

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

Jul 30, 2025 • 15min
Is Trump about to double Australia’s tariff?
In this discussion, Ian Verrender, ABC's Chief Business Correspondent, breaks down Trump's controversial trade policies. He explains the recent 15% tariff deal with the EU and its unexpected repercussions for global trade dynamics. Verrender delves into how these tariffs could disrupt Australian consumers and businesses, alongside potential impacts on public health due to proposed pharmaceutical tariffs. He also highlights the complexities of navigating this shifting landscape and what it means for Australia's future trade relationships, particularly with China.

23 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 15min
How Trump’s crypto push boosted Bitcoin
Ross Buckley, a Laureate Fellow and Scientia Professor at the University of New South Wales, discusses Donald Trump's unexpected pivot towards cryptocurrency. Once a skeptic, Trump is now passing legislation that’s impacting the crypto market, leading to a surge in Bitcoin's value. Buckley examines whether this boom is sustainable or just a bubble. The conversation also covers major companies' interest in stablecoins, the implications of new U.S. laws, and insights into central bank digital currencies that could transform global trade.

Jul 28, 2025 • 16min
Laura Tingle on who can stop Israel
Laura Tingle, ABC's Global Affairs Editor, dives deep into the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, providing expert analysis on the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where starvation is rampant despite official denials. She discusses rising international condemnation, notably from Australia, with Prime Minister Albanese calling the situation 'completely indefensible.' Tingle highlights who might be able to influence Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s approach and the complex moral dilemmas faced by governments amid escalating global pressure.

Jul 27, 2025 • 14min
How easy is it to trick the Australian Taxation Office?
Angus Grigg, a dedicated Four Corners reporter, uncovers the startling ease with which fraudsters have exploited the Australian Taxation Office, resulting in billions in losses. He reveals how simple false declarations led to significant payouts for fake businesses. Grigg shares compelling stories, including a vulnerable single mother caught in the scam and systemic ATO failures in oversight. The discussion raises critical questions about tax collection efficacy and the pressing need for accountability reforms to protect taxpayers.

18 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 15min
Can Trump contain China’s AI boom?
Kyle Chan, a post-doctoral researcher at Princeton and adjunct at the Rand Corporation, delves into the fierce AI rivalry between the U.S. and China. He discusses how American tech giants are currently leading, yet faces emerging threats from China's rapidly advancing AI capabilities supported by government initiatives. The conversation touches on the implications of export controls and the differing democratic and authoritarian approaches to AI development, raising questions about future global dominance in this transformative field.

8 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 15min
Why we’re using more electricity than ever before
Dan Mercer, ABC energy reporter, dives deep into Australia's spiraling electricity demand, influenced by the electrification of homes and vehicles. He discusses the explosive growth of data centers, revealing their substantial energy needs and potential challenges ahead. Mercer highlights that actual electricity consumption trends might be rising faster than official forecasts, raising questions about our energy infrastructure's readiness. The conversation also touches on innovative cooling technologies aiming to mitigate data centers' environmental impact.

10 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 15min
Is it OK to shame the Coldplay kiss cam couple?
Jennifer Forestal, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Loyola University, dives into the viral 'Coldplay-gate' incident that ignited discussions around public shaming. She explores how a kiss cam moment spiraled into social media outrage, impacting the lives of those involved. The conversation touches on the blurred lines between accountability and ridicule in today's digital age. Forestal highlights the need for self-awareness in public interactions and reflects on the ethical dilemmas of shaming in a world where cameras capture every moment.

Jul 21, 2025 • 14min
Trump vs Rupert Murdoch over an Epstein article
Rod Tiffen, an emeritus professor in government and international relations at the University of Sydney, dives into the showdown between Donald Trump and Rupert Murdoch. They discuss Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit over a Wall Street Journal article linking him to Jeffrey Epstein. Tiffen sheds light on the fascinating dynamics of their complex relationship, revealing how their past alliances have shifted and the potential fallout from this legal conflict, including its implications for media credibility and Trump's support base.

7 snips
Jul 20, 2025 • 16min
The fight with China over the Darwin port
Alan Dupont, chief executive of The Cognoscenti Group and former Defence Advocate for the Northern Territory Government, dives into the contentious issue of the Darwin port, previously leased to a Chinese company. He discusses the origins of the lease and the current effort by the Albanese Government to reclaim control, influenced by U.S. security concerns. Dupont explores the ramifications for Australia-China relations, the balance between national security and diplomacy, and the evolving perception of China as a strategic partner versus a threat.

Jul 17, 2025 • 16min
Why Trump can’t shake the Epstein conspiracy
Join John Barron, co-host of ABC's Planet America, as he dives into the murky waters of conspiracy theories linking Donald Trump to Jeffrey Epstein. He discusses the frustration of Trump’s supporters over the refusal to release crucial Epstein-related files, revealing rising tensions within the MAGA base. John critiques Trump’s usual avoidance tactics and examines the broader implications of Epstein’s controversial client list. This episode offers a gripping look at the intersection of politics, conspiracy, and media influence.


