The Briefing

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runners blitz a Beijing half-marathon Deep Dive: Thousands more Australians will now be able to donate blood after outdated restrictions were lifted.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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday's Headlines: Australia takes part in talks to re-open straight of Hormuz TV Broadcasters call for financial help 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: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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