ABC News Daily - podcast cover

ABC News Daily

ABC Australiawww.abc.net.au
ABC News Daily is the podcast that helps you understand the issues affecting your world. Every episode, host Samantha Hawley walks through one story with the help of an ABC colleague or expert in under 15 minutes. When you want coverage you can trust, listen to ABC News Daily. From interest rates, real estate and the housing crisis, to scams and US politics, ABC News Daily brings you facts and analysis you need to understand the biggest news stories. The podcast covers news from America, with analysis of the Donald Trump administration in the White House. His actions, including threats of massive tariffs have big implications for global politics and the economy and US journalists and experts will explain what's at stake.  As Australians battle a cost-of-living crisis, ABC News Daily looks at the causes of inflation, rising rental costs, house prices, insurance costs and the price of groceries. Key experts in business and finance join Samantha Hawley, explaining the state of the economy, the unemployment rate and the jobs market. Whether you rent, own an investment house or apartment, or are repaying a mortgage, ABC News Daily offers unique insights and analysis. When there are big moves from the Reserve Bank (RBA) on interest rates, or reactions in the ASX or the Australian dollar, guest experts, including economists, explain why. Look into ABC News Daily's archive to find episodes on electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI), politics, the big banks, supermarkets, Tesla, Elon Musk, education, schools, teachers and crime. Watch for episodes about federal politics and the leadership of Labor's Anthony Albanese. We look at policy areas that matter for voters, including education, health, housing and immigration and assess the proposals from the federal opposition.  ABC News Daily follows developments in the Middle East and the war between Israel and Hamas, with insights into the actions of Benjamin Netanyahu. The podcast looks at the latest from Ukraine as Volodymyr Zelensky fights to repel the Russian invaders led by Russia's President Vladimir Putin. As China's Xi Jinping contemplates the future of Taiwan, ABC News Daily will sort fact from fiction. As climate change fuelled by greenhouse gas emissions increases the risk of natural disasters, including fires and floods, ABC News Daily brings you fact-based analysis. The podcast covers the future of renewable / green power generation, including the use of wind turbines, solar and hydro electric power. ABC experts including Ian Verrender, Alan Kohler, Laura Tingle, David Speers, and Annabel Crabb join Samantha Hawley to step through big issues and current affairs.
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Episodes

How childcare became a hunting ground

Warning: This story contains distressing themes including discussion of child sexual abuse. ABC journalist Adele Ferguson has spent months investigating Australia’s childcare industry and her findings are devastating. She’s exposed a broken system, where profit so often comes before the safety of children and where the most vulnerable are abused and mistreated. Today, Adele on her latest Four Corners investigation into how paedophiles are infiltrating childcare centres and why it’s so much worse...

Oct 26, 202515 min

Why Trump’s deportations are set to surge

Ahead of his election Donald Trump promised to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. The surge by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in cities like Chicago has seen people plucked off the street, pending deportation, with agents even targeting churches and schools. Today, Caitlin Dickerson, staff writer at The Atlantic, on how the president’s campaign is set to ramp up. Featured: Caitlin Dickerson, staff writer at The Atlantic

Oct 23, 202514 min

Why Prince Andrew’s still a prince living in a mansion

He’s decided he won’t call himself a duke anymore, but Prince Andrew is still a prince, living in a 30 bedroom mansion on the grounds of Windsor Castle. So, when, if ever, will he be held accountable for his association with the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his alleged abuse of Virginia Giuffre, whose harrowing memoir has been released this week. Today, ABC royal commentator, Juliet Rieden, on whether Andrew could ever lose his prince title. This episode discusses some disturbing allegations...

Oct 22, 202516 min

The verdict on Trump’s talks with Albanese (and Kevin Rudd)

Anthony Albanese’s meeting with Donald Trump went pretty smoothly, with AUKUS, a minerals deal and the Australia-US relationship all receiving strong backing. But past comments about President Trump from Kevin Rudd, Australia’s ambassador to the United States, ended up being the biggest point of contention and amusement. In the prime minister’s first White House meeting with the president, a multi-billion dollar deal was signed to develop a critical minerals supply from Australia. Today, ABC cor...

