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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

What role should brands like Qantas play in politics?

Qantas has thrown its weight behind the Yes campaign for an Indigenous Voice to parliament. We saw it with marriage equality, Black Lives Matter and now The Voice. Antionette Latouff sits down with creative director and a Labor strategist Dee Madigan to discuss how corporates play in politics. Headlines: Hillsong Founder cleared of cover up Australia to bid for men's Soccer world cup 2034 Michael Parkinson dies age 88 Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsA...

Aug 17, 202322 minSeason 4Ep. 201

Sam Kerr's big call after the match

The Matildas have missed out on the World Cup final. We speak with Johnny Keko who’s been on the ground about all the twists and turns of the tournament so far, the emotions at the game last night and what we can expect for Saturday’s play off for 3rd. Headlines: Thousands storm barricades at Federation Square Swimming Australia threatened with expulsion Found surfers release video Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU Twitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystu...

Aug 16, 202319 minSeason 4Ep. 200

Matilda-nomics: How celebrity and money will change the game

Matildas v France World Cup match on Saturday night was watched live by 4.17 million Australian TV viewers. Eclipsing NRL and State of Origin finals, it was a watershed moment for women’s sports in Australia. So what does this mean for the future of women's sport? Tom Tilley sits down with economist Tim Harcourt to find out. Headlines: Matildas to play England in the world cup semi-final Donald Trump has been indicted in Georgia Four Aussie surfers found alive Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @th...

Aug 15, 202320 minSeason 4Ep. 199

Secrets We Keep: How Amelia uncovered her mum's hidden past

Journalist, Amelia Oberhardt, thought she knew her mum, until she died. At her mum’s wake, Oberhardt discovered a photo of her mother as a teenager, wearing a wedding ring, standing beside a man she didn't know and cuddling an unknown baby. In this episode of the Briefing, Katrina sits down with Amelia to discover how she felt when she discovered her family and her family’s story was not what she believed. Headlines: Four Aussies missing at sea in Indonesia 45-year-old arrested over plane turnba...

Aug 14, 202319 minSeason 4Ep. 198

History revised: Women were warrior hunters, not homemakers

Sharpen your spears ladies! Research has debunked the hunter-gatherer theory finding a high number of our female ancestors used to hunt too. A group of anthropologists from Washington and Seattle Pacific universities analysed 63 modern hunter-gatherer societies, including 14 in Australia and found women hunted in nearly 80 per cent of them. This includes hunting for big game - and they left the kids behind. It's thought early anthropological work was carried out by men who have inflated the impo...

Aug 13, 202316 minSeason 4Ep. 197

Kemi Nekvapil on power

Welcome to On Topic with the Weekend Briefing, a special series where Jamila Rizvi talks to some of her favourite guests - old and new - about a single, fascinating subject. Over the next two months, you’ll hear from singers, writers, models, actors and change makers on topics as diverse as power and influence, mindset and money, bodies and brains. Today you’ll hear from Kemi Nekvapil, on power. Kemi is a coach, speaker and author. She teaches people all over Australia and the world how to under...

Aug 11, 202324 minSeason 4Ep. 196

Death cap death trap: Why wild mushrooms can kill

Australia has been gripped by a story out of Victoria where three people died after eating a meal of wild mushrooms. Police investigations are continuing. One man remains in a critical condition in hospital. So, how prevalent are deadly mushrooms? What should we look out for? What happens when you're poisoned? And how often are people hospitalised after consuming mushrooms. In this episode of The Briefing, we're joined by Diego Bonetto "The Weedy One" Forager to take us on a journey of mushroom ...

Aug 10, 202320 minSeason 4Ep. 195

The Summer Ahead: What you need to know about this bushfire season

July 2023 was Earth's hottest month on record - almost all of Australia was 2-6°C above average temperatures. Australia has battled with bushfire seasons since 1970, with more than 2,000 homes having been destroyed in three of it’s biggest fire seasons, 1982-1983, 2008-2009 and 2019-2020. In this episode of the Briefing, we're joined by Greg Mullins, former Commissioner of Fire and Rescue New South Wales, a Climate Councillor with the Climate Council and a founding member of Emergency Leaders fo...

