The Briefing

Feras Basal spent nearly 50 days on a remote island for Australian Survivor - facing the ‘wheel of torture’ for hours, dislocating his shoulder in week one and enduring intense psychological strain that pushed him to his absolute limits. But alongside the physical and mental toll came a historic win, becoming the first Arab Muslim to take out the title, and the $500,000 prize. His time on the show became something bigger: a chance to challenge stereotypes, represent his community, and show a different side of his culture and faith to a national audience. In this chat with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Feras opens up about what really happens behind the scenes, how the experience changed him long after the cameras stopped rolling, and why representation in Australian media still has a long way to go.   Weekend list with Helen Smith Listener Lindsey TO READ: Remarkably Bright Creatures TO WATCH: Season 4 Love on the Spectrum on Netflix TO EAT: Nagi Maehashi My very best Vanilla Cake TO DO: Tell everyone it's your Birthday! Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday's Headlines:  Australia takes part in talks to re-open straight of Hormuz TV Broadcasters call for financial help after gambling ad ban Artemis II crew preparing to leave earth's orbit Manly beat the Dolphins and the Lions beat the Pies in the AFL Deep Dive: The Good Friday Appeal is synonymous with the Easter long weekend, and this year will be no different.  Culminating with a primetime TV event and telethon on Channel 7, the appeal – in its 95th year – looks to raised much-needed funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.  In today’s deep dive, you’ll meet an incredible family whose little boy ended up on an RCH operating table at just four weeks old, along with Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies, hosts of The Morning Show, about why the the Good Friday Appeal is such a worthy cause.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump delivered a rambling speech to the US people and the world earlier today. He began by saying the US military operations in Iran have been an overwhelming success, calling them “victories like few have ever seen before.” Mr Trump hinted the US would leave the war in the coming weeks and urged other countries to head to Iran to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, to secure their own oil. Earlier in the day Mr Trump said he was considering removing the United States from the NATO alliance. Headlines: PM Albanese addressed the National Press Club, announcing bans on gambling ads NASA's Artemis mission is on its way to the moon Mary Fowler signs a record-breaking $10 million deal with Adidas See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines: Anthony Albanese’s address to the nation draws criticism Trump to give primetime address on Iran war Gambling reform finally on the way Gen Z craving connection, collecting vinyls without record players  Further listening from the headlines:Why Albo isn’t banning gambling adsDeep Dive: More than fifty years after the last Apollo mission, humans are heading back toward the moon.   NASA's Artemis II launches today - a ten-day fly-by that marks the first crewed mission to travel this deep into space since 1972, and the first to include a woman and a Black astronaut.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with astrophysicist and ANU Associate Professor Dr Brad Tucker about what Artemis II is actually testing, why the moon has become the centrepiece of a new global space race, and what Australia's quietly crucial role looks like.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a rare national address, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has attempted to reassure Australians as the war in the Middle East hits home, sparking the biggest spike in fuel prices in history and pushing up grocery prices.  He outlines temporary measures the Federal Government is taking to ease cost‑of‑living pressures, while imploring Australians to "do their bit" by resisting the urge to stockpile and taking public transport where possible. Acknowledging the coming months "may not be easy" and these are "uncertain times", Mr Albanese says we will deal with these global challenges "the Australian way". Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A comprehensive review led by cancer researchers at UNSW has found that vaping is likely to cause lung and oral cancer, even before long-term studies can confirm the exact risk.  The study analyses a wide body of global research to assess the ability of vapes to cause cancer on their own, rather than as a gateway to smoking.   The analysis draws together clinical studies, animal experiments and laboratory research examining the chemicals produced by e-cigarettes.  In this episode of the Briefing, the study’s lead author Bernard Stewart, an Adjunct Professor in the Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health at UNSW Sydney, joins Natarsha Belling to discuss "by far the strongest evidence" that vapes are likely to cause lung and oral cancer.  Headlines:  PM to address the nation on war in the Middle East ATO hands small business tax relief in wake of Iran war Double demerits in NSW/ACT kick in tonight for the Easter long weekend. Tiger Woods stepping away from golf to focus on his health  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: Trump tells allies to ‘get your own oil’   Israel's ambassador defends new death penalty for Palestinians Dezi Freeman’s family speaks out after his death Hip pocket changes coming in from today Kris Jenner becomes Chinese cultural icon Deep Dive: Despite its insanely strict, all-encompassing rejection of meat and animal by-products, veganism was once the darling of sustainable and ethical consumption.  But lately, many are reporting a decline in interest in the lifestyle, with areas once dominated by vegan restaurants and stores now seeing a move away from it.  In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by freelance food journalist Quincy Malesovas to try to answer the question – is veganism in Australia dying?  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dezi Freeman was shot dead by Victorian police early Monday morning. He’d been on the run for almost seven months after shooting and killing two police officers outside the regional Victorian town of Porepunkah in August last year.  