Oct 21, 202518 min

Is Barnaby Joyce One Nation’s next leader?

Could Barnaby Joyce end up leading Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party? It might be exactly what the MP has his eyes on as talk of his defection from the Nationals intensifies. Today, Melissa Clarke, political correspondent for Radio National Breakfast, on what Barnaby is up to and why. Featured: Melissa Clarke, Radio National Breakfast political correspondent

Oct 20, 202516 min

Can an AI chatbot make a good therapist?

AI chatbots have come a long way and can be pretty helpful. But do they make good therapists? More young people are turning to chatbots to seek personal mental health advice. Today, psychiatrist Andrew Clark, who’s been testing the technology, reveals the good, bad and the ugly when a robot becomes a therapist. Featured: Andrew Clark, US-based psychiatrist

Oct 19, 202515 min

The trouble with Elon Musk’s trillion dollar pay deal

Tesla boss Elon Musk could become the world’s first trillionaire after his net worth surpassed $500 billion this month. But is there a problem with the concentration of so much wealth in the hands of so few people and what is it doing to our societies? Today, Professor Carl Rhodes, author of Stinking Rich: The Four Myths of the Good Billionaire, on why we need to stop the rich getting richer. Featured: Carl Rhodes, Professor of Business and Society at UTS Business School...

Oct 16, 202516 min

How Hamas 'outfoxed' Netanyahu to keep power

Just days ago, Donald Trump declared we were in the midst of the historic dawn of a new Middle East. But already the peace plan is in doubt, with the US president warning Hamas will be disarmed, perhaps 'violently' if the group fails to do so on its own. Today, Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a Palestinian-American and senior fellow with the Atlantic Council on what Hamas is doing to cling to power. Featured: Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a Palestinian-American and senior fellow with the Atlantic Council...

Oct 15, 202515 min

Why Chalmers caved on his super tax for the rich

Why did the government cave to pressure over its superannuation tax changes for the richest Australians? The Treasurer Jim Chalmers has revealed two major changes in response to critics, introducing indexing on the $3 million threshold and dropping a plan to tax unrealised gains. He says the government’s new plan achieves the same objective in making the system more equitable, but how will it work? Today, political correspondent Melissa Clarke on what the backdown means for the future of tax ref...

Oct 14, 202516 min

Can Trump’s peace hold now the hostages are free?

Donald Trump says the war is over. And with the US president now in the Middle East to continue peace talks, there is great hope he’s right. Today, Jonathan Panikoff, director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security initiative at the Atlantic Council, on the release of the hostages and what needs to happen next to ensure the war has ended for good. Featured: Jonathan Panikoff, director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security initiative at the Atlantic Council

Oct 13, 202516 min

How much is Trump profiting from the presidency?

We all know Donald Trump is wealthy, but how much richer has he become since returning to the White House at the start of the year? That’s a question the ABC’s Americas Editor John Lyons posed to the president last month, in a testy exchange that ended with one word from Trump: ‘quiet’. Today, John Lyons on his Four Corners investigation into Donald Trump’s billions, his family’s business dealings and his growing wealth. Featured: John Lyons, ABC Americas Editor...

Oct 12, 202516 min

Will Trump’s hostage deal end the war in Gaza?

Has US President Donald Trump actually brought an end to the war in Gaza? After months of negotiations there’s been a breakthrough, with Hamas agreeing to release the remaining Israeli hostages as part of the first phase of a peace deal. Today, international relations expert Rajan Menon on what we know so far, and whether this could be the end to hostilities. Featured: Rajan Menon, professor emeritus of international relations at the City College of New York Editor’s note: At one point in this e...

