Across Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, AJ Clementine has almost 2 million followers, educating her audience on her transgender experience. AJ began her transition at the age of sixteen and at eighteen was formally diagnosed with gender dysphoria. At 22 she underwent gender reassignment surgery after spending 18 months on a waitlist. Her new book Girl, Transcending is the story of a woman finding her way in the world, with promise and purpose. It shines a light on AJ’s part to self-acceptance and ...
Sep 24, 2021•23 min•Season 2Ep. 220
The divorce rate has been in decline in Australia for the last twenty years, but Covid has changed all that. In this Briefing, we’re joined by Jack Whelan, cofounder of The Seperation Guide who tells an astonishing story about the increase in people trying to find out how to break free from their relationships. Laura Smith, a mother who recently split with her husband, tells us about the pressure Covid placed on her relationship and why her husband decided to walk out on her and her daughter. Ha...
Sep 23, 2021•23 min•Season 2Ep. 219
Gabby Petito and her fiancé Brian Laundrie headed off on the trip of a lifetime, a van adventure across the US, last month. They’re social media influencers with more than a million followers between them. Laundrie arrived home without Gabby earlier this month, while her reported her missing on September 11. Her body was found at a national park in Wyoming last weekend. Laundrie is now missing. We’re joined by Walt Buteau, a reporter from WFLA TV in Florida who tells us police have now confirmed...
Sep 22, 2021•23 min•Season 2Ep. 218
Tom sits down with his co-host Annika Smethurst to take a deep dive into what motivates Scott Morrison, the man Annika has dubbed ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’. In this episode we hear about Morrison’s ability to make and sell difficult decisions, and his journey through the ranks of big business. This is a fascinating discussion about the Scott Morrison’s rise to the highest office in the land. Annika answers the question we all want to know, ‘will Scott Morrison win the election scheduled fo...
Sep 21, 2021•21 min•Season 2Ep. 217
Annika Smethurst’s new book on Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been released. Annika is a Briefing co-host and Walkley-award winning journalist. Tom sits down with Annika to take a deep dive into what motivates Scott Morrison, the man Annika has dubbed ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’. This is a fascinating discussion about the Scott Morrison’s rise to the highest office in the land. We learn about his childhood and what he was like at school. Did his friends see him as a future PM – and how di...
Sep 20, 2021•20 min•Season 2Ep. 216
Deepfakes have been called the modern version of photoshopping… and they use a form of artificial intelligence called ‘Deep Learning’ to make fake images that look so real. Dr Mushhuda Glencross from the University of Queensland joins us to explain what they are, how they work, how to spot one… and why it can happen to anyone. But there’s a more sinister side to deepfakes. Noelle Martin was 18 when she was horrified to discover countless, doctored, sexualised images of herself online. Noelle has...
Sep 19, 2021•22 min•Season 2Ep. 215
Jamila Rizvi sat down with Australian journalist, TV presenter, author, and now podcast host, Jessica Rowe to talk about how she finds little moments of joy through lockdowns, her personal experiences and incredible work in the mental health space, and her new LiSTNR show, The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show! Content Warning: Jess and Jamila go deep on several mental health topics, if this brings up issues for you, help is available by calling Lifeline 13 11 14 for a safe place to talk day and night. TH...
Sep 17, 2021•33 min•Season 2Ep. 214
We all love our pets, and they’re loving having us around all the time. What’s going to happen when lockdown ends, and we’re no at home all the time? The Today Show’s resident vet Dr Katrina Warren is one of Australia’s most-loved veterinarians. Dr Katrina explains what our pets are thinking; how best to manage their anxiety; and steps to take to make life easier for them. She also has excellent advice for people thinking of buying a pet. This episode could change your pet’s life, and yours. T O...
Sep 16, 2021•23 min•Season 2Ep. 213
The farming sector has been through one of the worst droughts in living memory. It is now preparing to reap a record harvest, while struggling to find workers amid state-by-state border closures. Farming impacts our lives on so many levels, from the food we eat to the environment we will leave behind for our children and grandchildren. Gabrielle Chan is a journalist and author of Why You Should Give A F**K About Farming. Gabi tells us about being a city girl who ended up on a farm west of Canber...
Sep 15, 2021•21 min•Season 2Ep. 212
Australians want our government to do more to fight climate change. Australians also love their sport. Former Wallaby captain David Pocock has established the Cool Down; over 400 athletes who have lent their name to a campaign to pressure our politicians to do something about climate change. We’re joined by Liz Ellis, the former Australian netball skipper, who has lent her voice to the campaign. Liz talks passionately about how and why Australia can be a world leader in the climate change debate...