Police are now trying to determine if he was helped by anyone else. Freeman considered himself to be a sovereign citizen, so he believed Australian laws didn’t apply to him.  How did he survive for so long on the run, how did he evade police for all that time, and what can we learn from the investigation now underway?  In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Macquarie University’s Dr Vincent Hurley, one of Australia leading policing and criminological academics…  Headlines:  RBA scraps card surcharges in big win for consumers Jackie O sues ARN Media Iran says there have been no negotiations with US + Further Attacks Celine Dion to return to live performing Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Cheaper fuel could take weeks to flow despite excise cut Albanese calls on Donald Trump to be clearer about his war plans Vaping likely causes cancer Five social media platforms are being investigated for potentially failing to comply with the social media ban Latest additions to the National Film and Sound Archive revealed Deep Dive: A landmark US court ruling has found Meta and Google legally responsible for the way their platforms are designed, declaring Instagram and YouTube addictive by design.  The decision is being framed as big tech’s “big tobacco moment,” raising the prospect of global lawsuits while intensifying pressure on governments, including in Australia, to regulate algorithms before more harm is done.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young about her party’s proposed ‘Fix Our Feeds’ bill, how it would give users control over algorithms, and whether Australia is ready or even capable to take on the power of big tech.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deep Dive: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced he will halve the fuel and diesel excise, after a National Cabinet meeting this morning over the fuel crisis.    In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Katina Curtis, Canberra bureau chief at The West Australian, to bring you everything you need to know and the PM’s plans for the nation for challenging times ahead. Headlines:  Dezi Freeman shot dead in rural Victoria after seven months on the run Trump claims Iran has agreed to most of 15-point peace plan One Nation wins third seat in South Australia ARN to call Jackie O as witness in case against Kyle Sandilands   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BREAKING: Dezi Freeman, the man at the centre of one of Victoria’s most extensive manhunts, has been shot dead by police, ending a six-month manhunt.   In this breaking news update from The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt gets you up to speed on what we know so far.  Further listening: Inside the hunt for Dezi FreemanFollow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: National Cabinet to discuss fuel crisis today Iran says it will ‘rain fire’ on US troops Emergency relief announced for residents after tropical Cyclone Narelle Australia to play a key role in this week’s moon expedition  Kylie Minogue to headline AFL grand final Deep Dive: The state of democracy is always up for debate here in Australia - whether it’s the rise of One Nation, the influence of Donald Trump and his “voter fraud”, social algorithms, or just how well our democratic society is really functioning.  While democracy is often seen as stable or even untouchable, that may not actually be the case. So, what does it take for a democratic society to function successfully?  In this episode of The Briefing, David Moscrop, a Canadian political scientist and author of Too Dumb For Democracy, unpacks what happens when factors like emotion, technology, AI and our values begin to work against it. David Moscrop appears at Melbourne Writers Festival (7-10 May) and Sydney Writers' Festival (17-24 May) Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The multi-billion dollar fertility industry brings joy to so many who need medical assistance to have a baby. But it's also described as the "Wild West" for a lack of regulation. In the latest case to make headlines, twin sisters discovered they weren't biologically related to their parents following a DNA test. The woman they knew as mum had been implanted with the wrong embryos in an IVF mix-up 30 years ago in Sydney. They're not alone. In this bonus episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling talks with Amelia Oberhardt, who investigated the fertility industry for her podcast Secrets We Keep: By Any Means Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katherine Bennell-Pegg is the 2026 Australian of the Year and the first person to qualify as an astronaut under Australia’s own space program. She’s an engineer, a space leader, and one of just a handful of people on the planet to complete astronaut training with the European Space Agency selected from more than 22,000 applicants. In this chat with Helen Smith, Katherine unpacks what it really takes to become an astronaut, the invisible ways space technology shapes our everyday lives, and whether we’ve truly made progress for women in STEM. Find Katherine on Insta @aussieastrokatherine Weekend list with Dan Mullins Listener Zoey TO WATCH: Australian Survivor TO WATCH: Project Hail Mary  TO DO: Walk 🚶🏼‍♂️ TO WATCH: The Magic Faraway Tree Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastListenerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a new TikTok wellness trend doing the rounds: so-called 'Trimester Zero'. But experts warn online fertility advice can be exploitative and is creating unnecessary pressure and anxiety among people trying to conceive. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr Rachel Rodgers, fertility specialist at IVF Australia, to discuss the growing focus on health before pregnancy - and sort fact from fiction. Headlines:  PM responds to Trump condemning Australia's lack of support for US in war  Calls to cut fuel excise amid skyrocketing costs Cyclone Narelle smashes WA coast Kyle Sandilands has his day in court over $100 million contract Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Trump says it’s up to Iran to make ceasefire deal Fuel crisis continues with more than 650 stations running dry Tropical Cyclone Narelle heads to north west WA IOC bans trans athletes from women's Olympic events Former Venezuelan president appears in court in New York Deep Dive: The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton is one of those stories that’s been loved across generations and now, it’s getting a fresh life on the big screen.   