The Briefing

Are public figures fair game when it comes to parody and satire? Personally, your answer might shift depending on who that public figure is, while legally, the answers are a little more clean cut. It’s a question being asked following reports the legal team of Rachael Gunn, Australian academic and competitive breakdancer also known as Raygun, had a parody musical on her journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics cancelled ahead of its trial show. Raygun: The Musical, a creation of Aussie comedian Steph Broadbridge, was set to debut in Sydney on Saturday. However, after the venue received a cease-and-desist notice from the break dancer’s legal team – that show was canned. Joining Chris Spyrou on this episode of The Briefing, solicitor Jahan Kalantar explains it all. Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex Ryvchin, writer and co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, discusses the intense emotions following the fire attack on a Melbourne synagogue, highlighting the Jewish community's feelings of fear and anger. He dives into the challenges openly Jewish individuals face in Australia, including rising antisemitism and the complexities of Jewish identity amidst geopolitical tensions. Ryvchin also critiques the government's response, advocating for educational reforms and deeper community dialogue on these pressing issues.

Sarah Schwartz, a human rights lawyer and Executive Officer at the Jewish Council of Australia, discusses the political fallout from a fire attack on a Melbourne synagogue. She highlights the complexities of addressing anti-Semitism in a polarized political climate. The conversation sheds light on how politicians have used this tragedy for their agendas, urging a nuanced understanding of Jewish identity separate from Israeli policies. Schwartz emphasizes the critical need for open dialogue on human rights issues, particularly amidst rising tensions.

A group of Queensland concreters has taken a bold step to raise awareness for men's mental health with a cheeky calendar featuring shirtless tradies. They tackle the stigma around discussing mental health while embracing vulnerability and camaraderie. The initiative quickly sold out, showing the community's support. The project promotes open conversations about mental health among men, challenging traditional notions of masculinity and encouraging others to break the silence surrounding emotional struggles.

Azure Antoinette, a dynamic US-born activist and poet, delves into the controversial public reaction to the murder of CEO Brian Thompson. She uncovers the dark humor and glee surrounding his death, highlighting societal desensitization towards violence. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of economic inequality and the healthcare crisis, raising ethical questions about the normalization of violence as a form of protest. Antoinette calls for a critical examination of our cultural attitudes and the urgent need for societal unity.

In this discussion, Professor Greg Barton, Chair in Global Islamic Politics at Deakin University, sheds light on Syria's recent political upheaval after the fall of Bashar al-Assad. He explores the mix of celebration and fear among citizens, highlighting the role of rebel groups like Hayat Tahir al-Sham in shaping future governance. Barton also addresses the complex landscape of oppression under the Assad regime, the influence of key allies like Russia and Iran, and the significant challenges and opportunities ahead for rebuilding Syria.

Kirk Pearson, the owner of Project Zero Coffee and host of "It's Just Coffee," dives into the brewing crisis of rising coffee prices. He discusses how extreme weather in major coffee-producing countries is inflating costs, creating challenges for cafés in Australia. Kirk highlights how consumers might shift to affordable options, potentially jeopardizing local coffee shops. He emphasizes the importance of quality despite rising production costs and speculates on the future of café culture in an economically strained environment.

Noni Hazlehurst has been a beloved fixture in Australian homes for decades, from Play School to Better Homes and Gardens. In her new memoir Dropping the Mask Noni opens up about her journey to self-discovery and concealing her true self to fit the roles others expected of her. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Noni shares her MeToo moment for the first time when a senior entertainment executive locked her in a room, changing her perspective forever. You can grab a copy of Dropping the Mask from any good book store or online   Weekend List TO EAT: Mango and avocado salsa TO WATCH: Nugget Is Dead: A Christmas Story on Stan TO WATCH: Saturday Night Live on Binge TO WATCH: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Settling in to watch a Christmas movie is one of the hallmarks of the festive season for a lot of us, with titles like Elf, Die Hard and Love Actually usually at the top of the most-streamed list. But does it feel like it’s been a while since we’ve seen a great Christmas movie? Time Out’s list of the ten best ever doesn’t feature a single title from after 2005, which has us asking – have we seen the last of the great Christmas movies? Ash London, radio queen and passionate Chrissy movie advocate joins Sacha Barbour Gatt on this episode of The Briefing to discuss. Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: The Chaos in France, new poll shows Peter Dutton on track for major election win, former defence secretary to lead urgent AUKUS review, Melbourne billionaire Adrian Portelli charged over unlawful lottery and you tell us your favourite Christmas movies! Deep dive: Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour has become a record-breaking phenomenon – taking on 54 cities across 21 countries over a gruelling 21 months. Swift, considered one of the greatest artists of all time, has been on tour since March 2023, breaking multiple records including the highest-grossing tour ever and the first musician to surpass a billion US dollars in revenue. As the Eras tour wraps up for good in Vancouver this weekend, The Briefing has teamed up with Angel Zhong at RMIT to exclusively unpack every stat and figure from what will inevitably go down in history as one of the biggest music events of our generation. Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.