If You're Listening
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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
May 14, 2025 • 25min
The man betting big on Trump's tariffs
Howard Lutnick, the controversial former Commerce Secretary under Trump, shares his gripping journey from Wall Street titan to a pivotal figure in America’s trade policies. The discussion dives into his rationale behind aggressive tariff strategies and the chaotic economic fallout that followed. Lutnick reflects on personal tragedies, including the impact of 9/11 on his career and philanthropy. With candor, he navigates the high-stakes world of trade negotiations, revealing the reckless gamble that might reshape America’s economic landscape.
18 snips
May 7, 2025 • 24min
Australia vs the Internet: Conservative kill screen
Explore the unexpected defeat of Conservative parties in Canada and Australia and the fallout of leadership changes. Delve into how social media and the endorsements from figures like Elon Musk have shaped political narratives. Discover the global impact of Musk and Trump on conservative politics, revealing tensions faced by local leaders. Analyze the challenges of nationalism amid economic concerns and the growing threat of misinformation undermining democracy. This lively discussion sheds light on the evolving landscape of political influence.
24 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 26min
Australia vs the Internet: Misinformation overload
The influence of misinformation looms large over the upcoming Australian election, fueling public anxiety with myths like the 'death tax.' Social media's shifting verification model complicates trust and content moderation, raising tough questions about free speech. A troubling case of radicalization linked to online extremism underscores the dire consequences of misinformation. Meanwhile, the Australian government grapples with social media platforms over violent content, highlighting the clash between safety, responsibility, and freedom in the digital landscape.
10 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 25min
Australia vs the Internet: RIP your newsfeed
Discover how tech billionaires shape political discourse and the fight between Australia and social media giants over funding local journalism. The podcast dives into the evolution of news delivery from print to pixels, raising questions about accountability. It also discusses significant legal challenges around defamation and the influence of Section 230 on internet responsibilities. Explore the tumultuous relationship between traditional media and tech platforms, spotlighting the impact of new regulations on the future of news in Australia.
8 snips
Apr 16, 2025 • 32min
The secret weapon that changed war forever
Marc Fennell, a distinguished host known for his work on ABC RN's "No One Saw It Coming," joins the discussion about the Confederate submarine HL Hunley. This innovative vessel attempted to revolutionize underwater warfare during the Civil War, leading to a tragic mission that marked a turning point. The engaging conversation weaves humor with historical insights, examining how this stealth technology has shaped military tactics and the significance of historical narratives in understanding modern conflicts. Fennell also touches on the cultural implications of victory in America.
Apr 14, 2025 • 2min
Australia vs the Internet
The podcast dives into the shifting dynamics of political elections and misinformation. It highlights the upcoming Australian federal election, where social media's role has changed drastically. Explore how billionaires now influence political narratives and decisions directly. The discussion also touches on global challenges in regulating tech giants and Australia's unique efforts to combat online misinformation. Listeners will gain insights into the implications for democracy and the safety of young voters navigating this new landscape.
20 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 17min
How Japan dodged a global housing crisis
Explore how Japan transformed from a housing market crisis to affordable home ownership. Discover the impactful policies from the era of Yasuhiro Nakasone and the unique town planning strategies that shaped their success. Uncover the tension between urban development and community heritage in Tokyo, as rising land prices challenge traditional neighborhoods. Finally, compare Japan's housing dynamics, cultural practices, and tax policies with Australia’s struggles, offering insights into potential solutions for global housing challenges.
16 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 24min
Can Tesla survive Trump and Elon's bromance?
Elon Musk's Tesla faces a storm as stock prices and sales decline, largely due to public backlash against his Trump ties. Historical boycotts of an American beer brand provide context, revealing how political relationships can impact a company. The show reflects on a brewing family's legacy during Prohibition, highlighting their innovative resilience. The chilling tale of the Coors family's history adds depth, exploring how fear and power influence business. Plus, there’s buzz about an upcoming live show and a new podcast on hidden histories!
7 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 20min
Why is Trump suddenly obsessed with rare earths?
Donald Trump's newfound fascination with rare earth elements could be a game-changer in global politics. The discussion highlights the importance of these materials for technology, especially in producing electric vehicles. The potential multibillion-dollar deal with Ukraine raises questions about resource access and military support. There's also skepticism about the actual rarity and value of these elements compared to precious metals. The podcast dives into environmental challenges and the geopolitical maneuvering surrounding this precious resource.
4 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 24min
Why France isn’t counting on Trump
The podcast delves into France's long-standing skepticism towards U.S. reliability, particularly in light of Trump's shifting stance on Ukraine. It explores historical contexts, tracing back to Charles de Gaulle’s era and highlighting pivotal moments of American support during WWII. The discussion addresses Franco-American tensions, particularly during the Cold War, examining de Gaulle's doubts about U.S. commitments to European security. Furthermore, it considers France's military independence and the implications of evolving global alliances in today’s geopolitical landscape.
