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The Briefing

The Briefing
Author: LiSTNR
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Description
A daily news podcast, The Briefing gives you the latest headlines, discussion and explainer interviews to keep you informed and entertained.
Bringing you the news you need to know at 6am and 4pm Monday to Friday, and profile features across the weekend, The Briefing is Australia's go-to news podcast for your commute, coffee or exercise.
Hosted by journalists Sacha Barbour Gatt, Chris Spyrou, Natarsha Belling, Helen Smith and Antoinette Lattouf.
2336 Episodes
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Sex and the City defined a generation - its fashion, friendships, and frank talk about love, sex, and ambition changed pop culture forever. But while Carrie and Samantha were inseparable on-screen, behind the scenes the dynamic between their real-life counterparts was anything but friendly. For years, rumours swirled about tension between the show's stars, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall. Then in 2017, Kim publicly broke her silence - confirming what fans had long suspected. There was officially beef between the pair. But what was it really about? And who was to blame? In this episode of The Beefing, Alexandria Funnell unpacks how a show built on friendship became one of television’s most infamous fallouts - and whether peace between Carrie and Samantha will ever truly be possible. 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.
Turia Pitt is one of those names everyone in Australia knows. In 2011, she was caught in a grassfire during a 100-kilometre ultramarathon and suffered burns to 65 percent of her body. Since then, she’s become much more than a survivor. Turia is an overachiever in the best way possible, she’s earned accolades, built a massive following and written multiple books, with her latest titled Selfish. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Turia explains why it’s time to be a little more selfish and why people from migrant backgrounds or those living with disabilities shouldn’t have to constantly prove they belong. Weekend list with Helen Smith TO READ: Sociopath: A Memoir by Patric Gagne TO READ: Accessory by Felicia Djamirze and Erin O’Dwyer TO EAT: Single serve tin-tray meals TO DO: 21 day wellbeing journal Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Netflix's Monsters series The Ed Gein Story is trending globally but despite it’s popularity the reviews are not in its favour, with critics pointing out it may be the most sensationalised instalment in the Monster anthology yet. The series follows murderer Ed Gein is thought to have influenced Hollywood and the making of Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Silence of the Lambs, but how much of the story is true? In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Alyce McGovern, Associate Professor of Criminology from UNSW, who explains why we can’t look away and how we can consume it more responsibly. Afternoon headlines: Preparations to implement a ceasefire deal begin in Gaza, Senator David Pocock banned from Parliament House’s social sports club and Judge dismisses Drake's lawsuit over Kendrick Lamar diss track Not Like Us Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Headlines: Man who threatened PM prepared to ‘sacrifice self’, Abbie Chatfield ordered to pay $79k for defaming former friend, man who raped French woman Gisele Pelicot handed extra time on sentence, US authorities open investigation into Tesla’s self-driving cars after crashes, and Pauline Hanson hates paper shopping bags. Deep Dive: Taylor Swift is the world’s richest female artist, has 14 Grammys and just smashed Adele’s record for the biggest album debut in history. But her 12th studio album Life of a Show Girl hasn’t been met with universal praise - so how did she still pull off a record-breaking week? In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with LiSTNR’s resident Swiftie and fandom researcher at RMIT Kate Pattison to unpack the reactions, strategy and chaos behind Taylor’s latest era. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Beckham family has long projected the image of a glamorous, tight-knit dynasty, with David and Victoria at the centre of a global brand. But behind the curated Instagram posts and luxury campaigns, tensions have been quietly simmering. With the release of Victoria Beckham’s Netflix documentary, renewed attention has fallen on the family’s private dynamics. Most notably, Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz’s absence from the launch, which reignited speculation about a growing rift - with rumours suggesting tensions between the couple and the wider Beckham clan. In this episode of The Beefing, Alexandria Funnell breaks down the timeline of events and the swirl of rumours, unpacking how one of the world’s most famous families went from picture-perfect to fractured. From public absences to whispered feuds, she explores whether the Beckham legacy can withstand the cracks now spilling into public view. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Renewable energy overtook coal as the world's leading source of electricity for the first time, with countries like Sri Lanka already running on about 50% renewables. With just four major economies creating nearly two thirds of global electricity demand, the race to decarbonise is accelerating. But who’s leading the charge and how does Australia stack up? In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Dr Reihana Mohideen, an electrical engineer and principal advisor from the University of Melbourne, who explains why these renewable energy moves aren’t about climate change and what it means for our net zero targets. Afternoon headlines: Israel and Hama sign off on first phase of US Gaza peace plan, Google blocks Gov STI awareness ads labelling them as ‘adult content’ and an Australian wins Nobel Prize for Chemistry Further listening: Trump's Nobel Peace Prize race Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Headlines: Manhunt underway in Sydney after man shot dead in ‘brazen’ daylight attack, former William Tyrell investigator 'reading between the lines’ in missing Gus Lamont case, AFP to be allowed to share child abuse material to catch offenders, Qantas among global companies hit with ransom demand from hacker group, and Dolly Parton’s got a message for the world. Deep Dive: Some of the world’s biggest comedians like Kevin Hart, Pete Davidson and Jim Jefferies are cashing huge cheques to perform at what’s being billed as the largest comedy festival in the world. While the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia has drawn major star power, it's also sparked backlash, with human rights groups calling it a glossy distraction from the kingdom’s ongoing abuses. