

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

10 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 15min
What was the point of the longest US shutdown?
Political scientist Charles Hunt from Boise State University dives into the chaos of the longest U.S. government shutdown. He breaks down its triggers, highlighting the role of healthcare subsidies and the impact on over a million federal workers. Hunt discusses the Trump administration's strategy to shrink government and the unusual legal battles around funding. The conversation touches on electoral consequences, pressure dynamics, and the surprising decisions of Democrats that shaped the outcome. Hunt sheds light on the risk of future shutdowns and the slim policy gains achieved.

15 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 16min
Did the BBC mislead viewers about Trump?
In this discussion, Monica Attard, a journalism professor and former ABC journalist, dives into the BBC's controversial editing of Trump’s January 6th speech. She analyzes whether the edits misrepresented Trump's intent and the implications for public trust. The backlash led to resignations within the BBC leadership and highlighted wider issues of bias and accountability. Attard also warns of self-censorship in newsrooms, stressing the need for media integrity amidst political pressure. The conversation unveils the precarious position public broadcasters now face.

10 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 15min
What’s the catch with three hours of free power?
In this discussion, Alison Reeve, the Energy and Climate Change Deputy Program Director at the Grattan Institute, dives into the Australian government's plan for three hours of free midday electricity. She explains how the scheme targets states with solar generation surpluses and the necessary opt-in process for smart meter users. Alison highlights the potential for cost savings but emphasizes practical challenges, such as lifestyle compatibility and the impact of cloudy days. Ultimately, she questions whether this initiative will genuinely reduce bills or simply add complexity for households.

Nov 9, 2025 • 16min
Why crypto ATMs are a scammer’s best friend
Rhiana Whitson, an investigative business reporter for ABC, dives deep into the troubling rise of crypto ATMs and their connection to scams. She reveals how these machines have quickly proliferated across Australia, driven by a surge in cryptocurrency interest. Whitson shares harrowing stories, like that of a pensioner losing her life savings. She also discusses regulatory gaps, the challenges of tracing funds, and the need for urgent consumer awareness as criminals exploit these unregulated platforms.

7 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 16min
Are AI stocks a bubble ready to burst?
Ian Verrender, ABC's Chief Business Correspondent, dives into the soaring valuations of AI-driven tech stocks. He highlights the impressive rise of companies like NVIDIA and their $5 trillion valuation, fueled by expectations of future growth. Verrender contrasts today’s thriving AI landscape with the dot-com bubble, emphasizing sustainable profits. He discusses investor confidence and the massive infrastructure spending driving this boom. As he navigates the concerns of a potential market correction, he questions whether we’re in a bubble or witnessing a significant tech transition.

8 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 16min
Could killing net zero save the Coalition?
Michelle Grattan, chief political correspondent at The Conversation and a professorial fellow at the University of Canberra, dives into the Coalition's tumultuous climate policy landscape. She discusses the Nationals' abandonment of their net-zero commitment and its implications for Liberal leader Sussan Ley. Grattan sheds light on the historical skepticism within the Coalition, the political maneuvering behind Scott Morrison's 2021 agreement, and the local resistance to infrastructure changes. The conversation explores the electoral risks and potential compromises facing the Liberals amid a shifting climate narrative.

16 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 16min
How Zohran Mamdani won over New York
Geoff Kabaservice, Vice President for Political Studies at the Niskanen Center, dives into the intriguing rise of Zohran Mamdani, a young, Muslim, Democratic socialist and a surprising contender for New York City mayor. They discuss Mamdani's bold policies like rent reforms, universal childcare, and public housing. Kabaservice explores the challenges Mamdani faces in implementing his agenda and critiques from opponents like Andrew Cuomo. Finally, they consider how Mamdani's success could reshape the Democratic landscape and engage younger voters.

11 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 16min
Alan Kohler on why we need 117,000 more tradies
Alan Kohler, ABC finance presenter and economic commentator, discusses crucial insights on Australia's tradie shortage and housing affordability. He reveals how three recent rate cuts have spiked house prices by about 6%. Kohler emphasizes the urgent need for 117,000 additional tradies to meet housing demands, while exploring the mismatch between current immigration policies and the trades sector. He also highlights the challenges of trade qualifications recognition and the role of temporary visa holders in driving rental demand.

25 snips
Nov 2, 2025 • 16min
Is China building missiles with our critical minerals?
Angus Grigg, an investigative reporter for Four Corners specializing in national security, delves into the implications of Australia's vast reserves of critical minerals. He reveals how zirconium, essential for both consumer products and military applications, might inadvertently fuel China's military ambitions, including hypersonic missiles. The conversation highlights the delicate balance Australia faces between fostering trade and ensuring national security, especially in light of rising tensions with China and the potential risks of facilitating its military modernization.

Oct 30, 2025 • 15min
How Melbourne became the 'crime capital'
Rafael Epstein, ABC Melbourne Mornings presenter, dives deep into the unsettling rise of violent crime in Victoria. He discusses alarming incidents like home invasions and public stabbings, diving into the human impact of these crimes. Epstein questions the label of Melbourne as 'the crime capital,' analyzing the statistics behind the spike in incidents. Their conversation touches on political narratives, the role of media reporting, and the new police commissioner’s vow to tackle crime. It's an eye-opening look at a pressing societal issue!


