The long-running tension between Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber has become one of the internet’s most contested celebrity feuds - with Justin Bieber at the centre if it all. Selena and Hailey both grew up in the limelight, finding fame at an early age and both went on to date teen pop royalty Justin Bieber which undoubtedly magnified them further into spotlight. In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks how much of this feud is fuelled by the internet or whether the rivalry is genuinel...
Dec 11, 2025•9 min•Season 6Ep. 646
The US government has proposed tough new laws that will affect millions of travellers, including Australians heading to the US. While they are only proposals at this stage, travellers could be forced to hand over private information, including social media details, family information and numbers and emails from a decade ago. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by immigration lawyer Melissa Vincenty, who unpacks these changes and explains why handing over our private infor...
Dec 11, 2025•16 min•Season 6Ep. 645
Thursday Headlines: Teens skirting social media ban told it won’t last forever, Australia records highest number of Indigenous deaths in custody in four decades, US considers forcing tourists to disclose their social media history before entry, Italian cuisine becomes world’s first to win UNESCO status, and the best AU/NZ song of the 21st century revealed. Take part in The Briefing survey HERE. Deep Dive: The 2025 bushfire season has already turned deadly, with a firefighter killed and homes des...
Dec 10, 2025•25 min•Season 6Ep. 644
This week, our top defence bosses joined their US counterparts in Washington for AUSMIN. Some experts say the latest meeting was an important win for Australia after a rollercoaster year in our fragile security alliance with America. As the presence of US troops and defence personnel grows in Australia, are we preparing for an imminent conflict on our doorstep? In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Defence and Security expert Jennifer Parker to unpack this week’s develop...
Dec 10, 2025•15 min•Season 6Ep. 643
Australia’s world leading social media ban has officially come into force, with hundreds of thousands of kids getting kicked off platforms today. We’ve heard a lot about how teens are feeling, but what about teachers and parents? On this bonus episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with teacher and dad, Dr Ryan Stewart about how he’s navigating the ban with his own kids and students. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodc...
Dec 09, 2025•13 min•Season 6Ep. 642
Wednesday Headlines: Anika Wells refers her own expenses to the independent watchdog, Toyah Cordingley’s killer sentenced to life in prison, another death linked to a 000 failure, Donald Trump launches attack on European leaders and threatens to ditch Ukraine, and thousands of fans miss the start of Lady Gaga’s Brisbane show due to a technical glitch. Take part in The Briefing survey HERE. Deep Dive: A world-first social-media ban cutting off Australians under sixteen has now taken effect, with ...
Dec 09, 2025•26 min•Season 6Ep. 641
The rivalry between Australia’s two biggest cities runs so deep it literally forced the country to build a brand-new capital. Canberra wasn’t chosen for political symbolism; it was created a bid to simmer the fighting between Sydney and Melbourne. This beef covers everything from weather to nightlife, tourist attractions, footy, house prices and coffee – creating one of our longest rivalries between cities. In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks if Sydney has the looks and Melbourne...
Dec 09, 2025•8 min•Season 6Ep. 640
A new report has revealed that thousands of Australians living with serious mental health conditions can’t get the lifesaving care and support they need because they don’t meet NDIS requirements. Experts say there are solutions, and it won’t cost any more, but an overhaul of the current funding system is needed. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Rielly Polascheck from the Grattan Institute, who unpacks the new research and the workable solutions. Headlines : The RBA ...
Dec 09, 2025•11 min•Season 6Ep. 639
Tuesday Headlines: Communities brace for worsening fire conditions today, jury finds Toyah Cordingley murdered by former nurse, Barnaby Joyce says Australia is late to embrace the wave of right-wing politics sweeping the world, and Golden Globes nominations announced. Take part in The Briefing survey HERE. Deep Dive: Our eating habits are changing so significantly thanks to new weight loss medications that it’s impacting the globe’s food supply. In Australia, the sale of GLP-1's like Monjauro an...
Dec 08, 2025•23 min•Season 6Ep. 638
The controversy over Anika Wells’ taxpayer-funded trips has again put politicians’ expenses back in the spotlight. More details have been revealed about the Federal Communications Minister's trips, including AFL games, family skiing trips and a friend’s wedding. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Political Journalist with the AFR Phil Coorey, who explains that while the Minister didn’t break any official rules, in a cost-of-living crisis, it’s not a good look. Headlin...