Aug 09, 202322 minSeason 4Ep. 194

"Darwin may become unliveable in the next fifty years"

Forty-five paediatricians have signed a letter warning the government about the risks of fracking to child and infant health. On Tuesday morning health professionals in support of the letter protested outside APH in Canberra. The letter states research that links fracking to birth defects, low birth weight, cancer and respiratory conditions. Paediatrician Louise Woodward who drafted the letter joins Jan Fran to explain the significance of fracking. Headlines: Matildas' ratings $3-billion in rent...

Aug 08, 202321 minSeason 4Ep. 193

Did you know female football was banned? The rise of the World Cup

As the Matilda’s progress to the quarter finals, we take a deep dive on the history of women’s football with Moya Dodd, a former Australian player who rose up to the FIFA Executive. Headlines: Matildas through to the quarterfinals Deadly wild mushroom investigation Russell Island fire update Meteor in Victoria overnight Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU Twitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Aug 07, 202320 minSeason 4Ep. 192

The explosion in Australia's outlaw motorcycle gangs

States are throwing millions of dollars to reign in outlaw motorcycle gangs – why are they on the rise? We're told regularly that bikie gangs rule the drug trade - and there were reports last month some of the recent Sydney gangland murders were linked - allegedly - to the gangs warring over the supply of illicit drugs. Given we've spent millions on operations like Raptor in NSW, Viper in Victoria and Maxim in Queensland, the gangs continue to flourish. Why can't the gangs be reigned in? In this...

Aug 06, 202322 minSeason 4Ep. 191

Em Rusciano on neurodiversity

Welcome to On Topic with the Weekend Briefing, a special series where Jamila Rizvi talks to some of her favourite guests - old and new - about a single fascinating subject. Over the next two months, you’ll hear from singers, writers, models, actors and change makers on topics as diverse as power and influence, mindset and money, bodies and brains. Up first? Is Em Rusciano! She has co-hosted breakfast radio, sold out the Sydney Opera House and released chart-topping songs and award winning books ...

Aug 04, 202328 minSeason 4Ep. 190

The truth about the 4 million guns in Australian homes

Do you know how many guns are in your community? There are more than 4.3 million guns scattered across Australia. With a population of almost 26 million, that's a gun for every six people. In this episode of The Briefing, we're joined by LiSTNR investigative journalist Clair Weaver to find out where the guns are, who has them, and what the authorities are doing to address the explosion in gun crime. In this episode of the Briefing, what you need to know about guns in your neighbourhood. Headline...

Aug 03, 202322 minSeason 4Ep. 189

Is this a big deal? Trump stolen election charges explained

Former US President Donald Trump has been indicted for his role in trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election and the January 6 Capitol riots. It’s Donald’s third indictment in four months – but this time Special Counsel Jack Smith is pushing for a speedy trial, with Trump facing a string of criminal charges. In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Associate Professor David Smith, from the US Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. Can Donald Trump survive three indictments a...

Aug 02, 202323 minSeason 4Ep. 188

Billionaire bust ups: Why mega rich marriages break down

Two of Australia’s biggest billionaire power couples are breaking up, the Forrests and the Cannon-Brookes. That follows the Gates, the Bezos, Elon Musk and Rupert Murdoch. In today's episode of The Briefing, we explore the pain of mega-rich matrimony with one of New York’s leading divorce lawyers, Dror Bikel. Given that money is a key stress on normal relationships, why do billionaire couples struggle to hang on? Headlines: FIFA Women’s World Cup moves to Group of 16 Bedsheets lead police to all...

Aug 01, 202322 minSeason 4Ep. 187

Expanding access to abortion pills seems like a no-brainer, but is it?

