This week, a Channel Nine presenter was stood down after he allegedly accepted $50,000 for being the first TV journalist to call a high-profile businessman “McLaren Guy” instead of “Lambo Guy”. Channel Nine has responded saying they are “taking this matter extremely seriously” and have stood down the reporter, Alex Cullen. Today, we thought we’d go through more of a media literacy angle: what are the rules and ethics around journalists accepting gifts? We’ll explore this in today’s deep dive. Ho...
Jan 21, 2025•13 min
Today's headlines include: U.S. President Donald Trump has pardoned more than 1,500 Americans who were involved in the January 6 Capitol riots. The Federal Government has announced new safety requirements for buses and coaches in response to the Hunter Valley bus crash, which killed 10 people in 2023. A man has pleaded guilty to murdering three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in England’s northwest. And today’s good news: Doctors in the UK have used a new type of keyhole surgery to su...
Jan 21, 2025•4 min
In a dramatic turn of events, TikTok is back online in the United States after being down for just 12 hours. The restoration comes after President Trump, who was officially inaugurated as the 47th President overnight, announced he would sign an executive order to delay the ban as he takes office this week. Trump says he'll make sure the app can remain in America, even at the cost of the existing regulation. Today, we'll break down what happened during this chaotic weekend, and the limits of the ...
Jan 20, 2025•17 min
Today's headlines include: A record number of women are now represented in the Federal Cabinet, following a Parliamentary reshuffle triggered by Bill Shorten’s retirement from politics. The Victorian Government has announced it will ban petrol stations from increasing fuel prices more than once a day. Severe Tropical Cyclone Sean has brought record-breaking rainfall to parts of far north WA. And today’s good news: Archeologists have uncovered a 2,000-year-old bath house in the ancient city of Po...
Jan 20, 2025•4 min
This week, Donald Trump is set to officially take office at the White House for the second time as U.S. President. As the dawn of a new chapter of one of the most powerful positions in the world begins, Sam and Billi are here to break down what to expect in the coming days, months and years. Hosts: Sam Koslowski and Billi FitzSimons Producer: Orla Maher Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click ‘follow’ on Spotify or Apple and to leave us a five-star revi...
Jan 19, 2025•17 min
This good news podcast is all about bringing people together - from heartwarming moments in U.S. politics, to the power of music in children's television, Sam and Billi have a rundown of the four news stories from the week that will make you smile. Hosts: Sam Koslowski and Billi FitzSimons Producer: Orla Maher Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click ‘follow’ on Spotify or Apple and to leave us a five-star review. We would be so grateful. The Daily Aus i...
Jan 17, 2025•10 min
Today's headlines include: The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed a ceasefire and hostage release deal will be approved, after 15 months of conflict in Gaza. The Federal Government has unveiled a new counter-terrorism and violent extremism strategy. An American man will face a Queensland court after allegedly attempting to smuggle cocaine into Australia, concealed in shampoo and conditioner bottles. And today’s good news: Birds are using sound to socialise with oth...
Jan 17, 2025•4 min
After 15 months of devastating conflict, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire-hostage deal, marking a major turning point in the war. The agreement, brokered by Egyptian, Qatari, and U.S. authorities, is set to begin this Sunday. In today's deep dive, we'll break down what this means for the region and the prospects for lasting peace. Hosts: Sam Koslowski and Billi FitzSimons Producer: Orla Maher Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click ‘follow’ o...
Jan 16, 2025•13 min
Today's headlines include: The unemployment rate has risen to 4%, according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire-hostage deal after 15 months of conflict, under an agreement negotiated by Egyptian, Qatari, and U.S. authorities. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a Parliamentary reshuffle that will see the promotions of four senior Labour women. And today’s good news: Scientists have made a discovery using AI that c...
Jan 16, 2025•4 min
Depression affects around one in four young adults, but there’s still so much we don’t know about the role of biology in mental health disorders. It’s what motivated researchers from around the world to conduct the “largest and most diverse” study of genetics and depression, led by the University of Edinburgh and King’s College in London. Findings from the analysis of 700,000 genetic samples prove that “there is a strong biological basis to having depression.” The discovery of previously unknown...
