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
10 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 20min
What's the deal with fluoride?
Explore the fascinating history of fluoride in drinking water and its impact on dental health since the 1940s. Discover the whirlwind of misinformation surrounding fluoridation and the surprising opposition it has faced, especially with recent political movements. Delve into the Grand Rapids experiment that changed dental care forever and the societal backlash against fluoridation in Australia. Hear about the pervasive influence of conspiracy theories and the potential dental implications of banning fluoride in modern society.
Dec 17, 2025 • 25min
How good are Australia’s gun laws really?
Australians take pride in their renowned gun laws, often hailed as a model for safety. However, recent events have raised concerns as legally-owned high-powered guns were used in attacks. The origins of these laws date back to the infamous Port Arthur massacre, which prompted sweeping reforms. Despite these measures, loopholes have persisted, allowing dangerous firearms back into circulation. The discussion highlights the need for stricter enforcement and the importance of addressing underlying issues, such as antisemitism, in tandem with gun control.
18 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 25min
24 hours after the Bondi shooting
Perry Duffin, senior crime reporter at the Sydney Morning Herald, shares his harrowing experiences covering the aftermath of the Bondi shooting. He vividly describes the chaos at the scene, including the discovery of bodies and the rapid response of first responders. Perry discusses the alarming rise in anti-Semitic incidents in Sydney and the implications of gun access and legal loopholes. As the community grapples with fear and loss, he highlights the long emotional recovery for survivors and the Jewish community.
10 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 22min
Why is Venezuela falling apart?
The podcast delves into the tumultuous situation in Venezuela, highlighting a tense moment when Donald Trump offered safe passage to President Maduro. It explores Venezuela's rich oil history and the failed attempts to diversify its economy. The narrative unfolds with Hugo Chávez's rise to power, his populist tactics, and the consequences of nationalizing oil. It examines the catastrophic collapse caused by a crash in oil prices, leading to severe shortages and hyperinflation, all underscored by a mix of delusion and systemic corruption.
6 snips
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.
28 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.
