

Background Briefing
ABC
Background Briefing tells true stories not everyone will want you to hear. We infuse investigative reporting with captivating drama, following the thread of an individual story only to find that it leads us to something bigger. It's the only podcast in Australia that does this week in, week out.
Hosted by Thomas Oriti.
We want to hear from you too. If you have a tip-off, please contact us at backgroundbriefing[at]abc.net.au
Hosted by Thomas Oriti.
We want to hear from you too. If you have a tip-off, please contact us at backgroundbriefing[at]abc.net.au
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 6, 2025 • 35min
04 Before and After | Behind the sunscreen
Loretta Florence, an investigative reporter who narrated a deep dive into zinc sunscreens, teams up with Craig Jones, founder of Moogoo, who uncovered major flaws in his own sunscreen products. They discuss how a troubling zinc shipment led to alarming SPF tests that fell far short of advertised claims. The duo navigates supplier blame, legal challenges, and industry advocacy while spotlighting a shared ARTG number causing safety concerns. With regulatory hurdles and misleading advertising claims, this investigation reveals troubling truths about the sunscreen industry.

Nov 28, 2025 • 37min
03 Before and After | Under your skin
The injectable industry is booming, but behind the glossy ads and plump looks, some patients are discovering filler that doesn’t dissolve. This week reporter Gina McKeon reveals the hidden risks of chasing an Instagrammable face.

Nov 21, 2025 • 33min
02 Before and After | For a couple extra inches
For young men struggling with body image, social media offers a radical solution: get taller by breaking your legs. As the cosmetic limb-lengthening industry booms worldwide, Emilia Terzon explores the secretive online communities obsessed with undergoing the procedure, and meets the doctors left to deal with what happens when it goes wrong.

Nov 14, 2025 • 37min
01 Before and After | The cost of keeping your hair
Hair loss ads are everywhere. Telehealth clinics with thousands of five-star reviews promise fast consults and discreet delivery to your doorstep. But what happens when the treatment messes with your brain chemistry?

Nov 7, 2025 • 1min
Introducing... Before and After
Before and After is a new series by Background Briefing that exposes how medical hype spreads online, who profits, and who pays.

Oct 17, 2025 • 40min
The secret teacher blacklist
Kim saw a teacher’s aide laughing at a video of a vulnerable student and reported it to the principal. She had no idea it would come to define the next seven years of her life.

Oct 10, 2025 • 32min
05 The Favourite - A Day in Court
After years of manipulation, Alliyah is determined to see justice done. When Kellie appears in the dock, what will she say? And how will the judge respond?

Oct 3, 2025 • 35min
04 The Favourite | Full Disclosure
Alliyah steps into a police station on the outskirts of Brisbane, and says: “I want to report a crime.” After keeping the so-called relationship with Kellie secret for almost a decade, Alliyah is finally ready to tell their story.

Sep 26, 2025 • 40min
03 The Favourite | Alliyah's choice
A new job and a surprise encounter show Alliyah that another way is possible. Will they manage to slip out of Kellie's control?

Sep 19, 2025 • 35min
02 The Favourite | A marriage proposal
When the principal discovers Alliyah and their teacher Kellie are exchanging secret messages outside class, Kellie is warned — but not fired. Then, on the last day of Alliyah’s graduation, another message arrives: “Secret squirrel… you can’t tell anyone.” As suspicion mounts at home, Alliyah's connection with Kellie grows stronger and more dangerous by the day.


