ABC News Daily
ABC
ABC News Daily is the podcast that helps you understand the issues affecting your world. Every episode, host Samantha Hawley walks through one story with the help of an ABC colleague or expert in under 15 minutes. When you want coverage you can trust, listen to ABC News Daily.
Key topics of recent episodes include the Donald Trump administration, DOGE, Tesla, insurance costs, recession risks, egg shortages, DeepSeek, neo-Nazis, Putin and Xi, solar batteries, the jobs market, anti-Semitism, and the Israel-Hamas war.
From interest rates, real estate and the housing crisis, to scams and US politics, ABC News Daily brings you facts and analysis you need to understand the biggest news stories.
After Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Labor were returned to office in the 2025 election, with a strong parliamentary majority, we will be following the government’s new agenda and how the diminished Liberal and National Party Coalition responds. The podcast picks apart major policy areas, including energy policy, finance and the Federal Budget.
The podcast covers news from America, with analysis on the Donald Trump administration in the White House. His actions, including massive tariffs on trade, have big implications for global politics and the economy and US journalists and experts will explain what's at stake.
As Australians battle a cost-of-living crisis, ABC News Daily looks at the causes of inflation, rising rental costs, house prices, insurance costs and the price of groceries. Key experts in business and finance join Samantha Hawley, explaining the state of the economy, the unemployment rate and the jobs market.
Whether you rent, own an investment house or apartment, or are repaying a mortgage, ABC News Daily offers unique insights and analysis. When there are big moves from the Reserve Bank (RBA) on interest rates, or remarkable reactions in the ASX or the Australian dollar, guest experts, including economists, explain why.
Look into ABC News Daily's archive to find episodes on electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI), the big banks, supermarkets, TikTok, Ozempic, Tesla, Elon Musk, Twitter, Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, COVID, cyber security, spies, espionage, education, schools, teachers, crime and issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) Australians.
ABC News Daily follows developments in the Middle East and the war between Israel and Hamas, with insights into the mindset of Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinians and the role of Iran.
The podcast looks at the latest from Ukraine as Volodymyr Zelensky fights to repel the Russian invaders led by Russia's President Vladimir Putin. As China's Xi Jinping contemplates the future of Taiwan, ABC News Daily will sort fact from fiction. When North Korea's Kim Jong Un fires ballistic missiles, we'll assess the danger his regime poses.
When scammers target superannuation, your tax return and the ATO, you'll hear advice on what you can do to protect yourself.
As climate change fuelled by greenhouse gas emissions increases the risk of natural disasters, including fires and floods, ABC News Daily brings you fact-based analysis.
The future of electricity generation in Australia is being debated, and as claims are made about the merits of nuclear power, come to ABC News Daily for context around its potential role in replacing or augmenting coal and gas power plants and what it could mean for power bills. The podcast covers the future of renewable / green power generation, including the use of wind turbines, solar and hydro electric power.
The podcast looks at key businesses, including Coles and Woolworths, Qantas, the Commonwealth Bank and the construction, resources and manufacturing industries. When they report record profit, battle unions, or raise prices, the podcast pays attention.
ABC experts including Ian Verrender, Alan Kohler, Laura Tingle, Patricia Karvelas, John Lyons, and Annabel Crabb join Samantha Hawley to step through big issues and current affairs.
Key topics of recent episodes include the Donald Trump administration, DOGE, Tesla, insurance costs, recession risks, egg shortages, DeepSeek, neo-Nazis, Putin and Xi, solar batteries, the jobs market, anti-Semitism, and the Israel-Hamas war.
From interest rates, real estate and the housing crisis, to scams and US politics, ABC News Daily brings you facts and analysis you need to understand the biggest news stories.
After Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Labor were returned to office in the 2025 election, with a strong parliamentary majority, we will be following the government’s new agenda and how the diminished Liberal and National Party Coalition responds. The podcast picks apart major policy areas, including energy policy, finance and the Federal Budget.
The podcast covers news from America, with analysis on the Donald Trump administration in the White House. His actions, including massive tariffs on trade, have big implications for global politics and the economy and US journalists and experts will explain what's at stake.
As Australians battle a cost-of-living crisis, ABC News Daily looks at the causes of inflation, rising rental costs, house prices, insurance costs and the price of groceries. Key experts in business and finance join Samantha Hawley, explaining the state of the economy, the unemployment rate and the jobs market.
Whether you rent, own an investment house or apartment, or are repaying a mortgage, ABC News Daily offers unique insights and analysis. When there are big moves from the Reserve Bank (RBA) on interest rates, or remarkable reactions in the ASX or the Australian dollar, guest experts, including economists, explain why.
Look into ABC News Daily's archive to find episodes on electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI), the big banks, supermarkets, TikTok, Ozempic, Tesla, Elon Musk, Twitter, Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, COVID, cyber security, spies, espionage, education, schools, teachers, crime and issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) Australians.
ABC News Daily follows developments in the Middle East and the war between Israel and Hamas, with insights into the mindset of Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinians and the role of Iran.
The podcast looks at the latest from Ukraine as Volodymyr Zelensky fights to repel the Russian invaders led by Russia's President Vladimir Putin. As China's Xi Jinping contemplates the future of Taiwan, ABC News Daily will sort fact from fiction. When North Korea's Kim Jong Un fires ballistic missiles, we'll assess the danger his regime poses.
When scammers target superannuation, your tax return and the ATO, you'll hear advice on what you can do to protect yourself.
As climate change fuelled by greenhouse gas emissions increases the risk of natural disasters, including fires and floods, ABC News Daily brings you fact-based analysis.
