The Briefing

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. 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 Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: TikTok: @thebriefingpod 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 Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast 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 hateChina’s quiet role in the Iran war Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee 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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee 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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast 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: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee 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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee 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: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee 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: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee 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: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee 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: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee 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 Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee 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: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee 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: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee 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: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee 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: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee 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: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee 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: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee 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: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee 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: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee 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) Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee 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: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee 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: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.