Podcasts about from the newsroom

When Australian journalist Cheng Lei disappeared from Chinese state television in 2020, the world was left guessing what had happened to her. For nearly three years, she was held in a Beijing detention centre—cut off from her children, denied sunlight, and accused of leaking state secrets. In this interview, Cheng Lei speaks for the first time about the psychological toll of her imprisonment, the moments that nearly broke her, and the strength it took to hold on. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Astronomer Professor Alan Duffy joins us to unpack China’s bold plans to build a space station and nuclear-powered base on the Moon. Is this the dawn of a new space age — or the start of a high-stakes lunar land grab? For more, head to news.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could Vladimir Putin strike again — and soon? In this episode, I speak with Dr Malcolm Davis, senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, about the growing warnings from military and intelligence communities: that Russia may target another European nation as early as 2027. What would that mean for NATO? For Australia? And could it spiral into a global conflict within five years? For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we dive into the growing trend of "sleep divorce"—where couples choose separate bedrooms in the name of better rest and healthier dynamics. From snoring to mismatched schedules, we explore why more people are rethinking the traditional sleeping arrangement, and what impact it has on their relationships. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They’re tiny, wide-eyed, and taking over the toy world — but what is a Labubu, and why is everyone scrambling to collect them? In this episode, we dive into the rise of Labubu mania, the hype machine behind collectible culture, and whether this is just another trend or here to stay. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

News.com.au reporter Bronte Coy joins us straight from the French Riviera to dish on the glitz, the drama, and the downright bizarre moments of the Cannes Film Festival. From dazzling red carpets to diva encounters, Bronte reveals what really goes down behind the scenes at the world’s most glamorous film event. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At just 22, Xander McGuire is already turning heads as a reporter for Channel 7. In this episode he opens up about growing up in a media family, carving out his own path in the industry, and responding to those inevitable questions about nepotism. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we unpack the bizarre and unsettling wave of unsolicited pizza deliveries being sent to judges overseeing cases involving Donald Trump. It may sound absurd—but behind the grease-stained boxes lies a calculated effort to intimidate the judiciary and undermine the rule of law. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Money expert Melissa Browne shares nine practical, creative ways to earn an extra $20,000 a year. From small mindset shifts to savvy income tweaks, Melissa breaks down exactly how to boost your bank balance in a way that actually works for real life. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we revisit one of Australia’s most heartbreaking mysteries — the disappearance of three-year-old William Tyrrell. Now, over a decade later, a new person of interest has emerged. Dan Box from news.com.au joins us to unpack the latest developments. Listen to the four new episodes of Witness: William Tyrrell, out this week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When a pre-game dance routine by the Australian men’s netball team went viral, it should’ve been a moment of joy and celebration. Instead, it sparked a wave of online hate. Team captain Liam Forcadilla opens up to news.com.au’s Shannon Molloy about the homophobic backlash and how he got through it. For more, head to news.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re breaking down how the world’s most over-the-top song contest actually works, who’s tipped to win this year, and yes, why Australia gets a seat at the sequinned table. Joining us is news.com.au entertainment editor and Eurovision tragic, Nick Bond, who takes us behind the scenes of the spectacle, the strategy, and the campy glory of Eurovision. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we step into the creative world of the furry fandom. Max, a 26-year-old from Canberra, opens up about what it means to be a furry, how they discovered the community, and the joy they find in expressing themselves through their fursona. Whether you're curious, confused, or just fascinated by subcultures, this is an honest look beyond the headlines and into a world where identity, art, and imagination collide. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adult film icon Angela White joins us for a candid chat about the realities of porn, OnlyFans, and her out-of-this-world dream … having sex in space. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cosmetic treatments are marketed as quick, low-risk ways to enhance your appearance. But behind the flawless before-and-after photos lies a disturbing reality: the industry is dangerously underregulated. In this episode we uncover the hidden risks, and find out what you can do to protect yourself. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

