If You're Listening
ABC
The world is on fire. There's a coup. Inflation is through the roof, and AI is taking our jobs. What does it all mean? Each week, Matt Bevan explains the biggest story in world news while hiding in his basement from assassins and authoritarian regimes.
Recent episodes include an exploration of the relationship between India and China, a closer look at the Saudi Arabian city of NEOM, the conflict in the Middle East, the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, and Ukraine's incursions into Vladimir Putin's Russia. Matt Bevan draws connections between stories from the past and the events of the present to help listeners understand world news and international affairs.
The podcast also features series about big moments in world news; previous series have focused on the United States presidential election, the United Kingdom's 14 years of Conservative Party leadership, Donald Trump's relationship with Russia, Donald Trump's presidency and promise to Make America Great Again, the Mueller Report, Vladimir Putin's scheme to destroy western democracies, how the relationship between Australia and China came to the verge of collapse, and Australia's turbulent history with climate change.
There's a new episode of If You're Listening every Thursday.
Recent episodes include an exploration of the relationship between India and China, a closer look at the Saudi Arabian city of NEOM, the conflict in the Middle East, the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, and Ukraine's incursions into Vladimir Putin's Russia. Matt Bevan draws connections between stories from the past and the events of the present to help listeners understand world news and international affairs.
The podcast also features series about big moments in world news; previous series have focused on the United States presidential election, the United Kingdom's 14 years of Conservative Party leadership, Donald Trump's relationship with Russia, Donald Trump's presidency and promise to Make America Great Again, the Mueller Report, Vladimir Putin's scheme to destroy western democracies, how the relationship between Australia and China came to the verge of collapse, and Australia's turbulent history with climate change.
There's a new episode of If You're Listening every Thursday.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 19, 2025 • 24min
The truth about China’s social credit scores
Dive into the intriguing world of China's social credit system and the Western reactions to it. Discover how Alibaba's Sesame Credit operates compared to the exaggerated fears of a national score. Learn about the origins of these fears from a single blog post and how they spread. Explore the real reasons behind the push for trustworthiness in China, stemming from past scandals. Finally, unravel the truth about local experiments and blacklists, while understanding that a universal score might not be as omnipotent as many believe.
7 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 24min
maTt and kaRa address yoUr conspiracy THeory
Matt and Kara tackle intriguing listener questions, diving into everything from the strategic importance of chernozem soil in Ukraine to implications of Elon Musk's potential trillionaire status. They explore whether Musk can ethically handle massive wealth and debate the feasibility of policing robots. The duo reflects on conspiracy narratives, emphasizing skepticism and the importance of investigating origins. They'll also address the mystery of a missing episode, offering insight into why it remains unreleased.
8 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 22min
So you’ve robbed the Louvre… now what?
Two thieves pulled off a jaw-dropping heist at the Louvre in just eight minutes, exploiting lax security and outdated cameras. The discussion delves into the stark differences between cinematic art thefts and reality, revealing why famous pieces like the Mona Lisa are unsellable. Insights into the challenges of ransoming stolen art and the processing of jewels highlight the precarious world of art crime. Explore historic thefts, like the infamous Weeping Woman disappearance, and discover how such incidents can reshape public conversations about arts funding and security.
Nov 10, 2025 • 26min
Was the CIA involved in Whitlam's dismissal?
Join award-winning journalist Ninah Kopel as she delves into the intriguing conspiracy theories surrounding the dismissal of Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. Discover the Cold War context and the significance of the US-Australia relationship. Kopel highlights the 1973 ASIO raid that raised US alarms, and discusses Whitlam's accusations against the opposition regarding CIA funding. With compelling anecdotes fueling suspicions, listeners are left pondering why the CIA theory continues to captivate. After 50 years, the quest for a smoking gun remains elusive.
Nov 5, 2025 • 25min
Can we afford to power AI?
The discussion dives into the staggering resource demands of AI, highlighting doubled data centers and rising emissions from tech giants. It raises critical questions about sustainability and whether our water and energy conservation efforts are being undermined. Insights on GPUs explain their pivotal role in AI's rapid growth, while also addressing the environmental impacts tied to their use. Plus, the conversation explores AI's potential to assist in environmental solutions, making the future of AI both exciting and concerning.
8 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 20min
This town ain't big enough for two dog puppets
Dive into the bizarre tale of a legal feud between two puppet dogs! Discover how the Pets.com sock puppet sparked a massive advertising campaign during the dot-com boom. Compare its charm with Triumph the Insult Comic Dog's abrasive personality. Enjoy the humor as Triumph mocks Pets.com in a scathing response to their lawsuit. Ultimately, the case never went to trial after Pets.com's downfall, leaving both puppets to follow very different fates. Unravel the quirky world of marketing mascots and their outrageous courtroom drama!
16 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 24min
Is the AI bubble too big to burst?
The podcast dives into the skyrocketing salaries in the AI industry, spotlighting staggering pay packages and talent poaching among giants like Meta and OpenAI. It raises a compelling question: Is the current AI investment bubble heading for a crash similar to the dot-com disaster? With comparisons drawn between the two eras, the discussion probes investor psychology and the sustainability of burgeoning AI businesses. Lastly, it tackles concerns about whether today's AI infrastructure will hold value in the long run.
Oct 27, 2025 • 0sec
The people have spoken and they love mud
The hosts tackle intriguing listener questions while recovering from the flu. They explore potential scenarios of world leaders challenging Trump and discuss the 22nd Amendment's limits on presidential terms. The conversation dives into the controversial U.S. voter registration system and how party affiliation shapes elections. A fascinating segment reveals the significance of Ukraine's fertile Chernozem mud, linking its value to both agriculture and military strategy. The episode wraps up with a tease about upcoming content related to AI.
Oct 22, 2025 • 23min
Sizing up the Gaza rebuild
The podcast dives deep into the complexities of rebuilding Gaza after its destruction, leveraging comparisons with Mosul’s recovery. It discusses the staggering $70 billion cost estimate for Gaza's reconstruction, while questioning who will take on this monumental task. The scale of damage is highlighted, revealing that Gaza's devastation far exceeds that of Mosul. With challenges such as debris clearance and housing for the displaced, the conversation raises urgent questions about potential political fallout if rebuilding efforts fail.
Oct 20, 2025 • 26min
The balloon that started the US Air Force
Marc Fennell, host of No One Saw It Coming, dives into the whimsical world of Thaddeus Lowe, a theatrical 'Professor' who, with a striking mustache, played a pivotal role in aerial espionage during the Civil War. The conversation covers Lowe’s ambitious balloon flights, his encounters with skeptical military officials, and his accidental landing in Confederate territory. It explores how accusations of spying led to the birth of balloon reconnaissance, ultimately laying the groundwork for the U.S. Air Force.