Oct 09, 202517 min

How Dezi Freeman sparked a sovereign citizen gun ban

It’s been more than six weeks since Dezi Freeman allegedly shot and killed two police officers in Victoria and there’s still been no sight of him. While the manhunt continues, police in Western Australia are taking action, swooping on people in the so-called sovereign citizen movement and confiscating their guns. Today, Kaz Ross, a researcher into far-right ideology and extremism, on whether other states should be doing the same. Featured: Kaz Ross, independent researcher into far-right extremis...

Oct 08, 202514 min

Why Trump keeps blowing up Venezuelan boats

Donald Trump says America is in armed conflict with drug cartels. The US President has ordered the military to strike “narco-terrorists” in boats off the Venezuela coast, with no questions asked. Today, Rachel VanLandingham, a former active-duty judge advocate in the US Air Force and law professor at Southwestern Law School in LA, on just how scary that is. Featured: Rachel VanLandingham, former judge advocate in the US Air Force and law professor at Southwestern Law School...

Oct 07, 202514 min

Could Andrew Hastie be Australia’s Nigel Farage?

Andrew Hastie has been seen as leadership material ever since he entered the parliament a decade ago. But are his right-wing beliefs, which have brought the likes of Nigel Farage to prominence in the UK, attractive to enough voters here? Today, Tony Barry, a former Liberal Party strategist and director at RedBridge Group, on Andrew Hastie’s resignation from the Coalition front bench, and whether it’s a move that will pay off.

Oct 06, 202515 min

The betting firms profiting from crime

What happens if a financial planner takes your savings and gambles them away? They could go to jail, but you won’t be getting your money back. The bookies get to keep the gambling losses, even when it’s the proceeds of crime. Today, reporter Steve Cannane on his Four Corners investigation into the actions of the betting firms and why the federal government has been slow to take the industry on. Featured: Steve Cannane, Four Corners reporter

Oct 05, 202516 min

A Harvard professor on Taylor Swift’s new album

This episode delves into Taylor Swift's highly anticipated new album, 'The Life of a Showgirl,' with Harvard Professor Stephanie Burt. They discuss Swift's unparalleled success, the academic justification for studying her work by connecting it to classical literature, and her masterful marketing strategies. The conversation also explores her remarkable career trajectory and her evolving role as a powerful cultural and unifying figure.

Oct 02, 202514 min

The melatonin overdose risk

Melatonin supplements have gained huge traction in the last few years because they can help bring on a good night’s sleep. But is it really safe, particularly for kids? Now, the Therapeutic Goods Administration has warned consumers to stop using imported melatonin products, after testing showed many do not meet local standards. Today, paediatric sleep researcher Sarah Blunden on why the advice is changing. Featured Professor Sarah Blunden, Head of Paediatric Sleep Research and Lecturer in Clinic...

Oct 01, 202514 min

Could Trump and Netanyahu's peace plan work?

Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu have agreed to a new plan for peace in Gaza. The leaders were in furious agreement that the proposal, which will see the US president initially lead Gaza’s redevelopment, is the best way forward. Today, Guy Ziv, associate professor at American University’s School of International Service, on whether Hamas will really agree to the terms it wasn’t involved in negotiating. Featured: Guy Ziv, associate professor in the Department of Foreign Policy and Global Secur...

Sep 30, 202515 min

What ‘TrumpTok’ means for TikTok users

Donald Trump wants TikTok to be American owned and now a group of billionaire Trump supporters is buying it. But how will an American version of the popular Chinese app work, and what kind of influence could its new owners have on the videos its algorithm serves up? Today, tech expert and Crikey’s Associate Editor Cam Wilson on the deal and what it might mean for TikTok’s eight million Australian users. Featured: Cam Wilson, Tech expert and Crikey’s Associate Editor...

Sep 29, 202515 min

Why Putin keeps sending drones into Europe

There’s been a worrying trend in recent weeks with Russia violating the airspace of a growing number of European countries. Donald Trump thinks NATO powers should just shoot down the Russian aircraft, but what’s the better option? Today Max Bergmann, director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies on what Vladimir Putin is up to and what Europe should do about it. Featured: Max Bergmann, director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program...

