professional sport, there’s been those trying to cheat and make big bucks.

As the Australian 2032 Olympics edges closer, police and sporting agencies are already working to prevent such threats from hindering the integrity of the games.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with Sport Integrity Australia’s Chris Butler and James Moller about how the body catches those doing the wrong thing, and how they’re preparing to crack down on cheats and criminals for the biggest sporting spectacle in the world.

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Shock allegations of sexual abuse within Australia’s childcare system have been uncovered by a new ABC Four Corners investigation. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by investigative journalist Adele Ferguson, who admits she was shocked by the level of abuse and the dangerous loopholes that allow childcare centres to be a hunting ground for alleged pedophiles.

This episode contains descriptions of child sex abuse. If you or anyone you know needs assistance, contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

Headlines: The ACCC has launched legal action against Microsoft, Kamala Harris has hinted she might make another run for the White House, and a Collie from Central Queensland has taken out a prestigious prize.

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Monday Headlines: Two Louvre heist suspects arrested, Albanese and Trump in Malaysia for ASEAN Summit, wild weather lashes east coast, no big tech exemptions to train AI, and Microsoft Teams set to dob on Aussies that WFH.

Deep Dive: Alligator Alcatraz has existed for less than four months and has already become one of America's most notorious immigration detention centres.

With detainees reportedly permitted to shower only once every three days and forced to share clothes amid overflowing toilets and limited access to legal support, welfare organisations describe the $450 million facility as a “black hole”.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Associate Professor David Smith from the University of Sydney who explains life inside Alligator Alcatraz and what it signals about the US Government's immigration policies.

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In the mid-1980s, Australia was forced to confront an uncomfortable truth - hundreds of suspected Nazi war criminals had quietly made this country their home. They’d slipped in after World War II, living unremarkable lives in the suburbs, hiding in plain sight. Leading the effort to uncover them was the Special Investigations Unit, a team tasked with tracking down those who thought they’d escaped justice. Prosecutor Graham Blewittwas at the heart of that search.

In this special bonus, we’re sharing the first episode of Secrets We Keep: Uncovered with you.

You’ll hear investigative journalist Joey Watson sit down with Graham Blewittto revisit that extraordinary investigation, and what it reveals about Australia’s long, complex history with the far right.

Tap here to go straight to Secrets We Keep: Uncovered episode 2.

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Matthew Reilly is one of Australia’s most prolific authors, selling more than 8 million books worldwide and even directing a Netflix film starring Elsa Pataky and Chris Hemsworth.

The Sydney-born author’s has written over 30 action thriller books that dominate airport bookshelves, with his latest novel, The Detective, continuing the streak.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Matthew opens up about being rejected by every major publisher before becoming an international best seller.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO WATCH: Twinless the movie in cinemas
TO EAT: Lettuce cup burgers with the lot!
TO TRY: Beli restaurant rating app

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Dating in your 40s isn’t anything like dating in your 20s, the baggage is heavier, the stakes are higher, and the apps are brutal. In this episode, writer Kerri Sackville joins Natarsha Belling to share the realities of finding love later in life, from red flags and emotional readiness to why some men just aren’t doing the work.

Headlines: Thousands of female ADF members are set to join a landmark class action against the Australian Defence Force, Three men have been arrested over the alleged kidnapping and murder of a Sydney woman, and a major betting scandal has rocked the NBA in the US.

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Friday Headlines: Around 44,000 Aussies overpaid their Centrelink debt, Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomes US sanctions on Russian oil, King Charles and Pope Leo XIV become first British monarch and pontiff to pray together in 500 years, eSafety Commission issues legal notices to four chatbot creators over sexual and suicidal content, and the annual migration of crabs has begun on Christmas Island!

Deep Dive: Kim Kardashian is bringing the merkin back into mainstream fashion with her sell-out full bush thong, reigniting conversations around pubic hair and societal beauty standards, particularly for women.

In a world where the hair removal industry is worth billions, does this mean the bush is back?

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Dr Esme Louise James an educational content creator who explains the origins of our obsession with hairlessness and whether we’re finally seeing a shift in body hair norms.

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A fierce internal battle for the highly-coveted number one driver status at McLaren has intensified rivalry between Formula One teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

With both young guns contracted long-term, this dramatic feud is spilling onto the track and could even jeapordize McLaren's bid to become F1 champions.

In today's episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks how healthy competition between the Australian and Brit has morphed into a beef and reached boiling point at high-stakes moments, triggering wider repercussions and a PR nightmare.

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Sanae Takaichi has become Japan’s first female Prime Minister, but many experts say it’s not a win for women. The former TV host is a conservative with hardline views on marriage and family, and has promised to turn around a tanking economy and a cost-of-living crisis. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by ABC’s North Asia Correspondent, James Oaten, to unpack the new PM’s policies and why the world is watching.

Headlines: There are calls for a new police investigation into the decades-old cold case of missing toddler Cheryl Grimmer, The UNs’ top court has ruled that Israel must allow aid groups unrestricted access to Gaza, and Journalist Michael Wolff has filed a lawsuit against US First Lady Melania Trump.

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Thursday Headlines: ADF official to join Trump’s Gaza peace team, two dead in Melbourne waters during wild weather, Telstra warns some Samsung phones can’t call 000, grocery delivery via apps costs up to 39% more, and what's the weirdest fine you've copped?

Deep Dive: A multi-agency investigation is underway after a suspected piece of space junk crash-landed in remote Western Australia, reigniting concerns over what and how much of it is floating above us.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou chats with astrophysicist Brad Tucker from the Australian National University about what likely landed in the Pilbara, whether we should be worried about being hit by falling space debris, and what it tells us about the growing mess orbiting Earth.

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Pressure is mounting on the Royal family as the fallout from Virginia Giuffre's bombshell new memoir continues, which was released this week. The book has more damaging allegations about Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew, with some Royal experts saying this latest scandal may even force King Charles to abdicate.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by journalist Angela Mollard to unpack this week’s developments and why the Monarchy is facing its biggest crisis in decades.

Headlines: South Australia’s Attorney-General has called for a review of the decision to grant parole to Snowtown killer James Vlassakis, INTERPOL has issued a global alert after the multi-million dollar Jewellery heist at the Louvre, and police have arrested a man after uncovering 43 allegedly stolen Labubu dolls.

This episode contains descriptions of sexual assault and suicide. If you or anyone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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Wednesday Headlines: Extreme weather lashing Australia, woman accused of brazen daylight stabbing remains behind bars, Aussie mum’s landmark work from home win, tougher penalties for companies breaking environmental laws, and over a third of you support the government ‘stealing’ from us.

Deep Dive: AI cheating is rife at universities across the country, with educators struggling to crack down.

In recent months, over a dozen universities were found to have wrongly accused students of cheating with AI, while failing to catch others who were.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with AI cheating researcher, Professor Phillip Dawson from the University of Deakin, about the flow-on effects of AI cheating in academia and what we can do about it.

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Rudd’s the strategist and Gillard’s the negotiator - two Labor leaders, two Prime Ministers and one political party locked in a cycle of self-destruction.

What began as a dream team that swept the Howard Government from power in a historic landslide soon descended into one of the most bitter rivalries in Australian political history.

In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks the rise of Kevin Rudd in the 'Kevin 07' era, the dramatic downfall that followed and how Julia Gillard became Australia's first (and only) female Prime Minister.

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It was almost 12 months in the making, but finally Anthony Albanese has met with Donald Trump for their long-awaited sit down. While there was a little distraction with US Ambassador Kevin Rudd, most experts say the meeting was a major success and the US Australia alliance is firmly back on track.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by International Affairs expert Bec Strating who unpacks the key takeaways and why this is the good news story Australia needs.

Headlines: China has hit back at Australia claiming it illegally entering its airspace, major arrests in a nationwide crackdown on illegal weapons, and Amazon Web Services has returned to normal after a massive internet outage.

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Tuesday Headlines: Albanese and Trump sign critical minerals deal worth billions, Amazon struggling to fix an outage that’s affected millions of users, authorities working to trace source of rat poisonings in Queensland, Victoria’s set to ban masks and chains at protests, and the AFL’s warning to Bailey Smith over controversial social media posts.

Deep Dive: Former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce says he wants out of The Nationals and could soon be teaming up with Pauline Hanson.

So what’s driving the move, and could it signal a bigger shift on Australia’s political right?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Dr Jill Sheppard from the Australian National University about the tensions inside the Coalition, the rise of One Nation, and what this all means for the future of the political right in Australia.

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It’s straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster like Oceans 11. Robbers breaking into the Louvre Museum in Paris and stealing priceless Royal jewels. Well, overnight, that happened in real life with experts investigating how these thieves carried out the daring heist in just four minutes.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Art crime expert Judge Arthur Tomkins, to explain why he believes it could have been an inside job and why so many art galleries and museums around the world have serious gaps in their security systems.

Headlines: Two people have been killed after a plane skidded off the runway at Hong Kong International Airport, another major test for Gaza’s fragile ceasefire after Israeli forces launched a wave of deadly airstrikes, and British police are investigating allegations that Prince Andrew asked an officer to dig up damaging information on Virginia Giuffre.

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Monday Headlines: Albo en route to Washington for face-to-face meeting with Trump, thousands attended March for Australia and counter protests over the weekend, hunt continues for thieves after seven-minute Louvre heist, witnesses of Melbourne rollercoaster accident file lawsuit and crocodile discovered in luxury Queensland resort pool.

Deep Dive: When someone like Kamala Harris or Hillary Clinton flies to Australia to give a speech, it looks like a polished, one-night event - but behind the scenes lies a multimillion-dollar industry where politics, celebrity, and big business collide.

So how much are these names really making, who’s footing the bill, and why are so many of the world’s biggest names choosing to cash in down under?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with award-winning media professional and international keynote speaker Jaimie Abbott about the lucrative world of event speaking and what it says about power, influence, and opportunity.

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Have you ever wondered what it’s like to go undercover and expose a booming, yet highly secretive global market?

In this bonus episode of The Briefing, we revisit LiSTNR investigative journalist Claudianna Blanco’s story, now nominated for a Walkley Award, as she travels to Colombia to uncover the dark side of international surrogacy.

Listen to Claudianna on Secrets We Keep: By Any Means.

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Cam Wilson has spent years deep in the corners of the internet most of us would rather avoid. As an investigative reporter covering technology and extremism, he’s seen firsthand how conspiracy theories spread and the real-world damage they can cause.

In his new book, Conspiracy Nation, Cam unpacks how these ideas take hold, drawing on insights from psychologists, church leaders, journalists and the families of those pulled down the rabbit hole.

Speaking with Antoinette Lattouf, Cam reveals what it’s like to step inside a world where reality has fundamentally shifted, and shares whether investigating conspiracy culture has changed the way he thinks.

Weekend list with Chris Spyrou

TO READ: Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
TO WATCH: Gloria Estefan’s Tiny Desk Concert
TO MAKE: Lebanese spicy potato recipe
TO WATCH: Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE

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She is one of Australia’s most loved and successful TV stars, but MasterChef winner Julie Goodwin was keeping a dark secret. This Mental Health Month, Julie is sharing her own personal struggles with depression, how two strangers saved her life and how she turned her life around.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Julie Goodwin with her important advice about mental health and the warning signs we all need to look out for.

This episode contains descriptions of suicide. If you or anyone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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Friday Headlines: Trump says he had ‘good and productive’ call with Putin, alleged offender of Melbourne daylight stabbing out on bail at the time, Indigenous leaders meet with King Charles to mark 40th anniversary of Uluru handover, Containers for Change has been accused of corruption, and the Aussie brands going viral overseas have been revealed.

Deep Dive: Gold fever is back and it’s not just investors cashing in.

With prices up more than 50% in the past year and hitting $6,400 an ounce, Australians are lining up at dealers and heading to old mining towns with pans in hand – hoping to strike it rich.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Jhob Drinkwater from Jhob’s Gold Panning Tours about what’s fuelling this modern-day rush, who’s showing up and whether there’s still gold in the ground.

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Sex and the City defined a generation - its fashion, friendships, and frank talk about love, sex, and ambition changed pop culture forever. But while Carrie and Samantha were inseparable on-screen, behind the scenes the dynamic between their real-life counterparts was anything but friendly.

For years, rumours swirled about tension between the show's stars, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall. Then in 2017, Kim publicly broke her silence - confirming what fans had long suspected. There was officially beef between the pair. But what was it really about? And who was to blame?

In this episode of The Beefing, Alexandria Funnell unpacks how a show built on friendship became one of television’s most infamous fallouts - and whether peace between Carrie and Samantha will ever truly be possible.

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In the latest concerning escalation of the attack on freedom of speech in the US, a number of top journalists have been kicked out of the Pentagon. The correspondents from the major networks walked, after refusing to sign a new policy that restricted their reporting on information without government approval.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by International and Security Affairs expert Allan Behm, who explains why we all should be concerned about the growing lack of government accountability and the escalating attacks on democracy and freedom of speech.

Headlines: A member of the Australian Defence Force has died, new unemployment data has been released today, and new excerpts from Virginia Guiffre's tell-all memoir have been published.

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Thursday Headlines: Israel says one of four bodies handed over by Hamas is not a hostage, three Australian men accused of Bali villa shooting could face the death penalty, the world’s carbon dioxide levels have reached record highs, NRL players now face 10-year ban for joining rival competition, and Virgin Australia’s pets on flights trial is underway!

Deep Dive: New research has revealed the worst offenders for image-based sexual abuse in Australia, including those who create deepfakes and revenge porn, or take photos and videos without consent.

The Australian Institute of Criminology says such crimes are disproportionately carried out by young men, while the type of offending differs across age groups and genders.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with AIC research manager Tom Sullivan about what's needed to address the growing problem, and how tech advancements are making it harder to stop.

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NSW has now recorded its highest-ever yearly rate of Indigenous deaths in custody. The shocking statistic has sparked the State Coroner to call out the “profoundly distressing milestone”, saying these deaths demand respect and accountability.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by CEO of the Redfern Legal Centre, Camilla Pandolfini, who says these horrific statistics are a national shame, and after decades of neglect, we need urgent action from governments.

Headlines: A house fire has killed three people in Central Queensland, Israel will restrict aid to Gaza, and Candace Owens has lost her appeal in the High Court over the decision to deny her entry into Australia.

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Wednesday Headlines: AFP formally requests the PM’s number be taken down from US website, search for missing Gus expanded after advice from survival specialists, US conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has Sandy Hook hoax appeal rejected, Instagram introduces PG-13 restrictions for teen accounts, and how the government’s about to make $70 million from unused public transport cards.

Deep Dive: While Australians are spending more time and money at the GP, new research shows our health system is struggling to keep up - with rising costs, growing patient complexity, and doctors warning that Medicare hasn’t moved with the times.

So what exactly is driving the pressure and are the government’s promises enough?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined byDr Michael Wright, President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioner’s to discuss.

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Donald Trump and Rosie O'Donnell's feud is one of his earliest public beefs. Starting all the way back in 2006 when O'Donnell went after Trump on The View, their beef has been simmering for decades since.

What followed was a relentless back-and-forth of brutal - and sometimes hilarious - personal attacks in interviews, on social media, and even during presidential debates. Now, with Rosie on Australian soil for her comedy tour, all eyes have returned to a beef that appears to stand the test of time.

In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks why this outrageous clash has endured for nearly two decades, exploring the explosive mismatch of personalities, the media's role in amplifying the conflict, and what it revealed about Trump's combative style long before he entered politics.

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It’s the Parliament Sports Club scandal that’s uncovered explosive allegations about the powerful forces that are really running Canberra. The Australian Parliament Sports Club was thrown into the spotlight last week when Independent Senator and former Wallaby David Pocock was kicked out of the club after raising concerns about its lobbying status during Senate Estimates.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Independent MP Allegra Spender, who says this latest controversy is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to powerful lobby groups and why she is now calling for greater transparency.

Headlines: Melbourne’s CBD was shut down this morning, after a man allegedly went on a carjacking rampage across the city, the top bosses of the childcare chain at the centre of shock sex abuse allegations have resigned, and Linda Reynolds has launched new legal proceedings against Brittany Higgins.

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Tuesday Headlines: Donald Trump signs Gaza ceasefire deal with world leaders in Egypt, AFP say its investigating Lydia Thorpe over ‘burn down Parliament House’ comment, Victoria’s become Australia’s car theft capital, alarming rise in antibiotic-resistant infections and an Aussie council has $1.9m stolen by crime gang using AI.

Deep Dive: AI-generated actors are no longer a future threat - they’re already here, reshaping the entertainment industry from the inside out.

From invisible data scraping to disappearing jobs on set, these digital performers are changing how content is made and consumed. And while studios might save millions, not everyone is clapping.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with NSW Equity Vice-President of MEAA, Jacqui Duncan, about how Australia’s creatives are fighting back, what protections are (and aren’t) in place, and why this moment could define the future of the industry.

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The US President has declared the war in Gaza is over, but as the world nervously waits for the hostage handover, many experts are concerned about what may lie ahead.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Middle East expert Dr Andrew Thomas, who warns there are many concerns over whether this latest breakthrough will actually lead to lasting peace.

Headlines: Treasurer Jim Chalmers has backed down on major changes to superannuation, Victoria Police will undergo a complete restructure, and a father of four has chased down two teenagers who allegedly broke into his home.

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Headlines: Donald Trump to meet with Israeli hostages after release by Hamas, calls for schoolies pill testing after second nitazene death, millions of Aussies warned to not fall for Qantas scams after data leaked on dark web, three people stabbed in alleged youth knife attacks in Sydney and Melbourne, and the NRL names its 19th team.

Deep Dive: Experts are concerned there’s a growing number of ‘forgotten victims’ of domestic and family homicide in Australia.

Each year there are dozens of murders involving parents and their children, yet to date, we know little about the offenders and what drives such heinous crimes.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with former detective turned Bondi Uni criminologist, Dr Terry Goldsworthy, about the need to speak up for all victims, and not minimise their deaths.

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23 years ago today, the single largest loss of Australian life due to an act of terror hit Bali’s Kuta Beach. Two massive explosions tore through the bustling nightclub district, killing 202 people, including 88 Australians.

Australian Federal Police forensic chemist David Royds arrived on the scene just 48 hours later. Amid the devastation, he painstakingly pieced together what had happened and how, uncovering critical evidence that would ultimately lead to the bombers’ arrest.

In this bonus, we’re bringing you an episode from LiSTNR’s Crime Insiders Forensics podcast.

A warning, this episode contains descriptions of a mass casualty event. If you or anyone you know needs assistance, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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Turia Pitt is one of those names everyone in Australia knows. In 2011, she was caught in a grassfire during a 100-kilometre ultramarathon and suffered burns to 65 percent of her body.

Since then, she’s become much more than a survivor. Turia is an overachiever in the best way possible, she’s earned accolades, built a massive following and written multiple books, with her latest titled Selfish.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Turia explains why it’s time to be a little more selfish and why people from migrant backgrounds or those living with disabilities shouldn’t have to constantly prove they belong.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO READ: Sociopath: A Memoir by Patric Gagne
TO READ: Accessory by Felicia Djamirze and Erin O’Dwyer
TO EAT: Single serve tin-tray meals
TO DO: 21 day wellbeing journal

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Netflix's Monsters series The Ed Gein Story is trending globally but despite it’s popularity the reviews are not in its favour, with critics pointing out it may be the most sensationalised instalment in the Monster anthology yet.

The series follows murderer Ed Gein is thought to have influenced Hollywood and the making of Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Silence of the Lambs, but how much of the story is true?

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Alyce McGovern, Associate Professor of Criminology from UNSW, who explains why we can’t look away and how we can consume it more responsibly.

Afternoon headlines: Preparations to implement a ceasefire deal begin in Gaza, Senator David Pocock banned from Parliament House’s social sports club and Judge dismisses Drake's lawsuit over Kendrick Lamar diss track Not Like Us

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Headlines: Man who threatened PM prepared to ‘sacrifice self’, Abbie Chatfield ordered to pay $79k for defaming former friend, man who raped French woman Gisele Pelicot handed extra time on sentence, US authorities open investigation into Tesla’s self-driving cars after crashes, and Pauline Hanson hates paper shopping bags.

Deep Dive: Taylor Swift is the world’s richest female artist, has 14 Grammys and just smashed Adele’s record for the biggest album debut in history.

But her 12th studio album Life of a Show Girl hasn’t been met with universal praise - so how did she still pull off a record-breaking week?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with LiSTNR’s resident Swiftie and fandom researcher at RMIT Kate Pattison to unpack the reactions, strategy and chaos behind Taylor’s latest era.

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The Beckham family has long projected the image of a glamorous, tight-knit dynasty, with David and Victoria at the centre of a global brand. But behind the curated Instagram posts and luxury campaigns, tensions have been quietly simmering.

With the release of Victoria Beckham’s Netflix documentary, renewed attention has fallen on the family’s private dynamics. Most notably, Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz’s absence from the launch, which reignited speculation about a growing rift - with rumours suggesting tensions between the couple and the wider Beckham clan.

In this episode of The Beefing, Alexandria Funnell breaks down the timeline of events and the swirl of rumours, unpacking how one of the world’s most famous families went from picture-perfect to fractured. From public absences to whispered feuds, she explores whether the Beckham legacy can withstand the cracks now spilling into public view.

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Renewable energy overtook coal as the world's leading source of electricity for the first time, with countries like Sri Lanka already running on about 50% renewables.

With just four major economies creating nearly two thirds of global electricity demand, the race to decarbonise is accelerating. But who’s leading the charge and how does Australia stack up?

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Dr Reihana Mohideen, an electrical engineer and principal advisor from the University of Melbourne, who explains why these renewable energy moves aren’t about climate change and what it means for our net zero targets.

Afternoon headlines: Israel and Hama sign off on first phase of US Gaza peace plan, Google blocks Gov STI awareness ads labelling them as ‘adult content’ and an Australian wins Nobel Prize for Chemistry

Further listening: Trump's Nobel Peace Prize race

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Headlines: Manhunt underway in Sydney after man shot dead in ‘brazen’ daylight attack, former William Tyrell investigator 'reading between the lines’ in missing Gus Lamont case, AFP to be allowed to share child abuse material to catch offenders, Qantas among global companies hit with ransom demand from hacker group, and Dolly Parton’s got a message for the world.

Deep Dive: Some of the world’s biggest comedians like Kevin Hart, Pete Davidson and Jim Jefferies are cashing huge cheques to perform at what’s being billed as the largest comedy festival in the world.
While the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia has drawn major star power, it's also sparked backlash, with human rights groups calling it a glossy distraction from the kingdom’s ongoing abuses.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Michael Page, a deputy director in the Middle East and North Africa division at Human Rights Watch about how the festival fits in with Saudi Arabia’s cultural and political playbook.

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The word fascist is one of the most politically charged, and controversial, labels being used to describe US President Donald trump. He's been called a fascist leader by human rights experts, political commenters and even celebrities like Rosie O’Donell, who in our interview with her earlier this week called Trump an ‘an active fascist in the White House.’

But what are the signs and makings of a fascist leader, and how can we tell it we’re seeing a resurgence of fascist tendencies worldwide.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Dr Marco Duranti, a senior lecturer in European and international history, who explains what fascism looks like and how a political leader can be a fascist.

Afternoon headlines: Rental prices increase by almost 44% in five years, Optus sent alert about triple-zero outages to wrong government email and Sam Kerr expected to make Matildas return

Further listening: Rosie O'Donell on Trump, Gaza & fame

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Wednesday Headlines: Australians detained by Israeli forces deported to Jordan, Government accused of ISIS brides cover-up and inaction over sexual assaults, new research finds women have greater genetic risk of depression, Aussie writers could be eligible for a cut of a $2.27bn AI settlement, and more than 50% of Aussie's think its ok to clock off early and hit the beach during summer.

Deep Dive: The sovereign citizen movement is on the rise in Australia, leading to clogged up community and legal systems, and in some cases extreme violence.

Accused cop killer and fugitive Dezi Freeman subscribes to the pseudolaw, a path experts say is taken by citizens in crisis.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks to UNSW sovereign citizen researcher Dr Harry Hobbs about what's behind the surge, and why it’s a problem we won’t arrest away.

Further listening from the headlines:
Return of the ISIS brides
We're training AI to blackmail us

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Activist Greta Thunberg is a pro at feuding with world leaders, from US president Donald Trump to former-New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, she’s beefed with them all.

The 22-year-old is back in the headlines after she, and around 170 activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla for Gaza, were recently deported by Israel after being detained in international waters.

In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks the first time Greta made international headlines for her viral ‘how dare you’ speech at the United Nations climate action summit and examines her ongoing feuds with prominent world leaders.

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Today marks the two-year anniversary of Oct 7 when Hamas militants killed 1200 people and took 250 Israeli hostages. Since then, more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to health authorities in Gaza, and Israel's actions have been labelled by a UN independent commission of inquiry and other organisations as genocide.

Talks have started between Israel and Hamas on the future of the Gaza war in Egypt, with Trumps Gaza peace plan on the table.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Dr Eyal Mayroz a senior Lecturer in Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Sydney to explain if we’re close to reaching a permeant ceasefire.

Afternoon headlines: Anthony Albanese condemns pro-Hamas slogan, painted on a blank billboard in the inner-city of Melbourne, global renewable energy generation surpasses coal for first time and the daughter of actor and comedian Robin Williams speaks out against AI videos of her dad

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Tuesday Headlines: PM calls for calm after death threats, alleged Sydney shooter named and charged with over 20 offences, social media platforms ordered to take down Charlie Kirk murder videos, wage theft has more than doubled in the last five years, and the White House has responded to SNL's skit mocking President Trump’s 'war on late-night TV'.

Deep Dive: She’s an Emmy Award-winning talk show host, actor, and comedian who’s never shied away from a political fight.

Now living in Ireland, Rosie O’Donnell is in Australia for the first time - bringing her new stand-up show Common Knowledge down under.

In this episode of The Briefing, Rosie opens up to Helen Smith about life after Hollywood, her long-running feud with Donald Trump, and why she’ll always speak truth to power - no matter who’s in office.

Tickets for Common Knowledge at www.sydneyoperahouse.com and www.artscentremelbourne.com.au

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How much money do you need to be happy?

A study found the average Australian would need to earn around $180k a year to reach peak wellbeing in 2025. But as the cost of living rises and our desire for money grows, can money really buy you happiness in the current climate?

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Dr Brad Elphinstone from Swinburne University who explains why the motivation we have for more money is important when it comes to our level of happiness and the role social media plays in shaping our financial aspirations.

Afternoon headlines: Scott Morrison says Trump should win a Nobel Peace Prize if he ends the war on Gaza, police still looking for a motive for a 60-yr-old alleged gunman and a quarter of Aussies think retail theft is justifiable

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Headlines: Up to 100 bullets fired in suburban Sydney shooting, Trump to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, search for missing four-year-old enters second week, fresh warnings for Sussan Ley after Andrew Hastie's resignation and the Broncos give Storm a masterclass in first grand final victory in 19 years.

Deep Dive: Millions of Australians lost an hour of sleep on Sunday as daylight saving kicked in and while some love the longer evenings, others are asking why we even bother. 

Beyond the confusion and claims it's all about capitalism, shifting the clock can have real impacts on our brains, bodies and even road safety. 

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and Swinburne University’s Ben Bullock to unpack the history, the health effects, and how we can adjust better to the change.

Further listening from the headlines:The 'future PM' taking on Sussan Ley
The tradies toppling the A-League

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Hip hop mogul Sean Diddy Combs was due to be sentenced for two counts of transportation for the purposes of prostitution in a New York court on Friday (that's yesterday in our time zone).

Crowds began queuing and setting up camp more than 24 hours beforehand to secure a coveted spot to watch the sentencing live in the courtroom. Meanwhile, Diddy made a last-minute plea for mercy in a letter to the judge, claiming he was "sincerely sorry".

To get you across the case, today's bonus episode is Natarsha Belling's interview with music industry expert, Associate Professor Catherine Strong from RMIT University, after the verdict was delivered in July.

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Liz Porter has spent decades immersed in the world of crime, from CSI to Silent Witness to the triple murder mushroom trial.

The award-winning journalist, true crime author and host of Crime Insiders: Forensics has spent her career showing how science solves the toughest cases.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Liz shares why forensics scientists are the unsung heroes of your favourite true crime thriller and and how blowflies can play a role in solving them.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO LISTEN: Sweet Bobby on Netflix (trust me it's trending)
TO LISTEN: Black Rabbit on Netflix
TO DO: The Art of Loving Olivia Deans Album
TO DO: Arms of Eve jewellery

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Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban filed for divorce after 19 years of marriage, involving millions of dollars, prenups and allegedly a ‘cocaine’ clause.

Society can often slam our obsession with celebrity marriages and divorces as just entertainment, but they can often fulfil a cultural or emotional need, impacting how we view our own relationships.

In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith is joined by LiSNTR’s entertainment reporter Justin Hill on our ‘parasocial’ obsession with celebrity romance.

Afternoon headlines: Former NSW police officer accused of murder declares 'the truth will prevail', Palestinian Action Group told Sydney Opera House 'off-limits' ahead of planned rally and Taylor Swifts long awaited album The Life of a Showgirl is here

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Friday Headlines: Two killed in 'terrorist incident' at Manchester synagogue, new footage sheds light on Dezi Freeman's escape, Queensland to launch state’s first sexual violence peak body, new research shows $25 billion worth of unworn clothes in Aussie wardrobes, and what bizarre encounters have you had with cops?

Deep DIve: A soccer team of Uber drivers and tradies is just one win away from making football history - and they’ll get their shot this Saturday.

Victoria’s Heidelberg United is taking on A-League heavyweight Newcastle Jets in a clash being billed as a true David v Goliath, with all eyes on whether the semi-pro side can become the first to lift the Australia Cup.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Heidelberg’s head coach John Anastasiadis and sports journalist Adam Peacock to unpack everything we know about their underdog run and what it means for the future of Australian football.

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Taylor Swift and Kanye West’s feud has spanned well over a decade, morphing from a single shocking awards show moment into one of pop culture’s most enduring rivalries.

Both artists have deftly commercialised the conflict, turning personal grievance into consistent headlines and platinum sales. With the release of Swift's The Life of a Showgirl creating speculation that it's a nod to Kanye’s The Life of Pablo, suggestion the beef is far from over.

In this episode ofThe Beefing, Alexandria Funnell dissects how the feud ignited, why it has endured for so long, and how both Swift and West have survived mass cancellation to emerge as masters of reinvention.

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US defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, delivered his new set of directives for the US military, including that moving forward he only wants male standards for combat roles and suggested wokeness was infecting the department of war.

During the hour-long speech in front of some of the country's top personnel, Hegseth told the crowd he’s tired of seeing ‘fat generals and admirals in the halls of the Pentagon, and leading commands around the country and the world’.

In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith is joined by Donna Manton, a former army major and the chairperson of the Athena project, who explains why the speech could be detrimental for the US military.

Afternoon headlines: Historic defence treaty between Australia and Papua New Guinea approved, Global Sumud Flotilla intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, thousands of Commonwealth Bank users unable to access their online banking and 32 Chunk wins Fat Bear Week contest for 2025

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Thursday Headlines: Police are being called to scrap strip searches of young people after landmark win, sunscreen whistleblowers say testing company ‘cut corners’, Geelong Cats apologise for ‘inappropriate’ Mad Monday gags, large companies paying no tax in Australia hits record low, and James Tedesco and Tamika Upton win the Dally M.

Deep Dive: During his recent overseas tour, Anthony Albanese invited one of the Middle East’s largest retail chains to set up shop in Australia - pitching LuLu Hypermarket as a serious challenger to Coles and Woolies.

So what exactly do we know about the Emirati chain, can it actually lower prices for Aussie shoppers and what does it say about the government’s strategy on cost-of-living?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Erin Turner, CEO of the Consumer Policy Research Centre, to unpack it all.

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Donald Trump is eyeing off a Nobel Peace Prize, after scoring nominations from countries including Israel and Pakistan - a surprising nod for a president more often associated with confrontation than conciliation.

Trump would join the likes of former Presidents' Barack Obama and Teddy Roosevelt, but was quick to brush off his nomination saying, 'I don’t seek attention. I just want to save lives.'

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Allan Behm, a special advisor at the Australia Institute, to unpack what a Trump win would mean for the award’s credibility, and whether he could be ruled out of the race altogether.

Afternoon headlines: US government shutdown begins after funding deadlock, Australian government expresses safety concerns for Aussies on flotilla to Gaza and AFL scraps centre bounce for men's game.

Further listening: The reality of Trump's Gaza plan

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AFLW has exploded in growth and popularity over the past few years, elevating star players like Essendon FC captain Bonnie Toogood. But with that spotlight comes huge pressure to perform, which can impact players’ mental health.

In today’s special episode of The Briefing, sponsored by Medibank, Helen Smith is joined by Bonnie, who shares her experiences and her tips on building mental fitness on and off the field.

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Wednesday Headlines: More sunscreens pulled from Aussie shelves, house prices climb for eighth month in a row as 5% deposits kick in, charges dropped for conspiracy theorist linked to Weiambilla attack, a medical breakthrough in the fertility sector and five stars for Aussie cops turn delivery drivers.
Deep Dive: Free speech has been at the heart of heated debates in recent weeks, off the back of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk’s death, and disagreement over immigration sparking racial tensions in public and online.

So what’s allowed, and what crosses the line into hate speech, or censorship in Australia?

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay about the importance of each, and how our laws and rights differ in Australia to our US counterparts.

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Antoinette Lattouf’s legal battle with the ABC has dominated the news cycle, but behind the headlines lies a story of broken trust and, in Antoinette’s own words, a deep sense of heartbreak.

In December 2023 Antoinette was fired by the ABC from a casual five day stint and what followed was a lengthy legal battle lasting over 20 months.

In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith, Antoinette’s producer and collaborator, unpacks the complex court case, the subsequent ruling and the emotional fallout. Including an exclusive voice memo from Antoinette herself.

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Nearly two years into Israel's war on Gaza, more than 66,000 lives have been lost, and millions are on the brink of famine. Now, Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu have unveiled a 20-point 'peace plan' they say could end the bloodshed. But is it a genuine path to peace, or just political theatre?

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Middle East expert Professor Greg Barton to break down what the deal really promises: a ceasefire, hostage exchanges, aid, rebuilding, and a controversial governing board featuring Trump himself and Tony Blair.

Afternoon headlines: The RBA has held interest rates, the Taliban has imposed a nationwide shutdown of telecommunications in Afghanistan, YouTube has settled a multimillion-dollar lawsuit with Donald Trump, and Matilda’s star Mary Fowler has made her catwalk debut.

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Tuesday Headlines: Trump announces 'historic peace plan' for Gaza,Optus executives to meet with Communications Minister after second 000 outage, Geelong Cats star Bailey Smith labelled a homophobic loser, new warning for melatonin users in Australia, and the Larrimah Hotel has been sold!

Deep Dive: When Sussan Ley stepped in as leader of the Liberal Party, the phrase “glass cliff” started doing the rounds.

Now, one name is emerging as the most likely to push her off it: Andrew Hastie.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Nine’s Political Editor, Charles Croucher, to find out who the Shadow Home Affairs Minister is, whether he is making his move now and if so - who’s backing him and why?

Further listening from the headlines:
THE BEEFING: The AFL vs homophobia

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Calls are mounting to abolish the use of character references in court sentencing, following Queensland’s recent legislation restricting their use in cases involving convicted sex offenders.

Character references have long played a controversial role in high-profile cases, including when former Prime Minister John Howard gave one to Cardinal George Pell, describing him as ‘a person of both high intelligence and exemplary character’. More recently in the case of paedophile Ashley Paul Griffith who has pleaded guilty to over 300 charges, also benefited from character references.

In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith, is joined by victim-survivor Josh Byrnes, the ACT representative from Your Reference Ain’t Relevant campaign, to explain how character evidence works in court and why advocates want them abolished.

Afternoon headlines: Teens arrested in Melbourne CBD after a police pursuit, Opposition leader Sussan Ley calls for independent inquiry into the 'entire triple-zero ecosystem' and Bad Bunny to headline 2026 Super Bowl half-time show

Further listening: How to stop teen machete murders

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Monday Headlines: Anthony Albanese promises to "defend democracy" alongside "mate" Keir Starmer, Federal Budget in $18 billion better shape than expected, former Australian political candidate to front court over Nazi salute, Pfizer in court over contraceptive alleged to cause brain tumours and Brisbane sweeps the footy codes with four wins over weekend!

Deep Dive: A number of once common, and deadly, diseases have become rare in Australia, but with vaccine hesitancy on the rise, there are fears that could change.

Measles, an illness that once killed hundreds of children a year, is now spreading in Australia and abroad, with experts worried we’ve forgotten what a vaccine-free world was like.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with Associate Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology Dr David Muscatello, about what’s ahead if we continue on this path.

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The Briefing host Tara Cassidy is once again a finalist in a prestigious journalism award for her LiSTNR crime podcast Crime In Focus: Killer Charm.

So for today's bonus episode, we're playing out episode three of the award-winning series. You can find the first two episodes in our feed here and here or to binge the full series, go to Crime in Focus.

In episode three, Sharon Graham’s movements on the night of the murder are under scrutiny, as suspicions around her grow. Tara tracks down some of Sharon’s exes to find out what she was like as a partner, and if she’s ever shown signs of planning something sinister before.

All people convicted of murder related to this case have lodged their intentions to appeal the outcomes. At the point of publishing this podcast those appeals have not progressed further.

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Mitch Churi has worn it all, from chicken suits to Spanx, but what really sets him apart is his razor-sharp wit and unapologetic authenticity.

Bursting into commercial radio at just 19, he cut his teeth with industry giants Kyle and Jackie O and was eventually thrown the curveball of redundancy last year. Instead of slowing down, Churi leaned in, reinventing himself with the same mix of charm, bite, and self-deprecating humour that makes him one of Australia’s most entertaining youth voices.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Mitch shares his bold new venture, the art of laughing at ourselves, and the terrifyingly wonderful act of starting something new.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO LISTEN: The Beefing (right here on The Briefing)
TO LISTEN: Charlotte Cardin Canadian singer-songwriter
TO DO: Check your nail polish
TO DO: Wheeler Centre events

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More than 68% of Gen Z are romanticising eras that existed long before they were born, while Millennials and Gen X are increasingly drawn to historical nostalgia.

Once classified as a medical condition and later a psychological disorder, nostalgia is now being re-evaluated as potentially beneficial for mental health.

In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith, is joined by Dr Clay Routledge, from the Human Flourishing Lab, whose PHD investigates the psychology of nostalgia and why we are drawn to historical nostalgia.

Afternoon headlines: Donald Trump imposes 100 per cent tariff on pharmaceuticals, Qantas flight mayday call triggering over potential fire in the cargo hold and the cheapest supermarkets in Australians

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Friday Headlines: Trump administration says fatal shooting of ICE office was politically motivated, Andrew Hastie pours cold water on claims he's gunning for Sussan Ley's job, Diddy's appeal to be decided by the end of next week, foreign students earn less than half of some domestic graduates, and Albo shouts New York pub a beer!

Deep Dive: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Cynthia Erivo and Sydney Sweeney are all in the Oscar conversation six months before the red carpet’s even rolled out.

So why the early buzz? Who decides what’s Oscar-worthy and what press tours, deals and power plays shape the race?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by LiSTNR’s resident cinephile Amy Kimball to unpack the politics, PR and strategy behind Hollywood’s night of nights.

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The AFL remains Australia’s most attended sport, drawing 8.4 million fans in 2024 alone, but the games history with homophobia has been back in the national spotlight.

Over the past year and a half there have been six publicised incidences of homophobia within the league. And in the games 130-year history only one player has come out as openly bisexual or gay, Former West Coast Eagles defender Mitch Brown, making him the first current or former openly bisexual male AFL player.

In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks the tension between AFL and it’s history of homophobia. Putting in question whether the code is enough to drive meaningful cultural change and implement targeted anti-discrimination programs.

Audio of Mitch Brown thanks to the Daily Aus

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Public confidence in Australian universities is continuing to erode, as institutions face funding issues, widespread job cuts and allegations of failures to report gender-based violence across campuses.

The University of Technology and the Australian National University have both faced various controversies over the past couple of years, prompting renewed scrutiny of university governance and priorities. Experts fear universities are prioritising profit over education, losing sight of their purpose as educational institutions and acting as businesses first.

In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith, is joined by Senator David Pocock to explain what needs to change in the governance of Australian universities and how the sector can rebuild public trust.

Afternoon headlines: Prime minister Anthony Albanese gives his first speech to the UN, Bali hospital denies allegations of organ theft after body of Australian repatriated without heart and Snoop Dog still set to perform at the AFL grand final

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Thursday Headlines: Albo and Trump have become Insta official, Trump slammed by London Mayor over 'Islamophobic' sharia law comments, WHO issues statement on paracetamol causing autism claims, fresh warnings for online machete sellers, A-League footballers sentenced over their involvement in a gambling scam and would you pay over $2K for kindy artwork?

Deep Dive: Former UFC champion Conor McGregor’s bid for Ireland’s presidency had all the hallmarks of a modern populist campaign - from promises to make his country great again, to anti-immigration rhetoric and ties to one of America’s most powerful families.

While he withdrew from the race last week, what lessons can we learn from his run and could something similar happen in Australia?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by political strategist turn pollster and director of RedBridge group, Kos Samaras to unpack the celebrity-to-politician pipeline, and whether someone like McGregor could ever make it in Australian politics.

Further listening from the headlines:

Fact-checking Trump’s UN speech
How to stop teen machete murders
Trump’s autism misinformation

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US president Donald Trump made a fiery 56-minute speech at the UN General Assembly - well over the customary 15-minute time limit - telling world leaders their ‘countries are going to hell’ over migration and that climate change was a ‘con job’.

The speech was delivered to a room of visibly unsettled world leaders and drew immediate global attention, triggering a flurry of fact-checking efforts.

In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith is joined by Cory Alpert, from Melbourne University and a former Biden White House staffer, to explain if Trump’s speech was an attack on the United Nations.

Afternoon headlines: ABC ordered to pay $150,000 fine for unlawfully sacking Antoinette Lattouf, calls for Optus CEO to resign as the telco is ordered to pay $100m fine for ‘predatory’ sales practices and Jimmy Kimmel returns to screens.

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Over four years after Brittany Higgins first went public with allegations she was sexually assaulted in Parliament House; the political and legal fallout is still playing out today.

It's included a criminal trial, corruption probes, multiple defamation cases, and fresh allegations aimed at her rapist.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy and Chris Spyrou unpack everything that’s happened since the explosive defamation trial between Bruce Lehrmann and Lisa Wilkinson, up to the latest courtroom sagas, payouts and “James Bond-esque" investigation.

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Wednesday Headlines: White House confirms Albo meeting after Trump sprays UN, Australian childcare bosses grilled over mistreatment and abuse at inquiry, Elon Musk’s father accused of child sexual abuse, new changes for millions with student debt, and the country’s most culturally powerful people have been named.

Deep Dive: Higgins v Lehrmann: Part 1Brittany Higgins and Bruce Lehrmann are names that continue to dominate headlines over four years after Brittany first went public with allegations she was sexually assaulted in Parliament House.

Since then, a legal, political and media domino effect ensued, including a criminal trial, corruption probes and multiple defamation cases that are still playing out today.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy and Chris Spyrou unpack the case at the heart of it all, the media frenzy and the Lehrman v Network Ten defamation suit.

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr - now Donald Trump’s Health Secretary - has made dubious claims about vaccines, with his latest suggesting common painkillers like Panadol could cause autism in unborn children. His statements, widely rejected by doctors and health experts, have reignited controversy not just in public health but within one of America’s most famous dynasties: the Kennedys.

In our first episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks the feud between Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his family. From being called a 'threat to the health and wellbeing of every American' to facing condemnation from relatives including the former US Ambassador to Australia, RFK Jr.’s crusade has sparked a family stoush with political and cultural consequences far beyond the dinner table.

So how did he stray so far from his family’s legacy? We’re breaking it down in... The Beefing!

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In a bombshell statement sending shockwaves around the world, the US President has claimed paracetamol use in pregnant women is linked to autism. Although admitting he’s not a doctor, Donald Trump also made concerning allegations about vaccines.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by leading autism researcher, Professor David Trembath, to unpack today’s statements from the US President and shares important advice for concerned women and expecting parents.

Headlines: A senior police officer has been charged with the assault of Hannah Thomas, a man known as the “Moore Park Rapist" has plead guilty to a number of sexual assaults, and Matilda’s Captain, Steph Catley, has won a prestigious international award.

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Headlines: Opposition leader Sussan Ley welcomed to Israel over Palestine pushback, Super typhoon set to make landfall in China, Hong Kong and the Philippines, The Duchess of York dropped by charities over Epstein apology, Instagram rolls out AI to detect teens lying about age, and AFL's night of nights – the Brownlow!

Deep Dive: Boycotts and ‘political consumerism’ are on the rise, with consumers actively choosing to buy from companies that align with their political views.

It’s become one of the most common forms of political participation in western liberal democracies, including right here in Australia, over issues like Palestine, Ukraine, Tesla and Disney.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Erin O'Brien, an Associate Professor in International Relations at Griffith University, to explain if you can create change by joining a boycott.

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The fallout continues over the Optus disaster as pressure grows on the Telecommunications Giant after its deadly triple-zero outage. Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells says Optus has failed the Australian people, warning the company will face significant consequences.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by tech expert Trevor Long to unpack what caused the outrage, who’s to blame and the warning to other telco giants.

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Headlines: Australia joins Canada and the UK in formally recognising Palestine, Charlie Kirk's funeral service is underway at a stadium in Arizona, at least five people tried to warn telco giant Optus of an outage that impacted 000 calls, Tony Abbott, Liz Truss, and Jacinta Nampijinpa Price headline a conservative conference in Brisbane, and it turns out plenty of Aussies are willing to risk a fine when catching public transport.

Deep Dive: The fatal stabbings of two boys, aged 12 and 15, in Melbourne’s west shocked the nation and put a spotlight on youth violence across Victoria.

Police have since arrested seven teenagers over the brutal attack, but deeper questions remain about what’s fuelling this trend and whether government responses are helping or harming.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with criminal lawyer and forensic psychologist Dr Brianna Chesser to unpack it.

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The Coachella 2026 line-up has officially dropped, featuring major headliners like Justin Bieber and Sabrina Carpenter, but one Aussie act also taking the stage is Royel Otis.

Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic make up the pop duo, who recently went viral for their covers of Linger by the Cranberries and Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Murder on the Dancefloor.

In this bonus episode of The Briefing, we’re revisiting a chat from last year with Tom Tilley and Royel Otis who explain how they came together and the story behind their debut album, Pratts & Pain

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Gwilym Lee is a proud Welshman and self-proclaimed ‘pretender’, best known for portraying Queen guitarist Brian May in Bohemian Rhapsody.

The actor grew up in Birmingham and began his career on stage before staring in television dramas like The Great, Midsomer Murders and Top End Bub - alongside Aussie actor and co-writer Miranda Tapsell.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Gwilym shares what it was like filming in the Northern Territory and playing Ned, the ‘confused white guy’, while gaining insight into First Nations culture, community, and art.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO WATCH: Mr Fantasy music video
TO EAT: Musashi protein bars
TO EAT: Potato salad party
TO READ: Zeteo news

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The race is on to find the next NSW Police Commissioner, but the top candidate is already plagued with controversy. The NSW Premier says he’s willing to overlook bad decisions and that the NSW police commissioner did not need to have a “lily-white record”. It comes at the end of a massive week for the NSW government... after it passed groundbreaking legislation that could set a precedent across the country.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by NSW Minister Rose Jackson to explain the new deepfake laws and housing planning overhauls and also her reaction on who will be the state’s next Police Commissioner.

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Friday Headlines: Donald Trump says Jimmy Kimmel being taken off air is not a free speech issue, Queensland becomes the first state to ban pill testing, doctor who treated Erin Patterson reprimanded by medical board for 'crazy bitch' comments, Brigitte Macron to submit 'scientific evidence' proving she is not a man and a new survey for dog-obsessed Aussies!

Further listening from the headlines:

The Macrons vs Candace Owens Part I on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
PART 2: French president sues podcaster over claims first lady is a man on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
The drug report the government won't release on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Deep Dive:A UFO sighting confirmed by hundreds of Australians has been shrouded in secrecy for decades.

Now there are fresh calls for the government to hold a parliamentary inquiry into the Westall incident, as well as the government cover-up that followed.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with UAP researcher and activist Grant Lavac, who started the petition, about why the public and the government need to follow the US’s lead in taking UFO sightings seriously.

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Donald Trump’s war on the media has just escalated, with the Jimmy Kimmel Show cancelled after the late-night night host made comments about the US President’s reaction to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. President Trump today also banned Australia’s ABC from attending a news conference after a 4 Corners journalist questioned the US leader over his family’s business dealings.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Crikey journalist Charlie Lewis to unpack what these latest developments mean for the independence of media and freedom of speech.

Headlines: A major court win for former broadcaster Alan Jones, the federal government has handed down its long-awaited emissions reduction target, and retail giant Kmart has been found to have unlawfully used facial recognition technology.

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Thursday Headlines: Thousands protest in London as Donald Trump receives a royal welcome in the UK, Vic Police warn of fake cop collecting donations for Porepunkah victims, Australian-first trial to combat gender-based violence to launch, Ben & Jerry's co-founder quits over Gaza dispute with parent company, and Gout Gout qualifies in Tokyo!

Deep Dive: Influencers and content creators are facing backlash for ‘Taliban tourism’, accused of accepting paid trips to militant-ruled Afghanistan.

Australian blogger Chloe Baredinsky made national headlines over her two-month trip to the country, where it was later revealed she accepted payments toward accommodation, food, permits and guides.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by two Afghan women, Senator Fatima Payman and former worker in Afghanistan's Ministry of Women's Affairs, Nasima Kakaea, to discuss the controversial tourism trend.

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It’s being labelled as a major diplomatic blunder by the Albanese government, with Papua New Guinea pulling out of signing a key defence treaty with Australia at the last minute. While the federal government was confident of sealing the deal, the dramatic turnaround has raised serious concerns over Australia’s security and diplomatic future in the critical Pacific Region.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Pacific Islands diplomatic expert Mihai Sora to unpack why the failed treaty is a concerning setback for Australia and an important win for China.

Headlines: Several protestors have been arrested in England after projected images of Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein were displayed on a castle, hundreds of jobs are set to go in one of Queensland's biggest coal mines, the NSW Government has announced the biggest overhaul of planning laws in half a century, and Virgin Australia has launched its 'Pet in Cabin' flights.

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Wednesday Headlines: Murder charges laid against Charlie Kirk’s accused killer, terrorism offenses tossed for Luigi Mangione, former broadcaster Alan Jones facing more indecent assault charges, thousands of Palestinians flee Gaza City as UN report finds Israel is committing genocide, White House labels Aussie journo ‘foreign fake news loser’, Albanese government to invest $1.1 billion in sustainable fuels, and Coachella’s 2026 lineup is here!

Deep Dive: Some of our big banks have announced mass redundancies over the last month, impacting thousands of Australians, and the ripple effects for productivity could last for years.

ANZ said they are cutting around 3,500 jobs over the next 12 months and since then are now facing a record $240 million penalty for widespread misconduct. NAB also announced they will be cutting more than 400 roles and hiring more employees overseas.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Swinburne law and corporate governance expert Helen Bird to explain what happens in mass redundancies and why they aren’t always about cost-cutting.

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Sunscreen is back in the spotlight, with groundbreaking new research showing a link between daily sunscreen use and vitamin D deficiency. Earlier this year, several sunscreen brands were pulled from shelves over conflicting SPF testing results. Now, new Australian research has shown sunscreen use can also affect our vitamin D levels.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by the author of the study, Professor Rachel Neale, who unpacks the new findings and explains why we should still be using sunscreen.

Headlines: At least one person has been killed and 7 others have been injured after a gas leak at a Sydney restaurant, guidelines for the under-16 social media ban have been unveiled, and the chief executive of one of Australia’s biggest retail groups has been sacked over an alleged relationship with a senior staff member.

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Dementia is now Australia’s leading cause of death, and it doesn’t just affect the elderly.

Around 90 kids die from childhood dementia each year in Australia, that’s about the same number of children that die from cancer.

In this bonus episode of The Briefing, we revisit Antoinette Lattouf’s conversation with Meg Maack - CEO of the Childhood Dementia Initiative and mother to two children with childhood dementia.

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Tuesday Headlines: FBI says DNA evidence links suspect to Charlie Kirk murder, senior Liberal threatens to quit frontbench over net zero targets, Queensland trio charged relating to 'end of life business,' protestors promise to target Albo’s new office and Cathy Freeman and Nikki Webster return to where it all began!

Further listening from the headlines: Who’s responsible for the Coalition crisis?

Deep Dive: Anti-immigration protests in Australia and abroad have led to violent, racist attacks, as well as heated and divisive debates online.

But while the movements have been led by far-right extremists, among attendees and broader supporters, are residents who say they’re just everyday Aussies with ‘legitimate’ immigration concerns.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with immigration and public policy expert, Associate Professor Anna Boucher, on whether these arguments are rooted in truth or falsehoods, and what’s being missed amid the divisive headlines, debates and demonstrations.

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The Coalition has recorded its worst primary result in Newspoll history, as Sussan Ley struggles to save the Liberal Party. The latest research shows a growing number of Australian voters are continuing to abandon the Federal Opposition and head towards minor parties like The Greens and One Nation.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by pollster Tony Barry, who says the Liberal Party can be saved, but its members need to return to core values or will continue to lose millions of young voters in the process.

Headlines: A sobering new report warns 1.5 million Aussies are at risk from rising sea levels, ANZ has admitted to widespread misconduct and agreed to pay a record $240 million in penalties, and history has been made at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards.

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Monday Headlines: UK PM says Britain will ‘never surrender’ its flag to far-right protesters, police can't rule out Dezi Freeman hasn't escaped interstate, Coalition records a historic low in poll history, experts warning STI rates have doubled nationwide, and The Emmys are on today.

Deep Dive: Would you hand over your licence, credit card or face ID to access adult content online?
That’s exactly what could soon be required, as Australia pushes ahead with new age verification laws for porn sites.

The goal is to protect kids, but can it be done without compromising our privacy?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Crikey's Cam Wilson about how these new rules might work, what they mean for your data, and whether they’ll actually make the internet safer.

Further listening from the headlines:
Michael Theo's seven non-negotiables for Love On The Spectrum

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In 2021, a neatly dressed man in his 60s walks into a Sydney Police Station. He looks like a regular guy. But police are stunned - this isn’t just any man. It’s Darko Desic. A fugitive who escaped from Grafton Prison with a hacksaw and bolt cutters three decades earlier. A man who was a prolific weed grower. A man who lived in hiding for 30 years - right under the noses of the police.

How did he do it? How did he evade capture for so long? And why, after all that time, did he finally give himself up?

That’s what journalist Tim Elliot set out to uncover in the latest season of LiSTNR’s documentary series, Secrets We Keep. If you’re hooked and want more, click here to go straight to episode 2.

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Jack Toohey calls himself a ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’ but his viral videos on the housing crisis suggest otherwise.

After a privileged start at private school Jack swapped out the business world for advocacy, walking away from running his own company to tackling climate change, housing and gender equality.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Jack unpacks why the housing system is stacked against young Australians and why the creator economy might just be a shiny scam propping up tech bros.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO WATCH: Uproar on Netflix
TO READ: One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Omar El Akkad
TO EAT: Beetroot dip
TO TRY: Turkish bath house

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It’s the new bombshell Charlie Sheen documentary that’s making headlines around the world. The US actor says he’s finally telling the truth about his drug addiction, wild partying and how he’s lost hundreds of millions of dollars.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by LiSTNR entertainment reporter Justin Hill to unpack all the explosive new revelations and how the troubled star has tried to turn his life around.

Headlines: Australia’s special envoy on Islamophobia has delivered a landmark report, PM Anthony Albanese has responded to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and Australia’s best meat pie has been crowned.

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Friday Headlines: FBI locate rifle believed to have killed Charlie Kirk, Brisbane teen on terror charges granted bail, Jeffrey Epstein scandal spills into the UK, dementia is the new leading cause of death among Aussies, and which capital city has the cheapest petrol?

Deep Dive: A film about a demon-slaying K-pop girl group has taken over the world - becoming Netflix’s most-watched film of all time, with hundreds and millions of streams on its soundtrack.

So what is it about KPop Demon Hunters that’s struck such a global chord?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with K-pop expert and PhD candidate Megan Moon about the film’s explosive success and what it reveals about the growing cultural power of South Korea.

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The political fallout has already begun from the assassination of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The 31-year-old was shot dead in front of thousands while speaking at Utah Valley University. Now there are serious concerns that this shooting will only spark more political violence and deeper divisions within the US.

In this episode of The Briefing, US Politics Expert John Barron joins Natarsha Belling to unpack who Charlie Kirk was and the implications this latest political assassination will have on a divided America.

Headlines: Julie Bishop has broken her silence over bullying and harassment allegations, Opposition leader Sussan Ley has apologised to the Australian Indian community, and Prince Harry has met with King Charles.

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Thursday Headlines: Support for Sussan Ley after Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price dumping, popular right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk shot at Utah rally, flash floods kill at least 11 people in Indonesia, ringleader behind antisemitic Sydney attacks charged, tens of thousands of Aussies at risk of identity fraud, and Elon Musk is no longer the world’s richest person!

Deep Dive: Hundreds of thousands of men become new dads each year, a milestone marked with joy, but also poor mental health outcomes for many.

One in ten fathers will experience depression, one in five anxiety, while research shows a man’s mental health has lasting impacts on not only himself, but his kids, and society more broadly.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with young dad Luke McClounan about his experience with postnatal depression and the ongoing stigma men face, while Dad’s Group CEO Thomas Docking weighs in on what’s behind the issue, and what needs to change.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under attack from leaders across the world after he launched missile attacks on Qatar. Qatar has threatened to respond, with the world nervously watching on to see what happens next after this dangerous escalation.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Defence Expert Jennifer Parker, who unpacks what this latest attack means and whether this may spark all-out war.

Headlines: Poland has shot down multiple Russian drones, the federal government has announced it will spend nearly $2 billion arming Australia with dozens of autonomous submarines, and Apple has unveiled its slimmest ever smartphone.

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Wednesday Headlines: World leaders condemn Israeli strikes in Qatar, nationwide protections urged amid retail crime wave, penalties tripled for dodgy childcare centres, travel ban proposed on US influencers over wildlife encounters, what we hate most about other drivers

Deep Dive: Sunscreen, tanning and the way we regulate products have all been thrown into the spotlight this year, after a CHOICE report found some popular sunscreens were well below their published SPF claims.

It comes as tan lines have started trending across social media, with some unregulated tanning methods like tanning injections, nasals sprays and tanning gummies booming.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by leading dermatologist and sun safety expert Dr Ryan de Cruz to explain the science behind tanning gummies.

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A new deal has been reached, which cements Lachlan Murdoch’s power to run his father’s multi-billion-dollar media empire. After bitter family and court battles over the family trust, a new settlement has now been reached with Rupert Murdoch’s eldest son taking the reins and his siblings Prudence, Elisabeth and James cutting ties with the family business.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by journalist Calum Jaspan to discuss the latest twist in this Succession-like drama and what it means for the future of the Murdoch empire.

Headlines: A boat carrying Greta Thunberg heading to Gaza has allegedly been hit by a drone, ANZ to slash thousands of jobs, and another twist in the Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump saga.

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Tuesday Headlines: Aussie kids will be banned from having violent, harmful and sexual conversations with AI chatbots, Victorian Premier’s orders crisis talks with a South Sudanese community after double stabbing, man accused of trying to assassinate Donald Trump faces trial, search for Dezi Freeman enters third week as officer laid to rest, and Mary Fowler hits the catwalk.

Deep Dive: After nearly four years on the run, New Zealand fugitive Tom Phillips was shot dead following an armed standoff with police on Monday.

Phillips had been in hiding with his three children since 2021, prompting one of the country’s most high-profile missing persons investigations.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling speaks with private investigator Chris Budge about the final moments of Tom Phillips’ life, the years he spent in hiding, and what the future holds for the children at the centre of it all.

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Triple murderer Erin Patterson has been sentenced to life for the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another after serving them her deadly beef wellington dish. Some experts say Erin is a narcissistic psychopath, with no empathy or remorse. So why did she murder her in-laws, and will she appeal her conviction?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Criminologist Xanthe Mallett to unpack today’s history development and why she believes Erin thought she was going to get away with the murders.

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Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks the sentence in under two minutes.

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Monday Headlines: Bondi brawl being investigated by police, families call for justice after two teens stabbed to death in Melbourne, NSW government pauses shark net removal trails after fatal attack, triple-murderer Erin Patterson to be sentenced today, and the US Open wraps up.

Deep Dive: Plans are reportedly underway to bring home more Australian women and children linked to Islamic State from Syria, though the government denies involvement.

Their potential return has sparked strong reactions from across the political spectrum, from support by humanitarian groups to fierce opposition by politicians and commentators.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with expert in global Islamic politics, Professor Greg Barton, about what repatriation actually involves and whether public fears about their return are justified.

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Journalist Grace Fitzgibbon went through in the space of a year what most people experience in a lifetime. In the throes of a public break-up, she lost her beloved brother Jack in a tragic military training accident. While grieving, she found unexpected love with Jack’s best friend. Now the couple are expecting a baby together.

In this raw and moving conversation, Natarsha Belling and Grace discuss loss, love, and the clarity that comes from tragedy.

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Tim Elliott has done what few could - persuading one of Australia’s most elusive prison escapees to break his silence.

The journalist and author has always been drawn to the hidden corners of people’s lives, shaped in part by his own story of privilege and pain, shadowed by hardship and the loss of his father.

In his latest true crime series, Secrets We Keep: Jailbreak, Tim enters the mind of Darko (aka ‘Dougie’) Desic, a wildly successful weed grower who staged a bold prison escape and remained on the run for decades.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Tim reveals why eccentric and sometimes ‘dodgy’ characters confide in him and reflects on how his family dealt with his father's mental illness.

This episode discusses suicide. If you or anyone you know needs help you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service - 24 hours -1300 659 467

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO WATCH: The Thursday Murder Club on Netflix
TO TRY: Air-fryer (Antoinette is late to the game)
TO EAT: Smashed potato gem chips
TO DO: Fathers day message to someone you love

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Experts are warning about a serious eating disorder that affects thousands of Australians but often goes undetected. Avoidant/Restrictive Intake Disorder, or ARFID, can be debilitating, but if diagnosed can be successfully managed.

In the Episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by clinical psychologist and Eating Disorders Expert Dr Sarah Trobe, who explains how ARFID is diagnosed and how it can be effectively treated.

If you want more information or support relating to disordered eating, contact the Butterfly Foundation on 1800 334 673.

Headlines: Neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell has been denied bail, former Qantas Boss Alan Joyce has pocketed $3.8 million worth of shares and more than a thousand people have gathered to farewell one of the two police officers killed in last week’s Porepunkah shooting.

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Friday Headlines: Anthony Albanese says he spoke to Donald Trump on the phone, more allegations against Sydney childcare chain under investigation, Indian Australian leaders demand apology from Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani dies aged 91, and do our listeners have 'refuel anxiety'?

Deep Dive: Anna Wintour's successor has officially been announced as 39-year-old Chloe Malle: a self-proclaimed ‘proud nepo baby’, who’s been working at Vogue for over 15 years.

So what does this appointment mean for a publication that's been influencing millions of us around the world for years, and can Malle's new role help Vogue survive in the digital age without becoming another clickbait machine?

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by former editor of Vogue Australia, Kirstie Clements, who explains how this new appointment could make Wintour more powerful than before.

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The Jeffrey Epstein investigation is back in the headlines, as victims and survivors hold a special news conference threatening to name names unless the US administration publicly reveals all they know about the case. US politicians from both sides have supported the survivors and their families, saying the cover-up has to stop.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by US political expert and co-host of Planet America, John Barron, who says pressure is mounting on Donald Trump, and the 'Epstein files' could be the beginning of his downfall.

Headlines: Ben Roberts-Smith has had his defamation appeal thrown out, Robodebt victims will receive an additional $475 million in compensation, and AFL great Mick Malthouse has been stabbed during a terrifying home invasion.

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Thursday Headlines: Former Premier defends China visit, total cost of Nauru deal revealed, more support on the way for thousands of older Australians, Chinese cars among most purchased in Australia, and Nick Kyrgios reckons he can beat women's No.1 seed Aryna Sabalenka.

Deep Dive: As the search for accused police killer Dezi Freeman stretches into its tenth day, hundreds of officers, drones, helicopters and even the ADF are combing Victoria’s rugged High Country - but what’s happening behind the scenes of this massive operation?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with criminologist and former police officer and hostage negotiator, Dr Vincent Hurley, about the tactics authorities are using, how Freeman might be thinking, and why appeals for his surrender are still part of the plan.

Further listening from headlines:

'Dictator Dan' in China

Our ‘secret’ $400m prison island

Will Elon unplug your EV dream?

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Former Victorian Premier Dan Andrews is under fire for attending a major military parade in China alongside President Xi Jin Ping, and the North Korean and Russian leaders.

Andrews is been slammed by both sides of politics for the bizarre move.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Australia-China Relations expert, Professor James Laurenceson, to unpack today’s extraordinary developments and if the federal government will now be asking serious questions.

Headlines: Victoria Police say they have searched more than 100 properties in Porepunkah, more than 33,000 pages of documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein have been released, and GDP increases for June quarter

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BONUS: Neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell was arrested over his alleged involvement in an attack on a first nations Camp Sovereignty over the weekend, following the March for Australia rally.

Earlier in the year we saw rallies in Adelaide, Nazi salutes in Melbourne and politicians racing to legislate tough new penalties to crackdown on those displaying any sort of solidarity with the ideology. So how big is the neo-Nazi movement here in Australia right now? What does a modern day, Aussie Nazi look like? And are we doing enough to stop them?

In this Bonus episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Dr Kaz Ross, an independent researcher into the far-right, who reveals what she sees the state of Nazism to be in Australia, and what it’s future trajectory might be.

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Wednesday Headlines: Neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell arrested, US Federal court rules Donald Trump's deployment of National Guard to LA protests illegal, over half of our Federal MPs and senators own investment properties or multiple homes, Adelaide Crows player Izak Rankine apologises for homophobic comment, and what's something you don't want to find in your burrito?

Deep Dive: Australia has signed a $400 million-plus deal with Nauru to deport and resettle 280 non-citizens.

The Government argues the offshore arrangement protects the integrity of our visa system, while critics are calling it cruel, costly, and extreme.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Greens Senator David Shoebridge about the deal, why he says it’s creating a “21st century prison colony,” and what’s really driving Australia’s immigration policy.

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The federal government has released the results of its long-awaited trial into its plan to crackdown on social media users under 16. Many experts warn that the age verification rules won’t work, and can be easily outsmarted by tech-savvy teenagers.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by internet studies Professor Tama Leaver, who says the new measures won’t keep children safe online, and there are also major privacy concerns with what new data big tech companies will now want from young people.

Headlines: Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has had to abandon a press conference, Queensland MP Bob Katter could be penalised after threatening a journalist, and NSW surfer Molly Picklum has won the World Surf League finals in Fiji.

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Tuesday Headlines: Our prescriptions are set to get a little cheaper, Aldi vegetable suppliers accused of being part of a price-fixing cartel, some of the world’s most powerful leaders are meeting in China, the Taliban government in Afghanistan is calling for international help after a magnitude 6.0 earthquake, and two-thirds of young drivers are scared to refuel their cars.

Deep Dive: Short-stay rentals like Airbnb and Stayz could be costing Australian taxpayers up to $556 million a year - not through booking fees, but tax breaks.

A new report from housing advocacy group Everybody’s Home revealed that nearly 170,000 short-term rentals across the country are linked to huge losses in tax revenue through negative gearing.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith speaks with Everybody’s Home spokesperson Maiy Azize about the true cost of short-stay rentals and whether tighter regulation could improve housing affordability.

Further listening from the headlines:Why you can't get your medication, and who's to blame

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So, is migration really to blame for our housing crisis? According to one expert, our growing population is not the main cause of skyrocketing prices and rent. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Economist Matt Grudnoff, who explains that tax breaks with negative gearing and capital gains are the real issue. Matt says governments need to abolish these tax loopholes to make property more affordable.

Headlines: Victoria Police believe members of the public could be helping Dezi Freeman evade authorities, an attack by far-right protesters on a First Nations camp has been condemned, and Magda Szubanski has shared a candid video from hospital.

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Monday Headlines: Anti-mass immigration rallies condemned as hateful and racist, wife of alleged gunman Dezi Freeman urges him to surrender, Greta Thunberg is sailing to Gaza again, house prices have officially risen again, and your sushi might taste different in South Australia today.

Deep Dive: Australia’s rising gun ownership is in the national spotlight, as a manhunt continues for Dezi Freeman, a gunman accused of killing two police officers in Victoria last week.

Despite fewer licensed gun owners, the number of firearms in Australia has surged past pre-Port Arthur massacre levels, raising concerns about regulation and transparency.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Joel Negin, professor of Global Health from the University of Sydney, to discuss shifting gun culture, political responses, and whether Australia’s gun laws are still fit for purpose.

Further listening from the headlines:Can we blame our housing pain on immigration?

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For the first time in Australia, a long-overdue inquiry into abuse and coercive control within cults and religious groups has been launched. The Victorian inquiry was initiated after reports of coercive behaviour at the Geelong Revival Centre, many of which were revealed by Richard Baker in the LiSTNR podcast Secrets We Keep: Pray Harder.

In the series, Rich described the GRC, under the leadership of Pastor Noel Hollins, as one of Australia’s most extreme Pentecostal churches. Former members shared horrific allegations of historical child sex abuse cover-ups, tight control of their relationships, and harsh restrictions placed on the freedoms of women.

In this special episode, we wanted to share episode one of Secrets We Keep Pray Harder with you.

If you want to binge the rest of the series, click here for episode 2 now.

The interviews in this series were recorded during Pastor Noel Hollins leadership of the Geelong Revival Centre. During production, Pastor Noel died. The experiences and allegations raised do not relate to the current leadership of the GRC.

Lifeline 13 11 14.

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Randa Abdel-Fattah is a lawyer, author, and academic who wrote her first novel at 12, and since then has published 11 books, including her latest Discipline.

Randa has also been at the centre of the recent Bendigo Writers Festival controversy. After a coalition of pro-Israel academics pushed for restrictions, with a memo going out to speakers essentially warning them not to criticise Israel. Randa withdrew and in solidarity, other authors and even the festival’s bookseller followed.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Randa explains how it felt having her name written on the side of a bomb, before it was presumably fired off into Gaza, and the struggles of parenting during a genocide.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO WATCH: Martha on Netflix
TO EAT: Easy frozen baramundi and broccolini bake
TO SHOP: Depop app for pre-loved fashion
TO DO: Visit a dog park

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Popular drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro are back in the headlines this week after former tennis star Serena Williams signed on as an ambassador for a major weight loss company in the US. It comes as Australian health experts warn we still don’t know the long-term consequences of these popular medications, now pushing for all users to also get access to qualified dieticians.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by GP and obesity specialist Dr Terri-Lynne South to unpack these latest developments, and the new health warnings for weight loss drugs here in Australia.

Headlines: Matt Wright found guilty, two people questioned by police over Porepunka shootings, and David Hughes in hospital.

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Tesla has announced Australia and New Zealand will become the first global right-hand drive markets to activate their Full Self-Driving Supervised technology.

The semi-autonomous feature is set to roll out on Tesla's Model 3 and Y vehicles first, and is capable of completing a door-to-door journey including navigating traffic and other road conditions without the driver touching pedals or the steering wheel.

In Australia under current legislation, autonomous or driverless vehicles are prohibited by approximately 700 rules, but Tesla insists their new system falls compiles with Australian law.

In this bonus episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Professor Michael Milford, Director of QUT’s Centre for Robotics, to unpack the development of autonomous vehicle technology in Australia.

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Headlines: Authorities have offered sovereign citizen gunman a surrender plan, Russia strikes EU delegation in Kyiv killing 19, California Governor says Trump seeking third term, Queensland passes bill allowing on-the-spot DV orders, and runners from across the globe will be charging across the iconic Harbour Bridge this weekend for the Sydney Marathon.

Deep Dive: It’s National Scam Week. Footy fans are hoping to secure tickets for the NRL and AFL finals and when they see their team qualify they jump online to secure tickets. Plus it’s the season for buying tickets for this summer’s music festivals.

And it’s peak season for scammers. AI has increasingly become the tool of scammers – so how do you know the tickets you’re buying are legit?

In this episode of The Briefing, Dan Mullins is joined by Dr Dimitrios Salampasis, an emerging technology expert at Swinburne University, who explains the latest scams to watch out for and Simon Birmingham, CEO Australian Banking Association, who reveals what banks are doing to keep us safe from scammers.

The federal government’s Scamwatch site is here

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He stabbed his parents and sister to death but now Sef Gonzales has won the right to appeal his life sentence. More than 20 years after he was sent to jail, new evidence is being presented that Sef lives with PTSD after allegedly being abused as a child.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by criminal psychologist, Tim Watson-Munro, to unpack the latest developments and find out what Sef’s chances are of winning this latest court fight.

Headlines: Police address Dezi Freeman directly, Bob Katter has threatened a journalist, and Qantas has delivered a bumper profit.

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Thursday Headlines: Two children dead in US school shooting in Minnesota, Manhunt continues for sovereign citizen gunman Dezi Freeman, US government tightening visas for students and journalists, AI data centres soaking up massive amounts of drinking water, and Parliament’s annual midwinter ball happened in Canberra.

Deep Dive: A Silicon Valley start-up is changing the future of fertility, letting future parents screen embryos for disease, but also appearance and IQ.

And while some are lining up for the tech, keen to be in the know about their potential kids, critics have questioned the ethics of choosing them based off traits.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with Nucleus Founder Kian Sadeghi about the advanced embryo testing, and why he backs the power to pick.

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Image credit AP: Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune

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Australia Post has this week suspended deliveries to the United States as the fallout continues over Donald Trump’s tariffs. While it’s a temporary measure as delivery services around the world try and navigate the new fees and charges, it’s another major hit for thousands of small Australian businesses.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by small business owner Emma Jean Jansen, who unpacks what this shock move means for Aussie retailers, already struggling with rising costs and overheads.

Headlines: Linda Reynolds wins Brittany Higgins defamation case, one female student has been killed and several others injured after a school bus crash west of Geelong in Victoria, and Former West Coast defender Mitch Brown has made AFL history.

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A manhunt is underway for a sovereign citizen gunman, who shot dead two police officers and seriously injured a third in rural Victoria, sparking renewed interested in the alternative movement.

Sovereign citizens are Australians who reject the authority of the government and believe they’re exempt from laws, taxes and the values of mainstream society.

In this bonus episode of The Briefing, Tom Tilley is joined by an Australian dad whose ex-partner became a sovereign citizen and turned his family's life into a living nightmare.

This episode is from 2023 and uses voice distortions to protect the identity of a man we’re calling John.

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Wednesday Headlines: Manhunt continues for cop murderer in Victoria, Iran vows ‘reciprocal action’ against Australia after expulsion of ambassador, House calls for Epstein’s 50th birthday book to be handed over, Allergies costing the nation billions, and Tay Tay and Trav engaged!

Deep Dive: The world’s richest man is suing two of the world’s biggest tech companies.

Elon Musk is claiming Apple and OpenAI are working together on integrating AI into the latest version of Apple’s top-selling iPhones, making it impossible for other AI apps to compete with Open AI’s ChatGPT.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Trevor Long, Nine’s tech guru and founder of eftm.com, to unpack if Elon Musks has any chance of winning and whether it’s a PR exercise for his own AI company Grok.

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For the first time since World War II, Australia has expelled an ambassador after the Prime Minister confirmed the Iranian Government directed at least two antisemitic attacks on Australian soil. ASIO Director General, Mike Burgess, said Iran was responsible for extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression, in an attempt to undermine social cohesion.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by intelligence expert Justin Bassi on why this is a dangerous escalation for Australia’s national security and what it means for our fragile international relations.

Headlines: Two police officers have been killed in regional Victoria, Former Police officer, Beau Lamarre-Condon has plead not guilty to the murders of Sydney couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, and Australia Post has announced it will immediately suspend the majority of its mail deliveries to the US.

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Tuesday Headlines: AUKUS has come under further US scrutiny, Israeli strike kills at least 20 people, including five journalists and health officials in Gaza, The Wiggles are headed for court, Third person charged in Pheobe Bishop case, Australia’s youngest senator makes maiden speech.

Deep Dive: The federal government has fast tracked the expansion of the First Homebuyer Guarantee, allowing more Australians to buy a home with a 5% deposit from October.

The Treasury estimates the new eligibility caps on income and home prices will see an extra 20,000 guarantees will be issued within the first year, but is it all too good to be true?

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by David Koch, Compare the Market’s Economic Director, to explain what the scheme means for the housing market and if the pros outweigh the cons for first homebuyers.

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The sole survivor of the deadly mushroom lunch has given compelling evidence in court, saying he forgives killer Erin Patterson. Ian Wilkinson also revealed that he would pray for Erin to become a better person and said he is no longer a victim, instead, Erin is a victim of his kindness.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by criminologist Xanthe Mallett to unpack the new evidence.

*NOTE: After this episode was recorded, Erin Patterson's sentencing date has been earmarked for September 8.

Headlines: Economists are concerned about the Federal Government’s first home buyer scheme, Virginia Guiffre's book to be published posthumously, and Naked Sundays sunscreen pulled from the Australian market.

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Monday Headlines: Thousands of Australians have protested across the country against the war on Gaza, Erin Patterson is back in court today, Queensland urged to use TikTok and ‘trusted influencers’ to combat misinformation during natural disasters, Trump preparing to send National Guard into Chicago, and Venus Williams is returning to the US Open aged 45.

Deep Dive: A first of its kind inquiry is looking into cults and fringe religious groups in Australia, and whether our laws are strong enough to protect members.

It's looking into recruitment and retention tactics, particularly any deemed coercive, dominating, and harmful.

While the inquiry isn’t focusing on the cults or groups beliefs, just behaviours, other mainstream religions are concerned some of their practices could get caught in the crosshairs.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with investigative journalist Richard Baker, about his evidence at the inquiry, and his message to any religions sounding the alarm.

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Kathleen Folbigg was once branded Australia’s worst female serial killer, convicted of murdering her four children and locked away for 20 years. But she was innocent. In 2023, a breakthrough in genetics and the work of 90 leading scientists finally cleared Kathleen’s name and set her free. But her fight for justice isn’t over. The NSW government has now offered just $2 million in compensation, a figure that’s outraged her supporters and the Australian public.

In this episode, we revisit the extraordinary case from the very beginning. Professor Stephen Cordner, one of the scientists who campaigned for Kathleen’s release, takes us inside the science, the battle against the legal system, and how one woman’s life was destroyed by a terrible miscarriage of justice.

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Natalie Kyriacou is the environmentalist saving the planet one snake clit and fish STD at a time.

Before she turned 30, she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her contributions to wildlife conservation and education. Creating World of the Wild, a app that’s been dubbed the environmentalist’s Angry Birds.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Natalie explain how she went from stealing from family members to raise money for climate to publishing Nature’s Last Dance.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO WATCH: Real Housewives of London on Hayu
TO TRY: Lay flat on the floor
TO DO: Always get a second opinion
TO WATCH: The Handmaid's Tale season 5 onwards

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The construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates in the Australia, with employees twice as likely to die compared to other male workers. An often-toxic workplace environment and poor mental health are major contributing factors with experts calling for urgent action.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Health and Wellbeing expert Tony LaMontagne to explain how we can turn around the deadly trend and the important message for both employees and bosses in the workplace.

Headlines: New major childcare changes announced, Ultra Violette has pulled one of its most popular products from shelves, and Erik Menendez has been denied parole.

If this episode raised any issues for you, help is available via Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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Friday Headlines: Australia post is suspending transit shipping to the US, Trump had a multi-million-dollar win overnight, Three-day productivity summit wrapped late yesterday, Anthony Albanese’s reputation is “forever tarnished” according to Benjamin Netanyahu, Federal government will today push for a national register of childcare workers, and a Freaky Friday story to end the week.

Deep Dive: Australians are getting married less, divorcing less and having fewer children than ever before, with the rate of marriage more than halving since 1971.

The way people are getting married is also changing, with less traditional ceremonies, religious weddings taking a slide line, millennials and gen z now dominating the scene and social media influencing how much we spend.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith chats with Jye Marshall, a wedding expert and fashion design lecturer at Swinburne University, to explain the origins of a white wedding dress and how cost of living is changing the way we wed.

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Homophobia in the AFL is back in the spotlight, with star Crows forward Izak Rankine banned for four games for using a homophobic slur against a Collingwood opponent. But Rankine could still play in the AFL grand final if the Adelaide Crows make it. But Rankine is the sixth AFL player to be suspended for a homophobic remark aimed at an opponent in the past 16 months alone, so do bans even work?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by behavioural scientist Erik Denison from Monash University's Faculty of Arts, who argues that bans don’t work and there are serious cultural issues in Australian sporting codes that need urgent action.

This episode contains references to suicide and homophobic language. If you or anyone you know needs assistance, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or QLife on 1800 184 527.

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Thursday Headlines: A former SAS soldier will be the first in Australia to ever face trial for a war crime, pedestrian deaths are up by almost 50 per cent, Monash IVF is under pressure to publicly release a review into two separate IVF bungles, the larger the house the less people living in it, and a year one teacher has gone viral for an informative private parts song.

Deep Dive: Amazon have just launched ‘their own version of Temu’ in a bid to compete with the ultra-low-cost marketplace called Amazon Haul.

From mid 2023 to 2024 Temu reached nearly 4 million Australian shoppers and Shein reached about 2 million, with experts predicting that number could be greater in 2025.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Dr. Bo Pang associate director of consumer innovation at Swinburne University to explain the ethical and regulatory concerns within the ultra-low-cost marketplace and how Haul is different from the Amazon we know.

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In a bombshell announcement, the Federal Health Minister has announced a major overhaul of the troubled NDIS. Mark Butler claims the NDIS was not fit for large numbers of children with autism and developmental delays, promising the changes will ensure the scheme is sustainable. But will those who need the support the most be unfairly targeted?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by expert Professor Adam Guastella who warns the government needs to crack down on alleged dodgy providers who are exploiting a broken system.

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Wednesday Headlines: Bruce Lehrmann's defamation case returns to court, Anthony Albanese has been called a “weak politician" by the Israeli PM, majority of land in NSW sold to developers instead of used as public housing, seven in 10 Australian’s who've signed up to the NDIS in the past year have autism, and a UK woman tries to take her annoying 20 and 30yo colleagues to court for socialising and wasting time.

Deep Dive: Australian’s are divided over whether property owners should have the right to use lethal force during a home invasion.

While some argue we already have strong enough protections, tens of thousands of Queenslanders and Victorian’s are pushing to legislate Castle Law, to give home owner’s the right to use any force necessary if confronted with an intruder.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with Castle Law advocate, Katter’s Australian Party leader Robbie Katter and Nick Dore of Fisher Dore lawyers about both sides of the contentious debate.

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There were numerous promises made during today’s historic peace talks between the Ukrainian and US presidents regarding Russia, with key European leaders standing by. President Donald Trump claims he’s negotiated talks between Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin, with both wanted lasting peace. But many are now asking at what cost?

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by international conflict expert Dr Jessica Genauer, who is concerned about what conditions Russia wants in any breakthrough, and what’s next if Putin wins this latest war.

Headlines: A 38-year-old mother is facing a number of child sex charges, the data of 280,000 Australians has been compromised, and a woman dubbed the “Ketamine Queen” has agreed to plead guilty to supplying the drugs that killed Friends star Matthew Perry.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Major investigation launched after infant found dead in storm drain, Israel’s Foreign Minister revokes Australian visas, Matt Wright's being counter sued over death of mate, AFL launches investigation into alleged homophobic incident, and what do 'delulu', 'skibidi' and 'forever chemicals' all have in common?

Deep Dive: It’s an often-polarizing debate: should you go public or private when you need hospital treatment?

On the one hand, you might get a nicer room and a shorter wait time for elective procedures if you’re prepared to pay for private. But if you find yourself in an emergency, would it be better to get the full resources and staffing of a public hospital?

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith if joined by Nine reporter Christine Ahern, who has investigated private hospitals in Australia, to find out what you need to know.

Further listening: What the actual f is skibidi toilet? and Are tradwives dangerous?*

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Tax reform and working from home are top of the agenda at this week’s Productivity roundtable in Canberra. But will the expensive get together just be a waste of time, or will Australia’s business, economic and union leaders show courage and enact much-needed reforms?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Crikey’s political editor Bernard Keane to unpack the agenda and find out the expected winners and losers.

Headlines: Qantas has been fined $90 million, tens of thousands of Israelis have protested in Tel Aviv and, a surfer has had a fortunate escape after a close encounter with a shark in Northern NSW.

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A newly announced ban on greyhound racing in one Australian state has divided the public but left animal welfare advocates celebrating.

Last week the Tasmanian Premier told those in the sector, the sport would be phased out by 2029, leaving many in the industry furious and questioning his true motives.

In part two of this two-part deep dive, Tara Cassidy speaks with TasRacing CEO Andrew Jenkins and Coalition For The Protection of Greyhounds President Amy MacMahon about the controversial decision, and the future of greyhound racing in Australia.

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Monday Headlines: Trump's NATO-style deal with Putin,shootings in Sydney and Melbourne nightlife precincts, fresh push to extradite Chinese man over baby burning incident, young Australians may have a tougher life than their parents, and a major scientific discovery that could re-write history.

Deep Dive: The Australian greyhound racing community is reeling after news last week that the sport will be phased out in Tasmania by 2029, while animal welfare advocates applaud the long-awaited move.

Many across the sector say the industry’s been used as a scapegoat, as part of a political power play by the state’s premier, who’d recently pledged to bolster the industry, not ban it.

In part one of this two-part deep dive, Tara Cassidy speaks with Greyhound Racing Victoria Chair Peita Duncan about the controversial decision, and the future of greyhound racing in Australia.

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Bonus episode: The Voice Australia is back for its 14th season. But in all those years, no contestant has made an impact quite like shows very first winner, Karise Eden. Today, we’re bringing you Karise’s full-length interview from LiSTNR’s The Moment It Changed: Touchdown podcast.

Music journalist Cam Adams sits down with Karise as she opens up about her meteoric rise from struggling artist to national sensation, and the fallout that followed, from industry exploitation to the fight to reclaim her voice.

For more, including extraordinary revelations from former Australia Idol judges, you can listen to all episodes of The Moment It Changed: Touchdown for free on Apple, Spotify, LiSTNR or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode contains descriptions of domestic violence and self-harm. If you or anyone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. There's also references to family violence. If you or anyone you know needs support, contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

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Claudia Karvan is a screen legend who grew up in the iconic Kings Cross nightclub district and became one of Australia’s most admired (and drama-free) stars.

She first stepped in front of the camera at just 10 years old and hasn’t looked back... creating iconic moments in film and TV from The Secret Life of Us to Bump on Stan.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Claudia reveals what it was like to uncover jaw-dropping details about her own family tree live on camera and explains why she hates crying in public despite being an open book.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO DO: Change your algorithm on Instagram
TO WATCH: K-pop Demon Hunters on Netflix
TO WATCH: Wednesday season 2 on Netflix
TO LISTEN: Twice Displaced by Lem Zakharia

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The Australian Defence Force is getting smarter, savvier, and more strategic in its recruitment, with it’s highest annual intake in 15 years, and you might be surprised by what’s causing the trend.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Behavioural Economist, Professor Robert Hoffman, to unpack the psychology behind a surprising global surge in military enlistment, and why the ADF’s battle for talent might just be its most important mission yet.

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Friday Headlines: US warns Australia must meet with Trump over ‘critical’ AUKUS deal, chilling footage revealed of accused Melbourne double murderer, UTS staff facing job loss told to 'do some laundry' to manage stress, the average Aussie is earning more than ever but we still feel broke, and your thoughts on property millionaires, the Denmark Zoo saga and Insta's controversial map feature.

Deep Dive: It can be hard to tell what’s real in the world of celebrities, amid a sea of cosmetic surgery, white veneers, tightly-controlled branding and picture-perfect relationships.

But today a PR insider is lifting the lid on the hidden practice of manufactured celebrity relationships, aimed at boosting exposure, image and popularity.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Billy Daniels, owner of PR agency Billy Etc, to get the scoop on which celebrities’ relationships are real - and which are likely not.

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New Australian research has uncovered a dangerous new trend on TikTok, with a growing number of unqualified influencers spreading misinformation about female contraception. Despite having no medical qualifications, these social media stars are giving harmful advice to women about sex, leading to an increase in unwanted pregnancies and STIs.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling speaks with public health expert Megan Bugden on what they uncovered in their research and the dangerous, life-changing consequences.

Headlines: Anthony Albanese claims a statement from Hamas is incorrect and propaganda from the terror group, US President Donald Trump has warned Russia ahead of his meeting this weekend, and the sole survivor of a helicopter crash in the Northern Territory has given evidence.

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Thursday Headlines: The coalition has slammed Anthony Albanese for his decision to recognise a state of Palestine, Commonwealth Bank urged to repay fees of 2 million low-income customers after recording $10b profit, Netflix star Matt Wright’s trial will hear from more witnesses today, young men Australia's biggest phone addicts, and an Aussie teen chasing his NFL dream has gone viral for a tearful homesick message.

Deep Dive: A new study that suggests artificial sweeteners increase your risk of diabetes has received criticism online, despite being carried out by one of the country’s top experts.

Critics argue it doesn’t meet the medical research gold standard, while media coverage lacked important context and nuance.

So how do us regular folk tell scientific fact from fiction, when even the experts can’t seem to agree?

On this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with Dr Evangeline Mantizioris, Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences at the University of South Australia, about what makes a study credible, and how to treat such research when making decisions about your own health.

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Real estate agents underquoting is back in the headlines with authorities cracking down on the illegal practice. But now there are calls for the dodgy agents who often make millions of dollars in commission to face tougher penalties.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by buyer’s agent Julie DeBondt-Barker, who explains how underquoting is preventing young people from buying homes and why the real estate industry needs an overhaul.

Headlines: A 34-year-old man has faced court charged with the murders of a pregnant woman and her partner in Melbourne’s south-east, a 41-year-old Victorian man has been arrested after a police firearm was discharged inside Sydney domestic terminal and Netflix just got more expensive (again).

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Wednesday Headlines: Julie Bishop labelled a hostile bully at uni senate inquiry, Apple and Google lose landmark court case to Fortnite developer over anti-competitive conduct, WA is overhauling the states surrogacy and IVF laws, one in five Aussies carry incurable parasite from cats, and Freddo Frog shrinkflation!

Deep Dive: Distraction politics take place nearly every day - in an attempt to steer us away from the negative or put a spin on something.

Most recently US President Donald Trump has been accused of creating a distraction from the Epstein files and tariffs with his Washington police takeover, in what spin doctors would call pivoting, a commonly used tactic.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Caroline Fisher, former spin doctor and media adviser to Queensland’s former premier Anna Bligh and is an adjunct professor from the University of Canberra, to share her personal experience in the job.

Further listening: Secrets We Keep: By Any Means

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An investigation into the ankle monitoring of accused criminals on bail has exposed a shocking flaw in the system. A private company who was supposed to monitor the alleged offenders in our community stopped operations without notifying authorities.

Now, at least two state governments are abolishing ankle monitoring altogether, with a flawed system with concerning loopholes set to take over.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by News Corp journalist Josh Hanrahan who broke the story to explain how this could happen and what comes next with bail monitoring and the implications for community safety.

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Tuesday Headlines: Kathleen Folbigg speaks out after ‘slap in the face’ wrongful conviction payout, mourners gather for funeral of media workers murdered by Israeli military, woman charged with foreign interference has hundreds of thousands in unexplained wealth, new road tax for EV users, and Harry and Meghan have penned a new multi-year TV deal with Netflix!

Deep Dive: Vitamins and supplements are a multi-billion dollar industry here in Australia and are routinely added to food products like breakfast cereals, energy drinks and protein bars.

Over the last year reports of B6 blood toxicity are on the rise, which can have life-altering implications, with experts finding some energy drinks have six times the recommended daily intake of B6 in them.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Dr Terri-Lynne South, a GP and dietician from the Royal Australian college of GPS, to explain if we need to be taking supplements.

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PM Anthony Albanese has announced Australia will formally recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September. The move involves a number of conditions, including not allowing terror group Hamas to play any role in future governance.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by political expert Josh Roose from Deakin University to unpack what this historic move means for Australia, our alliance with the US and lasting peace in the Middle East.

Headlines: Five Al Jazeera employees have been killed in a targeted Israeli air strike in Gaza, The Guardian says the Labor Government has hired Deloitte to design a plan for universal childcare, and a meteor shower in Victoria.

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Deep Dive: French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte are suing right-wing podcaster Candace Owens over bizarre allegations that the First Lady is a man who has stolen an identity and committed crimes including fraud and forgery.

The legal action comes after the conspiracy exploded on social media worldwide.

So where did these claims come from and why are they getting traction? And why is Candace, who was refused entry to Australia last year, staking her entire career on this case?

In this two-part special, Tara Cassidy and Helen Smith break down the complex saga, assess the claims and explain the back story you need to know before you make up your mind who to believe.

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Monday Headlines: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has labelled Australia “shameful” over Gaza, the Reserve Bank is set to hand down their latest cash rate decision tomorrow, greyhound racing is set to finish up in Tasmania by 2029, we’re in for a soggy rest of winter and spring according to the weather bureau, and Instagram has a controversial new map feature that allows users to share their location with followers.

Deep Dive: French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte are suing right-wing podcaster Candace Owens over bizarre allegations that the First Lady is a man who has stolen an identity and committed crimes including fraud and forgery.

The legal action comes after the conspiracy exploded on social media worldwide.

So where did these claims come from and why are they getting traction? And why is Candace, who was refused entry to Australia last year, staking her entire career on this case?

In this two-part special, Tara Cassidy and Helen Smith break down the complex saga, assess the claims and explain the back story you need to know before you make up your mind who to believe.

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Music reality TV promises to turn ordinary singers into national icons — but what’s the secret formula behind these shows?

In this bonus episode of The Briefing, former judges Ian “Dicko” Dickson and Mark Holden reveal the controversies, iconic moments, and impact that reality TV had on Australia’s music industry.

Plus former contestants reveal the hidden side of overnight fame.

You can listen to all episodes of The Moment It Changed: Touchdown for free on Apple, Spotify, LiSTNR or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode contains a mention of suicide. If you or anyone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Alex Lee is a face you'll recognise from TV, whether it's from The Feed, Saturday Night Rove, Celebrity Mastermind, Spicks and Specks, The Checkout, Win the Week or What the FAQ.
And as the journalist-turned-comedian points out, not ALL of those shows got axed.

Alex recounts how shock jock and alleged sexual predator Alan Jones once tried to sue her over a comedy skit she made making fun of him. That would have been pretty darn stressful but she says that pales into comparison to the stresses of becoming a mum and feeling like the internet is constantly trying to guilt you into buying junk for your small human.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Alex also unpacks how mum-fluencers inspired her podcast Baby Shoes, part comedy, part therapy, and all-too-relatable for exhausted parents trying not to lose the plot.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO COOK: Homemade Dubai chocolate (dates + dark chocolate + pistachio spread)
TO TRY: Holme Beauty
TO TRY: Stardust period tracker app
TO WATCH: The Australian Wars

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Lured from a Canberra supermarket into the grip of a dangerous cult, Liz Cameron’s life spiralled into captivity, starvation, and a desperate fight to survive. In this episode, Liz reveals to Natarsha Belling how she was brainwashed, how her family staged a daring intervention, and why she’s speaking out to warn others about the hidden dangers of coercive control.

Headlines: Israel’s security cabinet has approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan for a full military occupation of Gaza City, convicted rapist Gareth Ward has resigned from NSW Parliament, and previously inadmissible evidence in the Erin Patterson triple murder trial has now been revealed.

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Here's the evidence the jury in the mushroom triple murder trial wasn't allowed to hear.

In this special update to The Briefing's coverage of this case, Tara Cassidy reveals allegations that murderer Erin Patterson had tried to poison and kill her estranged ex-husband Simon multiple times before.

Until today, this information was under a strict non-publication order by the Victorian Supreme Court.

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Friday Headlines: Kathleen Folbigg calls for inquiry into ‘insulting’ $2m wrongful conviction payout, Netenyahu plans full occupation of Gaza, 6yo girl discharged from Sydney hospital twice before dying of influenza, men outearn women in 98% of jobs, and a millionaire donates $100m to Aus vet school!

Deep Dive: When you’re socializing in a group, are you the life of the party, a participant but exhausted from the effort – or are you the outsider looking in?

Until now, our personality traits have broadly been divided into two groups: extroverts and introverts. But there’s a third, neglected group with hidden talents: the otroverts.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by psychiatrist Dr Rami Kaminski, author of The Gift of Not Belonging – and himself an otrovert.

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It’s the government rort ripping off millions of Australians that could be the next Robodebt disaster. We explain how a broken government payment system is seeing job and support payments cut off or cancelled, in many cases unlawfully.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by anti-poverty campaigner Kristin O’Connell, who explains how some of our most vulnerable are being unfairly targeted by a broken system that is allegedly being exploited by some operators, costing taxpayers billions of dollars.

Headlines: ANZ has shocked customers with a surprise rate hike, Anita Cobby's killer claims he was wrongfully convicted, and more bombshell allegations from a new tell all book about Prince Andrew.

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Thursday Headlines: Lawyers for sex offender Gareth Ward argue against his expulsion from NSW Parliament, Donald Trump says JD Vance is the next likely Republican candidate for 2028, the trial of Outback Wrangler TV star Matt Wright is underway, WhatsApp's deleted over 6.8 million accounts linked to scams, and we're in the 'Golden Age’ of swimming, better than Thorpe and O’Neill.

Deep Dive: Videos of influencers and streamers gambling are becoming increasingly popular online, with the content largely targeting young people.

In videos shared to social media sites, streaming and video platforms influencers with thousands to millions of followers are filming themselves placing bets on online casinos and in real life at the pokies.

With Australia already home to the world’s biggest gamblers, and losers, the growing trend's got experts worried that it could draw in a whole new generation of problem gamblers.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with University of Sydney influencer and gambling researcher, Dr Mark Johnson, on how creators are bending the rules, and the lack of laws to stop them.

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The government’s excise freeze on draught beer is being hailed as a win for pubs, but how much is it really saving us?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Mick Gibb, CEO of the Nighttime Industries Association, who unpacks how this move has created a two-tier tax system that penalises small bars, live music venues, and cocktail lovers.

Headlines: A Sydney man has become the first in Australia to be charged with supplying nitazine, previously unseen Epstein letters and photographs have been published by The New York Times, and Sean “Diddy” Combs is seeking a presidential pardon.

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Wednesday Headlines: OceanGate Titan sub disaster was a 'preventable tragedy', DOJ orders investigation into Obama administrations Russian political interference probe, The Great Barrier Reef has recorded the largest mass bleaching event on record, Kmart denies sourcing products from factories linked to forced labour, and a Danish zoo is asking for unwanted animals to feed its predators.

Deep Dive: ‘Go woke go broke’ is no longer true according to new research that found companies can embrace progressive values and pursue profit at the same time.

The study examines campaigns like Gillette's take on “toxic masculinity” and Nike’s ad featuring Colin Kapernick, analysing the intersection of political agendas and what happens when brands tackle social issues, like racism, inclusion and diversity.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Dr Peter Underwood from Auckland Law School to unpack what woke capitalism is and how companies can find a middle ground in the market.

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Our ASIO boss has warned Australia is under a growing threat from foreign espionage with spying from a number of nations now at unprecedented levels. Days after that warning, Federal Police have arrested a Chinese National accused of allegedly spying on a local Buddhist group.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by intelligence expert Chris Taylor to unpack why we’re seeing an increase in foreign threats and why we all need to think twice about the information we share, especially online.

Headlines: Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has secured a $10 billion contract to build the Australian Navy’s new fleet of warships, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to announce plans to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, and Donald Trump has weighed into the Sydney Sweeney ad controversy.

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Tuesday Headlines: Opposition Leader Sussan Ley admits "there is hunger and starvation in Gaza", New evidence released from Erin Patterson murder case, Thousands of murder, rape and assault cases to be re-examined due to DNA lab bungle, Property boom prompts surge in Australian millionaires to global high, Tesla awards chief executive Elon Musk $44 billion worth of shares.

Deep Dive: You might have heard of donating blood and plasma, but what about donating your poo?

Well it turns out your stool could help save lives in more ways than one.

Right now in Australia poo donations are being used for fecal microbiota transplants, to help cure painful, debilitating and sometimes deadly diseases.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with Kevin Young, an FMT recipient, about how the procedure saved his life, and Lifeblood’s Elizabeth Connolly on how it might be used in future.

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The Victorian government has announced a new plan to legislate working from home. But is the Australian first proposal just a quick grab for votes in the upcoming state election or could this give workers new rights?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by employment lawyer Graeme Watson, who unpacks the legal ramifications of this controversial new move and your legal rights as an employee.

Headlines: The Prime Minister has requested a meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu, new AFP Commissioner announced, and Prince Harry has denied explosive new claims he gave his Uncle a bloody nose after a fight.

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Monday Headlines: 100-thousand people march along the Sydney Harbour Bridge yesterday, Home and Away's Lynne McGranger takes out Gold Logie, Emergency crews launch desperate search for passengers on board missing plane, Australian Defence Force increases staff levels through social media and gaming, and Robert Irwin and Nigella Lawson faces of new Tourism Australia campaign.

Deep Dive: The Australian gas sector makes billions off our natural resources each year, yet over half is being given away and exported for free, with little to no benefit for the everyday Aussie.

It’s been described as a loophole by some, “the great gas scam” by others, with taxpayers estimated to be missing out on $13 billion because of it.

And we're not just missing out on money, it’s also costing us cash, with the gas sector and untapped exports contributing to surging gas and electricity prices too.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with independent senator David Pocock on what’s behind the costly problem, and what it’ll take to fix it.

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Bonus episode: Who is Sharon Graham? Tara Cassidy speaks to those closest to the grandmother, who was now one of the police’s main murder suspects. Tara unravels the different sides Sharon presented to people and starts to see some patterns in her behaviour, especially around money and men.

Today our bonus episode is episode 2 of Tara's podcast Crime in Focus: Killer Charm.

You'll hear how a murder investigation opens after a man falls into a woodchipper in suspicious circumstances. And what has a suburban grandmother in a bizarre love quadrangle got to do with it?

To keep listening, you can get the full series of Crime in Focus: Killer Charm for free on Apple, Spotify, LiSTNR or wherever you get your podcasts.

All people convicted of murder related to this case have lodged their intentions to appeal the outcomes. At the point of publishing this podcast those appeals have not progressed further.

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Maz Jobrani is the Iranian-born American comedian who accidently created a fantasy scenario for immigration body ICE.

The stand-up comedic and actor found himself swapping his political science degree for telling occasionally deportation-prone jokes and it paid off. He’s been in Hollywood blockbusters, has Netflix specials and was a guest on James Corden, Jay Leno and The Late Show with Steven Colbert.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Maz reveals how he finds comedy in global geopolitical chaos, and whether recently being named a top 20 ‘Great Immigrant’ is code for ‘watch your back, immigration body ICE is coming for you’.

He’s currently on tour here in Australia, find dates here!

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO READ: Boogie Wonderland, a memoir by Kate Halfpenny
TO EAT: No bake banana bread cookie dough balls
TO TRY: Somatic therapy by a registered practitioner
TO TRY: Facebook hair model groups e.g. Hair Models Sydney NSW *No In-Home Salons!

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While climate change can feel overwhelming, a bold group of young Australians is turning anxiety into action. They call themselves the Future Council - and they’ve travelled the world challenging global leaders and top CEOs to do better.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling speaks with filmmaker Damon Gameau and 15-year-old climate activist Ruby Rodgers about their powerful new documentary and the movement they hope will inspire the rest of us to act.

Headlines: Australia has escaped a feared jump in US tariffs, A Western Australian woman found guilty of giving birth to a baby that was later discovered in a freezer has avoided going to prison, and Father Chris Riley, founder of charity Youth Off the Streets, has died aged 70.

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Friday Headlines: ASIO boss says foreign spies targeting defence employees working on AUKUS, 91 people killed by Israeli fire waiting for aid as US envoy arrives in Israel for ceasefire talks, MMA fighter Conor McGregor loses appeal to overturn a civil rape case, Australia's towns with most Airbnb's and Bonnie Blue doco ‘1000 Men and Me’ causes outrage.

Deep Dive: Imagine if you couldn’t brush your teeth, put on your mascara or gel your hair because the products you wanted to use weren’t accessible to you.

This is the reality for 20% of our population who live with disability, but only 4% of products are accessible, according to a global study on the accessibility of personal care products.

In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith is joined by Storm Menzies, founder of ByStorm Beauty, to explain the importance of accessible beauty tools for both mental and physical wellbeing.

Further listening: Nest of Traitors - Episode 1 - Operation Liver and ‘I'm not a predator’: OnlyFans' Bonnie Blue defends Schoolies sex plan and What a survivor of sexual violence thinks of Bonnie Blue

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Another twist in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case, as the family as Australian victim Virginia Guiffre releases a new statement lashing out at the US President.

They say the family and survivors deserve answers as pressure grows on the US Administration to reveal who was involved in one of the greatest sex trafficking rings in history.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by journalist Lucia Osborne-Crowley who reveals who really knows the truth and why she believes convicted offender Ghislaine Maxwell will walk free after receiving a Presidential Pardon.

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Pressure is mounting on the US government to name names in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case. It comes as the family of Australian victim Virginia Guiffre who died earlier this year releases a new statement lashing out at US President Donald Trump.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by journalist Lucia Osborne-Crowley to unpack who Jeffrey Epstein is, his powerful friends and the question we all should be asking.

Headlines: The identity of a Sydney childcare worker charged with more than a dozen child sex abuse offences has been revealed, Melbourne’s gangland war has erupted again, with a 21-year-old man shot dead in Melbourne’s outer north, and the family of Virginia Giuffre has spoken out after bizarre new allegations from Donald Trump.

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Thursday Headlines: Tsunami alerts lifted as record earthquake causes millions to evacuate, Ozzy Osbourne fans flock to Birmingham paying tribute to the Prince of Darkness, convicted triple-murderer Erin Patterson restricted from selling home, cars sold in Australia using more fuel and emitting more toxic fumes than advertised and Katy Perry spotted with former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.

Deep Dive: The Sydney Harbour Bridge has been closed for reconciliation in 2000, World Pride month and even for a Hollywood movie, but what about Gaza?

The Palestine Action Group are planning to defy police this weekend by marching across the Harbour Bridge over concerns of mass starvation in Gaza. But authorities have denied the request and threatened prosecution of protesters who attempt to cross the bridge.

In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith is joined by David Mejia-Canales, Senior Lawyer at the Human Rights law Centre, to explain what our rights are to protest in Australia.

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Why are we forced to hand over so much private information when all we want is a receipt? As cyber-attacks become more commonplace, protecting our private information is more important than ever.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by consumer advocate Chandni Gupta who unpacks your legal rights and the need for an overhaul of privacy regulations to better protect consumers.

Afternoon Headlines: Millions of residents across the Pacific are on tsunami alert after an 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of Russia, Donald Trump claims Jeffrey Epstein was stealing female staff from his Mar-a-Lago resort, and inflation has eased for the June quarter.

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Wednesday Headlines: Israel accused Anthony Albanese of lying about Gaza, a Liberal MP’s made some divisive comments about gender quotas in parliament, a New York gunman who killed four people was meant to target the NFL headquarters, ChatGPT has announced they're launching a “study mode” to encourage responsible academic use of the chatbot, and apparently Sydney Sweeney has great jeans!

Deep Dive: The Gen Z stare is taking over our algorithms, but what is the blank expressionless look young people are serving up trying to tell us?

Millennials have the ‘millennial pause’, that happens before they record a video and baby boomers even have their own version of the stare, known as the "lead paint stare" allegedly from the amount of lead they consumed over the years.

In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith is joined by TikTok expert Susan Grantham from Griffith University to unpack why the Gen Z stare is dividing the Internet and if there’s any scientific evidence to back it.

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In another twist in the US trade war, US President Donald Trump has flagged some countries may face new penalties of 15 to 20 percent on their exports into the US.

Our Trade Minister Don Farrell says the government is still assuming Australia’s tariff is 10 percent, but will watch and wait. In this Episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by international trade expert Dr Scott French to unpack today’s developments and whether Australian exporters should be concerned.

Headlines: Authorities in the US have identified the gunman responsible for a mass shooting in a New York high rise, more than 40 jobs to be replaced with AI at the Commonwealth Bank, and Sir Michael Hill has died aged 86.

Photo credit: AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

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Tuesday Headlines: Trump will ‘bring an end to the misery' in Gaza, New child safety bill could see providers feel force of law within weeks, Equality body to argue over whether sex is ‘binary biological reality’, Webjet has been hit with a $9 million fine from the ACCC, and Bend It Like Beckham is set for a re-boot.

Deep Dive: Would you pay for a second chance at life after death?

Many Aussies are, having already signed up, and now paying to be the next to undergo cryogenic freezing when they die.

Two people have undergone the procedure at a cryonics facility in Australia so far, and while it's drawn its critics, enthusiasts say most of history’s greatest achievements first endured similar sentiment.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with South Australian resident Alex, a Southern Cryonics member, who’s signed up to see what the future holds.

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It’s being reported as the biggest GST scam in Australian History. Tonight, the ABC is running a special investigation into how everyday fraudsters allegedly ripped the ATO off billions of dollars through an apparent loophole.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling speaks with Tax expert Ali Noroozi, about how the scam happened, what it means for the ATO and what happens next.

An ATO spokesperson said, "Through Operation Protego, we stopped $2.7 billion in false refunds quickly, raising nearly $2 billion in liabilities, and secured over 120 convictions – while strengthening our systems and pursuing every dollar owed."

PM Headlines: Barnaby Joyce introduces bill to scrap net zero target, Celebrity Crocodile Wrangler, Matt Wright, has plead not guilty to three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice & a video of Donald Trump allegedly cheating in golf has gone viral.

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Monday Headlines: Anthony Albanese says Israel is "quite clearly" breaching international law by withholding aid from people in Gaza, US Gov divided over Ghislaine Maxwell pardon, YouTube is continuing to try and persuade the government not to include them in the under-16s social media ban, Do shark nets save lives or not?, and Gwyneth is now involved in the Coldplay kiss cam saga.

Deep Dive: What does it take to stop starvation being used as a war crime?

Over 28 countries, including Australia are calling on Israel that the war on Gaza “must end now”, with the United Nation saying one in five children are malnourished due to Israel blocking aid from entering the strip.

Now, over 20 months in, Israel is allowing small airdrops of aid in three populated areas of Gaza for 10 hours a day, but the United Nations agency has called the announcement of the drops a ‘distraction’.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with Georgia Tacey from Save The Children, about what she witnessed on the ground in Gaza, and the people fighting to expose Israel’s use of starvation as a war crime.

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You know Tara Cassidy as the smart, genuine and self-deprecating host of The Briefing's morning edition, who is across everything from hard news to the latest reality show.

But did you know she's also an acclaimed investigative journalist who had her own chart-topping LiSTNR crime podcast series before joining our team?

Today our bonus episode is episode 1 of Tara's podcast Crime in Focus: Killer Charm.

You'll hear how a murder investigation opens after a man falls into a woodchipper in suspicious circumstances. And what has a suburban grandmother in a bizarre love quadrangle got to do with it?

To keep listening, you can get the full series of Crime in Focus: Killer Charm for free on Apple, Spotify, LiSTNR or wherever you get your podcasts.

All people convicted of murder related to this case have lodged their intentions to appeal the outcomes. At the point of publishing this podcast those appeals have not progressed further.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joey Watson has spent years inside the minds of extremists - diving deep into the dark world of white supremacy and far-right radicalisation to figure out what makes them tick.

The award-winning investigative journalist’s latest project, Secrets We Keep: Lone Actor, uncovers the Christchurch attacks - one of the deadliest terror attacks in modern history where 51 Muslims were murdered as they prayed.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Joey explains what led him to believe, Australian gunman and terrorist, Brenton Tarrant wasn’t acting alone and how his family history heavily impacts his work.

Weekend list with Helen Smith:

TO EAT: Dumpling bake
TO EAT: Lebanese Mujadara
TO TRY: ByStorm beauty products
TO WATCH: Untamed on Netflix

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Research shows almost 70% of parents cite concussion and CTE risks as a key reason for discouraging their children from participating in contact sport.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling speaks with former AFL player Nathan Murphy, who was forced to medically retire at only 24 years old, because of repeated concussions. He now wants to educate others and is using his challenges to help find solutions, including working on an innovative new mouthguard.

PM Headlines: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's stern criticism of Israel, NSW MP Gareth Ward found guilty of sexual abuse, and the US Department of Justice meets with Jeffrey Epstein accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell.

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Friday Headlines: The US Department of Justice is speaking with Ghislaine Maxwell, Hulk Hogan has died age 71, UN says People in Gaza 'are walking corpses', Five women who were strip searched at Doha airport have won the right to sue Qatar Airways, and we've got answers from you guys from our broadcast channel.

Deep Dive: Are we witnessing the death of late-night television in the U.S?

The Late Show with host Stephen Colbert has been cancelled. Colbert telling a live audience this week ‘It's not just the end of our show, but it's the end of The Late Show on CBS... I'm not being replaced.’

While CBS insists the move has nothing to do with show performance or recent controversies, the timing has sparked intense speculation. As just days before CBS' parent company Paramount came to a US$16 million settlement with Donald Trump over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by late-night TV expert and host of Saturday Night Network Jon Schneider from New York to unpack whether this is a one-off decision or a broader shift.

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Afternoon Headlines: US Beef imports ban lifted, Former PM Scott Morrison addresses US Congress, and Brian Kohberger sentenced for Idaho University student murders.

Deep Dive: Genea IVF is the latest company to reveal the enormity of a major data breach that has compromised the private medical information of thousands of its patients.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by one of the victims of the data breach who reveals exactly what confidential details the hackers were able to steal and then publish on the dark web. Anna says patients should have confidence that their private details will be kept safe and has an important warning for others.

You can read Genea's statement on the incident in full here.

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Thursday Headlines: International Court of Justice says countries are liable for when it comes to climate harm, Australia has made a second payment of $800 million to the US for the Aukus agreement, House prices have risen in every state and territory in the country for the first time in four years, A fourth person has been charged in connection with the death of actor Mathew Perry, and our divorce rates are at their lowest in 50 years with marriages lasting longer.

Deep Dive: Would you jump into a car with no one behind the wheel? While videos of Teslas changing lanes and driverless taxis navigating the streets of San Francisco and LA have gone viral, autonomous vehicles are closer to becoming a reality in Australia than you might think.

Driverless cars are already being trialled on public roads across the country, but new research shows one in five Aussies are turning off in-built safety features like lane departure warnings and emergency braking, admitting they don’t trust the technology.

In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith is joined by Professor Michael Milford, Director of QUT’s Centre for Robotics to explain why Australia is still behind despite being a world leader in the development of autonomous vehicle technology.

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Afternoon Headlines: New proposed childcare reform, the jobs OpenAI says will disappear, and Ghislaine Maxwell to meet with US Justice Department.

Deep Dive: Tributes are continuing to flow for Ozzy Osbourne and his extraordinary influence on music and culture. Known as the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy was the was the lead singer of Black Sabbath but also had a successful solo career and was the original king of reality TV.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by two-time ARIA award-winning producer & Lecturer in Contemporary Music, Dr Lachlan Goold, to unpack Ozzy’s rollercoaster life, his lifelong addictions and his incredible rock legacy.

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Wednesday Headlines: Iconic singer, song write Ozzy Osbourne has died age 76,The first day of Parliament, Trump releases Martin Luther King Junior FBI files, Joshua Dale Brown could be slapped with further child abuse charges, and Uber is fighting against a blind woman in court.

Deep Dive: A David and Goliath battle is playing out in an Australian court, which could set a precedent for councils making moves to effectively criminalise homelessness.

The Moreton Bay Council in Queensland’s been accused of breaching 13 homeless residents’ human rights by destroying their camps, belongings and not allowing them to own pets or assistance animals.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with Sam Tracy from Basic Rights Queensland, one of the firms representing the residents, on why councils taking a hard-line approach does more harm than good.

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Afternoon Headlines: Parliament has officially returned for the first time since May’s Federal Election, four teenagers set to face court over for stealing a car which flipped and crashed in Melbourne and relative of Princes William and Harry found dead in her family home

Deep Dive: The 4-day working week is back on the National Agenda as the federal government looks to fix our nation’s productivity crisis. New research has shown a shorter working week with the same pay boosts our performance and reduces burnout.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Future of Work expert Dr Libby Sander on what's holding some bosses back and why a 4-day week is just around the corner.

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Tuesday Headlines: Australia, UK, France and other nations call for immediate ceasefire on Gaza, PM says he regrets ‘repulsive’ Mark Latham being elected leader, $14 million federal funding to assist SA to deal with algal bloom, big name uni's don't lead to a better pay packet, and an Aussie has joined the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

Deep Dive: There’s an infectious disease that's taking lives and leaving others severely disabled in Australia, despite there being a readily available vaccine.

Unlike other strains, Meningococcal B hasn’t always been part of the country's national immunisation program, but after a growing number of preventable injuries and deaths, various states have made it widely available and free.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with Stacey Chater, a mother who lost her son to Meningococcal B, and the RACGP Vice President on what’s led to the problem, and which state’s are still falling behind.

Further listening from headlines:

Our 'underwater Chernobyl'

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Afternoon Headlines: Support for the Opposition is at a 40-year low, feared many dead after a ferry caught fire and sank in Indonesia and investigations underway after a reported crocodile sighting in Noosa

Deep Dive: It’s the conspiracy and alleged cover-up that’s rocking the Trump administration.

As pressure grows on the US government to reveal all they know about the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, the support of Trump’s MAGA power base is starting to shift, with some experts saying the US President will survive this latest scandal.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by US political expert Cory Alpert, who claims there is a top-secret Epstein list with powerful people from both sides of politics allegedly implicated.

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Monday Headlines: HECS in the spotlight as parliament returns on Tuesday, Senator Pauline Hanson demands Mark Latham give up his seat, Pope condemns ‘barbarity of war’ as 73 killed waiting for aid in Gaza, Mushroom lunch survivor’s first comments after Patterson verdict, and the Coldplay ‘kiss cam’ scandal just keeps on giving.

Deep Dive: A landmark voting reform in the UK’s sparked the question of whether 16-year-old's are old enough to vote, after the country announced it was dropping its legal age from 18 to 16.

It's set to follow other countries like Austria and Brazil that already allow 16-year-old's to cast a vote at the ballot box, with some now calling on Australia to follow suit.

On this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks to Build A Ballot’s Lizzie Hedding about whether Australia’s youth are politically educated, and how to get Aussies engaged in the system that impacts every facet of their lives.

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Bonus episode: It’s one of our most popular and enduring TV reality shows, with a new line-up of celebrity judges and fame-chasing contestants returning to our screens next month for a fourteenth season.

Kate Miller-Heidke, Spice Girl Melanie C, Boyzone’s Ronan Keating, and 1980s hitmaker Richard Marx will take to the spinning chairs this year on the Channel Seven show.

But have you ever wondered what REALLY goes on behind the scenes on The Voice Australia? And what’s the true cost for those young hopefuls who take part?

In this bonus episode of The Briefing, you’ll hear the eye-opening truth from insiders including former winner Karise Eden and ex-contestant Matthew Hearne.

For more, including extraordinary revelations from former Australia Idol judges, you can listen to all episodes of The Moment It Changed: Touchdown for free on Apple, Spotify, LiSTNR or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode contains descriptions of self-harm. If you or anyone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. There's also references to family violence. If you or anyone you know needs support, contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Bec Judd first made headlines in ‘that’ red dress at the Brownlow Medals, a moment that catapulted her into the national spotlight and created a media frenzy.

The Perth girl went from working in trauma wards as a speech pathologist to presenting on national TV, becoming a businesswoman and one of Australia’s most famous WAGs.

In this chat with Helen Smith, Bec reveals why she’s why she’s choosing to be transparent about cosmetic work, the questions she's asked that her husband never is and and the beauty procedures she refuses to try - despite being shamelessly vain.

Weekend list with Antoinette Lattouf:

TO READ: Tilda is Visible by Jane Tara
TO READ: Come Together by Eliza Hull
TO Watch: Chef's Table on Netflix
TO LISTEN: Secrets We Keep: Lone Actor

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Fascinating new research has revealed why sport has become our new religion.

An Australian sports expert has delved into how being part of team as a player or passionate fan can literally change your brain and gives us powerful connections and a sense of community.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Professor Aaron Smith to unpack the latest research and the fascinate science behind why sport makes us tick.

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Picture credit: Carlo Allegri/Reuters

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Friday Headlines: Donald Trump demands answers after IDF strikes Gaza's only Catholic Church, Australia is in the midst of a vicious flu season with respiratory illnesses surging, Australian law firm launches action against Qantas over cyber attack, tributes flow for Australian killed in base jumping accident and it turns out y'all love a conspiracy theory!

Deep Dive: Can Kyle Sandilands end racism?
Kyle Sandilands and Eddie McGuire are among the faces of a new national anti-racism campaign - but are they the right people for the job?

Backed by major media outlets including Channels 7, 9 and 10, KIIS owner ARN and News Corp, the #StandUpToHate campaign is being billed as an “unprecedented show of solidarity” against racial hatred. Yet some are questioning whether these ambassadors undermine the message.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with journalist and founder of Back Cover Media, Mibengé Nsenduluka about the campaign, its choice of spokespeople, and whether it can drive real change.

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Afternoon Headlines: Bank exec charged with procuring under-age girls for sex found dead, Aussie dollar down as unemployment rate rises, Palestinian Ministry of Health reports over 58,000 killed in Gaza since October 7 and Tomorrowland mainstage engulfed by flames.

Deep Dive: Credit and debit surcharges are costing Australians billions of dollars every year. But who’s making the profit? The RBA announced this week that it wants to crack down on a major loophole and abolish the surcharges.

In this episode, Natarsha Belling is joined by Brad Kelly, co-founder of Independent Payments Forum, who explains how the surcharges work and why the planned overhaul may actually be bad news for small businesses and consumers.

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A little tracking tag in your bin might seem harmless - but what happens when that data is combined with all the other tech tracking your life?

From profiling your household habits to being used in ways you’d never expect, the risk goes far beyond waste collection.

In part two of this deep dive, Chris Spyrou speaks with former FBI and US intelligence officer turned cybersecurity expert Dr Dennis Desmond on how your everyday data can be harvested, weaponised – and how to protect yourself.

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Thursday Headlines: Donald Trump turns on his own supporters labelling them weaklings over the Epstein Files saga, Israel has struck the capital of Syria killing at least three, birthrate's in Aussie cap cities declined further this year, Australians are losing $110 million a week in unpaid super, and two footy legends have gone head to head, not on the field but in the ring!

Deep Dive: Your bin is spying on you
Ever noticed a little green chip under your council bin? It's an RFID tag used by waste management services across Australia to boost efficiency, but could the data it collects be used for more than tracking collections?

In part one of this two-part deep dive, Chris Spyrou speaks with the CEO of Veolia Australia and New Zealand to find out why our bins are being fitted with this tech and whether fears of “Bin Brother” are justified.

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Afternoon Headlines: Two Sydney childcare workers charged with alleged assault, 10 million vapes seized as new data finds fewer young Aussies vaping and a global Matcha shortage.

Deep Dive: Bradley John Murdoch, the man convicted of murdering British backpacker Peter Falconio, has died at 67, without ever revealing where Falconio’s body is.

His death comes just weeks after police increased the reward for information relating to the murder to $500,000, reigniting hope Peter’s remains may finally be found.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling speaks with criminologist and associate professor Xanthé Mallett, who explains why Murdoch always maintained his innocence and refused to reveal what happened to Peter’s body.

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Wednesday Headlines: Anthony Albanese signs six new deals with China, police warn list of childcare centres accused child abuser Joshua Brown worked at will likely grow, State schools reporting violent incidents in classrooms every four minutes, First nations peoples and climate activists share their disappointment in a Federal Court ruling over the Torres Strait islands, and the Emmy nominations are out!

Deep Dive: A handful of decisions made by a young German backpacker were the difference between life and death, after she went missing in the remote WA wilderness for 11 days

Authorities and experts have dubbed Carolina Wilga's survival a miracle, with the 26-year-old being found alive and well after braving subzero temperatures, rain, wind and rocky terrain with limited food and water.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy is joined by survival expert and bushcraft teacher Jake Cassar on what likely saved the backpackers' life, and his non-negotiables for braving the bush, whether you're a tourist, seasoned camper or find yourself lost too.

Further listening from the headlines:
Red flags of a child predator
Why Netflix is so not chill

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Bitcoin is booming, reaching an all-time high this week with some experts saying it could be the next liquid gold.

The United States is now debating rules and regulations around crypto currencies with a push to shakeup the framework.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Investment Analyst Justin Lin to unpack why Bitcoin is surging and is it the new way to make a fortune?

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Tuesday Headlines: Trump threatens Russia with ‘very severe tariffs’ as he unveils new weapons plan for Ukraine, former Greens candidate Hannah Thomas to front court today as police investigate threat video to Melbourne tech business, German backpacker shares a heartfelt message to Aussies from her hospital bed, more than a third of young Aussies are exploited by their employers, and a Sydney man has been charged after trying to pinch the Stone of Scone in Scotland!

Deep Dive: Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp and Chris Brown have all faced allegations of abuse - yet remain in “pass baskets,” where fans overlook their problematic track record and continue supporting their work.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith speaks with sex and relationship expert Georgia Grace to unpack why we keep putting celebrities in “pass baskets” and what it says about fame, accountability, and cultural change.

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Afternoon headlines: Government accidentally released Treasury advice to ABC, Country Road closes stores as operating profits drop more than 71% and Trump will be hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle

Deep Dive: The Jeffrey Epstein files are threatening to destroy the Trump Administration with its powerful MAGA base demanding answers over broken promises.

President Trump had promised to release the top-secret documents but now the FBI says they don’t exist.

In this episode of the Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by US politics and foreign policy expert, Associate Professor David Smith, to unpack if there is a list and what these turn of events could mean for Trump.

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Monday Headlines: Anthony Albanese continues his week-long visit to China, NSW Police defends actions of cop who shot dead machete-wielding man at a Westfield, disturbing findings in the Air India crash report, QLD Premier David Crisafulli announces CFMEU Inquiry, and we have a Wimbledon winner!

Deep Dive: More than half of young Aussies are putting their lives at risk by taking part in choking during sex. That’s according to various experts who say it not only plays a significant role in domestic and family violence cases, but causes long term physical harm.

Those findings led the UK Government to announce it will ban the depiction of strangulation in porn, with advocates now calling for Australia to do the same.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with the CEO of the Red Rose Foundation, Lucy Lord, on the hidden dangers of strangulation in sex.

Further listening from the headlines:Fire, fear and politics at the CFMEU

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BONUS: This is a story that you've never heard before - what really happened in the lead up to Australia’s worst terrorist Brenton Tarrant opening fire on worshippers at a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand.

For years, we’ve been told he was a “lone actor”. But a new LiSTNR investigation Secrets We Keep: Lone Actor reveals this narrative is far from the truth.

In this podcast, our colleague Joey Watson traces the terrorist’s footsteps around the world, uncovering shocking new evidence of his interactions with a shadowy global network of far-right extremists.

In this episode of The Briefing’s we're giving you episode 1 as a bonus but if you’re hooked and want more, you can keep listening here: https://linktr.ee/secretswekeeppodcast

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Krissy Marsh admits she 'likes to show off' - and it’s exactly that unapologetic flair that’s made her one of the most entertaining stars of The Real Housewives of Sydney.

The proud mum, former model, real estate boss and Mandarin-speaking Brisbane girl is so much more than a ‘housewife’ making a name for herself far beyond the screen.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Krissy reveals why she live with no regrets, the personal philosophy that keeps her grounded and how she became an ambassador for Ronald McDonald House.

Weekend list with Helen Smith and Chris Spyrou:

TO READ: What Plastic Surgery Couldn’t Fix in The Cut by Nick Dothée
TO EAT: Pretty butter board for dinner parties
TO DO AND EAT: Learn passed down recipes from your family
TO LISTEN: Kellyoke singalong

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Afternoon Headlines: Donald Trump nominates Sydney-born Nick Adams as US ambassador to Malaysia, missing German backpacker Carolina Wilga likely to have abandoned broken-down van in WA outback and Jane Birkin’s original Hermès handbag becomes most expensive fashion accessory ever sold.

Deep Dive: Formula One Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has been sacked after 20 years in the top job, rocking the F1 world.

The racing powerhouse was plagued by recent scandals including allegations of inappropriate behaviour and tensions with star driver Max Verstappen and his father.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Sports Broadcaster Greg Rust, host of LiSNTR’s Rusty's Garage to unpack what will become of the Red Bull F1 team.

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Friday Headlines: Special Envoy's antisemitism recommendations labelled draconian, Sydney cops face court for violent attack on mentally ill woman, new data reveals hanging point deaths are rising in Australian prisons, eSafety Commissioner releases data showing YouTube's harm and Big W pulls MAGA hats from online store.
Deep Dive: Inside the cult of HYROX
HYROX is the global fitness phenomenon turning everyday athletes into endurance competitors - and it’s gaining serious traction in Australia.

With 21,000 racers taking part in its biggest event yet in Sydney over the weekend, the sport’s blend of functional training and competition is drawing a loyal following.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with former journalist and HYROX racer Joseph Ogilvie about the rise of the sport and what sets it apart in an already crowded fitness space.

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Afternoon Headlines: Fatal car crash in Melbourne playground leaves one dead and two critically injured including a child, special envoy’s report to combat antisemitism handed down and Australian teenage surfer found alive on a remote island after he was missing at sea overnight

Deep Dive: The equivalent of a Boeing 737 full of Australians are dying every month because of drug overdoses, often from common everyday medications.

A confronting new report reveals many of these deaths are preventable, with health experts calling for better education programs.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by public health and safety expert John Ryan to find out how we all can play a role in turning this devastating trend around.

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Thursday Headlines: Warnings over CCTV in childcare to combat abuse, Europe’s top court rules Russia downed MH17, Elon Musk's AI company working to remove posts after chatbot praises Hitler, a surging number of young Australians are pushing life insurers into a $2.2bn crisis and Queensland takes out Origin 2025! Deep Dive: Antoinette Lattouf on her win against the ABCThe Weekend Briefing’s host Antoinette Lattouf has been covering stories as a journalist for 20 years – but she became the top story herself when she took on the ABC for unfair dismissal over a social media post 18 months ago.

In this episode of The Briefing, Antoinette opens up to Helen Smith about what it was like at the centre of a scandal, her response to accusations of bias and why she is determined to keep speaking out about human rights atrocities in Gaza.

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Afternoon Headlines: Australia is investigating "concerning" new tariffs from Trump on pharmaceuticals, QANTAS reveals around 5.7 million customers impacted by latest cyber-hack and Penny Wong refusing to confirm or deny reports she was targeted in a AI scam impersonating US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Deep Dive: The Reserve Bank’s shock decision to keep interest rates on hold took many by surprise, including some financial experts who predicted a 92% chance off a cut.

So, what’s next and will the constant global uncertainity be a key factor in what happens with interest rates here in Australia.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by leading financial expert Sally Tindall from Canstar to unpack why rates were kept on hold this time and what the RBA is set to do next.

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Wednesday Headlines: Democrats demand release of Epstein files as Trump hits out, Nagi Maehashi speaks out over her recipe in mushroom case, ‘Racist’ cop Zachary Rolfe responds to coroner’s findings, Queensland facing 54,000 workforce shortfall ahead of Olympic Games and the State of Origin decider is tonight!

Deep Dive: Our 'underwater Chernobyl'Dead fish, vanishing oxygen, and what some are calling “underwater Chernobyl” - South Australia’s normally pristine coastline is facing an environmental crisis that’s been months in the making.

A toxic algal bloom is starving marine life, threatening a $500 million fishing industry and a $10 billion tourism sector. Now, there are calls for the Prime Minister to declare a national disaster.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young about the scale of the crisis, why it’s being overlooked, and what needs to happen next.

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Erin Patterson has been found guilty of murder and attempted murder, after serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks the trial in under two minutes.

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Afternoon Headlines: RBA holds interest rates at 3.85 per cent,Donald Trump nominated by Benjamin Netanyahu for Nobel Peace Prize, and Scarlett Johansson becomes the highest grossing actor in Hollywood.

Deep Dive: Why did Erin Patterson murder her family members and think she would get away with it?

Questions are continuing on whether the 50-year-old will appeal her conviction, after a jury found her guilty on three murder charges and one for attempted murder.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro to unpack why the mushroom murder trial captured the attention of millions around the world.

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Tuesday Headlines: Erin Patterson guilty of murder, 100 families may sue childcare centre over Joshua Brown alleged abuse, Death toll from Texas floods surpass 90 as locals campaign for early warning systems, Borrowers to expect another round of relief following today’s RBA meeting, and Aldi is trialing grocery delivery in Australia.

Deep Dive: Should all men be banned from working in childcare? Would a national register or mandatory CCTV help? And what should a worker do if they’re suspicious of a colleague?

Jon Rouse spent decades in law enforcement, rescuing and protecting children worldwide from child sex offenders and exploitation networks. He knows how predators operate and where the weaknesses are in our systems.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with Jon about why the childcare industry isn’t detecting offenders and the red flags we should all know.

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Erin Patterson has been found guilty of murder and attempted murder, after serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: NT coroner hands down findings into 2019 Yuendumu police shooting of Kumanjayi Walker and Trump's Department of Justice and FBI concluded there is no evidence Jeffrey Epstein kept a “client list”

Deep Dive: Erin Patterson has been found guilty of murder and attempted murder after serving a beef Wellington laced with death cap mushrooms. Making her one of Australia’s worst mass murders.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by associate professor and criminologist Xanthé Mallett from CQUniversity to explain the verdict.

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Monday Headlines: Jewish leader wants mandatory antisemitism training introduced after spate of antisemitic attacks in Melbourne, a Queensland zoo worker is stable after being mauled by a lion, death toll from Texas floods climbs, Alex de Minaur faces off against Novak Djokovic tonight at Wimbledon!

Deep Dive: Disheartened tenants and advocates are calling for a national crackdown on dodgy real estate practices, including doctored property pictures and overboard rental applications.

One state’s hoping to pave the way, introducing new legislation to clamp down on the tactics and aiming to give tenants more rights when looking for a home.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with NSW Tenants Union CEO Leo Patterson Ross and NSW Housing Minister Rose Jackson about the changes on the way, and whether it’ll make a difference.

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This week, a chilling case in Melbourne has put the issue of child sex abuse into the national spotlight. A childcare worker has been charged with allegedly abusing young children in his care, leading to 1200 families being urged to have their young children tested for STIs.

IN 2022, LiSTNR released the critically acclaimed podcast documentary series The Children in the Pictures, which exposed the silent epidemic of online child sex abuse.

In light of recent events, we’re revisiting this crucial topic by bringing you episode 8, in which host Akhim Dev speaks with leading police and experts in the field. They give important insights and strategies we can take to better protect our children in an increasingly vulnerable world.

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Mitch Wallis is big on three words - 'I’m not ok.'

The founder of mental health charity Heart On My Sleeve went viral after having a raw very public breakdown and he’s been on a mission ever since.

Since that moment, he’s studied psychology, started a global movement and written a book on how we can have better conversations around mental health.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Mitch explains the impact graphic content on social media has on us and why it took him years to finally sit down with a psychologist.

Weekend list with Helen Smith and Chris Spyrou:

TO WATCH: Trainwreck doco series on Netflix
TO TRY: Elevated matcha latte
TO WATCH (in a cinema): Jurassic World Rebirth
TO LISTEN: Secrets We Keep: Lone Actor

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Afternoon Headlines: Government pushes new federal laws to protect children in childcare, Liverpool stars supercar had been recalled before death and Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom confirm separation.

Deep Dive: US President Donald Trump’s controversial “big, beautiful bill” passed the US Congress overnight.

The bill adds trillions of dollars to the nation’s already crippling debt and sees major cuts to health care, with the US President saying the major win gives him even more power.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by US political expert Professor Brendon O’Connor to unpack the landmark bill and what the implications are for the already fragile US economy and the Trump administration.

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Friday Headlines: Tributes flow for Liverpool FC star Diogo Jota, alleged Melbourne child abuser may have had more contact with kids, Australia's Privacy Watchdog warns of ‘vishing’ scam post Qantas cyber-attack, BBC senior staff told to 'step back' from duties following Glastonbury, and just 8% of Briefers will be taking party in Dry July!

Deep Dive: The eleventh iteration of Superman hits cinemas next week and is tipped to dominate the box office.

Meanwhile, Pixar’s Elio flopped with the worst opening in the studio’s history, Lilo & Stitch’s live-action remake broke records, and The Devil Wears Prada 2 has just been announced.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with screenwriter and producer Michael Lucas about why Hollywood keeps revisiting the same stories and why we keep showing up.

Further listening from headlines:
Glastonbury: Free speech or crime?
Qantas hack explained

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Afternoon Headlines: Parents say Alleged childcare sex offender Joshua Dale Brown might have worked across more dates in centres than authorities initially identified, NSW man dies from 'rabies-like' virus after bat bite and Eileen Bond ex-wife of controversial businessmen Alan Bond dies

Deep Dive: It’s the trial that gripped the world, Sean 'Diddy' Combs, one of music’s most powerful men facing life behind bars after facing a number of sex trafficking and prostitution charges.

Today the jury handed down its verdict finding Diddy not guilty of the most serious allegations and guilty on two prostitution charges.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Music Industry expert, Associate Professor Catherine Strong from RMIT University, to unpack the downfall of Diddy.

If you or anyone you know needs help you can call 1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732 and Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114

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Thursday Headlines: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs not guilty of sex trafficking, Kanye West banned from entering Australia, ‘Bomb cyclone’ leaving, rain and flooding incoming, a Queensland council forced to pause demolishing a homeless camp, and 3.2 million Aussies expected to take part in Dry July.

Deep Dive: From nuclear threats to climate change and AI, the world has never been closer to ‘Doomsday’.

Each year a group of experts from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists set the world’s Doomsday Clock, letting us know our risk of existential threat.

In 2025, the globe’s just 89 seconds to midnight – the closest we’ve ever been to catastrophe.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with the President and CEO of the Bulletin of The Atomic Scientists, the publication behind the Doomsday Clock, about what’s got us here and the tools we have to fix it.

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Afternoon headlines: Second man charged after Melbourne childcare worker accused of 70 offences, third person arrested in relation to the alleged murder of teenager, Phoebe Bishop and US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk feud reignites

Deep Dive: Qantas has been hit with a major cyber-attack, possibly exposing the private data of an estimated 6 million Australians.

The airline has confirmed hackers have stolen some customer’s names, birth dates email addresses and frequent flyer numbers.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Cyber Security expert Professor Matthew Warren, who explains how serious this latest corporate breach is and what to do if your personal information has been stolen.

If you have any concerns, take advantage of the dedicated support line Qantas has set up for customers: 1800 971 541 or +61 2 8028 0534, which is available 24/7.

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Wednesday Headlines: Victorian government to strengthen state's Working with Children Checks after Joshua Cook charged with 70 offences, NSW residents evacuated and warned to stay indoors as wild weather continues, Elon wins ‘free speech’ fight against Australia's eSafety Commissioner, a blistering heatwave is fuelling wildfires across parts of Europe, and 130,000 Western Australians have been busted in a new road safety camera trial.

Further listening from headlines:Calls for increased childcare safeguards

Deep Dive: Punk-rap duo Bob Vylan and Irish rap group Kneecap are under criminal investigation over their performances at Glastonbury. It comes after Bob Vylan frontman Pascal Robinson-Foster led chants of “Death, death to the IDF”, referring to the Israeli Defense Force and Kneecap followed with an incendiary performance, leading the crowd in chants of “fuck [British Prime Minister] Keir Starmer.”

The BBC has expressed regret for not cutting its live stream of Bob Vylan’s set, describing the remarks as containing “utterly unacceptable” antisemitic sentiments. The US announced it was revoking visas for the band.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Dr Murray Lee, professor of criminology from the University of Sydney, to explore the boundaries of artistic expression and the legal implications of political speech on stage.

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Afternoon Headlines: Five million could be hit with intense weather system hitting the coast of NSW, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set to meet with US President Donald Trump and two major sunscreen brands under fire for ‘greenwashing’

Deep Dive: There are calls for greater childcare regulations after new allegations against a 26-year man Victorian man.

He’s been charged with 70 sexual offences including rape relating to his work at an early learning centre. He also worked at 19 other childcare centres. More than 1200 families have been urged to test their children for infectious diseases.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Bravehearts Founder and child safety advocate, Hetty Johnston AM, to explain the urgent need for change in our childcare safety regulations.

This episode contains descriptions of child sex abuse. If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault or harassment, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT. org.au.

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Tuesday Headlines: Police are investigating Bop Vylan and Kneecap over Glastonbury performances, Sydney under ‘prepare now’ orders as east coast low hits, House prices reach record highs, grow twice as fast as wages, AI could boost the Australian economy by $115bn within five years, and Albo reacts to ‘Daddy’ Trump on Ten's new News program.

Deed Dive: It's tax time but before you lodge your return, it’s important to know what you can claim, what you can’t and some of the new areas the ATO are keeping on their radar.

So, what is the best way to get the most out of you tax return and should you be using an account or is MyGov enough?

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by accountant and business advisor Emma Bowdler from The Women's Accountant to discuss.

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Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:
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YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: BUPA to pay $35 MILLION dollars in penalties and two US firefighters have been shot with the body of a suspected shooter found and the jury for Erin Patterson’s murder trial starts deliberation

Deep Dive: Donald Trump’s trade war with China is set to cost Australia $27 billion in lost income from two of our biggest exports, liquefied natural gas and iron ore, according to the federal government.

It comes as Anthony Albanese has slammed the US President for placing tariffs on Australia, as world leaders prepare for a second “Liberation Day” announcement when the 90-day pause on tariffs lifts next week.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr Susan Stone, economist from UniSA Business to explain the impact these tariffs continue to have on our economy.

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Monday Headlines: Greens candidate left ‘potentially without vision’ after being arrested at a pro-Palestinian protest, Teen in serious but stable condition after NSW shark attack, Uni & TAFE students to be paid for placements, we're in for a wild week of weather, and Aussies are 35% less likely to buy a round of drinks for their mates.

Deep Dive: We think we know the story of Australia’s worst terrorist - the man who in 2019 opened fire on two mosques in Christchurch, killing 51 worshippers and livestreaming the massacre.

He was convicted of terrorism and is now serving life without parole. For years, we’ve been told he acted alone but that’s not the whole story.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with investigative journalist Joey Watson, who retraces the killer’s steps in his new series Secrets We Keep: Lone Actor and uncovers what we may have missed six years on.

Listen to Joey's latest season of Secrets We Keep on the LiSTNR app for free now.

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Bonus Episode: As the Australian government prepares to review our national patchwork of surrogacy laws, this exclusive LiSTNR investigation reveals how restrictive domestic policies are quietly fuelling a booming, unregulated international surrogacy marketplace - one that has recently shifted to Latin America.

In this special episode of The Briefing, investigative journalist Claudianna Blanco travels to the Colombian capital, Bogotá, to uncover a secretive world of ethical grey zones, riddled with stories of underpaid and medically vulnerable surrogates and opaque payment systems.

Going undercover, she exposes how private clinics rely on Colombia’s overstretched public health system to support foreign clients.

**Listen to Claudianna on Secrets We Keep: By Any Means.

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Carina Mirabile grew up dreaming of being a blonde beach babe instead of the 'ethnic girl', but now she proudly embraces her Italian heritage.

The Married at First Sight reality star, fashion label boss and podcast host is a walking content machine who admits she 'low-key manifested' her rise to fame.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Carina opens up about the violent outburst from her on-screen husband on national TV, her reflections on domestic violence and why her search for love is currently on pause.

If you need support, contact the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or check out their website for resources.

Weekend list with Helen Smith and Chris Spyrou:

TO WATCH: America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders season 2 on Netflix
TO TRY: QV Baby bath oil for washing your pet
TO DO: Flowers from Harris Farm
TO DO: Send us your shoe recs for Chris!

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: Teenager charged with murder for allegedly fatally stabbing a man, appeal hearing underway for police officer who tasered a 95-year-old great grandmother, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese isn’t matching NATO's massive defence pledge and Anna Wintour steps down as American Vogue's editor-in-chief

Deep Dive: The weeklong wedding extravaganza between billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Venice, that’s costing an estimated 85 million dollars, is dividing the internet.

Protests have forced the couple to move venues, as A-list celebrities, politicians and millionaires start to arrive with the celebrations kicking off with a foam party on board a luxury yacht.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by culture journalist Maggie Zhou to unpack everything we know about the multi-million-dollar affair.

Follow The Briefing:
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Iran’s supreme leader says US gained nothing from strikes, Prosecution says Diddy used ‘violence and fear’ as closing arguments begin, Global cocaine boom keeps breaking records, Queensland Government slammed for Olympic environment and planning laws, and 11new Aussie words have been added to the Oxford dictionary.

Deep Dive: Korean dystopian survival thriller, Squid Game, has become one of the most successful TV series in the world, and today it’ll launch its third and final season.

It remains Netflix’s most watched show on record, has become a social media and marketing sensation, shifted pop culture and even led to a surge in people learning the Korean language.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks to ABC pop culture and entertainment reporter Mawunyo Gbogbo about what’s behind Squid Game’s cult-like fandom and success, and whether season three will live up to expectations.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: First repatriation flight of Australians from Israel lands in Sydney, three men charged over murdered indigenous teenager Cassius Turvey and 27-year-old woman arrested over alleged cyber hacks at Western Sydney Uni

Deep Dive: Zohran Mamdani is the Democratic Party candidate on track to be the next Mayor of New York City, propelled by a wave of community-led support with strong left-wing ideals.

The 33-year-old candidate is making history as the first Muslim South Asian nominee, who has endorsements from Bill Clinton and is using TikTok algorithms to his advantage.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Simran Pasricha from Pedestrian TV to unpack what lessons politicians around the world, including here in Australian, can learn from this changing of the political guard.

Follow The Briefing:
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Thursday Headlines: Iran-Israel ceasefire seems to be holding as ‘Daddy’ Trump meets with NATO chief, economists are tipping there’ll be a rate cut next month, NSW political staffers to appear at caravan plot inquiry after being threatened with arrest, Australia’s ranked eighth in the world for work life balance and Australia’s first home made rocket will attempt to blast off from Queensland (again)!

Deep Dive: There’s been a spate of horrific attacks on Australia’s gay and bi community, being fueled by social media.

Men are lured by offenders using fake profiles on popular dating apps like Grindr before being beaten and extorted, and the footage uploaded online.

Police say it’s happening around the world and in every Australian state, even with one holding a community forum in recent days to get the message out, and to prevent future attacks.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks to Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ Communities Commissioner Joe Ball, and advocate Odus Moore, about what’s being done to crackdown on the crimes and why they need victims to speak up.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: Donald Trump calls leaked intelligence report on US strikes “fake news”, Antoinette Lattouf wins unlawful termination case against the ABC and $500k reward for information on murdered backpacker Peter Falconio

Deep Dive: Gout Gout is the 17-year-old Australian sprinter being compared to Usain Bolt, as he continues to break records across the globe.

The teenager beat his own 200 metre national record at his first major senior world event this week and was confirmed for Australia's team for the World Championships in Tokyo in September.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr Dylan Hicks, a movement scientist from Flinders University, to explain the science behind Gout Gout’s speed and if he could become the world’s fastest man.

Follow The Briefing:
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: Donald Trump's warning to Israel, Australia’s mental health reform plan 'not fit for purpose,' First Nations people are experiencing racism at a rate forty percent more than a decade ago, Antoinette's Federal Court judgement to be handed down today and a Victorian region wants a big fruit to put them on the map!

Deep Dive: With tensions in the Middle East sparking flight cancellations and diversions, many Australians are questioning whether their mid-year travel plans are still safe or even possible.

Airspace closures, ceasefires, and rapid developments have made for an unpredictable lead-up to July, the busiest month for Aussie travellers.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Dean Long, CEO of the Australian Travel Industry Association, about what’s happening in the skies and how to protect your holiday plans.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing, Holly Mitchell unpacks the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deep Dive: Donald Trump took to social media and announced an apparent ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Just hours later, that was denied by Iran. So, what is going on in the Middle East and could this apparent breakthrough stop an escalating war?

Follow The Briefing:
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Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Iran's targeting the US largest military base in the middle east in Qatar, a Queensland mother accused of torturing her one-year-old for social media fame has had her case delayed, Aussies are spending big on 'extravagant and unnecessary medical procedures', Australia’s eSafety commissioner is urging the government to include YouTube in our world-first social media ban, and the final season of Netflix’s most successful series ever set to launch this week.

Deep Dive: Deep in the middle of Australia sits the so-called “jewel in the crown” of our military alliance with the US: Pine Gap. The top secret joint defence facility is well positioned for powerful spying on the Middle East.

But our Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will not say if it was used by the US in its “Operation Midnight Hammer” strikes on nuclear sites in Iran at the weekend - nor whether Australian authorities were given advance notice of the attack.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling speaks with Greens Senator David Shoebridge about whether we're being dragged into a war and why Pine Gap is so valuable to the US but kept secret from the Australian public.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing, Holly Mitchell unpacks the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deep dive: So, what happens next after the US attacked Iran? The US says its “Operation Midnight Hammer” was about destroying Tehran’s nuclear facilities, but other experts say it’s only set to escalate an already dangerous Middle East war.

Iran has now reportedly threatened the US with terrorist attacks while our PM has appealed for diplomacy, dialogue and de-escalation.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Foreign Affairs Expert David Wroe who unpacks the latest developments and what it means for the world nervously watching.

Follow The Briefing:
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Monday Headlines: Planned evacuations of Australians trapped in the Middle East have been cancelled following the US’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, a manhunt is underway in NSW for a teenage driver who fled the scene of a deadly crash, a taste of spring is on the way after colder-than Antarctic weather, and a Queensland cat has survived a full 55-minute cycle inside a washing machine.

Deep Dive: The end of financial year is almost here and so are the flashy sales, inbox promotions, and “limited time” deals. But are these discounts really saving us money, or just pushing us to spend more?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Chandni Gupta from the Consumer Policy Research Centre about the tricks retailers use, how to spot them, and how to shop smarter.

Follow The Briefing:
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YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OnlyFans queen Blue Eyed Kayla Jade is Australia's most famous sex worker, a mother of two and an icon to millions of her online followers, including a surprising number of middle-aged women.

But with that fame and adoration comes scrutiny, meaning the Gold Coast creator has to know where to draw lines between her public and private personas to protect her family's privacy and safety.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Kayla explains how she got into the industry, why she actually loves what she does, and why she wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO WATCH: Titan: The OceanGate Disaster on Netflix
TO EAT: Cucumber and yogurt mint salad
TO TRY: Youngblood Natural Mineral Foundation
TO DO: Deep dive on Jane Fonda

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing, Holly Mitchell unpacks the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deep Dive: There are new calls to overhaul our current laws that prevent us naming offenders under the age of 18 who are convicted of serious crimes.

New rape charges this week have again reignited the debate, with some advocates arguing outdated legislation favours the reputation of alleged offendors and not the safety of victims.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by journalist Nina Funnell.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Trump's deciding whether the US will attack Iran, mass alert to parents after a child sex probe, Australia gets the green light for age verification in under 16s social media ban, Musk’s Starship explodes, and the results are in on that Sabrina Carpenter album cover and lab grown meats.

Deep Dive: The 65th TV Week Logie Awards are just around the corner - but with a familiar crop of nominees and a rapidly changing media landscape, questions are swirling about their relevance in 2025.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with veteran TV producer and That’s Showbiz Baby! host Alexandria Funnell about the future of Aussie TV’s night of nights.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks day 35 of the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: Car plunges throw Melbourne shopping centre, Unemployment figures hold firm at 4.1% and Australia’s top universities have dropped in global rankings

Deep Dive: US President Donald Trump is leaving the world on edge, on whether the US will back Israel and attack Iran.

Threats and strikes from both sides continue as the conflict enters its seventh day, with countries closing their embassies in the regions and evacuating.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by international affairs expert Dr Keith Suter to unpack what will happen next and will this latest escalation spark another World War.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines: Iranian ambassador to Australia calls on Anthony Albanese to condemn Israel, court for teens accused of six-hour Sydney gang rape, Australia’s highest paid CEOs revealed, Australia’s first lab-grown meat will be on menus within weeks, and Origin will be decided in Game III in Sydney after Queensland wins Game II.

Deep Dive: While cryptocurrency has its critics, it's shifted from being viewed as a millennial get rich quick scheme to a legitimate source of wealth, and invested in by millions of Aussies annually.

It makes big bucks for the ATO, has crept into everything from family law disputes to pop culture, and is backed by the world’s rich and powerful. But with its wave of popularity has come a dark side, one heavily linked to scams and crime costing Aussies millions each year.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy’s joined by RMIT crypto and blockchain expert Dr Aaron Lane on how to invest smartly and avoid becoming the next victim.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks day 34 of the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: Iran's supreme leader vowed to show “no mercy”, third Australian arrested in Bali over the alleged targeted shooting of two Melbourne men and Optus facing $100 million fine for inappropriate sales practices and misconduct

Deep Dive: Lifeblood has announced a major overhaul of restrictions that prevent gay and bisexual men and transgender women from donating plasma and blood.

It will allow an estimated 600,000 thousand more Australians to help save and change lives through generous donations.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Member for Sydney MP Alex Greenwich and blood donation advocate Kate Fisher from Milkshakes for Marleigh to unpack these new changes and the difference they will make for millions of Australians.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: Australians in Iran and Israel told to ‘shelter in place’, Victoria to propose laws making churches vicariously responsible for abuse, two arrested over Bali shooting, Billy Slater responds to ex-blues ‘grub’ comments ahead of Origin Game 2, and three Aussie cities among the world's most liveable.

Deep Dive: A restaurant worker was among those shot in a “shockingly brazen” lunchtime shooting in suburban Sydney this week, with the commotion also reportedly sending a nearby pregnant woman into labor.

Two masked and hooded gunmen were captured by CCTV storming a kebab shop on a busy strip of western Sydney, sending bystanders fleeing as three people were shot. One of the victims is believed to have been the intended target.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Nine News crime reporter Alex Heinke to unpack what’s behind the latest violent incident, why are shootings spilling into public places and what are police doing to combat it?

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks day 33 of the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
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Deep Dive: Australia’s Health Ministers have now ordered a “rapid review” of our IVF industry after two recent embryo bungles involving Monash IVF.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Katherine Dawson, who was conceived via a sperm donor and then found out she has at least 700 half-siblings. He donated sperm at various clinics across the country using different names.

Katherine alleges these latest mistakes involving Monash IVF are just the tip of the iceberg and she is one of many now for an urgent overhaul of Australia’s IVF industry with tough nationwide regulations.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common and highly contagious virus that can affect the nose, throat and lungs. Nearly all Australian infants will catch RSV before age two, and while many cases are mild, the virus can cause severe illness - particularly in babies and young children.

Now, a new free maternal vaccine has been added to the National Immunisation Program, offering free protection for newborns.

In this episode of The Briefing, in partnership with the Australian Government, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with paediatric infectious disease physician Dr Linny Phong about the virus, the RSV maternal vaccine and how it could help safeguard Australian families.

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Tuesday Headlines: Recovered bodies from Air India crash returned to families, heavy strikes between Israel and Iran enter fourth day, tributes are flowing for a police officer who was shot dead in Tasmania, Tabcorp has copped a $4 million fine for breaching spam laws and Aussies are spending big on vices.

Further listening from headlines:Why more men are sports betting

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Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks day 32 of the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: Three men shot in Auburn Sydney’s South-West outside a family restaurant, Tasmania Police officer shot dead, Minnesota manhunt over with alleged shooter arrested and Anti-tour protest break out across Europe

Deep Dive: The war between and Israel and Iran continues to escalate with neither side backing down, as Foreign Minister Penny Wong says the government is organising repatriation flights for Australians trapped in the Middle East.

The US President has warned it will step in with full military might if needed, but Donald Trump says he is hopeful a deal between the warring nations can be reached.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Professor of Middle Eastern politics at Deakin University, Shahram Akbarzadeh, to explain why we should all be concerned about what happens next.

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Monday Headlines: Anthony Albanese will be holding his first-ever face-to-face meeting with Donald Trump, manhunt continues for Minnesota shooter, search continues in Bali for the gunmen who killed an Australian man, 1.9 million Aussies skip specialist doctors and Australia’s very first talking post boxes are here!

Deep Dive: Sabrina Carpenter’s new album cover, Sydney Sweeney’s bathwater soap, a glass box ‘petting zoo’ stunt by OnlyFans creator Bonnie Blue, and a Year 9 debating topic on Tradwives have all reignited debate over what feminism looks like in 2025.

While some call it regressive, others say it’s satire or social commentary.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith speaks with Cheek Media CEO Hannah Ferguson to unpack what these moments say about modern feminism - and who’s really shaping the conversation.

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Ed Gamble is the British comedian who’s pulled off the rare combo of tattoos and fine dining, carving out a unique space in comedy and culinary culture.

From judging Great British Menu, winning Taskmaster to selling out stand-up tours worldwide he’s turned the fantasy meals of celebrities into a chart topping podcast with co-host James Acaster - Off Menu.

In this chat with Helen Smith, Ed unpacks interviewing A-listers like Robert De Niro, his upcoming tour Hot Diggity Dog and if he is the male version of Nigella Lawson.

Weekend list with Chris Spyrou

TO LISTEN: Every Single Album the podcast
TO DO: Check out a boutique independent cinema
TO WATCH: Full Comedy Actress Roundtable: Natasha Lyonne, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn, Jessica Williams & More
TO DO: Cancel your unused subscriptions

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: One of two black boxes from Air India plane crash found, US Federal Judge rules Trumps deployment of the National Guard in LA protest's illegal and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrives in Fiji ahead of G7 summit in Canada

Deep Dive: Israel has launched new strikes on Iran, targeting its defence sites and nuclear facilities in a dangerous escalation in the Middle East conflict.

Iran is now retaliating with experts fearing this has the potential to spark an all-out war.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by foreign affairs expert Dr Malcolm Davis to explain why these latest strikes are so serious and how the escalation is already seeing oil prices skyrocket and the share market tumble.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
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YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Air India crash kills at least 290 people, Trump's National Guard order to be challenged in court, Australian woman faces court for human trafficking, Australian health ministers to meet after second IVF bungle, and what TV shows should never have been axed?

Deep Dive: Two of Australia’s long-running current affairs programs -The Project and Q+A, have been axed, marking the end of an era for nightly and weekly political TV.

One blended news with celebrity sparkle, the other was a forum for fiery public debate. So what went wrong - and what does it say about the future of news in Australia?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with former supervising producer of The Project, Hunter Smith and ex-ABC producer and host of Lamestream Scott Mitchell about the rise, fall and legacy of these iconic shows.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
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Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks day 31 of the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: $368 billion AUKUS deal under review by the US, National Anti-Corruption Commission rules out any corruption in Brittany Higgins’ $2.4m pay-out and Elon Musk has apologies to US President Donald Trump over X posts

Deep Dive: The federal government is under growing pressure to step in over an increasing rate of rising Aboriginal incarceration and deaths in custody.

Calls are growing for an independent review into the death of a 24-year-old Kumanjayi White, who allegedly died after being restrained by Northern Territory Police at a supermarket in Alice Springs last month. Over the weekend, another 68-year-old Indigenous man died in police custody whilst at the Royal Darwin hospital.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Lawyer George Newhouse, who is representing the White family, to explain why we need urgent action.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are advised that this episode contains the name of an Indigenous person who has passed away.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
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Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines: Harvey Weinstein found guilty in #MeToo sex crime retrial, Pentagon reviewing AUKUS to ensure ‘America First’, PM & politicians to get big pay rise, most sunscreen brands not meeting SPF claims, and one of Australia’s most famous families are at war with Queensland MP Bob Katter.

Deep Dive: It Ends With Us was tipped to be a box office sensation - and it delivered, earning more than $580 million AUD. But behind the success, stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have faced intense backlash, legal battles, and controversy over the film’s handling of domestic violence themes.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith speaks with Pedestrian TV’s Laura Masia about how the film’s release unraveled online, in court, and on the red carpet. Further listening from the headlines:Why we shouldn't torpedo AUKUS

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks day 30 of the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: LA enforces a curfew after days of protests with the Mayor declaring an emergency, Greta Thunberg lands in Paris after being deported by Israel and world’s richest shipwreck found worth billions

Deep Dive: Australia has issued sanctions against two members of Israel's government, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, accusing both men of inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

The Coalition has condemned the sanctions along with the US government, with the men facing travel bans and having their assets frozen.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling, is joined by Sarah Schwartz, human rights lawyer and co-founding Executive Officer of the Jewish Council of Australia to explain what these sanctions mean.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: Australia sanctions far-right Israeli ministers, three days of mourning declared in Austria following mass school shooting, elective surgery wait times blow out across the country, The Prime Minister says a major barrier to achieving affordable housing in Australia is “red tape”, and are we watching the death of free-to-air TV?

Deep Dive: Drug testing is being trialled in various states and territories with promising results.

Advocates and experts say it reduces harm and saves lives, but despite that, one state is shutting down its clinic and axing funding, arguing it sends the wrong message.

The Queensland Government’s taken a strong anti-drug testing stance and is now remaining tight lipped about a report on its clinics’ effectiveness.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with QNADA CEO Rebecca Lang about what the report found, and why drug testing needs to stay.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks day 29 of the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirms investigation launched into shooting of an Australian journalist during LA protests, second Monash IVF mix-up sparks internal investigation and new regulations for Buy Now Pay Later services come into place.

Deep Dive: Thousands of US Marines and soldiers are on standby to be deployed to LA, as the immigration protests continue.

Donald Trump is standing firm warning he will do what it takes to restore law and order, while LA authorities claim the US President is deliberating attempting to cause chaos and using the city as an 'experiment'.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by 7News US Correspondent Mylee Hogan on the ground in LA to unpack the ongoing protests.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Greta Thunberg’s IDF interception sparks protest outside Anthony Albanese’s Sydney office, pressure mounts on PM to condemn shooting of Australian journalist in the US, Queensland government criticised over social housing crackdown and The Project is coming to an end.

Deep Dive: The longevity sector is booming in Australia, already worth billions, and growing.

The popularity of longevity tests and tech has surged across the globe, capturing not only the attention of the rich, famous Hollywood elites, but now, everyday Aussies.

But the term that was once synonymous with reversing aging, defying death and quirky billionaires, has nowadays become about something else entirely - living our longest, healthiest life, free of chronic disease.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy takes a step inside the world of longevity that put even Chris Hemsworth to the test, and to speak to one of the doctors behind one of Australia’s leading longevity clinics.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
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Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deep Dive: Millions of us watch TV shows like Australian Idol and The Voice, cheering on ordinary people with music talent as they chase their dream for stardom.

But a new LiSTNR podcast documentary The Moment It Changed: Touchdown lifts the lid on the truth behind how music competition TV is made, from stories of shocking exploitation and humiliation to the euphoria of overnight success.

Among those who speak out in the series are former Australian Idol judges Mark Holden and Ian "Dicko" Dickson and past winners Dami Im and Casey Donovan. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou chats with Touchdown host Nic Kelly to unpack what goes on behind the curtains.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: Scomo among hundreds on King’s Honours list, National Guard arrives in LA against anti-ICE protests, candlelight vigils held for Pheobe Bishop, a record number of young Aussies are working more than one part-time job and three quarters of Aussies don’t know their neighbours.

Deep Dive: The Big Freeze is an annual event that’s become a highlight of the AFL’s King’s Birthday clash for more than a decade.

It features Aussie celebrities and sport stars in blue beanies plunging into ice baths as part of the pre-match entertainment. But behind the spectacle is a powerful campaign raising awareness and funds for motor neurone disease or MND.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Matt Tilley, CEO of FightMND, about the origins of the Big Freeze and how it became one of Australia’s most visible health campaigns.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cheng Lei was detained by the Chinese Government back in 2020, accused of espionage and of leaking state secrets to foreign organisations.

The Australian journalist, born in China, spent years in detention with no trial, no access to her children and no lawyer - including over six months in solitary confinement.

Lei was eventually forced to plead guilty to trumped-up charges, but in late 2023 she was released with the help of the Australian Government.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Lei shares the brutal conditions she was held under, why she still holds love for China and takes us inside her new memoir, Cheng Lei.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO LISTEN: Good Hang with Amy Poehler
TO READ: The Eyes of Gaza: A Diary of Resilience by Plestia Alaqad
TO EAT: Sweet potato halloumi fritters
TO EAT: Kreenuts (Helen also taste tested and approved)

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks day 28 of the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: Jumping castle operator found not guilty over incident that left six children dead, Chris Dawson’s legal bid over a sexual abuse charge fails and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet US President Donald Trump in the G-7 summit next week

Deep Dive: Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s fight has just escalated to dangerous new levels with the tech billionaire letting loose on social media.

After leaving the White House, Musk has made some explosive allegations against the US President including claims he is on Jeffrey Epstein’s list.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by journalist Matt Bevan to unpack the implications this latest blow-up has for all of us.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Pheobe Bishop’s housemates charged with murder, NZ MPs who performed haka in Parliament given record suspensions, weight loss drug warning over pregnancies, major pet changes in family law disputes, and the Socceroos have all but qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

Deep Dive: Chocolate prices have surged in the last year, with blocks now selling for $8 at major supermarkets - more than double what we were paid a decade ago.

Global cocoa prices have hit record highs, but climate change and inflation aren’t the only culprits - with a little-known international deal also at play.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with journalist and host of The Internet Reviewed on YouTube Kirsten Drysdale to unpack what’s really driving the rising cost of chocolate.

Further listening from the headlines:What happened to Pheobe Bishop?

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks day twenty-seven of the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: US President Donald Trump bans 12 countries from the US, Senior Coalition members hit back at former Liberal Party Leader Alan Stockdale over comments on assertive women and Perth banned the hiring of E-Scooters after man's death

Deep Dive: This week the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency or AHPRA announced sweeping new rules for the cosmetic industry, putting dodgy operators on notice.

The new regulations come into force in September and will apply to a number of cosmetic procedures including injectables, fillers and some dental work.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr Jack Zoumaras, a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, on what these new changes mean and how to choose a safe and reputable operator.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
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YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines: NSW gamblers now losing $24 million to pokies every day, future of Tasmanian Premier and AFL team hangs in the balance, Australia’s defence force chief issues new warning, Enhanced Games hits back at World Aquatics, and Hungry Jacks trials AI drive-thru in Sydney.

Deep Dive: Australia now has the highest rates of early-onset bowel cancer globally, with the number of people diagnosed under 50 growing each year.

A recent study found Aussie Gen Z’ers and Millennials are up to three times more likely to develop the disease compared to those born a few decades prior.

Experts are now trying to find out why.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks to one of the co-authors of the study, epidemiologist Professor Mark Jenkins, about what might be behind the rise, and one of the young Aussies who beat the disease.

Further listening from the headlines:Like the Olympics, but on steroids. Meet the Enhanced GamesWe’re training AI to blackmail us

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks day twenty-six of the trial in under two minutes.

You can access the Butterfly Foundation if this raises any issues for you on 1800 33 4673 or webchat.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: GDP slow growth as economists predict further interest rate cuts, Oreo maker sues Aldi in US over 'copycat' packaging and $70 million Oz Lotto has finally been found

Deep Dive: The powerful bromance between Donald Trump and Elon Musk seems to be over, after the tech billionaire left the White House and lashed out at the US Government on social media.

So, what went wrong and how did a powerful entrepreneur end up with a key job in The White House?

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Political Expert Henry Maher who claims The US President played Elon Musk with dire consequences for US democracy.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: Samantha Murphy’s accused killer given trial date, Australia’s economic growth downgraded as the OECD singles out our housing crisis, calls for government intervention into e-scooters, the TGA's expanding the use of Mounjaro, and record Ashes ticket demand causes drama for fans.

Deep Dive: Young Australians are among a growing group of critics calling on Australia's Environment Minister, Murray Watt, to walk back a 40-year extension granted to Woodside's controversial gas project in WA.

The decision sparked backlash from environmental advocates, Indigenous communities, and cohorts of Aussie youth who say it undermines Australia's climate commitments and threatens cultural heritage sites. The criticism saw Woodside’s own CEO further fuel the controversy, accusing young climate activists of being hypocrites for opposing fossil fuels but happily consuming fast fashion.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks to Jordan Rowand from the Australian Youth Climate Coalition about the contentious project, and why they want Murray Watt to back out of the deal.

Further listening from the headlines:The Easey Street murders explained

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks day twenty-five of the trial in under two minutes.

You can access the Butterfly Foundation if this raises any issues for you on 1800 33 4673 or webchat.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: Minimum wage going up by $32 a week, Erin Patterson continues to give evidence in murder trial and Bluey Lego has arrived in Australia.

Deep Dive: The sale of illegal tobacco is skyrocketing and has been linked to crime waves across the country.

The NSW Premier says one solution is to cut back on the federal excise on legal cigarettes, but some experts are slamming the move saying we need to shut down the supply chains and follow South Australia’s lead.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Public Health expert Professor Becky Freeman who says cheap illegal cigarettes are also having a serious impact on our health with devastating long-term consequences.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Greens senator Dorinda Cox joins Labor, one in three Australian men have used intimate partner violence, one of Europe’s largest volcanos erupts, Queensland’s looking to become the events capital of Australia, and the Tillies send off interim coach Tom Sermanni with a 4-1 win.

Deep Dive: Whistleblowers are warning that Australia’s mental health system is overwhelmed, underfunded, and unable to meet growing demand, and it’s putting lives at risk.

While demand for support grows, some patients with severe mental health needs have been left waiting days for care, while others are being turned away entirely due to a lack of resources and staff.

While mental health accounts for 15 per cent of the country’s disease burden, second only to cancer, it receives just five per cent of the country’s health budget annually.

In today’s episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with the NSW Chair of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Pramudie Gunaratne, who’s calling for that to change, and for urgent systematic reform.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing, Holly Mitchell unpacks day 24of the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ukraine drone attacks on Russia have changed our world forever. The top-secret mission dubbed “Spider’s Web” wiped out 40 Russian aircraft worth around $11 billion dollars.

Natarsha Belling is joined by defence expert Dr Malcolm Davis, who explains why this Ukraine attack signals a new frontier in modern warfare and why we all need to be prepared for a new world order.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: Property prices tipped to surge up to 10% by 2026, Sydney vigil held for Alice Springs man who died in custody, major escalation in the war in Ukraine overnight, Covid and flu vaccines reduce hospitalisations, and Oscar Piastri wins the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix.

Deep Dive: Bots that refuse to shut down, threaten blackmail, and generate entire soundscapes without human help are the latest developments in artificial intelligence.

From ChatGPT sabotaging its own kill switch, to Claude spinning up dystopian blackmail plots, are we rapidly losing control of the machines we built?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with UNSW’s Chief Scientist Toby Walsh about how worried we should be, what’s actually happening behind the scenes and whether AI is already rewriting the rules of reality.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Michelle Wong is a chemist, beauty myth-buster and the brain behind the viral sensation Lab Muffin Beauty Science.

What began as a side project to make sense of skincare labels has grown into a trusted online destination for over a million people, where Michelle dishes no-nonsense, science backed beauty advice.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Michelle explains the psychology behind beauty marketing and why even the most rational among us can be seduced by miracle serums.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO WATCH: Sirens on Netflix
TO READ: How to Dodge Flying Sandals and Other Advice for Life by Daniel Nour
TO WATCH: Funny dog videos @funnydogsonly

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
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YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
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Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing, Holly Mitchell unpacks day twenty-three of the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They were one of Hollywood’s rock-solid couples, married for almost 30 years. Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness announced their split in 2023, but it’s a shock statement from Deborra-Lee this week that has shone a new light on the relationship between the two Aussie actors.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Entertainment Reporter Richard Reid to unpack what went wrong between the superstar couple and why it’s now all playing out on social media.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Albanese criticised as 'misinformed' by the President of Israel, markets continue surging after US court blocks Trump’s tariffs, Bondi Junction inquest ends with emotional impact statements, we’re in for a warmer winter across and NSW win Women's Origin 2025 series!