It’s becoming much easier to access the abortion pill MS-2 Step (RU486 overseas.) All doctors and some senior nurses will be able to prescribe it, and from today, all pharmacies will be able to stock it. But gynaecologists and obstetricians are sounding the alarm, saying there isn’t enough infrastructure in place to expand access this much. In this episode of the Briefing, we speak with Dr Gino Pecoraro, President National Association Specialist Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and The Royal Aus...

Jul 31, 202320 minSeason 4Ep. 186

It was teeth, now it’s hair: The boom in Turkey’s cosmetic industry

There’s a new tourism boom. It’s all about cosmetic surgery, dentistry – both remedial and cosmetic – and hair transplants. Aussies are flying to Turkey, to undergo procedures too costly here in Australia. In this episode of the Briefing, we meet Michael, one of thousands of Australians who’ve been to Turkey for a hair transplant; and Dr Nicola Dean, the president of Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. Is it safe? And is it actually cheaper than getting the procedure here in Australia, given...

Jul 30, 202318 minSeason 4Ep. 185

The Kates are teaching Americans how to swear

In the early days of their careers, Kate McClennan and Kate McCartney never got booked for the same TV shows. At the time, women were few and far between in comedy sketches - and executives never imagined they’d need more than one woman. Let alone more than one Kate. Once they finally met in person, the two became close friends and writing partners. They went on to create the Katering Show followed by Get Crackin’ on the ABC. And now? They’re back, with an Amazon Prime original television series...

Jul 28, 202328 minSeason 4Ep. 184

The US Government’s UFO hearings: Are we alone....?

The US Congress has held hearings this week to try to determine, once and for all, what the US Department of Defence knows about UFOs or UAPs, unidentified aerial phenomena. What’s called the House Oversight Committee is calling witnesses who claim the US government – particularly the Pentagon – knows more than it’s letting on. In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Nick Pope, who used to run the British Government's UFO Project and is now recognised as one of the world's leading exper...

Jul 27, 202323 minSeason 4Ep. 183

What to do if you come face-to- face with a dingo

There have been a string of dingo attacks on K’gari off the coast of south east Queensland in the last month. In one attack, a 10-year-old boy was dragged into a dam. In the two latest attacks, women were chased into the surf after being confronted on the beach. All three victims suffered wounds as the pack of dingos struck. In this episode of the Briefing, we’re joined by Dr Bradley Smith, a world-renowned dingo expert from the Central Queensland University and author of the Dingo Debate publis...

Jul 26, 202319 minSeason 4Ep. 182

Why radical new laws are sparking angry protests in Israel

Laws passed in Israel overnight allow the Netanyahu government to overhaul the judiciary and prevents the Israeli Supreme Court from vetoing decisions on the grounds of being “unreasonable”. Hundreds of thousands of protestors have marched on the capital Jerusalem, protesting the government’s tactics, suggesting the new legislation will threaten democracy in Israel. In this episode of the Briefing, we're joined by Dr Noam Peleg from the University of NSW Faculty of Law as we look at what the new...

Jul 25, 202318 minSeason 4Ep. 181

An insider's view on Hollywood's crippling strikes

Hollywood has ground to a halt after the the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists – the biggest union representing actors and production staff decided to join writers in going on strike for better pay and conditions. It’s the first time in 60 years both groups have gone on strike at the same time – and it means production on television, streaming and movies has stopped. In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Kym Jackson, a member of SAG-AFTRA to exp...

Jul 24, 202321 minSeason 4Ep. 180

Why we don't like MAMILS - The dehumanisation of cyclists

Ground-breaking Australian research reveals why there is so much distain for road cyclists. Drivers see cyclists in lycra as less than fully human. Tom Tilley, a self confessed Mamil (middle aged male in lycra) has travelled the country speaking to cyclists, researchers and drivers in the hope of making our roads safer. Tom's report aired on Seven's Spotlight program last night. In this episode of The Briefing, Tom talks with Dr Mark Limb, a researcher from the QUT who looks at the clothes or ou...

