

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 29, 2024 • 15min
What makes Trump a 'fascist'?
Dr. Jennifer Mercieca, a historian of American political rhetoric from Texas A&M University, dives into Donald Trump's controversial language and tactics. She explores how Trump's rhetoric mirrors that of Hitler, using fear to manipulate voters and create loyalty. Mercieca highlights the psychological impact of repetition in political messaging and discusses the dangerous implications of labeling figures as 'fascists'. The conversation reveals how modern political strategies exploit fear and division while fostering a strong sense of belonging among supporters.

Oct 28, 2024 • 15min
Why are North Korean troops in Russia?
Matthew Sussex, an Associate Professor specializing in Russian studies at the Australian National University, dives into the surprising collaboration between North Korea and Russia. He discusses the implications of North Korean troops entering the Ukraine conflict and how this military alliance might affect international relations. Sussex also touches on North Korea's motives for cooperation, including potential military technology exchanges, and the broader consequences for global security, especially for countries like Australia and Japan.

Oct 27, 2024 • 14min
What is AI ‘model collapse’?
Join Aaron Snowswell, a Senior Research Fellow at the Generative AI Lab, as he unpacks the fascinating world of AI and the ominous concept of ‘model collapse.’ He explains how large language models like ChatGPT may become less effective as they increasingly rely on AI-generated content. Aaron emphasizes the challenges of training these models and the innovative strategies companies use to gather data. He also delves into the pursuit of artificial general intelligence and the vital role human insight plays in advancing AI responsibly.

Oct 24, 2024 • 15min
Why is Trump talking about a dead golfer’s penis?
Rina Shah, a political strategist and former Republican aide, dives into the unusual tactics of Donald Trump's campaign as the election approaches. She discusses his unexpected remarks, including bizarre references to a dead golfer and music-filled town halls, reflecting a unique political style. Shah analyzes the tight race in Pennsylvania and how Trump's controversial authenticity may sway voters. The conversation also touches on how other candidates are adapting their strategies in response to Trump's unconventional approach.

Oct 23, 2024 • 15min
How abortion became a Qld election issue
In this engaging discussion, Prudence Flowers, a senior lecturer at Flinders University, delves into the political ramifications of abortion laws in Australia. She connects the recent debates in Queensland to the global impact of the U.S. Roe v. Wade overturn. Flowers highlights the volatile political scene, particularly with independent MP Robbie Katter's repeal efforts. She notes the internal conflicts within the Liberal National Party and the ongoing challenges regarding abortion rights in South Australia, underlining the heated political landscape surrounding reproductive rights.

Oct 22, 2024 • 15min
Can Elon Musk buy Trump the presidency?
Vittoria Elliot, a WIRED reporter focused on platforms and power, dives into Elon Musk's surprising shift from critic to supporter of Donald Trump. She discusses Musk's significant financial contributions to Trump's campaign and his recent tactics, including multi-million dollar incentives to rally voters. The conversation explores how Musk's ownership of Twitter, now X, may enhance right-wing narratives and questions what a Trump win could mean for social media regulation. Tune in for insights on the intersection of wealth, politics, and technology!

Oct 21, 2024 • 15min
Why Israel won’t stop despite killing Sinwar
In this discussion, Rajan Menon, a professor emeritus of international relations, dives into the assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, reflecting on Israel’s intensified airstrikes in the aftermath. He analyzes Benjamin Netanyahu's strategic goals and the high stakes of military objectives amidst growing internal debates. Menon highlights the risks faced by Gazan civilians amid possible annexation plans, as well as the implications of potential leadership changes within Hamas that could affect future conflicts.

Oct 20, 2024 • 15min
How unpaid tolls could land you in prison
Pat McGrath, a dedicated Four Corners reporter, dives into the controversial world of toll roads and their impact on Australian drivers. He reveals how Transurban capitalizes on escalating toll rates, often leaving commuters in financial distress. The discussion highlights personal stories, including a woman who quit her job due to soaring toll expenses. McGrath also exposes the gravity of unpaid tolls, showcasing troubling legal repercussions. Finally, he advocates for urgent reforms to ensure fair pricing and relieve the burden on drivers.

Oct 17, 2024 • 15min
Why Albanese’s coastal home is a problem
Patricia Karvelas, host of Radio National Breakfast and The Party Room podcast, dives into the controversial purchase of a multimillion-dollar coastal home by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. She discusses how this decision is perceived as tone-deaf amidst a housing crisis, stirring unease within the Labor Party. Karvelas highlights the public's mixed reactions and the media's role in amplifying the issue, emphasizing the challenges it poses for Albanese's political future as the next election approaches.

Oct 16, 2024 • 15min
Why neo-Nazis rallied in a country town
Kaz Ross, an independent researcher specializing in far-right extremism, delves into a shocking neo-Nazi rally that hit the small town of Korowa, New South Wales. She analyzes the motivations behind the rally and how outside groups are infiltrating local communities. Kaz discusses the alarming rise of neo-Nazi movements in Australia and examines the complexities faced by authorities in combating these ideologies. Emphasizing community engagement, she highlights the importance of proactive responses to prevent radicalization and societal tensions.