The Briefing

Professor David Reilly, a quantum physicist from the University of Sydney, discusses his pivotal role in developing Microsoft's revolutionary quantum computer chip. He shares the complexities behind creating such technology and its potential impact on the future of computing. The conversation highlights Australia's significant contributions to quantum advancements and the need for collaboration in this field. Reilly delves into the principles of quantum physics, including wave-particle duality, and the transformative possibilities that lie ahead.

James Gillespie, CEO of Cleanbill, sheds light on Australia's bold $8.5 billion Medicare plan aimed at making 90% of GP visits free. He discusses the dire state of bulk billing and the challenges faced by GP clinics amidst rising costs. The conversation highlights alarming trends, showing that many young Australians are avoiding necessary healthcare due to financial strain. Gillespie also contrasts the stark differences in bulk billing access between urban and regional areas, pondering the genuine impact of these proposed reforms on everyday patients.

Peter Hartcher, International and political editor at The Sydney Morning Herald and a visiting fellow at the Lowy Institute, joins the conversation to analyze a recent incident where Chinese warships entered international waters near Sydney. The discussion delves into the implications of these military maneuvers for Australia's national security and air traffic safety. Hartcher highlights the geopolitical tensions between Australia and China, examining the impact on diplomatic relations and the challenges Australia faces in maintaining stability amid these assertive actions.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Miles Pattenden, a historian and expert on the Catholic Church from Deakin and Oxford Universities, discusses the critical situation facing Pope Francis and the implications of a potential papal transition. He delves into the intricate processes that follow a Pope's death, including the role of the Cardinal Chamberlain and modern media's influence. The conversation also covers the emotional impact of a Pope's passing on the Catholic community and the lasting legacy of Pope Francis, spotlighting how his leadership might reshape the Church’s future.

Holly MacAlpine, a TikToker and political commentator renowned for her incisive critique of Australian politics, dives into the viral rumor surrounding Peter Dutton, dubbed 'Peggy Sue'. She discusses how social media is reshaping political discourse, particularly among young voters. The episode highlights a campaign urging followers to comment 'Peggy Sue' on Dutton's socials, showcasing the power of digital activism. MacAlpine also explores the implications of meme culture on political engagement, emphasizing its role in mobilizing younger demographics.

Resilience is a journey we’re all on - and it's the cornerstone of one of Australia’s top podcasts, The Imperfects. Hosted by Hugh van Cuylenburg, Josh van Cuylenburg, and Ryan Shelton, the show has become a go-to for authentic conversations about life’s challenges. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, The Imperfects pour themselves a cup of vulnerabilitea and get real about toxic masculinity, making friends as adults and what Americans really think of them. Find tickets to their live show here. Tickets go on sale on Monday 24 February at 11am, local time. Weekend list with Helen Smith TO WATCH: Pose on SBS on Demand TO READ: Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty TO DO: Line Dancing at your local pub or club TO WATCH: Mo on Netflix Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are your noise-cancelling headphones doing you serious damage? In ear, over-ear, for work, for working out, for study, for music festivals – removing background or outside noise has started to become an essential part of our listening experience day-to-day. But what if we’re going to all this effort – only to be doing terrible damage to our hearing, our memory and our brains? Wayne Wilson is an associate professor in the school of health and rehabilitation sciences at The University of Queensland. He joins Sacha Barbour Gatt on this episode of The Briefing to explain how it all works.   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nina Dellinger, a TikTok sensation known as @ninacelested, shares her journey as a lip reader specializing in celebrity and political videos. She discusses the thrilling yet controversial practice of interpreting private conversations in public, bringing her unique insights to the desire for glimpses into the lives of famous figures. Nina also explores the ethical implications of her work, from privacy concerns to the impact of social media on celebrity culture. Tune in for a captivating look behind the scenes of lip reading!

Dr. Sarah Walsh, a history lecturer from the University of Melbourne specializing in dictatorships, teams up with Dave Leventhal, a seasoned investigative journalist. They dive into President Trump's controversial actions that challenge democratic norms. From dismissing court rulings to censoring critical health information, they explore alarming parallels between Trump’s methods and those of Latin American dictators. The discussion raises crucial questions about the state of democracy in the U.S. and what it means for global politics.

Headlines: Trump calls Zelensky a ‘dictator without elections’, ASIO boss says multiple ‘hostile’ nations plotted to murder critics in Australia and Scott Morrison asks for photo album bought at south Sydney Salvos to be returned. Deep Dive: Skibidi Toilet, the wildly popular YouTube web series featuring animated singing human heads emerging from toilets, is making its debut in an art gallery at the Institute of Modern Art (IMA) in Brisbane. Since it burst onto the scene in 2023, the quirky series by Russian content creator Alexey Gerasimov has captivated audiences worldwide, amassing 18 billion views and has gained the attention of film director Michael Bay. In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Nick Aloisio-Shearer, the Assistant Director and curator of the exhibition at IMA, and Dr Nicholas Karah, the Director of the University of Queensland’s Centre for Digital Cultures and Societies, to explain the phenomenon that is Skibidi Toilet, and why we need to talk about it. You can check out the exhibition until the 30th of March at Brisbane’s Institute of Modern Art. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.