If You're Listening
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.
Latest episodes
Sep 6, 2023 • 16min
Is the century-long search for a weight loss drug over?
Novo Nordisk's accidental discovery of semaglutide as a weight loss drug may be the first effective solution. The historical context of weight loss experiments and drug failures is explored. The challenges of losing weight and the demand for an effective product are discussed. The reality of a popular weight loss drug explores its side effects, high cost, and potential benefits.
Aug 30, 2023 • 15min
China cooked its population data. Now its economy is in crisis
China's economy is struggling due to the One Child Policy and dodgy population data. The declining population is causing trouble in the property sector and China is in a world of trouble. The podcast explores the impact of the declining population on the economy, the consequences of the One Child Policy, and the issue of inaccurate population data in China.
Aug 23, 2023 • 16min
Why is Russia meddling in West Africa?
In West Africa, there is a growing wave of coups and political unrest. France and Russia are involved, potentially leading to a proxy war. The recent coup in Niger has locals chanting against France and in favor of Putin. The podcast explores the historical significance of Timbuktu and the challenges it faces. French intervention in Mali and Russia's collaboration with Mali in anti-terror operations are discussed.
Aug 16, 2023 • 14min
How microchip-maker TSMC became the world's most important company
Introduction to microchip lab safety measures; The origins of TSMC and its founder's success; The intricate process of microchip manufacturing and rise of TSMC; The vulnerability of Taiwan and global economy's dependence on TSMC; Consequences and concerns of China taking over TSMC
Aug 9, 2023 • 16min
The decision that saved Australia from Argentina's 100 per cent inflation nightmare
Inflation in Argentina hits 100% with locals resorting to US dollars. Argentina and Australia's similar economic struggles explored. Argentina's roller coaster economy and rise of Javier Millet discussed. Impact of COVID-19 on Argentina's economy and controversial solution proposed.
Aug 2, 2023 • 16min
How a bunch of boxes might land Trump in prison
Donald Trump faces charges for attempting to delete CCTV evidence of alleged criminal behavior. The podcast explores Trump's decision to take classified documents when leaving the White House and the potential legal consequences. It delves into Trump leaking secret information, the illegal destruction of documents, missing documents, subpoenas, and a raid, as well as the charges, defense, and declassification issues at hand.
Jul 26, 2023 • 18min
How "General Armageddon" and a bromance almost brought down Vladimir Putin
Former chef Yevgeny Prigozhin's bromance with General Sergei Surovikin nearly brings down Vladimir Putin and the Russian government. The podcast explores their betrayal, involvement in the Wagner group, attempted coup in Syria, and the aftermath of the mutiny
Jul 19, 2023 • 2min
INTRODUCING | If You're Listening
If You're Listening is back, and better than ever. Same espionage, same corruptions, same scandals, but more often.Not only will we be in your feed every Thursday, we'll also cover a different story each week. And if you prefer to watch rather than listen, we're also making videos for iView and YouTube.Episode one drops Thursday, 27th July.
Dec 13, 2022 • 31min
RUSSIA | S07 E6 - How will the war against Ukraine end?
After ten months of war, a few likely outcomes of the war in Ukraine are emerging.A win for Vladimir Putin. A win for Volodymyr Zelenskyy. A bitter frozen conflict. Neither Putin or Zelenskyy will sign a peace agreement and admit defeat. But what if Putin’s regime ends?Guests:Dr Paul Dibb - Emeritus Professor of Strategic Studies at ANU; Former Director of the Australian Joint Intelligence OrganisationLieutenant General (retired) Ben Hodges - former commanding general of the US Army in EuropeDr Mykhailo Minakov - Philosopher; Editor in Chief of Focus Ukraine blog from the Kennan Institute at the Wilson CenterMichael Bociurkiw - Global Affairs Analyst and former spokesperson for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in EuropePhilip Short - Former BBC Moscow Correspondent; Author of Putin: His Life and TimesProfessor Daniel Treisman, University of California, Los Angeles, co-author “Spin Dictators: The Changing Face of Tyranny in the 21st Century”
Dec 6, 2022 • 30min
RUSSIA | S07 E5 - Has Putin finally pushed the Russian people too far?
Protest is not allowed inside Russia.There was little resistance from the Russian people to the invasion of Ukraine, and those who didn’t like it simply left. But Vladimir Putin has made a decree that has caused discord across Russia. Has he finally pushed his people too far?Guests:Zoya Sheftalovich - Contributing editor for POLITICODr Christina Ezrahi - Historian; author of Swans of the Kremlin and Dancing for StalinDenis Volkov - Director - Levada Centre, MoscowDr Yevgenia Albats - Chief Editor of The New TimesDr Mykhailo Minakov - Philosopher; Editor in Chief of Focus Ukraine blog from the Kennan Institute at the Wilson Center
