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
Dec 10, 2025 • 22min
Why is Venezuela falling apart?
During a 15 minute phone call, US President Donald Trump offered the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro safe passage for him and his family to the country of their choice, if they left Venezuela immediately. The deal seems to have fallen through and now Maduro is in hiding, and for the last few weeks, Maduro has reportedly slept in a different house every night. So why is the country with the most proven oil reserves on the planet enduring an economic meltdown that is so grave the President is now on the run? Follow If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.Check out our series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDTPrMoGHssAfgMMS3L5LpLNFMNp1U_Nq
Dec 8, 2025 • 22min
This robot will shoot you and steal your wife
Cara Jensen-McKinnon, a supervising producer and expert in robotic history, dives into the captivating tale of Alpha, a 1930s English robot alleged to have shot its inventor. The podcast unearths the sensationalized media frenzy surrounding Alpha, revealing how misconceptions stoked fears of robots stealing jobs and wives. Cara uncovers the mechanics behind Alpha's performances, debunking myths of sentience. They also connect Alpha's story to societal anxieties of the Great Depression, exploring how these themes resonate in today's world of automation.
18 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 22min
Where’s my robot butler?
Tech companies are in a fierce race to create humanoid robots, but the reality often falls short of slick promotional demos. Historical robot hoaxes reveal the gap between perception and reality. While industrial robots thrive, humanoids face challenges like safety and balance. Specialized designs may outperform these generalist robots. The limitations of AI in physical tasks raise questions about future manipulation capabilities. Tune in for a fascinating journey through the ups and downs of robotic innovation!
8 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 22min
Is internet piracy making a comeback, me hearties?
Adair Sheppard, a podcast producer and researcher, dives into the fascinating world of digital piracy. They discuss how Sweden’s early broadband culture birthed platforms like Pirate Bay. Listeners learn about the rise and fall of file-sharing, the dramatic police raids, and surprising legal battles that only fueled the site's popularity. Adair reveals how streaming reshaped the piracy landscape, leading to a modern resurgence driven by fragmented services. The conversation is packed with insights into the ongoing dance between creators and digital pirates.
Nov 26, 2025 • 22min
Is China’s plan to invade Taiwan inevitable?
The discussion dives into the presence of 5,000 Chinese spies in Taiwan and the tensions building around potential military action. Insights into Xi Jinping's complex narrative of 'peaceful reunification' reveal the contradictions of enforcing agreements. The podcast outlines China's military maneuvers, infiltration tactics, and the propaganda war being waged against Taiwan. Meanwhile, Taiwan's resilience is highlighted as citizens and their government push back against Beijing’s influence, showcasing their determination for independence.
8 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 22min
The time Andrew Denton tried to hire a bounty hunter
Mark Humphries, a comedian and host of the ABC Rewind series 'Skase: Fall of a Tycoon', dives into the wild tale of Christopher Skase, Australia’s most wanted fugitive. He shares how Skase fled to Mallorca, feigning severe illness to dodge charges back home. The discussion reveals a bizarre plan by Andrew Denton to crowdfund a bounty hunter to capture Skase, and the legal challenges that followed. Plus, Humphries highlights the pitfalls of vigilante justice, including failed attempts to kidnap Skase by ex-military groups.
7 snips
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.
