110 people have been confirmed dead in a Kenyan forest, believed to have starved themselves after following the teachings of a cult called The Good News International Church. The church taught that the end of the world was coming and its followers should starve themselves before that time and then they would go to heaven. Children were to die first, then the unmarried, then mothers and the elderly, and then lastly the church’s leaders. The leader Paul Mackenzie now faces charges of terrorism, mu...
May 08, 2023•22 min•Season 4Ep. 111
Is that it? Housing market data shows the downturn in prices is over, for now. One of Australia’s leading property market analysts, Tim Lawless from CoreLogic, explains what this means for first home buyers. Headlines: The Coronation celebrations continue Federal Budget update Eight people killed in another US mass shooting Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU Twitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
May 07, 2023•21 min•Season 4Ep. 110
While you may not have heard Michael Lucas’ voice before, you’ve almost certainly heard his words. Michael is an award winning screenwriter who has been at the helm of some of Australia’s most loved TV shows, from Offspring, to Wentworth and The Newsreader. In this chat with Jamila Rizv, Michael deep dives into what draws him to telling certain kinds of stories and how his own life experiences shape the lives of his characters. THE WEEKEND LIST: Watch: Jury Duty on Amazon Prime Listen: The Imper...
May 05, 2023•28 min•Season 4Ep. 109
It’s a big weekend for the royalists around the world with the coronation of King Charles III to take place in London. It’s been 70 years since the last coronation – that of Elizabeth II in 1953. More than 2000 guests are invited including our PM Anthony Albanese. He’s taking with him around 20 upstanding Australians with him including comedian Adam Hills, who joins us from London. Headlines: Huge pay rise coming for aged care workers Jenny Craig remains open in Aus despite US closure Adam Crans...
May 04, 2023•20 min•Season 4Ep. 108
Singer Katy Perry has lost her long running legal fight with Australian clothing designer Katie Perry. Our Federal court has ruled the pop-star infringed in the trademark of the local brand, which was established in 2007 before the singer’s rise to international fame. We speak with clothing designer Katie Perry about why the case went on so long, and how she feels now she finally has a verdict. Headlines: 9 dead in Serbian school shooting Mortgage affordability at worst level in 30 years Paracet...
May 03, 2023•21 min•Season 4Ep. 107
This year’s Met Gala theme is ‘Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty' which sparked backlash due to the late fashion designer's views on women's bodies and the #MeToo movement. We find out about why he was controversial and also dive into the rising issue of cancel culture in major fashion houses with brand consultant and editor Alison Izzo. Headlines: Interest rates lift again Qantas appoints first woman CEO boss Tasmania to get its own AFL team Albo has met with King Charles Follow The Briefing: In...
May 02, 2023•18 min•Season 4Ep. 106
Thousands of households are refinancing their mortgages. In February alone $20billion worth of loans were remortgaged. With the fixed rate cliff just around the corner, even more Australians will be looking for a better deal. In this episode we speak with RateCity’s Sally Tindall on what to do if you’re looking at refinancing and what traps to avoid. Headlines: Tributes flow for Masterchef’s Jock Zonfrillo Health minister announces vape crackdown Lauren Cranston jailed for eight years Another US...
May 01, 2023•20 min•Season 4Ep. 105
This strange saga has a few twists and turns which have culminated in Disney taking Florida’s governor Ron DeSantis to court. It's the latest move in a year-long battle that started when Disney publicly criticised Florida’s ‘don’t say gay' laws. In retaliation, DeSantis stripped Disney of its 56-year-long self-governing status and even threatened to open a prison near its theme park. We find out the whole story from Guardian writer Richard Luscombe based in Florida on why one man’s beef with a c...
Apr 30, 2023•20 min•Season 4Ep. 104
When Melissa Leong tastes her food, everyone pays attention. As the first female MasterChef judge her elegant and evocative descriptions make you feel part of the experience. When it comes to food, there isn’t much Melissa hasn’t done and in 2022 she was nominated for a Gold Logie. In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Melissa touches on her experience of fame as a self-described introvert and what it means to be a woman of colour on prime-time television. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor...
Apr 28, 2023•29 min•Season 4Ep. 103
Did the TV show Succession predict it? The Murdoch's have fired Tucker Carlson and retreated from two giant legal fights with Dominion & Crikey. In this episode we speak with Paddy Manning, author of The Successor on just how rotten things are in the state of Fox News. Headlines: Tucker Carlson speaks out after Fox sacking US talkshow icon Jerry Springer dies at 79 Credit cards to be banned from online gambling Katy Perry loses her copyright case with an Australian clothing designer Ed Sheer...
