The Briefing

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

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 of The 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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Blewitt was 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 Blewitt to 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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 by Dr Michael Wright, President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioner’s to discuss. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.