The Briefing

Brace yourself for a deep dive into the rising epidemic of sports betting among young men in Australia, which has surged by 65% since 2015. Explore the government’s new budget initiatives aimed at easing household costs while political tensions simmer. Emotional stories from bettors reveal the highs and lows of gambling, as they debate personal responsibility versus addiction risks. With stricter regulations on the horizon, the discussion unpacks the influence of marketing on young adults and the psychological impacts of this booming industry.

David Pocock, a former rugby star and independent senator, passionately discusses the intertwining of sports and activism. Embracing the title of 'weirdo,' he reflects on his refusal to marry until same-sex rights were recognized and his arrests during climate protests. Pocock emphasizes rugby's responsibility to lead in climate action, especially for Pacific nations affected by climate change. He also shares insights on navigating independent political challenges and the importance of systemic reforms for a fairer society.

Afternoon headlines: Treasurer Jim Chalmer stands by ACCC inquiry, flights to Bali cancelled after volcano eruption and Donald Trump shutting down the Department of Education Deep dive: Country music is having a moment, embraced by Millennial and Gen Z listeners with demand for the genre doubling over the last five years on Spotify.   Artists like Beyoncé, Post Malone and Chappell Roan are moving back to their country roots as country music continues to top the Billboard Top 100 chart.   In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by country music artists Tania Kernaghan and Jason Owen to unpack how the genre has taken over the global stage with its authenticity. Find tickets to Tania Kernaghan and Jason Owen's tour here  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Coles and Woolies found among ‘most profitable’ supermarkets in world, US Tech giants call on Trump to target Australia, Socceroos inch closer to qualifying for next year’s World Cup, and the world’s happiest countries have been revealed. Deep Dive: Australians love their dogs. Almost half of all homes have a pet pooch according to the RSPCA’s latest figures.  Dog owners are also increasingly treating their pups as part of the family, whether that’s letting them sleep in the bed, throwing birthday parties for them and even taking them on holidays to Europe.  And as more young couples are delaying having children to raise a dog instead, it really feels like we’re reaching a new stage in the human-dog relationship.  So, what does all of this say about us, not only as owners, but as a society?  Legendary Australian veterinarian Dr Katrina Warren (and her dog, Chilli) join Sacha Barbour Gatt on today’s episode of The Briefing to ask: has the line blurred too much? Further listening from the headlines: 'Top 10 hacks to cut your supermarket bill' is out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon headlines: Peter Dutton’s speech interrupted by protesters, employment figures show despite thousands losing work unemployment rate holds steady and Australia’s rich list has been released   Deep dive: A two-tier economy is emerging in Australia, with some splashing cash around while others struggle to pay their mortgage and bills. With cost of living set to be the number one issue as we approach our federal election, a growing number of people have given up on the Aussie dream of owning a home – and are now using their disposable income to enjoy life.   In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Scott Phillips, The Motley Fool's Chief Investment Officer, to explain why we need a complete overhaul of managing interest rates, inflation and the property market. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines: Labor promises to cap prescription medications at $25, Putin accused of breaking promise to not strike Ukrainian energy targets, new search green lit for missing flight MH370 and a Jury convicts two men in golden toilet heist. Deep Dive: If you tune into Parliament, you’d think Australia is drowning in crises—health, crime, climate, and, most notably, housing and immigration. And lately, those last two have become deeply intertwined in political debate.  Conservative voices are calling for immigration cuts, arguing that an influx of new arrivals is pushing Aussies out of the housing market. But is this really what’s driving the crisis, or is it just an easy scapegoat?  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with veteran finance journalist Alan Kohler to unpack the facts and find out whether cutting immigration is a viable solution.   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon headlines: Astronauts touch down to Earth after nine months in space, ex-nurses charged over an alleged video threatening Israeli patients fight to throw out evidence and secret documents released on the assassination of JKF Deep dive: A bombshell Australian link has been found in previously classified documents related to former President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.   Details of phone calls about an assassination plot made to the US embassy in Canberra emerged in new papers unlocked today by the Trump administration.   In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr. Keith Suter, Foreign Affairs Expert, to discuss what the new evidence means and if we will ever find out who shot JFK.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: Trump and Putin hold phone call about Ukraine-Russia ceasefire, More Israeli airstrikes in Gaza as death toll climbs, Treasurer promises substantial cost of living relief in the budget and NASA's stranded astronauts are finally on their way home. Deep Dive: AUKUS—the trilateral security pact between Australia, the UK, and the US—was sold as a game-changer for our national defence, promising a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines and cutting-edge military tech.   But years on, with an eye-watering $386 billion price tag, no guarantee of receiving the subs on time (or at all), and a new US president prioritising “America First,” is the deal still worth it?  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Nine’s Chief Political Editor, Charles Croucher, to break down where AUKUS stands, what’s at stake, and whether Australia should rethink its biggest-ever defence investment.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: Israel launches new airstrikes across Gaza, inquest into Lilie James’ murder finds it was a planned attack and scientists discover new species of fish more than 15 million years old. Deep Dive: Calls for a royal commission into the CFMEU are mounting after more damming allegations of violence and corruption.   The Victorian government has met with the Police Commissioner to bolster investigations after accusations the state government failed to stop the criminal behaviour.   In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Sharnelle Vella, co-host of ABC Melbourne Breakfast radio, to unpack the latest twist in this explosive story. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Anthony Albanese receives highest approval rating in almost 18 months, Trump and Putin to discuss an end to the war tomorrow, 48% of year 6 Aussies can’t swim 50 metres and the RBA unveils new $5 banknote.Deep Dive: New analysis has revealed our grocery prices have surged by 30% over the last three years, with Coles, Woolworths and even Aldi hiking their costs.  It’s unfortunately become an all too common problem for most of us, but do you know there are some easy ways to hack your next trip to the supermarket?  In this episode of The Briefing, Finder’s Head of Research, Graham Cooke joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to break down the 10 best ways to save cash on your next trip through the checkout. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.