ABC News Daily

ABC News
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Oct 2, 2025 • 14min

A Harvard professor on Taylor Swift’s new album

In this engaging discussion, Harvard professor Stephanie Burt takes us into the world of Taylor Swift, a cultural phenomenon and major songwriting talent. She explores what makes Swift's music so memorable and impactful. Stephanie shares insights from her Harvard class on Swift, connecting pop music to literary traditions. They also dive into Swift's savvy marketing strategies and what fans can expect from her new album, 'The Life of a Showgirl.' Additionally, Stephanie reflects on Swift's cultural influence and her lasting legacy in music history.
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18 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 14min

The melatonin overdose risk

In this discussion, Professor Sarah Blunden, a paediatric sleep researcher, explores the rising use of melatonin among children and the safety concerns surrounding it. She highlights the alarming spike in poison hotline calls linked to imported gummy products and the recent warning from Australia's regulatory body. Sarah emphasizes the lack of evidence for melatonin deficiency in children and advises parents to seek medical guidance. She stresses the importance of behavioral sleep strategies over unsupervised melatonin use for better sleep.
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18 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 15min

Could Trump and Netanyahu's peace plan work?

In this engaging discussion, guest Guy Ziv, an associate professor at American University specializing in international relations, dives into the Trump-Netanyahu peace plan for Gaza. He analyzes its contrasts with previous proposals, focusing on the complexities of Hamas’s involvement. Ziv outlines immediate steps for Gaza’s redevelopment and discusses the challenges of disarmament and Israeli troop presence. He also highlights Netanyahu's political maneuvering and the international reactions to this potential turning point in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
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10 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 15min

What ‘TrumpTok’ means for TikTok users

Cam Wilson, a tech expert and associate editor at Crikey, dives into the implications of a group of billionaire Trump supporters acquiring TikTok. He discusses TikTok's massive popularity in Australia and U.S. scrutiny over the app, detailing the five-year history of accusations. The conversation shifts to who the new investors are, including major players like Oracle and Silver Lake. Wilson raises concerns about ongoing data control and algorithm influence, and whether Australians will opt for a local version or stick to the global app.
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28 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 15min

Why Putin keeps sending drones into Europe

Max Bergmann, Director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, provides a deep dive into Russia's increasing airspace violations over Europe. He discusses the intentional nature of recent drone incursions, warns about potential escalations, and analyzes Putin's probing tactics. Bergmann emphasizes the need for Europe to enhance its defense capabilities and suggests coordinated military responses to deter further Russian aggression. His insights highlight the urgency for a unified European approach to security.
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Sep 25, 2025 • 15min

Donald Trump vs Tylenol

Donald Trump's controversial advice for pregnant women to avoid Tylenol has sparked global concern. Science reporter Corinne Purtill discusses the misinformation linking the drug to autism, despite lacking scientific backing. The podcast explores the potential impacts on U.S. health agencies and international policies. It also compares Trump's current claims to past COVID-19 misinformation. Plus, insights into how the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network is advocating for quality-of-life support over a fixation on causes.
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Sep 24, 2025 • 14min

Will Optus ever be held accountable?

Dr. Suelette Dreyfus, a technology expert from the University of Melbourne, delves into the critical issues surrounding the recent Optus outage that left hundreds unable to call emergency services. She explains the significant human error during a network upgrade that led to three tragic deaths, recounts harrowing stories of callers who couldn't reach help, and critiques Optus's evasive public relations. Dreyfus emphasizes systemic issues in the telecom industry and discusses the need for tougher regulations and accountability to restore public trust.
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Sep 23, 2025 • 15min

Laura Tingle on how Trump snubbed Albanese (again)

Laura Tingle, ABC's Global Affairs Editor, discusses Australia's recent recognition of a Palestinian state and the diplomatic ramifications of Prime Minister Albanese's no-show meeting with Donald Trump. She delves into the implications for Australia-US relations, the reactions from global leaders, and shifting regional alliances. Tingle also reflects on why a direct meeting between Albanese and Trump could still hold significance despite the snub, prompting a deeper look into international diplomacy and the future of multilateralism.
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Sep 22, 2025 • 15min

Charlie Kirk’s memorial and Trump’s attack on free speech

Zack Beauchamp, a senior correspondent at Vox specializing in democratic backsliding, dives into the heated debate on free speech following Charlie Kirk's assassination. He analyzes President Trump's controversial remarks at Kirk's memorial, which labeled Kirk a 'martyr for American freedom' while targeting Jimmy Kimmel's suspended show. Beauchamp highlights alarming trends, drawing parallels to authoritarian strategies influencing media and free speech in the U.S., raising questions about rising polarization and the implications for journalism.
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42 snips
Sep 21, 2025 • 15min

How Google search lost its way

In this engaging discussion, Emmanuel Maiberg, co-founder of 404 Media and tech journalist, delves into the decline of Google Search. He explores the concept of 'in-shittification,' highlighting how heavy advertising and SEO manipulation are degrading user experience. Maiberg also examines AI's impact on search results and the rising interest in alternative platforms like Kagi and TikTok. With a critical lens, he reflects on how these changes could reshape the future of one of the internet's essential tools.

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