The Briefing

Wednesday Headlines: Queensland flood fatality as WA cyclone makes landfall, Australians encouraged to "Celebrate not hide" this New Years eve, and good news with the PBS cap falling to $25 from New Years day. Deep Dive: Australians have spent billions of dollars on travel in 2025, and that’s not a trend that’s expected to change in the new year.  98% of people who took a holiday this year say they will again in 2026, while overseas and domestic trips continue to be popular. So, where will we all be going in 2026? Where should we be going? And most importantly, how can we snag a bargain? In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Quentin Long from Australian Traveller to talk 2026 travel.   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @thebriefingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Menorah to light up Sydney Harbour Bridge in tribute to Bondi terror attack victims, Australian Cruise ship runs aground in PNG, Tropical cyclone Hayley to make landfall in WA today, and the ICC has rated the Boxing day pitch as "unsatisfactory". Deep Dive: BookTok is a community on TikTok where people create and share content about books and in 2025, it truly entered the zeitgeist.   The hashtag helped platform new authors, sparked controversy, and even reshaped book sales and the way the publishing industry operates.  In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Evelyn Araluen, a Goorie and Koori author and teacher, who explains how BookTok works, it’s cultural impact and how it’s influencing what we read.   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @thebriefingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: Families of Bondi Beach terror attack victims call for federal royal commission, US President Donald Trump has a “good and very productive call” with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Iconic French film star Brigitte Bardot dies age 91, and Master Lock Comanche has won Sydney to Hobart line honours. Deep Dive: New national drowning data shows deaths are at their highest since records began, with a sharp and alarming rise among teenagers and young adults. In this episode of the Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by water safety expert Justin Scarr, who breaks down what’s driving the crisis. Unpack why child drowning has fallen while risk skyrockets after age 10, how rip currents are catching even confident swimmers off guard, and why so many rescues are now being attempted by parents and bystanders - often with tragic consequences. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @thebriefingpodcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Saunders, the former Melbourne barman at the heart of the ATM glitch saga, shares his wild spending spree after discovering a loophole that allowed him to withdraw nearly $1 million per transaction. Joined by Richard, a close friend, they recount the initial thrill of luxury dinners and lavish experiences, as well as the growing dread and moral dilemmas that followed. As guilt sets in, Dan attempts to confess to the bank, only to face increasing fallout and eventual arrest. Their story reveals a dramatic twist on sudden wealth and its consequences.

Daniel Saunders, a former barman from Wangaratta, stumbled upon an ATM glitch that allowed him to withdraw unlimited cash, fueling a wild spending spree. He shares how this illusion of wealth led him to luxury hotels, private jets, and extravagant parties. Amidst the thrill, he reflects on his eroding morals and the fleeting nature of relationships formed through money. As anxiety over getting caught grew, so did his elaborate public stunts, making this tale both captivating and cautionary.

Boxing Day in Australia has become synonymous with a few things; cricket, shopping and the movies.  It’s arguably the biggest day for movie releases down under, and the streamers too are getting in with some big drops the day after Christmas.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by host of LiSTNR’s The Streaming Service, Justin Hill to chat all things TV and movies this festive release season.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @thebriefingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this festive discussion, Ben Kharblas, the Deputy CEO of Mission Australia and an experienced leader in homelessness services, sheds light on the difficult realities many face during Christmas. He shares insights on the loneliness and mental health struggles that spike during this time. Ben also debunks myths about who experiences homelessness, revealing a growing number of employed people among them. He emphasizes the importance of community support, urging listeners to volunteer and help combat isolation through events like Christmas Lunch in the Park.

Wednesday Headlines: Anthony Albanese has delivered his official Christmas message to Australians, Canterbury-Bankstown Council shuts down prayer hall linked to Naveed Akram, and Aussies expected to spend nearly 4 Billion dollars this Christmas. Deep Dive: The Christmas break often brings families together and with that can come awkward, uncomfortable, or even confronting conversations.  From navigating tense dynamics with relatives you’d rather avoid to responding to racist or misogynistic comments at the dinner table, these moments can be hard to handle in the heat of the moment.  In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Carly Dober, Director of the Australian Association of Psychologists, about why these conversations tend to surface during the holidays and how to tackle an unwanted comment thrown your way.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @thebriefingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: 3/4's of Australians want tougher gun laws, Britain wants to follow our under 16 social media ban, New warnings to keep Christmas snacks away from pets. Deep Dive: Australia has recorded one of its worst road tolls on record this year. New data from the National Road Safety Hub shows 1,340 people died on our roads across the country in the 12 months to July 2025.  In this episode, we’re joined by the NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison, who explains why the death toll is so high and her important message for every driver this holiday season.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @thebriefingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: Albo booed at Bondi memorial a week after terror attack with his approval rating plunging, Red Cross see a spike in blood donations, and Interest rates likely to go up twice in 2026. Deep Dive: Christmas leftovers are often one of the best parts of the holidays, but they can also make you wonder, is this still safe to eat?  Every year, hospital emergency departments across Australia see a spike in food poisoning cases over the Christmas and New Year period, often linked to improperly stored leftovers.  In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by food technologist Cheryl Hughes from Facts on Food who explains how to safely store, freeze and reheat leftovers, what the ‘sniff test’ can tell you and how to avoid getting sick while still making the most of your festive food.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @thebriefingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.