The Briefing

Selling your sperm or eggs is illegal in Australia, and has been for a long time. Unlike other parts of the world, where you can make a considerable profit – in some cases up to $10,000 per egg cycle, and hundreds of dollars per sperm donation – in Australia we’re only able to participate in ‘altruistic donation’ of eggs and sperm, meaning donating with no personal profit and in a highly regulated system. But amidst a cost-of-living crisis and a shortage of donors, should we be rethinking these laws? In this two-part Briefing feature, Sacha Barbour Gatt explores the value that can be gained in selling a part of yourself for a profit. In this episode, she’s joined by Senior Research Fellow in Global and Women's Health at Monash University Karin Hammarberg, who has worked in IVF programs for 20 years, to explore what it might look like if we changed the laws in Australia. Headlines: 2024 Paris Olympics wraps up Ukrainian troops advance inside Russia  Close to 100 people killed in Israeli air strike in southern Gaza Joe Biden gives first interview since dropping out Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amy Shark is one of Australia’s biggest names in pop music. When she changed her name to Amy Shark in 2013 her career took off, winning multiple ARIA Awards and working with Ed Sheeran to Keith Urban. Shark's new album, Sunday Sadness, features a dream line up of producers and artists including Kid Harpoon, who has produced and co-written with Harry Styles and Miley Cyrus. For this episode of The Weekend Briefing, Shark joins Helen Smith to break down how she thinks the live music scene has changed over the last decade, and who she ran into backstage at while preforming on The Late Late Show with James Corden. Weekend List TO WATCH - Taskmaster New Zealand on Binge TO DO - DIY Nail dip set TO EAT - One pot Spinach and Ricotta Rotolo (Italian Lasagna Roll Ups) from Recipe Tin Eats TO EAT - Latin American restaurant near you Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was a bit of a media frenzy at the Paris games recently when North Korean athletes posed for selfies with South Korean competitors at the gymnastics. Those same athletes were also spotted cheering for American rivals, hugging competitors and waving and smiling for tv cameras. There has been cautious optimism that the usually hermit-like North is finally starting to open up to the world after a period of extreme isolation. But how much of this display at the Olympics is diplomatic gymnastics, carefully planned and carried out as positive PR for the totalitarian state? In this episode of The Briefing Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Roald Maliangkay, associate professor in Korean studies and director of the Korea Institute at the Australian National University to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, both seasoned astronauts, are currently stranded on the International Space Station after a mission planned for eight days spiraled into a potential eight-month stay. They share insights into their mental and physical challenges while awaiting a return amid technical issues with Boeing's Starliner. The conversation dives into NASA's safety strategies, ongoing space research, and the contrasting approaches between Boeing and SpaceX. What does life in orbit look like when uncertainty becomes the norm?

The discussion highlights McDonald's first downturn in years and its impact on the fast food industry. It dives into changing consumer behavior, emphasizing a shift towards healthier, costlier dining options. The struggles of major chains like Carl’s Jr. underline the challenges in maintaining a positive health image. Experts analyze how rising prices and inflation are reshaping consumer perceptions and preferences, questioning what this means for the broader economy.

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing athlete scouting and training for the Paris Olympics, uncovering both potential and ethical dilemmas. The technology promises to enhance performance but raises concerns about increased surveillance and systemic biases. A discussion on a luxury dog perfume adds a quirky twist, reflecting on the market for pampered pets. As the political landscape shifts with notable controversies, the impact of AI on our daily lives becomes increasingly relevant and thought-provoking.

Matthew Evans, a farmer and author renowned for his insights into dairy alternatives, dives into the shifting landscape of milk consumption in Australia. He discusses rising lactose intolerance and the growing awareness of environmental and animal welfare issues. They compare the health and sustainability of dairy versus alternatives like soy, almond, and oat milk. Evans sheds light on the nutritional limitations of plant-based milks and the importance of organic options in supporting health.

ASIO and the federal government announced on Monday that Australia’s terror threat level had increased from 'possible' to 'probable'. Part of the reasoning - an increase in young men being radicalised. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said “governments around the world are concerned about youth radicalisation, online radicalisation and the rise of new mixed ideologies”. In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Levi West from the ANU’s Centre for Social Policy Research to find out how and why young men in particular get radicalised, and what’s being done to stop it. Headlines: The youngest Aussie medal winner ever Kamala Harris picks running mate Global markets show signs of recovery Judge rules Google has a monopoly on internet searches Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you in need of a go-to explainer on what the hell is going on with the stock market and how it could affect you? This time last week, everything was coming up Milhouse for Australian investors. The Australian Stock Exchange – or ASX – hit yet another record high after months of relatively consistent growth. But since Friday markets across the globe have been tumbling, and $100 billion has been wiped off the value of Australian shares alone. Dr Angela Jackson is Lead Economist at Impact Economics - she joins Bension Siebert on The Briefing to break down what it all means for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 11, the Iraq War and John Howard’s prime ministership were among the most pivotal news events of the early 2000’s.  But did you know that during that same period, Australia lived through its biggest corruption scandal – where Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was paid kickbacks for lucrative Australian wheat contracts? Today, investigative reporter Richard Baker launches a major new LiSTNR podcast, Secrets We Keep: Baghdad Nights, diving deep into the scandal, offering new revelations and focusing on the humanity of the people caught up in it. He joins Bension Siebert on The Briefing to reflect on how Australia’s politics and media can fail to capture the nuance of a major scandal, and the lessons he’s learned getting to know the real people involved. Headlines: Olympics Update  Stock market plunge over US recession fears The national terror threat level raised from ‘possible’ to ‘probable’ Bangladeshi PM flees the country Kamala Harris set to unveil her running mate Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.