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
Mar 13, 2024 • 20min
Why does Putin bother holding elections?
Russia is in the midst of an election, but we already know Vladimir Putin will win. He always wins.So why does Russia bother holding elections? What’s the point?Putin learned a lesson many years ago about the illusion of democracy, and it’s one he has never forgotten.
Mar 11, 2024 • 36min
Looking For Modi 01 | Humble beginnings
Every Tuesday for the next seven weeks, we'll be dropping an extra episode from a new ABC podcast into the If You're Listening feed. Looking for Modi, hosted by the ABC's South Asia correspondent Avani Dias, examines the life and political career of Indian prime minister Narendra Modi. It's a fascinating show that we think you might enjoy. Matt will be back with another episode on Thursday.Narendra Modi's rise from poverty-stricken childhood has been a major appeal throughout his political career. He tells ordinary Indians that he is just like them, and that his life is proof of India's egalitarian democracy. But in truth, some of the central elements of his own biography are disputed. What do we really know about his origin story, and how did his time spent with a volunteer right wing organisation many view as a paramilitary group influence his politics?
Mar 6, 2024 • 14min
How China hires hackers
A healthcare professional is arrested by Chinese armed police, suspected of being set up by hackers. A data leak exposes Chinese cyber espionage operations, revealing the use of deception and psychological manipulation. The podcast explores the industrialization of hacking in China, including surveillance practices and data extraction for government purposes.
Feb 28, 2024 • 15min
Is Donald Trump running out of money?
The podcast explores Donald Trump's financial troubles, including a $463.9 million fine for lying to banks. It delves into his legal battles, fundraising challenges for his presidential campaign, and his ambitious golf empire despite mounting financial woes.
Feb 21, 2024 • 17min
The Ayatollah who dreamed of an Iranian caliphate
Explore how Ayatollah Khomeini changed Middle Eastern history with his radical ideas, leading Iran to isolation but leaving a lasting impact. Learn about the chaotic funeral frenzy and the clash of tradition with modernization in 1960s Iran. Discover Khomeini's rise, exile, and establishment of a theocracy, blending religion with politics. Uncover the unforeseen effects of the Iran-Iraq War and Khomeini's complex legacy on the region.
Feb 14, 2024 • 17min
How the Shah's cancer led to Iran's rift with the US
Exploring how the Shah's cancer led to Iran's rift with the US, the podcast delves into the Shah's autocratic rule and modernization efforts, the repressive regime, the impact on Iran-US relations, the revolution and hostage crisis that strained relations further. It all started with a tiny lump in the spleen of one man.
Feb 7, 2024 • 17min
How Houthi rebels are embarrassing the world's biggest navy
Houthi rebels are attacking Israeli ships in the Red Sea, prompting the US Navy to intervene. The podcast explores the consequences for global trade and the historical significance of the Red Sea. It also discusses the measures taken by the US and UK to defend trade routes, as well as the complexities of the Houthi movement in Yemen.
Dec 13, 2023 • 18min
Can Zelenskyy get the world to care about Ukraine again?
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has a new problem. As well as fighting Russia, he also has to fight Israel and Hamas for the world's attention.The shift in attention to Gaza has already meant Ukraine has lost crucial support.The question is — can Zelenskyy get the world to care about Ukraine again? And if not, what will that mean for the war?Subscribe to If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.Check out our series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fSMBo3xGBQ
Dec 6, 2023 • 19min
What is China's "panda diplomacy"?
Discover the intriguing world of China's panda diplomacy, where pandas serve as diplomatic tools and symbols of friendship. Explore the challenges of panda reproduction in captivity and how China's shift from aggressive to more diplomatic strategies signals a potential return to peaceful relations with the West.
Nov 29, 2023 • 16min
Can OpenAI save us from a robot apocalypse?
Guest Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, discusses the potential risks of AI, OpenAI's mission to develop AI while ensuring safety, unconventional approaches of AI, concerns and controversy surrounding the firing of the CEO, and the need for government intervention.