Deep Dive: We throw the word ‘narcissist’ around a lot - but do you really understand what it means?

New research suggests that while the label may be overused, the roots of narcissistic traits are more complex than we think.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith speaks with Associate Professor Megan Willis from Australian Catholic University, whose work focuses on dark personality traits and the way we think and behave in social settings.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing Helen Smith unpacks day twenty-two of the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon headlines: A court has ruled some of Donald Trump's tariffs are illegal, Elon Musk is leaving his role at the White House, Magda Szubanski reveals stage 4 cancer battle, and Vinnies launches its website and app.

Deep dive: 17-year-old Pheobe Bishop vanished on her way to Bundaberg airport two weeks ago and hasn’t been seen since.

Police have been searching for the Australian teenager in dense bushland in a National Park as part of the investigation.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by forensic criminologist Dr Xanthe Mallet to talk about the mysterious disappearance of the teen.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines: Coalition front bench revealed, head of UNRWA calls US-backed aid model a 'distraction from atrocities', 21 charges authorised against Andrew Tate and his brother, More Australians turning to green homes, and Queenslanders are licking their wounds this morning after Origin thumping.

Deep Dive: From shoes and prosthetics to firearms and even human organs - 3D printing has come a long way. Now, the technology is being used to build homes.

Australia’s first 3D printed social housing has just been completed in NSW - using 70 tonnes of concrete and delivered in less than half the time of a traditional build.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Contour 3D CEO Nick Holden, one of the minds behind the project as well as UNSW Professor Hank Haeusler to unpack how safe these homes really are and whether we can expect to see more of them being built across the country.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing Helen Smith unpacks day twenty-one of the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon headlines: The Coalition is back together, Inflation holds steady with the Albanese Government calling it a win and Debra Lee Furness breaks silence on 'betrayal' over filing for divorce with Hugh Jackman

Deep Dive: State of Origin between NSW and QLD is one of the biggest sporting games in Australian history.

But how did the NRL supershow start and what makes it one of the most successful games in Australia’s sporting history?

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by LiSNTR’s sports journalist Adam Peacock who explains how State of Origin has become a multi-billion-dollar sales and marketing platform that can make or break the NRL superstars of the future.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
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YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: Forever chemicals found in nearly every Aussie, First Nations man dies while being placed under arrest at a supermarket in the NT, NZ teen dies after playing ‘Run It Straight’, more city dwellers are moving to regional Australia and the Australian city rejecting Elon Musk.

Deep Dive: Do trigger warnings work and what’s the science behind them?

Trigger warnings are slapped in front of all types of content across social media, podcasting, radio, TV and movies, with some experts calling them useless.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Victoria Bridgland a researcher from Flinders University whose PHD looks at the emotional and behavioral effects of trigger warnings.

Further listening from the headlines:PFAS is in testicles, platypuses and drinking water. What now?
The brutal Aussie sport going viral

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing Helen Smith unpacks day twenty of the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon headlines: ATO Whistleblower pleads guilty to a number of charges, Women charged over murder of three-year-old and Prime Minister visits flood-hit communities in Northern NSW

Deep Dive: It’s the viral video rocking the French President Emmanuel Macron. The vision appears to show his wife slapping him in the face as they were about to disembark a plane.

The French leader has downplayed the incident, saying they were just joking but it’s sparked a controversial conversation about what was really going on.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by ex-police officer and domestic violence advocate Craig Doran to unpack what message downplaying the video sends.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Macron slapped and shoved by wife in Vietnam, Kremlin calls Trump ‘emotional’, millions of Australians under severe weather warning impacting multiple states, new figures showing how much WFH saves the average Aussie worker, and The Briefers aren’t delulu for Labubu!

Further listening from the headlines:Wtf is a Labubu?

Deep Dive: Youth crime is declining across Australia - so why are children as young as 10 being treated like adult criminals in some jurisdictions?

Queensland’s government has just passed new ‘adult crime, adult time’ laws, meaning young offenders will face harsher penalties for serious crimes like rape, arson, and murder.

Despite strong condemnation from the UN, Amnesty International, and other human rights groups, Premier David Crisafulli says he’s delivering on a key election promise and serving his community.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with social justice campaigner Gerry Georgatos, who works closely with young offenders, about the real impact of these laws - and whether we’re punishing trauma instead of addressing it.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing Helen Smith unpacks day nineteen of the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon headlines: Australian man arrested in Bali over allegedly trying to smuggle cocaine into Indonesia, Australia’s second largest private health hospital group has fallen into receivership and machete ban rolling out across Victoria with thousands in fines on the table.

Deep Dive: It’s being called the “rich tax” on $3 million super balances, but some experts are arguing young Australians could be hit the hardest.

The super tax would also apply to so-called “unrealised gains” which is the growth in the value of an asset or investment that hasn’t been cashed in yet.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by finance expert Scott Philips who says the new tax sets a dangerous precedent that could affect all of us.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: Over 30,000 residents across 14 towns still isolated by NSW floods, Hannah’s law comes into effect in Queensland, two teens charged over Northland Shopping Centre incident, some GPs in NSW can now diagnose and medicate for ADHD and Lorde surprises fans in Sydney.

Deep Dive: There’s a growing push to expand the way in which porn literacy is taught in Australian schools, with Teach Us Consent founder- Chanel Contos at the forefront.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith chats with Chanel about why porn education is key to tackling harmful attitudes, the challenges of AI in the space and what more can be done to further prevent further harm when it comes to young Australians.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
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Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah Wilson, founder of the I Quit Sugar empire, ex-editor of Cosmopolitan magazine and New York Times best-selling author, is prolific.

Ditching Sydney for Paris, the now 51-year-old wellness queen credits her bipolar disorder with fuelling her insatiable curiosity and appetite for intense research.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Sarah talks everything from money, fame and body image to Belle Gibson, feminism and the collapse of our society.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO DO: Check out a writers week near you!
TO LISTEN AND DO: Check out Labubu's and the deep dive
TO READ: Deepcut News
TO WATCH: Lab Muffin Beauty Science YouTube and Insta

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing Helen Smith unpacks day eighteen of the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: Anthony Albanese promises finical help for flood disaster victims, the Liberals and Nationals inch closer to reuniting and Donald Trump’s administration bans Harvard University from enrolling international students

Deep Dive: Fair game or a disgrace to sport? The controversial Enhanced Games were officially launched this week with its first event set to take place next year in Las Vegas.

Aussie world champion James Magnussen is among those to sign up and take performance enhancing drugs to compete in the major event next year in Vegas with million dollar prizes up for grabs.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by sports journalists Tracy Holmes who argues the Enhanced Games aren’t about the athletes, they’re about the multi-billion-dollar bio tech industry.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Third body pulled from NSW flood waters, Benjamin Netanyahu accuses world leaders of being ‘on the wrong side of humanity’, Rapper Kid Cudi calls Diddy a ‘Marvel supervillain’ in court, Australia is already recording a record-breaking flu season, Aussie teens are turning away from booze, and Brisbane 2032 Olympics chief says sport selection needs to be 'realistic.'

Deep Dive: They’ve got maniacal eyes, razor teeth and an army of die-hard fans lining up for hours or paying thousands of dollars just to get one.

Labubus are the latest global obsession, popping up on backpacks and luxury handbags from Asia to Australia.

But what’s behind the hype? And who’s fuelling the frenzy?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou unpacks the cultural chaos surrounding the plush toy with Helen Smith - talking all things fan madness to fashion symbols and why this creepy monster is having a very cute moment.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing Helen Smith unpacks day seventeen of the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: Couple shot dead outside a Jewish Museum in Washington DC with ties to the Israeli Embassy and the Liberals and Nationals split has been put on hold

Deep Dive: At least two people have died, three others are missing and over 50,000 are being told to evacuate in Northern NSW, in what's being called one of the worst flood disasters in Australian history.

Up to 600 millimetres have fallen in some areas, with thousands of rescue workers and SES crew on the ground, as the deadly weather system heads south.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by 7News journalist Sam Payne who’s on the ground for the latest on this unfolding crisis.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines: Almost 50,000 people isolated by one in 500 year flood, Donald Trump ambushes the President of South Africa, AFL great Joel Selwood has made his first public comments following the death of his brother Adam, groundbreaking new Alzheimer's treatment now available, and EV sales drop to lowest level in two years.

Deep Dive: Victoria’s construction industry has been rocked by a recent spate of violent attacks, from fire-bombed family homes to torched government-backed sites.

Allegations are now mounting that the CFMEU is trying to claw back control, just nine months after its construction arm was placed into administration.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with award-winning investigative journalist Nick McKenzie, who broke the story for The Age and 60 Minutes, to unpack what’s really going on inside one of Australia's most powerful and influential unions.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing Helen Smith unpacks day sixteen of the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon headlines: Thousands isolated from recording breaking floods, NSW Premier urged hundreds of thousands of commuters to leave work early with Sydney’s train chaos and former AFL umpire on the run accused of $9 million fraud scheme

Deep Dive: NRL superstar Reece Walsh has gone viral from a video he posted showing him punching a friend to the ground.

The latest sporting controversy has sparked a bigger controversy about role models, normalizing violence and providing a safe space for all men to have honest conversations.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr Zac Seidler the Global Director of Men’s Health Research at Movemeber who says we need urgent action to better support these role models and stop normalising violence.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artificial intelligence is transforming how we work, streamlining everyday tasks and enhancing productivity across industries.

Platforms like Smartsheet are using AI to automate the repetitive parts of our jobs, giving us more time to focus on things like creativity and strategy.

In this sponsored episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Helen Masters, Managing Director for Asia Pacific Japan at Smartsheet, to explore how Australians are working smarter with AI.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: John Howard calls Coalition split a ‘stupid move’, Sydney trains still investigating cause of incident that shut down services last night, Ben Roberts Smith has been labelled “reckless and brazen” by judges, Sydney men sentenced over using Grindr to rob gay men, 1 in 2 Aussies needing help are skipping meals, and the world’s best chess player has finally met his match.

Deep Dive:
One of the states with the strongest police pursuit rules in the country is reviewing them this month, after a staggering spate of car related crimes, but the policy was first brought in to combat a growing number of deaths.

In 2024 there were at least ten fatalities from police pursuits in Australia, with deaths recorded in every state and territory.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy is joined by former police officer and Bond University's Associate Professor of Criminology, Terry Goldsworthy to discuss what needs to change.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing Helen Smith unpacks day fifteen of the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon headlines: National Party to split from Liberals abandoning Coalition, Australia has joined 23 other countries condemning Israel’s plan to “take control” of Gaza blocking aid and Sesame Street saved by Netflix

Deep Dive: The Reserve Bank of Australia has slashed the official cash rate by 0.25 percentage points, to 3.85 per cent.

While it’s a big win for millions of mortgage holders, the RBA’s Governer has warned there is an uncertain and unpredictable road ahead.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Sally Tindall who unpacks what this latest cut means for means for our housing market, jobs and the economy.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Residents in parts of NSW are evacuating due to severe weather and flooding, Bondi Junction attack inquest’s expected to hear from more expert witnesses today, Israel issues fresh warnings as aid starts to flow, RBA tipped to cut cash rate today, and Telstra continues denying allegations it’s misled Australians.

Deep Dive: A huge amount of what we engage with online is fake, from profiles to the comments, likes and views, much of it comes from ‘bots’.

While we know bots have been used in the past to spread disinformation, astroturf, spruik the next big brand or boost a follower count, who’s behind them, and what happens when they’re used to do harm instead of good?

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with Digital Media Researcher Professor Timothy Graham about the world of bots, and the issues and ethics behind media manipulation.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

Cover image credit: Copacabana Rural Fire Brigade - NSW RFS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing Helen Smith unpacks day fourteen of the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: Qantas faces more than $120 million in penalties over illegally outsourcing staff, Vietnamese drug cartel allegedly involved in the murder of Sydney women and Joe Biden reviewing cancer treatment.

Deep Dive: After the tragic death of footy star Adam Selwood, mental health has been put back in the spotlight with calls for an AFL mental health round.

Adam passed away just months after his twin brother died by suicide, leaving the Selwood family and the entire AFL community devastated.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by the chair of Lifeline Australia, Professor Steve Moylan to explain how we can prevent suicide and the crucial role we all play in connecting with others.

If you or anyone you know needs help:

Lifeline on 13 11 14
MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467

Follow The Briefing:
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: Pope Leo joined by world leaders for inauguration mass, former police officer extradited to face child abuse charges, 21yo facing 53 hate-related charges, Mexican ship lost power before colliding with Brooklyn Bridge, and Verstappen takes out Italian GP in Imola.

Deed Dive: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared Israel will enter Gaza “with full force” - saying there will be “no situation where we stop the war”.

This escalation comes as Israel’s blockade on aid entering the strip enters its third month with warnings of famine and as US President Donald Trump suggests developing Gaza into a “freedom zone”.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith speaks with Dr Ayman Elattar and Claire Minera, from MSF who has just returned from the region, to unpack what this latest promise will mean for the 2.1 million Palestinians in the city.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
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Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jefferson Fisher could be the male version of Mel Robbins. He is part of the billion-dollar self-help industry fuelled by podcasts, books, TED talks and TikTok therapy - all promising how to be the best version of yourself.

He’s the Texan lawyer teaching us how to communicate better, navigate conflict with class and tell if someone’s lying.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Jefferson unpacks society’s obsession with self-help, what’s driving our hunger for personal growth and why Australian’s are his biggest fans.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO LISTEN: The Moment it Changed: Touchdown
TO DO: Visit your local state library
TO LISTEN: Lamestream the podcast
TO WATCH: Derry Girls on Netflix

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing Helen Smith unpacks day thirteen of the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: Ben Roberts-Smith loses appeal bid to overturn defamation case vowing to head to the high court, Justin Bieber breaks silence over Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trail and lowest paid Australians promised a wage increase

Deep Dive: Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to mental health disorders including autism, ADHD and schizophrenia, according to new research.

One in five adults in Australia suffers from a lack of the vitamin D, with men having a higher risk of being deficient over women.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by one of the authors of the study, Professor John McGrath, to unpack what this data means for our mental health and how we can test for and treat vitamin D deficiency.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Over a third of Australian homes now cost at least $1 million, new Greens leader Larissa Waters says she wants to bring the party back to its original roots, Donald Trump says he wants the US to take control of Gaza, polio outbreak in PNG threatens Australia, NSW has secured the Women's Origin series, and Australia opens Eurovision Semi Final 2!

Deep Dive: In the early 2000s and 2010s, reality music TV turned unknown Australians into household names.

But in 2025, can you name the most recent Australian Idol winner?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou chats with former record label executive and host of the new LiSTNR podcast The Moment it Changed: Touchdown, Nic Kelly to unpack what really happens after the confetti falls.

Why do so many winners disappear? And has Aussie music TV lost its magic, or just changed with the times?

Further listening:Who is the 'Milkshake Man' representing Australia at Eurovision

The Moment it Changed: Touchdown

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
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Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing Helen Smith unpacks day twelve of the trial in under two minutes.

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Afternoon Headlines: New Leader of the Greens elected, The Prime Minister has kicked off his first overseas trip since being re-elected, Manhunt underway in Sydney after a boarder force officer stabbed and World number one tennis player meets new Pope Leo

Deep Dive: New research has linked tracking apps and other social media to coercive control and cyberstalking.

While for many of us they’re a useful tool to check in on family and friends, the eSafety Commissioner is warning the apps can used to isolate, micro-manage and monitor others.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Commissioner Julie Inman Grant who has launched a new campaign flagging the warning signs to look out for and why big tech companies need to be held to account.

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Headlines: Greens to decide new leader, NSW abortion bill update, Bondi stabbings inquest continues today, a Queensland man is feared to have died in Ukraine, and Airbnb announces new services. Deep Dive: A global study’s found 250 genes linked to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder for the first time, and the parts of the brain the genes impact.

It’s hoped the breakthrough will lead to improvements in OCD’s treatment and diagnosis, and help improve the lives of around 500, 000 Australians who have it.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with an OCD advocate and author of 'The Joy Chief' Penny Moodie, as well as one of the researchers behind the worldwide study.

Further listening:Chris' chat with the Legalise Cannabis Party's NSW Senate Candidate

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing Helen Smith unpacks day eleven of the trial in under two minutes.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon headlines: Ex-Olympian won’t serve jail time after fatal crash killing his Olympian wife, AEC confirms missing ballots found at electoral worker’s home and Menendez brothers' now eligible for parole.

Deep Dive: The trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs is underway with Singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, a former girlfriend, taking the stand alleging she was forced to participate in ‘freak-offs’.

The music mogul is facing charges including racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by criminal lawyer Jahan Kalantar to unpack what happened in court and what we know so far.

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Wednesday Headlines: Western governments continue welcoming UN’s MH17 ruling, Kim Kardashian’s Paris robbery trial, new global study into OCD, Trump signs $142 billion defence deal with Saudi Arabia, and Eurovision has started this morning.

Deep Dive: Imagine spending 15 years trying to have a baby and finally succeeding through an overseas surrogate - only to be up for criminal charges when you get home.

That’s what’s happening to a Brisbane couple, right now, who admitted to paying for international commercial surrogacy - which is illegal in Queensland, NSW and the ACT.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with LiSTNR investigative journalist Claudianna Blanco to unpack the secretive world of international surrogacy, how these laws are consistently skirted and what she discovered about the industry whilst undercover.

Listen to Claudianna on Secrets We Keep: By Any Means.

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Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing, Holly Mitchell unpacks day 10of the trial in under two minutes.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sussan Ley has made history as the first female to lead the Federal Liberal Party. So, can she help rebuild a broken party?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Former Liberal MP Julia Banks, who says Sussan’s leadership is already under threat from the hard right of the party and they will never succeed if they don’t garner the female and younger voter.

Julia also shares a brutal insight into what really happens within the Liberal party room and the two words you're never allowed to mention.

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Tuesday Headlines: The new leader of the Liberal party will be unveiled today, Hamas release American-Israeli hostage, the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs has begun in New York City, the supermarket wars are heating up, and we're getting a Wicked Live Musical Special.

Deep Dive: Australia is one of the world leaders for sexual violence against kids and teens, according to a new study.

Nearly one in three girls experience it before the age of 18, and one in six boys, and experts say the issue is cultural.

In this episode of The Briefing, sexual crimes expert & host of Crime Insiders Detectives, Brent Sanders, joins Tara Cassidy to explain what’s behind the concerning rates.

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Who will lead the Liberal Party? Ahead of tomorrow’s crucial vote, we look at the top candidates and what the Liberals need to do to win back Australians

In this edition of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by political expert Kos Samaras who warns the current candidates to lead the Liberals won’t work unless the party undergoes a complete overhaul.

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Monday Headlines: Albo to reveal ministerial lineup today, Pope calls for ‘no more war’ in first Sunday message, a tonne of cocaine seized off NSW's east coast, and Brisbane has secured the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo for 2026!

Deep Dive: Should doctors be required to help patients access abortion services, even if it conflicts with their personal beliefs?

That was the question at the centre of a major pro-life protest that brought parts of Sydney’s CBD to a standstill last week.

At the heart of the controversy is a new bill introduced by Greens MP and former GP Dr Amanda Cohn, aimed at expanding access to abortion across New South Wales.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Dr Amanda Cohn and one of its leading critics, University of Adelaide law professor Dr Joanna Howe.

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Luisa Dunn has transformed her natural grey hair into a powerful statement and an Instagram following of over 1.4 million.

The model and activist harnessed the power of her beauty and career in marketing to challenge the impossible beauty standards, faced by women in particular, and ageing.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Luisa explains how we are tricked into thinking ageing gives us an expiry date and why she uses her following as a platform for amplifying social issues.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO READ: The Nightmare Sequence by Omar Sakr
TO READ: Funny Story by Emily Henry
TO TRY: Elizavecca Cer-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment
TO TRY: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

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Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing Helen Smith unpacks day nine of the trial in under two minutes.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: The battle for the Liberal Party leadership begins and the 2025 Archibald prize goes to Julie Frager becoming the 13th women to win

Deep Dive: Oscar Piastri is Australia’s only hope for becoming the Formula One world champion, after winning four of the past six races in the multi-billion-dollar sport.

Formula One’s popularity has continued to rise with recording breaking crowds flocking to the Australian Grand Prix this year and Netflix’s Drive to Survive showing a new side of the drivers.

In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith is joined by Greg Rust, host of LiSNTR’s Rusty's Garage, to unpack the 2025 Formula One season and whether Oscar Piastri could become the third Australia to take home the title.

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Friday Headlines: America's Robert Francis Prevost announced as new pope, More than 30 people have been arrested over a number of homophobic attacks linked to dating apps, Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has quit the Nationals party to instead join forces with the Libs, Putin and Xi Jinping slam AUKUS, and Matildas captain Sam Kerr has announced the birth of her son Jagger.

Deep Dive: Australia’s music scene is looking like it’ll be getting a boost with big incentives for international acts — but there’s a growing threat putting our festivals at risk. Extreme Weather.

As more gigs get cancelled, is the real danger something we just can't control? Helen Smith sits down with Berish Bilander, Green Music Australia CEO to discuss.

Further listening from the headlines:Why we shouldn't torpedo AUKUS

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing Helen Smith unpacks day eight of the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon headlines: Two men found guilty of murdering Indigenous schoolboy Cassius Turvey, Adam Bandt concedes defeat in Melbourne and Triple-murder Mushroom trial may conclude earlier than expected

Deep Dive: Donald Trump’s new tariffs on overseas movies could threaten Australia’s multibillion-dollar film industry and thousands of jobs.

The shock move has some asking is this part of a bigger plan by the US President to control Hollywood and the creative industry.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by film expert Professor Mark Ryan to unpack what these latest tariffs mean for Australia and the future of blockbuster movies.

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An innovative new project is helping Australians make and save cash, while bolstering the renewable energy sector and helping the environment.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency or ‘ARENA funded Community Batteries’ project will see community batteries installed and connected to a virtual power plant.

In this sponsored episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with Momentum Energy’s Leesa Blazley who’s leading its roll-out.

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Thursday Headlines: Albo to reveal his new front bench as soon as next Tuesday, new warnings for Australians travelling to Pakistan and India, Daniel Morcombe's family new tell-all documentary, black smoke rises above the Sistine Chapel, and the ATO's wildest tax claims.

Deep Dive: Are you fake rich? A third of Australians are feeling the pressure to ‘fake rich’ or look wealthier than they really are to maintain a picture-perfect lifestyle, new research has found.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks to Finder’s money expert Rebecca Pike to unpack where this pressure is coming from, what we’re overspending on and how to avoid falling into the “fake rich” trap.

Further listening from the headlines:Nuclear war warning between India & Pakistan + Mushroom trial latest

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Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.

She’s pled not guilty to all charges.

In this special series of The Briefing Helen Smith unpacks day seven of the trial in under two minutes.

Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon headlines: Deadly Queensland housefire may have links to domestic violence, court hears in Erin Patterson's mushroom murder trial that she asked her husband's brother to help with her marriage and Peter Dutton makes first public appearance for first time since election loss

Deep Dive: The two nuclear armed nations of India and Pakistan have the world on edge after a dangerous escalation in their long running war.

International leaders are calling for "maximum restraint" on both sides, after deadly military strikes and threats of retaliation.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Foreign Affairs expert Dr Keith Sutter who warns the threat of nuclear war is real and the major economic and trade implications for Australia.

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Wednesday Headlines: The fall out continues following Labor’s landslide election win, developments in the NSW double child murder case, Trump says “never say never” after new Canadian PM rules out sale to US, the NRL will get an 18th team from 2027, and we are just one week away from Eurovision.

Deep Dive: Run It Straight, the self-proclaimed “world’s fiercest collision sport,” has exploded on social media for its massive tackles, knockouts, and viral showdowns.

But as its popularity grows, so do concerns about the risks that come with it.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with neurophysiologist Dr Alan Pearce about the dangers behind the spectacle and why experts fear this sport could come with serious long-term consequences.

Further listening from the headlines:Who is the 'Milkshake Man' representing Australia at Eurovision?

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Afternoon headlines: Survivor of Mushroom murder trial speaks in court and huge swings in election results as Teals and Greens fight for seats.

Deep dive: This year’s Met Gala, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, is all about race, gender, class and sexuality.

The high-end fashion event is often seen as ‘tone-deaf’ platforming privilege and elitism, but this year organizers are trying to re-set the message.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by LiSNTR’s entertainment reporter Justin Hill to unpack why the Met Gala is so much more than just sensational high-end fashion.

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Tuesday Headlines: Gina Rinehart blames the Coalition’s election loss on 'Left Media', three major child deaths across the country, Israel to expand its offensive in Gaza, record seizure of vapes in Queensland, Met Gala is on today, and Skype is hanging up for good.

Deep Dive: Our DNA is valuable, however many of us give it away for free, whether it be to figure out family history, or even to spot a life-threatening hereditary illness.

But the seemingly harmless practice of genetic testing has a dark side, with some companies abusing a legal loophole allowing them to access the information and use it to their advantage.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Public Health Genomics Expert Dr Jane Tiller about how life insurance companies are using their customers DNA to discriminate against them, and the growing calls to ban the practice.

Further listening from the headlines:

Who will be the new leader for the Liberal Party?
How our gov let $7 billion go up in smoke

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Afternoon headlines: Anthony Albanese speaks with Donald Trump, 100% tariffs on movies made in Australia, new text messages shared in mushroom trial and voting for the next Pope starts on Wednesday

Deep Dive: The Liberal party is in crisis mood suffering its worst election defeat over the weekend in its party’s history.

They now need a new leader and a new way forward to try and win back voters.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by 7NEWS Political Editor Mark Riley to unpack what went so horribly wrong and the tough job ahead for its new leader.

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Monday Headlines: Unpacking Albo’s historic win, Barnaby Joyce reveals prostate cancer diagnosis and police thwart bomb attack planned for Lady Gaga concert in Brazil.

Deep Dive: A highly contagious disease has gone from low global numbers to near endemic rates in some countries, despite medicine, technology and awareness of it at an all-time high.

In the US, there has been hundreds of cases of measles, some fatal, while in Australia, six out of eight states and territories have recorded cases, some their highest numbers in a decade.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy is joined by infectious disease expert, ANU virologist Professor David Tscharke, who is among a growing list of medicos and health authorities worried that vaccine indifference and misinformation is spreading faster than the illness itself.

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Anthony Albanese has become the first Prime Minister since John Howard to win back-to-back elections.

In this special election episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou and Helen Smith unpack how Labor managed to secure a second term in Government and what it all means for Medicare, cost-of-living relief and housing.

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Peter Greste was sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of falsifying news and damaging Egypt’s international image. The Australian foreign correspondent spent over two years in an Egyptian prison before the Australian government intervened.

The Correspondent, is the new movie based on his ordeal fighting for press freedom. It comes at a time when attacks on journalists are reaching record highs and nowhere has the toll been deadlier than Gaza, with more Palestinian media workers being killed than in any other conflict.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf on World Press Freedom Day, Peter opens up about his healing process from solitary confinement and the escalating dangers facing journalists.

Find out more about Peter's story and new movie here

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO READ: You Are Here by David Nicholls
TO WATCH: Real Housewives of New York season 12
TO TRY: Paddle boarding
TO WATCH: The Accountant 2

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In case you missed it, here's your one-stop guide to voting in this federal election.

We’re breaking down the most common voting questions and busting a few myths, like what’s the difference between voting above or below the line, do preference deals still exist and what really happens to your vote after you cast it?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou and Tara Cassidy break it all down for you.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon headlines: On election eve nearly 40% of Australians have already voted, chopper crash south west of Melbourne leaves three in serious condition and a psychic crocodile predicts election winner

Deep Dive: It’s the murder trial that has gripped the world - a mother accused of murdering three relatives in a poisonous mushroom lunch.

Erin Patterson’s trial started this week with explosive allegations, involving inheritances, mushroom dehydrators and text messages.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by 7NEWS reporter Estelle Greipink on the twists and turns unfolding inside the regional court room.

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Friday Headlines: It is the final official day of campaigning before the federal election, police investigating after Trumpet of Patriots volunteer attacked, the biggest moments from the Mushroom case this week, Trump ousts national security advisor over Signal group chat, and a call for calm from Nagi Maehashi.

Deep Dive: Millions of Australians have already voted early - but if you’re heading to the polls today or tomorrow, this is your essential guide.

We’re breaking down the most common voting questions and busting a few myths, like what’s the difference between voting above or below the line, do preference deals still exist and what really happens to your vote after you cast it?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou and Tara Cassidy break it all down for you.

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Afternoon Headlines: PM Anthony Albanese hits back over Labor candidate’s father’s comments, YOUGOV poll shows Labor is set to win and heated text exchange in Mushroom trial

Deep Dive: The latest polls are predicting the Coalition is set to suffer its worst election defeat in almost 80 years this weekend and the blame game has already started.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Tom McIlroy, the chief political correspondent for Guardian Australia, who unpacks what has gone so horribly wrong for Peter Dutton and why trying to be like Donald Trump was a fatal error.

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Thursday Headlines: Greens officially launch their campaign, Coalition costings to be released, MKR contestants facing abuse claims named, Kylie Minogue honoured for her contribution to the Australian music industry and Albo responds to Joe Exotic endorsement.

Deep Dive: For the first time in 30 years a new form of depression treatment will be added to the PBS, making it astronomically cheaper to buy for those suffering with the mental illness.

The nasal spray form of esketamine has been approved for patients with treatment resistant depression and is expected to help up to 30,000 Australians.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy is joined by Garth Camac, a veteran whose life’s been changed for the better thanks to the new drug, as well as Professor in Psychiatry Malcolm Hopwood on why it's taken so long.

Further listening from the headlines:Joe Exotic on The Jimmy & Nath Show with Emma

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Afternoon Headlines: Shock twist in Erin Patterson mushroom murder trial; good news for interest rates after latest inflation data; Peter Dutton's no-show on election trail

Deep Dive: Australia's new STI epidemic - why we're seeing a concern in sexually transmissible infections and the urgent need for a new education campaign.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by epidemiologist Dr Skye McGregor from UNSW’s Kirby Institute, who explains who is most at risk and why STIs can be incredibly dangerous.

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Wednesday Headlines: Albo still ahead as preferred PM, newly-elected Canadian PM sends strong message to Trump, rental affordability has never been worse in Australia, ultra-processed foods could be causing more deaths than fentanyl, and Harry Potter actor says he’s surprised at the amount of backlash.

Deep Dive: Inside the mushroom murder trialA regional Victorian town is in the global spotlight this week as the murder trial of Erin Patterson gets underway.

Patterson first made headlines in 2023 when three people died and another person was hospitalised after eating a Beef Wellington at her Leongatha home.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks to ABC journalist Stephen Stockwell, who’s covering the trial, about why this case has captivated the world and what we can expect from the weeks ahead.

Further Listening from the headlines:

EXCLUSIVE: Peter Dutton responds to fake Nazi image, backflips and being underdog
The ugly truth about your delicious bacon sandwich

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Afternoon Headlines: NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott speaks at Bondi stabbing inquest, the jury for the triple murder trial involving Erin Patterson has been selected and US fighter jet worth $93 million lost at sea

Deep Dive: Mental Health is a key focus of the coronial inquest into the mass stabbing attack at Bondi Junction, that left six innocent people dead and at least 10 others injured.

Experts have warned for years that our mental health system is broken, so what needs to be done and why has the government failed us?

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by President of the Australian Association of Psychologists, Sahra O'Doherty, who explains how we can help those in need and the solutions to properly fund and support this vital system.

If you or anyone you know needs someone to talk to you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14

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Tuesday Headlines: National security, environment and dealing with a minority government firmly on the agenda, the first day of the Bondi Junction stabbings inquest, Vladimir Putin announces a three-day ceasefire, and Bluey’s World in Brisbane has been extended!

Deep Dive: As more Australians look beyond the major parties, independent and minor party candidates are making their mark on the political landscape, and this election, it looks like their influence will continue to grow.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Tasmanian Senator, Jacqui Lambie and Legalise Cannabis’ lead candidate in the NSW Senate, Miles Hunt, to explore why voters are turning away from Labor and the Coalition and what a more independent parliament could mean for you.

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Feeling uninspired by the current election? You’re not alone, as latest polling shows we’re heading for a hung parliament with some Australians saying it’s between the devil you know and the devil you don’t.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull who explains why the focus should be on our National Security as US President Donald Trump reign of chaos continues.

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Monday Headlines: Albanese wins final leaders’ debate, Canadian car ramming death toll rises to 11, thousands rally after alleged murder of NSW teen, US pushing for peace between Ukraine and Russia following St Peter's meeting, and we've had the world’s first sperm race! Deep Dive: Male masculinity influencers have hit the mainstream, with a new global study finding young men are turning to them not just for entertainment but for life advice.

While some of this content is harmless, experts warn it comes at the cost of men’s mental health.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith speaks to Dr Zac Seidler, the global director of men's health research at Movember, about the rise of these creators and how we can reshape conversations around what it means to be a man.

Find the full study from Movember here

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She’s side-eyed former Prime Ministers, called out power at the highest levels and reshaped Australia’s conversation around sexual abuse - Grace Tame is nothing short of a force.

The former Australian of the Year has endured more scrutiny than many public figures twice her age, all while staying fiercely outspoken and unapologetically herself.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Grace unpacks what it really takes to ‘win’ as a woman in Australia and how to make your vote count in the upcoming federal election.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO TRY: Mini trampoline workout
TO DO: Head to a local comedy show comedy.com.au
TO EAT: Peppermint and licorice tea
TO TRY: Phone down and notepad out before bed

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Deep Dive: As international alliances face growing uncertainty, new figures reveal that less than one in four Gen Z Australians feel a strong personal connection to ANZAC Day and only one in six say they would sign up to defend our country.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Sir Peter Cosgrove, Former Defence Chief and Vietnam veteran, to explain why this year more than ever we need to commemorate ANZAC day.

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Friday Headlines: ANZAC Day services are held around the country, Extra security at MCG for today's football clash, Pope's Funeral tomorrow.

Deep Dive: Thousands of former ADF members have died by suicide, and despite years of advocacy and a Royal Commission, families say not enough has changed.

David Finney was a sailor who proudly served for two decades before his mental health deteriorated. After years of trauma, both in service and at home, David took his life in 2019 — one of many veterans failed by the system.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with David's mother Julie-Ann Finney, now a veteran mental health advocate, to unpack what needs to change and why so many veterans are still falling through the cracks.

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With just days to go until the federal election, a record number of Australians have already cast their vote and the latest exit polls suggest Labor is in front.

That’s despite the Coalition starting strong amid frustration over the cost-of-living crisis, but Liberal Leader Peter Dutton says the race is far from over.

From housing and inflation to policy backflips and campaign momentum, these are just some of the issues on the table.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling speaks with Peter Dutton to unpack where his campaign stands, what he thinks went wrong and why he still believes he can win.

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Thursday Headlines: Another Coalition backflip, Apple and Meta fined hundreds of millions, Sydney man charged over NSW court leak, Bunnings strikes agreement with 'terrified' plant growers and the viral twinnies meet Jimmy Kimmel. Deep Dive:This election campaign has seen its fair share of controversy, from alleged criminal activity to mass leaflet drops aimed at discrediting candidates, and influencers causing a stir.

The Australian Electoral Commission is the body that’s been investigating it all, so voters know where political content is coming from in the lead up to the election.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy is joined by the AEC’s Evan Eakin-Smyth to unpack some of the probes that have made headlines, why we need the AEC and whether its role is about to change thanks to modern media, and potential new laws.

Further listening from the headlines:Is Bunnings’ glowing reputation earned, or engineered? is available on LiSTNR or wherever you get your podcasts. Bunnings responds: 'Big is not bad' in the hardware industry is available on LiSTNR or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
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Afternoon Headlines: Trump to reduced tariffs on China as a recession looms for the US and AI movies can now win an Oscar

Deep Dive: A pair of identical Australian twins has taken the world be storm, after a clip of them speaking in unison went viral.

It’s not the first time “The Twinnes” have made international headlines, but the new interview has some asking are they fake and how can they finish each other sentences.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Twins expert Professor Jeff Craig who has worked with the Queensland sisters and reveals a fascinating insight into their incredible gifts.

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Wednesday Headlines: Peter Dutton wins third leaders' debate, the coalition to announce increased defence spending, details of Pope Francis' funeral revealed, NZ bill to define men and women by their biology, 25 Australian swimmers may have been robbed of Olympic medals and the Queensland twins going viral.

Deep Dive:
Child sex offenders are among the most reviled criminals in our society—and now, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is vowing to trial a national public register if elected, aiming to give families more access to information and keep kids safe.

But would it actually work? And what are the risks of making this kind of information public?

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with Akhim Dev—documentary and podcast maker behind the award-winning Children in the Pictures—who spent years embedded with police investigating online child exploitation to unpack it all.
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Afternoon Headlines: Third leaders debate to go ahead tonight, NSW police investigate links to organised crime after mother killed and Harvard sues Trump administration

Deep Dive: What’s next for the Catholic Church after the death of Pope Francis?

He was seen as a Pope for the People and a progressive, but now a new era is emerging as the complicated process for the next leader begins.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Joel Hodge, the National Head of the School of Theology at ACU, to explain why Pope Francis has such a significant impact on the world and the six contenders to replace him.

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Tuesday Headlines: Pope Francis' cause of death revealed, early voting now open, Australia records deadliest Easter weekend of drownings, new calls for US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to resign, and John Cena is coming down under!

Deep Dive: While most Aussies still vote red or blue, a small but significant group of independents—dubbed the Teals—are carving out space in Federal politics.

One of them is Zoe Daniel, the former journalist who flipped a safe Liberal seat in 2022 and is now running for re-election.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with MP Zoe Daniel about the key issues this election, how independent the Teals really are and their plan to hold the major parties to account.

Further listening from the headlines:
What happens when the Pope dies? The power games begin is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Top secret war plans sent to journalist by mistake is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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In this special election rewind we are joined by Julia Gillard, the 27th Prime Minister of Australia and our first and only female in the top job.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi from 2020, Julia unpacks her famous misogyny speech of 2012, how ultra macho leadership styles are letting us down during the pandemic, and her book Women in Leadership.

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Monday Headlines: Tragedies around the water this Easter, Labour ahead in latest poll, The Pope appears for Easter blessing, Oscar Piastri successful in F1.

Deep Dive: For decades everything from the cut of our jeans to the shade of our hair has been linked to the state of our economy.

Recession indicators in fashion, beauty and grooming are marked by the shift in a rise of sales of more practical and affordable choices.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Amy Campbell, the features editor of Esquire Australia, to explain which styles are signs of an economic slump and how we see it play out in fashion.

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Peter Rowsthorn cemented his place as Australian comedy royalty in Kath and Kim, playing the loveable bogan Brett.

From staring in musicals, sitcoms to stand-up and almost swapping it all for a life on the road as a truckie, Peter's career has been anything but boring.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Peter shares why he’s making a long-awaited comeback to the Melbourne Comedy Festival for the first time since the 80's and the joys of ageing with absolutely no grace whatsoever.

Find tickets to his show Pete Rowsthorn is KEEN! Here

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO WATCH: Drop the Movie in cinemas now
TO WATCH: The Substance Movie
TO EAT: Greek or natural yogurt dressing
TO DO: Free street libraries give and take!

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In this special election rewind we are joined by Scott Morrison, the 30th Prime Minister of Australia, lover of chicken curries and author of Plans For Your Good: A Prime Minister's Testimony of God's Faithfulness

Morrison has had his fair share of controversies over the years - Hawaii, his response to COVID and his many ministries.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Morrison opens up about his time as PM, repenting his sins and his impact on Australians.

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Friday Headlines: Opposition Leader clarifies he believed in climate change, Rise in DV over Easter, Great White shark concerns for an Adelaide beach and Trump meets with Italy's PM.

Deep Dive: From big policy promises to viral missteps, election campaigns serve up drama, theatre and the occasional meme-worthy moment. But what’s it really like behind the scenes?

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy is joined by News Corp federal political reporter Madura McCormack, who’s been following the 2025 campaign trail. She shares what it’s like travelling with the press pack, the moments that didn’t make headlines—and what they reveal about the parties vying for your vote.

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Is the great Australian dream of owning a home over?

In this special election edition of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Federal Housing Minister Clare O’Neil to unpack Labor’s record on housing, missed targets, and what the government plans to do next to solve a housing and rental crisis that’s been decades in the making.

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Thursday Headlines: Spicy second leaders' debate between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Peter Dutton, Australians trust in the US lowest in 20 years, Swedish teenager in Australia charged with contract killings, tropical Cyclone off WA expected to make landfall over the weekend and lab grown chicken nuggets breakthrough!

Deep Dive: The rate of Australians travelling to the US has dropped to its lowest level since the pandemic, with Donald Trump’s return to the White House sparking a wave of concern among international visitors.

Countries like China, Germany, Portugal and the UK have issued warnings for citizens heading to the country —so why hasn’t and should Australia do the same?

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith speaks with Griffith University’s Dr Lee Morgenbesser, who recently cancelled his own trip, about the risks, the politics, and what it means for Australia.

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Afternoon Headlines: PM says he won’t be deterred from making public appearances after another security breach, police search underway following the alleged sexual assault of an 83-year-old woman and a British tennis player has apologised after calling our her opponent for bad body odour.

Deep Dive: National security is back in the spotlight, with claims that Russia tried to base military aircraft in Indonesia.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by foreign affairs expert Dr Keith Suter to unpack what’s really going on, how it affects us in Australia and how China’s growing influence is reshaping power in our region.

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Wednesday Headlines: Half of all investment properties sold within two years, Australian lab racing to make a vaccine to prevent deadly Disease X, Australian Defence Minister confirms no Russian base in Indonesia, more AI bots using the internet than humans for the first time, swapping out red meat and fruit toast could cut household emissions and Brisbane Greens MP joins OnlyFans to ‘make people pay attention’ to HIV prevention drug policy.

Deep Dive: Can you spot political spin? From Mediscare to Temu Trump, spin is used by all sides of politics.

It's a technique used throughout election campaigns and it’s ramping up as we head to the polls, but does it work or just led to more mistrust in politicians?

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy is joined by Professor of Communications and journalist Caroline Fisher to identify how it’s been used in the upcoming Federal election.

Further listening: From Julian Assange to Amber Heard: The Australian lawyer behind it all

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Afternoon Headlines: Greens cancel ANZAC Day rave, grandmother shot dead in drive-by shooting and why Australians aren’t travelling to the US.

Deep Dive: It’s being called a giant leap forward for space travel - an all-female crew has just completed a Blue Origin mission.

With a mix of celebrities, scientists, and pioneers on board, including Katy Perry and journalist Gayle King ... was it all a PR stunt for its billionaire boss Jeff Bezos?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling speaks with Australian physicist and former NASA engineer Dr Chris Boshuizen—who blasted into space on a Blue Origin flight himself —about what this means for the future of space exploration.

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Tuesday Headlines: Bold claims made on Sky News ‘Mavericks’ debate with One Nation’s Pauline Hanson and KAP’s Bob Katter, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor debate on housing, 1 in 23 Australian properties under threat due to climate change, All-female space crew mission with Katy Perry successful and Australian gambler “The Joker” at the centre of $151 million US lottery scandal.

Deep Dive: With early voting starting in less than a week, both leaders are making ‘game-changer’ cash-saving promises ahead of the 2025 ‘cost-of-living election’.

Housing, health, and energy are front and centre, but how much will these policies actually help slash our everyday costs, and are they lasting solutions or just short-term sugar hits?

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks to money saving expert Joel Gibson on who can deliver the most hip pocket relief to Aussies, plus his own cost of living relief tips.

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Free uni and TAFE for all Australians—that’s the headline promise from Greens Leader Adam Bandt, as the party reveals some of its major policies ahead of the Federal Election today.

With the latest Newspoll pointing to a Labor minority government, the Greens could soon be in a powerful negotiating position.

In this special election edition of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling speaks with Adam Bandt about wiping student debt, fixing the housing crisis, and how the party plans to pay for it all.

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Monday Headline: Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton ‘officially’ launched their election campaigns, one year since the Bondi Junction stabbings with inquest on the way, Harvey Weinstein to stand trial this week in redo of #MeToo case, Australian academics refuse to attend US conferences for fear of being detained and Gout Gout breaks 200m record officially faster than Usain Bolt at same age.

Deep Dive: There's an ongoing debate around ADHD in Australia - whether it’s over or underdiagnosed.

It come after the country experienced a surge in cases in recent years, fuelled by adult women who weren't previously thought to be able to have ADHD now levelling the diagnosis field.

But last week one expert came out to claim the rise in diagnoses is, in part, due to ADHD now becoming "trendy”, angering advocates and people living with the disorder who say it’s damaging, dismissive and fuelling societal stigma.

In this episode of The Briefing Tara Cassidy is joined by President Professor Dave Coghill from Australasian ADHD Professionals Association to discuss the ongoing controversy.

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Jameela Jamil is a fierce critic of power, tackling the erosion of women’s rights to the rise of far-right ideologies.

The British actor, writer and activist, best known for her break out role in The Good Place, is unapologetically honest and uses her platform to publicly say what many won’t.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Jameela explains why she approaches every opportunity with the confidence of a ‘white man’ and how wellness culture can lead us astray.

Find tickets to Jameela's live tour here or at fane.com.au

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO WATCH: Love on the Spectrum Season 3 on Netflix
TO WATCH: Annie the Musical Australia touring nationally
TO DO: Peaches Pilates online app or in person
TO TRY: Ant’s food waste hack or try the Saveful app

If you need help or support for an eating disorder or body image issue, please call the Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 ED HOPE (1800 334 673) or visit www.butterfly.org.au to chat online or email.

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Afternoon Headlines: Peter Dutton calls politics a ‘brutal business’ after alleged terror attack, six dead after helicopter broke up mid-flight over New York and Gout Gout breaks ten second barrier for the 100m sprint.

Deep Dive: An IVF mix-up caused by human error has seen a Brisbane woman implanted with the wrong embryo and give birth to a stranger's baby.

The serious medical bungle could prompt a legal battle over the child's parentage, with many asking how could this happen and has it occurred before?

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Ameila Oberhardt, host of Secrets we keep: By Any Means that investigates the wild west of the fertility industry and why there are now growing calls for urgent action.

Secrets we keep: By Any Means is available on The LiSNTR app on Monday 14th April.

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Friday Headlines: Peter Dutton allegedly target of a schoolboy terror plot, RBA pours cold water on significant rate cuts, Brisbane woman gives birth to stranger’s baby in IVF bungle, magic mushrooms treatment for eating disorders to be trialled in Melbourne in ‘world-first’, the BOM forecasts one of our warmest winter's on record, and US parents sue school over child’s spelling bee loss.

Deep Dive: It’s been just 10 years since Netflix launched in Australia—but in that time, it’s reshaped the way we watch TV, launched global conversations, and become a powerful player in what content gets seen and shared.

But how does a show make it onto the platform—and into the global Top 10? And as streaming competition heats up with the launch of MAX by Warner Bros Discovery, will Netflix stay on top?

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith speaks with Dr Alexa Scarlata, lecturer in digital communication at RMIT, to unpack the state of streaming in Australia.

Further listening from the headlines:

How MDMA freed Kate from PTSD is available on LiSTNR

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Afternoon Headlines: Key Democrats alleging possible insider trading after Donald Trump’s tariff pause and Virgin Australia reportedly overcharged customers $3.3 million.

Deep Dive: The violent video game No Mercy which glorifies rape and violence has just been banned in Australia. Its contents are horrific and has sparked another important conversation about what our young people are being exposed to online.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by cybersecurity expect Susan McLean to discuss the urgent need for action and why those responsible aren’t being held to account.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can phone Lifeline 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).

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Thursday Headlines: Trump walks back tariffs, Jim Chalmers and Angus Taylor's first debate, Australia removes video game featuring rape and Mr G is back.

Deep Dive: You may be identifiable to police through a DNA database without even realising it. Turbocharged by family tree, medical, paternity and crime testing, DNA databases are expanding rapidly.

Secrets We Keep: Should I Spit?, a new podcast investigation into the DNA industry, explores the minefield of risks to our presumption of innocence and privacy.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Melbourne-based criminal defense lawyer Felix Ralph, who says we should be concerned that we're marching towards total genetic surveillance.

Further listening from the headlines:China vows to retaliate after Trump's 'bully' tariffs is available on LiSTNR or wherever you get your podcasts.

The full season of Secrets We Keep: Should I Spit? is available on LiSTNR

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Afternoon Headlines: Donald Trump’s 'Liberation Day' Tariffs have come into effect, Virginia Giuffre failed to appear in a Perth Court and an Australian teenager breaks 57-year-old sprinting record.

Deep Dive: We’ve been promised plenty from our politicians, but how do we really stop our soaring power bills and create a safe and reliable energy future?

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Chris O’Keefe from the Clean Energy Council who believes renewables are the answer and that it’s a tough reality our nation needs to face.

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Wednesday Headlines: Anthony Albanese wins first leaders debate, Jim Chalmers having high-level finance talks, Australia's median home value has increased, META is expanding its teen account protections, Sea World Helicopter crash findings to be delivered today, and a wolf that’s been extinct for over 13-thousand years has been brought back to life ... or has it?!

Deep Dive: Australia’s preparing for a new kind of war, one that doesn’t involve soldiers and weapons, but cyber criminals who could take whole cities offline with just the press of a button.

One former hacker turned future crime researcher says he’s paid to prepare the country against modern warfare - a kind of war he says even our own military couldn’t protect us from.
In today’s episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy is joined by futurist Skeeve Stevens to find out all the ways we are being targeted, who our biggest threats are and what we’re doing about it.

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Afternoon Headlines: Prime Minister's not ruling out a recession as ongoing tariff war between the US and China continues

Deep Dive: As uncertainty continues to destabilize our world, leading experts say now is the time for brave, new politicians to revolutionize the way we run Australia.

Rather than offering cash for grabs in this Federal election, there are growing calls for our leaders to offer long term solutions to our housing and affordability crises.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling, is joined by businessman and founder of Amplify Paul Bassat who says people power is the solution.

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Tuesday Headlines: New mental health promises, Bondi Junction stabbing inquest, NSW public hospital doctors walk off jobs, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meeting with President Trump, Matildas win and Minecraft becomes the most watched video game movie in first few days.

Deep Dive: Electric vehicles promise a cleaner, cheaper future - but what happens when the world’s biggest EV brand is in crisis.

Tesla’s global sales are falling, competition is heating up, and CEO Elon Musk is facing growing backlash. So could this shake-up stall Australia’s EV transition - or pave the way for new players and more affordable options?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Sarah Aubrey from Electrify This to unpack what Tesla’s troubles mean for the future of electric cars in Australia.

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Afternoon Headlines: Multiple rate cuts expected as ASX tumbles

Deep Dive: The federal Treasurer says a number of interest rate cuts could be on the way this year as the fallout continues from Donald Trump’s tariffs.

Global markets have seen a bloodbath on open this morning, with more than $160 billion wiped off the ASX

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling chats with Economist Nicki Hutley on the winners and losers from this financial rollercoaster.

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In Part Two of The Briefing’s special on influencers in politics, we turn the spotlight on the media itself.

As backlash grows over content creators stepping into the Australian political space, some say it’s less about bias—and more about blurred standards.

Tara Cassidy is joined by Jenna Clarke, Associate Editor at The Australian, who argues there’s space for new voices in political coverage—but legacy media, regulation, and accountability still matter. So how do we strike the right balance in 2025?

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Monday Headlines: Peter Dutton backflips on WFH promise, Liberal MP stood down after comments about women in combat, Jordanian man on Sydney-bound flight charged after allegedly trying to open plane door, US #Handsoff protest, Matildas take on South Korea again tonight and Bob Katter the star of a new beer.

Deep Dive: As we head into an election, some content creators are joining the campaign trail, partnering with politicians to engage young voters. But the lines between opinion, promotion, and political advertising are blurring.

In part one of The Briefing’s two-part special, Tara Cassidy speaks with digital creator Hannah Ferguson, CEO of Cheek Media, who recently interviewed the PM, about the rise of online political voices in Australia and why she thinks traditional media needs to catch up.

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Elouise Sofia Eftos, is 'Australia’s first attractive comedian', according to her Instagram bio.

She’s taking on the comedy world with her bold, beautiful and beguiling humour, whilst refusing to be self-deprecating for a laugh.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Elouise dives into the mystic world of the evil eye, where envy manifests as a curse, and reveals how she channels her inner goddess.

Find tickets to her next show here!

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO EAT: Women’s Weekly birthday cake
TO DO: Post a good review of something!
TO READ: Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
TO EAT: Harvest Snaps baked pea crisps

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Afternoon Headlines: Australians superfunds stolen in cyber attack and notorious gangland figure Tony Mokbel free after 18 years

Deep Dive: Season 3 of The White Lotus has taken the world by storm, including here in Australia, with everyone asking who gets murdered and why?

The stars of the series were in Australia earlier this week, ahead of the much-anticipated finale dropping on Monday

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by entertainment reporter Richard Reid who reveals his theories on what happens next and explains why Season 4 could be filmed right here in Australia.

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Friday Headlines: Albo goes for a tumble, Abbie Chatfield interviews cleared by AEC, Victorian man charged for allegedly threatening to kill politician, gay conversion therapy ban now in effect in NSW, and the Matildas take on South Korea in a friendly tonight!

Deep Dive: Public service jobs are sometimes viewed as more stable, well-paid, and offering better conditions than many private-sector roles. But are there too many of them?

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has pledged to slash 41,000 public service jobs, claiming it will save billions and redirect funds to frontline services. His plan has sparked fierce debate—are these roles essential, or is the bureaucracy bloated?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with News Corp Australia's National Political Editor, Clare Armstrong, who is currently on the campaign trail with Dutton, to unpack the political and real-world impact of these proposed cuts.

Further listening from the headlines:Has Australia had its football moment? Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Afternoon Headlines: Trump's 'Liberation Day' announces 10% tariffs on all countries

Deep Dive: The fallout continues from Donald Trump’s new tariffs, with China threatening to retaliate against the “bullying” move.

The US President announced the widespread tariffs on a number of countries including Australia during his ‘Liberation day’ speech.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling speaks with UNSW Professor of Economics Richard Holden on what this new international trade war means for the Australian economy and our long-term security alliances with the most powerful countries in the world.

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Thursday Headlines: Prime Minister and Abbie Chatfield's social media post being investigated by the AEC, Trump will hand down sweeping "Liberation Day" tariffs today, prosecutors to appeal NSW taser cop's sentence, Victoria passes new anti-vilification laws, QLD police powers expanded, Myanmar’s military declares a ceasefire to ease earthquake relief, and the Sydney train door that just wouldn't shut.

Deep Dive: Peter Dutton’s war on wokeism is front and centre this week, with the Coalition claiming it's brainwashing young Australians—and even making them dumber.

But what does ‘woke’ actually mean, and why is it celebrated by some yet condemned by others?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Dr. Bella d'Abrera from the Institute of Public Affairs and linguist Dr. Karen Stollznow from Griffith University to unpack the word and find out if it’s dividing the nation.

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Afternoon Headlines: Thousands of residents across outback Queensland evacuated and Val Kilmer star of Top Gun and Batman dead at 65.

Deep dive: Thousands of people have been evacuated and more than 100,000 livestock are dead, as the worst flooding in 50 years hits outback Queensland.

The disaster has devastated farming communities and is expected to disrupt meat supplies across the country and force up prices.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by general president of AgForce Shane McCarthy and senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury to find out about the impact this breaking national disaster.

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Wednesday Headlines: Labor to push for real wage increase, US prosecutors seek death penalty for Luigi Mangione, IVF for single women and same sex couples to be covered under Medicare, first probable Japanese Encephalitus Virus death in the QLD since an outbreak in 2022, and the majority of millennials and Gen X regret their career choice.

Deep Dive: With a federal election on the horizon, how much of what we see and hear can we actually trust?

AI-generated deepfakes and manipulated content are becoming harder to detect and while some of these tools are used for entertainment, others are being harnessed to influence public opinion.

So, could AI actually sway voters at the ballot box come May 3? Or is it all a distraction?

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with Professor Daniel Angus, Director of QUT’s Digital Media Research Centre, to unpack it all.

Further listening from the headlines:

A CEO was killed in the streets of New York. Should we be celebrating? is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Lawyer X: Could a bunch of gangland criminals soon be free? is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Wieambilla police massacre and criminal insanity is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
The deadly virus back in Australia is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Afternoon Headlines: RBA holds cash rate at 4.1%, PM hits back at Trump over new trade demands and Jeffery Epstein and Prince Andrew’s top accuser in hospital after bus crash says spokesperson.

Deep Dive: The RBA has left the official cash rate on hold as the Board flags, they are concerned about growing international instability.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling chats with David Koch, from Compare the Market, to break down what this latest decision means and whether there are more interest rate cuts on the way.

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Tuesday Headlines: Our house prices and rents are at record highs, Australian Border Force says its actively monitoring a Chinese warship, convicted killer Chris Dawson appeals conviction, hope for those working from home and Kamala Harris is coming to Australia!

Deep Dive: The illegal tobacco industry is growing, and despite its links to violent firebombings and illegal sales, so is the number of people turning to it for cheaper smokes and vapes.

Experts say the government’s high tobacco taxes are only fueling the issue, with more people pushed into searching for cheaper alternatives, and leaving a near $7 billion hole in the federal budget.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy is joined by former Australian Federal Police officer Rohan Pike, who led one of the country’s illicit tobacco task forces.

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Afternoon Headlines: Mother of attempted triple murder suicide arrested, Danielle Laidley battling rare brain tumour and cast of The White Lotus in Australia

Deep Dive: A damning report into some of our top super funds has found poor service and delayed payouts are now the norm.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Kirby Rappell, Executive Director of Super Rating to explain why you need to get on top of your super now and the top tips to get the best deal.

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Monday Headlines: PM off to WA today, flooding could see communities cut off for weeks in NSW and QLD, search and rescue efforts continue in Myanmar and Thailand, Tonga tsunami threat cancelled, and more crimes to be added to Queensland’s ‘adult crime, adult time’ laws.

Deep Dive: A class action has been launched in the US aimed at limiting how many Australians can play college football and NFL in the country.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Dr Adam Cohen, lecturer and coordinator of the Sport Business Department at UTS, to unpack it all.

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Konrad Michalski, better known as Punter's Politics, is on a mission to cut through the political spin and convince everyday Aussies (or punters) that politics actually matters.

With a mass online following, Konrad has become the go-to voice for satirical takes on Australia’s top stories. Now, with the election looming large, his insights have never been more vital.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Konrad explores how he challenges gas oligarchs to tackling housing inequality through social media, and shares his best tips on how to vote smart and avoid election regret.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO WATCH: Adolescence on Netflix and our Adolescence episode
TO LISTEN: Good or Bad Billion BBC Podcasts
TO READ: @disappointingaffirmations on Instagram

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Afternoon headlines: New poll shows Peter Dutton is now in the lead with voters, no jail time for ex-cop who tasered 95 year old in age care and two school students hit by an out of control car that was allegedly stolen.

Deep dive: There’s renewed concern over the health of King Charles, after the Monarch was hospitalized with side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Royal expert Angela Mollard to explain what’s really going on with the Monarch’s health and what plans are in place if his condition continues to deteriorate.

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Friday Headlines: We have an election date, Peter Dutton’s budget reply, NSW court docs and Nine hit by data breach, search continues for missing Queensland police officer, US Yemen attack update and The Greens slam Albo for inviting Trump down under.

Deep Dive: Anthony Albanese wants you to buy Aussie-made—but are your Tim Tams, Twisties, and Milo purchases really supporting Australian businesses?

With some of our iconic brands owned by foreign companies, can the Prime Minister’s "Team Australia" campaign actually help shield us from Trump's tariffs and more importantly ... boost our economy?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by the CEO of the Consumer Policy Research Centre, Erin Turner, to break it all down.

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Deep dive: Speculation is rife the Federal election will be called tomorrow, after an embarrassing blunder. The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet posted on social media that the government was in caretaker mode, which was then quickly deleted.

It comes just hours before Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is set to give his budget reply speech tonight, with some experts wondering if it was a genuine mistake or a clever strategic move to steal Mr Dutton’s thunder.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by 7 News Business Editor Amelia Brace to unpack the latest sensational twist ahead of what’s shaping up to be one of the closest elections in Australia’s history.

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Thursday Headlines: Labor’s surprise tax cut passes the senate, groceries are the most expensive at Woolies, Salmon laws, NSW court data breach, and Bluey stars react to show’s censorship in the US.

Deep Dive: A virus that’s killed two people in recent months, and infected nine more, is back circulating the country.

It comes after a series of back-to-back wet weather events, like Cyclone Alfred and various floods, have seen mozzie numbers surge and help spread Japanese Encephalitis Virus.

In 2021, an unprecedented outbreak of JEV led to the deaths of seven people, with experts now warning that a third of those who survive are left with long-term neurological issues.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy sits down with an Aussie mum whose 4-month-old son contracted JEV and is now facing lifelong health issues, and a viral diseases expert on how to protect ourselves against the incurable virus.

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Afternoon Headlines: The PM blasts the opposition over tax cuts, Jeanswest goes into administration and AirPods Pro 2 can now act as hearing aids.

Deep Dive: Cost of living relief or a cruel hoax? We break down what the federal budget really means for Australians and its effect on skyrocketing bills and interest rates.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Sally Tindall to find out if the government’s tax cuts go far enough and why many experts are saying the inflation crisis is far from over.

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Treasurer Jim Chalmers has handed down his fourth—and possibly final—Federal Budget.

There are tax cuts, energy bill relief, and cheaper medicines on offer. The government's pitching it as a win for everyday Australians ... but is it really?

And with back-to-back surpluses turning into a decade-long deficit, is this an election-friendly budget or a real plan for economic stability?

In this special budget episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou and Tara Cassidy break down what you need to know and how it affects you.

Further listening from the headlines:

We're being promised free GP visits. What's the catch? is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Can Australia afford free university? is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
How MDMA freed Kate from PTSD is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Panda Propaganda: Why China is sending us diplomacy bears is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Afternoon Headlines: Trump and US Defence Secretary respond to leaked Yemen war plans and 2032 Olympic Games venue confirmed

Deep Dive: Top secret US war plans have been leaked after a journalist was accidentally added to a group chat on encrypted messaging app Signal.

President Donald Trump and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth both dismissed the story, even after National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes confirmed it ‘appears to be authentic’.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by tech expert Trevor Long to explain why it’s a massive wake-up call for all governments, even here in Australia.

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Tuesday Headlines: Budget will be in deficit + more potential energy relief on the horizon, sixth day of protests in Turkey, Queensland told to brace for more severe flooding while WA braces for heatwave and possible cyclone and the 2032 Olympic Game venue to be announced today.

Deep Dive: Adolescence is the Netflix series exposing the dark reality of how online influencers are hijacking the minds of young boys, hitting 24.3 million views in its first four days of premiering.

The series has sparked calls for new age limits on access to smartphones and even prompted conversations on introducing a Minister for Men.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Renee Chopping, a Trauma counsellor for survivors of sex trafficking and an advocate of child protection, who led a recent petition that successfully got Andrew Tate content removed from Spotify.

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Afternoon headlines: Teal MP Monique Ryan’s partner has apologised after stealing a Liberal campaign sign, Federal Government announces $1 billion in defence spending for budget and Tiger Woods confirms relationship with Donald’s Trump ex daughter in law

Deep dive: The latest Newspoll survey revealswomen are now abandoning both major parties at an alarming rate, as Labor’s female support base has dipped to 29% for the first time.

While it’s perceived Mr Dutton has a problem with female voters, young men are also deserting Labor.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Samantha Maiden, the political editor for news.com.au to unpack the latest data, as Australia goes through one of the biggest political shake-ups in history.

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Monday Headlines: More bill relief announced as budget looms, Gaza death toll passes 50,000, Pope Francis makes first public appearance since hospitalisation, redemption for Oscar Piastri in Chinese Grand Prix and a new study shows humans are getting dumber. Deep Dive: Sports betting is surging among young men —should we be worried?

New research shows the rates of sports betting among Aussie men aged 18-44 has skyrocketed by 65% since 2015, with spending also on the rise.

Despite stricter regulations - gambling ads and online apps are fueling a growing industry that some see as a public health crisis—while others say it’s just a bit of fun.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou sits down with three young men who regularly bet on sports to hear their take: Is sports betting really a problem? Would they support tougher restrictions? And could they stop if they had to?

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David Pocock, the former rugby star turned independent senator, embraces the label of “weirdo” for his belief that sports and politics should go hand in hand.

The former rugby star isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo, famously refused to marry until same-sex couples had the same rights and being arrested for climate protests.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, David explains why rugby must lead on climate action, given its deep ties to Pacific Island nations with communities already bearing the brunt of climate change.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO WATCH: The White Lotus season 3 on Binge
TO EAT: Pistachio Papi Spread
TO READ: Conspiracy? War on the waterfront on ABC Listen
TO LISTEN: Discover weekly playlist on Spotify

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Afternoon headlines: Treasurer Jim Chalmer stands by ACCC inquiry, flights to Bali cancelled after volcano eruption and Donald Trump shutting down the Department of Education

Deep dive: Country music is having a moment, embraced by Millennial and Gen Z listeners with demand for the genre doubling over the last five years on Spotify.

Artists like Beyoncé, Post Malone and Chappell Roan are moving back to their country roots as country music continues to top the Billboard Top 100 chart.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by country music artists Tania Kernaghan and Jason Owen to unpack how the genre has taken over the global stage with its authenticity.

Find tickets to Tania Kernaghan and Jason Owen's tour here

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Friday Headlines: Coles and Woolies found among ‘most profitable’ supermarkets in world, US Tech giants call on Trump to target Australia, Socceroos inch closer to qualifying for next year’s World Cup, and the world’s happiest countries have been revealed.

Deep Dive: Australians love their dogs.

Almost half of all homes have a pet pooch according to the RSPCA’s latest figures.

Dog owners are also increasingly treating their pups as part of the family, whether that’s letting them sleep in the bed, throwing birthday parties for them and even taking them on holidays to Europe.

And as more young couples are delaying having children to raise a dog instead, it really feels like we’re reaching a new stage in the human-dog relationship.

So, what does all of this say about us, not only as owners, but as a society?

Legendary Australian veterinarian Dr Katrina Warren (and her dog, Chilli) join Sacha Barbour Gatt on today’s episode of The Briefing to ask: has the line blurred too much?

Further listening from the headlines:'Top 10 hacks to cut your supermarket bill' is out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Afternoon headlines: Peter Dutton’s speech interrupted by protesters, employment figures show despite thousands losing work unemployment rate holds steady and Australia’s rich list has been released

Deep dive: A two-tier economy is emerging in Australia, with some splashing cash around while others struggle to pay their mortgage and bills.

With cost of living set to be the number one issue as we approach our federal election, a growing number of people have given up on the Aussie dream of owning a home – and are now using their disposable income to enjoy life.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Scott Phillips, The Motley Fool's Chief Investment Officer, to explain why we need a complete overhaul of managing interest rates, inflation and the property market.

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Thursday Headlines: Labor promises to cap prescription medications at $25, Putin accused of breaking promise to not strike Ukrainian energy targets, new search green lit for missing flight MH370 and a Jury convicts two men in golden toilet heist.

Deep Dive: If you tune into Parliament, you’d think Australia is drowning in crises—health, crime, climate, and, most notably, housing and immigration. And lately, those last two have become deeply intertwined in political debate.

Conservative voices are calling for immigration cuts, arguing that an influx of new arrivals is pushing Aussies out of the housing market. But is this really what’s driving the crisis, or is it just an easy scapegoat?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with veteran finance journalist Alan Kohler to unpack the facts and find out whether cutting immigration is a viable solution.

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Afternoon headlines: Astronauts touch down to Earth after nine months in space, ex-nurses charged over an alleged video threatening Israeli patients fight to throw out evidence and secret documents released on the assassination of JKF

Deep dive: A bombshell Australian link has been found in previously classified documents related to former President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.

Details of phone calls about an assassination plot made to the US embassy in Canberra emerged in new papers unlocked today by the Trump administration.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr. Keith Suter, Foreign Affairs Expert, to discuss what the new evidence means and if we will ever find out who shot JFK.

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Wednesday Headlines: Trump and Putin hold phone call about Ukraine-Russia ceasefire, More Israeli airstrikes in Gaza as death toll climbs, Treasurer promises substantial cost of living relief in the budget and NASA's stranded astronauts are finally on their way home.

Deep Dive: AUKUS—the trilateral security pact between Australia, the UK, and the US—was sold as a game-changer for our national defence, promising a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines and cutting-edge military tech.

But years on, with an eye-watering $386 billion price tag, no guarantee of receiving the subs on time (or at all), and a new US president prioritising “America First,” is the deal still worth it?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Nine’s Chief Political Editor, Charles Croucher, to break down where AUKUS stands, what’s at stake, and whether Australia should rethink its biggest-ever defence investment.

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Afternoon Headlines: Israel launches new airstrikes across Gaza, inquest into Lilie James’ murder finds it was a planned attack and scientists discover new species of fish more than 15 million years old.

Deep Dive: Calls for a royal commission into the CFMEU are mounting after more damming allegations of violence and corruption.

The Victorian government has met with the Police Commissioner to bolster investigations after accusations the state government failed to stop the criminal behaviour.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Sharnelle Vella, co-host of ABC Melbourne Breakfast radio, to unpack the latest twist in this explosive story.

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Tuesday Headlines: Anthony Albanese receives highest approval rating in almost 18 months, Trump and Putin to discuss an end to the war tomorrow, 48% of year 6 Aussies can’t swim 50 metres and the RBA unveils new $5 banknote.

Deep Dive: New analysis has revealed our grocery prices have surged by 30% over the last three years, with Coles, Woolworths and even Aldi hiking their costs.

It’s unfortunately become an all too common problem for most of us, but do you know there are some easy ways to hack your next trip to the supermarket?

In this episode of The Briefing, Finder’s Head of Research, Graham Cooke joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to break down the 10 best ways to save cash on your next trip through the checkout.

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Afternoon Headlines: Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull slams AUKUS deal as 'dumb' and 'unfair', Treasurer Jim Chalmers addresses the financial fallout from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and body believed to be of 6-year-old girl found in bushlands

Deep Dive: STI cases are skyrocketing across all age demographics in Australia, with some rates doubling or tripling, and unprotected is sex a major contributing factor.

Despite conversations around consent and safe sex starting to enter mainstream media, cases of genital herpes, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HIV are leading to increased rates of lifelong health problems, and in some cases, deadly cancers.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr. Ginni Mansberg, a leading GP, to find out why we aren’t taking sexually transmitted infections seriously.

healthdirect helpline: 1800 022 222

For more information on STI's you can visit healthdirect

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Monday Headlines: Chalmers reveals cost of Cyclone Alfred ahead of earliest budget ever, dozens dead in North-Macedonian nightclub fire, heartbreak for Oscar Piastri as Lando Norris claims Australian Grand Prix, and the SpaceX replacement crew docks with the International Space Station.

Deep Dive: After the 2022 election, many people thought Clive Palmer’s political party, and career, might be over.

But after announcing a “new” party last month, Trumpet of Patriots, you might have noticed ads being blared during popular shows like Married at First Sight over the last week, telling us that Clive and his hopes of political domination, are back.

Will the 2025 election deliver a different result for the billionaire? And how will his play into Trump-style politics perform in Australia?

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks to political scientist Dr Benjamin Moffitt to dive deeper into Palmer’s latest election bid and what it means for Australia.

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Guenther Steiner isn’t just an F1 boss – he’s an American-Italian motorsport icon and a fan favourite on Netflix’s Drive to Survive.

The former Team Principal of Haas is known for his signature wit, colourful language and unfiltered approach in the racing world.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Guenther explains how F1 is attracting a younger audience, life after leaving the sport and why it’s been 50 years since a woman last competed in Formula 1.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO WATCH: Surface on Apple TV
TO LISTEN: Stalked on the BBC
TO READ: Cactus Pear For My Beloved by Samah Sabawi
TO DO: $8 Aldi flowers

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Afternoon headlines: Australia’s youngest convicted murderer set to be released, American Airlines Boeing 737 bursts into flames on tarmac and rare blood moon set to grace the skies tonight

Deep dive: This weekend the world's best f1 drivers are on show for the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, but one Aussie female driver is changing the face of motorsport.

Molly Taylor is Australia's best female motorsport export and is not only breaking records but also the glass ceiling.

In this episode of The Briefing Molly explains to Natarsha Belling why she believes men and women should be competing on equal terms in the racing world and her secrets to defying the odds under enormous pressure.

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Headlines: Putin says he agrees 'in principle' to a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine, Kevin Rudd says he's 'thrown everything' at getting a tariff exemption and Albo slams the US influencer who snatched a baby wombat. Deep Dive: Australia has been rocked by a recent spate of shark bites this week, reminding us of the risks inherent in ocean swimming.

So, with hot weather predicted around the country this weekend, what’s going on and what do we need to know before we head to the beach?

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Dr Leonardo Guida, shark campaign manager at the Australian Marine Conservation Society to unpack it all.

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Afternoon headlines: Former Australian cricketing great Stuart MacGill found guilty over facilitating a cocaine deal, power bills to increase again and an American influencer's visa under review after a disturbing online video

Deep dive: Hear from the Australian professor who was part of the team behind a world first that is set to revolutionise how we treat heart failure and transplants.

Professor Chris Hayward gives the inside story into how an Australian man became the first person in the world to be discharged from hospital with a high-tech titanium artificial heart.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Professor Hayward, a cardiologist at St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, to explain why this major breakthrough is being hailed around the world.

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Thursday Headlines: Greens unveil new plan to legalise weed, Trump tariff chaos continues, Indigenous incarceration rates have jumped 20% since 2019, and Leonardo DiCaprio criticises Australian government for mine expansions.

Deep Dive: Australians consume around 17 kilograms of processed meat annually with the 4 billion dollar industry offering quick-fix meals and pushing high protein diets.

Over 300 new fast-food stores opened across the country last year, making processed meat more accessible than ever, despite the World Health Organization classifying it as a group 1 carcinogen linked to bowel cancer back in 2015.

In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith is joined by Lucie Morris-Mar, an investigative journalist and author of Processed: How the Processed Meat Industry is Killing Us with the Food We Love, who was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer at just 44.

Further listening from the headlines:
Malcolm Turnbull on why the US tariff deal is a huge wake-up call is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Afternoon headlines: Anthony Albanese responds to Trump's tariffs on Australia

Deep dive: Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull issues a stark warning about our future alliance with the US after Trump’s move to enforce trade tariffs on our steel and aluminium.

Mr Turnbull predicts we can no longer depend on the US for trade or security. His comments come after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese slammed the tariffs as ‘entirely unjustified’.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Mr Turnbull to discuss what this means for our future under Mr Trump’s ‘America First’.

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Wednesday Headlines: Australia’s requests to be exempt from US tariffs has been rejected as ‘Trumpcession’ fears continue, Ukraine says its ready to accept a US-proposed immediate ceasefire, the Queensland Premier has declared the worst of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred is over, and a boulder sitting at QLD school for 20 years found to have over 60 dinosaur prints.

Deep Dive: The AFL, NRL, and Cricket Australia generate billions in revenue—but they don’t pay income tax.

The reason? They’re classified not-for-profits and thus exempt.

But with CEOs earning millions, massive betting deals, and revenue from pokies and broadcast rights, does this tax exemption pass the pub test? Critics argue it’s time to rethink the model, especially when it comes to our two football codes.

So, should Australia’s biggest sporting codes be taxed like other businesses?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou chats with CQU’s sports law expert Dr Matt Nichol to break it down.

Further listening from the headlines:What a 'Trumpcession' could mean for Australia is out now on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Afternoon Headlines: ASX stocks plummet amid US recession fears

Deep Dive: The US stock market has plunged this week prompting fears of a recession some economists are labelling a 'Trumpcession'.

President Trump hasn’t ruled out the possibility of a recession, stating in a recent interview with Fox News that Americans need to brace for a “period of transition” after his approach to tariffs rattled global investors.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Scott Phillips, The Motley Fool's Chief Investment Officer, to explain what this means for Australia’s economy.

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Tuesday Headlines: Donald Trump and ex-PM Malcolm Turnbull continue trading blows, Russia warns Australia against putting boots on the ground in Ukraine, Sydney caravan plot revealed to be a hoax, and political fundraising events cancelled after cyclone backlash.Deep Dive: Has the news media gone overboard with its coverage of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred?

Over the weekend, ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred dominated news coverage, with major networks deploying dozens of reporters across multiple locations—leading to viral moments, online debate, and criticism that the coverage felt more like "disaster porn" than essential journalism.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt and Chris Spyrou unpack the ethics of disaster reporting. Sacha also speaks with a familiar voice – Katrina Blowers, who’s providing wall-to-wall coverage of the cyclone as Seven News Queensland’s Chief Reporter.

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Afternoon headlines: Raids reportedly carried out in relation to a caravan allegedly found packed with explosives, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warns flood crisis far from over and Security at regional airports is under scrutiny

Deep dive: Scammers are targeting Australians across the country in the wake of Cyclone Alfred, with the Prime Minister warning the impact from the crisis is far from over.

The latest rise in scams include fake donation sites, fraudulent offers of support from scammers impersonating banks, insurance companies and charities or government organisations.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Ben Young, Westpac’s Head of Fraud Prevention, to discuss the red flags you should be looking out for.

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Monday Headlines: Hundreds of thousands without power as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred moves inland, latest Newspoll shows hung parliament still likely, Israel cuts off power to Gaza and St George Dragons strongly condemns pie throw at the NRL.

Deep Dive: Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek is being sued by a conservation group alleging she is not meeting her legal obligations to protect threatened species.

The case, brought by The Wilderness Society, focuses on eleven species and an argument that specific plans for their protection aren’t being met.

The government says it has doubled funding for conservation efforts, but environmental advocates say it’s not enough to prevent extinction. So, can legal action force stronger environmental protections? And does it stand a chance at succeeding?

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith speaks with Sam Szoke-Burke, Biodiversity Policy and Campaign Manager at The Wilderness Society, to unpack the case and what it could mean for Australia’s wildlife.

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Comedian and author Michelle Brasier transformed the heartbreak of losing her brother and father to cancer into a bold and unflinching brand of comedy.

After discovering she has a 97% chance of carrying the same deadly gene, Michelle's life took a new direction. Her book, My Brother's Ashes are in a Sandwich Bag, powerfully captures how she uses humour as a tool to confront and navigate grief.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Michelle shares how she mistakenly slapped a priest and why she’s now using her story to advocate for families who are unfairly punished by insurance companies just for carrying a deadly gene.

Grab tickets to Michelle's current tour here

Weekend list with Jess Lukjanow and the listeners

TO WATCH: Toxic Town on Netflix
TO DO: Pilates retreats
TO WATCH: High Potential on Disney+
TO WATCH: Oscar winning documentary No Other Land on Doc Play

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Millions of residents across NSW and Queensland are preparing for Tropical Cyclone Alfred, expected to make landfall tomorrow.

Torrential rain and wild winds have already caused widespread damage, prompting evacuation orders across Northern NSW and warnings that tens of thousands could be left without power.

So, how bad could this get? And what should those in the impact zone expect?

In this Afternoon Edition of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling breaks down the latest updates and emergency responses as Cyclone Alfred closes in with Senior Meteorologist Jonathan How from the Bureau of Meteorology.

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Headlines: Tropical Cyclone Alfred continues slow journey towards land, Teenager arrested after trying to board plane with shotgun, EU leaders close to landmark defence deal as Trump again pauses tariffs, and Aussies are ditching Tesla.

Deep Dive: From an explosive meeting at the White House to accusations of an all-out trade war, the last seven days in international politics has been positively batshit insane.

We’ve seen the US pull military aid and intelligence sharing from Ukraine, the UK lead the charge to achieve peace in the region and Canada accuse America of trying to annex it.

That’s not to mention Donald Trump’s first speech to the new Congress.

In this morning’s deep dive, geopolitical expert Dr Keith Suter joins Bension Siebert to break down all the important moments from the last week and tell us what we can expect to come from it all.

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Charities and community leaders are raising the alarm, accusing Australian councils of criminalising homelessness, effectively making it illegal.

Councils in Queensland and Victoria have been under scrutiny for planning to slap thousands of dollars' worth of fines on people experiencing homelessness in a bid to lower crime and move people along.

This has sparked an open letter from a community group in Moreton Bay, calling on all levels of government, saying the move is both an emergency and a violation of human rights.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Beau Haywood, Nourish Street Inc founder, who faced a 25-year addiction battle and a journey through homelessness to get his take on if councils and governments are in the wrong.

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Headlines: Tropical Cyclone Alfred slows but still expected to bring “three natural disasters in one”, US cuts off intelligence sharing with Ukraine and Trumps rejects Gaza rebuild plan, and Aussie men doing no more housework than they were 20 years ago.

Deep Dive: White supremacy, antisemitism and neo-Nazis have been making headlines lately in Australia. How worried should we be?

We’ve seen rallies in Adelaide, Nazi salutes in Melbourne and politicians racing to legislate tough new penalties to crackdown on those displaying any sort of solidarity with the ideology. So how big is the neo-Nazi movement here in Australia right now? What does a modern day, Aussie Nazi look like? And are we doing enough to stop them?

Dr Kaz Ross is an independent researcher into the far-right. She joins Sacha Barbour Gatt on this episode of The Briefing to reveal what she sees the state of Nazism to be in Australia, and what it’s future trajectory might be.

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Many of us are considering how we might protect ourselves and our careers if artificial intelligence gets smart enough to do our jobs better than we can.

Although unemployment is low in Australia and we are yet to see an AI jobs ‘tsunami’, economic modelling claims up to a third of Australians could be made jobless because of this technology in just five years.

So what can we do about it ourselves? And are the Government and the union movement doing enough to help us adapt? In part three of the Briefing’s special series on AI and your job, Bension Siebert speaks to Deputy Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions Joseph Mitchell to find out.

Listen to Part 1 and Part 2.

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Headlines: Concerts and footy matches cancelled as Alfred heads towards land, Zelensky says he’s ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership, Teenager arrested over Sydney mosque threat, and we have an update on stranded astronauts.

Deep Dive: Should an act of aggression as blatant as punching a wall be enough to end Married At First Sight?

The country’s biggest reality TV show recently aired an incident where a participant punched a wall during an argument with their partner. It appears the matter has been reported to police, and the show has also been reported to SafeWork NSW as a result.

Since it’s airing, individuals and groups have been calling for Nine, and the production company behind MAFS, to act. A petition set up by What Were You Wearing Australia, a major domestic, sexual and family violence victim-survivor group, is calling for MAFS to take more responsibility on how the incident was portrayed, to rethink how they display healthy and unhealthy relationships, and to take the moment as an opportunity to educate those watching as to what domestic violence can look like. But should the show continue at all?

On this episode of The Briefing, founder of WYWWA and a leading survivor-advocate for domestic and sexual violence Sarah Williams joins Helen Smith on The Briefing to unpack the moment, and what we should learn from it.

Listen to our recent ep, Confessions of an ex-MAFS producer here.

You can find WYWWA’s petition here

1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, you can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit our website

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If you can’t beat them – join them?

Tech billionaires like Elon Musk say the AI systems they're building will replace lots of people’s jobs, but also create better ones in their place. This week, The Briefing is bringing you a special three-part series on AI and how it’ impacting your job right now.

In Part One, Bension Siebert spoke with a prolific Australian voice actor behind some of the world’s largest brands – like Google – and most recognisable characters – like Healthy Harold – about how his career disappeared and what advice he would give to the rest of us. But what about the jobs that are integrating AI right now, and say they’re all the better for it?

In Part Two, we find out how Australian healthcare professionals are using AI to avoid being replaced by it.

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Headlines: Tropical Cyclone Alfred and the federal election date, new findings on the gender pay gap and the 2025 Oscars wrap

Deep dive: What does mental health advocacy for men look like in 2025, and does social media help or hinder the cause?

A recent video by charity The Better Bloke Project has gone viral after the founders told women to “shut up” to give men “a minute to think” when discussing the state of men’s mental health in the country. The comments have sparked a fierce debate online around gender dynamics, how we talk about men and about mental health, and who should be leading those conversations.

In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith is joined by Professor Braden Hill, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Students, Equity and Indigenous at Edith Cowan University in Perth and a Nyungar (Wardandi) man, who has taken on the task of unpacking content from The Better Bloke Project and other men’s health commentators about feminism, racism and mental health.

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Tech billionaires like Elon Musk say the AI systems they're building will replacelots of people’s jobs, but also create better ones in their place. Is that true?

In Part One of the Briefing’s special three-part series on AI and your job, Bension Siebert explains the threat artificial intelligence is presenting to Australian workers.

He speaks with the prolific Australian voice actor behind some of the world’s largest brands – like Google – and most recognisable characters – like Healthy Harold – about how his career disappeared, pretty much overnight, and what advice he would give to the rest of us.

In Part Two, out tomorrow, we find out how Australian healthcare professionals are using AI to avoid being replaced by it.

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Headlines: Europe is putting together a ‘coalition of the willing’ to stop the war in Ukraine, Israel blocks entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza, and Labor vows further spending on health while Coalition promises to bolster national security.

Deep Dive: Munchausen Syndrome By Proxy is an illness most of us have heard of, having been at the centre of some of the biggest movies, TV series and criminal cases of the decade.

But now the widespread awareness of “Factitious Disorder” is leading to innocent parents being wrongly accused of child medical abuse.

One expert, who’s dedicated decades to researching the misuse and misdiagnosis of the illness, says it’s not only leading to false allegations, but it’s being used as leverage in family custody disputes, as ammo for doctors accused of malpractice, and seeing children battling rare diseases left behind.

So how common is Factitious Disorder actually? And what impacts have high-profile stories like that of Gypsy-Rose Blanchard had on the amount of Aussies being wrongfully accused of hurting their kids?

On this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with Dr Helen Hayward-Brown, a medical anthropologist and sociologist who’s studied and assisted mums and dads across the globe who’ve been incorrectly accused of Munchausen Syndrome By Proxy, and all its other names, for the past 25 years.

Further listening from the headlines:Trump wants to buy Greenland and annex Canada. Can he? is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Jen Robinson made headlines as the lawyer who helped secure the release of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange after 14 years, but her advocacy doesn’t stop there.

From representing Amber Heard, to challenging major fossil fuel corporations over climate change violations, and fighting for press freedom for Palestinian journalists, she has become a force in global justice.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Jen reveals the reasons behind her fight, why Anthony Albanese is ‘one of her favourite people’ and the moment she met Julian Assange.

Weekend list with The Briefings listeners recommendations

TO WATCH: Severance on Apple TV
TO EAT: Homemade Baba ghanoush from Sofra: Lebanese Recipes to Share
TO WATCH: Invisible Boys on Stan
TO EAT: Orange cake from Recipe Tin Eats

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Viral emerging pop sensation Go-Jo, also known as Marty Zambotto, will represent Australia at Eurovision in Basel, Switzerland this year.

He’s taken the internet by storm and now, he’s hoping to do the same on the Eurovision stage with his track ‘Milkshake Man’.

So, who is Go-Jo? How did a social media star land one of Australia’s most coveted music gigs? And does he have what it takes to finally bring the glass microphone home? In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou chats with the artist about his journey from rural WA to the 69th edition of the world’s biggest music competition.

The Eurovision Song Contest airs on SBS and SBS On Demand 14-18 May.

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Casinos are usually synonymous with high rollers and high stakes. But running a business of the size and scale of a casino comes with big risks and big expenses – despite having a possibly never-ending stream of clientele addicted to participating in what you’re selling.

The Star Entertainment Group – who operate casinos in Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast – entered a trading halt, minutes before the Australian share market opened today, after failing to post its half-year financial results.

On this catch-up episode of The Briefing, gambling expert and associate professor at Monash University Charles Livingstone joins Chris Spyrou to explain how we got here.

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Friday headlines: Australian divorce rates at lowest in half a century, Penny Wong accuses coalition of ‘gunboat diplomacy’, mystery surrounds death of legendary Hollywood actor, and Katy Perry is going to space on all-woman crewed Blue Origin mission.

Deep Dive: The government has approved a deal that will let Qatar Airways buy a quarter of Virgin Australia.

The deal means an extra 28 flights a week – and there’s hope more competition in the sector equals cheaper airfares going forward. The Treasurer Jim Chalmers yesterday greenlit the deal with some caveats – including a guarantee of an Aussies on the Virgin board and protection of customer data.

You might remember the political shitfight that was Labor knocking back a bid by the same airline to operate more routes in Australia in 2023 – with the Opposition and others accusing the Government of being far too cosy with Qantas.

On this episode of The Briefing, author of the Chairmans Lounge and founder of new Australian media company Rampart News, Joe Aston, joins Bension Siebert to explain what this is going to mean for all of us flying in the future, and what Qantas might be feeling about it all.

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Overnight, comedian and broadcaster Marty Sheargold parted ways with Triple M after comments he made on his drive show surrounding his views on the national Australian women’s soccer team The Matildas.

But what you might have missed in the backlash was additional commentary made by Sheargold on his views on endometriosis, and his perception that women suffering from the condition were exaggerating or making up the experience.

Endometriosis is a debilitating disease affecting1 in 7 females and those assigned female at birth across the country. Often described as an “invisible illness”, sufferers were quick to voice their outrage.

But what does joking about endo in this way do to the stigmatisation of people experiencing it in this country right now?

On this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with two individuals who know what they're talking about when it comes to the disease – chair of Endometriosis Australia Monica Forlano, and ambassador and podcaster Ellie Angel-Mobbs.

Find out more about the work of Endometriosis Australia here https://endometriosisaustralia.org/

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Thursday Headlines: Dutton defends share purchases and late property disclosures, religious sect jailed over death of Elizabeth Struhs, cost of private health insurance in Australia to go up and Marty Sheargold and Triple M "mutually part ways".

Deep Dive: Millions of people have been displaced, thousands killed, and tensions with Rwanda are threatening to spill into a regional war—so why aren’t we hearing more about the Democratic Republic of Congo?

While the country is no stranger to political instability, its latest flare-up along its eastern border is capturing little to no Western attention, despite it attracting condemnation from the United Nations.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with former AFP and Politico journalist Emmet Livingstone from inside the DRC to explain what’s happening – and why it feels like a huge chunk of the world’s not watching.

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If it benefits the health of the whole country, would you be willing to pay for someone else in Australia to lose weight?

Ozempic, Wegovy and medications like them have revolutionised weight loss in Australia and around the world in the past few years, and both are now approved for treating diabetes and your taxpayer money goes towards subsidising their cost.

But the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme has rejected funding them for weight loss. This means that people who are overweight but do not have diabetes are looking at hundreds of dollars a month if they want to try them to lose weight. On this episode of the Briefing, we’re asking – is that the right call? Bension Siebert is joined by Jonathan Karnon, Professor in Health Economics at Flinders University’s College of Medicine and Public Health, and Lauren Ball, Professor of Community Health and Wellbeing at The University of Queensland, to help answer the question.

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Wednesday Headlines: Labor pushes Peter Dutton on allegations of insider trading, ABC says it’s spent $1.1 million on Antoinette Lattouf’s unfair dismissal case and AI videos of Donald Trump kissing Elon Musk’s feet have been played by hackers at federal department in the US.

Deep Dive: Have we just witnessed one of the biggest technological achievements in our lifetime?

Microsoft has revealed a new quantum computer chip – and an Australian team has been pivotal in its creation. But what’s behind a quantum chip, how much work goes into making one and when could we see these computers come to life?

Professor David Reilly is a University of Sydney quantum physicist who has worked for Microsoft on the development of this quantum computer chip and is now leading the charge here in Australia.

He joins Helen Smith on this episode of The Briefing to explain how it works, and what it means to him to have worked on the development.

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With cost of living dominating the 2025 election, it was only a matter of time before Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a major move. Over the weekend, he announced an $8.5 billion Medicare investment, aiming to make 90% of GP visits free by the end of the decade.

But just hours later, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton matched the pledge dollar for dollar—escalating the battle over who’s to blame for Australia’s bulk-billing crisis.

So, will this massive cash injection actually make it easier to see a doctor for free? And how much of this is just election politics? In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with James Gillespie, CEO of Cleanbill, to break down what this promise really means for everyday Australians.

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Tuesday Headlines: Anthony Albanese speaks about Medicare, racism and the US, New telco rules to protect DV victims announced, SAG awards recap.

Deep Dive: Three Chinese warships unexpectedly entered international waters off the coast of Sydney and fired missiles over the weekend.

Australian pilots on commercial passenger flights to New Zealand were reportedly radioed directly by the warships, advising them to immediately divert course.

So why did China send the ships, how worried should we be, and is Australia prepared?

On this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with international and political editor of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, Peter Hartcher.

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Pope Francis is currently battling a serious bout of double pneumonia, with his condition described by the Vatican over the weekend as “critical”.

As Catholics around the world pray for his recovery and health, you might find yourself asking; what happens if he dies? How is a new pope chosen? And did the movie currently getting Oscars buzz, Conclave, get it right?

In today’s deep dive, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Oxford historian and Catholic Church expert, Dr Miles Pattenden, to find out how the church plans for the death or resignation of a pope.

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Monday Headlines: New poll shows Labor on track to lose the election as the Coalition matches Labor’s Medicare boost, today marks the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Pope asks for more prayers from hospital and Federal US employees asked to list their accomplishments as Elon Musk threatens to fire them

Deep Dive: Have you heard the recent rumours that Peter Dutton might be ‘Peggy Sue’?

Creator and sex worker Kayla Jade, who boasts 1.9 million followers on TikTok, has made her fame by talking about her work with her clients – with aliases of course – including a high-profile male client who pays her thousands of dollars to peg him.

Dubbed ‘Peggy Sue’, comments underneath videos sharing her stories with him take guesses at who the high-profile client could be – with the front runner gaining most traction being the Opposition leader, Peter Dutton.

Enter TikTokker and vocal critic of the Coalition, and its leader, Holly MacAlpine, who seized upon the moment, calling on her audience to flood Dutton’s comment section on socials with the words ‘Peggy Sue’.

While rumours and personal attacks swirling ahead of an election are nothing new, there’s a clear shift in where they’re originating from, with creators and commentators leading the charge online.

And with this year’s vote the first where Gen Z and millennials will outnumber Boomers at the ballot box, who is influencing young voters and leading the discourse – will make a difference.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Holly MacAlpine to explore what she thinks of the ‘Peggy Sue’ meme, politics on TikTok, and the influence of people like her.

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Resilience is a journey we’re all on - and it's the cornerstone of one of Australia’s top podcasts, The Imperfects.

Hosted by Hugh van Cuylenburg, Josh van Cuylenburg, and Ryan Shelton, the show has become a go-to for authentic conversations about life’s challenges.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, The Imperfects pour themselves a cup of vulnerabilitea and get real about toxic masculinity, making friends as adults and what Americans really think of them.

Find tickets to their live show here. Tickets go on sale on Monday 24 February at 11am, local time.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO WATCH: Pose on SBS on Demand
TO READ: Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty
TO DO: Line Dancing at your local pub or club
TO WATCH: Mo on Netflix

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Are your noise-cancelling headphones doing you serious damage?

In ear, over-ear, for work, for working out, for study, for music festivals – removing background or outside noise has started to become an essential part of our listening experience day-to-day.

But what if we’re going to all this effort – only to be doing terrible damage to our hearing, our memory and our brains? Wayne Wilson is an associate professor in the school of health and rehabilitation sciences at The University of Queensland. He joins Sacha Barbour Gatt on this episode of The Briefing to explain how it all works.

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Friday Headlines: Luis Rubiales found guilty of sexual assault over soccer player kiss, Peter Dutton wrongly says Labor is fast-tracking citizenship for Gazans to win votes, Meta and Google pull out of sponsoring Sydney’s Mardi Gras among DEI fight in the US, and the chances of an asteroid hitting earth yo-yos.

Deep Dive: For decades now, whether you like it or not, we’ve had a desire to keep up with famous people, know their secrets and delight over their scandals.

Up until recently, we’ve relied on so-called “sources” to spill the tea to a gossip rag or for paparazzi to capture an outrageous moment. Then came social media and it felt like we were getting a little glimpse behind the curtain into the “real” lives of famous people.

But there’s no better source than straight from the horse’s mouth. Enter the TikTok lip reader, and it’s not just celebs in their sights; it’s politicians too.

On this episode of The Briefing, we speak to Nina Dellinger, or @ninacelested on TikTok, a lip reader who is sharing what she thinks celebs and pollies are saying, why she creates the content she does, and how she does it.

Further listening from the headlines:
'Asteroid hurtling towards Earth? Meet the team tasked with protecting us' is out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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During last year’s election, Donald Trump joked about becoming a dictator, but “only on day one” of his second term as president.

But over the past month, Trump has ignored laws passed by the US Congress, rejected the authority of US courts, forced the deletion of thousands of government websites and destroyed reams of scientific literature and public health data.

It’s starting to look less and less like a joke.

On this episode of the Briefing, Bension Siebert dives deep into whether Trump is genuinely beginning to turn the US into a dictatorship, and as Trump’s politics gain traction in Australia – most recently through billionaire Clive Palmer’s new political party – we ask what it would mean for this country if the world’s most powerful democracy slid into autocracy. On the other hand, Trump is no Hitler or Stalin – so is calling him a dictator...just a bit over-the-top?

US investigative journalist Dave Levinthal and University of Melbourne lecturer in history Dr Sarah Walsh join Bension Siebert to help unpack these questions and more.

Listen to The Briefing's episode on Trump's key cabinet picks here.

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Headlines: Trump calls Zelensky a ‘dictator without elections’, ASIO boss says multiple ‘hostile’ nations plotted to murder critics in Australia and Scott Morrison asks for photo album bought at south Sydney Salvos to be returned.

Deep Dive: Skibidi Toilet, the wildly popular YouTube web series featuring animated singing human heads emerging from toilets, is making its debut in an art gallery at the Institute of Modern Art (IMA) in Brisbane.

Since it burst onto the scene in 2023, the quirky series by Russian content creator Alexey Gerasimov has captivated audiences worldwide, amassing 18 billion views and has gained the attention of film director Michael Bay.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Nick Aloisio-Shearer, the Assistant Director and curator of the exhibition at IMA, and Dr Nicholas Karah, the Director of the University of Queensland’s Centre for Digital Cultures and Societies, to explain the phenomenon that is Skibidi Toilet, and why we need to talk about it.

You can check out the exhibition until the 30th of March at Brisbane’s Institute of Modern Art.

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When a plane carrying 80 people crash landed, burst into flames and flipped upside down on the tarmac of a Canadian airport yesterday, it was the third plane crash in North America in less than a month.

18 people were taken to hospital but, amazingly, no-one was killed.

Although statistically, flying is a very safe way to travel – much safer than driving – these incidents make many of us increasingly nervous about the next time we get on a flight.

On this episode of the Briefing, Helen Smith asks President of the Australian Association of Psychologists Sahra O'Doherty for her top tips for keeping calm, especially when your flight hits a patch of turbulence.

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Headlines: The Reserve Bank finally cut interest rates, man charged with online harassment of Antoinette Lattouf and a TikTokker finds an album of unseen photos of Scott Morrison from 1996.

Deep Dive: If you’re getting your pills tested at a music festival, who ends up with your data from the results – and what should they do with it?

Legal pill and drug testing in Australia has made significant legislative steps in recent years – from calls for it to be trialled by community organisations to being introduced into four jurisdictions across the country, with some being permanent sites.

But as we become more familiar with pill testing, are we doing enough with the data we get from it for it to be of major use to the community?

In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith is joined by RMIT drug policy expert, Associate Professor Monica Barratt, who has some ideas for what our policymakers could be doing better.

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Gerald Ridsdale, known as Australia’s most notorious paedophile priest, has died in prison, aged 90.

Ridsdale was convicted eight separate times over the sexual abuse of 70 known victim survivors – with the most recent sentencing being in 2023. The impact of his abuse – on victim survivors, on the reputation of the church, and on Australian society – cannot be understated.

Lucie Morris Marr is a Walkley-awarding winner investigative journalist, author and broadcaster – who's book Fallen: The inside story of the secret trial and conviction of Cardinal George Pell went into great detail on the abuse surrounding Ridsdale and his relationship to Pell. She joins Helen Smith on this episode of The Briefing to outline what those impacted by his violence are feeling on the day of his death.

You can find Lucie's newest book, Processed, here.

If anything in this episode has caused you distress, you can get help. Some numbers you can call include:
1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732
Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491
Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114
Victims of Crime Helpline: 1800 819 817
Full Stop Australia: 1800 385 578

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Stem cell treatments are being offered around the globe as an almost ‘miracle’ intervention promising to help patients avoid major surgeries and treat untreatable conditions.

While commercialised and able to be accessed internationally, the bulk of stem cell related therapies in Australia remain ‘experimental,’ with only a limited amount of uses approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and the National Health and Medical Research Council. So what exactly are stem cells, why are Australians traveling overseas to get them and is it time for a regulatory rethink?

In Part Two of this two-part deep dive of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Professor Megan Munsie, an expert in stem cell ethics and policy at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, and Professor James St John, Head of the Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, to break down the future of stem cell treatments in Australia.

Listen to Part One here.

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Tuesday Headlines: Big day for borrowers as the RBA meets to consider rate cut, new video emerges of Australian soldier Oscar Jenkins captured fighting for Ukraine, and Donald Trump has been personally invited to NRL Vegas round.

Deep Dive: Imagine being told you needed to undergo major surgery to repair a torn ACL or dodgy hip? You know what you're likely in for – a few months of pain, some rehab and medical bill after medical bill.

But what if you could avoid all of that with just a few injections? The only catch: you have to travel overseas, and the treatment is considered experimental in Australia.

That’s the decision one of our listeners made when she opted against surgery—choosing instead to fly to Thailand for stem cell therapy. In part one of this two-part deep dive of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou chats with Marie Cassaniti about her experience, why she took the risk, and whether she believes it was worth it.

Part Two is in your feed now - or you can listen here.

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The highly anticipated third season of cult TV show The White Lotus has dropped today and as much as we’ll be picking apart the storylines and theme, we’ll also be obsessing over the location.

Koh Samui takes centre stage as arguably the main character, just like Maui and Taormina did in the seasons that came before. But what will locals think of its new-found fame among cashed-up tourists?

In today’s deep dive, Sacha Barbour Gatt and Australian Traveller’s Quentin Long talk about the “White Lotus effect”; what happens to a location when an insanely popular show makes it look so damn good.

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Monday Headlines: Australia building half as many homes compared to 30 years ago, Ukraine not part of fresh peace talks between US and Russia, and millions to be impacted by Sydney train chaos.

Deep Dive: Have the Greens lost their momentum right before a federal election?

In 2022, the party had their best federal election result ever, picking up 12 Senate seats and four in the House of Representatives. The result three years ago was dubbed a “green slide” - with the party, along with the Teal independents, enjoying a surge in support from the Australian public tired of major parties.

Fast forward to the recent by-election result in the Melbourne seat of Prahran, which saw the Greens lose it to the Liberals after holding the seat for over a decade, and things are not looking for certain. Recent polling has also given the party their worst result in nine months, suggesting leader Adam Bandt is failing to cut through with voters.

Are we about to see a big Green loss as Australians head to the polls later this year? Or can the party recapture the attention of Australian voters? Leader of the Greens, Adam Bandt, joins Sacha Barbour Gatt this episode of The Briefing to explain what the party is selling to voters, and how he'll negotiate a possible minority government.

Further listening from the headlines:Are unions holding Australians to ransom with Wilhelmina Stracke is out now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Kishwar Chowdhury never imagined she’d find herself on national TV, but MasterChef took her to new heights giving her the platform to showcase Bengali cuisine to the world.

The proud Bangladeshi-Aussie went from cooking in her kitchen to becoming a celebrity chef traveling around South Asia and beyond.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Kishwar shares how cooking helped her navigate grief and reveals why her dream cookbook collaboration is with Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO WATCH: Bump season 5 on Stan
TO MAYBE WATCH: Apple Cider Vinegar on Netflix
TO DO: Musical productions at your local school
TO TRY: Pill box for your vitamins

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Did you know there’s a body responsible for monitoring asteroids, and planning what to do should they set a collision course with Earth?

The International Asteroid Warning Network is a UN-backed agency that has recently swung into action with the discovery of Asteroid 2024 YR4, which has 2.2% chance of hitting our planet in 2032.

So, who are the people tasked with protecting us from city-destroying space rocks and what happens when the threat goes from unlikely, to likely? In today’s episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt takes you behind the scenes of the IAWN with former manager Dr Tim Spahr.

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Headlines: NSW nurses banned from practising anywhere in Australia, Hamas says ceasefire deal back on track, Albo drops strongest hints of a March or April election, and have you woken up single this morning?

Deep Dive: Donald Trump promised to end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours – and he’s well past his own deadline.

The US President now says he’s spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the phone, and secured an agreement to start negotiating for peace.

But with neither side so far offering major concessions, almost three years after Russia illegally invaded Ukraine – is ending the war realistic? And are Ukrainians willing to accept peace at the expense of justice?

On this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert is joined by Chrestyna Kmetj from the Ukrainian Australian Federation for her reaction to the news.

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Breaking up with someone is never easy - and new research has found that the week leading up to Valentine's Day is a peak time for relationships break ups. So why does a holiday about love lead to more relationship ends?

Communication styles within different generations and the way social media has warped our perception of what love should look has undoubtedly impacted how we approach break ups. In this special pre-Valentine's Day episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith speaks with Dr Lisa Portolan, a love, intimacy and online dating academic, to unpack the best ways to end a relationship and how our understanding of love has evolved.

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Headlines: Two NSW health nurses to be charged for antisemitic comments, Antoinette Lattouf’s unfair dismissal trial hears from final witnesses, Westpac becomes second big bank to slash fixed mortgage rates, and Beavers 🦫 finish Czech damn project hit by red tape.

Deep Dive: Belle Gibson was one of Australia’s first major wellness influencers, claiming to have cured her terminal brain cancer through clean eating and alternative therapies. She built a massive following, launched a bestselling app and cookbook, and even secured a partnership with Apple.

But there was just one problem—Belle never had cancer.

A series of exposés were published in 2015, and by 2017 her wellness empire had collapsed and she was a convicted fraudster who owed hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. Now, her story is being told in a new Netflix series, Apple Cider Vinegar, billed as a “true-ish story, based on a lie.”

In this episode of The Briefing, we hear from Chanelle McAuliffe - once Belle’s friend, who would go on to help expose her. Chanelle’s real-life experience is depicted in the series - she joins Chris Spyrou to share what Netflix got right, what it missed, and what it was like to watch the world discover the truth.

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Australia is in the grip of a growing medicine shortage, with pharmacists, doctors and patients all feeling the impact.

There are currently more than 400 shortages listed on the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s website, with dozens more expected and hundreds of medications being discontinued. But what’s driving the shortages, and is there a fix?

In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith is joined by President of the Australian Medical Association Dr. Danielle McMullin to break down how we can improve the shortages, and whether Australians should brace for long-term medicine delays.

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Headlines: Sam Kerr not guilty in racially aggravated harassment case, Trump tariffs on Australia still on the cards despite PM phone call, Banks to disregard HECS debt in loan test, and Liam Neeson is helping a Melbourne couple sell their house.

Deep Dive: Most of us, at one point or another, have had a terrible boss.

And while we might fantasise about quitting in a blaze of glory by destroying documents, changing passwords and stealing clients to exact our revenge - most of us stop short of doing just that.

But thanks to Gen Z and changing office cultures, that’s starting to shift, with “revenge quitting” tipped as the leading workplace trend of 2025. But is quitting with a grudge a power move or a career killer?

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by recruitment expert Tammie Ballis from Realistic Careers to break down the risks, rewards, and realities of revenge quitting.

Listen to Tammie's chat with The Briefing, on finding a new job in 2025, here.

Further listening from the headlines:Trump's tariff war has come to Australia. Here's what it means for you is available on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Have you ever thought about going to therapy?

Official stats show mental illness now affects about double the Australians it affected in the early 2000s. But in a cost-of-living crisis, no one wants to waste hundreds of dollars on therapy they don’t really need or spend time with a therapist that's not the right fit.

It’s a crowded market – both with people seeking therapy, and the many types of therapy on offer in Australia. So how do you start, and decide on what’s right for you? In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with psychotherapist and President of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia Nigel Will Polak, and psychologists Jocelyn Brewer and Betty Chetcuti, to offer a no-bullshit explainer the steps you should take if you’re thinking therapy might be right for you.

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Popular rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar are currently embroiled in a very public spat - which has come to a triumphant head with Kendrick's knockout performance at the Super Bowl yesterday. But why are they fighting again?

Last year The Briefing brought you an explainer on why there is so much bad blood and the long history behind the feud. In case you missed it, listen in to catch up on all the context with hip hop journalist and author Simone Amelia Jordan.

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Headlines: Jury in Sam Kerr trial retires, Hamas pauses release of Israeli hostages, Nationals walk back Dutton’s threat of axing public servant jobs and Super Bowl 59 will go down as one for the ages.

Deep Dive: Australia has officially entered the tariff war.

After weeks of speculation, yesterday US President Donald Trump confirmed Australia will be among the latest targets of sweeping 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

Australian PM Anthony Albanese says he’ll have an urgent phone call with the US President to convince Trump to tariff other countries but keep us the hell out of it. But will it work – and if it doesn’t, how will it impact not just Australian business, but everyday Aussies on the ground?

Scott Phillips, Chief Investment Officer at The Motley Fool Australia, joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to unpack what this means for us, and what he thinks will happen next.

Further listening from the headlines:'Drake v Kendrick Lamar isn't just a war of words' is available on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Have you been impacted by the recent egg shortages across Australia?

The major supermarkets have been hit hard by limited supplies – and a new bird flu outbreak in Victoria this week has sparked a warning that those shortages could persist a while yet.

This all comes as experts report a rise in the number of us choosing to own our own chickens – first reported during the pandemic, and more recently as people looked to take control of their food supply when supermarket shelves were often bare of a lot of essentials.

Fresh research out of the University of Adelaide is shining a picture on how we view our backyard chickens, what it says about us and whether we need to step up our game when it comes to caring for them. Researcher Dr Emily Buddle joins Sacha Barbour Gatt on this episode of The Briefing to explain.

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Headlines: Labor’s major announcement for women’s health, Labor vote dives in Victorian by-elections, Sam Kerr’s lawyers to give final arguments in racial harassment trial, and more than 120 million people are expected to tune in to the Super Bowl today.

Deep Dive: Content Warning - this deep dive discusses child sexual abuse.

Australian Federal Police have issued a warning about a rise in the use of generative AI in creating child sexual abuse material.

Not only is it being used by predators online, it’s also being used by Aussie kids to bully and harass each other.

In today’s episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with documentary and podcast maker Akhim Dev who has long worked alongside police in this space, to talk about the threat of AI to kids, and how the tech is being used to fight and track down perpetrators of child sexual abuse.

If this episode has brought up any issues for you, help is available:
Lifeline 13 11 14
1800Respect

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Maddy MacRae has over 3.5 million followers across her social media accounts, but surprisingly has spent years facing rejection and chasing acting gigs.

With $15k debt, multiple hospitality jobs, and a faltering passion for her acting career, she broke into the influencer space almost by accident.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Maddy explains how she turned her stomach into viral content, and what it was like when she finally landed a role in a TV series.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

TO DO: Send us your recommendations to try on insta @thebriefingpodcast
TO DO: Running with a mate or joining a run club
TO TRY: Countdown app for goal setting
TO TRY: Brown eyeliner to you waterline

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Is Australia’s biggest reality TV show unethical?

Married at First Sight – one of Australia's most popular reality TV shows, currently in its 12th season – amasses millions of viewers each year. This season it has also garnered major controversy in its airing of toxic behaviour from various members of the show.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Alexandria Funnell, ex MAFS post producer and co-host of That’s Show Biz Baby, to unpack what really happens behind the scenes, if MAFS has crossed an ethical line this season, and if we should still be watching.

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Headlines: Peter Dutton holds rare press conference calling for inquiry into PM’s knowledge of explosives caravan, Trump restates plan for Gaza, ABC staff ‘disgusted’ by broadcaster’s handling of Antoinette Lattouf’s Federal Court case and 61% of you say you'll be voting for an independent candidate.

Deep Dive: Mastercard will remove the 16-digit number from their credit and debit cards by 2030 and replace them with tokenisation and biometric authentication.

The move is designed to crack down on identity theft and the fraudulent use of cards, with card fraud in Australia being over $868 million in the last financial year.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Gary Mortimer, a professor of marketing and consumer behaviour at the QUT Business School, to unpack what it all means.

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Are you satisfied with the Government right now?

If polls are anything to go by, Australians are increasingly getting over being led by majority governments on the left or the right. Labor and the Coalition are unsurprisingly not keen on sharing power with independents and minor parties – and have responded by pushing legislation through parliament to reform our national elections.

The Government says this new law would stop billionaires having too much influence on our elections – but independent MPs say it’s really aimed at making it harder for them, and new independents, to be elected in the future. It’s a battle over the future of the country. Who’s going to win, and what should you do about it?

Allegra Spender is the Independent Member for Wentworth, and Kate Chaney the Independent Member for Curtin. On this episode of The Briefing, they join Bension Siebert from parliament house in Canberra.

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Headlines: Labor agrees to minimum jail sentences for terror crimes, the world reacts to Trump’s Gaza plan, Sam Kerr’s trial continues, and 50,000 people say life feels best in the morning.

Deep Dive: Are Frequent Flyer programs, and supermarket loyalty programs, a scam?

If these airlines and big supermarket chains are constantly pressuring us to join up can that really be in our best interests?

On this episode of The Briefing, we dive deep into whether these programs are a genuine savings opportunity – and what mistakes you might be making if you’re trying to make your points convert to real life value. Bension Siebert chats to “points whisperer” and founder of I Fly Flat, Steven Hui, about the upsides and downsides of frequent flyer programs and the best strategies to save serious cash on an overseas trip.

Further listening from the headlines:

Yesterday's special breaking news edition following Trump's Gaza announcements is available on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts now.
'How to retrain your brain in 2025' is available on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.

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"The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it too. We'll own it.”

US President Donald Trump has just announced his intention to expel all Palestinians from Gaza and claim ownership of the land for the United States.

To forcefully and permanently exile more than 1.7 million people to neighbouring countries would have huge implications for global community – and potentially Australia, as a key ally to the USA. Has the world just witnessed the end of the two-state solution?

In this special breaking news episode of the Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with Chair in Global Islamic Politics at Deakin University Greg Barton to get his immediate reaction, and explain what this means for the Middle East, the world and Australia.

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Headlines: Australia to ban DeepSeek from government devices, China hits back with retaliatory tariffs on US goods, FBI enlisted in case against Melbourne’s Pam the Bird graffiti artist and Putin moves to revive Soviet-era Eurovision rival.

You can catch last week's deep dive on DeepSeek on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts now.

Deep Dive: How did Elon Musk become one of the most powerful men in the world?

The tech billionaire is best known for being the CEO of Tesla and founder of SpaceX. But his involvement in politics - and new position within the Trump administration - is turning heads in the tech world. But who is Elon Musk, really? What drives him, and what do you need to know about his past to understand his future?

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Mike Isaac, a technology correspondent for The New York Times, to unpack who Elon Musk is behind closed doors.

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Learning a new language is famously very hard and usually takes years. Could all that be about to change?

While we now have apps like Duolingo to help, it’s still likely to take a long time and a lot of effort to be anything close to fluent. What usually helps is spending time in a country where everyone speaks the language you’re learning – but one group of Australian researchers says virtual reality and AI could step in for those who aren’t able to make the trip.

Brodie McGee from the University of Southern Queensland is one of them. In this episode of The Briefing Bension Siebert chats with the Australian teacher and researcher on how you could be supercharging the process of learning a new language.

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Headlines: Major parties rake in over $130 million in political donations last financial year, Sam Kerr faces UK trial over racially aggravated harassment, Trump pauses tariffs on Mexico amid possible “deal” with the country, and Beyonce finally takes home Grammy for Album of the Year.

Deep Dive: Have you ever spat in a tube and sent it off for testing?

In recent years it feels like everyone knows someone – friends, family, people all over the country and world, who have placed their precious DNA into a home testing kit to learn about their heritage, unknown history, or for just for a bit of home science fun.

But what if it’s all a massive exercise in exploitation? What happens to your DNA data – and what happens if it falls into the wrong hands? On this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by award-winning investigative journalist Claire Aird, host of LiSTNR’s newest exclusive podcast Secrets We Keep: Should I Spit?, to expose what happens when the DNA leaves you and heads out into the world.

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Politics is about to be back on for 2025.

You'd be forgiven for thinking government has already been in session this year – there’s been a bit on – but this week marks the first sitting of parliament for the year, and a major moment for the Labor government to get some legislative runs on the board before everyone starts fighting for your vote in the upcoming federal election.

What will be dominating the debate over the next fortnight – and is what is on the political agenda the same stuff that matters to you and your day-to-day? On this episode of The Briefing Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Nine’s National affairs editor, Andrew Probyn, to get his read on what will get the most (hot) airtime.

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Headlines: Labor imposes counter-terrorism sanctions on online neo-Nazi network for the first time, North Queensland floods update, trade war looming over Trump’s tariffs against Canada, Mexico and China, and The Grammys are on today.

Deep Dive: In the 2010s ISIS became one of the world’s biggest terror groups, controlling almost one-third of Syria and around half of Iraq.

Over the years the group has claimed responsibility for terrorist attacks across the globe, including those in Paris in 2015, Berlin in 2016, and Manchester at an Ariana Grande concert the year after. Since 2018 the group’s influence has felt quieter, claiming less responsibility for attacks but that has changed.

In 2024 we saw Russia’s deadliest terror attack in over two decades – which ISIS took responsibility for – and on New Year's Day, an ISIS-inspired attack killed 14 people and injured dozens more in New Orleans. So, is ISIS having a resurgence?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Michael Ware, a man who witnessed the birth of ISIS firsthand and is the only western journalist to escape one of their beheading attempts, to explain how we got here, if he thinks ISIS is having a resurgence, and if Australia is ready for a possible terror attack from the group.

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Steph Claire Smith has always been a trailblazer - and the model turned business founder and podcast host with over 1.4million followers doesn’t stop.

The O.G influencer started Kic with her best friend Laura Henshaw. Since then, the pair have sky rocketed to global success, releasing product lines and joining the LiSTNR family with the KICPOD Podcast.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Steph opens up on how she's feeling about being an (almost) second time mum, her views of the 'Oatzempic' craze, and her obsession with chicken wings.

Listen to KIC POD here

Weekend List with Helen Smith

TO WATCH: Jubilee's surrounded series on YouTube
TO LISTEN: Bad Hasbara - The World's Most Moral Podcast
TO EAT: Congee rice porridge
TO READ: Hot Pilates

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2024 was full of comments, complaints and promises from politicians and companies over the cost of living - and so far this year we're looking likely to see the same thing.

Lowering your weekly groceries shop, scoring a discount or filling up the tank for less is something we all want, so how can we do it?

In this episode of The Briefing, we did the homework for you. Chris Spyrou is joined by The Briefing's Helen Smith to unpack which apps and tools can save you the most on fuel, food and fashion.

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A man diagnosed with sexsomnia has been found not guilty of having non-consensual sex with a woman in Sydney.

With the disorder now appearing as a key argument in trials across the country and the world, The Briefing wanted to bring you a previous explainer the team published on sexsomnia - what it is, how it works, what behaviours it can lead to.

In this bonus episode, Helen Smith is joined by Aleks Trkulja from the Pleasure Centre, and specialist sleep physician Dr David Cunnington, so you can catch up on just how common sexsomnia is, and what you need to know about it.

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In this morning’s deep dive, we spoke to consumer and money expert Joel Gibson about how Bunnings has monpolised the hardware industry.

When we reached out to the hardware chain for comment, they were keen to dispute our assertion that it holds a leading stake in the market and insists big brands don’t equal bad brands.

In part two of our look at Bunnings and how it’s managed to become cemented in Australia’s cultural zeitgeist, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by the chain’s Managing Director, Mike Schneider.

Listen to part one on LiSTNR, Apple or Spotify now.

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Headlines: Greens to push for 50 cent public transport nationwide, no survivors after Washington plane and helicopter crash, Australians facing long-term homelessness surges 25% in five years and Donald Trump calls for Elon Musk’s Space X to “go get” stranded ISS astronauts.

Deep Dive: By all accounts, Bunnings is a true blue Aussie success story.

What started in 1907 as a sawmill in WA now boasts more than 300 locations across Australia and New Zealand and reported revenue in 2024 of $19 billion. On top of that, the hardware giant has managed to crack into the cultural zeitgeist. Who doesn’t talk fondly about a weekend snag and peruse of the paint aisle?

But amidst its praise and popularity comes quiet criticism about its monopoly over the Australian hardware industry, its mega profits, its sometimes sneaky marketing tactics and its ability to effectively wipe out the competition. So, why do we seem to love Bunnings, despite these things?

On today’s special two-part investigation, Sacha Barbour Gatt answers that question with money and consumer expert, Joel Gibson.

In part two, in your feed now, we ask Bunnings Managing Director, Mike Schneider, what he thinks of the answer.

Listen to part two 'Bunnings Responds' on LiSTNR, Apple or Spotify now.

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We’ve all got a butthole, but why are we so afraid to talk about it without making a joke of it?

Professor Richard Hillman is one of the few specialists in Australia in anus cancer and he thinks it’s time we open up about the health of our rear ends.

In today’s episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with the professor about anal hygiene, the case for banning toilet paper and why we need to end the stigma and shame around out buttholes.

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Headlines: Caravan with explosives found in Sydney allegedly intended for antisemitic attack, lowered inflation rates open the door to April election date and Sweden charges man in first ever drink driving case involving a drone.

Deep Dive: Elizabeth Struhs was an eight-year-old girl, living with incurable Type 1 diabetes in regional Queensland. Instead of receiving the insulin she needed to live, her parents and other members of their fringe religious group, The Saints, withdrew her injections, believing the healing power of God would save her. She died of diabetic ketoacidosis in January 2022.

On Wednesday afternoon, in a bombshell Supreme Court ruling, 14 members of the congregation, including her parents, were found guilty of manslaughter. They included Elizabeth's father and the leader of the congregation, who had originally been charged with murder.

In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert is joined by investigative journalist Richard Baker on the ground in Queensland to explain who The Saints are, why what happened to Elizabeth is manslaughter, and whether this case will have any impact on other fringe religious groups that reject modern medicine around the country.

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Our major political parties each have plans they say will make renting better and home ownership easier for young people. We’ll believe it when we see it.

But with a federal election coming up, are Labor, the Coalition and the Greens missing solutions that could save you serious money?

On this episode of the Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with McKell Institute Chief Executive Edward Cavanough about four ways to make renting or buying a house easier, and why most politicians aren’t talking about them.

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Headlines: Australia Day neo-Nazis face court in Adelaide, how Dutton’s promise to cut 36,000 government jobs could affect you, Trump signs orders to halt government grants and Happy Lunar New Year!

Deep Dive: Has China just won the AI arms race?

The United States has been the undisputed leader in the race for global AI domination – that was until this week, where everything changed. Meet DeepSeek - a little-known Chinese competitor to ChatGPT that has in one swift announcement wiped one trillion dollars off the stock market and smashed what we thought we knew about world’s most in-demand new technology.

Is it all over for ChatGPT? How is DeepSeek different, and why has it made such a major splash in the global community? Mark Pesce is a partner in AI consultancy Wisely AI and honorary associate in Digital Cultures at the University of Sydney. He joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to explain what we know, and what it all means.

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Are artists making music just for the algorithm?

Alex Burnett is the Australian songwriter behind music with 1.4 billion streams on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify. He has worked on no less than 30 songs that have made it into Triple J’s Hottest 100, collaborating with artists like Thelma Plum, Hockey Dad, Alison Wonderland, Dan Sultan, Hayden James, Bliss n Eso and Flight Facilities.

On this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks to Alex about what it takes to make a song into a viral hit, and how streaming algorithms change the kind of music that gets made in the first place - and what that means for the “authenticity” of songs that make it onto the playlists on our phones.

Listen to The Algorithm, Part 1: How to stop Spotify killing your music taste here.

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Headlines: Australia’s road toll hits 12-year high, Aussies pay more for dental care than most OECD countries, Donald Trump to sign order banning trans people from US Military and New York gets in on the stinky flower trend.

Listen to our September 2024 deep dive 'The Case for putting dental in Medicare' with Jordan Steele-John on Apple or Spotify here.

Deep Dive: Most of us have been listening to music for years through streaming apps – like the one you’re reading this on right now. But these platforms are not neutral. They are massive businesses with a vested interest in keeping you listening.

In Part 1 of a two-part The Briefing special, Bension Siebert interviews the man who invented many of Spotify’s algorithms. Glenn McDonald reveals what these algorithms are doing to our taste in music, what we can do about it as individuals, and what happens behind closed doors to make songs viral.

In Part 2, you’ll hear from an Australian songwriter who has reached 1.4 billion streams, on how the incentives of streaming are changing the kind of music that gets made in the first place. Listen to The Algorithm, Part 2: How Spotify changed music forever in the Briefing feed this afternoon from 3pm.

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Did you have a dream last night? Do you remember it?

Dreams hold a lot of significance throughout history – but how much should we be reading into them, and is there any science to back up the theories we have for what we experience in our dreams?

Dr Manuela Kirberg is a researcher and a lecturer in philosophy at Monash University and part of the Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies, which looks at our sleep wake cycle. She joins Helen Smith on this episode of The Briefing to unpack the complex question of why we dream.

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Headlines: Italian Jannik Sinner wins the Australian Open, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks on Holocaust Remembrance Day and high temperatures predicted across the country today.

Deep Dive: As we mark the Australia Day public holiday, whether you’re working, spending it at the beach or at a BBQ, attending a rally or getting through some chores – we can’t ignore the contentious nature of our national day.

So, while many argue about what today should be used for – celebration or mourning – many others will be granted their long-held wish of becoming an Australian citizen. How do they feel about the debate, given the difficult journey they’ve been on to attain citizenship? And what does it mean to them now they’ve achieved that goal, many years and tens of thousands of dollars later?

On this Australia Day, we’re bringing you the story of what it takes to become an Aussie citizen. Sami Shah is a writer, comedian and educator who came to Australia from Pakistan, after his life was threatened while working as a journalist there. On this episode of The Briefing, he tells Sacha Barbour Gatt why he wanted to become an Australian citizen, and what citizenship means to him.

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Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts, is a proud Bundjalung Widubul-Wiabul woman who’s a survivor of out-of-home care and now a practising lawyer fighting for the freedom of others.

She’s the first ACT Commissioner for First Nations children, won Marie Claire’s change maker of the year and is author of Long Yarn Short Long Yarn Short: We are still here.

Speaking to The Weekend Briefing for a second time, Vanessa joins Antoinette Lattouf to unpack Peter Dutton’s controversial comments about refusing to stand in front of the Aboriginal flag, the push by a prominent barrister to scrap Acknowledgements of Country, and the harm done in the policing of First Nations young people.

Weekend List

TO EAT: Fattoush Salad With Fried Pita Chips
TO WATCH: Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action documentary on Netflix
TO DO: TooGoodToGo App
TO READ: Long Yarn Short: We are still here by Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts

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Sometimes sorry is the hardest, and in this case, most expensive word.

This week, Prince Harry achieved something many thought impossible – receiving a “full apology” from Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers.

The apology was part of a settlement over intrusions into the Duke of Sussex's private life, the use of private investigators, and "phone hacking, surveillance and misuse of private information".

On this episode of the Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with veteran journalist and former host of the ABC’s Media Watch program, Paul Barry, to find out how the royal got a Murdoch paper to say sorry.

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Headlines: Albo to promise $10,000 cash bonus for apprentices, Southport attacker jailed for 52 years over murder of three girls, Splendour in the Grass cancelled for a second straight year and Aryna Sabalenka one step closer to AO three-peat.

Deep Dive: What the hell is going on with petrol prices?

Right now in Australia, you can pay $2.26 a litre at one servo, but then drive past another, selling the same unleaded for $1.64, on the same road. Why?

On this episode of the Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with Peter Khoury, a spokesperson for the National Roads and Motorists' Association, to unravel what’s behind the wildly different pricing, who exactly we should blame when petrol prices skyrocket, and how to find the best deal, easily.

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Long gone are the glory days of television when we’d be handed 20+ episode seasons of our favourite shows, enough to keep us going and satiated for the year before a new run of episodes dropped.

Now, good tv shows are sometimes rolling out just six episode seasons with gaps as long as two years between them. We know COVID and the 2023 writers’ strike had an impact - but what we’re really seeing is the ‘streamification’ of tv, with Netflix, Prime and Stan originals dominating the space with big names and big budgets.

So, are the days of side quests, character development and filler eps gone? Legendary Aussie tv writer and creator Michael Lucas joins Sacha Barbour Gatt on this episode of The Briefing to discuss.

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Headlines: Dutton gains ‘significant lead’ over Albanese as preferred PM, Trump threatens Putin with tariffs and demands apology from 'nasty’ bishop, cost of a Melbourne to Sydney flight has jumped since competition collapse and no Aussies left in the singles at the Australian Open.

Deep Dive: How would you rate Labor on its environmental record?

After sweeping to power in 2022 promising to be a point of difference to the Liberals, its failed to come through on a number of key pledges. As we head into the 2025 federal election the focus and priority of both the major political parties and the public has changed. Cost of living, housing, healthcare and the economy are ranking as the biggest issues according to the Ipsos Issues Monitor.

So, can we expect much of either party when it comes to the environment this year?

The Australian Conservation Foundation is hoping so, and in today’s episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by the ACF’s National Biodiversity Policy Adviser, Brendan Sydes to find out more.

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Donald Trump says US astronauts will be planting an American flag on Mars within the next four years. But how about an Australian flag?

In 2019 the then-PM Scott Morrison committed 150 million taxpayer dollars to get Australia a seat at the table for Project Artemis. Australia may not have anything of the scale of NASA, but we do have a national space agency. So could we see an Australian flag planted right next to the American one on the red planet in the next few years?

Dr Rebecca Allen is Co-Director of the Space Technology and Industry Institute at Swinburne University of Technology. She joins Bension Siebert to explain what is, and isn’t, possible.

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Headlines: Trump’s first day back in office wrapped, AFP says foreign influence may be behind antisemitic attacks, mental health wards shut down in NSW as hundreds of psychiatrists resign and Novak Djokovic is through to the AO semi-final.

Deep Dive: In November 1978, more than 900 people died in what’s become one of the most notorious mass murders in history; the Jonestown Massacre.

Cult leader Jim Jones ordered his followers in the jungle of South America’s Guyana to drink punch-laced cyanide under the promise that they would be granted access to paradise. The compound in which Jones lived, preached and ultimately murdered hundreds of people has been reclaimed by the jungle and closed off since the late 70s. But a local travel agency has just started tours to the site, promising to honour the victims and their memories.

But is it insensitive for tourists to visit a location with such a dark and tragic past? Or is it no different to the tourism we see at Auschwitz, the 9/11 site or Chernobyl?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with tour organiser from Wanderlust Adventures, Roselyn Sewcharran.

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Two of Australia’s richest people – Gina Rinehart and Anthony Pratt - were on the invites list to Donald Trump’s inauguration, as he was sworn in as US President for the second time today.

It was the latest example of Trump collecting some billionaires from around the world to be part of the new president’s inner circle. So what does this mean for Australia? Could these relationships help us avoid tariffs Trump is threatening? Could it help our economy? Or will this just be a group of very rich people hoping to make each other richer?

On this episode of the Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with Guardian Australia journalist Ben Doherty about how close Trump has become with this country’s richest people, and what these relationships could mean for us.

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Headlines: Certain Australian businesses to be forced to accept cash payments, Joe Biden lifts ban on Ukraine using US missiles to strike inside Russia, PM won’t detail emissions plans until next year and Kamala Harris’ Uber Eats bill revealed.

Deep Dive: After a very mixed year, the world’s best-known cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, is surging in value.

What exactly is going on with crypto right now? Can the current surge continue? And how should you think about the risks and rewards of an asset that’s made a lot of people very rich, but made a lot of others lose, and lose big?

On this episode of The Briefing, we hear from two experts on cryptocurrency to help us understand the wild world of crypto and where it’s at right now.

Bension Siebert speaks with Bryce Leske from Equity Mates Media and Dr Cynthia Cai, senior lecturer at Macquarie University’s Department of Applied Finance.

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Australian citizens living in the United States who aren't supportive of a Trump presidency are considering their options to leave the country.

Last week, The Briefing brought you the stories of three Australians living in US swing states, who shared how they were feeling in the leadup to the US election.

With Donald Trump now officially taking the top job, one of those Australians, Chris Mead, is planning her exit strategy.

She joins Bension Siebert again on this episode of The Briefing to unpack the difficult decisions she and her family are planning to make following the result of the US election.

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Ben Shewry is one of Australia’s top chefs who’s behind the world renowned restaurant Attica.

He started working at a local restaurant in New Zealand at just 10 years old after sending out letters pleading his case to become a chef.

In his new memoir, Uses For Obsession, Shewry exposes the misogyny, harassment, and toxic culture ingrained in hospitality.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Ben reveals why he wrote a whole chapter on hot chips and how one of the most telling things about a person is the way they treat waitstaff.

Weekend List

TO TRY: Airyday Skinscreens Mineral SPF50+
TO WATCH: Rivals on Disney+
TO WATCH: Yellowstone season 5 on Stan
TO LISTEN: Off Menu podcast ep with Sebastian Stan

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This weekend legendary boxer Mike Tyson is stepping into the ring with Youtuber-turned-influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul.

The fight is being held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas – but for those who can’t make it in person, the event is set to be broadcast live on Netflix – a first for the streaming service.

It's been postponed, hyped, and hated – and will be making a massive amount of money for those involved. Is this about to be the event of the century? Or is an almost 60-year-old former boxing champion fighting an influencer a sad state of affairs for the once-glorious sport of boxing?

In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith is joined by Combat Sports Journalist at The Daily Telegraph and Code Sports Brendan Bradford to unpack what he thinks of the whole affair.

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Headlines: Labor looks to crack down on billionaires in Aussie elections, fears of a trade war overshadow APEC summit and Aussie scientists invent possible solution for fatbergs.

Deep Dive: The federal government has introduced a world-first plan to ban kids younger than 16 from accessing social media.

Depending on who you ask, it's either an election-winning policy that addresses the anxieties of mums and dads across the country - or a poorly thought out, privacy-stealing power grab.

The ban has received bipartisan support from the government - so what's the big deal if it comes into law?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou unpacks what the ban will mean with 17-year-old Leo Puglisi, founder of 6News, tech and political commentator Stilgherrian, and Libertarian MP David Limbrick.

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Announcement of those who will sit alongside Donald Trump as his hand-picked team in the White House for the next four years are coming in thick and fast.

Some of the president’s staunchest and most loyal defenders are being rewarded with positions in his administration, and each pick offers us a better insight into how he wants to shape America over his presidency. So, who are the biggest names in Trump’s administration so far? And what do these appointments tell us about what another four years under Donald J Trump will look like?

On this episode of The Briefing Sacha Barbour Gatt and Bension Siebert break down the key names announced so far, and what you need to know about them.

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Headlines: Trump and Biden meet at the White House, New duty of care laws for social media companies, High Court rules Catholic Church not liable for abuse,and two Aussie cities rank in the top ten in the world for the cleanest air.

Deep Dive: Corporations shape our world and while they can drive economies, they also have considerable influence over our environment and society.

One way some businesses try to leave a positive mark is through Corporate Social Responsibility. The United Nations and the Australian Human Rights Commission champion CSR’s potential, but not everyone is buying in.

Employment lawyer Josh Bornstein argues that CSR might be nothing more than a façade. Josh joins Chris Spyrou on this episode of The Briefing to share why he believes CSR could be just a marketing tool and how it might distract from real accountability.

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We’ve all heard of sniffer dogs, but what about sniffer rats?

Did you know there’s a program that is training and using the critters to hunt down materials being used in the illegal wildlife trade in Africa?

In this episode of The Briefing Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Kate Webb, who helped launch the project, to learn more about this amazing initiative and plans for the future of detection rats.

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Headlines: Decision on Trump’s hush money case delayed again, Anglican church’s global leader resigns over child sexual abuse scandal, Parents and principals urged to help with social media ban, and CHOICE names the worst Australian products and services of the year.

Deep Dive: As delegates from more than 200 countries meet to negotiate the future of global climate action this week at COP29, US president-elect and climate change denier Donald Trump is casting a long shadow.

The world’s scientists say the window to avert the worst of the climate crisis is closing fast. So does four more years of Trump mean we’re basically doomed?

Dr. Wesley Morgan is a research associate with the Institute for Climate Risk and Response at the University of New South Wales and a fellow with the Climate Council of Australia. He tells Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing that, in his view, there’s lots to feel hopeful about.

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New statistics out from Lifeline this week have revealed a surge in contacts made to the crisis line in 2024.

More than 110 thousand calls for help have been made to the helpline since January with money worries dominating conversations, with October 7th was the busiest day of the year. We’re told all the time to reach out to Lifeline if we need help, but what is it actually like to call a mental health crisis line? What do you talk about? What sort of help can they offer? And will it actually make a difference?

On today’s episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Michael, someone who has been there, to find out.

We’ve withheld Michael’s full name for privacy reasons.

Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

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Headlines: Labor admits there’s more work to do on cost of living, Trump makes more appointments, three in five Aussie renters never expect to own a home, police escort for Adelaide elephant and your thoughts on free uni and 4B!

Deep Dive: Is your boss spying on you right now?

Last month, Woolworths was under fire for its practice of intensely monitoring the productivity of some of its workers, reportedly using technology and algorithms to assess their minute-by-minute productivity. We’ve heard similar criticisms of retail giant Amazon and rideshare giant Uber – but what you might not know is that office workers are far from safe from this kind of intrusive surveillance.

So-called ‘bossware’, software that monitors and reports employee performance using tools such as mouse tracking and web browsing surveilling, are becoming more common. So how are you being spied on right now? Peter Holland is a professor of human resource management from Swinburne University. He joins Benion Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to unpack how it all works.

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In the days since Donald Trump won the US election, you might’ve seen the term ‘4B’ gaining traction on social media.

Born in South Korea, 4B is a feminist movement in response to strictly held gender roles in the country that sees women swearing off men altogether. With this new political reality, will 4B find its way into Western society? And what would that actually look like?

Earlier this year The Briefing spoke with Su-Kyoung Hwang, a Senior Lecturer in Korean Studies at the University of Sydney, to unpack the movement as it gained vitality in the region. In case you missed it, listen back as she takes Sacha Barbour Gatt through 4B and why it is so popular in South Korea, as the movement goes viral in the US.

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Headlines: Trump sweeps all battleground states, EV sales drop across Australia and a massive weekend in Aussie sport.

Deep Dive: Student debt reforms are leading the Albanese government's 2025 election promises. The key changes would reduce existing student debt by 20% and raise the income threshold for repayments.

However, some say these measures don't go far enough, with calls for free higher education back in the spotlight.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou digs into these proposals, asking what they mean for students, graduates, and the broader economy.

Joined by ANU Professor Andrew Norton and The Motley Fool Australia's Chief Investment Officer, Scott Phillips - we explore whether these reforms are a step forward and whether Australia's economy and tax system could handle making higher education free.

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Mel Buttle is one of Australia’s favourite comedians and self-declared number one fan of the Matildas.

You might recognise her as the creator behind Australia's favourite online mum character 'Lyn' or from the latest season of Taskmaster.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Mel opens up about her struggles with severe bullying, ongoing homophobia, and feeling rejected by her wife’s family at what should be a time of blissful newlywed joy.

Mel is currently touring her hit comedy show Not Here to Put Socks on Centipedes after sell-out performances at Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Sydney and Brisbane Comedy Festivals.

Weekend List

TO WATCH: Joan on Stan
TO TRY: McoBeauty fragrance mist salted caramel & pistachio
TO TRY: Tell Her She's Dreamin': A memoir for ambitious girls by Simone Amelia Jordan
TO WATCH: Chicken Shop date with Amelia Dimoldenberg and Andrew Garfield

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Most Australians agree that consent is key to healthy sexual experiences. But what does consent mean? What does it look like in action? Before we can talk to our kids about consent, we need to talk to each other.

In this special series, made in partnership with the Australian federal government as part of its Consent Can’t Wait campaign, The Briefing invites iconic Australians to unpack how they feel about consent, what their understanding of it is, how they're having conversations about it with loved ones, and unpacking some of the myths about consent that we can all fall victim to.

In part four, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Jude Bolton, cohost of Triple M's Rush Hour in Sydney and former Sydney Swan, and author and Founder of Teach Us Consent Chanel Contos to hear their thoughts on consent in 2024.

Check out your understanding of consent, and get help learning how to talk about the topic at Consent.gov.au.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonnie Blue has been making nation headlines around her plan to invite quote un quote “barley legal” young men attending schoolies on the gold coast to have sex and film it for content on her wildly popular only fans account

Harrison James is one of many who thinks Bonnie’s actions are exploitative. He’s a survivor of sexual violence and now works as an activist speaking to consent, sexual violence and the safety of children and young people.

On this episode of the Briefing Helen Smith is joined by Harrison to explain why he called the hotel Bonnie Blue is planning to stay during schoolies and if her visa should be cancelled.

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Headlines: Joe Biden’s first address since Trump win, Optus fined $12 million for outage, National Cabinet meeting today to consider social media ban and Australia’s biggest frog count gets underway!

Deep dive: Bonnie Blue is a 25-year-old Only Fans creator inviting “barely legal” young men attending schoolies on the Gold Coast to have sex and film it for content, sparking a serious and complex debate about consent.

Bonnie stresses that those involved must be over 18, have an ID with them, sign two consent forms and take a breathalyser test, but there are calls for her visa to be cancelled.

On this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by the adult content creator to share her justifications for her Schoolies plan and what she thinks of people calling her a predator.

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What does Donald Trump returning to the White House mean for Australia?

One man with a deep insight into this question is former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who Trump in during his first term.

Speaking with the Briefing’s Bension Siebert, Turnbull gives his advice on how current PM Anthony Albanese should deal with him, reveals what Trump is like behind closed doors, and explains what Trump 2.0 means for Australia’s next election, our economy and the world.

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Donald Trump is the 47th President of the United States.

While it will take days to finalise the vote count, the Republican nominee currently holds 292 electoral votes to Kamala Harris’ 224. He is also on track to win the national popular vote.

It's being lauded by key Republicans as "the greatest political comeback in the history of America."

But how will another Trump presidency impact global conflicts, immigration, women's rights and conversations around climate change?

In this special episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt and Chris Spyrou walk you through what you need to know.Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
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The results have been streaming in as voters deliver their verdict on Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, as they battle to become the next president of the United States.

Trump and Harris have been doing everything possible up until the final moments urging people to get out and vote. Meanwhile, there have been bomb threats in the key swing states of Pennsylvania, Georgia and Arizona, and fake FBI accounts online have been calling the integrity of the vote into question, and been wild weather in various places - from heavy rain across several states, to snow, to the threat of wildfires in California.

When can we possibly expect to learn who will be the next president of the United States?

To take us through the day’s drama, and what we can take from the results so far, Bension Siebert is joined by journalist Dave Levinthal live from the ground in Washington DC to bring you the latest.

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Headlines: Voting is underway in the US election, WA Premier fails to disclose Qantas Chairman’s Lounge membership, Prince William and Robert Irwin team up for the environment and 87% of Briefers said they weren’t participating in Melbourne Cup day.

Deep Dive: Politicians and their free memberships to the Qantas Chairman's Lounge have been in the news all this week.

But what actually goes on inside these luxurious spaces, and where is the line between reasonable luxuries for high-level politicians and potentially corrupting influence?

On this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with Joe Aston, journalist and author of The Chairman’s Lounge, which kicked off the scandal.

We also hear from Independent Senator David Pocock on why he gave up his membership – and why he accepted it in the first place.

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The US election might look batshit crazy from afar – but what does it feel like if you’re witnessing the madness unfold live on the ground?

On this episode of the Briefing, we take you away from the polls, campaigns and the candidates, and into the homes of three different Australians living in US battleground states right now.

Each of their lives will be directly affected by the outcome. As millions cast their ballots across the US to choose the next President of the United States tomorrow, what do they think of being a part of this moment in history? Bension Siebert finds out.

This is part of The Briefing’s US election special – catch up on part one, where we explain the Electoral College and how you become President, here.

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Headlines: Kamala Harris promises to end the war in Gaza, Independent MPs hand back their Qantas memberships, Australia's first commercial rocket to launch into space and tributes flow for Quincy Jones.

Deep Dive: Should we still be racing horses?

As the warmer spring weather rolls in, it also brings on a major series of events in the country’s sporting calendar – the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, and most notably, the Melbourne Cup.

While horse racing is a year-wide event, the Melbourne Cup inevitably spotlights the increasingly contentious issue of whether we should be racing horses at all.

This Melbourne Cup Day, The Briefing brings you both sides of the debate, so you can make up your own mind.

Helen Smith is joined by Katherine Coleman, assistant trainer at Moody Racing, and MP Georgie Purcell, Australian politician and member of the Animal Justice Party, to ask what they both want you to know about the horse racing industry in Australia today.

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The race for the White House is almost over - but how does it all work again?

This week, millions of Americans will cast their vote in the country’s election. The result will be historical and is likely to shape democracy for the US and the world.

Before the counting begins, The Briefing brings you the first part of this week’s special US election coverage.

Today, Chris Spyrou is joined by Matt Bevan, host of ABC's If You’re Listening, to explain everything you need to know about the Electoral College, voting in the states, and how this political system, that is very different from our own, works.

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Headlines: Kamala Harris’ SNL appearance may have violated TV political rules, Anthony Albanese’s promise to young voters and Sydney hosts the world premiere of Wicked.

Deep Dive: A network of volunteer doctors in Australia are stepping up to provide free medical care for Palestinians who have fled Gaza.

From performing surgeries on patients with amputated limbs to treating chronic illness, they are stepping in where the government has fallen short, in part due to visas provided for those fleeing not allowing access to healthcare.

One of these doctors is Dr Mohamed Amr. He is the co-founder of the Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association (PANZMA). In this exclusive conversation, he joins Antoinette Lattouf in this episode of The Briefing to talk about PANZMA’s work, the devastating suffering he’s witnessed, the hope his work is providing to those in need, and what more he wants the government to do.

Despite repeated inquiries from The Briefing, DFAT has failed to disclose how many Palestinian refugees are granted access to healthcare or provide a comparison of the visa types granted to Israeli and Ukrainian refugees. In stark contrast to the comprehensive support extended to Ukrainians escaping violence, the majority of the 1,300 Palestinian patients are only on visitor visas. These visas strip them of the right to access health benefits, study, or work, leaving them unable to secure even the most basic medical care.

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Craig Foster is a massive overachiever.

He was Australia’s 40th Socceroos captain, he’s been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia and is a fierce human rights advocate.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Craig reveals why he declined an invitation to meet the King, what his nightmare blunt rotation is and how he chooses what human rights causes to champion.

Weekend List

TO LISTEN: Coldplay We Pray
TO WATCH: The Office Australia on Amazon Prime
TO TRY: Vaseline eye mask
DON’T WATCH: Lonely Planet on Netflix

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Most Australians agree that consent is key to healthy sexual experiences. But what does consent mean? What does it look like in action? Before we can talk to our kids about consent, we need to talk to each other.

In this special series, made in partnership with the Australian federal government as part of its Consent Can’t Wait campaign, The Briefing invites iconic Australians to unpack how they feel about consent, what their understanding of it is, how they're having conversations about it with loved ones, and unpacking some of the myths about consent that we can all fall victim to.

In part three, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Jess Rowe, accomplished journalist, author, public speaker and host of LiSTNR's The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show, and author and Founder of Teach Us Consent Chanel Contos to hear their thoughts on consent in 2024.

Check out your understanding of consent, and get help learning how to talk about the topic at Consent.gov.au.

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Headlines: Over 1000 large companies didn’t pay tax in Australia last year, 60 million Americans have already voted, and Russia has fined Google more money than there is in the entire world.

Deep Dive: Is it possible that there’s a serial killer wreaking havoc along the NSW coast?

That’s the question that’s been raised by Jeremy Buckingham, Legalise Cannabis Party MP and member of NSW legislative council.

In an impassioned address to parliament, the MP made the case for the state to take a serious look at 67 missing or murdered women along the NSW north coast between 1977 and 2009. But is this callout alarmist? Do these accusations risk opening old wounds for the hundreds of friends and family linked to each disappearance and death?

On this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt unpacks the claims, and asks the MP why he’s chosen to raise this issue now.

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Do you know what to do if a snake bites you?

Snake season is upon us, and Australia is living up to its international reputation for alarming wildlife in unexpected places.

An unusually high number of snakes are being spotted in suburban homes in Australia right now – so if you come into contact with one over the coming months, what should you do? And if you’re bitten, what’s the steps you need to take to ensure your survival?

On this episode of the Briefing Bension Siebert speaks to snake handler Mark Pelley about his own life-threatening experience of getting bitten by a tiger snake, why there are so many snakes around right now, and what to do if you come across one – or if you or a pet is bitten.

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Headlines: Anthony Albanese says he never called Alan Joyce for flight upgrades, UN Security Council warns Israel against banning UNRWA, and Harris and Biden walk back ‘garbage’ comments.

Deep Dive: Are Australia’s mortgage wars back?

After a period of corporate coordination, banks have started making moves and competing hard for your money – happy news for mortgage holders, and people hoping to enter the property market alike.

But will things get better, or is this just a temporary reprieve? And who should you listen to if you're unsure of what to do?

On this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith speaks with Alec Renehan from Equity Mates to find out what that means for anyone with a mortgage and how long he expects the fighting to last.

The information in this podcast is for general information only. It should not be taken as constituting professional advice, and your financial circumstances might be different and have different needs.

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A long-awaited and lengthy report by an inquiry looking into Australia’s COVID response was handed down yesterday.

It found that while state and federal governments nailed the early response to the threat of the virus, tough restrictions, poor communication and a lack of consideration of our human rights eroded public confidence and trust.

On today’s episode of The Briefing, we’re digging deeper into how Aussies feel now about politicians and the government, and whether it puts us in danger should we face a pandemic again. Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with CEO of Public Health Association of Australia, Adjunct Professor Terry Slevin to hear if he thinks we can repair what has been lost.

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Headlines: Key takeaways from Australia’s first COVID response inquiry, 90% of federal pollies are members of Qantas’ Chairman’s Lounge and 50 Cent knocked back $3 million USD to perform at Trump's New York rally.

Deep Dive: Would you take MDMA to help your mental health?

In this two-part special, The Briefing is taking an exclusive step into one of the only clinics in Australia offering MDMA-assisted therapy to help treat those experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - with some astonishing results.

What actually happens to you when you take what is usually known as a party drug during a therapy session?

In part two, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with *Kate, a patient at the Pax Centre who has undertaken MDMA-assisted therapy to treat her PSTD and shares how the treatment gave her a sense of peace “she’s never experienced before”.

Listen to part one here.

Lifeline 13 11 14

*Not her real name for privacy purposes

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Youth crime has been in the spotlight nationally in recent years, with stories of teenage offenders dominating mainstream news bulletins.

It’s sparked a groundswell of support for political parties that are promising to be tough on the issue, and it’s worked, with the Liberals having decisive wins in the Northern Territory and Queensland in recent weeks.

With promises of locking up kids at younger ages, enforcing adult time for adult crimes and even looking at periods of solitary confinement for teen offenders; do these politicians have it right?

In today’s episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speak with lecturer in criminology, Dr Joel McGregor from Swinburne University, to discuss the changing conversation around young criminals.

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Headlines: The fallout from Donald Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally, calls grow for Senate inquiry into Albanese-Joyce relationship, NATO confirms North Korean troops deployed in Russia and a new survey reveals the sexual diversity of Aussie students.

Deep Dive: Today, The Briefing is doing MDMA.

In this two-part special, we take an exclusive step into one of the only clinics in Australia offering MDMA-assisted therapy to help treat those experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - with some astonishing results.

How exactly does a drug most would traditionally associate with the party scene help those suffering through a mental health crisis? And why can it work in place of other, more traditional treatments?

In part one, Bension Siebert and Sacha Barbour Gatt speak with Co‑founders of the Pax Centre, Dr Jonathan Laugharne and Claire Kullack, to explore why the treatment they’re providing can offer such a profound breakthrough for people’s mental health.

Lifeline 13 11 14

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Moving mountains isn’t meant to be an easy feat. But did you know that mountains can, and are currently, getting taller?

It's true – and researchers have found Mount Everest is one mountain which makes that list.

The mountain has risen an extra 15 to 50 meters over the last 89,000 years. This works out to be around 2 millimeters per year – which might not sound like much. But what impact could this have on its surroundings over the years? And how does it happen?

Mark Quigley is an Associate Professor of Earthquake Science at the University of Melbourne. He joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to explain.

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Headlines: David Crisafulli claims victory for LNP in Queensland, Anthony Albanese defends Qantas upgrades, US politics wrap and American Airlines are trialling new tech to bust line cutters at airport gates.

Deep Dive: Since Israel’s assault on Lebanon has escalated, schoolteacher Nahed Mawassi and her daughter Zainab have been anxiously clinging to hope for their family’s safety, while enduring anguish from afar in Australia.

Then came the unthinkable news via WhatsApp.

Without any warning, the Israeli Defense Forces bombed a residential building in Aitou, a Christian-majority town over 120 kilometers from the Israeli border. The building was a temporary home to four generations of their closest relatives.

In an instant, 18 family members – displaced from southern Lebanon a year prior – were killed. Among the victims were a 6-month-old baby and a 95-year-old great-grandmother.

In this exclusive episode of The Briefing, Nahed and Zainab speak with Antoinette Lattouf, sharing their devastation. They call on the Australian government to urgently grant humanitarian visas for four surviving relatives, miraculously pulled from the rubble, and have a stark message to the Albanese government on the impact of the devastation on a quarter of a million Lebanese Australians.

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Lucy Jackson and Nikki Westcott first meet as grid girls and connected immediately, but little did they know their friendship would turn into one of the most popular podcasts in Australia.

The duo is behind the podcast Happy Hour, where they chat about everything from relationships, to sex, running a fashion brand and being a woman in your 30s.

Lucy and Nikki have described their friendship together as like a marriage and when they started their fashion label Jagger & Stone back in 2018, they only became more intertwined.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Lucy and Nikki explain why being in your 30s is better than your 20s and how they balance being business partners and besties.

Weekend List

TO DO: Breathwork workshop
TO WATCH: Inside Out 2 on Disney Plus
TO READ: The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
TO WATCH: Deadloch on Amazon Prime

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Most Australians agree that consent is key to healthy sexual experiences. But what does consent mean? What does it look like in action? Before we can talk to our kids about consent, we need to talk to each other.

In this special series, made in partnership with the Australian federal government as part of its Consent Can’t Wait campaign, The Briefing invites iconic Australians to unpack how they feel about consent, what their understanding of it is, how they're having conversations about it with loved ones, and unpacking some of the myths about consent that we can all fall victim to.

In part two, Bension Siebert is joined by Matt Okine, comedian, author and host of Matt & Alex - All Day Breakfast, and ambassador and youth advocate Daniel Principe to hear their thoughts on consent in 2024.

Check out your understanding of consent, and get help learning how to talk about the topic at Consent.gov.au.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Australia in spat with China over racism and climate change, BRICS leaders call for ceasefire, Revelations about Rudd and Gillard deal in new political memoir, and what are the top Halloween costumes for 2024 according to Google?

Deep Dive: Israel claims the number of people killed in Gaza – the steadily rising and horrific number we hear on the news just about every day – is inflated.

Others say true number of people killed is far more than what’s being reported.

On this episode of the Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with Professor Michael Spagat, chair of Every Casualty Counts, who explains how deaths in Gaza and other active warzones are verified.

He makes a passionate case for acknowledging the individual humanity of everyone who dies in war, rather than thinking of them as a number on a page.

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Senator Lidia Thorpe made international headlines when she shouted at King Charles, rejecting the monarch’s sovereignty and accusing him of genocide, in Parliament House this week.

The Gurnai Gunditjmara and Djab-Wurrung woman has since claimed she did not really swear allegiance to the late Queen Elizabeth’s heirs, as in King Charles, but to the Queens’ “hairs”. Senator Thorpe has rejected calls for her to resign after she disavowed – however absurdly – her oath of office.

But several real questions remain: What does the Constitution have to say about all this? Can Senator Thorpe be forced from parliament? Is it fair to ask a First Nations person to pledge allegiance to the monarchy? What about all those MPs that want Australia to become a republic? On this episode of the Briefing, Bension Siebert dives into all of these questions with Luke Beck, Professor of Constitutional Law at Monash University.

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Headlines: Lidia Thorpe says she didn’t swear allegiance to the King, terrorist attack in Turkey leaves four dead, Xi and Modi hold first formal talks in five years, Coles and Woolies deny tricking customers with dodgy sales, and the sun has hit peak solar energy!

Deep dive: International intelligence last week revealed North Korea had sent between 10,000 and 30,000 of its own troops to Russia, to bolster its invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine’s president says this signals the start of a world war, but is that true? And what does this new development mean for the conflict and international relations?

In today’s episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with geopolitical expert Dr Keith Suter to find out.

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Sometimes, what happens in one part of Australia says lot about the direction of the country as a whole.

Right now, that’s exactly what seems to be happening in Queensland, as the state’s voters head to the polls this weekend. Will the state be the latest in a swing towards more conservative politics in Australia?

Archie Milligan is a LiSTNR journalist based in Queensland. He joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing, as Labor vies for a fourth term in government, and we ask how the results might impact the rest of the country.

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Headlines: Royals wrap up Australian tour, over 20 world leaders meet with Putin at BRICS summit, former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO arrested on sex trafficking charges, the Murray River named in a global top travel list, and a Cockatoo has been rescued from a Sydney Coles after a month trapped inside.

Deep dive: Few crimes in Australia in recent years have been as shocking as the murder of Bruce Saunders, who was fed into a woodchipper on a property north of Brisbane in 2017.

A new LiSTNR exclusive investigative podcast, released today, has uncovered details about the woman behind the death, Sharon Graham, including how she convinced a man to kill Saunders, and another to help in the coverup.

How did she become the kind of person capable of such a crime? Were there signs this was going to happen and did anyone miss them? Tara Cassidy is a journalist and host of Crime In Focus: Killer Charm. She joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to unpack the story behind this new investigative podcast series, and how reporting on it has impacted those touched by the death of Bruce Saunders.

Listen to Crime In Focus: Killer Charm exclusively on the LiSTNR app, click here:
https://play.listnr.com/podcast/crime-in-focus/episode/01-the-accident-killer-charm

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America is heading to the polls on Wednesday, November 6, to decide between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris for the presidency. With polls showing a razor-thin race, it raises a critical question: can we trust them?

In 2016, polling failed to predict Trump’s stunning victory. Have things changed? Are polls more accurate now, or should we be sceptical?

In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert breaks down the state of election polling with US political journalist, polling expert and host and producer of the FiveThirtyEight Politics podcast, Galen Druke.

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Headlines: Lydia Thorpe and the royals, Meta and Google could face ‘big tech tax’ under Labor plan, Moldova narrowly votes in favour of joining the EU and an Italian surfer has been killed by a swordfish in a freak accident.

Deep dive: Another week, another story of misogynistic behaviour in sport.

Last week 13 Greater Western Sydney (GWS) players were slapped with sanctions, following their decision to dress as “controversial couples” for the club’s end-of-season function.

Players dressed in costumes referencing the September 11 terrorist attacks, and Josh Fahey dressed as the former NRL player Jarryd Hayne, performing what the AFL described as “inappropriate acts” on a sex doll. Several players, including Fahey, copped multi-match bans, and captain Toby Greene was among those hit with significant fines.

But is all this condemnation from the code ultimately futile? As the dust settles on yet another indecent like this in a major sporting code, it is time to admit there’s always been a place for misogyny where male sports stars get together behind closed doors?

Marnie Vinall is a sports reporter at ABC Sports. She joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to unpack what happened, and if she thinks things will ever change.

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How long you might have to wait for a bathroom in public spaces looks set to change in Australia.

The Australian Building Code Board wants businesses to provide 1.8 times the toilets for women than they provide for men to help shorten the queue.

But why is the line for women’s bathroom almost always longer than the line for men’s? And what is some of the thinking behind changing how many are available to access?

On this episode of the Briefing, public toilet expert Katherine Webber joins Bension Siebert to explain how the plan would work, and how we design these public spaces with equality and accessibility in mind.

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Headlines: King Charles and Queen Camilla kick off royal tour, As many as 87 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on northern Gaza, ACT election, Elon Musk giving away $1 million US to Trump supporter everyday until the election and an airport in New Zealand has introduced a time limit on hugs.

Deep Dive: How much should you be paying for a bottle of milk? More than a decade on, there are fears a second round of milk wars might be coming our way.

In 2011 the Australian dairy industry went toe-to-toe with our national supermarket giants over how much they should be charging for a bottle of milk at the checkout. In recent weeks, the cost of milk in major Australian supermarkets has gone backwards for the first in a long time – with Coles and Woolworths reducing the price of its generic fresh milk last month by 5 cents, to $1.55 per LR.

Supermarkets are clearly reading the room of a cost-of-living crisis that is impacting consumers shopping in their stores daily, and when almost everyone is finding it tough, it’s difficult, as a consumer, to argue against paying less for something as essential as a bottle of milk.

What do those in the industry think of the squeeze? In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith is joined by Australian Dairy Farmers Association President Ben Bennett, and former dairy farmer Adam Jenkins to explore what they think the impact of prices lowering might be.

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Sharon Johal is playing the first turban wearing Sikh character in Binge’s award-winning TV drama The Twelve.

As an Indian-Australian woman in entertainment she’s constantly paved paths that had previously been closed off - and her journey hasn’t always been easy.

On this episode of The Weekend Briefing, she joins Antoinette Lattouf to talk about her latest project, the impact on her career since calling out the racism she endured when she was on the set of Neighbours, and her experience on reality TV show The Block – which Sharon says almost broke her.

Weekend List

TO DO: ShopBack app
TO WATCH: Starting 5 on Netflix
TO WATCH: That’s So Raven (on TikTok or TV)
TO EAT: Vegetable Pasta Bake

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Most Australians agree that consent is key to healthy sexual experiences. But what does consent mean? What does it look like in action? Before we can talk to our kids about consent, we need to talk to each other.

In this special series, made in partnership with the Australian federal government as part of its Consent Can’t Wait campaign, The Briefing invites iconic Australians to unpack how they feel about consent, what their understanding of it is, how they're having conversations about it with loved ones, and unpacking some of the myths about consent that we can all fall victim to.

In part one, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Carrie Bickmore, Gold Logie winning television host and co-host of the Carrie and Tommy Drive Show, and ambassador and youth advocate Daniel Principe to hear their thoughts on consent in 2024.

Check out your understanding of consent, and get help learning how to talk about the topic at Consent.gov.au.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former One Direction star Liam Payne was yesterday found dead following a fall from a hotel’s third floor in Argentina's capital Buenos Aires.

The 31-year-old's death was sudden and shocking to many fans, with an instant outpouring of grief over the news leading to vigils around the world.

The circumstances surrounding his death, and public behaviour leading up to yesterday’s events have also sparked questions, commentary and debate, including anger at popular celebrity gossip site TMZ posting a now-deleted picture partially showing Payne’s dead body.

But why does the global community react so strongly to the death of someone most of us don’t know? And do normal people with no connection to Payne deserve to demand private and intimate details about how and why he died? Host of LiSTNR’s The Streaming Service Justin Hill joins Helen Smith on this bonus episode of The Briefing to unpack our reaction to the news, and what it says about us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Liam Payne’s cause of death revealed, Hamas leader killed say Israeli authorities, AFL bans 13 GWS players over end-of-season party, and the Royals are coming!

Deep dive: King Charles and Queen Camilla are landing in Australia tonight for a five-day visit.

It’s the first time since 2018 Australia has played host to a royal visit, and the first time since 2011 a sitting monarch has toured down under.

Inevitably when a royal comes to town, the debate about whether we should become a Republic rears its head.

So, what do the two sides say today on the eve of the royal visit?

Today on The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt hears the key arguments from a monarchist and a republican.

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Abortion is back in the headlines in Australia.

In South Australia overnight parliament narrowly rejected a bill that would have forced women seeking a late term abortion to instead be induced into labour. And in Queensland, Opposition Leader David Crisafulli has refused to say whether his MPs would get a conscience vote on abortion laws, if he wins next week’s election.

This renewed debate in Australia is a quiet echo of the loud roar over in the United States, where abortion will be a deciding factor for many in next month’s presidential election. So why have the politics of abortion suddenly had a resurgence in this country?

In this episode, Bension Siebert speaks to South Australian woman Tayla-Jane Jackson, who needed a late term abortion, about her personal experience. We also hear a powerful argument from Dr Nisha Khot – Vice President of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists – on why women need access to abortion care at any stage of a pregnancy, and her reflections on the debate that seems to be back in Australia.

Lifeline 13 11 14

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Headlines: Australia’s fertility rate hits record low, 50 aid trucks have entered the north of Gaza, ACT Opposition Leader apologises for flipping the bird at journalist and Jerry Seinfeld walks back comments about the left ruining comedy.

Deep Dive: With the speed at which technology and medicine is developing – electric cars, rockets to Mars, new and improved vaccines – you might have started imagining a world where humans might find a way to live forever, or at least for a very, very long time.

But the commonly held idea that the life expectancy of humans is only going to keep increasing is false, according to new analysis. In fact, most kids born today won’t make it to 100.

Professor Jay Olshansky analysed life and death data from the last 34 years – and he thinks we’ve reached the peak of how long people can live. On today’s episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with the epidemiology professor about his research, and why not living to 100 could actually be a good thing.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Victoria's Secret fashion show, in all its glitz and glamour, is officially back after a nearly six-year hiatus.

Featuring a live performance from Cher, and supermodels from the decades including Kate Moss, Tyra Banks, Adriana Lima all hitting the runway, it was the once iconic, now controversial, runway show’s big return.

The last Victoria's Secret show in 2018 and was surrounded by controversy. An interview with the show’s former chief marketing officer, Ed Razek, who dismissed ideas of integrating transgender and plus-size models “because the show is a fantasy”. Using the word “transsexual,” an outdated and offensive term to describe transgender models, led to a sales hit and a market share drop, and the brand barely survived.

Will this new version, with the aim to “reflect who we are today”, work?

In this episode of the Briefing, Helen Smith, is joined by model and actor Milo Hartill to explain if this version of Victoria's Secret is new-and-improved, or hitting the same old problematic tropes that caused its downfall in the first place.

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Headlines: Dynamic pricing to be banned, at least 40 killed as Israeli air strikes pound the Gaza Strip, US politics wrap, Socceroos draw with Japan.

Deep Dive: The war in the Middle East has escalated significantly in recent days.

Israel is now fighting on several fronts. Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, Gaza – and now it’s preparing what could be a major assault on Iran. The United States has sent around 100 troops into Israel to operate a missile defense system. The Australian Government has updated its travel warnings, advising any Australian in Israel to get out while it’s still safe to do so.

This comes as many have seen some of the most horrific footage of real human suffering in our lifetimes – on social media images of people in hospital beds under tents in Gaza in the process of being burnt alive as people nearby watch on, helpless is impossible to ignore.

Jen Parker is a navy veteran of more than 20 years and expert associate at the National Security College at the Australian National University. She joins Bension Siebert to give us an update on where everything stands and what might happen next.

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Novichok is in the news again.

An inquiry currently underway in the UK is looking into the 2018 death of 44-year-old woman Dawn Sturgess who sprayed herself with a bottle of perfume that turned out to be laced with the deadly nerve agent.

Novichok is an incredibly powerful poison implicated in a series of murders over decades spritzed onto common items like umbrellas, phones and door handles.

Where did this incredibly powerful poison come from – and how exactly does it kill you and who has been using it and why? Doctor Ian Musgrave is a senior lecturer at the School of Biomedicine at the University of Adelaide. He joins Bension Siebert to unpack the toxicology behind the headline.

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Headlines: Labor's preparing to ban debit card fees, Federal Government to change visa pathways for Palestinians, a class action could be coming for Ticketmaster and Live Nation over dynamic ticketing and Donald Trump slams biopic ‘The Apprentice’.

Deep dive: A strong Chinese economy has long been essential to Australia’s economic health and for decades its growth has been nothing short of remarkable. But has years of over-spending, excessive consumption, and poor investment decisions caught up with Beijing?

With faltering growth, China recently introduced a series of economic stimulus measures aimed at stabilising its economy. So, just how severe is the situation and should Australia be looking to diversify its trade relationships?

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Dr Angela Jackson, lead economist at Impact Economics and Policy to break down the current state of China’s economy and what it means for Australia

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Elon Musk has introduced Optimus, Tesla’s new humanoid robots, to the world and has made some ambitious claims about their uses in the not-too-distant future.

Viral videos of Optimus robots making drinks, dancing and chatting to attendees at the launch event have sparked questions around the humanoid's autonomy.

But this past week has been a massive one for Elon Musk, with SpaceX's successful docking of Starship rocket booster marking an engineering milestone, which many thought was impossible.

In this episode of the Briefing Bension Siebert is joined by tech journalist James Hennessy to unpack how these robots work and when they’ll be hitting the market.

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Headlines: Coalition leading in Newspoll, King Charles comments on Australia becoming a Republic ahead of visit, QLD nuclear plebiscite, Christopher Columbus was likely Spanish and Jewish.

Deep Dive: Kelly McMasters has written her own obituary every year since she was 12 years old. An obituary is usually written by a dedicated obit journalist or writer and includes key facts about a person’s life – it's essentially how they will be remembered.

In this episode of The Briefing, Kelly reveals what she’s learnt from writing obituaries and what makes it to the page.

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Meet the American law professor who’s visa was in question earlier this week after speaking at a Mosque in Sydney.

Khaled Beydoun, who is of Lebanese, Egyptian and Palestinian heritage, has a staggering 2.5 million Instagram followers and has become a major source of trusted news on war on Gaza and the broader regional conflict.

In this exclusive interview, Khaled sits down to share his insights on the past year of violence, the powerful voices of Palestinian journalists on the ground, and the risks that come with challenging confronting western media narratives.

In chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Khaled delves into the significant impact that Muslim and Arab voters in the U.S. could have on the upcoming election.

FULL QUOTE FROM HIS TALK ON OCTOBER 7

"It's a good day and we've got to mark some of the good news that comes about, that we oftentimes neglect,"

“Today is not fully a day of mourning, today is also a day that marks considerable celebration, considerable progress and in some respects, considerable privilege. The level of global literacy around what's taking place in [Palestine] has exponentially risen."

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Scammers are calling Australians ‘easy prey’ because they are considered wealthy and trusting.

An ABC investigation found that perpetrators of these highly organised and sophisticated operations believed that unlike American law enforcement, the Australian Federal Police just won’t go after them – so is that true, and if so, why?

In this episode of the Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by cyber security expert and former AFP detective, Nigel Phair to explain what makes Australians the perfect targets.

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Headlines: Hurricane Milton death toll rises, China to lift Australian lobster restrictions, latest statistics on how we’re dying in Australia revealed, Princess Kate's first official engagement since finishing chemo and the Socceroos beat China in their World Cup qualifier clash last night.

Deep Dive: Kamala Harris has done very few media interviews since replacing Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee for president – but she launched a “media blitz” this week.

It comes at a time when the polls show Harris and former US President Donald Trump effectively tied, with less than a month to go before the election.

On this episode of the Briefing, Bension Siebert interviews the Nine Network’s US correspondent Johnathan Kearsley to find out how it went and what to expect in the final stretch of the campaign.

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Football is Australia’s most played team sport – with 1.7 million participants across all genders and ages. But professionally, it feels like we’re not making a splash.

The Matildas exited the Paris Olympics much earlier than expected and the Socceroos have had a shocking start to their world cup qualifiers that continue tonight against China in Adelaide.

In the last few months – both national teams have been found new coaches and with structural issues in the A-Leagues creating what some have branded “a talent drain,” is there any chance of it getting better?

In this episode of The Briefing Chris Spyrou is joined by sports journo and cohost of LiSTNR’s Willowtalk and Footy Talk League Adam Peacock to unpack it all.

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Headlines: Fugitive dad and three kids spotted for the first time in three years in New Zealand, amendments to Labor's international student cap, Fox proposes new Presidential debate date and a Nepalese teen breaks record by summitting world’s 14 tallest peaks.

Deep dive: Finding out your genetic history can be as easy as spitting into a test tube.

Since the mid-2000s take take-home DNA kits have become more accessible here in Australia – with participants getting results back within weeks.