news.com.au's entertainment editor Nick Bond joins us to unpack this week’s wildest showbiz stories — from the Beckham family feud and Lady Gaga's bomb scare, to a popstar's blow-up and Kanye’s latest unhinged TV moment. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The results are in from news.com.au’s Great Aussie Debate survey, revealing how often Aussies are getting it on in the bedroom, if they consider an OnlyFans subscription to be cheating, and if they’re more or less productive when working from home. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The centuries-old ritual to elect a new pope begins today. In this episode, we dive into the mysterious and sacred process of the conclave—how it works, what really happens behind those locked doors, and who the frontrunners are this time around. Joining us from Rome is Brother Mark O’Connor, offering insider insights from the heart of the Vatican. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Power, fame, and now criminal charges. Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is staring down the biggest trial of his life. What led to this moment, and how deep do the allegations go? news.com.au’s US correspondent, Benedict Brook, joins us to unpack the explosive case that could send one of the music industry’s biggest names to prison. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Bethany Clarke and her best friend, Simone White, set off on a dream holiday to Laos, they never imagined it would end in tragedy. In this powerful and emotional episode, Bethany shares the heartbreaking story of how one night out turned fatal after her friend unknowingly consumed methanol-laced alcohol.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian Dave Hughes tells news.com.au which music superstar has invited him to her wedding, and reveals which star was ‘self-pleasuring’ in the I’m a Celeb jungle. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With just a couple of days until the federal election, Anthony Albanese sits down with news.com.au’s Samantha Maiden to discuss Donald Trump, his near-death experience and why he wants to remain Prime Minister. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With just days to go until Australia votes in the federal election, Liberal leader Peter Dutton sits down with news.com.au’s political editor, Samantha Maiden, to put forward his case as to why he should be the next PM. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump’s first 100 days back in the Oval Office have been anything but quiet, with sweeping immigration crackdowns, controversial executive orders, and a presidency that's reshaping both America and the world. To break it all down, we’re joined by Jared Mondschein from the United States Studies Centre. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re joined by the iconic Poh Ling Yeow – artist, chef, and all-round legend – who dishes on her time as a MasterChef judge and reveals what Jamie Oliver is really like when the cameras stop rolling. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A number of political candidates have found themselves in hot water due to posts they’ve made on social media. News.com.au’s Samantha Maiden and Sarah Keoghan discuss the drama and what impact it could have on the election result. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s housing market is under serious strain, and one thing that keeps getting blamed is immigration. News.com.au’s Frank Chung cuts through the noise, explaining what the problem is and how the major political parties are promising to fix it. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first-ever YouTube video upload, we’re diving headfirst into the platform’s weird, wild, and wonderful history — quiz style! Joining us is news.com.au’s Mary Madigan, who bravely takes on a rapid-fire round of trivia covering everything from viral classics and cringey trends to game-changing creators. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We uncover the growing crisis facing expectant mothers in regional Australia — where giving birth can mean traveling hours, sometimes while in labor, due to the closure of local maternity wards and stretched hospital resources. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

news.com.au’s political experts, Samantha Maiden, Sam Clench and Jess Wang, dissect week three of the federal election campaign. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Sydney patisserie is struggling to keep up with demand after going viral on Chinese social media. Here’s how it happened. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we step inside the minds of modern-day doomsday preppers. From stockpiling supplies to building bunkers, we discover why they believe society is on the brink — and what they’re doing to survive it. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Katy Perry prepares to blast into space on a Blue Origin flight, we chat to Steve Young, who made the trip in 2022, to find out what it’s like. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

news.com.au’s political experts, Samantha Maiden and Sam Clench, dissect week two of the federal election campaign, discussing the highs, lows and pivotal moments. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s better, AFL’s Gather Round or NRL’s Magic Round? We’re going to settle this fierce debate once and for all. Strap in for some passionate takes, cheeky digs, and a whole lot of code pride. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s been a lot of chatter about whether Donald Trump might try to run for a third term — but is that even possible? Dr Shawn Treier, an expert in American politics and constitutional law, gives us the answer. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From surprise deaths to decade-long plot twists that fell flat, we're diving headfirst into the most infamous TV finales of all time. For more, head to news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.