Apr 27, 2023•21 min•Season 4Ep. 102
Two Australian states have experienced a huge increase in the number of license suspensions. It’s a result of AI detection software that is now being rolled out across the country. We speak with Listnr's investigative journalist Joey Watson on whether this is just good policy? Or is there more at play? Headlines: Annual inflation rate falls to 7% A new migration strategy to be outlined Zelenskyy speaks with Xi for the first time Major Microsoft gaming deal blocked An update in the Kathleen Folbi...
Apr 26, 2023•21 min•Season 4Ep. 101
The luxury goods industry is worth $5.3 billion, but it turns out despite the cost of living crisis, young people are driving demand with a third of luxury items purchased by Australians under the age of 30. We speak with IBISWorld report author Kayla Wheeler, and fashion lecturer Alison Izzo about the new obsession with quiet luxury among young people. Headlines: - Biden announces re-election bid - Tucker Carlson fired by Rupert Murdoch’s Fox News - Medicine to be cheaper for six million Austra...
Apr 25, 2023•20 min•Season 4Ep. 100
With Australia’s megachurch in turmoil, Tom Tilley has been working on an documentary investigation that reveals how far the problems go back and the real reasons its founder Brian Houston lost control of his church. In this extended interview with Katrina Blowers, Tom explains how the investigation began and what he learned along the way. Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU Twitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 24, 2023•21 min•Season 4Ep. 99
A long-awaited review into the RBA has been handed down, with the government supporting the 51 recommendations in principle. Among them, the board that sets interest rates will be split off from the people who govern the overall running of the bank. We speak with Jonathan Kearns who spent three decades at the RBA and was one of the people consulted by the review panel. Headlines: - Tributes pour in for Barry Humphries - Landmark Defence Review to be released - Citizenship rules eased for Kiwis -...
Apr 23, 2023•20 min•Season 4Ep. 98
Jess Hill is an investigative journalist who has dedicated the last six years of her life to exploring, explaining and making sense of family violence, domestic abuse and sexual assault. This week she returns to SBS television with a documentary series called Asking For It featuring Grace Tame, Saxon Mullins and other survivors and experts who candidly share their experiences. In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Jess reflects on her significant work while also receiving treatment for a brain tumour ...
Apr 21, 2023•28 min•Season 4Ep. 97
We take six well known cosmetics to an independent laboratory for testing. The results show that two of the brands contain PFAS, which are dangerous synthetic ‘forever chemicals.’ Find out which brands and how they respond to the results in this special report from Clair Weaver, Investigations Editor at Listnr. Complaints about PFAS in cosmetics should go to the ACCC ( Problem with a product or service you bought | ACCC. ) Headlines: QLD to introduce major drug law changes ACT to offer free abor...
Apr 20, 2023•22 min•Season 4Ep. 96
It’s been one year since Sydney artist Scott Marsh caused a storm on social media after posting controversial comments about vaccines. The Aussie artist is here to tell us about his experience of having pericarditis after getting the vaccine and how the fallout from that post affected his life. We’re also speaking to infectious diseases expert Paul Griffin for the facts on vaccine injury. Headlines: - Reserve Bank to be shaken up - Australia’s first EV strategy announced - PM slams Lidia Thorpe ...
Apr 19, 2023•21 min•Season 4Ep. 95
An Australian-first study has been launched looking at the online hate directed at female athletes. At the Tokyo games, 87% of online abuse towards athletes was directed at females. Female athletes say it's not an option to not use social media, because they are paid less and rely on it for income. So, what is it like being on the receiving end of daily online abuse? We talk with Olympic swimmer Cate Campbell and Dr Caitlin McGrane from Deakin University about the problem. Headlines: - Landmark ...
Apr 18, 2023•19 min•Season 4Ep. 94
The controversial Bold Glamour filter on TikTok has now been used almost 40 million times. The AI filter gives users the perfect bone structure, full lips and flawless skin. It’s so realistic in fact, that some users say it should come with a warning as it’s setting unrealistic expectations of how we should look. On this episode of the Briefing we speak to cosmetic surgery consultant Dr Rand Younes about what impact are these filters having on self-esteem and is it causing a rise in the number o...
Apr 17, 2023•20 min•Season 4Ep. 93
In 2007, due to road fatalities among young drivers, the learner period more than doubled from 50 hours to 120 hours in NSW and Victoria, but new research suggests these changes have done nothing to change road tolls. For almost 25 years, teenagers in New South Wales have been logging their driving hours, but with little evidence on the benefits, until now. So should they be scrapped and what is needed instead? Headlines: - 'No' ad campaign kicks off - New survey reveals only 35% of GPs are offe...
