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The Briefing

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.

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Episodes

Qantas faces record fine + calls for AFL mental health round

Afternoon Headlines: Qantas faces more than $120 million in penalties over illegally outsourcing staff, Vietnamese drug cartel allegedly involved in the murder of Sydney women and Joe Biden reviewing cancer treatment. Deep Dive: After the tragic death of footy star Adam Selwood, mental health has been put back in the spotlight with calls for an AFL mental health round. Adam passed away just months after his twin brother died by suicide, leaving the Selwood family and the entire AFL community dev...

May 19, 202515 minSeason 6Ep. 226

Ex-cop, Mormon leader sex abuse charges + The reality of working in Gaza

Monday Headlines: Pope Leo joined by world leaders for inauguration mass, former police officer extradited to face child abuse charges, 21yo facing 53 hate-related charges, Mexican ship lost power before colliding with Brooklyn Bridge, and Verstappen takes out Italian GP in Imola. Deed Dive: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared Israel will enter Gaza “with full force” - saying there will be “no situation where we stop the war”. This escalation comes as Israel’s blockade on aid ...

May 18, 202518 minSeason 6Ep. 225

Jefferson Fisher on how to spot liars and win an argument

Jefferson Fisher could be the male version of Mel Robbins. He is part of the billion-dollar self-help industry fuelled by podcasts, books, TED talks and TikTok therapy - all promising how to be the best version of yourself. He’s the Texan lawyer teaching us how to communicate better, navigate conflict with class and tell if someone’s lying. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Jefferson unpacks society’s obsession with self-help, what’s driving our hunger for personal growth and why Australian’...

May 16, 202538 minSeason 6Ep. 224

Day 13: Two-minute mushroom trial recap

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023. She’s pled not guilty to all charges. In this special series of The Briefing Helen Smith unpacks day thirteen of the trial in under two minutes. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: ...

May 16, 20252 minSeason 6Ep. 223

Justin Bieber speaks on Diddy + Vitamin D linked to ADHD & schizophrenia

Afternoon Headlines: Ben Roberts-Smith loses appeal bid to overturn defamation case vowing to head to the high court, Justin Bieber breaks silence over Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trail and lowest paid Australians promised a wage increase Deep Dive: Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to mental health disorders including autism, ADHD and schizophrenia, according to new research. One in five adults in Australia suffers from a lack of the vitamin D, with men having a higher risk of being deficient over wo...

May 16, 202511 minSeason 6Ep. 222

Third of homes in $1mil dollar club + The dark side of reality music TV

Friday Headlines: Over a third of Australian homes now cost at least $1 million, new Greens leader Larissa Waters says she wants to bring the party back to its original roots, Donald Trump says he wants the US to take control of Gaza, polio outbreak in PNG threatens Australia, NSW has secured the Women's Origin series, and Australia opens Eurovision Semi Final 2! Deep Dive: In the early 2000s and 2010s, reality music TV turned unknown Australians into household names. But in 2025, can you name t...

May 15, 202522 minSeason 6Ep. 221

Day 12: Two-minute mushroom trial recap

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023. She’s pled not guilty to all charges. In this special series of The Briefing Helen Smith unpacks day twelve of the trial in under two minutes. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @L...

May 15, 20252 minSeason 6Ep. 220

New Greens leader elected + Hidden dangers of tracking apps

Afternoon Headlines: New Leader of the Greens elected, The Prime Minister has kicked off his first overseas trip since being re-elected, Manhunt underway in Sydney after a boarder force officer stabbed and World number one tennis player meets new Pope Leo Deep Dive: New research has linked tracking apps and other social media to coercive control and cyberstalking. While for many of us they’re a useful tool to check in on family and friends, the eSafety Commissioner is warning the apps can used t...

May 15, 202513 minSeason 6Ep. 219

Greens consider throuple for leader + Breakthrough in OCD ‘nightmare’

Headlines: Greens to decide new leader, NSW abortion bill update, Bondi stabbings inquest continues today, a Queensland man is feared to have died in Ukraine, and Airbnb announces new services. Deep Dive: A global study’s found 250 genes linked to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder for the first time, and the parts of the brain the genes impact. It’s hoped the breakthrough will lead to improvements in OCD’s treatment and diagnosis, and help improve the lives of around 500, 000 Australians who have it...

May 14, 202521 minSeason 6Ep. 218

Day 11: Two-minute mushroom trial recap

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023. She’s pled not guilty to all charges. In this special series of The Briefing Helen Smith unpacks day eleven of the trial in under two minutes. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @L...

