The Briefing

Guest Johnathan Kearsley, Nine Network’s US correspondent, analyzes Kamala Harris' recent media blitz amid the US presidential election. He discusses the timing of her media push in relation to Hurricane Milton's devastation and its potential backfire on her campaign. Kearsley delves into the challenges Harris faces, from public perception to the heavy scrutiny of her interview choices and personal life. With her race against Donald Trump tightening, the conversation highlights the intricate dance of politics, media strategy, and crisis management.

Adam Peacock, a seasoned sports journalist and co-host of LiSTNR’s Willowtalk and Footy Talk League, dives into the current state of Australian football. He shares insights on the immense popularity of football, yet highlights the struggles of the Matildas and Socceroos. With the Socceroos facing a rocky start in their qualifiers and both teams undergoing coaching changes, discussions center on the talent drain in the A-Leagues and the need for better player development. Peacock reflects on the past glory and future aspirations for Australian football.

Dr. Katie Hasson, an expert from the Centre for Genetics and Society, dives into the risks associated with at-home DNA testing. She highlights how easily genetic information can fall into the wrong hands, causing potential harm to individuals. The discussion touches on the dark web market for stolen genetic data and the lack of robust protections in place. Hasson also addresses the dual nature of genetic testing—while it offers benefits in understanding ancestry and health, it poses significant privacy risks that users must consider.

Courtney Fry, Triple J's music news producer, shares her insights on Australia's music festival scene as excitement builds for Charli XCX headlining Laneway in 2025. The discussion reveals the industry’s struggle with last-minute artist cancellations and rising ticket costs, leaving fans wary. Fry emphasizes the importance of trust and strategic lineup choices to boost ticket sales. She also touches on the evolving nature of festivals post-pandemic, pointing to a need for community support to keep music culture alive.

Dr. Georgia Carrol, a fan culture expert from the University of Sydney, joins to discuss Oasis's rejection of dynamic ticket pricing for their upcoming 2025 Australian tour. They dive into the value of concert tickets, exploring how this decision may reflect a growing backlash against inflated prices. Carrol highlights the implications for fans and the music industry, questioning the fairness and loyalty involved in ticket sales. The conversation also touches on societal responses to dynamic pricing trends in various entertainment sectors.

A new report reveals that 73% of young people turn to social media for mental health support, but only 2% of TikTok content is credible. The discussion dives into the dangers of misinformation and the need for youth education on identifying reliable sources. There's a push for early education on social media's effects, advocating for a verification system. The episode also tackles the trend of seeking support online instead of from professionals, urging social platforms to improve transparency and guidance for better mental health outcomes.

Anastasia Radievska, a passionate protest rights campaigner from the Australian Democracy Network, joins to discuss the controversial idea that protestors should need permits. She argues that this could threaten democracy by restricting civil dissent. The conversation dives into the implications of government control over protests, highlighting how permits could be a stepping stone toward authoritarianism. Radievska insists that protests are crucial for community engagement and democratic expression, even amidst increasing restrictions and media critique.

Lem Zakharia, a twice displaced Palestinian and LiSTNR producer, offers a poignant perspective on the October 7 attacks and their ongoing repercussions. She reflects on her personal experiences of displacement since 1948 and the media's portrayal of Gaza in Australia. Zakharia discusses the importance of understanding historical context to appreciate the complexity of the conflict, the emotional toll on individuals, and the role of social media in shaping perceptions. Her insights advocate for empathy and open dialogue as crucial steps towards justice.

In this poignant discussion, Dan Monheit, a Jewish Australian whose cousin was taken hostage during the October 7 attacks, shares his family's heart-wrenching experience. He reflects on the emotional turmoil and resilience displayed by hostages, especially his cousin Margalit, who emerged as a leader despite the ordeal. The conversation also touches on the implications of the ongoing conflict, the rise in anti-Semitism in Australia, and the importance of solidarity and peace in trying times. Monheit's insights shed light on personal and communal struggles amidst a global crisis.

Lucinda Price, known as Froomes, is an Australian comedian and media personality who explores the realities behind beauty standards in her new book, "All I Ever Wanted Was to Be Hot." She candidly discusses her struggles with misdiagnosed eating disorders and the costs of chasing societal ideals. Lucinda shares her journey from intern to comedian, embracing her identity, and the humorous side of social media. The conversation also touches on the deeper implications of body image, privilege, and the importance of humor and family in overcoming challenges.