The Briefing

It once dominated headlines, but almost two years on, media coverage of the war in Ukraine has significantly dropped off. And despite a waning interest in the Western world, the war continues - so what’s the latest?  On today’s extra episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by foreign affairs expert Dr Keith Suter to find out the latest on the war in Ukraine. Is there an end in sight?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 200 people were taken hostage by Hamas militants when the group staged a surprise attack on Israel on October 7th. Those taken hostage included Israeli civilians and soldiers, as well as foreigners caught in the attack. Five of those being held captive have been freed since the attack, following calls from Israel, human rights groups and the United Nations for their immediate release. But who is managing the complex negotiations surrounding the further release of hostages, and how will the coming weeks potentially unfold? In this episode of The Briefing, Tom Tilley speaks with Nizar Zakka, who personally experienced the ordeal of being taken hostage after being held in Iran for almost four years in 2015. Now president of Hostage Aid, he joins to explain how the process is unfolding and who is involved.   Headlines: At least 320 foreign passport holders leave Gaza Bulk-billing expands to young and vulnerable   Matildas cruise to the next stage of Olympic qualifiers Coles and Woolworths feature in Shonky awards   Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A shortage of opportunity and an excess of crime - artists ONEFOUR have risen from troubled beginnings to become Australia’s first drill rap stars, winning international success and recognition for their distinctive music.  This is not, however, a simple rags-to-riches story.  A new documentary ONEFOUR: Against All Odds follows the group as they try to capitalise on the viral success of their music, despite losing members to jail time and aggressive opposition from the police.  In this extra episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by ONEFOUR's manager, Rick Simandjuntak, to speak about the group's music, and tell you why the police shouldn't be allowed to shut down artistic expression and that of drill rap music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Researchers have discovered a link between the advent of social media platforms and spikes in eating disorders. Over the last 20 years, people being hospitalised for eating disorders have jumped 400% with the biggest spike following the rise of TikTok. In this episode of The Briefing, Dr Veya Seekis from Griffith University breaks down the numbers with Katrina Blowers.   Headlines: Israel takes responsibility for refugee blast The US to regulate artificial intelligence   Justice for New Zealand Whakaari volcano victims Australia is in the grip of an eighth Covid wave     Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria has become the first Australian jurisdiction to announce compensation for mothers impacted by the country's brutal historical forced adoption policies. Under the $138 million scheme, mothers affected by historical forced adoption practices before 1990 can apply for $30,000 in financial compensation, alongside counselling, psychological support and individual apologies. But what does the announcement mean for mothers impacted by the practices across the rest of the country?  In this extra episode of the Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Jessica Steele from Shine Lawyers to explain the development, and what it means in the fight for justice for those involved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s now a morning after pill for men who have sex with men. Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis, known as "doxy- PEP" can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex and is effective at preventing syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Around 40 of Australia’s leading sexual health physicians have now agreed that doxy-PEP, should be considered for the prevention of some STIs among men who sleep with men. In this episode of The Briefing we speak with one of them - sexual health specialist at the Kirby Institute Vincent Cornelisse about what this new medication means.   Headlines: FIFA bans former Spanish soccer boss for 3 years Former Prime Ministers sign joint statement on Middle East crisis Qantas to defend itself over claims of deceptive conduct Barbie among the most popular costumes for Halloween    Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As sitcom show Friends goes from strength to strength finding new audiences 20 years after winding up, one of its brightest stars Matthew Perry has died aged 54. Himself saying no one would be surprised if he died early, he battled a lifetime of addictions to both drugs and alcohol. In this extra episode of the Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Katrina Blowers to discuss Perry’s career, his ups and downs, and what is legacy will be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An extreme movement of Australians who reject the authority of our government and believe they’re exempt from laws, taxes and the values of mainstream society has snowballed over the past five years. Known as “sovereign citizens”, they’re most visible at anti-government protests and came under the glare of national spotlight during the COVID pandemic. While some sympathise with the notion the government has over-reached into our lives and personal freedoms, sovereign citizen ideology is built on conspiracy and misinformation. So what happens when the ideology comes into the family home? In this exclusive episode of The Briefing, Tom Tilley brings you the story of an ordinary Australian dad whose ex-partner transformed from a suburban mum into a sovereign citizen, turning their family life into a “living nightmare”.   Headlines: Tributes pour in after Matthew Perry's death Israel extends ground campaign in Gaza Wallabies coach Eddie Jones resigns Matildas win against Philippines   Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You've probably come across ASMR content in your TikTok feed recently - content in which you can hear in highly detailed sound of other people eating, brushing their hair or whispering a bedtime story.  Earlier this week The Briefing brought you an episode about ASMR and the science behind it - but what is it actually like being someone who creates this content, an 'ASMRtist'? In this bonus episode of The Briefing, you'll hear the full interview between LiSTNR journalist and ASMR Creator Jade Scarborough, aka ASMR Jade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trent Dalton is one of Australia’s best known and loved modern authors. Unsure if it would sell, Trent went from book club to book club speaking about his semi-auto-biographical novel, Boy Swallows Universe. Now a national and international bestseller and Netflix series on the way, Trent is out with a new novel Lola in the Mirror. In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Trent breaks down his character writing process and explains why he still reads the critics words.   Weekend list One Four: against all odds on Netflix Vegan Palak Paneer with Tofu from Rainbowplantlife.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.