The Briefing

In this headlines-free extra episode of The Briefing: Everyone knows the impact of mental health on our wellbeing, our families, our jobs and our future. So today, we ask 'R U OK'? While we’re more acutely aware of the tell-tale signs and how and why we need to seek help, it can be hard to know how to check in with those around us, or for those struggling to know what to do. Asking if someone’s OK is a great place to start the conversation. In this R U OK? Day episode of the Briefing, we’re joined by Gus Worland, Founder of Gotcha4Life, a not-for-profit foundation with a goal of zero suicides, taking action by delivering mental fitness programs that engage, educate and empower local communities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Constant exposure to dire forecasts and extreme weather events is taking its toll on climate scientists. It's meant scientists are now trying group therapy to deal with their fear and anxiety. In this episode of our Summer Ahead series Tom Tilley breaks it down with ANU scientist Joe Duggan.   Headlines: Qantas loses over sacking baggage handlers Multimillionaire wants unemployment to rise  US crab-walking prison escapee found   Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this headlines-free extra episode of The Briefing: The ACT has passed laws that decriminalise illicit drugs. This means you’ll get the equivalent of a speeding ticket if found in possession of 1.5 grams of cocaine, meth or 1 gram of heroin. So why has the ACT gone down this path? Will it become a target market for gangland criminals? And what can the ACT learn from countries like Portugal that decriminalised illicit drugs more than 20 years ago?   We’re joined by Bronwyn Hendry, CEO of Canberra-based Directions Health Services which has advocated for drugs to be decriminalised.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Kellie Nuttall, an expert from Deloitte, discusses the adoption of AI in Australia. Already a third of employees are using AI at work, with their managers often unaware. Sectors like media, finance, and education are experiencing significant changes. Companies need an AI strategy as soon as possible.

In this headlines-free extra episode of The Briefing: What exactly are our politicians being gifted for free, and who takes the most? While gifts range from bicycles to sports tickets, and many aren't accepted, each year the accumulated worth runs into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. And currently they’re under scrutiny. Just today a survey from Nine newspapers revealed that 70% of Australians believe they shouldn’t accept free membership of elite clubs such as the Qantas Chairman’s Lounge. We’re joined by LiSTNR's Investigations Editor, Clair Weaver, to tell you about the hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of gifts being accepted by our politicians every year, and whether the gifts could sway policy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chanel Contos shot to fame when she uncovered thousands of horror stories about sexual abuse and coercion in Sydney’s elite private schools. Since then she’s successfully pushed for consent education to become part of the school curriculum. In this episode of The Briefing, Tom Tilley speaks with Chanel about her new book Consent Laid Bare.    Headlines: Labor’s $10b housing fund after deal with the Greens   Pressure mounting over the future of Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk Apple to ditch iPhone lightning power port and cable    Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this headlines-free extra episode of the Briefing:  After three weeks of intense pressure, Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales has finally succumbed and announced he will resign. Rubiales has dominated news after kissing Spanish player Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent, after Spain won the FIFA Women’s World Cup last month.  We’re joined by Bonita Mersiades, a former executive with Football Australia and a FIFA whistleblower, to speak about what happened and whether this will be the watershed moment many are hoping for.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At least 2,012 people have died with at least 2000 more injured in the most powerful earthquake Morocco has suffered in 120 years. The 6.8 magnitude quake hit Morocco late on Friday local time, with entire villages levelled. Now the race is on to try and recover survivors from the rubble. Katrina Blowers speaks with Oumaima Azzelzouli, a journalist with Moroccan National Radio who lives in Rabat about what’s happening on the ground.    Headlines: Luis Rubiales to quit after World Cup kiss scandal  Tasmania is the only state voting yes for the Voice referendum Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis apology video    Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to On Topic with the Weekend Briefing, a special series where Jamila Rizvi talks to some of her favourite guests - old and new - about a single, fascinating subject. Over the next two months, you’ll hear from singers, writers, models, actors and change makers on topics as diverse as power and influence, mindset and money, bodies and brains.  Today you’ll hear from Lillian Ahenkan, on influence. Lillian, better known as Flex Mami, is a radio and TV presenter, DJ, author, business owner and has more than 169,000 followers on Instagram.  In this special episode, Flex speaks about the commodification of influence, who gets to be a role model and why we all should think more deeply about who influences us and why. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this headlines-free extra episode of the Briefing:  Tom Tilley's secret passion!! The Rugby World Cup begins in France this weekend – and the Wallabies head into the tournament after losing five lead-up matches.  Coach Eddie Jones has picked a very young, inexperienced side, who he says he will have firing at exactly the right time.  Tom Tilley and Sacha Barbour-Gatt are rugby 'tragics'! Australia was transfixed when the Matildas contested the FIFA Womens’ World Cup last month.  Can the Wallabies mirrot the Matilda’s success and save a dying code? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.