Katie Watson

Jo Tidy, BBC cyber correspondent, and Katie Watson, BBC Australia correspondent, delve into Australia’s controversial social media ban for teens. They discuss the addictive nature of social media and its impact on youth mental health. The conversation highlights proposed regulations aimed at protecting teens, alongside both the creative benefits and dangers of online engagement. They also tackle the complexities of enforcing age restrictions and the challenges parents face in navigating their children's digital lives.

BBC's Katy Watson, an expert reporter on Australia and the Pacific Islands, delves into the sensational tale of Erin Patterson, known as the ‘mushroom murderer.’ Watson outlines the twists of a trial that has captivated a nation, from the shocking meal that led to deadly poisoning to the media frenzy surrounding the case. She discusses the implications of the true-crime industry's growth, family dynamics at play, and the ongoing appeals that could reshape Erin's fate. It's a gripping insight into a murder that has become a cultural phenomenon.

BBC's Katie Watson and Jack Lau discuss China's use of pandas for diplomatic relations. Katharina Marie Sperling sheds light on the costs of keeping them. The podcast explores panda mating habits and their dwindling numbers in the wild.