ABC News Daily
ABC News
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.
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 and crime.
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 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.
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 and crime.
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 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
Dec 29, 2025 • 17min
2025 Picks: The productivity problem with car washing
In this insightful discussion, Ian Verrender, ABC's Chief Business Correspondent, delves into Australia's productivity challenges. He questions why hand car washes are outpacing automatic ones and links it to immigration policies. Verrender argues that boosting productivity is crucial for living standards, but wonders if higher wages could be a solution. He also discusses the tension between measuring productivity in services versus manufacturing and highlights the impact of population growth on productivity outcomes.
12 snips
Dec 28, 2025 • 16min
2025 Picks: Why energy giants want to control solar batteries
Dan Mercer, an ABC energy reporter specializing in virtual power plants and household batteries, shares insights into the evolving energy landscape. He recounts the story of Sydney's Peter Anderson, who aimed to embrace solar energy only to encounter challenges with a virtual power plant. Mercer dives into the implications of demand tariffs, AGL's defense amid growing consumer concerns, and the future potential of home battery systems. He emphasizes the need for consumer trust and fair participation in energy solutions as the industry transforms.
Dec 25, 2025 • 25min
Sarah Ferguson on interviewing Jacinda Ardern
Join veteran interviewer Sarah Ferguson, host of ABC's 7.30 program, as she reveals insights from her powerful dialogues with public figures. She shares her experience in deftly questioning Mike Huckabee about U.S. support for Israel amid Gaza tensions. Ferguson also explores her moving conversation with New Zealand's former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, touching on the significance of empathy in leadership, the pressures of sexism in politics, and Ardern's emotional intelligence as both a strength and a legacy.
8 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 26min
Leigh Sales on humanity’s best stories
Leigh Sales, the host of Australian Story and a senior ABC presenter, shares unforgettable narratives from her distinguished career. She reflects on the heart-wrenching episode of a dramatic Franklin River rescue involving life-and-death challenges. Leigh also delves into the touching love story of widows Laura and Cole, and the emotional interview with Jelena Dokic, exploring trauma and resilience. The podcast offers a journey through humanity's best stories, showcasing the power of personal narrative and connection.
Dec 23, 2025 • 25min
Matt Bevan on the players in Trump’s orbit
Matt Bevan, host of the If You're Listening podcast and an ABC journalist, dives into the unconventional characters surrounding Donald Trump. He shares fascinating stories about Steve Witkoff, a former deli owner turned peace envoy, including a poignant account of grief driving his humanitarian efforts. Bevan also explores Howard Lutnick’s link to 9/11 and his controversial economic strategies, revealing how Trump's staffing strategy favors loyalty over merit. The conversation highlights the intricate web of relationships influencing U.S. policies.
Dec 22, 2025 • 26min
Stephanie March on Gaza, autocracy and elephants
Stephanie March, an ABC foreign correspondent known for her impactful international reporting, shares her insights from war-torn Gaza, where families live in tents, facing dire conditions and trauma. She highlights the clash between elephant tourism and local communities in Botswana, exploring the complexities of conservation versus hunting. March also addresses the troubling political shift in Georgia towards autocracy under Russian influence, detailing the rise of local oligarchs and their impact on democracy. Her stories reveal the resilience and struggles of people in crisis.
12 snips
Dec 21, 2025 • 23min
Alan Kohler on robots and the future of work
Alan Kohler, ABC finance presenter, delves into the transformative potential of humanoid robots and AI's role in reshaping the workforce. He discusses Elon Musk's ambitions for mass-produced robots and their implications on jobs. Kohler warns of a future where robots could be akin to 'new slaves' and emphasizes the urgency for taxing AI-driven industries to fund social initiatives like Universal Basic Income. He also reflects on the psychological impact of job displacement and offers career advice for the next generation.
9 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 16min
Is Bondi the start of a new era of terror?
Lydia Khalil, an expert in extremism and counter-terrorism at the Lowy Institute, discusses the complex landscape of terrorism in Australia following the Bondi Beach attack. She examines the evolving nature of threats, including jihadist and far-right violence, and highlights the difficulties of detecting family-related radicalization. Khalil evaluates new laws targeting antisemitism and stresses the importance of community cohesion. Her insights reveal the necessity for a proactive approach to national security in an increasingly diverse threat environment.
9 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 19min
Albanese’s 'wicked' antisemitism problem
Michelle Grattan, chief political correspondent at The Conversation and a professorial fellow at the University of Canberra, dives into the multifaceted antisemitism crisis facing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. She analyzes the public's expectations following the Bondi Beach terror attack and how Albanese's response contrasts with NSW Premier Chris Minns' empathetic approach. Grattan discusses the push for gun control alongside deeper social issues, the political ramifications of radicalization claims, and the balancing act of free speech versus necessary hate prevention measures.
6 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 17min
Everything we know about the Bondi shooters
In this riveting discussion, investigative reporter Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop unravels the shocking Bondi Beach mass shooting. He explores the radicalization of father-son duo Sajid and Naveed Akram, revealing Naveed's controversial ASIO history and street preaching connections. Sean highlights their mysterious trip to the Philippines for military-style training and discusses the implications of ASIO's monitoring and resource challenges. The conversation also addresses rising antisemitism as a significant security concern in Australia.