Sep 14, 2021•19 min•Season 2Ep. 211
The U.S. state of Texas has introduced strict new abortion laws banning terminations after just six weeks of pregnancy. Dr David Smith is associate professor in American Politics at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. Professor Smith takes us through why the laws were implemented and the incredible way they have been legislated, encouraging a form of anti-abortion vigilantism. T ODAY'S HEADLINES Victoria to launch construction Covid compliance blitz NSW defends Sydney l...
Sep 13, 2021•21 min•Season 2Ep. 210
We spoke with Curtis McGrath on the morning of the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympics. His story is incredible. He was a soldier in Afghanistan and lost both legs when an improvised explosive device detonated. Curtis told his mates not to worry, he’d be competing at the Paralympics in no time. He won two gold medals at the Paralympics in Tokyo Curtis tells us how he keeps motivated, and how he makes the most of his ability. T ODAY'S HEADLINES Extra Moderna doses arrive as PM calls for chi...
Sep 12, 2021•18 min•Season 2Ep. 209
Last week we published back-to-back episodes featuring Dr Nick Coatsworth. Tom, Jan, Annika, Katrina and Antoinette have spoken to Dr Nick many times….and we just felt it was time to get him back on the Briefing, to dispel a series of vaccine conspiracies...once and for all. So as a special one-off feature ….we’ve put those two briefings back to back for you A special Sunday edition of the Briefing….. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Sep 11, 2021•19 min•Season 2Ep. 208
Rebel Wilson is best known on our screens as Pitch Perfect ’s Fat Amy bringing our unique Australian humour to a global stage. But prior to breaking into the big time, she was law student studying acting in night classes at Sydney’s Australian Theatre For Young People – a training ground she’s giving back to with a $1 million donation. Jamila Rizvi and Rebel discuss her malaria-induced prophecy to pursue acting, making space for herself in the industry, her relationship with the media and her Ye...
Sep 10, 2021•34 min•Season 2Ep. 207
We all remember where we were on September 11, 2001. To mark the 20th anniversary of the terror attacks, we’re joined by an Australian man who lost his mother on that fateful day. Simon Kennedy’s mum Yvonne was a passenger on Flight 77 which crashed into the Pentagon. This is not only a story about what happened on September 11, it’s an amazing story about a man who has learned to forgive …and to honour the woman who devoted her life to him. T ODAY'S HEADLINES NSW freedom roadmap revealed PM def...
Sep 09, 2021•22 min•Season 2Ep. 206
Today is RUOK Day. We all know the impact the pandemic is having on our mental health. Everyone is stressed and under pressure. But what about our children. Are the kids OK? Dr Louise Williams is senior clinical psychologist at The Rosy Room in southeast Queensland. Dr Louise joins us to help children navigate the pandemic. Katrina and Antoinette ask about simple advice and pointers to provide support for the children and teenagers in our lives. On today’s Briefing, to mark RUOK Day, we find out...
Sep 08, 2021•21 min•Season 2Ep. 205
It seems everyone these days has a side hustle…a project they’re hoping will provide a future beyond their day-to-day nine-to-five grind. And then the pandemic arrived to redefine where and how we work. Emma Isaacs is founder of Business Chicks and author of the new book, The New Hustle: Don’t work harder, just work better. She urges us all to re-think how we approach work….and to make the most of the new parameters of work and ambition. Don’t work harder, just work better. It’s the new hustle. ...
Sep 07, 2021•24 min•Season 2Ep. 204
This is our second episode in a two-part podcast with Dr Nick Coatsworth. It’s time to dispel the vaccination conspiracies once and for all. With 60 percent of the nation back in lockdown - and vaccinations now the key to our future, and freedom, the voices of vaccine hesitancy get louder and louder. In this two-part podcast, we pose the questions that need answering. Dr Nick dismisses the conspiracies one by one. T ODAY'S HEADLINES Sydney prepares for 2000 cases a day next week Missing Hunter V...
Sep 06, 2021•18 min•Season 2Ep. 203
We’ve spoken to Dr Nick Coatsworth before about vaccinations - and some of you may feel like you’re listening to a broken record…. With 60 percent of the nation back in lockdown - and vaccinations now the key to our future, and freedom, the voices of vaccine hesitancy get louder and louder. In this two-part podcast, we’re going to pose the questions that need answering. Once and for all. T ODAY'S HEADLINES Covid case numbers expected to peak this week Shark kills surfer at Coffs Harbour Four kil...
Sep 05, 2021•19 min•Season 2Ep. 202
Carrie Bickmore is one of Australia’s most recognisable newsreaders, helming ' The Project' every weeknight while commanding the Hit Network’s radio drive show ' The Carrie & Tommy Show' . She has an impressive portfolio beyond the Carrie we see on our screens, earning an Order of Australia for raising over $18 million for brain cancer research with her charity ‘Carrie’s Beanies for Brain Cancer’. Jamila Rizvi sits down with Carrie to discuss her career as a journalist and host of ' The Proj...