Sep 28, 202515 min

Donald Trump vs Tylenol

This week Donald Trump told pregnant women to 'fight like hell' to not take Tylenol, or what we call paracetamol. The US President linked the drug to autism, even though the science doesn't back that up. Today, Corinne Purtill, science and health reporter at the LA Times, on the ripple effect Trump's misinformation is having around the world. Featured: Corinne Purtill, LA Times science and health reporter

Sep 25, 202515 min

Will Optus ever be held accountable?

It's been a week since an Optus outage left hundreds of customers unable to call triple 0 in an emergency. But while there’s been widespread outrage in the days since, is anyone really holding the telco to account for the deadly error? Today, technology expert from Melbourne University Suelette Dreyfus on Optus's astonishing failure. Featured: Dr Suelette Dreyfus, Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne in the Department of Computing and Information Systems...

Sep 24, 202514 min

Laura Tingle on how Trump snubbed Albanese (again)

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has addressed the UN General assembly in New York, confirming Australia’s recognition of a Palestinian state. But a face-to-face meeting with Donald Trump, which was expected on the sidelines, remains elusive. Should we care if the Prime Minister never sits down with the US President? Today, ABC Global Affairs Editor Laura Tingle joins us from the assembly in New York. Featured: Laura Tingle, ABC's Global Affairs Editor

Sep 23, 202515 min

Charlie Kirk’s memorial and Trump’s attack on free speech

Since the assassination of Charlie Kirk, there’s been raging debate in the US about free speech. At a memorial for him in Arizona, President Trump described Mr Kirk as a ‘martyr for American freedom’ while simultaneously attacking the likes of talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, whose show was suspended last week over comments he made about Kirk’s death. Today, Zack Beauchamp, a senior correspondent at Vox, on how Trump is deploying the authoritarian play book. Featured: Zack Beauchamp, Vox senior corr...

Sep 22, 202515 min

How Google search lost its way

Once praised for its simplicity and speed, Google search is now facing criticism for excessive advertising and frustrating search results. Today, 404 Media co-founder Emmanuel Maiberg, on what’s gone wrong with Google search, how it impacts everyday users, and what this means for the future of one of the internet’s most essential tools. Featured: Emanuel Maiberg, 404 Media co-founder

Sep 21, 202515 min

Why royal diplomacy works on Trump

Donald Trump was in his element at a state dinner hosted by King Charles at Windsor Castle. But outside the grounds, protesters served as a reminder that controversy continues to follow the President, including lingering questions over his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein. As the UK weighs the diplomatic value of his visit, attention is also turning to Anthony Albanese, who will face his own delicate meeting with Trump next week. Featured: Kim Hoggard, a former staffer during Ronald Reagan and Georg...

Sep 18, 202516 min

Charlie Kirk and a new wave of political violence

Tyler Robinson, the 22 year-old suspect in the assassination of right-wing US political activist Charlie Kirk has been charged, including with aggravated murder. But while America is accustomed to political assassinations, the response since the shooting has been out of the ordinary. Today, long time US historian, Dan Carter on what’s unfolded since Charlie Kirk’s death and why the uptick in political violence began well before Trump entered the White House. Featured: Dan Carter, American histor...

Sep 17, 202515 min

Alan Kohler on the new emissions target

The government is set to release a new carbon emissions target, dumping the 2030 ambition for a new 2035 goal. But how much of the process is about the climate and how much is pure politics? Today, ABC finance expert Alan Kohler on this week’s dire climate risk assessment, and what our new target will really achieve. Featured: Alan Kohler, ABC Finance presenter

Sep 16, 202515 min

Laura Tingle on China and our military spending

A massive military parade in Beijing recently revealed just how advanced China’s weaponry has become. It even includes an intercontinental ballistic missile that could hit key military bases in Guam. So, what does this mean for Australia's military purchases and strategy? Today, ABC Global Affairs Editor Laura Tingle on why we might need a total rethink. Featured: Laura Tingle, ABC's Global Affairs Editor

Sep 15, 202516 min
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