If You're Listening
ABC listen
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
Oct 30, 2024 • 18min
Hello America: Lost in Lansing
Join a witty road trip through Michigan as the hosts uncover political dynamics in Lansing. They chat with a Trump supporter and sample local snacks, blending humor with cultural quirks. The discussion takes a turn towards toilet vortexes and community frustrations over governance. Political discourse heats up with insights into emotional responses among Puerto Rican voters and election strategies involving key MAGA figures. It's a deliciously entertaining mix of food, politics, and community voices!
Oct 29, 2024 • 17min
Hello America: Motorcade in Michigan
Join the journey through Detroit as the speaker captures the electric atmosphere leading up to a pivotal election. Enjoy humorous anecdotes from a flight full of surprising conversations and reflections on family dynamics shaped by differing political beliefs. Delve into the rich tapestry of political polarization and its ramifications, including fears of unrest. Plus, a playful yet insightful comparison of recent rallies to historical moments adds a unique flavor to the narrative.
Oct 23, 2024 • 20min
America’s Last Election 2: The fake elector plot
Delve into the chaotic aftermath of the 2020 election as Trump sought ways to cling to power. Discover the controversial role of John Eastman and the astonishing theory that hinged on Mike Pence's complicity. Explore the historical parallels drawn with Hawaii's 1960 electoral issues, and how Trump's supporters attempted to contest votes. Uncover the scheme of fraudulent electors and the legal mess that ensued. This intense narrative reveals the unsettling tactics aimed at disrupting future elections.
Oct 16, 2024 • 21min
America’s Last Election 1: The big lie
Dive into the chaotic aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, where claims of fraud ignited unrest and strategic maneuvers were set in motion. Discover the tangled story of Dennis Montgomery, whose notorious fabrications contributed to conspiracy theories that have lingered dangerously. Explore the unsettling belief among many Americans in a rigged election and how this mindset poses threats to democracy as the nation gears up for another election cycle. The narrative unfolds with shocking revelations and critical insights into political tactics.
Oct 9, 2024 • 36min
How close did President Trump get to nuclear war?
Within months of becoming US president in 2017, Donald Trump threatened North Korea with “fire and fury”. Soon afterwards, he would tear up a nuclear deal with Iran and bring the US to the brink of war. And yet that war never came. This is the story of how Donald Trump resisted temptation and kept the peace.This is a repeat episode, it was first broadcast on September 21, 2020. You can hear the rest of that series on our website or in our podcast feed: America, If You’re Listening.News audio used in this episode comes from: Arirang News, Inside Edition, CNN, ABC America, Democracy Now, Fox News, CBS, ABC News, and France 24. Follow If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.Check out our series on YouTube: https://youtu.be/J2021J90VM8?si=Tzw4B2i3Zp_qzPaK
Oct 2, 2024 • 17min
Is AI a threat to humans?
Explore the fascinating world of OpenAI and its ambitious quest to create superintelligent AI while safeguarding humanity. Delve into the internal struggles between safety and profit, spotlighting the dramatic power dynamics involving CEO Sam Altman. Is an AI apocalypse on the horizon, or can we trust our technological creations? The discussion poses thought-provoking questions on risks, benefits, and the urgent need for regulation in AI development.
Sep 25, 2024 • 16min
Can India and China bury the hatchet?
In a pivotal discussion, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping explore the evolving relationship between India and China after years of tension. They dive into historical flashpoints like the Pangong Tso conflict and Galwan Valley skirmishes. The leaders discuss strategic alliances like the Quad in response to China's regional influence and the shifting geopolitical dynamics that could reshape their diplomatic ties. What does this thaw mean for their countries and the world? Tune in for insights!
Sep 18, 2024 • 20min
How US YouTubers were paid to spread Putin’s propaganda
This month, the US Justice Department unsealed an indictment of two Russian state media employees. It alleges that they were funnelling millions of dollars into the pockets of American YouTubers, known for their contrarian viewpoints and controversial takes on the war in Ukraine. The YouTubers say they are victims of a criminal scheme and did not know they were being paid by Russia. But it’s not the first time that something like this has happened. There’s a long history of foreign adversaries covertly paying Americans to spread fake news to other Americans—it’s a move right out of Nazi Germany’s propaganda playbook.Subscribe to If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.Check out our series on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6XNK55tc3x8?si=LfMKtmTckpSzSGHO
Sep 11, 2024 • 15min
The sci-fi Saudi city that might be a scam
The massive infrastructure project NEOM sits in the Saudi Arabian desert, and the jewel in its crown is The Line, a futuristic city which looks insane. The AI-generated ads depict a car-free city, for 9 million people, housed between two mirrors. Despite promises of millions of residents by 2030, the project has been scaled back by 98 per cent. The Line will be more like a dot. So what the hell happened? And was it all just a scam?Subscribe to If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.Check out our series on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SQdCl-cX-cU?si=AEQhcHtoBQXz2tSn
Sep 4, 2024 • 17min
How Ukraine called Putin’s nuclear bluff
In this discussion, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine analyzes the bold moves his country is making against Russia, challenging Vladimir Putin's nuclear threats. Zelenskyy emphasizes how Ukraine's incursion into Russian territory has shifted perceptions of 'red lines' in warfare. They delve into how these military maneuvers affect international support and the potential redefinition of nuclear deterrence. The conversation also considers China’s cautious stance amidst the escalating tensions and its impact on global relations.
