

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

Nov 13, 2024 • 22min
Corporate Social Responsibility is bullshit
Headlines: Trump and Biden meet at the White House, new duty of care laws for social media companies, High Court rules a Catholic diocese not liable for abuse and two Aussie cities rank in the top ten in the world for the cleanest air. Deep Dive: Corporations shape our world and while they can drive economies, they also have considerable influence over our environment and society. One way some businesses try to leave a positive mark is through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The United Nations and the Australian Human Rights Commission champion CSR’s potential, but not everyone is buying in. Employment lawyer Josh Bornstein argues that it might be nothing more than a façade. Josh joins Chris Spyrou on this episode of The Briefing to share why he believes CSR is nothing more than a marketing tool that distracts from real accountability. Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 13, 2024 • 12min
How rats are exposing organised crime
We’ve all heard of sniffer dogs, but what about sniffer rats? Did you know there’s a program that is training and using the critters to hunt down materials being used in the illegal wildlife trade in Africa? In this episode of The Briefing Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Kate Webb, who helped launch the project, to learn more about this amazing initiative and plans for the future of detection rats. Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 12, 2024 • 26min
Trump, COP29, climate: Here's why we're not doomed
Headlines: Decision on Trump’s hush money case delayed again, Anglican church’s global leader resigns over child sexual abuse scandal, Parents and principals urged to help with social media ban, and CHOICE names the worst Australian products and services of the year. Deep Dive: As delegates from more than 200 countries meet to negotiate the future of global climate action this week at COP29, US president-elect and climate change denier Donald Trump is casting a long shadow. The world’s scientists say the window to avert the worst of the climate crisis is closing fast. So does four more years of Trump mean we’re basically doomed? Dr. Wesley Morgan is a research associate with the Institute for Climate Risk and Response at the University of New South Wales and a fellow with the Climate Council of Australia. He tells Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing that, in his view, there’s lots to feel hopeful about. Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 12, 2024 • 12min
Inside a crisis call: How Lifeline saved Michael's life
New statistics out from Lifeline this week have revealed a surge in contacts made to the crisis line in 2024. More than 110 thousand calls for help have been made to the helpline since January with money worries dominating conversations, with October 7th was the busiest day of the year. We’re told all the time to reach out to Lifeline if we need help, but what is it actually like to call a mental health crisis line? What do you talk about? What sort of help can they offer? And will it actually make a difference? On today’s episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Michael, someone who has been there, to find out. We’ve withheld Michael’s full name for privacy reasons. Lifeline 13 11 14Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 11, 2024 • 26min
Australian bosses love to spy on their staff
Peter Holland, a Professor of Human Resource Management at Swinburne University and an expert on workplace surveillance, tackles the pressing issue of employee spying. He highlights alarming practices by companies like Woolworths and Uber, using invasive software known as 'bossware' to track every move of their workers. The conversation dives into the psychological toll of such surveillance on employee well-being and the crucial balance between productivity monitoring and workplace trust. Prepare to rethink your next Zoom meeting!

Nov 11, 2024 • 14min
The 4B movement is going viral after Trump’s win. What is it?
Su-Kyoung Hwang, a Senior Lecturer in Korean Studies at the University of Sydney, dives into the fascinating 4B movement, a feminist response to traditional gender roles in South Korea. She explores the emergence of this viral movement in reaction to misogyny and violence against women. Hwang contrasts societal pressures on women in Korea and Australia, reflecting on how cultural issues shape modern relationships. The discussion also touches on how the 4B movement could influence Western society and the evolving dynamics of masculinity and reproduction in South Korea.

Nov 10, 2024 • 25min
Can Australia afford free university?
What does the future hold for education in Australia? As student debt reforms are on the table, discussions arise about potentially making higher education free. Experts debate the economic implications of these changes and whether they truly benefit students. On a different note, U.S. political shifts impact local sentiment, and electric vehicle trends reveal shifting consumer preferences. Meanwhile, the Wallabies celebrate a historic win, showcasing the excitement of Australian sports amidst these pressing issues.

Nov 8, 2024 • 40min
Mel Buttle is the internet's favourite mum
Mel Buttle, an Australian comedian and creator of the beloved character 'Lyn,' shares her journey through bullying and homophobia while navigating the comedy scene. She reflects on the healing power of humor amidst adversity and the challenges faced by women in comedy. The conversation dives into relatable frustrations like grocery shopping and the joy found in unexpected places, along with personal anecdotes about balancing family privacy with public life. Mel's insights on authenticity and mental health resonate deeply, offering listeners both laughter and inspiration.

Nov 8, 2024 • 12min
Why Consent Can't Wait: Jude Bolton
Jude Bolton, co-host of Triple M's Rush Hour and former Sydney Swans player, dives deep into the conversation about consent. He emphasizes the need for transparent discussions with youth, linking consent to safety in relationships. Bolton shares insights on generational shifts in how families approach these topics and the importance of community involvement in consent education. He also highlights the unique challenges of addressing consent in the digital age, advocating for supportive, age-appropriate conversations to navigate online interactions safely.

Nov 7, 2024 • 16min
What a survivor of sexual violence thinks of Bonnie Blue
Harrison James, an activist and survivor of child sexual abuse, passionately discusses the harmful implications of Bonnie Blue's controversial content creation plans. He sheds light on how mainstream pornography distorts young boys' views on masculinity, consent, and self-worth. Harrison advocates for systemic changes to protect youth from exploitation during events like schoolies. He emphasizes the crucial need for consent education and accountability, urging society to reconsider how sexualized content impacts vulnerable individuals.