The future of electricity generation in Australia is being debated, and as claims are made about the merits of nuclear power, come to ABC News Daily for context around its potential role in replacing or augmenting coal and gas power plants and what it could mean for power bills. The podcast covers the future of renewable / green power generation, including the use of wind turbines, solar and hydro electric power.
The podcast looks at key businesses, including Coles and Woolworths, Qantas, the Commonwealth Bank and the construction, resources and manufacturing industries. When they report record profit, battle unions, or raise prices, the podcast pays attention.
ABC experts including Ian Verrender, Alan Kohler, Laura Tingle, Patricia Karvelas, John Lyons, and Annabel Crabb join Samantha Hawley to step through big issues and current affairs.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 8, 2025 • 14min
How Dezi Freeman sparked a sovereign citizen gun ban
Kaz Ross, an independent researcher specializing in far-right extremism, delves into the complexities of the sovereign citizen movement following the shocking events involving Dezi Freeman. He discusses the ongoing manhunt and examines Freeman’s radical background and anti-authority beliefs. Ross highlights Western Australia's proactive police measures, including gun seizures and the new 'fit and proper' laws. The conversation navigates the delicate balance between civil liberties and public safety, questioning whether other states should adopt similar actions.
Oct 7, 2025 • 14min
Why Trump keeps blowing up Venezuelan boats
Rachel Van Landingham, a former active-duty judge advocate and current law professor, dives into the controversial U.S. military strikes against alleged Venezuelan drug boats. She highlights the troubling implications of defining drug cartels as 'narco-terrorists' and explains why lethal military action is legally questionable. Rachel argues that interdiction and prosecution should be the norm instead. She links U.S. drug demand to systemic healthcare issues and warns that this policy could lead to dangerous precedents and extrajudicial actions on U.S. soil.
17 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 15min
Could Andrew Hastie be Australia’s Nigel Farage?
Tony Barry, a former Liberal Party strategist and director at RedBridge Group, dives deep into Andrew Hastie's political future and right-wing dynamics in Australia. They discuss Hastie's rich military background and rapid ascent in politics, questioning whether his controversial, Farage-like views can resonate with Australian voters. Barry highlights the challenges of appealing to the electorate in a landscape dominated by cost of living issues over cultural distractions. The conversation also explores the implications of Hastie's resignation from the Coalition front bench.
8 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 16min
The betting firms profiting from crime
Steve Cannane, an investigative reporter from Four Corners, dives deep into the alarming world of online betting firms. He unveils shocking statistics about Australia's $31 billion gambling losses and the exploitative practices of bookmakers. Cannane highlights a case where a financial advisor gambled away clients' funds and critiques how bookmakers keep profits from criminal activities. Despite recommendations for reform, he explores the government's slow response and questions the industry's ethical responsibilities.
Oct 2, 2025 • 14min
A Harvard professor on Taylor Swift’s new album
In this engaging discussion, Harvard professor Stephanie Burt takes us into the world of Taylor Swift, a cultural phenomenon and major songwriting talent. She explores what makes Swift's music so memorable and impactful. Stephanie shares insights from her Harvard class on Swift, connecting pop music to literary traditions. They also dive into Swift's savvy marketing strategies and what fans can expect from her new album, 'The Life of a Showgirl.' Additionally, Stephanie reflects on Swift's cultural influence and her lasting legacy in music history.
18 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 14min
The melatonin overdose risk
In this discussion, Professor Sarah Blunden, a paediatric sleep researcher, explores the rising use of melatonin among children and the safety concerns surrounding it. She highlights the alarming spike in poison hotline calls linked to imported gummy products and the recent warning from Australia's regulatory body. Sarah emphasizes the lack of evidence for melatonin deficiency in children and advises parents to seek medical guidance. She stresses the importance of behavioral sleep strategies over unsupervised melatonin use for better sleep.
18 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 15min
Could Trump and Netanyahu's peace plan work?
In this engaging discussion, guest Guy Ziv, an associate professor at American University specializing in international relations, dives into the Trump-Netanyahu peace plan for Gaza. He analyzes its contrasts with previous proposals, focusing on the complexities of Hamas’s involvement. Ziv outlines immediate steps for Gaza’s redevelopment and discusses the challenges of disarmament and Israeli troop presence. He also highlights Netanyahu's political maneuvering and the international reactions to this potential turning point in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
Sep 29, 2025 • 15min
What ‘TrumpTok’ means for TikTok users
Cam Wilson, a tech expert and associate editor at Crikey, dives into the implications of a group of billionaire Trump supporters acquiring TikTok. He discusses TikTok's massive popularity in Australia and U.S. scrutiny over the app, detailing the five-year history of accusations. The conversation shifts to who the new investors are, including major players like Oracle and Silver Lake. Wilson raises concerns about ongoing data control and algorithm influence, and whether Australians will opt for a local version or stick to the global app.
21 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 15min
Why Putin keeps sending drones into Europe
Max Bergmann, Director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, provides a deep dive into Russia's increasing airspace violations over Europe. He discusses the intentional nature of recent drone incursions, warns about potential escalations, and analyzes Putin's probing tactics. Bergmann emphasizes the need for Europe to enhance its defense capabilities and suggests coordinated military responses to deter further Russian aggression. His insights highlight the urgency for a unified European approach to security.
Sep 25, 2025 • 15min
Donald Trump vs Tylenol
Donald Trump's controversial advice for pregnant women to avoid Tylenol has sparked global concern. Science reporter Corinne Purtill discusses the misinformation linking the drug to autism, despite lacking scientific backing. The podcast explores the potential impacts on U.S. health agencies and international policies. It also compares Trump's current claims to past COVID-19 misinformation. Plus, insights into how the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network is advocating for quality-of-life support over a fixation on causes.