But what happens when our genetic information ends up in the wrong hands?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Dr Katie Hasson from the Centre for Genetics and Society to explain the dangers of data breaches and what happens when users have their genetic information stolen and sold on the dark web.

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Brat summer is officially coming to Australia.

Superstar singer Charlie XCX will headline Laneway in 2025. The excitement is palpable – but the story of the last few years of music festivals in this country has not been a good one, with countless examples of big-ticket headlining artists dropping out at the last minute.

The cost of living is hitting organizers and punters alike, and there has been a clear, industry wide slump in ticket sales. So, with today’s big announcement, there is an important question to music fans across the country – can we put our trust in music festivals anymore? And how do we know that this latest, massive headliner, is a sure thing?

On this episode of The Briefing, Triple Js Music News Producer Courtney Fry joins Helen Smith to shine some light on the state of the industry right now, and if she thinks the promise of Charlie playing in Australia will become a reality.

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Headlines: Anthony Albanese issues second apology over Tourette's comment, Florida is bracing for the impact of Hurricane Milton, the supermarket milk wars could be back and the first trailer drops for 'How to Make Gravy'.Deep dive: How much is a ticket actually worth?

Yesterday, Oasis announced Australian dates for their massive 2025 reunion tour – and in news that will likely make fans very happy, the band announced there would be no dynamic pricing for the Australian leg, following backlash from fans hoping to attend their UK dates who were made furious by the model when tickets went on sale in the region.

But online prices that surge at times of peak demand are only getting more common – from gigs to sporting events, to booking a flight or an uber.

Are we stuck with dynamic ticket pricing? Or is the fan backlash strong enough for event promoters to think twice? Dr Georgia Carrol is an expert in fan culture has a PhD in fan and celebrity studies from the University of Sydney. She joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to explore the impact of dynamic ticket pricing here and overseas.

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73% of young people are turning to TikTok, YouTube and Instagram for mental health support, according to a new report by ReachOut who surveyed over 2000 people between the ages of 16 and 25 about how they use social media to find mental health advice and information.

But how safe is this practice - especially when young people are turning increasingly to socials as a replacement for professional help? And what can be done to improve transparency when as little as 2% of medical information on TikTok is factual?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by one of ReachOut’s youth advocates, Sina, to unpack the key findings of the report and whether or not the government’s social media ban is a tenable solution.

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Headlines: Lebanon repatriation flight touches down in Sydney, Australia to protect 52% of its oceans, Kamala Harris has launched a media blitz and Crumbl Cookies is coming to Australia.

Deep Dive: This week senior government minister Bill Shorten argued that if people want to protest, they should have to get a permit first.

It’s the latest in a series of moves by politicians to limit protest in this country – but gathering thousands of people to protest an issue they’re angry about can be a risky business. So are permits to protest a sensible public safety measure? Or one small step in a slow retreat from democracy we’re seeing here and in other Western democracies

Anastasia Radievska is a protest rights campaigner at the Australian Democracy Network. She joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to give her take on the perceived value, and potential harm, of making permits for protests standard practice.

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It’s been one year since the October 7th attacks today.

365 days on, what reflections do we have on conflict, justice, the role of social media and the failings of western leaders and international law to bring an end what human rights groups describe as an unfolding genocide?

On this episode of The Briefing we tell the story through the eyes of a Palestinian, who is also part of the Listnr family. Antoinette Lattouf is joined by twice displaced Palestinian and LiSTNR producer Lem Zakharia to share her reflections on October 7th, one year on.

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Headlines: It’s been another horrific 24 hours in the Middle East as thousands gather for pro-Palestine protests across Australia. Elon Musk has been slammed for joining Trump in Pennsylvania and in the NRL the Penrith Panthers have won their fourth-straight Premiership, beating Melbourne Storm 14-6.

Deep Dive: The world is today marking one year since the horrific October 7 attacks on Israel.

More than 1100 people were killed when Hamas militants poured over the border from Gaza, attacking neighbourhoods and the Nova Music Festival. A further 240 people were taken hostage, and more than 115 are still unaccounted for.

On this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Jewish Australian Dan Monheit, whose cousin Margalit Moses was kidnapped from a kibbutz in Israel a year ago today to share his reflections on the ordeal, on the impact the event has had on his family and community, and the resulting conflict that continues.

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Lucinda Price (AKA Froomes) turned her internet personality into a full time gig and her debut book All I Ever Wanted Was to Be Hot unpacks it all.

The debut author knows how much it takes to be ‘hot’ and has dipped her toe into all facets of the Australian media landscape.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Lucinda reveals just how much her quest to be attractive cost her and how her eating disorder was misdiagnosed for years.

If you need help or support for an eating disorder or body image issue, please call Butterfly’s National Helpline on 1800 334 673 or e-mail support@butterfly.org.au

Weekend List

TO EAT: Generational cooking
TO WATCH: Kaos on Netflix
TO EAT: Frozen choc peanut butter dates
TO LISTEN: Geolier Italian rapper

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Crumbl Cookies is the billion dollar US company that made global headlines this week after a group of Sydneysiders imported 800 of their cookies and sold them at an inflated price in Bondi.

The group had no affiliation to the company, and have since posted statements on their social media accounts claiming to be "fans" of the American product who wanted to introduce them to Australian audiences. Crumbl Cookies has also said publicly that there is no association between the two business operations.

The whole ordeal has opened up major legal questions. On this episode of The Briefing, lawyer Jahan Kalanter joins Chris Spyrou to explain the legal lines that may have been crossed.

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Headlines: Pro-Palestine protests to go ahead, Melania Trump doubles down on abortion rights support, FOI documents reveal Gina Rinehart asked the national gallery to “permanently dispose” of portraits and daylight savings starts this weekend.

Deep dive: Lobbyists speaking with the Federal Government, and giving MPs gifts, is nothing new.

These groups have a range of interests, including the Australian Medical Association, KFC and even Kmart. It is all perfectly legal - and there is legislation in place to make sure lobbying is done in a responsible way.

The Alliance for Gambling (AFG) reform this week revealed that 19 MPs accepted tickets to sporting events from gambling companies, ahead of the government discussing whether to ban gambling ads here in Australia. But is the Government consulting with both sides of any debate a bad idea?

In this episode of the Briefing Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by the AFG’s chief advocate Tim Costello to explain what is happening behind closed doors.

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Women are lifting heavy in 2024 than it’s ever been.

There’s been a 20% increase in female participation in competitive lifting and bodybuilding events in the U.S, and here in Australia, there are now more women than men competing in a range national events. But, bodybuilding can come with a darkside – disordered eating, steroid use, and pushing yourself to the physical extreme.

So why are so many women joining the movement? Is it smart – is it safe – and what does life look like when you do?

On this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by LiSTNR’s Ed Gooden to explore what he found out when he asked those in the sport why they do it.

Today’s deep dive discusses disordered eating – If you need help or support for an eating disorder or body image issue, please call The Butterfly Foundation’s National Helpline on 1800 334 673.

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Headlines: Melbourne and Sydney pro-Palestine protestors push ahead with plans for protests over October 7 weekend, Labor plans to address shrinkflation, Australia’s rental prices might finally be coming down and we look at last night's Dally M awards.

Deep dive: When we think about the effects of war on children – the psychological trauma of witnessing violence and the loss of loved ones is well known.

But what is lesser known is exactly how these conflicts disproportionately affect young girls over boys – the brutal violations of their rights and the surprising ways they find escapism to cope with it all.

This insight is the focus of a new report published today by Plan International, which surveyed over 10,000 young people across 10 countries currently experiencing armed conflict. The report, which was first published in 2007 under the title the ‘State of the World’s Girls’, has this year been widened to include young boys for the first time.

On this episode of The Briefing, CEO of Plan International Australia Susanne Legena joins Antoinette Lattouf to unpack the results.

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Tim Walz and JD Vance have gone head-to-head in what will be their only chance to
convince the American voting public to pick their leader in the upcoming election in
November.

Hosted by CBS News at the network's broadcast center in New York City, former high
school teacher and American football coach Tim Walz and Donald Trump's vice-
presidential nominee and author of Hillbilly Elegy JD Vance went high and low.

Policies on abortion, healthcare, guns, childcare, the economy and more were flying left,
right and center. Polls suggest the race is incredibly close. Has this debate swayed
anyone unsure of who to pitch their vote to, 35 days away from the election? Washington-based journalist David Levinthal joins Helen Smith on this episode of The Briefing to give his verdict on who came out on top.

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Headlines: Iran strikes Israel as IDF ground invasion of Lebanon continues, Julian Assange says he pleaded ‘guilty to journalism’, NDIS changes revealed, and a naked Donald Trump effigy.

Deep dive: From war, to surveillance, to delivering food to your front door, drone technology is quickly entering regular use in our daily lives.

A surprising new addition to that list is helping to save Australia’s unique Greater Glider from logging in its habitat in NSW. Those using the tech say, “if you can see them, you can save them”, and that enlisting the help of drones is essential in monitoring habitat.

But is it safe? And is it overstepping the fine balance between conservation and industry?

Leanne St George from Ripper Corporation Drones and Stuart Blanch from the World Wide Fund for Nature join Sacha Barbour Gatt on this episode of The Briefing to explain how they’re using the drones, and why they think the effort is worth it.

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Experts have called Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s new Netflix show, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, murder porn.

The series explores the real-life brutal murders of Kitty and Jose Menendez back in 1989 committed by their sons Lyle and Erik – who alleged their father sexually abused them since childhood, and that their mother knew and let it happen.

Experts and viewers have flagged multiple issues with the series including the accuracy around an incestuous homosexual relationship between the brothers.

In this episode of the Briefing Helen Smith is joined by Dr Xanthé Mallett, a forensic criminologist from the University of Newcastle, to explain why this series is misleading.

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Headlines: Israel prepares ground invasion of Lebanon, new code of conduct for dating apps in Australia, house prices slow nationally and New Zealand takes back haka world record.

Deep dive: SpaceX has just launched a five-month rescue mission to bring home Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams from the International Space Station.

It's the next step in the long saga of a mission that hasn't gone according to plan, with the pair stuck in space since June after complications with their Boeing Starliner.

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Swinburne’s Co-Director of the Space Technology and Industry Institute Dr Rebbeca Allen to talk through the next steps in the mission, and if she'd describe it as a failure.

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Violence is building in Lebanon as the war is Gaza spills over multiple fronts.

Over the weekend Israeli strikes killed several high-ranking Hezbollah leaders, while also injuring and killing many Lebanese civilians.

Governments around the world are calling for ceasefire, with Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong warning citizens in Lebanon to come home before further escalation. With all this underway, how are Australians with ties to Lebanon feeling right now, watching from afar? And what do they want you to keep in mind?

Liz Deep-Jones is a journalist and human rights advocate of Lebanese descent. She joins Sacha Barbour Gatt on this episode of The Briefing to share her thoughts on the conflict right now.

Find out more about Liz’s latest documentary ‘We Bleed the Same’ here.

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Headlines: Thousands gather for protests across Australia amid increased violence in the Middle East, Budget surplus, 8 in 10 Aussie CEOs think WFH will be over in three years and SNL launches season 50.

Deep dive: Ever thought about deleting yourself from the internet? It’s more complex than simply deactivating old accounts, especially when almost everything we do online leaves traces of our personal information behind. That data is banked and often extracted by brokers who use it to build and then sell detailed profiles of us to whoever is looking to buy.

While valuable to businesses, these profiles pose significant privacy risks that our current legal infrastructure is struggling to keep up with. But there is hope, with companies emerging to help individuals regain control, but many, like Melbourne-based podcast producer Lindsey Green, are taking on this daunting task themselves.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou chats with LiSTNR’s Lindsey Green and DeleteMe CEO Rob Shavell to find out exactly what deleting yourself from the internet entails and what can be done to better protect our data.

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Dr Karl is Australia’s favourite science communicator, with a passion for colourful shirts with the energy of an exclamation mark!

He’s a former taxi driver, was a serial university student – studying for 16 years – and is now a much-loved medical personality on radio and TV who has just written a memoir – The Periodic Tale.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Dr Karl unpacks his family’s traumatic journey and Holocaust survival to how he thinks OnlyFans could help climate change.

Weekend List

TO READ: The Sunbird by Sara Haddad
TO WATCH: Dancing with the Stars US on YouTube
TO WATCH: Bad Boys: Ride or Die on Netflix
TO WATCH: Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story on Netflix

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Black Myth: Wukong has become one of the fastest-selling games of all time, selling 10 million copies in just three days and changing the Chinese video game market forever.

But Wukong’s success didn’t come without controversy after the publishers, Hero games, asking reviewers not to discuss covid, the Chinese gaming industry and “feminist propaganda” whilst streaming.

In this episode of the Briefing Helen Smith is joined by writer and game reviewer for press start Harry Kalogirou to unpack what Wukong means for the future of the Chinese gaming industry.

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Headlines: Supermarket prices have soared by 20% in the last five years, Palestinian President addresses the UN, if Trump wins the Australian economy will suffer and Katy Perry teases massive Australian name at tomorrow’s AFL Grand Final.

Deep Dive: The AFL Grand Final against the Sydney Swans and the Brisbane Lions is set to have the highest ratings of all time.

Both teams are two of the most supported in the league, but over the past week, NRL and AFL bosses have been clashing over ratings, codes and ‘delusional’ sporting state hype.

In this episode of the Briefing Helen Smith is joined by Triple M’s Liam Flanagan to unpack if AFL could ever take over an NRL state.

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Housing, and the state of it in this country, has been on the minds of both Australian politicians and regular people alike.

The major parties have very different perspectives in mind for what policies will fix this problem – but it’s hard to cut through political point scoring to get real on exactly what they have in mind, and how it will work for you.

This week The Briefing brought you a housing spokesperson from each major party in Australia – Labor, the Liberals, and The Greens – and asked them to give you their key policy vision for how we fix the country’s housing crisis.

But do their proposals make economic sense? On this episode, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by The Motley Fool's Chief Investment Officer Scott Phillips to help us unpack what all three are proposing, and his verdict on what he thinks might fix it.

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Headlines: Labor reportedly considering a negative gearing policy, IDF prepares for ground assault in Lebanon, Choice reveals the cheapest supermarket and two Aussie suburbs make top 10 coolest in the world.

Deed Dive: The state of Australia’s housing is in crisis.

From building them to buying them, there’s delay, disappointment, and division.

The major parties have very different perspectives in mind for what policies will fix this problem – but it’s hard to cut through political point scoring to get a real sense of exactly what they have in mind, and how it will work for you.

In this housing special series, The Briefing team brings you a housing spokesperson from each major party in Australia – Labor, the Coalition, The Greens – to give you the no-bullshit breakdown on what they see as their vision for our country’s housing future.

In this episode, Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with Max Chandler-Mather from The Greens to unpack what they want you to know about how they plan to tackle the problem.

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The internet has become obsessed with two animals in recent weeks; Moo Deng, the pygmy hippo from Thailand, and Pesto the giant emperor penguin chick from Melbourne’s Sea Life Aquarium.

The interest has sparked hordes of visitors, thousands of memes, celebrity endorsements and even moves for a patent. What makes an animal go viral? And what are some of the unintended repercussions for the cute specimen in question?

On today’s episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Dr Kyle Moore from Swinburne University to find out.

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Headlines: More strikes on Lebanon, the UN General Assembly meets, Australia's Reserve Bank has held our cash rate steady for the seventh time in a row and the Federal Government has been slammed for approving coal mine expansions. Plus, the AFL Event office has been hacked just days out from the sold out Grand Final.

Deep Dive: The state of Australia’s housing is in crisis.

From building them to buying them, there’s delay, disappointment, and division.

The major parties have very different perspectives in mind for what policies will fix this problem – but it’s hard to cut through political point scoring to get a real sense of exactly what they have in mind, and how it will work for you.

In this housing special series, The Briefing team brings you a housing spokesperson from each major party in Australia – Labor, the Coalition, The Greens – to give you the no-bullshit breakdown on what they see as their vision for our country’s housing future.

In this episode, Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with Labor’s Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Clare O'Neil, to unpack what Labor wants you to know about how they plan to tackle the problem.

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Repression and media censorship in Venezuela are at an all-time high.

Reports of arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances, and torture of political dissidents have skyrocketed following claims that the country’s current president, Nicolas Maduro, stole the July 28 election.

But now, Venezuelan journalists are fighting back – reporting on events through two AI-generated avatars to avoid persecution. Both those avatars, as well as senior LiSTNR Investigative journalist Claudianna Blanco, join Chris Spyrou on this episode of The Briefing to unpack why this tech is necessary and the political state of Venezuela at the moment.

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Headlines: Fresh Israeli strikes on Lebanon have killed at least 356 people, Albo blames supermarkets for adding to inflation, Reserve Bank tipped to leave interest rates on hold today and Patrick Cripps claims the Brownlow while the AFL settles with Katy Perry.

Deep Dive: The state of Australia’s housing is in crisis. From building them to buying them, there’s delay, disappointment, and division.

The major parties have very different perspectives in mind for what policies will fix this problem – but it’s hard to cut through political point scoring to get real on exactly what they have in mind, and how it will work for you.

In this housing special series, The Briefing team brings you a housing spokesperson from each major party in Australia – Labor, the Liberals, and The Greens – and asks them to give you the no-bullshit breakdown on what they see as their vision for our country’s housing future.

In this episode, Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with the Coalition's Michael Sukkar, Federal Member for Deakin and Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness, to unpack what he wants you to know about how they plan to tackle the problem.

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As the war in Ukraine approaches its third year, global attention has largely moved on - but the conflict remains, and continues to shape the future of Eastern Europe.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin has made a third order to boost Russia's military presence since 2022 while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seemingly relying on ageing conscripts. Overall, it appears manpower on both sides is flailing.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Misha Zelinsky, a national security expert, journalist and author of ‘The Sun Will Rise,’ who has spent time on the ground in Ukraine to find out who, if anyone will be left to fight the war, and whether an end to the conflict is in sight.

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Headlines: Australia living in its longest period of ‘economic misery’ in a decade, Israel – Lebanon update, Donald Trump says he won’t run in 2028 if he loses this election and Friends turns 30.

Deep Dive: Reports of online child exploitation have increased 45 per cent in the last financial year – which is an average of 160 a day.

Authorities say every one of these reports contains images and videos of real children being sexually abused or exploited. But how do you catch those responsible? And are social media platforms, where these images and videos can often be found, doing enough to fight it?

Jon Rouse is a retired Queensland Police Detective Inspector, who worked in Task Force Argos where he implemented Australia's first operation proactively targeting internet child sex offenders. He joins Sacha Barbour Gatt on this episode of The Briefing to explore where he thinks the increase is coming from.

Lifeline 13 11 14

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Shaun Micallef is one of Australia’s most recognisable faces. He’s an actor, writer, television host and comedian.

Now he’s back with another show on the cards, Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey on SBS - where he takes six comics ‘back to where they came from’ for want of a better expression.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Shaun explains how he keeps getting the top gigs in television and what he actually thinks of his reviews.

Weekend List

TO WATCH: The Perfect Couple on Netflix
TO READ: A Periodic Tale by Dr Karl
TO LISTEN: Rex Orange County album The Alexander Technique
TO WATCH: Friends from College on Netflix

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big Brother Australia is returning to Australian TVs in 2025 for the 3rd time. Will it be the show's final, ever?

After traversing three networks, being revived and killed twice, and now needing to compete with the dominance of ad-free streaming and reality TV juggernauts like Love Island, is there a place for a show like Big Brother anymore?

Returning to its original home – Channel 10 – it plans to bring back some of its iconic live segments like Big Brother Uncut and Friday Night Live to lure audiences back to mainstream television – but with rates of free-to-air TV viewership dwindling, it might be too little, too late. Entertainment and gossip correspondent and reality TV show veteran Richard Reid joins Chris Spyrou on this episode of The Briefing to unpack the Big Brother launch plan and if he thinks it will sink or swim.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dozens of people were killed this week in Lebanon in two separate attacks that were unlike anything the world has seen so far in warfare.

Pagers and walkie talkies belonging to militant group Hezbollah were set to detonate at the exact same time, injuring thousands of people.

It is yet to be explained who and how this attack came to be, but is it a sign of what wars will look like in the future? And what else can we expect from emerging technologies and strategies? On today’s episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Dr Keith Suter, Managing Director of Global Directions and an expert on global political risk to find out.

Headlines:

Hezbollah – Israel update

Greens defend housing position

Australia’s population has officially hit 27 million

Kylie announces massive world tour, with Australia the first stop

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This week Sean “Diddy” Combs, also known as P. Diddy and Puff Daddy, was arrested in Manhattan by federal agents and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution in the United States.

The rapper has pleaded not guilty to all the charges. It’s not the first time the artist has had his reputation come under fire in public - since 2023 various allegations against him have been made, including physical and sexual abuse.

What do these latest charges mean for his future, and what does the reaction from both the hip-hop and wider music industry say about the influence and power an artist can hold? Helen Smith is joined by hip-hop journalist and author Simone Amelia Jordan, who has sat down with Diddy himself in the past, to explore her perspective on this latest development.

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Groups of children and young people are trying to force their governments to do something about climate change, not through political campaigns, but by taking them to court.

Most recently, young climate activists have asked the US supreme court to revive their case against the American government on climate – but using the legal system for this purpose has had very mixed results around the world, including here in Australia.

Anjali Sharma was 17 years old when she led a case arguing the environment minister has a duty to protect children from climate change. The federal court ruled against her, but as the climate crisis continues to grow, the question remains – can kids in court save us from climate change?

She joins Bension Siebert to explain what’s happened to the global movement of kids suing their governments over climate change, and her perspective on the way forward.

Headlines:

Walkie talkies explode across Lebanon killing 14

Anthony Albanese threatens double dissolution over housing bill

Tupperware goes bust

Almost half of Aussies are unhappy at work

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With an advocate like Chanel Contos onboard, will learning about consent on Tinder actually work?

The dating app has launched a new Consent Course, created in partnership with sexual consent activist and founder of Teach Us Consent Chanel Contos, and women's domestic violence service WESNET. The course is only available on Tinder’s School of Swipe website - not via the app - though it will be promoted to users there from next week.

But what is the point? Do the people using these platforms need this? Will it actually do anything to help reduce sexual assault, or is this a dating app doing a PR exercise while the spotlight is on them from community and government to do more?

Bension Siebert and Helen Smith join to discuss the motivation and possible results, and speak to Chanel Contos on why she chose to be involved.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should we be weighing children at school?

Health experts have suggested we start weighing kids in schools to help tackle the obesity epidemic, but could this do more harm than good?

In this episode of the Briefing Bension Siebert is joined by obesity researcher and author of Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids Dr Nick Fuller to explain the pros and cons of weighing children at school.

Headlines:

At least nine killed as pagers explode across Lebanon

Diddy charged with sex trafficking

Instagram launches ‘Teen Accounts’

Glasgow swoops in to take 2026 Commonwealth Games

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Meet the woman who has helped spread claims that Haitian immigrants are eating people's pets in Ohio, Springfield.

Laura Loomer is a far-right activist and online personality who is feeding Republicans with extreme conspiracy theories and is seemingly influencing Donald Trump’s campaign.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt chats with Planet America’s Chas Licciardello to find out who exactly Laura Loomer is, how close she is with Trump and whether she has any bearing on swinging the upcoming election.

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Improving mental health is one of the most important aspects of rehabilitating offenders in incarceration.

It’s been the focus of a recent program at Wellington Correctional Centre – which was formerly branded the toughest country jail in NSW. More than 200 inmates and 70 staff have participated in mental health first aid training led by the National Wellbeing Alliance. What impact are they hoping it will have?

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by the Centre’s Governor, Brad Peebles, to discuss the successes and findings of the program and what’s prevented its implementation in the past.

Headlines:

Trump’s latest assassination attempt

Housing policy wrap

Murdoch trial kicks off

Aussie school officially adopts four day school week

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You could call 2024 the year of the Mormon influencer.

The internet has become fascinated with the lives of #tradwives, and now The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is dominating the small screen.

So, what's behind our fascination? And how is this latest show contributing to a conversation about modern Mormonism and feminism?

In today’s episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt chats with journalist and writer for Marie Claire, Ruby Feneley. Ruby recently published a piece recently about the show in Marie Claire, you can read it here.

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PrEP is a miracle drug that is currently in short supply.

Full name pre-exposure prophylaxis, it’s a little blue pill you take once a day – or before and after having sex – that stops 99 per cent of sexual HIV transmissions.

It makes having sex a lot safer, especially for men who have sex with men, and it’s helped the rate of HIV diagnoses in this country plummet by about a third, and has been widely available across Australia for almost a decade.

Now a member of the South Australian parliament, then-Senator for South Australia Robert Simms successfully pushed for PrEP to be placed on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme, or the PBS, meaning anyone can prevent themselves from getting HIV for about $30 a month.

But a supply shortage has hit – with multiple brands of the medication expected to be in low supply or unavailable until March next year. Rob Simms joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to explain what might be causing the delay, and what he thinks the government should be doing about it.

Headlines:

US election update

Houthi strike reaches Israel for first time

Madison de Rozario backs up Paralympics with win in Sydney marathon

The Emmys are today

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We all feel in love with the Matilda's during the world cup last year and now besties, Matilda players Chloe Logarzo and Emily Gielnik are ready to win The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition.

After injury ruled out the duo in the most recent Olympics, the pair took their heartbreak and created a business together to inspire the next generation of Matildas.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Chloe and Emily share their new found love of reality TV and how they turned their FOMO into a positive.

Watch the The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition on 10 or 10 Play now

Weekend List

TO WATCH: Louis Theroux interview with Chelsea Manning on ABC iView
TO WEAR: 7-Evelen sunglasses
TO TRY: To Save Face Sunscreen from Mecca
TO WEAR: Uniqlo basics

Send us your weekend briefing recommendations!

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This week, the Country Music Award (CMA) nominations were announced and Beyoncé was left off the list - despite her single Texas Hold 'Em spending 10 weeks at the top of the country music Billboard charts.

The mega star’s rocky relationship with the CMA’s is nothing new, and dates back to 2016 when her performance with The Chicks was met with backlash and racism.

So are there racist undertones to the nominations and has Queen Bey been snubbed?

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Grammy Considered Recording Artist, corporate crisis fixer and podcast host of the Antoinettes, Azure Antoinette to unpack it all.

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Concerns and conspiracy theories about seed oils have been circulating on social media over the last few months – and the political-right have taken a surprising liking to them.

The most vocal of voices recently has been JFK’s nephew and former independent presidential candidate, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, who says they are “the worst things you can eat,” linking them to chronic inflation, diabetes and cancer.

In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert is joined by Professor Lauren Ball, Chair of Community Health and Wellbeing at the University of Queensland to unpack where these theories are coming from, if there’s any evidence behind them, and if we should all be worried about seed oils.

Headlines:

The first-ever private spacewalk

Six UN workers killed in Gaza strike

Dementia prescriptions jump 46% in Australia

Taylor Swift has become most decorated solo artist of the VMAs

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Violence has erupted in Melbourne’s CBD.

Over 1,500 anti-war protestors yesterday descended on the Land Forces expo, the largest event of its kind in the country where businesses and start-ups spruik their products to defence forces and contractors.

Those rallying were there to protest not only the war in Gaza, but also the wider implications of war – from human rights violations to its impact on climate change.

Footage of the clashes showed aggression on both sides, with officers and protestors both needing medical attention after day one of the three-day event. Over 1,000 officers were involved in the response, with rubber bullets, tear gas and flash bangs used on protestors, and there have since been calls for an independent review of police actions towards those involved with the protesting.

Given high tensions since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, and wider conversations about war and the place it has in our modern world – these protests were almost guaranteed to be a tinder box of emotions. So, who is to blame for the violence we witnessed? And what exactly where these protestors hoping to achieve? For this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks to those attending the rally on day two of the event, to speak to protestors involved on what they think about the violence.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

House prices are surging across the country.

It’s been particularly extreme in Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane, where prices have risen by closer to 60 per cent over the same period.

It’s making it nearly impossible for many young people to get into the property market and part of the reason comes down to how many homes we’re building in Australia compared to the number of people who need to live in them.

On this episode of the Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt and Bension Siebert explain why Australia is not building houses faster and what could be done to fix it.

Headlines:

Melbourne protests

Harris, Biden, Trump and Vance attend 9/11 memorial

New survey shines light on the gambling habits of young Aussies

MTV VMAs are on today

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Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have faced off in what could be the final debate before the election in November.

The polls are neck and neck, both at the national level and in key swing states – and almost everyone likely to cast a vote in the US already has a strong opinion about Donald Trump.

But plenty of people were still making up their mind on Kamala Harris, so the pressure was on her to define herself and convince undecided voters.

The stakes were incredibly high - and meanwhile, outside the debate studio, pop superstar Taylor Swift made a surprise intervention.

On this special US presidential debate edition of the Briefing, Bension Siebert interviews Washington journalist Dave Levinthal about all the key moments, and his verdict on who won.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A two-week blockbuster trial with Rupert Murdoch is getting underway in Nevada today. It’s set to decide the fate of some of the world’s most famous news brands, and who gets to control them.

The 93-year-old media mogul, wants to give his voting power in News Corporation and Fox Corp to his oldest son Lachlan, stripping that power from his three other children.

In scenes reminiscent of the hit tv drama Succession, Elisabeth, Prudence and James are fighting this move in court.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re speaking with award winning journalist and author Paddy Manning to break down everything you need to know.

Headlines:

Two boys found dead; mother arrested in NSW’s Blue Mountains

US Debate is happening today

600,000 turn out in Timor Leste to see the Pope

Charles and Camilla Aussie itinerary revealed

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Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming intertwined within our day-to-day lives.

But it’s not just simply helping us set our nightly alarms or adjust the tone of our emails anymore. For some, it’s offering intimacy and companionship in a way that’s challenging the conventional ways we understand love, relationship and sex.

In the (not too distant) future will we be cheating on partners with AI? Will non-monogamy be the new normal, and where will sex-bots fall into the mix?

In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert chats with futurist Dr Ben Hamer to explore what modern relationships might look like in 2045.

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Pianist Jayson Gillham made international headlines last month after dedicating a performance with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) to journalists who have been killed in Gaza.

The backlash from MSO was swift, resulting in Jayson’s performance being pulled. The MSO later admitted it "made an error”, but maintains the concert was not an appropriate place to express personal views, and an external review into the MSO is now underway.

In this episode of The Briefing, Antoinette Lattouf sits down with the pianist at the center of the headlines, to discuss what’s happened since his performance and the legal battle he now faces as a result.

Headlines:

Federal Government to ban social media for children

Princess Kate ‘cancer free’

Opposition at odds over whether to break up Qantas and Jetstar

Apple introduces AI iPhone 16

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After receiving thousands of submissions and holding hearings across the country over three years, the Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide is releasing its final report today.

It’s expected to outline shameful failures within Australia’s Defence Forces to support veterans’ mental and physical health, especially as they transition into civilian life after serving.

Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie knows this first-hand.

She first called for this Royal Commission as she entered parliament more than a decade ago, she’s a military veteran herself, and she's been publicly open about her struggle with physical and mental health after she served.

On this episode of the Briefing, Jacqui Lambie speaks to Bension Siebert, arguing that failures by the Australian Defence Force are not only harming veterans and their families, but undermining our national security.

If this conversation has raised anything for you, you can seek help. Open Arms provides 24-hour free and confidential counselling and support for current and former ADF members and their families 1800 011 046

And you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14

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In 2020 and amid a global pandemic, over 4 million students across Australia were forced to transition to online learning. Almost every school became a “virtual school” and it came with unintended consequences, including school refusal - which became the subject of a Federal Senate Inquiry last year.

School refusal is an emotional-based avoidance of the traditional classroom. Among the solutions the government is investing in, and health practitioners are recommending, is enrolling affected students in the very thing that put the issue in the spotlight - virtual schools.

But how effective can they be and what other solutions are available to parents and students struggling through this?

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by educator, author, award-winning speaker and founder of The Youth Excel Centre, Michelle Mitchell to find out more.

Headlines:

Paris Paralympics wrap up

Mother of Georgia school shooter speaks out, says she warned school

Nearly 70% of Australia’s tourism sites are at risk from climate change

Elle Macpherson defends natural cancer treatment

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Stand up comedian Monty Franklin tries to make the content audiences need- instead of what they think they want.

Whether that’s explaining Aussie culture and slang to American audiences- or working on a film about the Great Emu War of 1932 with John Cleese, Jim Jefferies and Rob Schneider.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Monty talks about why the best comedy is authentic- and why he’s not worried his friendship with controversial podcaster Joe Rogan could lose him fans.

Weekend List

TO BUY: Olive ice cubes for martinis
TO WATCH: One Day
TO READ: All I Ever Wanted Was To Be Hot by Lucinda Price
TO TRY: Aspect Face Masks

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Technology enables many athletes to compete in the Paralympics – whether it’s modified wheelchairs or carbon fibre running blades.

But is some of this tech giving competitors an unfair advantage over their rivals? If one athlete can spend the cash for the latest running blades, putting them a few seconds ahead of their competition, is fairness lost?

Professor John Cairney is the Head of School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences at the University of Queensland. He joins Antoinette Lattouf on this episode of The Briefing to explore what technical advancement means for Paralympic athletes, both in Paris and into the future.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week the Parliamentary Budget Office released costings for a Greens plan to add dental to Medicare.

On the face of it, the fact that a major branch of healthcare is just not a part of the public health system might be surprising to many. But adding it now, according to the costings, would mean billions of dollars in new government spending – and the Australian Dental Association says we just don’t have the number of dentists required to do it.

So how would it cope if we added a whole new category of medicine? Jordan Steele-John is the Greens Senator for Western Australia – he joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to make the case for dental to join Medicare.

Headlines:

Paralympics update

Federal government to announce domestic violence package

Donald Trump pleads not guilty to revised federal charges

Maori queen anointed

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Australian supermodel Elle Macpherson has this week credited natural therapies with curing her cancer.

Every day, 58 people in Australia are diagnosed with breast cancer – one in seven Australian women will experience it in their lifetime. Diagnoses have increased by almost a quarter in the last 10 years – but the relative five-year survival rate is 92%. Despite most patients getting a positive prognosis, it is a disease that will impact every facet of a person’s life.

When the 60-year-old former supermodel says she rejecting chemotherapy for an all-natural approach to treating her breast cancer, she raised some serious eyebrows. Are her comments irresponsible? Dr David Robert Grimes is a cancer researcher and author. He joins Sacha Barbour Gatt on this episode of The Briefing to explain why he thinks her comments could cause serious harm.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday Australia’s economy got its quarterly checkup, and the results are in.

Gross Domestic Product performance, or GDP, grew by 1.5% over a year. But what does that actually mean, and how does GDP growth affect our lives? Is this an economy at panic stations, or is there no real cause for concern?

Motley Fool’s chief investment officer Scott Phillips joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to unpack the jargon and clear the mist on what these latest figures reveal about the state of the Australian economy.

Headlines:

Paralympics Update - Aussies win nine medals.

US School Shooting

Australian gambling report

Rachel “Raygun” Gunn has broken her silence

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Good news! Your mobile phone isn’t giving you brain cancer!

Decades of worry about radio waves travelling out of our phones and into our skulls have apparently been put to rest with a massive World Health Organisation review published today, finding zero link between mobile phone use and brain, head or neck cancer.

However, different groups of scientists conducting different kinds of studies on mobile phone radiation and possible health effects have suggested the opposite previously – so how are most of us non-scientists meant to tell who’s right?

Assistant Director of Health Impact Assessment at the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency Ken Karipidis joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to unpack the findings, and what we should take from them.

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The situation for women in Afghanistan right now is bleak.

After retaking control of the country in August of 2021, the Taliban has wasted no time reinstating a raft of rules stripping away the rights of females. A week ago, a decree made it illegal for women to speak outside their homes.

Alongside having to completely cover their bodies head-to-toe in thick fabric, they’re also banned from working and can’t look directly at men they aren’t related to by blood. Afghanistan is the only country in the world where girls are banned from attending school after completing the sixth grade.

For activists and advocates, what’s happened since the Taliban came back into power is not surprising - but that doesn’t mean they’ve given up hope. On this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Shabnam Safa, a refugee advocate in Australia who here herself as an Afghani refugee, to hear what she thinks of the latest developments in the country.

Headlines:

Paralympics - Aussies have netted more gold

Australian ambassador to Iran recalled after post supporting LGBTQIA+ community

Two sailors have been rescued hundreds of kilometers offshore from Sydney

Queen Camilla gives rare King Charles cancer update

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More info on Afghanistan from Human Rights Watch: https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2023/country-chapters/afghanistan-0

International campaigns:The End Gender Apartheid campaign is run by experts and advocates from Afghanistan and Iran. https://endgenderapartheid.today/ - https://www.instagram.com/endgenderapartheid.today/

Follow and support journalism in/from Afghanistan

Rukhshana Media - a women-led online news agency for women and children in Afghanistan - https://rukhshana.com/en/ - https://www.instagram.com/rukhshanamedia/
KabulNow - https://kabulnow.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/kabulnow.af/

In Australia:

Action for Afghanistan campaign by the Afghanistan-Australian Advocacy Network - https://www.actionforafghanistan.com.au/ - https://www.instagram.com/actionforafghanistan/
Australian Hazara Advocacy Network - https://www.hazaraadvocacynetwork.com.au/ - https://www.instagram.com/hazaraadvocacyau/?locale=kk-KZ&hl=af

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Have you ever found yourself endlessly scrolling through TikTok being bombarded with food reviews?

Sometimes they appear organic, with creators hopping on a trend or trying a viral product for their followers. Other times, these creators are being paid by restaurants and cafes to plug their businesses or products.

There are legal and ethical guidelines in place to stop this content from appearing organically in your feed – but why are they being so rarely followed, and even more rarely enforced?

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by TikTok lawyer Jahan Kalantar to find out exactly how online creators are sidestepping consumer laws and what more, if anything, can be done.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Much of Israel’s economy ground to a halt overnight, during the country’s first major workers’ strike since the start of the war.

The strike shut down Israel’s international airport and disrupted banks, manufacturing facilities, healthcare facilities and businesses, as Israelis expressed their anger over six Israeli captives of Hamas found dead in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political career has survived major demonstrations before, but could this strike finally force him to agree to a hostage swap deal and a ceasefire?

On this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert is joined Dr Eyal Mayroz, a Senior Lecturer in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Sydney to provide some insight into what impact it might have.

Headlines:

Paralympics Update

Britain is suspending dozens of weapons sales to Israel

Wild weather wrap

Famous Beluga whale found dead

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Renting in Australia can really suck.

With winter over and the end of 2024 approaching, we’re heading towards peak moving season.

Moving house can be one of life’s most stressful events – made even more stressful by the process of trying to get your bond back.

In this two-part feature, The Briefing investigates the messy world of rental bonds. In Part Two, Bension Siebert speaks to Leanne Pilkington, President of the Real Estate Institute of Australia, on what the experience is like on the landlord and agent side of the bond system, and what she thinks might make the system fairer overall.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Renting in Australia can really suck.

With winter over and the end of 2024 approaching, we’re heading towards peak moving season.

Moving house can be one of life’s most stressful events – made even more stressful by the process of trying to get your bond back.

In this two-part feature, The Briefing looks into the messy world of rental bonds. In Part One, Bension Siebert speaks to CEO of the New South Wales Tenants’ Union Leo Patterson Ross on how to stop your landlord stealing your bond, and whether there’s a way to run this system that’s better for everyone.

Headlines:

Paralympics update

Israeli military recovers bodies of six hostages in Gaza

Australians advised to work from home due to wild weather

New survey asks Aussie teens what they want to be when they grow up

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Senator Fatima Payman first won office in 2022 and dominated headlines this year when she crossed the floor over Labor’s refusal to recognise a Palestinian state. Her life since then has been a self-described “whirlwind.”

Fatima now sits as an independent, and in this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, she reveals the inner workings of the Albanese government that led to her resignation and whether she was prepared for the wave of bigotry and intense scrutiny she and her family experienced.

Her story begins in Afghanistan in the 1990s where she and her family fled the Taliban to Pakistan, before starting a new life in Australia. As a proud and determined independent voice for Western Australia, Fatima is committed to breaking stereotypes, saying she is “more than a Muslim senator.”

Weekend List

TO BUY: Sticky grippy phone stickers
TO DO: Bye-bye text messages and hello voice memos!
TO TRY: Korean skincare
TO WATCH: Fatima Payman on Australian Story

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a big week of debate over the 2026 census and a handful of questions that might – or might not – be added to it.

This episode, we speak to one of the Labor MPs who rebelled against the Government’s decision to exclude questions about LGBTIQA+ Australians from the Census – and get his take on a partial backflip from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese this morning.

Labor's Federal Member for the Melbourne seat of Macnamara, Josh Burns, joins Bension Siebert for this episode of The Briefing.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The AFLW 2024 season kicks off today – but not everyone’s happy with the fixtures.

As the AFL works to manage the men’s finals being played alongside the start of the women’s game, fans and key stakeholders are asking why logistical confusion remains as the competition heads into its ninth season.

Georgia Rajic is a sports commentator and reporter – on this bonus episode of The Briefing, she joins Helen Smith to unpack the complex start to the AFLW this year, where the competition is at almost a decade into running, and who looks set to top the ladder in 2024.

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Spring brings with it some pretty wonderful things; blooming flowers, warmer weather and longer days. But it also means another thing that can strike fear into the heart of nearly every Australian – magpie swooping season.

From August to October, the black and white birds are nesting, which means they’re feeling extra protective and have been known to fly at humans as they pass by their babies.

Today on The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt, self-confessed magpie lady, is joined by Sean Dooley, conservationist and birdwatcher with Birdlife Australia, to break down the facts and myths around these fabulous birds, and encourage you to think differently about them this swooping season.

Headlines:

All the action from day one of The Paralympics

Israeli forces have carried out raids in the West bank for a second day in a row

Labor party under fire for census

ABS Data shows more women than men in Australia

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The Paralympics are on!

In the very early hours of this morning Australia time, a spectacular opening ceremony kicked off the 2024 summer games in Paris, with more than 4,000 athletes from around the world preparing to compete over two massive weeks. How different is their experience from that of able-bodies athletes, and how do they feel about the competition starting so long after the first round of the Olympics has wrapped up?

Carol Cooke is a Paralympic champion, competing on the world stage winning medals for Australia in London, Rio and Tokyo. She joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to reflect on what it’s like to compete at the most elite level in Paralympic sport, and how it compares to the experience of able-bodied Olympians.

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Leonardo da Vinci + a Saudi Prince + one very old painting = a world of controversy.

Salvator Mundi is the most expensive painting sold at auction. Dubbed the male Mona Lisa, Salvator Mundi is attributed to Leonardo da Vinci – but not all art experts agree that the work is by the famous artist.

The painting sold for $450 million to Saudi Arabian Prince Mohamed bin Salman in 2017. After several years hidden away in storage, the Prince reportedly has plans to make the painting the centerpiece of what some of called the ‘Saudi Louvre’, and in turn creating a tourist attraction for the West. Is this art washing live in action?

Professor Anne Dunlop is the Herald Chair in Fine Arts from the University of Melbourne. She joins Helen Smith on this episode of The Briefing to explain the backstory of the artwork, and what it might mean if it comes out of hiding and onto display.

Headlines:

Paralympics opening ceremony

Israel West Bank attack

Trump blames Biden and Harris for assassination attempt

New study shows dogs can communicate with humans

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A new study has found astrologers are no better at prediction than random guessing. Does that matter?

Many of those obsessed with their astrological chart when pressed might still admit it’s probably a little bit bullshit – but they like it, it’s fun, and it doesn’t do any harm. But for those who use astrology to help them make significant decisions in their life, it sort of does matter whether this stuff is true.

Enter Spencer Greenberg, the founder of ClearerThinking.org, a social enterprise in the US. He and his colleagues were so interested in the topic that they designed and conducted a study to hopefully settle the argument once and for all – on this episode of The Briefing, he joins Bension Siebert to help explain what they found.

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Noel and Liam Gallagher, the two brothers behind the seminal British band Oasis, have announced they’re about to head out on a massive tour - the first time they’ve appeared together since 2009.

Noel quit the band just before they were due to take the stage in Paris after a massive backstage fight, and the brothers have waged war against each other ever since. But in a twist, they're now reportedly saying it’s now or never.

Once the biggest band in the world, this tour is expected to make in the vicinity of $1 billion.

Music feature writer Cameron Adams joins Bension Siebert to explain what might have led to the change of heart, and why the two 'Don’t look back in anger'.

Headlines:

Hostage freed from Gaza

Greens propose “Robin Hood” tax reform

Zuckerberg says White House censored Meta during COVID-19

Trump agrees to debate Harris

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Planning a wedding can be incredibly stressful - especially with the average wedding in Australia costing nearly $35,000. That’s a price tag that can cover everything from venue hire, catering, hair, make-up, photography and now a professional bridesmaid.

It’s like paying for a best friend (who's not actually your best friend) to support you every step of the way. Is this a logical development meeting the needs of busy lives, or commercialisation and a wedding industry gone insane?

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Kerstyn Walsh, the director of Hire a Bridesmaid, to breakdown why more and more Aussies are turning to their services.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should the 2026 Census ask you if you’re gay?

That’s one of the questions advocacy groups for queer Australians have been grappling with as the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) prepares its next census.

LGBTIQA+ advocacy groups have argued that the government does not collect enough fine-grain data on queer Australians to improve physical and mental health outcomes in the community that are poorer than the general population. On the other hand – could questions about people’s sexuality and gender identity risk the safety of people who aren’t out to their families?

Seemingly out of nowhere, in recent days advocates have learned that the government will not allow the ABS to include questions about questions about sexuality, sex and gender, which the groups have been arguing for.

On this episode of the Briefing, LGBTIQ+ Health CEO Nicky Bath chats to Bension Siebert about what should and should not be on the Census.

Headlines:

Ceasefire talks progress as Aussies have their say on Gazans getting visas

Italian authorities confirm investigation into captain of Bayesian for manslaughter

Winter temperature records smashed

Trump and Harris argue over muted mics

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Telegram is ranked as one of the world's major social media platforms, after Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok and Wechat.

Just like Apple’s iMessage, Facebook messenger, Discord and WhatsApp, it lets you send end-to-end encrypted messages, meaning most of the time nobody – governments, law enforcement, private companies – can access those messages.

In the early hours of Sunday morning Australia time French police officers reportedly arrested boss and founder of the app Pavel Durov, over claims the platform enables criminal activity. In a post on the network, Telegram News says Durov has nothing to hide, and it’s “absurd” to hold an online platform or its owner responsible for abuse that might happen on it.

Is that right?

On this episode of The Briefing Bension Siebert is joined by James Hennessy, ideas and features editor for Capital Brief and cohost of LiSTNR's Down Round to reflect on what the arrest might mean for free speech online.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substances) are forever chemicals that seem to be turning up in just about everything.

We now know they’re in platypuses, human testicles, and Sydney’s water supply. Last week, Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe won support to hold a Senate inquiry into the health and environmental impacts of PFAS.

But for those of us without an expert understanding of this subject, all of this news is equal parts concerning and confusing. Should the government be acting now, and should we be concerned? Or is it too early to say?

Water researcher and associate professor at Western Sydney University's School of Science Ian Wright joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to unpack how we, and state and federal governments, should feel about these ‘forever chemicals’.

Headlines:

Israel and Hezbollah exchange rocket fire

Labor's landslide loss in NT election

New aviation ombudsman out today

‘Right to Disconnect’ laws come into force

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Jimmy Smith and Nathan Roye choose the name of their radio show using a $12 love calculator app and it looks like it was right.

The duo have formed back in 2015 and since then the Jimmy and Nath show has made it to the big time - brekkie radio.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Jimmy and Nath reveal what it’s like working with your best friend and go deep on their views on domestic violence and mental health.

Weekend List

TO FOLLOW - Jack Schlossberg on insta @jackuno
TO WATCH - Joe Rogan: Burn the Boats on Netflix
TO DO - Christmas budgeting templates from She’s on the Money
TO DO - Mini bands workout

Send us your weekend briefing recommendations!

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Appearing at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Kamala Harris has accepted the party's nomination for president in the most important speech of her career so far.

Taking the opportunity to outline her platform to millions of Americans set to cast her vote in November, she made passionate points for women’s and reproductive rights, freedom and stability, addressed Israel and Gaza and other global conflicts, that Donald Trump “wants to be an autocrat himself” and described the Republican party as, simply put, "out of their minds”.

It’s been a big week for the democratic party at the Democratic National Convention, with political pageantry at its finest on display. Dave Levinthal, Editor-in-Chief of Raw Story, joins Bension Siebert live from Chicago to unpack what was said, and the week that was in American politics.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mid-west princess and pop megastar Chappell Roan says some fan behavior is ‘abusive’, bordering on ‘harassment’, and ‘weird’.

In a series of TikToks posted to her account, the singer has outlined her immense discomfort at the behaviors of fans approaching her on the street, demanding pictures and also physical contact like hugs.

The posts have started a firestorm of debate online, with some praising her for her vulnerability and honesty during the highest moment in her career so far, while others say this level of interest is the cost of fame – that part of the deal of huge success is fans following you on the street and asking for a photo.

Do celebrities experiencing worldwide fame, and earning massive wealth from their fans, owe those fans anything? And are these ‘parasocial’ relationships between fans and famous people getting worse?

Dr Veronica Lamarche is a social psychologist and relationships researcher at the University of Essex. She joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to explore what’s going on with the fans of Chappell Roan.

Headlines:

Body of tech millionaire found after the sinking of his superyacht

New charges for Andrew Tate

NDIS passes new bill that changes support access

Kamala Harris to headline final day of DNC

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How many times a week are you ordering from Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Menulog? Is your dinner order putting delivery riders at risk?

A 27-year-old Door Dash delivery cyclist died in a hit and run accident in Melbourne this week. Victorian police say the driver allegedly fled the scene, but handed himself into officers later in the night.

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) says it’s the 18th death of a delivery rider on Australian roads since the explosion in home delivery services.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Michael Kaine, national secretary of the TWU, to find out if it's the delivery companies hustling their staff, motorists on the roads fed up with lawless riders, or the riders putting themselves in danger.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Candace Owens once suggested the US invade Australia to save us from “tyrannical” COVID policies. Laura Loomer has described herself as a proud Islamophobe. Nick Fuentes is a white supremacist who’s praised Hitler.

All three have been big Donald Trump supporters, using huge social media platforms to advocate for the former president. But recently, all of them have turned on Trump’s campaign. What’s behind this dramatic turnaround? And are these far-right influencers right about their criticism of Trump’s strategy?

Dr Emma Shortis is a Senior Researcher for the International & Security Affairs Program at independent thinktank the Australia Institute. She joins Bension Siebert on The Briefing to provide some insight into what’s happening on the right side of the US political sphere.

Headlines:

Bodies recovered in Sicily after superyacht sinking

Democratic National Convention day three wrap

Aldi crowned Australia’s favourite supermarket

Hot girl summer just got more expensive

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AI is coming for the Australian music industry.

Whether that’s a catastrophe or a creative revolution (or both) is yet to be seen. But this week music licensing lobby group APRA AMCOS released a report surveying thousands of musicians across Australia and New Zealand.

Economic modelling in the report found AI is likely to wipe more than half a billion dollars off the revenues of music creators by 2028 - but it also found more than half of the musicians and producers surveyed said AI technology can help with the human creative process.

On this episode of The Briefing Australian singer songwriters Josh Pyke and Sophie Payten AKA Gordi join Bension Siebert to unpack on the promise, and threat, of AI for Australian music.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex Dyson has been working in breakfast radio since 2010 and now he’s running for politics (again).

The radio presenter confirmed on his Matt & Alex - All Day Breakfast podcast with co-host Matt Okine that he’ll be running as an independent candidate for the Victorian seat of Wannon at the next federal election.

For the third time, he’ll go up against the Liberal Party’s Dan Tehan – former Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment – who is the current sitting Member for the seat.

In this chat with Bension Siebert for The Briefing, Alex explains why he’s having another crack, and why he still thinks young people across the country should be engaged with federal politics.

Headlines:

Tough new penalties for badly behaved politicians to be unveiled today

Bodies of six Israeli hostages recovered from Gaza

DNC Day Two: Obamas to headline

World’s oldest person dies

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Australia has more than 100,000 houses sitting empty. Is an obvious solution to our housing crisis staring us in the face?

This week, data analysis commissioned by the Greens showed those in every day jobs like aged or disability carer, retail manager or nurse would need to spend more than two-thirds of their income to pay off a mortgage on an average house in Australia.

But there's an elephant in the room. What about all those perfectly good houses just sitting empty across Australia? Could they be part of the solution?

LiSTNR senior investigative journalist Claudianna Blanco joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to dig into the data and unpack what she's found.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is mpox (previously known as Monkeypox) a runaway train?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared mpox a “public health emergency of international concern”, following a rise in the number of cases across the globe.
The declaration triggers an international mobilisation of resources, including vaccination and testing, to try and slow down the spread of the disease.

Rates in Australia are also continuing to rise, despite our best efforts to slow or stop them. Why can’t we get a grip on mpox rates in Australia – and does the growing rates of infection overseas mean numbers here will only continue to grow?

Professor Andrew Grulich is the Head of the HIV Epidemiology and Prevention Program at the Kirby Institute. He joined Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to answer if he thinks state health departments are doing enough, and how the growing transmission rate might impact the global community going forward.

Headlines:

Tech entrepreneur missing after his luxury yacht sunk off Sicily

The Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago

The most common Aussies can’t afford a house

1 in 3 Aussies turn to socials for fin advice

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One of the greatest racehorses of all time was euthanised after a short illness over the weekend.

Australian thoroughbred Black Caviar was considered the world’s best sprinter, clocking up 25 wins for 25 starts over a career spanning 2009 to 2013.

But the champion died over the weekend, a few days before her 18th birthday and reportedly just hours after giving birth to her ninth foal. The death has sparked a conversation questioning the ethics of forcing retired racehorses to pretty much constantly be pregnant and giving birth until they die.

Walkley-winning author and investigative journalist Lucie Morris-Marr met Black Caviar during her retirement. She joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to share what she thinks following Black Caviars death.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cruise ships have doubled in size in the last two decades - and so has their impact on the environment.

A new report from European lobby group Transport and Environment is warning that by 2050, cruise ships will be eight times bigger than the Titanic and the industry’s emissions are getting “out of control”.

So, is the cruising industry doing enough to address these concerns? And how might travelling by ship look like in the future?

Australian Traveller’s Quentin Long joins Sacha Barbour Gatt on The Briefing to explain.

Headlines:

Antony Blinken arrives in Israel for Gaza ceasefire talks

20 scam websites being taken down a day by Asic

Logies wrap up

Man slapped in the face by a whale off NSW north coast

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We fell in love with Michael Theo on Love on the Spectrum and now he’s embarking on an exciting new career.

Since the show Michael has been busy hosting his podcast, doing Ted Talks and now is jumping into the world of acting, staring in ABC’s series Austin.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Michael explains the important of neurodiverse representation on screen and how his search for love is going.

Weekend List
TO WATCH - Scavengers Reign on Netflix
TO TRY - Nimble Activewear In tempo range for running
TO EAT - Cashew Chicken from Recipe Tin Eats TO TRY - Epzen magnesium lotion and soak for running recovery
TO EAT - Logan’s cucumber salad

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An alarming new study our this week has found no baby or toddler foods in Australian supermarkets meet World Health Organisation standards.

But how can this be possible, and what does this actually mean? And is there anything the Australian government should be doing about it?

Daisy Coyle is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian, Research Fellow at The George Institute and an author of the paper. She joined Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to unpack the findings, and to share her advice on what anyone with kids in their lives should consider following the results.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke Schofield has been cancelled. But does that matter anymore?

Since the term entered the zeitgeist, 'getting cancelled' was once the worst thing that could happen to a public figure – and for some it still is. But in 2024 how do we decide who gets cancelled, and does it even matter anymore?

Cancel culture looks different for different people depending on their race, ethnicity, sex, gender and privilege - and when old tweets or posts online get resurfaced the response is swift and sometimes career ending.

In this episode of The Briefing Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Helen Smith to unpack where cancelling is at in 2024, following a spate of recent influencers and public figures feeling the sting.

Headlines:

Australian b-girl Rachel “Raygun” Gunn has broken her silence

Gaza death toll passes 40,000

Five charged over Matthew Perry’s death

NRL inducts first ever female players into the hall of fame

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The federal government has advised Australians not to travel to Lebanon, and any Australians in Lebanon to return home due to a "volatile security situation and the risk of the security situation deteriorating further" in the region.

There are currently 23 countries on Australia’s ‘do not travel’ list - places like North Korea, Russia, Mali, Myanmar and Bangladesh. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says if you travel to those countries, you’re at a high risk of death, imprisonment, kidnapping or serious injury. But if you wanted to, could the government stop you going there?

In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert is joined by Dr David Bierman from the University of Technology in Sydney, who actually advises the government on travel warnings, to explain what happens if you ignore the government’s advice and visit a country on its ‘do not travel’ list.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An inquest into the December 2022 Wieambilla police massacre has heard evidence the trio responsible – Gareth, Stacey and Nathaniel Train – would have been ruled morally insane and unfit to stand trial had they not been killed in a shootout.

Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity is a legitimate legal defence in Australia and is thought to be used in as little as 1% of cases here.

But what happens to those accused of some of the most serious crimes who escape jail time because of their mental fitness to stand trial? And can they ever be released back into society?

On today’s episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro to learn more about what happens to the criminally insane in Australia.

Headlines:

Majority of Palestinians fleeing Gaza have had visas refused to Australia

Stabbing victim identified as 11-year-old Australian girl

NASA update on stuck astronauts

Tassie mum gives birth on the toilet not knowing she was pregnant

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Everyone’s talking about Australian breaker Dr Rachael Gunn – aka Raygun – and her performance at the Paris Olympics less than a week ago.

Some think she is a national treasure who should be celebrated for her representation of the Australian ‘give-it-a-go' attitude on the world stage. Others say she’s embarrassed the country with a lacklustre attempt at breaking, significantly hurting its chances of being included in future Olympics, as well as the perception of the sport in Australia.

In the firestorm, how is the Australian breaking community fairing, and what do they think of the controversy that has unfolded?

Michael Fox aka B-Boy Flyin Foxy is an Australian Allstar and breaking champion, teaches breaking at Melbourne Break Dance and has been involved in the community for over 20 years. He joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to give us his verdict on the performance, and what he thinks of the global conversation it has sparked.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The algorithms that decide what we experience on social media, and on the internet in general, have a profound impact on the way we see the world.

Yet giant companies like Meta and Google keep the details of these algorithms and how exactly they influence each of us a closely guarded secret.

Now, researchers across the country are working to change that.

Daniel Angus is Professor of Digital Communication at the Queensland University of Technology and is part of a research partnership involving universities around the country called the Australian Internet Observatory. He joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to unpack how they're beginning to crack the social media code.

Headlines:

Pilot of Cairns helicopter crash identified

Calls to ban Aussies from southern Lebanon

Melbourne bans e-scooters

B-girls speak out about Raygun

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Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has made a significant (and significantly delayed) return to social media platform X, formally known as Twitter, in a ‘live conversation’ with the platform's owner and tech billionaire Elon Musk. Well over 1 million people tuned in to listen to what unfolded.

The two weren't always such good friends – Musk has previously called Trump “another bullshit artist”, and Trump has been openly skeptical of electric vehicle tech including Tesla's, another one of Musk’s key personal projects. But the two have reunited in a blaze of glory – or has it been madness?

On this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert and Sacha Barbour Gatt bring you the what-you-need-to-know wrap of what was said, and how it might affect the 2024 US presidential race and the future of global democracy.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report on Australia’s Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) laws was handed down in federal parliament on Monday - and it's found euthanasia is more widely accepted than ever before.

Almost 2500 terminally ill patients have used VAD in Australia since 2019, with the average age of applicants between 70 and 79. As our parents and grandparents age, understanding what options are available and how to have the difficult discussion about when to choose to take your own life through VAD becomes more important than ever.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Dr Linda Swan from Go Gentle Australia, who delivered the report, to talk us through what euthanasia looks like in Australia in 2024.

Lifeline 13 11 14

Headlines:

Pressure to ban gambling ads

Ukraine claims to control 1000sqm of Russian territory

Trump told to stop questioning Harris’ crowd sizes

Miley Cyrus becomes youngest Disney legend

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Selling your sperm or eggs is illegal in Australia, and has been for a long time.

Unlike other parts of the world, where you can make a considerable profit – in some cases up to $10,000 per egg cycle, and hundreds of dollars per sperm donation – in Australia we’re only able to participate in ‘altruistic donation’ of eggs and sperm, meaning donating with no personal profit and in a highly regulated system.

But amidst a cost-of-living crisis and a shortage of donors, should we be rethinking these laws?

In this two-part Briefing feature, Sacha Barbour Gatt explores the value that can be gained in selling a part of yourself for a profit.

In this episode, she’s joined by Clinic Director Lotus Health and Psychology and Fertility Reproductive Counsellor Narelle Dickinson to explore the risks of making it legal in Australia.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selling your sperm or eggs is illegal in Australia, and has been for a long time.

Unlike other parts of the world, where you can make a considerable profit – in some cases up to $10,000 per egg cycle, and hundreds of dollars per sperm donation – in Australia we’re only able to participate in ‘altruistic donation’ of eggs and sperm, meaning donating with no personal profit and in a highly regulated system.

But amidst a cost-of-living crisis and a shortage of donors, should we be rethinking these laws?

In this two-part Briefing feature, Sacha Barbour Gatt explores the value that can be gained in selling a part of yourself for a profit.

In this episode, she’s joined by Senior Research Fellow in Global and Women's Health at Monash University Karin Hammarberg, who has worked in IVF programs for 20 years, to explore what it might look like if we changed the laws in Australia.

Headlines:

2024 Paris Olympics wraps up

Ukrainian troops advance inside Russia

Close to 100 people killed in Israeli air strike in southern Gaza

Joe Biden gives first interview since dropping out

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Amy Shark is one of Australia’s biggest names in pop music.

When she changed her name to Amy Shark in 2013 her career took off, winning multiple ARIA Awards and working with Ed Sheeran to Keith Urban.

Shark's new album, Sunday Sadness, features a dream line up of producers and artists including Kid Harpoon, who has produced and co-written with Harry Styles and Miley Cyrus.

For this episode of The Weekend Briefing, Shark joins Helen Smith to break down how she thinks the live music scene has changed over the last decade, and who she ran into backstage at while preforming on The Late Late Show with James Corden.

Weekend List

TO WATCH - Taskmaster New Zealand on Binge
TO DO - DIY Nail dip set
TO EAT - One pot Spinach and Ricotta Rotolo (Italian Lasagna Roll Ups) from Recipe Tin Eats
TO EAT - Latin American restaurant near you

Follow The Briefing:
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There was a bit of a media frenzy at the Paris games recently when North Korean athletes posed for selfies with South Korean competitors at the gymnastics. Those same athletes were also spotted cheering for American rivals, hugging competitors and waving and smiling for tv cameras.

There has been cautious optimism that the usually hermit-like North is finally starting to open up to the world after a period of extreme isolation.

But how much of this display at the Olympics is diplomatic gymnastics, carefully planned and carried out as positive PR for the totalitarian state?

In this episode of The Briefing Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Roald Maliangkay, associate professor in Korean studies and director of the Korea Institute at the Australian National University to find out.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore have been in the International Space Station (ISS) since early June – and they can’t get down.

The pair have been stranded in space for over 60 days due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft – and NASA now says they'll remain there for some time yet. The American space agency says the astronauts will remain orbiting the planet till September 24th at earliest, and potentially until February next year.

What went so wildly wrong as to extend an eight-day mission out to what could be eight months? And what’s it going be like to be stuck there with no solid return date.

Dr Rebecca Allen is co-director of the Swinburne Space Technology and Industry Institute and joins Bension Siebert on The Briefing to explain what happens next.

Headlines:

Australia has added to its medal haul overnight in Paris

Man arrested over alleged terror attack plot at Taylor Swift concert

AUKUS deal officially signed

Donald Trump confirms he will debate Kamala Harris

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McDonald’s is an economic juggernaut.

Since its inception in the 1940s, the golden arches have dominated the fast food market globally, becoming a beacon of success. But is the seemingly never-ending fast food honeymoon with them, and other outlets around the globe, over?

McDonalds has reported experiencing its first downturn in years, and it’s not the only one – recently US burger chain Carl’s Junior, which had ambitions to open hundreds of outlets across Australia, collapsed into voluntary administration.

So, what the hell is going on? What does this say about the immediate future of the global economy, and what does it say about us as consumers?

Mitchell Taylor is a partner at Simon-Kucher, a global strategy consulting firm focusing on growth strategy, marketing, pricing, and sales. He joins Bension Siebert on The Briefing to shed a light on what this might mean for our global economy.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artificial intelligence is colliding with elite sport and mega-events like the Olympics in ways that could soon affect our daily lives, in surprising ways.

AI is being used to identify talented future Olympians around the world, to help coaches identify minute flaws in athletic performance, and to improve training.

But it’s also seriously ramping up state surveillance of crowds, and for all its amazing uses AI also has some big fundamental problems, like reliability issues and bias.

So what should be the role of this kind of technology at a global mega-event like the Olympics? And what does its use there tell us about the future of AI in our own daily lives.

On this episode of The Briefing Bension Siebert speaks with Ari Waldman, an expert in the ethics of artificial intelligence and big data, to find out.

Headlines:

Another golden night in Paris

Childcare pay rise

Harris and Walz tour as Trump reacts to running mate pick

Dog perfume for $165 a bottle

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Previously, dairy milk was viewed as an irreplaceable part of a balanced diet. But things are more complicated now, and Australians are drinking less of it.

So why the shift? Is it due to greater awareness of lactose intolerance, concerns over animal welfare, or environmental considerations? And how do dairy milk alternatives, such as soy, almond or oat milk compare for health and sustainability?

In this episode, The Briefing’s Simon Beaton is joined by farmer and author of Milk, Matthew Evans, to find out more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ASIO and the federal government announced on Monday that Australia’s terror threat level had increased from 'possible' to 'probable'. Part of the reasoning - an increase in young men being radicalised.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said “governments around the world are concerned about youth radicalisation, online radicalisation and the rise of new mixed ideologies”.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Levi West from the ANU’s Centre for Social Policy Research to find out how and why young men in particular get radicalised, and what’s being done to stop it.

Headlines:

The youngest Aussie medal winner ever

Kamala Harris picks running mate

Global markets show signs of recovery

Judge rules Google has a monopoly on internet searches

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Are you in need of a go-to explainer on what the hell is going on with the stock market and how it could affect you?

This time last week, everything was coming up Milhouse for Australian investors.

The Australian Stock Exchange – or ASX – hit yet another record high after months of relatively consistent growth.

But since Friday markets across the globe have been tumbling, and $100 billion has been wiped off the value of Australian shares alone.

Dr Angela Jackson is Lead Economist at Impact Economics - she joins Bension Siebert on The Briefing to break down what it all means for you.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 11, the Iraq War and John Howard’s prime ministership were among the most pivotal news events of the early 2000’s.

But did you know that during that same period, Australia lived through its biggest corruption scandal – where Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was paid kickbacks for lucrative Australian wheat contracts?

Today, investigative reporter Richard Baker launches a major new LiSTNR podcast, Secrets We Keep: Baghdad Nights, diving deep into the scandal, offering new revelations and focusing on the humanity of the people caught up in it.

He joins Bension Siebert on The Briefing to reflect on how Australia’s politics and media can fail to capture the nuance of a major scandal, and the lessons he’s learned getting to know the real people involved.

Headlines:

Olympics Update

Stock market plunge over US recession fears

The national terror threat level raised from ‘possible’ to ‘probable’

Bangladeshi PM flees the country

Kamala Harris set to unveil her running mate

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Yesterday, Nine Newspapers reported the government was about to walk away from a near-total ban on gambling ads across the country, to instead focus on banning gambling ads from social media and other digital platforms. The new plan for TV would reportedly be caps on the number of gambling ads per hour and banning them an hour before and after live sport.

The reported proposal – which goes against the plan originally designed and championed by Labor’s Peta Murphy, who died last year – has prompted outrage on both sides of the debate.

Anti-gambling advocates say the new proposal doesn’t go nearly far enough, while the big players in this conversation, sporting bodies, say banning gambling ads threatens revenue that funds grassroots and free-to-air sport. Media companies, including NewsCorp and Nine, argue such a ban threatens jobs.

David Pocock is in a unique position to deeply understand this issue—he's both a former Rugby Union star and an independent senator for the ACT. He joined Bension Siebert to explain why the news has made him angry and what he thinks the government should do about gambling ads going forward.

This episode mentions suicide. If you or anyone you know needs help, please reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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Would you wear an ‘always-on’ AI chatbot buddy around your neck to keep you company?

Meet your newest ‘Friend’. Picture a small, white pendant – kind of like an Apple AirTag, about the size of a button large – enclosed in a necklace so it sits perfectly at your chest. It’s watching, listening, and ready to chat to you all day, every day.

A user wears their ‘Friend’, talks to it with the press of a button, and then the chatbot responds via text through the app.

The point of the ‘Friend’ is simply to keep people company, but what are the implications of technology you wear and talk to 24/7, and what does its creation say about who we are becoming as a society?

On this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by the lead engineer of Friend, Jackson Mowatt Gok, to explain why it's been created, and what he hopes it will achieve.

Headlines:

Olympics wrap

Makarrata Commission scrapped by Albanese government

US recession fears spook stock market

French pole vaulter talks after going viral for one ‘big’ reason

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Daizy Maan Kaur is full of surprises and her name is one of them.

She’s the founder of Brown Women Comedy and Soul house with a mission to create more inclusive spaces for south Asian and migrant women.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Daizy reveals where her comedic side came from and why she legally changed her name when she was just thirteen.

Weekend List

TO DO - Short term goal setting planners
TO EAT - Paddle pops
TO READ - Meet the queen of the ‘trad wives’ (and her eight children) by Megan Agnew in The Times
TO WEAR - Hair tie for a belt
TO WATCH - Customise your Olympics experience

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Overnight, Italy’s Angela Carini abruptly withdrew from her Paris Olympics boxing match against Algeria's Imane Khelif, saying she’s never felt a punch as hard as the one Khelif delivered to her nose in that match.

Khelif had previously been disqualified from last year’s World Boxing Championships after failing a gender eligibility test, and the debate surrounding the withdrawal has added fuel to an already toxic conversation about the role of sex and gender in sport.

The science has been clear for a long time - sex and gender are anything but binary. But how should we draw the line, to keep what is an inescapably physical competition fair for everyone involved?

Eric Windholz is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Law at Monash University and an expert in the law and regulation of sport. He joins Bension Siebert on The Briefing to unpack how sex testing became a part of the Olympics in the first place, and the challenge global sport is facing to reconcile science with fairness in world-class competition.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final is happening tomorrow, with the Adelaide Thunderbirds facing off against the Melbourne Vixens at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. The Thunderbirds hoping to win back-to-back titles and its set to be a thrilling game.

This season has been the most attended in the history of Australian women’s sport, with a record-breaking 331,841 fans, marking a 25% increase from last year.

But despite national and International appeal, a developing game and high profile stars, why hasn’t netball had a ‘Matildas moment’?

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by former player turned TV commentator Bianca Chatfield to hear all about tomorrow’s grand final, and how netball plans to make the most of the surge in interest in women’s sport.

Headlines:

Another successful night at the Olympics

Russia prisoner swap

Trump’s race comments trigger bipartisan criticism

Mercury could be covered in diamonds

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Iran has vowed “revenge” on Israel and negotiations to end the war in Gaza have been thrown into doubt after the killing of a Hamas leader in Iran. Meanwhile, Australians have been urged to leave Lebanon as fighting between Israel andIranian-backed militant group Hezbollah escalates.

In the last few weeks, fears of a widening conflict have grown. So why are Israel and Iran at each other’s throats? And are we really at the precipice of all-out war in the region?

Kylie Moore-Gilbert is an expert in middle eastern politics. She joins Sacha Barbour Gatt on The Briefing to break down the recent increase in violence, and what she thinks is on the horizon.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is your social media serving you ‘tradwife’ – or traditional wife – content?

These creators embrace a ‘traditional existence’, which includes being a wife, mother and homemaker, making things like sourdough to bubble gum from scratch, and honouring a nuclear family, their husband and God.

Big names, including Nara Smith, Estee Williams and Ballerina Farm AKA Hannah Neeleman, are amassing millions of likes and views making tradwife content that some see as an innocent escape from modern life, while others believe to be glamourising power imbalances in traditional gender roles.

Megan Agnew is a senior features writer from The Times. Her interview with one of the most iconic tradwives, Ballerina Farm, has forced discourse on the topic offline and into the real world. She joins The Briefing’s Helen Smith to discuss the public debate its created, and if this is women’s “Andrew Tate moment”.

Headlines:

Another golden night in Paris for the Aussies

Iran vows revenge over Hanas leader killing

Threats to Australia’s politicians have almost doubled

Diet and exercise as beneficial as therapy for mild depression

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Rex Airlines has gone into voluntary administration. Has it been bullied out of the market by its competitors?

The airline has grounded its fleet of 737 aircraft that service capital cities and will continue to fly its Saab 340 flights between regional centres. Rex employs about 2000 people and their jobs and futures are uncertain, as calls across the country come for the government to step in in some way to help.

In this episode of The Briefing Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Robyn Ironside, aviation writer for the Australian newspaper, to discuss what this development means for regional travel and ticket prices going forward.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Usually, nominating a vice president doesn’t have a huge effect on an average US presidential race - but this is no average US presidential race.

Donald Trump has his pick – self-proclaimed hillbilly JD Vance. Now that Kamala Harris has gone from VP to Democratic presidential nominee, how will she choose her running mate?

In this episode of The Briefing Bension Siebert is joined by US political watcher, comedian, and co-host of Planet America Chas Licciardello to unpack the potential options on the table, and what impact they might make on the race.

Headlines:

Rex goes into liquidation

IDF launches strikes on Lebanon

Methane report

Olympic update - More gold in the pool

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There are a lot of misunderstandings about the world’s uncontacted tribes - communities that are indigenous to the land they live on and reject any contact with the outside world.

The idea that they’re primitive or “stuck in the Stone Age” are outdated notions, with advocates passionately defending their place in the world and their freedom to choose how they want to live.

Today The Briefing's Sacha Barbour Gatt busts the commonly held myths about uncontacted tribes, and the fight underway to ensure their protection and survival.

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Who betrayed Australia on climate change?

In this episode of the Briefing, Bension sits down with journalist and author Royce Kurmelovs to discuss his investigation into what Australia’s fossil fuel industry knew about climate change more than 50 years ago.

Royce describes how the industry managed to win the support of Australia’s governments and media to cover it up for so long.

But he also makes a powerful argument for hope in the face of all the grim statistics we hear about the climate crisis today.

Royce’s new book, Slick: Australia’s toxic relationship with Big Oil, is available now.

Headlines:

Update on Olympic medal tally

Rising tensions between Israel and militant group Hezbollah.

New developments in US politics

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Breaking has, for the first time ever, danced its way into the Olympic Games.

Spectators in Paris and around the world will watch as B-girls and B-boys windmill, 6-step, and freeze their way to gold, silver or bronze.

But what does ‘good’ breakdancing look like, and what's been the journey to the sport's debut in Paris? The Briefing’s Helen Smith is joined by B-girl Hannah Belet to break down what a gold medal breaking performance might look like, and which competitors she thinks are the ones to watch.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could bad bots on social media be leading to the death of the internet?

You might have come across a weird AI generated images of ‘shrimp Jesus’, or similarly strange content on Facebook, often linked with absurdly high numbers of likes and comments.

It all connects with the ‘dead internet’ theory – the idea that bot created content is accounting for more and more of what is being posted online. So, is there truth to the theory - and are we watching the death of the internet in real time?

In this episode of the Briefing Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Joel Pearson from Future Minds Lab at UNSW to explain the bizarre world of artificial intelligence and bad bots.

Headlines:

Jess Fox has won gold

Israel announces strikes on Hezbollah

Cabinet reshuffle

Olympics wrap

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Tim Minchin thinks policing other people's opinions online is a waste of time.

He’s a talented musician and author, who’s smart, has great teeth and was even given three honorary doctorates.

His thought provoking ideas on everything from empathy and identity, to why Australia can’t fall into the trap of far-right America is fascinating.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Tim unpacks the meaning behind his latest anthem and his first nonfiction book, You Don’t Have To Have A Dream (Advice for the Incrementally Ambitious).

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Polls released in the US overnight show the presidential election campaign is neck and neck. Kamala Harris, who has all but secured the Democratic nomination after Joe Biden dropped out of the race, is surging in the polls.

Donald Trump and his VP pick, JD Vance, know they have a fight on their hands - and it doesn’t help that in 2021 Vance said of VP Harris that ‘the nation is being run by childless cat ladies’. The comments have angered Democrat supporters, including Friends star Jennifer Anniston, have come out in support of Harris saying a woman’s choice to have or not have children is no one else’s business, alongside family support groups quick to point out that Harris has two stepchildren.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Emma Shortis from The Australia Institute to discuss the fallout from Vance’s comments, and what the latest polls mean for November’s race for the White House.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2024 Paris Olympics begin tomorrow morning our time. The 33rd hosting of the summer games will feature 329 events in 32 sports. More than 10 and a half thousand athletes from 206 nations will participate.

The Opening Ceremony begins at 3.30am Saturday AEST.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha and Bension break down what you need to know to be an uber Olympics fan - from breakdancing to BMX, and from canoeing to taekwondo.

Headlines:

Olympics wrap

Biden and Netanyahu meet

Roundup ruling

Searches for gynecology went up after Barbie movie

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Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, with around 70% of households owning one. While choosing to bring a puppy or kitten into your home is an exciting time, the sad reality is a lot of these pets come from farms, mills and backyard breeders. Just 15% of puppies purchased every year are thought to be from reputable breeders.

This week a puppy farm was shut down in Tasmania after the RSPCA found evidence of severe over breeding.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Sarah Zito from the RSPCA to find out the best ways to spot a good breeder from a bad one.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine having no internet – well that’s exactly what's happening in Bangladesh right now for over 170 million people since the government has cuff online connectivity.

In the last week 10s of thousands of young people have been protesting throughout Bangladesh with reports of more than 146 people being killed during marches.

In this episode of the Briefing Bension Siebert is joined by John Heidemann, a senior computer scientist at the University of Southern California and internet expert, to unpack the protests and explain how serious this outrage is.

Headlines:

Benjamin Netanyahu addresses US Congress

Doctors try to reattach shark bite victim’s leg after it washes up

House prices up for a sixth straight quarter

Aussie flag bearers named

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In the dark depths, four kilometres below the surface of the Pacific Ocean, scientists have found small clumps of rocks producing oxygen.

Previously scientists believed oxygen was created by living things using energy from the sun, so the idea of 'black oxygen' has thrown a curveball into our theory of how life on Earth may have began. It also begs the question - could life dependent on oxygen be more common outside of Earth?

Joining The Briefing to talk through what we know about the discovery, is science communicator and author of How to Save the Whole Blinkin' Planet, Lee Constable.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politicians and jobs in the mining sector seem to go hand in hand - with former New South Wales premier Dominic Perrottet and former Western Australian premier Mark McGowan both making the jump.

But mining is a huge part of the Australian job landscape, with over 1.2m people employed in the industry and the top jobs pay extremely well - so what’s wrong with a former pollie jumping out of government and into a role in the sector?

In this episode of The Briefing, Executive Director of the Australia Institute Richard Denniss joins Bension Siebert to unpack how pollies are jumping ship so easily, and if that’s for better or worse for all of us.

Headlines:

Kamala Harris gives first campaign speech

New charges against Beau Lamarre-Condon

It was the world’s hottest day ever on Sunday

Snoop Dogg to carry the Olympic torch

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Young Australians are living in a world more connected than ever before, thanks to social media. But an increasing number of 15- to 24-year-olds are experiencing loneliness and feelings of social isolation.

There’s been a steady rise over the years particularly since 2008, and a further spike in loneliness rates in 2020 – due to the effects of the COVID pandemic.

So, what are the experts suggesting we should do to help? Social prescribing has been flagged as a possible solution, which involves the referral of patients to non-medical activities, like health and fitness clubs to art classes.

The Briefing’s Simon Beaton is joined by LiSTNR journalist Loren Howarth to unpack the details.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Female made and focused pop music is having a revolution.

Why is the happy and light 2000’s pop sound from the likes of Katy Perry out, and the complex and heavy pop of Chappel Roan and Charlie XCX in, and what does it say about where society is at the moment?

In this episode of the Briefing Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Nic Kelly, host of The Hot Hits on the Hit Network and LiSTNR, to unpack what is happening in pop right now.

Headlines:

Kamala Harris firms up as favourite to take over presidential nomination for the Democrats

Dozens killed in Gaza after IDF orders evacuation

Stegosaurus fossil sells for $68 million

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Joe Biden has announced that he’s dropping out of the race for the 2024 US presidential election.

In making the announcement he also endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris, to take his spot for the top role. She's since confirmed that she’s up for the challenge and wants to ‘earn and win’ the right to stand against Donald Trump in November.

But who is Kamala Harris? What does she stand for? And will she gain enough support to win the next US election just a few months away?

Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Christian Paz, Senior Political Reporter from Vox, to catch you up to speed on Kamala Harris and what we can expect next from the US Democratic Party.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Biden has announced he won't run at this year's 2024 presidential election.

It will set off a race for the Democratic nomination - with Biden formally endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris in his message posted on X overnight.

Also in this episode of The Briefing:

During the long, cold winter months in Australia, a quick scroll of your social media feed can feel like you’ve stumbled into an ad for the Amalfi coast or London.

Aussies love a European getaway in the middle of the year, and the popularity of these trips has surged in the wake of Covid travel restrictions.

But is our love affair with Europe on the decline? And what are the next “it” destinations for Aussie travellers?

In today’s episode of The Briefing, we chat to Australian Traveller’s Quentin Long to find out.

Headlines:

Joe Biden stands down

Father and baby killed at Sydney train station

Oscar Piastri wins maiden GP victory

Damages from tech outage to hit the billions

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For Frances Rings dance is her first language.

Since childhood Frances has always know dance would be part of her identity and in 2023 she was appointed the Artistic director of Bangarra Dance Theatre - making her childhood dreams a reality.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Frances unpacks her journey from a working class family that couldn't afford dance lessons to her first production as leader of Bangarra.

Weekend List

TO EAT - Meatless Mondays and alliteration
TO WATCH - Abbott Elementary on Disney+
TO TRY - Going off social media and a dump phone
TO TRY - Good running shoes

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It’s been an absolutely batshit crazy week in American politics.

Donald Trump has accepted the Republican nomination to be president, days after surviving an attempted assassination.

Then, at the Republican National Convention which has been dominating headlines this week, Trump has named J.D. Vance, a man who once described Trump as “America’s Hitler”, as his nominee for Vice President.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with COVID, just as former President Barack Obama weighs in on whether he should withdraw from the race.

To make sense of the wild week that was, and consider what happens next, Bension Siebert is joined by Editor-in-Chief of Raw Story Dave Levinthal, live from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Jack Schlossberg, a self-described silly goose, John F. Kennedy’s only grandson, social media sensation and Vogues’ newly appointed political correspondent.

So what does this nepo baby from one of the world's most famous political families have to say about politics.

In this episode of the Briefing Helen Smith is joined by Entertainment guru and host of LiSTNR’s the Streaming Service to unpack the logic behind his viral internet persona.

Headlines:

Biden reportedly more receptive to stepping down

12.9 million Aussies had data stolen in MediSecure hack

Peggy and Molly to get their own cartoon

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There are growing calls for Australian women to receive paid menstrual, menopausal and reproductive leave – separate from sick leave.

Queensland public servants will receive an extra 10 days of paid leave per year, while public and community sector workers in Victoria could also soon benefit.

Now unions are campaigning for a universal paid 10 days leave, so all workers can take time off to manage fertility treatments, menstruation and breast screening.

So, is Australia ready for the change? And could the policy eventually be introduced into the Fair Work Act?

To find out more, Bension Siebert is joined in the studio by LiSTNR journalist Loren Howarth.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's media sector has been rocked by mass sackings over the last month. The culling started at Seven and continued a week later at Nine. Many of those redundancies were in the respective newsrooms. Even nightly news hosts were let go.
Then Seven decided to shake up its flagship 6pm bulletins with a weekly Friday night comedy segment and daily horoscopes. The move had many in the industry shaking their heads in disbelief.

So what the heck is happening to nightly news? The Briefing's Executive Producer Dan Mullins has over 25 years' experience in radio and television. In today's deep dive, he sits down with Colin Vickery, a TV and entertainment expert with more than 30 years
experience.

Headlines:

CFMEU prepares to fight federal intervention

Biden calls for assault rifle ban as he returns to campaign trail

Andrew Forrest to cut 700 Fortescue jobs

Last night’s epic State of Origin decider

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Are you one of the 30% of Aussies who have a tattoo?

The majority of those who have one - 57% - are getting their first ink aged 18-24. There's a growing trend of people having their tattoos removed - could the early age we're starting getting tatted be behind that increase?

Within Australia, the world’s leading tattoo removal company Removery has experienced a growth of 30% in removal treatments within the past year, with the current laser removal options safer, more effective and more accessible than ever before.

It’s National Tattoo Day, so for this episode of The Briefing Bension Siebert is joined by Jo Kelton, founder and COO of Removery to find out how and why people are getting their ink removed – and if they’re going clean skin or getting fresh art instead.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's drama unfolding with one of the county's most powerful organisations - the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU).
Dodgy contracts, bikie infiltration, compromised characters and Labor government headaches. It's one of Australia's largest and most influential unions and it could face the prospect of a Royal commission into its dealings privately and with the Government.

It's a huge story - but what exactly is the CFMEU, and why is this such a big deal? To find out we're joined by Seven's Victorian State Political Reporter Sharnelle Vella.

Headlines:

What the Trump shooter did in his final days

Man who killed two Australians in the Philippines hands himself in

Tenacious D cancels rest of Australian tour

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Influencers behaving badly isn’t new, but are we seeing an increase in social media star being accused of, or charged, with serious crimes of late?

In the past 24 hours, wellness influencer Kat Torres, who escaped a life of poverty in Brazil to become a successful model and social media star has reportedly been sentenced to eight years in prison for the human trafficking and enslavement.

So how has Torres gone from partying with the likes of Leonardo Di Caprio to jail time?

The Briefing’s Helen Smith joined Bension Siebert to take us through the stories of some of the most prominent stars falling foul of the law, and the series allegations being made about Kat Torres.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A catastrophe is unfolding in Sudan right now.

Nearly 26 million people are facing crisis levels of hunger, cholera is rampant and many trying to find safety have experienced horrific sexual violence including rape and abduction on their journeys.

To conflict stems from the dictatorship of Omar al-Bashir, a pro-democracy revolution against him led by young people five years ago and a power struggle between Sudanese military and a rival militia called the Rapid Support Forces, which kicked off in April.

In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert is joined by Sara Sinada, who has family in the region and works as a disaster risk manager for the humanitarian organisation Plan International to explain the situation, and what those watching from afar in Australia can do to help.

Headlines:

Trump documents case dismissed

Israeli strike on Gaza school kills 22

WA introduce some of Australia’s toughest-ever liquor laws

A Royal updates

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Its a research result that has left tampon users across the globe stunned.

A team of scientists from U.C. Berkeley, Columbia University and Michigan State University evaluated 30 tampons from 14 different brands and 18 product lines to measure the presence of 16 metals. The findings? All the tampons the researchers tested had all 16 metals in measurable traces, including lead and arsenic.

How has this happened – how worried should tampon users be – and are people who use them all over the world being subtly poisoned when they use one?

Dr Jenni Shearston, an environmental epidemiologist at the University of California Berkeley and co-author of this study, joined Sacha Barbour Gatt to explain the findings.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian dollar is surging at the moment, largely due to high commodity prices, a softer US dollar and better than expected inflation data here at home. It means your dollar will go further if you’re travelling overseas.

We’re joined by Angel Zhong, a senior lecturer in finance in the School of Economics, Finance and Marketing, at Melbourne’s RMIT.

In this episode of The Briefing, what does a surging dollar mean for Australians heading overseas and what impact will it have on our economy locally?

Headlines:

The attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump.

Have investigators identified why Thomas Matthew Crooks tried to kill Trump?

What happens now? What could this mean for the US election?

90s tv star Shannen Doherty has died at the age of 53

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Since leaving politics Malcolm Turnbull hasn't slowed down, or stopped sharing his opinions on politics in Australia and the world, the state of the environment, and his opinions on some of his former colleagues.

The 29th Australian Prime Minister has launched the new season of his podcast, Defending Democracy, where he tackles the global democratic moment the world is watching - Donald Trump vs Joe Biden - as well as misinformation and international political relationships to Australia.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Malcolm shares his views on current world leaders including Biden and Netanyahu, the incoming US election, and why we need to keep defending democracy.

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US President Joe Biden has mistakenly introduced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “President Putin” on stage at the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) summit, at a ceremony marking the signing of a security agreement for Ukraine.

The gaffe came after what was meant to be a rousing speech from Biden on NATO’s enduring support for Ukraine in it’s war with Russia.

It was a bad start to a day that might make or break his political career, as he also followed the NATO summit by facing his first press conference with live questions from journalists in several months.

Is this the moment where he seals his fate as surviving as the democratic party’s candidate for the US Presidential election in November? Matt Bevan, Journalist and host of American, If You’re Listening, joined Bension Siebert on The Briefing to give us his verdict.

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Tibet’s highest religious leader, the Dalai Lama, has just celebrated his 89th birthday. And though he’s prophesied that he’ll live to 111, questions are being asked about what his succession plan will be.

And considering Tibet’s struggle of control and independence against China, who replaces him will have large consequences for many people.

But given the Buddhist belief that the Dalai Lama will be reincarnated, how will we know where his replacement will be found? Could they be here in Australia? Or is there a chance that the current Dalai Lama could be the last?

In this episode, The Briefing’s Simon Beaton speaks with Tibetan Buddhism expert John Powers to find out.

Headlines:

Australian couple found dead in luxury hotel in the Philippines

NATO summit in Washington is wrapping up today

Shelly Duvall dies

Aussie CEOs made less in 2023/24

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Australia is getting its very first national prison newspaper – About Time.

It's aim is to be distributed to every prison cell in the country, and it's publishers will focus on issues that affect incarcerated people – including changes to criminal laws and the justice system, new cases that affect prisoner's rights, new policies and procedures inside prisons – alongside prisoners lives, hopes and dreams.

In this episode of The Briefing, the paper’s managing director and publisher Joseph Friedman joins Bension Siebert to find out why he thinks prisoners should have a voice, and what he hopes the paper can achieve.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world watched as earlier this year footage of students across the world mobilised to protest against Israel’s ongoing killing of defenceless Palestinian citizens, particularly children.

Longstanding encampments were established at university campuses across America and here in Australia, popping up across Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne.

Students at Melbourne University staged a sit-in and encampment in a campus building, refusing to leave until university leadership agreed it would disclose any links to weapons manufacturers who may be providing weapons being used by the Israeli Defence Force.

Since the sit-in's end, students who participated have reported being asked to attend disciplinary hearings for their conduct during the protests, with WiFi data and CCTV footage of them on campus being used as evidence of their participation.

Kareem Zaghlool is a postgraduate medical student nearing the end of his degree and Zara Chauvin Cunningham is a second-year science student and is also Jewish. In this exclusive episode of The Briefing, Antoinette Lattouf sits down with the two students to find out how they feel about being tracked and spied on, despite the university pledging it wouldn’t use tech to track them.

Headlines:

Further pressure for Biden to drop out of presidential race

Meth, cocaine and nicotine at record highs around Australia

De Minaur pulls out of Wimbledon, with Olympics now uncertain

Kirsha Kaechele reveals the MONA Picasso’s are fakes painted by her

The Briefing contacted the Victorian Information Commissioner and the University of Melbourne for comment for this story, who provided the following statements:

Sean Morrison, Victorian Information Commissioner:

“The OVIC is making preliminary enquiries with University of Melbourne regarding this matter. This information will assist OVIC in assessing whether or not an investigation proceeds.

It would not be appropriate for OVIC to provide further comment given the preliminary nature of its involvement. OVIC is unlikely to comment on where matters do not proceed from a preliminary inquiry to an investigation.”

A University of Melbourne spokesperson said:

“The University is currently progressing a range of matters in relation to student conduct. We will not be commenting on individual matters, in line with our confidentiality requirements and our commitment to procedural fairness under University policy. The University is in direct communication with individuals as required in relation to these matters.”

Regarding peaceful protests, Professor Nicola Phillips, Provost said:

“Freedom of speech is foundational to our values and policies at the University of Melbourne. We have consistently stated that we recognise the right of students and staff to participate in peaceful protest.”

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Every generation thinks they have it tougher than their predecessors. But arguably, 30 year olds in Australia right now actually do.

In this episode of the Briefing Bension Siebert is joined by Russel Howcroft, a 59-year-old businessman you may recognize from the ABC TV show The Gruen Transfer, to explain why millennials really do have it tough.

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NDIS Minister Bill Shorten has promised to ban funding sex work services for people with disability under the national disability insurance scheme.

However, the promise has been met with backlash from advocates saying that sexual intimacy is a human right with the the federal court deeming the funding reasonable and necessary just four years ago.

Bension Siebert is joined by Oliver Morton-Evans, who has cerebral palsy and has used paid sex work to help him experience sexual intimacy, to explain why sex work services are important for people under the NDIS.

Headlines:

New report shows 1 in 5 Aussies have committed sexual violence

Distressing CCTV footage of police repeatedly striking an Indigenous teenager has been revealed

Jillian Segel AO appointed to combat antisemitism

Australia accuses Chinese spy agency of cyber attacks

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French voters have stunned the world by turning their back on the country’s far-right in an election result few saw coming.

France's left-wing parties formed a coalition and is projected to win the second round of a parliamentary election - beating the far-right. President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist bloc appears to have held up quite well. However, no group looks set for a majority.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Dr Romain Fathi from ANU to talk through the global implications of France’s stunning election result, and what it means for the future of President Macron and his far-right nemesis, Marine Le Pen.

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The war in the Middle East continues to impact hundreds of thousands of innocent people, with Save The Children now estimating more than 21,000 children are missing in the wake of the conflict.

Many are trapped beneath rubble, detained, buried in unmarked graves, or lost from their families.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Save The Children’s Head of Humanitarian Policy and Advocacy, Alexandra Saieh, to find out what needs to happen to protect children in Gaza, and why the world is seemingly oblivious to the worsening crisis.

Headlines:

Children's hospital in Ukraine bombed

Three-day curfew underway in Alice Springs

Joe Biden challenges other Democratic candidates to step up

Alex De Minaur makes Wimbledon quarterfinals

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Dupes are the new copycat trend.

From cosmetics to accessories, electronics, homeware and even motor cars, for every high quality product with a big price tag on the market, there seems to be a cheap alternative ready to go.

But how are these companies making dupes get away with it? And what can the owners of the original product do to protect their intellectual property?

Thomson Geer Lawyers Marlia Saunders, who specialises in intellectual property law joined Helen Smith on The Briefing to explain.

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Artificial intelligence is seeping into every aspect of our lives, so it was only a matter of time before it coupled with the porn industry – and the result is a growing number of AI porn image generators.

Sites like Clothoff and Dessi produce fake porn imagers using pictures supplied by users. Victims find themselves powerless to combat the sites, often hosted by servers in far off countries.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Professor Nicola Henry from the Social and Global Studies Centre, RMIT University to find out who is behind the sites and why governments are powerless to do anything about them.

Headlines:

Sydney house fire allegedly linked to DV

France's far-right party looks failed in bid to form government

Biden continues attempts to convince Americans ahead of election

John Cena announces retirement in WWE

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Far-right political commentator, Tucker Carlson, is known for pushing extreme views on social and political issues, conspiracy theories and a strong stance against immigration.

Recently, Clive Palmer’s mining company Mineralogy brought Carlson over to Australia as part of The Australian Freedom Conferences, visiting several major cities on a speaking tour.

While in Sydney, two LiSTNR journalists attended, to find out what would be up for discussion, and to learn more about the Australians who identify with Tucker Carlson’s ultra-conservative beliefs.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Poh Ling Yeow is proof that second place doesn’t always have to suck.

Joining MasterChef as a contestant in 2009 now 15 years later she’s gracing the screens as a judge, with the new panel of faces joining in the wake of the tragic death of former judge Jock Zonfrillo.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Poh shares the challenges of being a woman in the public eye and her hidden phobia of eating in front of other people.

WEEKEND LIST

TO WATCH - American’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders on Netflix
TO DO - Aussie Bro Squad call out on TikTok
TO EAT - Plunger coffee and Honest to Goodness coffee
TO WATCH - I Am: Celine Dion on Amazon Prime

Send us your Weekend Briefing suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

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The Conservative Party have ruled the UK for the past 14 years – but it hasn’t been smooth sailing with 5 different Prime Ministers occupying 10 Downing Street in just the last 8 years. At the end of May, the current leader of the Tory party, Rishi Sunak called an election.

The Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer had been picked to take the biggest win in nearly 200 years. So has that happened? And what will this new government mean for the UK’s future?

Joining us to unpack what we know of the results, is The Briefing’s former Senior Producer, Eleanor Harrison-Dengate, who is currently on the ground in the UK.

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Since Peter Dutton’s announcement on the Liberal party’s intention to go nuclear, there has been fierce debate on if it will work and if the Australian public should commit to it.

But what are the plain and simple facts on nuclear?

On this episode, we help you out with Sacha Barbour Gatt and Bension Siebert providing a quick explainer about nuclear energy - using fact-checked info without the political spin.

Sources: US Energy Information Administration CSIRO GenCost report
International Energy Forum

Headlines:

UK election underway, Labour poised for a “supermajority”

Labor reacts to Fatima Payman’s resignation

Joe Biden admits he “screwed up” debate

Nine-year-old chess prodigy is the youngest person to represent England internationally in any sport

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“With a heavy heart but a clear conscience, I announce my resignation from the Australian Labor Party. I have informed the Prime Minister that, effective immediately, I will sit on the crossbench to represent Western Australia”.

That’s the statement from Western Australian Senator Fatima Payman, announcing today at a press conference at Parliament House that she has made the decision to leave the Labor Party.

In this episode of The Briefing we’re joined by Kos Samaris, Director of polling group Redbridge Australia, and Australian Financial Review federal politics reporter Tom McIllroy to discuss what it means for the future of the ALP - and the future of Senator Payman.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NASA have announced that the International Space Station is doomed to de-orbit by 2031, and SpaceX are going to help take it down with a contract worth $1.26 billion (AUD).

It’s the end of an era – the ISS was for many years a beacon of international cooperation in the final frontier of space.

So why is the ISS being decommissioned, will a new station be replacing it, and what does this mean for international space relations in the future?

Dr Rebecca Allen, Co-Director of the Space Technology and Industry Institute at Swinburne University of Technology, joined The Briefing to explain.

Headlines:

White House denies Biden is considering his future

Damning ASIC inquiry

New research has found what Australian’s are spending their money on

Canberra’s night of nights – the Midwinter Ball.

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One of the world’s biggest live entertainment companies, Live Nation, has been hit with a double whammy.

It’s being sued by the US Department of Justice following its subsidiary Ticketmaster being targeted by a notorious hacker group affecting 560 million customers worldwide.

As a follow-up to our investigation into Australia’s ticket industry, Tessa Randello from the LiSTNR Newsroom joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to break down what is happening at Live Nation and the effect it could have worldwide.

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This week, campaigners for animal rights won a years-long battle to ban the live export of sheep, with the practice to end by 2028 after it was passed in parliament. According to Animals Australia, three million animals have died in live export from Australia ... and that's not to mention what happens to them once they arrive at their destination.
On the flipside of that though is the farming communities who rely on the trade for their livelihoods.

In today's Briefing, we speak with John Hassell, a WA farmer and the Vice President of the National Farmers Federation to find out what's next for the industry and what farmers wish they could say to inner city folk who are against the practice.

Headlines:

More than 100 dead in crowd crush at religious event in India

Palestinians flee Khan Younis after texts from Israel

Donald Trump sentencing delayed

Bob Katter portrait in Parliament House

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For the first time ever, the American Supreme Court has ruled that former presidents are protected from criminal prosecution for some of what they do in office.

Donald Trump is currently facing three criminal cases – and will next week face sentencing for a fourth surrounding the payment of hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels.

What does this ruling mean for him, and for future and past presidents of the United States? Journalist and host of the ABC Podcast America, If You're Listening, Matt Bevan, joined Bension Siebert to unpack the decision.

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You love where you live and locals are worried the suburb’s about to be ‘gentrified’.

It can be a good thing and a bad thing. Great news if you own your home, but not good news if you rent and rents are about to skyrocket. You’ll be forced to move to a suburb further away from your friends, work and social network.

In this episode of the Briefing we’re joined by William Thackway, who has worked on a machine learning model to predict gentrification with UNSW City Futures Research Centre. He’ll tell you how to know if your suburb is about to be gentrified.

Headlines:

Shock Trump ruling

Fatima Payman doubles down, accuses colleagues of exiling her

Live sheep trade ban passes parliament

World’s first millennial saint approved

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Have you heard of Aussie Bro Squad? The four brothers from regional NSW have made a bit of a name for themselves on TikTok after filming and uploading themselves performing high-energy dance routines.

They’re known to “go live” multiple times a day, all filmed by their mum, Beverley, who keeps up a steady stream of commentary from viewers as her sons perform.

While it appears innocent, internet sleuths have expressed concerns about the boys' welfare, two of whom are still in school. There are questions about why they’re made to perform on live streams at all hours of the day and night, and who is behind it all.

Today, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Archie Milligan from the LiSTNR Newsroom, as we look deeper into the story of the Aussie Bro Squad.

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Today, microphones across Triple M’s 49 radio stations will switch off for the network’s annual No Talk Day, with a goal to create space for listeners to check-in with themselves and their mates. That’s because every day, nine Australians take their own life – and according to Lifeline, on average, seven of those are men.

Partnering with Lifeline, Triple M’s goal is to build awareness and encourage fundraising for this vital national service. Now in its sixth year, between 6am and 6pm, Triple M will pause all shows, announcers and ads, along with all news and traffic reports, as a reminder to make mental health a priority and encourage listeners to start a conversation for themselves or with someone they care about.

Gus Worland is no stranger to conversations about mental health. He joined Sacha Barbour Gatt to explain why Triple M keeps wanting to draw attention to talking about your mental health, and what he’s learned from the listeners when making space for them to speak.

Lifeline 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au/talk

Headlines:

Fatima Payman suspended indefinitely from the Labor caucus

Joe Biden meets with family as pressure mounts on him to stand aside

Huge turnout for French elections

All the changes coming in today

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Jenny Tian admits she is committed to two things in life – making comedy and sleeping.\

When she started to go virial on social media for her comedy skits and stand up shows she never looked back and is now on the big screen.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf , Jenny reveals some of the weirdest things she’s doing on this season of Australia’s Taskmaster and how she’s preparing for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Book here

WEEKEND LIST

TO EAT - Raspberry Tourte (DM us on Insta for the full recipe)
TO EAT - Easy Za'atar wrap combo
TO WATCH - Chicken shop date on YouTube by Amelia Dimoldenberg
TO DO - How to save on a gym membership

Send us your Weekend Briefing suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

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US President Joe Biden and wannabe second term president Donald Trump faced off in the first presidential debate earlier today, with many expecting it to be a defining moment in the election campaign.

We watched as Joe Biden appeared unsure and hesitant, while still landing blows on Trump. We saw Trump continue to attack Biden’s family and legacy. It was gloves off from the outset and at times threatened to turn nasty.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Dave Levinthal, editor-in-chief of Raw Story, to find out who won the debate, and whether either side will claim it has proven they’re the best person to lead the US over the next four years.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last year popular online platforms were also threatened with government regulation unless they improve safety for users, following a spike in reports of threats of violence and abuse.

The federal government gave industry until the middle of 2024 to develop and implement a voluntary code of practice to improve standards. But has anything actually moved on the issue since?

In this episode of The Briefing Antoinette Lattouf speaks with intimacy and dating app expert Lisa Portolan to see where we’re at with our relationship to dating apps.

Headlines:

Presidential debate today

Sexual assaults at 31-year high

Woolies brings in egg-buying limits amid bird flu outbreak

Sydney vs Melbourne: who wins according to most liveable cities ranker

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The term ‘enshittification’ was coined by British-Canadian blogger Cory Doctorow at the start of 2023 to describe the decline of social media platforms.

It captures the idea that something which was once great eventually becomes crappy overtime due to excessive profit-chasing.

The term has broken into the cultural zeitgeist and is now being used to describe everything from major events to clothes, coffee, housing, and everything in between.

Recently, disgruntled Sydneysiders used the term to describe this year’s Vivid festival, which they say has deteriorated in the pursuit of making money. So, why does a chunk of the population feel like everything is just a bit shit right now? And is it just capitalism in action?

On this episode of The Briefing, expert in 'Uncomfortable Conversations' Josh Szeps joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to explore if everything really is becoming a bit shit.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julian Assange is a free man after pleading guilty to one charge of espionage in a federal United States court as part of a plea deal with prosecutors, bringing to end an international saga surrounding war, access to information, freedom of speech and the role of journalism in the digital age.

Facing a judge in a US federal court in the remote Northern Mariana Islands, Assange told the court that he “believes the First Amendment and the Espionage Act are in contradiction” and that he was within his rights while working as a journalist when he “encouraged (his) source to provide information that was said to be classified in order to publish that information”.

Assange landed on Australian soil late on Wednesday afternoon, bringing the long fight by many for him to be allowed to return home to an end.

What will his life look like going forward, and how does his family feel now that he’s returned? Julian’s brother, Gabriel Shipton, joins Sacha Barbour Gatt on The Briefing to share how he feels in this historical moment.

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You might not have heard of MrBeast, but chances are the Gen Z’er you share a house, office or gym with has.

The 26-year-old content creator from Wichita, Kansas has amassed hundreds of millions of followers and is the most- subscribed-to page on YouTube.

He’s best known for putting on his own version of Squid Game – before Netflix did – and sharing hundreds of thousands of dollars in random giveaways.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Justin Hill, entertainment guru and host of The Streaming Service podcast on LiSTNR, to find out who MrBeast is, and why he’s having such a massive global impact.

Headlines:

Julian Assange is back in Australia

Fatima Payman cops caucus suspension after crossing the floor

Kenyan government concedes defeat on tax increases after deadly protests

Two astronauts are stuck in space

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Pills, powders and liquids that might be harbouring deadly substances will be able to be legally tested across Victoria, following a major policy change announced by Premier Jacinta Allan this week.

Pill testing will become permanent after an 18-month trial starting this summer, with a mobile service to attend up to 10 music festivals. In Victoria, paramedics responded to more drug overdoses at festivals in the first three months of 2024 than during all of 2023.

The announcement is a change from Labor's previous stance against pill testing, and comes alongside the party choosing to not support a second safe drug injecting room in Melbourne’s CBDdespite experts' advice saying it would help reduce fatal heroin overdoses in the state.

In this episode of The Briefing, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan joins to explain the reasoning behind the change of heart in the Victorian government, and Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell gives her take on the proposed rollout.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Albanese government has announced sweeping new changes to Australia’s vaping laws, which will see the products continue to be sold – but only in pharmacies.

To secure the support of the Greens in the Senate, Labor has agreed to backtrack on its prescription-only model.

It means vapes will be made available at pharmacies across the country – but they will be regulated and subject to plain packaging requirements, with flavours limited to mint, menthol or tobacco.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Greens leader Adam Bandt to find out why the Greens negotiated the new laws and what the new regulations mean for vapers and smokers wanting to quit cigarettes.

Headlines:

Julian Assange will face court at 9am today on a US island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean

Senator Fatima Payman crosses the floor

Jarryd Hayne won’t face a fourth trial

Listeners respond to vaping story

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Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, has agreed to plead guilty to a single felony count in relation to charges over disseminating national security material.

The plea deal was in exchange for his release from a British prison, clearing the way for him to return to Australia, and avoiding the need to face charges in the United States.

It brings to an end the 14-year ordeal that saw him spend seven years in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London and a further five years in a British prison fighting US attempts to extradite him.

In this episode of The Briefing we’re joined by Kym Staton, documentary filmmaker and Director of ‘The Trust Fall: Julian Assange', to find out how and why Assange has finally decided to end his campaign for justice and return home.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bird flu – or Avian flu – has been detected at a number of chicken farms in Victoria and NSW. The discovery comes in the wake of an outbreak in the US and tests that found humans had symptoms associated with bird flu.

How safe is Australia’s poultry industry, and how safe are our chickens and eggs to eat?

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Enzo Palombo, Professor of Microbiology at Swinburne University to learn more about how badly our poultry industry will be affected and if humans – like Covid – could be impacted by the growing global crisis.

Headlines:

Government waters down vape ban

Victoria to launch pill testing trial this summer

Princess Anne in hospital

Picassos hung in ladies toilets at Mona

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Weaponised incompetence is a term that's gaining some traction at the moment.

It's a passive-aggressive pattern of behaviour where someone in a relationship, whether it be professional or intimate, either deliberately performs a task poorly or pretends not to know how to do a task in order to avoid responsibility.

Imagine the dynamic of person A is able to iron shirts/stack dishwashers/ do spreadsheets so much better than person B - which leads to Person B doing all the work, often reinforcing the unequal division of labour at home and in the office.

In this episode of The Briefing, psychologist Jocelyn Brewer shares how it can manifest, and how to tell if you might be an unknowing victim.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tax time is right around the corner and this year the ATO are cracking down on working from home expenses.

Last year more than 8 million Australians claimed work- related deductions in their tax return, with working from home expenses making up more than half of those claims.

In this episode of the Briefing Ashley Debenham from Etax Accountants joins Katrina Blowers to unpack everything you need to know before you lodge your tax return.

Headlines:

Tough new penalties coming for supermarkets

First poll shows voters split on nuclear

Adelaide Westfield sent into lockdown after teen brawl

2024 Logies nominations announced

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What’s the difference between style and Fashion? Well Victoria Latu can answer that.

She was born in a region now considered Ukraine, interviewed all the stars on the red carpet in LA and along the way became a fashion expert.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Victoria unpacks her Kylie Minogue like accent and how she navigated the Australian media landscape a women of colour.

WEEKEND LIST

TO EAT - Healthy butter chicken with Greek yogurt
TO LISTEN - The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan
TO WATCH - Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult on Netflix
TO DO - DIY Gel Nail Kit By Me & Crew

Send us your Weekend Briefing suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

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Women’s basketball would be lucky to rate a mention in America, let alone Australia. Yet that has all changed since Caitlin Clark came along.

The 22-year-old is one of the most promising female basketball players in the US, making the transition from college ball to being signed as the number one draft pick for the Indiana Fever this year.

However, her popularity hasn’t been without controversy, fuelled by Clark’s entrance as a white player in a predominantly Black sport.

In this episode, we’re joined by Cat Lynch from Triple M, who’s been following Clark’s journey and is here to unpack the complexities of her story.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s first visit to North Korea in 24 years has resulted in the
signing of a partnership agreement for mutual aid if either nation is attacked.

Apparently encompassing a whole range of areas, including medical education and scientific pursuits, particular emphasis has been placed on military cooperation with speculation that Russia is in dire need of munitions to continue their war against Ukraine.

In this episode, we’re joined by Politco’s Zoya Sheftalovich, to find out more about the
agreement and just how much Russia are in need of North Korea’s support.

Headlines:

Questions remain around the Coalition’s nuclear plan.

Russia signs deals with Vietnam

Climate activists try to vandalise Taylor Swift’s private jet

London cinema cancels screening of movie written entirely by AI after hundreds of complaints

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This week saw a Labor MP’s office vandalized in Victoria in protest of the party’s inaction surrounding the war in Gaza. The protest has sparked outrage from current and former members of government, who say aggressive protest action is taking things too far.

Should protest action be more peaceful, to be more effective? Or is loud and aggressive protest the only way to get wider Australian society to pay attention to major issues surrounding the environment, climate and human rights?

In this episode of the Briefing former leader of the Greens and environmentalist Bob Brown joins Bension Siebert to unpack what an effective protest looks like.

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Peter Dutton has provided Australians with more detail than ever before with how he plans to make the country enter a nuclear power boom.

On Wednesday, the leader of the Opposition announced his plans to build seven nuclear power stations, flagging a major election promise which he hopes will be a “referendum on nuclear energy”.

In this episode of The Briefing, Emeritus Professor Ian Lowe from Griffith University breaks down what the promise would mean for Australia’s energy plan.

Headlines:

Gender Pay Gap in the public sector

North Korea and Russia sign mutual aid partnership

Shoppers are getting their groceries 25% cheaper at Aldi

Peter Dutton reveals the next phase of the Coalition’s nuclear plan

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Planning on heading to the slopes this winter?

A new study has found climate change could forever change Australia’s ski season, with less snow for fewer days.

The traditional season, starting from the June long weekend through to the October long weekend, is 120 days or four months. New research has found due to ongoing changes in our climate the season will be reduced to just 55 days by 2050.

In this episode of the Briefing, Sam Quirke from Protect Our Winters joins Katrina Blowers to learn what needs to be done to curb greenhouse gas emissions and save Australia’s season.

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Yesterday the Reserve Bank of Australia announced that they were holding the cash rate at 4.35% - the same position since November, 2023.

While this decision came as no shock to the majority of economists, it was anticipated that cash rates would be falling by the end of 2024. Is this still the case?

To help unpack the details of our current economic situation, Scott Phillips from the Motley Fool joins us on The Briefing.

Headlines:

Thailand legalises same sex marriage

Netanyahu complains about blocked US weapons as Jerry Seinfeld’s Sydney gig is hit by pro-Palestine protestors again

Justin Timberlake arrested for driving while intoxicated

Maccas to ditch AI ordering system over in the US

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Have you ever thought about the physical places where our most sensitive and private digital information is stored?

Around Australia lie ultra-secure databases that host everything from your medical records and internet passwords to our governments' records and national secrets. Unsurprisingly, given the sensitive nature of this digital information, most of us will never even know where these data centres are, let alone see inside one.

However in this episode, The Briefing will take you right inside a data control centre, and you'll hear from AuCloud CEO Peter Maloney to find out how they keep your data safe from hackers, scammers and foreign intelligence agencies.

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China’s long history of panda diplomacy is back in the headlines.

Governments trading native animals is nothing new and can form a key part of diplomatic relations, but how did trading pandas become an integral part of China’s foreign policy?

In this episode of the Briefing Senior Fellow in the Initiative for U.S-China Dialogue on Global Issues Dennis Wilder joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to explain the political strategies behind the cuddly bears.

Headlines:

Australia's relationship with China “renewed and revitalised”

Virgin flight engine fire on flight to Melbourne

Vladimir Putin to visit North Korea

New research shows news intake is up

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New research released today from women’s Health Victoria is showing a sad state of affairs for how people see their genitalia in 2024.

The research, which includes a nationally representative YouGov survey of more than 1000 Australians with a labia, found that porn and the 'online world' are having a significant impact on young people's anxiety and shame around their vulva and labia.

In this episode, we speak with the longest serving Dolly Doctor and Labia Library ambassador, Dr Melissa Kang.

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New research has found 69 per cent of Australians access TV via the internet and millions will miss out on watching sport if proposed anti-siphoning laws are not applied to streaming services.

A new study has found 29 per cent of Australians watch TV exclusively through an aerial and 18 per cent of those are considering switching to digital soon. If anti-siphoning laws are not extended to digital services, around half (49%) of people who use free streaming services such as 9Now and 7Plus reported they would simply miss out on watching sport.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Free TV CEO Bridget Fair to find out what needs to happen to keep sport and other major television events, on free-to-air TV.

Headlines:

Albanese to meet with Chinese Premier Li

Swiss peace summit sees international support for Ukraine

Robert Irwin threatens to sue Pauline Hanson’s One Nation over cartoon

Royals receive positive coverage over Father's Day

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Sally McMullen and Alexandra Hourigan describe themselves as just two chicks trying to navigate their 20s and their love of online shopping.

The duo turned their friendship and passion of scoring a bargain into Two Broke Chicks - dishing out everything from saving hacks to how to make friends as an adult in their podcast, new book and through socials.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Sal and Alex share what they think about the bad rap millennials and zillenials get when it comes to Insta inspired spending.

WEEKEND LIST

TO EAT - Burger bowl with special sauce
TO LISTEN - Soul Ties by H3rizon
TO WATCH - Real Housewives of Salt Lake City
TO EAT - Dominos gluten free and vegan cheese pizza

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Animals communicate with one another all the time, but few species have the ability to call each other by individual names.

Dolphins are known to invent their own signature whistle as names, while parrots have also been known to use names with each other – and now new research has found that African elephants have found their own way to call each other by name too.

In this episode of the Briefing, lead author of the study and behavioural ecologist Mickey Pardo joins Bension Siebert to explain how African elephants use rumble sounds to communicate.

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There's been a surprising spike this year in the number of Monkeypox cases internationally and in Australia. In a post-pandemic world, fears of a virus that could spread amongst large groups of people are unsurprising - but are concerns about this latest spike warranted? And what's causing the spike of Mpox to occur?

In this episode, The Briefing's Simon Beaton speaks with expert in infectious diseases, Professor David Tscharke from the Australian National University.

Headlines:

Ukraine signs historic ten year security deal with the US

Chris Dawson loses appeal

Young Aussie Actress cast in upcoming Disney film

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14 high-profile Australian women have joined forces to recreate the famous Calendar Girls campaign to raise awareness of domestic violence.

Inspired by the Calendar Girls 25 years ago who stripped for a nude calendar to raise awareness of cancer, Let’s Get Explicit is trying to keep the conversation going and to raise awareness of domestic violence in Australia.

Politicians like Victorian MP Georgie Purcell, actor Sharon Johal and our own Antoinette Lattouf have been photographed the calendar, depicting prominent Australians in images where they feel empowered, to raise funding for and drive societal change around violence against women.

In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert is joined by to Antoinette to find out why she’s involved, and what the organisers hope to achieve.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The European Parliament held its elections over the weekend, with provisional results showing significant victory for radical-right political parties across the continent.

As preliminary election results rolled in, French President Emmanuel Macron called a snap parliamentary election in the country later this month, following strong results for his right-wing rival party Marine Le Pen.

In this episode of The Briefing, we take a deep dive into the surge of right-wing parties and policies across Europe, what’s behind the drift to the right, and what the impact might be here in Australia.

Headlines:

Investigations suggests PwC scandal to be beyond just Australia

SA Premier Peter Malinauskas proposes bill to ban all political donations

Former footballer Jarryd Haynes wins appeal against sexual assault convictions

World records broken at Aussie swimming trials

Note: If you'd like to hear our former episode on how companies pay to influence our politicians, head here.

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Run clubs are trending.

They've been called the new dating app, the millennial quarter life crisis, and the cozzie livs gym membership.

So if you’ve found yourself lacing up or have signed up for the next fun run in your city - what’s the best way to start running and do it safely? And is this a 2024 fad, or here for the long haul?

In this episode of the Briefing Former Australian Athlete of the Year and World Champion sprinter Katie Williams joins Helen Smith to give her advice on how to hit your running goals without causing an injury, and where she thinks the popularity is coming from.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a lot of talk about AI taking our jobs, but what if we made it find us jobs instead? That’s the premise of UK-based AutogenAI, a rapidly growing generative AI company that went to market six weeks before ChatGPT.

It developed software - written by a team that includes historians, psychologists and philosophers – to enable clients to write winning bids for tenders, contracts and proposals.

Now it’s launching in Australia, but will it just make big companies richer by taking bigger slices of the pie? In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by AutogenAI CEO and founder Sean Williams to find out.

Headlines:

Hamas agree to a ceasefire

Hunter Biden convicted of all three felonies related to gun ownership

Bonza staff sacked after two months without pay

Socceroos beat Palestine as Usman Khawaja takes a swipe at Albanese over recognising Palestine as a state.

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Four hostages taken by Hamas during last year’s October 7 attacks were rescued safely from Gaza at the weekend.

According to the Gazan health ministry, 274 Palestinians were killed, sixty-four of them children, during the brutal operation to free the hostages.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Sarah Schwartz, a human rights lawyer and executive officer of the Australian Jewish Council to discuss a morally sound way to react to Israeli lives being saved alongside Palestinian lives being taken, and how we should maintain humanity and our empathy for everyone involved.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert Farquharson was convicted for murdering his three sons after driving into a dam on purpose on Father’s Day in 2005.

A new campaign is trying to prove he is innocent - that he suffered a medical episode.

In this episode of The Briefing we hear the other side of the story from crime journalist and author Megan Norris, who covered the original criminal trials and feels a sense of obligation to be a voice for Cindy Gambino -- the mother of the three dead children who is no longer here to tell her side of the story.

Headlines:

Bird Flu spreads across Victorian farms

Antony Blinken and Netanyahu meeting to discuss ceasefire deal

EU election shows a surge in popularity for the far-right

Ariarne Titmus dominates in the women's 400m freestyle

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It seems that every few months another massive Australian business is accused of wage theft.

Coles, Woolworths, the ABC, BHP, Qantas, big banks, major universities...the list of firms found to have not paid workers what they should is expansive. In response, the federal government has introduced new laws starting January 1 next year will make it a criminal offence to deliberately underpay staff, with massive penalties for companies and individuals.

But how do you even know if you’re being underpaid? And will these laws be enough to stop this happening?

On this episode, Bension Siebert finds out more from principal lawyer at Maurice Blackburn, Patrick Turner.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you heard about wine mums, or seen videos on social media featuring women drinking at boozy brunches?

Historically men have drunk more than women, but in recent years there has been an increase in women’s drinking.

In this episode of The Briefing Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with Maree Patsouras from La Trobe university to find out about the lives of Australian working mothers and the place alcohol has.

Headlines:

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Nathan Paddison has spent 13 years of his life in and out of prison for a range of crimes - some small and others violent. But he says art saved him.

Antoinette Lattouf and Nathan went to school together in western Sydney and reconnected at his latest art exhibition.

You cannot downplay some of his crimes, including a charge of domestic violence, but rarely do we hear about how criminals try to turn their lives around.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Nathan opens up about what what leads young men to go down criminal and violent paths and crucially how to break that cycle.

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WEEKEND LIST

TO EAT - Easy veggie lasagna
TO VISIT - Vivid Sydney
TO LISTEN - Sounds like a cult, the cult of tradwives
TO DO- Adult colouring books

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Fiona Harvey is a Scottish lawyer who was depicted as a stalker in the Netflix hit, Baby Reindeer. She’s denied the claims and is suing the streaming giant for $170m.

The program depicted Harvey – via a character named Martha – as a serial stalker who bombarded the British comedian Richard Gadd with tens of thousands of emails and text messages. She says it never happened. The show said she was convicted of stalking and spent nine months in prison. Harvey says it’s nonsense.

In this episode of The Briefing, we take a deep dive on Harvey’s motivation to sue – and what her chances are of beating a streaming behemoth like Netflix.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Korea has launched a series of balloons packed with household waste over the border into South Korea.

Pyongyang says it’s in response to Seoul distributing anti-North propaganda leaflets into cities and towns across the North.

In this episode of the Briefing we take a deep dive with Justin Hastings, Professor of International Relations at the University of Sydney, on why the campaign was launched and what it means for hostilities between the two nations separated since the Korean War in the 1950s.

Headlines:

World leaders come together to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day

Peter Costello denies assaulting journalist at Canberra Airport

Israeli strike kills at least 33 people at Gaza school that IDF claims was being used by Hamas

Elon Musk's SpaceX records first successful test flight

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Another climbing season for those attempting to summit Mount Everest has come to a close.

This year, the Nepalese government offered fewer climbing permits in an effort to reduce congestion on the mountain and improve safety, after a record-breaking 18 climbers lost their lives in 2023.

Still, this year saw five climbers die on the climb, with three others still missing.

So what is it really like to climb the tallest mountain on Earth, and should the Nepalese government be putting more safety measures in place?

In this episode, The Briefing’s Simon Beaton speaks with Dan Stretch from Global Rescue, who coordinates high-altitude rescues on Mount Everest.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New CoreLogic data has found rent in three quarters of Australia's biggest regional areas are now higher than ever – with WA and Queensland topping the list.

The biggest increase was in Batemans Bay in NSW rising by around 6 percent in the past three months – which is about $32 extra a week.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by CoreLogic’s Eliza Owen to find out why regional rents are soaring and what can be done to make regional areas affordable for Australians unable to afford to rent in cities.

Headlines:

$300 energy bill rebate unlikely to affect inflation

The government and the opposition condemn Greens for involvement in pro-Palestinian protests

Victorians can now report dodgy rentals with Consumer Affairs

First British bank notes featuring King Charles and a banana milkshake

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QAnon first appeared in 2017 and quickly flooded the internet with conspiracy theories from child trafficking cannibal celebrities to suggestions JFK faked his own death and was returning to run for office.

Observers say QAnon has gone strangely quiet. So what are they working on?

The vast majority of QAnon supporters are Trump supporters so what can we expect as the US prepares to go to the polls in November? Is QAnon waiting to launch? Or has the cult of conspiracy finally petered out?

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Mike Rothschild, a global expert on QAnon to find out what they’ve been up to and if we should be worried about the radio silence from the world leaders in conspiracy theories.

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The Albanese government will this morning introduce news laws to parliament banning the non-consensual sharing of deepfake pornography.

Those caught sharing sexually explicit images that have been digitally created using artificial intelligence or other forms of technology could find themselves facing a six-year prison term - but is the government fighting a digital runaway train?

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus KC joined Bension Siebert to explain what impact he thinks the governments proposed new laws will have.

Headlines:

Joe Biden suggests there is ‘every reason’ to believe Netanyahu is prolonging Gaza war for political gain

New Australian study finds fast food is influencing news

More work needed to hit Paris climate targets

Japanese government launches dating app to boost birth rate

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History was made on Sunday when Mexicans went to the polls to elect a new president.

Claudia Sheinbaum won in a landslide victory to become Mexico's first female president, and is the first woman to be picked for the Mexican presidency in 200 years of elections.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Luis Gomez Romero from Wollongong University to discuss how and why Ms Sheinbaum won, and what it means for the people of Mexico.

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The United Kingdom will go to the polls for a general election on Thursday July 4. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party currently holds 345 seats in the parliament to Labour’s 206 with minor parties making up the balance of the 650 seats in the House of Commons.

Polls have Labour’s Keir Starmer well in front and bookies have Labour at unbackable odds.

So what are the key election issues, and what can we expect in the lead-up to the election.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Adam Hills from the ABC’s Spicks and Specks, who is based in Britain, to find out everything you need to know about the UK elections on July 4.

Headlines:

Minimum wages to increase by 3.75 per cent

Bill Shorten under fire over speech writers wages

Matildas defeat China 2-0

Alex de Minaur into the French Open quarter-final

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It's fair to say that the cost of living pressures are greatly impacting many Australians. One way in which some are surviving financially is by opting out of sports - whether that's those playing socially, or even for those playing at elite levels.

Could this impact the next generation of elite athletes, as families cut back on their children's weekend and after-school sporting commitments? And will this mean that we have a smaller pool of elite athletes when the 2032 Brisbane Olympics rolls around?

Tessa Randello from the LiSTNR Newsroom has deep-dived into the effect of the cost of living crisis on our elite athletes. In this episode, she speaks with Bension Siebert to unpack what she's found.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Researchers at the University of South Australia are developing a coating for anti-depressant and anti-anxiety drugs. The pills have traditionally led to weight gain for those prescribed the drugs.

The new coating mitigates weight gain and boosts serotonin levels – combatting a major side effect of the drugs.

In this episode of The Briefing, we take a deep dive on how the researchers developed the new technology and what it means for people who have been prescribed the drugs.

Our guest is Dr Paul Joyce – Senior Research Fellow at the University of South Australia’s Department of Clinical and Health Services.

Headlines:

Body found after explosion in Sydney’s Western suburbs

Ceasefire deals opposed by members of Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition

Mexico might see it’s first female president elected

Rupert Murdoch married for the fifth time at 93

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Eliza Hull is a musician, author and a disability advocate who’s teaching children how to have better conversations about people living with disability.

On social media Eliza has been putting a spotlight on what it would be like for people with existing disability in Gaza and all of those with new acquired disabilities because of the constant bombardment.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf Eliza shares some heart wrenching moments from her childhood and how Gaza has impacted her parenting.

WEEKEND LIST

TO EAT - Spicy (NOT FIRED) chicken wings
TO READ - 4am: Answers to the conundrums that keep you up at night • Advice from Ask Shameless
TO DO - Set an alarm for deep breathing
TO DO - The Antoinettes Live Show - Syd June 22nd

Send us your Weekend Briefing suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

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Former US President Donald Trump was this morning found guilty on 34 charges relating to paying off a porn star.

Trump had sex with Stormy Daniels in a Lake Tahoe hotel room in 2006. The story emerged in the lead-up to the 2016 election and Trump, through his then lawyer Michael Cohen, paid Daniels $130,000 to kill off the story

Prosecutors in New York brought the charges against Trump – the first time a US president or former president has faced criminal charges – and he was found guilty on all 34 counts.

We’re joined by Professor David Smith from the US Studies Centre at the University of Sydney to find out what’s likely to happen next.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former US President Donald Trump has been found guilty on 34 charges in a New York court.

In this special bonus episode of The Briefing, you'll hear what Trump had to say after the verdict was handed down.

Sacha Barbour-Gatt and Katrina Blowers bring you the very latest on one of the biggest news stories in decades.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s 10-year-old daughter North West made her acting debut not on a school stage like other kids - but in a major 30th anniversary concert performance of the Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl. And people weren’t happy.

Hollywood is full of nepo babies and it makes sense - but what about the people missing out on roles or opportunities because they weren’t born into a famous family?

In this episode of the Briefing entertainment reporter and gossip guru Richard Reid joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to explain why we love to hate nepo babies.

Headlines:

BOM releases Winter outlook as 2024 shapes up to be the hottest year on record

Trump jury continues deliberations as former President is accused of using racial slur

Labor MP quits foreign affairs committee after ‘river to the sea’ comments

US man on suspended licence shows up to virtual court date behind the wheel

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The inquest into the death of 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker wrapped up this week after hearing shocking allegations of racism permeating the Nothern Territory Police Force.

Walker was shot dead during an attempted arrest in 2019 by then police officer Zachary Rolfe, who was charged with murder but then acquitted following a trial.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Melissa Mackay from the ABC’s bureau in Alice Springs, to find out what we learned at the inquiry and what lessons, if any, will be learned from the death of Kumanjayi Walker.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24-year-old Laura Nuttall is the youngest ever Greens representative elected to any Australian parliament. Laura is also the first Gen Z Member of the ACT Legislative Assembly ever.

Laura and her advisor Dani - who is 22 - are passionate about environmental and economic justice, and young peoples’ participation in decision-making that affects their lives.

In this episode of the Briefing, Antoinette investigates what a Gen Z MP can bring to a parliament and how and why young people’s issues ought to be front and centre of any government’s decision-making process.

Headlines:

Aussies likely caught up in Ticketmaster hack with 560 million people at risk

Immigration Minister refusing to stand down over allowing convicted criminals visas

Jury begins deliberations in Trump hush money trial

Temperatures hit 50C in Delhi

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Traumatic vision has emerged showing the aftermath of recent Israeli airstrikes on a makeshift tent city in Rafah, in the south of Gaza, that reportedly killed 45 people, with 249 others wounded.

Aid groups have said the Israeli Defence Force had designated the area a humanitarian safe zone before launching the attack – although Israel denies this.

The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to “immediately halt its military offensive” in Rafah, but in ambiguous terms, which the Israeli Government has interpreted to mean its Rafah offensive can continue.

Meanwhile, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has applied for arrest warrants for Netanyahu, the Israeli defence minister, and three Hamas leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

In this episode, Bension Siebert speaks with international law expert, Juliette McIntyre, and Frankie Leach, spokesperson for humanitarian organisation ActionAid.

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Over the next 10 years in Australia $5 trillion is expected to move down the generations, with around $2.3 trillion to be given to Boomers’ children, $1 trillion to their grandkids, and $1.7 trillion to charities.

The bank of mum and dad is somewhere between the 5th and 9th biggest lender according to the Productivity Commission.

In this episode of the Briefing Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Compare the Market’s Economic Director David Koch to explain what impact this will have on the economy.

Headlines:

Australia demands Israel halt Rafah offensive

Daughter of Perth double murderer claims police ignored her pleas to stop her dad

Rental affordability goes from bad to worse

Pope apologises for using homophobic slur

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News broke last week that a teenager is about to become the world’s first millennial saint.

Carlo Acutis passed away in 2006, but spent his life spreading his faith, coming to be known as the patron saint of the internet for his work creating websites about Catholicism and its saints.

So, how does the Catholic church decide on who gets to be a saint? What’s the criteria, who tests the miracles and what role could coincidence and other factors play?

Sydney priest, Father Anthony Robbie joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to discuss on this episode of The Briefing.

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Late last week, China launched a comprehensive two-day military drill around Taiwan, mimicking a full-scale attack. The drills included dozens of fighter jets carrying live missiles, alongside navy vessels stationed at strategic locations around the island.

The military operations have been viewed as retaliation to Taiwan's newly elected president, Lai Ching-te, who in his recent inauguration speech reinforced the island's independence from China.

So how much has changed in the tensions between Taiwan and China over the last few months? And what does this mean for Australia?

In this episode, Bension Siebert unpacks the situation with Dr Roger Lee Huang, an expert in Southeast Asian politics and international relations at Macquarie University.

Headlines:

Netanyahu describes deadly Rafah strike a “tragic mishap”

Fears death toll in the thousands in PNG landslide

Experts to meet in fast-tracked gender-based violence review

Fly high Bette; world’s longest serving flight attendant dies

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It’s become one of the world’s biggest online shopping marketplaces, churning out more than a million parcels to be flown to customers around the globe every day.

Here in Australia, more than 1.2 million of us shop on Temu every month – and it’s our most downloaded app.

But how did the Chinese start-up skyrocket to global online megastore - selling everything from clothing and household items - less than two years after launching?

Dr Shasha Wang from QUT joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to explain Temu’s unique recipe for success in commerce and its meteoric rise.

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Amid a cost of living crisis, who can resist the invitation to “shop like a billionaire” at bargain-basement prices?

Online juggernaut Temu is Australia’s most popular free app, offering a vast vortex of low-cost merchandise from fashion and homeware to toys and electronics.

But amid the thrilling rush of retail therapy lie some serious questions: Where does this stuff come from? What are conditions like for those at the bottom of the supply chain? And what about the environment?

On this episode of The Briefing Sacha talks to Sarah Rogan, senior labour rights campaigner at Oxfam.

Headlines:

More than 600 feared dead in PNG landslides

WA Premier describes murder of mother and daughter as ‘chilling’

Hamas launches rockets at Tel Aviv for the first time in months

Donald Trump booed at Libertarian convention

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Abbie Chatfield is an Australian media personality, television host, radio presenter and podcaster. She is best known for her appearances in reality television as both a contestant and host, she is also the host of Listnr podcast “its a lot.”

In this episode of The Weekend Briefing Abbie tells Antoinette about the crime of bad change room lights, oversharing, unexpected fans and why she could never go on Farmer Wants a Wife.

WEEKEND LIST

TO WATCH OR NOT TO WATCH - Bridgerton
TO DO - Check you credit cards statements
TO DO - Theatre shows and cheap tickets in your city

Send us your Weekend Briefing suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

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Earlier this week, Sean “Diddy” Combs admitted to physically assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, back in 2016, after brutal footage of the attack started circulating online.

After his fall from grace as one of the most successful and best-selling rap artists, will Diddy be cancelled? Or will we continue to hear his music online and on-air?

Tim Burrowes is the founder of the media and marketing news website, Unmade. In this episode, he speaks with Sacha Barbour Gatt, unpacking when and why companies boycott artists with serious allegations and convictions, and the effectiveness of cancel culture.

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There’s been a huge increase of Functional neurological disorder or FND in teenage girls since the pandemic and the rise of TikTok.

FND occurs when there’s miscommunication between the body and brain and can often look a lot like tourettes, where people suffer from impulsive tics.

Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Dr Amanda Maxwell, a clinical psychologist specialising in tics, to unpack why we are seeing a spike in the number of cases of FND.

Headlines:

Details of serious injuries suffered by Singapore Airlines passengers revealed

Chinese military conducts drills around Taiwan

Cassie Ventura, Diddy’s ex, speaks out

Australia’s biggest ever lotto winner nabs $150 million

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AstraZeneca has withdrawn their Covid 19 vaccination after admitting it can cause rare blood clots.

This month marks 50 years since the global rollout of the world’s first major vaccination program – with new research showing vaccines have saved over 154 million lives.

Professor Margie Danchin is a paediatrician at the The Royal Children's Hospital and joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to explain the benefits and the side effects of vaccines.

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Iran’s president Ebrahim Raisi and the foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahain have both died during a helicopter crash earlier this week.

What do these untimely deaths mean for the power structure in Iran, and to relations in the middle east? And why are some people happy to see the end of President Ebrahim Raisi’s leadership.

In this episode, Antoinette Lattouf speaks with Middle East politics expert Professor Shahram Akbarzadeh to better understand the situation, and what we can expect to happen next.

Headlines:

Rishi Sunak announces snap UK general election

Norway, Ireland and Spain to recognise Palestinian state

Australian passengers on Singapore Airlines flight hit by turbulence start arriving home

Mattel to make Mary Fowler Barbie

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Discoursearound a portrait of Australia’s richest person has hit a fever pitch this week, after she made a private plea to have it removed from an exhibition.

The painting of Gina Rinehart, by artist Vincent Namatjira, is hanging in Canberra’s National Gallery of Australia, and it’s sparked a debate about how we look at and consider art.

Someone who can empathise with Rinehart in this instance is The Briefing’s Antoinette Lattouf who in this episode explains the relationship between art, society and our own vanity.

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Australians will be heading to the polls to vote in a federal election in 2025, and nuclear power is shaping up to be a key battleground.
Labor is pushing ahead with renewables as the key source of green energy for Australia, but the Coalition thinks building reactors is the way to go.

In fact, the Liberals and Nationals have already started polling community sentiment around nuclear energy in electorates where future reactors could be built.
Nationals leader David Littleproud explains the Coalition's strategy to Sacha Barbour-Gatt - and why they believe it's the way to get to zero emissions.

Headlines:

One dead after Singapore Airlines flight hit by severe turbulence

Australia to ban replica Ozempic drugs

Government rejects claims it should condemn ICC

Forget Melbourne or Sydney, Canberra offers the best quality of life

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Trans men, women, and nonbinary young people are twice as likely to experience homelessness compared to cis-queer men and women.

Australian research found that one in five young trans people have experienced homelessness and data from the Trans Justice Project saw an increase in anti-trans hate in the year leading up to April 2023

Activists say we are not doing enough to support the transgender community in their moment of need, Laura Pettigrew from the LiSTNR Newsroom joins Simon Beaton to talk us through details.

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Sexsomnia is a sleep disorder that causes people to engage in sexual behaviors in their sleep, such as dirty talk, masturbating and even intercourse.

The disorder occurs in the deepest stages of sleep and unsurprisingly it raises many questions around consent. How can consent be maintained when a partner is unconscious? And can sexsomnia be used as a defence in cases of sexual assault?

Aleks Trkulja from the Pleasure Centre and specialist sleep physician Dr David Cunnington joins Helen Smith to explain how common sexsomnia is.

Headlines:

ICC issues arrest warrants for Israel and Hamas leaders

Julian Assange granted leave to appeal extradition to the US

Sam Kerr trial date set

Sussan Ley calls for Diddy boycott

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A new drug has been detected in Australia that can be up to 25 times stronger than fentanyl – which is already stronger than heroin.

Introducing nitazene, an incredibly dangerous synthetic opioid that was linked to over 20 overdoses in western Sydney and was found in Canberra’s pill testing service for the first time over the weekend.

Professor Suzanne Nielsen, the Deputy Director of the Monash Addiction Research Centre, joins Simon Beaton to explain the dangers of nitazene which could be lacing your party drugs.

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The search for a missing person can capture the attention of the entire nation.

Currently, we’re waiting to hear the outcome of an appeal of Chris Dawson, who was convicted of killing his wife Lynette Joy Simms in December of 1982, despite her body never being found. So what happens behind the scenes of one of these investigations? And how is someone charged with murder when a body is never located?

Journalist Tessa Randello from the LiSTNR Newsroom has spoken with former New South Wales Detective Anthony Macklin about this topic. On this episode, she unpacks what she’s found out with Sacha Barbour Gatt.

Headlines:

Iran’s President missing after helicopter crash

Charges laid in Sydney police stabbing

Sean 'Diddy' Combs admits to DV

700 ‘Kyles’ not enough to break world record

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Scott Morrison is the 30th Prime Minister of Australia, lover of chicken curries and author of his new book - Plans For Your Good: A Prime Minister's Testimony of God's Faithfulness

Morrison has had his fair share of controversies over the years - Hawaii, his response to COVID and his many ministries.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Morrison opens up about his time as PM, repenting his sins and his impact on Australians.

Send us your Weekend Briefing suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

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Social media has gone into meltdown after a video from a US college commencement speech went viral.

The footage shows NFL player and Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker addressing the female graduates in the crowd, telling them that ultimately, their main and most valuable vocation in life is being a wife and mother.

Butker has sparked a storm of criticism, the NFL even coming out to distance itself from his comments.

In the post #MeToo world and amidst a spike in violence against women in Australia, we’re breaking down and debunking Butker’s comments and why they are so dangerous.''

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This week Chat GPT revealed the next steps in the way their AI interacts with humans. Now the interface can recognise emotions and have more nuanced conversations with the user.

Meanwhile Google has revealed its new AI assistant “Astra” and their plans to scrabble back searches previously lost to Chat GPT by integrating more AI into Google search.

But what is the cost of greater humanising of AI? And is it safe? Tech entrepreneur Ashi Bhat joins The Briefing to unpack the AI rat race.

Headlines:

Peter Dutton wants to slash immigration

Company at the centre of major data hack revealed

ANU and Deakin University move to shut down pro-Palestine encampments

Namatjira responds to Rinehart portrait controversy

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Australia is in the grip of a teacher shortage that is a decade in the making.

New research by McCrindle has revealed more than half of educators are considering leaving the profession.

On top of that, teaching is increasingly becoming an aging profession, with 20% of the workforce to reach retirement age over the next decade.

On today’s briefing, we speak with social researcher and demographer, Mark McCrindle, to explore why this is happening and what’s being done to attract more people to study teaching.

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For over half a century, the US and Australia have operated Pine Gap - a joint top-secret spy base at Alice Springs in the heart of outback Australia

Today, concern is mounting that spies at Pine Gap may be eavesdropping on the Middle East and passing critical information on to the Israeli Defence Force.

This would mean Australia is playing a role in the conflict, raising serious questions about the public’s right to know how our land, resources and geographical advantage is being deployed, especially when it makes us a nuclear target for foreign powers.

Today we’re joined by Alice Springs journalist Alexandra Barwick, host of new ABC podcast Spies in the Outback, to assess the evidence and get a local perspective.

Headlines:

Sydney council reverses same sex parent book ban

Slovakia PM shot in assassination attempt

Labor senator breaks ranks to label Israel’s war in Gaza genocide

Gina Rinehart has demanded the National Gallery of Australia remove a portrait of her

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When you take a gulp of bottled Mt Franklin spring water, you might imagine it comes from a pristine and abundant water source in an exotic wilderness location. But In reality, Coca-Cola has been legally pumping groundwater for free out of a bore on the outskirts of Perth in WA to sell as bottled water for 32 years. And now residents have had enough. They’re worried about the amount of water being extracted without obvious oversight in a region that’s drying out and prone to fire. WA Water Minister Simone McGurk talks to Simon Beaton about what she's doing to hold Coca-Cola to account.

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Last night, Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down the Budget, aka the economic plan for the next four years and beyond.

On the positive side, he delivered his second consecutive surplus and a bunch of cost of living sweeteners – including a new $300 payment in energy bill relief for every Australian household, which he reckons will help put downward pressure on inflation.

We saw more detail on Treasury’s optimistic new forecast showing inflation will drop below 3% by Christmas, plus the things we knew already about like Stage 3 tax cuts and $3 billion in student debt being wiped.

But on the negative side: critics have described it as a “band aid” budget that relies on a lot of variables for its economic outlook, benefits billionaires and multinationals and could actually make inflation worse.

And while the Treasurer can pat himself on the back for this year’s surplus of $9.3 billion, looks like we’re heading deep into the red next year with a $28.3 billion deficit, followed by a $42.8 per cent deficit in 2025-26.

With an election looming, the year ahead will be critical in determining if he hit the right note between bringing inflation under control without hurting the economy.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin is threatening nuclear war as his invasion of the Ukraine continues.

Putin last week ordered Russian troops to perform military exercises to prepare for the use of tactical nuclear weapons.

Tactical nukes are generally smaller and less powerful than traditional nuclear weapons, but use of such weapons would be catastrophic.

It’s now been more than 800 days since Russia’s massive ground invasion of Ukraine, a military operation supposedly intended to only run for ten days.

In this episode of The Briefing, Benison speaks to Dr Keith Suter, former President of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Sydney about why Putin would make this new threat now, and just how worried should we be in this moment.

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It’s been a month since the horrific attack at Bondi Junction Westfield, during which a man stabbed 18 people, killing six. Most of his victims were women.

The event was heavily reported on by the media, and in the wake of the tragedy we’ve seen dozens more instances of violent knife crime right around Australia.

It may feel like we’re seeing an increase in these sort of attacks, but is that true? What do the stats tell us? And does more media reporting mean more people want to copy what they see?

Criminologist Xanthe Mallett from the University of Newcastle joins the Briefing to breakdown Australia’s knife crime.

Headlines:

NSW moves on new bail laws for domestic violence offenders

X no longer forced to remove videos of Wakeley church stabbing

Treasurer to announce $9.3 billion surplus in tonight’s budget

Blockout2024: Celebs lose hundreds of thousands of followers over their silence on Gaza and insane displays of wealth

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Childhood and dementia aren’t two words you’d expect to hear together, but children are dying from this disease at the same rate as they are dying from cancer. One in every 2,900 children are born with childhood dementia, a progressive disease that is caused by rare neurodegenerative genetic disorders

It’s a heart-breaking condition that has historically received little attention and research hours. In this episode of The Briefing Antoinette chats to Meg Maack, Director and CEO of the Childhood Dementia Initiative, about what a new grant will mean for those suffering and their families.

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There’s a critical current in the Atlantic that moves heat, carbon, and nutrients from the tropics, which is cooled and sinks once it reaches the Arctic. The current is important because it helps regulate climate on Earth.

Now this current is slowing, and it’s impact on global climate could be disastrous.

At the same time we’ve seen the end of a hot, dry, El Nino weather pattern, which came after three back-to-back wet La Nina’s....and there’s a strong chance that we could see another La Nina next season too – a frequency and sequence that’s never been recorded before.

So are these two weather systems linked? Could this be a sign that things might be changing faster than expected? Professor Matthew England from the University of NSW joins host Simon Beaton to answer these questions and more.

Headlines:

Inflation could fall to within target range by the end of the year

US steps up condemnation of Israel

Man who received first pig kidney transplant dies

Aussies go wild for Aurora Australis

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For most families, Mother’s Day is about celebrating our mums and all they do for us. But for those whose Mum is no longer around, it can be a pretty tough day.

New research shows this is having a big impact on women, with over 1 million losing their Mum before the age of 44. Now there are fears their grief is being ignored with women reporting higher rates of depression, anxiety, prolonged grief and post-traumatic stress.

So, is their pain being ignored? And what can be done to raise more awareness to make sure they get the help they need? On today’s episode of The Briefing, we talk to Danielle Snelling – the Co-Founder of Motherless Daughters Australia to find out.

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Keiynan Lonsdale grew up in Sydney’s Western suburbs, with 11 siblings and a dream to make it in Hollywood.

From the small screen with shows like ABC’s dance academy to the big screen with Love Simon – he’s ticking off his bucket list.

Now after being in the music industry for 16 years Keiynan is embarking on his first headline tour.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Keiynan breaks down his latest role in SBS a Swift Street and what it was like to come out on Instagram.

You can find a Swift Street on SBS on demand here

WEEKEND LIST

TO EAT - Eggplant and meatball pasta from Antoinette's adopted Nonna
TO WATCH - Unfrosted on Netflix
TO EAT - Deconstructed sushi bowls
TO LISTEN - Any soundtrack from Lin-Manuel Miranda

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This year marks the 68th Eurovision Song Contest. Starting out as an expression of unity and goodwill after WWII and a technical experiment to create a live televised music competition across so many borders, Eurovision now features 37 countries, including Australia.

So what happened with our entry for this year? And what else has been most controversial throughout the competition?

In this episode, Bension Siebert and Chris Spyrou unpack the history, the scandals, and what’s been most topical so far in this year’s Eurovision event.

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Once upon a time, women’s magazines had a place on every hairdresser’s bench top, family kitchen table and teenager’s bedside drawer.

That all changed with the advent and surging dominance of online media – and magazine numbers slowly dwindled with dozens of titles axed in Australia.

Now, Cosmopolitan, one of Australia’s favourite magazines for women is making a comeback.

Publisher of Cosmo, Katarina Kroslakova from KK Press, talks to Sacha Barbour Gatt about why Cosmo is making a comeback now and how she plans to make it successful.

Headlines:

Joe Biden says the US won’t supply weapons to Israel for Rafah invasion

The Federal Government wants us to have more babies

TikTok, Meta bosses to be grilled on how they damage society in senate inquiry

Apple cops it over piano crushing ad

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Some true crime content – like The Teacher’s Pet or Up and Vanished has helped lead detectives to suspects, even resulting in convictions on cold cases.

But armchair detectives don’t always get it right – like the TikTok star in Idaho who wrongfully accused a professor of murder.

Take the popular Netflix series Baby Reindeer, based on a wild, but true story. Fans have started to investigate the real-life people characters were based on, despite the writer and director going to pretty great lengths to try to keep their true identities private.

Is online sleuthing here to stay? And can it cause greater harm than good?

In this episode, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Greg Stratton from RMIT, who is currently writing a book about true crime and wrongful convictions.

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Popular rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar are currently embroiled in a very public spat.

It’s a feud that has a long history, but things have really escalated. Hip hop journo and author Simone Amelia Jordan explains why this feud is more than petty online drama.

Headlines:

US pauses weapons delivery to Israel amid Rafah offensive

Treasurer forecasts a growth in disposable incomes in Budget sneak peak

Stormy Daniels details Donald Trump encounter in hush money trial

World reaches crucial clean energy turning point

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A local council in Sydney has voted to ban books about same-sex parents from its libraries. Six Cumberland City Councillors voted in favour of the ban, while five, including Mayor Lisa Lake, opposed it.

The New South Wales Government has warned it could breach the Anti-Discrimination Act and even threatened to pull the council’s library funding, as a result.

Councillor Steve Christou proposed the ban, arguing that most of the council’s constituents are conservative and religious, and don't want “any form of sexualised experiences” available to children in the library.

But is a same-sex parenting book sexualised content?

In this episode, Bension Siebert speaks with Councillor Steve Christou to find out why he proposed the ban.

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Australia’s birth rate has been in a relatively steady decline since a peak in the early 1960s.

It’s rebounded a small amount after hitting a record low in 2020, but it still sits well below the total fertility rate of 2.1 that’s needed for a population to sustain itself.

Is that a bad thing for Australia? And how does the rest of the world compare?

On today’s deep dive we speak with Professor Amanda Davies from the School of Social Sciences at the University of Western Australia to try to answer those questions.

Headlines:

Parents of slain Aussie brothers speak for the first time

Israel takes control of Palestinian side of Rafah crossing as ceasefire deal stalls

Interest rates staying at 4.35 per cent

TikTok sues to block US law that’d ban the app

Mona’s ‘Ladies Lounge’ could become a toilet or church in a bid to keep men out

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Israeli tanks have reportedly been spotted just 200 metres from the edge of Rafah, less than a day after an estimated 100,000 Palestinian civilians were ordered to evacuate.

Bordering on Egypt, the southernmost city of Gaza has become the last refuge for around 1.4 million Palestinians who have fled the violence and destruction elsewhere.

The impending invasion comes after Hamas agreed to a proposed ceasefire that was declined by Israel, and after the forced the closure of foreign media outlet Al Jazeera - one of the only media broadcasters active from the Gaza strip.

To explain more, Bension Siebert is joined by Antony Loewenstein, an independent journalist, film-maker and author of the best-selling book, The Palestine Laboratory.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Witch hunts aren’t just the stuff of colonial America; they’re happening right now all around the world.

People are still being persecuted and often murdered on suspicion of being involved in witchcraft, in a trend that’s currently being driven by fundamental Christianity, poverty and civil conflict.

On today’s briefing we’re joined by Professor Miranda Forsyth to find out who is at risk, why they’re being targeted and what’s being done to address the issue.

Headlines:

Hamas accepts “softened” ceasefire deal

Tributes for Aussie brothers killed in Mexico

Judge in Trump hush money trial threatens jail as ex-President breaches gag order for a 10th time

Met Gala Monday is here

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Over the weekend in Perth, a sixteen-year-old boy has been shot dead by police after allegedly wounding a man who was unknown to him with a knife. WA Premier Roger Cook has said that there were indications that the teenager had been radicalised online.

The news comes just weeks after Sydney's Wakeley church attack, where another 16-year-old boy allegedly stabbed Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, in what has been labelled a terrorist act.

In this episode, Bension Siebert speaks with internationally renowned expert on terrorism and extremism, Deakin University Professor Greg Barton, to establish how big of an issue radicalisation is in Australia, and what is being done to prevent and safeguard our youth.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cities in China are sinking and satellite imagery shows Beijing is among one of the fastest going under.

According to a new study in the journal Science, development and groundwater pumping are causing land subsidence and heightening the risks of sea level rise. Within 100 years, a quarter of China’s urban coastal land could sit below sea level.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Robert Nicholls, a climate scientist and civil engineer at the University of East Anglia who reviewed the paper to find out why China’s cities are sinking and what can be done to fix the problem

Headlines:

Israel shuts down Al Jazeera

Labor to introduce weekly payment for nursing, teaching students on placements

Free Madonna concert draws crowd of 1.6 million in Rio de Janeiro

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Ziggy Ramo is a Wik man, powerful storyteller and rapper - but it took him fives years to release his first album because the world wasn't ready to embrace his art and perspective.

Soon after the Black Lives Matter movement Ziggy set his words into the world releasing his music and he’s now written a book – his memoir – Human?

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Ziggy explains how racism in Australia continues to dehumanise groups of people and what lead him to rap.

Ziggy will be appearing speaking throughout the Melbourne Writers Festival and on May 10th Jan Fran will be joining Ziggy live. Event details here

WEEKEND LIST

TO READ - Pheasants Nest by Louise Milligan
TO EAT- Pasta salad by Emily English on TikTok
TO WATCH - Baby Reindeer on Netflix
TO LISTEN - I Forgot to Tell You Something podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Smut used to be the kind of genre you’d find hidden away in the back corner of bookstores.

But not anymore. Now, smut series are being featured on the New York Times Best Sellers list, and a quick search of #spicybook or #smut on TikTok will find hundreds of thousands of videos.

But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its issues.

In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with Esmé Louise James, author of “Kinky History”, to find out about the history of smut, discuss problematic characters, and get her personal smutty recommendations.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the Matildas world cup frenzy we’ve seen a rise in soccer participation numbers – not just for young girls – but also boys and older women too.

The A League Women season will come to a close tomorrow with Melbourne City taking on Sydney FC in what will hopefully be a record-breaking crowd.

On today’s briefing, we chat to Moya Dodd, lawyer, sports administrator and former Matilda, to find out if these numbers are sustainable.

Headlines:

Police dismantle UCLA pro-Palestine encampment as Biden speaks out

New ad campaign to show misogynistic social media feeds Aussie kids are seeing

Australia’s housing crisis not going anywhere

Sex scenes decline by 40% in Hollywood flicks

Follow The Briefing:
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Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Snus is a small tobacco sachet placed between your gum and upper lip. But now there’s a new form of ‘snussing’, with products that take out the tobacco and replace it with flavours like cool mint, espresso, or bellini, and leave in the nicotine.

Advertised on TikTok as an alternative to vaping, following a federal crackdown on non-prescription vapes, are these products just another sneaky way to keep the tobacco industry alive?

In this episode, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Associate Professor Becky Freeman, from the School of Public Health at Sydney University, to learn more about nicotine pouches and their growing popularity in Australia.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A movement is growing around the world protesting Israel’s offensive against Palestine in the Middle East. This time it feels different.

More than 100 students at Columbia University in New York were arrested last month when the college called in police to break up their protest, an encampment in the university’s quadrangle. Riot police were called in yesterday to remove students from a campus building.

The arrests at Columbia marked a defining moment in the global protest – and similar protest encampments are springing up on campuses across the globe.

In this episode of The Briefing, LiSTNR reporter Helen Smith visits an encampment at Sydney University to find out how and why the students have decided to join the global campaign.

Headlines:

What’s come out of yesterday’s National Cabinet meeting on domestic violence?

US Uni protests escalate into violence

New AI chatbot launching on our iPhones

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Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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Experiments on driverless - or autonomous - cars began 100 years ago, but only in the last twenty years have they become a genuine reality. Elon Musk's Telsa announced last month it was launching an autonomous taxi.

How do they work? How safe are they? And how long will it be before we're all expected to share the road with autonomous vehicles?

In this episode of The Briefing, we're joined by James Ward from Drive.com.au to discuss the latest developments in autonomous vehicles.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the last few weeks, our national conversation has been heavily focused on the number of lives that have been taken by men because of domestic violence.

Arman Abrahimzadeh lost his mother to domestic violence in 2010 when his father murdered her in front of 300 people.

Since then Arman has dedicated his life to trying to end family and domestic abuse - talking to perpetrators in prisons, young people and across schools.

On this episode, Arman joins us to discuss how we can stop the abuse, stop re-offenders, and protect victim-survivors.

Lifeline - 13 11 14

1800RESPECT - 1800 737 732

Headlines:

National Cabinet to discuss tracking DV offenders, online content

Donald Trump fined $13,000 and threatened with jail time over gag order

Bonza enters voluntary administration

King Charles returns to public duties

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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Ozempic is the new wonder drug sweeping the world of weight loss. But now a new surprising side effect has potentially been uncovered.

There's anecdotal evidence that semaglutide – the active ingredient in Ozempic, may also be able to reduce the desire for alcohol, cigarettes and other drugs. Now, research is being undertaken to find out if science can back up those claims.

In this episode of The Briefing, Simon Beaton speaks with Dr Leigh Walker from the Florey Institute to find out what we know already, and how safe Ozempic could be to treat addictions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine going to your doctor and having treatment forced upon you. This is called compulsory treatment and in Australia it’s legal.

Compulsory mental health treatment is when a psychiatrist believes that a patient is at a severe risk of harming themselves or others, who can then be forced to take medication or undergo treatment.

But how subjective is that decision on labelling the risk? And if the medical practitioner gets it wrong it means a loss of their rights, and quite often incredibly strong and debilitating medication.

Dr Kay Wilson from the University of Melbourne joins the Briefing to explain how compulsory treatment works and the stigmas attached to mental health in Australia.

Headlines:

30% spike in women killed by intimate partners last year

US hopeful Hamas will accept new ceasefire offer

Telcos to be forced to prioritise Triple Zero functions in outages

News from the Royals

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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At least 120-thousand people are experiencing homelessness in any given night in Australia. And this isn't a problem that only we are facing, with many countries around the globe struggling to tackle the homelessness issue.

However, this isn’t the case in Finland.

In their capital, Helsinki, the government aims to end homelessness – or get it down to where becoming homeless is likely to be very temporary for most people – by 2025.

So how are they doing this? And could Australia learn from what they’re doing right?

On this episode, Bension Siebert speaks with Juha Kahila, Head of International Affairs at the Y-Foundation, as he joins us from Finland.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Huge crowds gathered at the weekend to protest laws that see high-risk offenders released on bail.

As anger mounts over this year’s soaring domestic violence death toll, we speak with Kay Schubach, a domestic violence survivor about what really needs to change to stop more Australian women dying at the hands of offenders released by our courts.

In this episode of The Briefing, Kay joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to talk about what we can all do – from the public to government and judicial system - to break the horrific cycle of post-custody attacks by high-risk domestic violence offenders.

Headlines:

Emergency National Cabinet meeting called after weekend of gender violence rallies

Antony Blinken to travel to Saudi Arabia to help restart ceasefire talks

Australia’s Defence Minister has spent the weekend in Ukraine

Titanic watch breaks records at auction

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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Do you feel like you have a good work-life balance? It’s something that most people struggle with, particularly with current cost-of-living pressures.

Tim Duggan is the co-founder of Junkee Media. As a young man who launched several digital media platforms he knows a thing or two about work life balance. He’s also the author of several books, his latest is called Work Backwards.

In this interview with Tom Tilley he talks about what he did with the freedom to choose his work, after selling Junkee for around 15 million dollars.

Send us your Weekend Briefing suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nina Oyama wants people to hire more lesbians. She also has a fondness for iPads over mobiles. But most of all, Nina is funny.

She’s a comedian, actor and award-winning writer and director who can go from smutty stand-up to sweet characters on screen. Her portrayal of the uptight eco warrior Courtney in Utopia or the anxious policewoman Abby in Deadloch being some of her stand out performances.

Her latest live show is called 'Nina Oyama is Coming' and in this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, she explains why you’ll never look back if you hire a lesbian and why her greatest achievement in life involves hanging upside down.

Tickets to Nina's show here

WEEKEND LIST

TO LISTEN - Ushers album Coming Home
TO TRY - Foot lotion and socks
TO TRY - Order coffee using fake names
TO LISTEN - Clara Bow Scandal series on Shameless

Send us your Weekend Briefing suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A rocket is set to take off soon from North Queensland, becoming the first locally made orbital rocket to blast off from Australian soil. It will also mark our country as one of only twelve around the globe that can boast space launch technology that goes from build to launch.

Yet, strangely enough, this rocket is highly likely to fail.

On this episode, Bension Siebert speaks with LiSTNR journalist, Courtney Thomas, to discuss why it’s so significant, and why the small town of Bowen, south of Townsville, has been chosen for the launch site.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Columbia University in New York this week called in police to arrest pro-Palestinian protestors. Universities have always championed free speech.

Is Columbia a sign of the changing nature of protest in our tertiary institutions? Once places that encouraged challenging discussions on politics and culture.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Tim Briedis, an academic and historian from the University of Sydney who specialises in the history of student activism, to discuss how and why protest culture at our universities has changed and what it means for the future of dialogue on politics and culture.

Headlines:

Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction has been overturned

E-safety: Dutton says we can’t police the world

Australians hit by biggest tax increase in the world

100 whales saved off the coast of WA

The iconic Moulin Rouge sails have fallen off

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Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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At pubs around the country, people are watching pairs of coins tossed in the air for the classic ANZAC Day tradition of playing two-up.

In most parts of Australia it’s illegal to play this quintessentially Australian game any day other than ANZAC Day.

But one pub in Broken Hill – the far west New South Wales mining town near the border South Australia – it's played legally every Friday night.

So how is it that two-up is legal any time of the year are mid-sized pub in the middle of the outback?

Ringmaster of two-up at the Palace Hotel in Broken Hill Fisk Nagas joins Bension Siebert to explain.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Anzac Day morning, we reflect on the rise and rise of Anzac Day and how only a generation ago, it was declining before a huge upsurge in interest and favour in the late 1990s.

The day has not always been as revered as it is today.

We’re joined by Anzac historian Mat McLachlan to discuss the current popularity of Anzac Day, and whether it will survive into the future.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the beginning of this week, a woman was allegedly murdered by her former partner while he was out on bail. He’d been charged with her rape as well as intimidation. The alleged incident has thrown our bail laws into sharp relief, with both federal and state politicians pledging to do more to keep women safe.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Dr Terry Goldsworthy, an associate professor in criminology at Bond University, about whether our bail laws need to change.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social media has become entrenched in our society, replacing town squares and the water cooler as the place we come together to share our lives, our thoughts and our ideas.

But the internet can be a dangerous place, especially for kids, where predators lurk, scams are rife and content inappropriate for young eyes is readily available.

Even innocent trends can prove dangerous; think intense skincare regimes designed for 30- somethings becoming popular among little kids who just want to be like their favourite influencer.

So, it’s no surprise that new research has revealed parents are looking to delay their children’s entry into the world of social media – but are they fighting a losing battle?

Headlines:

Donald Trump is back in court for day two of his criminal trial

200 days of war on Gaza

Coalition to call for compulsory age verification on social media

Indigenous spears returned from Cambridge University

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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For the first time, two independent candidates are attempting to run for federal parliament as ‘job-sharing candidates’.

Lucy Bradlow and Bronwen Bock want to run for the Melbourne seat of Higgins as a single candidate on the ballot paper. They claim that they could do the role like any other job-share – splitting duties, making join decisions, sharing the salary – and that allowing job-sharing would make parliament more representative of modern Australian society.

But is it constitutionally legal for two people to run as a single federal member? And how would this actually work?

Joining Bension Siebert are the job-sharing independent candidates for the singular seat of Higgins in Melbourne, Bronwen Bock and Lucy Bradlow.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we bring you the final episode of our exclusive, three-part special investigation into the risky new frontier of Australia's healthcare system. The Briefing's investigative team went undercover online to expose the risks Australia's government, medical regulators and doctors' groups are only now beginning to realise.

The investigation reveals how the crisis in Australia's GP practices has degraded the way healthcare being is done online - including by doctors working for one of this country's biggest corporations.

In our last part of Doctors Note - we find out the consequences for doctors who practice this kind of healthcare, and hear from the people meant to keep us safe about what they're going to do about it.

Headlines:

e-Safety Commissioner to force X to hide stabbing video

Israeli military intelligence chief resigns

Donald Trump’s hush money trial begins

Follow The Briefing:
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we bring you the second part of our exclusive, three-part special investigation into the risky new frontier of Australia's healthcare system.

The Briefing's investigative team went undercover online to expose the risks Australia's government, medical regulators and doctors' groups are only now beginning to realise.

The investigation reveals how the crisis in Australia's GP practices has degraded the way healthcare being is done online - including by doctors working for one of this country’s biggest corporations.

In part two of Doctors Note - we show you how we went undercover, and expose the potential danger that online medical services pose to your health.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we bring you the first part of our exclusive, three-part special investigation into the risky new frontier of Australia's healthcare system.

The Briefing's investigative team went undercover online to expose the risks Australia's government, medical regulators and doctors' groups are only now beginning to realise.

The investigation reveals how the crisis in Australia's GP practices has degraded the way healthcare being is done online - including by doctors working for one of this country’s biggest corporations.

In part one of Doctors Note - why patients around the country are vulnerable to a new kind of healthcare that has experts alarmed.

Headlines:

Thousands gather for Bondi stabbing victims

Reynolds accepts Higgins’ ‘olive branch’ apology

US House of Representatives approves huge aid package for Ukraine

Taylor Swift breaks records with ‘The Tortured Poets Department’

Follow The Briefing:
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alone has been dubbed the most successful original commission in SBS history.

The series is a reality show like never before, where 10 people get dropped into a remote environment completely alone to see who can survive for the longest.

Andreas Lundin, a former model, personal trainer and hunter, was part of Australia's season two.

In this chat with Tom Tilley, Andreas explains the strategy he used and what a possum tastes like.

Send us your Weekend Briefing suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

History is a lot of things. Fascinating, confronting, sometimes shameful, often brutal, and also incredibly kinky.

Esme Louise James is a sex historian – her work explores the history of human sexuality – including hidden queer histories, plus kinks and fetishes throughout the ages.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Esme reveals her favourite historical kinky and her TMI moments whilst working with her Mum.

WEEKEND LIST

WATCH- Esme Louise James TedX
EAT- Glass noodle jar salads
TRY- Clothes swap with friends
TRY-Adult colouring books

Send us your Weekend Briefing suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This spring, up to 16 states across the US will see a natural phenomenon of spectacular proportions not seen in over 200 years, as an estimated trillion periodical cicadas emerge in the same season.

While there are over 1,500 different species of cicada, only seven emerge as a brood every 7 years, 13 years or 17 years. Because these cycles are all prime numbers, it is incredibly rare that the different broods emerge during the same year. But 2024 is one of those years.

The Briefing's Simon Beaton spoke with one of Australia's leading cicada experts, Lindsay Popple, to find out more about these strange insects, and what a trillion cicadas will mean for the US.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week lawyers in New York are trying to pick the jury for Donald Trump’s trial.

On the first day more than 50 potential jurors were dismissed, with many saying they couldn’t be impartial.

In this episode of The Briefing we ask Chief Justice Lucy McCallum about the future of juries. Justice McCallum presided over the trial between Bruce Lehrmann and Brittany Higgins— that case ultimately had to be abandoned due to juror misconduct.

Headlines:

16-year-old charged with terrorist act

Seven CEO James Warburton departs network

Vape shops could be forced to close

Cocaine mystery solved

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Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia was shocked as a mass stabbing event unfolded at Sydney’s Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre at the weekend. The centre reopened today for quiet reflection. Retail outlets did not open, trade will recommence tomorrow.

The 40-year-old Queensland man Joel Cauchi, who was responsible for the attacks was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teenager, and spent more than 20 years trying to navigate life while suffering from schizophrenia.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Professor Patrick McGorry, former Australian of the Year, and career advocate for the mentally ill, to try to learn exactly what schizophrenia is, and how families and loved ones of those who suffer from the condition live with the challenge of managing their loved ones’ lives.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The health issues associated with long-term lead poisoning are not secret and governments around the world have been making moves since the 1970s to limit our exposure to the element.

But there’s a theory floating around that the damage has already been done and its impacts are being seen clearly on an entire generation – the Baby Boomers.

The ‘Boomer stare’ is a trend that’s taken off on TikTok and today we’re going to find out if we really can blame lead for changing the personalities of a generation.

Assistant Professor at Michigan State University Ted Schwaba is our guest on this episode of The Briefing to explain if the ‘Boomer stare’ is for real.

Headlines:

Bondi Junction to reopen for “community reflection”

Father of alleged teenage attacker says he’s seen signs of “disobedience”

Communications minister pledges to fine X and Meta over hosting misinformation and disinformation

Kaylee McKeown breaks record in the pool

Follow The Briefing:
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malware, spyware and stalkerware programs give unauthorised and undetected insight into another person’s device. All too often, they are used as an insidious tool for domestic violence offenders.

Installed without consent or knowledge of the victim, the software gives the perpetrator control to track the user, read their messages, or even discreetly activate the phone's microphone or camera.

In this episode, Bension Siebert speaks with cyber forensic expert, Rose MacDonald, to find out how victims can determine if their phones are bugged, and what needs to happen to better protect domestic violence survivors against technology-facilitated abuse.

If you'd like to hear more about Rose's story and her work in digital forensics, check out her recent episode on Crime Insiders: FORENSICS.

This episode contains references to intimate partner violence and coercive control. For support, dial 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran dropped 300 missiles and drones on Israeli territory over the weekend after an air strike on Iran’s consulate in Syria last week.

Most were intercepted – as many as 99% according to Israel – but it is being deemed a watershed moment in the conflict.

Professor Michael Humphrey from the University of Sydney joins the Briefing to explain the significance of the strike globally.

Headlines:

An update on Sydney’s stabbings

A blow to Julian Assange’s bid to avoid extradition to the US

Linda Reynolds to proceed with case against Brittany Higgins

Supermarket bosses grilled at Senate inquiry

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Institute of Dramatic Art has launched a new course to help teach Gen Z how to be in an office environment after they came of age during the pandemic.

The course called ‘Prologue’ was created off the back of research showing younger workers have a skills gap when it comes to offline interaction, like picking up a phone instead of sending an email or text.

In this episode of The Briefing, we speak with researcher Claire Madden about the skills Gen Z are apparently lacking, and how NIDA plans to teach them.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sex work is often referred to as the world’s oldest profession, and our attitudes to it are rapidly evolving.

The language around it has changed, and public figures from politicians to influencers are being more open about it than ever. The shame and stigma around the profession seems weaker now than even a few years ago.

So, what does sex work look like in Australia in 2024? In this four-part series, The Briefing dives deeper into the profession, where it’s been and where it’s going.

In our final part of the series, we speak with Nova Hawthorne, one of Australia’s most successful Only Fans creator, to get a peek behind the curtain of the online sex work industry.

Headlines:

Bishop injured in south west Sydney church stabbing

Lehrmann could face rape trial after defamation loss

Trump’s hush money trial begins

Alice Springs curfew ends this morning

Peggy and Molly reunited

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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Bruce Lehrmann has lost his defamation trial against Lisa Wilkinson and Channel Ten.