Jul 23, 202319 minSeason 4Ep. 179

Weekend Briefing: How Jeremy Franco's childhood impacts his comedy

Jeremy Franco is everyone's fave TikTok and Instagram star. He exploded during Covid and is now one of the most popular Australian creatives on social media. Jeremy and Jamila share a similar childhood and their combined memories are a pure delight. In this episode of The Weekend Briefing, Jamila is joined by Jeremy Franco.....wait until you hear about the 'lemon people'. Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU Twitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/li...

Jul 21, 202330 minSeason 4Ep. 178

Yumi Stynes: why her Sex book was ripped off shop shelves

Welcome to Sex: Your no-silly-questions guide to sexuality, pleasure and figuring it out, a book written by Melissa Kang of "Dolly Doctor" and TV personality Yumi Stynes, has been removed from department store shelves. The authors have been subjected to a social media pile-on and Big W has pulled the book from its stores because its staff were being abused. In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by co-author Yumi Stynes who explains why she wrote the book and what she hoped it would achie...

Jul 20, 202322 minSeason 4Ep. 177

The Barbie movie: Overhyped or Oscar-worthy?

The Barbie Movie seems to be absolutely everywhere! With a marketing budget that dwarfs how much it was to actually film it, we’ve seen burger buns turn pink, swimming pools with ‘Barbie’ splashed on the bottom and of course millions of videos on social media. Now it’s finally out, Katrina Blowers and Justin Hill, host of Listnr’s The Streaming Service, checked it out to find out if it’s worth the hype. Headlines: VIC up for millions over cancelling comm games Major changes for universities Ding...

Jul 19, 202322 minSeason 4Ep. 176

How Daniel Andrews got the Commonwealth Games so wrong

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will not be hosted by Victoria. Premier Daniel Andrews has said the reason is due to its cost. The original price tag was $2.6 billion, but it’s now looking more like between $6-7 billion. We get all the detail with Annika Smethurst. Headlines: Christchurch mayor offers to host Commonwealth Games Trump expects to be arrested over Capitol riots Stranded Aussie back on land Lawyer outraged words were used on 'no' pamphlet Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodc...

Jul 18, 202322 minSeason 4Ep. 175

FIFA Women's World Cup: inside the mindset of a Matilda

The FIFA Women’s World Cup is kicking off in Sydney this Thursday night; with the next month set to see the world’s best soccer played in Australia and New Zealand. With the Aussies serious contenders to be tournament champions, we speak with Teagan Micah and Charli Grant who are both in the squad about what it means to be competing against the world's best in your home country, and what it will mean for women's football in Australia. Headlines: Matildas call for pay parity Voice pamphlets to be...

Jul 17, 202320 minSeason 4Ep. 174

"A soul-crushing experience": The renters forced to move home

Everyone knows someone with a rental horror story. Rents are skyrocketing across the country and it's becoming increasingly difficult to find somewhere affordable to live. We're joined by Chantelle Schmidt, who writes for a number of publications including Pedestrian. She's also been sharing her painful rental journey on TikTok. We also talk to Mark McCrindle, founder of McCrindle research who has analysed the data on the impact of the rental market on young renters. In this episode of The Brief...

Jul 16, 202322 minSeason 4Ep. 173

Marta Dusseldorp and the character closest to herself

Marta Dusseldorp is one of Australia’s best known and loved actors. From stage to screen, and now with production credits to boot. Dusseldorp’s latest project, Bay of Fire, premieres tomorrow night on ABC TV and is filmed on the west coast of Tasmania, a place that Dusseldorp herself discovered in the depths of the pandemic. In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Marta explains the impact of the pandemic on Australian artists and takes us on the journey of stepping into a new character. *Content warnin...

Jul 14, 202333 minSeason 4Ep. 172
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