

The Briefing
LiSTNR
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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.

Mar 27, 2025 • 28min
We have an election date + The truth about 'Australian Made'
Friday Headlines: We have an election date, Peter Dutton’s budget reply, NSW court docs and Nine hit by data breach, search continues for missing Queensland police officer, US Yemen attack update and The Greens slam Albo for inviting Trump down under. Deep Dive: Anthony Albanese wants you to buy Aussie-made—but are your Tim Tams, Twisties, and Milo purchases really supporting Australian businesses? With some of our iconic brands owned by foreign companies, can the Prime Minister’s "Team Australia" campaign actually help shield us from Trump's tariffs and more importantly ... boost our economy? In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by the CEO of the Consumer Policy Research Centre, Erin Turner, to break it all down. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 27, 2025 • 10min
PM's embarrassing election blunder
Deep dive: Speculation is rife the Federal election will be called tomorrow, after an embarrassing blunder. The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet posted on social media that the government was in caretaker mode, which was then quickly deleted. It comes just hours before Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is set to give his budget reply speech tonight, with some experts wondering if it was a genuine mistake or a clever strategic move to steal Mr Dutton’s thunder. In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by 7 News Business Editor Amelia Brace to unpack the latest sensational twist ahead of what’s shaping up to be one of the closest elections in Australia’s history. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 27min
Dutton's plan for cheaper fuel + The deadly virus back in Australia
A surprising tax cut passes the senate, aiming to ease living costs while grocery prices soar at Woolworths. Concerns grow over Japanese encephalitis re-emerging in Australia, linked to rising mosquito populations after severe weather, highlighting personal tragedies and long-term effects on health. Experts weigh in on prevention strategies. Controversies surface in Tasmania over salmon farming laws and a New South Wales data breach, alongside discussions about the censorship of children's show 'Bluey'.

Mar 26, 2025 • 16min
What the Federal Budget means for your interest rates
Afternoon Headlines: The PM blasts the opposition over tax cuts, Jeanswest goes into administration and AirPods Pro 2 can now act as hearing aids. Deep Dive: Cost of living relief or a cruel hoax? We break down what the federal budget really means for Australians and its effect on skyrocketing bills and interest rates. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Sally Tindall to find out if the government’s tax cuts go far enough and why many experts are saying the inflation crisis is far from over. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 25, 2025 • 23min
Budget breakdown: A cuppa's worth of tax cuts, free GPs & cheaper pints
Treasurer Jim Chalmers reveals a federal budget packed with tax cuts and energy relief for Australians. However, these measures are questioned for their true effectiveness amid rising living costs. The discussion highlights plans to boost job mobility and affordable housing, including a new help-to-buy scheme. Health and education reforms aim to enhance Medicare and support free TAFE placements. Interestingly, the budget sets aside funds for pandas as a diplomatic gesture, while leveraging influencers to engage younger voters through modern media.

Mar 25, 2025 • 12min
Top secret war plans sent to journalist by mistake
Afternoon Headlines: Trump and US Defence Secretary respond to leaked Yemen war plans and 2032 Olympic Games venue confirmed Deep Dive: Top secret US war plans have been leaked after a journalist was accidentally added to a group chat on encrypted messaging app Signal. President Donald Trump and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth both dismissed the story, even after National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes confirmed it ‘appears to be authentic’. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by tech expert Trevor Long to explain why it’s a massive wake-up call for all governments, even here in Australia. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 24, 2025 • 26min
Extreme weather warning + Inside Netflix's Adolescence
Renee Chopping, a trauma counsellor and child protection advocate, discusses the urgent themes highlighted in the Netflix series 'Adolescence,' which exposes the dangers online influencers pose to young boys. She emphasizes the need for positive male role models and educational reforms to combat toxic masculinity. The conversation also touches on the federal budget's impact on energy and health, and the civil unrest in Turkey, showcasing how these issues intertwine with societal well-being.

Mar 24, 2025 • 12min
$1 billion for defence + Women abandon major parties
Samantha Maiden, political editor for news.com.au, dives into the shifting landscape of Australian politics. She discusses the alarming trend of women abandoning major parties, with Labor's female support dropping to 29%. The conversation also highlights the evolving preferences of young men leaning towards conservative candidates, alongside concerns around the cost of living and healthcare. With these dynamics at play, Australia may be facing one of its biggest political shake-ups yet.