The court today found that, on the balance of probabilities, Lehrmann did rape Brittany Higgins at Parliament House in 2019.

The former Liberal Party staffer sued Channel Ten and Lisa Wilkinson over an interview in 2021, in which Brittany Higgins claimed she was raped by a colleague at Parliament House.

Lehrmann, who denies the allegations, says while he wasn’t named, he could have been identified.

Justice Michael Lee allowed the trial to be reopened last week to hear allegations the Seven Network paid for cocaine and sex workers for Lehrmann while trying to land an interview with him.

In this episode of the Briefing, we’re joined by Nine Newspaper’s Chief Investigative journalist Kate McClymont who was in court today to hear Justice Lee’s findings.

If you or anyone needs support following the details made public of this case, there are services available:

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Sexual Assault Counselling Australia: 1800 211 028

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Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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Australia stood still on Saturday afternoon when news reports started to feature reports of a stabbing at the Westfield shopping centre at Bondi Junction in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

We now know seven people died in the attacks – including the man responsible, 40-year-old Joel Cauchi from Queensland.

In this extra episode of The Briefing, we discuss what we know so far, what Queensland Police know of Cauchi, and what his possible motivation was.

Follow The Briefing:
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sex work is often referred to as the world’s oldest profession, and our attitudes to it are rapidly evolving.

The language around it has changed, and public figures from politicians to influencers are being more open about it than ever. The shame and stigma around the profession seems weaker now than even a few years ago.

So, what does sex work look like in Australia in 2024? In this four-part series, The Briefing dives deeper into the profession, where it’s been and where it’s going.

In part three, we speak with Georgie Purcell, a former sex worker and now MP, to find out about the stigma and difficulties that still exist for those who work in the industry.

Headlines:

Flags at half-mast for Bondi Junction today

Lehrmann findings to be delivered today

Israel war cabinet authorised to respond to Iran air strikes

Joe Biden and Donald Trump urged to participate in televised debate by US news networks

Follow The Briefing:
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leo Puglisi is the 16 year old anchor-man who isn’t afraid of tackling the big dogs.

When Leo was 11 years old he founded 6NEWS Australia which lead him to interviewing Prime Ministers, Ministers and Opposition leaders, including his infamous interview with Scott Morrison.

In this chat with Tom Tilley, Leo explains his pet hate of people saying he is controlled by his parents and what being woke looks like in schools.

Send us your Weekend Briefing suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is laughter the best medicine? Well comedian Michael Shafar might be able to help with that.

He’s probably the only person who can make fun being Jewish, having cancer and his genitals in the same breath – and not only get away with it – but have the room in hysterics

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Michael explains why he isn’t afraid to tackle political topics in his shows and how he’s accidentally become the Jewish representative of comedy.

WEEKEND LIST

TRY- Don’t charge your phone in your bedroom
WATCH - Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
TRY- BlendJet portable blender
WATCH - Loot on Apple TV

Send us your Weekend Briefing suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rebranding of child stars as they transition into more mature identities is nothing new. After Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus, we're now seeing JoJo Siwa struggle as she does the same.

Made famous from the reality TV series Dance Moms, she became known for a squeaky-clean aesthetic of bright colours, big hair bows and later, her pop hit 'Boomerang'. But now, she's wearing eccentric black outfits (complete with makeup) amid a much saucier vibe in her new release 'Karma'.

So how did we get here, how is JoJo's rebrand different from the other former child stars that have come before her, and what can we expect for the future?

On this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with one of our producers, Helen Smith, to unpack the challenging journey of child stars when they shift to a more mature identity in the public eye.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you heard of the 4B movement? It’s a feminist action that’s taking hold of South Korea. The movement follows the four B’s: no marriage, no sex with men, no child-rearing and no dating.

In this episode of The Briefing Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Su-Kyoung Hwang from the University of Sydney about why Korean women are swearing off men.

Headlines:

OJ Simpson dies at the age of 76

School holiday strike avoided as airport fire fighters secure deal

Vietnamese real estate tycoon sentenced to death over $19 billion fraud

Three men rescued from remote island after spelling ‘HELP’ with palm fronds

Follow The Briefing:
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Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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Plenty of Australians have been cutting down on their daily coffee amid the cost-of-living crisis, but new research shows that cafe coffee in Australia is actually too cheap.

In many cases rents, wages, specialty beans and milk are all getting more expensive, and that’s squeezing cafe owners.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Emma Felton from the University of South Australia to find out how much we should be paying for our daily cup of joe.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

QLD has introduced strict new coercive control laws. Coercive control has serious and traumatic impacts for a victim. It can be subtle and insidious, and individually targeted and tailored to a victim.

Under new legislation announced in Queensland, the new standalone offence of coercive control will carry a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.

In today’s Briefing, Bension Siebert and LiSTNR journo Lizzie Vigar take a deep dive into Queensland’s new coercive control laws and why they may be very, very difficult to police.

Headlines:

Dutton on Palestinian statehood comments

Joe Biden considering Australia’s request to drop charges against Julian Assange

SA Police arrive in Alice Springs

Molly the magpie to return home to best friend Peggy the dog

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Tasmania’s MONA has been forced to allow men into its women’s only Ladies Lounge.

A NSW man who was upset when he was denied entry into the lounge, has taken the museum to the Tasmanian Civil Administrative Tribunal and won. This means MONA now has 28 days to stop refusing entry to men – or people who don’t identify as ladies.

In this episode, one of our producers, Helen Smith, speaks with Jahan Kalantar, a Sydney-based solicitor, university lecturer and entrepreneur who calls himself the “little guy lawyer”, to ask if the decision could lead to women being allowed into men's clubs that have been off limits to women for decades.

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A few weeks ago, chaos erupted in the heart of Alice Springs, with unrest that saw buildings trashed, the doors of the local tavern kicked in, and a car set on fire.

The Northern Territory Chief Minister Eva Lawler called an 'emergency situation', which resulted in around 80 additional police officers being redeployed into Alice Springs, and a youth curfew coming into effect from 6am to 6 pm in the town centre.

Yesterday, we found out that while no arrests had so far been made in relation to the youth curfew, the conditions would stay in place for almost another week while the town tries to transition away from the violence and into longer- term strategies.

In this episode, we speak with 18-year-old Armani Francois, a local Indigenous social youth case worker, to find out exactly how people in Alice Springs are feeling right now.

Headlines:

Australian government flags recognising Palestinian two-state solution

ASIO warns right-wing extremists want a race war in Australia

2000 Swiss women sue their government for failure to act on climate change

MONA ordered to let men into women-only exhibit

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The federal government this morning announced that the AUKUS defence agreement partners (Australia, the United States and the UK) are considering expanding the group to include Japan. China has already issued a statement to say it is “gravely concerned” with news AUKUS is considering expanding.

So what does it mean for the Asia/Pacific region, and more specifically Australia?

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by David Andrews, senior policy advisor at the ANU National Security College, to find out why Japan is seeking to join AUKUS and what it will prompt from China on the world stage.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new flu vaccine has arrived in Australia and it’s not like traditional vaccines – it's cell-based.

Cell-based flu vaccines are developed differently from the traditional egg-based vaccines – and they offer advantages in production, scale and better matching viruses in our vaccines to those actually circulating in the community.

In this episode of the Briefing, immunologist Dr Julianne Bayliss explains why the new vaccine is a game-changer for Australians and why you need to get the new flu jab.

Headlines:

Date set for Rafah invasion: Netanyahu

Donald Trump stops short of calling for a national abortion ban

New poll finds more Aussies would back radical housing policies

Total solar eclipse observed across North America

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Hey Briefers. An apology: this interview was scheduled to be released on Saturday morning, but due to a technical glitch it didn't, so it's appearing in your feed today instead. Sincere apologies to our wonderful host Antoinette and to her fabulous guest Rhys Nicholson - we hope you enjoy catching up.

Rhys Nicholson is a judge on RuPaul’s Drag race, a much-loved comedian and believes they have a very muggable face.

They have a successful career in comedy, presenting and the arts, but Rhys lives with chronic anxiety.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Rhys breaks down the number of times they’ve been mugged and why redheads have more fun.

WEEKEND LIST

WATCH - Gilmore Girls
READ - Down the drain by Julia Fox
DO - YouTube workouts by Sydney Cummings Houdyshell
LISTEN - Sounds Like a Cult

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Sex work is often referred to as the world’s oldest profession, and our attitudes to it are rapidly evolving.

The language around it has changed, and public figures from politicians to influencers are being more open than ever. The shame and stigma around the profession seem weaker now than even a few years ago.

So, what does sex work look like in Australia in 2024? In this four-part series, The Briefing dives deeper into the profession, where it’s been and where it’s going.

In part two, we speak with a former sex worker and now-brothel owner about how the internet has revolutionised the industry.

To hear part one about the history and regulations of sex work in Australia, click here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sex work is often referred to as the world's oldest profession and our attitudes to it are rapidly evolving. The language around it has changed, and public figures from politicians to influencers are being more open about it than ever. The shame and stigma around the profession seems weaker now than even a few years ago.

So, what does sex work look like in Australia in 2024? In this four-part series, The Briefing dives deeper into the profession, where it's been and where it's going.

In part one, we're looking back and asking: how did we get here?

Headlines:

Interim report into supermarkets recommends massive fines

Israeli troops withdraw from southern Gaza

PM defends his border security record as missing asylum seeker found

NSW pill testing pilot starts today

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Imagine going to North Korea to get a haircut or breaking into a military base, well YouTubers Alex Apollonov and Aleksa Vulovic did just that.

The guys are behind the YouTube channel Boy Boy, with content that clocks up millions of views and boasts almost a million subscribers.

In this chat with Tom Tilley, Alex and Aleksa explain what it’s like working with Friendlyjordies and their close calls with the police.

Send us your Weekend Briefing suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

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A new documentary exposing the dark underbelly of kid’s television in the nineties and early 2000s is dropping in Australia today.

Quiet on Set details shocking accusations of what it was like for child stars working on some of the biggest television shows when many of us were growing up. In particular, it presents harsh allegations against one of Nickelodeon’s most prized producers and screenwriters – Dan Schneider.

LiSTNR’s Justin Hill, entertainment reporter and host of The Streaming Service joins The Briefing’s Sacha Barbour-Gatt, to take us through the revelations in the documentary, and why it’s already received so much attention worldwide.

This episode discussed child sexual abuse and mental health. If you are struggling, or need help, call Lifeline now on 13 11 14.

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Australia could be taking on nuclear waste from the AUKUS submarine deal after new laws tabled in Parliament last year. The legislation says it would allow for the creation of facilities for "managing, storing or disposing of radioactive waste from an AUKUS submarine". It's led to the resurfacing of talk about nuclear waste; asking if we'd be taking on waste from the UK and US, and in terms of our own, where would it go?

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is speaking
with Tony Irwin about what these laws mean.

Headlines:

Taylor Auerbach cross examination to continue after bombshell claims in court

Calls grow for independent inquiry into killing of aid workers in Gaza

Wild weather to lash NSW and Queensland

Study warns all people in Japan could have the same last name in 500 years

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It's been over four years since COVID-19 first shook the world. And though vaccines have allowed many of us to move on with our lives, a large number of people are not recovering from the virus. In fact, scientists believe at least 65 million people worldwide have, or have had, long covid.

A recent study from WA found about 20 per cent of people infected during one of the state’s COVID waves still had fatigue, memory loss and trouble with concentration, three months after they first became sick.

On this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Dr Margaret Van Heekeren, a university lecturer and mother of two, whose life has been turned upside down after she contracted long covid.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this week the Federal Government released a draft of the National Autism Strategy, in the hopes to improve the lives of autistic Australians. The development of the strategy was first announced back in 2022 and covers key reform areas including access to services, healthcare, education, and employment.

Will it change the lives of people with autism? In this episode of The Briefing, we're joined by Professor Cheryl Dissanayake, a leading autism researcher at La Trobe University to find out what the strategy means for people with autism in Australia.

Headlines:

Former heads of World Central Kitchen question strike that killed aid workers

Rescue efforts continue in Taiwan after earthquake

Brittany Higgins and Linda Reynolds mediation talks collapse

Magpie and staffy besties a step closer to being reunited

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Seven aid workers for the World Central Kitchen, including Australian Zomi Frankcom, are confirmed to have been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza.

Since news of the attack broke, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has spoken with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, conveying the country’s outrage over the death. The Israeli government says it will investigate how the deaths occurred.

One of Australia's leading voices on humanitarian aid and the former head of World Vision Australia, Reverend Tim Costello, says he is devastated by the news, and that he hopes this will be a turning point in the conflict.

But will already limited aid in the conflict come to a halt after this death? He joins The Briefing's Bension Siebert to discuss.

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Armaguard, the cash delivery business, is going broke. No one uses cash anymore so the nation's number one cash-in-transit business is losing money.

What does the collapse of Armaguard mean for Australia's cash flow? Most consumers use tap-and-go to pay for goods and services, and it means businesses like big supermarket chains simply don't have cash reserves like they used to.

In this episode of The Briefing, we investigate what the Armaguard crisis tells us about the future of cash, what Australia would look like if we go cash-less and what is the
future of cash in Australia?

Headlines:

Albanese demands meeting with Netanyahu over aid killings in Gaza

Channel Ten wins bid to reopen Bruce Lehrmann defamation trial

NASA investigating after chunk of metal from ISS rips through Florida home

Taylor Swift is listed on the billionaire rich list for the first time

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Late last month, Richard Slayman became the first person in history to successfully undergo an organ transplantation of a genetically modified pig kidney.

While human-to-animal transplant, or xenotransplantation, isn't new (heart valves from horses, cows and pigs having been used for over 30 years), cases of entire organ transplants are incredibly complex, while raising a host of other ethical and health concerns.

So how significant is the recent pig kidney transplant, where are we at with this science, and could this one day be our go-to solution for those in desperate need of an organ transplant?

To explain the science of xenotransplantation, Bension Siebert is joined by Wayne Hawthorne, professor of transplantation at the University of Sydney.

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Reddit has gone public, making its debut on the New York stock exchange. Its value made it over $9b. Reddit is one of the world’s most popular websites, with 73 million unique active visitors a day—and can engage in over 100,000 forums. Going public could majorly change the platform though, with everything from ads through to how Reddit forums are moderated likely to be put under the microscope. In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with James Hennessy to find out what this IPO means for the future of the website.

Headlines:

Australia could become a dumping ground for nuclear waste under AUKUS deal

IDF ends 14-day Al Shifa Hospital siege in Gaza amid protests in Israel against Netanyahu

New evidence could be heard in Lehrmann defamation case

Round up of the best April Fool's pranks

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Though Beyoncé has claimed that Cowboy Carter is a 'Beyoncé album', rather than 'a country album', it's a release that definitely dips into the genre.

And country music has a complex relationship with Black musicians - a few years back, Lil Nas X faced a heavy backlash from Old Town Road, which was scrapped from Billboard's country chart, triggering criticism that the reason was in part racially motivated.

Yet over the last few years, country has seen a massive boom in its widespread popularity, with many large-name artists delving into the sound. So what can we expect next, and why is it significant that Black artists are making music in the space?

In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with LiSTNR journalist Loren Howarth to find out.

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Do you have thousands of emails in your inbox, or are you an Inbox Zero type of person? A new study is looking at personal email management, and has found only half of people are happy with how they deal with their inbox.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt talks to Matt Balogh from the University of New England about what we should be doing with our emails.

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Tom Ballard is possibly the most political comedian in Australia, with his stand up tackling issues including asylum seekers, racism, the monarchy and capitalism.

His new show, Good Point Well Made, is no different. He reflects on Australia's failed voice referendum and Donald Trump- alongside a healthy dose of toilet humour.

In this chat with Tom Tilley, Ballard opens up about the process of writing the show, why he loves performing, and the rise of fellow comedian and friend Hannah Gadsby.

Send us your Weekend Briefing suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

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Emma Chow is one half of the 14-years strong radio duo Mike E & Emma- broadcasting live every weekday nationally for their breakfast show.

Emma has achieved radio queen status with her radio husband but admits that there have TMI moments throughout her career.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Emma reminisces about having one of the most unique gender reveals on air- and then copping slack for returning to work weeks after giving birth.

You can hear Emma on Mike E & Emma live 6-9am Nationally on RnB Fridays Radio as well as 9am-11am on 2DayFM in Sydney!

WEEKEND LIST

Challengers movie
Beyond Utopia documentary
McoBeauty eyebrow gel
House of Gods on ABC iview

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Everyone’s hustling, everyone’s struggling with cost of living pressures, rents are rising, interest rates are rising. We’re exhausted, and it’s only March.

We’re constantly told to look after our mental health and to support those around us who need love and care – family and friends. But how can we, when we’re at the point of burnout almost every day.

In this special episode of The Briefing brought to you by Medibank, our hosts Sacha Barbour Gatt and Bension Siebert talk about why they’re feeling burnt out and what they do about it. You’ll also hear some awesome stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things and practical ways to improve your overall wellbeing.

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Once upon a time bilbies lived all over Australia; where there was desert, there was a bilby. After the introduction of cats and foxes, the bilby’s numbers plummeted, in the 80s they were only found in a couple of tiny patches in the wild. Now their numbers are up and growing, and partly that’s thanks to the idea of the easter bilby. Chocolate bilbies appeared in shops in the 90s as an environmental alternative to the easter bunny, the idea has raised awareness and funds. In this episode of The Briefing we find out how bilbies have come back from the brink.

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Right now, Moshtix is in the process of refunding all of the tickets for the Splendour in the Grass festival, after the unexpected news that the event had been cancelled.

Though we've seen many festivals across the country postpone or cancel their events, we've also lately seen several big concerts, with a massive demand for tickets.

Often, it feels like no matter how quick you are to get onto the website, whether you actually get a ticket seems pretty random. But is it?

What is actually happening in the background when we log in? Who decides who gets a ticket and why and they so goddamn expensive?

On this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with LiSTNR journalist Tessa Randello, to find out why we need to look closer at Australia’s ticketing industry.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Splendour in the Grass will not go ahead this year, and we are yet to learn the official reason. This isn’t the first time the event has been hit with difficulties. In 2022 the first day of Splendour was cancelled due to flooding, and last year saw the event far from selling out, with ticket sales down 30%.

In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert spoke with Swinburne’s Event Management and Public Relations expert, Associate Professor Robert Gill to find out what his take was, and what the future could hold for Australia’s large music festival industry.

Headlines:

Entire countries could be blacklisted under Labor’s deportation bill

Cargo ship’s black box recovered in Baltimore disaster

A billion meals go to waste everyday as people go hungry

Thailand to legalise same sex marriage

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About 1:30AM local time, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the US city of Baltimore collapsed after being struck by a container ship.

The loaded ship reportedly suffered a power issue just prior to the incident, alerting a mayday just in time to stop traffic from crossing the bridge.

Tragically, eight roadworkers were still working on the bridge at the time of the collapse. Two were rescued, one body has been recovered, while searches for the remaining have been suspended until morning. Authorities have said they are presumed dead.

On this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with the Chair of the Insititute of Structural Engineers, Colin Caprani, about why the bridge collapsed, and whether the same could happen here in Australia.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump and Joe Biden have now secured their respective parties’ presidential nomination for the November US presidential election.
Biden will partner with Vice President Kamala Harris for the second election in succession. But who will be Donald Trump’s running mate?

Most pundits are pointing to South Dakota governor Kristi Noam.
So who is she? And why is Donald Trump keeping his cards so close to his chest before naming his running mate?

Headlines:

Julian Assange granted legal lifeline

Search underway in icy conditions after Baltimore bridge collapse

Australia could move to holding federal elections every four years

The iconic floating door from Titanic film sells at auction

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Noland Arbaugh was paralysed from the shoulders down after a diving accident eight years ago. But now, thanks to a brain computer interface chip, he's able to play video games like Mario Kart or virtual chess simply by concentrating his mind on the screen.

The chip, which is the size of a coin, was surgically implanted back in January by Elon Musk's company, Neuralink. While the company have said there are still a few problems to work through, it is incredible technology that promises to give people with severe disabilities a much better quality of life.

So how does this technology work, and is it as incredible as it appears?

On this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert is joined by neural engineering expert, Associate Professor Sam John to explain how this works, the ethical dilemmas and how common it could be in the future.

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Russia has suffered its deadliest terror attack in 20 years, after 133 people were killed and 100 were injured when gunmen opened fire at a theatre in Moscow. Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, fresh from his election win has blamed Ukraine for the attack despite a terrorist group called ISIS-K claiming responsibility.

In this episode of The Briefing Bension Siebert speaks to terrorism expert Greg Barton from Deakin university about what’s going on.

Headlines:

UN has called for a ceasefire in Gaza for the first time

Trump’s fraud bond reduced

Boeing CEO steps down

Rebel Wilson names Sacha Baron Cohen "massive arsehole"

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The results from Tasmania's election, which took place over the weekend, are mostly in.

While Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff called the election a year early in the hopes of forming a stable majority government, he hasn't been able to secure the outcome he was hoping for.

It's expected that the Liberals will hold 13-15 seats, which is more than Labor... But short of the 18 required to form a majority government. So what will this mean for Tasmania's future, and the controversial policies that have divided the island? And could this be a preview of how our next federal election could unfold?

To explain what's happened, and what it means, Bension Siebert is joined by LiSTNR journalist, Tessa Randello.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know Australia has been recruited by America to produce some of its weapons?
The wars in Ukraine and Gaza have stretched US capabilities to make things like artillery shells and missiles, so it’s taking advantage of our munitions factories that have room to grow. On today’s episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Charles Edel from the Center for Strategic and International Studies about where the weapons being made in Australia are ending up and the geopolitical impacts of buying and selling devices made to kill people.

Headlines:

Day of mourning declared in Russia after terror attack

Labor concedes defeat in Tasmanian election

Royal spokesperson urges public to give Kate and William space

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Dr Zac Seidler is a clinical psychologist, researcher and leading men’s mental health expert.

With seven men across Australia dying by suicide every day- globally, an average of one man every minute- it’s his mission to create a dialogue with men, not about them, in the mental health space.

In this chat with Tom Tilley, Zac opens up about how his father’s suicide shaped his career, explains why we should ditch the label “toxic masculinity”- and why men need more friends.

If you are in need of help, call LIFELINE now on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reuben Kaye is what happens when you tell your children they can be anything.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Reuben recalls the moment he discovered he was funny, opens up about finding humour in dark places- and explains why he stands by that controversial joke about Jesus he told on The Project last year.

You can catch Reuben’s show Apocalipstik and his signature huge eyelashes at the Melbourne Comedy festival from next weekend, before he heads to Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane.

WEEKEND LIST

Late Night with the Devil
One Day on Netflix
1Q84
The Imperfects Podcast- Social Anxiety

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Why are politicians so desperate for the sport vote?

As Tasmania head into an election this weekend, one of the major talking points surrounds whether they really should be about to build a new AFL stadium. And this isn't the first time we've seen governments wrestle with the politics of stadia, with other states and territories similarly finding themselves similarly under fire over proposals and upgrades.

So why are politicians so desperate to spend so much money on stadiums, that will only ever be used by a very small percentage of voters? Or should all states and territories have these facilities?

On this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with Dr Hunter Fujak, a lecturer in Sport Management at Deakin University to find out more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tasmania goes to the polls this weekend, and one of the major issues people will be voting on is whether to log or not to log the state’s forests. The coalition, who have been in power for a decade say they will ramp up the logging of Tasmania's native forests, Labor has said they will extend logging contracts to 2040, while the Greens are the only party wanting to get rid of native logging altogether.

In this episode of The Briefing Sacha Barbour Gatt talks about what’s at stake this weekend with Bob Brown, and what does Leonardo DiCaprio have to do with it?

Headlines:

US files landmark lawsuit against Apple

Jobs surge puts doubt on rate cut

Man plays chess with his mind thanks to brain chip

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There's been a lot of attention on Boeing recently, after a spate of inflight incidents.

In January, a Boeing 737 Max on a flight from Portland to Ontario in California had its emergency door plug blow off mid-flight, while in February, pilots reported a Boeing 737 Max having jammed flight controls as the plane landed in New Jersey. And just last week, the LATAM 787 Boeing Dreamliner, flying from Sydney to New Zealand plunged midflight, injuring 50 people.

After so many well-publicised safety incidents, should we still trust a Boeing plane? Or is this an overblown crisis in an industry otherwise renowned for its extremely high safety standards?

One of our producers, Simon Beaton, spoke with the Head of Aviation at Central Queensland University, Professor Doug Drury, to find out what's going on.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is Harmony Day when Australia celebrates its multiculturism and diversity, but did you know we’re the only country who does? It’s because Australia has a difficult relationship with what the day is actually for internationally, which is the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

In this episode of The Briefing Sacha Barbour Gatt delves into Australia’s murky past with Listnr investigative journalist Claudianna Blanco to find out why this is such a controversial day.

Headlines:

Kevin Rudd to remain as US ambassador after Trump comments

Celebrities looking to include Rupert Murdoch in lawsuit against his papers

Affordable housing now out of reach in all Australian eastern capitals

Australia ranks 10 in the world for happiness

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Last year, over half a million Australians saw their HECS debt grow faster than it was being repaid.

Teal Independent MP Dr Monique Ryan says it’s because Australia has an unfair HECS indexation system. In fact, the government got more money last year from HECS debts than it did from its main fossil fuel tax. Dr Ryan has begun a petition calling on Education Minister Jason Clare to change the way HECS debts are indexed.

In this episode of The Briefing, we hear from Dr Ryan as we investigate why it feels like you’ll never pay off your HECS debt.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last year, a report found that Australia offers the least amount of parental leave support to parents of multiples in the OECD. In fact, extra payments to families with multiples only account 7% of the differential costs.

In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with mother of triplets, Silje Andersen-Cooke who is also the director of the Australian Multiple Birth Association to find out what has happened in the year since the report was released, and why families with multiples are so overlooked in Australia.

Headlines:

2023 breaks every single climate indicator

White House slams Trump’s comments on Jewish voters

RBA keeps rates steady

Another Kate Middleton photo under scrutiny

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Banksy is the artist behind the most famous, subversive and satirical street art on the planet. Yet despite their notoriety over the last two decades, Banksy has impressively managed to maintain their anonymity.

But that could all change, due to a current court case between two art collectors and Banksy's authentication company, which could see the artist forced to reveal their identity.

In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with LiSTNR Investigations Editor, Clair Weaver about the current theories on who the artist could be, and the potential ramifications of Banksy losing their anonymity.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US is moving to ban TikTok after a bill passed through its House of Representatives last week. It’s given TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance about six months to divest before 150 million users face not being able to access the platform.

In this episode of The Briefing Bension Siebert speaks with Crikey’s Cam Wilson about the ban, what it says about data ownership and what the implications could be for us here in Australia.

Headlines:

Greens to introduce bill that would break up Coles and Woolies

Putin addresses crowds at Red Square after landslide election ‘win’

Qantas workers tell hearing they suffered depression after being illegally sacked

Intimacy ban lifted for the Paris Games

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Vladimir Putin has been re-elected as Russia’s president for the fifth time over the weekend. Before the polls even opened all serious challengers had been wiped out, with Putin’s only real opposition, Alexei Navalny dying in mysterious circumstances weeks before.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with Politico’s Zoya Sheftalovich to find out why Russia holds elections when the outcome has already been decided, and how Putin came to power in the first place.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The war between Israel and Hamas has been raging for five months, more than 30,000 people have been killed, and it’s spawned a massive refugee crisis. Currently 1.4 million Palestinians who have fled to the southern city of Rafah on the border with Egypt are hemmed in.

So are any of Palestine’s neighbouring countries willing to accept them? And if not, why not?

In this episode of The Briefing Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Anas Iqtait from the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies at ANU about Arab countries’ role in the crisis.

Headlines:

Some visas reinstated for Palestinians heading to Australia

Russians around the world protest election

TikTok ban talks ignite in Australia

Space X is building a spy satellite network for the US

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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Patrick deWitt is an award winning author, and screenwriter.

In this chat with Tom Tilley, Patrick talks about his latest novel The Librarianist, and why he hopes it provides readers with an escape from the “ugly” world we live in.

Patrick also reflects on his decision to leave high school to pursue his dream of becoming a writer, and explains his take on why literature and art should focus less on young people.

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Sydney-based content creator Veronica B is many things, but she’s perhaps best known for her hilarious comedy skits where she plays Aunty Salma, a character she says represents “every ethnic mum”.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Veronica takes us back to the moment she invented Aunty Salma, opens up about her decade-long journey in content creation before having her breakout moment on TikTok during the pandemic- and tells us why she wishes she could be a sellout.

She also chats about using humor to cope with chronic illness- having grown up with colitis and Crohn’s disease.

WEEKEND LIST
Broadsheet’s episode with Hannah Gadsby
Aldi Prosecco
Running clubs
Antoinette’s episode of Abbie Chatfield’s It’s A Lot podcast

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The first ever academic study has finally been written about Salad Fingers, a video series created in 2004 that later went viral on YouTube. Salad Fingers featured a sickly green figure with lettuce leaves for hands who liked to stroke rusty spoons. The study argues Salad Fingers was a trailblazer of “weird youtube” and is still influencing internet culture today.

In this episode of The Briefing, Eleanor Harrison-Dengate speaks with Jessica Balanzategui, a Senior Lecturer in Media at RMIT University, about why she thinks the series has been so influential.

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There’s a new phone-scam that’s being reported around the world, and it’s petrifying. It uses an AI generated cloned version of a loved one, who calls, claiming that there’s an emergency (often that they’ve been kidnapped and a ransom needs to be paid). They’re emotive, they’re high-quality replications, and they’re expected to hit Australians soon.

So how does the scam work, and what do you need to know to ensure that you or your loved ones don’t fall victim to it?

In today’s episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with Toby Murray, Associate Professor of Computing and Information Systems at the University of Melbourne to find out more.

Headlines:

Federal government under fire for pulling Palestinian Visas

Australian women died in Bali landslide

EV purchases soar in Australia

Space X mega rocket reaches new heights, before ending up lost

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Haiti has been all over international headlines this week, and it’s culminated in the Caribbean country’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry being forced to step down. His resignation follows weeks of mounting pressure and increasing violence. Henry is currently stranded in Puerto Rico after being prevented by armed gangs from returning home. Now the Caribbean country is looking towards creating a transitional government for the foreseeable future.

In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert sits down with Australian National University's Professor Nicolas Lemay-Hebert to find out why Haiti is in such strife, and what will happen next.

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Facebook and Instagram could soon be wiped of news content. It’s after their parent company Meta, announced it will stop paying for news content in Australia when the current deals it has expire. In the future, Meta will encourage news publishers to buy extra services to increase their own traffic, flipping the flow of funds from Meta to news publishers, rather than the other way around. The move brings into question the issue of the sustainability of news journalism in Australia. The Albanese government has said it will move to force Meta to negotiate.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with Cheek Media’s Hannah Ferguson, whose platform grew through Instagram, to talk about how she plans to deal with the change, and what she thinks the impact will be on news in Australia.

Headlines:

The US is one step closer to banning TikTok

Two-thirds of women report bias in Australian healthcare

Hot autumn ahead for Australia

Clive Palmer unveils plans, again, to build the Titanic II

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In 1969, Leila Khaled became the world's first female aeroplane hijacker when she took control of a flight from Rome to Tel Aviv. Now, at almost 80, she remains on the national committee for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and is set to appear as a speaker at Green Left’s Ecosocialism 2024 conference in WA in June.

But with her past history and her more recent activism, would she be allowed entry into Australia? Or would her name be added to the long list of other controversial figures - like Novak Djokovic, Chelsea Manning, Chris Brown, who have been banned from entering the country?

In today’s episode, Bension Siebert speaks with LiSTNR Investigations Editor, Clair Weaver, about how visa decisions on controversial figures are decided.

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Australia’s housing market has been in crisis for years and it only seems to be getting worse. Interest rate hikes last year have pushed many families’ budgets to the brink while renters are finding more and more of their pay cheque disappearing each month.

All sides of politics have their own ideas to tackle rising rents, supply issues and soaring house prices, from assisting first home buyers to increasing the number of new builds.
So is it time for a royal commission into the real estate industry and would that make a meaningful dent in fixing the housing crisis?

In the final episode of this three-part series, Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with Greens MP Max Chandler-Mather to find out.

Headlines:

Illicit drug use in Australia soars by 17% year-on-year

Andrew Tate to be extradited to the UK

Gaza medics tell BBC of inhumane treatment

1 in 4 properties in NSW, Victoria and QLD were paid for in cash

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Australia’s love of an underdog is really special and unique – we're always cheering on the Aussie battler.

It goes hand in hand with our belief that everyone deserves a fair go, but we’re also pretty renowned for being the first to cut down someone who might stand out.

It’s called Tall Poppy Syndrome and has become synonymous with Australian culture. But why? And is it time to rethink our approach to success and standing out?

On today’s episode, The Briefing host Sacha Barbour-Gatt talks to Dr Rumeet Billan, the author of 2023 study ‘The Tallest Poppy’, to find out.

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Australia’s housing market has been in crisis for years and it only seems to be getting worse. Interest rate hikes last year have pushed many families’ budgets to the brink while renters are finding more and more of their pay cheque disappearing each month.

All sides of politics have their own ideas to tackle rising rents, supply issues and soaring house prices, from assisting first home buyers to increasing the number of new builds.
So is it time for a royal commission into the real estate industry and would that make a meaningful dent in fixing the housing crisis?

In the second episode of this three part series, Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with Jordie Van Den Berg a.k.a. Purple Pingers, to find out.

Headlines:

Princess of Wales apologises for editing family photo

Ramadan starts in Gaza without a ceasefire deal

Roosters prop Spencer Leniu cops eight week ban over racial slur

Oppenheimer sweeps the Oscars

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The first official photo of the Princess of Wales since her abdominal surgery has been released. It shows Kate smiling while surrounded by her three children, alongside a message from the royal thanking well-wishers for their support.

Within hours of its release, several global news agencies announced they were pulling the image because it had been doctored. To what extent, we’re not sure, but if the recent conspiracy theories about Kate’s wellbeing are anything to go by, this latest development will only add to the wild rumours being thrown around.

But why are people so ready to engage in conspiracies? How has that changed over the years? And just how significant is this move by agencies like Reuters, AP and Getty?

On today’s afternoon episode of The Briefing, we discuss these issues with Axel Bruns, a Professor for the Digital Media Research Centre at Queensland University of Technology.

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The housing crisis in Australia is well documented and much debated.

All sides of politics have their own ideas to tackle rising rents, supply issues and soaring house prices, from assisting first home buyers to increasing the number of new builds.

But on the ground the feeling is that it’s all just kicking the can down the road, and a lot of the solutions fail to address the sometimes dodgy and underhanded tactics used by our country’s real estate agencies.

So is it time for a royal commission into the real estate industry and would that make a meaningful dent in fixing the housing crisis?

In the first episode of this three part series, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks to Rob Westwood, National Chairman of First National Real Estate to get his take on the housing crisis.

Headlines:

US military ship departs for Gaza port-building mission

Suspected drug overdose death at Victorian music festival

First image released of Princess Kate since surgery

Oscars hit by plagiarism scandal hours before the event

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Wendell Sailor represented Australia in both rugby league and rugby union at the highest level in the 90s and 2000s. Now, he spends his afternoons on the airwaves with Triple M’s Sydney drive show The Rush Hour with Gus Worland and Jude Bolton.

In this chat with Tom Tilley, Wendell weighs in on the latest racism scandal in the NRL, and opens up about his own experiences with racism growing up.

He also reveals what it was like finding out he’d been adopted, and explores why a two-year ban for cocaine use in 2006 was the making of him.

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Clare Verrall was a contestant on season two of Married At First Sight - and by her description, she was “hurled into the lion’s den”.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, she shares how her experience impacted her mental health, and why she wants others to think twice before applying for reality television shows.

The pair also explore her journey being diagnosed with ADHD and autism as an adult, her massive love for fostering dogs, and the Taylor Swift tattoo typo she’ll never forget.

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Alabama has been in a state of turmoil after a legal case had unexpected consequences by implying that frozen embryos could be interpreted as having the same rights as children.

After the judgment, several IVF clinics around the state suspended services due to the fear of legal ramifications, leaving prospective parents undergoing procedures in the dark. On Thursday, legislation was passed to protect IVF providers, but has this opened the door to further debate over reproductive rights in the US? And how much of this conversation is linked to religious or political views?

On this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with John Sharp, a local news reporter based in Alabama.

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We’ve seen two major decisions affect the reproductive rights of women in the lead up to International Women’s Day: the decision of the Alabama Supreme Court to declare embryos created through IVF as children, and France’s move to enshrine abortion rights in the constitution.

They present the opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to the issue of women’s health, so where does Australia stand?

On today’s episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with the Chair of the Australian Women's Health Alliance, Bonney Corbin, to dive deeper into the reproductive rights of women in Australia. You'll hear what we’ve achieved, and what work is still needed to ensure the health, safety and respect of women’s bodies and choices.

Headlines:

Police allege Samantha Murphy was murdered in “deliberate act”

Hamas delegates leave Cairo without a ceasefire deal

AFL pays tribute to Luke Davies and Jesse Baird at season opener

Debate sparked by Sam Kerr revelation

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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The importation of all non-therapeutic vapes is now illegal in Australia.

This means anyone wanting to import a vape into the country needs a licence to do so, and anyone wanting to buy a vape will need a prescription from their doctor.

With vaping rates continuing to soar across the country, will this next step in the government's crackdown on vaping make a noticeable difference? And will the latest legislative changes push those who can't access a vape onto smoking cigarettes instead?

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler joins Bension Siebert to explain why he's so focused on trying to get young people off the vapes in 2024, and why he "shares the fear" about those vaping switching back to smoking instead.

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PFAS are known as forever chemicals, and they're really bad for the environment - they never break down, and can spread into waterways, land, animals...and us. Research has also shown that they can be really bad for us, with high exposure also been linked to a various range of health conditions, and a higher risk of some cancers.

Larry Acton has been farming cattle for over 50 years, but when he bought his property in 2021, he had no idea it was contaminated with PFAS. He's now seriously worried about his cattle drinking the groundwater, and whether that could make it into the meat, and eventually into consumers.

Speaking to The Briefing, the long time cattle farmer shares his concerns, and what he thinks needs to be done about it.

Headlines:

Nikki Haley drops out of run for Republican presidential nomination

ASEAN ends with watered down warning to China

Sam Kerr’s alleged slur revealed

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It's Super Tuesday in the US presidential election, but the biggest day in America's primary season won't be like any other we've seen in recent history.

In today's episode, Bension Siebert sits down with Planet America's Chas Licciardello to explain what Super Tuesday is, why Donald Trump looks set to wipe the floor with his closest rival, and why Americans are stuck with two unpopular old men running for President.

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Did you know there is a World Cup of Gay Rugby?

Technically called The Bingham Cup, it's an international tournament for gay and inclusive rugby teams from around the world - and the next one will be in Rome this coming May. The Cup has been around for 20 years, and Australian teams are some of the most successful. The Sydney Convicts have won the competition five times!

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Ken Averre, Sydney Convicts club president to find out all about this year’s Bingham Cup.

Headlines:

Football Australia blindsided by Sam Kerr charge

Anthony Albanese referred to the ICC as an 'accessory to genocide in Gaza'

Super Tuesday gets underway in the US

Queensland unions push for 10 days of reproductive health leave

Jeff Bezos reclaims world’s richest person title

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Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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Are you concerned by seeing young children glued to iPads or screens out in public? Or are you a parent of one of those children, wondering how much screen time is actually okay for your child's brain?

A new study of Australian families has found that the average toddler is missing out on more than 1000 words spoken by an adult each day because they or their parents are watching screens.

Senior research officer at the Telethon Kids Institute, Dr Mary Brushe led the research, and on this episode of The Briefing speaks with Bension Siebert to explain what they found.

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For many, going to the doctor can be a financially painful experience. It can be difficult to find out how the prices of GPs compare in your area, never mind trying to find a bulk billing practice.

Thankfully, James Gillespie is trying to solve these problems, by creating a publicly searchable database, called Cleanbill, that lists medical centres by location, fees, bulk-billing and whether they’re taking new patients.

Today on The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with James about his database, what his data has shown about Australian GP billing practices, and why he's become such a thorn in the side of the federal Health Minister.

Headlines:

US Supreme Court rules Trump wrongly removed from Colorado

Apple fined $3b over antitrust moves

Liberal MP says work to be done on preselecting women

France to enshrine abortion rights in their constitution

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Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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You’ve probably heard of 'nangs', the canisters full of nitrous oxide. The laughing gas can help whip your cream - but used incorrectly, it can also make you high.

The substance can be more dangerous than it seems - nangs have contributed to the deaths of 20 people in the last 20 years in Australia, with more potentially not recorded as coronial lab equipment isn’t always up to the task.

In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert sits down with LiSTNR reporter Archie Milligan to discover how dangerous nangs are, and hear from a nitrous oxide seller who's using TikTok videos to marketing their product.

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The Australian casino industry has been in strife for years, and the latest iteration is another enquiry into Sydney’s Star. The second Bell review is currently underway and set to finish up in May looking at whether the Star’s license should be revoked. This comes after the Star was fined $100m 18 months ago; was found unsuitable to run a casino; and an external manager was appointed.

In this episode of The Briefing Katrina Blowers sits down with Helen Bird from Swinburne University to find out why our casinos seem to be so dodgy.

Headlines:

China revealed as country behind spy operation targeting Australia

Israel refuses to attend ceasefire talks in Cairo

Albanese criticises Liberal ‘fear campaign’ following Dunkley by-election

12,000 people marched in Sydney’s Mardi Gras

Planning for King Charles royal visit gets underway

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Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic make up the Aussie pop-guitar duo Royel Otis.

The pair are living the rock star life on tour, currently being in the middle of a sold-out national tour before they head to North America for a month of shows.

In this chat with Tom Tilley, Royel and Otis talk about the process behind their debut album Pratts and Pain, why they initially didn’t want to do live performances, and why the duo were so unsure about covering Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s 2001 hit Murder on the Dance Floor for Triple J’s Like a Version - which has since gone viral with more than 7 millions views on Instagram.

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Rowi Singh is a Sydney-based artist and beauty influencer.

She’s a proud Indian-Australian woman, and melds Indian and Western culture in many of the mesmerizing makeup looks she showcases on TikTok and Instagram.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Rowi admits she always wanted to be “some sort of famous”, explains the choice to ditch her nine-to-five job for influencing - and tells us why representation in the beauty industry matters.

Weekend List:
World of Secrets Season Two, The Disciples (podcast)
Brooklyn Nine Nine
Morning Wars Season Two
Life with Piccasso Reading trash magazines Griselda

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Do you remember the early days of Facebook and Instagram? When your feed was filled with content you actually wanted like your friends’ updates and family dog pictures?

Have you noticed that now every second post feels like it’s sponsored or an ad? If yes, it's not your imagination - it’s because you’re noticing the cycle social media platforms go through, where they seem to get worse and worse over time.

In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert delves into just how that cycle works, with Canadian-British blogger and journalist Cory Doctorow.

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The crackdown on vaping goes into its next stage today, with the government making it illegal to import any non-therapeutic vapes, that includes rechargable vapes and anything you would buy without a prescription. It’s after disposable vapes were banned from being imported at the beginning of this year.

In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with Jamie Hartmann-Boyce from the Department of Health Promotion and Policy at the University of Massachusetts to find out whether banning vapes could drive people back to cigarettes.

Headlines:

UN says war crimes have been committed by Israel and Hamas

Putin warns West they risk nuclear war

Joe Biden’s team say he’s fit for duty

Sporting codes set to take part in Mard Gras

Summer possible third hottest on record

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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An elite foreign spy group called 'A-Team' has been targeting Australian students, academics, law enforcement officials, a former politician and even a prime minister’s family members.

That's the assessment of Australia's top intelligence agency, ASIO, which released its annual assessment of the biggest threats to our national security overnight.

On this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with Joey Watson, 'spy watcher', investigative journalist and host of Secrets We Keep: Nest of Traitors. He reveals why foreign espionage and spying has overtaken far-right extremism and other threats become our intelligence services' top concern.

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The NRL will create history this month and launch season 2024 in Las Vegas, USA. Two games will be played in prime time: Sea Eagles v Rabbitohs & Roosters v Broncos, with the league hoping to bring their game to America’s 330 million strong market.

In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert sits down with former NRL great, host of the Bye Round & NRL commentator for Fox Sports and Triple M James Graham from Vegas to get the low down.

Headlines:

ASIO reveals details of international spy ring targeting Australia

Matildas are going to the Paris Olympics

NSW police can march in Mardi Gras without uniform

Red Bull’s Christian Horner exonerated

Prince Harry loses court challenge over security

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"Ovarian cancer wasn't even on my radar."

February is ovarian cancer awareness month in Australia. It's a cruel disease, with 70% of patients discovering the cancer in advanced stages, and a shocking 49% five-year survival rate.

In this episode of The Briefing, our producer Simon Beaton sits down to speak with his mum, who was diagnosed less than six months ago, as well as Lisa Finuncane, who has been living with ovarian cancer for over fourteen years, to discuss their experiences of living with the cancer, and what they hope their futures will look like.

This is part two of our special series on ovarian cancer - listen to part one here. To find out more about ovarian cancer, or to donate, visit Ovarian Cancer Australia at https://www.ovariancancer.net.au/

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Ovarian cancer is a silent scourge in Australia. Most people know little about it, there aren’t any tests you can do to detect it early, and that means 70% of women and gender diverse people diagnosed with it catch it late. Ovarian cancer has a 49% five year survival rate, whereas breast cancer by contrast has a 92% survival rate.

In this episode of The Briefing, producer Simon Beaton speaks with Bridget Bradhurst, the Acting Chief National Ovarian Cancer Advocacy & Support Services to find out why ovarian cancer is such an overlooked disease.

Headlines:

A vigil has been held for Jesse Baird and Luke Davies

Stage Three tax cuts pass parliament

Hamas and Israel pour cold water on ceasefire

South east braces for catastrophic fire day

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Taylor Swift has finished her run of sold-out concerts here in Australia, playing in front of over 600,000 fans throughout the tour. Yet with events of this size comes a price to our environment.

Many fans fly interstate or internationally, purely to be at those shows, which also use large amounts of power to amplify sound and for light displays. They also produce copious amounts of waste, including everything from paper cups through to glitter, bracelets and feather boas.

LiSTNR journalist, Loren Howarth, joins Bension Siebert on this afternoon's episode of The Briefing to explain just big of a problem this is, and what can be done to make festivals and large-scale concerts more eco-friendly and sustainable in the future.

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American firm Intuitive Machines made history last Friday when its lunar lander touched down on the Moon.

It’s the first private company to land on the Moon, and the first US mission to land on the lunar surface in more than 50 years.

It’s up there for a week conducting experiments and preparing for humans to return to the Moon as part of NASA’s Artemis program.

In this episode of the Briefing, we’re joined by Swinburne University Astrophysicist Dr Rebecca Allen to find out what it’s doing up there and what NASA needs to do to get back to the Moon.

Headlines:

Aussie companies singled out in landmark gender pay gap data

Mardi Gras organisers uninvite NSW Police from Saturday’s march

Sweden is set to join NATO

Scott Morrison to give his final speech in Parliament today

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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Police have charged a New South Wales police officer, Constable Beau Lamarre-Condon, with the murder of former Network Ten presenter, Jesse Baird, and his partner, QANTAS flight attendant Luke Davies.

At the time of recording, police divers have been searching dams in Goulburn, southwest of Sydney, looking for Baird and Davies’ bodies.

Often, when we tell these stories, we focus on the criminal allegations – but Isaac Muller, a proud Wiradjuri and Palawa man, and one of Jesse’s friends – wants him to be remembered not for his death, but for the extraordinary person he was in life.

On today's afternoon episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with Isaac, who reflects on his memories of Jesse Baird.

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It’s been two years since the start of the war in Ukraine, and both Russia and Ukraine appear to be at a stalemate. Russia has been making tiny territorial gains on the ground at an enormous cost both in troops and equipment; while Ukraine is on the backfoot after failing to achieve the objectives of their 2023 counteroffensive, while also sustaining huge casualties.

In this episode of The Briefing Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with Ukraine-born Politico journalist Zoya Sheftalovich to find out what’s happening on the ground; what the war has taught us about NATO, the EU and US relationship; the China-Russia relationship; sanctions; and her predictions for how the war could end.

Headlines:

Authorities hold grave concerns over heat spike in Victoria, as bushfires burn in the west

Housing and tax cuts to dominate as parliament resumes this week

Nikki Haley loses South Carolina Republican primary, vows to keep up the fight against Donald Trump

Accidental discovery solves 120-year missing ship mystery

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Kumi Taguchi is an Australian journalist, broadcaster and presenter living in Sydney.

She’s currently the host of Insight on SBS, which many would consider to be one of the most challenging and stressful hosting gigs in the country.

Joining Tom Tilley for the Weekend Briefing, Kumi explains what goes on behind the scenes of the show, growing up “feeling on the outer”, reconnecting with her father before his death, and the importance of sharing stories.

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Josh Szeps wants us all think about having more uncomfortable conversations.

The Australian media personality and podcast host, who recently departed the ABC because he was “too spicy” for the public broadcaster, is a big fan of asking the 'why' behind the status quo.

Joining Antoinette Lattouf, Josh speaks on what life is like after the ABC, the non-mystery of the spelling of his name, and explains why he loves having uncomfortable conversations his guests on his own podcast, Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps.

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This year, the Australian government have rolled out a national framework guiding the use of AI, including Chat GPT, to be used within school classrooms across the country.

Use of Chat GPT had previously been banned in all public schools (aside from South Australia) amidst plagiarism and privacy concerns. So what changed? And will the use of artificial intelligence in our classrooms aid or limit learning for our youth?

On today's afternoon episode of The Briefing, our producer Simon Beaton speaks with Dr Jason Zagami from Griffith University's School of Education and Professional Studies, to find out more about how AI is being used in the new framework, and how we can expect this tech to change teaching in the future.

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Are we raising a generation of soft kids? Millennial parents are getting blamed for everything that seems to be wrong with Generation Alpha: that they’re lazy, entitled, addicted to their screens, and averse to boredom. Another big criticism is they lack resilience, social skills, and even the ability to read.

In this episode of The Briefing we sit down with social researcher Ashley Fell to find out what is this generation of mums, dads and caregivers getting wrong when it comes to raising the next generation?

Headlines:

Alexei Navalny’s mother says she’s seen her son’s body

Average Aussie weekly wage revealed in new data

TGA approves new drug to treat endometriosis

31-year-old ‘Bobi’ stripped of world’s oldest dog title

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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March 10th is the deadline Israel has given Hamas to release the remaining hostages before Israel launches a massive, troops-on-the-ground invasion of Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah.

In this special afternoon episode of The Briefing, we speak to a 26-year-old woman sheltering in Rafah with her remaining family.

Palestinian journalist and translator Aseel Mousa shares her story of survival, and reveals exactly what life is like in Rafah right now, as a new catastrophe looms.

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More and more Australians are choosing rentvesting as their way into the property market. It’s basically buying in a high rent areas as an investment and then renting in an area you want to live.

It means you can break into the property market, purchasing a property in lower-cost areas without giving up the benefits of a city lifestyle.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by property expert Michael Beresford from OpenCorp, to find out how rentvesting works, and if it’s for you.

Headlines:

US lawyers say Julian Assange put lives at risk

Brisbane aged care facility investigated over maggot-infested wound

Should we axe tax deductions

Female leads in Hollywood films are down

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At 8:30am today, Woolworths announced its CEO Brad Banducci is retiring after eight years in the top job.

Woolworths announced to the stock market that Banducci will be retiring in September, to make way for the company’s head of loyalty, Amanda Bardwell.

It comes after Balducci's disastrous interview on the ABC’s Four Corners on Monday night.

So was this change due to Banducci's conduct in the interview, or was this plan already in the works? And can a change in leadership stem the PR bleeding for Woolworths, which, much like Coles and Qantas, has nosedived in recent months?

On today's afternoon episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert chats with Tim Burrowes - one of the country’s top media and PR analysts and author of the popular newsletter UnMade - to find out.

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Pharmacists are being given more power to give and refill prescriptions. It comes as more and more GPs opt out of bulk billing and a doctor shortage in regional areas mean it’s more difficult to see a doctor.

So where are the trials and what types of medications can you get without having to see a GP?

We’ll hear frome the Australian Medical Association, someone involved in the NSW/ACT Pharmacy Trial, and look at where those trials are at the moment, if they’re being considered successful and if they really will take the pressure of GPs.

Headlines:

Assange facing last appeal against US extradition

US vetoes Gaza ceasefire resolution at the UN

Triple murder takes place in Sydney

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Sydney is currently dealing with a widespread asbestos-contaminated mulch investigation, with 45 locations - including potentially six schools - contaminated with bonded asbestos that was mixed in with garden mulch.

Since investigation into the mulch began, most identified sites have been found with the much lower risk bonded asbestos, while two have been found to include friable asbestos, which poses a much greater health risk to the community.

So how did this happen, and is the rest of the country at risk? And could this current situation in NSW lead to greater control of asbestos nationally moving forward?

On today's episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with LiSTNR journalist Tessa Randello, who has been following the recent crisis.

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The number of people charged with human trafficking in Australian Federal Police is growing year on year.

We’re talking about forced marriage, sexual exploitation, child trafficking, forced labour, domestic servitude and even slavery.

In this episode of the Briefing, we’re joined by Justine Nolan is a Professor in the Faculty of Law and Justice at UNSW Sydney and Director of the Australian Human Rights Institute, to take a deep dive on what constitutes human trafficking and why, despite increased awareness, it keeps growing year on year

Headlines:

Alexei Navalny's widow vows to keep fighting for a free Russia

Labor senator backs drug and alcohol testing for politicians

Woman goes into labour at Taylor Swift's concert

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The man many considered Russian President Vladimir Putin’s most powerful critic, Alexie Navalny, is dead.

His death comes after a highly publicised assassination attempt a few years ago, when it's believed Russian secret services tried to kill him by putting the deadly nerve agent Novichok into his underpants.

Incredibly, Navalny survived that assassination attempt. However, instead of remaining safe in exile overseas like many of the country’s opposition figures, he returned to Russia, where he was quickly arrested and sent to prison.

So who was Alexie Navalny, and why was it now that Putin has supposedly had him killed? And what does this mean for the pro-democracy movement in Russia moving forward?

On today's afternoon episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with Russian politics specialist from La Trobe University, Dr Robert Horvath, to learn more.

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There are 450,000 Australians living with Dementia. Our parents or grandparents drift away from us as the disease takes hold.

So are we doing enough to manage the crisis? Closed wards, limited interactions with the outside world, a long list of medications, in some cases restraints, doesn’t sound like the way we’d like to see our loved ones treated.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Maree McCabe, the CEO of Dementia Australia, to try to find out what can be done for our family and friends as the number of Australians with Dementia escalates.

Headlines:

Anthony Albanese blames Putin for Navalny's death

Around 40 suspected asylum seekers transported to Nauru

Sydney's asbestos problem grows

Taylor Swift wraps up her Melbourne shows

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Tony Armstrong is a proud Gamilaroi man and former AFL player, turned TV presenter, podcaster and two time Logie winner.

With his moustache and cheeky smile all over our screens as the sports presenter on ABCTV News Breakfast and a regular on the project, Tony seems to have it all.

In this chat with Tom Tilley, Tony unpacks his relationship with Adam Goodes, how he feels since the Voice referendum and why hard work doesn’t always pay off.

Send us your Weekend Briefing suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

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Azure Antoinette is a Grammy nominated poet, a corporate crisis fixer, a public speaker and a global ambassador for living with multiple sclerosis.

Azure moved to left LA and arrived on Australian shores a few years ago, both for love, and because of threats from the Ku Klux Klan which drove her from home.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Azure breaks down what it’s like being the co-host of a new podcast, The Antoinettes, with our very own Antoinette Lattouf.

Weekend List:

Bogan San Choy Bao
Dance class at your gym or at home with MadFit on Youtube
Taylor Elyse Tomlinson Netflix specials
Dance Life on Amazon Prime

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Taylor Swift is the talk of the town, with the icon shortly kicking off her leg of the Australian Eras Tour show tonight in Melbourne. The hype is real, with Swifties creating palpable levels of excitement right across the country.

So why have we become so caught up in Swiftmania? And in a broader sense, why do fan girls cop more criticism than sports fans, who are often just as passionate?

On today's afternoon episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with LiSTNR journalist Loren Howarth, who has deep-dived into our cultural criticism of music fans.

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Measles is making a comeback. Here’s what you need to know.

Australia was declared Measles-free ten years ago, but a resurgence in cases, largely from people visiting from overseas, has seen it return. It’s not just a itchy rash, either. It can lead to very serious health problems.

So in this episode of The Briefing, how and why has Measles returned to Australia and what you need to know to stay safe.

Headlines:

Judge lists first Trump criminal trial for next month

Politicians call for HECS overhaul

Israeli army storms Gaza’s main hospital

Britain slides into recession ahead of election

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Tasmania, currently the last Liberal government in the country, will head to an election more than a year earlier than planned.

Yesterday, Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced that Tasmanians will vote on March 23rd, amidst claims that the parliament has become unworkable after two former Liberal MPs ditched the party and won’t agree to pass legislation.

On today's afternoon episode of The Briefing, Tessa Randello from the Listnr newsroom joins Bension Siebert to discuss how the party in power for the last 10 years ended up in a minority, and the impact this result could have on the rest of the country.

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Gen Z or a Millennial? You’ve probably been told you’re more likely to vote toward the left of the political spectrum, only to drift further right as you get older. Well new research suggests that’s not actually the case.

Gen Z and Millennials are sticking with the left. They’re deciding things like LGBTQI+ issues, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues, wider gender issues and climate change, are really important and they expect their politicians to think the same.

In this episode of the Briefing, we’re joined by Shaun Ratcliff, a political scientist, lecturer at Sydney University and data scientist at the political research firm Accent Research. We pose the question, why are Gen Z and Millennials bucking the trend in their political persuasions?

Headlines:

Victorian disaster payments

200 million Indonesians voted in the world's largest single-day election

Tasmanian election campaign kicks off a year early

Taylor Swift has touched down in Australia

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Valentine’s Day for most usually means overpriced chocolates, flowers, presents (and maybe even sex). But Chanel Contos says it's also a particularly good time to talk about consent, and how to keep it front and centre in our intimate relationships.

The pressure surrounding Valentine’s Day can be overwhelming, with partners seeking consent often forgotten about or assumed. Is there a larger conversation needed about how we view and educate others about consent as a society?

In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with Chanel Contos from Teach Us Consent to learn more about consent and her partnership with the condom brand, Lifestyle, to help share the message of consent this Valentine’s Day.

If you need support, contact the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or check out their website for resources.

To find out more about Teach Us Consent:
Website
Instagram

To find out more about their partnership with LifeStyles:
Website (Let's Talk Consent)
Instagram
Facebook

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We’re all recycling, buying electric cars, taking paper and recycled bags to the supermarket, but do our climate change actions really move the needle on global warming?

There are anti-global warmists who say renewable energy is a myth, you achieve nothing by recycling your bottles and cans, and putting your paper in the paper bin is a waste of time. Are they right...?

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Amanda McKenzie, the CEO of Climate Council to find the truth in the debate over whether your and my climate action really makes a difference in the grand scheme of things.

Headlines:

Victorian storms and fires

Israeli ceasefire talks back underway

Taylor tix hacked

Don’t swim with diarrhea 💩

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From disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong to Russia systematically doping its Olympic athletes, there has been no shortage of drug cheating scandals in the world of sport.

But what if we throw out the rule book, letting athletes push their bodies to the maximum possible performance - using whatever drugs they want?

Aron D'Souza is the president of the proposed Enhanced Games, an elite international sporting event without drug testing being planned to take place later this year. While he says the event would have strenuous health testing to keep athletes safe, many experts have countered that the games put athletes at serious risk.

On today's afternoon episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with Aron D'Souza to find out more.

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Climate change is having an incredible impact on the continent of Antarctica. Historic drops in sea ice are accelerating the melt of ice sheets and the slowing of ocean currents, as well as catastrophic failures of emperor penguin colonies.

A deteriorating climate in Antarctica will have a devastating impact on Australia.

In this episode of the Briefing, we’re joined by Professor Matt King, an Antarctic expert at the University of Tasmania, and Director of the Australian Centre of Excellence in Antarctic Science. We find out how Antarctica’s climate crisis will impact Australia.

Headlines:

Two Israeli hostages freed from Gaza have been reunited with their families

A catastrophic fire danger warning has been issued in Victoria

Joe Biden wins the Superbowl

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Did you see the video and memes over the weekend of Nationals MP and former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce lying down next to a planter box on a Canberra footpath at night, swearing loudly into his phone?

Since the video surfaced, Barnaby Joyce has said he’d been "drinking" and was on "prescription medication" at the time. However, the incident raises a question on the expectations we place on our politicians and whether they are different for different people.

On this afternoon episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with Sean Kelly, a columnist with the Nine Newspapers and former advisor to prime ministers Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd.

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Australia has a dire shortage of apprentices. Some say it’s because of low pay and physically demanding work. Others argue Generation Z is simply too lazy or soft.

Advocates want more subsidies and investment to boost the workforce. But some young apprentices have reported toxic workplaces and hazing.

Meanwhile, older tradies are struggling amid a surplus of work and drought of young workers.

So how did we get into this mess – and how can we fix it? ACTU assistant secretary Liam O’Brien joins us in today’s deep dive.

Headlines:

Barnaby Joyce won’t be at a scheduled Nationals party meeting today

Donald Trump says he would encourage Russia to attack NATO countries

A third of Aussie kids can’t read

58th Superbowl is on today

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Josh Thomas became a house hold name after his series Please Like Me was nominated for an Emmy, hitting the global stage.

The Aussie comedian has spent the last seven years living in LA - but has decided it’s time to come back home.

In this chat with Tom Tilley, Josh unpacks his new stand up comedy show, Let’s Tidy Up, about his ADHD, autism and how that turns into a messy house.

Send us your Weekend Briefing suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

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Ellie Cole is Australia's most decorated female Paralympian, but that’s not what bought her happiness.

When Ellie claimed her seventeenth Paralympic swimming medal in Tokyo she made history. And this year she was just recognised in Australia Day honours.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Ellie explains how she found true happiness once she stopped swimming.

Weekend List:

Fly screens from Bunnings
Uno card game
Secrets we keep: Nest of Traitors season 2
Lounder Milk on Netflix

Send us your Weekend List suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

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The US Supreme Court has a massive decision to make – whether to kick Donald Trump off the ballot in the 2024 election.

It follows a decision of Colorado’s top court that Trump is ineligible to be on the ballot in that state. But should a court strip voters of their right to choose the next President of the United States?

Dave Levinthal is Editor-in-Chief of Raw Story. He joins Bension Siebert from Washington D.C. to tell us what happened in the Supreme Court overnight and what it might mean for the US going forward.

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The dog-loving world went into meltdown recently, with the announcement of a brand new drug to help increase the life expectancy of large-breed dogs.

The company behind it, Loyal is on the path to getting conditional approval from the US FDA for the drug and has also just kicked off a new study for a pill that’d see our smaller four-legged friends live longer, too. So how soon can we expect to see these treatments available? And what are the ethical issues surrounding such a pill?

On today’s episode of The Briefing, we chat with Brennen McKenzie, the Director of Veterinary Medicine at Loyal.

Headlines:

Labor is going to have to re-work its right to disconnect legislation

Global warming exceeds 1.5c level

Live export update

Paris medals to have Eiffel Tower in them

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Have you seen the #legginglegs hashtag that was circulating on TikTok and Instagram?

The trend saw female influencers posting videos of themselves wearing leggings, with the subtext promoting the idea that you need slim legs to do so. It quickly saw backlash over concerns that it could lead girls towards unhealthy eating or exercise behaviours, even leading to intervention from TikTok itself, now when you search for #legginglegs you'll be directed to Butterfly Foundation resources).

So why do we keep seeing these diet culture trends repackaged? Are we getting any better at calling them out? And should we be striving for body neutrality instead of comparing ourselves to endless online trends?

On today's afternoon episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert is joined by LiSTNR journalist Micaela Savage to explain the #legginglegs trend.

Help is always available. If you need support with an eating disorder, or have body image concerns, you can call Butterfly’s National Helpline on 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673), or head to www.butterfly.org.au for more information.

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Taylor Swift is a global superstar. She’s sold over 200 million records and is the highest-grossing female touring artist of all time. And now she’s the subject of a MAGA conspiracy.

Donald Trump supporters are spreading the theory Taylor Swift is working with the Democrats to ensure Joe Biden is re-elected at the November US presidential elections. AND they’re going so far as to say her boyfriend, NFL star Travis Kelce, the NFL itself, AND the Pentagon are also part of the wild conspiracies.

In this episode of the Briefing, we’re joined by Matt Harris, an associate professor of political science at Park University in the United States to learn how and why Tay Tay is driving the MAGA community to invent these wild theories.

Headlines:

Workers will be given the ‘right to disconnect’ after hours from their bosses

Hamas proposes truce deal

Earth Aid Live

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How often do you work outside of your paid hours? Are you checking emails, or Teams messages, or taking phone calls when you could be spending that time with loved ones?

The Government is looking at giving you the 'right to disconnect', as federal parliament kicks off for 2024 this week. If successful, the new law could mean you get the right to switch off your devices, and refuse to engage with work altogether, out of hours.

Greens Senator Barbara Pocock has been pushing for the right to disconnect for a long time. On today's afternoon episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with Senator Pocock, as well as employment lawyer Natalie Gaspar, over how the proposed changes would work, and how our lives might change if the law passes.

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The Albanese government’s tax plan will see Australian women taxpayers, on average, receive a tax cut of $1,649 from 1 July. Childcare workers, disability carers and aged care workers are some of the most likely to benefit.

In this episode of The Briefing we’re joined by Minister for Women Katy Gallagher to find out how the tax cuts will work and what they mean for you.

Headlines:

US court rules Donald Trump does not have presidential immunity

Prince Harry returns home to visit King Charles

'Right to switch off’

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News broke this morning that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer, with an official release from Buckingham Palace stating that while he "remains wholly positive about his treatment", he will be stepping away from his public-facing duties.

Despite the high hopes for the monarch’s future health, the situation has raised concerns over Australia’s lack of regency laws – which cover what happens if the reigning monarch becomes incapacitated.

On today's afternoon episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with former Independent Senator Rex Patrick to find out the impacts of our lack of regency laws and what it could mean in the unfortunate event that Charles could no longer rule.

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16,000 sheep and cattle have been stranded on a ship off the coast of WA for just over a month. The livestock were being exported to the Middle East but the ship was turned back because of the conflict in the Red Sea.

Several hundred head of cattle disembarked over the weekend – when temperatures hit the mid-30s. But there are still thousands of animals stranded at sea.

In this episode of the Briefing, we take a look at why the live export trade, which is agonisingly cruel to the livestock, is still allowed to occur.

Headlines:

King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer.

Yang Hengjun sentenced to death in China

Coalition to support tax cuts

Taylor Swift at the Grammys

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Thousands of people marched down the streets of St Kilda, south of Melbourne, yesterday for the annual Victorian LGBTQIA+ pride march at Midsumma festival.

Queer and ally police officers were among the marchers, joining the celebration when about 50 people tried to block the officers’ way. Some of them were chanting ‘cops kill gays’ and there were banners that read ‘no cops at pride’, with outward aggression from both sides. The conflict has sparked debate over whether police officers should be permitted in pride marches while in uniform.

Diane Minnis is a 78er - which means she was at the very first Mardi Gras march in Sydney in 1978, where many queer people were violently thrown into police vehicles and arrested.

On today's afternoon edition of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with Diane about her history, what happened over the weekend, and how to build a better future between the queer community and law enforcement.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Evergrande used to be a market giant, and now it's become the poster child of the bust. It received a liquidation order from a Hong Kong court on Monday two years after officially defaulting on public debt.

Its collapse is the largest in a crisis that's dragged down China's economic growth and led to a record number of defaults by developers. What is this firm, who is it run by and how did Evergrande become the most significant domino in this event?

In this episode of The Briefing we speak with economist Richard Holden to find out, and ask what the implications are for the Australian economy.

Headlines:

Fuel efficiency standards for Australian cars

US strikes continue

Protesters target Police at Melbourne’s Midsumma Pride March

Russian cosmonaut sets a record for the longest time spent in space

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Caleb Finn was named the 2nd most influential Australian on social media in 2022, known for his avant-garde, dress-ups, and short horror stories. He has nearly 16 million followers on TikTok and 800k on Instagram.

And yet he describes himself as an introvert and doesn’t like to leave the house.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf Caleb explains how long it takes him to create content and how it’s changed since having a baby.

Weekend List:

Wicked the musical
Aldi insulated tumbler with straw
Going to your local library
Listeners recommendations! Keep them coming

Send us your Weekend List suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

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Medicare is 40 years old this month, and the little green card is now a ubiquitous presence in our wallets and on our phones. It has become a point of pride for Australians - especially those of us who have ventured over to the United States. But that wasn’t always the case.

The birth of Medicare was fraught; with its first iteration, Medibank, finding a very controversial reception by the public when it was first introduced by Gough Whitlam.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Kees Van Gool, a professor of health systems and policy at the University of Sydney, about how it all came together, and what still needs to be improved.

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Up to 80 percent of new years resolutions fail by the end of January. So what is our obsession with starting fresh in the new year?

Dr Gordon Spence from the University of Sydney sits down with Sacha Barber Gatt to reveal what tools you can use to help change your habits and why so many people become unstuck.

Headlines:

US to launch air strikes on Iran-backed militia group

AEC releases the who's who of political donations

Universal music has been taken off TikTok

Chinese spy pigeon is set free by Indian authorities

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For many Australians, Indian food equals butter chicken. It’s delicious and creamy and it’s incredibly popular here and across the world.

But it hasn’t been around forever – in fact, it’s less than 100 years old. And now, a fight over exactly who invented butter chicken and when has erupted in India’s high court, with two families - and two restaurants - battling it out for bragging rights.

On today's afternoon episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert is joined by Delhi chef and food writer, Sadaf Hussain, to hear more about what's been going on.

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The latest series in the Secrets We Keep podcast is called “Nest of Traitors” and follows LiSTNR journalist Joey Watson’s three-year journey to find the spy who betrayed Australia.

During the Cold War an Australian spy turned to work for the enemy, providing intel to the KGB and potentially sabotaging ASIO from the inside.

In this episode of The Briefing, Joey Watson sits down with Sacha Barbour Gatt to talk through his journey into a world of deception

Headlines:

Tech firms face US Senate hearing

Millions of songs are being pulled from Tiktok

States fight for more school funding

Medicare is turning 40 today

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Most of us try to do the right thing with recycling. We sort our rubbish into plastics, cardboard and paper, and our landfill waste, in the hope we’re saving the planet.

But there have been reports of recyclable waste ending up in landfill, or even being shipped overseas for processing (that’s quite a carbon footprint).

So The Briefing team decided to do our own experiment, placing trackable AirTags into plastic bottles at locations across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Central Coast to see where they ended up.

On today's afternoon episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with LiSTNR Investigations Editor, Clair Weaver, to unpack what was found.

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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is trying to pass a bill that would allow the UK to deport refugees, asylum seekers and illegal immigrants to Rwanda. The inspiration for the idea has come from Australia and our use of third-party countries like Nauru to deal with illegal immigrants. The policy is extremely controversial, it was initially launched by Boris Johnson in April 2022, and was then struck down by the Supreme Court over safety concerns.

Bension Siebert is joined by Jill Rutter, Director of Strategy and Relationships at the UK think tank British Future, to explain the bill.

Headlines:

December retail spending dips

US President has decided on response after soldier deaths

New Zealand is banning PFAS in make up products

Channel Nine apologises after altering politician image

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While a neo-Nazi demonstration was shut down in Sydney over the Australia Day long weekend, this isn't the only time that white supremacist groups have made the news recently. Last month a group of masked men marched through Ballarat chanting that 'Australia is for the white man', while earlier last year, about 30 men repeatedly performed the Nazi salute during an anti-trans rally.

So how worried should you be about neo-Nazism in Australia?

Nick McKenzie is one of Australia's most renowned investigative journalists, with an extensive knowledge of how white supremacist groups operate in Australia. On today's afternoon episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert is joined by Nick to find out more about the current situation and the threat that they pose.

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A ship called The Serenade of the Seas has embarked on a nine-month cruise, visiting more than 60 countries across all seven continents. It's being hailed as the world's longest cruise, and it gained notoriety when passengers began posting on TikTok - and it's now gone completely viral.

In this episode of The Briefing, we're joined by Christian Hull, comedian, YouTuber and host of the Complete Drivel podcast here at LiSTNR, to find out why the cruise is taking the world by storm.

Headlines:

New poll shows what we think of Albanese's tax cuts

Rental listings drop to record low

Another La Nina event possible this year

King Charles and Princess Kate leave hospital

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The potential for artificial intelligence is indisputable. Though it has just been over a year since Chat GPT launched, now over 100 million people use the site weekly. But how far could the technology go? Could AI accurately predict the future?

Some Danish researchers believe that it already can.

In a published study, they've taken the principles of large language models, like Chat GPT, and applied it to data of Denmark's 6 million people, predicting with 78% accuracy aspects such as personality and behaviour, and even the likelihood of death within a given timeframe.

In today's afternoon episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with lead author and researcher, Professor Sune Lehmann, about what the study found, and what it could mean for the future.

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With annual fees pushing $50,000 at Australia's costliest elite private schools in 2024, it's time to look at what the data says on student performance in the big private vs public school debate.

Is it actually worth sending a child to private school? What do they get for that eye-watering amount? Or is public education a better option, even if they don't have the fancy tennis courts and plunge pool?

In this episode of The Briefing, authors David Gillespie and Jane Caro reveal what the evidence tells us on what factors actually matter in getting the best education for a child in Australia today.

Headlines:

Jannick Sinner wins Aus Open

First US service men killed in Gaza

Neo-nazis warned they could be unmasked

Activists throw soup at Mona Lisa

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Tina Rahimi is one of the 12 boxers who have been selected to represent Australia at the Paris Olympics this year.

She’s already made history without stepping into the ring. The Sydney sider is our first female Muslim boxer to make it to the Olympics.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf Tina explains how she went from a makeup artist to boxer in a few years, going on to win a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games.

Weekend List:

Dubai Bling on Netflix
SBS on Demand Always Was, Always Will Be
Love on the spectrum season 2 on Netflix

Send us your Weekend List suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

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What does January 26 really mean to ordinary Australians in 2024?

Yevheniia Cherkasova found safety in Melbourne after she fled the war in Ukraine with her now-16-year-old sister, making a home here for almost two years.

Jeffrey 'Yello' Simon-Ullungurra grew up on the Tiwi Islands, north of Darwin. He’s been looking for new ways to reconcile First Nations and Australian identities, and how to help his country heal.

Michael Kheirallah witnessed a dramatic change in his Lebanese migrant community this year, as they process feelings of regret over the Voice referendum, and fear over war in the Middle East.

Speaking with Bension Siebert, they each reflect on what Australia Day means to them in 2024.

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This year’s Australia Day comes after the defeat of the indigenous Voice to parliament last year - and the decision by a number of big retailers to stop stocking Australia Day merchandise.

The question for many Australian’s over whether we should be celebrating on January 26 is still in debate.

In this episode of The Briefing, ANU’s Frank Bongiorno speaks with us about Australia Day’s difficult history.

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There are many ways in Australia to have children if you can’t physically procreate. You can foster or look into adoption - or you can find a surrogate.

In Australia, it’s illegal to pay someone to carry a child for you – but nothing is stopping you from paying someone overseas. However, surrogacy isn't without contention or is an easy road - just this month the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, described surrogacy as 'deplorable'.

Luke O’Halloran and Scott O’Halloran, otherwise known asLuke and Sassy Scott, are brothers with a massive public profile, with their podcast and TikTok presence amassing a plethora of fans here and overseas.

Last year Scott and his partner Marcusdecided to become parents via international surrogacy. On today's afternoon episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert sits down with Luke and Sassy Scott to find out firsthand about the experience.

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Our chat with Nicky Bentham, an Australian movie producer living and working in London.

Nicky’s been nominated for an Academy Award for her work producing the short film ‘The After’.

In this episode of The Briefing, we talk with Nicky about what it’s like to get the call to say you’re nominated, what it means for her career, and what she expects to happen on the big night.

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We stare into the crystal ball to see what's in cryptocurrency's future in 2024. Last year saw the notorious high-profile crypto court cases involving Sam Bankman-Fried and Changpeng Zhao. But despite the downfall of two of the currency's biggest players, crypto ended the year 160 percent up on 2022.

In this episode of The Briefing, we're joined by Dr Dimitrios Salampasis, a financial technologies expert from Swinburne University, to find out what's in store for crypto in 2024.

Headlines:

Changes to stage three tax cuts

Cyclone Kirrily set to make landfall

IVF could save the northern white rhino

Steve Smith joins call to "change the date"

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2024 will be the largest single election year in human history, with voters representing more than 40 per cent of the world’s population going to the polls this year.

Fascist, authoritarian and strong-man candidates are candidates in many of those elections – threatening no less than the future of democracy.

We take democracy for granted, but democracies can actually be very fragile.

On today's afternoon episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt and Bension Siebert unpack the world’s biggest election year, and what it might mean for the future of democracy.

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If you've been online at all in the last decade, you would've seen the phrase 'do your own research' in likely hundreds of comments sections. It turns out 'doing your own research' is precisely what can lead you to believing something untrue, according to a new study from the University of Central Florida.

In this episode of The Briefing we speak with lead author Kevin Aslett about why we're more likely to believe misinformation even if we try to verify it.

Headlines:

Scott Morrison announces retirement from politics

Labor caucus meets to discuss stage three tax cuts

Voting opens in New Hampshire primaries

Margot Robbie snubbed in Oscars nominations

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Scomo is finally calling it – the former PM announced today he will be stepping down from federal parliament. It closes a wild chapter in Australian political history.

Most Australians came to know him as Immigration Minister in 2013, but Scott Morrison got the top job when he toppled Malcolm Turnbull to become Prime Minister in 2018.

As PM, he came to grief over a badly timed holiday to Hawaii while much of Australia burned in the 2019-2020 bushfires. He also gained a reputation for secrecy, famously signing the massive AUKUS submarine deal with the United States and Britain, snubbing France along the way. He led the country through the COVID crisis. And finally lost the prime ministership when Anthony Albanese’s Labor Party defeated the Coalition in 2022.

Bension Siebert is joined by Tom McIlroy, federal political correspondent for the Australian Financial Review, to reflect on today's news, Scott Morrison's political journey and the legacy he leaves behind.

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Grocery prices have been sky-rocketing. A brief trip to the supermarket for just a handful of items can cost a small fortune. The Federal Government has announced it is holding a review into grocery prices in its bid to reduce cost of living pressure. In this episode of The Briefing, we're joined by Tim Harcourt and Gary Mortimer to ask 'can the government actually force supermarkets to lower the prices and should it?'

Headlines:

Stage three tax cuts under debate

Sexual violence cases under review

ABC’s managing director caves to staff pressure

An Aussie licence plate to sell for $10 million

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With parts of the Northern Territory experiencing the ongoing impacts of devastating floods across summer, Far North Queensland is again bracing for heavy rainfall from the currently developing Tropical Cyclone Kirrily.

These weather events are nothing new - they follow a long list of devastating floods that have plagued the country over the last few years. But could a sponge city be the best way to tackle future flooding across the country?

Also known as water sensitive urban design, these building principles involve using soft materials like plants, or water catchment techniques, instead of hard surfaces like concrete, to absorb water rather than repel water. On this episode of The Briefing, Simon Beaton speaks with Swinburne Professor of Architecture and Urban Design, Marcus White, to find out whether these design principles could be better utilised in Australia.

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Buckingham Palace has announced King Charles will have a procedure on his prostate. The news prompted an 11-fold increase in internet searches for 'enlarged prostate'.

Men all over the world are renowned for ignoring their health and their reluctance to be tested for critical health diagnoses. Why? In this episode of The Briefing, we speak with Jonathon Papadopoulo, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in his 20s, about what prompted him to get checked, and what an early diagnosis meant for his chances of surviving.

Headlines:

Gas deal locked in by the federal government

Gaza death toll hits 25,000

De Minaur knocked out of Aus Open

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Breakfast radio is brutal. The 4am wake ups, the competition, trying to stay at top of the ratings and unpredictable talkback callers.

But Laura O’Callaghan just loves it

In 2021 Loz joined Roo and Ditz on Triple M brekky in Adelaide and she’s then has made her mark taking home best new talent at the commercial radio awards last year.

In this chat Antoinette Lattouf, Loz explains what it’s really like being a women in radio especially on a pretty blokey show.

Weekend List:

Boy Swallows Universe on Netflix
Trent Dalton interview with Jamila Rizvi
Mean Girls the new movie in cinemas
Mini Bands workout inspo
Hell Camp: Teen Nightmare on Netflix

Send us your Weekend List suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

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We’ve all heard the term ‘print is dead’, but is it?

Turns out the magazine sector continues to have a loyal consumer base, in fact seeing growth in Australia through 2023. And it isn't just the same old magazines that maintain popularity - we've seen the launch of new products, as well as the rebirth of previously discontinued magazines such as Girlfriend.

So what is it about the magazine? The nostalgic experience? The aesthetic of reading on paper instead of on a digital platform? The focus on a niche subject matter?

In this episode of The Briefing, Antoinette Lattouf speaks with Literature and Digital Media Expert, Dr Julian Novitz from Swinburne University, to find out what's going on.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this month, nine people were hospitalised with hyperthermia (extreme overheating) after taking MDMA in the sweltering heat at Hardmission Festival. A recent study found that since 2000 there have been over 64 drug related deaths at musical festivals. Bension Siebert sat down with Dr David Caldicott to talk us through the scientific evidence for what works and what doesn't in preventing overdoses at festivals.

Headlines:

UN to review Palestinian refugee operations

Uvalde Texas school shooting report handed down

Disappointing day at the Australian Open

Pope talks sex

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In the middle of a short backfill contract on ABC Radio Sydney late last year, journalist Antoinette Lattouf was abruptly sacked for sharing a Human Rights Watch post about Israel using starvation as a weapon of war. Now, Antoinette is taking the ABC to Fair Work Australia, claiming wrongful termination.

With a private mediation hearing ending today without resolution, she says she will "fight for as long as it takes", and “will always advocate and fight for an ABC that can operate and inform the masses, inform and entertain the masses without fear or favour".

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with former executive director of Human Rights Watch Kenneth Roth about her co-host's sacking, and if the ABC's decision risks censoring journalism.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ketamine use is growing among young Australian party and festival goers as a cut-price alternative to drugs like cocaine and ecstacy. National wastewater monitoring has found consumption of ketamine rose to a record high last year, but it comes with serious risks.

In this episode of The Briefing, we're joined by Dr Monica Barratt, a social scientist at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre at the University of New South Wales to find out what the risks are, and how to cope with the drug's side effects.

Headlines:

US to redesignate Houthis as terrorists

King Charles to undergo prostate treatment

Atlassian shows WFH policy has not hit productivity

Djokovic slams crowd during tough Aus Open match

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With all eyes on Melbourne as the Australian Open takes off, now is the time when so many of us go into tennis fever. But this year, get ready to see something completely new.

11-year-old Sonny Rennison is an upcoming superstar in the world of wheelchair tennis, already ranked 15th in the world. Now, Sonny is working with Mastercard to serve up Australia’s first wheelchair ballkid pilot program. With their support, Sonny co-created some nifty technology to help him undertake the role at the high standard required.

On this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with Sonny Rennison, as well as one of Australia's top wheelchair tennis stars, Heath Davidson, about the importance of increasing accessibility for athletes with disability.

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Ships in the Red Sea are increasingly coming under attack from Houthis rebels. The Iranian-backed, Yemen-based group has threatened to continue the attacks in a bid to disrupt ships from delivering goods to and from Israel, prompting the US, UK and Australia to carry out strikes against the Houthis. Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Middle East expert Sarah Phillips from the University of Sydney to explain who the rebel group are and how their attacks could lead to a wider conflict with the western world.

Headlines:

Trump in court after Iowa

Wong vows to double humanitarian aid to Palestinian territories

The 2023 Emmy Awards

Checking in with Antoinette Lattouf

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Dementia is the second leading cause of death of all Australians, with more than 400,000 people currently living with the disease in 2024.

It can be a horrendous thing to watch a loved one go through, with the impact of the disease on both the individual and those who love them immense.

Exploring this experience forms the core element of independent movie maker Jonathan De Jong's latest project, Human Forever.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour-Gatt sits down with Jonathon to hear about the documentary, which tells the gripping story of 24-year-old Teun, who resides in the closed ward of a nursing home alongside people with dementia – seeking answers about life, ageing, and the uncharted territories of the future.

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The 2024 race to the White House begins today in lowa. The upper mid-west state hosts the first Caucuses of the Presidential election campaign. Donald Trump hopes to secure enough votes to force his rivals to pull out of the race. Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley hope to put a dent in Trump's momentum. Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Chas Licciardello, host of the ABC's Planet America, to explain why the lowa Caucus is so
importent in the race to the White House.

Headlines:

New dangerous party drugs

Houthi rebels attack American-owned ship

Australia's richest get richer

Great day for Australia at the Aussie Open

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The recent election in Taiwan has made headlines all over the world and has made China very, very unhappy.

It's expected that the new President-elect, Lai Ching-te from the pro-sovereignty Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), will be pushing further for Taiwan to remain a self-governing democracy, independent of the rule of China - a stance that has ramifications for the rest of the world, given that Taiwan produce over 90% of the world's advanced microchips.

On this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert is joined by an expert in Southeast Asian politics, Dr Roger Lee Huang from Macquarie University, to explain the situation.

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Mary Donaldson was born and raised in Tasmania, and has today become Queen of Denmark. It's a remarkable story of a girl living in a share house in Bondi Junction, who met the love of her life at a bar during the Sydney Olympics, and didn't know he was a prince.

In this episode of The Briefing we're joined by Sebastian Olden-Jorgensen, Professor of Modern History specialising in court history, to talk about how a girl from Tasmania became Queen of Denmark.

Headlines:

100 days since the start of the war in Gaza

Pro-sovereignty party wins in Taiwan election

Mass rescue at Sydney beach

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Comedian Nazeem Hussain has done a lot of things – he created a TV show on SBS, made the Grand Finals of I'm a Celebrity Get Me out of Here, and he's recently added childrens book author to his accolades.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Nazeem reveals how he hid his comedy career from his mum and his most terrifying performance experience to date

Weekend List:

Off Menu podcast
My 21st Century Blues album by Raye
Lychee Martini by Glow up Beverages
Antoinette's staycation tips

Send us your Weekend List suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

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Chances are that if you aren’t closely approaching retirement, you might not be thinking too critically about it... but should you be?

How much exactly will you need to retire, what should you be doing now to safeguard your future, and what could you do to retire sooner rather than later?

This week, The Briefing team brings you a five-part series on how to sort out your financial life in the new year.

In today's episode, Bension Siebert is joined by Trish Gregory, financial adviser to Millennials & Gen Z, to talk through what you need to know about retirement now.

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The International Court of Justice has held its first public hearing in the genocide case against Israel, over its war in Gaza.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu denies his country is committing genocide against the Palestinian people. He declared war following the October 7 terrorist attacks – where Hamas killed around 1,200 Israeli citizens and kidnapped a further 240.

Bension Siebert is joined by international law expert, Juliette McIntyre, to discuss the first day of public hearings in the landmark case – and what impact it could have on the war, and the world.

Headlines:

Australia Day merchandise sparks war of words

State of Emergency declared in Papua New Guinea

Australia urged to start naming heatwaves

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It’s the Great Australian Dream: buying a property of your own. But in a real estate market blighted by rising prices and high interest rates, getting onto the property ladder in the first place can seem impossible. But is there hope yet?

This week, The Briefing team brings you a five-part series on how to sort out your financial life in the new year.

In this episode, Bension Siebert is bringing you advice from property guru Dr Andrew Wilson on what you need to do to buy a home in 2024.

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Australia's housing crisis is marching on: house prices across the country went up by 8.1% last year, while rents have gone up by a whopping 8.3%.

But there could be light on the horizon, with rents forecast to ease in 2024. In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Core Logic's Eliza Owen about what factors could bring our weekly rent down.

HEADLINES:

Woolies drops Australia Day gear

Serious unrest in Papua New Guinea

Nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Awards

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Many of us got poorer in 2023, amidst a cost of living crisis that saw grocery prices, interest rates and rents surge. But there’s a group that still managed to get wealthier on the back of a rising market: investors.

So with conditions expected to ease up, it’s time to look at how the rest of us can get on the same trajectory.

This week, The Briefing team brings you a five-part series on how to sort out your financial life in the new year.

In this episode, Bension Siebert is joined by the Motley Fool’s chief investment officer, Scott Phillips, to share his best tips on how to get rich in 2024.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After nearly nine years Gypsy Rose Blanchard has been released from prison. The now 32-year-old was convicted for her role in the murder of her mother Clauddine "Dee Dee" Blanchard.

But she's being praised as a hero after surviving abuse at the hands of her mum who had a little-known syndrome called Munchausen by Proxy. Since her release Gypsy has been going viral and in this chat, Bension Siebert is joined by Sacha Barbour Gatt to break down the life of Gypsy and her sudden rise to fame.

Lifeline 13 11 14

HEADLINES:

Head of government probe into supermarkets named

New surge in Covid infections

Iconic promises refunds for hacked accounts

France names its first openly gay PM

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Is 2024 the year you take your next step forward in your career?

Getting a promotion makes many a New Year's resolutions list - but if you're hoping for one this year, what should you be doing to best set yourself up for one? And is getting a promotion all it's cracked up to be?

This week, The Briefing team brings you a five-part series on how to sort out your financial life in the new year.

In this episode, Bension Siebert is joined by Sue Williamson, Associate Professor of Human Resource Management at UNSW Canberra, to guide us through the do's and dont's to getting a promotion.

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A year ago the Raising Awareness and Prevention (RAP) project in the UK was inundated with phone calls from boys' schools. The reason: Andrew Tate. The schools were concerned about the number of teenagers who were idolising the right wing influencer, who came to be known for his toxic takes on masculinity and women.

One year on we speak with Deana Puccio, co-founder of the RAP Project to find out if any progress has been made, and what's been learned.

HEADLINES:

Flash flooding in parts of regional Victoria

Cop lashes Summernats hoons

US set to return to the moon

Golden Globes wrap and goody bags

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It's a new year, you're a new you, let's get your finances sorted!

Our bank accounts often take a major hit during the holiday season - so how do you quickly recover, and what should you be aiming for in 2024?

This week, The Briefing team brings you a five-part series on how to sort out your financial life in the new year.

In today's episodes, Bension Siebert is joined by Canstar Editor-at-Large and author of The Great $20 Adventure, Effie Zahos, to talk through the simple ways you can start to get your money in order.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 4-day work week, flexible working and co-working are all going to be major buzzwords this year. There's also coworking, where we're seeing moves towards creating spaces in suburban centres so that workers don't need to commute as far.

In this episode Rhianna Patrick delves into all of this with Jared Lindzon, a freelance journalist who has been published in the BBC, Time Magazine and Fast Company.

HEADLINES:

Man to face court over Melbourne stabbings

Eight rave goers in critical condition due to suspected

More details on Alaska Airlines flight that lost a chunk of fuselage

Rafael Nadal out of Australian Open

Golden Globes to air today

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Welcome to our summer series of the Weekend Briefing featuring some of your favourite interviews from 2023!

Elise has achieved a lot! She has ghost written 12 books, was second-in-command at Goop and has now released her first book under her own name - On Our Best Behaviour: The Price Women Pay to Be Good.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Elise explains where the seven deadly sins originated from (and nope they’re not from the bible) and the pressure women place on themselves to be good.

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Dozens of people have died, hundreds have been injured– and tens of thousands of homes destroyed after Japan’s massive 7.6 magnitude earthquake earlier this week. But as Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, it’s also best prepared to deal with a major disaster like this.

In this episode of the Briefing Rhianna Patrick is joined by disaster expert Arnold Dix to find out what makes the way Japan deals with earthquakes different to the rest of the world.

Headlines:

Time is running out to recover people crushed in Japan earthquake

More details emerge over miracle Japan airlines evacuation

Jeffrey Epstein associates named

Record set for the biggest Sydney funnel web spider

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For the first time, one of Disney’s marquee characters — Mickey himself — has entered the public domain 95 years after his creation. But it will only be the earliest version of the iconic character though, the one from “Steamboat Willie”. Disney has historically pushed very hard for an extension of copyright protections. In fact, the copyright extension act of 1998 was nicknamed the Mickey Mouse Protection Act.

In this episode of The Briefing Rhianna Patrick finds out just what the implications of this are with artistic property law professor Jane Ginsburg.

Headlines:

100 people dead in Iran after two explosions

Hamas’ deputy leader killed in Lebanon

Albanese launches Iraq War document probe

De Minaur takes down Djokovic

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Did you know every generation is seeing a decline in divorce stats, except for boomers? It turns out Hugh Jackman’s split from his wife Deborah Lee Furness of 27 years wasn’t just a flash in the pan and is part of a wider trend.

In this episode of The Briefing Katrina Blowers finds out the why behind boomer break-ups with Elisabeth Shaw from Relationships Australia.

Headlines:

Five dead after Japan aircraft crash

5 dead in Ukraine airstrike

ADF deployed to help with Queensland floods

Interim Sea World helicopter crash report out

A crocodile has leapt into a fisherman’s boat in Queensland

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Did you know google searches for 'manifesting' soared by 669% from late March to mid-July last year? In this episode of The Briefing Katrina Blowers is joined by cognitive neuroscientist Rhiannon Jones to find out if ‘manifesting’ actually helps make our dreams come true, if it’s just another word for goal-setting or if it could actually have a negative impact on our lives.

Headlines:

Thousands evacuated after Japan earthquake

Hundreds of people have been evacuated from Queensland

Denmark in shock after Queen Margrethe's announcement

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It’s the first day of 2024, and some big trends are on the cards for this year. Democracies will be tested; AI will lead to major changes in our work and health; and we might finally move beyond the smartphone. In this episode of The Briefing we unpack what to expect in 2024 with futurist Ross Dawson.

Headlines supplied by the Listnr newsroom.

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Welcome to our summer series of the Weekend Briefing featuring some of your favourite interviews from 2023!

Dilruk Jayasinha is one of Australia’s most in-demand comedians. As we jump back in time to his last stand up show Heart Stopper we find out there’s more behind that name than meets the eye.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Dilruk explains how he made the switch from working as an accountant at a big four to becoming a stand up comedian.

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Britney Spears and Prince Harry’s bios took the world by storm in 2023; Taylor Swift became a billionaire; and the Barbie movie got us going to the cinema again.

In this episode of The Briefing Tom Tilley and Antoinette Lattouf give us the rundown on the biggest pop culture moments of the year.

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There’s one word for Aussie sport in 2023 and that is: Matildas! But that wasn’t the only big news in sport: we also saw a massive year in cricket, beating India on their home soil in an ODI; while the Panthers won the premiership for the NRL, and Collingwood for the AFL.

In this episode of The Briefing Sacha Barbour Gatt and Tom Tilley talk through the moments that had us on the edge of our seats this year.

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Nothing has made international news more in the last few months than the conflict in Gaza, but do you remember some of the other big stories that hit our shores in 2023?

Tom Tilley and Katrina Blowers dive in on the biggest moments from 2023 like the Titan submersible tragedy from June; the wildfires that gripped the northern hemisphere; and how ChatGPT suddenly came into our lives.

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2023 has been a big year for Australia. In this episode of The Briefing Katrina Blowers and Tom Tilley take us through all the big moments from the failed Voice referendum, to the sacking of Qantas and Optus CEOs, and the mushroom poisoning case that had the whole country talking.

Headlines supplied by the Listnr newsroom.

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There has been a rise of well-known Aussies, particularly females, announcing that they have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. Due to this rise there have been many conversations on social media about why this is happening, with many saying it’s just being over diagnosed or turning into a trend.

We’re joined by Bridget Pringle - a freelance writer, mother of two and advertising professional from Melbourne who learned she had ADHD via a TikTok algorithm.

So what’s it like living with adult ADHD, and what treatment or medication is available to make life easier for those who have learned they have ADHD, later in life.

Headlines supplied by the Listnr newsroom.

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We took six well known cosmetics to an independent laboratory for testing. The results show that two of the brands contain PFAS, which are dangerous synthetic ‘forever chemicals.’
Find out which brands and how they respond to the results in this special report from Clair Weaver, Investigations Editor at Listnr.
Complaints about PFAS in cosmetics should go to the ACCC (Problem with a product or service you bought | ACCC.)

Headlines supplied by the Listnr newsroom.

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It’s Boxing Day and that means there’s a good chance you’re heading to the movies. In this episode of The Briefing Sacha Barbour Gatt wraps of some of the biggest flicks of the season with Justin Hill from The Streaming Service. They’ll be talking everything from Wonka and Mean Girls to Aquaman to help you decide what to watch, as well as a preview of some of the big movies set to be released in 2024.

Headlines supplied by the Listnr newsroom.

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It’s Christmas and that means there’s a good chance you’ll spend most of today in a food coma, even if you’re not religious. In Japan, there’s even a tradition to eat KFC despite the Buddhism and Shinto being the main religion. In this episode of The Briefing we chat to Gastro Obscura’s Diana Hubbell about some of the strangest Christmas foods from around the world.

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Welcome to our summer series of the Weekend Briefing featuring some of your favourite interviews from 2023!

Maria is a queer, South-Asian woman, the daughter of migrant parents and a former Miss Universe Australia - who stands a petite five foot three in a world of 6 foot something beauty pageant contestants.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Maria explains what it was like to be told she wasn’t Australian enough to be Miss Universe, her experience on coming out on reality TV and her new memoir Unbound.

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In this morning's episode of The Briefing, we looked into how to manage difficult conversations with family members over Christmas. In this afternoon's episode, we turn the mirror inwards.

For many people, this time of the year can be filled with stress, conflict or loneliness. So how can you look after yourself and your mental health through this time?

On this extra episode of The Briefing, we speak with Dr Michelle Lim from the Social Health and Wellbeing Laboratory at Swinburne University of Technology.

If you would like to find out more about loneliness and strategies to help with mental health, head to www.lonelinessawarenessweek.com.au
If you or someone you know is struggling and needs help, call Lifeline now on 13 11 14

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Christmas just days away, plenty of us are feeling a bit of trepidation (or perhaps a lot) at the prospect of spending time with family members we might otherwise not interact too much with. Whether you're facing the 'body police,' coping with milestone micromanagers, or navigating the 'devil's advocate' of the family, in this episode of The Briefing Tom Tilley and psychologist Jocelyn Brewer have you covered.

Headlines:

Mass shooting at a university in Prague

Judge in Bruce Lehrmann case to consider verdict

NSW Police refuses to apologise following gay hate crime inquiry

US man released 48 years after being wrongfully imprisoned

Summer solstice: it's the longest day of the year

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As public anger mounts over Coles and Woolworths’ super-profits during a cost of living crisis, Brisbane local Dylan Fragomeni is pushing for a boycott of the two grocery giants on December 23 and 24.

But could this boycott create any meaningful change?

On this extra episode of The Briefing, we speak with Dylan Fragomeni, as well as economist and consumer expert, Professor Gary Mortimer, to find out more about the boycott, and whether better regulation is actually needed to force down prices.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seven out of 10 Aussies are rewatching TV shows from their childhood and it’s all part of a nostalgia trend. A recent study by Swinburne, RMIT University, and Australian Children's Television Cultures found that jumping back into old shows is a form of comfort watching. Katrina Blowers is joined by Joanna McIntyre from the study to find out why we are choosing to binge shows from the past.

Headlines:

New truce discussions underway between Hamas and Israel

Trump responds to Colorado election decision

Anthony Albanese to travel Far North Queensland today

Christmas penis fractures warning

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The Colorado Supreme Court have just disqualified former US President Donald Trump from being listed in the ballot for the next election.

They claim that his involvement in the January 6th, 2021 attack by his supporters on the US Capitol is a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Trump’s team have already come back, saying they’re going to the US Supreme Court to appeal the decision.

On this extra episode of The Briefing, we speak with expert in American Politics and Foreign Policy, Associate Professor David Smith, about what’s just happened, and what it could mean for both Trump and the upcoming presidential election.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are coming down under next year, making it their first visit to Australia as monarchs. But will it lead to a resurgence in republican sentiment? Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down former PM Malcolm Turnbull to find out what the impact of the visit will have and how soon he thinks we could become a republic.

Headlines:

Albanese urges not to give up hope of two-state solution in Gaza

Evidence wraps up in Lehrmann defamation trial

Your Christmas Day weather forecast

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Many of us have been hit with record power bills this year – and a predicted hot summer ahead is not going to help with keeping costs down. But what if there was a way to avoid energy bills altogether?

That’s the promise of a new fully electric and sustainable Australian property in Perth that's won global home of the year at the National Association of Home Builders’ Global Innovation Awards in LA.

On this extra episode of The Briefing, we speak with LiSTNR journalist Alastair Kirkby to find out just how affordable a build like this is, and whether this will soon become the norm for house design.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia is known for its hot summers and because of climate change we’re in for more frequent and intense heat waves going forward. An Australian study by Macquarie Uni analysed close to a million reported incidents of all kinds of assaults and found that as temperatures increase so too does violence. Katrina Blowers is joined by Heather Stevens who was part of the team who carried out this research.

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Headlines:

Cairns airport back up and running

Brittany Higgins' former Chief of Staff Fiona Brown gives evidence

Pope approves blessings for same sex couples

EU launches probe against X – formerly Twitter

Man accidentally crashes into Joe Biden's motorcade

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2023 has seen a 6% rise in the deaths on our roads, with over 1,250 lives lost - and we're yet to wrap up the notorious Christmas and New Years period.

So while we’ve all heard the safety messaging and seen the campaigns, why are we seeing an increase in driving-related deaths? And are we missing something when it comes to lowering the road toll?

On this extra episode of The Briefing, you'll hear from LiSTNR journalist Sophia Funiciello about what we should be doing to improve the safety of our roads.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UNICEF spokesperson James Elder is an Australian who has been working in conflict zones for the last 20 years and has most recently been part of humanitarian efforts Gaza. He says has never seen the level of intensity and severity of suffering by children before.

In this episode of The Briefing, Katrina Blowers finds out what life is like for children on the ground in Gaza.

Headlines:

Major flooding incident grips Far North Queensland

Pope Francis condemns killing of two Christian women in Gaza

2023 the deadliest year on Aussie roads in more than five years

Aus Post Christmas parcel cut off starts today

Sydney man wins Microsoft Excel World Championship third year running

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Marc Fennell is excellent at asking questions.

From hosting Stuff the British stole and the Feed on SBS to a podcast series about finding the worlds hottest chilli, he can tell a captivating story.

In this chat with Antoinette, Marc gets really honest about why he doesn’t want to share his opinion anymore and the moments in his career that changed his trajectory.

Weekend List:

Christmas wrapping paper hack
Trashy christmas movies
DYFM podcast episode 6 ways to boost your self-worth
Antoinette’s tips on having a chips addiction
Tik-toker @jonbernardk ethnic grandmother skit
Helen’s Super green soup

Send us your Weekend List suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that one in five of us will face the risk of food poisoning during this festive season?

While this makes sense given the large festive feasts and seafood platters often served on a hot summer day, what can you do to ensure you don't give the unwanted gift of Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria to your nearest and dearest?

In this extra episode of The Briefing, we explore the do's and don'ts of holiday eating, as well as debunking common myths often circulated at this time of the year.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UN climate summit in Dubai has culminated with almost 200 countries agreeing to ‘transition away’ from fossil fuels. It’s been a hard-fought win after much back-and-forth over the precise wording with some countries refusing to sign on to ‘phasing fossil fuels out’. COP28 has also been mired in controversy with the president of the conference saying a phase-out of coal, oil and gas would take the world 'back into caves,' which he has since walked back from.

In this episode of The Briefing, Michael Jacobs from the global think tank Overseas Development Institute gives us his verdict on just how successful this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference has been.

Headlines:

Israel’s defence minister says conflict in Gaza could last months

Far North Queensland on flood watch after Cyclone Jasper

Aussies are buying compounded versions of Ozempic

Neanderthal DNA explain why you might be a morning person

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Previously referred to as Australia's worst female serial killer, Kathleen Folbigg has finally had her convictions for killing her four children dismissed.

In 2003, she was convicted of murdering her children Patrick, Sarah and Laura and of the manslaughter of her son Caleb. Though she spent 20 years in prison, she always maintained her innocence.

In this extra episode of The Briefing, we explain the science of genetic mutations that helped to clear Kathleen's name, and whether she will be receiving compensation for the time that she spent wrongfully incarcerated.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Queensland’s long-serving leader Anastasia Palaszczuk announced her resignation, signalling the end of the reign of Australia’s pandemic premiers.
Leaders of the states and territories became household names during the height of the COVID years between 2020 and 2022. People tuned in daily for their press conferences, their policies (and personalities) were the topic of dinner table conversations and they often found themselves splashed all over the internet in the form of Tik Tok dances or memes.
In today’s episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with veteran political journalist Andrew Probyn about the big moments for the pandemic premiers and asking: what will their legacy be?

Headlines:

Cyclone Jasper leaves 36,000 homes without power

Nations at the UN climate summit agree to transition away from fossil fuels

Tesla is recalling more than two million vehicles in the US

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We cross to far north Queensland as locals prepare for the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

The category two system is expected to hit the coast later today, somewhere between Cairns and Hope Vale. The region is expected to receive 250mm to 300mm of rain in just six hours – and up to 500mm over 24 hours.

We're joined by Helen Reed from the Bureau of Meteorology and Georgina Hill from Network Ten's north Queensland newsroom to get the very latest as the cyclone bears down on FNQ.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People have been doing things to their eyebrows for millennia; whether it’s plucking them, shaving them, colouring them or getting rid of them completely! But did you know eyebrows tell us a lot about society; from perceptions of beauty to socio- economic status to even reproduction!

In this episode of The Briefing, Antoinette Lattouf and makeup historian Sara Long dissect why we’re so obsessed with our eyebrows.

Headlines:

Jasper Cyclone hitting Far North Queensland today

WHO says less than a third of Gaza's hospitals remain functional

Zara pulls ad campaign after calls for a boycott from pro-Palestine activists

Seafood prices set to drop going into the festive season

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Already this summer season is proving to be dry, hot and dangerous for the risk of bushfires. And the future is looking bleak, with predictions that our bushfire season will increase in both length and intensity.

But while we already undertake hazard reduction burns each year to reduce the fuel for fires to feed off, could we learn more from the cultural burning practices of Australia’s First Nations Peoples?

On this extra episode of The Briefing, we speak with former Emergency Management commissioner for Victoria, Craig Lapsley, and cultural burning practitioner Trent Nelson, to find out.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coles and Woolworths are witnessing a surge in theft, which is being put down to the cost of living crisis. Despite this, the two big supermarkets are raking in profits and facing an inquiry into alleged price gouging. In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert asks Fleur Brown from the Australian Retailers Association whether this spike in theft could be shoppers trying to get revenge against Coles and Woolies.

Headlines:

Essential poll finds 57% of Aussies are financially struggling

COP28 draft resolution drops historic deal to “phase out” fossil fuels

Donald Trump says he will not take the stand in his fraud case

Golden Globes nominations have been announced

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They’re the non-surgical cosmetic procedures that get spruiked and glamorised with hashtags like #BarbieBotox, #FoxEyes and #LipFlip by influencers on social media.

These procedures can be performed by non-medical practitioners like nurses, dental practitioners and pharmacists, and include injectables and fillers, cosmetic dentistry, hair transplants, fat freezing, and thread lifts (to only name a few). But now a national crackdown is coming, with a regulator releasing draft guidelines that would ban or restrict many common dubious advertising tactics.

On this extra episode of The Briefing, we speak with the consumer advocate at Operation Redress, Michael Fraser, to learn more about how dangerous the advertising tactics around these procedures currently are, and just why reform is needed.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many young people are struggling with the rising cost of living: rent, bills, groceries and transport. But imagine you’re doing it all alone, without the support of your parents or family. That’s the reality for young people who have grown up in care. And it’s a key reason so few make it into higher education. If you’re working all the hours you can just to get by, you don’t get the opportunity to study and break the cycle of poverty, irrespective of how bright you are. But a charity scholarship program is trying to change that.

In this episode of The Briefing, Katrina Blowers speaks to former foster care kid Ruby Sait about her journey to university.

Headlines:

New migration strategy and foreign investor reform

Annastacia Palaszczuk’s last week as Queensland Premier

Royals release Christmas cards

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Kath Ebbs is an accidental influencer, they was scouted on Instagram when they were just 17 and since then has dominated the social media scene.

Kath is a queer artist and actor and they grew up on the internet and their relationship with social media like many of us has changed throughout the years.

In this chat with Helen Smith, Kath explains the importance of pronouns, how we can make the film industry more inclusive and the impact social media has had on their body image.

Weekend list:

Everyone and Everything by Nadine J Cohen
Easy Red Pesto Gnocchi
Antoinette’s ethnic mother cooking hack
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones audiobook by James Clear

Send us your Weekend List suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For those who celebrate Christmas, this time of year is sold to us as being all about togetherness, joy, gift giving and family – it's the most wonderful time of the year after all.

While we all love opening pressies and sitting down to a Christmas feast, there aren’t magical elves running around organising everything – it usually falls on the shoulders of women. Ask any woman in your life how long they’ve been thinking about all the things that have to be organised in the lead up to the festive season, plenty will tell you it’s been bubbling away in the back of their minds for months.

On today’s extra episode of The Briefing, hosts Sacha Barbour Gatt and Antoinette Lattouf are asking: why are women carrying most of the mental and physical load at Christmas?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission is cracking down on our online space. Two new reports flag major concerns when it comes to social media influencers disclosing advertising; and businesses commissioning and collating their own reviews. In this episode of The Briefing ACCC Acting Chair Catriona Lowe takes us through what we should be looking out for online.

Headlines:

New industrial relations reforms passed

Heatwave hitting most of the countries east with temperatures in the 40s

Alan Jones lawyers issue defamation notice over assault claims

Scientists found a better way to grind coffee

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A man has been arrested in the US over links to the deadly Wieambilla massacre almost a year ago, which saw two Queensland police constables and a civilian shot dead on a remote property. Their murderers; Gareth, Nathaniel and Stacey Train were killed in the resulting standoff with officers.

Detectives will allege the Trains had been radicalised after discovering the idea of “premillennialism” - a belief system with roots in Christianity that predicts Jesus Christ will return to earth before the next millennium, sparking the end of times.

In this extra episode of The Briefing, we take a look at premillennialism, and how an American came to be so influential to three Australians, resulting in three people being murdered.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve been thinking there are have been a lot of female leaders under fire lately, you might have noticed the glass cliff phenomenon; it’s when a woman is put into a position of leadership during a company crisis. Fortescue Metals chief executive Fiona Hick and the Australia Post CEO Christine Holgate have both had to resign after relatively short tenures and major issues at their companies. Now RBA boss Michelle Bullock and Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson have both just been appointed during very murky times for both organisations.

In this episode of The Briefing Antoinette Lattouf speaks with Shivani Gopal, CEO of EllaDex, about what needs to be done to change this phenomenon.

Headlines:

Boris Johnson has begun Covid Inquiry

Immigration re-detain laws passed

FBI arrests man in the US connection to Queensland Wieambilla shootings

Taylor Swift named Time magazine's Person of the Year

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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Last month, a 600-kilogram seal made himself at home in front of a woman’s car in Tasmania’s south, giving her the best excuse not to go to work. Affectionately known as Neil, the elephant seal routinely causes havoc when he comes back to the coast.

And this isn't the only example of how urbanisation has necessitated changes in the behaviour of the animals around us - just think of the rebranding of the majestic ibis to the 'bin chicken', known for roaming our streets and raiding our rubbish.

In this extra episode of The Briefing, we speak with LiSTNR journalist Tessa Randello to get the scoop on a Tasmanian icon 'Neil the Seal'. You'll also hear Sean Dooley from Bird Life Australia, who explains the effect we've had on the behaviour of the ibis.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference underway in Dubai, the world’s focus is once again turning to whether we’re doing enough to tackle global warming. China is the world’s biggest greenhouse gas emitter, but the country is also making strides towards hitting 2030 climate targets.

In this episode of The Briefing Katrina Blowers speaks with Dr Michal Meidan, head of China energy research at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies about just what China is doing about climate change, and it might be more than you think.

Headlines:

Nowhere is safe in Gaza after fighting resumed

A third immigration detainee has reoffended

Brittany Higgins had her final day in the witness box

Telstra to pay $24 million for overcharging customers

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How much do you spend on clothes, and how much of your wardrobe do you throw out each year?

The average Aussie bins ten kilograms of used clothing every year, with the expectation that the fast fashion industry and a status quo of ‘quantity over quality’ will continue to push this number even higher in the future. But is there any hope that this trend could change in favour of more sustainable and ethically sourced clothing?

In this extra episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by LiSTNR journalist Loren Howarth to tell us more about the current trends in our consumption of clothing.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re set to be spending a lot of 2024 talking about US elections, with President Biden and likely Donald Trump going head to head again. Polls are hinting at a Trump victory, but with legal battles, bureaucratic clashes, and a dash of political intrigue, the path to the White House is anything but predictable. In this episode of The Briefing, Planet America’s Chas Licciardello explains to Katrina Blowers what we need to know before campaigning ratchets up.

Headlines:

Westpac down overnight

Former immigration detainee charged with assault

COP28 president defends himself over climate change comments

The RBA likely to keep rates on hold

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you think more accessible drug testing would change illicit drug use in Australia?

A handheld device called the MicroNIR is currently being used overseas to identify drugs and assess their purity. It’s efficient, accurate, and cost-effective, and it could be a game-changer at festivals, clubs, and supervised injecting facilities here in Australia. But will it be used here?

In this extra episode of The Briefing, we hear from Harry Fursman, a PhD candidate at the University of Technology, Sydney, and discuss whether this technology could help drug checking become more widespread across Australia.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia is the first country to offer climate refuge, after signing a new treaty with Tuvalu. The agreement could set an example for the rest of the world ahead of 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference. In this episode of The Briefing Katrina Blowers speaks with Tamara Wood from the Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law about exactly what this deal means.

Headlines:

1.8 million people displaced in Gaza

National Health and Climate Strategy announced at COP28

Supermarkets under pressure to ease prices

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Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world of self care is growing and behind the products and marketing push, are actual experts, who are building big followings as people crave support and direction -- and in some cases sweary entertainment.

Enter neuroscience whiz, author and host of hit podcast Do You F*cking Mind, Alexis Fernandez-Preiksa.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Alexis shares her tips on how to live a bad ass life.

Weekend List:

The Morning Show Season 3 on Apple TV
She’s on the Money audiobook
Antoinette watching people running
Kmart sleeveless halter bodysuits

LINKS:

Listen to Do You F*cking Mind with Alexis Fernandez
Follow @dyfmpodcast on IG
Follow @alexispredez on IG

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone’s talking about Spotify ‘wrapped’, but is Spotify – and streaming in general – killing off the music industry?

Subscribers received a message from the streaming service today telling them who their most-played artist was, alongside other facts about their listening habits over the last year. But how about as a society? With subscriptions and streaming now the norm, how have we changed the music industry over the last decade?

In this extra episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Associate Professor Dan Golding, Deputy Chair of Media and Communication at Swinburne University, to find out if Spotify is harming or helping the music industry.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Voluntary assisted dying is now legal in Australia, after NSW passed laws earlier this week. There are some differences between states; NSW has a different cooling off period, and allows the patient to choose whether the life-ending drug should be delivered by a medical professional even if they have the ability to self-administer.

In this episode of The Briefing Tom Tilley speaks with David Springer who had to take his brother to Switzerland to die about what he thinks of the new laws, and Linda Swan from Go Gentle.

Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14

Beyond Blue Support Service - 1300 22 4636

Headlines:

Last minute ceasefire extended in Gaza

Brittany Higgins breaks down during cross-examination

Elon Musk slams advertisers saying they could kill X

Investigation under way into British royals named in new book

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Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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Despite our population across the globe exceeding 8 billion, several reports say that the fertility of both men and women has been decreasing since the 1950s.

So what's going on? Is this due to changes in our lifestyles, such as our diet, exercise or the later average age at which we start having children? Or could our exposure to toxins, pollutants, microplastics and nanoplastics be to blame?

On this extra episode of The Briefing, we hear from fertility experts Dr Manuela Toledo and Professor Robert McLachlan, to find out whether you are less fertile than your parents or your grandparents were.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The stereotypes of OCD are hand washing and checking door locks, but for many people it’s the underlying thoughts that derail their life and steal their happiness. In this episode Penny Moodie, author of The Joy Thief, shares her darkest thoughts with Tom Tilley and explains how exposure therapy worked to help her.

Headlines:

STC issues apology over on-stage pro-Palestinian display

Calls for the ceasefire in Gaza to be extended

Annual inflation figure has dropped

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Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can Coles and Woolworths claim to keep prices down while recording record profits?Our two supermarket giants have recorded rising profits, each netting more than $1 billion in 2023.

With Australians buckling under cost of living pressure, families struggling to put food on the table, and interest rates climbing, households are at breaking point. In other words, “Up, up, prices are up” and “Every day high prices”.

In this extra episode of The Briefing, our investigations editor Clair Weaver joins us to explain what’s going on with Coles and Woolies' rising prices – and what we can do about it.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is making a formal apology to the victims of thalidomide today. Thalidomide was a drug given to pregnant women in the 50s and 60s to treat morning sickness, it was then discovered to cause birth defects in unborn children.

In this episode of The Briefing Katrina Blowers speaks to thalidomide survivor, Trish Jackson about what the apology means to her and her family.

Headlines:

More Israeli hostages and Palestinians released as ceasefire continues

Update on Bruce Lehrmann defamation trial

41 Indian workers rescued from tunnel after 17 days

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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The Albanese Government will introduce legislation to the federal parliament tomorrow officially banning Nazi salutes.

It follows a decision in June this year to criminalise the public display of, and trade in, Nazi hate symbols.

In this extra episode of The Briefing, we're joined by the Federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, as he explains amendments to legislation to be put to the parliament tomorrow will make the Nazi salute a criminal offence under Commonwealth law.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Altman was fired from his position as CEO of OpenAI and then four days later was reinstated. Altman is the darling of Silicon Valley, with Open AI now the hottest company in tech today, having released the ChatGPT chatbot and DALL-E image generator.

In this episode of The Briefing Tom Tilley speaks with AI scientist Toby Walsh about who Altman is and what this latest saga tells us about what’s going on at the top of the tech world.

Headlines:

Gaza truce extended for two days

Australia to ban disposable single use vape imports

Bruce Lehrmann defamation trial update

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Today’s Newspoll figures show Anthony Albanese is on the nose with voters. If an election were held this weekend, the ALP would lose six seats and face governing with a minority government. So what’s behind Albo’s decline?

Is it just the Voice, the cost of living, immigration and border issues, being out of the country and interest rates? Or is Peter Dutton managing to make the most of key Coalition strengths, national security, economic management and immigration?

In this extra episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Sarah Ison from the Australian newspaper’s Canberra Bureau, to sift through the latest Newspoll numbers to try to determine why voters are turning their backs on the Albanese government as the parliamentary year winds to a close.

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An Australian start-up called HEO is bringing CCTV into space. The technology HEO uses is world-first and works at phenomenal speeds; doing everything from checking on the health of a satellite to de-escalating world conflicts thanks to its use in counter-espionage. HEO even has contracts with Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tom Tilley finds out from Dr William Crowe, the Sydney-based founder of HEO, what’s going on above our heads.

Headlines:

Third hostage-prisoner exchange takes place

Support for federal Labor in decline according ot Newspoll

More than 80 arrests at world's largest coal port

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In the near future, experts predict everyone will have a personal AI assistant that'll be able to perform all sorts of tasks for you - potentially even finding and screening people for you to date... Before you've even interacted with them.

Earlier this week, The Briefing brought you an episode about how dating apps are using AI at the moment, and how that could change over the next few years. In this bonus episode, you'll hear the full interview between LiSTNR journalist Micaela Savage and Professor Joel Pearson - a psychologist, neuroscientist and the Director of the Future Minds Lab at UNSW.

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Genesis Owusu is an award winning musician and artist, taking home 3 ARIA's just a couple of weeks ago including album of the year.

Moving from Ghana to Canberra when he was 2 years old, since then he has become a trailblazer in the Aussie music landscape.

In this chat with Tom Tilley, Genesis reveals how grew up with a confidence and sense of self that most of us spend years trying to cultivate.

Weekend list:

Tom’s pasta recipe
Helen’s gratitude journal from Kmart
Robbie Williams Doco series on Netflix
Kris Kringle with Drawnames.com.au

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What was once an American tradition has now come to signal the start of the busy festive season in Australia: the Black Friday sales, which are now underway and will last right through to Monday night.

According to research by Roy Morgan, Aussies are tipped to spend a whopping $6.36 billion dollars over the next four days, with more than half of us on the hunt for cheaper Christmas gifts. While shops won't have to try that hard to get us in the doors this weekend and in the lead-up to Christmas, there is a sneaky trick they're using to get us to spend more.

On today's extra episode of The Briefing, we're digging deeper into the world of Christmas songs and how they subconsciously get us to drop more cash during the festive season.

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Have you ever been asked to send a resume via TikTok? Hilton Hotels Australasia has announced they will be accepting TikTok CVs in a bid to stay relevant with Gen Z. It’s also in a bid to combat resumes created with the help of ChatGPT. In this episode of The Briefing Katrina Blowers speaks with Dee Madigan about whether a TikTok resume will become the norm or if it’s just a flash in the pan.

Headlines:

Hostages to be released as Gaza ceasefire begins

12 people arrive in Australia undetected via boat

Bruce Lehrmann confesses to giving 'mistaken' evidence to AFP

Bushfires blaze in Perth as heatwave soars

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Did you know most of the dating apps Australians swipe through every day are using artificial intelligence?

From safety features to enhancing match compatibility, it looks like AI is here to stay- and it could help you find the love of your life. But how will AI’s role in the dating space change in the (near) future?

On today’s extra episode of The Briefing, we hear from psychologist, neuroscientist and the Director of the Future Minds Lab at UNSW, Professor Joel Pearson about what to expect in the future of dating apps.

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The war in Gaza has seen tens of thousands of graphic images and videos proliferate across the internet. Overconsumption of this type of media can lead to secondary Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In this episode of The Briefing, Antoinette Lattouf speaks with Associate Professior Arash Javanbakht from Wayne State University about how to care about what’s happening without sacrificing our mental health.

Headlines:

Temporary ceasefire in Gaza

Bruce Lehrmann takes to the witness stand

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reinstated

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Melbourne is in the grip of a crime war over the illicit tobacco market. Cheap imported tobacco, known as ‘chop chop’ is flooding the market and crime gangs want a slice of the action. Police say the battle for market share is behind a string of firebomb attacks on tobacco shops across the city.

In this extra episode of the Briefing, we're joined by Alexandra Bryant from our LiSTNR newsroom in Melbourne to take a look at who’s behind the attacks, their motivation and who is making all the money out of the estimated $500 million illicit tobacco market.

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One in six Australian men have reported sexual feelings towards children in the world's largest ever child sexual abuse perpetration prevalence study. Researchers at UNSW and Jesuit Social Services have studied almost 2,000 men and have shed unprecedented light on sexually abusive behaviours. In this episode of The Briefing, Katrina Blowers speaks with Professor Michael Salter about what we can learn from his study.

Headlines:

Penny Wong responds to China Navy diver incident

Journalists killed in Gaza reaches unprecedented levels

Meta, X and TikTok face crackdown on hate speech and deep fakes

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The cost of living is an issue affecting Australians right across the board, whether you're young or old, renting or buying, working or unemployed.

Yet while we all feel the sting of forking out for a GP and rising petrol prices, new data shows Aussies under 40 are being hit the hardest by interest rate rises and rental pressures while Baby Boomers are living it up. According to Commbank iQ’s Cost of Living Insights Report, released today, Aussies in their 20s are cutting back on everything from clothing to groceries, while over 65s are spending more than they were last year on cruises and meals out.

On today’s extra episode of The Briefing we’re joined by Scott Phillips from LiSTNR’s Motley Fool Money, to discuss what else the data shows us and whether we can expect a reprieve anytime soon.

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Melissa Caddick is the infamous financial adviser who orchestrated a multi-million dollar investment scam, and then disappeared in 2020. In the latest instalment of the Caddick saga, her husband Anthony Koletti has decided to walk away from ownership claims on a number of luxury items that were in Caddick’s possession. In this episode of The Briefing Tom Tilley speaks with investigative journalist Kate McClymont about this latest twist in the tale.

Headlines:

Optus CEO resigns

OpenAI staff threaten to quit over firing of CEO

New Covid vaccine rolling out in December

100,000 Queensland DNA samples to be re-tested

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Since the 1970s, young Aussies have marked the end of their schooling career by descending on beaches across the country for a week of drinking, partying and hooking up – an annual event known as schoolies or leavers.

After making headlines for all the wrong reasons, police and organisers started clamping down on celebrations, especially on the Gold Coast. This year’s official event has gone so far as to ban booze altogether. But even with the changes, and with Gen Z drinking less than any generation before it, many teenagers are steering away from a week of debauchery and are instead prioritising quality time with their friends at more laidback spots.

So has the face of schoolies changed forever? On this extra episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by the founder of Red Frogs, Andy Gourley, to dig deeper.

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The Federal Government has announced it will ban the importation of vapes and cut permitted nicotine levels under reforms set to be phased in from January next year. With a new survey of 2,500 young people aged 14-25 finding that 50% had vaped, with 1 in 6 vaping daily, it seems the reforms can't come soon enough.

Tom Tilley is joined by Joy, a 19-year-old who started vaping at 16 to share her story, alongside medical psychologist Professor Claire Wakefield.

Headlines:

Ceasefire could be close in Gaza

Australia wins the Cricket World Cup

Taylor Swift postpones Rio concert after fan dies

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Speak now or forever hold your peace!

Australian feminist writer, broadcaster and public speaker Clementine Ford makes the case against marriage.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf Clementine breaks down the patriarchal structures of marriage in a western society and how it never favoured women.

Weekend list:

Choc dipped dried mangos from Aldi
Article Erewhon's Secrets by The Cut
Antoinette version of a poke bowl
Stand up comedy shows

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Ever wondered if extinct species could make a comeback?

The Tasmanian Tiger became extinct in 1936, but an Australian researcher is working on bringing them back from the dead. Professor in Epigenetics Andrew Pask has opened the TIGRR lab at the University of Melbourne to work on de-extinction of the Thylacine. It’s partnering with U.S company Colossal Biosciences who’s working on similar projects for the Wooly Mammoth and Dodo.

Today on this extra episode of the Briefing, CEO and founder Ben Lamm and Andrew Pask take us through how the science works and what it could mean for the future.

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Meet the man who is becoming one of the most powerful Australian’s in the world, Lachlan Murdoch. The Murdoch family are the owners of the huge global media empire News Corp, which was built by Lachlan’s father Rupert. Paddy Manning is an investigative reporter and has been researching the Murdoch’s for years, he joins Tom Tilley to unpack the very private life of the new successor Lachlan Murdoch.

Headlines:

Parliament passes emergency laws on asylum seekers

A 12-year-old girl has been charged with murder

A volunteer firefighter has died in NSW

Hungry Jacks wins in Big Jack vs Big Mac fight

Hard Solo forced to change name to Hard Rated

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Have you ever been sent a marketing email that didn’t have an unsubscribe button? Or maybe you’ve received a message from a company you’re sure you’ve already unsubscribed from?

More and more businesses are getting caught out for breaching Australia’s spam laws- including Kmart, Ticketek and Uber just in the last few weeks.

Today on this extra episode of The Briefing, we speak to Andrew Williams, CEO of the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network, about what happens when companies don’t follow these rules, and why you shouldn’t just delete your spam.

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An eighth Covid wave is gripping the country, coming in right before Christmas again! Thousands of people are still getting sick, with this strain being one of the nastier ones. Now now the vast majority of us are vaccinated, how concerned should we be? Should we consider getting a booster and masking up again?

In this episode of The Briefing Antoinette Lattouf asks Professor Paul Griffin all the big questions.

Headlines:

Government to rush through asylum seeker legislation

Israel carries out ground offensive on Al Shifa hospital

Troye Sivan and Genesis Owusu win big at the ARIAS

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Taylor Swift is arguably the biggest pop star in the world at the moment, breaking all sorts of records with her new music and re-recorded albums.

But why is one of the highest-selling musicians of all time releasing new versions of her old work? And what does it mean for the industry going forward?

On this extra episode of The Briefing, we break down music copyright to explain how Taylor Swift is able to re-release her albums, and the reason behind why.

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Last week the High Court ruled that 92 asylum seekers being held in detention indefinitely was unlawful, leading to their immediate release. Since, concerns have been raised about the safety of the community, with many of those who were kept in detention failing character tests, including a Malaysian hitman and a stateless Rohingya man who had previously served time in jail for child sex offences.

In this episode of the Briefing Katrina Blowers speaks with Professor Mary Crock from the University of Sydney about why the High Court made the ruling, and the impact of the release.

Headlines:

Albanese government under fire over the release of asylum seekers

New claims hostages held under a children's hospital in Gaza

New stats reveal a cyber crime increase

'Matilda’ is Australia’s 2023 word of the year

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Do you know what's happening right now at Gaza's biggest hospital?

The Dar al-Shifa hospital is currently on its third day without power, fuel, water or food after a number of bombardments, while Hamas militants and Israeli troops clash outside its doors. It’s created a humanitarian crisis inside the hospital’s walls as doctors desperately try to save the sick and dying.

On this extra episode of The Briefing, we speak with Arunn Jegan from Medecins Sans Frontieres – or Doctors Without Borders - the independent international medical humanitarian organisation, who currently has volunteers inside al-Shifa hospital.

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For 650 days Sean Turnell was held in Myanmar’s terrifying Insein Prison on the trumped-up charge of being a spy. In An Unlikely Prisoner he recounts how an impossibly cheerful professor of economics ended up in one of the most notorious prisons in South-East Asia. Tom Tilley sits down with Sean to unpack how he survived.

Headlines:

Optus reveals the cause of nationwide outage

Eighty asylum seekers are back in the community

Former British PM David Cameron is back in UK parliament

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We expect safeguards for advertisers to provide fact-based information that isn't deceptive or misleading. Sadly, when it comes to political advertising, the same cannot be said.

So why is it that our politicians are allowed to be less than truthful when it comes to political advertising? And isn't it time that we rectify this issue?

On this extra episode of The Briefing, we speak with Independent MP Zali Stegall, who today is advocating for change by introducing a 'Voter Protections' bill to Parliament, to help stop the lies.

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What happens when breast implants go wrong? In this episode, we find out about every type of issue from pain and illness to “double bubble” and “waterfall” deformities.

Katrina Blowers speaks with Professor Anand Deva about what we need to know if we’re considering going under the knife.

Headlines:

Penny Wong calls for ceasefire in Gaza
Thousands of Aussies rally in pro-Palestine protests
Latest poll shows support for Labor falling
Barnaby Joyce marries former staffer Vikki Campion

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Benjamin Netanyahu is the Prime Minister of Israel; he's the country's longest-serving and most controversial leader. Currently he is responsible for the invasion of Gaza, which began in retaliation against Hamas' attacks on October 7.

In this bonus episode of the Briefing, Antoinette Lattouf speaks with Guy Ziv, an associate professor at the American University about who Benjamin Netanyahu really is.

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In September 2010, with a handful of clothes to sell and a Facebook page for promotion, Jane Lu founded Show Pony in her parents garage.

Fast Forward thirteen years, and ShowPo is a global fashion force, shipping to 120 countries and is rumoured to bring in upwards of $100 million annual revenue.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Jane Lu breaks down the highs and lows of becoming a fashion business powerhouse and what’s it like being a Shark Tank judge.

Weekend list:

Last Stop Larrimah on Netflix
Britney spears memoir audio on Audible

Send us your Weekend List suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

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Australia is entering an eighth wave of COVID, with cases growing by 23.6% in the last reporting period.

Most of us are getting on with life, but did you know there are still young Aussies who are choosing to live COVID-cautiously? Many of them are skipping out on events, wearing masks everywhere and rolling up their sleeves to get vaccinated with each new booster. As a result, many are finding themselves in conflict with their friends and families, who don't understand why they’re choosing to live like it’s 2020.

On today’s extra episode of The Briefing, we’re speaking with Jonathon Papadopoulo, a young, healthy man who is choosing to live COVID-cautiously, to find out why.

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Pharmaceuticals in wastewater has been changing the behaviour of fish. Studies have found some fish are even becoming more aggressive and have a lower sex drive from exposure to traces of anti-depressants and ibuprofen.

Katrina Blowers is joined by Ian Wright an Associate professor in Environmental Science to explain what’s happening in out wastewater.

Headlines:

Optus offering free data in compensation for outage

Israel agrees to daily 4 hour humanitarian pauses

Australia suffers biggest fall in income compared to OECD

More Taylor Swift tickets on sale today

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A petition calling for Australia’s Miss Universe contestant to stand down, is gathering steam.

Moraya Wilson, who is the current Miss Universe Australia, is the daughter of two bankrupt property developers whose companies owe more than $45 million to creditors.

News.com.au has cited Australian Securities and Investments Commission reports that found companies run by Wilson’s parents, Anton and Melinda Wilson, owe the money to creditors following multiple company liquidations, including approximately $21 million to the tax office. Since then, it has emerged that Moraya is a director of ten similar companies which ASIC is seeking to have struck off the business register.

In this extra episode of The Briefing, we're joined by Alex Turner-Cohen, a finance reporter at news.com.au who filed today’s exclusive.

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Australia is rapidly becoming a cashless society. Last year only 16% of transactions in Australia used cash, while notes are increasingly getting taken out of circulation.

But one country has already essentially gone cashless: Sweden- with cash business transactions down to only 8% last year. In this episode of The Briefing, Katrina sits down with Dr Claire Ingram Bogusz from the Stockholm School of Economics to find out what a future cashless Australia might look like.

Headlines:

Optus puts major outage down to "technical network fault"

90 people could be released from immigration detention

G7 leaders call for humanitarian pause in Gaza

Matildas and Socceroos have strike a new pay deal

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Have you been among the millions of Australians unable to make a call, get on the internet, travel into work or operate your business today?

The Optus outage has highlighted a glaring issue in Australia; our reliance on three telcos to operate and maintain our entire communications network. So is it time for a rethink? And what risks does this expose us to?

On today’s extra episode of The Briefing, Sacha chats with cyber security expert Nigel Phair, to find out.

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As the death toll in Gaza pushes past 10,000 this week, what will it take to end the conflict? Western powers have been advocating for a two-state solution; Israel for the Jewish people and Palestine for the Palestinian people.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tom Tilley is joined by Bob Bowker, a former Australian diplomat who was stationed in the Middle East for four decades, to break down what he thinks of a two-state solution, and how he thinks the war will play out.

Bob Bowker's book: Tomorrow there will be apricots: an Australian diplomat in the Arab world

Headlines:

Interest rates have climbed to 4.35%

King Charles delivers his first King’s speech

Albanese dubbed "handsome boy" by Chinese Premier

Without a Fight wins the Melbourne Cup

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The Reserve Bank has today once again lifted the cash rate by 25 basis points, up to 4.35%.

It’s the 13th rate rise since last year, with many Australian homeowners struggling more than ever to afford their growing mortgage. Despite this, house prices are soaring to record levels across the country.

Today in this extra episode of The Briefing, we speak with two young Australians - one who is buying a home amidst the cost-of-living crisis, and one who has recently made the decision to sell. What influenced their decisions, and what is their advice to you?

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AI today is often about faking human intelligence, but this fakery isn’t a modern phenomenon. It can be traced back to the very beginning of the field. It is one of AI’s original sins! Professor Toby Walsh joins Tom Tilley to explain the fundamentals at the heart of AI, drawing back the curtain to reveal the reality behind all this artificiality in his new book.

Headlines:

China’s President Xi Jinping meets with Anthony Albanese

Police search for two people after a horrific crash in Sydney

Five people killed in Daylesford pub crash have been identified

RBA is tipped to raise rates

Melbourne Cup facing less than ideal weather

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The Melbourne Cup has long been known as the race that stops the nation. But over the years, crowd numbers at the iconic event have been declining as support for phasing out horse racing grows.

Today on this extra episode of The Briefing, we look at the history of the cup and ask whether the Melbourne Cup does have a future on Australia’s sporting calendar.

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We live on the driest inhabited continent on earth, so it’s no surprise water security is listed as one of the biggest challenges we’ll face in the next few decades.

Cheap drinking water is a key factor in this conversation - but do we have the stomach for what achieving that will require? Katrina Blowers is joined by water policy expert Will Fargher to discuss the stigma of recycled water.

Headlines:

Five dead after car ploughs into Daylesford beer garden

Polling shows slide of support for Albanese government

Former PM Scott Morrison arrives in Israel in show of solidarity

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Rarriwuy Hick is one of Australia’s leading young actors, she can speak seven languages and she’s part of the Home and Away family

Rarriwuy is back with an exciting new project Erotic Stories on SBS in a role like she’s never played before

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Rarriwuy explains the significance of the role and reveals something she hasn’t even told her parents

Weekend list

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara Blackest Black
Bite-sized Banana Pancakes
The Shape of Dust: A father wrongly imprisoned. A daughter's quest to free him by Lamisse Hamouda
Lessons in Chemistry on Apple TV

Send us your Weekend List suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

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Over the last few years there has been an explosion in the number of e-bikes and e-scooters across the country. But amidst a chain of recent fires linked to malfunctioning lithium batteries, what are the risks? And do we need restrictions on the sale of e-bike or e-scooter batteries until we know more about them?

On today’s extra episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Professor Matthew Burke from the Cities Research Institute at Griffith University to find out.

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The brutal murder of Lilie James at a Sydney high school shocked the country when it made headlines last month - but her killing was just one case among seven women who suffered violent deaths in October.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tom Tilley speaks with the Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher about what the government believes should be done to stop it.

1800RESPECT Lifeline 13 11 14

Headlines:

Woman charged with murder over mushroom deaths

Australia’s most wanted in Turkish police custody

20 Aussies escape Gaza; 65 still stuck

A new Beatles song has been released thanks to AI

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It once dominated headlines, but almost two years on, media coverage of the war in Ukraine has significantly dropped off. And despite a waning interest in the Western world, the war continues - so what’s the latest?

On today’s extra episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by foreign affairs expert Dr Keith Suter to find out the latest on the war in Ukraine. Is there an end in sight?

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More than 200 people were taken hostage by Hamas militants when the group staged a surprise attack on Israel on October 7th. Those taken hostage included Israeli civilians and soldiers, as well as foreigners caught in the attack.

Five of those being held captive have been freed since the attack, following calls from Israel, human rights groups and the United Nations for their immediate release. But who is managing the complex negotiations surrounding the further release of hostages, and how will the coming weeks potentially unfold?

In this episode of The Briefing, Tom Tilley speaks with Nizar Zakka, who personally experienced the ordeal of being taken hostage after being held in Iran for almost four years in 2015. Now president of Hostage Aid, he joins to explain how the process is unfolding and who is involved.

Headlines:

At least 320 foreign passport holders leave Gaza

Bulk-billing expands to young and vulnerable

Matildas cruise to the next stage of Olympic qualifiers

Coles and Woolworths feature in Shonky awards

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A shortage of opportunity and an excess of crime - artists ONEFOUR have risen from troubled beginnings to become Australia’s first drill rap stars, winning international success and recognition for their distinctive music.

This is not, however, a simple rags-to-riches story.

A new documentary ONEFOUR: Against All Odds follows the group as they try to capitalise on the viral success of their music, despite losing members to jail time and aggressive opposition from the police.

In this extra episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by ONEFOUR's manager, Rick Simandjuntak, to speak about the group's music, and tell you why the police shouldn't be allowed to shut down artistic expression and that of drill rap music.

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Researchers have discovered a link between the advent of social media platforms and spikes in eating disorders. Over the last 20 years, people being hospitalised for eating disorders have jumped 400% with the biggest spike following the rise of TikTok.

In this episode of The Briefing, Dr Veya Seekis from Griffith University breaks down the numbers with Katrina Blowers.

Headlines:

Israel takes responsibility for refugee blast

The US to regulate artificial intelligence

Justice for New Zealand Whakaari volcano victims

Australia is in the grip of an eighth Covid wave

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Victoria has become the first Australian jurisdiction to announce compensation for mothers impacted by the country's brutal historical forced adoption policies.

Under the $138 million scheme, mothers affected by historical forced adoption practices before 1990 can apply for $30,000 in financial compensation, alongside counselling, psychological support and individual apologies.

But what does the announcement mean for mothers impacted by the practices across the rest of the country?

In this extra episode of the Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Jessica Steele from Shine Lawyers to explain the development, and what it means in the fight for justice for those involved.

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There’s now a morning after pill for men who have sex with men. Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis, known as "doxy- PEP" can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex and is effective at preventing syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Around 40 of Australia’s leading sexual health physicians have now agreed that doxy-PEP, should be considered for the prevention of some STIs among men who sleep with men.

In this episode of The Briefing we speak with one of them - sexual health specialist at the Kirby Institute Vincent Cornelisse about what this new medication means.

Headlines:

FIFA bans former Spanish soccer boss for 3 years

Former Prime Ministers sign joint statement on Middle East crisis

Qantas to defend itself over claims of deceptive conduct

Barbie among the most popular costumes for Halloween

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As sitcom show Friends goes from strength to strength finding new audiences 20 years after winding up, one of its brightest stars Matthew Perry has died aged 54. Himself saying no one would be surprised if he died early, he battled a lifetime of addictions to both drugs and alcohol.

In this extra episode of the Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Katrina Blowers to discuss Perry’s career, his ups and downs, and what is legacy will be.

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An extreme movement of Australians who reject the authority of our government and believe they’re exempt from laws, taxes and the values of mainstream society has snowballed over the past five years.

Known as “sovereign citizens”, they’re most visible at anti-government protests and came under the glare of national spotlight during the COVID pandemic. While some sympathise with the notion the government has over-reached into our lives and personal freedoms, sovereign citizen ideology is built on conspiracy and misinformation. So what happens when the ideology comes into the family home?

In this exclusive episode of The Briefing, Tom Tilley brings you the story of an ordinary Australian dad whose ex-partner transformed from a suburban mum into a sovereign citizen, turning their family life into a “living nightmare”.

Headlines:

Tributes pour in after Matthew Perry's death

Israel extends ground campaign in Gaza

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones resigns

Matildas win against Philippines

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You've probably come across ASMR content in your TikTok feed recently - content in which you can hear in highly detailed sound of other people eating, brushing their hair or whispering a bedtime story.

Earlier this week The Briefing brought you an episode about ASMR and the science behind it - but what is it actually like being someone who creates this content, an 'ASMRtist'?

In this bonus episode of The Briefing, you'll hear the full interview between LiSTNR journalist and ASMR Creator Jade Scarborough, aka ASMR Jade.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trent Dalton is one of Australia’s best known and loved modern authors. Unsure if it would sell, Trent went from book club to book club speaking about his semi-auto-biographical novel, Boy Swallows Universe.

Now a national and international bestseller and Netflix series on the way, Trent is out with a new novel Lola in the Mirror.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Trent breaks down his character writing process and explains why he still reads the critics words.

Weekend list

One Four: against all odds on Netflix
Vegan Palak Paneer with Tofu from Rainbowplantlife.com

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Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a social media phenomenon. From videos of people tapping on objects, to whispering bedtime stories, or even eating within millimetres of a microphone, many posts have hundreds of thousands of views. But is it just a TikTok trend, or can it actually help people relax?

Many describe ASMR as giving them a warm, tingly feeling when watching or listening to certain 'triggers'. While not everybody experiences these reactions, many who do claim it helps them fall asleep, deal with pain, and manage their emotions.

On today's extra episode of The Briefing, we hear from Professor David Alais at Sydney University's School of Psychology, and ASMR Creator Jade Scarborough, about what exactly ASMR is, the science behind it, and how it can help with relaxation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melbourne Fashion Week is coming to close, after a week marked with controversy following a dozen Black Australian models boycotting the event to highlight the fashion industry’s mistreatment of people of colour.

Making headlines across the country and overseas, the public boycott sparked further action across the week, with additional models choosing to snub the event.

In a statement to the Briefing, a MFW spokesperson said organisers "acknowledged and fully support" the concerns expressed by Black models choosing to boycott, and the safety of black and brown models is "paramount".

A week after The Briefing’s exclusive investigation into the boycott, Antoinette Lattouf is joined by Jo-Anne Hui-miller, the former editor of Inside Retail magazine and diversity advocate to ask what lessons the fashion industry can learn from this moment.

Headlines:

Lehrmann facing rape charges

Manhunt continues after Sydney woman's death

Maine mass shooter still at large

Matildas win against Iran

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In Australia men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, a statistic that has lead to countless mental health campaigns aimed at blokes across the country - but how much of an impact do they have on that statistic?

In a survey of almost 1,300 Aussie men, the Sax Institute’s Public Health Research and Practice journal found most rank their mental health as their number one preventative health concern, particularly those aged 18-35.

As we head into Men’s Health Awareness Month, there is hope these new statistics show a shift in how Aussie men are looking at their mental health - but there is still plenty of work to be done.

On today’s extra episode of The Briefing, we're joined by Simon von Saldern, CEO of Healthy Male, to discuss what we can learn from these statistics, and how we can keep breaking down barriers for Aussie blokes when it comes to their mental and physical health.

If you are in need of support, contact Lifeline now on 13 11 14, or Men's Line on 1300 78 99 78.

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Cryptocurrencies are set to be be regulated – with the government announcing plans to bring crypto exchanges under the control of the financial regulator ASIC. Exchanges holding more the $5m worth of assets will soon have to apply for a licence from ASIC.

Tom Tilley is joined by Stephen Jones the Minister for Financial Services who’s leading the charge.

Headlines:

Australia and the US deepen ties

Inflation numbers rise 1.2%

Matildas to begin their Olympics campaign

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Have we seen the end of an era of large-scale festivals in Australia?

For a long time music festivals have been a key part of an Australian summer - but following the Covid pandemic they are facing a range of challenges, including increasing costs and changes in ticket purchasing behaviour due to the cost of living and weather events.

In this extra episode of The Briefing, Dark Mofo’s new Artistic Director Chris Twite takes us through the reasons for postponing next year’s event, and Managing Director of Australian Festivals Association, Mitch Wilson, maps out what festival organisers need to survive into the future.

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On Sunday Indigenous leaders sent an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after a week of silence was observed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples following the defeat of the Voice referendum.

Thomas Mayo is one of the indigenous leaders who helped write the public letter and was a key campaigner for the Yes camp. Thomas joins Tom Tilley to breakdown the letter.

Headlines:

Released Israeli hostage speaks about ordeal

Second bushfire death as fires continue to burn on the East Coast

Museum fixes the skin colour of "The Rock" waxwork

The world’s oldest dog ever has died at 31

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Britney Spears has been in the headlines since she was 16; from global pop princess, to very public breakdown, to a battle in court to free her from a conservatorship she says she never needed or wanted.

Tomorrow her tell-all memoir The Woman in Me will hit bookshops across the world, promising to reveal her journey in her own words for the very first time. So, what have we learnt already from leaks of the book? And what impacts will it have on pop culture and our understanding of the world of fame... and Britney herself?

In this extra episode of The Briefing, we speak to entertainment reporter and host of LiSTNR’s The Streaming Service, Justin Hill, to find out.

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With the recent escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict, both sides of the war have been calling out the other for enacting war crimes. In this episode of The Briefing we look at what both sides allege, what a war crime is and how international law gets enforced with Professor Ben Saul from the University of Sydney.

Headlines:

Microsoft to invest $5 billion in Australia

Israel has escalated their aerial bombardment of Gaza

Britney Spears is about to release a memoir

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Every day those who represent some of the country’s largest organisations meet with our politicians and public servants to try and influence government decisions.

Lobbyists represent a range of interests - from mining to environmental causes, and everything in between - and while it’s completely legal, nearly 40% of federally registered lobbyists are actually former government representatives.

Today in this extra episode of The Briefing, you’ll find out how lobbying works and why you should care about how it’s carried out.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NSW Police are trialling technology allowing them to remotely access Triple Zero callers' phones so they can see what’s happening on the ground in an emergency. The GoodSAM app enables police dispatchers to turn on a caller’s camera and start livestreaming video, as well as pinpointing their location, direction of travel and speed.

Privacy experts have said while the app looks to be an effective tool, there are significant concerns about transparency, accountability and openness, and the lack of a guarantee people’s data will be secure. Jan Fran is joined by Jodie Siganto from the Australian Privacy Foundation to find out more.

Headlines:

The Yes campaign describes referendum defeat as "mean-spirited"

Israeli military intensifying its bombardment of Gaza

China's agreed to review Aussie wine tariffs

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Monique Conti has taken the sporting world by storm playing for both Richmond in AFLW and the Melbourne Boomers in basketball. But this is something she had to fight for.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Monique explains how the Matilda’s have helped put the spotlight on women’s sport and what’s next for her AFLW career.

AFLW 2023 season tickets here

Weekend List

I'm Glad My Mom Died BY Jennette McCurdy Audio book on Spotify
Helen’s Summer skincare: MECCA COSMETICA To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen and McoBeauty SUPER GLOW BRONZING DROPS

Send us your Weekend List suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

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The Sydney Opera House, an iconic building synonymous with Australia, turns 50 today.

Iva Davies is the founder and frontman for Icehouse, one of the most significant and successful bands in Australia; he also played in an orchestra at the first performances at the then-new building back in 1973.

In this extra episode of The Briefing, we take a look at how the Opera House has shaped our national identity, and take a deep dive on Iva Davies’ relationship with the building, going back 50 years.

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More than a dozen Black Australian models are boycotting Melbourne Fashion Week (MFW) to highlight the fashion industry’s mistreatment of people of colour. From being paid significantly less than white models, the N-word being used by photographers, and hairdressers suggesting a “buzzcut” because “Afros are too hard to style’.

Antoinette Lattouf is joined by model Nyaluak Leth to explain why 13 Black models have joined forces to call out an industry they claim is unsafe and unfair.

Headlines:

20 aid trucks are expected to be allowed into Gaza today
Lisa Wilkinson is suing network Ten over her legal costs
Julia Gillard's ex-boyfriend fined $7000 for the sexual assault
The unemployment rate falls to 3.6%

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Guards armed with guns are an unusual sight in Australian public life - but not if you go to a Jewish school, synagogue or some other faith-based institutions.

The additional measures are allowed because of special rules as a result of terror threats linked to conflicts in the Middle East, and white supremacist groups. And now the measures are taxpayer-funded under the Federal Governments' new $50 million 'Securing Faith Based Places' program.

On this extra episode of The Briefing, Madeline Palmer speaks with Daniel Aghion, President of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, about why these security measures, and why they are necessary.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Australia there’s no requirement for regular testing to confirm what’s inside your protein powder. The protein powder market is mostly unregulated and in some cases undeclared poisons have been found within the mix. Including heavy metals, pesticides and other potentially toxic contaminants

Katrina Blowers is joined by sports dietitian Bethanie Allanson to break down why the ingredients list might not match up with what’s inside your tub of protein.

Headlines:

The US doesn’t believe Israel is responsible for Gaza hospital explosion
Ticketek has found itself in hot water for breaching spam laws.
Prime Minister Albanese has denied being asked to delay the referendum
The US has been accused of making its own Bluey rip-off

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Fewer women in Australia are trained and confident to administer first aid than men, according to an alarming survey by St. John Ambulance. Even worse, women are less likely to receive CPR in a life-threatening situation compared to men.

So why do fewer women have first aid training than men, why do people feel less confident to administer CPR on women, and should this crucial life-saving skill become compulsory to learn for all employees across all working sectors?

Today on this extra episode of The Briefing, Antoinette Lattouf and LiSTNR journalist Sophia Funiciello explore the problems at hand when it comes to the gender gap in first aid.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Misinformation and disinformation about the Israel-Gaza conflict is currently flooding social media platforms. Changes in the verification process for some big platforms has let doctored images, mislabelled content, fake videos and images of graphic violence spread rapidly. Katrina Blowers is joined by the Editorial Director of NewsGuard, Eric Effron, to explain how you can spot the fakes.

Headlines:

Airstrike hits Gaza hospital killing hundreds
Aussie journalist Cheng Lei speaks after she was detained in China
Netflix releases details about the final series of The Crown

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A recent report forecasted that this financial year, toll operators will rake in $3.7 billion in toll revenue. What's scary is that over 80% of toll roads in Australia (all of which are located in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney) are operated by the same company - Transurban.

And what about those rebates that some drivers are able to get back from toll payments? Well, the government foots that bill... Which means those payments end up coming out of your pocket through taxes anyway.

Today on this extra episode of The Briefing, Amelia Oberhardt speaks with LiSTNR Investigations Editor, Clair Weaver, about the issue with Australia's toll road system.

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Could a Brisbane teenager have the solution to achieving net zero? 17-year-old Will Shackel launched the ‘Nuclear for Australia’ campaign a year ago, and has since launched a petition that’s received over 10,000 signatures and given evidence to a senate committee, advocating for a ban on nuclear power in Australia to be lifted.

Will joins Katrina Blowers to explain what’s he thinks should be next for Australia's relationship to nuclear.

Headlines:

Fears Israel conflict could be expanded to two fronts

ADHD diagnoses double in five years

New sports are being added to the Olympics

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Australia has voted on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, with the result being firm rejection of the proposal.

All states and territories, excluding the ACT, voted no - but what happens when we look deeper into the numbers? How much did socio-economic factors, your proximity to the city, or your cultural heritage affect your vote?

In this extra episode of the Briefing, Amelia Oberhardt is joined by pollster Kos Samaras to analyse the nation's diverse voting landscape, dissecting the intriguing narratives within metro, regional and rural Australia.

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On Saturday the country voted in the first referendum since 1999 on a Voice to Parliament. The country voted with 39.4% saying ‘yes’ and 60.6.% saying ‘no’.

The country has voted overwhelmingly to reject a Voice to Parliament.

In this episode of The Briefing, we speak to one of the most prominent No advocates Nyunggai Warren Mundine about the result and what comes next.

Headlines:

'Yes' campaigners say they'll continue to work towards Closing the Gap

Thousands of troops continue to gather at the Gaza border

New Zealand has a new prime minister

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Jelena Dokic has had an extraordinary tennis career and why she may have left the tennis court she hasn’t left public life.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Jelena explains how she felt lost after retiring at only 29, the impacts of being body shamed and how her first book and memoir Unbreakable changed her.

Jelena’s new book Fearless - Finding the Power to Thrive reflects on everything that’s happened since.

Weekend List

BECKHAM on Netflix
Who Killed Jill Dando? on Netflix

Send us your Weekend List suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

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Sad news broke this week of the passing of beloved comedian Cal Wilson, after a short illness fighting an unexpected and aggressive cancer.

Cal, who was only 53, had a long and colourful career in Australian entertainment. Over the last 20 years she was a core character across the Australian stand-up comedy circuit, as well as a feature on many iconic TV shows, such as the original Thank God Your Here, Spicks and Specks and Good News Week.

On this extra episode of The Briefing, Madeline Palmer speaks with artist Andrea Huelin, who painted the 2023 Archibald Packing Room Prize for her portrait of Cal Wilson, 'Clown Jewels'. Andrea shares her experience of painting the portrait, what she hopes the portrait meant to Cal, and what she hopes it will mean for her legacy.

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Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy is a Yanyuwa woman from the Gulf country in the Northern Territory. Despite what the polls say she, and the Labor cohort, want you to vote yes in the referendum on Saturday.

She joins Tom Tilley on the Briefing to take one last opportunity to explain why.

Headlines:

Voting for the voice referendum is tomorrow

ASIO boss warns tensions in Israel could cause ‘opportunistic violence’

Trump is cut from Forbes wealthiest list again

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How do you cope with catastrophic news?

The world is reeling watching events unfold in Israel/Palestine. As the death toll climbs on both sides, and information is released including the deaths of families and babies, it becomes more and more difficult to process the news. It’s heartbreaking no matter which side you support – the Palestinians face a massive military onslaught, and the Israelis have just suffered the worst attack on their homeland in 50 years. So how do you cope?

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Professor Ian Hickie, co-director of the Brain & Mind Institute at the University of Sydney, to learn coping mechanisms to help you navigate your way through troubled times.

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Peter Dutton’s opposition to the proposal for a Voice to parliament has been a crucial factor in its declining support over months of referendum campaigning.

The leader of the Opposition joins Tom Tilley for an in-depth discussion on his final reasoning for a No vote before Saturday, what he thinks a No result will mean for the country, and what alternative policies he suggests will work to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians.

Headlines:

Australian journalist Cheng Lei has returned home

Anthony Albanese shows support for Jewish community

Comedian Cal Wilson has passed away following a short illness.

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It has now been 15 years since the creation of Goop, the wellness giant established by actor Gwyneth Paltrow.

But what exactly is wellness? And why all of a sudden has it become such a big business? Today we check in with the Therapeutics Goods Association and the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission to discuss the industry and the surrounding wellness scandals.

In this extra episode of the Briefing, we talk all things wellness....and discover that sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction.

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Israel has formally declared war on Hamas, the militant Islamist group that controls the Gaza Strip, following the groups attack on soldiers and civilians in Israel on Saturday.

But what (or who) is Hamas, how did it come to the position it is currently in, and why has there been an increase in fighting in the region? Dr Mariam Farida, Lecturer in Terrorism Studies in the Department of Security Studies and Criminology at Macquarie University, joins Antoinette Lattouf to take us back to basics.

Headlines:

Hamas attacking the Israeli city of Ashkelon

United Nations Secretary General describes the situation in Israel as dire

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese moved to tears during Uluru ceremony

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The world was horrified at the weekend to learn Hamas militants escaped from the Gaza Strip and wreaked havoc on Israel, killing more than 700 people and taking an estimated 130 hostages.

Israel has promised a military offensive the likes of which the world has never seen. Sydney couple Joe and Kerry Carnuccio are stuck in a hotel room in Tel Aviv. We managed to get in touch with them between visits to a safe room in their hotel.

In this episode of The Briefing, we go behind the scenes of the conflict in Israel.

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The disappearance of Lynette Simms from Sydney's northern beaches in 1982 was the cold case that gripped both Australia and the world. Uncovered by journalist Hedley Thomas in the record-breaking Teacher’s Pet podcast, the investigation would develop into a dramatic trial that would find her husband Chris Dawson guilty of her murder in 2022.

In this episode Tom Tilley is joined by Hedley Thomas to discuss his new book The Teacher’s Pet, which explores reporting on the cold case, and to reveals a family tragedy with startling similarities to Lynette Dawson that drove him to report on the story.

Headlines:

Anti Israeli protest in Sydney

Israel preparing for massive military onslaught

Robert F Kennedy Junior drops out of Democrat race to run as an independent

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This year, so much of our national conversation has revolved around whether our Constitution should be amended to include an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. But outside of Oz, what is the rest of the world saying about us?

With arguments from the 'Yes' and 'No' camps expected to rage right up until Saturday's referendum date, today we look at what other countries are saying about our debate on the Voice - in particular those with histories of colonisation. Furthermore, if the 'No' case is successful, what could repercussions regarding our Foreign Policy look like?

In this extra episode of The Briefing, we hear an expert in Politics and International Relations at La Trobe University, Dr Bec Strating, to hear about what the data shows and what it could mean for Australia after the vote on the Voice.

Click here to find out more about the proposed Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

Click here to listen to the LiSTNR Blak Matters podcast episode 'Treaty vs Voice: How does New Zealand compare to Australia?'

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The Briefing brings you an up to the minute explanation of what has happened in Israel over the last two days. It began on Saturday morning with a shocking attack by Hamas militants on Israeli civilians. Israel has promised an ‘unprecedented price.’ Ali Hashem joins Tom Tilley and Katrina Blowers to explain what that may mean and whether this conflict could spread across the region.

Headlines:

Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Referendum week is officially here

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Elise Loehnen has achieved a lot! She has ghost written 12 books, was second-in-command at Goop and has now released her first book under her own name - On Our Best Behaviour: The Price Women Pay to Be Good.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Elise explains where the seven deadly sins originated from (and nope they’re not from the bible) and the pressure women place on themselves to be good.

Weekend List

Sex Education Season 4 on Disney PLUS
Welcome to Wrexham season 2 on Netflix

Send us your Weekend List suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!

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People from all around the world travel to NSW’s Blue Mountains for the serenity. But did you know it’s actually home to a dark secret?

The Twelve Tribes - which has been described as a cult - owns a cafe on a popular street in town. On this extra episode, we’re joined by LiSTNR journalist Loren Howarth to unpack what's happening there. You'll also hear from former Twelve Tribes member Matthew Klein, who shares with us his experiences and thoughts on the controversial group.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A TikTok trend created by Swedish influencer Saskia Cort, who told her Instagram followers to ask men how often they think about the Roman Empire, has unexpectedly exposed the way we think about gender and history, with some experts suggesting it’s an example of “white cis gender masculinity” at play.

Tom Tilley is joined by Professor of Modern History at Keele University Dominic Janes to discuss why we’re all suddenly thinking about the Roman Empire, and why the answer might not be all fun and games.

Headlines:

This year is set to be hottest on record

US President Joe Biden's administration announces new section of border wall

King Charles III $1 coin revealed

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Paris may be the city of love, but there’s one local you wouldn’t want to share a bed with… Bed bugs.

The city and host for the next Olympics in 2024 has been infested with bed bugs - the tiny biting insect that burrows its way into bed linen, furniture, carpets and rugs... And bites.

In this extra episode of the Briefing, we’re joined by ecological expert Professor Dieter Hochuli to talk all things bed bugs – and to find out if it can happen in Paris, could it happen here too?

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For decades rates of doctors prescribing birth control has remained steady - but figures show that since the early 2000’s, the number of those choosing the pill has dropped, as an increasing number of women express concerns surrounding the impact of the pill on weight, mood and fertility. But what actually happens to you if you choose come off the pill?

Katrina Blowers is joined by Dr Phoebe Holdenson Kimura, a GP and a graduate of the University of New South Wales specialising in women’s health, to bust some of the myths surrounding what you should expect if you’re thinking of coming off the pill yourself.

Headlines:

Over 900K people have already voted In The Referendum

There is no speaker in the house of representatives in the US

Survivor of the death cap mushroom farewells wife

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Bushfires are already creating havoc and hardship across Australia. With the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting a dry, hot summer, things are expected to worsen.

We all watched in horror during the Black Summer bushfires of 2019, as firefighters across the country risked their lives to save Australians stranded on fire fronts. So how and why do people become volunteer firefighters? And why aren’t more young people signing up?

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by representatives from three states and a volunteer firefighter to learn what it takes to be a volunteer firefighter.

If you want to find out more about volunteering, head to the following link for your state:

https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/
httrfs.nsw.gov.au
https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/
https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/
https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/home/

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So you’re having trouble paying attention - scrolling has replaced daydreaming, TikTok has replaced reading a book or watching a movie, and focusing on anything for a long time feels hard. If deleting all digital distraction from your life isn’t an option, what steps can you take right now to fix it?

In this three-part feature series, The Briefing dives deep into what has happened to make us all feel so distracted, why it matters, and what you can do about it. In this episode, Jan Fran speaks with Jocelyn Brewer, psychologist, writer and educator, and Adam Guastella, Professor of neurodevelopment at the University of Sydney.

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Gender affirming surgeries reduce suicide, depression and gender dysphoria among transgender and gender-diverse people who need them. But they cost patients tens of thousands of dollars.

In a historic moment for trans rights in Australia, an application has been made to get gender affirming surgeries fully funded under Medicare - and it’s estimated 47,000 people could take up the treatment in the first year.

On this extra episode of The Briefing, we hear from the experts on the latest developments, and from trans Australians about what it means to them. Melbourne Uni’s head of Trans Health Research, Associate Professor Ada Cheung, and University of Southern Queensland psychologist Jaime Swan talk us through the evidence, and we speak to Tay, Ophelia and Stella about their gender affirmation journeys.

Warning: This episode discusses mental illness including suicide. If you need help, contact Lifeline now on 13 11 14.

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Are you having trouble paying attention? Studies show most of us are increasingly feeling more distracted and less attentive - but if we’re all in the same boat, why should you care?

In this three-part feature series, The Briefing dives deep into what has happened to make us all feel so distracted, why it matters, and what you can do to fix it. In this episode, Jan Fran speaks with Adam Guastella, Professor of neurodevelopment at the University of Sydney, and Maggie Jackson, author of the book Distracted, on what the mental and social consequences are of ongoing decimation of our attention.

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Private islands have always been fascinating for Australians and popular with celebrities. With several small islands in Tasmania and Queensland recently hitting the market for just a few million dollars, could they be becoming more attainable?

Former Victorian politician Clem Newton-Brown has owned Picnic Island in Tasmania for 20 years and is now selling for $5 million. Richard Vanhoff gives his expert opinion in the sale of Hamilton Island, expected to sell for as much as $1 billion

In this extra episode of the briefing, we take a look behind the fantasy of owning an island.

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Have you noticed your attention waning? Texts, emails and notifications; podcasts, meetings and social media - while everyone is fighting for it, it feels increasingly like we have less attention it to spare.

In this three-part feature series, The Briefing dives deep into what has happened to make us all feel so distracted, why it matters, and what you can do to fix it. In this episode, Jan Fran explores why it feels like her attention is disappearing and who is stealing it with author Distracted, Maggie Jackson.

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Welcome to this special series of the Weekend Briefing, where Jamila talks to some of her favourite guests - old and new - about a single, fascinating subject.

During this series you’ll hear from singers, writers, models, actors and change makers on topics as diverse as the interview subject themselves.

Today you’ll hear from our final series guest Hannah Ferguson, on feminism. Hannah is the co-founder and CEO of Cheek Media and host of the Big Small podcast. She’s just released her first book, Bite Back, feminism, media, politics and our power to change it all.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Hannah touched on #metoo, the politics of gender, getting canceled and whatever happened to the girl boss.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Going on holiday is one of life’s greatest pleasures. It’s a chance to let your hair down and blow off a bit of steam. While it usually pays to have travel insurance just in case of the unexpected, what happens when something does go wrong and you’re not covered?

In this episode of The Briefing, we hear the story of a surfer in Bali who was left facing a huge medical bill after a horrific accident, and you hear the tips on what to do to make sure you have the right cover for your next trip.

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Kenny Bollwerk has built over 240,000 TikTok followers and amassed millions of views of his livestreams showing some of the most rat-infested streets of New York City.

Interest has been so great, the creator of ‘RatTok’ is now running free rat tours across the city, taking tourists to “rat hotspots” seven nights a week. He joined Tom Tilley to explain where he thinks the fascination has come from.

Headlines:

Clive Palmer spending $2m promoting the No vote

British actor Sir Michael Gambon dies aged 82

AFL Grand Final parade to hit Melbourne today

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The top blood donors in Australia are older men – but young blood and plasma are needed to keep saving lives.

Data shows young people are sporadic donors at best, and most don’t turn up to appointments. However, one young donor, Sam Ryan, has become a prolific donor after his life was saved by 22 bags of donated blood after an accident when he was 17.

On this extra episode of The Briefing, we hear about Sam's incredible story and his message encouraging other young people to donate. We also speak to Red Cross Lifeblood to find out what they are doing to raise awareness and recruit young people to roll up their sleeves and give blood.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordie van den Berg (known by his influential social media alias PurplePingers) and Lauren Michaelides (known as Toilet Paper Australia on X) have launched a free database to call out “shit rentals” across the country.

With the aim to better empower renters facing sometimes shocking rental conditions, Shitrentals.org has already received over a thousand reviews from tenants since it’s launch last week. Website co-creator PurplePingers joined Tom Tilley to explain why he’s taken his online activism to a new level, how the website works and what he hopes the website will achieve.

Headlines:

RBA unlikely to lift rates in October as mortgage holders brace for higher payments
Jacinta Allan is Victoria’s new premier
Qantas head faces awkward senate grilling

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Canada and India are at loggerheads, with both nations in a diplomatic storm that looks like it’s going to get much worse before it gets better.

Canadian Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was assassinated in Vancouver earlier this year. But now, Canada has blamed the Indian government, saying it was a political assassination, and sparking a massive confrontation between the two powerhouse nations.

In this extra episode of The Briefing, we're joined by Professor Ian Hall from the School of Government and International Relations at Griffith University, to break things down.

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Dan Andrews, Labor’s longest reigning Premier in Victoria, has announced he will resign from the top job.

What was the reasoning behind his decision, what impact will that have on the future of Victorian Labor party, and what can other leaders around the country learn from his time in power? Tom Tilley is joined by Kos Samaras, Director of polling and research company RedBridge group and former Labor campaign director to unpack the decision and explore how the progressive leader held onto power for so long.

Headlines:

Jacinta Allan tipped to replace former premier Daniel Andrews
PwC to announce findings of tax leak scandal and major overhaul
Reddit is set to start paying its top contributors

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Victorian Premier Dan Andrews has announced he’ll retire at 5pm tomorrow.

He says he has no plans, and will take time to spend with his family. He led Victoria for nine years and was Labor leader for 13 years. His legacy will be mixed, with there being many who will say he was a brilliant but divisive leader.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by The Age newspaper's Victorian State Parliament correspondent Annika Smethurst to discuss the announcement, Mr Andrews’ future and what his legacy will be.

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The state of Alabama is planning to use nitrogen gas to execute prisoners on death row, after a series of botched lethal injections. Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Alabama have all approved nitrogen gas for execution, but none have ever used it.

Katrina Blowers sits down with Dr Joel Zivot, an expert on physician participation in lethal injection, to explain why convicted murderer Kenneth Smith might be the first death row inmate to die by nitrogen gas.

Headlines:

Home Affairs secretary Mike Pezzullo stood aside as inquiry underway

Tentative deal reached for the Writers Guild of America

Qantas pilots join calls for Chairman Richard Goyder to step down

Lachie Neale takes home the Brownlow Medal and Wallabies out of the World Cup

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It’s been a year since the details of nearly 10 million Aussies were compromised in the Optus data hack.

Past and present customers were left confused and frustrated, asking why big companies are allowed to have all our data if they can’t protect it properly. But with what seems like a new breach every few weeks, do we even still care when our information is compromised?

In this episode of The Briefing, Antoinette Lattouf is joined by LiSTNR journalist Micaela Savage to talk about the current situation, and what you can do to avoid being hacked.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Popular online dating platforms like Tinder, Bumble and Hinge - are being threatened with government regulation unless they improve safety for users. The federal government is giving the industry until the middle of next year to develop and implement a voluntary code of practice to improve standards. This comes after an investigation last year by the Australian Institute of Criminology that found 75% of online daters had been subject to some kind of online sexual violence in the past five years.

In this episode of The Briefing Antoinette Lattouf speaks with intimacy and dating app expert Lisa Portolan.

Headlines:

The Government releases the first Employment White Paper in almost three decades

Voice referendum Newspoll shows No vote camp has risen

Melbourne airport expecting a daily average of 100-thousand people this week

The largest soil sample from an asteroid has landed

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Welcome to this special series of the Weekend Briefing, where Jamila talks to some of her favourite guests - old and new - about a single, fascinating subject.

Over the next two months, you’ll hear from singers, writers, models, actors and change makers on topics as diverse as the interview subject themselves.

Today you’ll hear from Hugh van Cuylenburg on resilience. You might recognise Hugh’s voice from the very successful podcast the Imperfects co hosted by Ryan Shelton, and his brother Josh van Cuylenburg.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Hugh explains what resilience looks like in the modern day and questions how we become resilient.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rupert Murdoch has announced he will stand down as head of News Corp and Fox, the media behemoth he created. While his son Lachlan will take over as chair of both companies, Rupert Murdoch will still have some involvement as he takes on the role of “emeritus chairman”.

In this episode of The Briefing, we talk to Professor Rodney Tiffen whose 2014 book “A Reassessment” explored Murdoch’s empire and legacy. We analyse today's announcement to find out what it means for News Corp and the implications for media and news around the world.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week more than 40 child and women safety experts have signed an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calling for an Australian porn passport trial.

Research undertaken by the eSafety Commission has found 75% of 16 to 18-year-olds have viewed online pornography, and a third of those first saw it before they were 13. In this episode of The Briefing, Tom Tilley finds out what’s going on with one of those who has signed the letter, Collective Shout’s Daniel Principe.