Apr 16, 2023•21 min•Season 4Ep. 92
Kate Jenkins has changed Australian workplaces forever during her seven-year term as Sex Discrimination Commissioner. During her time in the role Kate delivered the landmark Respect@Work report, which made a series of recommendations that laws be changed around workplace sexual harassment. In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Kate reflects the last seven years in the role as she reaches to the final week of being Commissioner. *content warning* this episode includes mention of sexual harassment and a...
Apr 14, 2023•33 min•Season 4Ep. 91
The LNP is divided on the First Nations Voice. The shadow Attorney General Julian Leeser has stepped down from the Shadow Cabinet over the issue, while Tasmania’s Bridget Archer has also made it clear she supports the Voice. In this episode of The Briefing we speak with Jacqui Munro – member for the NSW legislative council, a Liberal who is for the Voice about how she came to that position, what the implications are for Peter Dutton and the rest of the party. Headlines: - Man arrested over Penta...
Apr 13, 2023•21 min•Season 4Ep. 90
From disrupting local council meetings, to denying the Holocaust - there’s a new movement of conspiracy theorists called My Place, who are taking some of the most dangerous beliefs on the internet and confronting councils around Australia. In this episode, we speak to ABC journalist, Emily Baker, about her recent interview with the group’s leader. Headlines: - Prince Harry to attend coronation - El Niño could be on the way - Elon Musk says Twitter has been “painful” - Dinosaur skull found in Que...
Apr 12, 2023•19 min•Season 4Ep. 89
Leadership author, columnist and company director Kirstin Ferguson says ”I truly believe we are all leaders; whether we lead our families, our business or our country.” In her new book, Head and Heart, she argues despite history handing privileged men more formal leadership positions, all of us – from a checkout operator at Woolies to the Prime Minister of a country – can effectively step up to the plate, read what the room needs in key moments and be great leaders. So, what’s holding us back? H...
Apr 11, 2023•21 min•Season 4Ep. 88
The latest World Obesity Federation Report found 51 per cent of the world, or more than 4 billion people, will be obese or overweight within the next 12 years, with rates rising fastest among children. In today’s Briefing, we explore what it means for the next generations of Australians; what the contributing factors are; and why crash dieting is one of the worst ways to tackle the crisis. Headlines: - Dalai Lama apologises for asking boy to “suck his tongue” - Classified Pentagon documents leak...
Apr 10, 2023•19 min•Season 4Ep. 87
Mid-last year, figures showed Tinder subscriptions dropped, and it was largely attributed to Gen Z making a switch. More recently, Bumble has taken a tumble late last year, and it was largely Gen Z users who were not renewing their subscriptions. We talk to Lisa Portolan is a dating expert about whether people are turning away from dating apps altogether or moving towards more niche ones? Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU Twitter: @TheBriefingAU See ...
Apr 09, 2023•16 min•Season 4Ep. 86
Kath Koschel is a former Australian Cricket player and founder of The Kindness Factory who has lived the highest of highs and lowest of lows, to a degree you’d never expect of someone who hasn’t yet reached her 40s. On track for a sensational cricketing career, debuting for NSW in 2011, Kath’s dream was abruptly cut short. In the space of five years she would break her back twice, and in that same period lose the love of her life to suicide. In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Kath explains how her ...
Apr 07, 2023•43 min•Season 4Ep. 85
Have you ever thought about where the chocolate in your Easter egg comes from and how it is made? In this episode, we speak to John Dumay, research lead on the chocolate scorecard which rates the ethics and sustainability of some of the world’s biggest chocolate brands. Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU Twitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 06, 2023•17 min•Season 4Ep. 84
Pop star Lewis Capaldi has announced he may have to quit his music career as the stress of making a second album has made his tourettes worse. The Scottish star is the latest to speak publicly about the condition, Billie Eilish has also opened up about her diagnosis. In this episode, we’re looking into what it’s like living with the condition and how it impacts daily life. Headlines: - Dutton confirms LNP will oppose plans for the Voice - Lowe warns of interest rate jumps - Cleo Smith abductor s...
Apr 05, 2023•18 min•Season 4Ep. 83
AI technology jumped onto most people’s radar last year with the launch of Chat GPT. Now, one of the biggest tech leaders, Elon Musk, has signed a letter calling for a pause on the GPT technology. So, what are Elon Musk and the other high-profile signatories to this letter worried about? In this episode we explore what GPT actually is and find out if it’s realistic to pause it. Headlines: - Trump pleads not guilty to 34 charges - RBA pauses interest rates - NRL star Jarryd Hayne convicted of sex...
Apr 04, 2023•19 min•Season 4Ep. 82