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Michael Page, a deputy director in the Middle East and North Africa division at Human Rights Watch about how the festival fits in with Saudi Arabia’s cultural and political playbook. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The word fascist is one of the most politically charged, and controversial, labels being used to describe US President Donald trump. He's been called a fascist leader by human rights experts, political commenters and even celebrities like Rosie O’Donell, who in our interview with her earlier this week called Trump an ‘an active fascist in the White House.’ But what are the signs and makings of a fascist leader, and how can we tell it we’re seeing a resurgence of fascist tendencies worldwide. In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Dr Marco Duranti, a senior lecturer in European and international history, who explains what fascism looks like and how a political leader can be a fascist. Afternoon headlines: Rental prices increase by almost 44% in five years, Optus sent alert about triple-zero outages to wrong government email and Sam Kerr expected to make Matildas return Further listening: Rosie O'Donell on Trump, Gaza & fame Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wednesday Headlines: Australians detained by Israeli forces deported to Jordan, Government accused of ISIS brides cover-up and inaction over sexual assaults, new research finds women have greater genetic risk of depression, Aussie writers could be eligible for a cut of a $2.27bn AI settlement, and more than 50% of Aussie's think its ok to clock off early and hit the beach during summer. Deep Dive: The sovereign citizen movement is on the rise in Australia, leading to clogged up community and legal systems, and in some cases extreme violence. Accused cop killer and fugitive Dezi Freeman subscribes to the pseudolaw, a path experts say is taken by citizens in crisis. In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks to UNSW sovereign citizen researcher Dr Harry Hobbs about what's behind the surge, and why it’s a problem we won’t arrest away. Further listening from the headlines: Return of the ISIS brides We're training AI to blackmail us Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Activist Greta Thunberg is a pro at feuding with world leaders, from US president Donald Trump to former-New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, she’s beefed with them all. The 22-year-old is back in the headlines after she, and around 170 activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla for Gaza, were recently deported by Israel after being detained in international waters. In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks the first time Greta made international headlines for her viral ‘how dare you’ speech at the United Nations climate action summit and examines her ongoing feuds with prominent world leaders. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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does anybody else hear somebody rip a fart around the 13:45 mark and it's just ignored??
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Funny she did the interview drunk!? That can't just be an arty hipster accent
yeah all well and good to preach to visitors but what about LGBTQI+ Indonesians...who cares right? nothing to see here...
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Why didn’t Coorey declare that his focus group was of 5 people? All this air time for a media confection. Coorey is biased. This “gaffe” is also a complete non-issue for voters, yet seems to be high priority for journalists. Why? Bias and agenda. Just do better.
I was shocked by how blatant you were about using the podcast to platform your personal beliefs over the clear message from your listeners to be an alternative to mainstream media. Wow! I've never missed a 'Briefing' since it started but turned off at the 13 minute mark today and will read the summary carefully before listening again.
Great morning podcast to get the latest news to your ears:)
You spelled "personnel" incorrectly.
lol smartest people on television. believes in a dude in the sky watching me wank and going tsk tsk
Poor form Briefing, giving a platform for this extremist to spew a bunch of garbage. You wouldn't let a men's rights activist who hates women come in the show, so why let this woman that should have been cancelled for the horrific stuff she has said?
I just came here to feed my soul with the Howly Strayan Accent❤
what if someone at home with an ankle bracelet, throws a party for 100 mates and gives covid to all of them?
So you've joined the JK Rowling hate fest. Instead of listening to these people watch this Transwoman's very objective take on Rowling's essay. I have unsubscribed. The mob isn't always right folks. https://youtu.be/ixCFuFvNgLw
such a great 'Briefing' ❤
Oh god Im 'Karen'.. My kids keep telling me 😕🙄😂😢🤔😇
As a woman in her early fifties with three children 30 to 13 with quite a few friends that have only one or no children. I would say be careful in the 'childfree' free decision. Very few people have an interest in older women, sadly. Your children will hopefully care. My kids are ds drive me mad and I regularly would like to 'give them back', they cost me a bomb but they create so much meaning in my life. Parenthood is a strange contradiction of selflessness and selfishness. It does make the world go around...
Re attending doctors for getting help. Many are often booked out for weeks and not all bulk bill. If people are in real mental health crisis they can call the Mental Health crisis line or predent to a hospital. In a critical mental health crisis call an ambulance.
they should ban the bloody thing cause my 13 year old keeps putting up in appropriate posts that no one seems to monitoring. I spend hours deleting her older make followers and struggle to contain the whole thing. And her friends all doing it to. I have thought I should report the App for allowing children to post sexually suggestive posts. They're all trying to be like Kim Kardashian right..she should be banned as well..