Richard Baker, an award-winning investigative journalist with a knack for uncovering hidden truths, dives into his experiences chasing stories. He reveals the dangers faced by whistleblowers in Australia and discusses the impact of social media on journalists. Richard also shares insights into his docuseries about a controlling religious group, exploring the ethical dilemmas in investigative journalism. The conversation highlights the challenges of reporting on corruption, particularly in relation to Australia's involvement in the Iraq War.

2024 has been a whirlwind of news! The tumultuous US presidential election revealed shifting strategies and voter discontent, particularly around inflation and migration. Meanwhile, Australia grappled with high-profile crimes and significant political changes. Internationally, conflicts like the Israel-Hamas situation and the wars in Ukraine and Sudan left a profound impact. The cultural landscape was vibrant, too, with sports highlights from the Olympics and a nostalgic reunion tour. As the year wraps up, there's excitement for what 2025 holds!

A notorious mass rape case comes into focus as the bravery of Gisèle Pelicot shines through, leading to a significant conviction. Controversy brews as the Australian government approves four coal mine expansions, drawing backlash from climate activists. On a brighter note, new data reveals a growing wave of LGBTI+ identification among the youth. Lastly, the legal victory for a parody musical sparks excitement as it gears up for performances, promising fresh storylines and a grateful fanbase.

Explore the intriguing trend of individuals moving back to meat consumption after adopting veganism. Personal stories reveal the emotional, social, and health-related motivations behind this shift. Discover insights from nutrition experts on maintaining essential nutrients during a dietary transition. Meanwhile, the podcast touches on Australia's diplomatic efforts, including support for Ukraine and disaster aid for Vanuatu. Get a glimpse into life on the International Space Station, showcasing resilience amid challenges.

Dr. Scott Burchill, an Honorary Fellow at Deakin University, shares his insights on the alarming trend of political instability in the West. He discusses the potential resignation of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the no-confidence vote facing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The conversation highlights growing citizen dissatisfaction and the ramifications for global stability. Burchill also touches on the rise of minority governments and the necessity for collaboration to navigate these turbulent times, offering a fascinating look into the challenges ahead.

Headlines: Bashar al-Assad releases first statement since fleeing Syria, new poll shows Albanese’s disapproval at 50%, Australian teenager and mother hospitalised in Fiji return home and Prince Andrew disinvited from royal Christmas as spy saga deepens Deep Dive: NRL club Melbourne Storm are scaling back Welcome to Country ceremonies and focusing on “action” rather than “words” to improve the lives of First Nations people.  Is it the right call for the club to make? Why do we bother to acknowledge country at all – and does doing it distract us from real action institutions can take to fix inequalities between First Nations and non-Indigenous people in this country?   Ian Hamm is a Yorta Yorta man and Chair of the First Nations Foundation. He joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to unpack if he thinks Melbourne Storm has made the right call, and what impact this might have on other sporting codes and businesses and their relationship to First Nations Australians going forward.   Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Remaining Bali Nine return home, four Australians hospitalised after suspected alcohol poisoning in Fiji, heat wave warnings issued across Australia and Adelaide Zoo welcomes its newest giant pandas.Panda diplomacy deep dive: https://play.listnr.com/podcast/the-briefing/episode/panda-propaganda-why-china-is-sending-us-diplomacy? Today's Deep Dive: For the first time in a long time, Saturday Night Live is having a bit of a cultural moment. Currently in its 50th season the live sketch comedy show, which over the years has been created by comedy superstars like Will Ferrel, Eddie Murphy, Jimmy Fallon, and Tina Fay, has hit a milestone many dream of. But it hasn't all been roses – in the last decade the show has fought off constant criticism about relevancy, lacklustre casting and jokes, and questions of possible cancellation. What's brought it back to leading the cultural comedy way? In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith is joined by Jon Schneider, the creator and host of podcast Saturday Night Network to explain why SNL is more relevant than ever.   Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Narelda Jacobs is a trailblazer. She’s a Whadjuk Noongar woman, journalist and presenter who’s changing the face of Australian media. Over the past two decades Narelda has worked as a trusted news presenter and is a powerful advocate for First Nations rights, LGBTQIA+ inclusion and social justice. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Narelda opens up about some recent experiences that are both personal and painful tied to the colour of her skin and reveals a surprise of her own. Weekend List TO FOLLOW: Hassan Hassan @hxhassan and Kevork Almassian @KevorkAlmassian on X TO EAT: Christmas brunch ideas tray bakes, savoury croissant and french toast TO BUY: Personalised toiletry bags for Christmas TO WATCH: Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) is blowing up in Australia. The fantasy table-top roleplay game is nothing new – it was first published in in 1974 – but Google Search trends in Australia show searches for DnD have been steadily climbing since about 2016. What’s behind the hype? Should you be picking up DnD in 2025? And if you aren’t keen on the kind of effort involved in playing it, what board games should we instead try playing over the holidays?  Justin Halliday is Game Designer for Hero Forge Games. He joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to explain the growing hype.   Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Coalition to unveil cost of bold nuclear plan, ‘Adult time’ youth justice laws pass Queensland parliament and Donald Trump named Time’s Person of the Year ... again Deep Dive: It has been ten years since the Lindt Cafe siege, which took place on December 15, 2014. Man Haron Monis took 18 hostages and held them for 16 hours in Sydney’s Martin Place. The 16-hour siege ended in the deaths of two hostages – Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson – as well as the gunman himself. Multiple others involved were injured by gunfire during the raid. In this episode of The Briefing, we interview our very own Antoinette Lattouf, who was a television reporter at the time, and covered the harrowing developments from the scene that day. She joins Helen Smith to recount how the day unfolded, her thoughts on how our perception of terrorism has evolved over the past decade, and why the events of that day will never leave her.  Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.