The Briefing

Bonus Episode: As the Australian government prepares to review our national patchwork of surrogacy laws, this exclusive LiSTNR investigation reveals how restrictive domestic policies are quietly fuelling a booming, unregulated international surrogacy marketplace - one that has recently shifted to Latin America. In this special episode of The Briefing, investigative journalist Claudianna Blanco travels to the Colombian capital, Bogotá, to uncover a secretive world of ethical grey zones, riddled with stories of underpaid and medically vulnerable surrogates and opaque payment systems. Going undercover, she exposes how private clinics rely on Colombia’s overstretched public health system to support foreign clients. Listen to Claudianna on Secrets We Keep: By Any Means.Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carina Mirabile grew up dreaming of being a blonde beach babe instead of the 'ethnic girl', but now she proudly embraces her Italian heritage. The Married at First Sight reality star, fashion label boss and podcast host is a walking content machine who admits she 'low-key manifested' her rise to fame. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Carina opens up about the violent outburst from her on-screen husband on national TV, her reflections on domestic violence and why her search for love is currently on pause. Weekend list with Helen Smith and Chris Spyrou:  TO WATCH: America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders season 2 on Netflix TO TRY: QV Baby bath oil for washing your pet TO DO: Flowers from Harris Farm TO DO: Send us your shoe recs for Chris! Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.   She’s pled not guilty to all charges.   In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks the trial in under two minutes.   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: Teenager charged with murder for allegedly fatally stabbing a man, appeal hearing underway for police officer who tasered a 95-year-old great grandmother, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese isn’t matching NATO's massive defence pledge and Anna Wintour steps down as American Vogue's editor-in-chief Deep Dive: The weeklong wedding extravaganza between billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Venice, that’s costing an estimated 85 million dollars, is dividing the internet.  Protests have forced the couple to move venues, as A-list celebrities, politicians and millionaires start to arrive with the celebrations kicking off with a foam party on board a luxury yacht.  In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by culture journalist Maggie Zhou to unpack everything we know about the multi-million-dollar affair.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Iran’s supreme leader says US gained nothing from strikes, Prosecution says Diddy used ‘violence and fear’ as closing arguments begin, Global cocaine boom keeps breaking records, Queensland Government slammed for Olympic environment and planning laws, and 11new Aussie words have been added to the Oxford dictionary. Deep Dive: Korean dystopian survival thriller, Squid Game, has become one of the most successful TV series in the world, and today it’ll launch its third and final season.   It remains Netflix’s most watched show on record, has become a social media and marketing sensation, shifted pop culture and even led to a surge in people learning the Korean language.   In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks to ABC pop culture and entertainment reporter Mawunyo Gbogbo about what’s behind Squid Game’s cult-like fandom and success, and whether season three will live up to expectations.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.   She’s pled not guilty to all charges.   In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks the trial in under two minutes.   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: First repatriation flight of Australians from Israel lands in Sydney, three men charged over murdered indigenous teenager Cassius Turvey and 27-year-old woman arrested over alleged cyber hacks at Western Sydney Uni  Deep Dive: Zohran Mamdani is the Democratic Party candidate on track to be the next Mayor of New York City, propelled by a wave of community-led support with strong left-wing ideals.  The 33-year-old candidate is making history as the first Muslim South Asian nominee, who has endorsements from Bill Clinton and is using TikTok algorithms to his advantage.   In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Simran Pasricha from Pedestrian TV to unpack what lessons politicians around the world, including here in Australian, can learn from this changing of the political guard.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Ball, Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ Communities Commissioner, sheds light on the alarming rise of homophobic violence targeting gay and bi men in Australia. He discusses how dating apps like Grindr are being exploited by offenders, leading to serious assaults and extortion. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community awareness and encourages victims to speak out. Joe also touches on the broader implications of these attacks, connecting them to social media dynamics and the urgent need for stronger protective measures.

A riveting trial recap delves into the shocking charges against Erin Patterson, accused of serving deadly death cap mushrooms. As the courtroom drama unfolds, key developments emerge on day 37, including critical jury instructions. The prosecution lays out its case while experts weigh the implications of the upcoming jury deliberations. Tensions rise as the timeline for a verdict looms, keeping everyone in suspense about the outcome of this shocking mushroom murder trial.

Joining the discussion is Dr. Dylan Hicks, a movement scientist from Flinders University. He breaks down the biomechanics that make 17-year-old sprinter Gout Gout a record-breaking sensation. They explore how Gout Gout’s unique running style and elastic motion allow him to outperform his competitors. The conversation also touches on his impressive debut and the rigorous training that has prepared him for the World Championships. Could he really be the next Usain Bolt? Tune in to find out!