The new film tackles our addiction to technology and follows a modern family who swap screens for the outdoors, only to discover a magical world that helps them reconnect with each other and themselves.   In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith speaks with Jessica Gunning, who plays Dame Washalot and who you might also recognise from Baby Reindeer. She joined us while in Australia ahead of the film’s premiere to unpack why nostalgia continues to resonate, and whether the Faraway Tree series reminds us of the wonder we lose when we’re always looking down at our devices.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deep Dive: Meta and YouTube have been found liable in a landmark social media addiction trial – that's being called the ‘Big Tobacco’ moment for Big Tech. A Los Angeles jury has delivered the victory for a young woman who filed a lawsuit against the big tech giants, claiming their platforms contributed to her childhood social media addiction with negligence being a substantial factor  . In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Seven’s Sarah Greenhalgh, who’s reported extensively on social media, to talk about the decision expected to have wide-reaching implications, potentially shaping the outcome of hundreds of similar cases currently moving through US courts.  Headlines:  Qantas to swap larger planes with smaller one to save on fuel National Cabinet to meet next week to discuss fuel crisis  Trump prepares to ‘unleash hell’ on 'uncooperative' Iran  Israel making further advances into Lebanon  NAB slashes almost 500 jobs    Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines:  Iran rejects US peace plan Meta and YouTube found liable in social media addiction trial National cabinet is set to convene next week to discuss Australia’s fuel supply  Super El Nino on the way later this year Ahmed al Ahmed keys to the city Deep Dive: The Installation of the 106th, and first female Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, took place at Canterbury Cathedral on Wednesday March 25 (UK time), the Feast of the Annunciation.  Historically known as an enthronement, the Installation marks the symbolic start of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s public ministry in the Church of England and across the Anglican Communion.  The Canterbury Cathedral released a statement saying: “Rooted in centuries of tradition, the service will look forward with the hope of Jesus Christ - and celebrate the diversity of the Church of England, the nation and the Anglican Communion today”.  In this episode of the Briefing, Natarsha Belling talks to cultural historian Associate Professor Cindy McCreery about this historic moment for the Church. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deep Dive: Australia could see its food production halved within months in a nightmare scenario, brought about by the continuing war in Iran. What will it mean for putting food on your table?  Farmers are warning they’re already unable to purchase enough fertiliser and diesel to plant their winter crops. It’s a perfect storm. The federal government this week announced a new trade deal with the European Union, worth $10billion. Farmers say it was a dud deal.  With the war in Iran now showing no signs of easing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Hamish McIntyre, President of the National Farmers Federation to take us through what will it mean for Australians and their weekly grocery bills? Headlines:  US sends 15-point plan to Iran to stop the war Commonwealth not planning on fuel rationing  ABC staff walk off the job over pay dispute Inflation slightly lower than expected Narelle gearing up for record-breaking move Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines:  Fuel shortages ramp up as diesel standards lowered Most Aussies want the Iran war to end and Pakistan tipped to lead peace talks ABC programs pulled as staff walk off the job Married at First Sight expert Mel Schilling has died at the age of 54 The Hannah Montana 20th anniversary special is out Deep Dive: It’s been more than a thousand days since a landmark inquiry recommended a full ban on gambling advertising in Australia, yet despite the scale of harm and billions lost each year, the federal government has failed to act.  Evidence from the probe revealed an inescapable and predatory system, with aggressive tactics normalising gambling for young Australians and targeting those most at risk.  In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Independent MP Kate Chaney about why reform has stalled, the influence of powerful lobbying groups, and her push to force change in Parliament.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world was stunned but not surprised when US President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran over the weekend – open the Strait of Hormuz or Trump will order the US military to begin an unprecedented campaign on the gulf state. Trump’s now extended that deadline for a further five days, claiming Iran is keen to reach an agreement with the US. Iran denies it's in talks.  In this episode of the Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr Malcolm Davis, a Senior Analyst with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s Defence Strategy Program to discuss the standoff between the US and Iran. What are the latest developments and what they mean...and are we paying the price of Trump's war games? If Trump gets this strategy wrong, what it could mean for the rest of the world. Headlines:  Australia signs trade deal worth $10b per year. War continues as Trump extends 48-hour ultimatum. Consumer confidence crashes in wake of war. Tehran-aligned terror group claims responsibility for London ambulance attack. Bill Cosby ordered to pay $US19m for historical sexual assault. