The Briefing

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a social media phenomenon. From videos of people tapping on objects, to whispering bedtime stories, or even eating within millimetres of a microphone, many posts have hundreds of thousands of views. But is it just a TikTok trend, or can it actually help people relax? Many describe ASMR as giving them a warm, tingly feeling when watching or listening to certain 'triggers'. While not everybody experiences these reactions, many who do claim it helps them fall asleep, deal with pain, and manage their emotions. On today's extra episode of The Briefing, we hear from Professor David Alais at Sydney University's School of Psychology, and ASMR Creator Jade Scarborough, about what exactly ASMR is, the science behind it, and how it can help with relaxation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melbourne Fashion Week is coming to close, after a week marked with controversy following a dozen Black Australian models boycotting the event to highlight the fashion industry’s mistreatment of people of colour. Making headlines across the country and overseas, the public boycott sparked further action across the week, with additional models choosing to snub the event. In a statement to the Briefing, a MFW spokesperson said organisers "acknowledged and fully support" the concerns expressed by Black models choosing to boycott, and the safety of black and brown models is "paramount".  A week after The Briefing’s exclusive investigation into the boycott, Antoinette Lattouf is joined by Jo-Anne Hui-miller, the former editor of Inside Retail magazine and diversity advocate to ask what lessons the fashion industry can learn from this moment.    Headlines: Lehrmann facing rape charges Manhunt continues after Sydney woman's death Maine mass shooter still at large Matildas win against Iran   Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Australia men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, a statistic that has lead to countless mental health campaigns aimed at blokes across the country - but how much of an impact do they have on that statistic?  In a survey of almost 1,300 Aussie men, the Sax Institute’s Public Health Research and Practice journal found most rank their mental health as their number one preventative health concern, particularly those aged 18-35.  As we head into Men’s Health Awareness Month, there is hope these new statistics show a shift in how Aussie men are looking at their mental health - but there is still plenty of work to be done.  On today’s extra episode of The Briefing, we're joined by Simon von Saldern, CEO of Healthy Male, to discuss what we can learn from these statistics, and how we can keep breaking down barriers for Aussie blokes when it comes to their mental and physical health.  If you are in need of support, contact Lifeline now on 13 11 14, or Men's Line on 1300 78 99 78.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cryptocurrencies are set to be be regulated – with the government announcing plans to bring crypto exchanges under the control of the financial regulator ASIC. Exchanges holding more the $5m worth of assets will soon have to apply for a licence from ASIC. Tom Tilley is joined by Stephen Jones the Minister for Financial Services who’s leading the charge.  Headlines: Australia and the US deepen ties Inflation numbers rise 1.2% Matildas to begin their Olympics campaign   Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have we seen the end of an era of large-scale festivals in Australia? For a long time music festivals have been a key part of an Australian summer - but following the Covid pandemic they are facing a range of challenges, including increasing costs and changes in ticket purchasing behaviour due to the cost of living and weather events. In this extra episode of The Briefing, Dark Mofo’s new Artistic Director Chris Twite takes us through the reasons for postponing next year’s event, and Managing Director of Australian Festivals Association, Mitch Wilson, maps out what festival organisers need to survive into the future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Sunday Indigenous leaders sent an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after a week of silence was observed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples following the defeat of the Voice referendum. Thomas Mayo is one of the indigenous leaders who helped write the public letter and was a key campaigner for the Yes camp. Thomas joins Tom Tilley to breakdown the letter.   Headlines: Released Israeli hostage speaks about ordeal Second bushfire death as fires continue to burn on the East Coast Museum fixes the skin colour of "The Rock" waxwork The world’s oldest dog ever has died at 31   Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Britney Spears has been in the headlines since she was 16; from global pop princess, to very public breakdown, to a battle in court to free her from a conservatorship she says she never needed or wanted. Tomorrow her tell-all memoir The Woman in Me will hit bookshops across the world, promising to reveal her journey in her own words for the very first time. So, what have we learnt already from leaks of the book? And what impacts will it have on pop culture and our understanding of the world of fame... and Britney herself? In this extra episode of The Briefing, we speak to entertainment reporter and host of LiSTNR’s The Streaming Service, Justin Hill, to find out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the recent escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict, both sides of the war have been calling out the other for enacting war crimes. In this episode of The Briefing we look at what both sides allege, what a war crime is and how international law gets enforced with Professor Ben Saul from the University of Sydney.   Headlines: Microsoft to invest $5 billion in Australia Israel has escalated their aerial bombardment of Gaza Britney Spears is about to release a memoir   Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every day those who represent some of the country’s largest organisations meet with our politicians and public servants to try and influence government decisions. Lobbyists represent a range of interests - from mining to environmental causes, and everything in between - and while it’s completely legal, nearly 40% of federally registered lobbyists are actually former government representatives. Today in this extra episode of The Briefing, you’ll find out how lobbying works and why you should care about how it’s carried out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NSW Police are trialling technology allowing them to remotely access Triple Zero callers' phones so they can see what’s happening on the ground in an emergency. The GoodSAM app enables police dispatchers to turn on a caller’s camera and start livestreaming video, as well as pinpointing their location, direction of travel and speed. Privacy experts have said while the app looks to be an effective tool, there are significant concerns about transparency, accountability and openness, and the lack of a guarantee people’s data will be secure. Jan Fran is joined by Jodie Siganto from the Australian Privacy Foundation to find out more.   Headlines: The Yes campaign describes referendum defeat as "mean-spirited" Israeli military intensifying its bombardment of Gaza China's agreed to review Aussie wine tariffs   Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.