May 14, 20252 minSeason 6Ep. 217

Menendez Brothers’ legal win + Inside the world of Diddy ‘freak-offs’

Afternoon headlines: Ex-Olympian won’t serve jail time after fatal crash killing his Olympian wife, AEC confirms missing ballots found at electoral worker’s home and Menendez brothers' now eligible for parole. Deep Dive: The trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs is underway with Singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, a former girlfriend, taking the stand alleging she was forced to participate in ‘freak-offs’. The music mogul is facing charges including racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage...

May 14, 202514 minSeason 6Ep. 216

Russia lashed for downing MH17 + Undercover in our secret baby trade

Wednesday Headlines: Western governments continue welcoming UN’s MH17 ruling, Kim Kardashian’s Paris robbery trial, new global study into OCD, Trump signs $142 billion defence deal with Saudi Arabia, and Eurovision has started this morning. Deep Dive: Imagine spending 15 years trying to have a baby and finally succeeding through an overseas surrogate - only to be up for criminal charges when you get home. That’s what’s happening to a Brisbane couple, right now, who admitted to paying for interna...

May 13, 202524 minSeason 6Ep. 215

Day 10: Two-minute mushroom trial recap

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023. She’s pled not guilty to all charges. In this special series of The Briefing, Holly Mitchell unpacks day 10 of the trial in under two minutes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

May 13, 20252 minSeason 6Ep. 214

New female Liberal leader + The two words banned inside the party

Sussan Ley has made history as the first female to lead the Federal Liberal Party. So, can she help rebuild a broken party? In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Former Liberal MP Julia Banks, who says Sussan’s leadership is already under threat from the hard right of the party and they will never succeed if they don’t garner the female and younger voter. Julia also shares a brutal insight into what really happens within the Liberal party room and the two words you're ne...

May 13, 202516 minSeason 6Ep. 213

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial begins + Exposing Australia's 'weak' rapists

Tuesday Headlines: The new leader of the Liberal party will be unveiled today, Hamas release American-Israeli hostage, the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs has begun in New York City, the supermarket wars are heating up, and we're getting a Wicked Live Musical Special. Deep Dive: Australia is one of the world leaders for sexual violence against kids and teens, according to a new study. Nearly one in three girls experience it before the age of 18, and one in six boys, and experts say the issue is cult...

May 12, 202522 minSeason 6Ep. 212

PM’s new cabinet + Who can save the Liberal party?

Who will lead the Liberal Party? Ahead of tomorrow’s crucial vote, we look at the top candidates and what the Liberals need to do to win back Australians In this edition of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by political expert Kos Samaras who warns the current candidates to lead the Liberals won’t work unless the party undergoes a complete overhaul. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsro...

May 12, 202513 minSeason 6Ep. 211

Backroom battles in Canberra + When religion & abortion rights collide

Monday Headlines: Albo to reveal ministerial lineup today, Pope calls for ‘no more war’ in first Sunday message, a tonne of cocaine seized off NSW's east coast, and Brisbane has secured the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo for 2026! Deep Dive: Should doctors be required to help patients access abortion services, even if it conflicts with their personal beliefs? That was the question at the centre of a major pro-life protest that brought parts of Sydney’s CBD to a standstill last week. At the hear...

May 11, 202523 minSeason 6Ep. 210

Luisa Dunn on grey hair fame, beauty tricks & saying no to injectables

Luisa Dunn has transformed her natural grey hair into a powerful statement and an Instagram following of over 1.4 million. The model and activist harnessed the power of her beauty and career in marketing to challenge the impossible beauty standards, faced by women in particular, and ageing. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Luisa explains how we are tricked into thinking ageing gives us an expiry date and why she uses her following as a platform for amplifying social issues. Weekend list wit...

May 09, 202544 minSeason 6Ep. 209

Day 9: Two-minute mushroom trial recap

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023. She’s pled not guilty to all charges. In this special series of The Briefing Helen Smith unpacks day nine of the trial in under two minutes. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiS...

May 09, 20252 minSeason 6Ep. 208

Surprise name in Lib leader race + Who is F1 star Oscar Piastri?

Afternoon Headlines: The battle for the Liberal Party leadership begins and the 2025 Archibald prize goes to Julie Frager becoming the 13th women to win Deep Dive: Oscar Piastri is Australia’s only hope for becoming the Formula One world champion, after winning four of the past six races in the multi-billion-dollar sport. Formula One’s popularity has continued to rise with recording breaking crowds flocking to the Australian Grand Prix this year and Netflix’s Drive to Survive showing a new side ...

