
The Briefing
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.
Latest episodes

Jun 12, 2025 • 14min
Awkward AUKUS standoff + Indigenous deaths in custody crisis
Afternoon Headlines: $368 billion AUKUS deal under review by the US, National Anti-Corruption Commission rules out any corruption in Brittany Higgins’ $2.4m pay-out and Elon Musk has apologies to US President Donald Trump over X posts Deep Dive: The federal government is under growing pressure to step in over an increasing rate of rising Aboriginal incarceration and deaths in custody. Calls are growing for an independent review into the death of a 24-year-old Kumanjayi White, who allegedly died after being restrained by Northern Territory Police at a supermarket in Alice Springs last month. Over the weekend, another 68-year-old Indigenous man died in police custody whilst at the Royal Darwin hospital. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Lawyer George Newhouse, who is representing the White family, to explain why we need urgent action. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are advised that this episode contains the name of an Indigenous person who has passed away. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 11, 2025 • 21min
Albo’s $622k pay day + Justin Baldoni v Blake Lively explained
Thursday Headlines: Harvey Weinstein found guilty in #MeToo sex crime retrial, Pentagon reviewing AUKUS to ensure ‘America First’, PM & politicians to get big pay rise, most sunscreen brands not meeting SPF claims, and one of Australia’s most famous families are at war with Queensland MP Bob Katter. Deep Dive: It Ends With Us was tipped to be a box office sensation - and it delivered, earning more than $580 million AUD. But behind the success, stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have faced intense backlash, legal battles, and controversy over the film’s handling of domestic violence themes. In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith speaks with Pedestrian TV’s Laura Masia about how the film’s release unraveled online, in court, and on the red carpet. Further listening from the headlines: Why we shouldn't torpedo AUKUS Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 11, 2025 • 2min
Day 30: Two-minute mushroom trial recap
Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023. She’s pled not guilty to all charges. In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks day 30 of the trial in under two minutes. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 11, 2025 • 12min
Curfew declared in LA + Backlash to PM's sanctions on Israeli ministers
Afternoon Headlines: LA enforces a curfew after days of protests with the Mayor declaring an emergency, Greta Thunberg lands in Paris after being deported by Israel and world’s richest shipwreck found worth billions Deep Dive: Australia has issued sanctions against two members of Israel's government, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, accusing both men of inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. The Coalition has condemned the sanctions along with the US government, with the men facing travel bans and having their assets frozen. In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling, is joined by Sarah Schwartz, human rights lawyer and co-founding Executive Officer of the Jewish Council of Australia to explain what these sanctions mean. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 10, 2025 • 21min
Aus sanctions far-right Israeli ministers + The drug report gov won’t release
Wednesday Headlines: Australia sanctions far-right Israeli ministers, three days of mourning declared in Austria following mass school shooting, elective surgery wait times blow out across the country, The Prime Minister says a major barrier to achieving affordable housing in Australia is “red tape”, and are we watching the death of free-to-air TV? Deep Dive: Drug testing is being trialled in various states and territories with promising results. Advocates and experts say it reduces harm and saves lives, but despite that, one state is shutting down its clinic and axing funding, arguing it sends the wrong message. The Queensland Government’s taken a strong anti-drug testing stance and is now remaining tight lipped about a report on its clinics’ effectiveness. In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with QNADA CEO Rebecca Lang about what the report found, and why drug testing needs to stay. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 10, 2025 • 2min
Day 29: Two-minute mushroom trial recap
Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023. She’s pled not guilty to all charges. In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks day 29 of the trial in under two minutes. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 10, 2025 • 13min
Inside the LA protests + Second Monash IVF embryo mix-up
Afternoon Headlines: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirms investigation launched into shooting of an Australian journalist during LA protests, second Monash IVF mix-up sparks internal investigation and new regulations for Buy Now Pay Later services come into place. Deep Dive: Thousands of US Marines and soldiers are on standby to be deployed to LA, as the immigration protests continue. Donald Trump is standing firm warning he will do what it takes to restore law and order, while LA authorities claim the US President is deliberating attempting to cause chaos and using the city as an 'experiment'. In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by 7News US Correspondent Mylee Hogan on the ground in LA to unpack the ongoing protests. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 9, 2025 • 23min
PM urged to act on US shooting, Israel + Testing the secret to longevity
Tuesday Headlines: Greta Thunberg’s IDF interception sparks protest outside Anthony Albanese’s Sydney office, pressure mounts on PM to condemn shooting of Australian journalist in the US, Queensland government criticised over social housing crackdown and The Project is coming to an end. Deep Dive: The longevity sector is booming in Australia, already worth billions, and growing. The popularity of longevity tests and tech has surged across the globe, capturing not only the attention of the rich, famous Hollywood elites, but now, everyday Aussies. But the term that was once synonymous with reversing aging, defying death and quirky billionaires, has nowadays become about something else entirely - living our longest, healthiest life, free of chronic disease. In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy takes a step inside the world of longevity that put even Chris Hemsworth to the test, and to speak to one of the doctors behind one of Australia’s leading longevity clinics. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 9, 2025 • 15min
The series exposing reality music TV's 'dark side'
Deep Dive: Millions of us watch TV shows like Australian Idol and The Voice, cheering on ordinary people with music talent as they chase their dream for stardom. But a new LiSTNR podcast documentary The Moment It Changed: Touchdown lifts the lid on the truth behind how music competition TV is made, from stories of shocking exploitation and humiliation to the euphoria of overnight success. Among those who speak out in the series are former Australian Idol judges Mark Holden and Ian "Dicko" Dickson and past winners Dami Im and Casey Donovan. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou chats with Touchdown host Nic Kelly to unpack what goes on behind the curtains. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 8, 2025 • 20min
Ex-PM & Hollywood heavyweights on King’s list + Footy's ice-cold ritual
Monday Headlines: Scomo among hundreds on King’s Honours list, National Guard arrives in LA against anti-ICE protests, candlelight vigils held for Pheobe Bishop, a record number of young Aussies are working more than one part-time job and three quarters of Aussies don’t know their neighbours. Deep Dive: The Big Freeze is an annual event that’s become a highlight of the AFL’s King’s Birthday clash for more than a decade. It features Aussie celebrities and sport stars in blue beanies plunging into ice baths as part of the pre-match entertainment. But behind the spectacle is a powerful campaign raising awareness and funds for motor neurone disease or MND. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Matt Tilley, CEO of FightMND, about the origins of the Big Freeze and how it became one of Australia’s most visible health campaigns. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.