Jan 15, 2025•15 min
Today's headlines include: Sydneysiders are bracing for a long commute home this evening, with ongoing industrial action expected to cause continued disruptions across the city’s rail network. The weather bureau has issued several weather warnings for large parts of the country’s east, with strong winds and widespread rain forecast over the coming hours. The Princess of Wales has announced she’s in remission after being diagnosed with cancer in March last year. And today’s good news: A world-fir...
Jan 15, 2025•4 min
At least 200 psychiatrists have resigned from NSW public hospitals. It comes amid an ongoing dispute with the State Government, as psychiatrists call for better pay and working conditions. There are fears the sector could be reduced by two-thirds before the end of the month, triggering a "mental health crisis" for GPs. In today's deep dive, we’ll unpack the stalled negotiations between the NSW Government and the doctor’s union, and what it could mean for the state's health system. Hosts: Emma Gi...
Jan 14, 2025•13 min
Today's headlines include: Several homes have been evacuated after a landslide destroyed a house in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Fire crews in LA are bracing for the return of dangerous Santa Ana winds, as the city’s wildfire emergency continues. Mystery balls have forced the closure of nine Sydney beaches, as authorities work to determine their contents. And today’s good news: A giant pink slug thought to have gone extinct after the Black Summer bushfires has been found in a NSW national pa...
Jan 14, 2025•4 min
Meta has become the latest company in the U.S. to walk back on its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts — a move numerous corporations are making ahead of a Trump presidency. The parent company of Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp said it will no longer have "representation goals for women and ethnic minorities."In today's deep dive, we look at what's changing at Meta, is there an emerging trend in companies shifting away from diversity and inclusion, and what started this conversation? Host...
Jan 13, 2025•13 min
Today's headlines include: At least 24 people have now been killed in LA’s wildfire emergency, while 29 people have been arrested for looting properties in evacuated areas. A serious car crash near Perth airport this morning has left four people dead. Ukrainian President Vlodymyr Zelenskyy has offered to release two North Korean soldiers in exchange for Ukrainian troops currently being held by Russia. And today’s good news: Tech developers have unveiled a new ‘smart’ mobility cane aimed at impro...
Jan 13, 2025•3 min
Last year, the story of a French rape case and the woman at its centre, Gisèle Pelicot, captured global attention. Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in jail for charges related to drugging, raping, and inviting others to rape his then-wife, Gisèle. 50 others were also found guilty of varying charges including rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault. The case is back in the headlines after the founder of a website (used by Dominique Pelicot to recruit other men to rape his wife) was ch...
Jan 12, 2025•11 min
It's Saturday! Which means it's time for the good news podcast! Here's a wrap-up of the good news from the week that you might have missed. It includes the safe recovery of a missing hiker in NSW, the new technology helping to fight skin cancer, and the Indonesian government's plan to feed millions of hungry citizens. To get this good news weekly, you can sign up to our Good Newsletter here . Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click ‘follow’ on Spotify o...
Jan 10, 2025•11 min
Today's headlines include: The Prime Minister has condemned an anti-semitic attack in Sydney after a synagogue in the city’s south was vandalised overnight. A Queensland Police officer has been hospitalised after a shooting in Brisbane. More than 9,000 homes have been destroyed as several wildfires continue to burn out of control across LA. And today’s good news: Weeks after the Bluey movie was announced, the iconic Australian kids show is getting its own Lego range. Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Za...
Jan 10, 2025•3 min
Donald Trump has shared some of his foreign policy ideas ahead of the U.S. President-elect’s inauguration on 20 January. From controlling Greenland, the Panama Canal and Canada, to renaming the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America”, Trump’s proposals have elicited some strong reactions from world leaders. In today's deep dive, we’re unpacking these foreign policy proposals. What’s been said, what does it mean, and how has the world reacted? Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Zara Seidler Producer: Orla Ma...
Jan 09, 2025•13 min
Today's headlines include: At least five people are dead and thousands of homes and buildings have been destroyed as fires continue to rage in and around Los Angeles. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a $200 million plan to boost housing infrastructure in regional WA. A 23-year-old man who went missing for 13 days in Kosciuszko National Park has released a statement, after he was found by hikers yesterday. And today’s good news: A breakthrough blood test could change the way endometr...