Headlines:

Murdoch steps down as Fox and News Corp chair
New Covid inquiry faces backlash
Taylor Swift academic conference to come to Australia

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Vaping is a growing problem among our youth, with widespread accessibility and a multitude of health and addiction risks facing our adolescents.

But it’s not just an issue for kids - it’s also a growing burden on their teachers. So we’ve spoken to educators from around the country, to get an idea of what it’s like dealing with vaping in the classroom, and how it affects their ability to do their jobs.

In this episode of The Briefing, Amelia Oberhardt is joined by LiSTNR journalist, Micaela Savage, to talk about the dangerous vaping dilemma damaging our youth and their education.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research has found vape residue clings to furniture, car interiors and walls and remains toxic for up to a month- even worse than cigarettes! Kids are particularly affected because they're more likely to put their hands in their mouths and it goes to their lungs.

In this episode of The Briefing, Katrina Blowers gets the low-down from The Woolcock Institute’s Professor Brian Oliver about just how bad vape residue is, and what we can do to protect ourselves.

Headlines:

Albanese to announce inquiry into Covid response
Alan Joyce could lose half his pay cheque
Firefighters on high alert

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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New research has found the endometriosis crisis in Australia is worsening.

Endometriosis is a common, yet painful disease where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside of the womb. In 2019, it was found that around 1 in 9 women aged between 44-49 were estimated to have endometriosis. Now, that estimation has risen to 1 in 7.

In this episode of The Briefing, Amelia Oberhardt is joined by CEO of Endometriosis Australia, Maree Davenport, to hear more about the increase in cases and why more isn't being done to help sufferers.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warren Mundine is a Bungulung man and one of those leading the charge opposing the referendum for an Indigenous Voice to parliament. He was the national president of the Australian Labor Party in 2006, before making the switch and becoming a member of the National Advisory Council under Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

With just under four weeks to go until the referendum, he sits down with Tom Tilley to discuss why he remains adamant a Voice is not the silver bullet to fixing First Nation problems, and how campaigning for a No vote has impacted his own mental health.

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In this extra episode of The Briefing: Comedian, actor, writer, podcaster and conspiracy theorist, Russell Brand, has come under fire.

While Brand has been a celebrity for more than twenty years, over the past few days shocking allegations have come to light. While Brand vehemently denies he is guilty and insists all his sexual encounters were consensual, at least four women have accused him of rape and/or sexual assault.

Jahan Kalantar is a Sydney-based lawyer who attracted global attention for his commentary on the Amber Heard/Johhny Depp trial. In this extra episode of The Briefing, Jahan discusses what we can expect next for Russell Brand.

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Noel Pearson is one of Australia's most respected Indigenous leaders - fighting for Constitutional recognition since the Howard era. With just four weeks to go until the referendum, he sits down with Tom Tilley to discuss the Yes campaign's progress so far, and his fight to win over the 'soft no' voters.

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In this headlines-free extra episode of the Briefing: Meet the 12,000 people on temporary protection visas who are blocked from the government’s new pathway to permanent residency.

That’s because they were processed and refused under the previous Coalition Government’s controversial “fast-track” process - criticised as a rubber stamping machine for refusals. But here’s the thing: all have been in Australia for over 10 years. They have families, communities, roots and children born here who’ve become citizens.

You'll hear from sixteen-year-old Iranian refugee Tanya, as they begin a week-long sit-down protest in Melbourne, calling for change.

If you want to learn more and sign the petition in support, click here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s spring, so let’s talk allergies!
Australia is considered the allergy capital of the world. Allergic disease currently affects more than four million Australians and that number is expected to rise.
By 2050, the number of people affected by allergic diseases in Australia is predicted to increase by 70 per cent to 7.7 million.
In this episode of The Briefing, Antoinette Lattouf speaks with Professor Kirsten Perrett, Director of the National Allergy Centre to find out why.

Headlines:

Thousands attend 'Yes' rallies

Russell Brand investigated over sexual assault allegations

Wallabies lose to Fiji at Rugby World Cup

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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2023 Australian of The Year Local Hero and founder of Turbans 4 Australia, Amar Singh, is six weeks into his roadshow around Australia to promote the Voice. Travelling around Australia, he is hoping to to promote the Voice to Parliament to multicultural, culturally diverse, religious, and ethnic groups. Why does he care, and what has the reception been like?

In this bonus episode of The Briefing, Antoinette Lattouf joins him for a leg to find out how his campaign is going, and what CALD communities around the country are telling him.

Follow The Briefing:
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Welcome to On Topic with the Weekend Briefing, a special series where Jamila Rizvi talks to some of her favourite guests - old and new - about a single, fascinating subject.

Over the next two months, you’ll hear from singers, writers, models, actors and change makers on topics as diverse as power and influence, mindset and money, bodies and brains.

Today you’ll hear from Sean Kelly, on politics. Sean is a columnist for the Nine papers and a regular contributor to The Monthly. He was a political adviser to Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Sean explains politics as a performance, the fracturing of the two party system, the entrenchment of attitudes and opinions - and what it means if Australians treat politics as a game.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this headlines-free extra episode of the Briefing: How are social media influencers shaking up Australia's fashion industry?

Content creators are certainly making a name for themselves in this space - from releasing collections with big-name brands to even creating their own fashion label. And their followers are eating up everything they're putting out.

We're joined by LISTNR journalist Loren Howarth to talk about what effect influencers are having on the industry and designers who've been in the game for decades.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should I have a baby? That’s the big question Gina Rushton grapples with in her new book, The Parenthood Dilemma. She delves into some of the existential issues: whether it’s responsible to have children while our climate continues to heat up at a rapid rate; as well as the personal: why, when faced with the potential of her own infertility, she found herself questioning how she thought she felt about children.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tom Tilley speaks with Gina about the challenges of modern parenthood.

Headlines:

Son of US President Joe Biden charged with gun crimes

Jacinta Nampijinpa Price says First Nations Australians are not affected by colonisation

Apology from multimillionaire who wants unemployment to rise

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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In this headlines-free extra episode of The Briefing: Everyone knows the impact of mental health on our wellbeing, our families, our jobs and our future. So today, we ask 'R U OK'?

While we’re more acutely aware of the tell-tale signs and how and why we need to seek help, it can be hard to know how to check in with those around us, or for those struggling to know what to do. Asking if someone’s OK is a great place to start the conversation.

In this R U OK? Day episode of the Briefing, we’re joined by Gus Worland, Founder of Gotcha4Life, a not-for-profit foundation with a goal of zero suicides, taking action by delivering mental fitness programs that engage, educate and empower local communities.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Constant exposure to dire forecasts and extreme weather events is taking its toll on climate scientists. It's meant scientists are now trying group therapy to deal with their fear and anxiety.

In this episode of our Summer Ahead series Tom Tilley breaks it down with ANU scientist Joe Duggan.

Headlines:

Qantas loses over sacking baggage handlers

Multimillionaire wants unemployment to rise

US crab-walking prison escapee found

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In this headlines-free extra episode of The Briefing: The ACT has passed laws that decriminalise illicit drugs. This means you’ll get the equivalent of a speeding ticket if found in possession of 1.5 grams of cocaine, meth or 1 gram of heroin.

So why has the ACT gone down this path? Will it become a target market for gangland criminals? And what can the ACT learn from countries like Portugal that decriminalised illicit drugs more than 20 years ago?

We’re joined by Bronwyn Hendry, CEO of Canberra-based Directions Health Services which has advocated for drugs to be decriminalised.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI is here: already a third of employees are using AI for work, and in two-thirds of those cases, their manager doesn't know. Sectors like media, finance and education will see the biggest changes; with experts saying companies need to come up with an AI strategy as soon as possible.

In this episode of The Briefing, Katrina Blowers speaks with Dr Kellie Nuttall from Deloitte about how much AI has already been adopted in Australia.

Headlines:

Marcia Langton denies calling No voters racist

Over 10,000 missing after Libya floods

Republicans order impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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In this headlines-free extra episode of The Briefing: What exactly are our politicians being gifted for free, and who takes the most?

While gifts range from bicycles to sports tickets, and many aren't accepted, each year the accumulated worth runs into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. And currently they’re under scrutiny. Just today a survey from Nine newspapers revealed that 70% of Australians believe they shouldn’t accept free membership of elite clubs such as the Qantas Chairman’s Lounge.

We’re joined by LiSTNR's Investigations Editor, Clair Weaver, to tell you about the hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of gifts being accepted by our politicians every year, and whether the gifts could sway policy.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chanel Contos shot to fame when she uncovered thousands of horror stories about sexual abuse and coercion in Sydney’s elite private schools. Since then she’s successfully pushed for consent education to become part of the school curriculum.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tom Tilley speaks with Chanel about her new book Consent Laid Bare.

Headlines:

Labor’s $10b housing fund after deal with the Greens

Pressure mounting over the future of Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk

Apple to ditch iPhone lightning power port and cable

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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In this headlines-free extra episode of the Briefing: After three weeks of intense pressure, Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales has finally succumbed and announced he will resign.

Rubiales has dominated news after kissing Spanish player Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent, after Spain won the FIFA Women’s World Cup last month.

We’re joined by Bonita Mersiades, a former executive with Football Australia and a FIFA whistleblower, to speak about what happened and whether this will be the watershed moment many are hoping for.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At least 2,012 people have died with at least 2000 more injured in the most powerful earthquake Morocco has suffered in 120 years. The 6.8 magnitude quake hit Morocco late on Friday local time, with entire villages levelled. Now the race is on to try and recover survivors from the rubble.

Katrina Blowers speaks with Oumaima Azzelzouli, a journalist with Moroccan National Radio who lives in Rabat about what’s happening on the ground.

Headlines:

Luis Rubiales to quit after World Cup kiss scandal

Tasmania is the only state voting yes for the Voice referendum

Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis apology video

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Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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Welcome to On Topic with the Weekend Briefing, a special series where Jamila Rizvi talks to some of her favourite guests - old and new - about a single, fascinating subject.

Over the next two months, you’ll hear from singers, writers, models, actors and change makers on topics as diverse as power and influence, mindset and money, bodies and brains.

Today you’ll hear from Lillian Ahenkan, on influence. Lillian, better known as Flex Mami, is a radio and TV presenter, DJ, author, business owner and has more than 169,000 followers on Instagram.

In this special episode, Flex speaks about the commodification of influence, who gets to be a role model and why we all should think more deeply about who influences us and why.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this headlines-free extra episode of the Briefing: Tom Tilley's secret passion!!

The Rugby World Cup begins in France this weekend – and the Wallabies head into the tournament after losing five lead-up matches. Coach Eddie Jones has picked a very young, inexperienced side, who he says he will have firing at exactly the right time.

Tom Tilley and Sacha Barbour-Gatt are rugby 'tragics'!

Australia was transfixed when the Matildas contested the FIFA Womens’ World Cup last month. Can the Wallabies mirrot the Matilda’s success and save a dying code?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15,000 people dressed in black attended an illegal rally on Monday in Seoul.
This massive protest was triggered after three teacher suicides happened in South Korea in as many months. The first was a young teacher in Seoul who took her own life in July after expressing anxiety over complaints from abusive parents.

Teachers are now demanding better protection for themselves amid growing outrage about teaching staff being mistreated, including being accused of child abuse for disciplining students. In this episode of The Briefing Jan Fran finds out just what’s going on with Korea Pro’s John Lee who’s on the ground in Seoul.

Headlines:

Anthony Albanese invited to meet president Xi Jinping in China
Philip Lowe delivered his final speech
3,000 new entries for the Macquarie Dictionary

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In this extra, headlines-free episode of The Briefing: the federal government's plans to declare war on feral cats.

Today is National Threatened Species Day and Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has released a plan to protect another 48 endangered species across Australia, including a program to eradicate feral cats. One part of the plan would see a nationwide night curfew imposed on domestic cats.

We're joined by Linda Stoner from Animal Liberation who argues it's the wrong approach; and Jack Gough from the Invasive Species Council who says it's long overdue.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony Albanese’s personal approval has dropped under the 50 per cent mark for the first time since he was elected Prime Minister. It’s as Labor battles fires on multiple fronts including their Qatar decision; their struggles with the ‘Yes’ campaign; and the Defence Minister’s golf club controversy.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tom Tilley speaks with Andrew Leigh, Labor’s assistant minister for competition about whether the honeymoon is over.

Headlines:

Cheaper and more frequent flights under government's ‘open skies’ agreement

August was hottest month ever recorded

Spanish soccer star Jenni Hermoso files legal complaint over World Cup kiss

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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In this extra, headlines-free episode of The Briefing: Donald Trump refuses to acknowledge he lost the 2020 election, so would his re-election lead to the demise of democracy?

The United States likes to think of itself as the ultimate democracy, but if Donald Trump wins next year’s presidential election, could the US electorate be endorsing his claims his loss in 2020 was NOT the work of a fair and balanced democracy?

We’re joined by former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull who hosts the LiSTNR podcast Defending Democracy, to discuss the ramifications for the US democracy if Trump is endorsed as the G.O.P’s candidate next year.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're facing down the prospect of rolling blackouts this summer, with temperatures expected to break records. To find out about just where we’re at with our energy mix, we speak with Professor Samantha Hepburn who is an expert in environmental law research at Deakin University about what we need to do to safeguard our energy supply for the future.

Headlines:

A Senate inquiry will be held into blocked Qatar Airways flights

Alan Joyce is out as new CEO Vanessa Hudson starts

Australia’s largest coal-powered station to stay open past it’s closure date

Spain sacks World Cup-winning women's coach Jorge Vilda

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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In this extra, headlines-free episode of The Briefing: Qantas CEO Alan Joyce was due to retire in November, but made the stunning announcement this morning he was stepping down today. The news comes after a month of scandals, including facing an investigation by the ACCC that it sold tickets to flights that had already been cancelled.

We’re joined by Flight Centre CEO, Graham Turner, and Helen Bird from Swinburne University to talk about Alan Joyce’s last day as the national carrier’s CEO – and what his legacy will be.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As John Farnham’s anthem becomes the theme song for the Yes campaign we reveal the story behind the song. Turns out it was written by a British musician after he slept in for a protest! Tom Tilley gets the story from Double J presenter Zan Rowe and also speak to political campaign analyst Dee Madigan about the impact it will have on the referendum.

Headlines:

No interest rates rises predicted

William Tyrrell's foster mother pleads guilty to assaulting child

Smash Mouth frontman Steve Harwell dead at 56

Burning man still planning to go ahead with burn

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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Around the country, drivers are forking out an average of $2.05 a litre for petrol, while some unlucky Aussies have had to pay prices as high as $2.38 a litre.

In this extra, headlines-free episode of The Briefing, we chat with Chief Investment Officer at The Motley Fool, Scott Phillips, to find out why it’s so expensive, how long we can expect to pay a bomb at the bowser, and tips for making your petrol budget stretch further.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Across Australia paper straws, wooden cutlery and cardboard tubs have replaced plastic in a bid to protect the environment, but new research shows they can contain dangerous chemicals.
The chemicals, known as PFAS, are found in many “eco- friendly” straws and takeaway containers because PFAS makes them water resistant.
In this episode of The Briefing, Jan Fran speaks with the commercial manager EnviroLab Group David Springer about just how dangerous these products are.

Headlines:

The voice NO vote reaches majority as support for Labor slides

The Federal Government's Closing Loopholes Bill enters Parliament today

Burning Man festival-goers trapped

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to On Topic with the Weekend Briefing, a special series where Jamila Rizvi talks to some of her favourite guests - old and new - about a single, fascinating subject.

Over the next two months, you’ll hear from singers, writers, models, actors and change makers on topics as diverse as power and influence, mindset and money, bodies and brains.

Today you’ll hear from Milo Hartill on body. Milo is a model, actress, and self proclaimed Fat Diva.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Milo talked about fat acceptance and the medical professional, the fashion industry’s token attempts at size inclusivity and why fatphobia is alive and well in Australia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Skyrocketing ticket prices, massive profits and soaring pay packets. What’s with Qantas?

Qantas boss Alan Joyce faced a parliamentary grilling this week, but was unconvincing in his defence of Qantas’ huge profits, not to mention his huge payslip.

In this episode of the Briefing, Tom interviews Senator Jane Hume, one of the MPs confronting Mr Joyce to find out why the Albanese government is hellbent on stopping airlines like Qatar from increasing flight numbers.

Is it just a cozy deal with the national airline, or a genuine attempt to protect “national interests”

Headlines:

Qantas under fire
Trump pleads "not guilty" in Georgia
House prices up again

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The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, has officially announced that the country will go to the polls on Saturday, October 14th to vote on both the constitutional recognition of First Nations Australians and the creation of a Voice to Parliament.

Now that we know the date we'll be voting, what can we expect for the next six weeks of the Yes and No campaigns, and what do you need to know before you vote?

This week on Blak Matters Teela Reid is joined by John Paul Janke, co-host of NITV flagship Indigenous news and current affairs show 'The Point', to take us through what we can expect before we're asked to cast our vote.

For more information on the referendum and your voting requirements check out the Australian Electoral Commission FAQ page here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode The Briefing continues our focus on what you might not know about domestic violence.

Today’s episode is more about you and what can you do. Antoinette Lattouf sits down with Emily Maguire, CEO of Respect Victoria on how to spot an abusive relationship and help a friend or relative who's in one.

Content Warning
This episode includes details of domestic violence including sexual violence.
1800RESPECT
Lifeline 13 11 14

Headlines:

The Voice campaign heats up
Inflation has dropped to 4.9%
Trump's attorney Rudy Giuliani has lost a defamation lawsuit

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On today’s episode, The Briefing continues our focus on what you might not know about domestic violence.

Antoinette Lattouf sits down with the Assistant Commissioner of NSW Police, Stuart Smith to discuss what tools and strategies police across the country are engaging in to fight domestic violence.

Emily Dale from the national domestic violence advocacy group Full Stop Australia also joins to unpack what strategies government and police are missing, and what the focus needs to be going forward.

Content Warning
This episode includes details of domestic violence including sexual violence.
1800RESPECT
Lifeline 13 11 14

Headlines:

Voice referendum date to be announced
Virgin hits out at Qantas' preferential treatment
Protestors interrupt new RBA Governor's speech

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You’ve may have noticed there’s been more of a push in recent years to help people better identify domestic violence in all its forms, and in particular to encourage victims to report incidents of domestic and sexual violence to police.

But what happens when your perpetrator is a high-ranking police officer?

Today we speak to a woman we’re calling Audrey, she’s chosen to share her experience for the first time, because she thinks serious questions need to be asked about how good police are at policing themselves when it comes to family violence.

Content Warning
This episode includes details of domestic violence including sexual violence.
1800RESPECT
Lifeline 13 11 14

Headlines:

Trump's federal criminal trial to start March 4
Spain begins investigation into kiss
Qantas grilled in the senate

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When it comes to crime trends in Australia – domestic and sexual violence tops the list. This week on the Briefing Antoinette Lattouf leads a special investigation into domestic violence challenging the stereotypes facing the issue. We're joined by LiSNTR's Investigations Editor Clair Weaver, victim survivor Monique* and founder and CEO of the Lokahi Foundation Rachael Natoli.

Content Warning
This episode includes details of domestic violence including sexual violence.
1800RESPECT
Lifeline 13 11 14

Headlines:

3 US marines have been killed near Darwin

Spanish football federation president suspended after kiss

Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin confirmed dead

Trump campaign has raised $7.1m USD since mugshot

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to On Topic with the Weekend Briefing, a special series where Jamila Rizvi talks to some of her favourite guests - old and new - about a single, fascinating subject.

Over the next two months, you’ll hear from singers, writers, models, actors and change makers on topics as diverse as power and influence, mindset and money, bodies and brains.

Today you’ll hear from Thomas Mayor, a Torres Strait Islander man who was born on Larrakia country in Darwin. Following the Uluru convention, Thomas was entrusted to carry the sacred canvas of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Thomas explains the upcoming referendum, his multi-year journey around the country to garner support and why he is boldly making the case for yes.

For more information www.yes23.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an episode future you will thank you for.

Investing in the stock market seems too complicated and risky for many young people, but the founders of Equity Mates have a simple four-part strategy that will help make you wealthier.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tom Tilley explores the strategy with the hosts of Equity Mates, Alec Renehan and Bryce Leske. The new book is called Don't stress, just invest: It's time to set up your investments and get on with your life.

Headlines:

Putin speaks after Wagner boss death
Malka Leifer sentenced to 15 years
Qantas posts record profits

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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July 2023 was the hottest month on the planet in 120,000 years.

In this episode of The Briefing, we speak with Jeff Goodell whose new book is The Heat Will Kill You First: Life and Death on a Scorched Planet.

He explains what heat does to human beings... and the reality we face in a warming world.

Headlines:

Wagner boss reportedly killed in plane crash
India lands a rocket on the moon
Fyre festival is back
Sam Kerr football academies to open next year

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Crispian Chan is a Chinese-Australian who grew up in Perth. His parents ran a Chinese restaurant until it was firebombed in the late 1980s. It turns out it was a coordinated race-based attack by neo-Nazis.

In this episode of The Briefing, Crispian chats to Tom about how the attack impacted the Chan family, and why he went in search of the perpetrators almost 40 years later.

The search led to some incredible discoveries.

Headlines:

The Voice referendum to be held October 14
Tax fraudster Adam Cranston jailed for 15 years
The Murray Darling basin plan is being rewritten
Theft at Coles up 20%

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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The Greens are putting lots of pressure on Labor about housing. The party is demanding a cap on rental increases. Are they reading the room or proposing impossible ideas?

In this episode of The Briefing, Tom Tilley interviews Max Chandler-Mather, Greens Federal housing spokesperson.

Want to stop your rent going up? Find out if the Greens can actually negotiate a freeze on rents to help the millions of Australians avoid even more financial stress.

Headlines:

UK nurse who killed 7 babies sentenced
Qantas hit with lawsuit over cancelled Covid flights
Spanish soccer chief apologises for kissing a player

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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When you hear the word ‘slavery,’ you probably get images in your head of pre-civil war America. But it’s happening right now here in 21st century Australia.

On today’s Briefing, Katrina’s looking into modern day slavery and the victims who are hiding in plain sight, how to spot a situation where slavery might be taking place and what you should do if you suspect it’s going on.

We're joined by slavery survivor Moe Turaga who had his passport confiscated after he arrived in Australia from Fiji and was then forced to work on a farm without pay; and Louise Burton who’s the CEO of the Sisters of Charity Foundation which helps victims of slavery in Australia.

In this episode of the Briefing, modern slavery: hiding in plain sight.

Headlines:

Spain win the Women’s World Cup
Wallaroos players have called out Rugby Australia
Australia’s population to grow at slowest rate since Federation

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Welcome to On Topic with the Weekend Briefing, a special series where Jamila Rizvi talks to some of her favourite guests - old and new - about a single, fascinating subject.

Over the next two months, you’ll hear from singers, writers, models, actors and change makers on topics as diverse as power and influence, mindset and money, bodies and brains.

Today you’ll hear from Elly Desmarchelier, on access. Elly is a disability rights advocate who is determined to make change for the one in five Australians who live with disability.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Elly explains how people with disability are left out of important conversations and why the NDIS cannot be the answer to every medical funding challenge.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Qantas has thrown its weight behind the Yes campaign for an Indigenous Voice to parliament. We saw it with marriage equality, Black Lives Matter and now The Voice. Antionette Latouff sits down with creative director and a Labor strategist Dee Madigan to discuss how corporates play in politics.

Headlines:

Hillsong Founder cleared of cover up
Australia to bid for men's Soccer world cup 2034
Michael Parkinson dies age 88

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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The Matildas have missed out on the World Cup final.

We speak with Johnny Keko who’s been on the ground about all the twists and turns of the tournament so far, the emotions at the game last night and what we can expect for Sunday’s play off for 3rd.

Headlines:

Thousands storm barricades at Federation Square
Swimming Australia threatened with expulsion
Found surfers release video

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Matildas v France World Cup match on Saturday night was watched live by 4.17 million Australian TV viewers. Eclipsing NRL and State or Origin finals, it was a watershed moment for women’s sports in Australia.

So what does this mean for the future of women's sport? Tom Tilley sits down with economist Tim Hardcourt to find out.

Headlines:

Matildas to play England in the world cup semi-final

Donald Trump has been indicted in Georgia

Four Aussie surfers found alive

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Journalist, Amelia Oberhardt, thought she knew her mum, until she died. At her mum’s wake, Oberhardt discovered a photo of her mother as a teenager, wearing a wedding ring, standing beside a man she didn't know and cuddling an unknown baby.

In this episode of the Briefing, Katrina sits down with Amelia to discover how she felt when she discovered her family and her family’s story was not what she believed.

Headlines:

Four Aussies missing at sea in Indonesia
45-year-old arrested over plane turnback
One Nation has dumped Mark Latham
Woman who cooked fatal mushroom lunch gives statement

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Sharpen your spears ladies! Research has debunked the hunter-gatherer theory finding a high number of our female ancestors used to hunt too. A group of anthropologists from Washington and Seattle Pacific universities analysed 63 modern hunter-gatherer
societies, including 14 in Australia and found women hunted in nearly 80 per cent of them. This includes hunting for big game - and they left the kids behind.

It's thought early anthropological work was carried out by men who have inflated the importance of men's roles and that's why this wasn't uncovered until now.

Headlines:

We could have a Matildas public holiday!
Hawaii wildfire death toll rises
Hope Julian Assange could be brought to Australia

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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Welcome to On Topic with the Weekend Briefing, a special series where Jamila Rizvi talks to some of her favourite guests - old and new - about a single, fascinating subject.

Over the next two months, you’ll hear from singers, writers, models, actors and change makers on topics as diverse as power and influence, mindset and money, bodies and brains.

Today you’ll hear from Kemi Nekvapil, on power. Kemi is a coach, speaker and author. She teaches people all over Australia and the world how to understand and embrace their power.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Kemi explains how to recognise you’re worthy without having to prove it, why presence is more important than false positivity and how to step into and how to step into your power.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia has been gripped by a story out of Victoria where three people died after eating a meal of wild mushrooms. Police investigations are continuing. One man remains in a critical condition in hospital.

So, how prevalent are deadly mushrooms? What should we look out for? What happens when you're poisoned? And how often are people hospitalised after consuming mushrooms.

In this episode of The Briefing, we're joined by Diego Bonetto "The Weedy One" Forager to take us on a journey of mushroom discovery.

Headlines:

Disaster declaration for Hawaii with at least 36 dead following wildfires

Six tourists successfully fly to space for first time

Emmy awards moved to 2024 as Hollywood strikes continue

Matilda's play France on Saturday

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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July 2023 was Earth's hottest month on record - almost all of Australia was 2-6°C above average temperatures.

Australia has battled with bushfire seasons since 1970, with more than 2,000 homes having been destroyed in three of it’s biggest fire seasons, 1982-1983, 2008-2009 and 2019-2020.

In this episode of the Briefing, we're joined by Greg Mullins, former Commissioner of Fire and Rescue New South Wales, a Climate Councillor with the Climate Council and a founding member of Emergency Leaders for Climate Action.

Following on from a horror summer in Europe, what will this year's bushfire season look like?

Headlines:

Commonwealth Bank's profits off high interest rates
Hard solo has MPs wanting to tighten alcohol restrictions
Brittany Higgins speaks out after inquiry report
Man who killed an ibis has been jailed for six months

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Forty-five paediatricians have signed a letter warning the government about the risks of fracking to child and infant health. On Tuesday morning health professionals in support of the letter protested outside APH in Canberra. The letter states research that links fracking to birth defects, low birth weight, cancer and respiratory conditions.

Paediatrician Louise Woodward who drafted the letter joins Jan Fran to explain the significance of fracking.

Headlines:

Matilda’s ratings
$3-billion in rent increases
Thousands gather for funeral of Sinéad O’Connor in Ireland
One supermarket has been voted Australia’s favourite

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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As the Matilda’s progress to the quarter finals, we take a deep dive on the history of women’s football with Moya Dodd, a former Australian player who rose up to the FIFA Executive.

Headlines:

Matildas through to the quarterfinals

Deadly wild mushroom investigation

Russell Island fire update

Meteor in Victoria overnight

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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States are throwing millions of dollars to rein in outlaw motorcycle gangs – why are they on the rise? We're told regularly that bikie gangs rule the drug trade - and there were reports last month some of the recent Sydney gangland murders were linked - allegedly - to the gangs warring over the supply of illicit drugs. Given we've spent millions on operations like Raptor in NSW, Viper in Victoria and Maxim in Queensland, the gangs continue to flourish. Why can't the gangs be reined in?

In this episode of the Briefing, we're joined by Professor Mark Lauchs from Qld University of Technology’s School of Justice who's been looking at the changing face of gang violence.

What's with the rise in Nike bikies?

Headlines:

Six bodies retrieved from Russell Island fire house
ACT Chief Prosecutor resigns in wake of Lehrmann allegations
PM committed to Voice despite poor polling
Three dead after wild mushroom poisoning
USA knocked out of World Cup as Matildas prepare for big game

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to On Topic with the Weekend Briefing, a special series where Jamila Rizvi talks to some of her favourite guests - old and new - about a single, fascinating subject.

Over the next two months, you’ll hear from singers, writers, models, actors and change makers on topics as diverse as power and influence, mindset and money, bodies and brains.

Up first? Is Em Rusciano! She has co-hosted breakfast radio, sold out the Sydney Opera House and released chart-topping songs and award winning books and audio books.

Last year Em addressed the National Press Club, in Canberra, speaking about her ADHD and autism diagnoses and calling for policy reform.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Em speaks about neurodiversity and the diagnoses that changed her life.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you know how many guns are in your community?

There are more than 4.3 million guns scattered across Australia. With a population of almost 26 million, that's a gun for every six

people. In this episode of The Briefing, we're joined by LiSTNR investigative journalist Clair Weaver to find out where the guns are, who has them, and what the authorities are doing to address the explosion in gun crime.

In this episode of the Briefing, what you need to know about guns in your neighbourhood.

Headlines:

Former US President Donald Trump heads to court
Former Defence Minister Linda Reynolds is suing Brittany Higgins
Human remains recovered near where a military chopper crashed
Lizzo has responded to allegations of sexual harassment

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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Former US President Donald Trump has been indicted for his role in trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election and the January 6 Capitol riots.

It’s Donald’s third indictment in four months – but this time Special Counsel Jack Smith is pushing for a speedy trial, with Trump facing a string of criminal charges.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Associate Professor David Smith, from the US Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. Can Donald Trump survive three indictments and go on to win the 2024 US Presidential election?

Headlines:

Brazil knocked out of Fifa Women’s World Cup
Pittsburgh synagogue gunman gets death penalty
ACT report into Higgins investigation scarifies Drumgold
Lennon to join McCartney on stage via AI
Canadian PM Trudeau and wife split

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Two of Australia’s biggest billionaire power couples are breaking up, the Forrests and the Cannon-Brookes. That follows the Gates, the Bezos, Elon Musk and Rupert Murdoch.

In today's episode of The Briefing, we explore the pain of mega-rich matrimony with one of New York’s leading divorce lawyers, Dror Bikel.

Given that money is a key stress on normal relationships, why do billionaire couples struggle to hang on?

Headlines:

FIFA Women’s World Cup moves to Group of 16
Bedsheets lead police to alleged serial abuser
RBA keeps interest rates on hold for second consecutive month
TikTok and WeChat put on notice

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It’s becoming much easier to access the abortion pill MS-2 Step (RU486 overseas.) All doctors and some senior nurses will be able to prescribe it, and from today, all pharmacies will be able to stock it. But gynaecologists and obstetricians are sounding the alarm, saying there isn’t enough infrastructure in place to expand access this much.

In this episode of the Briefing, we speak with Dr Gino Pecoraro, President National Association Specialist Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ president Nicole Higgins.

Expanding access to abortion pills seems like a no- brainer, but is it?

Headlines:

The Matildas are into the World Cup’s final 16
Scott Morrison hits back over robodebt report
The search for four ADF members now a recovery mission
July was the world’s hottest month in recorded history

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There’s a new tourism boom. It’s all about cosmetic surgery, dentistry – both remedial and cosmetic – and hair transplants. Aussies are flying to Turkey, to undergo procedures too costly here in Australia.

In this episode of the Briefing, we meet Michael, one of thousands of Australians who’ve been to Turkey for a hair transplant; and Dr Nicola Dean, the president of Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Is it safe? And is it actually cheaper than getting the procedure here in Australia, given you have to fork out for flights and accom as well as the surgery. In today’s Briefing, would you travel to Turkey for a boob job or hair transplant?

Headlines:

The Matildas to face Canada tonight in the World Cup
Defence crews still searching for four men following chopper crash
Sonia Kruger wins the Gold Logie
Latest data on streaming sees Netflix lose out

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In the early days of their careers, Kate McClennan and Kate McCartney never got booked for the same TV shows. At the time, women were few and far between in comedy sketches - and executives never imagined they’d need more than one woman. Let alone more than one Kate.

Once they finally met in person, the two became close friends and writing partners. They went on to create the Katering Show followed by Get Crackin’ on the ABC. And now? They’re back, with an Amazon Prime original television series which they self-describe as BroadChurch - but funny.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, the Kates explain how they convinced America that swearing is part of Australian culture.

THE WEEKEND LIST:

Read: Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

Try:Robe Haircare

Try: Hire a campervan

Eat: Morning juice shots or make your own

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Congress has held hearings this week to try to determine, once and for all, what the US Department of Defence knows about UFOs or UAPs, unidentified aerial phenomena.

What’s called the House Oversight Committee is calling witnesses who claim the US government – particularly the Pentagon – knows more than it’s letting on.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Nick Pope, who used to run the British Government's UFO Project and is now recognised as one of the world's leading experts on the unexplained.

What are we not being told about unidentified flying objects?

Headlines:

Matildas shock loss to Nigeria

Sydney Shootings

Thousands of vapes seized in Melbourne raid

July is set to be Earth's hottest month on record

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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There have been a string of dingo attacks on K’gari off the coast of south east Queensland in the last month.

In one attack, a 10-year-old boy was dragged into a dam. In the two latest attacks, women were chased into the surf after being confronted on the beach. All three victims suffered wounds as the pack of dingos struck.

In this episode of the Briefing, we’re joined by Dr Bradley Smith, a world-renowned dingo expert from the Central Queensland University and author of the Dingo Debate published by the CSIRO to find out what to do if you’re approached by a dingo.

Headlines:

Actor Kevin Spacey found not guilty of sexual offence charges

Sinéad O’Connor has died at the age of 56

The US has raised interest rates to the highest level since 2001

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Laws passed in Israel overnight allow the Netanyahu government to overhaul the judiciary and prevents the Israeli Supreme Court from vetoing decisions on the grounds of being “unreasonable”.

Hundreds of thousands of protestors have marched on the capital Jerusalem, protesting the government’s tactics, suggesting the new legislation will threaten democracy in Israel.

In this episode of the Briefing, we're joined by Dr Noam Peleg from the University of NSW Faculty of Law as we look at what the new laws mean....and how they will affect the citizens of Israel.

Headlines:

New evidence in Gina Rinehart court case

Prime Minister’s reply to Black Friday bushfires question

Mortgage arrears risk highest level since GFC

Mass beaching of pilot whales in WA

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Hollywood has ground to a halt after the the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists – the biggest union representing actors and production staff decided to join writers in going on strike for better pay and conditions.

It’s the first time in 60 years both groups have gone on strike at the same time – and it means production on television, streaming and movies has stopped.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Kym Jackson, a member of SAG-AFTRA to explain what it means for the future of Hollywood and the film industry here in Australia.

Headlines:

Ben Roberts-Smith plague addition at war memorial
Biggest scalp from Robodebt royal commission
Gina Rinehart in court battle for multibillion-dollar Hancock mining spoils
Twitter turns to X

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Ground-breaking Australian research reveals why there is so much distain for road cyclists. Drivers see cyclists in lycra as less than fully human.

Tom Tilley, a self confessed Mamil (middle aged male in lycra) has travelled the country speaking to cyclists, researchers and drivers in the hope of making our roads safer. Tom's report aired on Seven's Spotlight program last night.

In this episode of The Briefing, Tom talks with Dr Mark Limb, a researcher from the QUT who looks at the clothes or outfits cyclists wear and how that changes the perceptions of drivers.

We find out why we don't like MAMILs - and the reasons behind the dehumanisation of cyclists.

Headlines:

Australians dominate in the pool at World Championships

Netanyahu to undergo heart surgery as critical vote looms

Greek Islands wildfires

Barbie beats Oppenheimer at opening weekend

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Jeremy Franco is everyone's fave TikTok and Instagram star.

He exploded during Covid and is now one of the most popular Australian creatives on social media. Jeremy and Jamila share a similar childhood and their combined memories are a pure delight.

In this episode of The Weekend Briefing, Jamila is joined by Jeremy Franco.....wait until you hear about the 'lemon people'.

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Welcome to Sex: Your no-silly-questions guide to sexuality, pleasure and figuring it out, a book written by Melissa Kang of "Dolly Doctor" and TV personality Yumi Stynes, has been removed from department store shelves.

The authors have been subjected to a social media pile-on and Big W has pulled the book from its stores because its staff were being abused.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by co-author Yumi Stynes who explains why she wrote the book and what she hoped it would achieve....and Yumi certainly didn’t expect it to create this level of controversy.

Headlines:

Matildas win their first match of the FIFA World Cup!
Three dead including gunman following Auckland shooting spree
Robodebt public servant suspended without pay

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The Barbie Movie seems to be absolutely everywhere!

With a marketing budget that dwarfs how much it was to actually film it, we’ve seen burger buns turn pink, swimming pools with ‘Barbie’ splashed on the bottom and of course millions of videos on social media.

Now it’s finally out, Katrina Blowers and Justin Hill, host of Listnr’s The Streaming Service, checked it out to find out if it’s worth the hype.

Headlines:

VIC up for millions over cancelling comm games
Major changes for universities
Dingo on k'gari euthanised
Ticket sales down for Splendour

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The 2026 Commonwealth Games will not be hosted by Victoria. Premier Daniel Andrews has said the reason is due to its cost. The original price tag was $2.6 billion, but it’s now looking more like between $6-7 billion.

We get all the detail with Annika Smethurst.

Headlines:

Christchurch mayor offers to host Commonwealth Games
Trump expects to be arrested over Capitol riots
Stranded Aussie back on land
Lawyer outraged words were used on 'no' pamphlet

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The FIFA Women’s World Cup is kicking off in Sydney this Thursday night; with the next month set to see the world’s best soccer played in Australia and New Zealand.

With the Aussies serious contenders to be tournament champions, we speak with Teagan Micah and Charli Grant who are both in the squad about what it means to be competing against the world's best in your home country, and what it will mean for women's football in Australia.

Headlines:

Matildas call for pay parity
Voice pamphlets to be published
Calls for royal commission into Big 4 consulting firms
Woman attacked by dingoes on K'gari
Elton John testifies on behalf of Kevin Spacey

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Everyone knows someone with a rental horror story. Rents are skyrocketing across the country and it's becoming increasingly difficult to find somewhere affordable to live.

We're joined by Chantelle Schmidt, who writes for a number of publications including Pedestrian. She's also been sharing her painful rental journey on TikTok. We also talk to Mark McCrindle, founder of McCrindle research who has analysed the data on the
impact of the rental market on young renters.

In this episode of The Briefing, the horror stories Australian renters are facing and what impact it has on the lives of those affected.

Headlines:

Alcaraz beats Djokovic to win Wimbledon
Support for the Voice falls again
LNP wins Gold Coast by-election
New RBA boss under fire over old comments

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Marta Dusseldorp is one of Australia’s best known and loved actors. From stage to screen, and now with production credits to boot.

Dusseldorp’s latest project, Bay of Fire, premieres tomorrow night on ABC TV and is filmed on the west coast of Tasmania, a place that Dusseldorp herself discovered in the depths of the pandemic.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Marta explains the impact of the pandemic on Australian artists and takes us on the journey of stepping into a new character.

*Content warning this episode mentions suicide if you or anyone you know are struggling call lifeline on 13 11 14

THE WEEKEND LIST:

Listen: There's No Place Like Home podcast by Future Women

Try:Cardigang: Learn to Knit

Listen: The Louis Theroux podcast

Eat: Warm chicken salad - recipe in episode

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Everyone's talking about Threads, the new social media platform launched by Mark Zuckerberg's Meta last week. Jan and Tom signed up immediately, as they did when Twitter and Instagram launched.

In this episode of The Briefing, Jan Fran and Tom Tilley discuss why you'd sign up for Threads, whether it will survive and whether we even need ANOTHER social media platform.

Headlines:

Hollywood set to shut down
Elon Musk launches his own A-I startup
Kevin Spacey takes to the witness box
France is making fashion more sustainable

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A 16-week trial over the Whakaari/White Island volcano tragedy has begun in New Zealand after an eruption killed 22 people, including 17 Australians in 2019.

The island’s owners, brothers Andrew, James and Peter Buttle, their company, and two tour operators are on trial for allegedly failing to adequately protect tourists and staff.

Each of the companies faces a maximum fine of $1.4 million, while the brothers charged face a maximum fine of $280,000.

The ABC’s Emily Clark walks us through what’s been happening.

Headlines:

Australia is sending more bushmasters to Ukraine
The RBA set to meet less to consider the cash rate
Big news on the right to work from home
Neurosurgeon Charlie Teo has taken a massive blow
Aussies nominated in the Emmys

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Should Japan release millions of litres of radioactive waste water into the Pacific Ocean?

Everyone remembers the Fukushima nuclear plant being swamped by a tsunami in March 2011. All four of the plant's reactors were written off – and ever since, the reactors have been cooled with recycled water from a new treatment plant. The plant now plans to release the cooling wastewater into the ocean.

In this episode of the Briefing, we're joined by marine biologist Robert Richmond, a professor with the University of Hawaii, who details his concerns with Japan's plans, and what it might mean for the Pacific's ocean ecosystem.

Headlines:

Ben Roberts-Smith is appealing
White Island eruption trial has begun
NATO refuses to give Ukraine a timeline on when it can join
Australians have increased drug consumption

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It’s a pretty sci fi concept – being stored upside down in a giant thermos full of liquid nitrogen in the hope that some day, maybe hundreds of years away, technology will bring you back to life. Now cryonics is here in Australia.

Peter Tsolakides is the director of Southern Cryonics in Holbrook, and dozens of people have forked over tens of thousands of dollars to put themselves into deep freeze until science catches up with their big dreams of eternal life. So how does it work, and would that future be, lonely?

Headlines:

Australia is joining the "climate club"
Access to medical abortions made easier
Robodebt ministers could be sued
Australians are living longer than ever before

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A decision on who will be the next RBA Governor is expected mid-July. So will Philip Lowe remain in the job? Who are the candidates? Will it change how the RBA operates, or are we just looking for a scapegoat following the huge number of cash rate rises.

Jonathan Kearns, former RBA department head joins Tom Tilley to explain.

Headlines:

Pressure mounts on Scott Morrison to resign
BetStop: we can soon opt out of online gambling
$1B defence deal signed with Germany
Controversy over US sending cluster bombs to Ukraine
England wins third Ashes test

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30-year-old MP Georgie Purcell was elected to the Victorian Legislative Council in November last year - and she’s already shaking up the House.

Georgie, from the Animal Justice Party, stands out from other politicians as she made history with her maiden speech when she decided to own her narrative and share that she was previously a stripper.

In this chat with Katrina Blowers, Georgie explains what it’s like to be trolled and how she’s more qualified than most of her peers but continues to be an easy target on social media.

THE WEEKEND LIST:

Listen: Blak Matters podcast

Read:Pay the Rent

Read: The Barbie Movie collaborations

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Queensland has announced plans banning smartphones in state schools from next year bringing them into line with the rest of the country except ACT.

While it seems like a no-brainer given how distracting and harmful smartphones can be to kids and teens, we get the full story with child psychologist Michael-Carr Gregg and Dr Jason Zagami, a senior lecturer at the School of Education and Professional Studies at Griffith University.

Headlines begin 11.34

Users flock to Twitter's rival Threads
Nine newspapers apologises for a racist ad
Senior minister forced to delete tweets
Reynolds threatens to sue Higgins for defamation

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Colleen Ballinger, otherwise known as Miranda Sings, has been a YouTuber for over a decade and has recently had some serious allegations made against her, including being a child groomer. In a response to the claims she came out with a 10-minute long apology video where she decided to sing rather than speak, which many have dubbed Youtube’s worst apology video.

Justin Hill host of LiSNTR’s The Streaming Service sits down with Katrina Blowers to unpack the video.

Headlines begin 13.28

AFL investigates photo leak
Donald Trump Jnr postpones tour
Global temperature records broken

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The World Health Organization's recently announced that aspartame, used in products from Coca-Cola diet sodas to Mars' Extra chewing gum, will be listed as "possibly carcinogenic to humans." It feels like we are told about a new carcinogenic item or product every week, so what should we actually be worried?

Oliver Jones RMIT, Professor of Chemistry and internationally recognised expert in analytical science joins Antoinette Lattouf to break it down.

Headlines begin 12.31:

The RBA has kept rates steady
New trade ties with Indonesia
Ash Barty has had a baby
Meta is taking on Twitter

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Jordie van den Berg has become TikTok famous for his videos documenting shit rentals around Australia as the country’s rental crisis continues. His videos exposing shit rentals have hundreds of thousands of likes with Jordie's top video reaching over 1.4million views.

Jordie joins Tom Tilley to explain what needs to change in order to give tenants a fair go.

Headlines begin 12:25:

The UK PM Rishi Sunak has weighed in on the Ashes
The National Anti-Corruption body already has dozens of referrals
Vietnam has banned the upcoming Barbie film

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It used to just be endurance athletes who trained at altitude, but now gyms are popping up everywhere with the promise you can burn double the calories by doing the same workout. But does it work and should you do it?

Altitude training gyms are popping up around the country with some people evening installing altitude rooms in their houses. Gyms are claiming that altitude training can make you burn more calories by working out in a low oxygen environment, so is it worth it? And how often do you have to train to see results?

Dr Andrew Govus, a senior lecturer in Sports and exercise science, joins Katrina Blowers to explain the facts.

Headlines:

Thousands of Australians rally for the ‘yes’ campaign
Worrying developments from the US supreme court
Aussies are being urged to exercise caution in France

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Dami Im is good at competitions. In 2013 she won X-Factor Australia and in 2016 placed second in the Eurovision Song Contest, becoming the highest scoring Aussie.

Today, the university trained singer songwriter is a new mother and continues to make music that’s loved all over the world, with her new EP In Between coming out on July 7.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Dami reflects on hearing a recording of herself singing for the first time and how she went from performing in churches to the world stage, as plans her next tour.

Find Dami Im’s tour here

THE WEEKEND LIST:

Visit: Midnight: The Cinderella Musical

Eat:Sunshine carrot cake icing women's weekly

Watch: The Little Mermaid live action movie

Try: Kmart ice contour cube

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Regulations for cosmetic surgery and injectables are about to change from July one. With GP referrals, psychological assessments, cooling off periods and even how procedures are advertised all part of the new requirements.

Dr David Morgan a specialist plastic surgeon from the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons to explains the changes.

Headlines:

Berejiklian considers legal challenge after corruption finding
Roberts-Smith agrees to pay costs of failed defamation
UK's Australia-like asylum seeker plan deemed 'unlawful'
Virgin Galactic has made its first commercial space flight

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Taylor Swift's Eras tour has taken over the globe and getting your hands on a ticket has become a hot commodity, with general sale tickets being released in Australia on Friday.

The pop superstar has become the second richest self-made woman in music after Rihanna and this week the Victorian Government announced that they are giving the Taylor Swift concert major events status.

Shameless podcast host Michelle Andrews is a self proclaimed Swiftie and joins Katrina Blowers to explain the cultural moment.

Headlines:

Debris from Titan sub pulled up
Inflation falls to 5.6%
Chris Dawson found guilty again
Kevin Spacey: jury sworn in
Trump sues E Jean Carroll for defamation
Taylor Swift breaks ticket sale records

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Last month Ben Roberts-Smith lost one of the biggest defamation trials in Australian history and was found to be a war criminal to a civil standard. The judge ruled that the stories Nick McKenzie had published in Nine Newspapers in 2017 and 2018 about the Victoria Cross winning SAS soldier were substantially true.

Nick McKenzie joins us to talk about it all, his new book is called Crossing the Line.

Headlines:

Bombshell development in William Tyrrell case
Lewis Capaldi forced to cancel tour
No foul play found in Jeffrey Epstein's death

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The psychedelic drugs psilocybin and MDMA, commonly known as magic mushrooms and ecstasy, are being downgraded from prohibited to controlled drugs in Australia from July 1. This means approved psychiatrists will be able to prescribe psilocybin for depression and MDMA for PTSD.

It’s a landmark moment in the regulation of psychedelic drugs for treating entrenched mental illness, Rodney Cocks, CEO of Vitura Health joins Jan Fran to explain why.

Headlines:

Putin responds to uprising
Guy Sebastian's former manager on bail
Virgin Galactic announces first commercial spaceflight
Aussie women win the Ashes

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Over the weekend a former friend and head of a private Russian military wing pulled his troops from the Ukrainian frontline to confront the Russian government, leaving President Vladimir Putin’s power in question. Putin called it a stab in the back in a televised speech as the war in Ukraine continues. Monica Attard Co-Director, Centre For Media Transition at University of Technology Sydney and from ABC Russian correspondent explains.

Headlines:

Former Australian Labor Party leader Simon Crean dies aged 74
PwC Australia appoints new CEO and offloads government business
Cheap electric car released in Australia
Blood donation rules changed for fresh tattoos

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It’s been eight and a half years since Maz Compton’s last drink and yet drinking is probably what she talks about most.

You’ll likely recognise Maz from her MTV days interviewing the world’s best loved music makers, or the hit NSW Breakfast Show, Maz and Matty.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Maz explains why the term alcoholic isn’t helpful and how she is helping people find and embrace their sober selves, with her podcast and book Last Drinks.

DrinkWise support services https://drinkwise.org.au/

THE WEEKEND LIST:

Watch: She Said on Netflix

Read:Uluru Statement from the Heart

Watch: Arnold on Netflix

Try:Disco ball from Kmart

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It turns out so-called ‘study drugs’ like Adderall (which is sold in Australia as “Vyvanse”) and Ritalin could be making you less productive if you don’t have ADHD. A new study blows apart the belief stimulant drugs can boost focus or productivity no matter if you have ADHD or not.

We speak with one of the authors of the study Dr Elizabeth Bowman from the University of Melbourne about just what they found.

Headlines:

Five declared dead in search for missing sub
Dutton tells PM to call off the Voice referendum
Twitter could be fined over hate speech
Pollies outraged over Taylor Swift snubs

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Rescue teams are continuing to frantically search for a missing Titanic tourist submersible with oxygen expected to run out today. The missing sub lost contact one hour and 45 minutes into the dive, with five people onboard.

Chris White from the Australian Maritime College joins us to explain what it could be like for those onboard right now, and what might have gone wrong.

Headlines:

NSW cops under fire over tasering 'cover up'
Indigenous deaths in custody to be reported in real time
Lawyer X: why it looks like no one will be convicted
WA to decriminalise abortion
The Blues lose Origin II

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The Federal parliament has voted on the legislation for the Voice Referendum which has to happen within six months. While this is a national Voice, Victoria has just voted in their own body quite similar to the voice called the First People’s Assembly of Victoria.

Rueben Berg from the First People’s Assembly of Victoria joins us to explain the importance of state based bodies and Voice v Treaty.

Headlines:

Frantic search continues for Titanic tourists
Lidia Thorpe to help write 'no' campaign pamphlet
Hunter Biden charged with allegedly failing to pay tax
Australia wins the Ashes
Fantales to be discontinued

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26 organisations across Australasia have been trialling the four day work week and the results are in.

The idea is employees get 100% of the pay for working 80% of their previous hours in exchange for a commitment to maintain 100% productivity.

We'll find out how you practically implement the four day work week with Wendy Green from Momentum Mental Health, a business in southern Queensland, as well as Australasian CEO Charlotte Lockhart.

Headlines:

Bride and groom issue statement after bus tragedy
Voice referendum bill passes the senate
Time is running out for PFAS claimants
Major search for Titanic submersible underway
East coast faces coldest days in five years

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It's almost the end of the financial year and that means lodging a tax return. But before you do, Jan Fran takes us through five tax hacks with her accountant sister Helen- helping you minimise the tax you pay and maximise the return you get back.

Headlines:

David Van facing down calls to leave parliament
The Voice referendum debated in the Senate
US top diplomat in China for first time in five years
27-year-old in custody over Noosa man's death
1385 dachsunds break world record

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Jessica Alyssa Cerro was born and raised in the Hills District in Sydney. The child of an Argentinian, professional football-playing father and a Filipino, music loving mother, they were always going to march to the beat of their own drum.

Today, you’re more likely to know them as Montaigne, the Aria award winning artist twice selected to represent Australia at Eurovision and subject of this year’s Archibald Prize winning artwork.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Jessica explains why they chose the name Montaigne and their relationship with fame.

THE WEEKEND LIST:

Watch: Deadloch on Prime Video

Watch:Carry-on for 5 weeks on insta @lisecarlaw

Watch: White men can’t jump on Disney+

Watch:Ed Sheeran doco The Sum of It All on Disney+

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Ezra Miller's appearance on the red carpet of The Flash has caused controversy, with everyone continuing to ask why someone with such a chequered history has been allowed to headline such a massive film. The Flash is also expected to finish off this iteration of the DC Extended Universe which has so far failed to compete with the massive success of Marvel.

We speak with Listnr's Justin Hill who hosts The Streaming Service about just what is going on.

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Drag storytime events have been targeted by far-right groups with violent threats and protests forcing over ten events in the past six months to be cancelled in Australia or move online.

Drag queen Frock Hudson joins us to talk about their experience with several of their story time events being cancelled and what’s being done about it.

Headlines:

Senator David Van removed from parliament
Unemployment rate drops to 3.6%
ASC releases transathlete guidelines
Beyonce bumps up Swedish inflation

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Have you wondered how we're getting access to all these personal text messages, recordings and detail from the Brittany Higgins and Bruce Lehrmann case. The Briefing has the answer and it involves the incredible Israeli spy technology Cellebrite, that sucks all the information out of your phone and most of us have no idea our police and government are using it.

Author Antony Loewenstein of The Palestine Laboratory: How Israel Exports The Technology Of Occupation Around The World, joins us to explain what’s happening.

Headlines:

Lidia Thorpe withdraws claim senator sexually assaulted her
Drug bust: Police stop $1.7b worth of meth
Lisa Wilkinson lodges complaint over Lehrmann interview
Katy Perry v Katie Perry: singer to appeal trademark
Kyrgios reveals mental health battle

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Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures on the planet, but did you know it contains the most toxic compound on earth? If it's so dangerous, why is it safe to use?

In this bonus episode courtesy of the Science Briefing, Dr Sophie Calabretto is joined by Cosmos magazine journalist Jacinta Bowler to talk about the science behind botox, the risks associated with it and the research that is making it safer.

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On Sunday night a horror bus crash in the Hunter Valley took the lives of ten people with 25 more being transported to hospital. The community is in shock as the coach was taking home guests from a wedding. The driver has been charged with 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, driving in a dangerous manner and negligent driving occasioning death.

Local resident Gerard McMillan and LiSTNR NSW News Editor David Dollin who was in court joins us to explain to terrible tragedy.

Headlines:

Trump pleads not guilty over classified documents
Katy Gallagher denies she misled parliament
JPMorgan Chase announces settlement with Epstein victims
New Beatles record to be released thanks to AI

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Orcas have been sinking ships off the coast of Portugal and Spain—with at least three attacks happening in the last month. Scientists believe it could be because of a female orca that was traumatised by being hit by a rudder and is now taking ‘revenge.’ It’s believed she’s taught the rest of her pod how to do it.

We find out exactly what’s going on with Luke Rendell from the University of St Andrews in Scotland.

Headlines:

Bus driver in horror crash to face court
Support for Voice falls below majority
Trump to be arraigned over felony charges
Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has died
Djokovic becomes 23-time grand slam winner

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Maria Thattil has always felt like an outsider looking in, despite being very much immersed in the world of modelling, television, writing and influencing.

Maria is a queer, South-Asian woman, the daughter of migrant parents and a former Miss Universe Australia - who stands a petite five foot three in a world of 6 foot something beauty pageant contestants.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Maria explains what it was like to be told she wasn’t Australian enough to be Miss Universe, her experience on coming out on reality TV and her new memoir Unbound.

THE WEEKEND LIST:

Watch: The Wonder on Netflix

Read:How Can You Overcome Impostor Syndrome? You Don’t

Watch: The Clearing on Disney+

Listen:Blak Matters podcast

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Since the dawn of the space age in the 1950s, we have launched thousands of rockets and sent even more satellites into orbit, with many still circling our planet. This has created an ever-increasing risk of collision as we continue to launch more, leaving us wondering if space junk could crash on earth. y

Dr Matt Agnew, astrophysicist and author of Dr Matt’s guide to life in space, joins us to explain the dangers of space junk.

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Brad Guy fell 15,000 feet and somehow survived. As he navigated a brutal recovery, he initially shut his whole family out of his life, until he realised the hold PTSD was having on him. In this incredible interview he explains how trauma works and he overcame it to live a fulfilling life.

For crisis support - Lifeline 13 11 14

Headlines:

Scott White sentenced over 80s manslaughter
Assange close to extradition after appeal loss
Albanese government facing heat over Higgins texts
ACT bans intersex surgery on children
Queensland premier opens up about miscarriage

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There’s been a worrying rise in police killing and injuring people in the line of duty. Including the recent tasering of 95-year-old great grandmother Clare Nowland, who died of her injuries. Hearing about such cases on the news is a nightmare for Leesa Topic, whose 22-year-old daughter was shot dead by NSW police outside a Hungry Jacks in 2015, in a response condemned as “entirely inappropriate” by a coroner.

Leesa and Terry Goldsworthy, an Associate Professor in Criminology at Bond University, join us to explain what’s happening within the Australian police force.

Headlines:

Prince Harry finishes eight hours of testimony
Controversy over Higgins pay out
Economy in dire straits
LIV and PGA golf tours merge
Nazi symbols to be banned

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Porn addiction isn’t a clinical diagnosis, but psychologists are seeing more and more people whose lives are dictated by when they can get their next dopamine hit from porn.

You’ll hear from man we called “Julian” and how porn addiction took over his life. He was so desperate to get help that he turned up to an alcoholics anonymous meeting for support. We also speak with Jane O’Keeffe, consulting psychologist for sex and porn addiction at South Pacific Private.

In this episode of the Briefing, what to do if you or someone you love has a porn addiction.

Headlines:

Prince Harry makes historic court appearance
The RBA raises rates again
Australian surfer avoids Indonesian jail
Commonwealth bank pays spam fine
BoM declares El Niño alert

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Kathleen Folbigg has been released from prison after serving 20 years for murdering her four children. Yesterday, she received the pardon she’s been waiting for, for over two decades.

We’re joined by Matthew Aguis, science reporter at Cosmos Magazine and the Science Briefing, who explains how and why the decision has been made – and what it means for other court cases with similar findings

In this episode of The Briefing, Kathleen Folbigg’s long journey to freedom.

Headlines:

Judge makes damning findings against Ben Roberts-Smith
US: Mike Pence enters the presidential race
AFL to launch new investigation into Hawthorn
PwC names staff involved in tax scandal

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The number of male teachers in Australia has been steadily declining for decades. In Queensland for example, in the past two decades, the number of female teachers in the state’s schools increased by a staggering 230 times the number of males. Studies suggest if the decline continues male primary school teachers will extinct by 2050.

We’re joined by Angelo Gavrielatos is the President of the NSW Teachers Federation; and Joel, a male teacher who is watching first-hand the decline in numbers of male teachers and the impact the decline is having. 

Headlines:

Bruce Lehrmann speaks out
Indian train crash caused by signalling failure
New poll on Voice to parliament
David Warner plans to retire from test cricket

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The drama of the Roy family has captured the worlds attention, been compared to Shakespeare and created it’s own fashion wave. Why has Succession created so much hype and is it deserved? In this bonus episode of the Briefing, we’re joined by Michael Lucas, screenwriter for Offspring and The Newsreader, to find out what makes Succession such a successful show.

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Comedian Peter Helliar has done it all, from the jungle to co-hosting the Project, to even being declared dead.

I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here was never a reality television experience that had tempted Helliar. But after his resignation from The Project - alongside Carrie Bickmore and Lisa Wilkinson - the time was right to say yes to something totally different.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Helliar is circumspect. Not the usual laugh-a-minute guy you’re used to seeing on screen.

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Ben Roberts-Smith, former SAS soldier and Victoria Cross recipient lost his defamation case against Nine newspapers yesterday, with the judge finding Roberts-Smith committed war crimes.

We sit down with LiSNTR Executive Producer Ellen Leabeater who was the Series producer for Guardian Australia’s podcast Ben Roberts-Smith v the media and followed the 100 day trial.

Headlines:

New revelation in the AFL Hawthorn racism scandal.
BHP has admitted to underpaying nearly 30,000 workers
Bali is trying to crackdown on disrespectful tourists
BOM is forecasting a dry winter

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Today student debts will increase by 7.1% for more than three million Australians thanks to indexation. The average national student debt is $24,770.75 and will be increased by an extra $1758.72 .

We speak to the creator of the HECS-HELP system Bryce Chapman about whether he thinks the current system should remain as is, and former student Hanna who’s furious at the increase.

Headlines:

RBA governor cops criticism for housing comments
PwC to name and shame partners
Government to crackdown on tobacco
The Office is getting an Australian adaptation
Queensland takes down the Blues in Origin I

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Elizabeth Holmes was "the world's youngest self-made female billionaire" with her company Theranos, which promised to detect conditions such as cancer and diabetes needing only a few drops of blood. In 2014 her company was valued at US $9bn, but by 2018 Theranos had collapsed. In 2022 convicted by a jury in California on four counts of fraud and was sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison.

Now in May 2023 Holmes is finally going to prison, we speak with retired biotech executive Anne Kopf-Sill who knew Holmes, about why it took so long?

Headlines:

AFL racism investigation wraps up
New revelations from Dawson trial
Lehrmann drops News Life lawsuit
NATIO to remove PFAS from products
Crown fined $450m

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In senate estimates last week, the AFP commissioner Reece Kershaw mentioned how Gen Z needs more praise in the workplace. It turns out he’d misquoted some research; we find out from organisational psychologist Amanda Ferguson how generational praise has changed and what the research really says.

Headlines:

WA Premier Mark McGowan resigns
PWC stands down nine partners over ATO scandal
Chris Dawson on trial for carnal knowledge as a teacher
Seven has already decided on Kochie’s replacement
Melbourne nightclub under investigation

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40 year old South Australian man Jason Kennison was the 10th climber to die on Mount Everest this climbing season, one of the deadliest in recent history. An area of the mountain called the death zone is the deadliest part of the climb, the term is used for altitudes over eight thousand meters. So what happens to the body when we enter higher altitudes, Dr Deirdre McCormack explains the risks of climbing Everest.

Headlines:

Earthquake in north-west of Melbourne
Biden strikes deal over debt ceiling
Erdoğan claims victory in Turkish presidential election
Thorpe to sue the Greens for racism

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Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts, is a proud Bundjalung Widubul-Wiabul woman who was taken away from her family and her country at age 11.

Vanessa would live with more than a dozen different foster families, before she was old enough to return home to country at age eighteen. Since then she has completed her law and social work degrees, with first class honours and is embarking on a PHD.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi ,Vanessa explains the importance of telling the stories of First Nations children in the foster care system, who are growing up away from their culture, families and land.

Content warning We do mention the names of First Nations people who are no longer living. So please proceed with caution.

24/7 support line for First Nations people 13 Yarn - 13 9276

Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14

Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636

THE WEEKEND LIST:

Watch: Stan Grant’s leaving speech on Q&A

Watch: Finale of Succession on Binge

Watch: The Murdochs: Empire of Influence on SBS

Watch: Queer Eye Season 7 on Netflix

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At the National Press Club on Monday Julian Assange’s wife said 'we're the closest we've ever been' to securing his release and earlier this year Anthony Albanese expressed his frustrated over the detention of Assange.

Gabriel Shipton believes 2023 will be the year his brother Julian will be released, as a Free Julian Assange Rally in Sydney saw over 1000 people in attendance on Wednesday. Gabriel joins us to explain why.

Headlines:

PwC staff stood down over scandal
Fire in Sydney still being mopped up
Officer who tasered grandmother ‘very distressed’
AFP boss says Gen Z needs praise ‘3 times a week’

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If you pay tax, this story will make your blood boil. We explain how PwC, a firm that’s received hundreds of millions of tax payer funds, shared confidential information with corporations trying to pay less tax in Australia.

Find out how this happened and why it took so long to hit the headlines with Carl Rhodes, Professor of Organization Studies at the University of Technology Sydney.

Headlines:

Tasered 95 yr old Clare Nowland dies
Tina Turner dies at 83
WA student in custody after school shooting
US: Ron DeSantis announces presidential run

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Last week Q&A presenter Stan Grant announced he was leaving the ABC after constant racial abuse, and a lack of institutional support.

Torres Strait Islander Rhianna Patrick who is a Briefing host and also a former ABC journalist, speaks to The Briefing about her time and experience at the ABC and discovering what she calls ‘workplace trauma.’

Headlines:

Convicted paedophile and entertainer Rolf Harris has died
Victorian budget features a new Covid debt tax
Netflix is cracking down on password sharing

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China has been the world’s most populous country since 1950, but last month according to UN demographers India has now surpassed China. India is now home to nearly a fifth of humanity and is continuing to grow. How did this happen and what does it mean for geopolitics? Emeritus Professor in Asian Studies at the University of Adelaide Purnendra Jain joins us to explain the significance.

Headlines:

India’s PM touches down in Australia
US signs security pact with Papua New Guinea
Stan Grant has hosted final episode of Q&A
Casual workers are worse off
NZ loses to Australia over Manuka honey

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Young men are the main victims of sextortion in Australia, according to new data to be presented by the eSafety Commissioner in parliament. Sextortion is when a person is extorted for money under threat of having nude images released to family, friends and beyond.

Last year around 60% of reports received by the eSafety scheme were reports of sextortion, we go inside with an eSafety commissioner investigator.

Headlines:

Crackdown on Buy Now Pay Later services
Tasered elderly woman now receiving end of life care
Stan Grant has received an apology from ABC managing director
The race to pay off HELP before indexation

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Kayla Itsines went from training clients in her parents’ backyard to touring around the world hosting sold out boot camps.

But since then she’s become a mother of two and is tackling the idea of ‘bounce back’ culture.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Kayla explains how she is doing the high wire act of new-mum juggling and her approach to fitness since discovering her own vulnerabilities.

THE WEEKEND LIST:

Watch: The Diplomat on Netflix

Eat: Chocolate Dipped Brown Butter Tahini Cookies from Ambitious kitchen

Do: Sydney Comedy Festival

Eat: Air fryer carrot chips

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has officially dropped restrictions that prohibit gay and bisexual men from donating blood. The ban was implemented in 1983 for men who have sex with men due to the AIDS epidemic.

In today’s episode of the Briefing, we discover that since the early 80s, scientific advances and more testing has led to the ban on LGBT men and transwomen donating blood being lifted. We’re joined by Darian Aaron from GLAAD, a US LGBTQ advocacy organisations; and Thomas Buxereau from Australia's 'Let Us Give’ campaign.

So what’s happening in Australia, why hasn’t the ban been lifted here?

Headlines:

Man charged with arson after deadly NZ blaze
The G7 meets in Japan
USA: TikTok banned in Montana
Nadal announces retirement plan

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11,500 Hollywood television and screenwriters are on strike, they’re determined to get better pay and conditions and want safeguards in place against AI. The studios say they can’t hand out pay rises as investors are no longer gung-ho about streaming.

We go inside the strike with writer Josh Gondelman who used to work on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver to find out exactly what’s going on.

Headlines:

Prince Harry and Meghan in “near catastrophic car chase”
Melbourne truckdriver granted bail
Quad meeting officially cancelled
Falls Festival canned
Sherpa climbs Everest for record 27th time

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Snapchat has introduced an AI chatbot that users can ask any question and receive an answer in extreme detail. Users can customise the chatbot’s name, design a Bitmoji avatar for it and it sits alongside conversations with real friends.

Snapchat’s chatbot may feel less transactional but AI ethics expert Julian Koplin says the new technology can be misleading.

Headlines:

Search for bodies resumes at NZ hostel
Biden could visit Australia next week
30 to 34-year-olds under worst cost of living pressure
Support for Voice slips
Gillard says she 'got it wrong' on same-sex marriage

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Anti-crime groups have taken to the streets going door to door targeting suspected thieves in the Queensland town of Rockhampton. The vigilante groups formed on social media despite police warning them that vigilantism is not the answer to community crime.

Indigenous leaders and police are worried, Dr. Terry Goldsworthy, an associate professor in criminal justice and criminology explains why.

Headlines:

PFAS class action settles
A national anti-scam centre is set to open in July
Thailand’s opposition challenges military rule
Turkiye election is too close to call
Martha Stewart on the cover of Sports Illustrated

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New Netflix show Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story has hit the number one spot on the streaming service and gives the back story of the British Queen Charlotte.

The show has been sparking conversation about whether or not she was the first black Queen. British historian Cindy McCreery joins Jan Fran to explain why.

Headlines:

Two charged over neo-Nazi rally
Road death toll climbs despite national strategy
Education fees have almost tripled since 2023
Turkiye could have a new president
Will Australia compete in Eurovision 2024?

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Sarah Harris is the newest host of The Project, filling the shoes of Carrie Bickmore who has been with the agenda-setting news show since its inception.

Harris is no stranger to television. She previously hosted Studio 10 for nearly a decade, and before that was a reporter for Channel 9 and Channel 7.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Sarah explains how nothing could have prepared her for the invasive attention and outdated criticism from some parts of the media and how she’s balancing her new work and parenting.

The Weekend list

Watch: Season 2 Ginny & Georgia on Netflix

Read:Inequality on Steroids | Between the Lines

Watch: Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story on Netflix

Listen:But are you happy? Flex Mami podcast ep

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Former NRL player Jarryd Hayne is expected to be sentenced today. The 35-year-old was found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman on grand final night in 2018, following a third trial last month.

Host of This Arvo in Sydney Sacha Barbour Gatt takes us through the backstory of Jarryd Hayne, his massive fall from grace and why it’s taken so long to get this conviction.

Headlines:

Opposition leader Peter Dutton gives his budget reply
The trade minister is trying to repair relations with China
Biden might skip the quad meeting because of the debt ceiling
Google’s AI chatbot Bard has launched in Australia

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Eurovision is back again, this year being played out in the UK. It’s a change from the norm after Ukraine won last year’s contest, but couldn’t host themselves.

We go behind the scenes with commentator Myf Warhurst to hear all the goss all the way from Liverpool.

Headlines:

Inquiry into the handling of the Brittany Higgins rape trial continues
The Opposition to deliver its budget reply today

- QLD Path to Treaty legislation passes parliament

AFL to find out if they can use Tasmanian Devils name

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We’ve heard artificial intelligence could take our jobs, now a new investigation shows how it could make inequalities worse.

We speak to Tracey Spicer about her new book Man Made: How the bias of the past is being built into the future.

Headlines:

Budget breakdown
Donald Trump has been found liable for sexual abuse
Jenny Craig Australia in voluntary administration

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110 people have been confirmed dead in a Kenyan forest, believed to have starved themselves after following the teachings of a cult called The Good News International Church. The church taught that the end of the world was coming and its followers should starve themselves before that time and then they would go to heaven. Children were to die first, then the unmarried, then mothers and the elderly, and then lastly the church’s leaders.

The leader Paul Mackenzie now faces charges of terrorism, murder, kidnapping and cruelty towards children. We speak with Guardian reporter Caroline Kimeau on the ground about how this tragedy came about.

Headlines:

What to expect in the budget
ACT prosecutor takes stand in Lehrmann-Higgins enquiry
'No' vote groups to merge

-QLD Police Commissioner cautions against retaliating to youth crime

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Is that it? Housing market data shows the downturn in prices is over, for now. One of Australia’s leading property market analysts, Tim Lawless from CoreLogic, explains what this means for first home buyers.

Headlines:

The Coronation celebrations continue
Federal Budget update
Eight people killed in another US mass shooting

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While you may not have heard Michael Lucas’ voice before, you’ve almost certainly heard his words.

Michael is an award winning screenwriter who has been at the helm of some of Australia’s most loved TV shows, from Offspring, to Wentworth and The Newsreader.

In this chat with Jamila Rizv, Michael deep dives into what draws him to telling certain kinds of stories and how his own life experiences shape the lives of his characters.

THE WEEKEND LIST:

Watch: Jury Duty on Amazon Prime

Listen:The Imperfects podcast: Chrissie Swan

Do: Mothers Day gifts – dress up a pot plant, vouchers and planning a day together.

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It’s a big weekend for the royalists around the world with the coronation of King Charles III to take place in London. It’s been 70 years since the last coronation – that of Elizabeth II in 1953.

More than 2000 guests are invited including our PM Anthony Albanese. He’s taking with him around 20 upstanding Australians with him including comedian Adam Hills, who joins us from London.

Headlines:

Huge pay rise coming for aged care workers
Jenny Craig remains open in Aus despite US closure
Adam Cranston has legal funding removed
Russia accuses Ukraine of attempting to assassinate Putin
A huge win for young Aussies looking to move to the UK

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Singer Katy Perry has lost her long running legal fight with Australian clothing designer Katie Perry. Our Federal court has ruled the pop-star infringed in the trademark of the local brand, which was established in 2007 before the singer’s rise to international fame. We speak with clothing designer Katie Perry about why the case went on so long, and how she feels now she finally has a verdict.

Headlines:

9 dead in Serbian school shooting
Mortgage affordability at worst level in 30 years
Paracetamol packets to get smaller
Universities drop languages; take up AI
Faruqi launches court action against Hanson

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This year’s Met Gala theme is ‘Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty' which sparked backlash due to the late fashion designer's views on women's bodies and the #MeToo movement.

We find out about why he was controversial and also dive into the rising issue of cancel culture in major fashion houses with brand consultant and editor Alison Izzo.

Headlines:

Interest rates lift again
Qantas appoints first woman CEO boss
Tasmania to get its own AFL team
Albo has met with King Charles

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Thousands of households are refinancing their mortgages. In February alone $20billion worth of loans were remortgaged. With the fixed rate cliff just around the corner, even more Australians will be looking for a better deal.

In this episode we speak with RateCity’s Sally Tindall on what to do if you’re looking at refinancing and what traps to avoid.

Headlines:

Tributes flow for Masterchef’s Jock Zonfrillo
Health minister announces vape crackdown
Lauren Cranston jailed for eight years
Another US bank fails

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This strange saga has a few twists and turns which have culminated in Disney taking Florida’s governor Ron DeSantis to court. It's the latest move in a year-long battle that started when Disney publicly criticised Florida’s ‘don’t say gay' laws. In retaliation, DeSantis stripped Disney of its 56-year-long self-governing status and even threatened to open a prison near its theme park.

We find out the whole story from Guardian writer Richard Luscombe based in Florida on why one man’s beef with a corporation in his state could have much wider implications.

Headlines:

Housing figures show downturn is over
Two Australians facing jail in Indonesia
Biden jokes about age at White House dinner
Coronation: public asked to make controversial pledge
Netherlands: Sperm donor banned from donating more

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When Melissa Leong tastes her food, everyone pays attention. As the first female MasterChef judge her elegant and evocative descriptions make you feel part of the experience.

When it comes to food, there isn’t much Melissa hasn’t done and in 2022 she was nominated for a Gold Logie.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Melissa touches on her experience of fame as a self-described introvert and what it means to be a woman of colour on prime-time television.

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Did the TV show Succession predict it? The Murdoch's have fired Tucker Carlson and retreated from two giant legal fights with Dominion & Crikey.

In this episode we speak with Paddy Manning, author of The Successor on just how rotten things are in the state of Fox News.

Headlines:

Tucker Carlson speaks out after Fox sacking
US talkshow icon Jerry Springer dies at 79
Credit cards to be banned from online gambling
Katy Perry loses her copyright case with an Australian clothing designer
Ed Sheeran sued by Marvin Gaye's estate

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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Two Australian states have experienced a huge increase in the number of license suspensions. It’s a result of AI detection software that is now being rolled out across the country.

We speak with Listnr's investigative journalist Joey Watson on whether this is just good policy? Or is there more at play?

Headlines:

Annual inflation rate falls to 7%
A new migration strategy to be outlined
Zelenskyy speaks with Xi for the first time
Major Microsoft gaming deal blocked
An update in the Kathleen Folbigg case

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The luxury goods industry is worth $5.3 billion, but it turns out despite the cost of living crisis, young people are driving demand with a third of luxury items purchased by Australians under the age of 30.

We speak with IBISWorld report author Kayla Wheeler, and fashion lecturer Alison Izzo about the new obsession with quiet luxury among young people.

Headlines:

Biden announces re-election bid
Tucker Carlson fired by Rupert Murdoch’s Fox News
Medicine to be cheaper for six million Australians
Victoria is raising the age of criminal responsibility
Prince William got a secret pay out from Murdoch newspaper

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With Australia’s megachurch in turmoil, Tom Tilley has been working on an documentary investigation that reveals how far the problems go back and the real reasons its founder Brian Houston lost control of his church.

In this extended interview with Katrina Blowers, Tom explains how the investigation began and what he learned along the way.

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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A long-awaited review into the RBA has been handed down, with the government supporting the 51 recommendations in principle. Among them, the board that sets interest rates will be split off from the people who govern the overall running of the bank.

We speak with Jonathan Kearns who spent three decades at the RBA and was one of the people consulted by the review panel.

Headlines:

Tributes pour in for Barry Humphries
Landmark Defence Review to be released
Citizenship rules eased for Kiwis
Taylor Gooch wins Aussie LIV Golf tournament
Twitter flips again over the “blue tick”

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Jess Hill is an investigative journalist who has dedicated the last six years of her life to exploring, explaining and making sense of family violence, domestic abuse and sexual assault.

This week she returns to SBS television with a documentary series called Asking For It featuring Grace Tame, Saxon Mullins and other survivors and experts who candidly share their experiences.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Jess reflects on her significant work while also receiving treatment for a brain tumour - an experience Jamila unfortunately knows a bit too well.

content warning this episode includes mention of sexual harassment, domestic violence and assault

1800Respect - 1800 737 732

Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14

Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636

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We take six well known cosmetics to an independent laboratory for testing. The results show that two of the brands contain PFAS, which are dangerous synthetic ‘forever chemicals.’

Find out which brands and how they respond to the results in this special report from Clair Weaver, Investigations Editor at Listnr.

Headlines:

QLD to introduce major drug law changes
ACT to offer free abortion
BuzzFeed News is shutting down
Elon Musk’s rocket explodes
Mother and son survive light plane crash

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It’s been one year since Sydney artist Scott Marsh caused a storm on social media after posting controversial comments about vaccines. The Aussie artist is here to tell us about his experience of having pericarditis after getting the vaccine and how the fallout from that post affected his life.

We’re also speaking to infectious diseases expert Paul Griffin for the facts on vaccine injury.

Headlines:

Reserve Bank to be shaken up
Australia’s first EV strategy announced
PM slams Lidia Thorpe
Father Bob Maguire dies aged 88
India to overtake China’s population

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An Australian-first study has been launched looking at the online hate directed at female athletes. At the Tokyo games, 87% of online abuse towards athletes was directed at females. Female athletes say it's not an option to not use social media, because they are paid less and rely on it for income. So, what is it like being on the receiving end of daily online abuse? We talk with Olympic swimmer Cate Campbell and Dr Caitlin McGrane from Deakin University about the problem.

Headlines:

Landmark Fox trial settles
Jacinta Price named as new Shadow Minister
Jobseeker payments deemed "seriously inadequate" in new report
Charles chooses quiche for coronation

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The controversial Bold Glamour filter on TikTok has now been used almost 40 million times. The AI filter gives users the perfect bone structiue, full lips and flawess skin. It’s so realistic in fact, that some users say it should come with a warning as it’s setting unrealistic expectations of how we should look.

On this episode of the Briefing we speak to cosmetic surgery consultant Dr Rand Younes about what impact are these filters having on self-esteem and is it causing a rise in the number of people getting fillers and botox?

Headlines:

Shorten: “NDIS needs a reboot”
Aussies scammed out of $3.1 billion
Man dies on Kokoda Track
Cosmetic surgery patients to need psych test

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In 2007, due to road fatalities among young drivers, the learner period more than doubled from 50 hours to 120 hours in NSW and Victoria, but new research suggests these changes have done nothing to change road tolls. For almost 25 years, teenagers in New South Wales have been logging their driving hours, but with little evidence on the benefits, until now. So should they be scrapped and what is needed instead?

Headlines:

'No' ad campaign kicks off
New survey reveals only 35% of GP's are offering bulk billing
Bali wants to revoke visas for Russians/Ukrainians
Vape company investigated over illegal TikTok ads
Collingwood apologises for 1993 racism

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Kate Jenkins has changed Australian workplaces forever during her seven-year term as Sex Discrimination Commissioner.

During her time in the role Kate delivered the landmark Respect@Work report, which made a series of recommendations that laws be changed around workplace sexual harassment.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Kate reflects the last seven years in the role as she reaches to the final week of being Commissioner.

content warning this episode includes mention of sexual harassment and assault

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The LNP is divided on the First Nations Voice. The shadow Attorney General Julian Leeser has stepped down from the Shadow Cabinet over the issue, while Tasmania’s Bridget Archer has also made it clear she supports the Voice.

In this episode of The Briefing we speak with Jacqui Munro – member for the NSW legislative council, a Liberal who is for the Voice about how she came to that position, what the implications are for Peter Dutton and the rest of the party.

Headlines:

Man arrested over Pentagon leak
Presbyterian church doesn’t want sexually active school captains
Dutton calls for more action from PM in Alice Springs
Cyclone Ilsa makes landfall in WA
Harry Potter to get a TV series

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From disrupting local council meetings, to denying the Holocaust - there’s a new movement of conspiracy theorists called My Place, who are taking some of the most dangerous beliefs on the internet and confronting councils around Australia. In this episode, we speak to ABC journalist, Emily Baker, about her recent interview with the group’s leader.

Headlines:

Prince Harry to attend coronation
El Niño could be on the way
Elon Musk says Twitter has been “painful”
Dinosaur skull found in Queensland

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Leadership author, columnist and company director Kirstin Ferguson says ”I truly believe we are all leaders; whether we lead our families, our business or our country.” In her new book, Head and Heart, she argues despite history handing privileged men more formal leadership positions, all of us – from a checkout operator at Woolies to the Prime Minister of a country – can effectively step up to the plate, read what the room needs in key moments and be great leaders.

So, what’s holding us back?

Headlines:

Liberal minister steps down to back Voice
IMF warns global economy is being pushed toward recession
Class action launched over contraceptive device
China to review Australia barley tariffs
Two Aussies win at Bells Beach

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The latest World Obesity Federation Report found 51 per cent of the world, or more than 4 billion people, will be obese or overweight within the next 12 years, with rates rising fastest among children.

In today’s Briefing, we explore what it means for the next generations of Australians; what the contributing factors are; and why crash dieting is one of the worst ways to tackle the crisis.

Headlines:
- Dalai Lama apologises for asking boy to “suck his tongue”
- Classified Pentagon documents leaked
- China "successfully completes” military drills around Taiwan
- Four killed in Kentucky mass shooting

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Mid-last year, figures showed Tinder subscriptions dropped, and it was largely attributed to Gen Z making a switch. More recently, Bumble has taken a tumble late last year, and it was largely Gen Z users who were not renewing their subscriptions.

We talk to Lisa Portolan is a dating expert about whether people are turning away from dating apps altogether or moving towards more niche ones?

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Kath Koschel is a former Australian Cricket player and founder of The Kindness Factory who has lived the highest of highs and lowest of lows, to a degree you’d never expect of someone who hasn’t yet reached her 40s.

On track for a sensational cricketing career, debuting for NSW in 2011, Kath’s dream was abruptly cut short. In the space of five years she would break her back twice, and in that same period lose the love of her life to suicide.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Kath explains how her new book explores what she’s learned about perspective, connection and happiness, and how the kindness of strangers helped her through life’s cruellest moments.

content warning this episode includes mention of suicide

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Have you ever thought about where the chocolate in your Easter egg comes from and how it is made? In this episode, we speak to John Dumay, research lead on the chocolate scorecard which rates the ethics and sustainability of some of the world’s biggest chocolate brands.

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Pop star Lewis Capaldi has announced he may have to quit his music career as the stress of making a second album has made his tourettes worse. The Scottish star is the latest to speak publicly about the condition, Billie Eilish has also opened up about her diagnosis.

In this episode, we’re looking into what it’s like living with the condition and how it impacts daily life.

Headlines:

Dutton confirms LNP will oppose plans for the Voice
Lowe warns of interest rate jumps
Cleo Smith abductor sentenced
Trump slams NY judge following arrest

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AI technology jumped onto most people’s radar last year with the launch of Chat GPT. Now, one of the biggest tech leaders, Elon Musk, has signed a letter calling for a pause on the GPT technology. So, what are Elon Musk and the other high-profile signatories to this letter worried about? In this episode we explore what GPT actually is and find out if it’s realistic to pause it.

Headlines:

Trump pleads not guilty to 34 charges
RBA pauses interest rates
NRL star Jarryd Hayne convicted of sexual assault
Madeleine McCann claimant gets DNA results
Rupert Murdoch’s engagement called off

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Malcolm Turnbull originally rejected the idea of a Voice to parliament in 2017, but he's now come around. In this episode, we find out if the former Prime Minister takes responsibility for setting The Voice back and why he supports it now.

Malcolm Turnbull's brand new podcast is Defending Democracy and dives deep into his thoughts on the state of the world and our political system.

Headlines:

Trump heading to New York over Stormy Daniels charges
TikTok banned from government devices
Melbourne principal guilty of sexual abuse
Finland joins NATO
Tributes for Indigenous leader Yunupingu

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Malcolm Turnbull was Australia's 29th Prime Minister, holding office from 2015 - 2018. His brand new podcast Defending Democracy dives deep into his thoughts on the state of the world and our political system and asks the question - are we witnessing the decline of western/liberal democracy?

Headlines:

Liberals smashed in Aston by-election
VIC: Daniel Andrews breaks silence over China trip
NSW Premier vows to never work with Mark Latham
The Pope is on the mend
Max Verstappen wins F1 Grand Prix

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Susanne Legena is the CEO of child rights organisation Plan International Australia, a passionate feminist, and champion of young people.

In 2014, after spending a 15 year career working in corporate and government communications, Susanne decided to make a big career change.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi Susanne talks about how she became CEO of Plan and how her own story of fertility struggles played a big part in deciding to dedicate her life’s work to girls’ equality.

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The Victorian government is moving to ban the Nazi salute after neo-Nazis made the gesture on the steps of parliament. The issue has also spilled into federal parliament: Attorney General Mark Dreyfus tried to make a point the LNP had not called out the behaviour, but opposition leader Peter Dutton called his bluff saying he would support a federal ban of Nazi symbolism.

In this episode, we find out what the state of play is across the country when it comes to Nazi symbolism, and if banning Nazi symbolism could make a difference.

Headlines:

Liberals to be tested in Victoria
Latham condemned for homophobic remarks
Palmer launching $300m lawsuit
Voice to Parliament Bill introduced
Climate safeguard bill passes

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The recent NSW election result puts Labor in power right across the country, except for Tasmania. The last time – indeed, the only time – it has been in office in all nine of Australia's jurisdictions was for a few months between late November 2007 and early September 2008. So, why has this happened and what does it mean for Australian citizens?

In this episode we unpack how we have changed as a society and how the Liberal party has misread modern Australia.

Headlines:

Inflation falls for second month
Parliamentary inquiry into ADHD
Peter Bol cleared by independent labs
Prince Harry says palace knew about alleged phone hacking
Elon Musk, Bill Gates call for pause on AI

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Joe Biden has just approved the Willow Project in Alaska – the biggest oil drilling project in the US for decades. During his election campaign, Biden vowed to end oil and gas drilling, but his administration has now given the $8billion project the green-light. Climate activists are outraged, with over one-million letters being sent to the White House, 4.7-million petition signatures, and a trending #StopWillow TikTok hashtag. So, what is the Willow Project, when will drilling begin and should we be worried about the impact it will have on our climate?

In this episode, we speak to Ian Dooley, a lawyer from Earthjustice, the group trying to sue against the Willow project.

Headlines:

Body cam footage of US shooting released
NSW Labor likely to form minority government
SAS officer granted bail
39 die in fire on Mexico-US border
Victorian man strikes gold finding $240K nugget

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The incredible story of Adam and Lauren Cranston, the children of a former tax commissioner, who attempted to steal $105m from the ATO. We speak to Weekend Telegraph journalist Brenden Hills for part 2 of this story.

In this half, Brenden explains the way the pair abused their father’s position, the phone taps that eventually brought them undone and how their relationship with their father is looking now.

Headlines:

Labor gets support to pass emissions bill
Vic MP Moira Deeming suspended over neo-Nazi rally
Crown Resorts admits data breach
Prince Harry in London for privacy court case

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The incredible story of Adam and Lauren Cranston, the children of a former tax commissioner, who attempted to steal $105m from the ATO. We explain how the scam began, the way they abused their father’s position, and the phone taps that eventually brought them undone. PLUS - Jan Fran and Tom Tilley break down Labor’s NSW election win.

Headlines:

Chris Minns wins NSW election
Dominic Perrottet steps down as NSW Liberal Leader
South Australia becomes the first state to legislate the Indigenous Voice to Parliament
Prince Andrew in talks with US authors about his own memoir

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Lizzy Hoo is many things, a writer, a noddle enthusiast, the child of a Hollywood-style love story, an actor, a rescue greyhound owner - and, as she’s only recently discovered - a person of colour.

Lizzy grew up in a funny household with her Dad playing tricks on the family constantly, with comedy in her bones Lizzy was always destined to be funny.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Lizzy explains how she quit her day job to do comedy full time, becoming one of Australia’s most exciting new voices.

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The NSW election takes place this Saturday. The LNP’s Dominic Perrottet is going up against Labor’s Chris Minns. Polls are putting Labor just ahead, but the coalition is far from being counted out.

In this episode, we’ve got Sacha Barbour Gatt, host of new Listnr Sydney news podcast This Arvo in Sydney, to tell you everything you need to know about tomorrow’s election.

Subscribe to This Arvo in Sydney on the LiSTNR app or wherever you download your podcasts.

Headlines:

PM Anthony Albanese unveils Voice to Parliament question
Senator Lidia Thorpe clashes with police during anti-trans-rights rally
TikTok CEO questioned by US lawmakers
New massive species of spider discovered in QLD

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Donald Trump is back in the spotlight again, after announcing he's going to be arrested based on charges stemming from a 2016 investigation into a payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. Elon Musk reacted saying if Trump is arrested, then he 'will be re-elected in a landslide.’ Yet, no arrest has actually happened - but it has got the world talking about Trump again. So, are we all falling victim to the Trump hype machine?

In this episode, we speak to David Smith, from the US Studies Centre at Sydney University, to find out more about the Stormy Daniels case.

Headlines:

Wording of The Voice to be signed off
Government shut down opposition bill to ban Nazi symbolism
Intersex law change in ACT
Third person charged after LGBT protest turns ugly

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Listnr’s investigative journalist Joey Watson spent three hours in Sydney’s Long Bay prison meeting offenders who are selling their art through Boom Gate Gallery - Australia’s only permanent prison art gallery.

In this episode of The Briefing, we go behind the scenes at one of the most dangerous and notorious prisons in the country to find out how art is helping prisoners survive behind bars.

Headlines:

Fight over Nazi symbols spills into fed parliament
Trump not indicted… yet
Final multi-million dollar tax fraud offender behind bars
Good news for mortgage holders
Finland: the happiest place on earth

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Queensland will become the second jurisdiction in Australia to implement a pill-testing regime to test for purity and contamination in recreational drugs. The Palaszczuk government will roll out pill testing services, at fixed and mobile sites, to chemically test illicit drugs to check for the presence of potentially dangerous substances and chemical compounds, with the aim of changing the behaviour of users and reducing the risk of harm from drug use. Queensland is developing protocols around the operation of testing, off the back of successful trials conducted at festivals and a fixed site in Canberra.

In today’s Briefing, we speak to Juile Tam who lost her son after taking MDMA at a music festival and Rebecca Lang from the Queensland Network for Alcohol and Other Drug Agencies.

Headlines:

Ex SAS soldier faces life in prison
Chinese and Russian leaders meet to talk peace in Ukraine
UN releases dire climate report
Rupert Murdoch to be married for the fifth time

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Scientists in the US have been working on developing a male contraceptive pill and new research means we could be a step closer to having it available for use. After testing it on mice, the pill has been shown to switch off the enzyme that the sperm needs to reach the egg. There is still a way to go before it is available for men, but is this something they want to use and would women trust men to take it?

In this episode, we speak to Lonny Levin and Jochen Buck from Weill Cornell’s graduate school of medical science, about how they’re helping develop this pill.

Headlines:

Victoria considering banning Nazi salute
Navy ramps up recruitment drive
Trump calls on supporters to protest
Putin defiant after International Criminal Court issues arrest warrant
UBS in emergency talks to buy Credit Suisse

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Comedian Nikki Britton wanted to be a Shakespearean actor before somebody said her over-the-top expressions were too much for serious theater.

So she transferred her talents first to children’s entertainment, working at Disneyland in LA and spending 12 years as Captain Starlight in children’s hospitals.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Nikki explains how she found stand up, how acting played a part in the process and her new haircut.

Tickets for her new show Getting Out In Front Of It at here

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It’s been all over the news: we’re buying nuclear submarines. The subs are set to be world-leading with Australia becoming only the seventh country in the world to have them, but we won’t get them for at least a decade– and they are coming at an astronomical price: $368 billion.

In this episode, we speak to Australian Strategic Policy Institute Director and defence expert Bec Shrimpton, to find out why buying these submarines is so important.

Headlines:

Global investment bank bailed out
Latrell Mitchell’s racial abuser issued warning
Lehrmann says he lied about having defamation lawyer
TikTok owners told to sell or risk US ban

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Silicon Valley Bank collapsed last week, after being forced to cash in assets due to a slowing tech sector. The bank specialised in lending to early-stage businesses, and the company served nearly half of US venture-backed technology and healthcare companies that listed on stock markets last year. Three days later Signature Bank, a New York crypto-focused institution also fell.

In this episode, we speak to William Chittenden, an associate professor of finance and economics at the Texas State University, to find out why the banks went under, who’s affected, and what happens now.

Headlines:

Paul Keating slams AUKUS deal
NRL introduces concussion rules
2 in 5 Australian adults have experienced violence
Drug use down 10%

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Journalist Elfy Scott grew up in a household where her mother's schizophrenia was rarely spoken about. For many years, this complex mental health condition was treated as an open secret, until she was told about her mother’s condition by a school counsellor. Her book ‘The One Thing We’ve Never Spoken About’ explores why schizophrenia is still such a taboo topic.

In this episode of the Briefing, we discuss why complex conditions like schizophrenia have been left behind while more common conditions like anxiety and depression are now more widely spoken about.

Headlines:

Concern over cost of AUKUS subs
Players launch class action against AFL
La Niña ends
US inflation eases
New study could speed up endometriosis diagnosis

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Founded by two Aussies, F45 was launched on the New York Stock Exchange back in 2021 and was immediately valued at $2 billion with endorsees among the biggest names in sport and entertainment. Less than two years later, it is a vastly different story. At least five F45 gyms across Victoria, Queensland and South Australia - which are individually owned but franchise operated - have entered liquidation in the past six months. So why has the shine gone off F45? And what does the future hold for what was once, one of the fastest-growing gym franchises in the world?

In today’s Briefing, we speak to Dan Brova, who ran F45 gyms for 8 years, about the rise and fall of the Australian franchisor.

Headlines:

“New dawn” in Australian defence announced
Biden reassures US banking sector
Latrell Mitchell speaks out about racial abuse saga
Enid Blyton’s books to be updated
Everything Everywhere All At Once sweeps the Oscars

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Thousands of schoolgirls have been poisoned across Iran. The attacks have been described by some observers as part of an extremist response – perhaps with tacit state endorsement – to the protests led by women and girls that have rocked Iran since the death of Mahsa Amini in September. Human Rights groups say the total number of victims is more than 7,000. So why are schoolgirls being poisoned in Iran?

In this episode, we speak to Nos Hosseini - Secretary and Spokesperson at Iranian Women's Association to find out, what role, if any, the Iranian government is playing in the attacks.

Headlines:

Historic AUKUS meeting to go ahead

Hillsong hits back after fraud allegations

Teen says Mitchell slur not ‘racially motivated’

US: Second biggest bank collapse ever

Aussie-made Elvis nominated for 8 Oscars

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Linda Marigliano is an Australian radio announcer and musician, turned podcaster and storyteller.

She’ll likely have kept you company during the afternoon on Triple J back in the 2010s or in lockdown with her poignant, honest podcast Tough Love.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Linda reflects on how her sense of career changed when she couldn’t control the next step whilst also being in a long distance relationship.

Find Linda’s podcast Tough Love here

All About Women event here

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As interest rates rise for a tenth consecutive time, we have a cautionary tale about Cherish Kuehlmann. One night last month the student was woken up by officers who ‘barged into the house’ and took her to a police station, where she was charged with a trespass offense. Her crime? Protesting the Reserve Bank.

In this episode, Cherish tells us how she was put in a cell for protesting the cost of housing, bank profits and the Reserve Bank’s monetary policy.

Headlines:

Australia is buying up to five nuclear submarines
Hillsong has been accused of money laundering and tax evasion
Trial of Jewish school principal Malka Leifer closes
Alice Springs sees drop in crime

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In Gen F'd? economist Alison Pennington writes about how the most educated generation in Australian history looks set to be the first generation worse off than their parents.

Millions of young people are struggling to secure full-time work and own homes. The book gives young people the tools needed to help create change and opportunities.

Headlines:

Ten and Newscorp file Lehrmann defamation defence
Murdoch admits Fox may have gone “too far”
Thorpe cleared of contempt of parliament
Albo touches down in India
RBA hints rates could pause

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South Korea has the lowest fertility rate in the world and last month it broke its own record. The average number of expected babies per South Korean woman fell to 0.78 in 2022 down from 0.81 a year earlier. This makes South Korea the only country in the world with a fertility rate below one, which means more people are dying than being born.

In this episode, we speak to professor in policy studies Ruth Phillips to find out why it's happening and if it could ever happen here.

Headlines:

RBA rate hike will still “sting”
Preliminary report into Gold coast helicopter crash released
Supermarkets to pilot a new soft plastics recycling program
Grace Tame’s abuser pleads not guilty to harassing her on Twitter
Britain introduces new law to “stop the boats”
Statues of our first female parliamentarians to be unveiled

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Australia's largest soft plastics recycling scheme REDcycle collapsed last November and last week the scheme was declared insolvent by the Supreme court. Soft plastics collected from supermarkets were sent to warehouses where they’ve been stockpiled for months, leaving consumers disappointed and pushing Australia even further from its national packaging target. So, how far are we from that 2025 goal?

In this episode, we speak to Jeff Angel, Director of the Total Environment Centre and Boomerang Alliance, about the collapse of REDcycle.

Headlines:

Turnbull gives evidence at robodebt inquiry
Perth mint accused of diluting gold
Protests in Aldi over transport workers’ wages
Reserve Bank to hike rates again
Toblerone to change logo

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March 8 is International Women's Day.

We asked the women (and a couple of men) behind your favourite LiSTNR podcasts and radio shows to share about a time they’ve #EmbracedEquity and challenged gender stereotypes, called out discrimination, drawn attention to bias and sought out inclusion.

Hear from Carrie Bickmore, Jess Rowe, Sarah Maree Cameron, Fifi Box, Turia Pitt, Natarsha Belling, Jamila Rizvi, Steph Claire Smith & Laura Henshaw, Erin Molan, Lem Zakharia, Loren Barry and Kymba Cahill along with Tommy Little, Brendan Fevola and Nick Cody.

Check out https://www.internationalwomensday.com/ for more information.

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Three years into the pandemic there are still people who (as far as they know) have never contracted or tested positive for Covid. They’re called ‘novids’ and right now there’s an international, first-of-its-kind study underway into why these people have dodged the rona. Is there a genetic basis for this or are they just lucky?

In this episode, we speak to our social media producer Sarah Bol, who has never caught covid and Adrian Esterman Chair of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the University of South Australia.

Headlines:

Aussies back Super changes
Trump’s support diminished at conservative event
World Pride wraps up
NRL: Dream start for new the Dolphins
Chris Rock hits back at Will Smith in comedy special

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Dilruk Jayasinha is one of Australia’s most in-demand comedians. His new stand up show is called Heart Stopper, named as such because in Hindi, Dil means heart and Ruk means stop.

But the show’s title has since become especially apt because last year, at the age of just 37, one of the critical arteries in Dilruk’s heart gave out and he suffered a heart attack. As he says himself, spoiler alert, Dilruk has survived.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Dilruk explains how he made the switch from working as an accountant at a big four to becoming a stand up comedian.

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Facebook and Instagram users can now pay for their blue verified tick. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced last week what’s called the Meta Verification subscription bundle. It will enable users to increase their security and reach. The new subscription model is only available in Australia and New Zealand and Meta will monitor the take-up and popularity of the new model before rolling it out worldwide. Some people are saying social media is no longer free.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by CNET’s Clare Riley, who gives us her take on what this means for the future of these social platforms.

Headlines:

Former minister takes responsibility for robodebt
Death toll from Greek rail crash rises
Sticky Fingers dropped from Bluesfest
Aboriginal spears to be returned to Botany Bay

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Renters across Australia are being ripped off - having to pay for so-called background checks to help them secure a property. The step is causing havoc and heartache in a sector already in crisis.

Last year, journalist Bension Siebert investigated real estate agents across the country using rental application platforms that pressure renters to pay for their own background checks. Bension, now a member of LiSTNR’s investigative journalism team, has the exclusive story that the South Australian Government is moving to outlaw the practice.

In this episode, we hear how an investigation by one of our team members has led to a big win for renters.

Headlines:

Inflation may have peaked
FBI backs Covid lab leak theory
Wilkinson to prove Lehrmann raped Higgins in defence to lawsuit
Greta Thunberg detained again
Bieber cancels Australian tour

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Kathleen Folbigg has been in prison for nearly 20 years, charged with murdering 3 of her children and one charge of manslaughter. While she’s been behind bars, genetics research has made exponential leaps. New evidence uncovered by two Danish researchers could prove critical to her case.

In this bonus episode courtesy of the Science Briefing, Dr Sophie Calabretto talks to Cosmos Magazine journalist Matthew Agius about this game-changing science that could rewrite the Folbigg story.

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Kathleen Folbigg is serving a minimum 25-year prison sentence after being convicted in 2003 of the murder of her three children, Patrick, Sarah, and Laura, and the manslaughter of her first child, Caleb. Each died suddenly between 1989 and 1999, aged between 19 days and 18 months. Her supporters say there's no pathological or medical basis to conclude homicide in any of the Folbigg children's deaths.

In this episode, we speak to Kathleen’s childhood friend, Tracy Chapman, who talks to her every day from the phone in prison. Tracey’s letters with Kathleen were also key evidence in the inquiry.

Headlines:

Toyah Cordingley’s alleged killer extradited
More taxes for rich super balances
Robodebt: Inquiry hears minister ignored legal advice

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Conversion therapy is banned in Qld, Victoria and the ACT, but it’s still legal in NSW. It's in the process of being banned in WA, but still looks to be legal in the NT and SA too.

In NSW, Independent MP Alex Greenwich plans to introduce an omnibus Equality Bill including a ban on conversion practices. In this two-part special we find out the impact conversions therapy can have on individuals and why legislation is so patchy across the country.

Headlines:

AFL players in multi-million dollar class action
Covid lab leak theory gains traction
New stats show corporate profits behind inflation
Splendour in the Grass organisers apologise

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Conversion therapy is banned in Qld, Victoria and the ACT, but it’s still legal in NSW. It's in the process of being banned in WA, but still looks to be legal in the NT and SA too. In NSW, Independent MP Alex Greenwich plans to introduce an omnibus Equality Bill including a ban on conversion practices. In this two-part special we find out the impact conversions therapy can have on individuals and why legislation is so patchy across the country.

In episode, we hear from Kim Kemmis - a man who trained to be a Christian minister before going through conversion therapy.

Headlines:

Australian professor released in Papua New Guinea
PM marches in Mardi Gras for first time
Queensland to roll out pill testing
Roald Dahl original books to be kept in print after backlash
Aussie women win T20 World Cup in South Africa

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Why are all the good songs written for people in their twenties? Why is it, as we get older and have partners, and children, pets and parents-in-law, mortgages and muscle aches, that music stops being written about our experiences?

Claire Tonti is trying to change that. She’s a teacher turned podcaster turned musician and she’s just released her debut album Matrescence.

Eleven original tracks, stripped back acoustic folk, Claire sings about everything from birth trauma to what it means to be a woman, loss of identity and independence and the transition to motherhood.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Claire Tonti talks about taking risks, changing careers in mid-life and making music for the person you once were.

THE WEEKEND LIST:

See: Rocky Horror the Musical at Theatre Royal

Watch:Not Dead Yet on Disney+

Visit: Feared and Revered at the National Museum of Australia

Eat:Pialligo Estate Winery: Farm To Table Dining

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Later this year we'll be voting in a referendum on the Voice, but how did it come about?

In this bonus episode we go into the history of the Voice: the Uluru Statement from the Heart. The Uluru Statement originally called for an Aboriginal voice to parliament. It came from a convention bringing together over 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders at the foot of Uluru.

We speak with Thomas Mayor who wasone of the 250 signatories. He’s written a book, Finding the Heart of the Nation, on his 18-month journey taking the statement all across Australia.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Footage from last month’s Invasion Day rallies around Australia featured speakers urging those gathered to vote ‘No’ in the promised Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum expected later this year. Most Australians would think the vast majority of First Nations people would support a ‘Yes’ vote – but that’s not necessarily the case.

In this two-part special, we speak to advocates from both sides of the debate so we can better understand what’s at stake when we eventually get our chance to vote in the referendum.

In this episode, we hear from Bridget Cama, who is Co-Chair of the Uluru Youth Dialogue, a law graduate and Wiradjuri and Pasifika Fijian woman. She tells us why she’s supporting the voice.

Headlines:- One year on: Ukraine war
- Sydney cold case finally closed
- Russians behind Medibank hack
- The Voice ‘Yes’ campaign launches

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Footage from last month’s Invasion Day rallies around Australia featured speakers urging those gathered to vote ‘No’ in the promised Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum expected later this year. Most Australians would think the vast majority of First Nations people would support a ‘Yes’ vote – but that’s not necessarily the case.

In this two-part special, we speak to advocates from both sides of the debate so we can better understand what’s at stake when we eventually get our chance to vote in the referendum. In this episode, we hear from a proud Bundjalung woman and human rights advocate, Vanessa Turnbull Roberts, about why she’s opposing the voice.

Headlines:

Biggest fall in real wages on record
Tech companies issued please explain over child abuse
Sampa The Great pulls out of Bluesfest
‘Yes’ campaign for the Voice kicks off

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Pokies are responsible for more than half of Australia’s serious gambling harm, with NSW alone holding 35% of the world's pokie machines. Now, the NSW LNP government is pledging major reform ahead of the state’s May election.

In this episode, we speak to Drew Rooke - author of One Last Spin and ask how pokies took hold of Australia and why now is the time for reform.

Headlines:

Putin pulls out of nuclear treaty
Baby pulled from rubble in Turkiye adopted
Albo dips in latest opinion poll
Australia joins pushback against Russian athletes
Bluesfest defends controversial line up

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Have you ever wondered why some people instantly click and others don’t? Dr Ali Walker is an Australian human connection scientist who's just written a book called Click or Clash. It covers why you bond easily with some people but have friction with others. It also looks at how we make friends and fall in love; the four types of belonging (and how to achieve them); the three types of loneliness (and how to avoid them); and how to communicate in true alignment with who you are.

In this episode, we explore why some of us click and some of us don’t with Dr Ali Walker.

Headlines:

Biden visits Ukraine
New quake in Turkey
Unions push to ban stone with silica
Professor kidnapped in Papua New Guinea
Meta to roll out paid blue ticks

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Have you ever wondered why some people instantly click and others don’t? Dr Ali Walker is an Australian human connection scientist who's just written a book called Click or Clash. It covers why you bond easily with some people but have friction with others. It also looks at how we make friends and fall in love; the four types of belonging (and how to achieve them); the three types of loneliness (and how to avoid them); and how to communicate in true alignment with who you are.

In this episode, we explore why some of us click and some of us don’t with Dr Ali Walker.

Headlines:

Thousands still missing in NZ following cyclone
Australia loses second India test
Roald Dahl books edited to take out ‘fat’ and ‘ugly’

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Aaron Fa’Aoso is a film producer, director, screenwriter and actor, who also in his first career played professional rugby for the Canterbury Bulldogs.

Life for Aaron has been… so far, so good. His newly released autobiography is titled exactly that, and makes Aaron the first Torres Strait Islander to ever release a commercially published memoir.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Aaron touches on his triumphs and darkest days, what he’s learned and what he wants the next generation of young First Nations men to know.

THE WEEKEND LIST:

Product: Willy and Bear drink bottle cup holder

Listen:Claire Tonti’s new album Matrescence

Watch: Season 4 of You - Netflix

Watch:Full Swing - Netflix

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The rise of online scammers has seen many Aussies losing their life savings with little to no hope of being reimbursed by their bank. In Australia, it’s estimated only 13% of scams are recorded, due to either embarrassment or the lack of confidence the victim will be reimbursed. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Consumer Action Law Centre are calling for Australia to adopt a similar approach on banking scams as in the UK. CommBank recently announced NameCheck technology which will launch in late March and will check the account details match up on all transactions, helping reduce scams and fraud.

In this episode, we speak to Professor Steve Worthington from Swinburne Uni about how we can protect ourselves from scammers.

Headlines:

Last year’s fatal police shooting in Queensland labeled a religiously motivated terrorist attack.
Tragic end to North Queensland zinc mine search
Aussie disaster experts sent to help New Zealand
The unemployment rate is up

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In the lead-up to International Women’s Day, we investigate the concept that women have to somehow ‘have it all.’ It comes as a recent article in a News Corp paper suggested a string of high profile women’s marriages broke down because they ‘dared to have it all.’ The BBC also questioned New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s ability to ‘have it all.' Antoinette wrote an op-ed in the Herald to suggest this is unfair and problematic.

In this episode, we speak to Annabel Crabb, writer and television host, about this 'having it all' mantra; what it means, who defines it and how it is used around successful women.

Headlines:

Captain of Thai rescue football team dies
RBA governor defends rate hikes
Search and rescue operation underway for two miners
Man arrested after cocaine haul discovery

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This is our second episode focusing on adult ADHD. Two weeks ago we spoke with Bridget Pringle, a Melbourne based advertising professional and mother of two who was diagnosed about two years ago. Bridget told us about what it was like living with ADHD – and how it answered lots of unanswered questions for her.

In today’s Briefing, we’re joined by Mark Bellgrove, the President of the Australian ADHD Professionals Association to find out what you should do if you think YOU may have adult ADHD.

Unfortunately it’s not as straightforward as it should be to get the diagnosis and treatment for adult ADHD. In this episode of the Briefing what do you if you have adult ADHD?

Headlines:

Olympian Peter Bol cleared to run
NT Alcohol bans to be reinstated this week
Trump’s first challenger launches presidential bid
New Zealand declares state of emergency
Three men wanted after cocaine haul

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Edelman’s annual Trust Barometer has revealed that the government and the media are among the least trusted by Australians. Whereas trust in business to take on social and structural issues, like climate change, is greater.

We’re joined by Tom Robinson, the Australian CEO of Edelman; and Zara Seidler is Co-Founder of leading youth news service The Daily Aus.

So in today's Briefing, why are Australians distrusting of government and the media – but more trusting of business – and why Gen Z is even more distrusting than Millennials.

Headlines:

Dutton says sorry for boycotting 'apology'
7 month old rescued in Turkey
Brain surgeon Charlie Teo faces hearing
A tough day for the Aussies playing in the Super Bowl!

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Australia has the highest skin cancer rates in the world - with one person here diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes. Last year alone, 17,000 people were diagnosed. Social media is adding to the problem with ‘suntanning’ now trending on TikTok and Instagram. So, how do we drive down the numbers when so many people are obsessed with tanning?

In this episode, we’re joined by Samantha Brett, who has created her own range of sun protection products to encourage Australians to protect themselves as part of their everyday routine. We also speak to Melissa Mason who is lobbying for the federal government to BAN sun tanning products.

Headlines:

Refugees stuck in limbo finally get answers
Blame game in Turkiye as death toll rises
Wholesale energy prices lower than predicted
Two more UFOs shot down over North America
Two Aussies to play in the Super Bowl

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Jeanette Francis, better known as Jan Fran, is one of our brilliant hosts of The Briefing podcast. Jan recently returned to the show after having her beautiful baby boy.

Jan Fran is a Lebanese-Australian journalist, presenter and is ridiculously accomplished. She has won a Walkley award, worked as a foreign correspondent and is well known as a television presenter and content creator.

In this episode Jamila Rizvi and Jan Fran delve into everything from her childhood, motherhood and multiculturalism in this country.

THE WEEKEND LIST

WATCH: Pamela, A Love Story – Netflix

DO: Follow Molly Baz on Instagram

WATCH: Triviaverse - Netflix

WATCH: Mary Poppins Musical

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Last week a massive white balloon drifted across U.S. airspace before being shot down by the Air Force. But where did it come from? The US believes China was spying on its military camps with the 200ft balloon which contained sensors and surveillance equipment inside. The incident has sparked diplomatic tensions, China said the US overreacted by bringing the balloon down and the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has cancelled his trip to China. So, what exactly was the balloon doing there and is this something that happens often?

In this episode, we speak to Jennifer Hsu, Research Fellow at the Lowy Institute, to find out more about the balloon and tensions between the US and China.

Headlines:

Turkiye faces second disaster
Tudge resignation triggers by-election
Calls for Communications Minister to resign
Composer Burt Bacharach dies

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Rural regions in Australia are facing major maternity shortages as services in rural hospitals are forced to close. Pregnant women are travelling for hours to get care – some fearing they may have to give birth on the side of the road. The problem is adding more pressure to Australia’s maternity crisis which has been ongoing for years.

In this episode, we speak to Sophie Walker - the founder of the Australian Birth Stories Podcast, who tells us more about the country’s maternity crisis.

Headlines:

Turkiye death toll passes 11,000
MH-17 investigation suspended
Albo agrees to a Voice pamphlet
Warne’s will revealed

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The first baby born through IVF was in 1978 and since then the treatment has dramatically changed how the family unit can look. It has also given same sex couples more options when it comes to creating a family as well as solo parents, challenging the image of a nuclear family. Technology surrounding IVF is continuing to advance but there are still many common misconceptions and questions surrounding the process - from costs to how long it takes.

In this episode, entrepreneur and author Lisa Messenger shares her personal IVF experience. We also hear from fertility specialist Dr Manuela Toledo.

Headlines:

RBA warns more rate hikes on the way
Turkey declares state of emergency
Another covid booster approved
Bruce Lehrmann has lodged two defamation cases
Optus scammer avoids jail time

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Women across Australia are continuing to choose to become solo mothers by choice, using assisted fertilization (IVF, donor) because of factors like age and social infertility.

We’re joined by solo mothers, Aoiffe Cooke and Liz Cashen who take us through their fertility journey.

The decision to start the journey as a solo mother can be a daunting step but with online communities and support groups the process doesn't have to be as lonely.

Headlines:

Earthquake kills thousands in Turkey and Syria
Greens declare support for Voice to Parliament
Alcohol bans reinstated in central Australia
Interest rates to rise
Beyonce becomes most Grammy awarded artist ever

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Safety on dating apps has been at the centre of a government roundtable as the number of domestic violence cases across Australia continues to rise.

App companies, domestic abuse survivors and police were all at the summit which was called a few weeks after a NSW woman was allegedly killed by a man she met on a dating app. So, how do we really know who we’re speaking to behind the screen?

In this episode, we speak to e-Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant on how we can make dating apps safer.

Headlines:

US shoots down giant Chinese ‘spy’ balloon
Australia to prescribe psychedelics as medication
A teenage girl has died after a shark attack
The woman who took Prince Harry’s virginity has spoken out
Grammy Awards taking place in LA today

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Alex Dyson is an Australian radio and podcast presenter, author, business owner and former political candidate. He currently hosts the podcast ‘Matt & Alex All Day Breakfast’ alongside Matt Okine.

In this conversation, Jamila Rizvi and Alex Dyson delve into experiencing fame at a young age, the impact of loss and the legacy he wants to leave behind.

You can check out the podcast Matt & Alex All Day Breakfast here.

Alex Dyson's books: When It Drops here, and Eric The Awkward Orc here.

Find tickets to stand up comedy in Melbourne at Comedy Republic here.

THE WEEKEND LIST

WATCH: You People – Netflix

LISTEN: Nature or Nurture with Sam Petersen – Podcast

WATCH: Babylon – Local cinemas

BUY: Eupheme

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So, Briefing co-host Jan Fran is back after more than six months away from the microphone.

In this episode, Tom interviews Jan about what’s she’s been up to over the last six months – and what big news stories have been on her radar

In today’s Briefing, we welcome back Jan Fran

Headlines:

Clashes outside George Pell’s funeral
Hand sanitiser banned in some Alice Springs pharmacies
King Charles won’t be on Aussie $5 dollar note

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There has been a rise of well-known Aussies, particularly females, announcing that they have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. Due to this rise there have been many conversations on social media about why this is happening, with many saying it’s just being over diagnosed or turning into a trend.

We’re joined by Bridget Pringle - a freelance writer, mother of two and advertising professional from Melbourne who learned she had ADHD via a TikTok algorithm.

So what’s it like living with adult ADHD, and what treatment or medication is available to make life easier for those who have learned they have ADHD, later in life.

Headlines:

Protest going ahead outside George Pell’s funeral
Robo-debt royal commission
Radioactive capsule found in WA outback
Two people taken to hospital after QantasLink flight turbulence
Green comet buzzes Earth

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Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi…some of the leaders radically reshaping today's world. Who are they and what drives them?

We’re joined by the Project’s Hamish Macdonald whose new ABC podcast delves into the lives and motives of eight leaders. From autocratic strongmen to democratic internationalists, from left to right to far right, Take Me To Your Leader! examines the cultural, historical, geographical and personal origins underpinning the ambitions of the people on the world stage.

The second ep is out today….

Headlines:

Paid domestic violence leave across Australia
The boss of NSW clubs industry body has been sacked
Aussie Trade Minister to meet Chinese counterpart
New Aussie airline – Bonza - has taken off
Protests planned for Cardinal Geroge Pell’s funeral

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Three hundred and thirty-nine people lost their lives to drowning last year while a further 686 experienced a non-fatal drowning incident. Between December 1 and January 9 alone, 35 people drowned across Australia. It's a combination of a number of factors that create these scenarios.

We’re joined by Dr Amy Peden - A research fellow at the School of Population Health, UNSW, a leader in drowning prevention research and advocacy, to find out what you can do to save someone whilst keeping yourself safe as well. In this episode of the Briefing, Australia’s drowning crisis.

Headlines:

Over 40 people dead after Pakistan suicide bombing
Opposing politicians launch No campaign against the Voice
Rental crisis set to get worse after new Chinese studying laws
Boris Johnson claims Vladimir Putin threatened him
Bill Gates ABC interview

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Ozempic is a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity but social media influencers have now turned it into the most popular weight loss drug. Promotion of the drug has led to a shortage of supply with Australia's drugs regulator now investigating the matter. However, other issues have contributed to the lack of supply and influencers have promoted weight loss supplements for years. So why is TGA looking into the particular promotion of Ozempic?

In this episode we speak to public health advisor on nutrition, Professor Tim Gill, to find out what’s different about the promotion of this specific drug.

Headlines:

Djokovic wins 10th Australian Open title
Four dead in NZ floods
Missing radioactive capsule in WA
Good news for the Aussie tv and film industry.

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Chloe Fisher married her now-husband, Grammy-nominated DJ Fisher, in 2020. It was on their wedding night that Chloe fell pregnant for the first time. She would miscarry shortly after.

It was from that point that Chloe, also a model, instagram influencer and entrepreneur, decided to use her platform to give voice to people who have lost pregnancies.

Along with her friend and co-host Ellidy Pullin, they’ve created a community of listeners who support one another through their fertility journeys.

Only 31-years-old, Chloe has now been through seven full rounds of IVF. She is determined, one way or another, to become a parent.

You can check out more from Darling, Shine! here.

For miscarriage, stillbirth and newborn death support head to https://www.sands.org.au/

or call 1300 308 307 for 24/7 phone support.

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Australia’s beer culture is almost embedded in Aussies from childhood, whether one of your parents is asking you to grab them a beer from the fridge or pass their stubby holder, having a cold one in hand is a standard practice. But over the last couple of years the rise of non-alcoholic or low alcohol drinks have boomed, with companies like Heaps Normal leading the way.

In this episode of the Briefing, we’re joined by Andy Miller, co-founder and CEO of Heaps Normal. His company only began in 2020 - and now has now catapulted into a $57.5 million business.

Today’s episode is all about how mindful drinking has exploded in Australia.

Headlines:

Thousands march in Australia Day rallies
New Australian of the Year speaks out about men's body image issues
Body of missing Gold Coast Woman found
US commits to sending tanks to Ukraine
Aussies make it to men's doubles Aus Open final

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Australians across the country will “celebrate” Australia Day today, January 26. Many believe it ought to be scrapped as a day of celebration out of respect for Indigenous Australians who consider the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 as an invasion - a colonisation of First Nations.

Teela Reid, indigenous lawyer and practitioner in residence at Sydney University Law School. In this long-form episode of the Briefing, Tom and Antoinette explore what the day means to Indigenous Australians.

What needs to happen for Australia to move forward together.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since December protests have rocked Peru as the former president Pedro Castillo was ousted after he attempted to dissolve the legislature to prevent an impeachment vote, and was replaced by President Dina Boluarte, his former vice-president. The anti-government protests against the new president have led to the closure of the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu and the Inca trail.

We’re joined by Neil Giardino - a freelance journalist for ABC, BBC & Reuters. He is currently in Peru and has been reporting independently in Peru since 2017

In this episode of The Briefing, we find out when Machu Picchu will be back on our bucket lists.

Headlines:

Prime Minister Anthony Albenese in Alice Springs
7th Qantas flight with issues
Seven dead in second mass California shooting
Dating apps safety roundtable

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Twelve years ago, ‘cable gate’ was published by Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks. 251,000 confidential cables from the US State Department were released, disclosing corruption, diplomatic scandals and spy affairs on an international scale.

Assange claimed asylum at the Ecuadorian Embassy in 2012 and in 2019 was arrested on a US arrest warrant. He has now been held for three and a half years in a high security British prison usually used for terrorists and members of organised crime groups. We’re joined by Greg Barns SC, an Australian barrister, author, political commentator, to get the latest on Assange’s case.

Assange is wanted for 18 criminal charges and if convicted, he faces up to 175 years in prison. There are growing calls and pressure for the Biden government from both inside the United States and overseas, to drop Assange’s protracted prosecution. So will 2023 be the year Assange is released?

Headlines:

Qantas denies any issues with its flights
Calls to block Kanye West visiting family in Australia
Police identify man believed to be US Lunar New Year shooter
Peru closes famous tourists spot during deadly protests
Djokivic dominates De Minuar at Open

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Having a nicotine addiction used to only be associated with cigarette smokers who’d have a pack a day and always try to bum a cig. Now vaping has become the newest nicotine addiction source, with a quarter of vapers in Australia having never smoked before.

We’re joined by Alyx Gorman, Lifestyle Editor at the Guardian, who found herself addicted to vaping after three years and at the peak of her addiction she estimated she was inhaling roughly the equivalent of a pack and a half of cigarettes a day.

In Australia it’s illegal to sell, supply or possess an e-cigarette or any liquid that contains nicotine in Australia without a doctor’s prescription. So how and why are they so readily available in Australia?

Headlines:

Ten killed in California mass shooting
Jacinda Arden hands Labour leadership over to Chris Hipkins
Murray and Djokovic call for better scheduling in Australian Open
Buckingham Palace reveals King Charles’ coronation details

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Have you ever been at dinner with mates and someone comes up with a clever idea and you all agree it could totally be an app? Well, Elise McCann is the kind of person who actually does just that!

Elise is a theater performer turned entrepreneur. You’ve probably heard her sing with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, seen her perform as Miss Honey in the Australian musical production of Matilda or headlining charity galas or carols in the Domain.

She is the consummate performer and now also the co-founder of a new wellness app, Hey Lemonade.

In this conversation Jamila Rizvi and Elise McCann discuss everything from how does a creative reinvent themselves in the world of business and tech and what does it take to succeed in an entirely foreign field of work?

THE WEEKEND LIST

WATCH: Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery – Netflix

WATCH: Fleishman Is In Trouble – Disney+

READ: Verity – Colleen Hoover

LISTEN: The Rewatchables Podcast

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Jacinda Ardern has announced she will quit as New Zealand prime minister next month, saying she no longer has "enough in the tank" to lead. Ms Ardern choked up as she detailed how six "challenging" years in the job had taken a toll.

We’re joined by Chelsea Daniels Senior Reporter for NewsTalkZB in New Zealand

Ms Ardern will step down as Labour Party leader no later than 7 February. There will be a vote in the coming days to determine her replacement. New Zealand will hold a general election on 14 October.

Headlines:

Alec Baldwin to be charged with involuntary manslaughter
Dramatic night at Aus Open
A second Qantas plane forced to land at Sydney Airport
GPs call for tighter rules on vaping packaging

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Earlier this month the Chinese government reversed their covid-zero policy and changed how they report Covid infections and illnesses.

It’s led to a number of countries including Australia placing restrictions on travelers from China out of fear a new variant will emerge there.

In this episode, we speak with Jeremy Goldkorn, editor of The China Project, to find out what's really happening in China.

Headlines:

Qantas plane issues rare mayday
Nadal’s shock-exit from the Australian Open
UK: Church of England rules out same-sex marriage
Woolworths gives employees option to work Australia Day
Greta Thunberg detained in Germany

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Wars, the pandemic, China’s economic woes and critical flaws in the supply chain have put economies on alert across the globe. 2023 is tipped to be the year of high inflation and economic stagnation - stagflation.

We speak to Richard Holden, professor of economics at the University of NSW about just what it is, and how it will affect us in our day-to-day lives?

Headlines:

Extreme weather brings Australian Open matches to a halt
The Chinese and Russian economies have shrunk
Renee Geyer and Jim Molan have died
An Aussie has avoided the death penalty in Indonesia

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Prince Harry’s new biography ‘Spare’ caused controversy before it was even released.

It details everything from losing his virginity, to killing 25 people in Afghanistan. Harry speaks about fighting with his brother William and his decision to leave the Royal family and move both his and Meghan’s life to California.

Tom Tilley and Katrina Blowers have both read the book and tell us what they think of Harry's tell-all.

Headlines:

Kyrgios pulls out of Aus Open
Rugby Australia sacks Dave Rennie
Sydney teacher identified on board Nepal flight
Italy’s most wanted mafia boss arrested

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Australian billionaires Mike Cannon-Brookes and Andrew Forrest have fallen out over the $30b Sun Cable project, which is the giant NT solar farm that’s supposed to supply Darwin, Indonesia and Singapore with power. Last week, news broke that Sun Cable has entered voluntary administration.

Sun Cable was burning through cash and missing agreed targets. Both billionaires say they still support the project, but it seems they won’t be working on it together, it will be interesting to see what happens next, whether one of them steps in to buy it outright.

We speak to the Australian Financial Review's senior resources writer Angela Macdonald-Smith about the story behind the Sun Cable bust up?

Headlines:

Australian suspected dead following Nepal plane crash
Joe Biden in hot water over documents
NSW Premier referred to police over Nazi costume
Romanian authorities seize Andrew Tate assets
Australian Open begins

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The former leader of the Catholic Church in Australia, Cardinal George Pell died suddenly in Rome this week. His reign was dogged by scandal. Imprisoned - and later acquitted - of child sex charges, he was also appointed by Pope Benedict to clean up the Vatican’s finances. How will George Pell be remembered?

In this episode we speak to Miles Pattenden, a Senior Research Fellow at the Australian Catholic University, about George Pell’s life and legacy

Headlines:

NSW Premier’s leadership in jeopardy
No state funeral will be held for George Pell
Australia to sign security pact with Papua New Guinea
The Australian Open draw is out
Jeff Beck dies

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Prince William has been thrown back into the spotlight, after Prince Harry claimed he physically attacked him in his new book ‘Spare.’ The relationship between the two brothers has deteriorated in the public eye as Harry continues to make damaging allegations.

Prince William has kept quiet as the headlines continue to roll. So, what part does William play in all of this and how will his choices impact the future of the monarchy?

In this episode, we speak to Michael Grose, a leading parent educator and author of seven parenting books, about Willam and Harry’s relationship.

Headlines:

Pell’s body to be laid to rest in Australia
Aussie billionaires fall out over massive renewables project
Cate Blanchett wins Golden Globe

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Brazil is undergoing riots that have been likened to when Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol. Far-right Bolsonaro supporters have stormed the Brazilian Congress and Supreme Court.

In this episode we speak to Kathryn Baragwanath, political economy expert at the Australian Catholic University, about what prompted the protests in Brazil.

We find out why this is happening, and what the implications for Brazil and the rest of the world could be.

Headlines:

Labor to introduce emissions cutting legislation
China’s ambassador warns Australia against Japan
Melbourne Victory cops biggest fine in A League history
Prince Harry book out today

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New data from the ACT Government shows just 20% of people who reported a Covid infection in December were known to have previously had the illness. Australia’s high rate of hybrid immunity continues to trend making us more equipped to cope with new outbreaks than most other countries. Infectious disease specialists say the trend refers to the double shield of previous infection and vaccination, but they warned this could change if Aussies don’t keep up with their vaccine doses.

In 2022, Australia saw the most deaths from Covid as the first time getting Covid is when it’s the most dangerous, this was due to the high rates of spreading according to one of Australia’s top disease experts, Professor Peter Collignon. With new variants being able to evade treatments it continues to be a challenge when treating COVID-19.

In this episode, we speak to Associate Professor, Paul Griffin Director of Infectious Diseases at Mater Health about the Covid forecast for 2023.

Headlines:

Prince Harry's explosive interviews to plug his new book
More than 1000 protestors arrested in Brazil
PM visits flood-ravaged areas of WA
House price crash heading for record levels

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Aussies are starting the new year with higher rates, rent and fuel along with rocketing food prices.

Food shortages are hitting supermarkets across the country due to labour shortages and flooding and we could even see prices rise another 8 percent by November.

In this episode we speak with Richard Forbes, CEO of Independent Food Distributors Australia about just what will happen with our food in 2023.

Headlines:

Albo accuses Dutton of 'cheap culture war stunts' over Indigenous voice
Indian man accused of Toyah Cordingley murder not fighting extradition
Clean-up begins in WA flood crisis
Aussies fall short of South Africa clean sweep in cricket test series

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Australia is facing a housing crisis, and we're not the only ones. Canada is also dealing with a shortage of homes, and has just introduced a ban on foreigners buying property.

The policy has attracted approval from Aussies online, with some calling for a similar strategy to be implemented here.

In this episode we speak with Michael Bourque is the CEO of the Canadian Real Estate Association about the ban, and whether it could be a viable solution to our housing shortage.

Headlines:

Ukraine: Russia orders temporary ceasefire
Pope Benedict XVI laid to rest
Australian IS bride charged
Covid hits our life expectancy rates

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Australia is known for its harsh sun and hot summers, but Vitamin D deficiency is growing.

Vitamin D is crucial to our physical and mental health, yet most of us don't know just how much we need, and how to get it.

In this episode we speak with Roger Sutherland, a nutritionist, shift worker and host of the Healthy Shift podcast about why getting our daily dose might not be as easy as we think

Headlines:

Australia buys $1B worth of missiles
Residents evacuated in the Kimberley
Rudd accuses the US of “throwing allies under a bus”
US: House Speaker vote stuck in stalemate

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We know gym memberships go up at the start of the year with people keen to get their bodies in shape, but what about our minds?

In this episode of the Briefing we find out why we feel like our attention spans are getting shorter and strategies we can use to stay on task and be happier.

We speak with Susan Pearse who is part of the Mind Gardener, an organisation that focuses on building attention to increase mindfulness, fulfillment and happiness. She has worked in this area for 25 years and authored four books that use mindfulness strategies backed by neurological science to rewire and retrain the brain.

Headlines:

Investigations into helicopter crash underway
Covid restrictions: China warns of retaliation
Kimberley suffers record-breaking floods
Pele: Brazilian football legend farewelled

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The bushranger holds a special place in the Australian psyche. Celebrated for their bravery and their ability to go against the grain, against authority and deified through time as heroes. But not all were seen at the time in such a positive way, and not all were white men.

We speak with Boundary Crossers author Meg Foster, who reveals the stories of bushrangers that didn’t fit the mold, like African American man Black Douglas, Chinese bushranger Sam Poo, Aboriginal man Jimmy Governor and Aboriginal woman, Mary Ann Bugg.

Headlines:

Four dead following helicopter collision
China: Government goes against health advice
Population is back on track
De Minaur beats Nadal
Jeremy Renner in critical condition

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This year, the Sydney New Year’s fireworks were watched by millions of people around the world, but have you ever wondered how it’s put together?

We speak to the man behind the fireworks, Fortunato Forti, a seventh generation pyrotechnician who has put on displays all over the world including in Hong Kong, Turkey, Canada, the US and the UK.

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A look back on The Year That Was with Tom Tilley, Katrina Blowers, Antoinette Lattouf and Rhianna Patrick.

We talk about the biggest stories of the year, including the Queen’s death, the federal election and the chaos of Elon Musk.

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What is the BookTok phenomenon? Is it making reading cool? And how is it affecting book sales?

There’s been a big surge in book sales, and publishers are putting it down to a new phenomenon called BookTok. BookTok is where young people on TikTok, typically in their teens or early twenties post about their favourite books in emotional videos racking up millions of views. BookTok has been responsible for the resurgence of several books on the New York Times’ bestseller list, including E. Lockhart’s "We Were Liars."

We speak with E. Lockhart about BookTok and how it’s encouraged her to write its prequel "Family of Liars."

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In today’s Briefing we look at a perverse twist of 'Me Too'. The wave of abuse stories has come with a wave of defamation lawsuits.

London-based barristers Jen Robinson and Keina Yoshida have written a book called How Many More Women detailing the way the law and the media has held back justice for sexual assault victims.

The book is about how and why laws must change to protect women who are brave enough to speak out against their attackers.

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This year the USA has been rocked by the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade - the case that has protected the right to abortion in the US for almost 50 years. Already, states are banning the procedure and it may be just weeks before half of the states across the US ban abortion.

In today’s episode of The Briefing, Nick Sweeney, an Australian born director of a documentary called AKA Jane Roe tells us the unbelievable story of a young Texan woman called Norma McCorvey – who was to become Jane Roe.

You won’t believe what Nick learned in the making of the documentary. It left Americans reeling, and turned the entire saga on its head. In today’s Briefing: the story behind the abortion case dividing America.

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With rising interest rates, escalating inflation, a war underway in Ukraine and coming out of the pandemic, it’s understandable we’re all a bit more worried.

In today’s episode of the Briefing, we talk with Brigid Delaney about her book: Reasons Not To Worry - How to Be Stoic in Chaotic Times.

Brigid explains what we can learn from stoics, philosophers who lived by a set of rules that helped them find solace and comfort in difficult times.

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We all know Santa Claus as a jolly old white man with a grey beard and red suit, but is this version of Mr Claus about to change? Australian director Nick Sweeney, has produced a documentary about the Saint Nicks and Mrs Clauses who come from all walks of life at a Santa training camp in the US.

In this episode of the Briefing we speak with Nick about the changing face of Santa Claus.

Headlines:

AFP makes one of its most significant arrests ever
Neighbour killed in QLD siege farewelled
Liberals need to woo back women, Chinese voters
Aussies evacuated from Machu Picchu
Cyclone Ellie becomes first to cross the coast

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How do you teach kids about money? That's the question The Barefoot Investor has set out to answer in his new book Barefoot Kids. He covers pocket money, saving, spending and everything else to get kids financially literate.

We speak with The Barefoot Investor himself, Scott Pape about how to prepare our children, so they can become confident money-savvy adults.

Headlines:

ACT announces inquiry into Lehrmann case
Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits USA
Penny Wong back from China
QLD officers posthumously awarded
Deliveroo creditors to receive due

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ChatGPT released by OpenAI can write essays, complete maths problems and even speak in Shakespearean English. It's the latest iteration in this new technology that promises to change the way we search for information - and could even replace some of our jobs.

New York Times Technology Correspondent Cade Metz joins us to understand more about this new technology and why it's so easy to trust it, even if we shouldn't.

Headlines:

Memorial for fallen QLD police officers takes place today
Two men handed lifetime bans by Football Australia
Kevin Rudd named US ambassador
Four teens found after spending a night at sea
Splendour in the Grass fined $100,000

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Killer robots no longer belong to science fiction stories, with San Francisco recently having to make a decision about whether to allow robots to use lethal force. At first decision makers said yes, but the backlash was so severe they reversed the decision a week later.

In this episode we delve into the debate surrounding whether we should allow police robots to use lethal force with Daphne Duret from The Marshall Project.

Headlines:

Penny Wong visits Beijing
Brian Houston told court his father was a serial paedophile
Three charged over A League pitch invasion
Memorial for Queensland officers to take place Wednesday
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard settle

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The Qatar 2022 World Cup has ended with a spectacular final that culminated in a penalty shootout and a win for Argentina. It's been an eventful tournament: from the FIFA president’s questionable opening speech, to the sudden death of three journalists.This year was also the Socceroos' most successful World Cup campaign ever.

In this episode, we’re unpack the wins, the losses and the controversies with ABC journalist Tracey Holmes live from Qatar.

Headlines:

Manhunt following A-League pitch invasion
Child in hospital due to contaminated spinach
China braces for 1 million Covid deaths
More gold for our swimmers
What will the weather be for Christmas?

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Virginia Gay describes herself as ‘highly sexed chaos’.

Virginia is an Australian actress, writer and director. You’ll most likely recognise her voice from the characters she’s played in television dramas; Frances James on Winners and Losers or Gabrielle Jaeger on All Saints.

More recently Virginia spends her time on stage, often writing and performing her own work. Two years of lockdowns made her realise that there is something special about live theatre that simply cannot be recreated in any other medium.

In this conversation Jamila Rizvi and Virginia Gay discuss Virginia’s theatrical childhood, leaving your ego at the door and making your own work.

THE WEEKEND LIST

WATCH: Avatar: The Way Of Water

LISTEN: The most anticipated movies of the summer – The Drop Podcast

LISTEN: Beanie Babies with Jamie Loftus – You’re Wrong About Podcast

WATCH: Matilda the Musical

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It’s a story fit for a James Bond movie: last week US WNBA star Brittney Griner came home, after being swapped for notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

In this episode we find out why Bout has been called ‘a merchant of death’; how tough it was to catch him in the first place; what the domestic fallout has been in the US; how Griner is doing now; and the diplomatic effort it takes to make a swap like this.

We’re speaking to Danielle Gilbert, expert in US foreign policy at Dartmouth College, about the US-Russia prisoner swap.

Headlines:

Bombshells dropped in Harry and Meghan documentary
Labor’s last minute power bill passes parliament
Queensland to review double jeopardy laws
Unemployment stays at 3.4%
Officer from Lindt café siege speaks out

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Women in Australia are earning around $26,500 less each year than men, according to the latest Workplace Gender Equality Agency report. That number hasn’t changed over the past twelve months – with no progress being made for the first time in nine years.

In this episode, we speak to Mary Wooldridge, Director of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, about why the pay gap is stagnating and what more Australian businesses need to do for gender equality.

Headlines:

Labor's energy bill to pass parliament today
Scomo defends robodebt
Siege neighbour's widow critical of police
Bali bombing victims' families slam Patek apology

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The federal government is facing criticism for its decision to cut the number of Medicare subsidised mental health sessions under the Better Access scheme. During the Covid pandemic, the Morrison government doubled the number of psychology sessions available from ten to twenty. From next year, the number of appointments each patient can receive under the initiative will be slashed back down to ten.

In this episode, we speak to Mitch Walls - a leader in the well-being space and co-founder of Calm Water Health, about Australia’s mental health treatment.

Headlines:

QLD cops had “no chance” in deadly ambush
Former WA police officer gets 30 years for sex crimes
Brittany Higgins reaches settlement with Federal Government
Golden night for our relay team at World Swimming Championships

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Bali’s tourism industry could take a hit after new laws banning sex outside of marriage were passed in Indonesian parliament. The new criminal code could also prevent couples who aren’t married from living together. So, what does this mean for the thousands of Australians that travel to Bali each month?

In this episode of the Briefing we speak to Indonesian/Australian journalist and lecturer Tito Ambyo about the new criminal code. We also chat to Jenny Hewett, a freelance travel writer, who speaks about her experience of living in Bali and how the new laws might impact tourism there.

Headlines:

Six dead in Queensland shooting and siege
New Covid rules for 2023
Aussies nominated for Golden Globes
Candice Warner offered security after verbal abuse

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Renters and first-time homeowners look set for a difficult Christmas after the RBA announced another hike in interest rates. Australia is already in the middle of a rental crisis with around 70% of people paying rent which is over a third of their household income.

In this episode of the Briefing we speak to Emma Greenhalgh, CEO of National Shelter, about the current struggle to find an affordable place to rent in Australia.

Headlines:

Gender pay gap stagnates
Labor faces uphill energy battle
East braces for ‘unsettled weather’
Lehrmann in talks for TV interview
FIFA world cup semi finalists decided

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Anna Spargo-Ryan is an award winning author and writer, whose work has appeared in The Guardian, the Good Weekend, The Saturday Paper and more. She is a mother of two, who was born in Adelaide but now lives in Melbourne. Anna is also an agoraphobe who rarely leaves the relatively short radius around her home.

During covid lockdowns, Anna Spargo-Ryan rediscovered activities she hadn’t participated in for years. For two years she went to book launches and birthday drinks. She saw her favourite bands play. And then, Anna said goodbye all over again, to the things she loves; unable to participate when they moved offline again and into the “real world”.

Anna’s life, rather like her new book A Kind of Magic, can be dark and difficult, but is also funny and warm, hopeful and joyous.

In this conversation Jamila Rizvi and Anna Spargo-Ryan delve into living with mental illness, healing your inner child and discuss why Anna has stopped searching for a “cure”.

THE WEEKEND LIST

WATCH: Below Deck Adventure – HAYU

WATCH: Plan International Charity Christmas Gift

WATCH: Christmas Ransom - STAN

EAT: 70 Incredible Edible Presents To Give This Festive Season – Delicious.com.au

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Could a tax adjustment save Australia's live music venues? A new study has found a 70% drop in the number of venue-based live music gigs taking place in Australia following Covid. Around one in seven venues say they never expect to return to pre-pandemic sized audiences with the current tax settings in place.

We’re joined by Dean Ormston - CEO of APRA AMCOS - which represents more than 100,000 musicians, to find out about a new tax offset that could revive the live music sector.

In today’s Briefing….a new scheme to re-boot Australia’s live music sector.

Headlines:

Harry and Meghan’s Netflix doco drops
National Cabinet to meet today over energy price crisis
Warner’s manager says CA knew about ball tampering
Iran carries out first protest execution
WNBA star freed via prisoner swap

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How did police track down Toyah Cordingley’s suspected murderer, and where do we go from here? 24-year-old Toyah was murdered on a beach near Cairns four years ago. Her suspected killer has just been arrested in India after he allegedly fled Australia in the days following Toyah’s death.

We’re joined by Seven News journalist Joel Dry who’s been covering the case.

In today’s Briefing, we find out what has happened so far, and why the path to justice for Toyah Cordingley will take so long.

Headlines:

Bali bomber Umar Patek released from prison
Zelensky and the “spirit of Ukraine” Time Person of the Year
China eases Covid restrictions in response to protests
New homeless figures include 76,000 under 18
Elvis sweeps AACTAs

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What are lab-grown diamonds, and why are they becoming so popular? Lab-grown diamonds are becoming increasingly popular, with a recent survey showing nearly 70% of millennials are happy to consider them for an engagement ring.

We’re joined by Jodi Bradby, professor at the Research School of Physics and Engineering at the Australian National University; and Ronnie Bauer from the Jewellers Association of Australia.

In today’s Briefing, lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically and optically identical to mined diamonds, so how are they made, and are they more sustainable than traditional diamonds?

Headlines:

Interest rate pain in lead-up to Christmas
National Cabinet to meet Friday to discuss energy price caps
Indonesia bans sex outside of marriage
Watermelon prices skyrocket

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Why has North Korean leader Kim Jong-un decided to reveal his daughter to the world now? Kim Jong-un has revealed North Korea plans to build the “world’s most powerful nuclear force” after testing out a new ballistic missile. He’s also revealed his daughter to the public for the first time ever. So why has the North Korean leader chosen to unveil her to the world now?

In this episode of the Briefing we’re speaking to Gordon Flake, founding CEO of the Perth USAsia Centre at The University of Western Australia.

We explore North Korea’s nuclear plans and the significance of Kim Jong-un revealing his daughter.

Headlines:

Albo tests positive for Covid-19
RBA expected to increase rates today
Hillsong founder Houston returns to court today
China criticises Australian delegation to Taiwan
Heatwave heading to northern Australia

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What is it like for youngsters locked up inside Western Australia’s Banksia Hill detention centre?

We’re joined by the ABC reporter Grace Tobin, whose distressing Four Corners report has revealed the number of excessive force complaints against officers at Banksia Hill. Officers have been exposed for using the ‘folding up’ technique to restrain teenagers. The movement is banned in Queensland over fears it could lead to suffocation or death.

In this episode of the Briefing, WA’s Banksia Hill’s shameful treatment of detainees - many of whom are children

Headlines:

Feds push for cap on energy prices
Albo finishes year on top of the polls
Iran to scrap morality police
Alleged ISIS terrorist Prakash facing six charges
Shane Warne elevated to legend status at Australian Sport Hall of Fame

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Dr Anne Summers is one of Australia's greatest contributors to the feminist movement.

She is a writer, speaker and author, who was editor of the American publication Ms magazine in the 1980s and editor of the Good Weekend here in Australia in the 1990s. In between those roles she advised Prime Ministers Hawke and Keating on women's issues and went on to run the Office for the Status of Women, in Canberra.

Her most recent work is about the link between family violence and women’s poverty.

To read the full report on The Choice: Violence or Poverty by Anne Summers, click the link here: https://www.violenceorpoverty.com/

In this conversation Jamila Rizvi explores the life of Anne Summers, and the pair dissect the confronting figures on the correlation of violence and poverty experienced by women in Australia.

THE WEEKEND LIST

WATCH: Wednesday - Netflix

WATCH: From Lone Wolf to Leader: The Making of Anthony Albanese – The Guardian

DO: Wear sunscreen people!

EAT: Gingerbread house recipe – Sally’s Baking Addiction

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You may know Isaiah Firebrace from the X Factor or Eurovision. Well he’s written a new children’s book - Come Together - things every kid should know about our First Peoples

Isaiah joins Rhianna to explain the book is a heart-warming, debut picture book for children aged 5 and up, inspired by Isaiah’s petition to the Australian Government calling for Aboriginal history to be taught in every classroom.

Come Together will make every Aussie kid proud that we are home to the longest continuing culture on Earth! The book is available now.

Headlines:

Chris Dawson to be sentenced today
Territories given go-ahead to debate voluntary dying laws
Meghan and Harry’s Netflix trailer drops
Socceroos to face Argentina early Sunday

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The Chinese government introduced its ‘zero-Covid’ policy back in 2019 when the virus was first detected. So why are protesters choosing to demonstrate against it almost three years later?

We’re joined by author and Senior Fellow for East Asia at the Lowy Institute Richard McGregor, to discuss the ‘White Paper protests’ and how the Chinese authorities are attempting to mute them.

In this episode of the Briefing we explore how protestors in China are using creative methods to stand up against the country’s strict Covid measures.

Headlines:

Socceroos WIN!! Australia through to Round of 16
Former PM Morrison censured by Parliament
First day of summer after miserable spring
Inflation decline potentially good news for interest rates

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Why is it becoming more common for women to freeze their eggs? A couple in the US has just welcomed twins into the world using embryos made 30 years ago. The twins have been named the ‘oldest babies’ to be born after the eggs were kept in ice for 3 decades.

We’re joined by Molly Johnston, a bioethics lecturer at Monash University and she’s been working in the IVF field for the last five years to find out if this is something that could happen in Australia.

In this episode of the Briefing we explore the growing popularity of women choosing to freeze their eggs and have babies at a later stage in life.

Headlines:

-New national anti-corruption commission to become law today
- Nationals split over Indigenous Voice
- NSW Covid fines scrapped
- Outback Wrangler charged over chopper crash

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Should employers respect a worker’s right to disconnect? The age of mobile phones and the internet means we’re connected more than ever. We’re basically available 24/7. Should workers retain the right to disconnect once their work day is done? A growing movement, called 'right to disconnect' is urging employers to respect a worker’s right to their own downtime.

We’re joined by a Queensland teacher and Greens Senator Barbara Pocock. Before she was elected earlier this year, she was worked at the University of South Austrlalia and wrote several books on work/life balance.

In this episode of the Briefing we explore the growing movement to enable staff to say ‘enough’s enough’ and to turn off their phones in their own time.

Headlines:

Nationals will not support Indigenous Voice
$50m fines for companies over data breaches
RBA boss apologises for wrong advice
Australia’s terror threat reduced
WHO renames monkeypox over racism concerns

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So many of us have developed mental health problems in the wake of the pandemic. The federal government currently has a program where you can see a GP and the doctor will refer you to a psychologist for 20 help sessions, but the government is planning on winding that back to ten sessions by the end of the year. To add to the problem it’s virtually impossible to find a psychologist who will take on new patients.

We’re joined by Sahra O’Doherty – a practicing psychologist and director of the Australian Association of Psychologists – who explains why it’s so tough to find a psych and why the government should keep its current policy of 20 sessions in place.

In today’s Briefing, a deep dive on why it’s so difficult to find a psychologist – and why it’s really important to persevere if your GP recommends you seek help. If you need someone to talk to, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Headlines:

New IR laws get green light
Andrews' resounding election win
China protests over Covid restrictions
Toyah Cordingly accused arrested in India
Cam Smith wins third Australian PGA

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Angela White is Australia's most successful porn star.

Angela knew she wanted to work in porn from the age of fourteen. She saw the industry as a place where her sexuality and her love of sex would be celebrated, not stigmatised. Today, Angela is one of the biggest adult entertainers in the world, with her own empire. The Daily Beast describes her as the "Meryl Streep of porn".

In this conversation Jamila Rizvi and Angela White talk about everything from politics, education, shame around sex and the ins and outs of the pornography industry.

THE WEEKEND LIST

WATCH: STUTZ - Netflix Documentary

WATCH: The White Lotus - BINGE

WATCH: Dead To Me (Season 3) - Netflix

GET: Sticks Pinot Noir - Yarra Valley

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Cryptocurrency is having a year from hell. And it’s been a massive fall ….the market capitalisation of the crypto market has fallen from around $US3 trillion last year to around $US 800 billion. As part of the fall, one of the world’s most famous crypto cowboys came down to earth. Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of crypto exchange FTX

We’re joined by Paul Vigna, a reporter at the Wall Street Journal... he’s written a book called The Age of Cryptocurrency. Paul explains who SBF is, and how he had such a spectacular fall.

In this episode of the Briefing, we look at the rise and fall of the crypto cowboy, Sam Bankman-Fried

Headlines:

Baker Boy’s big night at the ARIAs
Tracy Grimshaw bids farewell to A Current Affair
Vic polls point to possible hung parliament
Nude shoot for Bondi Beach

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Chinese president Xi Jinping met with Australia’s prime minister Anthony Albanese last week. It was a first step in a bid to mend relations between the two countries. China blocked Australian imports of wine, barley, live seafood and beef - among others - in 2020 in response to Australia’s criticism of China in the wake of the pandemic.

We’re joined by Joanna Chiu - a Vancouver-based journalist for the Toronto Star and the author of 'China Unbound - a new world disorder’ to discover why China has taken Australia out of the diplomatic deep freeze.

So what’s behind China’s bid to welcome us back into the fold? Is it simply a change of government? Or is China playing a long game?

Headlines:

NSW town evacuated as Lachlan River floods
Seven dead in Walmart shooting in US
Teenager killed in Jerusalem terror attack
Scotland blocked from holding second independence vote
Japan stuns Germany in World Cup upset

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We look at the results of an inquiry into sexism in the Queensland Police Service. In May, QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced an independent Commission of Inquiry into Queensland Police Service responses to domestic and family violence.

We’re joined by Kate Kyriacou, a senior journalist at Brisbane’s Courier Mail newspaper. Kate has followed the hearings since day one and says the inquiry heard women had been raped, kissed, touched inappropriately, threatened and stalked online and in person by senior colleagues.

In today’s Briefing we dissect the inquiry’s findings and ask a simple question – can the culture in the QLD Police Service change under its current leadership?

Headlines:

-RBA boss warns of higher inflation, lower growth
- Saudi Arabia stuns Argentina at FIFA World Cup
- Helliar announces Project departure
- Indo quake death toll reaches 268
- Caddick artworks sold at auction

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Protests against Iran's clerical establishment erupted two months ago after the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was detained by morality police for allegedly breaking the strict hijab rules.

We’re joined by Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert who spent more than 800 days imprisoned in Iran and has carried out research into protests and revolutions in the Middle East. Kylie explains we’ll see more bloodshed before we see the end of the unrest.

The protests have spread to 140 cities and towns and evolved into the most significant challenge to the Islamic Republic in over a decade. In today’s Briefing, Iran’s youth revolution

Headlines:

Massive earthquake in Indonesia kills more than 160
NASA returns to moon’s orbit
QLD police lashed in sexism inquiry
World Cup ‘one love’ armband ban
More wild weather on east coast

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Victoria will head to the polls this weekend, to decide whether to re-elect Daniel Andrews. We look into what has shaped the man who has become one of Australia’s most powerful and divisive premiers.

We speak to Sumeyya Ilanbey from The Agewho has written a biography of Andrews, the man who is likely to lead his government into a third term.

Headlines:

Severe weather lashes east
FIFA World Cup begins in Qatar
Elon Musk reinstates Trump’s Twitter account
Historic deal struck at the UN's COP27 summit
Five dead in Colorado shooting; more medibank data released; Chris Hemsworth takes a break; Lisa Wilkinson leaves The Project; Kath & Kim airs 20 year reunion

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Tom Boyd was just eighteen years old when he was named the number one AFL draft pick of 2013. After briefly playing for Greater Western Sydney he moved back to Melbourne to join the Western Bulldogs. The teenager’s contract was worth a record-breaking $7 million.

Tom Boyd was instrumental in the Bulldogs premiership of 2016, the team’s first in 62 years.

Three years later, at 23 years old, Tom made the decision to retire from footy, shocking fans, commentators and everyone who had predicted a long and glittering career.

In this conversation Jamila Rizvi & Tom Boyd discuss the pressure and scrutiny that came with Tom’s AFL career, including the cycle of severe insomnia, depression and anxiety, plus his insights on what the AFL can do better to help players both on and off the field.

THE WEEKEND LIST

WATCH: Donna Hay Christmas – Disney+

WATCH: The Phantom of The Opera – Arts Centre Melbourne

DO: Check out Black Friday & Cyber Monday sales

GET: Witchery X KITX capsule collection 'Towards a Sustainable Future’

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Each morning, The Briefing tells you what is happening in the world. But does it tell you why it is happening? Well, yes, actually it does. It’s a real all-rounder.

But what if I told you that there was a brand new podcast that could tell you the whats and the whys of what is happening in relation to astrology?

Hosted by astrologer Katherine Gillies, It’s a Sign is a daily, 90-second guide to your life. Delving into the complexities of the Zodiac, Katherine charts moon and planetary transits and contextualises – simply – how these changes will translate into our day-to-day lives.

If you’re ever wanted a little friend on your shoulder, whispering what you should (and shouldn’t) be doing, you need It’s a Sign. This is SO much more than a horoscope – it’s logical, practical tips in short, bite-sized pieces. Welcome to your new guide to life!

It’s a Sign is now available on all your favourite podcasting apps.

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Covid cases are rapidly rising on Australia's east coast, leading Queensland to issue an amber alert across the state.

There are fears Australia is heading for a Covid crisis in the lead up to Christmas. Experts are urging us to work from home; there are calls for mask mandates to be re-introduced; and Queensland has issued an amber alert across the state.

In this episode of the Briefing, we talk new strains, new risks and just how worried we need to be this Summer.

To answer all these questions we’re joined by Associate Professor Paul Griffin who’s an infectious diseases doctor and microbiologist at Brisbane’s Mater Hospital.

Headlines:

Australian released from Myanmar prison
Three sentenced following MH17 trial
Third missing in floods; Guy Sebastian’s manager sentenced; Twiggy donates to Ukraine; Taylor Swift crashes Ticketmaster
Neighbours is coming back

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Towns in the Central West of NSW have been inundated by floodwaters this week. Residents of Forbes were told to leave town with the Lachlan River forecast to hit a new record. There were wild scenes across a number of small towns on Monday: more than 100 people were rescued by helicopter in Eugowra. Molong and Canowindra were also hard hit by flooding, and Wyangla Dam on the Lachlan has been overflowing.

We’re joined by Jamie Jones, deputy mayor of Cabonne Shire Council and Kathy Finn, the manager of Hay’s Shear Outback, the Shearer’s Hall of Fame, to give us a snapshot of the impact of the floods – which in itself is amazing, given the two communities are more than 500kms apart.

In this episode of the Briefing, we bring you the voices of people hammered by flooding in the NSW Central West.

Headlines:

Ukraine war: crisis averted
Trump launches 2024 presidential bid
NSW floods claim another life
Deliveroo leaves Australia
Kevin Spacey charged; Tesla recalls cars; NASA launches Artemis

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A brand new podcast has lifted the lid on every parent’s worst nightmare. Listnr’s new podcast, The Children in the Pictures follows Australian documentary-maker and dad, Akhim Dev, as he uncovers the truth behind a global criminal network of child sexual abuse.

We’re joined by Detective Inspector Jon Rouse, who has been running Taskforce Argos at QLD Police for 25 years. His team infiltrates child sex networks to find 'the children in the pictures' – and hopefully to arrest and convict those responsible.

On today’s Briefing, a sneak peak at this new eight-part series examining how the fastest-growing serious crime in the world has become endemic online, and explores what we can all do to fight it.

Headlines:

Two missing in NSW floods
Albanese meets with Xi Jinping
Covid wave to soon be over
Djokovic to play Aus Open
AGL: Cannon-Brookes victorious

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After Elon Musk’s incredible success at Tesla and Paypal, the world wanted to see what he would do when he announced he was buying Twitter.

So far, it's been a disaster. From day one, Musk has pivoted from one mistake to another, sacking thousands of people before backtracking and making a complete mess of the verification process.

In today’s Briefing, we take a deep dive on Elon Musk’s twitter chaos, blow by blow with David Swan, the tech editor at The Australian newspaper.

Headlines:

Flood crisis worsening in western NSW
Anthony Albanese to meet Xi Jinping
Medibank: Mental health data leaked
Folbigg inquiry examines role of mutant gene
Amazon boss Bezos to give away his fortune

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Rebel Wilson has just announced her daughter was born via surrogate. She’s one of a growing number of people having their children this way.

In her announcement she thanked the surrogate who “carried Royce and birthed her with such grace and care,” and it got us talking about surrogacy.

In today's Briefing, we speak to lawyer Sarah Jefford, a surrogate herself, about the Australia system which forces the majority of couples who want a surrogate, to go overseas.

Headlines:

US: Democrats hold the senate
Biden speaks to Albo ahead of China talks
Celebrations in Ukraine
Wild weather lashes the south east
Victorian election begins

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NASA is heading back to the moon in the hopes of setting up a colony there.

But this endeavour – called Artemis - has been plagued by delays and the spacecraft remains firmly on the ground.

So, what’s going on? Why hasn’t it launched yet?

Dr Sophie Calabretto talks to Cosmos Magazine journalist Matthew Agius about the Artemis missions, what's gone wrong so far and when we’re likely to a see moon colony become a reality.

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Brooke Blurton was Australia's first ever Indigenous and bisexual Bachelorette.

There is so more to this impressive young woman than reality TV fame. Brooke is a passionate advocate for mental health, a proud champion of young queer people and people of colour.

In her new book Big Love, she reveals a far more complex character than we were permitted to see on screen, and speaks about a childhood that was truly harrowing at times but nonetheless, full of love.

In this conversation Jamila Rizvi and Brooke Blurton dive into the importance of identity and culture, mental health and breaking through intergenerational trauma.

THE WEEKEND LIST

LISTEN: Jan Fran ‘I Just Thought, This Is It' - The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show Podcast

WATCH: The Great British Bake Off - BINGE

LISTEN: Peking Duk Podcast

GET: Nala Underwear

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Wil Anderson’s new book is called I am NOT fine, thanks. It's all about how the pandemic impacted us: we worked from home, or maybe lost our jobs, or began losing friends down rabbit holes.

Wil says it’s time to bring those who drifted into conspiracy theories back into the fold.

In today’s Briefing, Wil Anderson talks us through how the pandemic impacted his career and how he found himself living among vaccine deniers on the NSW north coast, how he deals with the impact of lockdowns, and how it’s OK to say ‘I’m NOT fine, thanks’.

Headlines:

Chris Dawson’s daughter wants to know where her mother’s body is
US inflation down
A new wave of Covid is taking hold
Thousands leave Optus following hack

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We all watched in amazement as the world’s super-rich went gangbusters during the pandemic. Some of the increases in wealth were next level. If 2020 and 2021 were dream years, 2022 has been a nightmare for billionaires.

James Thomson writes the Chanticleer column in the Australian Financial Review. James explains why the pandemic was so profitable for the uber-wealthy, and why 2022 has seen some experience up to 40 percent falls in their net worth.

In today’s Briefing, why 2022 was a bad year for billionaires.

Headlines:

Medibank customer information leaked to dark web
Democrats outperform expectations
Russia withdraw from Kherson
Meta lays off 11,000 staff
Eggs thrown at King Charles

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We dive into some mindblowing research scientists have been doing in the field of lucid dreaming. They’ve actually spoken to people in their sleep, even asking them to solve complex mathematical problems, and those people have responded. It’s a bit like the real life version of that movie Inception, where Leonardo DiCaprio entered into other people’s dreams and interacted with them.

We're joined by Ken Paller, professor of psychology and director of the Cognitive Neuroscience Program at Northwestern University.

Scientists think being able to communicate with people while they’re having a lucid dream has incredible potential, like helping people with PTSD overcome trauma as well as allowing elite athletes and performers to practice doing complex skills.

Headlines:

US midterm elections underway
Teen admits to blackmailing Optus customers
Secret report into sports rorts revealed
Coles and Woolies plastic recycling program collapses

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The US midterm elections are happening this week, with major implications for President Joe Biden. A third of the seats in the US senate are on the ballot along with every seat in the House of Representatives; that means the country’s legislature could swing towards either party.

Biden’s Democrats are hoping to win votes by focusing on abortion rights and democracy, while Republicans are concentrating on the economy and immigration.

They’re beginning today and they could have major implications for President Joe Biden; action on climate change and spending on the war in Ukraine will influence the playing field of the 2024 presidential campaign - and pave the way for Donald Trump running again.

We take a deep dive with former Chaser and Planet America host Chas Licciardello.

Headlines:

Medibank is facing a class action
Sri Lanka Cricketer refused bail
Scott Morrison has been warned by the attorney-general
Teal independents reveal election spend

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The Australian housing market is experiencing strange times.

In this episode we’ll look at previous downturns, and how they’ve panned out to discover if the current downturn will be the worst housing market crash in Australian history.

We chat to Eliza Owen, Property Analyst from Corelogic to give us the inside scoop.

Headlines:

COP 27: past 8 years hottest on record
Floodwaters move downstream
Sri Lankan cricketer faces court over sexual assault
Elon Musk lays off workers as advertisers leave Twitter
Tributes flow for Aaron Carter

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Teela Reid is a proud Wiradjuri and Wailwan woman, lawyer, and story-teller. Teela was also involved in the Constitutional dialogue process that culminated in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

The Prime Minister has foreshadowed a referendum on the question of a First Nations Voice to Parliament; a key component of the Statement of the Heart. One day soon we will all be called upon to vote on this critical question.

In this conversation Jamila Rizvi and Teela Reid discuss kinship, oral history, colonization, healing, treaty, and much more.

THE WEEKEND LIST:

READ:Audiobooks from your local library

WATCH: Emilia – Arts Centre Melbourne

WATCH: Drink Masters – Netflix

READ: Uluru Statement From The Heart

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In our first two episodes of the gut instinct series, we’ve explored the growing evidence that suggests how so much of what happens in the gut impacts diseases traditionally linked to the brain.

We’ve also examined the booming multi-billion dollar probiotics and kombucha industries, and found they have little or limited effect on the gut.

So what other ways can we treat the mind via our guts?

Around a third of GPs now identify as integrative doctors who blend conventional medicine with lifestyle interventions.

We chat to Dr William Barnes, who is an Integrative GP and Functional Medicine Doctor.

Headlines:

Cyber crime is surging
NSW communities hit with more floods
Brian Houston slams Hillsong board
Online child exploitation surging
Imran Khan survives assassination attempt

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Globally the kombucha and probiotics market is worth billions and it’s rapidly growing as people spend big on wellness and gut health.

In part two of our three part series on gut health, we’ll be exploring if we’re being fooled by some of the extraordinary health claims these products make. Or maybe there's a tiny nugget of truth in the proclamations— and it's just been over-hyped.

We talk to Jordan Stanford from the University of Wollongong, a dietician with a PhD investigating dietary interventions to improve gut health.

Headlines:

Cassius Turvey vigils held across the country
Woman at centre of Hawthorn investigation pulls out
New gambling taglines
Taronga Zoo investigates escaped lions

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This series will examine the growing body of evidence between gut health and gut microbiomes to mental health, sleep disorders and in some cases even autism.

Should we be changing our approach to mental health treatment which is so heavily geared toward quick pharmaceutical interventions?

Professor Emad El-Omar is the director of the University of New South Wales Microbiome Research Centre and is also a professor of medicine. He chats with us about the ins and outs of our gut health.

Headlines:

RBA hikes rates again and warns more on the way
Cold snap freezes the south east
Nine arrested after India bridge collapse
Rapper Takeoff shot dead
Gold Trip wins Melbourne Cup

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Australian workers have been getting a raw deal on wages.

Wages actually being stolen, that is, unlawful underpayment, and then there’s the terrible bargaining power that has seen real wages flat-line for the last decade.

That’s one of the issues the Labor party campaigned on to get into office, and now that they’re in office, it's proving hard to change.

Ben Schneiders has been investigating the wage problem for years, he’s an investigative journalist with The Age and author of “Hard Labour: Wage Theft in the Age of Inequality."

Headlines:

Not enough police at South Korea’s crowd crush tragedy
Netball Australia has new sponsor
Brazil elects new left-wing president
Jetstar under fire after woman crawled down aisle
Melbourne Cup set to be cold / RBA to hike interest rates / Will you pay for a Twitter blue tick?

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It was a dramatic week last week in the story of Ye-formerly known as Kayne West.

The list of companies that have walked away from Kanye is huge, he says it cost him $2bn in one day. So is this the end of Kanye’s career?

Kanye West, or Ye has been a master of controversy; he loves to shock. But in the last month his attacks on Jewish people have brought serious consequences.

We’ll get a Jewish perspective on Kanye from author John Safran.

Headlines:

150+ dead in Seoul crowd crush
Twitter hit by trolling campaign
Pelosi attacker charged with attempted murder
Cassius Turvey vigils to be held
New Covid strain detected

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Ryan Shelton is a hugely successful comedian, actor, writer, radio and television presenter.

In this conversation Jamila Rizvi and Ryan Shelton discuss following opportunities for success, discovering the power of vulnerability and Ryan’s own creative processes, where he has found honesty as the secret for his latest accomplishments.

THE WEEKEND LIST:

WATCH:Hocus Pocus & Hocus Pocus 2 – Disney+

LISTEN: How Other Dads Dad With Hamish Blake – Podcast

WATCH: Eat The Rich: The Game Stop Saga – Netflix

GET: Holme Beauty

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Trends in funerary practices and how the recently departed are remembered are nothing new. From face moulds of the dead to making the rear window of your car a rolling memorial, the way someone is remembered has changed through time. But would you turn the tattoos of a dead family member into art?

Kyle Sherwood does just that for a living and it’s proving quite popular.

Remembrance is a very individual act. But would you ever preserve the tattoos of a loved one who's passed?

Headlines:

Lehrmann jury dismissed
Northern Rivers buyback scheme announced
Dutton issues budget reply
Socceroos protest Qatar human rights
Prince Harry’s book to be released in January

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Canberra might cop it a lot for being one of the most boring cities in Australia but it’s always been pretty progressive when it comes to social issues.

It’s the only place in Australia where the personal use of cannabis is legal. We recently shared with you here on The Briefing that it was hosting a trial of the first fixed pill testing site, and now the ACT government has passed legislation decriminalising small amounts of illicit drugs like cocaine, heroin and speed.

We speak to ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith who explains that under the new law - which comes into effect in a year, people found with amounts of certain drugs considered to be "personal possession", so that’s smaller than trafficable quantities, would be subject to a civil fine of $100, rather than criminal charges, and be referred for counselling.

Headlines:

Inflation hits new high
Lehrmann’s lawyers accuse Scomo of prejudicing trial
WA commissioner sparks outrage in indigenous community
Wallam scores match-winning goal
Dr Who to move to Disney+

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Labor’s first budget in a decade has been handed down. It’s being touted as a cost of living budget that’s friendly for families. The government’s focus is on childcare, paid parental leave and disaster resilience as well as TAFE and university places.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has also taken into account our challenging economic times; growth is forecast to slump while unemployment is set to rise.

We speak with the Australian Financial Review's Tom McIlroy about the Albanese government's first budget.

Headlines:

Labor’s first budget is handed down
Lehrmann trial: Jury unable to reach unanimous verdict
Convicted murderer wants to reverse guilty plea
Adidas drops Ye aka Kanye West

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The UK's political saga continues with Rishi Sunak named the UK's new Prime Minister overnight. He replaces Liz Truss who was forced to resign just 45 days into the job after her disastrous mini-budget sent financial markets into meltdown. Truss had replaced Boris Johnson who sent his party into a meltdown.

Rishi is 42, the youngest person to take office in more than 200 years, and is the first from an Indian background. He’s also married to one of the UK’s wealthiest women. Later this week he’ll be officially appointed to the top job by King Charles III.

We speak with Rob Harris, The Age's reporter in London about who the new Prime Minister is, and how the last few tumultuous weeks in UK politics unfolded.

Headlines:

Rishi Sunak named UK Prime Minister
Labor’s budget to be handed down
Floodwaters start receding
Man charged with murder over indigenous boy’s death

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On election day, a record number of independents seized previously "safe" seats and helped spell the end of the near decade-long Liberal government. It was a teal wave that surged stronger than anyone had expected, and it was backed by Climate 200 - a non profit, non partisan group that employed crowdfunding, whose founder, Simon Holmes à Court says is just getting started.

Simon joins us on the Briefing to talk through his motivation for establishing Climate 200 and what he expects will happen at the upcoming NSW and Victorian elections.

His new book, The Big Teal, is out now. It focuses how his Climate 200 group won over what he calls the ‘forgotten people’ of the 21st Century: women and younger voters especially - and how no seat in Australia will ever be safe again.

Headlines:

The east coast cops another drenching
Australia pledges to cut methane
Chinese president Xi Jinping begins record-breaking third term
Netball Australia faces sponsorship crisis
Boris Johnson likely for second tilt at UK PM

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If you tuned in to watch this year’s federal election night coverage, even for a few moments, you would have seen a sea of teal. All the political commentators could talk about was the wave of centre right independents who had claimed previously safe Liberal party seats.

At the centre of these shifting political winds is Allegra Spender, former businesswoman and now the member for Wentworth covering some of Sydney’s wealthiest suburbs.

Allegra Spender comes from a high-profile family, with both her father and grandfather being MPs and her mother, the late fashion designer Carla Zampatti.

In this conversation, Jamila Rizvi and Allegra Spender cover everything from tax cuts, climate change, women’s issues and Australia’s ever-changing political climate.