May 09, 202517 minSeason 6Ep. 207

World’s first American pope elected + Silent killer of our music scene

Friday Headlines: America's Robert Francis Prevost announced as new pope, More than 30 people have been arrested over a number of homophobic attacks linked to dating apps, Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has quit the Nationals party to instead join forces with the Libs, Putin and Xi Jinping slam AUKUS, and Matildas captain Sam Kerr has announced the birth of her son Jagger. Deep Dive: Australia’s music scene is looking like it’ll be getting a boost with big incentives for international acts — b...

May 08, 202520 minSeason 6Ep. 206

Day 8: Two-minute mushroom trial recap

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023. She’s pled not guilty to all charges. In this special series of The Briefing Helen Smith unpacks day eight of the trial in under two minutes. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @Li...

May 08, 20252 minSeason 6Ep. 205

Trump's movie tariff threat to Australia + Adam Bandt concedes defeat

Afternoon headlines: Two men found guilty of murdering Indigenous schoolboy Cassius Turvey, Adam Bandt concedes defeat in Melbourne and Triple-murder Mushroom trial may conclude earlier than expected Deep Dive: Donald Trump’s new tariffs on overseas movies could threaten Australia’s multibillion-dollar film industry and thousands of jobs. The shock move has some asking is this part of a bigger plan by the US President to control Hollywood and the creative industry. In this episode of The Briefin...

May 08, 202514 minSeason 6Ep. 204

SPONSORED: A reliable electricity grid + a transition to renewable generation

An innovative new project is helping Australians make and save cash, while bolstering the renewable energy sector and helping the environment. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency or ‘ARENA funded Community Batteries’ project will see community batteries installed and connected to a virtual power plant. In this sponsored episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with Momentum Energy’s Leesa Blazley who’s leading its roll-out. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrne...

May 08, 202511 minSeason 6Ep. 203

Pauline Hanson celebrates Adam Bandt's loss + Are you fake rich?

Thursday Headlines: Albo to reveal his new front bench as soon as next Tuesday, new warnings for Australians travelling to Pakistan and India, Daniel Morcombe's family new tell-all documentary, black smoke rises above the Sistine Chapel, and the ATO's wildest tax claims. Deep Dive: Are you fake rich? A third of Australians are feeling the pressure to ‘fake rich’ or look wealthier than they really are to maintain a picture-perfect lifestyle, new research has found. In this episode of The Briefing...

May 07, 202519 minSeason 6Ep. 202

Day 7: Two-minute mushroom trial recap

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023. She’s pled not guilty to all charges. In this special series of The Briefing Helen Smith unpacks day seven of the trial in under two minutes. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @Li...

May 07, 20252 minSeason 6Ep. 201

Nuclear war warning between India & Pakistan + Mushroom trial latest

Afternoon headlines: Deadly Queensland housefire may have links to domestic violence, court hears in Erin Patterson's mushroom murder trial that she asked her husband's brother to help with her marriage and Peter Dutton makes first public appearance for first time since election loss Deep Dive: The two nuclear armed nations of India and Pakistan have the world on edge after a dangerous escalation in their long running war. International leaders are calling for "maximum restraint" on both sides, ...

May 07, 202512 minSeason 6Ep. 200

Charges expected in young boys' deaths + Brutal Aussie sport going viral

Wednesday Headlines: The fall out continues following Labor’s landslide election win, developments in the NSW double child murder case, Trump says “never say never” after new Canadian PM rules out sale to US, the NRL will get an 18th team from 2027, and we are just one week away from Eurovision. Deep Dive: Run It Straight, the self-proclaimed “world’s fiercest collision sport,” has exploded on social media for its massive tackles, knockouts, and viral showdowns. But as its popularity grows, so d...

May 06, 202522 minSeason 6Ep. 199

Mushroom lunch survivor gives evidence + The Met Gala explained

Afternoon headlines: Survivor of Mushroom murder trial speaks in court and huge swings in election results as Teals and Greens fight for seats. Deep dive: This year’s Met Gala, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, is all about race, gender, class and sexuality. The high-end fashion event is often seen as ‘tone-deaf’ platforming privilege and elitism, but this year organizers are trying to re-set the message. In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by LiSNTR’s entertainment report...

May 06, 202515 minSeason 6Ep. 198

Rinehart slams ‘left media’ for LNP loss + How your DNA’s being hijacked

Tuesday Headlines: Gina Rinehart blames the Coalition’s election loss on 'Left Media', three major child deaths across the country, Israel to expand its offensive in Gaza, record seizure of vapes in Queensland, Met Gala is on today, and Skype is hanging up for good. Deep Dive: Our DNA is valuable, however many of us give it away for free, whether it be to figure out family history, or even to spot a life-threatening hereditary illness. But the seemingly harmless practice of genetic testing has a...

May 05, 202523 minSeason 6Ep. 197
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