

The Briefing
LiSTNR
A daily news podcast, The Briefing gives you the latest headlines, discussion and explainer interviews to keep you informed and entertained.
Bringing you the news you need to know at 6am and 4pm Monday to Friday, and profile features across the weekend, The Briefing is Australia's go-to news podcast for your commute, coffee or exercise.
Hosted by journalists Sacha Barbour Gatt, Chris Spyrou, Natarsha Belling, Helen Smith and Antoinette Lattouf.
Bringing you the news you need to know at 6am and 4pm Monday to Friday, and profile features across the weekend, The Briefing is Australia's go-to news podcast for your commute, coffee or exercise.
Hosted by journalists Sacha Barbour Gatt, Chris Spyrou, Natarsha Belling, Helen Smith and Antoinette Lattouf.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 1, 2023 • 22min
Billionaire bust ups: Why mega rich marriages break down
Two of Australia’s biggest billionaire power couples are breaking up, the Forrests and the Cannon-Brookes. That follows the Gates, the Bezos, Elon Musk and Rupert Murdoch. In today's episode of The Briefing, we explore the pain of mega-rich matrimony with one of New York’s leading divorce lawyers, Dror Bikel. Given that money is a key stress on normal relationships, why do billionaire couples struggle to hang on? Headlines: FIFA Women’s World Cup moves to Group of 16 Bedsheets lead police to alleged serial abuser RBA keeps interest rates on hold for second consecutive month TikTok and WeChat put on notice Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 31, 2023 • 20min
Expanding access to abortion pills seems like a no-brainer, but is it?
It’s becoming much easier to access the abortion pill MS-2 Step (RU486 overseas.) All doctors and some senior nurses will be able to prescribe it, and from today, all pharmacies will be able to stock it. But gynaecologists and obstetricians are sounding the alarm, saying there isn’t enough infrastructure in place to expand access this much. In this episode of the Briefing, we speak with Dr Gino Pecoraro, President National Association Specialist Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ president Nicole Higgins. Expanding access to abortion pills seems like a no- brainer, but is it? Headlines: The Matildas are into the World Cup’s final 16 Scott Morrison hits back over robodebt report The search for four ADF members now a recovery mission July was the world’s hottest month in recorded history Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 30, 2023 • 18min
It was teeth, now it’s hair: The boom in Turkey’s cosmetic industry
There’s a new tourism boom. It’s all about cosmetic surgery, dentistry – both remedial and cosmetic – and hair transplants. Aussies are flying to Turkey, to undergo procedures too costly here in Australia. In this episode of the Briefing, we meet Michael, one of thousands of Australians who’ve been to Turkey for a hair transplant; and Dr Nicola Dean, the president of Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. Is it safe? And is it actually cheaper than getting the procedure here in Australia, given you have to fork out for flights and accom as well as the surgery. In today’s Briefing, would you travel to Turkey for a boob job or hair transplant? Headlines: The Matildas to face Canada tonight in the World Cup Defence crews still searching for four men following chopper crash Sonia Kruger wins the Gold Logie Latest data on streaming sees Netflix lose out Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 28, 2023 • 28min
The Kates are teaching Americans how to swear
In the early days of their careers, Kate McClennan and Kate McCartney never got booked for the same TV shows. At the time, women were few and far between in comedy sketches - and executives never imagined they’d need more than one woman. Let alone more than one Kate. Once they finally met in person, the two became close friends and writing partners. They went on to create the Katering Show followed by Get Crackin’ on the ABC. And now? They’re back, with an Amazon Prime original television series which they self-describe as BroadChurch - but funny. In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, the Kates explain how they convinced America that swearing is part of Australian culture. THE WEEKEND LIST: Read: Yellowface by R.F. Kuang Try: Robe Haircare Try: Hire a campervan Eat: Morning juice shots or make your own See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 27, 2023 • 23min
The US Government’s UFO hearings: Are we alone....?
