

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

Sep 23, 2024 • 28min
How will we fix our housing crisis? The Liberals’ plan for you
Headlines: Fresh Israeli strikes on Lebanon have killed at least 356 people, Albo blames supermarkets for adding to inflation, Reserve Bank tipped to leave interest rates on hold today and Patrick Cripps claims the Brownlow while the AFL settles with Katy Perry. Deep Dive: The state of Australia’s housing is in crisis. From building them to buying them, there’s delay, disappointment, and division. The major parties have very different perspectives in mind for what policies will fix this problem – but it’s hard to cut through political point scoring to get real on exactly what they have in mind, and how it will work for you. In this housing special series, The Briefing team brings you a housing spokesperson from each major party in Australia – Labor, the Liberals, and The Greens – and asks them to give you the no-bullshit breakdown on what they see as their vision for our country’s housing future. In this episode, Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with the Coalition's Michael Sukkar, Federal Member for Deakin and Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness, to unpack what he wants you to know about how they plan to tackle the problem. Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 23, 2024 • 11min
Will anyone be left to fight the war in Ukraine?
As the war in Ukraine approaches its third year, global attention has largely moved on - but the conflict remains, and continues to shape the future of Eastern Europe. President of Russia Vladimir Putin has made a third order to boost Russia's military presence since 2022 while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seemingly relying on ageing conscripts. Overall, it appears manpower on both sides is flailing. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Misha Zelinsky, a national security expert, journalist and author of ‘The Sun Will Rise,’ who has spent time on the ground in Ukraine to find out who, if anyone will be left to fight the war, and whether an end to the conflict is in sight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 22, 2024 • 21min
What social media platforms should be doing about child exploitation
Headlines: Australia living in its longest period of ‘economic misery’ in a decade, Israel – Lebanon update, Donald Trump says he won’t run in 2028 if he loses this election and Friends turns 30. Deep Dive: Reports of online child exploitation have increased 45 per cent in the last financial year – which is an average of 160 a day. Authorities say every one of these reports contains images and videos of real children being sexually abused or exploited. But how do you catch those responsible? And are social media platforms, where these images and videos can often be found, doing enough to fight it? Jon Rouse is a retired Queensland Police Detective Inspector, who worked in Task Force Argos where he implemented Australia's first operation proactively targeting internet child sex offenders. He joins Sacha Barbour Gatt on this episode of The Briefing to explore where he thinks the increase is coming from. Lifeline 13 11 14 Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 20, 2024 • 30min
Shaun Micallef on why he's taking comics 'back to where they came from'
Shaun Micallef, a beloved Australian entertainer known for his sharp wit and diverse talents, shares insights on his latest project, 'Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey.' In this chat, he reveals how his background in law has uniquely influenced his comedic storytelling. Micallef also discusses the importance of representation in comedy and reflects on the balance between work and family. Plus, he offers lighthearted entertainment recommendations, including music and literature that resonate with his comedic style.

Sep 20, 2024 • 13min
Big Brother is back - but has our appetite for reality TV changed?
The return of Big Brother Australia in 2025 sparks discussions about its historical ups and downs across networks. Can it compete with ad-free streaming giants? A closer look at the evolution of reality TV reveals changing viewer engagement and demographic shifts. The manipulation behind production strategies contrasts with attempts to engage audiences in real-time. Will Channel 10's plans for live segments revive interest, or is it too late for this iconic reality show?

Sep 19, 2024 • 22min
Witnessing the new face of cyber warfare in Lebanon + Headlines
Recent mass detonation attacks in Lebanon have raised concerns about the future of warfare, showcasing unprecedented tactics like simultaneous explosions. The conversation explores the implications of these incidents on international law and civilian safety. Insights into Israel's innovative cyber strategies reveal the psychological tactics involved in modern conflicts. Additionally, Australia’s population growth and Kylie's world tour add a cultural twist to the discussion, while the complexities of device-based warfare and emerging technologies underline the evolving threats facing global security.

Sep 19, 2024 • 13min
All the allegations against Sean 'Diddy' Combs
This week, Sean 'Diddy' Combs, a renowned rapper and music mogul, dives into the slew of serious legal allegations against him, including sex trafficking and racketeering. He pleads not guilty, but the conversation raises questions about his future. Hip-hop journalist Simone Amelia Jordan, who has interviewed Diddy, discusses the troubling implications for the music industry and the pattern of abuse within it. They also reflect on Diddy's controversial legacy and the moral responsibilities of power in hip-hop, calling for justice and change.

Sep 18, 2024 • 21min
Kids around the world are suing governments over climate change + Headlines
Anjali Sharma, who led a significant climate case at just 17, discusses the growing movement of youth suing governments for climate action. She reveals the mixed outcomes of these legal battles worldwide and examines whether children's lawsuits can drive real change. Anjali shares insights into the urgency felt by the younger generation and the challenges they face in holding leaders accountable. The conversation highlights the potential for youth activism to influence policy and inspire broader involvement in climate justice.

Sep 18, 2024 • 13min
Should Tinder be teaching us about consent?
Chanel Contos, an advocate for sexual consent and founder of Teach Us Consent, joins the conversation to delve into Tinder's new Consent Course. The discussion tackles whether dating apps truly understand the need for consent education or if it’s just a PR stunt. Chanel highlights alarming statistics revealing a lack of awareness among Gen Z regarding consent issues like stealthing. The talk advocates for open dialogues about consent in modern relationships, emphasizing the necessity of education to combat sexual violence and entitlement.

Sep 17, 2024 • 26min
The pros and cons of weighing kids in school + Headlines
Dr. Nick Fuller, an obesity researcher and author of 'Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids', joins the discussion about weighing children in schools. He explores the potential benefits of this initiative against risks like stigma and bullying. The conversation emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to childhood health, focusing on overall growth rather than just weight. Fuller advocates for better health strategies that involve parents and educators, aiming for healthier lifestyles without compromising children's mental well-being.


