
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

Apr 3, 2025 • 16min
China vows to retaliate after Trump's ‘bully’ tariffs
Afternoon Headlines: Trump's 'Liberation Day' announces 10% tariffs on all countries Deep Dive: The fallout continues from Donald Trump’s new tariffs, with China threatening to retaliate against the “bullying” move. The US President announced the widespread tariffs on a number of countries including Australia during his ‘Liberation day’ speech. In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling speaks with UNSW Professor of Economics Richard Holden on what this new international trade war means for the Australian economy and our long-term security alliances with the most powerful countries in the world. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 2, 2025 • 26min
Albo’s post with podcaster investigated + We debate the 'war on woke'
Thursday Headlines: Prime Minister and Abbie Chatfield's social media post being investigated by the AEC, Trump will hand down sweeping "Liberation Day" tariffs today, prosecutors to appeal NSW taser cop's sentence, Victoria passes new anti-vilification laws, QLD police powers expanded, Myanmar’s military declares a ceasefire to ease earthquake relief, and the Sydney train door that just wouldn't shut. Deep Dive: Peter Dutton’s war on wokeism is front and centre this week, with the Coalition claiming it's brainwashing young Australians—and even making them dumber. But what does ‘woke’ actually mean, and why is it celebrated by some yet condemned by others? In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Dr. Bella d'Abrera from the Institute of Public Affairs and linguist Dr. Karen Stollznow from Griffith University to unpack the word and find out if it’s dividing the nation. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 2, 2025 • 12min
Hollywood legend dies + mass evacuations from flooding
Afternoon Headlines: Thousands of residents across outback Queensland evacuated and Val Kilmer star of Top Gun and Batman dead at 65. Deep dive: Thousands of people have been evacuated and more than 100,000 livestock are dead, as the worst flooding in 50 years hits outback Queensland. The disaster has devastated farming communities and is expected to disrupt meat supplies across the country and force up prices. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by general president of AgForce Shane McCarthy and senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury to find out about the impact this breaking national disaster. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 1, 2025 • 24min
Mangione, Caddick, Mokbel updates + The 'bogeyman' influencing your vote
Professor Daniel Angus, Director of QUT’s Digital Media Research Centre and expert in misinformation and AI, joins to shed light on how technological advancements are reshaping our perception of truth. They delve into the role of AI-generated deepfakes in influencing public opinion, especially with elections approaching. Angus discusses the ethical implications of manipulated content and offers practical tips on enhancing media literacy. Plus, the conversation touches on recent political developments and rising career dissatisfaction among millennials and Gen Z.

Apr 1, 2025 • 14min
Interest rates on hold + PM hits back over US Tariffs
David Koch, Economic Director at Compare the Market, shares his insights on the Reserve Bank of Australia's decision to maintain the cash rate at 4.1%. He discusses the potential implications of this hold amidst growing international instability and the risks of lowering rates. Koch also touches on Prime Minister's response to new US tariffs and explores how these economic factors influence consumer behavior and spending. The conversation offers a compelling look at Australia's economic stability in a politically charged environment.

Mar 31, 2025 • 23min
Record house prices + How our gov let $7 billion go up in smoke
Rohan Pike, a former Australian Federal Police officer who led an illicit tobacco task force, shares his insights on the hidden costs of Australia's rising house prices and the out-of-control illegal tobacco market. He discusses alarming trends connecting soaring property values to increased criminal activity and examines how high tobacco taxes are driving consumers to the black market. Pike emphasizes the dire need for policy reforms to address the $7 billion revenue loss and combat violent crime linked to illicit tobacco sales.

Mar 31, 2025 • 13min
Mother arrested after 3 children stabbed + Super fund rorts
Kirby Rappell, Executive Director of Super Rating, offers valuable insights into Australia's superannuation landscape. He discusses alarming delays in death benefit payouts and the urgent need for transparency within super funds. The conversation also highlights practical tips for managing super, emphasizing the importance of tracking balances and understanding insurance options. Rappell urges listeners to engage actively with their superannuation to ensure adequate coverage, especially during life changes.

Mar 30, 2025 • 27min
Residents cut off, man missing in floods + Aus footballers face ban in US
Monday Headlines: PM off to WA today, flooding could see communities cut off for weeks in NSW and QLD, search and rescue efforts continue in Myanmar and Thailand, Tonga tsunami threat cancelled, and more crimes to be added to Queensland’s ‘adult crime, adult time’ laws. Deep Dive: A class action has been launched in the US aimed at limiting how many Australians can play college football and NFL in the country. In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Dr Adam Cohen, lecturer and coordinator of the Sport Business Department at UTS, to unpack it all. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 28, 2025 • 43min
Punter's Politics on billionaires, billboards and backroom deals
Konrad Michalski, better known as Punter's Politics, is on a mission to cut through the political spin and convince everyday Aussies (or punters) that politics actually matters. With a mass online following, Konrad has become the go-to voice for satirical takes on Australia’s top stories. Now, with the election looming large, his insights have never been more vital. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Konrad explores how he challenges gas oligarchs to tackling housing inequality through social media, and shares his best tips on how to vote smart and avoid election regret. Weekend list with Helen Smith TO WATCH: Adolescence on Netflix and our Adolescence episode TO LISTEN: Good or Bad Billion BBC Podcasts TO READ: @disappointingaffirmations on Instagram Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 28, 2025 • 15min
Poll shock on election campaign + Kings Charles hospitalised
Afternoon headlines: New poll shows Peter Dutton is now in the lead with voters, no jail time for ex-cop who tasered 95 year old in age care and two school students hit by an out of control car that was allegedly stolen. Deep dive: There’s renewed concern over the health of King Charles, after the Monarch was hospitalized with side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment. In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Royal expert Angela Mollard to explain what’s really going on with the Monarch’s health and what plans are in place if his condition continues to deteriorate. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.