The US Congress has held hearings this week to try to determine, once and for all, what the US Department of Defence knows about UFOs or UAPs, unidentified aerial phenomena. What’s called the House Oversight Committee is calling witnesses who claim the US government – particularly the Pentagon – knows more than it’s letting on. In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Nick Pope, who used to run the British Government's UFO Project and is now recognised as one of the world's leading experts on the unexplained. What are we not being told about unidentified flying objects? Headlines: Matildas shock loss to Nigeria Sydney Shootings Thousands of vapes seized in Melbourne raid July is set to be Earth's hottest month on record Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 26, 2023 • 19min
What to do if you come face-to- face with a dingo
There have been a string of dingo attacks on K’gari off the coast of south east Queensland in the last month. In one attack, a 10-year-old boy was dragged into a dam. In the two latest attacks, women were chased into the surf after being confronted on the beach. All three victims suffered wounds as the pack of dingos struck. In this episode of the Briefing, we’re joined by Dr Bradley Smith, a world-renowned dingo expert from the Central Queensland University and author of the Dingo Debate published by the CSIRO to find out what to do if you’re approached by a dingo. Headlines: Actor Kevin Spacey found not guilty of sexual offence charges Sinéad O’Connor has died at the age of 56 The US has raised interest rates to the highest level since 2001 Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 25, 2023 • 18min
Why radical new laws are sparking angry protests in Israel
Laws passed in Israel overnight allow the Netanyahu government to overhaul the judiciary and prevents the Israeli Supreme Court from vetoing decisions on the grounds of being “unreasonable”. Hundreds of thousands of protestors have marched on the capital Jerusalem, protesting the government’s tactics, suggesting the new legislation will threaten democracy in Israel. In this episode of the Briefing, we're joined by Dr Noam Peleg from the University of NSW Faculty of Law as we look at what the new laws mean....and how they will affect the citizens of Israel. Headlines: New evidence in Gina Rinehart court case Prime Minister’s reply to Black Friday bushfires question Mortgage arrears risk highest level since GFC Mass beaching of pilot whales in WA Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 24, 2023 • 21min
An insider's view on Hollywood's crippling strikes
Hollywood has ground to a halt after the the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists – the biggest union representing actors and production staff decided to join writers in going on strike for better pay and conditions. It’s the first time in 60 years both groups have gone on strike at the same time – and it means production on television, streaming and movies has stopped. In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Kym Jackson, a member of SAG-AFTRA to explain what it means for the future of Hollywood and the film industry here in Australia. Headlines: Ben Roberts-Smith plague addition at war memorial Biggest scalp from Robodebt royal commission Gina Rinehart in court battle for multibillion-dollar Hancock mining spoils Twitter turns to X Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 23, 2023 • 19min
Why we don't like MAMILS - The dehumanisation of cyclists
Ground-breaking Australian research reveals why there is so much distain for road cyclists. Drivers see cyclists in lycra as less than fully human. Tom Tilley, a self confessed Mamil (middle aged male in lycra) has travelled the country speaking to cyclists, researchers and drivers in the hope of making our roads safer. Tom's report aired on Seven's Spotlight program last night. In this episode of The Briefing, Tom talks with Dr Mark Limb, a researcher from the QUT who looks at the clothes or outfits cyclists wear and how that changes the perceptions of drivers. We find out why we don't like MAMILs - and the reasons behind the dehumanisation of cyclists. Headlines: Australians dominate in the pool at World Championships Netanyahu to undergo heart surgery as critical vote looms Greek Islands wildfires Barbie beats Oppenheimer at opening weekend Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 21, 2023 • 30min
Weekend Briefing: How Jeremy Franco's childhood impacts his comedy
Jeremy Franco is everyone's fave TikTok and Instagram star. He exploded during Covid and is now one of the most popular Australian creatives on social media. Jeremy and Jamila share a similar childhood and their combined memories are a pure delight. In this episode of The Weekend Briefing, Jamila is joined by Jeremy Franco.....wait until you hear about the 'lemon people'. Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.