Dec 08, 2025•17 min•Season 6Ep. 637
Monday Headlines: Cooler conditions ease bushfires across NSW, Coalition calls for independent review of minister’s $100,000 US visit, warning Chernobyl radiation no longer being contained, around 600 protesters call on SBS to boycott Eurovision, and the F1 has a world champion! Enter The Briefing survey HERE Deep Dive: The US has 15,000 troops and a dozen warships stationed in the Caribbean, escalating tensions with Venezuela after weeks of controversial strikes - including a double-tap attack ...
Dec 07, 2025•21 min•Season 6Ep. 636
In today's bonus episode, Secrets We Keep: Uncovered host Joey Watson interviews the parents of a young teenager with autism radicalised by covert Australian Federal Police (AFP) operatives and later charged with terrorism. His charges were dropped by a Victorian court. For the first time, Thomas’ parents speak publicly about the devastating moment they learned the state had pursued a criminal case against a child with significant cognitive vulnerabilities, and how a system meant to protect thei...
Dec 06, 2025•36 min•Season 6Ep. 635
Fidan Shevket has mastered the art of turning the mundane into content gold, amassing more than a million TikTok followers simply by sharing her daily life. The lawyer launched her TikTok career by breaking down family law cases and offering viewers a rare glimpse into the real-world challenges behind them. But the mum-of-two eventually found herself gaining a following for her straight-shooter personality and candid content, with many checking in for their daily dose of 'Fidan-tok.' In this cha...
Dec 05, 2025•40 min•Season 6Ep. 634
US Journalist Olivia Nuzzi has released her new bombshell book detailing her alleged “digital affair” with RFK Junior in the lead-up to the US Presidential election. Nuzzi's book raises serious questions about political sabotage, conflicts of interest and why RFK Junior from the famous Kennedy dynasty remains untouchable. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Crikey journalist and US Political expert Charlie Lewis to unpack these latest bombshell developments. Headlines:...
Dec 05, 2025•15 min•Season 6Ep. 633
Friday Headlines: Instagram and Facebook begin shutting down teen accounts as High Court challenge to social media ban approved, millions told to brace for heatwave, Bruce Lehrmann sentenced for using car without consent, new report confirms Aussies paying more but getting less from private health insurance, our most trusted brands of the year revealed. Deep Dive: Australia is home to 20 of the world’s 25 most venomous snakes, with the critters found in every corner of the country, including our...
Dec 04, 2025•21 min•Season 6Ep. 632
The real-life succession battle over the Murdoch media empire worth billions resulted in one of the biggest family feuds playing out in court and destroyed the relationship between Rupert Murdoch and his son James. Earlier this year James Murdoch gave a rare interview in the Atlantic sharing his side of the story, where he called his father a “misogynist” and described Fox News as a “menace” to US democracy. In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks why James spoke out against his fami...
Dec 04, 2025•9 min•Season 6Ep. 631
A Federal MP is calling for a nationwide crackdown on dangerous e-bikes, claiming the government has been too slow to act. Hospitals are seeing hundreds of serious e-bike injuries, and experts warn the situation could become catastrophic if urgent measures aren’t introduced. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Federal Member for Mackellar, Dr Sophie Scamps, to discuss her Safer E-Bikes Bill, why tougher laws are needed, and what it could mean for riders across Australi...
Dec 04, 2025•13 min•Season 6Ep. 630
Thursday Headlines: Brittany Higgins says she ‘can breathe again’ after Lehrmann loses appeal, government warned to curb spending or risk rising inflation in 2026, baby among dead as Hong Kong fire death toll climbs to 159, controversial Hobart stadium gets parliament's support, and Spotify has dropped its Wrapped for 2025! Deep Dive: If you could, would you ditch the algorithm that decides who and what you see on social media? That’s the idea behind a new campaign which is calling on the Austra...
Dec 03, 2025•22 min•Season 6Ep. 629
The Victorian government is investigating mothers’ groups and a homeschooling network run by neo-Nazis. Experts say these groups can often end up as patriarchal cults with coercive control. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by far-right researcher Dr Kaz Ross, who explains what’s really fuelling this far-right extremism and why governments need to listen. Headlines : Bruce Lehrmann has lost his latest defamation appeal, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that i...
Dec 03, 2025•17 min•Season 6Ep. 628
Wednesday Headlines: New apps soar in popularity ahead of social media ban, internal Liberal Party review blames Trump for election defeat, coroner hears of pilot’s breakdown before deadly SeaWorld chopper crash, flagship gambling reform has done little to deter addicts, and the Matildas have ended their playing year on a high, beating New Zealand 2-0. Deep Dive: The 2025 TikTok Awards made headlines last week for their celebrity guests, record-breaking votes and history-making Creator of the Ye...
