
The Briefing
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.
Latest episodes

May 6, 2025 • 15min
Mushroom lunch survivor gives evidence + The Met Gala explained
Justin Hill, an Entertainment reporter with LiSTNR, joins Natarsha Belling to unravel the cultural layers of this year's Met Gala, themed 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.' They discuss the event's evolution beyond mere fashion to address important societal themes like race and identity. Moreover, they highlight the growing presence of sports icons and how their influence is reshaping the Gala's narrative. The conversation also touches on the nuances of celebrity fashion, examining how personal style intertwines with broader cultural statements.

May 5, 2025 • 23min
Rinehart slams ‘left media’ for LNP loss + How your DNA’s being hijacked
In a thought-provoking discussion, Jane Tiller, a lawyer and public health researcher from Monash University, highlights the dangers of genetic testing. She reveals how life insurance companies exploit genetic data to discriminate against customers, raising serious concerns about privacy and ethics. Tiller suggests urgent reforms to protect individuals from these practices. The conversation also touches on Gina Rinehart's controversial claims about media influence on the Coalition's election loss, illustrating the intersection of politics and public health.

May 5, 2025 • 17min
Another twist in Mushroom trial + New leader for Liberal Party
Political editor Mark Riley from Seven News brings his expertise to discuss the Liberal Party's historic election defeat and the urgent search for a new leader. He highlights the dramatic shifts in voter sentiment that led to this crisis and the internal dynamics at play. Topics include the potential candidates for leadership and the pressing need for the party to adopt more moderate policies to regain public trust. Riley also touches on how international politics, including conversations between Anthony Albanese and Donald Trump, influence local sentiments.

May 4, 2025 • 22min
Labor’s landslide win + The anti-vaxxers reviving a deadly disease
David Tscharke, an infectious disease expert and virologist at the Australian National University, dives into the alarming resurgence of measles globally. He highlights how vaccine hesitancy and misinformation are spreading faster than the disease itself, leading to numerous outbreaks. Tscharke discusses the critical need for high vaccination rates to protect vulnerable populations and debunks myths surrounding vaccine safety. His insights shed light on the consequences of declining vaccination rates and emphasize the urgency of addressing this public health crisis.

May 3, 2025 • 4min
What Albo's win means for you: Labor's key promises
Anthony Albanese's historic election victory marks the first time since John Howard that a Prime Minister has won back-to-back elections. The podcast dives into how Labor secured this success, while reflecting on the Liberal Party's defeat. Key topics include the election's focus on Medicare and cost-of-living initiatives, highlighting the challenges and priorities facing Australians. With growing economic concerns, the discussion suggests a stable future for the Prime Minister and the implications for his government.

May 2, 2025 • 43min
Peter Greste on his prison nightmare, threats to journalism & new movie
Peter Greste was sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of falsifying news and damaging Egypt’s international image. The Australian foreign correspondent spent over two years in an Egyptian prison before the Australian government intervened. The Correspondent, is the new movie based on his ordeal fighting for press freedom. It comes at a time when attacks on journalists are reaching record highs and nowhere has the toll been deadlier than Gaza, with more Palestinian media workers being killed than in any other conflict. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf on World Press Freedom Day, Peter opens up about his healing process from solitary confinement and the escalating dangers facing journalists. Find out more about Peter's story and new movie here Weekend list with Helen Smith TO READ: You Are Here by David Nicholls TO WATCH: Real Housewives of New York season 12 TO TRY: Paddle boarding TO WATCH: The Accountant 2 Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 2, 2025 • 12min
ELECTION DAY: How your vote is counted
In case you missed it, here's your one-stop guide to voting in this federal election. We’re breaking down the most common voting questions and busting a few myths, like what’s the difference between voting above or below the line, do preference deals still exist and what really happens to your vote after you cast it? In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou and Tara Cassidy break it all down for you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 2, 2025 • 12min
Psychic crocodile predicts new PM + Mushroom trial update
Afternoon headlines: On election eve nearly 40% of Australians have already voted, chopper crash south west of Melbourne leaves three in serious condition and a psychic crocodile predicts election winner Deep Dive: It’s the murder trial that has gripped the world - a mother accused of murdering three relatives in a poisonous mushroom lunch. Erin Patterson’s trial started this week with explosive allegations, involving inheritances, mushroom dehydrators and text messages. In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by 7NEWS reporter Estelle Greipink on the twists and turns unfolding inside the regional court room. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 1, 2025 • 22min
Celeb cook calls off trolls in Brooki saga + How to maximise your vote
Discover the whirlwind of final-day campaigning before the federal election, including shocking incidents of election-related violence. Unpack the gripping details of the Mushroom poisoning trial and its implications. Delve into political drama as a national security advisor gets ousted over leaked chat controversies. Plus, get the ultimate guide on navigating the voting process, busting myths about preferential voting while emphasizing the importance of understanding candidate choices. It's a blend of politics, courtroom drama, and civic engagement!

May 1, 2025 • 15min
Trump’s secret link to Australia + Coalition set for election bloodbath
In this discussion, Tom McIlroy, Chief Political Correspondent for Guardian Australia, dives into the dire situation facing the Coalition ahead of a critical election. He highlights how Peter Dutton's campaign, influenced by Trump-like strategies, has backfired, leading to a predicted historic defeat. The political dynamics are further complicated by rising living costs and Labor's polling advantage. McIlroy also unpacks the ramifications of international political strategies on local elections and the challenges Dutton faces in connecting with disillusioned voters.