
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 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.

Apr 30, 2025 • 21min
Trumpet of Patriots spam texts + Ketamine 'changed my life'
Thursday Headlines: Greens officially launch their campaign, Coalition costings to be released, MKR contestants facing abuse claims named, Kylie Minogue honoured for her contribution to the Australian music industry and Albo responds to Joe Exotic endorsement. Deep Dive: For the first time in 30 years a new form of depression treatment will be added to the PBS, making it astronomically cheaper to buy for those suffering with the mental illness. The nasal spray form of esketamine has been approved for patients with treatment resistant depression and is expected to help up to 30,000 Australians. In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy is joined by Garth Camac, a veteran whose life’s been changed for the better thanks to the new drug, as well as Professor in Psychiatry Malcolm Hopwood on why it's taken so long. Further listening from the headlines: Joe Exotic on The Jimmy & Nath Show with Emma Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 30, 2025 • 13min
Cancer claim in mushroom trial + Sex time bomb
Afternoon Headlines: Shock twist in Erin Patterson mushroom murder trial; good news for interest rates after latest inflation data; Peter Dutton's no-show on election trail Deep Dive: Australia's new STI epidemic - why we're seeing a concern in sexually transmissible infections and the urgent need for a new education campaign. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by epidemiologist Dr Skye McGregor from UNSW’s Kirby Institute, who explains who is most at risk and why STIs can be incredibly dangerous. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 29, 2025 • 22min
Albo's six-state blitz + Inside the mushroom murder trial
Wednesday Headlines: Albo still ahead as preferred PM, newly-elected Canadian PM sends strong message to Trump, rental affordability has never been worse in Australia, ultra-processed foods could be causing more deaths than fentanyl, and Harry Potter actor says he’s surprised at the amount of backlash.Deep Dive: Inside the mushroom murder trialA regional Victorian town is in the global spotlight this week as the murder trial of Erin Patterson gets underway. Patterson first made headlines in 2023 when three people died and another person was hospitalised after eating a Beef Wellington at her Leongatha home. In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks to ABC journalist Stephen Stockwell, who’s covering the trial, about why this case has captivated the world and what we can expect from the weeks ahead. Further Listening from the headlines: EXCLUSIVE: Peter Dutton responds to fake Nazi image, backflips and being underdog The ugly truth about your delicious bacon sandwich Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 29, 2025 • 15min
‘Going to die’: Hero's chilling evidence + Fixing a broken system
Afternoon Headlines: NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott speaks at Bondi stabbing inquest, the jury for the triple murder trial involving Erin Patterson has been selected and US fighter jet worth $93 million lost at sea Deep Dive: Mental Health is a key focus of the coronial inquest into the mass stabbing attack at Bondi Junction, that left six innocent people dead and at least 10 others injured. Experts have warned for years that our mental health system is broken, so what needs to be done and why has the government failed us? In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by President of the Australian Association of Psychologists, Sahra O'Doherty, who explains how we can help those in need and the solutions to properly fund and support this vital system. If you or anyone you know needs someone to talk to you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 28, 2025 • 23min
Jacqui Lambie slams the majors + Bondi attacker's massacre obsession
Tuesday Headlines: National security, environment and dealing with a minority government firmly on the agenda, the first day of the Bondi Junction stabbings inquest, Vladimir Putin announces a three-day ceasefire, and Bluey’s World in Brisbane has been extended! Deep Dive: As more Australians look beyond the major parties, independent and minor party candidates are making their mark on the political landscape, and this election, it looks like their influence will continue to grow. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Tasmanian Senator, Jacqui Lambie and Legalise Cannabis’ lead candidate in the NSW Senate, Miles Hunt, to explore why voters are turning away from Labor and the Coalition and what a more independent parliament could mean for you. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 28, 2025 • 16min
Malcolm Turnbull on backing Albo, national security & dealing with Trump
Feeling uninspired by the current election? You’re not alone, as latest polling shows we’re heading for a hung parliament with some Australians saying it’s between the devil you know and the devil you don’t. In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull who explains why the focus should be on our National Security as US President Donald Trump reign of chaos continues. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8 snips
Apr 27, 2025 • 22min
Welcome to Country controversy + 'Get ripped, get rich and get a girl'
Monday Headlines: Albanese wins final leaders’ debate, Canadian car ramming death toll rises to 11, thousands rally after alleged murder of NSW teen, US pushing for peace between Ukraine and Russia following St Peter's meeting, and we've had the world’s first sperm race!Deep Dive: Male masculinity influencers have hit the mainstream, with a new global study finding young men are turning to them not just for entertainment but for life advice. While some of this content is harmless, experts warn it comes at the cost of men’s mental health. In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith speaks to Dr Zac Seidler, the global director of men's health research at Movember, about the rise of these creators and how we can reshape conversations around what it means to be a man. Find the full study from Movember hereFollow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 25, 2025 • 36min
Grace Tame on winning as a woman, side-eyes and calling out power
She’s side-eyed former Prime Ministers, called out power at the highest levels and reshaped Australia’s conversation around sexual abuse - Grace Tame is nothing short of a force. The former Australian of the Year has endured more scrutiny than many public figures twice her age, all while staying fiercely outspoken and unapologetically herself. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Grace unpacks what it really takes to ‘win’ as a woman in Australia and how to make your vote count in the upcoming federal election. Weekend list with Helen Smith TO TRY: Mini trampoline workout TO DO: Head to a local comedy show comedy.com.au TO EAT: Peppermint and licorice tea TO TRY: Phone down and notepad out before bed Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.