The Weekend List:

Watch: Don’t Worry Darling

Listen: FULL STORY: Ben Roberts-Smith V The Media - Podcast

Watch: Easy-Bake Battle: The Home Cooking Competition - Netflix

Cook: Sweet Potato Tea Cake – Bon Appetit Recipe

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Why has an Aussie heavy metal band gone green? In Hearts Wake have used their passion for ecological advocacy, to push the boundaries of the music industry by recording, releasing and performing their last album, (Kaliyuga), in a radically new and sustainable way. Kaliyuga became the first carbon offset album, pressed on recycled materials to hit the top 5 in the ARIA Australian Albums Chart as it debuted at #3.

We’re joined by the band’s front man Jake Taylor, who also directed a new documentary about the band’s eco journey, Green Is The New Black, released yesterday on DocPlay and iTunes.

This is a great example of truly believing in your cause and using your art to make the world a better place.

Headlines:

UK PM Liz Truss resigns
Greens senator steps down from leadership role
Towns brace for weekend floods
ACT government legalises small amounts of illicit drugs

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Parts of NSW and Victoria are again under water as another big weather system heads for already sodden regions. Flood warnings are in place in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. Thousands of people living in the Victorian NSW border towns of Echuca and Moama are bracing for a second flood in a week as local rivers peak.

We spoke to Bianca Hall, senior reporter with The Age newspaper early this morning.

More than 700 flood rescues have been made since the disaster began, and thousands of people have been displaced. On this morning’s Briefing, we get the latest from the flooded town of Echuca.

Headlines:

Jurors deliberate Lehrmann case
Bureau of Meteorology rebrand cost $200,000+
Damning review into Covid response
Gov spy agency working with Medibank on cyber attack

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Alex Jones is an American radio show host and prominent conspiracy theorist who was last week ordered to pay almost a billion dollars US to the families of the victims of the Sandy Hook school massacre. Jones had peddled the theory the shooting was a hoax to curb America’s gun laws.

A court in Connecticut ordered Jones to pay up – but he’s now claiming bankruptcy and there are fears the families will never receive the compensation they deserve.

Elizabeth Williamson, a New York Times journalist and author of “Sandy Hook: An American Tragedy and the Battle for Truth” joins us to explain if the families will ever see any money, and how Jones has managed to slip the net of accountability for the pain and suffering he’s caused.

Headlines:

More rain for already sodden towns
Bruce Lehrmann trial begins to wrap up
Israel condemns reversing Jerusalem decision
Royals could be headed down under in 2024

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In today’s Briefing we look at a perverse twist of Me Too. The wave of abuse stories has come with a wave of defamation lawsuits.

London-based barristers Jen Robinson and Keina Yoshida have written a book called How Many More Women detailing the way the law and the media has held back justice for sexual assault victims.

The book, out today, is about how and why laws must change to protect women who are brave enough to speak out against their attackers.

Headlines:

Consumers to brace for price hikes following floods
Politicians give evidence at Lehrmann trial
Australia drops Jerusalem as Australian capital of Israel
Calls for Nedd Brockman to be Australian of the year

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Our guest on the Briefing today is Grace Tame – former Australian of the Year and author of a new memoir: The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner.

In her brand new book, Grace has told her story of being a victim of child sexual abuse in full, but for the first time we also get to know her very dark sense of humour.

"One of my favorite jokes to make about the perpetrator who abused me is that he is like pedophile starter pack. You know, like he is a Catholic child-sexual abusing school teacher who wears New Balance 1080s and he plays the organ."

In today’s Briefing, Tom interviews Grace about her life, her campaign and how she manages to find humour in light of everything she’s been through.

The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner is out now.

Headlines:

Thousands of homes inundated by floods
Gov commits to end violence against women
NSW shortchanged by Labor
Xi Jinping to embark on historic third term
Ghisliane Maxwell speaks from prison

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Emma Carey says she wasn’t a particularly positive person before her accident. She was working in a job that she didn’t particularly like, going through the motions of life without a lot of spark or ambition.

While not wanting to take away from the seriousness of her experience and the pain and anguish of recovery, Emma says her life has changed for the better. She has gained an appreciation for what it means to be alive.

Emma is now 29 years old and it’s been almost a decade since she literally fell 15,000 feet from the sky, and survived. Within what she has been through and what she has discovered along the way, are lessons for all of us.

In this conversation Jamila Rizvi and Emma Carey discuss life after becoming disabled, gaining a new perspective on life and Emma's emotional recovery after the incident.

THE WEEKEND LIST:

WATCH:Derry Girls - Netflix

READ: The Joy of Better Cooking by Alice Zaslavsky

WATCH: The Redeem Team – Netflix

WATCH: The Dropout – Disney+

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It’s been a critical week in the war in Ukraine. After almost 9 months of conflict, more than 6,000 people have died and countless regions heavily shelled.

Many expected Ukraine would fall within days, but they’ve launched an historic fightback and as you’ll hear from our guest, the Australian-Ukrainian journalist Misha Zelinsky, the Ukrainians are not giving up without a massive fight.

Misha is reporting for the Australian Financial Review and he joins us for today’s Briefing to give an update on where we are today, and what the next six months looks like.

Headlines:

Flooding across Victoria, NSW and Tasmania
Higgins to return to the stand today
Alex Jones to pay $1.5B
Graphic video shown at Bali commemoration

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An inquiry is underway into a Queensland lab that failed to test thousands of DNA samples. The lab demanded that to progress to DNA profiling, crime scene samples require the equivalent of at least 22 cells, but fewer than 10 cells can often produce a DNA profile.

The discovery was triggered by the Walkley Award winning journalist Hedley Thomas’ Shandee’s Story true crime podcast. It means there could now be thousands of miscarriages of justice related to the lab. Hedley joins us to talk us through how the crisis emerged and what it means for existing and future cases.

In today’s Briefing, QLD’s DNA lab crisis from the man behind the Teacher’s Pet podcast.

Headlines:

Ruby Princess class action begins
Victoria’s pandemic declaration ends
Biden plays down recession fears
NASA successfully nudges asteroid
Tributes flow for actress Angela Lansbury

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It’s the 20th anniversary of the Bali bombings. On 12 October 2002, 202 people - including 88 Australians - were killed when explosions ripped through the Sari Club and Paddy’s Irish Bar in Kuta’s nightclub precinct.

We speak to journalist Ali Donaldson who reported on the tragedy at the time, and is there for the anniversary now.

What surprised us the most in this interview is sometimes in life, the worst things that happen to us can have the biggest impact - sometimes in really positive ways. In today’s Briefing, the sliding doors of tragedy as we mark 20 years since the Bali Bombings.

Headlines:

A third of the world to go into recession
Floods forecast for Victoria
Robodebt reviews scrapped
Adnan Syed exonerated
Australia to launch new tourism ad

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The Australian government is preparing to launch a mission to rescue dozens of Australian women and children trapped in Syrian detention camps. More than 20 Australian women and more than 40 children – the widows, sons and daughters of slain or jailed Islamic State combatants – remain within the al-Hol and Roj detention camps in north-east Syria.

Many of the women held in the camps say they were coerced or tricked into travelling to Syria by husbands who have since died. Most of the Australian children are under six; several were born in the camps. We’re joined by Katja Theodorakis, head of ASPI’s counter terrorism program to talk to us about who these women and children are, and what their future looks like.

In today’s Briefing, what’s next for Australia’s ISIS brides?

Headlines:

Ukraine capital hit by missiles
BOM: wet summer ahead
A pill to cut greenhouse gas emissions
Higgins ‘unavailable’ in Lehrmann trial
John Farnham recovering well

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Optus customers were horrified to discover last week their personal data had been hacked. Optus estimates that up to 9.8 million Australians could have their data compromised due to the attack, with 2.8 million severely impacted. So what exactly do the hackers do with your data?

Ravi Sen is Associate Professor of Information and Operations Management, Texas A&M University. Ravi joins us to explain firstly how your data is hacked, and secondly what the hackers actually do with it.

Mandatory holding of data like in the Optus hack means email addresses etc can be used for phishing and other scams. On today’s Briefing, where does your data go when it’s stolen?

Headlines:

Flood devastation as more rain expected
Chris Dawson’s daughter speaks out
Protestors glue themselves to Picasso artwork
Holden wins its final Bathurst 1000

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Treasurer Jim Chalmers will deliver his first budget later this month. The 44-year-old has been tipped as ‘one to watch’ since he was a 20-something joining his local ALP branch.

In this conversation, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Jamila Rizvi discuss everything from the cost of living and housing prices, to childcare and the role of women, to climate change and why politicians never seem to talk about young people on budget night.

We discover what drives the country’s new main economic manager, whose advice does he listen to and how do you answer a question as big as how to spend everyone else 's money?

THE WEEKEND LIST:

WATCH:Welcome to Wrexham – Disney+

DO: Spring Fling – The Wheeler Centre Melbourne

LISTEN: Matt & Alex – All Day Breakfast

DO: Hijinx Hotel

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Today’s Briefing is about returning artefacts to their rightful owners.

From skulls to statues and super rare antiquities; nations, like Australia are starting to return artefacts to the countries they were stolen from. We’re joined by Dr Craig Barker - an archaeologist, and the Manager of Education and Public Programs at the Chau Chak Wing Museum at Sydney Uni. Craig explains how and why the hand backs are occurring, and what role Australia has to play in correcting its injustices.

In today’s Briefing, giving back stolen artefacts... and why there’s more looting than ever in some parts of the world.

Headlines:

Higgins admits recording discussion with senior minister
Investigation launched into Thai mass shooting
More heavy rain adds to flood risks
Fraudster Caddick's $2m jewellery collection to be sold off

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When it comes to discussions of men and gender, it’s almost impossible to avoid saying or hearing the term toxic masculinity. It’s recently become a zeitgeisty and catch-all explanation for all instances of poor male behaviour.

But are we too quick to reach for it as a label given no one has agreed what the phrase actually means?

And if we no longer want “boy to be boys,” what exactly do we expect of them?

Hunter Johnson is the founder and CEO of Man Cave, an emotional intelligence charity that is taking on toxic masculinity. He’s worked with 30,000 young Aussie men too and is encouraging them to embrace a new kind of masculinity.

Headlines:

Sydney to break rain record
PM to reset relations with Solomon Islands
Alec Baldwin reaches settlement over shooting
Essendon: Thorburn issues statement after quitting
Details emerge of Brad Pitt’s alleged abuse

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It’s an age-old question for adults: how to get the message through to teenagers that something they think is cool is actually dangerous, and they should stop doing it? We did it with smoking, now the challenge for this generation of teachers and parents is vaping.

Griffith University is looking to change that, they’ve created a gamified experience called The Vape Detective that will help inform students about the dangers of vaping and challenge their perspectives.

We speak to Associate professor Coral Gartner from Griffith Uni who takes us through their program - and Timo Dietrich who’s the co-founder of Blurred minds who has developed a vaping game to discourage teenagers from taking it up.

On today's Briefing: the fight against vaping.

Headlines:

Bruce Lehrmann trial gets underway
Government reveals conservation plan
Banks to pass on rate hike
Essendon CEO quits after one day

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The owner of the $3B outdoor apparel brand Patagonia has given his company away to fight climate change.

Depending on his profits around $100m a year will go towards climate initiatives. We find out more about the move and why it’s so rare to see a company founder do something like this.

To explain how Yvon Chouinard’s radical act of philanthropy works. We have New York Times reporter David Gelles on the line from upstate New York.

Headlines:

Interest rate hike on the cards
Rain forecast for the east
First day of Brittany Higgins trial
Optus reveals full extent of hack

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What is the BookTok phenomenon? Is it making reading cool? And how is it affecting book sales?

There’s been a big surge in book sales, and publishers are putting it down to a new phenomenon called BookTok. BookTok is where young people on TikTok, typically in their teens or early twenties post about their favourite books in emotional videos racking up millions of views. BookTok has been responsible for the resurgence of several books on the New York Times’ bestseller list, including E. Lockhart’s "We Were Liars."

We speak with E. Lockhart about BookTok and how it’s encouraged her to write its prequel "Family of Liars."

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Louise Milligan is an investigative reporter for 7.30 and Four Corners on the ABC, Louise Milligan’s job is to uncover and explore the complicated, often disturbing realities of Australia’s most high profile political and legal stories.

In this conversation, Jamila Rizvi and Louise Milligan explore the personal cost to the high profile, high stakes nature of investigative journalism, what it’s like being “the news”, rather than reporting on it and Louise’s illustrious career journey.

You can check out the new Four Corners episode on October 3rd on ABC or catch up on iView.

THE WEEKEND LIST:

DO: Local trivia Night

WATCH: Heartbreak High – Netflix

WATCH: Do Revenge – Netflix

LISTEN: The Drop Podcast

CONTENT WARNING: BRIEF MENTION OF SUICIDE. IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEEDS HELP, PLEASE CALL LIFELINE ON 13 11 14 .

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What’s happening in Iran? We look into the death of Iranian woman Mahsa Amini and why it’s causing so much anger in Iran and around the world.

We chat to Naz Almasi, who was arrested at the age of 18 for participating in protests in Iran.

She is deeply concerned about her friends and family who have no way of communicating with the outside world with intermittent or no internet access.

Naz says "any act of protest is illegal and it has very violent consequences" and wants the international community and leaders to act.

Headlines:

Covid isolation could be scrapped
Russia to announce its annexation of parts of Ukraine
Australian advisor to Myanmar sentenced
Coolio has died age 59
Queen’s death revealed
Indigenous voice referendum to be held in next financial year

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Last week Vladimir Putin announced that he was calling up 300k reservists to fight in the war in Ukraine and is threatening nuclear action once again.

So how concerned should we be, and is Putin "a cornered rat?"

We speak to Peter Hartcher, the international editor of The Age and SMH newspapers and ask has Vladimir Putin become more dangerous, more desperate or both?

Headlines:

Albo promises cybersecurity overhaul
Hawks: Clarkson concerned about fair process
50k sign petition to keep name of Maroondah hospital
Nicho Hynes named Dally M winner

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Charlotte Mortlock - Former Sky News journalist, is behind the drive called Hilma's Network to get more women in politics.

Mortlock thinks more women need to be involved in the Liberal party at a grass roots level for change to occur at the top.

The former journo decided to start a network with one goal: flood the Liberal party with women and bring young women back to the conservative side of politics.

Headlines:

States act to help Optus customers get new IDs
Nation anti-corruption commission legislation to be introduced today
Moscow sham elections have 96% wanting to be part of Russia
Fuel excise cut to end
NASA Space craft smashes into an asteroid

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On the eve of the 20th anniversary of the Bali bombings, the bombmaker Umar Patek became eligible for parole.

Patek had his sentence reduced last month with Indonesian authorities claiming he’s been “deradicalised.” Patek has served 11 of his 20-year sentence for mixing chemicals used in the attacks that killed 202 people in 2002.

We find out what’s involved in a deradicalisation program with Greg Barton, a Professor in Global Islamic Politics from Deakin University, and whether they can actually work.

Headlines:

Optus could face class action
Gambling ad crackdown
ADHD could end up on NDIS
School shooting in Russia
Australia plays major role in NASA experiment

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They have been dubbed "cosmetic cowboys" and now the federal government is reining them in.

Antoinette Lattouf talks to investigative journalist Adele Ferguson about the numerous patients that have spoken out about the painful and permanent damage they have suffered due to poor practices in Australia's cosmetic surgery industry. And their stories have not been in vain.

Health ministers across the country have now agreed to a series of reforms to clean up the sector to ensure doctors providing cosmetic procedures are appropriately qualified and working to the highest health and safety standards.

Headlines:

NSW still on flood watch
Former surf star Chris Davidson dies after an alleged one punch attack
Perth man behind bars in Bali for alleged drug smuggling
Woman hit by rollercoaster at Melbourne Royal Show
It’s been a mega weekend of sport

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Nakkiah Lui is an actor, writer and comedian. She is a Gamilaroi and Torres Strait Islander woman who is well known as a passionate, determined advocate for the rights and equality of First Nations people.

She has an outstanding number of artistic achievements. You will recognise her from TV shows including Black Comedy, Preppers, Kiki and Kitty and Get Krackin or follow her witty, acerbic takes on Twitter.

In this conversation Jamila Rizvi and Nakkiah Lui discuss everything from motherhood, diversity in the Australian media and the backlash of portraying fictional characters.

THE WEEKEND LIST:

DO: ⚠️ BeReal App ⚠️

DO: Follow Instagram page - @pizza_night_

READ: The Real Story of the Birth of Fall Out Boy - Rolling Stone

DO: BIG4 Holiday Park

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Imagine you could control digital devices using just the power of thought. Although it’s a little more complex than that, an implantable brain-computer interface is essentially trying to do just that.

There have been some promising trials in New York where, in a world-first, a person who is severely paralysed was implanted with this new brain-computer technology. Now 20 patients in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Gold Coast are getting onboard.

Professor Nicholas Opie is a biomedical engineer and he’s also the co-founder of this new technology the Stentrode implant

Headlines:

The Queen’s memorial day wraps up
Russians flee after Putin announces conscription
Optus investigates major hack
Hawthorn allegations rock AFL

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Did you know crime statistics in Australia have been steadily falling over the last 20 years. We are now living arguably some of our safest lives ever. We speak with former director of the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, Don Weatherburn about how this has happened, and why our perception of crime could be out of whack.

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A campaign has been launched to bring back the Tasmanian Tiger; the carnivorous marsupial extinct in Australia since the 1930s. Despite hundreds of sightings in ensuing years, the Tassie Tiger – or thylacine – is now a distant memory. Colossal Biosciences is a tech and investment company in the US – and it’s recruited people like Paris Hilton and the Hemsworth brothers to invest in its project to re-wild the Tassie Tiger.

We’re joined by Ben Lamm, founder and CEO of Colossal Biosciences who explains why they chose the thylacine – and what it would mean for Tasmania’s native animal population and environment, if it’s re-introduced to the wilds of the Apple Isle.

In today’s Briefing, the campaign to bring back the Tasmanian Tiger.

Headlines:

Podcast triggers release on Adnan Syed
$50b windfall for federal budget
QLD government to look into forensic lab results
Flooding forecast for east coast

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Google is trying out pre-bunking techniques in a number of eastern European countries after a study found pre-bunking helped ‘inoculate’ people against misinformation.

The study showed 30,000 participants cartoons explaining some of the most common manipulation techniques- and later asked them about the tactics.

We speak with Jon Roozenbeek, lead author of the study and a postdoctoral fellow at Cambridge University’s Social Decision-Making Lab about how the study works and if this could help fight the deluge of misinformation online.

Headlines:

The Queen is laid to rest
States scrap masks on public transport
QLD police to stop using spithoods
Japan typhoon downgraded

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The Queen’s funeral is tonight and it’s expected to be the most-watched television event of all time. Four billion people are expected to tune in. It will be the end of an era in Australia with King Charles III taking over from his mother. So what will it mean for Indigenous Australians?

Our very own Rhianna Patrick, a Torres Strait Islander, tells us about her connection with the Queen and how growing up, she had a fascination with the monarch and royal family. We’re also joined by Blak Douglas, an Indigenous artist who won this year’s Archibald Prize, who has an entirely different perspective. He says Australia’s continued support for the monarchy is salt in the wounds of First Nations people.

In this episode of the Briefing, Indigenous perspectives on the Queen’s funeral

Headlines:

The Queen's funeral tonight
A massive typhoon has made landfall in Japan
Australia's biggest Childcare provider is offering incentives to entice workers
Patrick Cripps takes home the Brownlow medal

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Hugh Van Cuylenburg is a bestselling author and co-host of the popular podcast, The Imperfects.

Hugh works in the area of resilience, through his podcast and books, he’s worked with everyone from school kids to football stars on how to live a more resilient life.

In this conversation Jamila Rizvi and Hugh Van Cuylenburg discuss embracing the current season of your life, the power of resilience and the importance of everyone, but men in particular, sharing their emotions and allowing each other to be vulnerable.

THE WEEKEND LIST:

WATCH: Me Time (Netflix)

DO: Finalist 2022 Australian Life Photography Competition in Hyde Park 15th Sept – 9thOct

DO: Get a Frank Green Water bottle and stay hydrated!

LISTEN: The Imperfects - Podcast

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Rapper Tasman Keith says the ARIA Awards should be judged on art, not charts. Is he right?

Keith posted a lengthy explainer on how the ARIA Awards are not based on merit, they’re based on sales this week. ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd joins us to explain why those claims are not quite right, but the awards could do more to acknowledge artists who fly under the radar. We’re also joined by ARIA judge and music journo Sosefina Fuamoli, who says the awards probably don’t adequately recognise artists who don’t have big record company backing. It’s a complicated issue.

In today’s Briefing, Tasman Keith says the ARIA Awards should be judged on art, not charts. Is he right?

Headlines:

Roger Federer announces retirement
William says Queen's procession reminded him of Diana's
Xi and Putin meet in Uzbekistan
WHO says end of pandemic in sight

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Since Russia invaded Ukraine, a wide range of sanctions has been imposed by western countries. Sanctions are penalties imposed by one country on another, to stop it acting aggressively, or breaking international law.

We’re joined by David Uren - an economic analyst and commentator with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute - to determine the real impact of the sanctions.

In today’s Briefing we take a deep dive on the real impact of six months of sanctions imposed on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

Headlines:

Mourners pay respects to the queen
Pandemic payments extended
Saudi golf tournament could come to Australia
900k Aussies hold down two jobs
RBA board under review

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We have now entered the realm of King Charles III. To many, Charles is an eccentric environmentalist whose relationship with his first wife Diana filled tabloids and documentaries for decades.

Now he’s ascended the throne on his mother’s death, we take a deep dive on the man himself with Dr Cindy McCreery, a historian with the University of Sydney and an expert on the history of the Royal Family.

In today’s Briefing, Australia has a new King. Do you know the real Charles, the person behind the crown?

Headlines:

The Queen’s coffin arrives in London
Uncle Jack Charles dies
Third La Nina confirmed
Pet kangaroo kills owner
Aussie actor Murray Bartlett wins an Emmy

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With the Queen’s death last week, the world woke to a new generation. We have a new King, a new heir to the throne and many expect conversations to begin about Australia’s future in the Commonwealth. What should you do if you feel unsure about the future?

In today’s episode of the Briefing, we’re joined by Brigid Delaney whose new book Reasons Not To Worry - How to Be Stoic in Chaotic Times, comes out next week. Brigid explains what we can learn from stoics, philosophers who lived by a set of rules that helped them find solace and comfort in difficult times.

As Australia – and the world – enters a new era, we talk about Stoicism and why worrying is simply a waste of time.

Today's Headlines:

King Charles admits to feeling ‘weight of history’
New Covid vaccine approved by ATAGI
Caddick inquiry hears unlikely she cut off own foot

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The Queen’s body has begun its journey from Scotland to England.

Tens of thousands of Britons lined the highways of Scotland overnight to watch the Queen’s cortege from Balmoral Castle to Holyrood House in Edinburgh where her body will lie in state for a day before being taken to London. We’re joined by Jacob Farr from Edinburgh Live who can take us through the ins and outs of the Queen’s final journey.

In today’s Briefing, the Queen’s final journey has begun.

Today's Headlines:

Queen's cortege arrives in Edinburgh
King Charles III proclaimed in Australia
US commemorates 21 years since September 11 attacks
Massive earthquake in PNG

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Two months ago Hannah Diviney wrote a tweet that went viral. Hannah was the driving force behind Lizzo and Beyonce, two of the most powerful and influential people in pop music, changing their lyrics which used an ablest slur.

Hannah Diviney is a writer and disability & women’s rights advocate. In this conversation Jamila Rizvi and Hannah Diviney unpack everything from pop stars, to cartoons, to the experience of life from a different vantage point.

Sign the petition for Disney to create a princess with disabilities here:

https://www.change.org/p/disneystudios-create-a-disney-princess-with-disabilities?original_footer_petition_id=14548521&algorithm=promoted&source_location=petition_footer&grid_position=7&pt=AVBldGl0aW9uACS4jgEAAAAAYNr34O0kCM8yOTc2MGYyOA%3D%3D

THE WEEKEND LIST:

WATCH: Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Netflix)

DO: Melbourne Writers Festival

DO: Liquidless Reed DiffusersDO: Follow disability advocates online! IG handles: @hannahthewildflower @_astridedwards_ @edesmarchelier @dylanalcott @elizahull @turiapitt @taramossauthor @dinesh.palipana

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In today’s Briefing, we bring you the news that Queen Elizabeth has died aged 96.

Buckingham Palace made the official announcement at 6.30pm British time - 3.30am this morning our time.

Her majesty was Britain’s longest-serving monarch.

The Queen, born in Mayfair, London on April 21, 1926, died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

In this special episode of the Briefing, we remember Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s National Child Protection Week. Australian authorities have served Apple, Microsoft and Meta with world-first legal orders this week to come clean on what they are doing to detect and report child sex abuse material or face fines of more than half a million dollars a day.

Australia’s move will be watched internationally- in the US, there has been bitter debate over whether child security should trump privacy. We speak to filmmaker Simon Nasht about the orders, about the potential implications and why the world is watching.

Simon’s film The Children in the Pictures is available at SBS OnDemand and will be featured on SBS in late October.

Today's Headlines:

Putin threatens to cut energy to west
New figures show economy grew 0.9%
Major update in Trump archive seizure
Domestic flight fares surge
No Aussies left in US Open

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As a detective, Gary Jubelin used to sit on one side of the interview room table facing murderers, child abductors and rapists. Now he’s sitting on the other side: disgraced, forced out of the police and judged to be a criminal. His new book Badness, shows us the view from the other side.

One of Australia’s most famous detectives has done a very different kind of investigation; instead of locking up criminals he’s befriended some of the country's worst criminals to understand what made them bad.

In today’s Briefing, Gary Jubelin, former NSW police homicide detective who is famous for leading the William Tryell investigation, and then being booted out of the force for illegal recordings, explains how and why his own criminal conviction has given him a very different perspective on the criminal mindset. His book Badness, is out today.

Today's Headlines:

Early childhood centres to ‘shut down’
Cost of living to be addressed in budget
China tensions could be thawing
Liz Truss makes first speech

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Japan is planning a dramatic shift back to nuclear power more than a decade on from the Fukushima disaster. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced last week Japan will restart idle reactors and develop new plants to avoid new strains on power grids that buckled under heavy demand this summer.

We’re joined by Dr Carol Bond from RMIT, a political and social scientist with a focus on energy policy. In this episode of the Briefing, is Japan ready to transition back to nuclear energy, what are the risks, and what has it learned in the wake of the Fukushima disaster?

Is Japan ready to transition back to nuclear energy?

Today's Headlines:

Liz Truss to be new British PM
Manhunt continues in Canada after stabbing murder spree
Wayne Carey denies white powder is banned substance
Aussies through to US Open quarters after historic day in NY
Tracey Grimshaw to leave A Current Affair

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A new study has found friendships between rich and poor can reduce poverty. The study looked at thousands of social media connections and found if poor children grew up in neighbourhoods where 70% of their friends were wealthy, it would increase their future incomes by 20%.

We’re joined by one of the study’s authors, Matthew O Jackson, a professor of Economics and Stanford University who explains how the study was conducted and what they found.

In this episode of the Briefing, how your friends impact your bank balance.

Today's Headlines:

5 million to benefit from welfare increases
Climate bill debate begins today
Trump holds first rally since FBI raid
Kyrgios to take on Medvedev in bid for US Open quarters
Nirvana wins court case over baby photo

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Johnny Ruffo is an Australian singer, songwriter, dancer, actor, television personality and now a newly minted author, with his memoir No Finish Line.

Johnny auditioned for X-Factor Australia in 2011 on a whim and after placing third signed a recording contract with Sony. He won Dancing with the Stars the following year, released a debut single and joined the cast of Home and Away. Then Johnny started suffering from severe headaches, and after emergency surgery, woke up and was told he has brain cancer. By 2019 he was in remission but in 2020 the cancer returned. Five years on and he is still fighting - and he’s fighting to win.

In this conversation Jamila Rizvi and Johnny Ruffo discuss Johnny’s rise to super stardom, his on-going battle with brain cancer and discover they have something surprising in common.

THE WEEKEND LIST:

WATCH: Have You Been Paying Attention? – Monday’s at 8:30pm Channel 10 or TenPlay

WATCH: House of the Dragon – BINGE

LISTEN: Where should we begin? With Esther Perel

EAT: Rice Paper Puff Recipe

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Could your next job be in tech?

Job shortages are hitting the Australian economy hard, mostly in lower-skilled lower-paid jobs. One sector is bucking the trend; the tech sector is growing, with the number of jobs set to triple while salaries are growing strongly. We talk to Australia Tech Council deputy CEO Tom McMahon to get to the bottom of why Australia is so bad at tech.

Dude, where’s my tech job? Addressing chronic shortages in Australia’s tech sector.

Today's Headlines:

Second day of jobs summit gets started
French president to visit Australia
Changes to Covid guidelines
Malcolm Turnbull confronted by university students
Serena Williams’ grand farewell at the US is not over yet

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In one of the most anticipated courtroom verdicts in living memory, Chris Dawson was this week found guilty of murdering his wife Lynette more than 40 years ago. A packed court heard Dawson murdered his wife so he could pursue a relationship with the Dawsons’ teenage babysitter.

We’re joined by Matthew Condon, a journalist with the Australian who worked alongside Hedley Thomas, the creator of the Teacher’s Pet podcast which sparked the renewed hunt for the truth behind Lynette Dawson’s disappearance.

In this episode of The Briefing, the Chris Dawson murder verdict explained.

Today's Headlines:

Covid isolation period reduced
New fire danger system rolled out
Cosmetic surgery recommendations handed down
Gorbachev to be laid to rest in Moscow

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At May’s federal election, six so-called teal independents defeated six sitting Liberal MPs. Teal is a mix of green and blue - so voters saw the six candidates as having conservative views, while supporting a green, or climate active, political leaning.

Tom and Annika take a deep dive on the teals, as both NSW and Victoria head to the polls in the next six months. Will the teal wave crash the upcoming elections - and could we see a repeat of what happened in the federal poll which saw a reshaping of the federal parliament?

In this episode of the Briefing, could we see a repeat of the teal wave from May’s federal election in upcoming state elections?

Today's Headlines:

Chris Dawson found guilty
LIV Golf signs Cameron Smith
Omicron booster given green light
Most popular delivery dishes revealed

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Back on July 19th, Australia’s first fixed pill testing site opened in Canberra’s city centre. The pilot program is running two nights a week for six months. Pill testing was one of the recommendations made by a coronial inquest into festival deaths. The team behind this latest site, called Harm Reduction Australia, has run a couple of trials of pill testing before at the Groovin the Moo festivals in Canberra.

We’re joined by Professor Malcolm McLeod, a chemist from the ANU and chemistry lead for CanTEST and Pill Testing Australia to find out how the testing went.

In today’s Briefing, we find out what was in the drugs, and how people reacted when the drugs they bought were not what they thought they were.

Today's Headlines:

NASA rocket delayed
CSIRO releases pandemic report
Albo doesn’t rule out high income tax cuts
Grace Tame says abuser still harassing her
Chris Dawson verdict to be handed down

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Could BeReal overtake Instagram and Facebook?

Data from Google trends, which ranks a search term’s popularity out of 100, shows social media platform BeReal shot from 38 to 92 points the same week “Make Instagram Instagram Again” started trending. We’re joined by Claire Reilly - an Aussie tech journo living in San Fran working for tech news site CNet to find out what Be Real is all about – and if it will eventually threaten the big guns, Facebook and Instagram.

So how big a deal is BeReal, and could it be the next major social media platform?

Today's Headlines:

Unions move to strike bargaining deal with small business
Big news for nurses and midwives in Victoria
Bali bomb mastermind says his involvement was a ‘mistake’
Push to reduce Covid isolation rules

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The Science Briefing is a new podcast from LiSTNR and The Royal Institution of Australia about the science of everything and your new go-to podcast for your snapshot of science news.

In this episode, Dr Sophie Calabretto talks to Cosmos Magazine journalist Petra Stock about how we perceive robots and the lengths to which we, as humans, breathe life into machines.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nevo Zisin is a queer author, speaker, performer, and activist.

Their speaking and writing in the gender and LGBTQIA+ space has been affirming for so many queer kids and adults, and educative for friends, family and allies alike. Nevo’s books Finding Nevo and The Pronoun Lowdown are available at all good bookstores.

In this conversation Jamila Rizvi and Nevo Zisin discuss queer activism, Nevo’s personal journey of self-discovery and the importance of a loving and supportive environment for all kids to thrive.

CONTENT WARNING: Brief mention of suicide

Help and support is always available. If you need to talk, please contact Lifeline by calling 13 11 14 or Q-Life 1800 184 527, an anonymous and free LGBTIQA+ support, 3pm-12am.

THE WEEKEND LIST:

WATCH: The Handmaids Tale – SBS On Demand

READ: The Crikey Read – Leaning Out by Kristine Ziwica

WATCH: The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills – HAYU

DO: Help fight famine by writing to your local MP - https://www.fightfamine.com.au/

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Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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Actor Sean Bean, known for Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings has been getting heat for saying intimacy coordinators reduce “the natural way lovers behave” into a “technical exercise.” Emma Thompson and Amanda Seyfried are among the high-profile actresses to come out against the comments—saying intimacy coordinators make sets safer and more comfortable.

We speak to Chloe Dallimore, an intimacy coordinator who’s worked with a bunch of stars like Sam Worthington, Toni Collette and Idris Elba. Chloe tells us what exactly it is they do, and how shooting a sex scene has changed over the last 20 years.

On today’s Briefing, an intimacy coordinator takes us behind the scenes.

Today's Headlines:

Robodebt Royal Commission announced
Qantas flags price hikes
Results of first Canberra pill-testing in
Djokovic won’t play US Open

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Shockwaves: The Bali Bombings is a narrative documentary series exploring the lives of people in Australia and Bali impacted by the 12 October 2002 Bali Bombings. Of the 202 people killed, 88 were Australian. It was our worst peacetime atrocity.

We’re joined by Network Ten journalist Ali Donaldson who explains many of the survivors have incredibly uplifting stories to now tell. Shockwaves: The Bali Bombings podcast reveals the astounding journeys that tragic event has taken them on, both emotionally and physically. How they survived the unthinkable, and how the things they learned can and are still are helping to save lives today.

Shockwaves: The Bali Bombings launches today and is available on LiSTNR and all other podcast platforms.

Listen to Shockwaves: The Bali Bombings

Today's Headlines:

Unions want new enterprise bargaining agreements
Biden wipes thousands in student debt
Ukraine: more support floods in on Independence day
Finnish PM apologises for raunchy photos

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There’s been a major split in Australia’s Anglican Church; conservatives who oppose same-sex marriage have launched a breakaway movement led by former Sydney Archbishop Glenn Davies. They aim to lure Anglicans who are unhappy with progressive bishops.

Small, localised breakaway churches aren’t new, but there’s never been any with this sort of scope or involving such senior members of the established church before. We’re joined by Dr Renae Barker, an active member of the Anglican Church and a lecturer on law and religion at the University of Western Australia.

In today’s Briefing, we discuss why homosexuality continues to divide Christians.

Today's Headlines:

Scomo’s secret appointments were valid
John Farnham in ICU
Kyrgios faces two lawsuits
Andrew Tate deplatformed

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The oral contraceptive pill was an absolute game changer for Australian women when it was introduced back in 1961. Why then, are oral contraceptives on their way out.

We’re joined by Kelsey Menzies, a 25-year-old who went off the pill and is now on the rhythm method; and Professor Jayashri Kulkarni from Monash University who’s been leading research in this area.

In the last 30 years, people using oral contraceptive pills have been declining. It’s as more awareness grows around the adverse impact of the pill on mental health. We look into this trend, and why researchers are worried about Tik Tok influencing contraceptive decisions.

Today's Headlines:

PM to release legal advice into Scomo’s secret portfolios
Rise in welfare compared to pre-pandemic levels
Major drug bust of opioid fentanyl
US disease expert Anthony Fauci steps down
Satirical musical about Prince Andrew announced

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Salman Rushdie has been stabbed at a New York lecture and could lose sight in one eye. The motivation behind the attack may be more than 30 years old. In 1989 the Iranian spiritual leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini condemned Rushdie to death via Fatwah due to the ‘blasphemous’ nature of his book: The Satanic Verses.

We’re joined by Vijay Mishra, Emeritus Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Murdoch University in Perth to look into why Rushdie is so controversial among those of the Muslim faith.

What was it about the Satanic Verses that made it so controversial, and why has Salman Rushdie been under a Fatwah since 1989?

Today's Headlines:

Legal advice on Scomo’s secret appointments issued
Australia’s skills crisis
Putin advisor’s daughter killed in car bomb
Union calls Qantas ‘apology’ a stunt
Singapore legalises gay sex

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The Science Briefing is a new podcast from LiSTNR and The Royal Institution of Australia about the science of everything and your new go-to podcast for your snapshot of science news.

In this episode, Dr Sophie Calabretto talks to Cosmos Magazine journalist Jacinta Bowler about how potent methane is as a greenhouse gas and the concerns major coal companies could be underreporting their methane emissions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year’s FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is only a month away and Ezi Magbegor is more than ready.

A self-described ‘quiet person’ Ezi says she has tried to stay grounded during her meteoric rise in the sport. A remarkable feat given that she’s currently playing in the WNBA and was part of the Seattle Storm’s championship winning team in her rookie season.

In this conversation Jamila Rizvi and Ezi Magbegor talk all things basketball, keeping a level head and dealing with pressure at an elite level.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Native Americans have been teaching Indigenous Australians how to strengthen their languages at a conference in Alice Springs. The Master-Apprentice method was developed by small Indigenous language communities in California and has proven to be the most effective method for endangered language communities with few resources.

We’re joined by Dr Richard Grounds - Executive Director of the Yuchi Language Project in Oklahoma who has been in Australia; and Leon Yeatman CEO of Batchelor Institute in the Northern Territory, who tells us about programs to save indigenous languages in Australia.

With many Indigenous languages under threat in Australia, will this new approach help?

Today's Headlines:

Bali bomb-maker to walk free early
Unemployment rate falls to record low
Scomo apologises to former Home Affairs minister
Covid cases drop 24% globally

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The nation has been stunned by revelations in Simon Benson’s new book Plagued, where we learned former Prime Minister Scott Morrison assigned ministerial portfolios to himself. His colleagues in the parliament had no idea. It’s seriously damaged Morrison’s legacy, just months after the May election.

Simon, who covers politics for Sydney’s Daily Telegraph, takes us behind the scenes as he compiled the book that has rocked Australia’s political landscape.

In this episode of The Briefing, a deep dive on Scott Morrison’s chaotic prime ministership.

Today's Headlines:

Scott Morrison refuses to resign
Plan to cut emissions by biggest polluters released
Senior Republican loses seat over not supporting Trump
Japanese government wants young people to drink again

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Not all disrespect towards women ends in violence, but all violence against women starts with disrespectful behaviour. We want to set good examples for the young people we influence in our lives. Stop It At The Start has practical resources so together, we can work to stop violence against women.

Tom is joined by TV and radio host and journalist Carrie Bickmore and together they interview Patty Kinnersly, CEO of Our Watch to talk about how best to have these conversations, because it’s not just one big conversation, it’s many little ones.

In this special episode of The Briefing, Tom and Carrie discuss the campaign from a parents’ point of view – the link between our endemic violence against women and attitudes of disrespect and gender which start as children. Every little talk you have shapes them. When you bring up respect, respect grows.

For conversation starters, tools, and resources, visit respect.gov.au

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We’re joined by leading investigative journalist Nick McKenzie to take a deep dive into Australia's neo-Nazi movement.

McKenzie has gained footage from inside secret meetings, bush camps, gym sessions and even uncovered the way they use encrypted messaging apps like Telegram to organise their movement and share their racism.

In this briefing Nick McKenzie shares what he’s learnt about this movement and the threat it poses.

Today's Headlines:

Scomo resisting calls to quit
Indigenous ministers meet to talk referendum
NSW flood report issues 28 recommendations
Anglican church split underway
Plan to bring Tasmanian tiger back to life

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It’s estimated 140,000 people have medical issues misdiagnosed in Australia every year, and as many as 4000 end in death.

We’re joined by Mary Dahm from the ANU’s Institute for Communication in Healthcare, and Jen M, a person who has been misdiagnosed.

A new study has looked into how and why misdiagnosis happen; we speak with the researchers to find out what to do if you suspect you’re being misdiagnosed or not being listened to by your medical practitioner.

Today's Headlines:

Turnbull says Scomo revelations ‘appalling’
New Omicron vaccine approved by UK
Assange suing CIA over spying claims
Australian rentals below WHO safety rating

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Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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US conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has been ordered to pay $A70 million in damages after falsely claiming the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting was a hoax.

Jones – host of Infowars, and a renowned conspiracy theorist - has repeatedly argued that the shooting was a hoax orchestrated by the government to strip Americans of gun rights, and that the parents of the dead children were "crisis actors."

We’re joined by Elizabeth Williamson - New York Times journalist and author of Sandy Hook: An American Tragedy and the Battle for Truth” who explains how and why Jones spread these awful untruths, and what this court decision means for his future.

Can Alex Jones and Infowars survive this brutal demolition by the parents of a Sandy Hook victim?

Today's Headlines:

Organised crime has infiltrated NDIS
Scomo secretly sworn in as Resources Minister
Flights return to normal in Canberra
Salman Rushdie on road to recovery
Five members of US Congress visit Taiwan

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Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Science Briefing is a new podcast from LiSTNR and The Royal Institution of Australia about the science of everything and your new go-to podcast for your snapshot of science news.

In this episode, host Dr Sophie Calabretto talks to Cosmos Magazine journalist Matthew Agius about a new independent review stressing the Murray-Darling Basin is likely to meet a major environmental target for South Australia.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indira Naidoo is an Australian author, journalist, television and radio presenter. She has had a colourful life, full of travel and unique experiences.

Indira is the eldest in her family, she is one of three sisters. In 2020, Indira’s whole world changed when she lost her vivacious, intelligent, younger sister.

In this conversation Jamila Rizvi and Indira Naidoo, discuss loss, grief and the incredible healing powers of nature.

CONTENT WARNING: Mentions of death by suicide.

Help and support is always available. If you need to talk, please contact Lifeline by calling 13 11 14.

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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Do you constantly underestimate how much time something takes? Do you agree to things, put them in your calendar only to get closer and regret it? Does trying to delineate between work and life leave you confused? Well, you’re not alone.

We’re joined by Dr Amantha Imber - an organisational psychologist, host of the How I Work podcast and author of the book ‘Time Wise’ to learn how to make better use of our time.

In this episode of The Briefing, how to be time wise in the age of distraction.

Today's Headlines:

Veteran interim report details “national tragedy”
NSW bans Nazi swastika
Australian advisor to Aung San Suu Kyi testifies for first time
Paul Green’s family ‘devastated’ after NRL coach’s death

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Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
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Why was the DC spin-off movie Batgirl canned, when it was almost finished?

Warner Brothers has cancelled Batgirl despite spending $113 million on it. It’s understood the film starring In the Heights actor Leslie Grace, Michael Keaton and Brendan Fraser was so badly received by test audiences the studio decided to get rid of it. We’re joined by Rolling Stone magazine’s Tatiana Siegel to get the full story.

Why has Warner Bros decided this wasn’t even worth posting on its streaming service, and how often do blunders like this happen anyway?

Today's Headlines:

Military drills around Taiwan wind down
Inflation cools in USA
Trump invokes right to silence amid investigation into business practices
Grease wins timeslot as country mourns Olivia Newton-John

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Three big hunks of space junk have been found in the Snowy Mountains. They’ve been confirmed as pieces of one of Elon Musk’s SpaceX rockets. The latest piece, discovered by sheep farmer Mick Miners, stands nearly 10 feet tall and is firmly embedded in a paddock by one end.

Dr Brad Tucker, an astrophysicist at the Notre Dame College of Science, joins us to explain what you can and can’t do with space junk if it falls on your property.

In this episode of the Briefing, what to do if part of Elon Musk’s rocket lands in your backyard.

Today's Headlines:

Serena Williams to retire
Republicans lash out over Trump raid
Olivia Newton-John’s family accepts state funeral
RBA to trial digital currency

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On July 23, World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus declared the monkeypox outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern” – the highest global alert level for a disease outbreak. Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly followed by declaring monkeypox as a “communicable disease incident of national significance.”

We’re joined by Dr Paul Griffin, Infectious Diseases Physician and Microbiologist, University of Queensland, who takes us through who’s at risk and why.

In this episode of The Briefing, where are we at with monkeypox in Australia? Why should we get the vaccine? Who should get it?

Today's Headlines:

Olivia Newton-John passes away
Commonwealth Games finishes
China extends military drills around Taiwan
NSW: Barilaro regrets applying for NY role
Stripper auctions off Prince Harry’s undies

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Why would China want to spark World War Three over Taiwan?

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan has stoked fears the island could become the flash point for World War Three. China claims the island as a renegade province, despite Taiwan functionally acting as an independent nation for 70 years. We’re joined by Jennifer Hsu, a researcher at the Lowy Institute who was born in Taiwan.

In today’s Briefing, we dive into why China cares so much about Taiwan, and why Australia should too.

Today's Headlines:

Aussie cricketer allowed to play despite covid infection
China wraps up military drills around Taiwan
Biloela family starting the week without the threat of deportation
Qantas executives to head to the baggage carousel
Tributes flow for Judith Durham

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The Science Briefing is a brand new podcast from LiSTNR and The Royal Institution of Australia about the science of everything and your new go-to podcast for your snapshot of science news.

In the first episode of The Science Briefing, host Dr Sophie Calabretto talks to Cosmos Magazine journalist Evrim Yazgin about the first images from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope and how the race is on to make the next major space discovery.

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Samuel Jonathan McMillan was editing the United Nations Youth Australia newsletter and studying law at Melbourne University when he realised that he was more interested in telling jokes than studying.

Fast forward 20 years and Sammy J is a household name. He hosts ABC Melbourne’s breakfast show, and his satirical videos are a fan favourite on ABC television. He’s an award-winning stand-up comedian, who also uses video and self-composed music in his work.

In this joyful conversation, Jamila Rizvi and Sammy J discuss juice boxes, Disney’s golden age and how much of yourself you really share with those around you.

THE WEEKEND LIST:

LISTEN: Michelle Brasier – The Case for Optimism (The Imperfects Podcast)

WATCH: Vikings: Valhalla (Netflix)

WATCH: My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman (Netflix)

READ: Sundressed: Natural Fibres and the Future of Fashion (Book by Lucianne Tonti)

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Would you accept a billion dollars to play golf? A new competition funded by Saudi Arabia called LIV Golf is turning the usually staid and boring game of on its head.

Saudi money is funding a new golf tournament around the world, and it’s ruffling feathers in the established corridors of the sport like the USPGA and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club. The new tournament LIV is offering hundreds of millions of dollars to secure players from other tours, and many are accepting.

In this episode, we’re joined by Sam Squiers from Fox Sports News who also hosts LiSTNR’s On Her Game and The Sport podcasts. We learn what is LIV - and what is sports washing?

Today's Headlines:

Three dead in Queensland shooting
Japan condemns Chinese military exercise
Shortages of popular drugs
Breonna Taylor: four officers charged
Adelaide Crows players consider class action over camp 'disgrace'

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How do workers take advantage of the record unemployment rate? Unemployment is at its lowest level in 50 years at just 3.5%. We take a look at how you can take advantage of the jobs boom; be it a promotion, better flexibility, study leave or even a gym membership.

Ruth Beran is a career advisor with Blue Sky. She says forget the Great Resignation, these days it’s all about Quiet Quitting, even LinkedIn is providing an option for career pause.

So how do you make the most of the job boom – and how do you negotiate your pay rise?

Today's Headlines:

Climate bill to pass lower house today
Great Barrier Reef looking healthier
Kansas votes for the right to abortion
Commonwealth Games haul continues
Space X junk found in the Snowy Mountains

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In a major new reform, Aussies using online betting accounts will receive a monthly statement detailing their losses. It means people with gambling issues will be able to take stock of their decisions with complete transparency.

Advocates like Lauren Levin, Director of Policy and Campaigns with Financial Counselling Australia, hope the statement will also open the conversation up about what a responsible amount to bet is. Anthony, a reformed problem gambler, joins us to explain how much he lost and how he turned his life around. He says the statement will definitely help.

In today’s Briefing, could these gambling statements change lives for the better?

If you have gambling issues and you want to speak to someone, call the National Gambling Hotline on 1800 858 858 or the National Debt Helpline, to talk to a financial counsellor, on 1800 007 007

Today's Headlines:

US House speaker touches down in Taiwan
Greens to outline climate deal today
Court rules McGowan and Palmer defamed each other
McKeon to break Commonwealth Games record

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The cruise industry was thrust into the headlines when the Ruby Princess docked in Sydney at the peak of the pandemic. 28 deaths were linked to the ship. It looked for a while like cruising would never return to its former glory.

So where is the industry now? David Jones, Corporate Communications Manager for Carnival Cruises tells us people are returning to cruising and this summer looks like it should be back to business as normal. We also speak with Shauna, a self-described ‘cruiseaholic’ who says she can’t wait to get back to the high seas and take up where she left off pre-pandemic.

So in today’s Briefing, what’s in store for cruising, and are Covid fears overblown?

Today's Headlines:

More gold in the Commonwealth Games
Omicron peak could be past
RBA to hike rates
Indigenous leaders react to voice to parliament wording
The most expensive Maccas meal ever

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The global wellness industry is worth more than four trillion dollars. It includes mindfulness, a type of meditation where you focus on being intensely aware of what you're sensing and feeling in the moment.

Associate Professor Nicholas T. Van Dam from the School of Psychological Sciences at the University of Melbourne has been studying the metrics and says the number of apps has skyrocketed since the pandemic.

So in this episode of The Briefing: what is mindfulness, does it work, and could it potentially be bad for your mental wellbeing?

Today's Headlines:

Albo enjoys highest satisfaction rating of incoming PM
House prices falling at fastest rate in a decade
More gold for Australia in Commonwealth Games
Prince Charles accepted donation from Bin Laden family

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Sarah Davidson describes herself as a funtrepreneur and an overenthusiastic life lover, who is interested in too many things.

Sarah was adopted as a baby from South Korea and grew up in Australia. She was a high achieving student who started her professional life as a mergers and acquisitions lawyer, until she got sick. One of the things that helped her during that dark and difficult time, eventually became the business opportunity which would change the direction of her life.

In this conversation Jamila Rizvi and Sarah Davidson discuss burn out, the death of “hustle” culture in young women and Sarah’s magical discovery of Matcha powder.

THE WEEKEND LIST:

WATCH: Below Deck Mediterranean (Hayu)

EAT: Ottolenghi's Beet, Caraway, & Goat Cheese Bread

LISTEN: The Mall is Dead (Long Live The Mall) - Decoder Ring Podcast

WATCH: Bluey (ABC)

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Interest rate rises, fuel prices, fruit and vegetables, gas and electricity, groceries, childcare costs - that's the list of items getting more expensive every day. So, how do you ‘adult’ your way through the looming crisis?

Melissa Browne is author of un-F your finances and Budgets Don’t Work. Melissa says you need to think smarter about how you manage your finances, and that small steps can make a big difference.

In today’s episode of the Briefing Katrina and Rhianna bring you simple ideas to help you ‘adult’ your way through cost of living pressures.

Today's Headlines:

Sex assault has increased by 13% in 2021
US economy unofficially in recession
NRL: The Manly 7 could wear pride jersey next year
Two-thirds of federal grants program not awarded on merit
Commonwealth Games opens

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The Manly NRL pride jersey story has blown up into a complete fiasco. The club introduced a pride jersey, with four rainbow stripes to celebrate diversity in rugby league. Seven players who say they were blindsided by the move said they didn’t want to take the field in the jersey because of culture and religious reasons.

Michelle Bishop is Seven News’ sports reporter. She has the inside story on how it all went so spectacularly wrong.

Our own Tom Tilley and Antoinette Lattouf bring their own perspectives to the story. Tom was raised in a Pentecostal church and knows what it’s like to live within the guidelines of your beliefs. And Antoinette wrote a book about diversity and inclusion, ‘How to Lose Friends and Influence White People.’ In this Briefing, Tom and Antoinette bring their unique take on the Manly pride fiasco.

Today's Headlines:

Treasurer to give first economic update
Female indigenous MPs unite against lifting of grog bans
NRL: Sea Eagles to wear Pride jersey tonight
Commonwealth Games to get underway
Neighbours finale to air tonight

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Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison stunned Australians on election day by using the interception of a boatload of asylum seekers as a reason to vote for the Coalition. We all know how the election ended up – the Morrison government was booted from office.

A new report has found Morrison and his government pressured public servants on election day, and blatantly politicised an issue, Morrison himself had argued for years, was not to be politicised. Sean Kelly is a columnist for the Sydney Morning Herald, a former Rudd adviser and the author of The Game, a critical biography about Scott Morrison.

In this episode of the Briefing, we take a deep dive into Scott Morrison’s ‘shameful’ final act as Prime Minister.

Today's Headlines:

Manly coach apologises for handling of Pride jersey
Covid rates higher than we thought
Inflation could hit rate not seen since 1990s
Kylie Jenner against Instagram update
Russia to leave International Space Station

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The NSW Parliamentary inquiry into the appointment of former deputy premier John Barilaro to a plum trade commissioner post in New York, is up and running. The inquiry is trying to determine how and why Mr Barilaro ended up with the role after more qualified and credentialed people were overlooked. Why do we tolerate nepotism in politics?

Danielle Wood is CEO of the Grattan Institute and co-author of Jobs for Mates, a new study on nepotism in politics. Danielle joins us to talk about why it’s time we demanded politicians earn their roles like the rest of us - on merit, not contacts.

In today’s Briefing, are we done with ‘jobs for mates?'

Today's Headlines:

Pollies back in Canberra
Covid hospitalisations highest ever
All mail from China and Indonesia to be screened
7 NRL players refuse to wear Pride jersey
UK to host Eurovision 2023

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This episode came via a message from one of our listeners, Jason on Instagram who wanted to point out the REAL issues the construction industry in Australia are facing.

A shortage of raw materials, worker shortages, supply chain delays and interest rate hikes is threatening the construction industry.

Phil Dwyer, head of the Builders Collective of Australia has warned the latest increases, are unlike anything he has seen in close to 50 years as a builder, and could force HALF the nation’s builders into insolvency.

Today's Headlines:

Albo refusing to close border to ward off Foot and Mouth
Govt winding back ABCC powers
Monkeypox declared an international emergency
Splendour in the Grass winds up
Vingegaard takes out Tour de France

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Tara Moss is a best-selling Canadian-Australian author who has written 14 books spanning multiple different genres.

In addition to her books, Tara is a documentary maker, a television presenter, a journalist and most recently a disability advocate.

In this episode Jamila Rizvi and Tara Moss unpack everything from body image, chronic pain, Tara’s work ethic, to the loss of her beautiful mother when she was still a very young person.

THE WEEKEND LIST:

EAT: Molten Choc Chunk Brownie - Donna Hay Packet Mix

READ: The Biggest Problem With Remote Work - The Atlantic

WATCH: White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch (Netflix)

DO: Wear a mask, give yourself time to rest if you have covid & RELAX!

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Are our regulators better equipped to deal with a tech company employing the same aggressive tactics Uber did when it was expanding between 2013 - 2017?

A massive data leak suggests Uber broke laws, duped police and secretly lobbied governments between 20-13 and 20-17 when the company was rapidly growing. It’s been revealed extreme tactics were deployed in Europe, but the Australian arm of Uber also engaged in dodgy practices.

Ben Butler from the Guardian Australia joins us with a fascinating long lens look at UBER and how this big market disruptor has made our lives more convenient, but raised lots of issues.

Have our regulators caught up or are we a sitting duck for the next big tech disruptor?

Today's Headlines:

Biden tests positive for Covid
PM astonished by Scott Morrison’s comments
Twist in Ricky Martin incest allegations
Splendour in the Grass begins after 3 year hiatus

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The State of Environment report is out, and the news isn’t good.

Australia has lost more mammal species than anywhere else on earth, along with hundreds of plant species. The losses are down to a vicious cocktail of climate change, land clearing, pollution and feral pests. We take a deeper look with Dr Ian Cresswell, one of the co-authors of the report.

On today’s Briefing, a deep dive into the damning State of Environment report released this week – and what, if anything, can be done to right the wrongs in terms of the environment

Today's Headlines:

Major employers asking staff to WFH
Russia to “expand military aims”
Boris Johnson gives last speech as PM
Sanitation mats rolled out at airports to ward off foot and mouth disease
Rio Tinto to pay $1B in tax settlement

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Around eight million Australians are estimated to have been infected with Covid during the pandemic. Experts believe around 5% of those who catch the virus end up with long Covid, so as many as 400,000 people. So what is long Covid? How do you know you have it, and what can be done to treat it?

Jess Davis is a journalist with the ABC, based in Canberra and she has long Covid. Jess describes what it’s like to live with it and how she navigates it with her employer. While Andrew Baillie is a professor in allied health at Sydney University and a psychologist who convenes the long Covid Australia Collaboration. Andrew explains what long Covid is, and what the future looks like for those with it.

So, on this episode of The Briefing, long Covid and what the facts say.

Today's Headlines:

The UK swelters through hottest day on record
Greens want more than 43% emissions target
Top doctors step up calls to wear masks
The energy regulator steps in to shore up VIC gas
Review into RBA begins

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The ACT has always had a liberal approach to drug use. Cannabis was decriminalised in 2020. Today it opens a pill-testing facility in Canberra’s CBD.

Gino Vumbaca is president of Harm Reduction Australia. He and his team are behind the trial of the new facility which runs tests on drugs to make sure they’re safe for the user to take. He says trials at music festivals in recent years have undoubtedly saved lives.

On this episode of the Briefing, the ACT’s bold move to install a pill-testing facility in Canberra’s CBD.

Today's Headlines:

Damning environment report released
UK swelters through hottest day on record
ANZ to take over Suncorp’s banking arm
ACT to ban petrol car sales

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Tom’s super keen to dust off his Bintang t-shirt and head to Bali. It seems everyone is overseas this winter. So how is the travel industry coping, post-pandemic?

Dean Long, CEO Australian Federation of Travel Agents, joins us to talk about the resurgence of tourism: why ticket prices are so high, why places like Bali might be slower than other places to recover, and the growth in an unexpected travel sector.

On today’s Briefing, when will travel return to normal post-pandemic?

Today's Headlines:

Hospitals overwhelmed by Omicron wave
National abortion laws to be debated
UK issues red alert for the first time over heatwave
Aussie golfer Cameron Smith wins British Open

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Deborah Frances-White is the original guilty feminist.

Deborah is an Australian-born, London-based writer and comedian who is best known for her award-winning podcast, The Guilty Feminist. She is a force to be reckoned with.

In this conversation, Jamila Rizvi and Deborah Frances-White cover everything from Roe V Wade, the age of criminality, being a modern feminist and the need for a refuelling with social justice groups.

Content warning: Brief mention of sexual assault

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Elon Musk be forced to buy Twitter?

Twitter is suing Tesla CEO Elon Musk –after Musk said he wanted out of a deal to buy the social media platform. Musk says he hasn’t been given enough information on spam accounts, but Twitter executives believe Musk is trying to get out of the acquisition because of the downturn in tech stocks. We’re joined by Meghan Bobrowsky, reporter with the Wall Street Journal, who says the lawsuit promises to be one of the biggest legal showdowns in Wall Street history.

In a lawsuit for the ages, Elon Musk will face off against the social media giant Twitter – and there can only be one winner.

Today's Headlines:

Hospitals tamp down as Covid spikes
900 prescription drugs price hike
PM to convene emergency national cabinet
Low unemployment could see rates rise
Kevin Spacey pleads ‘not guilty’ amid sexual assault claims

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The latest Census revealed we’re more culturally diverse as a nation than ever before. So, we’re asking the question: ‘should the next census include more questions about ethnicity?'

We dive into the pros and cons, which are more complicated than you might think. Historian Dr Amrita Malhi, fellow at the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs at ANU; and Mohammed Al-Khafaji, CEO of the Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia join us to hash it out.

Last month the federal government announced it will begin collecting more specific ethnicity data in the next Census. Is it the right move? Or could it lead to tension if we create what's been dubbed a ‘racial hierarchy’.

Today's Headlines:

PM in closed door talks with Pacific leaders
Civil case brought against George Pell
Qantas scraps vaccine mandate on international flights
Fukushima: Landmark damages payout
QLD clinches Origin

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Housing is the biggest living cost facing Australians. Despite the bluster, major parties aren’t offering anything to help people with the cost of rent. Anglicare Australia has released its Rental Affordability Snapshot that found less than 2% of rentals are affordable for a full-time worker on the minimum wage. For a person out of work, it’s 0%.

Anglicare Australia Head of Government Relations, Aaron Malouf, wants 500,000 social and affordable homes, which would provide a home for everyone.

Without action, the social housing shortfall will only grow. So what does the housing affordability crisis mean for you, and is it likely to get worse, before it gets better?

Today's Headlines:

US Vice President to address Pacific Forum
Breaking China’s hold on clean energy
Top docs recommend masks
Gender pay gap: $1B a week
Succession leads Emmys nominations

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Boris Johnson has resigned as British prime minister after a series of scandals meant his party could no longer support him.

Latika Bourke, the Sydney Morning Herald’s UK correspondent, tells us Johnson will be remembered most for his role in Britain leaving the European Union. He’s also known for partygate, where Johnson and his staff held parties in Downing Street while the rest of the country was under Covid lockdown.

So given Johnson’s reputation and history of poor decision making, how did he remain in office for so long? And what will Great Britain look like under new leadership?

Today's Headlines:

Energy Forum begins in Sydney
Regulator cracks down on text scams
Almost half of flights delayed last week
Chris Dawson trial ends
Sri Lankan president to resign

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14 people are in custody following the death of an 8-year-old girl in the Queensland town of Toowoomba back in January. Her parents have been detained since her death, and then last week 12 more people were charged with the child’s murder. 

We’re joined by David Chen from the ABC Toowoomba bureau who has been following this story since Day One.

So in this episode of The Briefing, who are these people? And why are they turning their backs on legal representation?

Today's Headlines:

Kyrgios loses Wimbledon to Djokovic
More Aussies eligible for antivirals
China blames coalition for frosty relationship
Grocery prices aren’t all bad
Leaked Uber documents expose company’s ruthless expansion tactics

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Dr Neela Janakiramanan is a hand surgeon, based in Melbourne. The last two years have been trying for her and her colleagues, there is a significant physical and emotional toll of tending to patients during a once in a generation global pandemic.

Putting patients’ needs ahead of her own is what Neela believes in most, she’s a proud advocate for patient-focused care. She believes it’s an essential part of medical training, that young surgeons see patients as people, not just bodies to be operated on.

These ideas are explored in her brand new novel, The Registrar, available at all good bookstores. The Registrar has the frenetic pace of a psychological thriller and offers a rare insight into the world of a surgeon-in-the-making, from one who has survived it.

THE WEEKEND LIST:

LISTEN: KIC POD Episode - Staying safe when travelling: how two sisters escaped attempted human trafficking

DO: Visit Canberra

DO: Gift a nice night out at a restaurant, instead of a physical gift

DO: Follow First Nations content creators

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WesternSydney and areas in the NSW Illawarra and Hunter have been hammered by yet another round of devastating floods for the fourth time in 18 months. So, is climate change to blame? Or are we simply building in the wrong places?

We’re joined by Jason Evans, Professor at the Climate Change Research Centre at the University of New South Wales to explore whether the science is settled.

On this episode of The Briefing, is climate change to blame for the last week’s devastating floods?

Today's Headlines:

Boris Johnson resigns
Kyrgios to play Wimbledon final
PM will treat Putin with ‘contempt he deserves’
Godfather actor James Caan dies
Nutbush world record broken

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders now have access to a new 24/7 national crisis support telephone service - 13 YARN

The service is staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Suicide accounts for 40% of all deaths of Indigenous children, and the suicide death rate among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is double that for non-Indigenous people.

So in NAIDOC Week, we’re joined by Marjorie Anderson - National Program Manager Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Support Team Lifeline Australia, to discuss why it’s so important to have a crisis line dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and the impact it’s already having.

Today's Headlines:

Over 30s soon eligible for 4th Covid vaccine
PM defends EU trip amid floods
Flood-causing weather system to move off east coast
QLD: 12 refused bail after death of 8-year-old
Kyrgios blasts into the semifinals

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Everyone knows someone who’s getting Covid for a second time and epidemiologists are warning Covid is back on the agenda. Why now? And how can you avoid it?

Catherine Bennett, Deakin University chair of epidemiology, joins us to talk about the new Omicron variant BA.5. It seems to be making people sicker. So why are we seeing an increase in numbers and should we be rolling up our sleeves for a fourth dose of vaccine?

Today’s Briefing is an episode we didn’t want to bring you.

Today's Headlines:

UK government on brink of collapse
Sydney flood levels finally ease
200k households in mortgage stress
12 charged with the death of 8 year old girl
Kyrgios charged with common assault

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Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

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One of the most startling statistics from last year’s census was for the first time, fewer than half of Australians identified as Christian. 90% of Australians identified as Christians back in 1966 - and the number has been in decline ever since. The data shows it’s millennials turning their back on God.

Today’s guest is Andrew Singleton, Professor of Sociology and Social Research at Deakin University. He says millennials now subscribe to a set of beliefs he calls "Whateverism".

So on today’s Briefing, we explore Whateverism – what it means, and how it will shape our future.

Today's Headlines:

Floods continue to wreak havoc in Sydney
Interest rates to climb 0.5%
Kyrgios through to Wimbledon quarters
Possible fourth Covid shot for under-65s

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Bitcoin made a splash when it was first introduced in 2009. Since then, investors have sunk billions of dollars into cryptocurrencies. Although they were touted as being a hedge against inflation, they’ve been acting as risk assets in the recent downturn – and their value has dived with the sharemarket. Crypto’s price has fallen 70 percent since November.

Paul Vigna, who writes on cryptocurrency for the Wall Street Journal, takes us through why the price has seen such a massive fall. He also explains what the future of crypto looks like – and how it could potentially drive innovation.

The crypto crash on today’s Briefing and why it’s yet to become a global currency.

Today's Headlines:

NSW residents hit by 4th flood in 18 months
PM visits Ukraine
Wimbledon: Kyrgios through to final 16
Australia hits 10k covid deaths
Ash Barty named person of the year at NAIDOC

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Miriam Rizvi is one third of the ARIA award nominated children’s band, The Beanies. The Beanies also have a podcast on the LiSTNR app or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this conversation Jamila Rizvi interviews her little sister Mim. They dive into the pressures of growing up in a highly successful family, how imposter syndrome manifests in different ways and the lengths Mim went to supporting Jamila during a stay in hospital.

For all the information on The Beanies upcoming live shows head to https://thebeanies.com.au/liveshows

THE WEEKEND LIST:

WATCH: Only Murders in the Building – Season 2 on Disney+

WATCH: MasterChef Australia: Fan VS Favourites – Ten Play

WATCH: Senior Year - Netflix

READ: We’re not going back to the time before Roe. We’re going somewhere worse. - The New Yorker

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Aussie music journalist Mawunyo Gbogbo has written a memoir taking us from where she was born in Ghana; to country NSW where she grew up; to how she became a music writer; and eventually to the bright lights of New York, the heart of hip hop.

‘Hip Hop and Hymns’ is about Mawunyo’s two great loves - music and her faith – and how both helped her confront life’s curve balls.

The memoir is about moving to Australia from Africa, and growing up Black in country New South Wales. It also tracks her tumultuous journey from a mining town to the epicentre of hip hop: New York.

Today's Headlines:

PM to meet with French counterpart
July 1: What’s changing?
Guy Sebastian’s agent guilty of embezzlement
Ketanji Brown Jackson sworn in as first black woman on US Supreme Court
Kyrgios’ wild upset at Wimbledon

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America has been rocked by the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade - the case that has protected the right to abortion in the US for almost 50 years. Already, states are banning the procedure and it may be just days before half of the states across the US ban abortion.

In today’s episode of The Briefing, Nick Sweeney, an Australian born director of a documentary called AKA Jane Roe tells us the unbelievable story of a young Texan woman called Norma McCorvey – who was to become Jane Roe.

You won’t believe what Nick learned in the making of the documentary. It left Americans reeling, and turned the entire saga on its head. In today’s Briefing, the story behind the abortion case dividing America.

Today's Headlines:

R Kelly sentenced to 30 years for sex trafficking Secret Service agent considers testifying to defend Trump over Capital riots France Terror attack trial concludes Hannah Clarke’s family calls for more DV support across the country Ride share agreement struck between Uber and unions

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The world watched on as Tesla founder Elon Musk told his staff working from home is over – and if they didn’t want to return to the office, they could look elsewhere for a job. Atlassian’s Scott Farquhar came straight out and said any Tesla staffers looking for work would be welcome at Atlassian.

So is Musk right? Is working from home dead? Dr Libby Sander is Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management, the founder and director of the Future of Work Project. Libby says for so long big corporations were inflexible and saying remote working wasn't an option but -- then quickly proved it can be, thanks to the pandemic.

So what happens next, because we’re no longer mandated to stay home to work and life is largely back to normal? So what now? Is work from home really here to stay? And who does it truly benefit?

Today's Headlines

Ghislaine Maxwell sentenced to 20 years FTA agreement with Europe on the cards Australia hopes to reopen Kyiv embassy 50+ dead in Texas people smuggling incident Scottish independence vote 2023

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So, you’ve been elected to Parliament. What next? How do you navigate the 75,000 square metres of Parliament House in Canberra? Where do you get a coffee? And where’s your office?

Annika Smethurst, the Age newspaper’s Victorian parliamentary correspondent and the Briefing’s Canberra insider, worked in the halls of federal parliament for more than a decade. She explains 35 new members of the House of Reps start their new jobs today…and what they face as they start their new career.

They’ll be given an office, an advisor, and a showbag. So what’s it like to be a brand new MP?

Today's Headlines

PM to attend NATO summit

Census: Less than half the population is Christian

Dads could get 20 weeks leave

Teacher’s Pet creator on the stand More protest action planned following Sydney traffic chaos

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More than 3,000 Australians take their lives each year and a further 65,000 attempt suicide. A suicide aftercare service developed by Beyond Blue is helping to restore a sense of hope and belonging for people recovering after a suicidal crisis.

Early evaluation findings show that measures of suicidality decreased 63 per cent and psychological distress decreased 30 per cent among those who participated in Beyond Blue’s The Way Back Service. Beyond Blue’s CEO Georgie Harman tells us the service supports people who have been discharged from hospital after a suicide attempt with personalised, practical, one-on-one assistance in the community. The program has now helped more than 15,000 Australians in the wake of their suicide attempt.

If you need to talk to someone, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or the new help line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders 13 YARN (13 92 76)

Today's Headlines PM heads to NATO Crossbenchers angry over staff cut 9 US states have already banned abortion Blues win Origin II NASA launches rocket from NT

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The incredible Art Simone, fan favourite on Ru Paul’s Drag Race Down Under, joins us on this week’s episode of The Weekend Briefing.

In this conversation Jamila and Art cover it all! Everything from Art’s early forays into drag, her shock elimination and return from Drag Race Down Under. Plus, they dive into what it is about Aussie drag that sets this country apart.

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The pandemic is over and Australians are gearing up to travel overseas. The problem is, many can’t get their passport to enable them to leave the country. The queues to collect passports are hundreds of metres long, snaking outside passport offices in all capital cities.

We’re joined by Amanda, a Briefing listener whose family had to cancel a holiday in Fiji because they couldn’t get passports in time; and Dean Long, a travel industry expert and CEO The Australian Federation of Travel Agents to unpack the crisis.

On today’s Briefing, how the passport crisis emerged and what you can do to streamline the process and get your passport sooner, rather than later.

Today's Headlines

PM to reset relationship with France

Damning new report on WA’s mining industry

Report into VIC’s Country Fire Authority reveals toxic culture

Senior MPs’ exodus from VIC government New York’s new gun laws overruled

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It’s been a big week in international sport with FINA and the International Rugby League announcing bans on transgender athletes. It followed an announcement late last year from the International Olympic Committee that it would leave it up to individual sports to formulate policy on trans competitors. Trans athletes even surfaced as an election issue at the federal poll in May.

Caroline Layt, a trans woman and former elite rugby league player joins us to tell us what the bans mean for trans athletes. Tracey Holmes, host of the ABC sport podcast The Ticket tells us what the bans mean for the future of other sports.

On today’s Briefing, the trans athlete debate and why it’s become such a contentious issue.

Today's Headlines Energy market suspension ends

Earthquake kills thousands in Afghanistan

Swimming coach charged with historic sex offences

Landmark gig economy case results in $800k pay out Sydney’s Crown casino to open its doors

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NASA is preparing to launch three rockets from the Arnhem Space Centre in the Northern Territory, scheduled for the end of this month and early July. Professor Melissa Zwart from Flinders University tells us the three rockets are what’s called “sounding” rockets - they won’t actually reach orbit, they’re used for collecting scientific data.

It’s a big deal, it’s the first time NASA has conducted a rocket launch from a commercial facility outside the United States. The traditional custodians of the land, the Gumatj people, support the project….Gumatj Corporation chair Djawa Yunupingu said the launch plans are “a step towards the future for our people”.

What does NASA’s plans to launch rockets from the Northern Territory mean for the future of space research in Australia?

Today's Headlines Higgins trial delayed after Wilkinson's Logies speech International Rugby League bans trans athletes Energy market shutdown could be lifted La Nina weather pattern end

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An energy crisis across Australia took us to the brink of blackouts last week. A cold snap, the war in the Ukraine and escalating global coal and gas prices formed a perfect storm where we were being urged to turn the dishwasher off. The crisis prompted the market operator to suspend the short term market and take control over supply.

Mark Ludlow writes for the Australian Financial Review on energy. He says the long term solution is renewables with storage, but the question is, how do we manage that transition whilst avoiding crises like last week’s.

The Energy Security Agency, a government body, has proposed a capacity mechanism which our federal and state leaders will consider, which would essentially keep quickly dispatchable power on standby for moments of shortfall. So, how would it work and how likely is it to be passed by a Senate stacked with Greens and independents?

Today's Headlines

NSW and QLD reveal budgets

Greens slam proposed energy solution Single Covid and flu jab nears final stage Higgins rape trial could be delayed after Logies speech Mixed reaction to FINA's trans policy

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It’s January 1982, Lyn and Chris Dawson appear to have the perfect marriage. He's a star footballer and popular high school teacher. She's a devoted wife and mother who worked as a nurse.

Lyn Dawson goes missing shortly afterward. Chris Dawson was charged with the 1982 murder of his wife, Lynette. The cold case was at the center of widely popular investigative podcast series Teachers Pet, which focused on the disappearance and probable murder of the northern beaches mother-of-two. Chris Dawson has pleaded not guilty.

We're joined by the Australian's Matthew Condon to go behind the cold case that sparked the Teacher’s Pet Podcast and get the latest on the trial of Chris Dawson.

Today's Headlines World swimming body rules on trans athletes $2B to be paid out in Toyota class action Too late to stop coalition jobseeker system Assange faces extradition to UK Hamish Blake wins Gold Logie

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Pete Helliar is one seriously funny dude. He is also seriously busy.

Pete is a regular host on The Project and the creator and star of 10's How To Stay Married. He has created and co-produced two series of the award winning It’s A Date for ABC TV.

He hosts a podcast called You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet, has written children’s books and his latest stand up special is streaming on Paramount Plus now.

But what is Pete about behind the smiles and the jokes? How much of his real life is channeled into his work? And why, even with enormous television success, does he continue to return to stand up?

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Tik Tok has been the fastest growing social media app ever. In just five years it has had over 2 billion downloads and now reports 1.6b regular users - about half of Facebook, already.

Many of its users are young and so there’s obviously concern that it's being used to sell and promote drugs.

Dr. James Martin is a senior lecturer in Criminology at Deakin University who specialises in the online drug trade. How concerned should we be about TikTok and where does it fit into the much bigger and more established world of online drug sales, namely the dark web and the encrypted messaging apps.

Today's Headlines Family and domestic violence leave to be introduced First national cabinet since election Russia sanctions 121 Australians Penny Wong to visit Solomon Islands Fresh day of evidence in Chris Dawson trial

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The Reserve Bank of Australia provides forward guidance for the economy. One of the key levers of fiscal policy is interest rate projections. RBA boss Philip Lowe predicted he couldn’t see interest rates rising before 2024 – and many Australians took out mortgages based on that advice. Well we now know he was wrong.

John Kehoe, the economic editor at the Australian Financial Review, joins us to explain how and why Philip Lowe got it so wrong....and what the consequences will be in the housing market and the broader economy.

Philip Lowe conceded his comments were “embarrassing”. Given so many Australians have massive mortgages, should he face consequences for his comments? And what authority will his predictions have in the future.

Today's Headlines NSW and VIC commit to paid preschool year Energy regulator suspends trading PM to make fresh climate pledge US federal reserve lifts rates 180,000 workers get minimum wage rise

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The concept of the four-day working week has been around for almost a century, but like the idea of working from home which needed a pandemic to make happen, the four-day week concept hasn’t really taken off in Australia until recently.

Researchers have found a four-day work week without a pay cut improves both productivity and a sense of wellbeing, less stress and burnout, and a better work-life balance among workers.

Joe O’Connor is the CEO of 4 Day Week Global who’s running a huge trial in the UK. Joe joins us on The Briefing to talk about the possibility of a four-day week taking off in Australia.

Today's Headlines Minimum wage decision imminent RBA warns of more rate pain + sharemarket spirals Power companies on notice Airport mask mandate lifted

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Johann Hari’s new book Stolen Focus is all about the crisis in concentration sweeping the world. The book goes into why it’s happening, how much it’s affecting us, and what can be done to tackle the problem.

Johann joins us to explain there are so many things competing for our attention, it makes it really hard to focus. Can we fight back against it as individuals... by being more disciplined... or is there a bigger war we need to wage on the forces that are stealing our attention?

There is a lot we can do to change our own behaviour, but will it ever be enough when we’re up against the best engineers in the world, who work for the social media companies that so often fight for our focus.

Today's Headlines Australia qualifies for FIFA World Cup 2022 East coast facing power outages Trump had “no chance” of winning election Defence Minister forges ties with Japan Monique Ryan reports ‘racist, misogynistic’ letters to police Rebel Wilson: newspaper issues apology

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Australia’s new government has appointed an Assistant Minister for the Republic. Matt Thistlethwaite has been tasked with taking the Labor Party’s policy of making Australia a republic from policy to reality.

Mr Thistlethwaite joins us on the Queen’s Birthday holiday to talk about what his plans for a republic, what our new nation’s leader would be called….and if we’ll get to KEEP our Queen’s birthday long weekend!!

On today’s Briefing…is Australia going to become a republic?

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Sophie Cachia has always been in a rush. At twenty she met a bloke and fell in love, by age twenty-three she’d given birth to her first child, and within another year or two grew a formidable social media following for her account “The Young Mummy”.

Then There Was Her is Sophie’s debut book. It’s intimate, illuminating and revealing - which might surprise readers given that so much of Sophie’s life has been lived publicly on Instagram.

The book details Sophie’s catapult into the public eye and the identity crisis she was grappling with behind the shiny, happily married wife and mum of two kids image. It unpacks how Sophie lost and then found herself again in motherhood, and how she navigated her sexuality and fell in love all over again.

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Filming on Australia’s longest-running television show Neighbours, finishes today…..after nearly 9,000 episodes, 63 weddings, 20 births and 68 deaths.

We’re joined by Ryan Moloney – who plays Jarrod "Toadfish" Rebecchi to talk about the show’s legacy – and his plans for the future; and Andrew Mercardo – the TV reviewer and historian about why the show is ending and it’s place in the Australian psyche.

On today’s Briefing we look back on four decades of Neighbours with long-running cast member Toadie.

Today's Headlines ACT decriminalises drugs Russia sentences POWs to death Twitter to provide Elon Musk with bot data

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Australian journalist Cheng Lei has been charged in a Chinese court of supplying state secrets. Detained since August 2020, her family and friends now say she’s been denied access to consular officials and prison officials have tightened her food supply.

Her partner, Nick Coyle joins us on the Briefing to talk about what the future looks like for Cheng Lei and what life is like for her behind bars in a Chinese prison.

With the Albanese government pledging to improve relations with Beijing, it’s time to lobby for the release of Cheng Lei, who is believed to be in a prison in Beijing.

Todays Headlines No silver bullet for the energy crisis Stripping citizenship law struck down

Chinese Port of Darwin lease to be reviewed Qld wins Origin I

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In the next 20 years, almost 250 billion dollars will be transferred from baby boomers to Generations X, Y and Z.

We’re joined by Aleks Vickovich, the Wealth Editor at the Australian Financial Review to discuss what it means for the economy – and in particular young Australians hoping to buy their first home. And with yesterday’s interest rate decision by the Reserve Bank….younger Australians are going to be watching the housing market, hoping prices fall to help them enter the market.

So what will the future look like with this massive transfer of wealth about to take place….and what can governments do to help younger Australians make the most of the windfall.

Todays Headlines Banks start to pass on rate rise Emergency meeting called to address energy crisis

PM to meet with NZ counterpart

China accuses Australia of “dangerous and provocative” acts Biloela family heads home

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Will Joe Biden be the US President who actually changes gun culture in America?

19 students and two teachers were shot at an elementary school in Texas last week. It was the 27th school shooting in the US this year. It feels like every time it happens we hear the same calls for action on guns, AND the same rhetoric from the NRA and gun owners…..that the Second Amendment is the right to bear arms. We’re joined by Farrah Tomazin, the US correspondent for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald.

So where to now for Joe Biden? What are his options…? Could he be the US President who actually changes gun culture in the US once and for all?

Todays Headlines Boris Johnson faces no confidence motion Interest rate rise expected today

PM pledges to meet Putin at G20

Submarine delays expected Italian Mafia infiltrates Australia’s crime gangs

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The LiSTNR team has launched a new podcast, Post: News In Five

Hosted by journalist and producer Ninah Kopel, Post: News In Five is a brand new, daily news short cast adapted from The Saturday Paper’s daily newsletter Post, written by Max Opray. Each weekday morning, a five-minute episode will drop, bringing listeners up to speed on the top five news stories of the day. By 8.30am you will know what’s going on, why it’s going on and where it’s going next.

Add it to your LiSTNR playlist or subscribe where you find The Briefing each morning.

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In just 12 months, the video app TikTok has transformed the music industry….artists can reach audiences like never before. Directly getting new music to their fans in seconds. But some artists say they’re being told to create content purely for the short-attention span market of TikTok. Halsey blew up last week after her record company insisted she create a FAKE post to promote a song she wanted to release.

We’re joined by Reuben Styles-Richards from Peking Duk who takes a hilarious approach to TikTok….and Cameron Adams, LiSTNR’s feature music writer who says record companies are using social media to fill the void created by no one buying albums anymore.

In today’s Briefing, TikTok’s growing influence in the global music industry and why musicians are unhappy about it.

Todays Headlines

PM in Indonesia forging deeper ties

Australia condemns Chinese jet confrontation

Dutton reveals his shadow cabinet Queen’s Jubilee celebrations continue Nadal wins record 22nd grand slam

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Daniel and Luke Mancuso are brothers who live in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. In 2010, after 23 years of marriage their parents separated.

What followed was a campaign of intimidation and coercion by their father Paulino towards their mother Teresa. Hang up calls. Stalking. Threats. Rumors… Three years later, Daniel and Luke’s beloved mum was murdered at home by their father.

These two remarkable young men have since moved back into what was once their family door and reconnected with their Greek neighbor Nina. Nina, or YiaYia, as she is known to Luke and Daniel, insists the boys are two skinny and over the past eight years she’s been passing home cooked meals to them over the fence. That relationship is now documented in a heart warming instagram and has since spawned a cookbook.

https://www.yiayianextdoor.com.au/

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The Liberal Party began its rebuilding process under new leader Peter Dutton this week. The Young Liberals are the next generation of conservative politicians. So what do young Liberals see as the future of the party - they will, after all, potentially be candidates for election for the Liberal Party in years to come. What will the Liberal Party look like in 2030?

Deyi Wu is President of the NSW Young Liberals. Her brutal assessment of the election loss is both honest and troubling. Deyi says the Liberals under Scott Morrison sought to divide the electorate and in doing so, drifted away from core Liberal policies.

So in today’s Briefing…. the next generation of the Liberal Party’s assessment of Scott Morrison’s election loss, and what the party’s future should look like.

Todays Headlines Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations begin Gas supply crisis on the east coast Australia forges stronger ties with Samoa Amber Heard is planning an appeal against Johnny Depp Harvey Weinstein loses appeal

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New Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised a referendum on the Uluru Statement from the Heart. So what is it? What will Australians be voting on?

The Statement itself calls for an Aboriginal voice to parliament and a Makarrata Commission, a process of agreement making between governments and First Nations and truth-telling about their history. It came from a convention bringing together over 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders at the foot of Uluru. Thomas Mayor wasone of the 250 signatories. He’s written a book on his 18-month journey taking the statement all across Australia. The book is Finding the Heart of the Nation.

On today’s Briefing, what is the Uluru Statement from the Heart? And will it finally provide a voice for the people of Australia’s First Nations?

Todays Headlines

Johnny Depp v Amber Heard verdict

Treasurer warns of tough economic outlook

PM creates super climate portfolio

Foreign minister heads to Pacific again

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The Liberal Party has a new leader – and an uncertain future. Australia voted to send a message in last month’s election….the Morrison government was out of touch and no longer listening.

Dave Sharma was defeated by Allegra Spender, one of the so-called ‘teal independents’ in the Sydney seat of Wentworth.

In today’s Briefing…Dave Sharma explains how and why the Liberals lost touch with the electorate and if he believes the party’s new leader Peter Dutton is the man to lead the party out of the wilderness.

Todays Headlines

PM unveils new ministry

Shanghai’s lockdown finally over

EU puts Russian oil sanctions in place

Major milestone in single use plastic Kevin Spacey to fight sexual abuse charges in UK

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Everyone knows someone who’s been floored by the flu. And many say this flu virus is the worst they’ve ever experienced. They say they feel way worse than when they had covid. Medical experts are worried about how quickly this so-called ‘super flu’ is spreading - particularly in Victoria. Cases have tripled, meaning some schools have had to go back to at home learning - and a lot of sporting teams are being affected - Collingwood lost their captain recently, and a Western Bulldogs player has been sidelined for more than four weeks with it. Dr Paul Griffin is an infectious diseases expert at the University of Queensland and Dr Paul explains fit, healthy people who are getting really sick. So, what do we need to know about this flu?

Todays Headlines

Labor to form majority government

New Nats leader wants a greater voice China suffers Pacific setback Mike Cannon-Brookes’ AGL victory Polar blast lashes Australia’s south east

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Menstruation is having a bit of a moment in Australia. Victoria and South Australia made tampons and pads free last year. The federal government poured $58 million into endometriosis from this year’s budget.

But with Spain becoming the first European nation to take steps to provide paid leave for period pain and new Aussie research finding that 1 in 3 women feel the need to hide their pain or endometriosis diagnosis from their employer– could we – and should we – be doing more?

On today’s episode of The Briefing Antoinette Lattouf catches up with Dr Mike Armour about his new research and chats to women’s health author and podcaster Yumi Stynes.

Todays Headlines

Liberals and Nats choose their leaders today Labor on track for majority government China delegation to meet Pacific leaders today Second Aussie ever wins a cycling grand tour

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Laura Henshaw looks like a model. But when she speaks? She defies all those stereotypes about what a woman who has been beautiful for a living might be.

Laura started modelling at nineteen and when she was in Europe for a shoot was introduced to fellow model and now business partner Steph Claire Smith.

The two became fast friends and have since built a remarkable business called Keep it Cleaner which is now a leading Australian health & fitness app that delivers a holistic wellness program to your pocket - minus the body shaming of similar products.

You can kickstart your health journey with the keep it cleaner app, now with their new workout routine - Barre, available on the appstore and google play.

https://keepitcleaner.com/

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Everyone’s talking about the Labor Party’s big win in last weekend’s election. But the Greens too, have had an incredibly successful campaign, looking to pick up at least three seats in the House of Reps and a swag of seats in the Senate.

Greens leader – and member for Melbourne – Adam Bandt joins us to explain why voters turned away from the big parties to cast their votes with the Greens….particularly in Queensland.

On today’s Briefing, how did the Sunshine State end up being ‘Greensland’?

Todays Headlines

Kevin Spacey charged with sexual assault Penny Wong begins campaign to woo Pacific nations Soaring power prices to add to cost of living pressures NRA to hold annual conference in same state as school massacre German Chancellor Scholz says Putin cannot win the war

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Women voted to send Scott Morrison a message on Saturday: the Liberal Party has a problem with women….and his government was going to pay for it.

Today’s Briefing takes a deep dive on how - and more importantly why - women turned their back on the Liberal Party (without necessarily flocking to Labor) and backed ‘teal independents’ at the 2022 federal election, changing the face of the federal parliament. We’re joined by former Liberal staffer Rachelle Miller who talks about the Liberal Party losing its way – and the long road it faces in turning the party around.

On today’s Briefing….the Liberal Party’s problem with women.

Todays Headlines US mourns victims of another mass school shooting Dutton confirms tilt at Libs leadership Wong flying to Fiji to sure up Pacific Kate Moss testifies for Johnny Depp

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Asylum seekers Priya and Nades came to Australia separately by boat from Sri Lanka a decade ago. They met in detention and were given bridging visas before moving to Biloela, a small town in central Queensland. They worked there, their two daughters were born there, and they became much loved members of the community.

But when their bridging visas ran out in 2018, they were removed by border force and sent to Christmas Island detention centre - sparking huge protests. Angela Fredericks is a friend and advocate who has campaigned tirelessly to have the family returned to Biloela.

The ALP repeatedly promised it would clear the way for the family to return home if it won the federal election. So what’s the future look like for Priya, Nades, Kopika and Tharnicaa?

Todays Headlines Albanese urges China to lift Australia trade bans China Foreign Minister to visit eight Pacific nations Investigation over weekend asylum seeker boat turnback Flu on the march prompting free vaccines Queen’s surprise visit to Chelsea Flower Show

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The big story out of the weekend’s federal election is the so-called ‘teal independents’. Six women elected in key Liberal seats by campaigning for more action on climate change, greater focus on integrity in government and the electorate having a bigger say in how the country is run.

Kylea Tink won the long-held Liberal seat of North Sydney. In this episode of the Briefing, we find out why Kylea decided to run....what she hopes to achieve....and what the next three years will look like IF the ALP doesn’t win with a majority to govern in its own right.

So on this episode of The Briefing....the teal wave....will it bring greater accountability to Canberra?

Todays Headlines New PM Albanese arrives in Japan for Quad meeting Labor edging closer to majority in House of Reps Dutton front-runner to lead Libs Kate Moss expected to front Heard/Depp trial

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The election is done and dusted.....

Anthony Albanese has claimed an historic win – becoming only the fourth Labor leader to take the ALP to government from opposition. On today’s Briefing, we’re joined by The Age’s political correspondent and the Briefing’s Canberra reporter, Annika Smethurst.

Annika will explain how and why Scott Morrison and the Liberal Party were wiped out in an election whitewash......and if the teal independents are the new political power in Australia.

Todays Headlines Albanese to be sworn in as PM today Liberal Party in tatters after 'teal' wipeout Biden: “everyone should be concerned about monkeypox” Seized Ukraine fighters facing tribunal Ariarne Titmus sets world record

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Polls show Anthony Albanese will be the next Prime Minister of Australia!

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Yael Stone took the world by storm, as Lorna Morello on the hugely popular Netflix original Orange is the New Black.

After Orange is the New Black ended, Yael made international headlines when she alleged that actor Geoffrey Rush had behaved inappropriately towards her during the production of The Diary of a Madman. He denied the allegations and separately won defamation proceedings against The Daily Telegraph, and was awarded record damages by the court.

In 2019, Yael was back home in Australia, expecting the birth of her daughter. The summer bushfires that would close out that year prompted her to take a new path. Setting acting to the side and pursuing advocacy and action to prevent dangerous climate change.

In this conversation Jamila Rizvi and Yael Stone discuss life after Orange is the New Black, motherhood, her allegations against a fellow actor and her new career path, helping to find solutions against the climate crisis.

Yael is the founding director for the non-for-profit group, Hi Neighbour. This volunteer organisation is energised with the power of the past and excitement for the future.

You can find out more info about her newly found organisation Hi Neighbour here:

www.hineighbour.com.au

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Australia heads to the polls tomorrow to elect the 47th Parliament of Australia. Labor is ahead of the Coalition in the polls, but the margins have narrowed this week.

Ben Raue from tallyroom.com.au joins us to explain what seats to watch, what seats have traditionally been key to winning government....and how important it is, that you cast your vote. Some of our Briefing listeners join the debate as well.

Grab a democracy sausage....grab a pencil....and cast your vote in tomorrow’s election. (or a haloumi sandwich)

Todays Headlines Electoral race tightens Dawson trial continues NSW passes voluntary euthanasia laws Zac Stubblety-Cook breaks swimming record

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What do I do when I get handed the two ballot papers on election day? One is the size of a tablecloth...and the other makes no sense at all. AND what key policies should I consider before I cast my vote?

Annika Smethurst joins Antoinette Lattouf on today’s Briefing to take us through the issues that matter pre-election day. Annika not only goes through the policies.....but also explains how the parliament works.....and why it’s so important to make sure you vote correctly.

So, on today’s Briefing.....an election cheat sheet if you tuned out ages ago.

Todays Headlines Campaign update: real wages Key witness in Dawson trial speaks Inquiry launched into the case of Australia’s “worst female serial killer” Russian pleads guilty in first war crime trial Cody Simpson books spot in Commonwealth games

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In this election, it finally feels like young first home buyers are front and centre with both major parties trying to woo voters with some bold new ideas they’re promising will go some way to easing the affordability crisis. From the Coalition’s superannuation scheme to Labor’s shared equity arrangement - these are policy areas where both sides are actually differing in a major way.

Eliza Owen, CoreLogic's head of Residential Research explains how these schemes work, what would they mean for the market - and do any of them actually move the needle forward if you’re looking to buy your first home.

Will this year's election policies, compared to other recent campaigns, finally provide young people with help in buying their first home?

Todays Headlines Race tightens in latest poll Campaign trail update Mariupol under Russian control Youngest Aussie climbs Mount Everest

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Intermittent fasting is an eating plan that switches between fasting and eating on a regular schedule. It’s touted as a way to manage your weight and prevent — or even reverse — some forms of disease.

Professor Lauren Williams, a nutritionist and dietician from Griffith University joins us to explain the first big-time intermittent fasting diet was the 5-2 diet, where you eat restricted calories for two days…on the other five you eat what you like…but keep calories pretty low. These days there’s 16-8, where you don’t eat at ALL for 16 hours….and only eat between say, 10am and 6pm….outside that window, you’re fasting. Some people swear by it, others say it simply didn't work.

So, in this episode of The Briefing, is intermittent fasting a myth, or a genius hack.

Todays Headlines LNP defends housing policy PM could continue leading LNP following election loss Chris Dawson: Defence heard for the first time North Korea admits Covid is out of control

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In almost all energy debates in Australia you never hear about nuclear energy, even though it has a lower carbon footprint than fossil fuels, such as coal, and even though we are the world’s third-largest uranium producer after Kazakhstan and Canada.

Mick Foley - climate and energy correspondent for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald tells us other countries – like the US, France and the UK - have embraced it.

So on this episode of The Briefing we’re asking, why hasn’t it quite taken off here. The good, the bad and the ugly of nuclear energy.

Todays Headlines Scott Morrison’s pitch to younger voters US shooting to be treated as hate crime Tributes continue after Andrew Symonds' death Shanghai businesses begin to reopen Ukraine wins Eurovision

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Craig Foster was Australia’s 419th Socceroo and 40th Captain of our national men’s soccer side. He’s since had an illustrious career as a sports analyst and broadcaster.

Craig Foster has always been passionate and dedicated to social justice. He’s campaigned for an Australian Republic, better support services for the homeless, Indigenous rights and self determination and for action to prevent dangerous climate change.

In this conversation, Jamila Rizvi and Craig Foster discuss life after football, his advocacy for refugees and asylum seekers, and the role this issue may play in the upcoming federal election.

THE WEEKEND LIST:

LISTEN: The Kardashians (Disney+)

LISTEN: Big Brother (7 Network)

WATCH: Old Enough(Netflix)

WATCH: Tomorrow Tonight (ABC)

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What happens when your political leanings completely contradict those of your family and friends?

In 2019 the Coalition received more voted from older Australians while younger Aussies favour the Greens/Labor parties. We’re joined by Briefing listeners Lauren, Laura and Finn…who are black sheep, and Wyatt Roy, the former MP for Longman in QLD, who was from a Labor family who became the youngest MP ever voted to Parliament – for the Liberal Party.

On this episode of the Briefing, how to survive as the political ‘black sheep’ of the family.

Todays Headlines Libs and ALP pitch new policies with just over a week to go in campaign Australia to host Rugby world cup Queensland’s south east hit with more rain WA posts bumper budget Finland to join NATO

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Hollywood stars Johnny Depp and Amber Heard are embroiled in a bitter court battle - and it's all playing out like a pretty disturbing film. Both sides of the dispute argue they’re the victims ….with Depp suing Heard for $50m and Heard countersuing for $100m.

Depp claims he was defamed in an op-ed article Heard wrote in the Washington Post where she claimed to have been the victim of domestic violence. Rolling Stone magazine’s Tatiana Siegel has been reporting on the case since day one. She joins us to provide the history….and predictions on what’s likely to happen when the trial resumes next week.

In this episode of the Briefing, what’s at stake in the Depp v Heard trial....and who is likely to be the winner – or loser.

Todays Headlines Anthony Albanese wins the third leaders debate Education Minister Alan Tudge to return to cabinet Craig McLachlan back in the witness box today UK and Sweden sign security pact Calls for WA to reintroduce mask mandate

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Australia is in the grip of a rental crisis. The number of rental vacancies is at a record low.

On this episode of the Briefing, we hear from families living in their car; another family of five living in a single room; and others who simply cannot afford to rent a home. Professor Wendy Stone heads up the Housing Futures Research Program at Swinburne Research Centre, and tells us the crisis will likely get worse before it gets better.

The total number of properties available for rent in March 2022 was the lowest since August 2003. On today’s Briefing….the rental crisis gripping Australia

Todays Headlines Businesses warn wage increase could cripple them Treasurer could lose his seat Charles delivers Queen's speech to British parliament Musk to reverse Trump's Twitter ban

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The man found guilty of the murder of US doctor Scott Johnson on Sydney’s northern beaches more than 33 years ago, was sentenced last week. Scott Phillip White was handed a sentence of 12 years and seven months - with a non-parole period of eight years and three months.

Scott’s naked body was found at the base of a cliff at Blue Fish Point, at Sydney’s North Head in 1988. The area was known as a gay beat. Police determined it was suicide. A subsequent Coroner’s inquest agreed. Scott’s family believed he would never have taken his own life – and his brother Steve has fought for 34 years to secure justice for his younger brother.

Steve Johnson joins us on this episode of The Briefing as we learn how and why he fought for justice – even going so far as spending a million dollars of his own money as a reward.

Todays Headlines Chris Dawson trial begins Putin accuses West of invasion plans Tame slams Albanese for going on Alan Jones Show Warringah candidate takes back transgender apology Nick Cave announces death of son Jethro

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More than half of anyone born after 1997 uses social media as their main source of news. Google, Twitter, gaming and even Grindr, are being targetted by politicians and wanna-be politicians in the federal election campaign.

Daniel Angus, a Professor of Digital Communication at the Queensland University of Technology, joins us to talk about hundreds of thousands of dollars being tipped into what’s known as ‘micro-targeting’ swing seats. It’s a new phenomenon and it’s relatively unregulated.

On today’s Briefing, how and why you’re being targetted by political campaigns via social media

Todays Headlines Second leaders debate ends in a draw PM promises to reintroduce religious discrimination act Ukraine: civilians evacuated from Mariupol Beijing hardliner becomes new Hong Kong leader Ncuti Gatwa announced as new Dr Who

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Our very own Antoinette Lattouf joins us on The Weekend Briefing.

Antoinette's book 'How to Lose Friends and Influence White People' has just hit the shelves and is available at all good bookstores.

In this conversation with Jamila Rizvi, Antoinette Lattouf goes deep on growing up in Western Sydney from a poor refugee family, the blatant racism she has faced throughout her life and what she's doing to help the racism problem within Australian media, plus her experience with perinatal depression and anxiety.

LISTEN: Just The Gist Podcast (LiSTNR)

LISTEN: Decoder Ring Podcast

WATCH: Bullshit: The Game Show (Netflix)

EAT: Karen Martini's yoghurt-crusted roast cauliflower (Good Food)

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Help and support is always available.

If you need to talk, 24/7 crisis support is available from Lifeline by calling:

13 11 14.

PANDA HELPLINE

FIND SOMEONE TO TALK TO, MON TO FRI, 9AM - 7.30PM AEST/AEDT

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A 50 year old US federal law guaranteeing the right to abortion could be overturned. The draft Supreme Court ruling would strike down the 1973 Roe v Wade case – and would see abortion become a state issue. A draft finding has been leaked to the press.

Damien Cave, the New York Times’ Australian correspondent, joins us to explain what Roe v Wade is, and what this latest decision means for Americans. President Joe Biden warns if it is handed down, the ruling could jeopardise other rights including same-sex marriage and access to contraception.

As many as 26 states are expected to enact partial or total abortion bans if Roe falls - that’s half the country – so it’s going to have a massive impact in the US no matter which way the Supreme Court votes.

Todays Headlines Albanese stumbles again Chinese boots could outnumber Australia’s in Solomon Islands WHO almost triples pandemic death toll Toddler left on bus remains in intensive care Ukraine sets up crowdfunding platform

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This is the second instalment of Jan Fran’s interview with Tom about his new book, “Speaking in Tongues”

Today we learn how Tom took himself out of the hardcore Pentecostal church of his youth and how he ended up in media....via investment banking! And Jan asks if Tom’s planning on raising his new son in the Church.

Tom’s memoir, “Speaking in Tongues” is out now.

Todays Headlines The pitch for the economy Hungary to veto EU’s bid to cut Russian oil and gas imports Guy Sebastian’s trial continues Qantas heads to high court over baggage handlers Maradona's 'hand of God' jumper sells for record price

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Not many people know Tom Tilley was raised in a Pentecostal Christian community....his father was a pastor. The church expected him to live by a strict set of rules – and to one day speak in tongues. As pressure grew on Tom to conform and commit, he started to question his faith and the community’s hold over his life.

Tom’s book Speaking in Tongues is out today. In this special two-part Briefing, Jan Fran sits down for a one-on-one chat with Tom about his life, the book and his future.

When you no longer believe in eternity, every moment counts – Speaking in Tongues is a memoir of breaking free and reinvention.

Todays Headlines Cash rate increases to 0.35% Abortion could fundamentally change in USA Boris Johnson invokes Churchill in speech to Ukrainian parliament

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We’re halfway through the federal election campaign – and Labor is well ahead in the polls. Anthony Albanese launched the ALP’s campaign at the weekend, outlining five key policy areas the Opposition will focus on in the lead-up to the May 21 poll.

Annika Smethurst is Victorian state political correspondent for The Age and regular politics contributor for The Briefing. Annike predicts what we can expect from the remaining three weeks of campaigning…..and what the outcome of the election might be.

Who will lead us over the next three years post the election on May 21st.

Todays Headlines Interest rates expected to rise for the first time in a decade PM rules out indigenous Voice to parliament Tech billionaire to fight AGL’s plan to split US embassy to be moved back to Kyiv Kath & Kim house demolished

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Catherine Deves is the Liberal Party candidate for the Sydney seat of Warringah, handpicked by Scott Morrison, and she's been in the spotlight for offensive comments she’s made - and since deleted - about the trans community.

Ms Deves says she’s protecting women’s sport but her critics say the sports debate is a veil for bigotry. We're joined by Dr Ada Cheung, an endocrinologist and founder of the Trans Health Research Group at The University of Melbourne.

On today's Briefing, we go from the politics to a bit more of the science with an expert in hormone therapy and its impact on the body.

Todays Headlines Labor ahead at the halfway mark Trapped Ukrainians evacuated from Mariupol Biden mocks Trump at White House press dinner Olympic sport shake-up ahead of Brisbane 2032

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April Hélène-Horton isThe Bodzilla. An online moniker that has won tens of thousands of social media fans thanks to April’s loud and proud revolutionising of beauty standards.

April not only reveals the absence of diverse bodies in the media but she is part of the solution. She was the first plus size model to appear in a bikini as part of a major Australian advertising campaign. Of that experience, April has said "I was the first fat chick on a billboard, and I don't want to be the last.”

In this conversation, Jamila Rizvi and April Hélène-Horton go deep on the body inclusivity movement in Australia, where we need to go from here and how to navigate tricky topics around body descriptors with young children.

THE WEEKEND LIST:

DO: Monikers (Card Game)

EAT: Medjool Dates

WATCH: Queer Eye Germany (Netflix)

WATCH: Anatomy of a Scandal (Netflix)

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Shanghai, a city of 28 million people has been locked down now for five weeks... and dozens of other cities have had partial lockdowns.

But covid cases and deaths in China are way lower than ours here in Australia... and our population is less than 2% of China’s

The reason it’s so strange is that for the last two years Chinese people were living quite normally while parts of Australia went in and out of lockdown.

Now the tables have turned...

So, in this episode we’ll speak to New York Times reporter Amy Qin who is covering China from Taiwan, and a Shanghai local from inside her locked down apartment, as you’ll hear she is sounding very depressed.

Todays Headlines Albanese back on the campaign trail Biden asks to double aid for Ukraine Scientology accused of sex trafficking; forced labour Twitter leans right SA, Tasmania and Western Australia roll back restrictions

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Elon Musk has done the deal to buy Twitter. The announcement was made this week……Twitter’s board has agreed to sell the social media giant to the world’s richest man for 61 billion dollars. In a statement said “…free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, and Twitter is the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated.”

We’re joined by David Swan, the Australian newspaper’s Technology Editor; and Axel Bruns,Professor in the Digital Media Research Centre at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane

There are some big questions here. What will this do for public debate... will he let Trump back onto Twitter? And... whether he can make it more profitable and get a good return on this huge investment. Could it be his Murdoch Myspace moment?

Todays Headlines Interest rate expected to rise due to surging inflation Federal minister suggests Solomons deal is “political interference” EU calls out Russia’s blackmail tactics 400+ Victorian teachers stood down over vaccine mandates Ex-SAS soldier charged after giving evidence at Ben Roberts-Smith trial

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The polls were wrong ahead of the 2019 Australian federal election….and spectacularly wrong back when Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton at the 2016 American presidential election….and don’t mention Brexit.

Casey Briggs is a data journalist at the ABC – he rose to fame explaining Covid figures….well now he’s turned his hand to opinion polls ahead of this year’s election on May 21.

So, what are the polls telling us? And can they be trusted?

Todays Headlines

Coalition infighting over net zero Six million Australians eligible for $250 from today Guide dogs Vic boss stood down

Russian officials talk up World War III Djokovic cleared to defend Wimbledon title

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Hundreds of thousands of Australians streamed through airports over the Easter and Anzac Day weekends. There were queues out the door and onto the street in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane.

“Emma” (not her real name) is a flight attendant who was thrown into the chaos over the two long weekends…and Michael Kaine is national secretary of the Transport Workers Union. Both paint a picture of chaos arising from staff shortages and companies outsourcing jobs.

So can we be sure the problems will be fixed before we all start to expect travel to return to normal in the wake of the pandemic.

Todays Headlines

Morrison extends lead as preferred PM National security dominates week three of campaign

Elon Musk does deal to buy Twitter Russia destroys five Ukraine railway stations in latest attacks Macron vows to re-unite France after election win

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In 2010, three years after Rachel Kerrigan left the RAAF, her mental health deteriorated rapidly. At her lowest point in 2012, Rachel attempted suicide, she was diagnosed with severe post traumatic stress and depressive disorder, was put on 30 pills to manage her moods, anger and anxiety, was having two psychiatrist visits a week and she became physically unhealthy weighing in at 119 kilos.

Rachel was also diagnosed with uterine cancer and had to fight the disease alongside managing her mental health and learning how to re-use the left side of her body after having a stress induced stroke.

In this very special Anzac Day episode of the Briefing, we explore Rachel’s motivation for beating PTSD and how sport – and the Invictus Games – led her out of her post-war depression.

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Chrissie Swan has spent almost 20 years being stared at down the barrel of paparazzi cameras. In that time, the beloved radio and television host, reality star and household name has become thoroughly baffled by the interest in her self-described boring life.

She has brought her good humour, warmth and generosity to breakfast radio, television panel shows, a diverse range of hosting gigs and, most recently, filling in for Carrie Bickmore as host of The Project.

In this interview, we’re introduced to a different side of Chrissie Swan. The side that the public doesn’t see, not because Chrissie hides her true self but because the media seems so intent on imposing a narrative on her life. A narrative she rarely gets a say in, and one that only occasionally resembles the truth.

THE WEEKEND LIST:

WATCH: Pharma Bro (Amazon Prime Video)

DO: Go to local farmers market!

WATCH: The Castle (25th Anniversary)

WATCH: The Debate

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Russia's invasion of Ukraine has created a massive refugee crisis. More than five million Ukranians have fled their country since the conflict began. Eleven million have been displaced from their homes.

Tetiana Sydoryshyna and her 11-year-old son are now safe in Melbourne after fleeing Kyiv… but they remain in limbo. We’re also joined by Stefan Romaniw, Chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations who has been assisting families in fleeing Ukraine and settling in Australia.

What does the future hold for Ukrainians fleeing the war?

Todays Headlines

Anthony Albanese tests positive to Covid-19

Scott Morrison apologises over “blessed” comment Ukraine update: USA announces $1B more funding

NSW flood victims still waiting for business grants

Boris Johnson to face inquiry over partygate

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France will vote in a Presidential election this weekend that could really impact the very future of Europe. The race is between incumbent centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron and far-right candidate, Marine Le Pen.

Paul Kirby: the BBC’s European editor joins us to explain Macron is pro EU, pro Ukraine. Le Pen is not a fan of the European Union … and let’s just say has a record of cosy ties with Russia.

The French are facing two very different directions …and France is one of Europe’s largest countries … and it could go either way.

Todays Headlines

Labor wins the first leaders debate

Scott Morrison fends off Solomon Islands criticism

Ukrainian city makes last stand

Johnny Depp tells court he was ‘bullied’

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Zoe Daniel is a former ABC foreign correspondent. She’s worked as a journalist for more than 30 years. So why on Earth would she consider running for parliament.

In this episode of The Briefing, Zoe joins us to talk about her motivation, her policies, her plans if Australia elects a hung parliament…..and what it’s like to get down and dirty in the murky world of politics.

Zoe is running as an independent in the Melbourne seat of Goldstein against the Coalition’s Tim Wilson when Australia heads to the polls on May 21

Todays Headlines

Close contact rules to end in NSW and VIC

The campaign trail: Scare tactics step up Ukraine: the battle for Donbas has begun

Ben Roberts-Smith calls first witness

Ash Barty picks up the golf clubs

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We’re repeatedly told this election is all about the cost of living. Basically, the cost of living is the amount of money it takes to cover basic expenses - things like food, fuel, electricity, childcare and healthcare…things you can’t do without.

Jan Fran’s joined by Cassandra Goldie, CEO of ACOSS and Adjunct Professor with UNSW Sydney; and Mellita Rose, a single mother of two from Perth struggling to makes ends meet. In last month’s federal budget, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the government was focused on helping Australians make ends meet. It was all about the cost of living.

Well, why are low-income earners being left behind? And what can be done to help them?

Todays Headlines

Major missile escalation in Ukraine

Second week of election campaign kicks off Warringah candidate “isn’t going anywhere”

Voters won’t know cost of submarine deal until after the election Cruise ships welcomed back

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Craft chocolate companies in Australia have almost tripled over the last six years - from 12 to 34 manufacturers. They are a small but growing group of Australian chocolate makers with a passion for carefully curated small-batch, sustainable, craft chocolate.

We’re joined by Brett Holmes from Two Lost pilots; and Chris Brown from Bean Bar You

It is within this emerging "bean to bar" industry that craft chocolatiers are able to control every aspect of the chocolate-making process, from the flavour profile of the cacao beans, to the intensity of the roast, to the composition of the final product.

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Jamila Rizvi would like to be Roxanne Gay when she grows up. Ignore the fact she’s “technically” a grown up already!

Roxane Gay is an American-born writer of Haitian descent and is known internationally as a New York Times best-selling author, a speaker, a podcaster, a teacher and cultural icon.

In this conversation, recorded live at The Wheeler Centre, Jamila and Roxane unpack race, privilege, bodies, feminism and yes, bad reality television.

A massive thank you to The Wheeler Centre for today’s episode. To find out more about upcoming events head to wheelercentre.com

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Could you imagine playing golf with Donald Trump...? Getting face to face with Steve Bannon or trying to make a deal with Tony Abbott about when he’d hand you the Prime Ministership... or admitting you love Nickelback... or really wanting to meet Jerry Springer.... more than any other celebrity.

This is the life of Joe Hockey, the former treasurer who went on to be Australia’s ambassador to the United States, who is our guest on this special episode of the briefing.

Joe Hockey was federal MP for 19 years, served as Treasurer for a very tumultuous 2 years... before getting knifed and taking the job as US ambassador from 2016 until 2020... His new book is called “Diplomatic” and is out now

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The Australian Financial Review has today released research on focus groups it surveyed this week. The paper asked average voters what they made of Prime Minister Scott Morrison...and what they made of Opposition leader Anthony Albanese.

We’re joined by Stela Todorovic – 10 News First Canberra correspondent who asked Anthony Albanese THAT question; and Phillip Coorey, the Australian Financial Review’s Political Editor, based in Canberra.

Phillip tells us the results of the AFR’s research will have alarm bells ringing at Labor’s campaign headquarters. Clearly Albanese’s gaffe on day one of the election has resonated loudly with voters. Scott Morrison is not out of this election, not yet

Todays Headlines

Google it mate! Bandt hits back at journo’s gotcha

Australia urges Solomons not to sign China deal Airport chaos expected as Australia gets ready to travel

Russia says 1000 troops surrendered in Mariupol Iconic Nirvana guitar up for auction

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Part two of Jan’s interview with the award-winning Australian comedian, Hannah Gadsby. Hannah’s new book is called “Ten steps to Nanette” and explores her journey growing up queer in Tasmania where homosexuality was illegal until 1997, her relationship with her career as a comedian, the build up to her hit show and understanding autism and ADHD.

Hannah joins Jan Fran for a one-on-one interview and in this episode she talks about her dispute with Dave Chappelle …and her plans to take her new show around the world.

You’ll love this deep dive into Hannah’s motivation and inspiration, her backstory and what the future holds. This is part two of a two-episode Briefing

Todays Headlines Morrison fronted by activist at campaign event Christensen to run as One Nation candidate Sixteen injured in New York shooting British PM Johnson fined for lockdown breaches Putin says war in Ukraine is ‘noble’

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Hannah Gadsby’s new book is called “Ten steps to Nanette” and explores her journey growing up queer in Tasmania where homosexuality was illegal until 1997, her relationship with her career as a comedian, the build up to her titular show and understanding autism and ADHD.

Hannah joins Jan Fran for a one-on-one interview to explore Hannah’s career, controversies and massive global success.

You’ll love this deep dive into Hannah’s motivation and inspiration, her backstory and what the future holds. This is part one of a two-episode Briefing

Todays Headlines Horror start for Albanese on campaign trail Questions over government’s Tudge payout Teenager dies after stabbing at Royal Easter Show Macron to face Le Pen in French election

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The election campaign has officially begun. What now?

Annika Smethurst is a Walkley award winning political reporter at The Age, and the author of The Accidental Prime Minister and regular contributor at The Briefing. Annika explains what rules apply to things like campaign funding and advertising....and IF the parties obey the rules. We also learn if incumbency gives Scott Morrison and the Coalition an upper hand as we head to the polls.

On today’s Briefing....what happens now the election has officially begun?

Todays Headlines PM calls election for May 21 Newspoll shows ALP in poll position Pope calls for peace in Ukraine at Palm Sunday address

Ferrari wins Australian Grand Prix in front of massive crowd All-private space crew arrives at ISS

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Darcy Vescio has been playing footy since they were five years old. Growing up when there was no such thing as the AFLW, they were forced to give the game away at age fourteen when they could no longer play with the boys.

In 2017, everything changed. A women’s league was formed and Darcy was signed as a marquee player for Carlton.

In this conversation, Jamila and Darcy discuss growing up in a world where your future career path doesn’t exist, being signed as a marquee player in the AFLW and coming out as non-binary.

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When Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars, people all around the world started to ask if Hollywood if finally dying out. The world has shifted and evolved, but has Hollywood?

Maria Lewis is an author and screenwriter. She’s been a journalist for over 16 years covering film and pop culture. Maria tells us about how Hollywood will end up changing and evolving to re-invent itself...and it’s an amazing story.

On today’s Briefing....are we watching Hollywood’s star fade, once and for all?

Todays Headlines PM’s election schedule thrown into chaos by legal challenge More rain for already drenched NSW coast Russia booted from UNHRC

Big four banks predicting June interest rate rise Big Day Out founder Ken West dead at 64

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NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet visited flood-ravaged northern NSW this week to announce what’s called The Back Home scheme. The state will provide up to $20,000 to residents whose homes have been declared damaged or destroyed.

Locals say the $112 million scheme is too little too late. Harper Dalton is a Lismore local whose home was wiped out in the floods: and Eddie Lloyd is a Lismore lawyer and community advocate.

They say the community is shattered and flattened. It could take years to get back on their feet. What does the future hold for Lismore and the NSW Northern Rivers region who have been wiped out by floods TWICE in four weeks?

Todays Headlines PM heckled in Newcastle pub Feds reject QLD request for flood funding US imposes fresh sanctions targeting Putin's daughters

Rain lashes NSW coast Ed Sheeran wins Shape of You copyright case

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David Pocock was no ordinary rugby player. He has always been a principled changemaker - he painted his rugby boots black when he made his super rugby debut because of his concerns about the sweat shops they were manufactured in and he and his partner didn’t sign their marriage certificate until gay couples had the same rights. He’s also chained himself to a bulldozer in a protest against coalmines.

Well, now the former Wallaby and ACT Brumby is making a run as an independent for one of two ACT Senate spots at the upcoming federal election.

What are his chances of victory? And what type of difference does he hope to make, if he makes it to the Senate?

Todays Headlines PM defends his role in pre-selection scandal Australia to team up with US and UK to develop missiles Zelensky tells UN of Russia’s ‘atrocities’

Rain bomb heading for NSW Tiger Woods says he’ll contest the Masters

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Money laundering, links to organised crime, private jets and debit cards that let high rollers from China gamble millions… it sounds like the script from a movie - but these are some of the explosive revelations that have come out of an inquiry into the running of Sydney’s Star Casino.

James Thomson from the Australian Financial Review joins us to explain how and why high rollers – called whales – pounce on Casinos to gamble big.

On today’s episode, what goes on inside the murky world of Aussie casinos and where to from here, now that we’re learning that Crown and Star - our biggest AND second biggest operators - have big problems.

Todays Headlines Biden calls for war crime charges for Putin IPCC report condemns global governments Two dead in family tragedy in the Blue Mountains Elon Musk splurges on Twitter shares Tassie Premier resigns

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The Ukraine president Vlodomyr Zelensky has refused to leave the country, despite reportedly being ‘target number one’ for Russian troops invading the country. He went from comedian to leading his country in a David v Goliath battle against Russia.

Zoya Sheftalovich is a contributing editor for POLITICO based in Australia with a Ukrainian background. Zoya says the scale of this invasion is a reaction to Zelensky and Zelensky’s effect on Ukrainian resistance.

So who is Vlodomyr Zelensky – and how did he go from a TV comedian, to a Churchillian wartime president?

Todays Headlines PM denies acted inappropriately in pre-selection battle Support for Labor slows as election approaches Russia denies troops killed innocent Ukraine civilians Six shot dead in Sacramento Australia wins Women’s Cricket World Cup

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Rhys Nicholson is a multi-award winning Australian stand-up, writer, actor and judge on Ru Paul’s Drag Race Down Under.

His stand up comedy is daring and honest, witty and wildly inappropriate in the best possible way.

In this conversation, Jamila Rizvi sat down with Rhys Nicholson to talk about everything from being bullied at school, to falling in love, from making a political stand, to walking the runway on Drag Race.

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Imagine being locked-up in an Iranian prison for more than two years – when you’re innocent.

Kylie Moore-Gilbert, an Australian expert on Islam, went to Iran in late August 2018 to attend a seminar.

Three weeks later, as she checked-in at Tehran Airport to return home, she was arrested. Iranian authorities accused her of being a spy and she was jailed for 10 years, thrown into a high-security prison run by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Kylie joins us to tell us how she survived, what it was like in solitary confinement in a two-by-two metre cell….and how her family and friends told the world of her plight, eventually securing her release. Her new book is called ‘The Uncaged Sky’

Todays Headlines

Ukraine’s president addresses Australian parliament

Albanese pledges to fix aged care

NSW floods death toll rises

Aussie journo remains locked up in China

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Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg handed down the Budget on Tuesday night….a critically important budget with an election due to be called in weeks.

Annika Smethurst, a Walkley award winning political reporter at The Age, the author of The Accidental Prime Minister and regular contributor at The Briefing, tells us it’s a Budget for our time….when we’re coming out of a pandemic, inflation is rising, and the looming election. And it call comes as the Prime Minister is copping criticism from MPs on his own side of politics

We’ll hear Annika’s take on the politics of the Budget….and what it means for Scott Morrison heading into an election in a matter of weeks.

Todays Headlines Northern Rivers floods again

Russia ramps up shelling despite scale-back claims PM Morrison plays down Lib Senator’s claims Hillsong loses footing in US World farewells Shane Warne

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Shane Warne’s send off at the MCG tonight will be one the biggest we’ve ever seen, especially when you consider the television audience, around Australia but also in India, Pakistan, and the UK. It could be Australia’s biggest TV event ever.

Tracey Holmes is a veteran sports journo, host of the ABC podcast, The Ticket. Tracey joins us to explain the unique combination of factors that make this man one of the most popular Australians in history.

Everyone loved Warnie….and you as you’ll hear, you didn’t need to be a cricket fan to fall under his spell.

Todays Headlines What the Budget means for you

More rain in flood-affected northern NSW Russia appears to be easing war attacks Will Smith apologises for Oscar meltdown Plans revealed for Warne funeral

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What is going on at Hillsong...? The scandals at Australia’s most famous church have escalated to the point where its founder and global leader Brian Houston resigned for good last week.

David Hardaker, Investigations Editor at Crikey, broke the story. The revelations came after Houston had already stepped down temporarily in January, to fight charges relating to his father’s sex crimes.

That came off the back of the Carl Lentz scandal - he was the US celebrity pastor who was stood down for an affair. In today’s Briefing, we ask if Hillsong can survive the scandals plaguing the church around the world.

Todays Headlines

More rain and evacuations for northeast NSW

Russia sabotaging peace negotiations

Scott Morrison tries to shore up Pacific

Cost of living to be focus of Budget

Fallout continues after Oscars controversy

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You’ve probably heard a bit about the rising cost of living or you might have even noticed it yourself at the petrol bowser or the supermarket.

We’re in a tricky situation in Australia - we’re dealing with rising inflation, stagnant wages, high national debt, and supply problems caused by global events including the Covid 19 pandemic and now the war in Ukraine.

Economist, Peter Martin, will explain what’s happening with cost of living... how long this pain will last... and whether the pollies who bang on about it in the election... can actually do anything substantial about it!

Todays Headlines

Biden gaffe could escalate the war in Ukraine

More rain to lash SE QLD and northern NSW Budget promises revealed

Hawkins had ten drugs in his body prior to death

1000th goal ball to be returned to Lance Franklin

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Dave “Hughesy” Hughes is one of Australia’s all-time favourite stand-up comedians, radio hosts and television presenters.

What is Dave Hughes like under the froth and bubble of celebrity? What do his kids think of his radio antics? What made him give up booze at age 21? Where does his passionate veganism come from and what did he learn from the Dalai lama?

In this conversation, Jamila Rizvi and Hughesy answer all these questions and more.

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How are journalists managing to cover the war in Ukraine, given how unpredictable and dangerous it is.

All the major Australian tv networks and newspapers have correspondents moving in and out of the country.... Many who are very well known to Australian audiences.

Hugh Whitfeld is there for Seven News. Hugh is speaking to us from the outskirts of Kyiv... which is the capital, right in the central northern part of the country, which has been under attack from Russian forces coming across the Belarusian border.

Todays Headlines NATO to give more weapons to Ukraine Lambie claims refugee deal is because of her China could gain a military foothold in the Pacific PM distances himself from Hillsong founder Barty remains tight-lipped on retirement

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Just as we begin to enjoy our renewed freedoms, a potentially more infectious coronavirus mutation is emerging.

Across the globe, countries have experienced a surge in cases credited to BA.2, including Denmark, the UK, Norway and Sweden. Should we be worried?

Dr Norman Swan from the ABC's The Health Report and Coronacast joins us to discuss.

Todays Headlines "Gutted” Ash Barty’s retirement shocks the world Putin’s senior advisor flees due to the war Election job creation campaign ramps up Hillsong founder Brian Houston resigns Sonny Bill Williams knocks out Barry Hall

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Could magic mushrooms hold the key to treating mental health problems? A group of Australians made up of psychiatrists, a former Federal Minister and the former head of the Armed Forces says yes.

In Australia in December, the TGA rejected a bid to approve it for broad use for mental health treatment.

Now, a group of Australians who call themselves Mind Medicine Australia, are applying again to the TGA to get this across the line- with even tighter controls.

Dr Eli Kotler is a psychiatrist who’s part of this group and he’s also the medical director of Malvern Private Hospital - the first addiction hospital in Australia.

Todays Headlines Russian forces “kidnapping” children New head of space command “scared” of Russian and China The UN calls out Australia over climate policy Optus and TPG to pay out $6.5M for slow internet Ben Roberts-Smith's former girlfriend details affair

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Nearly three decades of close collaboration in space between Russia and the western world seems to be coming to an end.

Dr Mark Hilborne- Lecturer of Defence Studies, King's College London specialises in strategic stability in arms control with an emphasis on outer space.

With increasing tensions over Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, Russia has arguably threatened to crash the International Space Station and refuse to launch satellites for western countries.

It seems at the moment that lack of trust that we see between the large space and various nations will certainly have an impact on those kinds of programs.

Todays Headlines Bombs drop on Ukrainian city every 10 minutes US declares violence against Rohingya ‘genocide’ Kitching’s husband addresses bullying allegations Australia’s new space division begins operations today Plane crashes in China: 132 feared dead

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Support for independent candidates is growing steadily.

We also know that Australians care about climate change. Now all of this is a perfect storm for a group of two dozen Independents who will be running in coalition held seats at the upcoming federal election on a strong climate agenda platform.

Independence have always run for parliament, but this time around it's different. At least that's what Georgia Steele thinks. She's the independent candidate for Hughes in Sydney’s south.

Todays Headlines Zelensky: “if negotiations fail this will mean World War 3” Labor wins the SA election Warne farewelled in private ceremony Hillsong apologises for Brian Houston conduct breach

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Sean Szeps is a podcaster, content creator and presenter. Through kindness and humour, he is making life better for queer kids everywhere.

Sean is the host of the LiSTNR Podcast ‘Come Out Wherever You Are’, where Sean talks to famous queer Australians about their coming out stories.

Through his podcast you also get the chance to get to know Sean on a deeper level. A loving husband to Josh, and a passionate dad to twins Stella and Cooper.

In this conversation Jamila and Sean discuss raising twins as a queer dad, being brought up in a religion which didn't accept him and his own coming out journey.

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Is Kanye West wanting his divorce to entertain you? We speak to Atlantic Journalist, Spenser Kornhaber who has been following Kanye’s career and rise to fame for over 20 years.

Kanye separated from Kim Kardashian in early 2021.

Kardashian began dating SNL star Pete Davidson, 28, in the final months of 2021, prompting Kanye to share posts encouraging his followers to publicly harass Pete.

Is it the spillover from Kardashian’s own brand of fame, which turns living rooms into TV-show sets? The difficulty of knowing how to deal with mental-health crises, which West has experienced in public previously? Or just voyeurism—the fun of watching the Kanye show?

Todays Headlines The Ukraine president addresses the German parliament Australia’s unemployment rate falls to 4% Delays on flood recovery package Kimberley Kitching allegedly ‘bullied’ by Labor colleagues

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The first Aussie reality show commissioned by Netflix- Byron Baes. The outrage from the Byron community was huge and they protected, trying to stop it.

The basic concern was bringing more people to Byron buying houses and increasing the prices pushing real locals out of the market. Mayor Michael Lyon’s main concern was the housing issues and the increase in homeless people.

Julian Morgan, Executive Producer of Byron Baes gives us the low down on the show.

Todays Headlines Zelensky calls on US Congress to ‘close the skies’ PM threatens sanctions if China supports Russia NSW Liberal MP resigns over unfair flood support NT rejects calls to ban guns following Rolfe verdict NZ border to reopen on April 12

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Roberto Aguilera- Energy Economist Curtin University Oil and Gas Innovation Centre gives us a deep dive on fuel prices…

The Prime Minister has left open the possibility of slashing petrol excise in the budget–.as rising prices hit household budgets.

The fuel excise is a flat tax levied on petrol and diesel set at 44 cents per litre. It raises around 11 billion dollars in net terms for the commonwealth each year.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has sent fuel costs soaring around the country! How long will these high prices last?

Todays Headlines EU leaders head to Kyiv in show of support Federal court overturns teenagers’ climate change case Plan for Melbourne’s new art gallery revealed China faces biggest Covid-19 outbreak since start of pandemic

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Samantha Jonscher has been reporting on the 5 week trial. The big news is the not guilty verdict on Friday... and as you’ll hear... the upcoming coronial inquest... which is why this story is far from over.

Constable Rolfe, 30, pleaded not guilty to murder, as well as two alternative charges, over the fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker in the central Australian community of Yuendumu in 2019.

The officer fired his Glock pistol three times after Mr Walker, 19, stabbed him in the shoulder with a pair of medical scissors during an attempted arrest on Saturday, November 9. He was charged over the second and third shots, which the prosecution says were not legally justified.

Today's Headlines Australia and the Netherlands launch legal action over MH17 Russia steps up campaign to take Kyiv PM under pressure over costs of living Victoria trials paid sick leave for casual workers

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Daria Sukharchuk is a freelance Russian journalist living in Berlin. She’s been following the unfolding situation in Ukraine closely.

Russians are hearing a very different story to the one we’re getting about the war in Ukraine. As Russia bombed a maternity hospital in the southern city of Mariupol last week Russians were being told the building was abandoned and had been taken over by neo-Nazis.

So if the story is so different, how do Russians know what they’re actually supporting, or opposing?

Todays Headlines Russia escalates attacks hitting target in Western Ukraine Albanese draws level with Morrison as preferred PM PM open to reducing fuel excise tax NSW SES under fire for turning down help amid floods NT Police officer Zachary Rolfe ‘not guilty’ of murder

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George Ezra is an English guitarist, singer, songwriter and also one of the nicest guys in the biz.

His smash hit ‘Shotgun’ is, incidentally, about time he spent in Australia - he sings about being south of the equator, being at the beach, drinking larger and life in ‘the yellow and green’. But it’s not his only song about another country. His travels make up a huge part of his music.

So what happens when your art is inspired by the world around you and that world suddenly becomes very small. So small, in fact, it’s pretty much the size of your UK flat and nothing else. Where does the magic come from?

In this conversation, Jamila and George go deep on his new music, staying inspired and his upcoming performance at the Queen’s Jubilee.

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We go back to our amazing story of Australians rallying together …when the authorities don’t offer the support they should….and the struggle for residents of the north east of NSW devastated by floods.

Jack Bailey, a northern rivers local has been hiking in to some of the communities that have been cut off since last Monday; Sophie Marsh has also been volunteering in the clean-up and says it’s heartening to see so many locals pitching in to help; and Harry Dudley who’s been helping his neighbours around the Mullumbimby, South Golden, New Brighton areas.

This is an incredibly inspiring story. While NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has conceded rescue efforts should have been more readily available….the locals are rolling up their sleeves to lend a hand. Part Two of our amazing expose of the flood clean-up in north east NSW.

Todays Headlines

PM visits flood zones in northeast NSW

Russian debt default ‘imminent’

Major recruitment drive for Defence

Jury deliberates in Kumanjayi Walker trial

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This is an amazing story of Australians rallying together …when the authorities don’t offer the support they should.

Michael Barnes is a helicopter pilot and co-owner of Rotorwing, a chopper business based in Lismore. Despite the fact his house was almost completely submerged in floodwater, he jumped in his chopper and began flying vital supplies to communities cut off by last week’s floods. Kate Caddle is a Gold Coast-based pregnancy and maternity coach AND the organiser of an amazing relief effort to get millions of dollars’ worth of vital supplies to people on the northern rivers.

This is an incredibly inspiring story. While NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has conceded rescue efforts should have been more readily available….the locals – including Hollywood stars and world surfing champions - banded together to help those in need.

Todays Headlines

East coast flood crisis continues

Authorities apologise for poor flood response

Ukraine civilians trapped by Russian shelling

US bans Russian oil and gas Date set for Shane Warne's state funeral

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It’s International Women’s Day – so why not celebrate by unearthing some of the most badass women in Australian history. Nancy Wake karate chopped Nazis; Annette Kellerman was the first woman to appear nude in a Hollywood movie; and Mary Ann Bugg was an indigenous bushranger who used a machete to hamstring people.

Eliza Reilly is a comedian and author of Sheilas: Badass Women of Australian History….a celebration of women you’ve never heard of, but should certainly know about.

On this International Women’s Day, we learn about some of the most colourful, brave, inspiring…and well, badass women in Australia’s history.

Todays Headlines

Floodwaters cause evacuations in south-west Sydney

Autopsy confirms Shane Warne died of natural causes

International supply boycott urged for Ukraine

WA Premier takes stand in defamation case Ben Tudehope wins Bronze at Winter Paralympics

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Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on "all citizens of the world" to join Ukraine’s defence. He said Ukraine would welcome overseas fighters and would consider establishing a foreign legion to combat the Russian invasion.

Australian law makes it an offence to become a foreign fighter without being a member of a foreign country's armed forces. Dr Sara Megar, a lecturer in International Relations at the University of Melbourne explains how and why fighters take up arms for other countries.

Australia’s Foreign Minister Marise Payne said anyone travelling to the region to join the conflict may be breaking the law, but as many as 20 people had placed calls with the Ukraine embassy to ask to sign up. On today’s Briefing, the globalisation of armed conflict.

Todays Headlines

Shane Warne has begun final journey home

More rain forecast for flood-stricken east coast

Ukraine renews calls for no-fly zone

Nuclear powered subs to be based on east coast Mike Cannon-Brookes abandons AGL takeover bid

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Alice Zaslavsky writes the cookery column for The Weekend Australian Magazine and is the ABIA award winning author of the internationally acclaimed In Praise of Veg. She is the culinary correspondent for ABC News Breakfast and ABC Radio nationally, and hosts Saturday Breakfast on ABC Radio Melbourne.

Whenever Jamila Rizvi needs to book a restaurant, Alice Zaslavsky is the number she calls. The former Masterchef contestant and fan favourite, knows more about food and foodie culture than just about anyone.

Importantly, she makes food accessible. Alice isn’t about spending the most money, or being a culinary genius, or using only particularly sourced ingredients. She is committed to making it possible for everyone to eat well.

In this conversation, Jamila and Alice go deep on the relationship between kids, food and the dinner time battle we all need to leave behind. Plus, Alice shares the human impact of war and her experience of migrating to Australia.

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The Winter Paralympics begin in Beijing tonight and snowboarder Ben Tudehope is co-captain of the Australian team.

Ben became Australia’s youngest ever Winter Paralympian when he was selected for the 2014 games in Sochi 2014 at the age of just 14 - he was the youngest competitor from any nation at those Games. Eight years later, Ben will become a three-time Paralympian at Beijing 2022.

He's competing in two events in Beijing and is highly favoured to win a medal. Ben arrived in Beijing this week….our producer Brooke Lowther caught up with Ben from his Finland training camp just before he headed to China…

Todays Headlines

Putin: invasion is going to plan

Quad alliance takes veiled swipe at China

Sydney dodges major floods; more wet weather for SE QLD and northern NSW

Russian and Belarus athletes banned from Paralympics Iranian refugee Mehdi Ali free from detention after eight years Neighbours is finishing

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15,000 homes in Brisbane and surrounding areas were inundated with floodwater this week, after a “rain bomb” hit the region. The clean-up has begun and locals are starting to ask themselves, ‘how did this happen?’. The region was smashed by floods in 2011, and authorities pledged to learn lessons from the mistakes made just over a decade ago.

But, as Beck Haining, a Brisbane resident whose home was flooded tells us, many didn’t get a warning until their house was already underwater. And News Ltd’s columnist Peter Gleeson, says it’s not a good look, particularly with the Olympics on the horizon.

So in this episode of the Briefing, you’ll hear Beck’s incredible story….of going to bed reassured their home was safe, to wake up to a man drowning in the street behind her house.

Todays Headlines

Thousands evacuated in Sydney due to rising floodwaters

Russia claims major Ukraine city

Biden slams Russia in State of the Union address

WA finally opens borders Australian economy grows 3.4%

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The world is watching the Ukrainian people fighting back against Vladimir Putin’s massive military might. How long will they hold on? And will the West’s sanctions kick in to force Putin’s hand.

Australian journalist Misha Zelinsky was in Kyiv when it came under attack. At one point he took shelter in a bunker with actor Sean Penn… before it got too dangerous and he decided to make the journey to Lviv in the back seat of a 2012 Kia hatchback.

He’s there reporting for the Australian Financial Review - he also has Ukrainian Russian heritage, his grandparents that fled the region to start a new life in Australia. Misha takes us to Lviv, a city in the west of Ukraine, to describe what’s happening on the streets, and if the West’s sanctions will be enough to sustain Ukrainians in this David v Goliath battle.

Todays Headlines

Flood crisis continues in Queensland and northern NSW

PM Scott Morrison tests positive to Covid-19

Russia targeting Ukrainian security buildings

Housing market cools for first time in two years

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has put Russia's nuclear forces in a "special regime of combat duty". The order means Putin wants Russia's nuclear weapons prepared for increased readiness to launch.

Peter Jennings, executive director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, says the Kremlin and Washington, usually have land and submarine-based capabilities on a hair trigger, but nuclear-capable bombers and other aircraft are not.

So what’s behind this latest escalation, and how likely is it to lead us to a massive nuclear showdown?

Todays Headlines

Floods crisis worsening in NSW and QLD

Peace talks on Belarusian border

Australians urged not to go to Ukraine

WA tightens covid restrictions Trump reckons with growing GOP threat

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Education ministers have agreed to mandate holistic and age-appropriate consent education in every school in Australia from next year, following a year-long campaign spearheaded by consent activist Chanel Contos.

The curriculum will incorporate many facets of sexual education, ranging from power imbalances and coercion to gendered stereotypes, examining how each of these play a role in shaping sexual experiences.

As it currently stands, the new curriculum is expected to roll out in 2023 across every school in the country. It's a huge win for Chanel, who joins us to talk about her 12-month journey to change Australia's consent laws

Todays Headlines

Putin puts Russia's nuclear capabilities on notice Peace talks to begin on Belarus border today Brisbane on flood alert as rain bomb heads to northern NSW

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Maxine Beneba Clarke is an Australian writer of Afro-Caribbean descent whose work includes fiction, non-fiction, children’s books and poetry. She has won a plethora prizes. From the NSW Premier’s Award to the Australian Book Industry Literary Fiction Book of the Year.

Maxine is so much more than a mantelpiece heavy with trophies. Her books, her poetry and her musings on Twitter are a stand-out contribution to this country’s discussion of race, inclusion and politics. She is a voice worthy of your attention.

In this episode Jamila Rizvi speaks with her favourite author about growing up in Australia through the lens of race, maintaining being an artist through a global pandemic and what it takes to write and create from a child’s perspective.

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Australian Billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes has teamed with Canadian asset manager Brookfield in a bid to buy the Australian energy giant AGL and then accelerate the company’s green energy transition - planning to get the company out of coal by 2030.

Mike joins the Briefing to explain his plan for the future of Australia’s energy market, and how he sees his vision playing out.

His initial proposal was $7.50 a share - which would see them pay $A8billion for AGL, but it was knocked back by the energy giant. Cannon-Brookes and Brookfield plan to spend $20 billion more to replace the coal-fired plants with large-scale renewable batteries. He says: “Australia should have the lowest-priced energy in the world”.

On today’s Briefing, Mike Cannon-Brookes’ vision for Australia’s energy future.

Todays Headlines

A special report on Russia's invasion of Ukraine with SBS reporter Ben Lewis

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How would you feel about going shares with the government to buy your first home?

Brendan Coates, the Economic Policy Program Director at the Grattan Institute, says it’s time for a national shared equity housing scheme. He says several states already have shared equity schemes, but it’s time for a national approach to address housing affordability.

2021 saw house prices skyrocket across Australia. Melbourne and Canberra joined Sydney to have a median house price above $1 million. Home ownership rates are falling fast. For those without access to the Bank of Mum and Dad, buying a home is now an impossible dream, one which has impacts well into retirement. On today’s Briefing….how to buy your first home sooner.

Todays Headlines

Ukraine declares state of emergency

Wild weather wreaks havoc in NSW and QLD

Major construction firm could go under

Roberts-Smith trial continues Tennis has a new Bad Boy

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The families of some of the adults and children killed in the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School reached a settlement with gun manufacturer Remington. They won a $A100m lawsuit in a court in Connecticut, with the court ruling Remington had marketed the firearm used in the shootings to young men.

Veronique de la Rosa, a mother of one of the schoolchildren killed, joins us to explain how and why they took the legal action.

It’s an inspiring story of families who refused to give up, despite lawmakers at both a state and federal level failing to take on the all-powerful American gun lobby. It’s a small victory…some light in the darkness of an unimaginable tragedy.

Todays Headlines The US says ‘invasion’ into Ukraine has begun Mask mandates to be rolled back across three states UK scraps all Covid rules New reward for missing backpacker PM supports anti-trans sport bill

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Australia’s energy market is changing rapidly. Coal fired power plants are closing earlier than planned... and their owners are building batteries in their place!

Last year Energy Australia announced the Yallourn plant in Victoria will close and Origin Energy last week announced its Eraring plant in NSW will close seven years earlier than planned. Tech billionaire Mike Cannon-Brooks says he wants to take over AGL with a similar plan, shutting down powerplants early and building renewable infrastructure.

We’re joined by Mike Foley, the climate and energy correspondent for The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald to find out what’s going on and how it will speed up our transition out of coal fired power... and do we risk price hikes and power blackouts... as the Energy Minister Angus Taylor has warned

Todays Headlines Cannon-Brookes AGL bid knocked back China hits back over laser incident Fugitive on the run for 12 years finally detained Trump's new social media app launched Sydney trains to run on reduced schedule today

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Economists say interest rates will rise this year – some are predicting a 15-basis point rise as early as June. So, what does that mean for the average mortgagee?

We talk to AMP chief economist Shane Oliver, to find out how many Australians will go into mortgage stress if rates rise, as predicted, by one percent in the next twelve months.

With a federal election due in May, both Anthony Albanese and Scott Morrison will be trying to convince Australians their side of politics is the better economic manager – and they can keep interest rates low. Well, can they? And how will you be affected by climbing interest rates?

Todays Headlines The Queen tests positive for Covid-19 Australia opens its borders PM calls for explanation after China aimed laser at RAAF aircraft Atlassian co-founder looks to speed green energy transition The Winter Olympics draws to a close

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CONTENT WARNING: Sexual Assault. Domestic Violence.

Domestic Violence Help Line: 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)

This is a 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

Individuals can also access local support services and search the internet using Daisy, a free app developed by 1800RESPECT that protects user privacy.

Tarang Chawla found celebrity for a reason he’d rather never have happened. In 2015 his sister Nikita was brutally murdered by her former partner. The subsequent media coverage and Tarang’s tireless advocacy to end violence against women made him a household name.

Tarang is passionate about broadening our community’s understanding of what causes violence against women. He talks to boys and men regularly about gender inequality and how we can reduce the number of women who are subjected to domestic abuse.

He’s the host of a new podcast called There’s No Place Like Home where Tarang speaks with ten survivors of family violence about their experiences.

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US President Joe Biden this week put the world on notice that a Russian attack could happen very soon... and western countries have been evacuating their embassy staff and warning citizens to get out...

But the Ukraine president President Volodymyr Zelensky has been giving a very different message -

he’s been urging people to stay calm.

So what is happening in Ukraine... Channel Seven reporter Sarah Greenhalgh is in the city of Lviv in far western Ukraine. How likely is war between Russia and Ukraine…?

Todays Headlines Shelling in eastern Ukraine dubbed ‘false flag’ operation NSW and VIC roll back restrictions Australia’s biggest coal-fired power station to close early Spy bosses told to stop interfering in China political debate At least 100 dead in Brazilian mudslides

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Jakara Anthony is an Australian freestyle skier, and Olympic gold medalist. Jakara won the Women's Moguls event at the 2022 Winter Olympics – one of the most gruelling and challenging events at the Olympics. Having been a competitive skier since her childhood, the gold medal at Beijing was a lifelong dream.

She said after winning gold: “It's really incredible to know that all the hard work I've been putting into my whole skiing career is really paying off. And it's just, yeah, I'm just lost for words.”

Dreams do come true.

Todays Headlines Man dies in Sydney following brutal shark attack Spy chief labels PM ‘unhelpful’ over ‘Manchurian candidate’ comments Australia sees more aged care COVID-19 deaths in 2022 than 2020 Clive Palmer tells court WA Premier has a licence to kill US says Russian build-up is continuing

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China is hosting the Winter Olympics and two of its athletes highlight the incredible complexity of the country’s social media – and attitude to the rest of the world in general.

Eileen Gu is the poster girl. Born in the US to an American father and a Chinese mother, she chose to represent China at the Games. Gu won gold and is a national hero. Figure skater Zhu Yi, is also an American born Chinese woman who has faced intense criticism after falling in several of her events.

Jennifer Hsu, a research fellow at the Lowy Institute focusing on Chinese culture and media, says the different responses to the two recruited Olympians, provides a snapshot of China’s social media influence. And how the government of China is working with young sportspeople – and social media - to portray a ‘new’ China to the rest of the world.

Todays Headlines Prince Andrew reaches settlement with accuser Djokovic prepared to miss Grand Slams over anti-vax stance Russia says they have withdrawn some troops- but NATO wants proof Canberra anti-vax protests continue while Canadian PM invokes emergency powers Roberts-Smith ex-wife denies she wants him jailed

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison won the “miracle” election back in 2019. No one expected him to win, but he was a master campaigner, convincing what he called “the quiet Australians” to trust him.

Annika Smethurst from the Age newspaper and the Briefing is author of a biography on Scott Morrison – The Accidental Prime Minister. Annika tells us Scott Morrison will need to pull off a major coup to repeat his success from 2019, with poll numbers pointing to a heavy defeat.

So, can Scott Morrison pull off another miracle election win….? Or will we see Anthony Albanese in The Lodge?

Todays Headlines PM slammed for asking for ‘forgiveness’ over Stolen Generation Russian skater cleared to compete after positive drugs test The ex-wife of Ben Roberts-Smith has broken her silence on her marriage Women harassed by former High Court justice receive compensation payout Jarryd Hayne conviction quashed and hopes for retrial

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McDonalds is accused of denying workers their ten minute meal break….in some cases offering workers a free sugary soft drink instead. They’re being sued for $100m in the largest class action of its type in the history of the Federal Court.

We’re joined by Josh Peak, Secretary of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association, who says the class action could impact thousands of current and former employees. We also speak to Shae, who worked at Maccas and tells us what it’s like to work behind the counter at the fast food giant.

We all know someone who’s worked at Maccas. This court case might change the pay and working conditions at McDonalds once and for all.

Todays Headlines Australians evacuated from Kiev amid imminent threat Jaclyn Narracott wins silver Warning bells for the PM following NSW byelections International protests dispersed Jenny Morrison “disappointed” by Grace Tame

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Lisa Wilkinson has lived most of her life in the public eye.

At age just 21 she became editor of DOLLY magazine, before going on to edit CLEO magazine and later becoming a longtime co-host of the TODAY show with Karl Stefanovic.

Now co-host of The Project and with a new autobiography in bookstores, Wilkinson remains at the top of her game.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi she spoke about television, feminism, working hard and making it to the top.

Lisa's memoir It Wasn't Meant to Be Like This is available in all good bookstores.

THE WEEKEND LIST with Tait McGregor: Watch: Encanto (Disney+) Watch: Brittany Higgins and Grace Tame speech See: Splendor in the Grass sideshows Listen: Relaxing Sleep Music by Comforting Sounds

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As many as 1000 trucks have converged on Canada’s capital, Ottawa. The Freedom Convoy 2000 has rallied to protest mandatory vaccines for Canadian truck drivers who ferry goods to and from the United States. The protestors are sounding their horns constantly, driving locals to despair.

Elizabeth Payne is a journalist with the Ottawa Sun. She says while numbers are dwindling, the protest is attracting hangers-on intent on causing as much havoc as possible. The main highway linking Canada and the United States has closed – costing the Canadian economy $320million. Truck drivers are also gathering in Canberra protesting the Australian government’s vaccine rollout.

So how long will the protests continue in Ottawa? Will Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau bring in the military? And how on Earth are locals living with the constant noise of truck horns ringing out across the community?

Todays Headlines Religious discrimination bill stalled Fully vaccinated definition changes Quad meeting to take place today Sportsbet hit with $3.7 million fine Russian figure skaters may have tested positive to banned substance

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Grace Tame and Brittany Higgins addressed the National Press Club in Canberra yesterday to highlight the plight of victims of sexual assault.

Amy Remeikis, the Guardian’s federal political correspondent, joins us to talk through the fallout from the address. Scott Morrison apologised in Parliament this week…..was it enough to stem the fallout from the scandal that has rocked the seat of government in Australia?

With a federal election just around the corner, it will be interesting to see how Scott Morrison and the Coalition manages the fallout – and will it impact how people vote come election day?

Todays Headlines Government investigates Tame phone call Religious Discrimination Bill passes through House of Reps ASIO warns spies are being recruited through Tinder Australian electric vehicle start-up to set up shop in Tennessee Vital US-Canada bridge blocked by truckers

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Denmark has become the first European country to lift ALL covid restrictions... except international arrivals who’ll need to be double-vaxxed. Authorities say the virus no longer qualifies as a ‘critical threat’ because of the country’s high vaccination rate - 81% of adults are double vaxxed and more than 60% are boosted - and ICU admissions and hospital stays are down because omicron is a milder variant.

We’re joined by Adrienne Murray, a journalist in Denmark to ask given Australia’s vaccination rate of adults is actually higher - we’re at 92.8% of adults double vaxxed- could this be a glimpse of the future for us too?

Is Denmark providing us a glimpse of our post-Covid future?

Today's Headlines

Parliament formally apologises for bullying PM gains party support for religious discrimination bill French president believes Ukraine situation can de-escalate Tinder Swindler victims launch GoFundMe

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A Brisbane Christian college has backflipped on its policy that required parents a sign a contract, that said children could be expelled based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

We’re joined by the YouTube star and comedian, Christian Hull, who has led the campaign to have the contract ripped up. We also talk to Natalie Pole, a parent of two students starting school at Citipointe College this week. The school says it “deeply regrets” that the contracts made students feel discriminated against, but the principal says the school has the right to maintain its ethos and the “freedom to continue to provide an education based on our shared beliefs”.

The furore over the Citipoint Christian College contract then led Prime Minister Scott Morrison to re-commit to changing laws that let religious schools try to expel gay or transgender students

Today's Headlines International border reopening date revealed Spotify will not part ways with Rogan Ottawa declares state of emergency Macron in Russia for Ukraine talks Peng Shuai breaks silence at Beijing Games

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The Winter Olympic Games kicked off over the weekend in Beijing in China. Politics will be bubbling beneath the surface, with Russian President Vladimir Putin attending the Games alongside Chinese host Xi Jinping, while western countries boycott the Games over China’s human rights record. Here are the two largest non-Western superpowers posing together on the world stage.

We want to focus on the action on the snow and ice. Steven Bradbury won Australia’s first Olympic gold medal at the Salt Lake City games in 2002. His come from behind win, placed his name forever in Australian history.

When Australians think of the Winter Olympics, we think of one name….Steven Bradbury. We learn in this episode of the Briefing...it was no fluke.

Today's Headlines Australia wins first Winter Olympic gold and bronze Australia to open borders to international tourists The Queen calls for Camilla to be given title of ‘queen consort’ Cleo Smith’s parents speak out Joe Rogan addresses n-word clip

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Dr Norman Swan's COVID-19 analysis has made him one of the most recognisable media identities in the last two years.

But where did this highly articulate, bespectacled doctor with a Scottish accent come from?

In this chat with guest host Tom Tilley, Norman discusses his upbringing in Scotland, why he decided to get political during the pandemic and what he’s learnt about himself over the past few years.

Regular host Jamila Rizvi will be back next week.

THE WEEKEND LIST with Tom Tilley: Read: Beyond Belief by Elle Hardy Watch: Seachange (Netflix)

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We learned this week Hillsong founder and global leader Brian Houston is stepping down to fight charges that he concealed his father’s alleged sexual assault. We discuss what this means for Hillsong and its expansion in the US.

We’re joined by Elle Hardy, author of Beyond Belief: How Pentecostal Christianity Is Taking Over the World. Elle has travelled the world studying the growth and influence of churches like Hillsong.

You’re also going to find out about another movement in Pentecostal America... the Seven Mountains Mandate which wants to dominate society

Today's Headlines

IS leader killed in US raid

Djokovic to give his side of the story

CMO announces new aged care taskforce

WA’s border closure supply crisis Citipointe schools withdraws sexuality contract

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When state governments pause elective surgeries - to free resources to handle covid cases - it’s a huge deal to people waiting for those surgeries. Elective surgeries include any procedure that doesn’t need to be done within 24 hours. That includes some cancer procedures, even brain surgery – and these procedures are not luxury options

We were all moved by Melanie Swieconek, who posted a teary video on Instagram after the Victorian government cancelled IVF treatment as part of its Covid elective surgery bans. Melanie basically changed the government’s mind. We’re also joined by Dr Chris Moy, Vice President of the Australian Medical Association who explains what needs to happen to clear the massive backlog of cases.

Dr Moy’s comparison to bushfire recovery is a reminder we still have a long way to go to beat Covid and for life to return to normal.

Today's Headlines

Calls for Minister who called PM 'psycho' to be outed

Roberts-Smith defamation hearing resumes

Colbeck defends going to the cricket

Grace Tame speaks out on not smiling with PM Hospitality and retail staff shortages not being filled

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The aged care sector is in crisis, with hundreds dying from Covid already this year….. 2022 is already shaping up as the worst year for nursing homes in terms of pandemic deaths. One of the hidden crises is mental health. If our parents and grandparents don’t get personal interaction, their cognitive health goes into steep decline.

We’re joined by “Julie” (not her real name), whose husband’s dementia has declined rapidly after she was stopped from visiting him; and Professor Lee-Fay Low, a specialist in ageing and health at University of Sydney. Lee-Fay explains in detail what should be done to help our elderly and why denying them personal visits, is a breach of their human rights.

This is a really important episode. We’re failing our elderly. They’re dying ….and the minister responsible chose to go to the cricket rather than fronting an inquiry aimed at addressing the issues at stake.

Today's Headlines

Scott Morrison attempts reset ahead of May election

Berejiklian texts: PM a ‘psycho’ and ‘horrible person’ Omicron subvariant may prolong Covid spread NZ journo cleared to return home from Afghanistan NFL legend Tom Brady retires

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There’s a major crisis in the Australian automotive industry. There are basically no new cars. It’s partly to do with the global semiconductor shortage, and partly to do with people having extra cash in the pandemic, splurging on a new vehicle.

James Voortman is CEO of the Australian Automotive Dealer Association. He says the car is the second-biggest purchase for most families - after their home.

Some experts say it will be a year - or more - before we get back to normal. Others say it the market may never return to ‘normal’. So what’s with the new car shortage?

Today's Headlines

Boris Johnson fighting for his job following Sue Gray report

$200M for aged care to be announced Brisbane school calls for children to denounce homosexuality Joe Rogan addresses Spotify controversy

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Students return to schools across the country this week (except for QLD) and they face a very challenging tension point for ‘living with covid’.

We’re joined by Correna Haythorpe, the Federal President of the Australian Education Union. We know with Omicron spreading across the nation, you’ve got dozens of people in one room, a huge number of unvaccinated kids, who’re mixing in from different households, loads of transport creating potential contact points... and a workforce that was already stretched and in short supply in many places.

In this Briefing, you’ll hear more from teachers about their fears.. As we ask... are we throwing teachers under the bus?

Today's Headlines

Nadal wins the Australian Open

Scott Morrison Newspoll drop

McDonald’s in court over allegedly denying paid rest breaks Spotify faces more controversy over covid misinformation Hillsong founder stands down

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You've probably heard of Shameless, the celebrity and pop culture podcast that has taken the country by storm.

But who are Michelle Andrews and Zara McDonald, the notoriously private young women behind the podcasting juggernaut?

In this conversation with Jamila Rizvi, Zara and Michelle unpack what gave them the courage to leave their secure jobs and try something totally new, why they like keeping some seperation between private and public, and why we are all so obsessed with celebrity culture.

THE WEEKEND LIST with Tait McGregor:

Watch: Queer Eye (Netflix)

Podcast:The Bias Diagnosis

Cook:Freekeh Salad by Rick Stein

Podcast: And Just Like That…The Writers Room

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Western Australia has been cut off from the rest of the country for the last two years. WA Premier Mark McGowan shut the borders letting only a handful of people in, or out, since the outbreak of the pandemic.

Now Omicron is on the march across the country, it was only a matter of time before it surfaced in WA – and this month, West Australians worst fears were realised when Omicron turned up in the community. McGowan quickly moved to repeal a plan to re-open the state on February 5. Jenna Clark is Associate Editor at The Australian newspaper and host of The Front Page Sky News. Jenna tells us the problem West Australians now face is they’re well behind the rest of the country in terms of booster shots. It may well be, WA’s ostracisation was a waste of time.

On today’s Briefing, what are the chances Mark McGowan will do a double backflip and re-open the borders after all…..especially with Omicron knocking on the door.

Todays Headlines

Ash Barty through to Australian Open final

$1billion to keep the Great Barrier Reef off endangered list

Neil Young quits Spotify over Joe Rogen Covid claims

Wild weather lashes Victoria and South Australia The definition of fully vaccinated could become 3 jabs

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The world has gone crazy for rapid antigen tests. Schoolchildren will be tested twice a week when school returns; some people are even asking their friends to show a negative test before they’ll socialise with them.

So who’s making all the money? Millions of tests are flooding the market. Michael Roddan is a journalist at the Australian Financial Review. He says it’s a handful of Australians and Australian companies making the big bucks.

There are tens of millions of RATs right across the country. It prompts the question, who is making all that money? And what will happen to all the tests if Covid, as we all hope, is assigned to history?

Todays Headlines

Dylan Alcott set to play in the quad final after becoming Australian of the Year

Pressure mounting on Boris Johnson as party report to be handed down

Tonga can’t access vital supplies for another two days due to covid fears

Australian gas prepared to step up if Ukraine crisis deepens

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Daniel Nour was last night named Young Australian of the Year.

Daniel was leaving Waterloo Station in London and saw a crowd gathering – he thought it was a busker. It was a homeless man having a seizure, and it changed his life.

Daniel has been named as one of our Young Australians of the Year after establishing Street Side Medics, a medical service for the homeless.

This is an inspiring story of a young man, who arrived with his family from Egypt as a boy. He has changed so many lives, and it’s just the beginning of his amazing contribution to the nation he now calls home.

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The world watched on as the Australian government ripped up world tennis number one Novac Djokovic’s visa. He was taken into detention, an urgent court hearing convened, and eventually deported. The whole saga was over and done with in less than a week.

While Novak was in detention, in the Park Hotel in Melbourne, we learned there are refugees holed up in the same hotel. One of them, Mehdi, has been in the refugee process in Australia for almost ten years after arriving in Australia seeking asylum as a 15-year-old. He's still in detention, almost a decade later.

We speak to Mehdi from his Melbourne hotel room; and we also speak with Carolyn Graydon, principal lawyer at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, to find out why Mehdi and his colleagues can’t – or don’t – get the same rushed process as Novak Djokovic.

Todays Headlines

Aboriginal flag copyright secured

Omicron wave past its peak

Australians in the Ukraine being told to leave

Assange wins court case to challenge extradition decision

Cleo Smith’s alleged abductor pleads guilty

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57-year-old Czech folk singer Hana Horka died last week after getting Covid... she was unvaccinated... and chose not to isolate from her husband and son when they contracted covid around Christmas.

Her son Jan Rek joins us to tell us how and why his mother chose to catch Covid, resulting in her sudden death.

We’ve spoken to people here in Australia about deliberately catching Covid – as you’ll hear from Jan, it’s not a good idea. It can be fatal. He calls it Russian roulette.

Todays Headlines WA concedes it cannot control Omicron

RATS roll out across the country ahead of return to school

Ash Barty is through to the quarters

Tensions in the Ukraine continue to escalate

Wiggles win JJJ’s Hottest 100

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Growing up on the Sunshine Coast, Michelle Law was both very aware and a little resistant to her own Chinese-ness.

As an adult, she has embraced the cross-cultural narrative, putting her experiences into writing books, essays, plays and television series.

In this conversation with Jamila Rizvi, Michelle Law talks about her new book Asian Girls Are Going Places, how she’s trying to unlearn some of her workaholic tendencies, and why she’s a passionate advocate for diversity quotas in the arts and culture industry.

THE WEEKEND LIST with Tait McGregor: Watch: Euphoria (Binge) Watch: Cheer season 2 (Netflix) Listen: ADOLESCENCE by BANYK Watch: Love Me (Binge)

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People are deliberately trying to catch Covid-19. Some are hoping by catching it now, they can make sure they’re Covid-free for a big event, maybe a wedding or a birthday celebration. So is it a good idea?

Two of our Briefing listeners are actively trying to catch it – Mel and David – but Professor Catherine Bennett, chair of epidemiology at Deakin University, says it’s not a good idea.

On today’s Briefing, we find out once and for all, if it’s a good idea to actively seek out and catch, Coronavirus.

Todays Headlines WA will keep borders closed

Novovax gains provisional approval

Australian aid arrives in Tonga

Federal court releases Djokovic reasoning

Pope Benedict accused of failing to act in four child sex abuse cases

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Today marks one year in the White House for US President Joe Biden.

We’re joined by Damien Cave, the New York Times’ Australian correspondent, who details the big challenges Biden faces to turn around falling approval figures and rising inflation, while taking on Covid-19, diversity ….and Donald Trump.

On today’s Briefing, we review Joe Biden’s first year in office…..and look forward to critical mid-term elections due later this year.

Todays Headlines National cabinet meets today ahead of kids going back to school

Vigil held for murdered nine-year old

Christian Porter to pay legal fees

Tensions rise in Ukraine with Germany threatening to cancel vital Russian gas pipeline

Airlines cancel US flights over 5G fears

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Australia has been gripped by the Novak Djokovic saga. His plight has highlighted a much wider vaccine story emerging in Eastern Europe.

Some countries like Bulgaria, are facing an Omicron surge – and their vaccination rates are less than 50 percent. Vojin Rakic, Professor at the University of Belgrade - a Serbian philosopher and political scientist – says some of the vaccine hesitancy can be blamed on people like Novak. BBC European correspondent, Kayleen Devlin, says there’s also an element of anti-western sentiment.

Hospitals are filling up, and governments are struggling to urge people to get vaccinated. On today’s Briefing, what’s behind the Covid crisis in Eastern Europe.

Todays Headlines Man charged with murder of missing nine-year-old girl

Victoria issues Code Brown as cases surge

Tonga issues first volcano update: at least three dead

Russian troops arriving in Belarus

Five Aussies through to round two of the Australian Open

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American comedian and sports commentator Joe Rogan hosts the most popular podcast in the world – often clocking up 11 million listens per episode. Last week, an Australian journalist and radio presenter appeared on the podcast. His name is Josh Szeps.

Josh hosts Afternoons on ABC Radio Sydney, and spent more than a decade in the US appearing regularly on television and radio.

During the course of his podcast chat, Joe mentioned some statistics in relation to myocarditis in teenagers. Joe’s figures were incorrect, and Josh called him out. The footage and audio has gone viral around the world. So who is Josh Szeps? And what does it say about media and culpability, if the number one podcaster in the world can just riff on something as important as heart disease?

Josh also hosts the podcast "Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps"

Todays Headlines ACCC slams RAT price gougers

Unions warn they will strike over lax Omicron OH&S

Aftershocks expected after Tongan eruption

Djokovic’s French Open plans in jeopardy

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Australians are finding supermarket shelves empty – again. It’s largely due to the fact the federal government has told us all to prepare to catch Covid. People are frightened we’re headed for another extended lockdown.

In a bid to free up the blockages in food and grocery supply chains, the Commonwealth made changes to the list of occupations considered ‘essential workers’ and relaxed the iso requirements. So we know there’s hopefully light at the end of the tunnel… but should we be worried about Australia’s food supply shortage and how long will this last?

Stephen Bartos is Visiting Fellow at the ANU’S Crawford School of Public Policy, and the good news is he says there’s no need to panic.

Todays Headlines Novak Djokovic leaves Australia after court upholds visa cancellation

Tonga rocked by undersea volcano

Pfizer booster fast-tracked for teenagers

Homicide squad joins search for missing nine-year-old Trump urges supporters to “take back the White House”

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Lucy Durack is the human personification of sunshine. The former star of the Australian production of Wicked is one of the most sought after people in show business and yet someone manages to make time for everyone. How does she do that?

In this episode the actress, reality TV star, mum and queen of Australian musical theater talks to Jamila Rizvi about not being a natural singer, the joy of playing Glinda and why she works hard to cultivate gratitude.

THE WEEKEND LIST with Linda Marigliano and Brooke Boney:

Listen:Promises album

Read:How Decent Folk Behave by Maxine Beneba Clarke

Podcast:Am I Normal? with Mona Chalabi

Cook: Yotam Ottolenghi’s rolled pavlova

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The world is pre-occupied with the Covid Omicron explosion, but a huge story is playing out in a standoff between Russia and the United States over the Ukraine. 100,000 Russian troops have massed at the Russia/Ukraine border – and the world is nervously watching, waiting for Vladimir Putin’s next move.

Adam Creighton, the Australian newspaper’s US correspondent talks us through the developments of the week; and Elizaveta Isakova, a Geneva-based correspondent for the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, says she doesn’t sense an appetite for war in the Kremlin.

Talks this week between the US and Russia over the future of the Ukraine, could shape the future of Europe for a generation. It’s clearly one of the biggest stories in the world.

Todays Headlines Prince Andrew stripped of all titles

Scomo announces changes to iso for ‘essential workers’

Novak could still be deported despite being named in Aus Open draw

QLD eases border requirements while WA bans unvaccinated Man’s surprise guilty plea over Sydney gay hate murder

Rust shooting armourer suing

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Three leading health experts have released a joint statement asking Australia’s leaders to reintroduce some Covid restrictions, such as mask-wearing and a limit on indoor gatherings, until more is known about the highly contagious new Omicron variant.

John Kaldor is professor of epidemiology at the Kirby Institute and the UNSW. He says the original reopening plan had been developed using the delta variant – and it might be time to re-think our approach to containing the virus.

On today’s Briefing, should we go back into lockdown to contain the Omicron variant of the Coronavirus.

Todays Headlines

US judge dismisses a bid from Prince Andrew to have his sex case trial thrown out

National cabinet to meet amid supply chain shortages

Djokovic still facing deportation after admitting error on visa application US President Joe Biden trying to pass voting rights legislation

Boris Johnson refuses to resign over attending BYO party at Downing St

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Covid’s Omicron variant is running riot across the country. Some of our listeners, who are nurses, told us about the strain they’re under.

Dr Stephen Parnis works in three Melbourne emergency departments - and is the former vice president of the Australian Medical Association.

Dr Stephen tells us what it's like in the hospitals right now.

Nurses are at breaking point, doctors are working around the clock.....and it's only going to get worse, before it gets better.

On today's Briefing - the Omicron crisis is crippling our hospital system.

Todays Headlines

Staff shortages could cripple the economy

GPs say they’re turning people away

Half of Europe expected to contract Covid in next two months Djokovic could still be deported over travel declaration form

Floods and cyclone in QLD and a fire in WA

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The world is watching Australia deal with Novak Djokovic, the number one men’s tennis player on the planet. Novak wants to compete in the Australian Open next week – and potentially win a record-breaking tenth Aus Open title.

The Morrison government wants him deported – it says he hasn’t complied with Border Force requirements to secure the necessary visa. Djokovic sued – and won. But will the federal government let him win.....?

The Guardian’s Paul Karp has followed the Djokovic saga since day one. He knows the ins and outs of what has become a major international story.....OR is it a timely distraction for the Morison government??

Todays Headlines

Court win does not end Djokovic saga

Australia passes one million Covid cases

US/Russia talks in Geneva to discuss Ukraine crisis Aussies clean up at the Golden Globes

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Covid’s Omicron variant is running riot across Australia. Tens of thousands of people are testing positive, throwing our Christmas and summer holiday plans into chaos.

We asked our listeners to send in their questions and asked Dr Paul Griffin, infectious disease expert and microbiologist at Brisbane’s Mater Hospital, to answer them.

On today’s Briefing….your Omicron questions answered.

Todays Headlines

Djokovic to face court over visa

Australians urged to prepare to catch Omicron Five to eleven year olds eligible for Pfizer from today

Supply crisis crippling retail sector Teenager missing in Queensland’s Wide Bay floodwaters

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More Australian Open exemptions under scrutiny; and the US marks the first anniversary of the deadly Capitol riots

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Todays Headlines Millions eligible for booster shot from today Canberra foots the bill for 84 million rapid tests QLD beaches still closed due to wild seas Big Bash teams to enter a hub

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Todays Headlines Fears of 100,000 cases a day by the end of January WA slams border shut to Tasmania and ACT Employment numbers surge Australia bags shock win at ATP Cup

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Happy New Year to all our listeners. We look forward to joining you in 2022!!

Todays Headlines New isolation rules in place Experts worried health system will be overwhelmed by omicron Ghislaine Maxwell likely to appeal guilty verdict Tsitsipas supports Djokovic's ATP withdrawal

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Todays Headlines Quarantine to be cut to seven days amid changes to isolation requirements Welfare payments to get a boost WA police arrest a man linked to assault of 7-year-old girl Djokovic pulls out of ATP cup

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Todays Headlines NSW overhauls quarantine protocols States struggle with PCR testing Black Jack claims line honours

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Our 300th episode for the year!!!!!

Todays Headlines Cricket bosses confident Sydney test will go ahead despite Covid dramas States and territories under pressure to secure urgent testing kits Perth NYE events canned Australia on the verge of Ashes series victory

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Todays Headlines Covid rule changes in NSW and SA Homes under threat from two raging bushfires in WA The Queen pays tribute to Archbishop Desmond Tutu England's Ashes hopes hanging by a thread

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Ways to celebrate Christmas in a Covid safe way amid a surge in cases A new finger prick test to tell when we're due for a booster shot The number of people claiming unemployment benefits drops to early 2020 levels

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Interstate Covid testing requirements under review Another vaccine to become available in Australia within weeks The first of six children killed in the Tasmanian jumping castle tragedy being laid to rest

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Todays Headlines New modelling predicts hundreds of thousands of daily Covid cases unless authorities act now Quarantine-free travel to New Zealand delayed again Locals council's deemed the weak link in Australia's national security Covid hits the AFL

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Todays Headlines

Emergency National Cabinet meeting called as Australia battles Omicron Covid variant Tennis legend Rafael Nadal tests Covid positive Good news for those planning an Aussie getaway with flights cheaper than they have been in years And, Australia claims a stunning two-nil lead in the Ashes

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Todays Headlines How Christmas could be a super-spreader event Specialist NSW police to investigate Tasmanian jumping castle tragedy New rules forcing power companies to dumb down power bills Australia is poised to take a two-nil lead in the Ashes

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Dinesh Palipana works as a doctor in one of Australia’s busiest hospital emergency rooms.