Dec 02, 2025•21 min•Season 6Ep. 627
In 1995 a history making interview inside Kensington Palace between the late Princess Diana and ex-BBC reporter Martin Bashir changed the trajectory of the monarchy forever. The Panorama TV interview watched by an estimated 200 million worldwide, became one of the most dissected moments in modern royal history but resulted in an inquiry into how the BBC 'covered up’ the controversial methods Bashir used to secure it. In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks fresh claims made in a new ...
Dec 02, 2025•10 min•Season 6Ep. 626
The WHO has released new guidelines recommending breakthrough weight loss drugs like Ozempic as long-term treatments for obesity. While the new measures are hoping to make the medications more accessible and cheaper, it comes as our TGA released new safety warnings for people taking the drugs. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by endocrinologist and obesity specialist Katherine Samaras, who explains the complexities of managing obesity and why, in many cases, the benefi...
Dec 02, 2025•19 min•Season 6Ep. 625
Tuesday Headlines: Labor to launch its National AI Plan today, WHO recommends Ozempic-style meds for weight-loss as TGA issues fresh warning, landmark class action against ADF starts today, Donald Trump says he will release his MRI results, and Joey Watson joins us to chat about this week’s investigation on Secrets We Keep: Uncovered. Deep Dive: Millions of Aussies are being duped by sneaky subscription traps, drip pricing, and refund runarounds - and the government’s calling time. A proposed ba...
Dec 01, 2025•20 min•Season 6Ep. 624
It’s the frightening new frontier of coercive control and family violence. Abusers are now weaponising smart devices and even the software in cars to spy, abuse and manipulate victim survivors. In one case, there are allegations that an abuser manipulated an ex-partner’s software in her car, which allegedly allowed him to control where she was going or completely shut down the vehicle. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by CEO of Full Stop Australia Karen Bevan, to expla...
Dec 01, 2025•15 min•Season 6Ep. 623
Monday Headlines: More than 100 arrested at major port protest, death toll rises in Hong Kong apartment blaze, Benjamin Netanyahu asks for pardon in corruption case, Gen Z Australians are attempting suicide more than previous generations and what we’ve learnt about Albo’s wedding. Deep Dive: Scientology is turning to TikTok in Australia as a way to advertise to and recruit young people. Mirriam Francis spent 26 years of her life as a member of the Church of Scientology in Australia, the US and U...
Nov 30, 2025•24 min•Season 6Ep. 622
John F Kennedy’s grandson Jack Schlossberg, is a self-described silly goose, social media provocateur and one of vogues political correspondents, and now he’s running the U.S. House of Representatives next year. The Democrat officially launched his campaign via social media, leaning into the online persona that has made him both a curiosity and a headline regular. In this bonus episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by LiSNTR's entertainment reporter Justin Hill who unpacks the strategy ...
Nov 29, 2025•11 min•Season 6Ep. 621
Bob Brown is nothing short of a trailblazer. A pioneering environmentalist, he became a defining force in Australia’s conservation movement and made history as the first openly gay leader of an Australian political party. Before entering politics, Bob trained as a doctor more than 50 years ago shaping his understanding of life and fragility. In his latest book, Defiance , he shares why he’s entering a new era of being at peace with death. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Bob explains why he...
Nov 28, 2025•37 min•Season 6Ep. 620
A special plea for more Australians to donate blood, plasma and platelets, with supplies at dangerous levels in the lead up to Christmas. Australia needs a new donor every 5 minutes, but only one in 30 donates. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by 11-year-old Rosie, who has been diagnosed with a rare blood disease and needs donations to stay alive. The 11-year-old and her mum Ann share their heartbreaking story, and their important message for Australians to help others...
Nov 28, 2025•13 min•Season 6Ep. 619
Friday Headlines: Anger grows in Hong Kong as death toll rises from horror apartment fires, Labor strikes deal with Greens on environment laws, FBI launches terror probe into National Guard shooting, Pollies react to Barnaby Joyce’s Nationals defection and Sydney train station forced to remove AI art Deep Dive: Would you sit on your bed for an hour with no phone, no music, no book - literally nothing to distract you? Well, that’s a trend that’s been sweeping socials called ‘rawdogging boredom,’ ...
Nov 27, 2025•23 min•Season 6Ep. 618
Colin Kaepernick was a star quarterback in the NFL, but his decision to kneel during the national anthem in 2016, in protest against racial inequality and police brutality, ended up costing him his career. His silent gesture exposed deep power imbalances between players and team owners, sparking a league-wide reckoning - with his beef resulting in athletes being able to protest the national anthem without facing the same consequences he did. In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks ho...
Nov 27, 2025•12 min•Season 6Ep. 617
