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
May 29, 2024 • 33min
Why is China so obsessed with Taiwan?
Explore the potential global conflict over Taiwan as China aims to claim territory without sparking a nuclear war. Delve into the historical roots of the civil war and the complex geopolitical landscape between Taiwan, China, and the US. Understand the strategic moves in the South China Sea and the escalating tensions surrounding Taiwan, a possible flashpoint for conflict.
May 22, 2024 • 19min
The brutal and bloody career of Iranian President Raisi
Earlier this week the President of Iran Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash in bad weather.Raisi was a phenomenally important figure in Middle Eastern politics — not just Iran's President, but the likely next Supreme Leader of Iran.He got there through acts of extreme brutality, showing his willingness to do anything to defend the Iranian status quo.How did Ebrahim Raisi become the heir-apparent to the Iranian Supreme Leadership, and what could happen now he's gone?Listen to our other episodes about Iran:Iran, Israel and the calculus of revengeThe Ayatollah who dreamed of an Iranian caliphateHow the Shah's cancer led to Iran's rift with the USSubscribe to If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.Check out our series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0_VTGzZj2U
May 15, 2024 • 16min
Should we treat domestic violence like we treat terrorism?
Exploring the comparison between domestic violence and terrorism, the podcast delves into the origins of attention towards both issues. It discusses the challenges faced in establishing women's refuges, unveiling the tactics of domestic violence, and addressing the budget discrepancies between women's safety and counterterrorism measures.
May 8, 2024 • 15min
The man who destroyed his life to try to put Trump in jail
Former personal attorney of Donald Trump, Michael Cohen, discusses his role as a star witness in the Trump 'hush-money' trial and his attempt to take down Trump despite personal and legal obstacles. The podcast explores his involvement in suppressing negative stories about Trump's affair, his fraud investigations, and the turbulent aftermath of his legal entanglements and loyalty to Trump.
May 1, 2024 • 15min
Is Brisbane repeating the Olympic mistakes of the past
Explore the financial challenges and risks faced by Brisbane in preparing for the 2032 Olympics, drawing parallels to the disastrous 1976 Montreal Games. Dive into the evolution of amateurism, corporate influence, and the shift towards commercialization in the Olympics. Delve into the ambitious yet flawed execution of the Montreal Olympics, highlighting the pitfalls of overbuilding infrastructure and facing financial crises.
Apr 24, 2024 • 15min
Could Benjamin Netanyahu go to jail?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing corruption charges, is fighting to remain in power amidst intense media battles involving tycoons like James Packer. The situation mirrors Trump's, but with an old-school twist. Netanyahu's actions could impact the Middle East conflict and his own fate.
Apr 22, 2024 • 30min
Looking for Modi 07 | One billion voters
Exploring the challenges of critiquing Modi in India's democracy, the podcast delves into global perceptions, upcoming elections, and the consequences of reporting on Modi. Discusses the dominance of Modi in the political landscape, international responses, and concerns of authoritarianism. Examines the impact of Modi's leadership on Indian democracy.
Apr 17, 2024 • 15min
Iran, Israel and the calculus of revenge
A cycle of revenge escalates between Iran and Israel, with calculated moves on both sides. Recent events include an Israeli airstrike killing two Iranian Generals and a counterattack. Analysis delves into the strategic actions, Soleimani's influence, and legal justifications for military actions. The conflict involves drone strikes, missile interceptions, and escalating tensions
Apr 15, 2024 • 33min
Looking for Modi 06 | Modi and the money
Lifting Indians out of poverty lies at the core of Narendra Modi's wildly popular political strategy. And it's worked: during his Prime Ministership, India has risen from the tenth largest economy in the world to the fifth. But this rising tide has also widened the gap between the rich and the poor in India, and has raised questions about Modi's ties to business leaders who have turned the nation's rise to their own advantage.
Apr 10, 2024 • 20min
Why do people hate wind farms? — Live
People don't like wind farms. They say they're bad for wildlife, they affect property values and they create pollution.But are any of these claims true?Today, the wind farm debate and how it nearly tore the small Australian community of King Island apart.This episode of If You're Listening is a live recording from the Newcastle Writers Festival.Subscribe to If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.Check out our series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ-9hfWk8TI