If this wasn’t impressive enough, Dinesh also had to learn how to do the immensely physical work of medicine with a spinal cord injury.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Dinesh recounts the harrowing accident that left him quadriplegic in 2010, how he’s learnt to meet the demands of his job without the use of much of his body, and why he feels like the luckiest person alive.

THE WEEKEND LIST with Linda Marigliano and Brooke Boney:

Read:No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood

Watch: And Just Like That (Binge)

Listen: Actual Life by Fred again..

Watch: Succession season 3 (Binge)

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Australians will go to the polls in 2022 to elect a federal government. There are so many critical issues dominating the news: Covid-19 and its many variants; inflation; house prices; unemployment; education; health; and climate change.

Dan Ilic, an Australian comedian, started a crowdfunding campaign to fund Times Square billboards to embarrass Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Commonwealth Government over their inaction on climate change. His original campaign aimed to raise $12,500 to fund a billboard near November’s Glasgow COP26 conference. He ended up raising more than $228,000.

So what big-ticket item will dominate the 2022 federal election?

Todays Headlines

Number of children killed in jumping castle tragedy rises to five NSW residents urged to avoid crowded events after record cases Federal budget $7 billion better off as government prepares for election battle

Kennedy files released as descendant named as new Australian ambassador Ashes curveball for Australia, former Wallabies captain to run for senate

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2021 has certainly thrown us some curveballs. Covid’s Delta outbreak (and then Omicron), lockdowns, protests and vaccine mandates, the Royal family and their many sagas, and who could forget the Tokyo Olympics.

In this episode of The Briefing Tom Tilley and Katrina Blowers look back on the big issues of 2021, how they impacted us, and what they viewed as the critical issues we should keep an eye out for, in 2022.

Todays Headlines

WA tightens travel restrictions as NSW cases increase Treasurer to promise higher wages, lower unemployment in budget update Labor warns Coalition grants would be targeted in corruption probe

Defence to make case in Ghislaine Maxwell trial Hundreds rescued from Hong Kong office tower fire

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Booster jabs will be offered to everyone over 18 in England from this week. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation and said: "No one should be in any doubt, there is a tidal wave of Omicron coming."

Johnson said the target to offer a booster to all adults by the end of January will be brought forward by a month. The British government is hoping to vaccinate a million people a day by Christmas. Hans van Leeuwen is the Europe correspondent for the Australian Financial Review.

He tells us what’s happening in the UK right now….and what it’s like in an area of South London, where families and minority groups are living in fear of catching Omicron. Today’s Briefing goes inside the UK’s Omicron tidal wave.

Todays Headlines Restrictions easing in New South Wales and Tasmania Tyrrell search to wrap-up this week: police Capitol riot texts expose Trump Jr's concerns

National mourning for Haiti after dozens killed in fuel tanker explosion US hockey team, bank apologise for teacher cash stunt

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New Zealand has introduced a very radical plan to ban smoking for the next generation. Legislation, which comes into effect next year, means those who are aged 14 and under today will never be legally able to buy tobacco. The legal smoking age will increase every year, with the plan to create a smoke-free generation of Kiwis.

Chris Bullen is Professor of Public Health at the University of Auckland. Prof Bullen joins us to talk about the measures to help phase out smoking including reducing the legal amount of nicotine in tobacco products, cutting down the shops where cigarettes could legally be sold, and increasing funding to addiction services.

At the moment, around 12 percent of New Zealand's adults smoke but the rate is much higher among the indigenous Maori population, where it soars to almost a third. NZ’s goal is to have fewer than 5% of the population smoking daily by 2025.

Todays Headlines UK PM says Omicron to be dominant within days following first death McGowan locks-in date for WA reopening Moderna to be made in Australia under new VIC deal

Australia and South Korea sign defence deal as border opening confirmed Joyce calls for Assange to be returned to Australia

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Teachers are walking out of classrooms across the country. They’re protesting in the streets. The pandemic meant they had to completely re-think the way they interacted with their students. And they’ve had enough.

Louise Phillips, Associate Professor from the Faculty of Education, Southern Cross University, and other researchers from around the world, have conducted a study to get to the bottom of the problem….and it’s not good news. Teachers have had enough.

We don’t value our teachers, nearly enough. With an election campaign looming, it’s time to address the impact federal and state policies have on our teachers….and in turn, our children and young people.

Todays Headlines QLD border opens to hotspot states Shorter wait times and more choice in booster update WA authorities appeal for information on fire culprit

US authorities warn tornado toll will continue rising No extra immunity for NZ man vaxxed 10 times in one day

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Luke McGregor is refreshingly honest, totally uncomfortable and hilariously funny.

You might known him as one half of the writing and acting team behind the ABC’s hit TV series Rosehaven, or from his awkward candidness as the presenter in Luke Warm Sex.

In this chat Luke tells Jamila Rizvi what it was like getting bullied at school, why he keeps doing comedy despite suffering crippling panic attacks, plus he recounts his experience getting naked at a nudist colony.

THE WEEKEND LIST: Listen: Private Affairs podcast Listen: Shameless presents The Books that Changed My Life Watch: PEN15 (Stan) Experience: Higher Order in Melbourne

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Mitchell Rice was dismissed by his employer Queensland Rail on the basis of having used a legally prescribed cannabis product to treat his medical conditions of anxiety and insomnia.

He’s suing. Mitchell says he developed the conditions from a combination of extensive shift work for Queensland Rail, as well as caring for his terminally ill mother.

Despite evidence from Rice’s medical practitioner declaring that the medication would not affect his capacity to work safely, as long as the medication was taken more than 8 hours before commencing work, Queensland Rail proceeded to terminate his employment. We’re joined by Mitchell Rice and his lawyer Jeremy Kennedy, from Chamberlain’s Law Firm.

On today’s Briefing, we look at a landmark trial over a man losing his job for taking medicinal cannabis.

Donations For the Legal Fees of Mitchell Rice to Assist Users of Prescription Cannabis Against Discrimination in the Workplace: https://www.gofundme.com/f/donations-for-the-legal-fees-of-mitchell-rice

Todays Headlines Final approval for 5-11 year old vaccinations Barnaby Joyce isolating in Washington after catching Covid Perrottet says increasing NSW cases won’t change rules UK government staff parties to be investigated New Zealand to create smoke-free generation

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In today’s Briefing, we go back to a story we did two weeks ago about the inventor of bitcoin. A Florida court has ruled that Craig Wright, the Aussie who says he invented the blockchain currency, won’t have to pay half of his coins to his late business partner... David Kleiman.

Klieman’s family were suing Wright for half of the 70B$ of bitcoin controlled by bitcoin inventor Satoshi Nakamoto... a pseudonym Wright says is him. The jury found Wright does not owe Kleiman’s family half of the coins.

We’re joined by Paul Vigna, journalist covering Bitcoin for the Wall Street Journal. He explains, while the trial has not determined IF Craig Wright invented Bitcoin, he will still have to pay around $140 million in compensation for a breach in intellectual property rights related to the company he worked on with Kleiman.

In this Briefing, did the trial find Wright is Nakamoto - and does he have the key to 1.1m Bitcoins worth $70 billion.

Todays Headlines

QLD uncovers new Omicron strain

Pfizer confirms Omicron effectiveness as new booster approved

UK latest country after Australia to boycott China games

Berejiklian expected to rule out Canberra run Djokovic named on Aus Open draw despite vaccination stoush

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Do you find yourself infinitely browsing? Never able to make a commitment? To a movie? A partner? A job?

Pete Davis is a writer and civic advocate from Falls Church, Virginia. His Harvard Law School graduation speech, “A Counterculture of Commitment,” has been viewed more than 30 million times.

His new book is “Dedicated: the Case for Commitment in an Age of Infinite Browsing”. He explains WHY you can’t make a choice of a movie...why you end up scrolling all night before going to bed in frustration. WHY you can’t stay in one job for more than twelve months....and WHY you keep wondering what it would be like to be partnered with someone else.

In today’s Briefing, how to address our ‘counterculture of commitment’

Todays Headlines

Australia weighs up Winter Olympics boycott

Biden and Putin meet via video amid Ukraine tensions

Uni debts cleared for doctors and nurses going bush

140 at risk following Omicron cruise exposure Craig Wright prevails in Bitcoin trial

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Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner broke down last month talking about death threats he and his family had received from online trolls protesting about the territory’s Covid vaccine mandates. The debate has included people like Tucker Carlson and Russell Brand.

So how did global Covid trolls arrive in the top end?

Nicholas Hynes is a reporter with the ABC in Darwin. He joins us to explain how and why the Gunner government’s policies have made global headlines....and if there’s any truth to comparisons with the Stolen Generations of the past.

Todays Headlines US confirms diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics QLD to open hotspot borders early Senior Liberals publicly back Berejiklian for federal tilt Perth loses Ashes test due to strict border rules Global human rights bodies condemn Suu Kyi sentencing

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Everyone knows someone who’s been swayed by internet conspiracies…misinformation about the Covid vaccine, covid conspiracies? 5G, fluoride. Was it QAnon? Far right groups? Parts of YouTube, Reddit or the more subversive forums like 4chan or 8chan or 8kun

In this Briefing... we learn more about what ties these internet conspiracy groups together... how dangerous it’s becoming... and what if anything we can do about it. Van Badham is an Australian playwright and author who has written a book QAnon and On, shining a light on the conspiracies and the dangers they pose.

Today we explore fusion paranoia... the frightening cluster of online conspiracies.

Todays Headlines NSW and VIC promise to keep borders open for Christmas Voters tip Labor win following campaign pitch PM on hand for second Mostert win at Bathurst 1000 Government awaits ATAGI advice after Pfizer approved for kids Indonesia volcano death toll rises to 14

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Carly Findlay is an author and appearance activist who lives with a rare skin condition called ichthyosis, which makes her skin scaly and red.

What this means is that Carly has to put up with a lot of silly, inappropriate and downright rude questions from strangers.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Carly explains what it’s like to be trolled for how you look, how she’s coped with ableism during the pandemic, and why she sees disability as a culture to be proud of.

THE WEEKEND LIST: Read: Killernova by Omar bin Musa Read: The Game: A Portrait of Scott Morrison by Sean Kelly Watch: James Bond films Watch: Snowpiercer (Netflix)

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There are landmark court trials littered through US history….Michael Jackson’s two trials and OJ Simpson. The Ghislaine Maxwell trial is poised to join them as a watershed hearing in front of the world’s media.

We cross to Seven’s US Bureau Chief Ashlee Mullany who is attending the court case in New York. We’ve already heard explosive claims and we’re only in the first few days of hearings.

Maxwell is accused of procuring teenage girls for the convicted child sex offender Jeffery Epstein, who took his own life two years ago. It’s long been suggested Epstein took his life to take his contacts and associates’ names with him. So, what secrets will be revealed at Maxwell’s trial? And will she implicate Prince Andrew? This trial looks set to join the list of notorious trials played out on the world stage.

Todays Headlines Minister stands down after claims of abusive relationship SA introduces testing for NSW arrivals as Covid outbreak grows Victorian pandemic laws pass state parliament IOC holds second call with Shuai as WTA doubles-down on boycott Markle calls for press changes after winning court fight

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The world is trying to come to grips with the Omicron variant of Covid-19. It’s spreading like wildfire across the globe. Governments are scrambling to close borders and scientists are rushing to determine just how potent the new strain is.

But could it be a blessing in disguise. Could Omicron end the pandemic? Dr Deborah Cromer leads the Infection Epidemiology and Policy Analytics Group at the Kirby Institute, UNSW. Her job is to determine how effective vaccines are in combatting viruses.

Dr Deborah tells us if and when we’ll know that Omicron may take over from the more-virulent and dangerous Delta strain of the coronavirus….and what we need to do as a society to help make that happen.

Todays Headlines Porter quits parliaments as Hunt resignation expected Epstein accuser to be cross-examined after implicating Maxwell Flooding death in QLD as NSW cleans-up in Central West Omicron detected in 20+ countries as local cases grow NT authorities believe Howard Springs escapees didn’t contact community

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In 2013 on a night out in Kings Cross a devastating encounter in a laneway changed the course of Saxon Mullins’ life.

It led to a rape case that went for five years... there were two trials, two appeals and ultimately it was determined that the accused was acquitted after arguing he had reasonable grounds to believe she was consenting.

Now eight years on... Saxon Mullins’ story... has led to a change in the law... that could protect other victims who freeze during sex.

Todays Headlines NSW on alert for Omicron as PM calls for no more lockdowns

One in three parliament staff harassed, according to Jenkins review Human remains discovered in VIC camper search Towns evacuated in QLD as flooding continues in NSW Ghislaine Maxwell trial begins in New York Australia hits back at claims of Solomon interference

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The world has a new variant of the Covid-19 virus to contend with. Omicron was first detected in Botswana and has already been detected in the UK, Hong Kong, the Czech Republic and Australia. States and countries are locking borders to try to contain the spread.

Dr Norman Swan is host of the ABC’s Health Report and the Coronacast podcast. Dr Swan explains how and why new variants of the virus emerge. He also explains what’s likely to happen next.

How will the world cope with Omicron? Will it be more contagious than Delta? And how likely are we to catch it?

Todays Headlines Border opening delayed as more Omicron cases detected

ATAGI reviewing booster timetable following new variant Ghislaine Maxwell trial begins in New York Family of missing Belgian backpacker doubt police claims Twitter co-founder and CEO to step down Renowned Australian actor David Gulpilil dead at 68

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Western Australia will stay closed for Christmas with its border not reopening until at least late January.

WA premier Mark McGowan says waiting to lift restrictions until the state achieves 90% vaccination coverage of people aged 12 and above will save lives.

We asked our listeners what they thought, and we received a mixed response. Many believe McGowan is a hero keeping West Australians safe….while others say they want to be allowed to travel to see their loved ones like the rest of Australia.

Jenna Clarke is deputy editor The West Australian and presenter on MMM Perth Breakfast. Jenna tells us what it’s like behind the WA curtain….and if McGowan’s Covid approach is going to cost Prime Minister Scott Morrison seats at the upcoming federal election.

Todays Headlines First Australian Omicron cases recorded in Sydney travellers

Social media to be forced to reveal user identities under anti-troll laws

Man in custody over alleged Wollongong shootings Woman in custody following Cairns quarantine hotel fire

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You might know Matt Okine as the funny guy who makes up one half of Matt and Alex’s All Day Breakfast. He is also an author, actor and former Triple J presenter.

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Matt shows more of his thoughtful and sensitive side, speaking about everything from his experience of racism, growing up without his mum and challenges of becoming a parent.

Plus he tells Jamila an amazing story about how he's caught the matrix three times.

THE WEEKEND LIST with Linda Marigliano: Listen: 30 by Adele Watch: Maid on Netflix Watch: Blue Bayou in cinemas See: Moulin Rouge at Regent Theatre

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31 people drowned when a boatload of asylum seekers capsized in the English Channel this week. The international community all of a sudden became aware of a crisis on the beaches near Calais in France. People smugglers are loading migrants, looking for a better life, onto inflatable dinghies and sending them to Britain.

Steve Cannane is the ABC’s European correspondent. He’s met some of the migrants looking and hoping for asylum. He says they’re desperate to get to Great Britain...and with what’s happening in Afghanistan, things are going to get worse before they get better.

So, what can be done about stopping the boats. It’s a problem Australia faced just a few years ago. It’s now emerging as a major international crisis as tens of thousands of asylum seekers gather on French beaches, desperate to try to cross the English Channel before winter sets in.

Todays Headlines Australian peacekeepers to arrive in the Solomons

PM denies losing control of parliament after MPs force corruption vote

NSW to ease mask, QR code rules as Commonwealth spruiks boosters Melbourne pilot charged over camper deaths UK offers to send forces to patrol French coast following migrant deaths

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The debate over vaccine mandates has erupted in a war of words. Thousands of protestors marched in Australian capital cities last weekend claiming the mandates are overreach and a breach of civil liberties.

So where does the truth lie? Brad Hudson is from the Nurses Professional Association of Australia providing support for nurses who don’t want to get vaccinated; and Dr Nick Coatsworth is the former deputy chief medical officer and the “face” of the nation’s Covid response and vaccine rollout campaign in taxpayer-funded advertisements.

So where does the balance lie between professions being told they MUST be vaccinated, against the overall necessity to keep the whole community safe? That’s the question in today’s Briefing....and how did it come to this?

Todays Headlines PM condemns lawbreakers following Christensen comments

80+ backpackers locked-down in Byron Bay

Australia to wait until April for NZ reopening NASA launches mission to deflect asteroid ARIA Winners announced

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Who is Satoshi Nakamoto?

The question of who is behind that pseudonym has been one of the biggest mysteries of the financial world for over a decade. Whoever Nakamoto is, whether it’s an individual or a group, holds the key to a fortune worth billions of dollars and the boasting rights to being the creator of Bitcoin.

A trial is unfolding in the US over who is behind the world’s most famous cryptocurrency. Paul Vigna, journalist covering bitcoin, cryptocurrencies, and blockchain technology at The Wall Street Journal joins us to talk us through the possible outcomes.

Could an Australian be the creator of Bitcoin, and therefore be entitled to more than $50 billion worth of cryptocurrency?

Todays Headlines Religious discrimination legislation released ahead of parliament debate

Federal government to establish Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Commission

WA Premier considering moving family after vaccine threats

VIC police make arrest in breakthrough in missing camper case Cooler and wetter summer on the way as La Nina declared

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Thousands of migrants are trapped on the Belarus/Poland border. The asylum seekers from the Middle East have clashed with border police as even more arrive desperate to be let into the European Union.

But is the crisis being manufactured by Belarussian president Alexander Lukashenko? His critics say he’s created the problem to make life difficult for EU nations who say he rigged last year’s presidential elections.

Tatsiana Kulakevich is Professor specialising in Eastern Europe at the University of South Florida; and was born and raised in Belarus before moving to the US. Tatsiana takes us through the history of the build-up to the crisis, and what’s expected to happen to the thousands trapped in an international standoff as a bitterly cold winter sets in.

Todays Headlines Federal government faces growing rebellion over state vax mandates

Universities and businesses welcome border opening plan

Court ruling on asset sale a win for Caddick investors

Christmas parade tragedy not linked to terrorism: US media Continued scepticism over Peng Shuai and IOC call

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Nats What I Reckon started posting review videos on YouTube 15 years ago. He has also always loved to cook. So when we went into lockdown, he decided to combine the two, and his profile exploded.

He’s now a bona fide social media superstar with 1.6 million Facebook followers; 383,000 subscribers on YouTube (he’s had more than 20 million views); and 450,000 followers on Instagram.

You won’t believe his back story.

Nats What I Reckon has a new cookbook ‘Death to Jar Sauce’ and he’s all about teaching us how to cook great food and to enjoy spending time in the kitchen.

You’re going to love our chat with Nats What I Reckon!!

Todays Headlines IOC holds video call with Peng Shuai and confirms she’s safe and well

ADF deployed amid latest NT Covid spike

Protests across Australia against vaccine mandates

Protests in Europe amid fourth wave of infections Matt Doran apologies

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How did Brisbane boy Shane Jenek become Courtney Act, Australia’s most beloved drag queen?

In this chat with Jamila Rizvi we get to know the man behind the drag, who has shot to international fame in recent years with appearances on Ru Paul’s Drag Race and Celebrity Big Brother UK.

Shane explains why he wants to hug his childhood self, what it was like writing his new memoir Caught in The Act during lockdown, and why it’s important to have difficult conversations with people you don’t agree with.

THE WEEKEND LIST with Linda Marigliano:

Listen: Summer Walker’s Still Over It album

Podcast: Guardian Australia’s Australia vs the climate series

Watch: Love Life season 2 (Stan)

See: THE LUME Melbourne Van Gogh exhibition

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Today’s story starts back on October 2, 2020, when Qatari authorities grounded planes at Hamad International Airport in Doha after a baby was found abandoned in a bathroom. The baby had been dumped in a bin.

Following the discovery of the infant, more than 18 women from 10 different flights, including 13 Australians aboard a Sydney-bound Qatar Airways plane, were escorted off planes by armed guards. All women of child-bearing age were ushered into ambulances for physical examinations to determine if they had recently given birth. None of the victims gave their consent.

Our guest today “Jane” (not her real name) was one of the women subjected to the invasive search. She’s one of seven women suing Qatar airways, the civil aviation authority of Qatar and Doha Airport.

Todays Headlines Victorians welcome new Covid freedoms

Wiliiam Tyrrell search continues WTA threatens to cancel China tournaments over Peng Shuai case

Denmark to highlight anti-Qatar messages at 2022 World Cup Charles says mother is well as Queen returns to engagements

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Five million people in Melbourne emerged from lockdown in late October after spending a world record 262 days in lockdown. The Victorian Parliament is expected to pass strict new laws this week to deal with future pandemics.

Victoria's Health Minister, Martin Foley, insists the legislation "cements this Victorian Parliament and this public health response as the most accountable, transparent and public health-focused system in the Commonwealth". The Opposition Leader Matthew Guy describes the proposed laws as "an incredible attack on democracy."

The Briefing’s Annika Smethurst who is also The Age newspaper’s Victorian political correspondent, joins us to talk through the laws. Why they’re dominating news….and what they’ll mean for the Andrews government heading to an election in late 2022.

Todays Headlines Former Labor minister to vote against VIC pandemic laws Police seize car as extra resources deployed in Tyrell search Newborn among latest NT cases as Gunner warns outbreak will worsen

Labor promising faster internet for more in NBN revamp Britney Spears speaks out after conservatorship is scrapped

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How has Covid impacted the sex industry? Everyone has had to make changes to cope with the pandemic, but what about when your income is derived from intimacy?

Samantha X is an escort and owner of Samantha’s Angels escort agency. She tells us she was taking lots of calls during lockdown, from women looking to begin work in the industry. Fiona Patten is a Member of the Victorian Legislative Council, best known for establishing the Sex Party 15 years ago. Fiona tells us the pandemic accelerated new technology in the sex industry, enabling workers to engage with their clients in entirely new ways.

Everyone used the word ‘pivot’ during the pandemic. Well, how has the sex industry pivoted to deal with the challenges it faces….?

Todays Headlines Lockdowns and mask mandates for NT as remote outbreak grows William Tyrrell search focuses on grandmother’s home Flood waters expected to peak in Forbes Simpson Desert family rescued Biden backs in allies at Xi summit

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A court has finally freed Britney Spears from her conservatorship... where her father controlled almost every aspect of her life for 13 years.

This story, which maybe would have been filed under celebrity gossip became a lot more serious when the world found out how much this legal arrangement limited her life... even her fertility. Angela Bishop, Network Ten’s entertainment reporter, says Britney’s life became the focus of three big documentaries and then a court case which finally handed down a verdict on Friday Californian time... the judge ruling that ....the conservatorship is no longer required.

So how did the 13 year long conservatorship come to an end... and what happens next?

Todays Headlines PM defends coal future in gear-up to election McGowan shuts down federal call for early reopening Late changes to VIC pandemic legislation following protests Former Trump advisor Steve Bannon hands himself into FBI Police hope for close to Tyrrell case in latest search effort

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On today’s episode of the Briefing …what about the children... do we really understand the impact of covid and lockdowns on children under 12. Counselling services such as Kids Helpline say they’re hearing more from children during the pandemic - and primary school teachers are warning that kids might struggle as stages like NSW and Victoria open up and kids head back to the classroom

We’re joined by the National Children’s Commissioner, Anne Hollonds and our very own audio producer, Cuzz whose children are nervous about heading back out into the post-pandemic world. Cuzz's daughter Emily joins us to tell us what’s she’s feeling….and Briefing listener Naomi explains what it’s been like for her seven-year-old.

So, in this briefing... have we left the kids behind...

Todays Headlines Queen Elizabeth misses Remembrance Day with back injury QLD border rules to ease after 70% target reached Fans await Britany’s next move after court win Australia wins the T20 World Cup

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Yumi Stynes is best known as the host of the award-winning podcast and new book Ladies We Need to Talk, where she dives headfirst into the tricky topics women often avoid talking about. Yumi invites her guests to share embarrassing and taboo aspects of their lives, and through that sharing to feel better.

In this conversation with Jamila Rizvi, Yumi speaks candidly and courageously about everything from her troubled relationship with alcohol, to growing up as a mixed race kid to her very fresh separation from the father of her two youngest children.

THE WEEKEND LIST with Brooke Boney: Watch: Marvel Studios’ Eternals Watch: Vigil (Binge) Read:Monocle magazine Podcast:The Secret Life of Carersepisode with Meredith

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Why is everyone being bombarded with scam texts? We’ve all received a message about a parcel, or a tax bill, a Nigerian prince, or Australian Border Force. So, what’s with the explosion of phone-based scams?

Ian from Clayfield in Brisbane received the DHL text and ended up losing $126 – and even worse, the scammers accessed his credit cards. Others have lost thousands of dollars. Delia Rickard is Deputy Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. The ACCC has launched ScamWatch to advise us how to protect ourselves and our bank accounts.

It’s Scam Awareness Week. In this Briefing, why are we being bombarded with scam texts, and what you should do to protect yourself.

Todays Headlines Elon Musk confirms Tesla share sale QLD Premier flags possible restrictions after Gold Coast cases Victoria next in line for flooding after rain hits NSW Dylan Alcott hints at political run US and China come together in final days of COP26

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'Let’s Go Brandon’ is being called the biggest political meme of the last decade. The crowd at a NASCAR race in Alabama was chanting “F**k Joe Biden”. An NBC reporter, during an interview with the race winner Brandon Brown, heard what the crowd was saying and told viewers – and Brandon – they were saying “Let’s Go Brandon”

It’s blown up in the US – and it coincides with a steep decline in Joe Biden’s popularity ratings. The Australian newspaper’s US correspondent Adam Creighton joins us to explain why. Adam calls the meme “a catch all for pent up anger about the Biden presidency”

Is mainstream media running cover for Joe Biden. And what does the fallout from the meme tell us about the left and right of the political spectrum?

Todays Headlines COP26 draft calls for plans to cut 2030 emissions by next year Alleged drug smuggler arrested in dramatic border operation Eastern states warned to prepare for severe rain and flooding Former PM says Australia shouldn’t intervene in Taiwan conflict Socceroos to play at home for the first time in two years

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Eight people were killed at Travis Scott’s Astroworld music festival in the US state of Texas last Friday. Scott’s history leaves you wondering if he could or should have done more to prevent the tragedy. There is also a criminal investigation happening. The investigation follows reports the local police chief visited Scott in his dressing room before the concert warning him trouble was brewing.

Joey Guerra is a music journalist with the Houston Chronicle who was at the gig; and Randy Sorrels is a Houston lawyer who says lawsuits are already being filed by victims and people in the audience.

Where to now for Travis Scott? And what is it about his music and his gigs that bring back the moshing and intensity that used to come from genres like punk?

Todays Headlines CPM to unveil $1bn technology fund after defending EV u-turn Australia ranked last on policy in international climate report QLD to put limits on unvaxxed as ACT prepares to relax restrictions China conducts Taiwan patrol following US visit Tennis champion Dylan Alcott announces retirement

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We love doing episodes suggested by our listeners! Mel wrote to ask us to track down Sister Helen Prejean….a Catholic nun who has spent her life campaigning to scrap the death penalty. Sister Helen’s the nun from the Hollywood film, Dead Man Walking.

It took us four months, but we finally had a chance to sit down to talk with this remarkable woman. Sister Helen tells us why she took up her life-long campaign…..and why she believes President Joe Biden might just be the man to stop the death sentence, once and for all.

You’re going to love our chat with Sister Helen Prejean.

Todays Headlines Commonwealth Future Fuels plan to provide EV charging stations, boost grid Obama warns of Pacific future at COP26 Perth nurse charged over alleged vaccine fraud Darwin remains on alert over super spreader fears Astroworld attendee sues Scott for $1 million

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The nation breathed a collective sigh of relief last Wednesday when four-year-old Cleo Smith was found alive and well. Detectives arrive in Carnarvon today to begin the lengthy investigation into exactly what occurred in the 18 days she was missing.

We’re joined by Seven’s Ben Downie, who has covered the case since day one; and Dr Celine Van Golde, a psychologist from Sydney University who focuses on the reliability of eyewitness memory in children and adults.

How will police proceed with the delicate task of interviewing Cleo Smith, now the investigation moves to the next phase?

Todays Headlines Pfizer boosters available to all adults from today Wife of missing WA shark victim speaks out as search called off More freedoms for NSW as anti-vax protests condemned Covid “lockout” to last in NT until tonight following weekend outbreak Police open criminal investigation into Houston concert deaths

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You might know Deni Todorovic from their instagram page stylebydeni, where they regularly don fun and playful outfits including colourful evening gowns and tutus. Deni has styled just about every Australian celebrity you can think of, from Delta Goodrem to Samantha Jade.

In this chat Deni joins Jamila Rizvi to discuss what it was like growing up without the words to describe their gender identity, why we all need to break out of our limited binary fashion choices, and how they’ve come to understand what it means to be a religious and spiritual queer person.

THE WEEKEND LIST: Watch:Morning Wars (Apple TV) Read:Love & Virtue by Diana Reid Read:Consumed by Aja Barber Podcast:Brooke and Linda’s Dream Club

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Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced last week the social media giant would now be known as Meta, to reflect his vision of dominating the “metaverse”

Jeremy Kaplan is Content Director at Future, the publisher of TechRader. He says most of us wouldn’t trust Mark Zuckerberg to walk our dog, let alone rule the internet.

So, what IS the Metaverse? What will it mean for us? What will the future look like if we’re all linked, socially and digitally? And is Meta the right company to be running the future of the internet?

Todays Headlines Man charged over Cleo Smith abduction NT records first Covid-19 case Britain approves Covid-19 pill Joe Exotic diagnosed with cancer

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Young Aussie artist AViVA is a perfect example of someone you mightn’t have heard of in the mainstream, but who has had her emo/pop songs downloaded billions of times. She’s had nearly 70 million views of her debut single Grrrls on YouTube.

AViVA’s story is remarkable because she’s managed to forge a career, and a very successful career, without going down the traditional path of signing record deals and working with record labels. In this Briefing, AViVA tells us about her determination to play by her own rules.

We talk about AViVA’s new book, Self/less set in a world, halfway between A Handmaid’s Tale and 1984…. when ‘outsiders’ learn to be creative on their own terms. Learning to express yourself how YOU want to.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

WA police release footage of Cloe Smith rescue

French ambassador slams Morrison over SMS leaks

Morrison visits Australian troops on return from Glasgow Baldwin hits back at claims of chaos on Rust set

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Police in Western Australia have found missing four-year-old Cleo Smith.

Officers broke into a locked house in the town of Carnarvon, 900 kilometres north of Perth, about 1am local time (4am AEDT) where they found the young girl in one of the rooms.

Cleo was reunited with her parents, Ellie Smith and Jake Gliddon, shortly after.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Cleo Smith is found alive and well

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Gladys Berejiklian stunned the people of NSW on October 1st by announcing her resignation. The state’s Independent Commission Against Corruption had announced it was investigating Ms Berejiklian over grants provided to her then-boyfriend Daryl Maguire’s electorate. After two days of astounding testimony Ms Berejiklian will move to the next phase of her life.

The Australian’s NSW parliamentary reporter Yoni Bashan has covered the 11 days of ICAC hearings. He details the untruths, surprises, twists and turns in a remarkable story.

Gladys Berejiklian led NSW through the Covid crisis and just as life was returning to normal, she stood aside amid accusations of pork-barrelling and hiding a relationship which may cast a shadow over her legacy as Premier.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

World leaders commit to curb deforestation

Australia leads new initiative to address island climate change

At least 25 killed in Kabul hospital attack Musk billions could fight global hunger

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In today’s Briefing, we’ll learn just how much better life could be if we properly understood loneliness... because it’s connected to so many things that go wrong in our lives, like drug addiction, violence, crime

Dr Michelle Lim from Swinburne University is chair of Ending Loneliness Together - a national network of organisations working through collaborative action, research & policy to address loneliness in Australia.

Lockdown has ended….the community is opening up. But what if I’m still in personal lockdown? How do I know if I’m lonely? Loneliness - what it feels like, how difficult it is to identify, and the remedies to alleviate its impact on our daily lives.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

PM Scott Morrison addresses COP26 in Glasgow

Morrison concedes scrapping sub deal damaged relationship with France

Gladys Berejiklian finishes giving evidence at ICAC hearing

Norwegian bikini rule scrapped 10,000 expected at Flemington for the Melbourne Cup

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When Damien Cave brought his young family to Sydney to set up the New York Times’ Australian Bureau, they encountered the local pursuits of Nippers and surfing – and a completely different approach to risk that changed the way they lived their lives.

Damien is the New York Times’ Australian correspondent. He has always been fascinated by risk.

Having covered the war in Iraq and moved to Mexico City with two babies in nappies, he and his wife Diana thought they understood something about the subject. Then they arrived in Australia......

TODAY'S HEADLINES

World leaders agree to carbon neutrality by ‘around mid-century’

Singapore tourists next step in reopening

Gladys Berejilklian to return to ICAC today

Rapid Antigen Tests available from today

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Steph Claire Smith isn’t your average model turned fitness influencer. Boasting over one million followers on social media, the 27-year-old uses her platform to champion how healthy doesn't need to be hard, which inspired the business empire she co-founded with her best friend Laura Henshaw, Keep It Cleaner.

She's also navigating becoming a new mum through the pandemic, showing the raw and realistic sides of the journey with her followers as she embraces imperfections and celebrates flaws.

Jamila Rizvi sits down with Steph to talk about her business ventures, motherhood, the trappings of the modelling and fitness industries and the pressures they put on young women.

THE WEEKEND LIST with Tait McGregor: Watch: Hacks (Stan) Watch: The Great Kiwi Bake Off (Apple TV) Listen: Essential Vinyl with Ed Sheeran (LiSTNR) Cook: Chunky chocolate chip peanut butter cookies (Keep It Cleaner)

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What’s behind the stoush between Australian comedian Hannah Gadsby and the US superstar Dave Chapelle? It’s all about Chappelle’s Netflix comedy special, The Closer.

Netflix has stood by its decision to air The Closer despite Chappelle slurring members of the LGBTIQ community – particularly the trans community. Its CEO Ted Sarandos said that content on-screen doesn’t directly translate to real-world harm, and he also named the other shows they produced that promote inclusivity and diversity including... Sex Education, Orange Is the New Black AND Aussie comedianHannah Gadsby – Gadsby struck back with a vengeance. She didn’t like being used by Netflix to justify The Closer.

We’re joined by Variety’s senior entertainment and media writer, Matt Donnelly who secured an interview with Sarandos where he conceded he “screwed up” in managing Netflix staffs’ concerns about the special. But he won’t be binning it.

This is a fascinating story about big media, comedy in 2021….. and how the actions of one of the planet’s biggest corporate players has two the world’s biggest comedians, facing off.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

PM to touch down in Rome as Canberra net zero ructions continue

Proposed voter ID laws labelled “racist” Berejiklian to face ICAC after day of bombshell evidence

Covid restrictions ease again in Victoria Australia Post boosting staff, facilities ahead of Christmas rush

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The film industry was in shock last week when a director of photography was shot dead on the set of a movie in New Mexico. The shot was fired by Hollywood legend Alec Baldwin.

On today’s Briefing we ask the question everyone wants answered – how could such a thing happen? Marc Malkin is senior editor at Variety and host of the 'Just for Variety' podcast. Marc talks about Baldwin’s future….and explains what the fallout will be from the incident. We’re also joined by John Bowring, an Australian armourer and gunsmith who has worked on thousands of film sets. John explains HOW the accident occurred and why it will happen again.

On today’s Briefing…we go behind the scenes of the Alec Baldwin shooting in New Mexico.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Booster doses look set to be to be available to all Australians after Pfizer approval

US offers to let Assange serve time in Australian prison MP with Premier’s “ear” to face ICAC today

Rift over tennis tournament jabs widens as Andrews doubles down US police providing update on Rust set shooting

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The world’s media is comparing the saga surrounding yesterday’s marriage of Japan’s Princess Mako and commoner Kei Komuro to the Harry & Meghan story. Japanese tabloids have long been obsessed with the country’s royals, but the fact this latest scandal is gathering international attention suggests growing interest in the family.

Dr Tom Baudinette is an expert in Japanese culture and senior lecturer at Macquarie University.

In this intriguing episode of the Briefing, Dr Baudinette explains the key source of controversy in the whole saga is whether Komuro is a worthy husband for a royal. He explains why the wedding is dividing the Japanese people.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Government bets on tech in 2050 net zero roadmap

SA announces Christmas opening as WA threatens to crack-down on travel More revelations at NSW ICAC hearings over Berejiklian's relationship

Crown get another chance with licence despite ‘disgraceful’ conduct South African player withdraws from T20 tournament over anti-racism order

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The world is facing a shortage of vital semiconductor microchips. You might not be able to find the tech gift you were planning on buying for your family this Christmas.

Tech author, Futurist and host of LiSTNR’s The Next Billion Seconds podcast Mark Pesce, tells us the problem will get a lot worse before it gets better. It’s going to affect just about every industry in the economy – including tech, cars, health and communications.

How will affect ordinary Australians? And will the microchip shortage ruin Christmas?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Government to review net zero impact on regions but stays silent on negotiations

Berejiklian should have revealed relationship, says Barilaro Confusion over tennis vaccine stance following email leak

UK government resists calls for Covid ‘Plan B’ World leaders condemn Sudan coup

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Today’s Briefing is a deep dive on the politics playing out in Canberra between the Coalition partners.

The National Party has agreed to the government’s net zero targets ahead of the COP26 summit in Glasgow. It means Australia will aim for net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Annika Smethurst explains exactly what went on behind closed doors; and what it means for the future of the Coalition. So much weighs on the decision, particularly with a federal election looming in the new year.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Nationals agree to work with government on net zero

More freedoms for Victorians on Friday Police issue alert for mystery driver in Cleo Smith search

Vigil held for cinematographer killed on Baldwin set Colombia’s most wanted caught in jungle raid

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Lawrence Leung is a Melbourne-based comedian, writer and actor who, as it turns out, has a very surprising past!

He was once a teenage goth who wore all white make-up and an origami crow on his shoulder to high school parties. There was also the time he jumped out of a plane and completed a Rubik’s cube before engaging his parachute.

Jamila Rizvi gets to know Lawrence’s old phases, plus his thoughts on representation and parenting.

THE WEEKEND LIST with Tait McGregor: Listen: Juno by Remi Wolf Read: Daring to Fly: The TV Star on Facing Fear and Finding Joy on a Deadline by Lisa Millar Watch: Barry (Binge) Cook: Alphabet cake (thecookingfoodie.com)

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Stealthing is the act of removing a condom mid-sex, without the partner’s knowledge. It’s become an issue of debate since the term was coined in the US back in 2017.

The Australian Capital Territory has become the first jurisdiction in the country to make stealthing a crime. The ACT’s Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury joins us to talk through his motivation to legislate against stealthing. We’re also joined by the writer, Mary Madigan, who wrote about her personal experience back in 2019.

While the ACT is the first state or territory to make stealthing a crime, it’s hopefully only a matter of time before other states follow.

On today’s Briefing….what is stealthing…and what you need to know if it happens to you.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Melburnians cheer in end to lockdown

Nationals present demands to PM, paving way to net zero within weeks QLD authorities struggle to trace movements of ICU Uber driver

$1M reward issued in Cleo Smith search Ruszczyk Damond could be released by next year following re-sentencing

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Australian comedian Dan Ilic has started a crowdfunding campaign to fund Times Square billboards to embarrass Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Commonwealth Government over their inaction on climate change.

The campaign has exploded! As Dan explains, he started out wanting to raise $12,500 and has now raised more than $200,000!

Dan’s campaign reached Times Square in New York, London and Glasgow. He’s a campaigner for climate change....and for comedians and the way they can change the world

TODAY'S HEADLINES

ADF supporting Smith search as police concerned by tent evidence

Nationals leader promises progress on net zero negotiations ‘Incredulous’ Baird says should have known of Berejiklian relationship

Suspects at large after father & son killed in Sydney gang violence

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Everyone’s talking about ‘net zero’. What does it actually mean? And …why is the Prime Minister Scott Morrison so reluctant to commit to a net zero policy?

The world’s attention will turn to Glasgow next month when the United Nations COP26 gathers to discuss plans to reduce emissions to protect the planet. Professor Will Steffen is a climate change expert and researcher at the Australian National University, Canberra. Professor Steffen explains what net zero is, and how Australia can play its part in reducing carbon globally.

Ordinary Australians are happy to play their part in reducing emissions and fighting climate change. Why is the Commonwealth Government so slow to act…….?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Search for missing WA toddler continues as mother speaks out

WA rules out opening border to NSW, VIC in time for Christmas Andrews targets tennis star, promising no reprieve for unvaxxed

NSW assisted-dying bill delayed until 2022 Cowra considering Big Chris Hemsworth landmark after star agrees to spruik town

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Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield was commander of the International Space Station. He became famous when he published videos of experiments he conducted in space.

Chris has released his first novel....a murder mystery set in space, against the backdrop of the cold war.

He joins us to talk about his very first day in space, his journey of discovery as a writer and about our collective journey to battle climate change.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

QLD calls on young people to get vaccinated as border plans unveiled

Tasmania lockdown ends, but masks remain mandatory Morrison to push ahead with net zero in spite of Nationals

NT Chief Minister in Twitter spat with Ted Cruz Former US Secretary of State Colin Powell dies from Covid-19 complications

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Today’s briefing investigates the world of psychics and asks the fundamental question - are they dangerous charlatans or do they actually provide some real value.

Writer Gary Nunn investigates his own testing relationship with psychics and reveals their secret and surprising influence over a range of powerful cliques, from business to law enforcement.

Gary’s new book is called The Psychic Tests and it takes him on a journey of discovery as he investigates psychics working with his own sister, to a stock broking firm, all the way up to a US president.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Nationals to take their time on net zero deliberations Melbourne lockdown to lift on Friday for fully vaxxed Restrictions easing NSW as state becomes first to reach 80% dose coverage Police not ruling out foul play in search for missing WA child Caddick’s partner says missing fraudster was murdered

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Dr Yves Rees (they/them) is an award-winning writer, podcaster and historian.

When Yves was 30-years-old, they came to the understanding that they’re trans. After being called Anne for their three decades on this earth, Yves had to not only grapple with their own knowledge that they were not a woman - but other people’s reactions as well.

Jamila Rizvi and Yves discuss their new memoir ‘All About Yves’, which tells their journey of re-becoming, at the same time laying bare the messiness of gender and identity through the lens of history.

THE WEEKEND LIST with Tait McGregor: Watch: Sex Education (Netflix) Watch: Maid (Netflix) Listen: Optimist by FINNEAS Cook: Toasted Sesame Cookies (FOOD52)

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Simone, a Briefing listener, reached out to ask us to do an episode on the plight of immunocompromised Australians. Many have terminal illness, or are not able to mingle freely in the community because of their condition. So what does their future hold?

We invited Simone to join the Briefing panel in talking to Dr Sarah Sasson, a Clinical Immunologist at the Kirby Institute at UNSW. Dr Sarah tells us things are looking up. While Simone is right to have concerns, the future is a lot brighter than it may have looked, even a few months ago.

In this Briefing, we explore the future for Australians with reduced immunity – a critical debate about the future of those we love who are already battling dangerous health conditions.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Wealthy warn investors will abandon Australia without net zero target Prince William calls out billionaire space race Victoria holds course on reopening as mandatory jabs come into effect Fears up to 600 given Covid exemptions by QLD anti-vaxxer Half-shredded Banksy artwork goes back under the hammer

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Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is determined to change Australia’s energy future.

He’s teamed up with mining magnate and billionaire Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest, to lobby here and overseas for governments to adopt green hydrogen energy. Mr Turnbull says it’s Australia’s future….and we can lead the way globally in reducing emissions and contributing to reversing global warming.

Mr Turnbull will head to the UN’s climate summit in Glasgow in November. We’re still not sure whether Prime Minister Scott Morrison will attend.

In the second instalment of our interview, we ask about the right-wing climate change deniers….and if Mr Turnbull will resent Scott Morrison’s moves to take Australia to net zero emissions, a move that ultimately ended Mr Turnbull’s prime ministership.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

NSW urges Commonwealth to do more on climate change Victoria approaches early escape from lockdown AZ production to wind up as Pfizer applies for child jabs Bali to reopen but not for Australians William Shatner reaches the final frontier as the oldest person in space

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Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is determined to change Australia’s energy future.

He’s teamed up with mining magnate and billionaire Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest, to lobby here and overseas for governments to adopt green hydrogen energy. Mr Turnbull says it’s Australia’s future….and we can lead the way globally in reducing emissions and contributing to reversing global warming.

Mr Turnbull will head to the UN’s climate summit in Glasgow in November. We’re still not sure whether Prime Minister Scott Morrison will attend.

We learn what Mr Turnbull plans to do in Glasgow, and the message he believes an absent Scott Morrison will send to the rest of the world.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Federal cabinet to meet on plan for net zero Perrottet to consider early reopening as vax coverage approaches 80% Albanese refuses to comment on branch stacking MP’s future Australian made rover to launch to moon as part of NASA mission Socceroos 11-match winning streak brought to an end

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Briefing listener, Laura, contacted us asking for an episode on the commercial space race….and in particular, when Australians should expect to be able to fly on rockets at an affordable price.

Professor Alan Duffy is an astronomer at Swinburne and Lead Scientist of the Royal Institution of Australia. He says there are three main players – Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic; Elon Musk’s Space X; and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin. They’re billionaire’s competing for dominance in the burgeoning space tourism sector.

So how long will it be before Australians can afford to blast off into space? And when seats are commonplace, how much will it cost.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Nation’s eyes on NSW as state becomes first to live with Covid Melbourne men accused of WA Grand Final breach to face court Government, families disappointed by release of Afghan soldier-killer Prince Charles calls on Morrison to attend Glasgow climate summit Brisbane to get new NRL team

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Financial markets are jittery with at least four critical economic fault lines developing across the globe….Covid-19, the Evergrande crisis in China, the US fiscal cliff and concerns over rising inflation.

James Thompson writes the daily Chanticleer column at the Australian Financial Review. We ask what’s driving the uncertainty…and if average Australians have anything to be worried about.

They say if a butterfly flaps its wings in China, the rest of the world hears it. So what’s ahead….and are we headed for a global economic meltdown.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Freedom Day dawns for NSW Farmers to call for Kyoto Protocol payback War of words between China, Taiwan and Tony Abbott US hold first meetings with Taliban, but no recognition for new government

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Harley Breen has graced some of Australia’s most important comedy stages, fronted some of the country’s flagship radio shows and appeared on our screens as a revered host.

He now embarks on a new gig as the co-host of Network Ten’s Making It Australia with Susie Youssef – a reality show that celebrates craftsmanship from pottery to crotchet and more.

Jamila Rizvi discovers that Harley’s journey to his public-facing profession is a far cry from where he began in a household with little access to music and television.

THE WEEKEND LIST with Tait McGregor: Listen: ‘Lunchtime’ by Spacey Jane Listen: ‘New Mum, Who Dis?’ podcast by Ash London Watch:Squid Game (why Jamila's anti-recommended last week was wrong!) Cook: Kale salad with pecorino and walnuts (Smitten Kitchen)

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Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Oculus and Facebook Messenger crashed Tuesday morning. All the Facebook-owned sites were down for six hours.

It’s been described as the company's worst outage since 2008 and Facebook lost $99.75 million in income during the downtime. The following day a Facebook whistleblower fronted a US Senate inquiry calling on the US government to do more to reign in Facebook.

The Australian newspaper’s technology editor David Swan joins us to consider Facebook’s future. Is it on the wane….? Will a competitor knock it off its perch…? Or will Facebook begin to thrive so we can scroll for years and years to come…?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

PM, ministers foreshadow social media reform and responsibility for tech giants Accelerated NSW roadmap sparks backlash from teachers and doctors US judge blocks controversial Texas abortion law Kylie Minogue is coming home

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Brendan Cowell’s new novel is called “Plum”. It delves deep into the life of a former NRL player who’s forced to answer questions about his masculinity, his past and his future.

After starring in Love My Way Brendan’s journey as an actor took him to London where he landed parts in Game of Thrones and Avatar 2. He says the quintessential Australian male actor is in demand more than ever.

Brendan’s new book is called “Plum” about a former rugby league star who falls on hard times and discovers poetry as a means to reinvigorate his life.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

NSW first state or territory to reach 70% vax rate Banking regulator makes first moves on housing market Daniel Andrews refuses to comment on investigation reports Football Australia sets up investigation as abuse allegations continue Zuckerberg hits back at Facebook whistleblower

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Professor Peter Doherty is a Nobel laureate …a world-famous immunologist. He’s been called the David Attenborough of the Covid-19 pandemic. He’s patron of the Doherty Institute, which publishes predictions on what’s on the horizon in terms of the pandemic. The Institute operates under his name.

The 80-year-old has not been content to rest on his laurels….he’s decided to engage with anti-vaxxers on Twitter to dispel myths and propaganda.

Professor Doherty talks to us about what the future looks like post-Covid-19, what he’s learned from the pandemic….and how and why he’s waded into the Twitter swamp to wage war with internet trolls.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

New NSW Premier Perrottet sticks with lockdown roadmap QLD hospitals sound alarm on crowding amid funding stoush Facebook whistleblower testifies before US Senate Hundreds rally in ‘Save Australia’ protest at New York consulate

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NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian stunned the country in suddenly resigning last Friday. The state’s Independent Commission Against Corruption is investigating grants awarded to applicants in the rural seat held by Ms Berejiklian’s former boyfriend, Darrel Maguire.

We’re joined by the ABC’s NSW state political reporter, Ashleigh Raper to try to understand why Gladys had to go.

Do these corruption bodies have too much power by costing hard-working politicians their careers?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

NSW politics chaos ahead of Premier poll Australia orders experimental Covid pill for virus treatment Glasgow climate minister calls on Australia to attend summit

Taiwan ready for war, calling on Australia to help Star Trek actor to join Aussie entrepreneur on latest space flight

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A microbiologist is sounding the alarm on the germs living on our smartphones, warning the devices we use every day are carrying deadly bacteria that could wreak havoc in our hospitals and with our biosecurity.

The pandemic has made us all hyper conscious about hand sanitising and cleaning surfaces… but one Aussie microbiologist Dr Lotti Tajouri, from Bond University, is sounding the alarm about a major blind spot in our lives… and it’s actually thing we touch the most - our phones.

We might wash our hands… but then we pick up our phones and touch our face. And this is a big problem according to an … he reckons our mobile phones are COVERED in bacteria, viruses and antibiotic resistant super bugs.

TODAY'S HEADLINES Perrottet set to become next NSW Premier NRL overcomes lockdown fears to host Panthers final win Fremantle cargo crew in hospital as Perth records Covid cases Philippines' Duterte pulls out of politics in favour of daughter

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Journalist and producer Chris Walker learns about today’s world with provocative, inspiring, meaningful, and funny discussions with a ‘Brains Trust’ of notable Australians (and one very captivating American). Featuring Samantha Armytage, Tommy Little, Abbie Chatfield, Tony Armstrong, Jamila Rizvi, Charlie Pickering, and tech entrepreneur Rob Reid, the conversations are woven together so you can eavesdrop on the ultimate dinner party where the Brain Trust talk about all the topics you SHOULDN’T talk about at the dinner table.

Search Brains Trust podcast, or download the LiSTNR app and listen for free

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Christian Hull has become one of Australia’s most prolific content creators over the past 18 months.

From beginning his expansive career in radio to becoming an online comedy sensation and building a merchandise empire from capitalising on the pandemic sentiment of staying away from people, Christian is a social media chameleon.

Jamila Rizvi discovers the series of surprising events that led Christian to becoming a social media mogul and what the end goal is for the man whose fingers seem to be in a lot of pies.

THE WEEKEND LIST with Tait McGregor: Watch: Only Murders In The Building (Disney+) Buy: Holme Beauty primer Listen: DOPAMINE playlist (Spotify) Don’t Watch: Squid Game (Netflix)

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The northern Rivers area of New South Wales is often described as a hive of anti-vaxxers. Is it true? And what’s it like to be PRO-vax in places like Byron Bay?

We’re joined by Marylouise McLaws, an epidemiologist from the University of NSW who is urging us all to get the vaccine….to save lives; Michael Lyon, Byron Bay Mayor who has been criticised for sitting on the fence in terms of encouraging locals to get the jab; and Nicqui Yazdi, a Mullumbimby local involved in providing vaccination facts who tells us what it’s like in local communities as pro-vaxxers mingle with those who refuse to get the jab.

In this episode of The Briefing, the backlash faced by pro-vaxxers in the Byron Bay Shire

TODAY'S HEADLINES QLD enters critical period for covid cases as Grand Final numbers slashed Victoria blames illegal AFL final parties for record new case numbers NSW and Victoria on alert for storms and floods following destructive tornado Britney Spears ‘on cloud nine’ after conservatorship win

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We’re all being encouraged to roll up our sleeves to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. Some industries have introduced mandates. Companies like Qantas, SPC and others say all staff MUST get the vaccine.

So, do vaccine mandates create more problems than they solve? What if you don’t want to get the jab? Can you be forced to get it?

We’re joined by Ben Davis from the Australian Workers Union to discuss the mandate in the Victorian construction industry and Hugh de Kretser, Executive Director at the Human Rights Law Centre to discuss the legal minefield of health mandates.

The vaccine mandate debate on today’s Briefing.

TODAY'S HEADLINES Turnbull calls on Morrison to attend Glasgow summit, reveals conversation with Macron VIC Health Dept. facing millions in fines after being charged over Covid hotel scandal Argentinian rugby players' trip to Byron Bay puts test at risk DFAT urges Australians to renew passports ahead of expected surge Danish artist pockets over $100k in blank canvas prank

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The disappearance of Paddy Moriarty from the outback town of Larrimah in 2017 has puzzled police and amateur sleuths alike.

Investigative reporters Caroline Graham and Kylie Stevenson have spent years on the case and are telling the story so far in their new book, Larrimah.

Caroline and Kylie join us on The Briefing to share the mysterious story of Paddy’s case and to shed light on the equally mysterious town where it all played out.

TODAY'S HEADLINES QLD calling for calm as cases rise ahead of NRL grand final Covid cash to be phased out as home testing plans confirmed Confusion in NSW over vax certification Gabby Petito's family call for Brian Laundrie to hand himself in

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During the Black Summer bushfires, Former NSW fire chief and long-time volunteer firefighter Greg Mullins emerged as a critical voice in the debate about how Australia should respond.

Now, in a new book, Greg is sharing his experiences from a career spent fighting fires and a warning of what’s to come.

On today’s episode, he breaks down what it’s like to face a mega-fire and shines a light on the hard truths of human-caused climate change and what we should do about it.

TODAY'S HEADLINES NSW issues warning to unvaccinated as extended roadmap released PM uncommitted on attending Glasgow climate summit Trump administration considered kidnapping, killing Julian Assange: report UK gripped by fuel shortage

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Australia hit the milestone 50 percent double-dose vaccine rate last Friday. It means we're just around the corner from getting our freedoms back. We can finally start to wonder what life will be like once the pandemic is over.

Dr Elizabeth Yuko is a bioethicist and writer specialising in health and the intersection of bioethics and popular culture. Dr Elizabeth wrote recently for the Readers Digest about what life will be like….and Dr Nisha Makkar, is a Sydney paediatrician who is now based in Europe. Dr Nisha went from strict lockdowns in Sydney’s southwest, to dining al fresco in Rome….!!

What will life be like post-pandemic for things like romance, travel and work. Dare to dream people….freedom’s coming!!!

TODAY'S HEADLINES Returning PM promises climate plan ahead of Glasgow summit Australia not considering Taliban ambassador for Canberra: PM

VIC to trial business reopening with passports for fully vaxxed

NSW backtracks on regional travel as lockdown rules eased Footy wrap

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Across Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, AJ Clementine has almost 2 million followers, educating her audience on her transgender experience. AJ began her transition at the age of sixteen and at eighteen was formally diagnosed with gender dysphoria. At 22 she underwent gender reassignment surgery after spending 18 months on a waitlist.

Her new book Girl, Transcending is the story of a woman finding her way in the world, with promise and purpose. It shines a light on AJ’s part to self-acceptance and hopefully does the same for her many readers and fans, as Jamila Rizvi discovers.

THE WEEKEND LIST with Tait McGregor: Listen: Electric Easy podcast by QCODE Cook: Irish Soda Bread Watch: Little Fires Everywhere (Apple TV)

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The divorce rate has been in decline in Australia for the last twenty years, but Covid has changed all that.

In this Briefing, we’re joined by Jack Whelan, cofounder of The Seperation Guide who tells an astonishing story about the increase in people trying to find out how to break free from their relationships. Laura Smith, a mother who recently split with her husband, tells us about the pressure Covid placed on her relationship and why her husband decided to walk out on her and her daughter.

Has Covid flipped the long-running trend in divorce rates in Australia…?

TODAY'S HEADLINES Australia on track to open borders by Christmas

Melbourne protestor tests positive to COVID-19

Three members of a Tamil family granted a 12 month bridging visa Aussie stars in cliff diving final

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Gabby Petito and her fiancé Brian Laundrie headed off on the trip of a lifetime, a van adventure across the US, last month. They’re social media influencers with more than a million followers between them.

Laundrie arrived home without Gabby earlier this month, while her reported her missing on September 11. Her body was found at a national park in Wyoming last weekend. Laundrie is now missing.

We’re joined by Walt Buteau, a reporter from WFLA TV in Florida who tells us police have now confirmed the cause of Gabby’s death was homicide. The search for Laundrie has been escalated. What made a seemingly happy couple detach and destroy their idyllic life?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

More aftershocks expected after Victorian earthquake

Melbourne police brace for more protests

PM Morrison meets with US military officials in Pentagon

Sydney hospital outbreak includes ICU nurse Trump suing niece and NY Times

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Tom sits down with his co-host Annika Smethurst to take a deep dive into what motivates Scott Morrison, the man Annika has dubbed ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’.

In this episode we hear about Morrison’s ability to make and sell difficult decisions, and his journey through the ranks of big business.

This is a fascinating discussion about the Scott Morrison’s rise to the highest office in the land. Annika answers the question we all want to know, ‘will Scott Morrison win the election scheduled for the new year?’

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Victoria police prepare for more protests after second day of chaos

Pfizer for kids by the end of the year as Australia seeks data

QLD border bubble paused following latest northern NSW lockdown

PM begins New York meetings as sub fallout continues Trudeau scrapes back in early election gamble

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Annika Smethurst’s new book on Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been released. Annika is a Briefing co-host and Walkley-award winning journalist.

Tom sits down with Annika to take a deep dive into what motivates Scott Morrison, the man Annika has dubbed ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’.

This is a fascinating discussion about the Scott Morrison’s rise to the highest office in the land. We learn about his childhood and what he was like at school. Did his friends see him as a future PM – and how did he chart his pathway to the Lodge? And what is the one skill he shares with Bill Clinton?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Victoria shuts down construction for two weeks following violent protest

Acting PM Joyce backs Christian Porter for return to cabinet

NSW Premier warns against complacency, says cases will surge

Search continues for missing fiance in Petito case

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Deepfakes have been called the modern version of photoshopping… and they use a form of artificial intelligence called ‘Deep Learning’ to make fake images that look so real.

Dr Mushhuda Glencross from the University of Queensland joins us to explain what they are, how they work, how to spot one… and why it can happen to anyone. But there’s a more sinister side to deepfakes. Noelle Martin was 18 when she was horrified to discover countless, doctored, sexualised images of herself online.

Noelle has since become an activist and law reform campaigner on the issue, as well as the 2019 Young West Australian of the year.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

PM calls time on blind trust saga following Porter resignation

Victoria unveils road out of lockdown

NSW lifts restrictions for hotspot LGAs First all-civilian space mission touches down

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Jamila Rizvi sat down with Australian journalist, TV presenter, author, and now podcast host, Jessica Rowe to talk about how she finds little moments of joy through lockdowns, her personal experiences and incredible work in the mental health space, and her new LiSTNR show, The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show!

Content Warning: Jess and Jamila go deep on several mental health topics, if this brings up issues for you, help is available by calling Lifeline 13 11 14 for a safe place to talk day and night.

THE WEEKEND LIST: Watch: Dave (Binge) Eat: Aquafaba Meringues(recipe at sbs.com.au) Read:Dear Son by Thomas Mayor Sent in by listener Cathy: All My Friends Are Racist (ABC iView)Thanks, Cathy!

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We all love our pets, and they’re loving having us around all the time. What’s going to happen when lockdown ends, and we’re no at home all the time?

The Today Show’s resident vet Dr Katrina Warren is one of Australia’s most-loved veterinarians.

Dr Katrina explains what our pets are thinking; how best to manage their anxiety; and steps to take to make life easier for them. She also has excellent advice for people thinking of buying a pet.

This episode could change your pet’s life, and yours.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

AUKUS deal angers China and France

Victoria to ease lockdown restrictions from Saturday

QLD legalises voluntary assisted dying

Biloela family lifeline extended in visa reprieve Damond family ‘heartbroken’ after conviction overturned

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The farming sector has been through one of the worst droughts in living memory. It is now preparing to reap a record harvest, while struggling to find workers amid state-by-state border closures.

Farming impacts our lives on so many levels, from the food we eat to the environment we will leave behind for our children and grandchildren.

Gabrielle Chan is a journalist and author of Why You Should Give A FK About Farming. Gabi tells us about being a city girl who ended up on a farm west of Canberra, and how her new perspective shed light on the importance of farming and the entire agriculture sector. Basically, why we all should give a fk about farming.

TODAY'S HEADLINES Australia to build nuclear submarines, sign new defence pact with UK and US

PM seeking advice on Christian Porter blind trust defence fund

Victorian police brace for protests as NSW lifts Sydney curfew British High Court to serve papers in Prince Andrew intervention Chanel Contos to host consent education forum

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Australians want our government to do more to fight climate change. Australians also love their sport.

Former Wallaby captain David Pocock has established the Cool Down; over 400 athletes who have lent their name to a campaign to pressure our politicians to do something about climate change.

We’re joined by Liz Ellis, the former Australian netball skipper, who has lent her voice to the campaign. Liz talks passionately about how and why Australia can be a world leader in the climate change debate, and why sport is the perfect way to show the world we mean business.

TODAY'S HEADLINES NSW encouraged by falling cases as modelling backs keeping restrictions

Victoria roadmap to be unveiled on Sunday

Hospitality owners claim legal minefield awaits vaccination push Canada PM vows to stop hospital protests

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The U.S. state of Texas has introduced strict new abortion laws banning terminations after just six weeks of pregnancy.

Dr David Smith is associate professor in American Politics at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney.

Professor Smith takes us through why the laws were implemented and the incredible way they have been legislated, encouraging a form of anti-abortion vigilantism.

TODAY'S HEADLINES Victoria to launch construction Covid compliance blitz

NSW defends Sydney lockdown as regional restrictions return

Farmers warn of labor shortage ahead of record harvest Authorities arrest Indonesia terror leader Alcott first male player to complete tennis golden slam

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We spoke with Curtis McGrath on the morning of the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympics. His story is incredible. He was a soldier in Afghanistan and lost both legs when an improvised explosive device detonated. Curtis told his mates not to worry, he’d be competing at the Paralympics in no time.

He won two gold medals at the Paralympics in Tokyo

Curtis tells us how he keeps motivated, and how he makes the most of his ability.

TODAY'S HEADLINES Extra Moderna doses arrive as PM calls for child vaccinations

NSW eases Covid rules as Premier ends daily press conferences

UK ditches plans for vaccine passports FBI show 9/11 hijackers worked with Saudi officials in declassified report Win for Wallabies as Riccardo takes first F1 win in three years

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Last week we published back-to-back episodes featuring Dr Nick Coatsworth.

Tom, Jan, Annika, Katrina and Antoinette have spoken to Dr Nick many times….and we just felt it was time to get him back on the Briefing, to dispel a series of vaccine conspiracies...once and for all.

So as a special one-off feature ….we’ve put those two briefings back to back for you

A special Sunday edition of the Briefing…..

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Rebel Wilson is best known on our screens as Pitch Perfect’s Fat Amy bringing our unique Australian humour to a global stage.

But prior to breaking into the big time, she was law student studying acting in night classes at Sydney’s Australian Theatre For Young People – a training ground she’s giving back to with a $1 million donation.

Jamila Rizvi and Rebel discuss her malaria-induced prophecy to pursue acting, making space for herself in the industry, her relationship with the media and her Year of Health alongside her generous donation.

THE WEEKEND LIST with Tait McGregor Read: Work. Love. Body by Future Women, edited by Jamila Rizvi and Helen McCabe Watch: Worth (Netflix)

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We all remember where we were on September 11, 2001. To mark the 20th anniversary of the terror attacks, we’re joined by an Australian man who lost his mother on that fateful day.

Simon Kennedy’s mum Yvonne was a passenger on Flight 77 which crashed into the Pentagon.

This is not only a story about what happened on September 11, it’s an amazing story about a man who has learned to forgive …and to honour the woman who devoted her life to him.

TODAY'S HEADLINES NSW freedom roadmap revealed PM defends government’s Pfizer negotiations and UK climate demand New defence ties with Indonesia and France Afghan test set to be cancelled over Taliban’s women cricket stance Ardern scolds Kiwis for hospital sexcapades during Covid

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Today is RUOK Day. We all know the impact the pandemic is having on our mental health. Everyone is stressed and under pressure. But what about our children. Are the kids OK?

Dr Louise Williams is senior clinical psychologist at The Rosy Room in southeast Queensland. Dr Louise joins us to help children navigate the pandemic.

Katrina and Antoinette ask about simple advice and pointers to provide support for the children and teenagers in our lives.

On today’s Briefing, to mark RUOK Day, we find out how to help children navigate the pandemic.

TODAY'S HEADLINES Regional restrictions to be eased in NSW and VIC Plans in place to allow international travel from November Commonwealth ignored approaches by Pfizer Paris terror trials begin Man charged over Australian woman’s death in Georgia

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It seems everyone these days has a side hustle…a project they’re hoping will provide a future beyond their day-to-day nine-to-five grind.

And then the pandemic arrived to redefine where and how we work.

Emma Isaacs is founder of Business Chicks and author of the new book, The New Hustle: Don’t work harder, just work better. She urges us all to re-think how we approach work….and to make the most of the new parameters of work and ambition.

Don’t work harder, just work better. It’s the new hustle.

TODAY'S HEADLINES State v state over Pfizer vaccine allocation Taliban appoints interim government National Women’s Safety Summit closes PM under fire for lockdown Sydney trip Myanmar opposition urges citizen revolt against Junta

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This is our second episode in a two-part podcast with Dr Nick Coatsworth. It’s time to dispel the vaccination conspiracies once and for all.

With 60 percent of the nation back in lockdown - and vaccinations now the key to our future, and freedom, the voices of vaccine hesitancy get louder and louder.

In this two-part podcast, we pose the questions that need answering. Dr Nick dismisses the conspiracies one by one.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Sydney prepares for 2000 cases a day next week

Missing Hunter Valley three-year-old found alive

PM concedes Australia has ‘problem’ with women as Safety Summit begins

Taliban claims total control over Afghanistan with Panjshir Valley win

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We’ve spoken to Dr Nick Coatsworth before about vaccinations - and some of you may feel like you’re listening to a broken record….

With 60 percent of the nation back in lockdown - and vaccinations now the key to our future, and freedom, the voices of vaccine hesitancy get louder and louder.

In this two-part podcast, we’re going to pose the questions that need answering. Once and for all.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Covid case numbers expected to peak this week

Shark kills surfer at Coffs Harbour

Four killed in suicide bombing Pakistan/Afghan border

Search widens for missing Hunter Valley boy Paralympics winds up in Tokyo

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Carrie Bickmore is one of Australia’s most recognisable newsreaders, helming 'The Project' every weeknight while commanding the Hit Network’s radio drive show 'The Carrie & Tommy Show'.

She has an impressive portfolio beyond the Carrie we see on our screens, earning an Order of Australia for raising over $18 million for brain cancer research with her charity ‘Carrie’s Beanies for Brain Cancer’.

Jamila Rizvi sits down with Carrie to discuss her career as a journalist and host of 'The Project', the journey of grief, and her upcoming 9/11 special with Network Ten to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the event.

THE WEEKEND LIST with Tait McGregor: WATCH: The Newsroom (Binge) WATCH: The Newsreader (ABC iview) DOWNLOAD: Headspace app COOK: Blender Beetroot Brownies (Alice Zaslavsky)

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Briony Benjamin had just started a new job. A few months later, she started to feel unwell. She felt crappy for a year without any known reason. Doctors told her she was just stressed and should rest more and learn to meditate, but it turned out she had cancer.

Briony was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the age of 31. Unsure of what was to come, she turned the camera on herself and started documenting her journey resulting in a short video, You Only Get One Life, which went viral.

Her new book, Life Is Tough (But So Are You), Briony shares what the experience taught her about navigating tricky times and finding the new path into your next awesome chapter.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Over-60s urged to get vaccine as Delta numbers soar

New study raises Covid concerns for children

Eight dead as Hurricane Ida rainfall heads north

ABBA announces new album, virtual concerts Paralympians to receive same medal payment as Olympians

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We’re all being urged to get a Covid vaccine so the nation can reach the critical milestones of 70 and 80 percent vaccination. They’re the targets state and territory governments have to hit before we can transition out of lockdowns and back to life pre-Covid 19.

Prime Minister Scot Morrison appointed Lieutenant General John Frewen as coordinator of the National COVID Vaccine Taskforce. It’s General Frewen’s job to get as many vaccines to as many people as possible.

In this Briefing, we talk about getting vaccines to regional hotspots; the NEXT stage of the Covid roadmap to freedom; and whether we’ll be required to get booster shots next year and beyond….

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Victoria abandons zero case policy

Urgent virus warning for regional NSW

Companies under fire for profits while receiving JobKeeper Piers Morgan cleared by authorities over Meghan comments Silver for Dylan Allcott and Heath Davidson in quad doubles

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Australia has the largest wild horse population in the world with numbers estimated in the range of half a million. In the Outback they’re regularly culled by helicopter and nobody bats an eyelid - the battle between those who are opposed to the horses being culled, and those who say they’re ruining the pristine alpine environment they call home.

Walkley-award winning journalist Anthony Sharwood has written a new book, the Brumby Wars. He paints the picture of a culture war between those who want the brumbies culled and those who want them protected

And… Anthony unearths new evidence that reignites old claims The Man From Snowy River – is part of whitewashed history. As in the... stockman from Banjo Paterson’s poem – was actually, originally, an Indigenous man.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Western NSW focus of new Covid crisis Victoria records two Covid deaths at restrictions to ease

500,000 Covid vaccines arriving from Singapore Taliban celebrates as last US flight leaves Kabul Alcott through to Paralympic gold decider

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This is the second instalment in our interview with the Poor Economist, a young Australian who grew up below the poverty line before moving to a career in economics and policy.

Alison Pennington is a Senior Economist at The Australian Institute – a progressive thinktank and recently she has opened up about her experience growing up in poverty.

In this second of two episodes, Allison talks about policy she’d like to see implemented to help the poor. She’s talking about “the most fundamental need” of the economy being addressing human need. Part 2 of our chat with the Poor Economist.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

US warns of terror threats as it prepares to leave Afghanistan NSW braces for October to be worst Covid month

Mental health crisis looms as lockdowns linger

Hurricane Ida eases as it travels across southern US Table tennis gold for Australia at Tokyo Paralympics

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Poor and economist, two words you don’t often hear in the same sentence. But this week we’re looking into what it’s like growing up below the poverty line and moving into a typically middle-class career.

Alison Pennington is a Senior Economist at The Australian Institute – a progressive thinktank and recently she has opened up about her experience growing up in poverty.

Many of us know what it’s like to stress about money, but what is it like to grow up in a genuine working class environment? Well in this two-part special on The Briefing, we’re talking to ‘The Poor Economist’.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

US drone strike takes out suicide bombers in Kabul Victoria to extend lockdown as Delta case numbers climb

Hurricane Ida approaching US coast

Coalition dips in latest Newspoll Another strong day for Aussies at Tokyo Paralympics

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Political reporter and author and co-host of The Briefing Annika Smethurst joins Jamila in this captivating conversation.

Annika is a double Walkley Award Winner, and has worked in the press gallery at parliament house in Canberra and now covers state politics for The Age newspaper in Melbourne.

In 2019 she became the accidental poster girl for press freedom when her house was raided by the Australian federal police over a story she wrote.

In today’s episode she sits down with Jamila to talk about, what drew her to journalism, losing her innocence after the AFP raided her home, and her new book ‘The Accidental Prime Minister‘ the first biography of Scott Morrison as PM.

THE WEEKEND LIST: App: Gartic Phone Watch:The Chair on Netflix Watch: Dr Death on Stan Scroll:Please hate these things on Instagram

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With Tom about to take time off to welcome his first child, we thought we’d look at how the pandemic is influencing the traditional roles in the home.

Mark Tamhane is an ABC reporter and stay- at-home father with six children. Madonna King is a journalist and author. Madonna has written 12 books; three of them focusing on what our teen girls are thinking but not telling us...and also the important roles fathers play in their children's lives.

We all know a dad who’s spending more time at home with the family as a result of the pandemic. Well, on today’s Briefing, could the pandemic be a game changer for stay-at-home dads?

TODAY'S HEADLINES Death toll rising as two massive explosions rock Kabul airport Covid restrictions to ease in NSW as case numbers soar Woman pulled from boot of car trying to sneak into QLD Huge truck strike to cripple retail industry More medals for Australia at the Paralympics

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Regional NSW and Victoria are currently in lockdown as the Delta variant of the Covid virus spreads across rural Australia.

We’re joined by Dr John Hall, President of the Regional Doctors Association of Australia who tells us the challenge is getting personell across borders and into remote communities; and Dubbo Mayor Stephen Lawrence, who says he’s fearful of what the crisis means for remote Indigenous communities.

The next few weeks will be critical. Today on The Briefing, regional Australia’s race against Delta.

TODAY'S HEADLINES US confirms August 31 withdrawal from Afghanistan States firm up borders to battle Delta NSW’s hospitals at breaking point; HSC delay considered Aussies score first gold medals at Paralympics Kanye West changing his name

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The federal government has introduced a new rule requiring Australians who live overseas to apply to return. One of our listeners asked us to get to the bottom of the story.

We’re joined by Karen Andrews, the federal minister for Home Affairs who explains the reasons for the stricter rules.

Why are there stringent rules in place for Australians returning home ….and those who live overseas who want to come back home, to visit their loved ones?

TODAY'S HEADLINES Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts dead at 80 Taliban urges US to stop evacuating Afghans Sydney hospital forced into Covid ‘crisis’ mode NAPLAN results show little Covid impact on literacy and numeracy The Paralympics underway in Tokyo

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Curtis McGrath, OAM is an Australian para canoeist who took up canoeing competitively after having both of his legs amputated as a result of a mine blast while serving in the Australian Army in Afghanistan.

Curtis joins us just days before heading to Tokyo to defend his gold medal he won at the Rio Paralympics.

The Games begin tonight.

TODAY'S HEADLINES Stay the course: PM’s plan to re-open Australia Berejiklian: Covid-zero is unattainable Pfizer vaccine approved in the US Qantas vaccine incentive campaign The Paralympics kick off tonight in Tokyo

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Virginia Giuffre, one of Jeffrey Epstein's longtime accusers, is suing Prince Andrew, saying the royal sexually assaulted her when she was 17. Giuffre, who now lives in Australia, filed a civil suit in the Manhattan federal court. She claims she was forced to have sex with Prince Andrew on three occasions at properties owned by Epstein.

Adam Klasfeld is a journalist and managing editor at Law & Crime,he also hosts a law/crime podcast called ‘Objection’. Adam joins us to talk about the case and how it’s likely to play out in court. Guiffre is suing under a New York State law permitting alleged victims of childhood sexual abuse to file civil claims that might otherwise be blocked by statutes of limitations.

Reports out of the UK say the prince could be served the papers personally as early as this weekend.

TODAY'S HEADLINES WA Premier blames NSW for Covid crisis New restrictions begin today across NSW Border clash completes weekend of protests 300 Australians evacuated and security warnings issued at Kabul Airport

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In 2011, Turia Pitt was competing in an ultramarathon through Western Australia's Kimberley region, when she was trapped in a bushfire. She suffered burns to 65 percent of her body.

Turia defied doctors’ expectations to not only survive but to thrive. Today she is a best-selling author, podcaster, motivational speaker and mum.

She sits down with Jamila Rizvi to talk about how her accident set her on a new path of success, rehabilitation, building a family and how she’s beaten her crippling fear of public speaking.

Check out Turia Pitt's new podcast: 'Turia Pitt Is Hard Work'!

THE WEEKEND LIST with Tait McGregor: Watch:Ted Lasso (Apple TV+) Watch:Question Everything (ABC TV and ABC iView) Do: Order hot chocolate from the Yarra Valley Hot Chocolate Festival Listen:When Facing The Things We Turn Away From by Luke Hemmings

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Australian comedian Sam Simmons was feeling like the rest of Aussies in lockdown....a little bored, lonely and sad. So, he decided to do something about it.

He’s taking calls from random strangers each day – what he calls ‘talksies’, and he’s changing peoples’ lives. Between midday and 1pm AEST each day, he takes calls on 0431 281 879.

On today’s Briefing, what an extroverted introvert does in lockdown.

TODAY'S HEADLINES PM Morrison says Aussies will reunite for Christmas Glimmer of hope for NSW hospitality industry Taliban stopping Australians from leaving Kabul AstraZeneca vaccine renamed

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The Taliban has stormed back to power in Afghanistan. The images of people falling from aircraft this week have left the world in shock.

Heston Russell is a retired major who served in four tours to Afghanistan with the 2nd Commando Regiment. He joins us to talk about what it means to ex-servicemen and women who now watch on as their dedication and commitment amounts to nothing.

Glenn Kolomeitz is a lawyer and former Lieutenant Colonel, who also served in Afghanistan. He represents more than 700 Afghan civilians who worked with the allied forces. They’re now on a Taliban kill list.

On today’s Briefing, why is Australia washing its hands of its responsibilities....to its veterans...and the Afghan people who served alongside them?

TODAY'S HEADLINES More flights to Afghanistan after chaos leaves evacuees stranded John Howard defends Afghan invasion as fight against terror, slams Western withdrawal NSW Government defends lockdown measures as cases soar Fears Melbourne numbers will rise after run of mysterious cases R Kelly trial underway in NY

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The Taliban stormed into the Afghan capital Kabul at the weekend, just days after allied troops retreated from the city.

We're joined by Sharif Safi, co-founder of the Kabul Peace Forum, an Afghan man in Kabul facing a grim reality. He's been in Kabul this week ...and is speaking to us from his home just outside the city.

He’s in hiding and fearing for his life.

TODAY'S HEADLINES Taliban promise rights for women, no support for terror in new Afghanistan ADF teams to western NSW as regional Covid cases grow National lockdown for New Zealand after new case detected BHP sells oil and gas business

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Australia had its first recession in almost 30 years last year, as the Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc around the world.

We made a quick recovery, but is the Delta variant and the lockdowns it’s causing around the nation putting that at risk?

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg joins us to explain the economic impact of Delta and what the government’s doing to support livelihoods and help us open back up.

TODAY'S HEADLINES Several dead following chaotic scenes at Kabul airport as UN intervenes Melbourne lockdown tightened, extended as Premier blasts rule-breakers Deadliest day of NSW outbreak as cases rise in the regions Questions over Federer future after withdrawal from US Open

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The Sydney Delta outbreak paralysing Australia’s largest city started in the East, so why is it in the west and south-west that the impact’s been felt the hardest? Is it the culture? The landscape? Or a combination of both?

We’re joined by Bashar Hanna, long-time Fairfield resident and President of Australian Mesopotamian Cultural Association; and Professor Ben Harris-Roxas, Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer in community health at UNSW, who lives in one of the locked-down areas.

How and why has the Delta variant exploded in western Sydney?

TODAY'S HEADLINES Taliban on the brink of victory in Afghanistan as President flees country Young Sydneysiders to be prioritised in Poland Pfizer purchase Victoria battling mystery cases in final week of lockdown Haitians scramble to search and rescue ahead of tropical storm New rules for Sydney as cases continue to grow

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Amani Haydar lost her mother in a brutal act of violence, perpetrated by her father, in March of 2015.

She was five months pregnant with her first baby at the time. The horror of that experience shaped Amani’s own perception of how she wanted to mother, and how she had been mothered.

Amani spent much of the two years between her mother’s death and her father’s trial, in a daze. She said she hated her father for what he’d stolen from her and that her pain might have become unbearable were it not for her art.

Jamila Rizvi discusses her career change from a commercial litigator to artist and author, generational trauma and the events that turned Amani’s world upside down.

THE WEEKEND LIST with Tait McGregor: Listen: If This Isn’t Nice, I Don’t Know What Is by Still Woozy Watch: Drag Race España (Stan) Watch:The Act (Binge) Do:Melbourne Writers Festival (3 – 12 September)

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Millions of Australians are in lockdown and wondering how they’re going to survive, mentally and financially. We asked our social media followers to send in their questions and we asked an expert to answer them.

Dr Jo Mitchell is a clinical psychologist from Melbourne. Dr Jo provides practical and tangible advice on how we can navigate the weeks ahead.

Join us on the Briefing couch as we discuss ways to manage the ever-increasing pressure of lockdowns.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Canberra enters first lockdown in more than a year

NSW asks for extra troops as restrictions tighten

Workplace regulator paves the way for mandatory jabs

Afghan army chief sacked, Taliban advance on Aussie base

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The United Nations’ International Panel on Climate Change has released its latest report on the future of the planet – and it’s not good news.

Professor Will Steffen is a climate change expert and researcher at the Australian National University, Canberra and Councillor on the Climate Council. Professor Will takes us through what the new report means for Australia – and what Australia should be doing to reduce emissions.

Are we right to point the finger at big polluters like China and India? Should we be doing more as a first world country to help developing nations reach the world’s goals? The answer is yes.

In this Briefing, what the IPCC’s new report means for Australia.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Swathes of regional NSW put into lockdown

Lockdown lifted in Cairns, extended in Victoria

AOC condemns double quarantine for SA Olympians

US wins right to appeal evidence in Assange case

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China has trumpeted their suppression of Covid-19 since the virus first emerged within their own borders and are now locking down on Delta, but are they doing as well as they seem?

Bill Birtles is the ABC’s China correspondent and up until last year he was living in Beijing. He was in Wuhan, at the virus’ ground zero, as Covid spread around the world.

Bill’s back in Australia but still covering China - we thought we’d check into find out whether a recent flare up of delta cases... will force china to change its covid strategy?

Bill Birtles’ book is The Truth About China.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Melbournians await lockdown verdict, with extension likely

NSW authorities admit too late to move on Western Sydney spread

Andrew Cuomo resigns as Governor of New York PM hits out at China as world leaders target coal in wake of IPCC report

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The world watched on as Australia’s Ariarne Titmus and the USA’s Katie Ledecky prepared to battle it out in the women’s 200m and 400m freestyle events at the Tokyo Olympics. Ledecky is regarded as the greatest female swimmer of all time.

Could the 20-year-old Ariarne Titmus beat the queen of the pool. Yes!!

Ariarne joins us this morning from Howard Springs in the Northern Territory where she’s spending two weeks in Covid quarantine.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

UN warns crucial climate threshold closer than ever in global warming report

More NSW regions in lockdown as regional VIC rules lifted

Moderna vaccine receives official approval R. Kelly trial begins in New York

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Being the son of a rugby league legend didn’t quite fit with Brandon Jack. His new book ‘28’ delves deep into the search for his own identity while living a life that was imagined for him. He didn't really fit that life.

The book is so much more than a football memoir….it’s a snapshot of the professional sport psyche. It’s full of vivid details of life at the fringe, and memories of binge-drinking into oblivion as an escape during his playing days at the Sydney Swans.

Brandon talks about many of the things the rest of us try to hide. The book is about family, ambition, ability and the search for love.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Australia’s first drive-thru vax site to open in Melbourne

Lockdown in Cairns as restrictions lifted in south-east QLD

Moderna vaccine to be approved for use in Australia Tokyo Games wind up with closing ceremony

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Podcast aficionados will know Jacob Stanley as the co-host of Just The Gist with Rosie Waterland. But before his media life, he was the Head of Learning and Development at the beauty juggernaut Mecca, traveling the world for makeup.

For the past year and a half, he’s been podcasting on the road as he chasing his travel bug nomadically around Australia. He talks to Jamila Rizvi from the canopies of a Far North Queensland rainforest about his adaptable travel, the beauty industry, losing loved ones and parenthood.

THE WEEKEND LIST with Tait McGregor: Watch: The White Lotus (Binge) Read: Media Tarts: How the Australian Press Frames Female by Julia Baird Listen: The Feast EP by Sir Archer (thanks for the recommendation listener Sue Margaret!) Podcast: Ladies We Need To Talk (ABC Radio)

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Are you concerned about media experts getting lots of media airtime to talk about Covid-19. but getting it wrong, often being way too pessimistic? It feels like it’s impossible to filter out all the white noise to get to the facts we need to make an informed decision.

Dr Nick Coatsworth was the Deputy CMO for six months, he’s an infectious disease expert and the Director of Medical Services, Canberra Health Services. He wrote an op ed piece recently calling out his colleagues and other experts for expressing opinions not fact.

So where does the truth lie? How do we strike a balance in the age of mass media and social media, so we can make informed decisions individually and as a country? Dr Nick gives us the answers.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Victoria joins Sydney, Brisbane in lockdown

Sydney lockdown expanded to Newcastle and Hunter

Hillsong leader vows to return to Australia to fight charges

$1 billion from Commonwealth for Closing The Gap More gold up for grabs as Australia records most successful games ever

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News broke this week that a US company had made a $39 billion bid for Australian firm, Afterpay. It is the biggest business deal in the history of the Australian Stock Exchange.

A company that is created and then grows massively in a short amount of time is called a ‘unicorn’. Jonathan Shapiro and James Eyers are reporters for the Australian Financial Review and the authors of ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’, a new book on the Afterpay phenomenon. They join us to explain how and why so much wealth been created so quickly despite many initially saying the company was overhyped and overvalued.

On today’s Briefing, we learn how the company was created and how it grew so big so fast…..and made a lot of people very rich in the process. Those who were lucky enough to discover the elusive unicorn.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

QLD authorities suggest lockdown extension may be needed

Expert coalition calls for AZ uptake, warns Australia doomed to continued lockdowns

Commonwealth defends commuter car park scheme Medals on offer in hockey and soccer after sailing/running

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TODAY'S HEADLINES

PM unveils vaccine threshold, admits need for restrictions

NSW sets vaccination goal for lifting restrictions

Wuhan back in lockdown amid Delta chaos

Olympic finals for Kookaburras and Boomers Payphones to become free

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The Tokyo Games has been Australia’s most successful Olympics in the pool ever, with nine gold medals. In Rio, five years ago, we won three. In London, we won just one.

The Australian swimming team has always been about the men – but in Tokyo, eight out of nine medals were won by female swimmers... which got us to number two in the world... behind the US with 11 gold... and 30 medals in total compared to our 20. Seven’s Nathan Templeton was poolside all week. He was the first person they spoke to after winning their events.

So how did we do it? How did our female swimmers take us back to our best?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Children to undergo testing as students form majority of QLD cases

Labor and government push for different vaccine incentives

Records broken on Square-Afterpay purchase

Matildas out of Olympics after loss to Sweden

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Ampol is sponsoring Surf Lifesaving Australia. The giant oil company says its money will go to saving lives and its name will appear on the sleeves of surf club members on beaches right across Australia this summer.

The wider surfing community says the clubs should not be taking money from oil companies that contribute to global warming. Sean Doherty is Chairperson of Surfrider Australia. He says he understands why Surf Lifesaving Australia is taking the money, but it’s not a good look.

Social media erupted last month with people slamming Ampol AND Surf Lifesaving Australia. We make sense of the debate in today’s Briefing. If you have a view, join the discussion on Instagram.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

NSW pushes vaccine drive and eased restrictions for August

Missing link in SE QLD cases troubles authorities on second day of lockdown

Sky News banned from YouTube Australia’s most successful day at Olympics ever

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Osher Günsberg is a familiar face on Australian television, having hosted Australian Idol, The Bachelor franchise and Masked Singer Australia.

However, off-screen, Osher is a much more complicated and complex man. He talks openly with Jamila Rizvi about his struggles with alcoholism and depression, finding spiritual connections in changing his name, his family life both now and growing up; as well as giving us in inside into The Bachelor.

THE WEEKEND LIST with Tait McGregor: Watch: Gossip Girl reboot (Binge) Watch: Never Have I Ever (Netflix) Listen: The Story of HugoEP by JAWNY Do: Order a fancy meal from Providoor.

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There is so much information circulating about Pfizer, AstraZeneca and vaccines in general. No one knows what to believe.

Dr Nick Coatsworth is former Deputy Chief Medical Officer….and Executive Director of Medical Services at Canberra Hospital. He features in the federal government’s ads urging us to get vaccinated.

We invited our listeners to send in their questions and Dr Nick has answered them. Here are the answers to the questions that need asking.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Troops called onto Sydney streets after record number of cases

Experts release vaccine modelling to National Cabinet

First images of jailed Australian in Myanmar Aussie track and field athletes cleared following Covid scare

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One of our listeners asked us to do an episode on the Friendlyjordies story. Friendlyjordies is Youtube star, Jordan Shanks - a 31-year-old from Sydney. He started his satirical YouTube channel eight years ago, has half a million subscribers and has racked up 135m views. He’s part comedian part political commentator

Friendlyjordies published a series of videos personally attacking the NSW deputy premier John Barilaro. Shanks is now being sued for defamation and his producer, Kristo Langker, has been charged with stalking Mr Barilaro. The producer was arrested by the NSW Police Fixated Persons Squad.

We’re joined by Dr Keiran Hardy, counter-terrorism law and policy expert and lecturer at Griffith University to explain the fixated persons factor; and Michael McGowan, journalist at The Guardian who has covered developments in the Shanks/Langker cases.

What’s the story with Friendlyjordies?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Sydney suburbs put under strict rules as lockdown is extended

Commonwealth boosts and expands emergency support payments

$35 million payout for NT child detention inmates

Record Olympic haul for Aussies in Tokyo

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Australia is currently in the middle of a massive timber shortage. It means the booming construction industry has had to hit the brakes.

Angela Lillicrap, Chief Economist with the Housing Industry Association explains the reasons for the shortage; Mark Swadling from Sydney’s Swadling Timbers explains what it means for the industry; and Andrew Page, a builder tells us what it means for tradies and their customers.

Small businesses across Australia are already on their knees in the wake of the pandemic, but could a timber shortage, attributed to things beyond the industry’s control, put even more pressure on tradies and the industry in general?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Greater Sydney lockdown to be extended by four weeks

NSW opens AstraZeneca doses to all adults

Covid breach from ship crew at Perth hospital

More swimming wins up for grabs after historic surfing competition

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Donald Trump is back on the hustings in the US. He’s talking up his chances of reclaiming the White House.

So, how likely is he to run again in 2024? Does he have the money? Does he have the support? Could one of his family members bump him from the top of the ballot paper?

Ron Elving, is Senior Editor and correspondent on the Washington desk for NPR News. He breaks down the likelihood of Trump running again in 2024. What are the obstacles and could legal action derail Trump's campaign.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

VIC and SA lockdowns to ease tonight

NSW police issue warning over second planned protest

Sexual harassment training for politicians following workplace review

BRS trial hears detail of villager death Titmus and Ledecky prepare for next pool showdow

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Next month, Independent NSW MP Alex Greenwich will introduce a voluntary assisted dying bill to the state’s parliament. Under the proposal, adults with a terminal illness that will cause death within six months, can access assisted dying with the approval of two doctors.

Like recently adopted legislation in South Australia and Queensland, health practitioners can conscientiously object or decline to participate in assisted dying for any reason... including religion. Alex joins us to talk through the legislation.

Nikki Gemmel has a strong view on the debate because her mum took her own life because of chronic pain. Nikki’s a well known author and wrote a book about her mum’s story called After.

On today’s Briefing, we talk about bringing dignity to dying.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Police tracking down anti-lockdown protestors

NSW expected to extend Sydney lockdown after more deaths

PM pushes AZ vaccine after ATAGI changes advice

Olympic showdown: Titmus Vs Ledecky

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Comedian Nazeem Hussain became a household name after reaching the final of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, made his American TV debut sharing a screen with Bill Nye and has a comedy special on Netflix.

But Nazeem never meant to become an international comedy success as Jamila Rizvi finds out. The two talk about Nazeem’s heritage, growing up in Melbourne’s Muslim community and reconnecting with his Sri Lankan roots; life as a dad and rubbing shoulders with A-Listers like Kevin Hart and Dave Chappelle on wild nights out.

THE WEEKEND LIST with Tait McGregor: Listen: F*CK LOVE 3: OVER YOU EP by The Kid LAROI Cook: Steve Manfredi’s Hunza Pie (Good Food) Cook: Hetty McKinnon’s Peanut Butter Noodles With Cucumbers (Bon Appétit) Watch: The Bold Type (Stan)

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The Tokyo Olympics is finally here! The pandemic meant the Games were delayed by a year….and there were times this year when it looked like they might not go ahead.

We meet two young Australians hoping to win gold in their respective sports. Australian Hockey midfielder, Renee Taylor; and Australian freestyle BMX rider Natalya Diehm have trained for years for the opportunity to compete at the Olympic Games.

Today’s Briefing is an opportunity to meet two young Aussies giving all for their country in their chosen sports. Keep an eye out for Renee and Natalya as they give their best in their bid for Olympic glory.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

State and federal leaders back the AZ jab for under 40s

QLD closes off border to all of NSW

China rejects WHO investigation into lab leak theory

John Coates hits out at “mansplaining” accusations Upset win for Australian soccer ahead of opening ceremony

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The Australian music industry is on its knees. Artists and promoters have had gigs and festivals cancelled as a result of the most recent Covid lockdowns.

Reuben Styles, one half of Peking Duk, joins us to talk about the impact on local artists. Many are desperate to get back to what they do best….and to make matters worse, they’re seeing sports venues packed to the rafters.

As a means to make a difference, the famous Australian music family, Alberts, has created Alberts Impact Ventures’ fund to help fund music projects to try to help kick start the sector. We’re joined by investment manager Lisa Fedorenko; and head of strategy Glenn Bartlett to learn what strategies they have, to bring the industry back to life.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Brisbane confirmed as host for 2032 Olympics

PM admits problems with vaccine rollout, pushes for change in AZ advice

SA virus cluster doubles as NSW construction industry calls for restart

UNESCO reef decision delayed as UK cities stripped of heritage status Dozens die in China subway flood

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Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has highlighted NSW’s role in seeding the outbreak that’s led to Victoria’s current lockdown and many Melburnians have expressed anger at Sydney for not containing the outbreak.

We’re joined by the much-loved Melbourne musician Rebecca Barnard who is furious because the local music industry was just starting to find its feet again. Raffael Epstein from ABC Melbourne says the argy bargy between the two cities is a snapshot of our overall frustration. We all want someone to blame.

How much did Sydney’s Covid strategy contribute to Melbourne’s fifth lockdown chaos.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Almost 14 million in lockdown as SA fights virus spread

Victoria and regional NSW hit by new lockdowns

Crown labelled unsuitable to run Melbourne casino

Olympic competition gets underway as Brisbane prepares for 2032 bid Amazon’s Bezos flies to space

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UFOs are back on the radar in the US. On June 25, the Director of National Intelligence did put out a report on UFOs... but they call them something slightly different. The report was titled... Preliminary Assessment: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena.

The report looked at 144 sightings.... and follows on from a move by the department of defence in April last year to declassify three UAP videos taken by Navy pilots. Professor Chris Impey, a Professor in Astronomy at the University in Arizona, author and former Vice President of the American Astronomical Society.

So what did the report find? Did the report simply leave more questions unanswered? Tom and Annika open the US government’s X Files on this morning’s Briefing.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

VIC Premier expected to reveal length of lockdown

Mother of Sydney removalists latest covid victim

Australia joins other nations in rare China hacking condemnation

Former NSW ministers Eddie Obeid, Ian Macdonald found guilty of conspiracy

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Today, July 19, is Freedom Day in the UK. Prime Minister Boris Johnson sold it as the day Great Britain “goes back to life as it was before Covid”. Our team reached out to a handful of Brits who disagree with Mr Johnson.

We’re also joined by Bevan Shields, UK correspondent for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald who says life is definitely returning to normal; and Martin McKee, Professor of European public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine who says it’s a disastrous idea.

What will life look like in the UK from today? What can Australia learn as more than 10 million Australians remain in lockdown? Is Boris Johnson’s Freedom Day a winner….or will it be a massive loser…?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Decision on Victorian lockdown expected as regional cases grow

Construction stopped, public transport cut in Sydney Covid fight

QLD Premier Palaszczuk goes to Tokyo as Olympic cases rise

Senior UK politicians in Covid isolation ahead of Freedom Day Port Arthur movie recognised at Cannes

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Kate Ellis was elected to the seat of Adelaide at the age of 27, and held the title of the youngest person to become a federal minister at 30.

After working in Parliament House for 12 years before leaving the profession to prioritise her family life and to write her book Sex, Lies and Question Time: Why the Successes and Struggles of Women in Australia's Parliament Matter to Us All.

Jamila Rizvi talks to Kate about her career in politics and quickly moving up the ranks, the experiences she uncovered in her book, motherhood and more.

THE WEEKEND LIST with Tait McGregor: Watch: Bo Burnham: Inside (Netflix) Cook: Cannelloni of silverbeet with burnt butter and parmesan (Good Food) Listen: 6 Of A Billion EP by Claire Rosinkranz

Let us know who you'd love to see on the show! Send us a message on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast

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Ash Barty and Dylan Alcott kept Australia mesmerised last weekend when they won their respective Wimbledon titles. Both are bona fide champions….but how do they get themselves in shape mentally?

Ben Crowe works with both Ash and Dylan. He’s their mindset coach. He gets them in the right frame of mind to face their opposition….and their fears.

So what can YOU learn from someone like Ben? Will you make a ‘to be’ list? Or a ‘to do’ list? The episode of the Briefing is all about self belief. Part of the challenge of being a champion is about champion learnings. Learn from the best.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Melbourne wakes to first day of fifth lockdown

PM to take extended funding proposal to National Cabinet

Floods claim more than 40 lives in Germany

Britney Spears wins right to choose lawyer Australian swimmers don sauna suits to prepare for Tokyo humidity

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No one likes having difficult conversations. It’s easier NOT to talk about things like death, sex and money. But we DO need to have those conversations

Anna Sale is an author and host of WNYC’s podcast, Death, Sex & Money. Her new book is Let’s Talk About Hard Things: Death, Sex & Money. Anna tells us how and why we need to have conversations that make us uncomfortable.

You’ll learn a lesson or two via this podcast as Tom and Katrina take a deep dive on the conversations you need to have ….to help you navigate the difficult times life can throw at you.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Victoria reintroduces mask rules after new outbreaks

New South Wales sets target for lifting lockdown

Maroons save series from whitewash

Cuban anti-government protests spread to US

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The nation is watching Sydney right now as it struggles to get this Covid-19 outbreak under control. For people in Melbourne, it's looking eerily similar to the second wave that sent the Victorian capital into 112 days of lockdown last winter...

There is speculation Sydney’s so-called ‘lockdown lite’ is to blame. We’re joined by Juliette O’Brien – a digital and data journalist who established covid19data.com.au, the definitive Covid-19 tracking website, who takes us through the chronology of the outbreak.

How did this outbreak blow away the expectations of the state who’d been labeled the gold standard for managing covid risk?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

New financial support template paves the way for extended lockdown

New vaccine advice for hotspot residents

Chinese spy ship returns to Queensland coast

South Africa violence claims 45 lives IOC slips up in message or reassurance to Japan

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One of our listeners sent us a message asking us to do an episode on whether Botox is dangerous. We know it’s become incredibly popular since it was approved for cosmetic use 20 years ago

We’re joined by Dr Cara McDonald, a dermatologist from Sunbury in Victoria. Dr Cara tells us what Botox is, why it’s so popular….and the best way to make the most of what it has to offer.

The college of cosmetic surgery in Australia puts the spending on cosmetic procedures at more than one billion dollars... with around a third of that on Botox.

And increasingly...it’s being used by younger Australians in an effort to prevent aging. Is Botox dangerous….?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Cash support for NSW as lockdown likely to be extended

AstraZeneca advice remains unchanged

VIC and SA on alert over Covid removalists

England manager, Prince William condemn racial football abuse

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Mariam Dabboussy was married in 2011 and she and her husband went on a holiday in 2015. Her husband took her into Syria and joined the ISIS fight to establish a caliphate. He was killed just before their second child was born. Mariam was subsequently married off twice more.

Her father, Kamalle Dabboussy joins us to tell his daughter’s story – and to talk about trying to bring his daughter and now three grandchildren home.

It’s a heartbreaking story of the plight of a young Australian family – and a failure of government leaving helpless women and children to suffer in a camp in northern Syria, desperate to come home, even if they have to face the consequences for their actions.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

NSW cases likely to hit 100

New vaccine ad campaign begins as deaths increase

Government confirms all ADF troops out of Afghanistan

Richard Branson goes to space England prepares for historic final

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A big episode for a big name! Dannii Minogue is one of the country's golden girls, with Australians growing up with her on Young Talent Time before she cracked the international market as a pop success; and now as a mum, podcaster and fashion designer, while gracing our screens as a television show judge.

Amidst her astronomical fame has been turmoil, from relentless paparazzi snapping her every move to being caught in the 2011 UK phone hacking scandal and being robbed of important personal moments.

Jamila Rizvi sat down with Dannii to discuss her life as she blossomed into fame and how that now impacts her son Ethan, landing a record deal as a teenager, the devastating phone scandal, and her new LiSTNR show, The 90s with Dannii Minogue.

THE WEEKEND LIST with Tait McGregor: Watch: The OC (Stan) Watch: Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir(Netflix) Read: The Success Experiment by Lillian Ahenkan

Let us know what your list suggestions and guests you'd love to see on the show! Send us a message on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast

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Covid 19 has made avoiding plastics a lot harder; cafes stopped taking keep cups, there was an increase in food and grocery deliveries - all wrapped in plastic and use of disposal PPE gear spiked … for obvious reasons.

On today’s Briefing - are we losing the fight on plastics? We’re joined by Kate Noble, World Wildlife Fund Australia’s No Plastics in Nature Policy Manager to discuss if we’re doing enough in the fight to reduce plastics and their impact on the environment.

In the last few years each state and territory has progressed at a different pace.... bringing in bans on items like straws and plastic cutlery. Are we doing enough?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

NSW leaders split on virus strategy as police crack down on Sydney

No fans at Tokyo Olympics after fourth state of emergency Ash Barty through to Wimbledon finals

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In today’s briefing - the vaping problem in schools. Teachers and parents are extremely worried that school students are illegally dealing vapes... and that more and more students are taking it up.

There are reports that increasingly younger students, even primary students, are taking it up. Rudy and Maya, year 12 students give us their first-hand experience. We’re also joined by Craig Petersen, President of NSW Secondary Principals' Council; and drug and alcohol educator Paul Dillon.

Students are vaping inside the classroom... and it's spreading from the city to country schools. Australia has relatively strict vaping laws, many say too strict because they restrict access to people that could use nicotine vapes as a way of quitting smoking. So what’s the answer here? Are our laws too lenient, or are vapes the answer to reducing our reliance on nicotine…?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Sydney lockdown extended as big business invited to join vaccine rollout

State of emergency in Haiti after President assassinated

Trump to sue Facebook, Twitter and Google

US wins right to appeal Assange decision Historic first for Olympic flag bearers

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In 2019, Bridie Jabour wrote a piece for the Guardian about the malaise of millennials. She found herself and her friends talking about the painful, protracted end of their adolescence.

They're looking at their lives and thinking: 'Is this it? Have I chosen the right place to live, the right job, the right partner? Am I, perhaps, not as special as I thought?'

The article went viral and Bridie decided the time had come to write a book about her generation - those much-maligned millennials. After all, this generation is coming of age in a unique set of social and economic circumstances, including precarious work, delayed baby-making, rising singledom, a heating planet, loss of religion, increased unstable housing and, now, a pandemic. Today’s Briefing is all about Millennial malaise.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Lockdown extension expected as Sydneysiders await confirmation

Under-40s could get mRNA jabs by September

Reserve Bank to ease back on easy money Barty through to semi after All-Australian Wimbledon showdown

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Joanna, a Briefing listener, wrote to us via Instagram to ask us to do a story on the discovery of First Nation’s children in Canada. Hundreds of bodies have been found in unmarked graves.

We’re joined by Kerry Benjoe - a journalist from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and a former residential school student; and Fiona Cornforth, CEO of The Healing Foundation. Kerry tells us first-hand what it was like in the schools, and Fiona tells us if there are parallels with Australia and our Stolen Generation.

Sadly, there are many parallels. This is a very important story, particularly given it’s NAIDOC Week.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Inquiries won’t change parliament - Julia Banks

$50,000 fines and suspensions for NRL partygoers

Gaming inspectors stopped from investigating Crown

Thousands of Afghan troops flee Taliban as visa concerns grow

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In the last two weeks dozens of people from Afghanistan have been evacuated to Australia because the war is ending - many had worked as interpreters for Australian troops.

Harry Moffitt worked alongside these local interpreters in the theatre of war. He says we’re not getting enough of them out... and we’re not getting them out fast enough. Glenn Kolomeitz works with the government to help the interpreters and their families with the paperwork and admin.

Today’s briefing... the race to save these Aghan interpreters from the Taliban who are taking more and more territory as international troops leave.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Family angry after Covid returns to aged care in Sydney

Government uncertain on vaccine threshold and Pfizer for under 40s

Bad weather hampers rescues following Japan mudslide

US authorities prepare to demolish collapsed condo ahead of tropical storm 45 dead in Philippines Air Force plane crash

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Michael Clarke has been called Australia’s controversial cricket captain. This kid from the western suburbs, with his blonde tipped hair, famous girlfriends and love of fast cars, took the conservative cricketing world by surprise. But it was what he achieved on the field that captured the country’s attention and inspired another generation of wannabe cricket stars.

Jamila Rizvi talks to the cricket-captain-turned-commentator-and-radio-host about life as a professional athlete, retiring from the pitch and life as a father.

THE WEEKEND LIST: Watch: Morning Wars (Apple TV+) Cook: Andy Baraghani’s I-Can’t Believe-It’s-Vegetarian-Ramen (Bon Appetit) Listen (podcast):Soft Voice (QCODE) Watch: A Suitable Boy(Netflix)

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In this Briefing we’re going to take you into the world of Britney Spears - from where it all began to now - where she’s fighting to free herself from a 13-year conservatorship that she says is abusive.

Last week in a 23-minute statement she told a US judge that under the conservatorship she had been drugged, forced to perform against her will and made to continue using birth control despite wanting to have children. Spencer Kornhaber from The Atlantic joins us to talk through exactly what conservatorship is, and what Britney’s future holds.

Last week’s hearing was the first time the star has spoken publicly about the conservatorship. So what is this American legal arrangement called a conservatorship... and should Britney be freed of it?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Leaders to discuss how to end lockdowns as federal-state stoush continues

Judge denies Britney conservatorship plea

Government refuses to reveal if last Australians have left Afghanistan

Trump Organisation chief surrenders to police Harry and William unveil Diana statue in London

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Many Australians are addicted to their phones. We spend countless hours staring at our devices. A recent Monash University study found 43.3 per cent of respondents spent over three hours a day on their phone! The same study measured nomophobia (no mobile phone phobia) finding 99.2% of users have some fear of being without their phone.

Jenni Gritters is a US-based journalist who ditched her smartphone for a dumb phone. EFTM.com's Trevor Long is also the Today Show’s tech expert who takes us through strategies to get us off our phones.

Do you check your phone first thing each day? A Deloitte study found 80% of us do. In this Briefing, how do you get this technology under control?”

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Bill Cosby to walk free after conviction overturned

Medical authorities accuse politicians of mangling vaccine message

Fears of new Sydney Covid cluster

UN warns trillions of dollars damage to tourism from pandemic French police arrest sign woman at centre of Tour de France crash

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Three of Singapore’s most senior government officials wrote an article in the national newspaper, the Straits Times, to say the island nation was considering major changes to how it deals with Covid-19.

They suggested it was time to start “living with Covid”, and it was time to stop reporting daily cases, to get back to going to major events – and basically to treat Covid-19 like any other flu. Chris Barrett is the South-East Asia correspondent for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. He’s watched developments unfold while based in Singapore.

What can Australia learn from Singapore’s move to re-think Covid? And how close is the world to living with the reality that Covid-19 is not going away soon?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Medical experts surprised by AstraZeneca decision

Parts of QLD in lockdown as NSW avoids viral surge

Companies to be enlisted to speed up vaccine rollout

Audit critical of Commonwealth govt car park funding scheme Tour de France riders stage protests over unsafe routes

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Ever heard the term helicopter parenting? Well, it’s about parents hovering over their children making sure they are never put at risk.

Daisy Turnbull says not letting children take risks leaves them exposed to challenges later in life. Her book 50 Risks You Should Take with Your Kids not only provides inspiration, it also gives parenting tips on getting bogged down in guilt and doubt over whether you're doing a good enough job.

Tom and Annika shed light on their own childhoods and how their experience has shaped their lives. Don’t mollycoddle your children – too much!!! Let them eat sand, skin their knees and ride a scooter down a hill at speed. Let them live and watch them grow.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

National cabinet decrees tougher testing and vaccination rules

Daniel Andrews hits out at back injury rumours on first day back

Aussie Caleb Ewan out of Tour after crash

Former Liberal leader defends Ben Roberts-Smith Kuwait arrests man for complaining about the weather

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The Tokyo Olympic Games begin on July 23rd. It’s the world’s biggest event, but with Covid-19 still running amok in Japan, locals are concerned the games will see cases skyrocket. We thought we’d ask locals if they want the event to go ahead.

We’re joined by Japanese lawyer Yoshihisa Hayakawa; Tokyo locals Moeca Takeshima and Hiroki Kawai and Tom’s party animal mate, Yu.

Locals say the problem is, if Tokyo cancels the games, it’s liable for billions of dollars in compensation to the International Olympic Committee. So what do locals think? We’re less than a month from the Opening Ceremony and it’s still not certain the Games of the 32nd Olympiad will get underway.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Covid lockdowns and restrictions across multiple state capitals

Labor hits out at the government over new outbreaks

Daniel Andrews shares video message ahead of returning as Premier

NSW looks to new era after State of Origin win Death toll from Miami collapse rises

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Waleed Aly is one of the smartest people on Australian television. As well as sitting at The Project desk, writing columns for the Nine newspapers or hosting one of his many podcasts, Waleed is very busy out of the media limelight.

He is an obsessive Richmond Tigers supporter, the lead guitarist for rock band Robot Child, husband to wife Susan Carland, and dad to Aisha and Zayd.

Jamila Rizvi and Waleed discuss his career of law turned media, his love of AFL, the government’s response to the pandemic and his family.

THE WEEKEND LIST: Watch: Luca- Disney+ Read: The Other Half of Youby Michael Mohammed Ahmad Listen: Cat & Calmell’s Life of MineEP Watch: Stateless- Netflix

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Australia’s vaccine rollout has been a disaster. So far only 2.8 percent of Australians have been fully vaccinated... In Israel 57% are fully vaccinated.

In Israel they prioritised the Pfizer vaccine, in Australia we bet harder on the AstraZeneca vaccine... and backed the wrong horse. Professor Bill Bowtell is Adjunct Professor at UNSW’s Kirby Institute. He says Australia was offered a deal with Pfizer and knocked it back

This week we learned that the AstraZeneca vaccine, thanks to its blood clot issues, will be phased out by October. This is bringing the decision not to secure more Pfizer doses earlier into very sharp focus. How and why did Australia back the wrong horse in the Covid vaccine stakes?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Leading epidemiologists criticise NSW virus strategy

China lodges dispute with Australia at WTO

Britney Spears speaks out about conservatorship

Canadian investigators find more than 700 graves at former school Trump lawyer’s licence revoked over election claims

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The US-Korean writer and musician Michelle Zauner’s new book is called Crying in H Mart. It’s about how she found herself crying in her local Korean grocery store in the wake of her mother’s death.

Michelle tells the story of her relationship with her mother and how she didn’t realise when she was growing up, food was her mother’s way of expressing her love.

Once her mother passed away, food became an emotional connection between them. On today’s Briefing, what does grief taste like?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

NSW Premier warns of more restrictions

Melbourne allows crowds as restrictions ease

Biloela Tamil family granted bridging visas

Ben Roberts-Smith admits to burning laptop Former Sony employees consider lawsuit

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The US rapper Mac Miller died in his LA home in 2018. It was accidental overdose of fentanyl, cocaine and alcohol. He was just 26 years old.

LA prosecutors say Miller thought he'd been sold the painkiller oxycodone but it had actually been laced with fentanyl, a powerful drug that is 50 times more potent than heroin. Rhian Daly from Britain’s NME joins us to talk about the three men charged over his death.

Fentanyl was the substance that’s killed a number of famous musos including Prince and Tom Petty. Is the user responsible for their own death? Do we make pharmaceutical drugs more difficult to get legally? We try to find the balance in a vexed debate about the escalating problem of opioid deaths.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

NZ flight cases discovered as NSW travel bubble paused

Senior nationals open to net zero deal as coalition negotiations continue

Government challenges UNESCO reef concerns

Sun Yang ruled out of Olympics Online safety bill passes

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China has made no secret of its plans to dominate the space race. So how does this latest space race reflect tensions here on earth?

Beijing has launched the Tiangong Space station...a rival site to the aging international space station. Last month they landed a remote-controlled rover on Mars making it only the second country after the US to operate a rover there.

Dr. Rebecca Allen, an Astronomer and researcher at Swinburne University’s Space Technology and Industry Institute joins us to talk about how and why China has joined the space race.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Barnaby Joyce to be sworn in as Deputy PM

Sydney restrictions likely to remain after new cases

Tokyo Olympics reveals spectator rules

Hong Kong democracy newspaper set to close Sony boss Denis Handlin removed after 50 years service to label

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In this briefing we’re bringing you Brock ‘Chooka’ McLean’s story.

He played in the AFL for ten years up until 2014... playing157 games with Carlton and Melbourne. But while he was kicking goals on the field … it was a very different story behind the scenes.

Over a third of people with eating disorders are male and Brock was one of them - he was suffering from Bulimia. Brock McLean’s inspirational story…..

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Covid rules tightened in Sydney

McCormack denies leadership threat

West’s mission to Afghanistan was a failure, former leader says First Covid case among Olympians in Tokyo

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Nyadol Nyuon was dealt a hand of cards against her from birth. At just four-years-old, the conflict in Ethiopia forced her family to trek 40 days to South Sudan where they settled in a refugee camp.

It was there that she was split up from her mother, caring for her siblings while her father led the liberation army. It was only after her father was killed when she was a teenager that she was able to reunite with her mum.

The family was finally granted resettlement in Australia when Nyadol was 18. With limited English and not a single dollar, Nyadol went on to obtain her HSC and study law at the Melbourne Law School.

She now works in the Department of Justice, decorated in accolades for her work in the combat of racism and empowering migrant and refugee women through her activism and advocacy.

Her tale is a truly remarkable story of beating the odds, as Jamila Rizvi sits down to find out.

THE WEEKEND LIST: Listen (podcast): Shameless presents Books That Changed My Life Watch: Sweet Tooth (Netflix) Watch: Cruella (Disney+) Listen (podcast): Tonts

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Scientists have come up with a plan to send egg, sperm and seed samples from 6.7 million Earth species to a vault inside the moon.

Jekan Thanga, Assistant Professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Arizona is part of the team planning to store eggs, sperm, seeds and other DNA matter inside lunar lava tubes - massive caverns under the moon’s surface.

The point is to preserve the human race - as well as animals, plants and fungi - in the event of a global catastrophe. They’re calling it “a modern global insurance policy” which really just sounds like a futuristic version of "Noah’s Ark.” You heard it here first!!

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Police investigate Sydney Covid outbreak

AstraZeneca advice changes following more clots

Unemployment returns to pre-Covid levels Nadal withdraws from Wimbledon and Tokyo Olympics

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Brisbane is one step away from hosting the 2032 Olympic Games. What will it mean for the city - and the country?

Five-time Olympian and Sydney gold medallist Natalie Cook has been involved in the Brisbane bid since day one. The Games will also feature events on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, spread across almost 40 venues.

So what will it mean for south-east Queensland …? Is the region ready to stage one of the biggest events on the global calendar? Australians learned from the Sydney Games that staging a world event can change a city forever. What does the future hold for Brisbane….?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Two new community Covid cases in Sydney

Minimum wage rise to be delayed for Covid-hit industries

Ben Roberts-Smith cross-examination begins

Ceasefire broken between Israel and Hamas

Putin accuses US of hacking Russia

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There’s a theory… called ‘Birth Order Theory’... originally developed by psychologist Alfred Adler last century… that says whether you’re a first born, a middle child or the youngest… has a huge influence on how successful you’ll be, your personality and your view of the world.

ABS figures out last year show our fertility rate at its lowest level in recorded history… in 2003, the average family in Australia had three children. That number is now down to two. We’re joined by parenting expert Michael Grose who’s releasing an updated version of his book Why First Borns Rule the World and Later Borns Want To Change It….

Does your family’s birth order determine your fate….?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Tamil Biloela family reunited in Perth, but future remains uncertain

Leaders welcome new Australia-UK free trade deal

Two week lockdown for Melbourne apartment block

Swimming Australia admits failure in complaints process after stars hit back

Exclusive Sydney club to remain men only

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Lately it feels like meditation is being mentioned everywhere. Celebrities like Chris Hemsworth and Diddy have recently released guided meditations you can download… there are meditation apps for kids…. and even cats! And it’s popping up on movies and TV shows like Billions, where the main character, who’s a hedge fund trader, meditates before negotiating big deals.

Sporting stars have recently spoken publicly about how much mediation has helped them, too… AFL Brownlow winner Dusty Martin attributed mindfulness and meditation to being key to his football comeback.

We’re joined by the Garry Gorrow, meditation coach for celebrities and footballers….as we look into why meditation is having a moment right now.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Biloela family expected to be released from detention

PM meets with UK leaders over free trade deal

Lawyers concerned by YouTube producer arrest

Hopes cold snap to end mouse plague

Aung San Suu Kyi trial begins

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The federal government announced the launch of the digital vaccine certificate last week. We expected widespread opposition to the idea. But there hasn’t been much comment or pushback.

The idea has been really divisive in the US. Around ten states, all republican states have either banned them or passed legislation to ensure they’re never mandatory... and the White House has ruled out introducing a national system like the one we’ve introduced. Hank Jongen is General Manager of Services Australia, the body tasked with managing the certificate

How will it affect you; what will it look like; and what will it mean for our plans to travel overseas once the pandemic is under control….?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

PM says Australia on track to match G7 promises

Coalition MPs divided on Biloela family as doctors call for reunion

Israel parliament votes to oust Netanyahu

Stars named in Queen’s birthday honours

Mack Horton sneaks into Tokyo Olympic team

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THE WEEKEND BRIEFING:

Samantha Harris is one of Australia’s most recognisable fashion models. She shot to fame in her late teens after becoming a finalist in the Dolly magazine model search and was just the second Indigenous model to grace the cover of Vogue Australia in 2010.

Now Samantha is a diversity advocate, still walking on runways and workings as a World Vision ambassador.

She joins Jamila Rizvi to talk about the climate of Australia’s fashion industry, her response to body-shamers and where to from here for the fashion world.

THE WEEKEND LIST: Listen: The Royal Record(podcast) Watch: High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America (Netflix) Cook: Roti tacos Do: Frozen: the Musical (Melbourne)

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It’s being described as Australia’s biggest ever crime bust and biggest blow ever to organised crime in Australia, but today the inside story of how the AN0M sting unfolded.

Mark Morri, the Daily Telegraph’s Crime Editor, explains Australian police played a critical role in tricking drug traffickers around the world into using an app that enabled police to track their every move. Hundreds of people have been arrested around the world and millions of dollars seized.

On today’s Briefing, Australia’s role in tricking thousands of drug traffickers and career criminals into using the app distributed by police

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Brisbane one step closer to hosting 2032 Olympic Games

Australia to begin travel bubble with Singapore

Experts: Keep getting AstraZeneca jab despite new blood clot death

Melbourne lockdown lifted

Mystery surrounds Victorian couple in QLD hospital with Covid

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President Joe Biden has asked the US intelligence community to investigate the possibility Covid-19 leaked from a virology lab in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

We all know the virus came from Wuhan, but we don’t know if it began in a wet market and was innocently passed from animals to humans – OR if it was a virus experiment that went wrong. Sharri Markson, the News Ltd columnist and Sky News host has written a book on the Wuhan Lab theory and says the evidence points to it being a leak from the lab.

How powerful is the argument that the virus began at the Wuhan lab? What are the alternative theories…? And will we ever learn the truth….?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Urgent contact tracing after Victorian couple’s Covid road trip

Historic win for NSW in State of Origin

Japan backs Australia in China trade dispute

Prince Harry hits out at BBC over name claims

Melbourne slides down liveability scale

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Will Melbourne…the city we all love…once the world’s most liveable city, ever be the same again.

Cameron Stewart wrote in the Australian newspaper that he arrived back in Melbourne after four years as the paper’s US correspondent, and the city had changed considerably. More than 160 days of lockdown has changed the city forever. Alex Dyson owns Comedy Republic, a bar and stand-up comedy venue in the city’s CBD. He hopes things return to normal as soon as possible.

But what will the new normal look like? Melbourne was the world’s most liveable city for seven out of the last ten years. Will it ever be the same….?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Criminals targeted in app raids put on notice

Biloela family likely to resettled in either US or NZ

PM urges global democracies to work together ahead of G7

Victorian authorities confirm Delta strain came from hotel quarantine Adam Goodes declines football honour

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More young people, and more women, invested in the stock market for the first time in the last two years.

This year’s annual Investor Study from the Australian Stock Exchange revealed that 23% of investors got involved in just the last two years - and a quarter of those new investors were aged 18-24. Chenny Wulandari is a 29-year-old who has become an investor for the first time. Scott Phillips is Chief Investment Officer for Motley Fool Australia. Scott explains how and why younger Australians are investing in stock.

A decade ago only a third of new investors were women...now women make up 45 per cent of new investors. What’s behind the increase and how hard is it to become a millennial investor.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Officials still baffled by Victoria’s Delta virus source

NSW backtracks on quarantine facility

Ben Roberts-Smith cries foul over tall poppy syndrome

Biloela daughter transferred to mainland hospital Bezos to go for space

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With Melbourne being sent back into lockdown last week, it’s time to ask, “has the pandemic highlighted our problem with booze?”

20 percent of us say our alcohol consumption has increased since the pandemic began. Caterina Giorgi is CEO of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE). She says we’re drinking more – and it’s women in particular who are seeking more help to cope with their boozing.

Women say they’re hitting the bottle more because of greater childcare responsibilities. Like home-schooling. So why are we drinking more – and what should you do about your pandemic hangover.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Harry and Meghan welcome daughter

Melbourne to stay the course on lockdown

Ben Roberts Smith trial to begin

G7 leaders announce corporate tax deal Trump uses speech to call for China reparations

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You may know Clare Bowditch from her ARIA award-winning music career, her Logie-nominated role on the hit TV series Offspring, or her work as journalist, host and entrepreneur.

Clare sits down with best-selling journalist and host Jamila Rizvi to discuss body image, balancing parenthood with a Rockstar lifestyle and working through grief in a beautifully honest conversation.

THE WEEKEND LIST: Do: DIY Dumpling dinner party! We recommend miso eggplant Listen:The Sure Thing podcast Listen: Hope D’s Cash Only EP Cook:New York Times salted tahini chocolate chip cookies

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Naomi Osaka walked out of the French Open tennis tournament this week. Just days before she’d copped a $15,000 fine for refusing to appear at mandatory post-game press conferences. Osaka said she refused to appear in a bid to protect her fragile mental health.

Jana Pittman is a three-time Olympian and four-time Commonwealth gold medallist. She had a tumultuous relationship with the media throughout her career. She explains the pressures athletes face – and how she wishes she had social media in her day, to have her say.

Are we expecting too much from modern athletes? Or should they front up to face the world after accepting the enormous pay cheques they receive?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Rules eased for regional Victoria as spread concern lowered

Government announces income support and quarantine facility for Victoria

US to donate surplus vaccines to the world

United Airlines bringing back supersonic travel

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More than 2,000 New Zealanders have been deported since 2014 when the federal government changed laws to make it easier to send Kiwis with a criminal record back across the ditch. The problem is, many of them have lived their entire lives in Australia

Greg Barns SC is a barrister who has represented multiple clients trying to appeal their deportation; and Taryn O’Dowd is a 41-year old woman living in Auckland after she was deported to New Zealand after living more than 30 years in Australia.

We hear first-hand what it’s like to be deported and what it means to the family you leave behind in Australia. We also try to determine Australia’s motives for causing tension across the ditch.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Dan Andrews urges VIC to “keep fighting” as lockdown extended

NSW works to uncover possible cases

Parliament debates travel refund bill

Pandemic pushes back poverty fight by years

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Being a vet and working with animals might seem like a dream job...but vets are at a higher risk of emotional distress and burnout...and the pandemic has made it worse.

We’re joined by Dr Warwick Vale, CEO and President of the Australian Veterinarian’s Association to look at what’s causing vets to leave the industry and what can be done to fix it. Jess Batt is a vet in far north QLD who tells us the type of pressure vets are under and why so many are walking away from the job.

Everyone loves their pets, and it’s why vets are so important. The question is, do THEY get the love and support they need?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Growing speculation of extension to VIC lockdown

Uncertainty over aged care vaccine rollout

China tells Australia and NZ to stop interfering

House prices hit new heights Cormann takes over OECD

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Australia’s Covid-19 vaccine rollout has been plagued by problems. First it was difficulty sourcing vials, and then people across the world started developing blood clots after receiving the AstraZeneca shot.

Rachel Clun, the Federal Health Reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age joins us for an update….to bring you the latest developments and to determine once and for all if we should be lining up to get the jab.

The government is urging us all to roll up our sleeves to get the Coronavirus vaccine. Where, when, how and why on today’s Briefing.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

‘No jab, no job’ considered for aged care sector

Christian Porter drops ABC defamation battle

Australia/NZ claim united front on China

China raises child limit to three Naomi Osaka withdraws from French Open

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Are Geriatric Millennials the heroes the world needs?

Geriatric millennials are generally people born in the early 1980s and they make up some of the world’s leading CEOs including Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg. Often defined as “weathered internet veterans” they can still keep up with the latest tech trends while holding onto traditional communication skills.

Todays guest Erica Dhawan explains that by having a foot in both worlds, geriatric millennials are becoming the “linchpins of changing workplaces. On todays episode we find out more about the geriatric millennial, and why they need this particular title.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Melbourne outbreak spreads to aged care

Morrison meeting with Ardern in NZ

Israel parties closer to ousting Netanyahu

Capitol protestors say they were duped into riot Tennis star Osaka faces tournament ban over press snub

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Rove McManus is undoubtably one of Australia’s favourite TV personalities of all time, popularising the US format of late-night television on our own soil before taking on the medium in the States.

Having also been an early platformer to the likes of Carrie Bickmore, Peter Helliar, Hamish Blake, Andy Lee and Judith Lucy; and executively produced The Project, Rove also knows talent and opportunity when he sees it. Needless to say, his television career has shaped much of the traditional landscape we see today.

Jamila Rizvi sits down with Rove to talk about his comeuppance, sticking to his guns, grieving in public and what’s left on his TV bucket list.

THE WEEKEND LIST: Listen: PNAU’s “Stranger Love” Budjerah Watch: Girls5Eva (Stan) Do: Educate yourself for National Reconciliation Week Watch: Lego Master (9Now)

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Coal mining employs around 50,000 people directly... so why does coal dominate Australian politics?!

It came up again at the weekend’s NSW by-election where Labor got smashed and the Nationals were re-elected. Kosmos Samaras is a former Labor strategist and is a director at the political consultancy firm Redbridge. He provides a fascinating insight into why these electorates hold such massive influence.

There are around 240,000 people employed by the mining industry in Australia. 50,000 in coal... but there’s 250,000 who work in arts and recreation - health care for example employs 1.8m but they don’t seem to be swinging elections as voter block... so what’s going on? The answer lies in a surprising insight into the psyche of rural Australia.

TODAY'S HEADLINES Victoria enters first day of lockdown Federal government slammed over vaccine rollout Court finds young people should be protected from climate crisis De belin free to play after prosecutors drop charges Japanese doctors warn of Olympic Covid variant

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Of all the things to destabilise Bitcoin... it turns out the environment has been a key factor.

The digital currency has seen some wild price drops over the last two weeks. It peaked at 63,000 USD in mid-April and since then it’s dropped as low as $31,000. Dr Sean Foley, Associate Professor of Finance at Macquarie University, joins us to explain why.

Dr Foley says mining for Bitcoin around the world, currently consumes half the electricity of Australia’s entire yearly usage. Could the environment bring about Bitcoin’s demise?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Victoria bracing for more restrictions as government considers lockdown

Holgate backs Senate bid to have PM apologise

Uncertainty over Melissa Caddick’s remains

Shell ordered to cut emissions by Dutch court

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Monica Dux has written a book called Lapsed... about walking away from Catholicism, her childhood religion.

It’s a relevant story in today’s world because Catholicism in Australia has been in slow decline over the last 50 years... but at 22% of all Australians, it’s still the biggest single religion in Australia and it’s held ground much better than the Anglican Church.

It’s partly about growing up Catholic... but it’s more about why it has such a hold over people... even once they think they’ve left it behind. Losing your religion is not as easy as you think.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Covid restrictions in Melbourne amid fears of MCG spread

Wave of sex crime allegations hits politics

Hundreds of thousands of Queenslanders affected by blackouts Sorry day: Greens call for Stolen Generation compensation

George Floyd anniversary marked in the US

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Violent protests have broken out on the streets of Colombia. Demonstrations about tax reform have turned into massacres on the streets.

Neighbourhoods have become battlegrounds as Colombians fight with police and the military – and the government struggles to maintain order. Alexandra Phelan is an expert on Colombian politics. We learn what the protests are about, and what the government will need to do to quell the violence.

Today’s Briefing is a response to one of our listeners, Carol, reaching out via Instagram. Send us a message via our DMs. We want to tell YOUR stories.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Victorians told to be vigilant as race starts to find missing Covid link

Fitzgibbon calls on Labor to take a different approach, as NSW leader Jodi McKay on borrowed time.

Australia packs up Kabul embassy

Aung San Suu Kyi makes first court appearance

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There’s been a lot of talk this year about housing affordability after another surge in home and apartment prices. But interest rates have remained at record lows, meaning borrowing money is cheaper than ever.

So on, balance, is housing really as unaffordable as we’re making it out to be? We’re joined by Steven Koukoulas, leading economist and economics consultant and former economic advisor to PM Julia Gillard.

Ignore the noise and stay calm as the property market surges out of reach

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Government promises more Pfizer doses

Second India repatriation flight lands

Huge win for NSW Nats in Upper Hunter by-election

BBC savaged as Bashir defends interview

Eurovision winner to take drug test

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The Royal Record is your weekly dose of Royal news, without the spin! Royal correspondent and expert Juliet Rieden and journalist Bryce Corbett use their insider info on The Royals to separate the fact from the fiction behind the latest Royal headlines.

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Rick Morton’s book My Year of Living Vulnerablyis topping best-seller lists around Australia for unpacking Australian masculinity.

Jamila Rizvi sits down with Rick to talk about the male role models throughout his life, reckoning with his sexuality and the lightning bolt moment that made him realise he was grappling with complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Warning: This episode contains difficult conversations and graphic descriptions of injuries.

THE WEEKEND LIST: Listen: Hey How You Going podcast Read: The Believer: Encounters with Love, Death & Faith by Sarah Krasnostein Watch: My Octopus Teacher(Netflix) Cook: The Great Pumpkin Pie recipe by Sally’s Baking Addiction

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Everyone knows a conspiracy theorist. Someone who believes we didn’t make it to the moon; or the September 11 attacks were a hoax.

How do you talk to them? Is engaging with them, giving their theories legitimacy? Professor John Cook is from the Centre for Climate Change Communication at George Mason University in the US. He’s also written a book “Cranky Uncle v Climate Change”

We talk about how to deal with conspiracy theorists – and how seemingly ludicrous concepts gain traction.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

News of an Israel/Gaza truce

Doctors, opposition calling for better vaccine campaign

Tourism, hospitality sectors still struggling as unemployment falls

Journalist lies and BBC coverup behind Diana interview

Internet explorer to end in 2022

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The violence in Israel and Gaza explained.

We’ll ask how it started... how similar is it to the last major flare ups in Israel... and what would it take to stop these cycles of violence? We’re joined by Dr Mohammed Abu Mughaiseeb, MSF Deputy medical coordinator in Gaza; Greg Barton, Professor in Global Islamic Studies at Deakin University; and Sophie McNeil, a former ABC Middle East Correspondent, now a researcher for Human Rights Watch.

The world is watching yet another flare-up in violence….what will it take to stop and bring about peace once and for all

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Biden tells Israel he expects de-escalation

Opposition, experts slam government 600m spend on gas power plant

Indian community calls on govt to do more for stranded Australians

Government warns against wage rises

McConnel blocks Capitol riot probe

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Everyone is talking about NFTs - Non-Fungible Tokens.

These digital certificates have been hailed as a way for creators to get paid for digital works and files that get shared online. Cameron Wilson, tech journalist and Associate Editor at Crikey joins us to explain the new phenomenon.

But what are NFTs and are they destined to live on the fringes of web culture? Or could they become part of our everyday lives?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

PM admits vulnerable people left behind by vaccine rollout

Government sorry for Australian man’s death in India

First responders speak of shark death scenes

More than 50,000 already displaced in Gaza

Drivers, unions welcome landmark ruling for app drivers

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Huge numbers of mice have been tormenting farms and communities in western NSW for months. After lobbying, the state government has finally come up with a support package which they say will help “napalm” the mice.

But this comes after locals have had to see crops and livelihoods decimated as they spent months fighting the crisis on their own. We’re joined by Katrina Humphries, Moree mayor; Susie Rae, Narromine artist and farmer; and Steve Henry, mouse expert with the CSIRO.

Will the mice take the bait? Or will rural communities suffer even more after drought, floods, bushfires and plagues??

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Israel/Gaza conflict rages as diplomats look for truce

India repatriation flights to continue after returnee tests positive

“Some people may die” Virgin boss calls for border re-opening

Covid outbreaks shock South East Asia

Kia cars recalled over fire fears

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In last week’s federal budget papers, we discovered the government plans to keep our international borders closed until at least mid-2021.

When can we realistically begin to plan to go back overseas? We’re joined by Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews – and we ask why the government is not providing more information on the timeline for international travel. We also speak to Tim Byrnes, an Australian who fled to Russia via New Zealand.

What is the motivation for stopping us travelling? Surely, it’s the decision of the person leaving Australia

Or is it?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

UN calls ceasefire as Israel says it won’t back down

Government hits back at border criticism

PM backs QANTAS testing despite Covid confusion

Sydney Covid rules relax despite no news on mystery cases Indonesian fishermen rescued from WA coast

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Tanya Hennessy is one of the funniest (and busiest) people in Australia.

As well as being a podcaster, radio host, TV presenter, comedian and author, Tanya also counts makeup guru and an “adults should be able to eat children’s meals” campaigner in her pursuits.

Jamila Rizvi and Tanya discuss her latest book Drum Roll Please, It’s Stevie Louise, women in comedy and whether her career is what she expected.

THE WEEKEND LIST: Listen (podcast):Linda Marigliano’s Tough Love podcast Watch: Call My Agent!(Netflix) Watch: The Flight Attendant (HBO Max) Cook: Yotom Ottolenghi’s vegan recipes

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In March/April last year, 33,000 homeless people were given emergency Covid accommodation around the country. It was amazing to watch; thousands of people taken off the streets or from couch surfing situations, put in nice hotels.

At the time, people in the sector were hoping this moment would be a circuit breaker that could end homelessness. We’re joined by Katherine McKernan, CEO of Homelessness NSW; and Paul McDonald, CEO of Anglicare Victoria.

So did we seize the opportunity... how many of those people have been thrown out of their hotel rooms and back onto the streets?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Labor promises billions for housing

Signs Israel considering land invasion

Linda Reynolds to be interviewed over Higgins case

Moderna vaccine to serve as booster NSW government promises aid to fight mice

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We go right to the top today to question the Finance Minister Simon Birmingham about Tuesday night’s budget.

Some key questions: Where was the money for a quarantine facility; will we all be vaccinated by the end of the year; when will the borders open; and what about our struggling uni sector?

Following up from Wednesday’s episode focusing on what’s in the Budget for our listeners, today it’s about what’s missing from the big-spending future outliner.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Government sells Budget vision

PM accused of being vague on vaccine rollout

Fears of Israel/Gaza war

Senior republican removed after criticising Trump Ellen to end show next year

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Last night’s federal budget was handed down by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg.

What does it mean for you? Why do we no longer focus on surpluses? How much impact has the pandemic had on the nation’s bottom line? And has it addressed the critical issues facing ordinary Australians – things like housing affordability and the cost of living.

On today’s Briefing, a federal Budget special. What it means for you.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Budget: "Australia coming back"

Big spending on Covid, aged care, childcare and mental health

Melbourne and Adelaide on edge over Covid case

India Covid strain spreading globally

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A story of courage, perseverance and bare-knuckle fighting. From seven years detained on Manus Island... to elite fighting in America... this is the story of Ezatullah Kakar

Two weeks ago, Ezatullah stepped into the ring for his first fight in America’s Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship... and he won in 33 seconds!!! Eza joins us from the US to talk about his journey. We’re also joined by the former Socceroo, Craig Foster to talk about Australia’s refugee program – and our lost opportunities.

Ezatullah was a champion kickboxer in Pakistan before violence in his region forced him to get on a boat from Malaysia in 2013. He arrived when we started turning boats around. This is his story.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Budget: government warns size of NDIS funding ‘unsustainable’

First round of India legal challenge dismissed

Rocket attacks in Israel/Gaza

De belin to face court again after trial stalemate Nepal asks Everest climbers for oxygen tanks

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Imagine a world where humans are infertile. Where technology is the only way to conceive. Where sperm counts get to zero. It sounds like the plot of a bad sci fi film but according to American Professor Shanna Swan, it’s real life … and it could happen sooner than we think.

Dr Shanna Swan is a professor of environmental medicine and public health at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. She’s spent decades researching reproductive health and she’s written a fairly alarming book.

It’s called Countdown. How our modern world is threatening sperm counts. Well, is it?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Borders to stay closed until 2022; billions for women and infrastructure under budget plan

Olympians getting vaccinated from today

Afghan bombing death toll at 60

NASA hits out at China over rocket landing

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Australia fell in love with Rob Mills on Australian Idol’s first season in 2003. He’s since gone on to nab some of the most coveted roles in musical theatre, appear on numerous television shows including his iconic role of Finn Kelly on Neighbours and more recently, dabble in storytelling.

Jamila Rizvi and Rob ‘Millsy’ Mills discuss his journey post-Idol, his meet-cute with girlfriend Georgie Tunny and where to next for the born entertainer.

THE BRIEFING BUCKET LIST: Listen: Forever Isn’t Long Enoughby Alfie Templeman Watch: See What You Made Me Do on SBS On Demand Play: Monopoly Deal Donate: Give India towards the country’s COVID crisis

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250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders met at Uluru in 2017 and hammered out what’s called the Uluru Statement, which outlines a path towards recognition of Indigenous Australians in the constitution. It was shot down by then Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

We’re joined by Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg, who has written a new book calling for a conservative re-think on reconciliation. We’re also joined by the Indigenous filmmaker Rachel Perkins, for her take on the slow progress of the debate.

The Liberal Party should be doing more to move this debate forward. It has historically been a party willing to embrace change…..why not change in relation to Indigenous Australians?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

New Covid restrictions for Sydney in search for missing link

PM to announce details of India repatriation flights as Aussie IPL players head to Maldives

Jarryd Hayne jailed amid violent scenes

Fleeing truck driver arrested after hitting crowd Dutch bees trained to detect Covid

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Kangaroos could hold the key for sport stars looking to overcome career-ending ligament injuries.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries in the knee are common in many sports and can often derail the careers of professional sport stars. We’re joined by Dr Nick Hartnell, an Australian surgeon working on a way to use the longer and stronger ligaments of kangaroos to help humans overcome torn tendons.

Tom has experience here…he did his ACL in a motorcycle accident a few years ago. Join us this morning to learn how kangaroos could help Australian athletes – including Tom – bounce back from injury

TODAY'S HEADLINES

NSW bracing for more Covid cases

Legal challenge to India ban, while Aussie IPL players prepare to be evacuated

Trump slams Facebook after ban upheld Rioting and fires at Hobart prison

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Australia already has one of the worst uptakes of electric vehicles...for example, last year Germany and France both grew their electric vehicle fleet by more than 200 per cent. In Australia, fewer than 7000 electric vehicles were sold in 2020 representing just a three per cent jump from 2019.

We’re joined by Jake Whitehead, a transport expert at the University of Queensland; and David Brown, the former president of the Australian Institute of Traffic Planning and Management

Victoria and NSW are considering a tax on electric cars which will make uptake even slower. Why aren’t Australians transitioning to electric vehicles...and why isn’t the government doing more to encourage us to switch?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

No lockdown exemptions for Aussie players after IPL postponed

Gov backs down on India visitor prison threat Melinda and Bill Gates agreed on estate divide before split New national disaster recovery body established

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The whole world is watching India right now. Its daily case numbers of COVID-19 hit 400,000 this week. The death toll is also rising rapidly with India's health ministry reporting more than 3,600 deaths in the past 24 hours.

We speak with James Oaten; the ABC’s Indian correspondent from Dehli to the get the latest from India; and we speak with Dr Pradeep Teneja from the Australia India Institute about what Indians in Australia make of what’s happening on the sub-continent.

India is facing a Covid catastrophe. Will it get worse before it gets better?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Questions over legality of India ban

Senior leaders warn of growing Chinese military and influence

Report exposes gymnastics abuse

Ex Australia Post boss Holgate sets deadline for legal action

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US President Joe Biden announced last month American troops would withdraw from Afghanistan by September 11 this year. Our PM quickly followed suit confirming the 80 remaining Australian defence personnel still in Afghanistan would also leave.

Around 80,000 Australians have been deployed to Afghanistan since the conflict began in 2001. 41 of them lost their lives. More than 150,000 Afghan civilians and military personnel and Taliban fighters were killed in the 20-year conflict that cost the US more than $1.2trillion

Maryam Zahid is the founder and director of Afghan Women on the Move; and Raspal Khosa - independent defence analyst, formerly with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. We ask what life is like for Afghans today. And have we lost the war in Afghanistan?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Perth avoids second lockdown

Overseas Aussies getting enough help from government: poll

Defence to review Darwin port lease

Soccer fans storm stadium over Super League

Manhunt underway for missing crew member in Townsville, others seek asylum OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE

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Prepare to see Any Lee uncut as he delves into personal territory with host Jamila Rizvi. He opens up about his mum's disability, the hard conversations of working in the popular radio duo Hamish & Andy, and his engagement plans with longterm girlfriend Bec Harding.

THE WEEKEND LIST: Do: Daniel Sloss’ Hubris Watch: RuPaul’s Drag Race re-runs on Stan Listen: Sixty Summers by Julia Stone PSA: Buy mum a decent gift for Mother’s Day!!

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On January 20 Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States. On today’s episode of The Briefing - Biden marks 100 days in office, let’s see how he’s going.

Prof. David Smith is an Associate Professor in American Politics and Foreign Policy at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney.

We sift through the rhetoric to try to find out what Joe Biden has actually done during his first 100 days. Have his policies and decisions earned him a pass or fail?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Lockdown restrictions to remain in WA

Brittany Higgins to meet with leaders including PM today

ASIO issues terror warning

Biden tells congress America “rising” OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE

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Why are Australians so fascinated by Married at First Sight? It’s the show we love to hate, or is it … hate to love? Ever since MAFS appeared on our screens in 2015, it’s consistently been one of the highest rated shows on Australian television.

We’re joined by four guests to take us through our deep dive. David Dale, a Walkley Award winning journalist who spent 20 years as media and TV columnist for SMH and The Age; Tarang Chawla, whose sister Nikita was murdered by her husband in 2015. Tarang’s became an anti-domestic violence campaigner; Michael Goonan was one of the contestant on MAFS last year; and psychologist and relationship expert Jacqui Manning.

The show is full of big personalities, drama, fights, tears, lying, cheating, tantrums and sometimes... toxic behaviour among contestants. So what’s the appeal….?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Record day for India Covid outbreak

China slams PM’s defence spend

New rules for Tokyo Olympians

Government targets 5% unemployment for budget

Apollo 11 astronaut dies OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE

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Twelve of Europe’s top soccer clubs planned to shake up the sport. Instead, the project collapsed spectacularly in just 48 hours. How did the power brokers mis-read the market ….and fans?

Murad Ahmed is a reporter for the Financial Times in the UK. He’s been following this lead for years. He joins us as we learn what the big clubs’ motivation was.

One word. Money.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

All Australian Olympians to be vaccinated before Tokyo

India flights suspended as Covid crisis worsens

Australia to spend $747m upgrading military bases

Supermoon lights up night sky

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been representing Australia at a virtual summit of world leaders discussing climate change. The summit was convened by US President Joe Biden, who has put tackling climate change at the centre of his administration's agenda.

Joe Biden promised to halve America’s emissions by 2030. Australia went to the summit without a firm target on reducing emissions. Dr Emma Shortis is an expert on climate change policies and US history.

With our plans for hydrogen and carbon capture and storage and no clear reduction target, is Australia out of step or out of date with the rest of the world and their targets? What is Scott Morrison’s end game?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Perth lockdown lifted as quarantine stoush continues

Australia considers providing aid and banning flights to India

PM tells church leaders country needs them

Home affairs secretary warns of war

China censors Oscars winner OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE

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Tensions between Australia and China are at their worst in decades. Our global campaign to blame China for the Covid-19 pandemic pushed our relationship to the brink.

The Australian Financial Review’s China correspondent Michael Smith was woken by China’s secret police on a September night last year. Days later he was on a plane back to Australia – forced to leave the country he’d called home for the last three years.

There are now no Australian journalists working in China. What does Michael Smith’s journey tell us about China? His new book, The Last Correspondent: Dispatches from the frontline of Xi's new China, explores Canberra’s relationship with Beijing and if we’re heading for a new cold war.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

International aid for India amid growing Covid-19 crisis

Indonesian submarine found on ocean floor

WA lockdown decision expected today

No plans to return to Afghanistan: government

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Jamila Rizvi sits down with Internet sensation and ultimate millennial “slashy” Lillian Ahenkan, otherwise known as Flex Mami.

She’s a DJ, TV presenter, podcaster, author, entrepreneur and “Professional Opinion Haver” who you can find hosting panels at the Sydney Opera House, sharing her thoughts on Pedestrian.TV or hosting on MTV among much more.

More importantly, she’s about to grace our screens as a contestant on Big Brother AU 2021, bringing her multi-dimensional personality to a reality format.

Jamila and Flex talk Big Brother, her sense of empowerment, the concept of Big Enjoyment and cancel culture.

THE WEEKEND LIST: Podcast: Bobo and Flex Podcast: The Imperfects Cook: Kmart Pie Maker – send in your pie recipes! Watch: Lupinon Netflix

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PART TWO - The UK, Europe and the United States are forging ahead with mass vaccines. Australia is well behind in terms of progress. So, what is life like in London, Washington and Madrid now the vaccination numbers are climbing?

Today’s briefing is part two of our transatlantic peek over the vaccination horizon. We’re joined by Adam Creighton in Washington... he’s the US correspondent for the Australian newspaper.

What can we learn by taking a look over the horizon at the vaccine rollouts in Europe and the United States

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Biden promises to halve US emissions by 2030

Vaccines open to all over 50s

PM promises to defy China threats over Belt and Road deal

Search continues for missing Indonesian submarine

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The UK, Europe and the United States are forging ahead with mass vaccines. Australia is well behind in terms of progress. So, what is life like in London, Washington and Madrid now the vaccination numbers are climbing?

Today’s briefing is part one of our two-part transatlantic peek over the vaccination horizon. We’re joined by Bevan Shields in London... he’s the European correspondent for the Age and the Sydney Morning Herald.

What can we learn by taking a look over the horizon at the vaccine rollouts in Europe and the United States?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

China anger as federal government tears up Victoria's Belt and Road deals

US government to investigate Minneapolis policing

Australia helps search for missing Indonesia submarine

Second hotel quarantine breach in Sydney Queen breaks silence on Prince Philip’s death

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The Prime Minister has announced a Royal Commission into veterans’ suicide. Will it be enough to stem the number of returned servicemen and women taking their own lives?

We’re joined by Heston Russell - a 16-year army veteran and former Special Air Service Regiment commander and founder of Voice of a Veteran.

41 people died serving in Afghanistan... but ten times that number have taken their own lives after they got home. Why? The greater story needs to be told.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Gov announces half a billion funding for clean energy

Travel bubble to remain intact despite NZ airport positive test

Biden “praying for right verdict” as Chauvin jury deliberates

Education groups welcome dumping of consent ad Byron residents protest new Netflix series

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The Briefing kicked off on April 20, 2020, amid a global pandemic. No one was sure what the future would look like. Many of us were working from home for the first time, our computers perched on boxes of toilet paper.

On today’s Briefing we look back….and forward.

It’s been a crazy year – and we can’t wait to celebrate with the people that matter. Our listeners!!!

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Shakeup for vaccine program

Emotional reunions as AUS/NZ bubble opens

Royal commission into veterans’ suicides

Closing arguments begin in Derek Chauvin case First powered flight on another planet

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Did you know an Australian is leading one of the teams behind the Mars rover?

Australian geologist Dr Abigail Allwood is the first woman and the first Australian to ever be a principal investigator on a Mars mission.

Perseverance is the fifth NASA rover to explore the Red Planet and it’s being sent with the explicit goal of working out whether there is - or has ever been - life on Mars. We meet the Aussie geologist helping to find out if there’s life on Mars

TODAY'S HEADLINES

National Cabinet begins meeting twice a week

The Australia/New Zealand travel bubble opens

Sydney authorities investigate hotel breach

Countries warn consequences for Navalny death UK national mourning ends, Harry considers staying

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Jamila Rizvi sits down with Benjamin Law, a man of many talents in the Australian media industry. He is the creator and writer of SBS’s award-winning ‘The Family Law’ and the maker and subject of the ABC documentary ‘Waltzing the Dragon’. Ben is also a radio broadcaster, podcaster, author and speaker.

Every Saturday for the Good Weekend magazine, Ben asks his famous subjects all sorts of things you’re not supposed to say publicly through the roll of the dice: sex, money, religion, bodies, death and politics. Jamila turns the microphone on his as Ben discusses his relationship with these dicey topics.

THE WEEKEND LIST: Listen: McCartney III Imagined- Paul McCartney Do: The Roughin’ It Challenge Podcast: She Is Legend

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Are we witnessing another big flashpoint for the BLM protests...? When George Floyd was killed by a police officer last year... it sparked that wave of protests around the world including here in Australia.

Well in a very dramatic confluence of events... right at the same time that former officer, Derek Chauvin, is being tried for murder, another black man has been shot dead by police, just ten miles down the road. We’re joined by New York Times’ national reporter and editor Shaila Dewan to take us through what’s happening.

You’ll find out how America is reacting to that shooting - and you’ll get the latest from the Chauvin trial from a reporter on the ground in Minneapolis.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

PM: 1000 Covid cases a day if we reopen borders

Woman dies from blood clots after receiving vaccine

Australian troops to withdraw from Afghanistan

Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral details have been released ABC apologises for doctoring dance troupe video

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Over the last two months here in Australia there’s been a number of sexual abuse and harassment scandals that have forced a rethink about the way women are treated in our society.

Right in the middle of that lands a new book. 'The Light Of Days' by Judy Batalion tells the incredible story of the young Jewish women in Poland who fought back when the Nazis invaded. Judy Batalion is an American author and the granddaughter of Polish Holocaust survivors.

The incredible stories of the young Jewish women who resisted that attack are so powerful that Steven Spielberg has already taken out an option on turning this book into a movie.

TODAY'S HEADLINES US Covid expert’s warning for Australia

PM: No apology for Holgate, meeting with Higgins Minneapolis police officer charged; victims’ families meet

Queen returns to work Nuclear water OK to drink: Japan

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This week marks the 30th anniversary of the final report of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, created by the Hawke Government in 1987.

We’re joined by Warren Mundine... former Chair of the PM’s indigenous advisory council during Tony Abbott’s time as PM; and Taylah Gray, an indigenous lawyer and academic, who come from different perspectives, but tell a similar story.

More than 455 Indigenous people have died in custody since the report was released on April 15, 1991. NSW State Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan said this week First Nations people continued to be “overrepresented in every category of death dealt with by the Coroner’s Court”. What more can be done? And have we done enough….?

TODAY'S HEADLINES Holgate: Morrison spray was "act of bullying" National Cabinet back on Covid war footing US to delay troop withdrawal in Afghanistan Prince Philip island cult pay tribute

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A listener wrote to say Victorian paramedics are spending hours waiting outside emergency departments rather than back on the road responding to more emergencies. This is not a problem affecting only Victorian ambos. There’s been a big jump in response times right around the country.

We’re joined by Danny Hill, secretary of Victorian Ambulance Union; and Chris Kastelan, President of the NSW branch of Australian Paramedics Assoc.

It turns out, most of the delays are Covid-induced. People aren't going to their GP so they're letting their manageable conditions spiral out of control. Paramedics are not responding to emergencies, just simple health issues. And they're overworked and stressed to the max.

TODAY'S HEADLINES Princes William and Harry pay tribute to Prince Philip WA smashed by massive cyclone Taiwan scrambles jets to combat Chinese incursions

Overseas travel not back to normal "until 2024" Minneapolis rocked by another police shooting death

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NZ PM Jacinda Ardern last week announced that as of Monday April 19 the travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand will reopen. And the response has been huge!

There was a “100-fold increase” in ticket sales between Australia and New Zealand after that announcement was made. Aussies are keen to head over but before you book your tickets though … a warning! We’re joined by Quentin Nolan a ski-tour operator in Queenstown; and Ben Groundwater, a writer for traveller.com.au to talk through what to to expect and what risks you might face.

Today on The Briefing - what you should know before you fly across the ditch.

TODAY'S HEADLINES PM backs away from vaccine rollout deadlines WA prepares for massive cyclone Prince Philip to be farewelled at low key funeral

80 dead in Myanmar protests

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Jamila Rizvi talks to Abbie Chatfield who rose to fame as the runner up and perceived villain of The Bachelor Season 7, chasing the heart of Matt Agnew.

She’s since turned the public’s opinion around to become one of Australia’s leading body positivity influencers, a podcast host and social media icon. Abbie was even crowned the 2021 Queen of the Jungle in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

Jamila and Abbie discuss her time on the reality dating show, the price of fame and her recent sex toy collaboration.

THE WEEKEND LIST Podcast: It’s A Lot with Abbie Chatfield Read: Sex, Lies and Question Timeby former MP Kate Ellis Listen:Fearless (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift

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A poll released last week showed the PMs approval rating dropped 10 points in a fortnight to 57 percent and what’s interesting is that his approval with women voters is down 16 points since the Britney Higgins story broke - but with male voters his approval rating has remained relatively unchanged.

Dr Sarah Cameron, a political scientist in the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Sydney joins us to discuss whether the Coalition has lost the female vote.

Has the Coalition’s recent cabinet changes; and the announcement it will implement all 55 recommendations in the Respect@Work report; changed voters’ intentions? Has the Coalition lost the female vote?

TODAY'S HEADLINES Pfizer to be prioritised for young people Government accepts sex law reform recommendations Christian Porter accuser requested interview with police

Joe Biden calls for ban on assault weapons

NSW government considering Luna Park fire inquiry

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The Nine Network was hacked last month. Australia has increasingly been the target of hacks. Is Australia fighting back... with our own hacking attacks? Or are we only playing a defensive strategy?

We’re joined by Dr Suelette Dreyfus - Lecturer in the School of Computing and Information Systems at The University of Melbourne. You’ll be surprised by her response.

We also discuss if Australia is using the right strategy in the escalating cyber war?

TODAY'S HEADLINES Blood clots should be listed as vaccine side effect: EU PM Morrison denies vaccine stoush with EU Peter Dutton starts Twitter defamation

Women’s safety summit announced for July Speed a factor in Tiger Woods car cash

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The Morrison government promised the vast majority of Australians would be vaccinated against Covid-19 by the end of October.

It’s now been revised to the end of April 2020. Paul Cross runs three online trade magazines focusing on the pharmaceutical industry. He’s been watching developments closely and says the Commonwealth, while wanting to shine in the spotlight by rolling out the jab, has no experience in the space. The states traditionally dole out vaccines.

So where does the stand-off end? When will the average 30-year-old get their Covid jab?

TODAY'S HEADLINES Australia/New Zealand travel bubble launched EU denies stopping Aussie Covid vaccine shipments Malcolm Turnbull sacked from climate role Victorian police win "right to disconnect" Melissa Caddick's family farewell her

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The gender wage gap is at more than 13 percent. But it’s not always a woman being paid less for doing the same job as a man, it’s often the type of roles women do.

Meggie Palmer developed what’s called PepTalkHer, a site for teaching women the skills needed to get a better deal in the workforce.

So how do we secure fairer and more equitable pay for people like nurses, nursing home staff and people at the front line of critical care – roles usually performed by women?

TODAY'S HEADLINE Vaccine clinics ramp up amid clot concerns NZ to announce travel bubble details Putin unlocks terms with new law

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On today’s Briefing you’re going to meet a real life Jason Bourne... or James Bond...

It’s very rare that spies speak out publicly, as you’ll hear, when they join a secret service they basically have to ghost their old life... stop contact with all their friends and family.

But the former French spy we're speaking to, has moved to Australia and he’s written about his 9 years in the French secret service under the guise of fiction using a fictional alias... Jack Beaumont... the book’s called The Frenchman.

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Jamila Rizvi talks to Rosie Waterland, a best-selling author, award-winning podcast host, screenwriter, comedian and actress.

She became a household name for her satirical recaps of The Bachelor ten years ago, before going on to tour her stand-up comedy around Australia and writing two popular memoirs about her harrowed childhood, all before the age of 31.

Jamila and Rosie discuss her dark comedy sourced from her past, what encouraged her to pursuit her career and Rosie's ultimate end goal.

THE WEEKEND LIST: Watch: Behind Her Eyes (Netflix) Read: The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr. Listen:Butter playlist (Spotify)

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Christianity is on the decline in Australia. In 1966, 88 percent of the Australian population identified as Christian. In 2016 - 50 years later - that figure was down to 52 per cent.

But there’s one Christian denomination bucking the trend, Pentecostalism. Aka the religion of our current Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Prof Andrew Singleton, from Deakin University joins us to talk through the rise of Pentecostalism, and whether the charismatic churches rely on migrants to stay on top.

Is Hillsong still a ‘rockstar’ church??

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We received an Instagram message from Melissa Smith who asked why farmers are never included in the discussion about climate change, when they’re a key part of the country’s net-zero emissions ambitions.

We invited Mel onto the Briefing to pose the question herself, and then invited Adam Coffey from Coffey Cattle - a beef producer from Miriam Vale, halfway between Rockhampton and Bundaberg to explain exactly what farmers are doing…..and they’re doing a stack.

The politicians supposedly representing farmers want producers left out of the net-zero equation. But producers themselves tell a much different story.

TODAY'S HEADLINE Brisbane awaits lockdown update Vaccine war of words between states and Commonwealth Home grown guided missiles NSW government in minority as troubled MP quits

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What’s the difference between locking a child in a cage... in a chain linked partition... or in a child migrant facility?

Those words are part of a war over the Mexico border... where President Biden is being called a hypocrite from both sides of politics for detaining migrant children in detention facilities. The ABC’s US correspondent, Kathryn Diss has just returned from the border. Dulce Garcia is executive director of Open Borders and she joins us from a border camp.

In today’s Briefing... what’s going on with the US Mexico border... is Biden doing the same thing he accused Trump of?

TODAY'S HEADLINE QLD cluster: hospital closure and superspreading Labor conference and Cabinet swear-ins China to fill Hong Kong parliament with "patriots"

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In June, 2019, hundreds of thousands of protestors lined the streets of Hong Kong. China has jailed many of Hong Kong’s loudest progressive voices. Almost two years later, the news cycle has moved on.

We’re joined by The Atlantic’s Tim McLaughlin who writes on politics and societal change in Hong Kong.

What is life like for the people of Hong Kong in 2021? And what does Beijing have planned for what’s now known as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.

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The federal government’s Covid subsidy, JobKeeper ends today.

We’re joined by Professor John Quiggan from the University of Queensland’s School of Economics to talk about what’s likely to happen once the subsidy is cut.

We’re about to enter a post Covid economy. What does the future hold, and how many people will lose their jobs once the handouts are wound back?

JobKeeper ends today PM's approval rating plummets 100s dead as Myanmar violence erupts

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Jamila Rizvi talks to Wil Anderson, the award-winning stand-up comedian, television host, writer and podcaster.

Wil’s about to take his show Wilegal to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival after the event was cancelled last year – the first time in 25 years he hasn’t attended.

Jamila checks in on how his year without touring has been, his personal philosophy for life and what audiences can expect from his upcoming live show.

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We’re all talking about consent! And with good cause!

It lies at the heart of the reason 100k plus women hit the streets last Monday. That march for justice was responding to the issues around sexual violence that have been raised through the Brittany Higgins and Christian Porter allegations... and the way they’ve been handled. Broadcaster, podcaster and author Yumi Stynes joins us to talk about consent.

Consent 101. What is it... and how should we teach it?

In Today's Headlines

PM grilled over ministers' future Questions over NSW flood death Suez ship jammed for at least a week Tokyo torch relay begins

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More and more women are freezing their eggs to have a baby later in life.

In fact, there’s been a 20 percent increase in the number of women freezing eggs, and it prompts the question….why? Musician and broadcaster, Linda Marigliano’s podcast is called Tough Love. This week she talks about HER egg freezing journey. To give us the medical facts and figures, we’re joined by Dr Peter Illingworth - Medical Director of IVF Australia.

All your questions answered in relation to freezing your eggs. The pesto recipe will come later

In Today's Headlines

Scandal-plagued ministers expected to move in re-shuffle NSW MP names himself as rape accused Two dead as massive flood clean-up begins

Container ship stuck in Suez Canal

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Covid showed people they could work from home – live in a regional centre or on the coast, and work in the city.

It’s meant a massive rise in house prices pretty much across the country. It’s also meant locals are being priced out of their own market. We’re joined by Byron Bay local Nicqui Yazdi who’s had to move to Lennox Head to find affordable housing; Tim McKibbin is CEO of the Real Estate Institute of NSW, who says he’s never seen anything like it. Byron Bay councillor Sarah Ndiaye says the local community is in ruins.

Where do we draw the line? Or is regional housing simply a reflection of the gentrification of country and coastal towns?

In Today's Headlines

MP Morrison forced to apologise to NewsCorp over sex allegations Rain eases as big flood clean-up begins Local AZ vaccine approved

Ten dead in US mass shooting Festival cancels Union Jack artwork

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Tens of thousands of women marched in rallies and protests across Australia last week. They sought a renewed dialogue about misogyny, sexual assault and respect.

New Zealand established a specialised court ten years ago to deal sensitively with victims of sexual assault. Angela Lynch from the Women’s Legal Service of QLD joins us to talk about how the court works and why she’s leading a push to establish a similar court here in Australia.

It’s time to start treating victims of sexual assault with the care and respect they deserve – and it might just mean more perpetrators are brought to justice.

In Today's Headlines

Weather crisis continues across Australia More claims of sex romps in Canberra's parliament house PM under pressure over inquiry pause

Former NRL and NFL star Jarryd Hayne found guilty of sexual assault NZ travel bubble talks continue

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Brooke Boney and Linda Marigliano, two of Australia’s most connected entertainment tastemakers, tell you what to think about the most important moments in culture this week.

Brooke & Linda’s Dream Club is a book club for film, TV, fashion, politics, society and culture, food, literature, gaming, travel, relationships and mental health. From the biggest stories of the week to the ones you need to know about, Brooke & Linda give their authentic insider opinions and tunnel into the deeper issues behind the moments.

https://www.listnr.com/podcasts/podcasts/brooke-and-lindas-dream-club

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News bulletins all weekend featured stories about an emerging Covid crisis in Papua New Guinea. We’re told hospitals are overwhelmed and doctors and nurses are becoming infected daily.

We’re joined by Dr Gideon Kendino MBE, Manager of the Covid-19 National Control Centre in Port Moresby; and Kate Lyons, the Guardian Australia’s Pacific correspondent, to find out what’s going on, on the ground.

Australia is sending emergency supplies of the Covid vaccine and specialist medical teams to help manage the crisis. Is PNG’s emergency soon to become Australia’s emergency…?

In Today's Headlines

East coast flood crisis worsens

Australia's vaccine rollout ramps up today TGA approves local production of AstraZeneca vaccine

Two Australians detained in Myanmar

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Jamila Rizvi talks to Brooke Boney, a Gamilaroi Gomeroi woman who hangs out in the living rooms of a quarter of a million Australians every weekday morning as Today’s entertainment reporter on Channel 9.

She’s worked in the newsrooms of NITV, SBS and triple j, and is the co-host of ‘Brooke & Linda’s Dream Club’ with her best mate Linda Marigliano.

Jamila and Brooke discuss the importance of March 4 Justice, racism in the royal family and the necessity to use your platform to speak your truth.

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A decade ago, the world watched the Arab world explode in a fever of protests and explosions. Millions marched in the streets to over-throw governments. But was it worth it?

Hossam el-Halamaway is an Egyptian journalist and blogger living in exile in Berlin. He says social media might have informed the world, but it didn’t help the protestors. Peter Greste, the Australian journalist who was imprisoned in Egypt for 400 days says social media promises change, but ultimately is only a lens to view the emerging story.

So where are we ten years after the Arab Spring, and what role did the new phenomena of social media play in the campaign?

In Today's Headlines

EU watchdog says AstraZeneca vaccine is safe

Australia's vaccine rollout ramps up Newstart increase passes through the Senate

Employment figures point to post-Covid jobs boom Mystery player in Sydney wins $50m Powerball prize The AFL season kicks off at the MCG

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Nations across Europe have paused the rollout of the AstraZeneca Covid jab after a handful of recipients suffered blood clots. Australia is heavily invested in the vaccine.

Catherine Bennett - Deakin University Chair of Epidemiology joins us to assure Australians the vaccine is safe. She says people get blood clots everyday – and it’s not a game-changer in terms of the effectiveness of the vaccine.

So where to for Australia? And is the pause in the rollout actually a strategy to keep supply for the European countries?

In Today's Headlines

Health authorities reassure Australians vaccine is safe after allergic reactions

European countries making threats against AstraZeneca, to secure vaccine supplies Anti-terror arrests in Victoria

Trump v Markle in 2024??

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Covid has made us all anxious. We’re all seeking ways to be more mindful, more relaxed, more in touch with now. Could learning a musical instrument calm our nerves and leave 2020 behind??

55-year-old GT inherited a piano from his mother and he has not stopped playing since he took it up. He says it’s changed his life. George Washingmachine, one of Australia’s premier musicians, tells us music transforms lives – and you’re never too old to pick up an instrument. Joe Thompson, a music therapist runs a program teaching guitar to vets and ex-firies to help with their PTSD. He tells us it’s all about calm.

Learning a musical instrument could be the new you. And you’re never too old to do it.

In Today's Headlines

PNG Covid 'catastrophe' looms for Australia

Hunt, Kelly: AstraZeneca vaccine is safe Prince Philip leaves hospital after four-week stay

Coalition MP Nicolle Flint takes aim at ALP in farewell speech Facebook inks media deals with News Corp and Sky New

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Seven people, including six children, died in a horrific fire at Sydney’s Luna Park in 1979. Investigators at the time found an electrical fault was to blame.

The ABC’s investigative journalist Caro Meldrum-Hannah is hosting a new three-part series investigating the blaze. She found the survivors, who for the first time, have had a chance to tell their story.

The blaze erupted on a cold June night more than 40 years ago. It has never been adequately investigated – until now.

Was it an accident, or arson?

In Today's Headlines

Thousands rally across Australia in support of women’s rights

Christian Porter sues the ABC for defamation

Germany, France and Italy have suspended the rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine

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The federal government is introducing strict new online bullying laws, designed to stop trolls.

The problem is, they powers are too broad. The legislation will see sex workers, who advertise legitimately online, removed from most platforms. Lucie B is a QLD-based sex worker. She says it will impact her ability to make an honest living. Jarryd Bartle is a lawyer specialising in this space. He says the new laws are being prepared without adequate consultation.

We’re all for stopping online bullying, but not if it’s at the expense of a totally legitimate industry.

In Today's Headlines PM receives second Covid jab as new cases emerge Labor ahead in latest Newspoll after storming to victory in WA More protests in London in wake of woman's murder Women's rights protests across Australia today

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Jamila Rizvi talks to Eddie Perfect, the Australian who took over Broadway with his musical adaptations of Beetlejuice and King Kong.

He rose to Australian prominence as Mick Holland on Channel 10’s Offspring and a host of Playschool, all while proving himself as an esteemed comedian, performer, lyricist and writer - there’s not much Eddie doesn’t do.

Now residing back in Melbourne, Jamila learns about Eddie’s move from New York, his Broadway successes and failures and the state of the Arts from COVID-19.

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This week has been one of the most tumultuous weeks in the British monarchy’s history.

We take a look behind the scenes at Buckingham Palace, Highgrove House and Kensington Palace. Harry & Meghan kept referring to The Firm in their Oprah interview. Juliet Rieden is the Women’s Weekly’s Editor-in-Chief and Royal Correspondent.

She takes us behind the walls of the palaces to find out who really pulls the strings. You’ll be surprised who is responsible for curtsy training.

In Today's Headlines Prince William speaks out in defence of the royal family Australia's Covid vaccine rollout now likely to run into 2022 More protest deaths in Myanmar as Aung San Suu Kyi accused of bribery NSW says QLD should not get cheap flights after border closures

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State governments across the country are changing defamation provisions. The laws haven’t been updated since 2005, when Facebook was still a frat house idea, and Twitter didn’t even exist.

John-Paul Cashen from Thomson Geer Lawyers joins us to explain what the new laws mean for everyday Australians. Will they stifle, or encourage free speech?

Today’s episode is an ‘explainer’ – a chance to dive deeper into the new laws determining what you can say about others, in the media and online.

In Today's Headlines Commonwealth to fund cut price airfares to rejuvenate tourism industry Victorian coal-fired power plant to be replaced by giant battery Meghan Markle complained to ITV over Piers Morgan's comments

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We’re more burned-out than ever before. A pandemic and back to back climate crises have left us fed-up and exhausted.

We’re joined today by the American GP and author Dr Amy Shah to find out why we’re so effing tired all the time. Is it diet? Or are some of us more prone to exhaustion than others?

It’s time for all of us to shake of the burden of tiredness. Find out how, today.

In Todays Headlines Buckingham Palace responds to claims made in Harry & Meghan's Oprah interview Meghan's dad weighs in on racism claims MPs and ministers in hospital around the country Kylie Moore-Gilbert breaks her silence on Iran detention

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Canberra has erupted with claims of toxic culture in the federal parliament – and the states are no better. So why would anyone choose to become a politician.

We’re joined by WA MP Anne Aly who freely admits she’s not watched Question Time before being elected an MP.

What’s the future look like in Canberra? Is it time the toxic culture in the corridors of parliaments – both federal and states – is overturned once and for all?

In Todays Headlines Fallout continues from Harry & Meghan's bombshell interview Former foreign minister Julie Bishop backs SA Coroner's inquiry Businesses to get funding to hire tradies Massive covid savings to fuel economic recovery

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The Victorian government is considering using robots to patrol the corridors of hotels where people are in quarantine to contain the coronavirus.

We’re joined by Bryan Goudsblom, CEO of Monjon Australia, the security company behind the robots. He says they’re the next frontier of technology and have a part to play in the country’s future.

So will robots take your job? Will they be effective corridor monitors? Are we talking Hal from Space Odyssey or R2D2? The robots are coming.

In Todays Headlines 4500 GPs sign up to be part of the national Covid-19 rollout The world awaits the Harry & Meghan interview with Oprah Winfrey Australia cuts defence aid to Myanmar

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Grace Tame made national headlines again this week after addressing the National Press Club amidst federal government sexual abuse allegations.

