The Briefing

Explore the intricate world of international surrogacy and its legal complexities in Australia. Hear personal stories of Luke and Sassy Scott as they navigate the rollercoaster of emotions tied to fatherhood. Discover the excitement and challenges of choosing overseas surrogacy, comparing U.S. fertility clinics to local restrictions. Delve into the ethical dilemmas surrounding paid surrogacy, enriched by cultural insights. Ultimately, experience the transformative journey to parenthood, marked by resilience and deep connection.

Nic Kelly, host of The Hot Hits on the Hit Network and LiSTNR, dives into the renaissance of female pop artists like Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter. He highlights the importance of authenticity in today’s music, contrasting it with the polished pop of the past. The conversation explores why some artists succeed while others, like Jojo Siwa, navigate challenges in their evolution. They discuss the impact of globalization and platforms like TikTok in shaping contemporary sounds and the audience's desire for deeper, relatable narratives.

Jeremy Buckingham, Independent MP and advocate for missing persons issues, discusses his alarming findings about 67 unresolved cases of women in New South Wales. He raises the possibility of a serial killer linked to these disappearances, particularly in Byron Bay. Buckingham emphasizes the systemic neglect faced by marginalized groups in investigations. He calls for heightened awareness and resource allocation to address the rising violence against women, urging a reassessment of police priorities to ensure justice.

In this engaging discussion, Sarah Rogan, a senior labor rights campaigner at Oxfam, sheds light on the ethical challenges of fast fashion, particularly focusing on the online retailer Temu. She tackles the critical issue of labor conditions and the exploitation faced by workers behind the scenes. The conversation also dives into the environmental impact of the ultra-fast fashion industry and the urgent need for transparency in supply chains. Sarah encourages consumers to advocate for ethical practices rather than simply opting out, empowering informed purchasing choices.

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.