Dr. Sarah Walsh, a history lecturer from the University of Melbourne specializing in dictatorships, teams up with Dave Leventhal, a seasoned investigative journalist. They dive into President Trump's controversial actions that challenge democratic norms. From dismissing court rulings to censoring critical health information, they explore alarming parallels between Trump’s methods and those of Latin American dictators. The discussion raises crucial questions about the state of democracy in the U.S. and what it means for global politics.

Headlines: Trump calls Zelensky a ‘dictator without elections’, ASIO boss says multiple ‘hostile’ nations plotted to murder critics in Australia and Scott Morrison asks for photo album bought at south Sydney Salvos to be returned. Deep Dive: Skibidi Toilet, the wildly popular YouTube web series featuring animated singing human heads emerging from toilets, is making its debut in an art gallery at the Institute of Modern Art (IMA) in Brisbane. Since it burst onto the scene in 2023, the quirky series by Russian content creator Alexey Gerasimov has captivated audiences worldwide, amassing 18 billion views and has gained the attention of film director Michael Bay. In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Nick Aloisio-Shearer, the Assistant Director and curator of the exhibition at IMA, and Dr Nicholas Karah, the Director of the University of Queensland’s Centre for Digital Cultures and Societies, to explain the phenomenon that is Skibidi Toilet, and why we need to talk about it. You can check out the exhibition until the 30th of March at Brisbane’s Institute of Modern Art. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When a plane carrying 80 people crash landed, burst into flames and flipped upside down on the tarmac of a Canadian airport yesterday, it was the third plane crash in North America in less than a month. 18 people were taken to hospital but, amazingly, no-one was killed. Although statistically, flying is a very safe way to travel – much safer than driving – these incidents make many of us increasingly nervous about the next time we get on a flight. On this episode of the Briefing, Helen Smith asks President of the Australian Association of Psychologists Sahra O'Doherty for her top tips for keeping calm, especially when your flight hits a patch of turbulence.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: The Reserve Bank finally cut interest rates, man charged with online harassment of Antoinette Lattouf and a TikTokker finds an album of unseen photos of Scott Morrison from 1996. Deep Dive: If you’re getting your pills tested at a music festival, who ends up with your data from the results – and what should they do with it?  Legal pill and drug testing in Australia has made significant legislative steps in recent years – from calls for it to be trialled by community organisations to being introduced into four jurisdictions across the country, with some being permanent sites.   But as we become more familiar with pill testing, are we doing enough with the data we get from it for it to be of major use to the community?In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith is joined by RMIT drug policy expert, Associate Professor Monica Barratt, who has some ideas for what our policymakers could be doing better. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gerald Ridsdale, known as Australia’s most notorious paedophile priest, has died in prison, aged 90. Ridsdale was convicted eight separate times over the sexual abuse of 70 known victim survivors – with the most recent sentencing being in 2023. The impact of his abuse – on victim survivors, on the reputation of the church, and on Australian society – cannot be understated. Lucie Morris Marr is a Walkley-awarding winner investigative journalist, author and broadcaster – who's book Fallen: The inside story of the secret trial and conviction of Cardinal George Pell went into great detail on the abuse surrounding Ridsdale and his relationship to Pell. She joins Helen Smith on this episode of The Briefing to outline what those impacted by his violence are feeling on the day of his death. You can find Lucie's newest book, Processed, here. If anything in this episode has caused you distress, you can get help. Some numbers you can call include:1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732 Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114 Victims of Crime Helpline: 1800 819 817 Full Stop Australia: 1800 385 578  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Megan Munsie, a leader in stem cell ethics at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, discusses the allure of stem cell therapies in Australia. She highlights why many are traveling abroad for treatments and the risks of misleading commercial claims. The conversation delves into unique stem cell capabilities and the ethical implications of their research, including regulatory challenges in Australia. Munsie emphasizes the need for rigorous testing to ensure patient safety and advocates for informed decision-making amidst the growing interest in experimental therapies.

Marie Cassaniti, a brave individual who ventured to Thailand for stem cell treatment, shares her compelling journey. She discusses the allure of avoiding major surgery and lengthy rehab through this experimental therapy. Cassaniti reflects on her decision-making process, the treatment experience, and the potential risks involved. She explores whether the benefits outweighed the uncertainties and offers insights into the growing trend of medical tourism for innovative health solutions. Her story highlights the complex landscape of pursuing alternative treatments abroad.

Quentin Long, a contributor to Australian Traveller, discusses the ‘White Lotus effect’ on tourism, highlighting how its stunning locations, like Koh Samui, boom tourist interest. He explores the double-edged sword of media influence on travel, balancing economic benefits with the need for sustainable practices. The conversation dives into how such shows shape perceptions of destinations and the emerging issues of overtourism, where beautiful getaways risk losing their charm amid rising visitor numbers. A captivating look at media's role in modern travel!

Adam Bandt, the Leader of the Australian Greens, delves into the party's fluctuating popularity and recent electoral challenges. With Australia facing a severe housing crisis and concerns over the cost of living, Bandt discusses the Greens’ strategy to resonate with voters. He reflects on the party's past successes and what they need to do to engage citizens ahead of the upcoming election. As they aim to bridge the gap in crucial areas like housing and climate action, Bandt shares his vision for a potential minority government and the importance of political representation.

Kishwar Chowdhury never imagined she’d find herself on national TV, but MasterChef took her to new heights giving her the platform to showcase Bengali cuisine to the world. The proud Bangladeshi-Aussie went from cooking in her kitchen to becoming a celebrity chef traveling around South Asia and beyond. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Kishwar shares how cooking helped her navigate grief and reveals why her dream cookbook collaboration is with Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart. Weekend list with Helen Smith TO WATCH: Bump season 5 on Stan TO MAYBE WATCH: Apple Cider Vinegar on Netflix TO DO: Musical productions at your local school TO TRY: Pill box for your vitamins Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.