Jamila Rizvi talks to the 2021 Australian of the Year who is leading the fight for survivors of sexual abuse to be allowed to tell their own stories.

At 15-years-old, Grace Tame was abused by her high school maths teacher. While the media was permitted to talk about her legal case, laws in Tasmania prevented her from speaking publicly.

She’s been fighting to change these archaic laws since she was personally granted a Supreme Court exemption to speak her truth in 2019.

Grace talks about her personal journey of speaking on her terms and learning to love herself. She also touches on the media cycle, the recent allegations of sexual abuse in federal parliament and the culture in workplaces for such power imbalances to take place.

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It sounds like the beginning of a bad joke but that’s exactly what happened this week when a group of teenagers and an 86-year-old nun took on the Environment Minister in the Federal Court.

The case kicked off Tuesday in Melbourne and will wrap next week.

We’re joined by Sister Brigid Arthur and one of the students, Tom Webster Arbizu, to find out how it’s going and why the case could have dramatic implications for the future of the country’s energy.

In Todays Headlines Victim's family pressuring PM to call independent inquiry into Porter allegations Linda Reynolds under pressure over 'lying cow' comments Italy has reportedly stopped 250,000 Covid vaccines headed for Australia

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A second look at the sexual assault crisis in private schools and why we don’t hear men’s voices in the discussions about toxic masculinity.

We’re joined by Louis, a 19-year-old former school leader who left school in 2019. He sheds light on what’s going on in schools right now. Rob Sturrock, author of the book Man Raises Boy, talks about the conversations we need to have.

A crisis is a culture needing change. Could 2021 and the recent private school expose bring much-needed generational change?

In Todays Headlines Attorney-General Christian Porter denies sexual assault allegations Linda Reynolds does not deny calling Brittany Higgins a "lying cow" New Covid-19 strain detected in Queensland New push to release convicted child killer Kathleen Folbigg

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The private school system in Sydney has been rocked by thousands of claims of sexual assault.

We’re joined by the former Kambala student Chanel Contos who has collated a dossier of names and experiences, she says, highlights a culture of toxic masculinity in private schools.

Why do private schools cultivate a toxic culture in relation to the treatment of young women? Chanel tells us it’s part of life. It’s time for change.

In Todays Headlines Minister in rape allegations to identify himself today NSW to issue vaccine certificates Tributes flow for Aussie music guru Michael Gudinski Remains found at Mollymook on NSW south coast not Melissa Caddick's

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Three high profile shootings in Sydney already this year have raised fears about a wave of gang violence.

Two of the shootings involved innocent bystanders... a nurse almost died after being shot, the wrong guy was shot dead after a boxing match and a senior gang member was brazenly shot dead while sitting in his car, all in the space of a few weeks between late January and mid-February.

Former NSW organised crime detective Ryan Jeffcoat joins us to find out if Sydney’s on the cusp of an underbelly style gangland war... and what police are doing to keep people safe.

In Todays Headlines Former PM Turnbull says rape accused minister should identify himself More remains found in search for Melissa Caddick Aussie house prices rise 2.1% in March, largest rise since 2003 Harry & Meghan sit down with Oprah Winfrey

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Australia was rocked by the murder of Brisbane mother Hannah Clarke and her three children. Her estranged husband breached an AVO and killed them as Hannah drove the children to school.

Hannah’s death has prompted governments across the country to look into creating coercive control laws.

Hannah’s mother Sue joins us to talk about the last year and the impact on the family. Author and journalist Jess Hill talks about the push to legislate new laws to protect victims, who are often too frightened to speak out.

In Todays Headlines Fresh rape claims rock Canberra More questions about the last days of Melissa Caddick 300,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine arrive in Australia One in five Australians can't raise $1000 in case of emergency

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Jamila Rizvi talks to Marc Fennell about the future of movies, the rise of streaming services, and what Marc has planned next.

We consume more content than ever before, with each medium receiving less of our exclusive focus. Going to the cinemas is becoming rarer and after its hard hit from coronavirus, will the industry bounce back?

Movie buff Marc Fennell gives his expert opinion on how the pandemic will change the way we experience film and how the content itself will evolve, as well as letting us in on his personal relationship with cinema.

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NSW Police announced this morning the missing financial adviser Melissa Caddick's remains have been found.

A shoe containing a decomposed foot washed up on a beach near Tathra on the NSW South Coast.

We bring you the details of the police press conference and the back story that led to one of the biggest missing person stories in recent history,

We brought you the story two weeks ago - today, a dramatic update.

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The world watched on as Facebook pulled news from the feeds of its Australian users, over paying for the right to re-publish news. Australia’s Treasurer Josh Frydenberg brokered a deal with Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg.

Stephen Scheeler, former CEO of Facebook Australia and New Zealand takes us through the machinations of the deal and what it means for users here and across the globe.

Who won the schoolyard scrap between Australia and Facebook?

In Todays Headlines News is back on Facebook Survey finds one in eight political staffers sexually harassed HealthCare Australia could lose contract over vaccine bungle Qantas announces $1b loss and no international flights until October Aussie dollar hits three-year high

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Scientists say climate change – and rising temperatures – could kill off summer sport in Australia.

The AFLW star Sharni Layton; and Dr Martin Rice, Head of Research at the Climate Council, say it will be too dangerous to play sport in summer in years to come.

Sport is a way of life in Australia. Including sport in the conversation may provide the incentive for Australians to demand action.

In Todays Headlines Brisbane announced as preferred bidder for 2032 Olympics Labor calling for answers after vaccine overdoses Brittany Higgins talks to AFP as Linda Reynolds hospitalised Tiger Woods recovering from surgery following horror car crash

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The Bergin Inquiry in NSW has found Crown Casinos is not fit to hold a casino licence, meaning its new multi-billion dollar tower in Sydney is a white elephant

We’re joined by The Age’s Nick McKenzie and former chair of the Casino, Liquor and Gaming Authority Chris Sidoti, to discuss Crown’s future.

What’s next for James Packer? What will happen to the new tower – Sydney’s tallest building – at Barangaroo? And how and why was Crown granted the licence for Barangaroo in the first place?

In Todays Headlines Facebook 're-friends' Australia JobSeeker going up but charity groups say it isn't enough Craig Kelly moves to crossbench giving the government a working minority Buckingham Palace says Prince Philip recovering from 'injection'

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The Covid-19 vaccines have arrived. Tens of thousands of Australians will begin receiving jabs this week.

We’re joined by Pfizer Australia’s Medical Director, Krishan Thiru, to take you through what the rollout will look like – and how Pfizer managed to get a vaccine up and running in such a short amount of time.

The federal government hopes more than 80 percent of Australians will be vaccinated by October

In Todays Headlines Fourth woman says she was assaulted by ex-Liberal staffer + reports he's been sacked Crown royal commission announced in Victoria as fourth director stands down JobSeeker increase expected to be announced today French dance giants Daft Punk announce split after 28 years

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The World Health Organisation commissioned Chinese experts and 17 international experts to conduct an independent investigation of the origins of Covid-19. One of the experts was Australian.

We’re joined by Professor Dominic Dwyer who went to Wuhan, to the wet market and to the Institute of Virology – to find the source of the outbreak.

He tells us what he and his colleagues learned about the virus and what we can learn globally from the mistakes made in China.

In Todays Headlines Scott Morrison receives his first Covid shot as the vaccine rolls out across Australia Facebook in talks with the federal government over news bans Brittany Higgins expected to meet with federal police this week Novak Djokovic wins the Australian Open

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Jamila Rizvi talks to Colin Fassnidge, the popular celebrity chef, My Kitchen Rules judge and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! contestant.

The Irish chef has recently used his prominence to create a Sydney food drive through the coronavirus pandemic and talks candidly about mental health in hospitality.

Colin also reflects on his relationship with Pete Evans, the change in mentality in professional kitchens, how his children have softened him and the ins-and-outs of reality TV shows.

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Australia was shocked this week to learn a parliamentary staffer had been allegedly sexually assaulted in a minister’s office in parliament house in Canberra.

We’re joined by the award-winning ABC journalist and host of the 4 Corners expose, the Canberra Bubble, Louise Milligan, who says she wasn’t surprised to learn of the allegations.

Why is parliament house toxic? Why do women in politics tolerate boorish and abusive behaviour? Does the Prime Minister have the power to reform the parliament once and for all?

In Todays Headlines Scott Morrison asks other world leaders to back Australia in Facebook fight JobSeeker rise to be locked in soon: report Texts cast doubt on claims Prime Minister’s office learned of alleged rape recently Tearful Serena Williams speaks after Australian Open semi-final loss

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Two asylum seekers arrived from Sri Lanka on separate boats almost ten years ago. They fell in love and married, had two children and settled in the small QLD town of Biloela.

Three years ago the Federal government decided they were not entitled to visas and deported them. The family appealed – and it’s been mired in the courts ever since. The family is now in detention on Christmas Island.

We talk to Immigration lawyer, Greg Hanson and a friend of the family, Angela Fredericks to try to determine if the family has been granted the one thing Australians hold dear – a fair go.

In Todays Headlines Facebook bans Australians from viewing or sharing news Media giants strike deal with Google Victoria officially out of lockdown as calls increase for nebuliser inquiry Big names rolled at the Australian Open PM announces inquiry into alleged sexual assault at parliament house Pete Evans booted off Instagram.

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Every time there’s talk of lockdowns, Australians go into a frenzy, feverishly buying …. toilet paper.

We’re joined by the clinical psychologist, Chris Basten, who explains why. Is it an existential threat to our pampered existence?

Or is it exposing our insecurities. You’ll be fascinated by the psychological reasons for stocking up. Australia, we need to talk about toilet paper.

In Todays Headlines Vic lockdown to end at midnight tonight while Andrews govt commits to stand-alone quarantine facility Tamil family thanks supporters as federal court keeps hopes of staying in Aust alive Secret inquiry to investigate Brittany Higgins rape allegations Djokovic says tennis season should be cancelled if quarantines continue

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What will warfare look like in the future? Is artificial intelligence making us safer or making us more vulnerable?

We’re joined by Max Heinemeyer, Director of Threat Hunting at the global cybersecurity experts, Darktrace. Everything you do makes you a target for AI collection.

So what part is the gathering of that intel playing in our security, our vulnerability and the planet’s future.

In Todays Headlines Liberal staffer says she was raped in Parliament House Rollout begins - Covid-19 vaccines arrive Tycoons in talks to run quarantine facilities Biloela Tamil decision to be handed down today Ash Barty through to Aus Open quarter finals Harry & Meghan to have another baby

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If you’re looking for intelligent and unbiased news coverage, join renowned journalist Natarsha Belling for the key headlines and analysis on the most important news stories of the day. Be up to date with breaking national and international stories as well as the top business and finance stories shaping our economy - every morning from 6:30am.

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Movie stars from all over the world are flocking to Australia to make their films, and our motion picture industry is booming. What’s behind the boom – and how can we cash in.

We’re joined by Kate Marks, CEO of Ausfilm, the national body trying to lure big productions down under.

We talk movie stars, blockbusters - and if it’s time to build Aussiewood to capitalise on the boom and to concentrate the local film industry in one region.

In Todays Headlines First coronavirus jabs could begin as early as next Monday NZ travel bubble suspended after mystery Auckland case Poor infection control to blame for Melbourne outbreak, experts Biden laments 'sad chapter in our history following Trump acquital Commonwealth considers single dole payment as JobSeeker cliff loom

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Jamila Rizvi talks to Clementine Ford, a writer, speaker and feminist thinker, ahead of Valentine’s Day.

Clementine is currently writing a book called How We Love, which features a series of personal essays on her relationship with love including how the birth of her son has changed her perspective.

Jamila and Clementine look at Valentine’s Day, dating in a pandemic, the different kinds of love and whether she’s taken her feminism too far.

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One of the questions that will define 2021 is how the vaccine rollout goes.

And so far, one of the key countries to watch is Israel. It has more of its population vaccinated than any other country in the world. Professor Cyrille Cohen is from Israel’s Health Ministry and is one of the people advising the country’s government on the vaccine rollout.

He joins us to explain how so far, 40% of the population have received one dose and 20% have had both doses.

In Todays Headlines Melbourne Covid outbreak sparks fears of lockdown Chaos at the Australian Open as hecklers thrown out Crown bosses expected to quit over licence doubts Australia to fight UK proposal for carbon tariffs Follow The Briefing

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Today on the Briefing we look at the impeachment of Donald Trump.

Associate Professor David Smith from the United States Studies Centre breaks down the likelihood that former President Trump will be impeached.

How does the impeachment work – and what does it mean for the Republican party post-Trump…..and for the Democrats who might be guilty of ‘be careful what you pray for, you just might get it!’

In Todays Headlines ALP push for casuals to transfer leave, entitlements SA border shuts as Melbourne Covid outbreak grows Crown scrambles to restructure in bid to secure casino licence Kygrios stuns in incredible Australian Open comeback Trump "inciter in chief" claims at impeachment hearing Follow The Briefing

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Today on the Briefing we explain the military crisis developing in Myanmar.

We’re joined by host of the Global Truths podcast, Keith Suter who takes us through Myanmar’s chequered history.

Will Aung San Suu Kyi’s legacy be tarnished by her handling of the refugee crisis four years ago? Will the military let democracy shine through? We find the answers.

In Todays Headlines Trump impeachment begins today Eddie McGuire resigns from Collingwood Crown not fit to hold casino licence Two new Covid cases in Melbourne/WHO releases findings on Wuhan probe Follow The Briefing

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Today on the Briefing we discuss the missing millionaire financial advisor, Melissa Caddick.

We’re joined by Nine Newspapers’ award-winning investigative journalist Kate McClymont to discuss Caddick’s motives, the allegations she’s facing and the trail of financial destruction she’s left in her wake.

How can someone just disappear from a ritzy Sydney suburb? Is she still alive? More than 60 victims have come forward to tell police they invested with Caddick. They deserve answers.

In today's headlines:

China tells Australia to tread warily after charging Australian journalist Cheng Lei

Scientists say more infectious variants of Covid could be fuelling quarantine outbreaks

Aus Open underway with Nick Kyrgios back to his old antics

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Russian citizens are marching in the streets. It’s being called the greatest threat to President Vladimir Putin’s reign in a generation.

We’re joined by Nadya Tolokonnikova, one of the founders of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot to discuss the groundswell campaign backing Opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Navalny remains in prison after surviving an assassination by poisoning, when spies, believed to be working on behalf of the Kremlin, put a nerve agent in his underpants.

In today's headlines:

NSW returned traveler tests positive two days after leaving quarantine.

Melbourne hotel worker tests positive as Aus Open gets underway

WA arson squad investigating six deliberately lit fires

Agriculture to be excluded from zero emissions by 2050 scheme

Super Bowl LV begins in Florida this morning

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Jamila Rizvi talks to former tennis champion Jelena Dokic ahead of the Australian Open about her impressive career and the pressures of professional sport.

Jelena made headlines in 1999 at just 16 years old when she beat world number one Martina Hingis in the first round of Wimbledon. She then continued to climb the ranks to world number four, all while suffering horrific abuse at the hands of her father and coach, Damir Dokic.

She opens up about her traumatic personal life while competing on the world stage and gives insight into the pressures that the Australian Open competitors could be feeling, particular amidst a pandemic.

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What’s with the Reddit v Wall St rumble – and why is the GameStop stock soaring?

This story ticks all the boxes of being a big cultural ‘moment’ of our time? It involves the internet; it’s got the internet mob and meme culture element and even Elon Musk is tweeting about it. We're joined by Scott Phillips from Motley Fool.

It’s got the little guy, the small-time internet investor, attacking the entrenched power and privilege of the big Wall St investors who’ve always had lots of access to information and control big enough amounts of money to move the markets. Not anymore.

In today's headlines:

Australia secures an additional 10 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine

Rain on the way as Perth bushfire losses rise

Australian Open on track despite Covid-19 case

Collingwood players pen apology after scathing racism report

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The world watched on as the QAnon conspiracy theory circled over the White House during the Trump years.

Trump has gone, what now for the QAnon believers and their claims?

We’re joined by New York Times writer and editor Stuart Thompson who spent three weeks in a QAnon chat room. What he learned will make you wonder what the QAnon conspiracists truly believed.

In today's headlines:

Aus Open in chaos after Covid finding in Melbourne quarantine hotel

Japan releases plan for Tokyo Olympic Games

PM chides Coalition MP Craig Kelly after fiery clash with Labor MP Tanya Plibersek

RBA says interest rates to remain low until 2025

Dragons backflip on Folau deal after backlash

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Today on the Briefing we discuss the chances of the Tokyo Olympic Games going ahead as planned in July.

The Olympic Games is the biggest event in the world – and Tokyo’s Games were postponed last year due to the Covid pandemic.

Today we’re joined by the Australian Olympic Committee CEO Matt Carroll to talk about the likelihood the Games will go ahead; and we speak to Australian rugby gold medallist Chloe Dalton about the impact the postponement has had on athletes.

In today's headlines:

Collingwood Magpies' racism scandal escalates

Cricket Australia postpones South Africa tour due to Covid risk

Up to 59 homes destroyed in bushfire near Perth

British hero Sir Tom Moore dies of Covid-19 related illness

St George-Illawarra Dragons seek clearance to sign Israel Folau

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Today on the Briefing we discuss how billionaires are getting richer – and the rest of us are picking up the crumbs.

We’re joined by Andrew Leigh, a Labor MP and former economist who explains how and why the rich are getting richer. He calls for big corporations to give back taxpayer-funded benefits like JobKeeper.

Where do you fit in the ever-widening wealth divide?

In today's headlines:

Collingwood Magpies engulfed in racism scandal

No new Covid-19 cases in WA amid five-day lockdown

PM Morrison announces goal for zero net emissions by 2050

Daily Mail settles with Prince Harry.

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi arrested as military reinstates 'dictatorship’

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In today's Briefing, we explain what the dark web is... and what’s happened in the ten years since Silk Road first launched.

Silk Road was the first big dark web marketplace to gain notoriety... but it only lasted two years until it was shut down and its owner arrested and jailed.

Earlier this month a very similar shutdown happened... and this time an Australian guy was in the cross hairs. We're joined today. by a dark web user; and Professor Monica Barratt, a senior researcher at RMIT, to tell us who uses the dark web, and why.

In today's headlines:

Millions Western Australia in lockdown after first case in ten months

No more “blank cheques” from federal government, warns Scott Morrison

Former White Ribbon chairman Andrew O'Keefe charged with domestic violence Mass arrests in Russia as protesters demand jailed critic’s release

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Jamila Rizvi chats to Thomas Mayor, a campaigner for the Uluru Statement from the Heart and celebrated indigenous author.

Thomas has travelled around Australia to promote the statement’s vision for a better future for First Nations people turning his experiences into books to educate adults and children: Finding The Heart Of The Nation and Finding Our Heart.

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Jamila Rizvi skips the small talk and goes deep during her conversations with celebrities, opinion shapers and newsmakers.

Join The Weekend Briefing on Saturday mornings to slow down, lean back and immerse yourself in the lives and views of the people at the centre of our news.

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Does the federal government’s new Covid-19 ad campaign make you more likely to get the vaccine shot when it becomes available later this year?

The grim reaper AIDS campaign in the 80s scared Australians into a generation of safe sex. Will the Covid-19 campaign convince the nation to roll up our sleeves to get the coronavirus vaccine.

We're joined by Dan Gregory, the advertising guru; and Professor Julie Leask, a public health expert from the University of Sydney.

In today's headlines:

QLD Premier seeks JobSeeker extension for ailing local tourism industry

Australian of the Year gambling scandal

ALP reshuffle prompts Albanese to defend his leadership

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Today we discuss the arrest of the man they call Asia’s el Chapo.

It’s estimated, Tse Chi Lop oversees a drug empire worth $90 billion a year. Considering Mexico and South American drug lords trade in amounts in the vicinity of $2-5 billion, Tse’s arrest, at the request of Australian authorities, is a massive coup for the federal police.

We're joined by Nine's feature reporter Chris Uhlmann and Sean Williams, host of The Underworld podcast.

In today's headlines:

"Urgent tracing" after two more Covid-19 cases found in New Zealand

Alleged paedophile Malka Leifer to front court after extradition from Israel

Aussies to start repaying $4.5b in Centrelink debts from next week

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What do proposed buts to JobKeeper and JobSeeker mean for those who have come to rely on the increased payments in the wake of the Covid pandemic?

We're joined by Charmaine Crowe from the Australian Council of Social Services; and two payment recipients, Bane Williams and Freya Pollard, who say they're headed back to poverty.

We look at the impact of the proposals and what it means to people who living on or near the bread line.

In today's headlines:

Margaret Court’s controversial award intended to address gender inequality

Scientists say our pets may need a Covid-19 jab too

Queensland on high alert after Covid-19 traces found at seven new sites

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Today we learn how to form good habits and why willpower isn’t the answer. And that there is a way to form good habits... even when your willpower is waning.

This is the time of year where the New Year’s resolutions start to get tested or for some people they may have fallen apart already. So let’s say someone four weeks ago made some resolutions about doing more exercise, eating better.

This episode is all about the struggle to live up to intention. You’ll learn how to be a better you.

We're joined by Wendy Woods, Provost Professor of Psychology and Business at the University of Southern California.

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Australian farmers are plowing crops into the ground.

Covid has meant the overseas workers aren’t getting in and the government’s trying to get young Aussies - any Aussies - to step in, but it doesn’t seem to be working. Only 500 have taken up a new incentive to get picking.

A register set up by growers found they've lost more than $38 million worth of fruit and veg already. and the fruit harvest hasn’t peaked yet - that’s in March.

Today we look at the background of the crisis and what's being done to put Australian fruit and vegies on Australian tables.

In today's headlines:

A new poll shows only one third of Australians support changing the date of Australia Day

Five states to get hit by a heatwave over the next two days

NZ first Covid-19 case in months

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Covid turned a Melbourne golf course into a public park and now no one wants to leave. There’s a push to turn the course into a public park permanently.

In Sydney for example - there are 91 golf courses and they take up 38 kilometres of open space - space that can only be accessed by members or paying guests.

In this Briefing... how Covid has ignited the debate about turning golf courses into parks. This issue was alive before the pandemic. The population of our cities has grown massively since many of our golf courses were zoned... and number of people playing golf has been declining.

In today's headlines:

Cricket Australia stands firm on plans to scrap Australia Day

Joe Biden overturns Trump policies on his first day in the White House

Treasurer rejects hospitality appeal for JobKeeper extension

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Today, we take a look at the international roll-out of the various Covid-19 vaccines.

So far over 40m people have been vaccinated in more than 50 countries... including the Queen and Joe Biden! America and China are going fastest... with over 12 and 10 million people vaccinated respectively.

This a critical point to bring you a briefing on the vaccine rollout because we’re getting to see what’s happening in other countries before we start ours next month.

In today's headlines:

Joe Biden is sworn in as president of the United States

Donald Trump tries to steal Biden's thunder

Joe Exotic not included on Trump's pardon list

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Today on the Briefing we discuss the crisis engulfing the Australia Open.

One of the main reasons being put forward for taking the risk of going ahead with this tournament is a threat that we’d lose the Australian Open if we didn’t. How real was that risk? Because Wimbledon was cancelled last year and its future’s not in doubt?

A lot of Australians don’t have sympathy for the players, especially their complaints and demands, but can you tell us more about where they’re at. What has the last year been like for them? How much have they played and how much income have they lost?

In today's headlines:

The latest on the Australian Open and Victoria's plans to make sure the event goes ahead

Japan determined to make sure the Tokyo Olympics goes ahead

The final days of Donald J Trump's presidency

India win one of the most remarkable cricket tests in history.

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Today on The Briefing we explain Bitcoin.

Have you missed the chance to buy Bitcoin? The value has tripled over the last few months and there's been greater institutional acceptance, so should you put your savings in this new currency? Could it make you rich? or is it like playing the pokies?

Finance/crypto expert Scott Philips Chief Investment officer from Motley Fool joins us to explain everything you need to know about Bitcoin

In today's headlines:

Sam Groth says Australian Open players should check their privilege

Tropical Cyclone Kimi puts hundreds of thousands of Queenslanders on high alert

Norway officials say “no link” between vaccine and elderly deaths

Biden’s inauguration rehearsal locked down, evacuated by small fire

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When Joe Biden is sworn in this week it will be one of the most unusual Inauguration ceremonies in history.

The FBI has warned that armed protests by violent Trump supporters were being planned in all 50 state capitals as well as in Washington for the days leading up to the inauguration.

To find out how tight security will be and what the risk of more violence is we’re joined by US politics reporter for the Sydney Morning Herald and the Age Matthew Knott

Have we learned why they were incapable of the mob storming the capital and confident we’ll get it right this time? How likely is it we’ll see violence from pro Trump extremists? A number of protesters have been locked up, what are they actually facing and will it reduce the risk this week? What normally happens at the Inauguration? How quickly will there be a noticeable change once Biden takes office? Trump has been impeached again, does it give him a reason to keep fighting? Does the Senate trial have to happen for him to not be President again? Will the Inauguration bring a new sense of moving forward for America?

In today's headlines: Australian Open in chaos with fifth COVID-19 case Australia probing Norway deaths following Pfizer vaccine Unvaccinated patrons could be banned from NSW pubs and clubs Australia leads by 54 runs heading into day four of the fourth test

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Welcome to our Briefing ‘Summer Mode’ series, where we check in on your favourite stories of 2020, and catch up with the key people in those episodes to see if anything’s changed.

On today’s episode we catch up with Marcus Tomoff a 28 year old from Florida who got COVID-19 and infected his parents. Months after getting the virus, we find out what’s it like, and if Marcus and his family have been able to get back to normal?

We’ll be back to our normal daily episodes this Monday with the latest news headlines and a deep dive on a bigger story.

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Welcome to our Briefing ‘Summer Mode’ series, where we check in on your favourite stories of 2020, and catch up with the key people in those episodes to see if anything’s changed.

On today's episode we’re joined by Googles Data Editor Simon Rogers to see if our top google searches have changed over the last few months since our episode in September, what our searches say about us, and if Australia remains the top-ranked country for Googling “toilet paper”?

The Briefing will be back from 6am Monday Jan 18, ready to bring you all the big news stories for 2021.

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Welcome to our Briefing ‘Summer Mode’ series, where we check in on your favourite stories of 2020, and catch up with the key people in those episodes to see if anything’s changed since we first spoke to them.

On today’s episode we’re joined by Jacob Greber who took us on a road trip through Trump territory and the rust belt in the lead up to the election. He helped understand more about the people that would decide those key states. We find out if the election played out the way it expected to or were there some big surprises for Jacob?

The Briefing will be back from 6am Monday Jan 18, ready to bring you all the big news stories for 2021.

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Welcome to our Briefing ‘Summer Mode’ series, where we check in on your favourite stories of 2020, and catch up with the key people in those episodes to see if anything’s changed.

On today's episode we look at the 35,000 Aussies that are stranded overseas and cant get home for Christmas:

Tim an Aussie living in Malta Dave an Aussie stuck in Berlin Jess an Aussie stuck in London

The Briefing will be back from 6am Monday Jan 18, ready to bring you all the big news stories for 2021.

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2020 has been a year. We really thought the January bushfires were going to be the worst of it, but then came floods, a recession, and a global pandemic. It’s been so bad that it can be difficult to put into words.

Except that someone has. Writer, radio presenter and Chaser co-founder Dom Knight has written the 2020 Dictionary: The Definitive Guide to the Year the Planet Turned to Shit. Dom joins us for our final daily episode as we look back on the year of 2020.

In today's headlines: Christmas chaos as Northern Beaches cluster explodes States move to lock out NSW, Sydney Melbourne’s public tower lockdowns “breached human rights” Dramatic first day in the big summer test cricket series

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Four years ago 10-15 percent of ASIO cases were linked to the far right. Now, that figure has almost tripled. The head of ASIO, our national security agency, says that Neo-Nazis are one of the most challenging security threats in Australia. Reports tell us racially motivated terrorism, especially from white supremacists is “on the rise and spreading geographically.”

On today’s episode we’re going to hear from someone who not only knows white supremacist ideology well, he used to preach it himself. Tony McAleer is a former White Supremacist and far right recruiter who these days preaches the very opposite of what he used to believe.

In today's headlines: Sydney records three new local Covid-19 cases Israel orders extradition of accused Australian child abuser Malka Leifer Australia takes China to the World Trade Organisation over barley tariffs Tom Cruise social distancing rant revealed in leaked audio

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Australia’s relationship with alcohol is changing, on average we're drinking less, in fact less than anytime in the last 50 years. In today's briefing topic, you’ll find out why.

Someone who’s watched this relationship from a safe distance, is comedian Shaun Micallef. He stopped drinking in his 20s and made a documentary series called "On The Sauce". He joins us on today's episode. We’ll also dive deeper into the social research on alcohol consumption with Mark McCrindle from McCrindle research.

In today's headlines: Tony Mokbel’s conviction overturned over Lawyer X scandal Actor Craig McLachlan acquitted on indecent assault charges Senior soldier steps down over prosthetic leg drinking photo Biden savages Trump after Electoral College confirms election win

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In this Briefing we’ll find out how you negotiate a rental decrease! In some parts of the country the pandemic had a big impact on renters who are more likely to have insecure jobs.

As a renter it always feels like the landlord has the upper hand and that rent only ever goes up but that’s not the case at the moment in some of Australia’s biggest rental markets so it’s a good time to make sure you’re getting a fair deal on your rent. Leo Patterson Ross, the CEO NSW Tenants Union will talk us through how to do this.

In today's headlines: New Zealand travel bubble “the first step towards international normality” New York City nurse the first to receive US Covid-19 vaccine NSW shelves drug reform as ACT considers decriminalisation China reportedly bans Australian coal imports Storms destroy iconic Australian beaches

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COVID-19 has really sped up the cashless tend and in today’s episode we’re Briefing you on how close we are to becoming a cashless economy, and the surprising and important reasons why we may never go 100% cash free.

The big four banks closed 170 branches during the pandemic and more than two thousand ATM’s were removed mid-year, it’s unclear whether they’ll come back. Michele Bullock is Assistant Governor at the Reserve Bank of Australia joins us to explain how close Australia is to becoming cashless, and how we compare to other countries.

In today's headlines: Applause as Pfizer vaccine sent out in US Western Australian police brace for gangland war Alleged Bali Bombing mastermind arrested World still not on track to meet Paris Agreement, warns UN chief

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The Paris agreement is having its 5th birthday tomorrow so you’ll be hearing a lot about it, and a lot about achieving net zero emissions by 2050 which is something our government haven’t committed to yet despite being a signatory to the Paris climate agreement.

In today's episode we’ll explain what the Paris agreement actually is and go back to basics with Andrew Higham who helped draft the agreement. Andrew is currently CEO of an organisation called Mission 2020 which works with big business to help reduce their carbon footprint.

In today's headlines: Lebanon’s Prime Minister, three ministers charged over Beirut blast Facebook could be forced to sell off Whatsapp, Instagram Nine arrested over NSW bushfire grants fraud WA Premier snubs National Cabinet to avoid SA Premier

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A film about one of Australia’s darkest moments, the 1996 Port Arthur massacre is in production right now. It’s called Nitram which is Martin spelt backwards and is scheduled for release next year. The filmmakers want to shine a light on the gun laws that were brought in after the attack, but a long list of Tasmanians don’t want the film to go ahead, and in today's Briefing you’ll find out why.

We’ll be joined by Tasmanian Liberal Senator Eric Abetz who was part of the Howard government that introduced the strict gun laws, Brian Mitchell Labour MP for Lyons which includes Port Arthur, and Professor Richard Bryant Director of Traumatic Stress Clinic at UNSW who specialises in PTSD.

In today's headlines: Albury teenager with “extreme” right-wing views facing terror charges UK investigates allergic reactions to Pfizer vaccine UN warns world still facing “catastrophic” 3C warming Report into destruction of ancient caves recommends restitution, reconstruction

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On this day one year ago Whakaari/White Island volcano off the coast of New Zealand erupted. Tragically there were 47 tourists on or near the island and around 12 of them were actually inside the crater. In total 22 people died, 17 of them were Australians.

So now that we’re one year on what have we learned about this tragedy? what should have been done differently? and who will take responsibility? In this episode we’re joined by Merdith Dallow who lost her brother Gavin in the tragedy, and Katie Stevenson a reporter for TVNZ who was on scene at Whakatane to cover the story.

In today's headlines: UK grandmother first to receive Pfizer vaccine Plan to force Facebook, Google to pay for news to be introduced to parliament today Christchurch gunman could have only been stopped by chance, finds royal commission Australia introduces new alcohol guidelines

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In 2016, 20-year-old Australian Elly Warren was killed on a night out with friends at a tourist resort in Mozambique. Her father Paul Warren is still fighting for justice having travelled to Africa and funded his own investigation. And as part of that investigation he hired a local woman to act as a sex worker and gather evidence on the key suspect.

In this Briefing topic, you’ll find out why Paul has had to take this investigation into his own hands and why he’s frustrated with Australian police, as well as the Mozambican authorities. We're also joined by retired Victorian homicide detective Charlie Bezzina.

In today's headlines: German pair who mistakenly travelled interstate receive second negative Covid-19 test WA finally reopens to NSW, Victoria Most of California to be in hard lockdown over Christmas Part-time workers to lose overtime under major government shakeup Covid-19 imported to Wuhan in Australian steak, says China

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Streaming services have transformed the way we watch TV with 16 million Australians now accessing these platforms. But the giants Netflix, Amazon and Disney are all US companies with mostly US shows.

Last month the Australian government put out a proposal to force these streaming services to spend a certain percentage of their Australian revenue on Australian content. On today’s episode we ask ‘Should we force those platforms to make Aussie shows? We’re joined by Aussie actor, writer, and presenter Matt Okine, and the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance.

In today's headlines: NSW officer who let German travellers skip quarantine won’t be punished Fraser Island residents told to leave immediately New laws strengthen protections for casuals US breaks new Covid-19 records following Thanksgiving

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There’s been a running boom in 2020. During lockdown it was one of the only things you could do and in some parts of the country the number of people using running tracks and walking trails doubled during the height of the pandemic.

So in this episode we’re going to find out why so many of us turned to running and what we got out of it not just the physical side but the psychological and philosophical. You’ll also get some tips on how to avoid an injury with guests Warren Williams, head coach of The Run Squad and John Connell, author of The Running Book.

In today's headlines: Plans to reopen could be delayed by NSW hotel quarantine worker case Scott Morrison “unnerved” by planned Port Arthur film “I’ll see you in four years”: Trump hints at 2024 Presidential bid Major music festivals announced in three Australian states

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A national review has suggested that smartphone apps and wearable surveillance devices including ankle bracelets are among options that could allow returning travellers to quarantine at home rather than in a hotel. Since March, Hong Kong has been allowing travellers to home quarantine using a wrist bracelet that you scan into a phone app and it has been working effectively.

On today's episode we explore how these monitoring devices could work, and how they’d be received by Australian travellers. Dr Marietta Martinovic is a Criminologist from RMIT has done a PhD on electronic monitoring and explains more about this technology.

In today's headlines: UK to get Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine next week Australia is officially out of recession Chinese social media app WeChat censors Scott Morrison Singapore approves sale of world-first lab-made chicken nuggets

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Parler is a growing platform that calls itself the “world’s premier free speech social network.” But is it free speech? or hate speech?

Parler has created a space for people who share a similar world view and those that feel their opinions are being blocked by more traditional social media sites. User numbers spiked dramatically after the 2020 US Presidential election and Parler believes this is because other social media platforms are curtailing the spread of information, and censoring right wing voices and opinions.

It’s similar to Twitter in that there’s a newsfeed, and users can upload images and write posts, but that’s where the similarities end. Unlike Twitter there is no fact checking, so Parler users can say and post whatever they like as long as it’s not against the law.

To discuss this new platform we're joined by Mark Pesce, futurist and host of Podcast One’s The Next Billion Seconds and Vicki, an Australian Parler user.

In today's headlines: Tensions with China reach fever pitch over doctored photo Photo alleges Australian Soldier drinking beer out of dead Taliban fighters prosthetic leg Australia edges closer to border freedom by Christmas Tasmanians condemn planned Port Arthur gunman film

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What may be a few easy taps on your phone to order takeout straight to your door, can be a treacherous and sometimes life-threatening trek for food delivery drivers. On average, one food delivery rider dies in Australia every fortnight. Five delivery riders have died nationally in the past nine weeks, four of them in Sydney.

The latest tragedy involved a 37-year-old UberEats cyclist from Malaysia, who died after being hit by a truck last week. What is being done to protect our delivery riders? Who’s responsible for making sure drivers receive proper training?

To answer these questions, we're joined by Delivery rider Ash, who was injured on the job last year and Joellen Riley Munton, Professor of Law, University of Technology Sydney who says food delivery drivers are 21st century chimney sweeps.

In today's headlines: China doubles down over "appalling" fake image of Australian soldier Qantas axes 2000 baggage handlers, plane cleaners, ground crew Victoria’s hotel quarantine program to restart Charges laid over White Island tragedy

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Can “shareholder activists” bring meaningful action on climate change, even as the federal government continues to hold out? At 23 years old, Mark McViegh sued one of Australia’s biggest super funds over its handling of climate change, forcing them to commit to being carbon neutral by 2050. This year a number other superannuation funds have committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions from their investment portfolios by 2050.

His story is part of a much bigger movement of shareholders, investors and consumers forcing companies to commit to greater action on climate change. To discuss, we're also joined by Scott Phillips, partner at law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler.

In today's headlines: Records tumble as Australia’s east bakes Two million workers leave JobKeeper as economy recovers SA testing blitz continues after quarantine breach Covid-19 vaccination could begin in the UK next week

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We'll explain the meaning of the symbol in the neo-nazi cartoon that cause Pete Evans fall from grace two weeks ago. We’ll find out what this means for Pete Evans future, and find out where the black sun symbol comes from, what it actually means, and how it relates to the cartoon.

Our guests today are Andrew Horney from the Sydney Morning Herald and Andrew Jakubowicz, a professor of sociology at University of Technology.

In today's headlines: Defence moves to expel 10 SAS soldiers Freed academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert expected to arrive home today Victoria on the brink of COVID-19 elimination Federal govt considers Aussie show quota for streaming giants

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Robodebt is the automated process that wrongly calculated millions of dollars of Centrelink debt for Australians. Hundreds of thousands were impacted, and in 2019 they sued the government in a class action.

Last week the case was settled in the largest class action payout in the country, with $1.2 billion given back to victims. But many of those victims are not happy with the settlement and on today’s Briefing you’ll find out why $1.2 billion is not as good as it sounds.

If you need help regarding Robodebt you can go to Legal Aid or other community legal centres in your state, or if Kath’s story brought up issues for you please call lifeline for support 13 11 14

In today's headlines: Developing: Australian academic reportedly released in Iranian prison swap Convicted terrorist Abdul Nassar Benbrika stripped of citizenship Meghan Markle reveals miscarriage The big winners of 2020’s Virtual ARIA awards

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It’s three weeks since the US Presidential election and Donald Trump is continuing court challenges and still refusing to concede defeat.

His fight against the result started long before the election when he began questioning the legitimacy of mail in ballots, and he continued with these allegations on election night when he appeared to be losing.

On today’s episode we find out how President Trumps legal fight to overturn the election is going and whether his legal avenues are about to close.

We’re joined by Adam Klasfeld, investigative reporter with Law & Crime news.

In today's headlines: Every Australian could be vaccinated by September 2021: CSIRO QLD expected to open to Victoria Qatari officers charged over invasive searches Biden Presidential transition begins

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A four-year investigation into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan by Australian special forces was made public by the Chief of Defence Angus Campbell.

The key revelation from the report include the alleged unlawful killing of 39 Afghan civilians and prisoners by Australian troops between 2009 and 2013.

19 of those soldiers have been referred to the Australian Federal Police for prosecution over their war crimes charges.

In this briefing, we are joined by David Kilcullen, an Australian author, strategist, and counterinsurgency expert to explain what has happened in this dark chapter of Australian military history and how to stop it from ever happening again.

In today's headlines: Oxford vaccine at least 70% effective as Qantas CEO confirms vaccine mandatory Allegations NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian failed to isolate after COVID-19 test More than 100 former Republican officials demand Trump concession

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Facebook moderators are the 15,000 people around the world whose job it is to decide what content stays, what gets flagged with a warning, and what gets deleted. They are watching the worst stuff on the internet so you don’t have to, and now some of them are fighting back against the tech giant and winning.

In recent years thousands of moderators have come forward saying they now suffer from depression, nightmares and PTSD because of what they were made to see on the job. We're joined today by Chris Gray, a former Facebook moderator and Dave Coleman, Coleman Legal.

In today's headlines: Scott Morrison talks vaccine distribution, international travel at virtual G20 SA officials defend brief lockdown with worrying modelling Couple praised for pulling shark attack victim from water Facebook, Google must pay for news, say Australian media companies

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In this special edition of The Briefing we give you Mary Trump uncut, an extended episode of Tom Tilley’s compelling interview with Donald Trump's niece.

You’ll hear Mary’s fascinating insights into her uncle, who she refers to as ‘the worlds most dangerous man’.

With a PHD in psychology, Mary’s helps us understand more about the man, his mind, and what he might do next as he continues to deny the reality that he’s lost the election.

In the lead up to the election Mary published a book Too Much and Never Enough - how my family created the world’s most dangerous man.

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There’s a growing awareness about the damage hard core contact sports is doing to our players, and in today's briefing we go deep on what football is doing to player’s brains and what should be done about it.

In Australia five players have been diagnosed with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). This is a brain disease caused by repeated knocks to the head. It doesn’t cause immediate symptoms and is degenerative so it happens over time affecting the thoughts, moods and behaviours of those who have it.

In September this year Former AFL player Shaun Smith received an historic 1.4million dollar insurance payout that acknowledged the permanent damage caused by repetitive concussions while playing. Shaun joins the Briefing along with player agent Peter Jess and Associate Professor Michael Buckland who set up the Australian Sports Brain Bank to research CTE.

In today's headlines: Scott Morrison says alleged war crimes will be dealt with seriously South Australia records no new Covid-19 cases Australia fires back at China’s list of “grievances” Australians making more money but not as happy, survey finds

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What’s is going through Donald Trump’s head right now? It's more than two weeks since the US Presidential election and Donald Trump has still not publicly conceded. To understand more about the man his mind and what he might do next, we’re joined by his niece, Mary Trump.

In the lead up to the election Mary published a book ‘Too Much and Never Enough - How my family created the world’s most dangerous man’. In today’s episode Tom Tilley goes deep with Mary Trump to find out:

What is going on in his head right now? Will he just bat this loss away like he has with so many other of his problems? Will this be the downfall of Donald Trump? Major media has turned on him and called out misinformation, how will that be affecting him? Where does she see things going from this point forward? How does she feel about what’s happened personally? Does she want to see him go down? Would she like to see him broken by this loss? Would she like to see him in jail as a result of the legal problems he might face? With 73 million Americans voting for him, why does Mary think he holds so much appeal to so many Americans?

In today's headlines: South Australia has entered day one of 6 day hard lockdown China outlines official list of reasons to be angered with Australia A redacted report into alleged war crimes by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan is due to be made public today A glimmer of normality, with sports stadiums filling up.. And now live music return announcements. President Trump has fired his top election official Christopher Krebs … via Twitter!

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Australia’s Trade Minister Simon Birmingham joins this episode of The Briefing as we look at the growing trade tensions between Australia and China, and what Australia is going to do to fix it.

This year after our political leaders called for an independent inquiry into the origins of COVID-19 China announced restrictions on some of our key exports including Barley wine, timber, coal, copper ore, sugar and seafood, all of which are now on the banned list by China Customs.

So how bad is our relationship with China right now? How did we get here? Who is at fault? Is this a coordinated act of punishment out of Beijing? And has Australia been too outspoken for our own good?

We’re also joined by Geoff Raby AO, an Australian economist and diplomat and former Ambassador to China.

In today's headlines: More sponsors ditch Pete Evans over cartoon featuring neo-Nazi symbol Adelaide cluster continues to grow as thousands forced to isolate Australia and Japan agree 'in principle' to historic defence pact

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Financial and economic abuse is a form of domestic or family violence. It can be really hard to identify and to escape from as money is often used as a powerful tool for control or exploitation.

The Commonwealth Bank and the UNSW’s Gendered Violence Research Network have looked into this in a new report for financial institutions so they can better support people impacted by economic and financial abuse. So what exactly does this form of abuse look like and what can we do to aid those caught up in it?

To help us answer these questions we're joined by Professor Jan Breckenridge, Head of School, School of Social Sciences and Co-Convener, Gendered Violence Research Network (GVRN) and Natasha Janssens, the founder of Women With Cents.

In today's headlines: US biotech firm says its Covid-19 vaccine is 94.5% effective Defence force to be deployed to South Australia amid potential second wave Robodebt victims to receive $1.2 billion settlement Pete Evans dropped by publisher after sharing image with neo-Nazi symbol

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Oregon has become the first US state to decriminalize the personal use of all drugs. The "Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act" will allow people arrested with small amounts of hard drugs to avoid going to trial, and possible jail time, by paying a $100 fine and attending an addiction recovery program.

In today's episode we find out how Oregon got here, and how Australia’s drug reform advocates have been pushing for a similar harm minimisation approach here when it comes to drug use and criminal punishments. Our guests today are Kate Chatfield - Director of Policy with The Justice Collaborative a non-profit advocating law reform in America and Reverend Simon Hansford - Head of the Uniting Church Australia.

In today's headlines: Donald Trump comes close to admitting Joe Biden won the election WA shuts door on South Australia amid hotel quarantine outbreak Vaccine factory to be built in Melbourne under $1.8b deal

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What could you accomplish if you knew how to improve concentration and overcome distractions? What if you had the power to stay focused and become “indistractable?” In today's Briefing we're going deep on distractions.

Nir Eyal is a behavioural scientist and former marketing lecturer at Stanford University and he’s written a number of books on technology and talks us through his groundbreaking new book Indestractable.

In today's Briefing we discuss: What is distraction? Our internal and external distraction Triggers The 4 steps to becoming indistractable How to master our internal triggers and hack back external triggers Getting the best out of technology, without letting it get the best of us

In today's headlines: Prime Minister warns Australians to brace for “difficult” and “disturbing” news about soldiers Hottest years will feel cool in coming decades, says CSIRO WA’s hard border is softening from midnight

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After Pfizers exciting announcement this week, the reaction from experts around the world has been positive. We’ve already learnt some important things about the vaccine, and in today’s Briefing we’re going to dig deeper and find out how it might speed up our path back to normal life? How it will be rolled out? Who gets it? And how will it change travel?

Dr Mary-Louise McLaws is an epidemiologist from NSW University who’s been part of World Health Organisation COVID-19 advisory panel talks us through this possible pathway back to life as we knew it.

In today's headlines: Five million Australian vaccinations could happen from March President Trump’s first formal public appearance since election defeat NSW smashes QLD sending State of Origin to a decider

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A vaccine being produced by Pfizer may be 90 per cent effective in stopping the transmission of COVID-19 which has created a lot of excitement about getting the deadly virus under control and getting our lives back to normal. The Pfizer trial is one of four potential vaccines the Australian Government has signed an agreement to purchase if it is successful. Pfizer have announced they could produce 50 million doses by the end of this year and 1.3 billion by the end of next year.

In today’s Briefing topic we ask Dr Norman Swan about some of his concerns about the trial and what it means from here. We’re also joined by Dr Sheryl Recinos, a Californian doctor who was part of this very vaccine trial.

In today's headlines: Pfizer vaccine reportedly being fast-tracked for Australian approval Jobseeker supplement extended but reduced Prime Minister won’t take disciplinary action after Four Corners report

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Last week, four innocent people died in a terror attack in Vienna, Austria. The 20-year-old perpetrator had already been in jail after trying to join ISIS and was made to participate in a deradicalisation program during his sentence time. There were reports he was showing signs of a turn around and was subsequently released early from his 22-month sentence. He’d served less than half of it.

We’re going to find out more about how these deradicalisation programs work and whether they should be used in early release decisions? Joining the show are guests Johannes Saal, an expert in Austrian extremism at the University of Lucerne, Switzerland and Labor MP Dr Anne Aly.

In today's headlines: Major breakthrough: Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine “90 percent effective” US President-elect Joe Biden announces new Covid-19 task force Australia’s Attorney-General considers “legal options” after Four Corners Floor cleaner that’s less effective than water named and shamed in 2020 Shonky Awards

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Joe Biden is officially the US President-elect.

Biden called for unity and calm in his victory speech in Delaware yesterday, but the challenges facing America will be very divisive.

First and foremost, bringing COVID under control and managing the economic recovery from the pandemic. He’s also pledged to re-join the Paris agreement, and then there’s the extreme racial division…

In this Briefing topic, we’re going to ask where to next for Biden’s America.

Matthew Knott, is the SMH and The Age Washington correspondent

Headlines: President-elect Joe Biden promises to unify America Donald Trump refuses to concede Victoria becomes “whole again” after incredible Covid-19 results Covid-19 vaccine production begins in Australia

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We bring you the latest on the US Presidential Election as it plays out. With Joe Biden insisting every ballot be counted and Donald Trump launching legal action, American voters are anxious and exhausted.

Hugh Riminton joins us from Washington as the US election race continues.

In today's headlines: US election count update “Stop the count”: Armed guards protect American voting centres from angry protesters NSW Premier “shocked” after QLD Premier rubs in State of Origin win Mardi Gras parade cancelled, moved to the SCG

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We cross to David Lipson in Washington during the most divisive election in decades, to find out what’s behind the results so far, and how will this super tight election play out?

David has spent the last year living and reporting in the US through COVID, civil unrest and a drama-packed election campaign. How likely is it the election will be called today? Do you think its Joe Biden mostly likely to win a path to victory? What has he seen in Washington over the last 24 hours? Why are these remaining states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania so key to this election? Where did Trump do well that had his opponents taking deep breaths? What have we learned about which messages have worked with the American people? The reaction to Trump and Bidens speeches Trump has threatened a supreme court challenge. If that case is to go ahead what would it actually be deciding on?

In today's headlines: Tight election race continues after Donald Trump falsely claims victory QLD debutants stun NSW in State of Origin NSW to become the only state to open to the rest of the country

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In contemporary Australian politics the Coalition (Liberal and National) is considered centre-right and the Australian Labor Party is considered centre-left.

So what exactly are the origins of the political terms 'left' and 'right'? and is there something intrinsic in us that means we align with either of these two lablels?

Dr Zareh Ghazarian is a political scientist and leading commentator on Australian Politics and joins us on todays episode to explain: What is left, what is right and how have they changed? Where did they come from? And how did we end up with this binary way of defining politics? What does progressive mean? Why do we still use these terms as relevant today?

In today's headlines: It begins: the US election is underway Melbourne Cup win marred by euthanasia Islamist terrorist who was granted early prison release behind Austrian terror attack Reserve Bank expects record low rates to remain for years

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Despite two World Wars, the Great Depression, and the Spanish Flu, the Melbourne Cup - the race that stops the nation - has never been stopped. But there was a moment back in March where it looked like Covid-19 would halt the Melbourne Cup for the first time in 160 years.

Today, the race will run with no crowds, no stilettos in the mud, no celebrities shoulder to shoulder in the Birdcage. Fashions On The Field will turn online as fashions in people’s front yards. No roar from the stadium full of people, just the sound of horses’ hooves and jockeys’ voices.

In this Briefing, you’ll find out how the race was saved and just how different it will be in this bizarre pandemic year. Our guests are VRC Executive General Manager of Customer Experience Caroline Ralphsmith and Emma Freedman.

In today's headlines: Polls narrow for Trump on election eve Johnny Depp loses court battle Australia Post CEO resigns after Cartier watch saga House prices rise ahead of anticipated rate cut

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We’re joined by Australia’s most famous lawyer Geoffrey Robertson who shares his thoughts on the future of the Royal Family. Geoffrey Robertson AO QC is a Barrister, author and one-time host of Geoffrey Robertson’s Hypotheticals on the ABC.

Geoffrey worked on a case against Princess Diana in the mid 90s, he socialises with members of the Royal Family including Prince Charles and Meghan Markle. He is also the founder of the London legal chambers where Amal Clooney works. Geoffrey will be on stage in Australia next year with ‘It’s no longer hypothetical’ where he talks about post truth, Trump, Brexit and the Royal family. Tickets on sale via www.lateralevents.com

In today's headlines: UK returns to lockdown as Australia boasts no community transmission Premier Palaszczuk back to work after historic QLD election win

Original James Bond Sean Connery has died, aged 90. US election: Biden, Trump blitz battleground states on election eve

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In this special weekend edition of The Briefing we give you an extended version of our interview with Magda.

She’s one of Australia’s most loved comedians however Magda Szubanski was recently targeted by a coordinated “avalanche of hate” from rightwing extremists and COVID deniers after appearing in a Victorian government ad encouraging mask use.

As you’ll hear this is a subject Magda knows a lot about, and is really passionate about.

We find out: Why Magda thinks she was a victim of “brigading”. Why people are more tribal/aggressive during the pandemic and social media enables pile-ons. Whether she considered asking for the ads to be taken down after the pile-on. Why Magda sometimes feeds the trolls and what she wanted to achieve by replying to them. The reasons she felt it was important to call out Covid-19 deniers. Why marriage equality has shaped the way she has responded to Covid-19 deniers When she finally understood the impact of trolling. Why “report and support” is the best approach and why she wouldn’t recommend other people taking on trolls.

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Australia’s much-loved comedian Magda Szubanski was recently targeted by a coordinated “avalanche of hate” from rightwing extremists and COVID deniers after appearing in a Victorian government ad encouraging mask use. Australia’s e-safety commissioner Julie Inman-Grant reported Magda was subjected to ‘volumetric cross-platform online abuse’ which is commonly organised in closed groups on Facebook or other platforms.

Magda’s joins The Briefing to share her story: Did she ever expect the campaign would come with this much backlash? What was it about her involvement that really triggered them? What is it about the pandemic that has brought the abuse and attacks out? Was there any point where she regretted being part of this campaign or even considered asking for the ads to be taken down? Why did she take the approach of calling out the attacks?

In today's headlines: Developing: France on high alert after terror attack NRL backs down on plan to ditch national anthem Australia Post CEO accuses Prime Minister of “humiliating” her Border news: QLD, WA decide futures as early as today

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Today's episode is about the rebellious act of an Aussie Professor. Professor Edward Holmes is the Aussie scientist who defied China and shared the genome sequence for COVID-19 with the world.

When the first signs of the pandemic emerged in January Chinese scientist Professor Yong-Zhen Zhang sequenced the gnome of this coronavirus and shared that information with Eddie. The Chinese government had told them not to publish the information. However Eddie Holmes was adamant the world needed the information ASAP. So he defied the Chinese authorities and hit publish.

Eddie was recently awarded NSW scientist of the year.

In today's headlines: Qatari government “regrets distress” over invasive searches Kevin Rudd “blindsided” by revelations of Epstein’s think tank link Nation’s largest cybercrime squad investigating school exam bomb threats “Friends wasn’t funny either”: Kanye slams Jennifer Aniston over voter push

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What makes a passport powerful? and has the pandemic had any long-term impacts on where a passport might rank compared to others?

The current global health crisis might have crippled global travel, but what makes a passport truly powerful is showing consistency amid volatile times. On today’s episode we find out which passports have gone up and which have gone down during the pandemic.

We’re going to find out the power of the Aussie passport, and where that little blue book comes in compared to New Zealand.

In today's headlines: Melbourne officially open for business Recession may already be over, suggests Reserve Bank Jobseekers can expect payment to be above pre-pandemic levels next year Amy Coney Barratt confirmed to the US Supreme Court as Joe Biden forgets Trumps name

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It was the weekend we didn’t think would happen: grand final weekend. Earlier in the year, coronavirus threatened to cancel the 2020 seasons of AFL and NRL, but luckily for sports fans, the games went ahead – a remarkable feat for the footy codes. This weekend saw historic grand final matches being played in Brisbane following a season of fake crowd noises, travel bubbles, completely revised fixtures and a lot of challenging COVID-19 protocols.

So let’s find out how the codes got there and whether the games have suffered any lasting damage due to this season? Collingwood President Eddie McGuire joins The Briefing to discuss what the future of the games look like.

In today's news headlines: After 111 days in lockdown, Melbourne is opening back up “Grossly disturbing”: Australia demands answers after women searched in Qatar Northern Territory police officer to face murder trial over death of Indigenous teenager Thousands of Australia Post offices threaten to shut over watch saga

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The appointment of US Supreme Court judges is one of the most intense election issues, and as early as tomorrow US congress will vote to approve a new supreme court judge Amy Coney Barrett.

If she’s sworn in she’ll take the place of the late Ruth Bader Ginsberg who died in September 2020.

Michael Macagnone is a US Politics reporter and joins us to explain why supreme court judge appointments are so controversial in the US.

In today's news headlines: Grand Final glory for Melbourne with Storm and Richmond crowned winners Hopes Melbourne’s restrictions could be eased today after cluster testing blitz Qatar Airways accused of forcibly examining 13 Australian women Emergency surgery for man critically injured in Queensland reef shark attack

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The Gladys Berejiklian secret relationship scandal has made national headlines, and on todays episode we explain what happened. There’s been a huge debate about whether or not the NSW Premier should resign. So far she’s toughed it out but as you’re about to hear, it’s not over yet.

Telegraph reporter Linda Silmalis who’s been covering the story joins us to explain.

In today's news headlines: Drones to monitor Melbourne footy fans as nation gears up for AFL, NRL grand finals Australia Post CEO stands aside over luxury watch scandal Vulnerable Australians board first Qantas flight to Darwin Countdown to the final Presidential debate as Trump accused of running country “like a reality show”

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We take you on a road trip through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa and Illinois, and find out the one thing that locals say when asked why they vote for Trump. When we watch America through our own media we get a perspective on the US through New York, Washington and California, but these others states up in the Mid North East offer a different view all together. Almost all of them voted for Trump in 2016 with some of them being crucial to his victory because they were expected to go the other way.

So understanding the people in these states will be pivotal in helping to understand the result we’ll see unfold in the election which is now only two weeks away. Australian journalist Jacob Greber is the Washington Correspondent for the Australian Financial Review, and joins us on this episode to the share the findings of the 4000km road trip he took through these states.

In today's news headlines: Covid-19 alert for Bathurst 1000 after virus found in wastewater Push for pre-Christmas travel plan as nation loses $319 million a day Extremists targeted Magda Szubanski, says eSafety Commissioner Pope Francis endorses same-sex civil unions for the first time

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Almost 1 in 9 Australians smoke, and the government have set a goal to bring down our smoking rate to 1 in 10 by 2025. In a new plan to wipe out smoking in Australia, smokers could be made to buy cigarettes with a prescription or at a pharmacy. But is this fair?

Cigarettes already cost $40 a packet, so if people really want to spend that amount of their own money should they be free to do that? This idea has come from a University of Queensland lead group Centre for Research Excellence on Achieving the Tobacco Endgame (CREATE) and we’re joined on todays episode by Professor Billie Bonevski to explain the prescription model.

In today's news headlines: New emails suggest top Victorian health official knew about hotel security guards President Trump not a fan of plan to mute microphones during final debate AFP investigates potential corruption in $30 million land deal

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Unlike a lot of other western countries, Australia has a forced saving system called superannuation. When the system was introduced back in 1992, 3% of your income went to your super, which is only accessible at the age of 66. Nowadays, that percentage is 9.5%, but there are plans to increase it so that by 2025, 12% of your pay will be put into your super.

Should more of our money be put into super? Or would you rather have it now to buy a house? Senator Andrew Bragg and Executive Director of Per Capita Emma Dawson join The Briefing to discuss the opposing sides to the super increase.

In today's news headlines: Western Australia delays easing restrictions after bulk carrier cluster Victoria’s hotel quarantine inquiry hones in on Brett Sutton NRL’s Dally M awards overshadowed by embarrassing leak UK accuses Russia of planning cyber-attack on the Tokyo Olympics

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Conspiritualism is a blend of two words: Conspiracy and spiritualism and it describes a strange phenomena that you might have noticed on your social media feeds. It describes the wellness bloggers and influencers who’ve taken up the same causes as conspiracy theorists.

This wellness community and QAnon conspiracy theorists have previously seemed worlds apart but according to Sarah Wilson they have quite a lot in common, and she joins us on this episode to explain. Sarah’s latest book ‘This One Wild and Precious Life’ is about coming together in a world determined to keep us apart.

In today's news headlines: Melbournians regain some freedoms but retail, hospitality to wait Federal government told to do more after New Zealanders leave travel bubble states Jacinda Ardern’s caucus to meet after landslide election win

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What’s in a name when you’re applying for a job? Does your name impact your hire ability?

In 2012 researchers conducted an experiment sending out fictional applications for real jobs. On some they used English-sounding names and on others they used names that sounded stereotypically Indigenous, Italian, Chinese and Middle Eastern. They found that these applicants were less likely to score an interview than those with English sounding names.

Other research has found that when employers were presented with otherwise identical resumes, women were at least 30 percent less likely to be interviewed than men.

So what can be about it? How do we take race and gender out of recruitment and out of the workplace - to ensure that everyone gets treated fairly and gets to be who they are?

In today's news headlines: Top WHO scientist warns young, healthy people may not get vaccine until 2021 Discussions on plan to bring more stranded Aussies home delayed Victoria nudges Australian jobless rate up to 6.9 percent Biden, Trump field questions from voters in lieu of second debate

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Will COVID-19 be the ‘great accelerator’ in the death of the shopping mall? The mall has gone from the height of the social scene to struggle street in only a couple of decades, and the closing of shops amid the pandemic is leading to fears the “dead mall” phenomenon seen in the US could be in store for Australia.

More than a third of all shopping is expected to be online by 2030 and big retail chains here in Australia are struggling. So in today’s Briefing, we ask: Is the mall dead? And is Covid-19 the final nail in its coffin? We speak to Gemma Acton, an economist for 7News who’s been watching retail trends very closely, and we find out what it’s been like to work at a mall and in retail during Covid.

In today's news headlines: Queensland, ACT rush to trace Covid-19 case as NSW delays easing restrictions Revamped Virgin could become a budget airline Inquiry warns acquiring Aboriginal flag copyright sets “dangerous precedent”

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It’s easy to feel like we’re the first ones to go through a pandemic like this, and that the deprivations and constant state of underlying anxiety is unique to our generation. But while this is a once in a generation pandemic, Australians have lived through difficult times before and survived. And some of them are still alive to tell us about it.

86 year olds Dorothy McRae-McMahon and Val Reily have lived through and survived pandemics, recessions and moments of global upheaval and in this episode they share their wisdom and experience, and reassure us that we will get through the years that lie ahead.

In today's news headlines: Hopes more states will join the trans-Tasman bubble days before launch “I’ll kiss everyone”: Donald Trump’s first campaign rally since contracting Covid-19 Two Australian Premiers face no confidence votes in just two days

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J.K. Rowling is one of the most famous authors in the world. The Harry Potter book series have sold more than 500 million copies across 80 languages. Potter isn’t just a series, it’s a phenomenon.

Back in June, J.K. Rowling retweeted an opinion piece that used the phrase “people who menstruate”. Rowling -- who has over 14.2 million of followers on Twitter -- publicly took issue with the story not simply using the word ‘women’. “People who menstruate” is a commonly used term in the transgender community and many felt Rowling was mocking people who identify as a different gender to the sex they were born. She’s since compared hormone therapy to conversion therapy and expressed concern that young trans people are being pushed towards gender surgery against their best interests, prompting Twitter to “cancel” her.

So what does this moment mean for trans people who love the Harry Potter series? Can you love the books while taking issue with their author? To answer these questions we speak to Dr Lauren Rosewarne (University of Melbourne's School of Social and Political Sciences) and Hayden Moon (he/they), author of A Letter To J.K. Rowling From A Young Transgender Person Who’s Sick Of Her S--- for Junkee.

In today's news headlines: NSW Premier “stuffed up in her personal life” but refuses to resign Reported spike in dating app sex assaults Fake blood, fruit hurled at Scott Morrison in Queensland

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Eighteen years ago today 202 people including 88 Australians were killed in a terror attack in the tourist district of Bali. A powerful car bomb, hidden inside a white Mitsubishi van, was detonated by a suicide bomber right outside the Sari Club, a renowned open-air thatch-roof bar in the Kuta district.

The blast site itself has lain dormant for almost 20 years, and the question of what to do with it is at the centre of a bitter dispute. A group of Aussies are pushing for a permanent memorial in the form of a peace park or museum, instead of plans by landowners to redevelop the site into a five storey commercial complex of restaurants and bars.

Carmen Jaques is one of those Australians. She’s also a researcher from Edith Cowan University who’s looking into the impacts of terrorism on communities. We’re also joined by Australian man Damien Murnane Australians who was in Bali that night.

In today's news headlines: President Trump says he is “immune” to Covid-19 Big names want trolls locked up Search for Esperance shark attack victim called off High Court bid to end Melbourne’s lockdown

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Fast fashion is the rise of cheap, trendy, affordable and accessible clothes that turn catwalk trends into bargain buys in a matter of weeks. And while more fashion choices might seem like a good thing for consumers, it’s a bad thing for the planet. The average Australian buys 27 kilograms of clothes every year, and we throw away 23 of those, so 85 percent of what we buy ends up in landfill.

On today's Briefing we ask: Just how much is fast fashion destroying the planet and what can we do about it? To help answer this question we speak to Clare Press – Sustainable fashion expert and presenter of the Wardrobe Crisis podcast and Lucianne Tonti, founder of sustainable fashion showroom and consultancy Le 31.

In today's news headlines: Trump refuses second debate, labelling his Covid diagnosis “a blessing from God” Labor’s budget reply has big focus on women, families and blue collar workers Senator Jacqui Lambie refuses to support increase in Uni Degree Costs

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Homeownership in Australia is declining, with the biggest drop happening for young people. But the good news to come out of the Federal Budget this week is that the Government has added an extra 10,000 places to its First Home Loan Deposit Scheme which allows singles or couples to buy their first home with a deposit of only five per cent and the government acting as guarantor for the loan. This gets rid of the need for lender's mortgage insurance.

Today we’re joined by Federal Minister for Housing Michael Sukkar to talk us through how the scheme works, and Brendan Coates from The Grattan Institute on whether he thinks the scheme will be enough to get young people into the housing market

In today's news headlines: Labor throws support behind tax cuts Some Uni course fees set climb after a minor party signed off on planned reforms Spike in Overseas Covid cases, while new cases in NSW cast doubt on QLD border to be reopened.

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The federal budget is usually handed down in May, but this year it was delayed while the government focused on the coronavirus outbreak and rethought their approach to an economy in big trouble. The government has now released its plans to reboot the economy in what is reported to be one of the most important federal budgets in Australia’s history.

So how does the government intend on spending our taxpayer dollars over the next four years and what does it mean for young people? Former Treasurer and Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan weighs in.

In today's news headlines: The Federal Budget has been handed down overnight, with a big focus on young people and small business Tax Cuts for 11 million Aussies Job Maker – Cash for bosses hiring unemployed workersMore help for First Home Buyers Donald Trump has stepped out of hospital

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While countries like China, Italy, France, Spain were taking strict lockdown measures when the Pandemic struck, Sweden went out alone with a very different approach. People were still out in cafes, children were still going to school and there were very few facemasks.

Initially that seemed to be a disaster compared to their neighbouring countries, as their infection rate was high, their death rate was high and their economy went backwards. But six months down the track Sweden is not seeing the second wave that some other European countries are experiencing. So is the Swedish long game starting to pay off? Has their controversial pandemic plan worked?

To find out we're joined by Peter Lindgren, the managing director of the Swedish Institute for Health Economics and Lily, an Australia journalist who moved to Sweden several years ago.

In today's news headlines: Josh Frydenberg to hand down the Federal Budget tonight. Covid-positive Donald Trump could be discharged from hospital as soon as today, but some critics believe he’s sicker than he’s letting on. Cardinal George Pell’s lawyers call for an investigation after claims Vatican funds were used to pay lawyers for damning evidence

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On today’s episode we get the latest sleep science on daylight saving. A peak medical body says daylight saving is bad for us, and the EU has voted to stop doing it from 2021. So is it time for Australia to get rid of it?

Last month the US American Academy of Sleep Medicine changed its position on daylight saving, coming out against it citing new research the health impacts of moving the clocks forward. In Australia we’re already divided on it WA, NT and QLD don’t do it. while the rest of the country does.

So how damaging is it for our heath? Dr. Kannan Ramar President of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Scientist Gemma Paech from the Sleep Foundation help explain.

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Donald Trump reportedly claimed $US70,000 in haircuts as part of millions in business expenses that have helped reduce his federal tax bill to just a few hundred dollars. An investigation by the New York Times exposed two decades of the Presidents tax returns, revealing he paid just $750 US in both 2016 and 2017, and paid no income tax in 10 of the past 15 years.

Trump's critics hope the leaked taxed returns will hurt the President’s chances when Americans go to the polls next months. It’s already come up as an issue in the first debate, but will it have any impact at the ballot box? We’re joined by Dr David Smith, Senior Lecturer in American Politics at the University of Sydney to find out why Trumps taxes are a big deal.

In today's news headlines: Trans-Tasman bubble inching closer Aged care royal commission: federal government’s Covid-19 response was “insufficient” Google to pay $1.4 billion after local news stoush

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Today we find out about the woman at the centre of one of the biggest crime scandals in Australian history. Last year it was revealed that Lawyer X was Nicola Gobbo: a prominent Melbourne lawyer who represented some of Melbourne’s biggest criminals and at the same time was giving information about them to the police.

The Lawyer X scandal could see some of Australia's most notorious criminals released from prison, and there’s concern that they might want Lawyer X dead, and that’s why she might have to spend the rest of her life in hiding. To explain this story we’re joined by Anthony Dowsley: the journalist who first broke the story for the Herald Sun in 2014.

In today's news headlines: Presidential debate format to be changed after “dumpster fire” spectacle $1.5 billion to boost Australian manufacturing Facebook to integrate Instagram, Messenger, Whatsapp

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What’s going on inside some of Australia’s most expensive schools? What kind of culture is being promoted? Should private schools review their culture? Are the high marks, fancy uniforms and big gymnasiums really worth it?

The recent muck up day scandal re-opens some of the debates about the problems with private schools elitist attitudes to people less fortunate, and unhealthy outdated attitudes towards women. One voice that’s stood out in the public vs private school debate is Rob Sturrock who joins us on this episode. Rob is a former Shore student and author of Man Raises Boy: A revolutionary approach for fathers who want to raise kind, confident and happy sons.

In today's news headlines: PM flags international quarantine change Wet and stormy end to 2020 expected on Australia’s east coast Joe Biden and Donald Trump face off in the first Presidential debate

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For the last week, there has been an epic struggle of life and death on a remote wild part of the Tasmanian coast. 470 long-finned pilot whales were discovered beached around Macquarie Harbour and Ocean Beach near the Tasmanian town of Strahan. The tragic event stands as the largest whale stranding in Australian history.

Rescuers have managed to save 110 whales but sadly the rest are dead and are currently being disposed of. In this Briefing, we dive deep into why this mass beaching has happened and why we have intervened in this natural occurrence. Our guests are Dr Wally Franklin (Adjunct Fellow - Southern Cross University and Marine Scientist with The Oceania Project) and Tom Mountney (a salmon fisherman who’s been assisting with the rescue).

In today's news headlines: Police investigate after bushfire-ravaged town defrauded by conman Victoria’s case numbers fall to single digits Dreamworld convicted, fined $3.6 million for 2016 tragedy George Pell reportedly returning to the Vatican

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175 years in a US prison: that’s the sentence Australian Wikileaks founder Julian Assange could be facing. Julian is currently in London with legal proceedings underway to decide whether or not he is extradited to the US to face espionage charges. In this episode we get you up to speed on Julian’s story so far, going back to 2010 when he and Wikileaks made headlines for the release of almost 400,000 classified US documents about the war in Iraq.

Today we find out what’s going on for Julian right now when we speak with Jen Robinson, his Australian lawyer in London who’s been working on the case the whole time. She joins us in the midst of the evidential stage of the extradition hearing.

We find out: His emotional and psychological state. What is the argument they are making in this case? What would it take and what hope do they have of getting this UK court to refuse the US extradition order? What happens if the UK refuses extradition what happens to Julian, and if they don’t what happens? How does he want the Australian government to intervene? Is there any hope that Trump could pardon Assange? The timeline of the extradition and what the next few years look like for Julian and his legal team.

In today's news headlines: Restrictions ease in Melbourne Federal budget "bent, not broken" as JobKeeper wound back Trump’s US Supreme Court pick named

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On today's episode we look at the global campaign to strip Beijing of the Winter Olympics asking: Should a country have the privilege to host the Olympic Games if the government of that country is doing something harmful to its citizens?

Hosting the Olympics is a privilege and often a very positive PR moment for the host nation, however a group of human rights activists have delivered a joint letter to the International Olympic Committee calling for Beijing to be stripped of the Games over its crackdown on the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong and the detention of Uighurs, a Muslim minority. Should China be stripped of the games? Or is it too late given they were awarded back in 2015?

To answer this question we're joined by Sir Iain Duncan Smith (former leader of the British Conservative Party and founder of the The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance On China), Craig Foster (former Socceroos coach turned human rights activist), Dr Steve Georgakis (Senior Lecturer of pedagogy and sports studies, University of Sydney) and Federal MP Dave Sharma.

In today's news headlines: Victorian Premier to front hotel quarantine inquiry WA’s notorious Claremont serial killer found guilty New plan to slash home loan approval times

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There are 25,000 Australian’s wanting to come home from overseas and our Prime Minister wants them home by Christmas. But with limits on the number of people allowed home and into quarantine each week the airlines that are still flying can only bring in a fraction of the passengers they used to, so passengers are being charged first and business class tickets and those with economy seats are being bumped.

We’re joined by Aviation expert Neil Hansford to explain why that is happening, how will this situation change, and whether the 25,000 Australians be home by Christmas? We also speak to Nadine, an Aussie who came back from Portugal after forking out $15,000 for business class seats.

In today's news headlines: Charges laid in Breonna Taylor case Millions of Australians to get faster internet through NBN upgrade Sydney principal defends elite boys school after shocking scavenger hunt list

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Turia Pitt was 24 years old when she was caught in a grassfire while competing in an ultramarathon. She tried to outrun the flames but couldn’t. She suffered burns to 65% of her body and wasn’t expected to survive her injuries.

But Turia is proof that with the right mindset anything is possible. On today’s episode we find out what Turia’s tragedy taught her about happiness and why she‘s happier now than she was before her accident.

Turia’s new book’s called Happy and other Ridiculous Aspirations couldn’t have come at a better time for many of us. Turia explains how we can use the challenges of 2020 to work out what actually makes us happy rather than what we thought made us happy, or what we thought defined our life.

In today's news headlines: SA opening to NSW from midnight tonight as QLD expands border bubble New international deal for Covid-19 vaccine Far-right terrorism now about a third of cases, ASIO says Australia’s Technology Roadmap for reducing carbon emissions

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The horrifying video of George Floyd being killed by a Minneapolis police officer in May sparked massive Black Lives Matter protests in America and around the world, including here in Australia. But another death that actually happened before that of Floyd’s, the police shooting of 26-year-old Breonna Taylor, continues to fuel BLM protests.

Who was Breonna Taylor? How has her death impacted the BLM movement? And why did the Louisville City Council pay her family a US$12m settlement last week? To answer these questions we speak to Michael Trautmann, investigative journalist with Kentucky’s Courier Journal paper to tell you what you need to know about this case.

In today's news headlines: Ellen DeGeneres returns after allegations of toxic workplace environment Accused paedophile principal cleared for extradition to Australia Most Victorians support Premier Daniel Andrews, poll finds Billions to reduce carbon emissions but no targets, federal government announces

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We look at the children and wives of the Australian men who went to fight with ISIS. 47 of their children and 20 ISIS brides are still alive and stuck in refugee camps in Syria that hold people displaced by Islamic State. Their families have been pleading with Australian government to bring them home, and so far they’ve been refused, despite other Western countries having taken their ISIS brides and their children home.

Laws were introduced that allowed Australia to take away the citizenship of someone who joined ISIS, plus other terror laws which means if these women return home they could potentially face hefty penalties. So should we bring them home and try them under those laws rather than leave them in Syria?

To help answer this question, we're joined by Professor Guy Goodwin-Gill, Professor of Law at UNSW and Acting Director of the Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law. Our other guest is Matt Tinkler - Deputy CEO of Save the Children, an organisation working with women and children in the refugee camps.

In today's news headlines: Victoria “ahead of schedule” after 14 daily cases “Road to nowhere”: Labor lashes Scott Morrison for rejecting 2050 emissions target Two Republican Senators won’t back pre-election Ruth Bader Ginsberg replacement TikTok saved at the 11th hour, but another app is still being banned today

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At beginning of the pandemic in March we were hearing a lot about Europe, then in the following months the continent seemed to have the virus under control. Residents appeared to be enjoying the summer, travelling freely between countries. So have these lax attitudes contributed to Europe’s second wave? Last week the EU and Britain announced 41,000 fresh cases a day on average, however medical teams managing to keep the death rates lower during this second wave.

On today's episode we find out what has caused this second wave, how widespread mask use is in Europe, Sweden's approach to not lockdown and compare Australia’s approach to Europe. We’re joined by Martin McKee, professor of European public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and also the former chair of the World Health Organisation’s European Advisory Committee on Health Research.

In today's news headlines: Jobless rate falls, defying all expectations Telehealth and home medication deliveries extended into next year Man charged with threatening to kill QLD Premier, Chief Health Officer Woman in her 20s wins entire $60 million Powerball

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Subscription-based social media site OnlyFans is booming during the pandemic with over 24 million users. So what exactly is it? and how does it work?

Being a new combination of porn and social media where subscribers pay a small monthly fee and content creators keep 80% profits, we find out whether it comes with some dangers. In this episode we’re joined by Renee Gracie, the former V8 racer who wasn’t making enough money in the sport, and is now making hundreds of thousands a month on OnlyFans posting explicit content.

In today's news headlines: Bid to bring more stranded Aussies home on track Renewables in line for federal funding boost, but there’s a catch Confirmed: illness that paused Oxford vaccine trial “unlikely” to be from shot

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Loneliness and learning to be happy alone are important things to work out in your 20s. 2020 has given many of us a chance to reflect on our lives. What decisions did we make as twenty-somethings to get us here and were they right?

The hosts of the pop culture podcast Shameless, Michelle Andrews and Zara McDonald, join us on todays episode to discuss why learning to be happy alone is one of life’s important lessons. They’ve written a book called The Space Between which is all about living in your 20s, figuring out who you are now and who you want to be, and the challenge of being alone.

In today's news headlines: Stranded Aussies could quarantine on Christmas Island Officer who stomped on man’s head stood down JK Rowling accused of Transphobia

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On this day 20 years ago, the world was watching Sydney for the Olympic Opening Ceremony. Today on The Briefing, we’re reliving the Sydney Olympic glory including some of the most iconic moments across the Games.

The Sydney 2000 Olympics were our biggest ever medal haul to date, so we ask if our sporting heyday is behind us? And how do we get back to our former sporting best? To answer these questions we're joined by Andrew Gaze (basketballer and flag bearer) and Kerri Pottharst (gold medalist in beach volleyball).

In today's headlines: Scott Morrison backs gas to bring down power bills SA to reopen to NSW, ACT as early as today QLD Chief Health Officer says death threats have taken an “enormous toll” Dad of three in an induced coma after alleged police head stomp

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COVID deep cleaners are on the forefront of the fight against the virus spread. We take a deep dive into deep COVID cleaning and how it works. How does it differ to a regular clean? How long does a germ last? And what is turbo fogging? More importantly, we look at how deep we need to go to properly stop contamination.

To answer these questions we’re joined by Associate Professor Paul Griffin from the University of Queensland (Infectious Diseases Physician and Microbiologist) and Sandra Pankhurst, a trauma cleaner and owner of STC Services.

In today’s news headlines: Freedom closer for Victoria as restrictions ease After blaming Peter Dutton, revelations QLD requested Tom Hanks’ return California a “warzone” as wildfires ravage the state

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Year 12 is looking a bit different this year. Formals have been cancelled in Victoria and severely restricted in other states and territories. The official Schoolies on the Gold Coast has been canned and travel restrictions mean overseas gap years aren't possible.

On top of the social aspects of high school, academics have been hugely disrupted affecting students’ futures after graduation. To discuss Year 12 in this COVID nightmare we talk to a current student and Catriona Jackson (Universities Australia CEO) joins us to discuss how to make university entrance fair given everyone’s been affected differently.

In today's headlines: More than $200,000 raised to help dying Brisbane dad say goodbye to his kids Queensland Premier accuses Prime Minister of “worst bullying I’ve seen” Family of Australian men on capsized livestock ship plead with federal government to launch search Key Victorian MP calls for curfew to be dumped after revelations it was the Premier’s decision

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Victorian Premier Dan Andrews announced on Sunday harsh measures for the state’s pathway out of lockdown. Resentment to the strict approach is growing beyond protesters and is beginning to be questioned by those who accept the science, including our epidemiologists.

We talk to Federal Liberal MP and medical researcher Dr. Katie Allen about the lockdown roadmap and Victoria’s contact tracing, while epidemiologist Professor Catherine Bennett weighs in on the gaps in the state’s modelling scenarios.

In today's news headlines: Oxford University’s promising vaccine trial put on hold QLD accused of double standards after Tom Hanks return Large tiger shark caught in nets could be behind fatal Gold Coast attack Prime Minister tells TikTok to do better after viral death video

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Last financial quarter, Australia experienced its biggest economic drop since the Great Depression, officially plunging the country into a recession. But what exactly does a recession mean and what impact does it have on our lives?

Economist writer Jessica Irvine joins The Briefing to explain the ins-and-outs of a recession and whether we should be worried.

In today's news headlines: Young people warned to stay off TikTok after disturbing video goes viral Two Australian journalists rushed out of China as Australian TV anchor charged Man killed in suspected great white shark attack on the Gold Coast WA nurse helping with Melbourne outbreak contracts Covid-19

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12 per cent of people in their 20s have lost their jobs in the COVID crisis, and many more are reassessing their career choices. So how do you turn a career low point or a complete job loss into a positive? What can you do to get a competitive edge in the current job market?

Businesswoman and author of You’ve Got This, Bec Brown, educates The Briefing on how to successfully navigate a profession pivot in a recession and find the silver linings of a career catastrophe.

In today's news headlines: “Worst case scenario”: federal officials pan Victoria’s lockdown roadmap Novak Djokovic issues apology after hitting line judge with a ball Data from 186,000 customers stolen in Service NSW hack Prime Minister to push ahead with new laws despite Facebook threat to block local news

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During the pandemic we’ve been more hungry for information than ever before. So how different are the questions you’re asking to the rest of the country? Are your google searches weirder than everyone else’s? Are you responding differently to this moment than most people? What is the most googled question in this pandemic?

On today's episode we take a look at the most googled search terms over the last six months, and find out what they say about us. We’ve gone straight to Google and asked what are the top ten questions of the last six months in Australia? Google’s Data editor Simon Rogers counts them down with us.

In today's headlines: Victoria’s roadmap revealed: Melbourne to be in the world’s longest lockdown Free Covid-19 vaccines available from next year if trials prove successful More than half of mortgage-holders still deferring payments as deadline looms

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Welcome to a special weekend edition of The Briefing with Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. In today's episode we catch up with Kevin Rudd, the 26th Prime Minister of Australia serving from 2007 to 2010 and again in 2013.

What would his approach to be managing the tension between Australia and China? Does he think Australia should have led the inquiry into the origins of Coronavius? Does Kevin think Joe Biden will be the next President of USA? How was Covid handled by the Trump administration? The last time he got recognised in the street and what they said to him The most common things kids ask him to do Why he’s the king of handball, and why its helping Aussie kids in lockdown

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In a bombshell this week Facebook threatened to block the sharing of Australian news content. It means media companies and everyday users won't be able to share news on Facebook or Instagram. This threat from Facebook is in response to a new code developed by the ACCC that would require Facebook and Google, which also owns Youtube, to share a portion of their ad revenue with Australian media organisations and newspapers.

So who is going to win? Will Facebook really stop doing news in Australia? Or will the Australian government be able to force them to agree on a revenue deal? On today's episode we break it down for you with the help of Dan Van Boom, editor of tech site CNET.

In today's news headlines: PM to push for open borders at National Cabinet, but some states have already refused Two Australians among ship crew missing feared dead after Typhoon off Japan Australian arrested in Bali on drug charges Facebook cracks down on US ads before election

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Music festivals in 2021. What will they look like, if they can even go ahead at all?

COVID has decimated the festival scene around the world. So is there any way festivals can happen in cities where there’s still high community transmission? Can you have thousands of people in one place, sharing a drink, dancing and listening to the bands they love but also keep them socially distanced? Will a COVID safe festival kill the vibe for both the audience and the performers?

Blues Fest in Byron Bay is planning to go ahead next Easter and on today’s episode we’re joined by its promoter Peter Noble to explain how it will work. Tash Sultana has sold out major arenas and headlined the world’s biggest festivals. Tash joins us to explain the future of festivals from the artists' perspective and the decision to be part of Bluesfest 2021. What’s it like to play to a seated crowd? Is Tash going to have to change the show up in any way and adapt?

In today's news headlines: It’s official: Australia is in its first recession in 28 years AFL officials thank the QLD government for keeping footy alive Police warn TV personality Sam Newman against lockdown as video of pregnant mum’s arrest goes viral

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As bushfire season approaches, hazard reduction burning is happening in parts of Australia, and hopefully making us safer.

But the smell of smoke is also bringing back memories of the horror Black Summer many of us faced.

Recent findings from a NSW inquiry and some interim observations from the Royal Commission have come through this week. So what did we learn from these findings? And are we any better prepared for this year’s summer... than we were last year?

On todays episode we’re joined by one of the key people leading the bushfire response this summer Acting Deputy Commissioner at the NSW RFS Peter Mckechnie.

In today's news headlines: Facebook threatens to block Australian news Changes to JobKeeper pass parliament: What does it mean for you?

AFL Grand Final expected to be moved to Queensland

In today's Briefing we ask: What is the bush fire smoke we're smelling in many areas of the country? What is the difference between control burning and back burning? Have we done anything differently this year? Are we doing more controlled burning? Does a wetter spring mean we wont see fires as early? or will there be more fuel to burn? Have we changed our approach to responding to fires as soon as they start, even if they're hard to access? What can we do from a human response to deal with bushfires? Will some of the Covid restrictions put us at more risk of bushfire danger? Will the quarantine restriction on state borders make it a hard to get firefighters from other states or countries to come in and fight the bushfires?

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On todays episode we look at twists of fate, and the survivor’s guilt of avoiding a tragedy. We hear the of real life sliding doors stories of people who’ve narrowly avoided death by chance or intuition and then lived with the survivors guilt that comes from it.

Tyla Harrison-Hunt was meant to be in the Christchurch mosque where the deadly shooting happened last year, he prayed there every Friday, however this particular day he was in Melbourne for a weekend away. We also hear the story of our Producer Claire - she was supposed to take a job in Christchurch but something told her not to, and if she had she would have died in an earthquake. We’re also joined by Clinical Psychologist Kim Felmingham - an expert in trauma who explains what survivors guilt is, how debilitating it can be, and the concept of Post Traumatic Growth.

In today's news headlines: Australian TV anchor detained in China Interim bushfire report recommends national bushfire warning system Victorian roadmap out of stage four to be released Sunday $563 million aged care support package unveiled

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What is it like being the person at the top in times of crisis? Is there a breaking point? How do you sleep? Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has lived the answers to those questions as the person that led Australia through the Global Financial Crisis, the Black Saturday Bushfires and the threat of Swine Flu.

Six months into the coronavirus pandemic, we are in unprecedented times - which means an unprecedented number of press conferences for our State and territory leaders, as well as the PM. They’ve been working day in and day out. In Victoria, Premier Dan Andrews is about to front his 60th daily press conference in a row.

Today on the show, former PM Kevin Rudd is our special guest.

In today's news headlines: Most Aussies back border closures, poll finds Queenslanders urged to wear masks amid new restrictions Australia’s emissions fall to lowest levels since 1998

In today's Briefing we ask Kevin Rudd: Should our leaders take some time off? Why does he recommend a couple of hours a day of ‘thinking’? What are his music recommendations? What did his day to day look like during the GFC? With the Black Saturday Bushfires, why did prayer and meditation helped get his own headspace in order? How did he stop himself from blubbering on national TV? Who are the everyday Aussies he stays in touch with? What advice does he have for other PM’s wanting to take a break? What is his advice for Dan Andrews? How has the role of PM impacted his mental health?

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Are we doing enough to protect our healthcare workers from getting Covid at work? To look after those who look after us? Nurses, doctors and allied health professionals are ending up in intensive care because of what they say is inadequate infection control.

2700 workers have tested positive since the beginning of the pandemic with more than 100 hospitalised and sadly one death. So are we doing enough to protect our health workers while they’re on the job? And how can we expect them to look after us, when we can’t first, keep them safe at work?

On today’s episode we speak with Emily Morris, an Emergency Department nurse at The Royal Melbourne Hospital where she works with Covid patients every day, and contracted Covid herself last month. We’re also joined by Dr Michelle Ananda-Raja, a consulting physician in infectious diseases who has spoken to more than 400 Victorian health workers about their experiences.

In today's news headlines: Christchurch shooter sentenced to life in prison without parole China lashes Australia again over federal bill to kill problematic state, local agreements with foreign powers 20,000 shifts filled: chief nurse reveals the impact of Victoria’s second wave on aged care On National Equal Pay Day, experts warn pandemic will make gender pay gap worse

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In recent headlines you might have seen the Aboriginal Flag caught up in a copyright controversy. On today’s episode we get you up to speed, looking at why the flag is copyrighted, who can use the flag and for what purpose, and who should own the Aboriginal flag? For example, did you know that if you get a tattoo of the Aboriginal flag you're technically breaking copyright laws?

We speak with Professor Isabella Alexander an expert on all things copyright, and Gunditjmara woman Laura Thompson who found out the threat is real when she received a 'Cease and Desist' notice last year. That legal threat prompted her to start a campaign to free the flag from copyright.

In today's headlines: Victoria’s 12 month state of emergency extension dead in the water Senior Chinese diplomat says Australia “betrayed” Beijing Two people killed during US protests over latest police shooting

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To celebrate our 100th episode we’ve assembled the whole team for the very first time to thank you for being with us on this journey in this Ask Me Anything special.

To mark the occasion we’ve turned the tables, so you get to ask the hard hitting and burning questions you’ve always wanted to ask Tom, Jamila, Annika and Jan.

If you could do a long form deep 2-hour interview with anyone in Australia who would it be? What do you think would be the biggest news story at the moment if Covid didn’t exist? What is Toms favourite podcast and his favourite part of being on The Briefing? What are Jan Frans secrets for finding all the most amazing second-hand pieces of clothing? Since being diagnosed with a brain tumour and dealing with the onslaught of procedures and disruptions to her life, does Jamila think this has somewhat prepared her for the turbulence of this year? Who does Annika think will win the US election? What was Toms hardest “smile and bite one’s tongue” moment with a Politician? What’s been Jan’s most challenging news story to cover and why? How does Jamila explain to her child what is happening in the world at the moment? Did the raid on Annika’s apartment have an effect on her ability to sleep and rest properly? Is Tom still playing the bass? How does Jan Fran live with herself when she is that fabulous?

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In 2019 year the single largest massacre in New Zealand was perpetrated by a 28-year-old man from Grafton NSW. His sentencing is currently underway, with Christchurch’s High Court hearing from surviving victims and their families. The man has plead guilty to 51 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder and one charge of committing a terrorist act.

Our guest, Hisham Al Zarzour, is one of more than 60 people who survived the attack and who’s victim impact statement will be read to the court and to the gunman who killed 51 of his fellow worshippers.

In today's news headlines: Hundreds of travelers moved from Sydney Travelodge which was found unfit for hotel quarantine More job losses for Qantas and major fashion retailers NSW inquiry into summer bushfires that killed 33 Australians handed down WA’s court border battle win over Clive Palmer

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Recessions, depressions, wars and pandemics change what we value, the way we relate to one another and how we express ourselves. They also change our day-to-day lives including what we eat, how we work and what we wear.

Will this economic downturn keep up in bleak, darker colours? What will happen when this is all over? Will there ever be corporate attire if we all work from home? To find out a bit more about what the pandemic and recession might do to the way we dress, eat, work and play we’ speak to Associate Professor Jordan Williams, who is a cultural critic specialising in creativity and trauma.

In today's headlines: Top doctor defends vaccine after religious leaders raise "ethical concerns” Victoria’s state of emergency could be extended for another year President Donald Trump formally renominated for “the most important election in our history” KFC drops its iconic slogan because of Covid-19

In today's Briefing we ask: What is Covid going to change about the way we dress? How we live? Will Covid kill the bra? What changes will we see in the way we present ourselves? What interior styles do we see coming in? Will it change the way we eat and buy produce? Will there be a renaissance period where the arts will be put on a pedestal?

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The disappearance of 3 year old William Tyrrell is one of the biggest unsolved mysteries in Australian history. If you’re someone who’s followed that case, you’ll probably know the name Gary Jubelin.

Earlier this year NSW detective Gary was found guilty of unlawfully recording conversations with a suspect and was fined $10,000. An appeal is underway, but it ended his 34 year career in the police force. Since his conviction Gary has released a book telling his side of the story it’s called ‘I catch Killers: The Life and Many deaths of a homicide detective’

Gary Jubelin joins us today to explain why he’s fighting to save his reputation.

In today's news headlines: Second TV show shut down after Masked Singer Covid-19 outbreak QLD races to get on top of Covid-19 outbreak Christchurch terrorist sentencing begins today TikTok to sue the Trump Administration

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Welcome to The Weekend Briefing. In this bonus episode, Australians experienced a horrific summer with devastating bushfires, drought and floods – all which have been intensified due to climate change.

At the peak of fires, Australia rallied for our government to acknowledge climate change and to take action.

Since COVID-19, the national discussion on climate change has taken a back seat, so how can we continue to tackle climate change amidst a pandemic and what is our government doing about it?

Tom talks to climate activist Jean Hinchliffe

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If you think Coronavirus is just an old person’s disease then think again. Older people might be more likely to die from COVID 19 but it’s actually people in their 20s who are the most likely to contract and spread the virus.

Today we hear the harrowing story of Marcus Tomoff, a 28-year-old from Florida who contracted Covid-19 in June and is still dealing with really serious health and neurological problems. Marcus also infected his parents. He has a message that he hopes will get through to his fellow young people. We're also joined Dr Sora Park from the News and Media Centre at the University of Canberra.

In today's news headlines: Prime Minister asks state leaders to resolve border closure crisis Qantas sheds 6000 jobs as profits plunge 91 percent Hillary Clinton, Billie Eilish, Barack Obama and Kamala Harris urge voters to kick Trump out

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Whether you love or hate Donald Trump, you’ll need to know about the new player on the block that could take him down in November’s election. Last week Kamala Harris was announced as the Democrats' Vice Presidential candidate, who will stand with presidential candidate Joe Biden to try and defeat Trump.

So given Harris will be critical to taking on Trump, on todays episode we find out who she is and whether she could make the difference for the Democrats and be key to defeating the current President of the United States. Our guest is Maya King – US POLITICO journalist.

In today's news headlines: Confusion over Prime Minister’s comments about whether or not Covid-19 vaccine will be mandatory “No evidence” Sydney hotel quarantine guard who caught Covid-19 did anything wrong Joe Biden officially endorsed as Democratic Presidential candidate as Julie Gillard gives advice to Kamala Harris Police slam “disgusting” national puppy scam

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You’ve heard of anti-vaxxers, the people who straight up refuse to vaccinate. But have you heard of ‘vaccine hesitancy’? The World Health organisation defines vaccine hesitancy as people who might be sitting on the fence, delaying acceptance that vaccines work, or those who refuse to get it when its freely available. Vaccine hesitaters are considered one of the top ten risks to global health.

If Scientists and politicians are optimistic about their ability to roll out a safe and effective vaccine next year, why will some of us still hesitate? To discuss this our guests are Dr Robin Canniford (University of Melbourne) and Dr Margie Danchin (Murdoch Children’s Research Institute).

In today's news headlines: Australia locks in Coronavirus vaccine deal Jacinda Ardern isn't having Donald Trump's beat up. Research suggests muggy conditions could help mitigate COVID-19

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New Zealand has postponed their national election because of a COVID-19 cluster which highlights their different approach to the pandemic. They are going for elimination, while Australia is pursuing suppression.

Their elimination strategy had been working well. After a national stage four six week lock down, restrictions were lifted and life seemed to return to normal until last week when the clean streak ended, and restrictions came back into play. So is New Zealand starting to pay a bigger price for the elimination strategy, and how different is their strategy to ours? Is elimination even a reality?

Professor Michael Baker is an epidemiologist on the New Zealand Health Ministry’s COVID19 Technical Advisory Group and joins us to explain if New Zealand’s elimination strategy is about to get a whole lot more difficult.

In today's news headlines: 99% of Victoria’s Covid-19 cases are linked to hotel quarantine, while NSW government apologises for Ruby Princess crisis NZ Pushes Back Election Due To Covid Young Aussies are the target of the latest ad campaign around Covid-19 ad campaign.

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There appears to be a new kind of celebrity take down story emerging. One that could only exist in the current social media and cultural climate. Is it fair enough that people are finally calling out celebrities for their bad behaviour or do we just like seeing a really successful person brought down?

For decades Ellen has been one the most popular talk show hosts in the world, her brand is building on kindness and credibility but this year this image has started to unravel. On today's episode we find out what Perez Hilton thinks of the unfolding Ellen story. He’s world’s most infamous gossip blogger and responsible for breaking some of the biggest celebrity stories of all time.

In today's news headlines: The health minister "optimistic" about vaccine in mid-2021 Victoria’s state of emergency extended for another month as cases decline International students flying to South Australia in Australian-first pilot program

Follow Perez Hilton at perezhilton.com and be sure to check out his new book "TMI".

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TMI: My Life in Scandal

Last week’s deadly explosion in Beirut was one of the biggest non-nuclear explosions in history. It also sent a massive political shockwave through the already struggling country with protestors calling on the government to resign.

We're going to brief you on why this explosion of ammonium nitrate has brought down the government, and what are the deeper problems causing so much despair in Lebanon? What was happening leading up to the blast that led Lebanon’s government to step down as a result? We're joined by journalist Adam Chamseddine from Beirut.

In today's news headlines: Hope as Victoria records its best case numbers in more than three weeks National unemployment now at a 22 year high Quarantine breach “likely” behind New Zealand Covid-19 outbreak Melbourne man fined for Maskacne

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Research shows sniffer dogs can be 100% accurate at detecting Covid! On today’s episode we find out how do they do it? Which breeds are best? And when could our furry friends could be used to save us from Covid?

We’re joined by both Dr Anne-Lise Chaberis and Dr Susan Hazel, from the School of Animal and Veterinary Science at Adelaide Uni who explain the science behind this and when these dogs could be trained and rolled out here in Australian hospitals, airports and aged care facilities.

In today's headlines: New Zealand probes whether frozen freight to blame for coronavirus spread Joe Biden names Senator Kamala Harris as his Presidential running mate Western Australia works to pass emergency legislation to stop Clive Palmer’s $30b lawsuit University students who fail half of first year subjects to lose access to HELP

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It is one year since Jeffrey Epstein died in a New York prison and exposed a dark underbelly among some of the world's most powerful people. For many of us watching on, it was this mysterious death that first brought Epstein to our attention. On today's episode we go back and find out more about what happened up until that point.

We’ll also find out what’s happened since, including Ghislaine Maxwell’s trial and the trial of the two New York prison guards. Adam Klasfeld is a reporter with Courthouse News and takes us through the story of Jeffrey Epstein.

In today's headlines: Russia claims it’s designed the world’s first coronavirus vaccine New Zealand returns to lockdown after first cases in 102 days Canberra slaps down Victorian Premier after claims army help was not offered for hotel quarantine

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On todays episode we explore how COVID-19 has impacted our weddings. Classed as 'super spreading events’ Covid Marshals are now required as part of a safety plan at weddings. But does this actually stop the spread of the virus, or is it just as a visual deterrent?

These ‘fun police’ are required to ensure safety guidelines are being met which includes no dancing, no mingling, no singing, no embracing or shaking hands. Police have even turned up to do head counts and dancefloor inspections.

So is a wedding with so many restrictions even worth it? And could line dancing be the answer to keep our weddings safe?

Our guests are: John Alten (Sydney MC and event director), Professor Nancy Baxter from the University of Melbourne and Antoinette Lattouf, who was a guest at a covid safe wedding where the police were called.

In today's news headlines: BREAKING: The entire Lebanese government has resigned Australia's aged care death rate among the worst in the world Covid-19: Victoria’s promising case drop; NSW school cluster grows; teens arrested for skipping quarantine

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What are terrorists up to now during the pandemic? Are they more or less of a threat?

Whether it’s Islamic State or right-wing extremists some experts are warning that the pandemic is giving terrorists a unique opportunity to recruit new members online. In this episode we speak with Greg Barton, one of Australia’s leading experts on Islamic Terrorism who says there’s actually been an uptick in attacks in parts of Iraq during this pandemic.

So what does that mean for us here in Australia? How has the pandemic affected the threat of attacks on Western soil? Gary Ackerman, a US terror expert, also joins us to answer the question: How will terrorists pivot in the pandemic?

In today's news headlines: WA family of toddler killed in Beirut to return to Australia Victorian mental health suffers in second lockdown Top doctor says COVIDSafe app is working well

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One of the biggest issues of the last year was climate change. So where is the climate debate now and how has the pandemic affected it?

Best known for his work with The Chaser, Craig Reucassel joins us to talk about his environmental quest. His new show Fight For Planet A raises the question: How much difference we can make as individuals?

In today's headlines: JobKeeper to be expanded amid second lockdown People in their 20s make up the largest proportion of COVID transmissions both in NSW and nationally More pain for Lebanon as Covid-19 cases spike days after deadly blast NRL coach Wayne Bennett sidelined for two weeks over Covid breach

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A number of countries have used curfews as part of their pandemic lockdown measures including France, Italy, Cyrus, parts of the US, Malaysia, Thailand, South Africa and now our very own city of Melbourne, but have they been proven to work? In this episode we explore the psychological impacts of a curfew, and also get the medical perspective on the impact it’s supposed to have.

We’re joined by Psychologist Eoin Killacky - a senior researcher at Orygen youth mental health service at Melbourne University and Professor John Matthews - a public health expert who’s advised the Australian Government and also the World Health Organisation.

In today's news headlines: Two week state of emergency declared in Lebanon after horrific Beirut blast QLD shuts out NSW, ACT as man in his 30s dies in Victoria TigerAir to be dumped as Virgin sheds at least 3000 jobs TikTok won’t be banned in Australia, says Prime Minister

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If you’d like to help those affected by the Beirut explosion there are a number of ways Australians can help fund emergency relief:

Disaster relief campaigns include: Lebanese Red Cross Human Appeal Australia Muslim Aid Australia Impact Lebanon

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Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert is a 33 year old Australian academic convicted of spying, and sentenced to ten years in an Iranian prison. Kylie has always maintained her innocence. After serving two years, she was recently transferred to what’s been described as one of the world's worst women’s prisons, severely overcrowded and rife with coronavirus.

On todays episode we discover the chain of events that led to Kylie’s imprisonment. We speak with one of her biggest supporters Jessie Moritz and Australia’s former Middle East diplomat Dave Sharma. Freekylie.net is the website her supporters have created with steps on how you can help.

In today's news headlines: Victorian exercise loophole closed as new $5000 fine introduced Police officer’s face slammed into concrete by mask-dodger “They are dying, it is what it is”: President Trump’s disastrous sit-down interview Christmas Island to be reopened for criminals, non-citizens

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The Good, the Bad and the Ugly facts about Coronavirus you need to know. When the coronavirus pandemic first took hold in March one of the most prominent voices explaining what was happening was the ABC’s Dr Norman Swan. He’s a medical doctor and journalist and has become one of the most trusted voices in the country when it comes to the Coronavirus. Now that it’s almost five months since WHO declared the pandemic Norman Swan is with us to answer some of your burning Coronavirus questions.

In today's news headlines: Most non-essential Victorian businesses to shut as Prime Minister unveils $1500 pandemic payment Property prices continue to fall in the major cities Big spike in Aussies importing illegal, unproven Covid-19 “cure”

In today's Briefing we ask: Why did Dr Norman Swan become a prominent voice in discussing coronavirus in Australia? How does he rate the government response to the pandemic? Are these restrictions the new normal or are they an aberration? What will work to curb the spread of the virus in Victoria? How long will it take to get the case numbers under control? How do the restrictions help stop the spread of the virus? What is known about the effects of the virus long term? How does the pandemic end?

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Has the pandemic pushed more people not to have kids? By 2030, the number of couples without children will overtake the number of couples with children. Despite initial talk of lockdown love and the ‘the makings of a baby boom’, history tells us that birth rates are likely to drop in the wake of Covid-19 and the recession.

For some people the pandemic, is the final straw, they won’t be having kids because the world is ‘no place for children’. Joining us today is Anne Hollonds - Director, Australian Institute of Family Studies.

In today's news headlines: Victoria in a state of disaster, Melbourne’s stage four shutdown NSW upgrades facemask policy as QLD traces flight case Telstra backflips on cyberattack claim over mass outage Nick Kygrios slams “selfish” tennis stars while pulling out of US Open

In today's Briefing we ask: Is declaring a fear of a post-Covid world being a reason to not have kids an over-reaction? Will the pandemic mean Australia’s population will go into decline?

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The label ‘Karen’ has become a new archetype of middle-class white privilege. ‘Karen’ has mostly been used in the U.S as a way of calling out entitled white women who are used to getting their way and who police the behaviour of others.

So today we find out what this label really means... by going back to where it started.

In today's news headlines: Three Queensland women charged with fraud over Coronavirus Victorian restrictions extended after record 723 new cases, 13 deaths Zuckerberg told he may be forced to sell Instagram as Trump considers US TikTok ban

In today's Briefing we speak to: Karen Hopkins, Australian who has no problem with the name Karen - is happy to have a laugh about it. Andre Brock, Association Professor of media studies at Georgia Tech. Dr Benjamin Nickl, lecturer at the University of Sydney. Professor Roly Sussex; emeritus professor of applied language studies at the University of Queensland.

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The mental health consequences of COVID-19 are being described as the next wave of the pandemic. The pain of this pandemic could last for years, even if the medical emergency ends soon.

Calls to Lifeline have increased and new research from Sydney University’s Brain and Mind Centre predicts that under a best case scenario rates of suicide will rise by 14 per cent over the next five years. So how do we try and stop that from happening? On today's episode we speak to Professor Ian Hickie the director of the Brain and Mind centre.

In today's news headlines: Queensland is shutting out all of Greater Sydney after two Covid-19 positive teens sneak in Melbourne police break car window in dramatic arrest of viral Covid-19 sceptic Young Australians incomes’ have actually gone backwards

Lorde, Sia, Rihanna sign letter demanding politicians ask before playing songs at rallies

If you're feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping or staying safe. You can call 13 11 14 for confidential one-to-one support with a trained Lifeline telephone crisis supporter. Or visit headspace.org.au to find your nearest centre, or go and see your local doctor.

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One of the biggest threats of the pandemic is unfolding right now. The number of old people getting covid-19 in Victoria’s aged care facilities is frightening.

On today’s episode we look at the Covid crisis engulfing the aged care centres in Melbourne, and how this could be happening given the loss and devastation at Newmarch house in Sydney?

Nicholas Barboussas shares his heartbreaking story about his fathers covid death in St Basil’s nursing home in Melbourne, and Thomas Patsakos descrbes whats its like to have a loved one with dementia in the same aged care facility.

In today's news headlines: Specialist teams rushed in amid Victorian aged care crisis Sydney Black Lives Matter protest over before it began Heartbreaking number: almost 3 billion animals killed or displaced by summer fires Donald Trump Jr restricted by Twitter over anti-masker post

In today's Briefing we ask: what's it like to have family inside an aged care home during the time of Coronavirus? How difficult is it to not be able to visit and not be able to be there in a family members final days? What is the reaction to people refusing to wear masks or the "herd immunity" theory?

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The Tokyo Olympics were scheduled to open last week before the pandemic pushed them back to next year. Australian Olympic Swimming champion Mack Horton would’ve been racing this week, defending his 400m Gold medal from Rio. It would also have been the first Olympics without a Sun Yang drug cloud hanging over it after the Chinese swimmer was banned for eight years after tampering with a drug test. He joins us on today's show as our very special guest.

In today's news headlines: Three-week-old baby infected with coronavirus in Melbourne NICU cluster Top lawmakers refuse to #RaiseTheAge Black Lives Matter protesters say they’ll cancel today’s rally – on one condition The ACCC’s world-first case against Google

In today's Briefing we ask Mack Horton: How time out of the water was harder than the postponement of the Olympics for him? What was it like not having a pool to train in during lockdown? What's the new sport he’s fallen in love with? What is the physical and psychological impacts of not training? How different the Olympics might look in 2021 in a pandemic world? What was his podium protest really about at the Rio Games?

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Across Australia children as young as 10 can be arrested by police, charged with an offence, hauled before a court and locked away in youth prisons. We’re one of the only western countries that do that. Today Australian lawmakers will have a historic chance to change that. The Council of Attorneys-General will be looking at raising the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 years in line with UN standards.

On today’s episode we hear the deeply moving story of Keenan Mundine who was first locked up at 14 and then spent 15 years in an out of prison. He is part of the campaign to raise the age, and runs an organisation called Deadly Connections. Roxanne Moore is a Noongar woman and human rights lawyer and is helping drive the #RaiseTheAge campaign.

In today's news headlines: “Anti-maskers” slammed by government, business Premier says Melbourne is “effectively” in stage four already Supreme Court blocks upcoming Sydney Black Lives Matter protest Majority of Australians support legal change to stop putting ten-year-olds in prison

In today's Briefing we ask: what is the impact of being locked up on a young person? How does going to prison at a young age normalise it if it happens in future? What does it take to break out of that system? What is a better way to deal with crime than sending children to detention? What would the impact of raising the age of criminal responsibility be? What percentage of young people who are locked up come back to prison?

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Welcome to a special weekend edition of The Briefing with guest Julia Gillard.

In today’s episode, we catch up with Australia’s first and only female Prime Minister about her famous misogyny speech of 2012, how ultra macho leadership styles are letting us down during the pandemic, and her new book Women in Leadership.

In today's episode Julia Gillard speaks to us about: The speech that turned her into a feminist hero The fact she never expected her gender to be such a key point in her leadership of the country Her take on some of the more controversial male leaders across the world during the pandemic Whether New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern would ‘make it’ in Australian politics Whether she expected her post-political life to centre around female leadership Where she thinks the gender equality debate will be after the pandemic What male leaders of today can do to pave the way for a more equal future

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Today we take a deep dive on JobKeeper rorts and the bosses taking advantage during the pandemic. Common issues include workers being forced to change hours and duties to receive JobKeeper, and workers being pressured into accepting JobKeeper on the employer’s terms. Since the scheme began in March the Australian Tax office has received more than 6168 tip offs about JobKeeper payment issues, and the Fair Work Ombudsman has received 726 requests for assistance.

In today's episode we speak to some workers who fall under JobKeeper's provisions and Giri Sivaraman, a Principal lawyer at Maurice Blackburn.

In today's headlines: A quarter of a million more people will lose their jobs by Christmas Man in his 50s one of five new Victorian deaths as $300 hardship payment introduced Twitter confirms private messages accessed in high profile hack of Barack Obama, Bill Gates, Kanye West Bill Gates “doesn’t know” where Covid-19 microchip conspiracy theory came from

On today's Briefing we ask: Is your employer allowed to force you into a different role or hours on JobKeeper? What should you do if you're being forced to change hours on JobKeeper? What should you do if you're being forced to change duties on JobKeeper? Are you forced to accept JobKeeper?

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Shark attacks are at a ten year high in Australia. We’re only halfway through the year and we’ve already seen 18 attacks, 4 of those in the past 5 weeks. 5 of these attacks have been fatal, when the average is usually 1.8 deaths per year.

On today's episode we're joined by Dr Vanessa Pirotta: wildlife scientist, marine biologist and last week’s shark attack victim who loves sharks. Our other guest is Dr Vincent Raoult, a marine ecologist at the University of Newcastle.

Today's news headlines: Covid-19: We’ll be paying off the budget hit for 30 years More than half of Victorians not isolating while waiting for Covid-19 test results US President Donald Trump asks Americans to wear masks in major backflip

In today's Briefing we ask: Why there has been a spike in shark attacks in Australia? What are the best approaches to deal with this?

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When Prime Minister Julia Gillard stood up in parliament and gave her misogyny speech in 2012 she had no idea it would become the defining moment of her career. It went viral with 6 million people watching it on YouTube alone, and it made Julia a feminist hero. She was the Australia’s first and only female Prime Minister, coming to power controversially after the axing of Kevin Rudd in 2010. She is our special guest on the show today.

In today's news headlines: All the new JobKeeper and JobSeeker changes explained Melbourne security guard claims she was recruited on Whatsapp, given no training Charges laid over 2016 Dreamworld deaths Coronavirus bites with eight iconic Aussie magazines axed

In today's Briefing: Julia Gillard has a new book Women In Leadership and joins The Briefing in this episode to talk about what’s unique about female leadership and how ultra-macho leadership styles are letting us down in the pandemic.

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Last month our Prime Minister, side by side with the Defence Minister gave us a very strong warning about cyberattacks. Along with that warning here in Australia, there’s been a concerning development in the UK after they accused a Russian hacking group of trying to steal COVID-19 research.

On todays episode we find out what harm these attacks could actually do., and what we really need to worry about. Our guest today is Alastair MacGibbon: Chief Strategy Officer, CyberCX and former National Cyber Security Advisor & Head of Australian Cyber Security Centre.

In today's news headlines: JobKeeper: payments reduced from October, extended to 2021 NSW at a “critical point” as person in their 30s in ICU Major development in UK Covid-19 vaccine trial

In today's Briefing we ask: Why are cyberattacks a threat to us all? How do they really affect our lives? And what harm could these attacks actually do?

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On todays episode we interview a disease detective hunting for patient zero and trying to stop the spread of COVID-19. Christian Peut is a Contact Tracer in the Communicable Disease and Control Branch at SA Health. Coronavirus contact tracers or "disease detectives" are the health experts who interview people with COVID-19 to try and work out who they might have got the disease from and who they might have given it to.

In today's news headlines: Masks mandatory in Melbourne from Thursday More small business support ahead of JobKeeper tweaks Presidential latecomer Kanye West is holding his first rally today

In todays Briefing we ask: How does contact tracing actually work? Is it really possible to track everyone an infectious person has come into contact with? What happens if - or when - the Covid Safe app fails?

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Welcome to a special weekend edition of The Briefing with guest Dr Pimple Popper.

In today’s episode, we catch up with global YouTube sensation, dermatologist Dr Pimple Popper AKA Dr Sandra Lee. She has more than 6.5 million YouTube subscribers and 3.9 million on Instagram… with some individual videos clocking up 60 million views.

Did she ever expect to clock up 4 million Instagram followers? Her reaction to the success of her videos. Generating an income from what some people squirm over. How pimple popping videos are educating the next generation. Why her videos hit the spot with so many people across the world. The increase in views since COVID-19, and why she thinks there’ll be MORE videos to come thanks to MASK-NE [pron: like acne] from wearing masks.

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Is the pandemic making us watch strange internet videos? Jan Fran has felt the need to watch ASMR and Pimple Popping videos during lockdown and on today's episode we explore why? Pimple popping videos are a type of ASMR which is an Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. We’re joined by the biggest pimple popper in the world: Dr Pimple Popper who has 6.5million subscribers on youtube and 3.9m on Instagram. To learn more our other guest is Dr Craig Richard, an international ASMR expert who created ASMRuniversity.com and is trained in Physiology and Cell biology.

In today's news headlines: Perth AFL game hosts biggest crowd since pandemic began Australian unemployment hits 22 year high Celebrity Twitter hack hits Obama, Jeff Bezos

In today's Briefing we ask: Is Jan Fran the only one who enjoys this pastime? Why do some people love it and some people hate it? Should more people watch them to relax and ease anxiety?

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For 45 years letters between the Queen and Australia’s Governor General have been kept secret. This week, against the Queen's wishes this series of private letters were released.

On todays episode our guest is the Gough Whitlam biographer who fought for the palace papers to be released in court - Australian Historian Emeritus Professor Jenny Hocking from Monash University. We're also joined by Niki Savva - was in Canberra at the time of the dismissal.

In today's news headlines: $2.5b rescue package for young workers on the way Pokemon Go, KFC: the ridiculous reasons Victorians are breaching lockdown AFL moving north for the rest of the home and away season Young people drinking, using fewer drugs than their parents

In today's Briefing we ask: what is in the palace letters? What do they mean for Australia now?

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When most of us could travel overseas we knew that that if it all goes pear shaped you still call Australia home and it will be waiting for you with open arms. But for many Australians overseas that changed this week.

Today we're joined by Lachlan Kitchen, who has been trying to build a life in Dubai... but had a redundancy last week. Our other guest is James Mort who is still in London he’s also trying to get home.

In today's news headlines: Victoria’s public housing tower cluster linked to protests QLD declares two NSW suburbs hotspots Woman who lost her home in bushfires survives QLD shark attack

Palace Papers released decades after Whitlam dismissal

In today's Briefing we hear what the reality of being unable to return home means for young Australians who’ve been working abroad. We ask the questions: Should returning Australians chip in for quarantine? Have they had enough warning?

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Should we be wearing face masks in public? To mask or not to mask? It’s a simple question: so why has there been so much mixed messaging about wearing a face mask here in Australia and Overseas? The advice from the World Health Organisation has now become clearer and stronger. Same with the Victorian Authorities and the American Centre for Disease control.

To answer this timely question we speak to Professor Kerryn Phelps AM (Doctor and Former President of the Australian Medical Association) and Professor Marylouise McLaws (an infection prevention expert at the University of NSW).

In today's news headlines: Victoria warned about possible hotel quarantine bungle months ago NSW pubs hit with tighter restrictions after overnight crisis meeting Charity warns JobSeeker cut would create another national crisis NFL: Washington Redskins announce name change after decades of debate

In today's Briefing we ask: Why has the messaging about wearing masks changed? Why has the advice about wearing masks been so unclear? How effective are masks against COVID-19? What type of mask should you use? Where should masks be worn?

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We know that Covid-19 testing, especially in hotspots, will be key to stopping it’s spread. However, since the second wave hit Melbourne we’ve heard of thousands of people who have refused the swab test. Should we throw the book at these people who say no? Or are there perfectly valid reasons to refuse the nasal swab?

Our guests to discuss this topic are Marylouise McLaws (UNSW Professor in infection prevention and is working on the World Health Organisation’s COVID Advisory Panel) and Lawyer Bill O’Shea (former President of the Law Institute of Victoria, former General Counsel at Alfred Health for 13 years).

In today's news headlines: COVIDSAFE app push as cases climb NSW Covid Cluster Ghislaine Maxwell fights to keep secret doc out of court Trump finally masks up on visit to military hospital

In today's Briefing we ask: There are various state laws that allow authorities to fine people for not taking a test or you can isolate someone as a way of making them get the test - should we use the full powers of the Public Health and Wellbeing Act to coerce people into taking the test?

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The US is considering banning Tiktok because of concerns about privacy and Chinese government interference. India banned it last week and now our pollies are taking a long hard look at it. So should TikTok be banned in Australia? Serious concerns have been raised about privacy, censorship and Chinese government interference as Tiktok is the first Chinese-owned social media platform to become so popular in the west.

In today’s episode we speak with Jackson Aces, one of Australia’s top ten TikTok'ers and find out how he feels about banning it. We’re also joined by Mark Pesche, host of The Next Billion Seconds podcast.

In today's news headlines: National cabinet to discuss Victorian outbreak as official warns cases have not peaked yet Horror as hundreds caught flouting social distancing outside Sydney pub “Gross interference”: China’s latest dig at Australia Kanye West unveils Presidential platform in tell-all interview

In today's Briefing we ask: What is TikTok? Should TikTok be banned? What are the concerns about users data and privacy? Why does the government care about TikTok? How has TikTok responded to these claims? What are the implications of banning TikTok? What has the Australian arm of the TikTok organisation said?

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In today’s episode we look at the Melbourne public housing tower crisis. While the city of Melbourne is back in lockdown and panic buying has returned, what will happen to the 3000 people trapped in public housing towers that can’t even go to the supermarket? We speak to Abdi Ish who lives in a North Melbourne housing tower and Kon Karapanagiotidis, CEO Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.

In today's news headlines: Fears Melbourne outbreak has already spread interstate World champion snowboarder dies spearfishing on the Gold Coast PM confirms JobSeeker will be extended past September for some

In today's Briefing: the experience of a pandemic for someone who lives in a public housing tower is very different to that of residents in the suburbs. No visitors are allowed in and no residents can go out. The risk of infection is high with cramped living conditions, shared laundries, and hundreds of people using the same lift, meaning these buildings have an explosive potential to spread COVID-19. We ask a resident to paint to a picture for us - What is it like in there? Is everyone staying in their apartment, or are they going out into the hallways? Is it quiet?

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Experts at the Australian National University have been testing Canberra's sewage water for traces of COVID-19. Testing wastewater is a quick and inexpensive way of tracking the coronavirus and potentially alerting communities of an outbreak before it occurs, so should it be rolled out across the country?

We speak to Dr Aparna Lal from the ANU Research School of Population Health who is leading the team of researchers that took daily samples of wastewater covering the whole of the ACT, and found no traces of the virus. So is testing toilet water the answer?

In today's news headlines: Melbourne plunged back into lockdown as NSW border slams shut “Don’t go to China,” warns federal government US considers TikTok ban Leading scientist says facemask refusers should be treated like drink drivers

In today's Briefing we ask: what can we pick up from testing sewage? Is this a way to get ahead of the curve compared to mainstream testing methods? Can you test the sewage of a specific localised area? How long has this kind of testing been going on? Does this method show undetected community transmission? Can it only detect the presence of coronavirus or does it give an indication of 'how much' virus is in an area? What's the legality around testing sewage? Are there any privacy concerns?

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Quarantining international travellers has been a huge part of Australia’s successful management of COVID-19, however Victoria faces mass lockdowns in the face of a second wave. On today’s episode we find out what went wrong with Melbourne’s disastrous hotel quarantine management. Andrew Lund is the Nine News reporter who managed to get hotel security guards to speak out and joins us to dive deeper into what went wrong.

In today's news headlines: NSW to close the border on Victoria after spike, two deaths “It’s disgusting” Nine’s Brooke Boney backs Pauline Hanson axing Residents in locked down towers yet to receive supplies Scott Morrison wants penalties for 10,000 refusing tests Mark Zuckerberg to meet with civil rights groups after mass ad exodus

In today's Briefing we ask: was there any truth to the allegations that Security guards were sleeping with people in Quarantine? How did it spread beyond the guards into the community? Why did Victoria take a different approach and on private security companies? Who is to blame?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a time of economic hardship should we be spending less on defence rather than more? As we grapple with the decision about extending Job Keeper... the government announced $270b in weapons spending. Sam Dastyari has openly criticised the move and joins us on the podcast, along with a defence analyst who has a very different view - Professor Rory Medcalf, Head of the National Security College at the Australian National University.

In today's headlines: Victorians say locked down towers feel like a prison Kanye West is running for President Annika Smethurst explains the Eden-Monaro by-election result Alleged victim says Prince Andrew “should be panicking”

In today's Briefing we ask: was the timing of this announcement about winning votes? Is now a good time to shore up our military capability? How does this compare to aid we spend in the Pacific? Is buying weapons the best use of cash? What are the defence implications of not spending this money? What are the risks to Australia's security? Are we really a match for other larger countries military interests?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The #StopHateForProfit campaign is growing, but will it make a difference? Some of the biggest brands in the world have all pledged to suspend advertising on Facebook during July. It’s part of a campaign called #StopHateforProfit.

In today's episode we find out why the big brands are turning on Facebook, and delve into the issue of Hate speech which is a problem that has plagued Facebook for years. Facebook makes nearly all of its money from advertising. This campaign is only for a month so will it actually impact Facebook’s bottom line?

Dan Van Boom is the news editor of C-Net, and joins us to help answer that question.

In today's news headlines: Federal health minister demands answers after Victorian cases exported interstate Geoffrey Rush hangs onto record defamation payout after Daily Telegraph loses appeal Jeffrey Epstein’s former girlfriend and alleged “pimp”arrested by FBI

In today's Briefing we ask: What is the #stophateforprofit campaign? Are advertisers just virtue signalling when they were cutting their marketing budgets anyway? What has Mark Zuckerberg's response been? Will there be any meaningful change from Facebook moving forward?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A reckoning is taking place in Australia’s legal profession. The women in the industry say it’s a boy’s club and always has been, despite more than 60 per cent of law graduates today being female. This gender based discrimination and hostile work environment is a leading reason why women step away from the legal profession. So what is going on and what can be done to fix it? Today's guests are Kate Eastman, Senior Counsel, Employment and human rights barrister and Jessie Tu, who was formerly in the legal profession.

In today's news headlines: Victorians facing jail, $11,000 for NSW visit as lockdowns return Guy Sebastian’s former manager arrested for allegedly defrauding the singer of $1.15m Dyson Heydon no longer a Barrister as police launch probe ATO website crashes as Aussies rush to withdraw second $10,000 from super

In today's Briefing we ask: How women are treated in the legal profession? Who has known about this behaviour? Why did it take this long for a female Chief Justice to instigate an inquiry in to what went actually went on at the highest court in the land?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the podcast we take a deep dive on what this means for the planet and what can we do to change it? We’ve known for years that the Arctic is warming at twice the global average and one side effect is that the frozen ground that melts and refreezes each year is permanently shrinking. What’s got scientists really worried is that it is no longer thawing gradually and is allowing masses of carbon that have been locked in frozen dirt to escape. Dr Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick is from the Climate Change Research Centre at UNSW joins us on todays episode to answer our questions.

In today's news headlines: Victorian virus hotspots to be locked down at midnight, international flights suspended Queensland borders reopening on July 10 for all but Victoria European Union says 14 countries welcome to visit, including Australia TikTok blocked by India over security concerns

In today's Briefing we ask: What does a heatwave in Verkhoyansk in Siberia mean for the planet? What if anything can we do to change it? Why are we seeing more severe consequences of global warming in the Arctic compared to other areas? What are the physics of ice and global warming? What is permafrost? If we don't stop this how much greenhouse gas could escape through the thawing of permafrost? Can we stop or reverse global warming?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stock market horror stories and how to avoid the same mistakes!

First time investors have been pouring into the market since the coronavirus crash. Today we find out what can go wrong and how to avoid the same mistakes.

The Covid crisis has created some wild scenes on the stock market and for people that couldn’t bet on sport anymore the stock market became a very enticing option.

We speak to Scott Phillips CIO of Motley Fool and host of a great finance podcast called The Motley Fool Money, and first time Aussie share trader Jack Ball

In today's news headlines:

Suburban lockdowns inch closer with a staggering 75 new Covid-19 cases in Victoria $1.35 billion for new cyber army to stop digital attacks New data says jobs are out there, but Aussies aren’t applying for them

In today's Briefing we ask: What can go wrong and how to avoid the same mistakes

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Tensions have been particularly bad since Australia led the charge on a global inquiry into the origins of the Coronavirus. Earlier this year editor of the Global Times called us the “chewing gum stuck on the soles of China’s shoes” and a poll from last week shows Australians are worried about China. On todays episode we speak to Will Glasgow, the Australian’s China correspondent and China expert and author (Hidden Hand: Exposing How The Chinese Communist Party Is Reshaping The World) Clive Hamilton.

In today's news headlines: Crisis deepens in Victoria as Premier threatens suburban lockdowns In a rare move, Donald Trump deleted a tweet after backlash More people than ever are loving PM Scott Morrison, Newspoll finds

In today's Briefing we ask: Where is Australia’s tense relationship with China heading?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to a special weekend edition of The Briefing with guest Julie Bishop

In today’s episode we catch up with Julie Bishop the former Foreign Minister and one of Australia’s most successful female politicians. What she’s been up to post politics? Adapting to technology to keep running a business Did Australia do the right thing by leading the call for an independent inquiry into the origins of the Coronavirus? Working with Donald Trump, and the way he’s handles the Black Lives Matter Protests How do we go about tackling racism in Australia? Has she changed her mind about being a feminist? Her third career in life - the private sector

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Australia has won the bid to host the biggest women’s sporting event in the world, the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. On today's episode we speak to Matildas star striker Hayley Raso straight after the announcement. It will be the first World Cup hosted across two football confederations with Australia and New Zealand hosting 32 teams. The Matildas and the Women's League have built up a huge following in the past 10 years and now they will be able to vie for the World Cup on home soil

In today's news headlines: Qantas may cut more jobs if Trans-Tasman travel doesnt happen CovidSafe fail: App yet to trace a new contact Arts Rescue Package Panned

In today's Briefing we ask: what is the value of hometown advantages? What does training look like in the next few years? What does today’s announcement mean to young female players?

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The data is in! Employing and promoting women makes a company more productive and more profitable, so why aren’t all businesses doing more of that? In this episode we brief you on a brand-new report that makes the unequivocal business case for gender equality in Australia’s top companies. While women make up half of the workforce there are far fewer women in leadership positions than men. Our guests are Libby Lyons (Director of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency) and Karen Lonergan (Head of People and Culture at property development company Stockland).

In today’s headlines: $250m rescue package for the arts World heading for 10 million Covid-19 cases as Australia battles its own outbreak Finally confirmation on how to pronounce Arnott’s Nice biscuits

In today’s Briefing we ask: If more gender balanced leadership means higher profits why aren’t more companies doing this?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week the government announced they want to make some uni degrees cheaper and others a lot more expensive. On today's episode Annika Smethhurst explains the proposed changes, plus we speak with the Education Minister Dan Tehan and his former cabinet colleague Julie Bishop about this.

In today's news headlines: Novak Djokovic tests positive to Covid-19 after hosting controversial tennis tournament Panic buying re-starts in Victoria due to harsh lockdown fears AFL star Eddie Betts’ heartbreaking racism plea to Aussies

In today's Briefing we ask: How does fee-supported places work today? What courses will be affected by the proposed changes? What does a current year 12 student about to attend university think? Will more students study overseas as a result of the changes? Are the stereotypes of arts degrees being frivolous unfounded? What evidence is there that lowering university course costs leads to extra demand? How were the cost changes arrived at? How will the proposed changes affect student diversity?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could now be the perfect time for a WAXIT and Western Australia to break away from the rest of the country? There’s long been the undercurrent of a breakaway movement in WA, re-appearing when the borders closed for COVID-19 so what does it mean now? In today's episode we find out what one of WA’s most influential people think of Waxit, former Foreign Minster and WA Leader Julie Bishop, and we’ll speak with leader of the Western Australian Party Julie Matheson.

In today's news headlines: Former High Court justice Dyson Heydon inquiry 75% of Aussies ‘forgetting’ Covid-19 risks World hits one million Coronavirus cases in eight days, amid scary vaccine prediction Degree fee hike may see unis take on more humanities and arts students

In today's Briefing we ask: What does an exit mean? Who is driving the secessionist sentiment? Why would WA want this? What would some members of WA like to see changed to remain in the federation? What does the WA population think? What role has the pandemic played to exacerbate this movement? What would be the process to do a WAXIT?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria has reimposed coronavirus restrictions and extended its State of Emergency after its highest number of new cases in months.

On Todays episode we take a look at what led to this spike, and whether this is the right course of action for the state.

Catherine Bennett, Professor of Epidemiology at Deakin University helps us understand this tipping point.

In todays news Headlines: Victoria reimposes coronavirus restrictions after the highest number of new cases in months World reaches a grim Covid-19 milestone No second wave of Covid-19 from US Black Lives Matter protests K-Pop fans and TikTokers claim to have virtually hijacked Trump rally

In todays Briefing we ask:

Has Victoria’s Premier done the right thing by revising restrictions? How is this transmission occurring? Is the focus on how people are interacting in households rather than big events like protests? Will the protests also contribute to these unrelated sporadic cases? Is it down to the individual or is it something the state can intervene in? Will we be able to get on top of this second wave in Victoria or is this something bigger?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to a special weekend edition of The Briefing with guest Andrew Denton.

Andrew is one of Australia’s most loved media identities and after losing his father to a painful death a few years ago he’s been Australia’s most vocal advocate for assisted dying.

Andrew is passionate about having a choice about how we die and has been working to bring in Assisted Dying Laws so none of us have to go through that. He’s travelled the world seeing how the laws work in some of the six other countries that allow it.

Since Andrew has been advocating, Victoria has passed Voluntary Assisted Dying laws and yesterday marked one year since the scheme began.

Today we're joined by Andrew to see how he thinks the laws are working, and if the rest of Australia will follow suit.

How does Andrew think the laws are working? What is stopping other states in Australia passing these laws? Does he see any cultural changes around this issue? Why he thinks it will be inevitable that the laws will be Australia Wide.

Andrew Denton is the founder and director of Go Gentle Australia https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today marks one year since Victoria introduced a voluntary assisted dying scheme. It’s the first Australian state to enact Voluntary Assisted Dying laws, so the question is: Should the rest of the country follow suit?

We speak to Dr Cameron McLaren, the Victorian doctor who’s assisted in more deaths than any other doctor. And Adam Foreman whose mum chose Voluntary Assisted Dying to end her battle with cancer.

In todays headlines: Jamila caught in the Labor branch stacking cross-fire Uni fees overhauled, the new cut price courses Calls for JobKeeper and JobSeeker to be extended after horror job losses Ex-top advisor says Trump isn’t fit for office Homeless man sneaks into Covid-19 quarantine, scores two week free hotel stay

Keep an eye out for our Special Weekend Briefing in your feed tomorrow, where we go in depth with Andrew Denton, who’s been Australia’s most vocal advocate for assisted dying.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Millions of you donated to help the bushfire victims. But have we helped the people that need it?

Before the pandemic the devastation and the smoke from the bush fires was all consuming.

Over 18.6 million hectares of land was burnt, 33 people were killed and almost 6,000 buildings were destroyed. Along with the personal pain it also caused a lot of political tension.

In just over two weeks we’re going to find out what people in one of the hardest hit areas are feeling about the response to the bushfire disaster when they go to the polls in the Eden Monaro By Election.

On todays episode we find out how people are doing on the ground, and how this might play out at the by election.

In Todays Headlines: Former Atlanta police officer, charged with murder of Rayshard Brooks Recruitment starts today for Australia’s most promising Covid-19 vaccine trial Explosive leaked text messages see Labor branch stacking scandal turn ugly Melbourne African community leader targeted with racist messages by South Australian Police Officer Qantas cancels all international flights for months UK PM Boris Johnson’s speaks lovingly about Australia before car crash

On Todays episode we ask: What is a by election? How will the bushfire recovery impact the upcoming by-election? Do people feel like they’re getting enough support? What is the social and mental impact this is having on people? Does the frustration with government still exist?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Defunding the police - What does it mean? and why is the US police force so different from our own?

One of the demands of protestors since George Floyd’s death is the call to defund the police.Today we dig deeper into this call, and find out what it actually means.

We’ll take you to Atlanta where protestors have hit the streets after Rayshard Brooks was shot dead by police and speak to one of the protest leaders Dionisio Tabora - CEO of Atlanta Protest for Justice.

We find out more about how the Police Forces work in America with David Smith a Senior Lecturer in American Politics at University of Sydney who explains what Defunding the Police means.

In todays headlines: Covid breakthrough. UK study shows cheap steroid reduces coronavirus deaths by a third. As we lift Covid restrictions, second waves are starting overseas. Victorian Premier hands over state party control after branch stacking scandal The Atlanta cop who shot Rayshard Brooks had 12 previous complaints Beer company considering name change after BLM pressure

On Todays episode we ask: What does defunding the police mean? Does it mean there’s no police force? Is it about scraping the forces they have and starting again? How strong have the protests been in Atlanta in the wake of Rayshard brooks shooting? How does the Police force work in America?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will COVID produce the opportunity of a generation for young people desperate to crack the housing market?

Decades of surging house prices have created some intense intergenerational debates around fairness, with Median home prices increasing to more than seven times the median incomes today.

There were pandemic predictions that prices could fall by up to 30% however most banks have scaled back their predictions to a 10% drop.

So with mortgage freezes and job keeper stopping in September, is this the time for first home buyers to get into the market?

In todays headlines: Labor in crisis mode as heads roll over branch stacking scandal. How the AFL could have stopped the Adam Goodes racism row Uni to offer entry without an ATAR/Ranking score due to Covid-19 Infamous nightclub fined for hosting event and breaching Covid-19 rules

In todays episode we ask: Is the right time for first home buyers to jump into the market? Will the incentive schemes around first home buyers entice people to hire tradies? When do we jump in? Are we seeing any signs of the predictions that prices could fall by up to 30%? Will the September Cliff be a reality? What sort of property doesnt lose it value? How does the First home loan deposit scheme work?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a debate that’s happening across the world right now: Should we pull down statues of people whose actions now appear hurtful and deeply offensive in today’s context?

Since the Global Black Lives Matter Protests a statue of Christopher Columbus in the US was decapitated, a statue of slave trader Edward Colston was thrown into a river in the UK, and in Belgium a statue of brutal coloniser King Leopold was removed.

In this episode we take the debate to Australia asking: Should we take down statues of people that inflicted hurt, pain or death to Indigenous Australians?

In todays headlines: Police body worn camera captures Rayshard Brooks’ final moments Statues still the focus of BLM protesters Victorian premier to respond to ALP corruption claims Back to the pub… More Covid restrictions ease

In todays episode we ask: Is tearing down statues rewriting or erasing a part of history? Is tearing a statue down an easy answer to a difficult question? Should we pull down racist statues?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Question: What do a former Liberal party cabinet minister and the rave scene have in common?

Answer: An appreciation of the drug MDMA.

Experts are warning Coronavirus will have a huge impact on our mental health and former Liberal minister Andrew Robb thinks psychedelic drugs might be a solution.

MDMA, the key ingredient in party drug ecstasy and psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms have been involved in over 119 trials. With MDMA treating PTSD, and psilocybin being trialled for depression, anxiety, addiction and other conditions.

While Andrew hasn’t tried this psychedelic assisted medicine, Jesse Noakes from Perth has and found it immediately transformational. Both join us on todays episode to share their experience.

In todays headlines:

Top doctors urge Australians to avoid rallies after protester tests positive to coronavirus PM slammed after claiming Captain Cook was not involved in slavery ABC carrying out “harm and offence audit” after Chris Lilley pulled from Netflix Twitter moves to stop us sharing articles we haven’t read

In todays briefing we ask:

Are psychedelic drugs a solution to Mental Health? Is it crucial psychadelic assisted medicine is only used in conjunction wtih a therapist? What does a session look like? How much does an MDMA therapy session cost?

If you are struggling, or need help call lifeline: 13 11 14

If you’d like more info on this visit Mind Medicine Australia, an organisation advocating for change in this space www.mindmedicineaustralia.org

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The record breaking protests in the US have rightly put questions about the way Australia’s indigenous people are treated by police back on the agenda.

Indigenous incarceration rates here in Australia are on the rise, and First Nations people are now more likely to be locked up than African-Americans.

One recommended way of fixing this problem is by increasing the number of Indigenous people in the police force.

In todays Briefing we take you to Australia’s first all Indigenous police station in a small community 300kms west of Uluru featured in the film ‘Our Law’.

We catch up with the film’s director Cornel Ozies and one its stars Sergeant Wendy Kelly - an Indigenous police officer who was working at the station and helping improve the way the police force engages with Indigenous people.

Today's Headlines: Chris Lilley shows & Little Britian pulled down over blackface Ruby Princess inquiry hears passengers “had flights to catch” Aussie gyms rush to cut ties with Crossfit after CEO resigns Police to take legal action over more planned protests

In todays episode we ask: What have the police done wrong in the way they’ve dealt with Indigenous people? What is the key difference being Indigenous police officer? Is there an instant trust that a non-indigenous person wouldn’t have?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Bonus Episode hear our full interview

How does a former ‘Tiger King’ Animal Keeper feel about the court awarding Joe Exotics Zoo to his nemesis Carole Baskin?

We speak to ‘Saff’ the former Animal keeper who lost his arm to a tiger attack, and fan favourite of the Netflix series.

The recent big news for fans of the series saw a US court awarding Joe Exotic’s bitter rival Carole Baskin ownership of the Oklahoma tiger zoo he set up.

Joe is the controversial former tiger zoo operator who’s serving a 22 year jail sentence for attempting to order a hit on Carole Baskin who also ran a tiger zoo.

In this extended interview:

How did Saff respond to the recent developments of Carole taking over the zoo? What does it mean for the animals left in the zoo? Does Saff trust that Jeff Lowe will look after the animals? the zoo in good hands or is Saff concerned? How would Joe Exotic be reacting to the news? Does Saff feel for Joe Exotic after all they've been through? As someone who is passionate about animals how did Saff feel watching Tiger King knowing animals werent treated as well as they could have been? Does Joe Exotic have good reason to be holding hope for getting anything back? How strong the pull is with working with animals? Why did Saff go back to work so soon after arm was amputated? How does Saff feel about the park going to Carole Baskin? How has the massive success of Tiger King changed Saffs life? When people come up to Saff on the street, where does the general population sit with Carole Baskin? What is Saff’s reaction to a Sheriff finding that Carole Husbands Don Lewis' will was forged? Do the Tiger King cast stay in touch? What is Saff’s reaction to Coronavirus lockdown and protests surrounding George Floyds death

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does a former ‘Tiger King’ Animal Keeper feel about the court awarding Joe Exotics Zoo to his nemesis Carole Baskin?

We speak to ‘Saff’ the former Animal keeper who lost his arm to a tiger attack, and fan favourite of the Netflix series.

Joe is the controversial former tiger zoo operator who’s serving a 22 year jail sentence for attempting to order a hit on Carole Baskin who also ran a tiger zoo, but claimed it was for animal welfare rather than entertainment.

In Todays headlines: No locally-spread coronavirus cases in Australia in 24 hours Footy fans return for the first time since the Covid-19 outbreak began. US ups the pressure on Prince Andrew Microsoft’s robot editor mixes up mixed-race Little Mix singers

In todays Briefing we ask:

How did Saff respond to the news? Is the zoo in good hands or is Saff concerned? How would Joe Exotic be reacting to the news? Does Joe have good reason to be holding hope for getting anything back? What does it mean for Jeff Lowe who was in control of the zoo? What is Saff’s reaction to a Sheriff finding that Carole Husbands will was forged? How does Saff feel watching himself in the documentary series? How has the massive success of the documentary changed Saffs life? Do the Tiger King cast stay in touch? Saff’s reaction to Coronavirus lockdown and protests surrounding George Floyds death

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the most contentious issues of the pandemic has been Australia’s state border closures, with 3 out of 4 of us supporting them. Where do you stand? The federal government and the NSW premier want the other states to open up their borders faster... but the WA and QLD premiers in particular are pushing back. Today we speak to Professor George Williams (Constitutional Expert) and Mechanic Chris Jobson, who lives in QLD but works in Tweed Heads NSW.

Today's news headlines: The Conflicting health advice on whether protestors should self-isolate Police Officer who killed George Floyd fronts court for the first time China's threat: Fall in tourists 'just the tip of the iceberg' US requests formal interview with Prince Andrew over Jeffrey Epstein

In today's Briefing we ask: Should we reopen Australia's state borders? What are the different travel restrictions in each state? What's it like to work across a border? Do Clive Palmer and Pauline Hanson have a chance of winning their case against the government not reopening the borders? What does the Australian Constitution say about this? How long can these measures survive?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to your Queens Birthday edition of The Briefing.

Top 5 Briefing Episodes … as downloaded by you

While many of you are enjoying a long weekend Tom Tilley and Jan Fran bring you this special episode, revealing the top 5 episodes as downloaded by you.

The Briefing started at the height of the Covid-19 lockdown, and more recently the focus has been on the race riots and protests in America and around the world! An incredible time in world history to start a daily news podcast.

In todays Briefing we also ask: When is the Queens actual birthday? Why did Jan Fran stop science in Year 10? How to win an argument online? and Does Tom Tilley believe peoples minds can be changed?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our farmers have been going through hell with one of the worst droughts in Australia’s history. But with above average rainfall expected for winter, could the drought be breaking? Joining us today we speak to Dr Andrew Watkins (Head of Long-range Forecasts at the Bureau of Meteorology), James Nalder (a young cattle farmer from Coonamble in North West NSW) and Wayne Dunford (a Parkes farmer and the chair of the NSW Farmers Drought Taskforce).

In today's news headlines: Australian Black Lives Matter protests to draw tens of thousands tomorrow U.S. latest: George Floyd memorial held as violence subsides Travel snapshot: Aussies can now register their interest in July New Zealand holiday “I’ve just reseeded that!”: Guy tells PM, reporters to get off his lawn

In today's Briefing we ask: How much of Australia's food is sourced locally? Has the drought broken? Will the drought break? How do measure drought? Can we grow some crops in drought affected regions this winter/spring? What is required to guarantee water long-term? What is the impact on farmers?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robodebt is the story the government didn’t want you to hear about, but last week it admitted defeat and agreed to refund thousands of Aussies it sent flawed demands to as part of its controversial robodebt recovery scheme. We speak to Joel Townsend - Program Manager of Economic and Social Rights at Victorian Legal Aid, which has been acting on behalf of people dudded by robodebt and Emma - a student who received a $9k robodebt bill.

In today's news headlines: The latest from the U.S:

Breaking: All four former officers involved in George Floyd's killing now face charges

Protests

Arrests

George Floyds family Family of Indigenous teenager want police officer charged Australia is in a recession Australian journalist Sophie Walsh attacked live on air

In today's Briefing we ask: where did the government go wrong? How will you get your money back?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the riots broke out in America, small groups of Australian protestors have been raising the uncomfortable question: do we face similar problems here?

Today we find out how Indigenous people in Australia are reacting to what’s happening, and what we can learn from it to help solve our problems here.

Joining us is Professor Marcia Langton AM is one of Australia’s most outspoken Indigenous voices, she’s a professor who’s been writing and researching about indigenous deaths in custody for over 30 years. We’re also joined by Jack Manning Bancroft, a young indigenous man devoting his life to giving young Indigenous kids a leg up in life.

In today's headlines: Police officer investigated over video kicking Indigenous teen U.S wrap:

Joe Biden leading push to outlaw police chokeholds

Trump ‘I am your president of law and order’

Police attack on Seven Reporter Protesters gather in Sydney for Black Lives Matter rally Tiger King’s Carole Baskin taking over Joe Exotic’s zoo

In today's Briefing we ask: How are the scenes in the US being viewed in Australia? How should leaders respond in this situation? How should everyday people respond in this situation? How should we focus our efforts for lasting positive change? How can we best foreground Indigenous voices when tackling these issues?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we take you to the streets of Washington DC, the heart of one of America's most intense rallies where looters have overrun the streets and fires have been ignited near the White House.

Today's headlines: White House protests force President Trump into bunker Hundreds gather for Australian George Floyd protest Youngest man to die of covid-19 tests negative Uber trials new ‘Uber Rent’ service in Australian world-first

In today's Briefing: Will the intensity of the US protests increase?

We speak to a black American protestor who understands what this moment is about, and the pain that has fuelled this outpouring of anger and rage for the last six nights across more than 100 American cities.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode we’ll take you to streets of Minneapolis and speak to Aussie journalist Tim Arvier who was detained at gunpoint while reporting on the riots.

In today's headlines: Rioting spreads to London, Canada, Germany over George Floyds death Former Robodebt tribunal member doubts the government can pay it all back Our states are continuing to open up Superannuation being spent on bets & booze Space X lands at International Space Station

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The coronavirus pandemic has been a financial nightmare for young people. They’ve been much harder hit by job losses and they’ll also be the ones paying back the debt we’ve accumulated in the long term. This week we also found out it is younger Australians who have rushed to cash out their super to get through the pandemic. Today we speak to award winning finance expert Natasha Janssens – Founder of "Women with Cents" and Kirk Pearson, who took out $10k from his Super fund

In today's news headlines: Covid-19 safe gym plans revealed Sad News for Newspapers - Newscorp shutting down 100 local papers Trump V’s Social Media NRL returns with controversial fake crowd noise

In today's Briefing we ask: Should you access your super early? How else can you save or make money in this troubled time? What are the top 3 things that we should be thinking about in this time in terms of our finances?

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Australians are keen to get back on the sporting field but given the close contact and the huge numbers of people involved, could it spark a second wave that undoes all our hard work? We speak to Tim Cotter - Head Coach Newcastle City Blues Australian Football Club and Paul Kelly - Deputy Chief Medical Officer.

In today’s headlines: 30-year-old man becomes Australia's youngest coronavirus death Annika Smethurst won’t be charged over spy agency story Trump threatens to shut down social media companies after tweet is fact-checked NASA and SPACE-X launch humans into orbit for the first time on a private rocket 300 million expected to watch NRL’s return tonight

In today’s Briefing we ask: Does the Deputy Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly think we’re taking too big a risk? How is a Newcastle Aussie Rules club preparing for training with the governments complicated list of dos and don’ts and COVID-19 protocols for community sport?

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The Gig Economy can provide flexibility and freedom for task by task workers like delivery drivers. Last year an Australian study found that 13% of the workforce had used a digital platform to find work and that number is expected to grow massively, particularly for young workers. But how we can protect independent contractors who work in this free market system? We speak to Diego the Delivery Driver (who says he was terminated unfairly and is fighting back) and Nick McIntosh – Transport Workers Union Assistant National Secretary.

In today's news headlines: Coronavirus-infected live export ship allowed to dock in WA despite sick crew members Accused Australian paedophile principal ‘fit’ to be extradited from Israel to finally face charges Bushfire Royal Commission hears 445 people likely died prematurely from smoke last summer Sharks young gun tests positive to steroids days out from NRL restart

In today's Briefing we ask: Why is the gig economy an easy fast way to find employment but it is also easier to get let go? What are the hidden costs to participants? How do people sometimes end up getting paid less than the minimum wage? How does this way of work treat our most vulnerable workers? Why are young people and temporary migrants most at risk? How do they get the right level of protection in this gig economy?

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Hydroxychloroquine is the drug at the centre of public debate and Donald Trump has revealed he’s been taking it to try and reduce his chances of getting Covid-19. Professor Marc Pellegrini (Walter & Eliza Hall institute of Medical Research) is the lead researcher on the Australian trial and joins us on today's show.

In today's news headlines: Bushfire royal commission hears black summer “not a one-off” Court rules Celeste Barber’s $51 million NSW RFS fundraiser can’t go to other charities Preventing male suicide a focus of $20 million mental health package Top medical body demands urgent information campaign after Pete Evans anti-vaxxer interview

In today's Briefing we ask: How dangerous are the side effects? What are the risks of taking it to prevent COVID-19? What does Australia hope to achieve with their trial? Why are populist right wing leaders latching on to Hydroxychloroquine as a COVID-19 solution?

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Warning - Adult/Explicit content in this episode.

It’s hard to imagine a work practice any more socially non-distant than sex work. To talk about the impact of the pandemic on this racy industry, we speak to sex worker and CEO of Australian Sex Workers Association Scarlet Alliance - Jules Kim.

(⚠️ Warning: obviously there is a discussion of adult themes in this episode, so it's recommended not to listen with kids in the car unless you're ready for the birds and the bees chat)

Today's news headlines: New Zealand could be open before QLD PM takes responsibility for massive JobKeeper mistake The AFL and NRL’s plans to get fans back in stadiums US threatens to sever ties with Australia over Victorian project

In today's Briefing we ask: How has sex work been impacted during the pandemic and social distancing? Should it be allowed to reopen under Step 3 of the Covid rollback plan?

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Why is COVID-19 killing more men everywhere? Why do men and women die differently? Why do women outlive men? To find out, we speak to Dr Sharon Moalem - Author “The better half. The genetic superiority of women” and Dr Rebecca Kippen – a Demographer from Monash University.

Today's news headlines: QLD Premier not bothered by Pauline Hanson’s threat to take state to High Court Lockdown now eased in every American state Police say car crash into hijab shop that injured 14 not terror-related Australian unfair dismissal claims up 70%

In today's Briefing we ask: Why are more men dying from coronavirus? When it comes to pandemics why don’t men do as well as women? What gives females this leg up when it comes to survival? What does it mean that women are genetically superior to men? How does genetics and behaviour affect the longevity of Men vs Women both during a pandemic and beyond?

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Despite advice from the overwhelming majority of scientists, the concerns and conspiracies around 5G continue to get traction with so many people. Today we find out why. This is part 2 of our Briefing on the 5G Corona Conspiracy.

Today we find out why the 5G concerns have gained so much traction during this pandemic with Dr Robin Canniford University of Melbourne who researches Human Behaviour.

Today’s news headlines: Casual workers are entitled to paid leave: Federal court Chinese state media labels Australia “this giant kangaroo that serves as a dog of the US” Queensland woman develops Covid-19 two months after travel UK war veteran who raised record amount for Covid-19 Knighted

In today’s Briefing: The internet has been lighting up with theories in this time of fear, and in several countries people have been setting 5G towers on fire. 5G is a big concern for a lot of people. A poll released this week found 1/5 of young people believed 5G was spreading the coronavirus. Despite the advice from the overwhelming majority of scientists... the concerns and conspiracies around 5G continue to get traction with so many people. Today we once again delve deeper into why?

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The coronavirus pandemic has sent 5G fear into overdrive, with several conspiracy theories emerging. So we put all the big questions to Professor Rodney Croft from the Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bio Effects research at the University of Wollongong.

In today's news headlines: Qantas unveils “Fly Well” program: face masks but no spare seats China labels Australia’s inquiry vindication claims as “nothing but a joke” Masterchef contestant charged with sexual assault Aussie music festival FOMO goes into liquidation

In today's Briefing we ask: At the heart of the 5G debate is the concern that radio waves are harmful to our health - is that true? At what levels are radio waves harmful? How much research has been done on the harms of 5G itself? We know that people around the world have been setting 5G towers on fire - do the towers pose a greater risk? Can 5G radio waves can harm your immune system making you more vulnerable to Covid-19? Can radio waves spread Covid-19? What research is often used to justify conspiracy theories?

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Health experts believe vaping is more effective than nicotine patches and gum and is the most popular quitting aid in countries where it is available... then why is it illegal in Australia? We’ll explain the key arguments and find out why Australia is taking a tougher stance than other western countries, and why its such a divisive issue here. To find out more we speak to Professor Colin Mendelsohn who is Chairman of Tobacco Harm Reduction.

In today's news headlines: China caves and supports independent coronavirus inquiry championed by Australia States being pressured to reopen borders AFL introduces “bonk ban” to stop covid-19 spread Puppy scammers taking advantage of rise in adoptions

In today's Briefing we ask: Is vaping safer than smoking? Is there evidence it helps you quit smoking? If it’s better for you than smoking, why hasn’t it been legalised? Flavoured vaping V’s nicotine vaping and could vaping be a gateway for smoking in young people? How do we sift through the suspicion around vaping because of the tobacco industry’s involvement?

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Millions of us are currently working from home because of the pandemic, but could working from home become the new normal? Today our guest is Organisational Psychologist Amantha Imber.

In today's news headlines: 62 countries back Australia’s call for a coronavirus enquiry Western Australia, Tasmania opening up as Victoria reveals its roadmap Police still not sure how AFL player was stabbed Aussie shoppers flock to stores buying PJs, trackies, casual gear It turns out Dr Google’s wrong most of the time

In today's Briefing we ask: If studies are showing that people get more done working from home, there’s higher job satisfaction and in some cases we took shorter breaks and had less sick days, why is it not the done thing? What has the pandemic has taught us about working from home? What are the biggest benefits and the downsides? How can we build and maintain our connections while WFH? Which businesses both at home and abroad are adopting working from home as being a normal part of the job?

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The insane seems to have been dialled up in the midst of this pandemic when it comes to the conspiracy theories people are sharing on their social Media. We speak to Sabrina Gewargis who jumps right in, and we find out why she takes it upon herself to correct people. We also catch up with Tech Writer Claire Riley for her tips, and what the tech companies are doing in this space to ensure misinformation is curtailed.

In today's news headlines: Almost 600,000 Aussies lost their job in April End to national manhunt with man arrested in Sydney Eurovision might be cancelled but we’re getting next best thing

In today's Briefing we ask: Research has found that fake news travels faster and farther than real news, but what do you do when you see it? Do you jump in and correct misinformation on Social Media or do you just let it fly through to the keeper?

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Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd is today's guest and he joins us to answer your burning questions around Coronavirus. Questions were submitted via our Instagram account: @thebriefingpodcast

Today's news headlines: Pubs and clubs opening in a stack of Aussie states and territories The Queensland government wants to buy Virgin Australia AFL’s restart hopes hurt as South Australia refuses to waive quarantine rules Travel boss who said Tracey Grimshaw needed a “firm uppercut” resigns Aussie band Powderfinger is reuniting for their first show in a decade

In today's Briefing we ask: As we wind back our lockdown measures, is there a specific number of outbreaks where we’d see the lockdown measures would be brought back in? Is it better to manage people’s reintroduction into the community than let them take matters into their own hands because they’re fed up with the social isolation, how our health dept manages the human psychology of this? Why are we being encouraged to get the flu shot when it doesn’t combat COVID-19? Is there a risk of the virus becoming resistant to hand sanitiser or disinfectants given we’re using them at such high levels? Is there any sense of when we might be able to travel further afield than Australia or New Zealand? What is the Kawaski disease and how concerned should we be about it? Are we likely to see more of these Novel viruses in the future?

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Our Pubs and Clubs and restaurants have been hit really hard in this pandemic and for the most part they haven't complained, they've shut their doors in order to save lives. We speak with Stephen Ferguson (CEO of the Australian Hotels Association) and Celebrity Chef Colin Fassnidge about how hard COVID-19 has been for the hospitality industry.

In today's headlines: China blacklists four Aussie abattoirs without any notice Treasurer awaiting covid-19 test after parliament coughing fit metres from the Prime Minister Aussies seeing one alcohol ad “every 35 seconds” on social media during covid-19

In today's Briefing we ask: How can the hospitality industry bounce back? How might tax incentives on beer and lunches make a difference? Is it worth venues opening for 10 people capacity? How much importance is the industry is placing on the COVIDSafe app? What would it take for a restaurant to break even? Why would many restaurants be worse off if they were to open now?

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With thousands of young people out of work, is re-skilling and retraining young people the solution to the coronavirus youth employment crisis? We put the idea to Education Minister Dan Tehan and Greens leader Adam Bandt on today's podcast.

Today's news headlines: Brief Corona update

No new cases for most of Australia

VIC easing restrictions

5G statement by NSW Health New Cluster at Wuhan and Beijing trialing temperature monitoring bracelets AFL & NRL players fined for breaching social distancing laws Influencers who give away prizes or cash could be breaking the law

In today's Briefing we ask: Does the idea of free education have even more merit now we’re in the coronavirus employment crisis? How do people do these courses? What's on offer? How much can we expect to pay? What's on the other side?

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Today we take a look at how we’re looking after our elderly loved ones and how it all went wrong at some Nursing Homes in Australia. We speak to Liz Lane whose 85 year old mother is a patient at Newmarch House in palliative care with less than a year to live, and the moment she became really scared for her mum. We also speak to Aged Cared Advocate Ian Yates about how we might solve the visiting dilemma in aged care facilities.

In today's news headlines: Roll out of restrictions – Updates for VIC & NSW Conspiracy theorist protesters gather in Sydney & Melb Sydney mum made international headlines after arrest Economists warn Australian unemployment won’t return to pre-pandemic levels till 2024 American photographer Spencer Tunick seeking Aussies for online mass nude photo shoot

In today's Briefing we ask: What is happening at these places responsible for outbreaks? What makes aged care facilities so dangerous and how can we safely visit our grandparents? What can we do to protect the super vulnerable to the pandemic?

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If someone was writing horrific abusive messages to you, would you out them? Post the message publicly with their name? ... what if they’re a child? This week Clementine Ford received an abusive message from a stranger and she posted his message online along with his photo and details. He was 14. We speak to Clementine Ford (feminist writer and commentator) and Justin Quill (M&K Lawyers).

In today's news headlines: National cabinet’s meeting, but some states have already flagged no changes Redacted documents claim Cardinal George Pell “conscious” of clergy abusing children in the 1970s NRL players allowed to refuse vaccinations Madonna reveals she had coronavirus earlier this year

In today's Briefing we ask: Was it the right thing to do? What are some of the ethics around publicly naming and shaming children for bad behaviour? Is any of this behaviour on either side was actually against the law?

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We’re living through a once in a century pandemic. Today we explore the mental health impact of having normal life ripped out from under you, with no promise of return. The signs to look out for, and where you can go for help if you are struggling. Our guest is Professor Ian Hickie, co-director of the Brain and Mind Centre at the University of Sydney.

Today's news headlines: Corona wrap: National cabinet reportedly considering letting 10 people gather for Mother’s Day Businesses push for power to force employees to install COVIDSafe app to return to work Falls Festival “moves forward with optimism”, confirms summer event

In today's Briefing we ask: How many calls has Lifeline received during this crisis? What should you do if it's all getting too much for you or someone that you really care about? What impact is coronavirus having on our minds and moods? When does stress become something more serious? What's the importance of purposeful activity, and the practical steps to take if you’re struggling?

If you are struggling, or need help, call Lifeline: 13 11 14

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We explore the impact of Coronavirus on live Music and how hard the industry has been hit. Our guests are Michael Chugg (Chugg Entertainment) and singer Dave Hosking (Boy and Bear).

Today's News Headlines: COVID-19 UPDATE: TIME TO GET BACK TO WORK, “RANDOM HUGGING” STILL 10-15 MONTHS AWAY CALLS FOR MINIMUM WAGE TO INCREASE TO $810 PW QUEEN CALLS SCO MO

In today's Briefing we ask: Why is Australia’s music Industry is asking fans to hold on to their tickets rather than ask for refunds? How many fans are doing that? Who's angry about it? What's it like as an artist to have touring taken away? Why is the #keepyourticket campaign is so important to a band? Has anything like this happened to the music industry before? What does the future of music gigs look like in a post Corona restrictions Australia?

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More than 11,000 Aussie weddings have been affected by the current restrictions. Would you get married over a zoom call, or would you postpone? We’ll also find out why some couples are resorting to drive-thru weddings. Our guests today include Jane Costin (who was supposed to get married on Anzac Day) and Klara McMurray – Co-founder ‘Drive Thru I do wedding’

Today's news headlines: Jacinda Ardern joins National Cabinet to discuss the trans-Tasman “bubble” National Cabinet also looking at community sport, dining out Update on officer who took photo of former AFL coach in wig, makeup Up to 50 shooting stars an hour over the next few days!

In today's briefing we ask: Coronavirus is forcing us to think about why we’re getting married - is it about doing it for the family and community? Is it about getting married so you have children in the traditional order? Or is it just about the two of you? What is it like having a wedding without key people in your life? Plus, we discover the emergence of the drive-thru wedding in Australia with "Drive Thru I Do".

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As we edge towards lifting restrictions and slowly get our freedoms back we’re constantly being warned about a second wave of Covid-19 infections. How concerned should we be about this in Australia, given what has happened overseas? We speak to Dr Nic Geard - Computational Epidemiologist.

Today's news headlines: COVIDsafe can’t be hacked International University students may be allowed into country despite travel ban Photos leaked of Former North Melbourne Coach after arrest Slater and Gordon urging travellers to join lawsuit

In today's Briefing we ask: Both Singapore and Japan had a second wave, what can we do to avoid that happening here in Australia? How bad have these second waves been in other countries? Is a second wave inevitable and manageable and is Australia in a good position to handle it? Which measures are going to create the most risk of a second wave of infections?

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Australians think of ourselves as rebellious and free but has Covid-19 revealed who we really are? What have we learnt about what it means to be Australian in the time of Corona? Our guests include Merrick Watts (Comedian, Presenter, Broadcaster) and Dr Rebecca Huntley (Social Researcher)

Today's news headlines: How Covid restrictions are lifting, state by state America slams Chinas threat to boycott Aussie exports Viral Tweet compares Captain Cooks arrival to virus Lawyer for gangland figures wins defamation payout over Google search results

In today's Briefing we ask: We think of ourselves as relaxed, carefree and suspicious of authority. But are we? If we were relaxed... would we be panic buying toilet paper and pasta? If we were so carefree... why do we have so many laws? And if we were so suspicious of authority, why would so many millions of people have downloaded the tracing app so quickly? So who are we?

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The question is will Australia’s homeless be turfed back on to the street after this pandemic? Or will the minor miracle that they’ve been kept quite safe help us find a long-term solution? Our guest is Gareth Ward - NSW Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Service.

Today’s news headlines: The Key Covid info you need to know today (COVIDsafe app, NewMarch House, UK reporting deaths) Australia - China Relations hit new low Australia’s Rental Affordability snapshot

On today’s Briefing we ask: How did state governments around the country act quickly to put 2000 fought sleepers into accomodation? Why hasn’t there been a Covid-19 outbreak in our homeless population? What is it like to be homeless and then be put up in hotel accomodation? What is going to happen to our homeless when this month is up? Will they just go back out onto the sleep or can we make the most of this opportunity and help them turn their lives around? If we were able to scale up so quickly, why didn’t we do this before? What is the cost of putting up a homeless person into temporary hotel accommodation? What will the government be doing to keep people safe within the shelters?

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Vaccines usually take years (like, ten years...) but last week Oxford Uni researchers started testing a vaccine on humans they hope could protect us against Covid-19.

The first two volunteers were injected last week and one of them is a Sydney PhD working in oncology medical research living in the UK. His name is Edward O’Neill he joins us from London.

Today’s news headlines: Corona Wrap – Newmarch/Greg Hunt Community Transmission NRL/AFL season restarts Supermarket restrictions lifted

In today’s Briefing we ask: why did Dr Edward O’Neill put his hand up to be an early tester for a vaccine? How much do you get paid to be a human guinea pig? What’s it like not knowing if you were injected with the control vaccine or the real vaccine? Is he confident it will be successful? What work has been going on to create the Coronavirus vaccine based on the MERS vaccine? What does he have to do now, and does he have to try and get the coronavirus to see if it works? Is he being hyper vigilant to symptoms, and what it like being part of a trial like this in daily life? Will he sign up for more trials in the future?

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Young Australians have been hit hardest by job losses and short-term economic pain, but we’re also going to be the ones paying it back for decades. Today we find out what we should be doing first before we look at dipping into our super and how we can get through this as best as we can. Our guest today is Danielle Wood – Economist,The Grattan Institute.

Today's News Headlines: COVIDsafe update & hoax text House prices could drop by 30% according to NAB Chinese scientists under Covid probe studied in Australia Vegemite Sales are up by 55% & Alcohol restrictions lifted

In today's Briefing we ask: what is the impact of dipping into your super early? What things should we do first before taking our super? What could be the long-term economic impacts for young Australians? What is scarring? And how does it affect us beyond these 6 months and our long-term careers? How many years will it take to pay back the $200b the government has poured into the economy? What will the hit to this years budget be? What will the economic environment look like on the other side? How will this affect house prices? What should you do if you're thinking of buying a property?

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There have been 270 reports of these horrific attacks so far. We speak to Rosa Do - a Vietnamese Australian who was the 19-year-old victim of a racial attack that went viral and Race Commissioner Chin Tan (from the Australian Human Rights Commission).

Today's news headlines: COVIDsafe App is live Some states are rolling back restrictions Victorian Truck Driver Charged Harry & Meghan plan tell all book PM’s Ratings approval highest in almost a decade

On today's Briefing we ask: Why are these race based Coronavirus attacks happening? What’s being done about it? What should you do about it if you witness one of these attacks? And what it’s like to be the victim of one of these attacks? How prevalent was racism against Asian Australians before Coronavirus?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’d think that deadly outbreaks of Covid-19 on several cruise ships around the world would be enough to keep holiday makers away from taking a cruise for some time, but people are still booking cruises. A cruise booking site claims their bookings are up 40% from this time last year. Today we speak to a cruise-a-holic who isn’t cancelling her upcoming bookings and a passenger from the Ruby Princess who caught the virus.

Today's news headlines:

An update on Melbourne Officer Deaths The National Cabinet meets to update Coronavirus restrictions

Anzac Day 2020: Driveways at Dawn

In today's Briefing we ask: Why would you book a cruise? What's it like making friends on a cruise as a solo traveller? What's so great about going on a cruise? What does a healthcare worker think about the conditions on a cruise? What was it like on the Ruby Princess during the outbreak? What's it like to have asymptomatic Coronavirus? What was it like disembarking from the Ruby Princess? Can you avoid close contact with others on a cruise ship? Would a passenger on the Ruby Princess ever consider going on another cruise?

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How do you go on a date when you can’t even go out to dinner? We take a look at what dating is like in an age of isolation. We talk to some singles trying to continue their romantic journey and relationships expert Dr Nikki Goldstein.

Today's news headlines:

Four officers killed in Victoria police’s single biggest loss of life

Covid-19 update (0.2% increase, Ruby Princess, the PM speaks)

1in 3 Aussies have gained Quarantine Kilos

In today's Briefing we ask: What is an 'exercise date'? Would you go on a first date if it was a 10k run? How do you deal with the expectation of a little kiss or a hug at the end of a date in the time of Corona? How hard is it to be single in this age of isolation? What are the biggest changes in dating now? How are people exploring connections on a deeper level now outside of the physical? If we're having Zooms and House Party dinners, what do we miss out on when we’re not in the same space as our date? Is dating in this time changing the outcome of peoples connections and how people are reassessing what is important to them in life? What are the long term effects of Coronavirus on dating? Will we see a huge spike in hook-up culture when this is over? How is Coronavirus a huge test for existing relationships and is it a make or break time?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They’ve been blamed for Covid-19 but what are wet markets and should they be closed altogether? Guests include Aussie Annabelle Brett, who has visited these types of markets backpacking across China and Dr Delia Linn (Senior Lecturer in Chinese studies) who grew up in Wuhan and believes we’ve got it all wrong.

Today's news headlines: Young Aussies hardest hit by Covid-19 job losses South Korea and China have denied Kim Jong-Un is fighting for life. UK to trial human vaccine from Thursday

In today's Briefing we ask: What are inside the wet markets? How have the traditional wet markets changed following the outbreak of bird flu, SARS and other viral outbreaks? Why doesn't the Chinese government itself want the wet markets? Are the wet markets to blame for Covid-19? What sort of animals can you find in the Wuhan wildlife market? Do Chinese people actually enjoy to consume wildlife or is it a common misconception? What is life like in the city of Wuhan (and why is it known as a 'city of rebels'?)

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News Corp journalist Annika Smethurst has spent nearly two years with the threat of jail hanging over her head. Last week, the High Court ruled that the warrant used to raid her Canberra home was invalid. But the evidence seized has not been destroyed, and she could still face prosecution. Today we interview The Briefing's co-host and ask what is it like to be raided by the AFP? Guests include Lawyer Peter Bartlett (MinterEllisons) to recap the decision of the high court last week.

Today's news headlines: Virgin Australia enters voluntary administration South Korea reports 179 new positive Coronavirus tests Oil prices dip below zero making petrol cheap as chips

In today's Briefing we ask: What's it like to be the centre of a news story when it blew up last year? How did it go down when 7 federal police officers turn up at your door when you're leaving for work? What is it like to hear Bono mention your case during a U2 concert and having other celebrities weigh in on freedom of the press? Has it changed your view on other people who have been thrust into a spotlight? At what point does surreal and bizarre become really hard and hurtful? What's the emotional effect of a raid on your personal items like texts to friends, screenshots and notebooks? How do you prepare for the worst case scenario of jail? Has it been worth it? Would you pursue that story again?

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How is the social tracing app the government wants you to download going to work, what info will it collect, and how will it aid efforts to control the spread of Covid-19? Guests include: Mark Andrejevic (Professor of Communications and Media Studies at Monash University) and John Dawson (an Australian living in Shanghai).

Today's news headlines: Pollies weigh in on the proposed contact tracing app. One World: Together at Home concert. Turnbull's tell-all memoir out today.

In today's Briefing we ask: What is contact tracing and how does it help fight Coronavirus? How will your phones detect you are near someone using bluetooth? What is 'decentralised tracing'? How many people need to sign-up to the app for it to be effective? What data will be collected by the government and how will it be used? How is the app working in China today? What is the difference between China's approach to collecting information via technology vs the Singapore model? How can an app help ease social distancing restrictions? What is life like in China today?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.