

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

Dec 5, 2024 • 15min
Life as a migrant who Trump wants to deport
Esveidy Rodriguez, an undocumented immigrant in Arizona, shares her poignant journey as she grapples with fears of deportation under the Trump administration. She discusses the deep anxieties felt by undocumented families, highlighting the sacrifices made for a better life amid systemic challenges. Esveidy recounts her struggles in pursuing education while living with the constant threat of being torn from her family. Her story underscores the resilience of migrant communities navigating an uncertain future in a changing political landscape.

Dec 4, 2024 • 15min
The 'nuts' martial law plot in South Korea
Kyung Moon Hwang, Korea Foundation Professor and director of the ANU Korea Institute, provides deep insights into the shocking martial law declaration by President Yoon Suk Yeol. He unpacks the chaotic scenes in Seoul, where troops took to the streets amid public protests. Hwang analyzes the president's declining approval ratings and his controversial justifications for the martial law. The discussion also touches on the implications for South Korea's democracy and the public's resilience in safeguarding civil freedoms.

Dec 3, 2024 • 15min
Why Joe Rogan has more listeners than us
Taylor Lorenz, a technology and online culture journalist known for her newsletter User Mag, dives deep into the phenomenon of Joe Rogan's immense popularity. She discusses his unique ability to connect with audiences through vulnerability and examines the controversies around his content, including conspiracy theories. Lorenz highlights the gender imbalance in online media and the challenges traditional journalism faces in attracting audiences in a landscape dominated by personality-driven platforms.

Dec 2, 2024 • 15min
How can Joe Biden justify pardoning his son?
John Barron, co-host of Planet America, offers insights into Joe Biden's controversial decision to pardon his son, Hunter, highlighting the intersection of family loyalty and presidential power. They discuss the ethical dilemmas surrounding the pardon, especially in light of Hunter's past struggles with addiction and legal issues. Barron explores the political implications, questioning how this decision might impact Biden's legacy and navigate public perception amid ongoing scrutiny of the Biden family's dynamics.

Dec 1, 2024 • 15min
Will Labor learn from Trump’s working class win?
Kos Samaras, a political strategist and pollster, dives into the growing disconnect between working-class voters and established parties in Australia. He discusses how Trump's appeal stemmed from Democrats' abandonment of the working class. Samaras highlights the economic struggles faced by Australian workers, including stagnant wages and precarious employment. With emerging political dynamics, he emphasizes the urgency for parties like Labor to reconnect and address these discontented voters to avoid repeating past mistakes.

Nov 28, 2024 • 15min
Reflecting on days spent with the Bali Nine
Cindy Wockner, an ABC journalist and author of 'The Pastor and the Painter,' shares her insights on the Bali Nine case. She discusses the potential repatriation of the remaining members after nearly 20 years in Indonesian prisons. Wockner reflects on the emotional toll of their experiences, the transformations they underwent in prison, and the heartbreaking legacy of the executions. Additionally, the complexities of clemency efforts and the ongoing pursuit for a second chance are highlighted, sparking cautious optimism for their future.

Nov 27, 2024 • 14min
The police officer guilty of a grandma’s taser death
Jason Om, a 7.30 reporter, joins to discuss the shocking manslaughter conviction of police officer Kristian White for tasering 95-year-old Clare Nowland, who was armed with a knife. The conversation delves into the courtroom's emotional reactions and the prosecution's claims of excessive force. Xanthe Mallett, an associate professor of criminology, emphasizes the need for enhanced police training in handling vulnerable individuals. The tragedy sparks vital discussions on the complexities of police responses in sensitive environments.

Nov 26, 2024 • 15min
What is Labor rushing through parliament?
David Speers, ABC's National Political Lead, breaks down the whirlwind legislative activity in Canberra as the government scrambles to pass critical bills before the session ends. He dives into the political dynamics surrounding housing legislation, revealing a surprising alliance with the Greens. The discussion also highlights new measures targeting child online safety and important reforms in election donations and aged care. Speers critiques the government's handling of misinformation and gambling advertising, addressing the implications for upcoming elections.

Nov 25, 2024 • 14min
Why Bunnings wants to scan your face
Ange Lavoipierre, ABC's national technology reporter, dives into Bunnings' controversial use of facial recognition technology. While the hardware giant claims it enhances safety by identifying potential threats, it raises significant privacy concerns. Ange discusses the legal and ethical implications of monitoring customers without consent, highlighting a breach of Australians' privacy rights. The conversation also explores the broader landscape of surveillance technology in Australia, urging the necessity for stricter regulations to protect consumer trust.

Nov 24, 2024 • 15min
The rise of the freebirth movement
Charlotte King, an investigative reporter for ABC, dives deep into the rising freebirth movement in Australia. As women opt for unassisted childbirth amid distrust in medical institutions, King unpacks the motivations behind this trend, from traumatic hospital experiences to the influence of online communities. She shares cautionary tales, like Alice’s harrowing journey after a freebirth, shedding light on the associated risks and the vital need for accessible midwifery care. The conversation raises important questions about maternal safety and autonomy.