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines:  Trump postpones strikes on Iran’s power plants, says talks scheduled for today Multiple crises headed for Australia as Iran war continues Australia to sign free trade deal with EU ABC staff to strike for the first time in 20 years Less eggs and higher prices hit Easter choccies Further listening from the headlines: China & the secret chocolate factory Deep Dive: One Nation had its biggest showing in a state election in decades - with one in five South Australians backing it at the ballot box over the weekend.  The polls flagged it was coming, but the scale of support has forced a harder look at what's really driving voters away from the major parties, and it's not just Pauline Hanson’s anti-immigration politics.  In this episode, Chris Spyrou speaks with Sean Kelly, a former advisor to Prime Ministers Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard, to unpack the forces behind One Nation's resurgence, what the major parties can actually do about it, and whether this result is unique to South Australia.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by NSW Premier Chris Minns who speaks candidly about the challenges facing Australians and the challenges politicians face in an ever-changing political landscape.  Think housing affordability and availability, the Middle East, Donald Trump, One Nation, immigration and much more.... Mr Minns talks about problems facing all Australians opening up about his greatest achievements and his greatest learnings. This is an extended sit-down interview and Mr Minns announces a new bond rental scheme for the very first time. Headlines:  Iran not backing down to Trump’s ultimatum. Cyclone Narelle moves west as tropical low. Kyle Sandilands sues ARN for breach of contract. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines:  One Nation wins at least one lower house seat at SA election NT braces for flooding on the back of ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle Deadline looms for Iran to re-open strait of Hormuz Aussie gen Z women feeling more disconnected than men Saturday Night Live UK debuts to mixed reviews Further listening from the headlines:  Part 1: The real victims of the manosphere  Part 2: How Flynn escaped the manosphere How Wil Anderson escaped the Sunday scaries Deep Dive: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization or NATO has been the backbone of western security for eight decades. But with Donald Trump turning up the heat on the alliance and a war in the Middle East pulling members in different directions, questions about its future are louder than ever.   In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by national political editor of The Nightly, Andrew Greene to unpack what NATO actually is, why it matters to Australia, and what western security might look like if the US walked away.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shein is back in the headlines, as a court in Paris considers whether the fast-fashion giant’s online platform should be suspended. The retailer has faced intense scrutiny after disturbing products including child-like sex dolls - which were discovered on its site late last year. Campaigners say this isn’t just a European issue, pointing to a rise in the sale of child-like sex dolls to Australians through major online platforms like Shein and Temu. With advocates warning these dolls may normalise child abuse, and argue some platforms are using questionable tactics to bypass strict laws and border enforcement in Australia. In this bonus episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy is joined by Caitlin Roper from Collective Shout, who is leading the campaign for stronger action. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony Mundine has spent most of his life in the spotlight and by his own admission he's no stranger to danger. From the highest-paid player in the NRL to a world champion boxer, he's one of the most talked-about athletes this country has ever produced. But it's never just been about sport. Mundine has always mixed his success with politics, music, and moments that have kept him firmly in the headlines - sometimes for the right reasons, sometimes not. In this episode of The Weekend Briefing, Chris Spyrou sits down with Anthony ‘The Man’ Mundine to hear about the moments that shaped him – from growing up with little money to owning the same car as James Bond, the racism he faced on and off the field, and why he walked away from footy at the peak of his powers. They also get into his complicated relationship with the Australian media, what he really thinks about Pauline Hanson, and the deeply personal story behind his collaboration with the late Archie Roach - a song about the Stolen Generation that sat unreleased for nearly 20 years. Weekend list with Sacha Barbour Gatt Listener Matty TO LISTEN: From Zero by Linkin Park TO LISTEN: Tracy Chapman  TO TAKE: Berocca Immune Daily Defence TO PLAN: Flu vaccine  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There have been some major upsets in this year’s Aussie Rich List, with some standout winners and losers.  In this episode of the Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by the curator of the annual list, John Stensholt, to unpack the top 10 and the Aussie leaders who have made and lost billions.  Headlines:  The Prime Minister has played down being heckled while visiting a mosque in Western Sydney Trucking industry groups are warning that food costs will skyrocket as operators deal with fuel and diesel shortages US President Donald Trump has made a joke about Pearl Harbour while meeting the Japanese Prime Minister Australia has slipped to its lowest-ever ranking in the World Happiness Report Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The manosphere became the focus of content creator Flynn Martin’s online presence. He went viral for a video many called offensive and out of touch, triggering a huge backlash. Flynn now says he was 'radicalised' by figures like Andrew Tate, with the constant stream of content shaping how he saw the world. Now, he warns much of what these influencers promote is misleading and often false. In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith talks to Flynn about how he got pulled into the manosphere, the role his mental health played and the support that helped him find a way out. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.