Sep 03, 2021•27 min•Season 2Ep. 201
Briony Benjamin had just started a new job. A few months later, she started to feel unwell. She felt crappy for a year without any known reason. Doctors told her she was just stressed and should rest more and learn to meditate, but it turned out she had cancer. Briony was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the age of 31. Unsure of what was to come, she turned the camera on herself and started documenting her journey resulting in a short video, You Only Get One Life, which went viral. H...
Sep 02, 2021•22 min•Season 2Ep. 200
We’re all being urged to get a Covid vaccine so the nation can reach the critical milestones of 70 and 80 percent vaccination. They’re the targets state and territory governments have to hit before we can transition out of lockdowns and back to life pre-Covid 19. Prime Minister Scot Morrison appointed Lieutenant General John Frewen as coordinator of the National COVID Vaccine Taskforce. It’s General Frewen’s job to get as many vaccines to as many people as possible. In this Briefing, we talk abo...
Sep 01, 2021•21 min•Season 2Ep. 199
Australia has the largest wild horse population in the world with numbers estimated in the range of half a million. In the Outback they’re regularly culled by helicopter and nobody bats an eyelid - the battle between those who are opposed to the horses being culled, and those who say they’re ruining the pristine alpine environment they call home. Walkley-award winning journalist Anthony Sharwood has written a new book, the Brumby Wars. He paints the picture of a culture war between those who wan...
Aug 31, 2021•22 min•Season 2Ep. 198
This is the second instalment in our interview with the Poor Economist, a young Australian who grew up below the poverty line before moving to a career in economics and policy. Alison Pennington is a Senior Economist at The Australian Institute – a progressive thinktank and recently she has opened up about her experience growing up in poverty. In this second of two episodes, Allison talks about policy she’d like to see implemented to help the poor. She’s talking about “the most fundamental need”...
Aug 30, 2021•17 min•Season 2Ep. 197
Poor and economist, two words you don’t often hear in the same sentence. But this week we’re looking into what it’s like growing up below the poverty line and moving into a typically middle-class career. Alison Pennington is a Senior Economist at The Australian Institute – a progressive thinktank and recently she has opened up about her experience growing up in poverty. Many of us know what it’s like to stress about money, but what is it like to grow up in a genuine working class environment? We...
Aug 29, 2021•20 min•Season 2Ep. 196
Political reporter and author and co-host of The Briefing Annika Smethurst joins Jamila in this captivating conversation. Annika is a double Walkley Award Winner, and has worked in the press gallery at parliament house in Canberra and now covers state politics for The Age newspaper in Melbourne. In 2019 she became the accidental poster girl for press freedom when her house was raided by the Australian federal police over a story she wrote. In today’s episode she sits down with Jamila to talk abo...
Aug 27, 2021•28 min•Season 2Ep. 195
With Tom about to take time off to welcome his first child, we thought we’d look at how the pandemic is influencing the traditional roles in the home. Mark Tamhane is an ABC reporter and stay- at-home father with six children. Madonna King is a journalist and author. Madonna has written 12 books; three of them focusing on what our teen girls are thinking but not telling us...and also the important roles fathers play in their children's lives. We all know a dad who’s spending more time at home wi...
Aug 26, 2021•22 min•Season 2Ep. 194
Regional NSW and Victoria are currently in lockdown as the Delta variant of the Covid virus spreads across rural Australia. We’re joined by Dr John Hall, President of the Regional Doctors Association of Australia who tells us the challenge is getting personell across borders and into remote communities; and Dubbo Mayor Stephen Lawrence, who says he’s fearful of what the crisis means for remote Indigenous communities. The next few weeks will be critical. Today on The Briefing, regional Australia’...
Aug 25, 2021•22 min•Season 2Ep. 193
The federal government has introduced a new rule requiring Australians who live overseas to apply to return. One of our listeners asked us to get to the bottom of the story. We’re joined by Karen Andrews, the federal minister for Home Affairs who explains the reasons for the stricter rules. Why are there stringent rules in place for Australians returning home ….and those who live overseas who want to come back home, to visit their loved ones? T ODAY'S HEADLINES Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Wat...
Aug 24, 2021•21 min•Season 2Ep. 192
Curtis McGrath, OAM is an Australian para canoeist who took up canoeing competitively after having both of his legs amputated as a result of a mine blast while serving in the Australian Army in Afghanistan. Curtis joins us just days before heading to Tokyo to defend his gold medal he won at the Rio Paralympics. The Games begin tonight. T ODAY'S HEADLINES Stay the course: PM’s plan to re-open Australia Berejiklian: Covid-zero is unattainable Pfizer vaccine approved in the US Qantas vaccine incent...
Aug 23, 2021•21 min•Season 2Ep. 191