Jan 09, 2025•4 min
Yesterday, Meta announced major changes to its social media moderation policies, including removing independent fact-checking moderators. Fact-checkers have been used to filter misinformation on Meta’s platforms – Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp – since 2016. CEO Mark Zuckerberg said removing fact-checkers will help “restore free expression” for millions of users. In today's deep dive, we explain what this will mean for users on Meta's platforms. Hosts: Zara Seidler and Sam Koslowski Producer:...
Jan 08, 2025•13 min
Today's headlines include: A sea plane crash off the coast of Western Australia has killed three people, WA Premier Roger Cook has confirmed. Meta has announced major changes to its social media moderation policies, including removing independent fact-checking moderators. Fire Crews in the U.S. are bracing for worsening conditions as a powerful windstorm threatens large parts of Southern California. And today’s good news: Researchers in the UK have made a breakthrough discovery that could improv...
Jan 08, 2025•4 min
The Australian dollar has hit a five-year low of 61.84 US cents this week - a level last seen during the early stages of the COVID pandemic. With Donald Trump’s move into the White House - and the potential for harsh tariffs on Australia’s major trading partners - only a few weeks away, the currency plunge has sparked fears amongst Australian commentators, some politicians, and financial experts.But what does a dropped Australian dollar actually mean for us - not just when we’re planning a trip ...
Jan 07, 2025•14 min
Today's headlines include:Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced he will resign.The U.S. Congress has officially confirmed Donald Trump as the next President.Two brothers have been charged with murder after a 23-year-old woman was fatally shot in Queensland last month.And today’s good news: A monument honouring the women’s suffrage movement will be erected on the National Mall in Washington DC. Hosts: Zara Seidler and Lucy Tassell Producer: Elliot Lawry Want to support The Daily Au...
Jan 07, 2025•3 min
Over the break, one of the biggest stories was the lawsuits filed between actress Blake Lively and her fellow co-star and director in ‘It Ends With Us’, Justin Baldoni.Just a few days before Christmas, Lively filed a legal complaint - and has since filed a lawsuit - against Baldoni alleging that he sexually harassed her on set and that after she complained about his alleged behaviour, he retaliated by staging a PR campaign to ruin her reputation.The complaint was first reported by The New York T...
Jan 06, 2025•18 min
Today's headlines include: The Federal Government has promised to spend $7.2 billion to upgrade one of the country’s most dangerous stretches of road, the Bruce Highway, if it wins reelection this year. Melbourne airport’s second runway has reopened after safety concerns forced a passenger plane to abort takeoff yesterday. Blizard warnings are in place across large parts of North America, with a state of emergency in place for six U.S. states. And today’s good news: 17 year-old Luke Littler has ...
Jan 06, 2025•3 min
As you prepare to return to work for 2025, TDA has you covered with all the biggest stories that unfolded over the break. From the New Orleans terrorist attack to the South Korean plane crash, we'll unpack the biggest global headlines from the past two weeks. Hosts: Zara Seidler and Billi FitzSimons Producer: Elliot Lawry Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click ‘follow’ on Spotify or Apple and to leave us a five-star review. We would be so grateful. The...
Jan 05, 2025•13 min
This year, Matildas Captain Sam Kerr ruptured her ACL, which ruled her out of the Paris Olympics. But did you know, female athletes are more likely than their male counterparts to tear their ACL? In this episode, Adam Walker, Physiotherapist and ACL rehabilitation specialist explains why. Hosts: Billi FitzSimons and Chloe Christie Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click ‘follow’ on Spotify or Apple and to leave us a five-star review. We would be so grat...
Jan 02, 2025•10 min
Our most listened to episode this year was this episode, so we thought we’d bring it back for round two. Around tax time, we asked the TDA audience what questions they had, and then jumped on mic to answer them. A helpful reminder of how Australia’s tax system works all year round! Use the tax cut calculator to estimate your annual tax cut. Hosts: Sam Koslowski and Billi FitzSimons Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click ‘follow’ on Spotify or Apple and...
Jan 01, 2025•20 min
This year marked 63 years since the oral contraceptive, aka the pill, became available to Australian women. In today’s podcast, we’ll talk about the history of the pill, how it changed Australia, and the future of contraception. Listen to our episode on Thalidomide here Watch our video on male contraceptives here Hosts: Sam Koslowski and Lucy Tassell Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click ‘follow’ on Spotify or Apple and to leave us a five-star review....
Dec 31, 2024•10 min