The Briefing

Casinos are usually synonymous with high rollers and high stakes. But running a business of the size and scale of a casino comes with big risks and big expenses – despite having a possibly never-ending stream of clientele addicted to participating in what you’re selling. The Star Entertainment Group – who operate casinos in Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast – entered a trading halt, minutes before the Australian share market opened today, after failing to post its half-year financial results. On this catch-up episode of The Briefing, gambling expert and associate professor at Monash University Charles Livingstone joins Chris Spyrou to explain how we got here. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday headlines: Australian divorce rates at lowest in half a century, Penny Wong accuses coalition of ‘gunboat diplomacy’, mystery surrounds death of legendary Hollywood actor, and Katy Perry is going to space on all-woman crewed Blue Origin mission.  Deep Dive: The government has approved a deal that will let Qatar Airways buy a quarter of Virgin Australia. The deal means an extra 28 flights a week – and there’s hope more competition in the sector equals cheaper airfares going forward. The Treasurer Jim Chalmers yesterday greenlit the deal with some caveats – including a guarantee of an Aussies on the Virgin board and protection of customer data.   You might remember the political shitfight that was Labor knocking back a bid by the same airline to operate more routes in Australia in 2023 – with the Opposition and others accusing the Government of being far too cosy with Qantas.   On this episode of The Briefing, author of the Chairmans Lounge and founder of new Australian media company Rampart News, Joe Aston, joins Bension Siebert to explain what this is going to mean for all of us flying in the future, and what Qantas might be feeling about it all. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Overnight, comedian and broadcaster Marty Sheargold parted ways with Triple M after comments he made on his drive show surrounding his views on the national Australian women’s soccer team The Matildas. But what you might have missed in the backlash was additional commentary made by Sheargold on his views on endometriosis, and his perception that women suffering from the condition were exaggerating or making up the experience. Endometriosis is a debilitating disease affecting 1 in 7 females and those assigned female at birth across the country. Often described as an “invisible illness”, sufferers were quick to voice their outrage.But what does joking about endo in this way do to the stigmatisation of people experiencing it in this country right now? On this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with two individuals who know what they're talking about when it comes to the disease – chair of Endometriosis Australia Monica Forlano, and ambassador and podcaster Ellie Angel-Mobbs.  Find out more about the work of Endometriosis Australia here https://endometriosisaustralia.org/  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines: Dutton defends share purchases and late property disclosures, religious sect jailed over death of Elizabeth Struhs, cost of private health insurance in Australia to go up and Marty Sheargold and Triple M "mutually part ways". Deep Dive: Millions of people have been displaced, thousands killed, and tensions with Rwanda are threatening to spill into a regional war—so why aren’t we hearing more about the Democratic Republic of Congo? While the country is no stranger to political instability, its latest flare-up along its eastern border is capturing little to no Western attention, despite it attracting condemnation from the United Nations. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with former AFP and Politico journalist Emmet Livingstone from inside the DRC to explain what’s happening – and why it feels like a huge chunk of the world’s not watching.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If it benefits the health of the whole country, would you be willing to pay for someone else in Australia to lose weight? Ozempic, Wegovy and medications like them have revolutionised weight loss in Australia and around the world in the past few years, and both are now approved for treating diabetes and your taxpayer money goes towards subsidising their cost. But the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme has rejected funding them for weight loss. This means that people who are overweight but do not have diabetes are looking at hundreds of dollars a month if they want to try them to lose weight. On this episode of the Briefing, we’re asking – is that the right call? Bension Siebert is joined by Jonathan Karnon, Professor in Health Economics at Flinders University’s College of Medicine and Public Health, and Lauren Ball, Professor of Community Health and Wellbeing at The University of Queensland, to help answer the question. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: Labor pushes Peter Dutton on allegations of insider trading, ABC says it’s spent $1.1 million on Antoinette Lattouf’s unfair dismissal case and AI videos of Donald Trump kissing Elon Musk’s feet have been played by hackers at federal department in the US. Deep Dive: Have we just witnessed one of the biggest technological achievements in our lifetime?  Microsoft has revealed a new quantum computer chip – and an Australian team has been pivotal in its creation. But what’s behind a quantum chip, how much work goes into making one and when could we see these computers come to life?  Professor David Reilly is a University of Sydney quantum physicist who has worked for Microsoft on the development of this quantum computer chip and is now leading the charge here in Australia. He joins Helen Smith on this episode of The Briefing to explain how it works, and what it means to him to have worked on the development. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With cost of living dominating the 2025 election, it was only a matter of time before Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a major move. Over the weekend, he announced an $8.5 billion Medicare investment, aiming to make 90% of GP visits free by the end of the decade. But just hours later, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton matched the pledge dollar for dollar—escalating the battle over who’s to blame for Australia’s bulk-billing crisis. So, will this massive cash injection actually make it easier to see a doctor for free? And how much of this is just election politics? In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with James Gillespie, CEO of Cleanbill, to break down what this promise really means for everyday Australians.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Anthony Albanese speaks about Medicare, racism and the US, New telco rules to protect DV victims announced, SAG awards recap. Deep Dive: Three Chinese warships unexpectedly entered international waters off the coast of Sydney and fired missiles over the weekend. Australian pilots on commercial passenger flights to New Zealand were reportedly radioed directly by the warships, advising them to immediately divert course. So why did China send the ships, how worried should we be, and is Australia prepared? On this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with international and political editor of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, Peter Hartcher.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pope Francis is currently battling a serious bout of double pneumonia, with his condition described by the Vatican over the weekend as “critical”. As Catholics around the world pray for his recovery and health, you might find yourself asking; what happens if he dies? How is a new pope chosen? And did the movie currently getting Oscars buzz, Conclave, get it right? In today’s deep dive, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Oxford historian and Catholic Church expert, Dr Miles Pattenden, to find out how the church plans for the death or resignation of a pope. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: New poll shows Labor on track to lose the election as the Coalition matches Labor’s Medicare boost, today marks the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Pope asks for more prayers from hospital and Federal US employees asked to list their accomplishments as Elon Musk threatens to fire them Deep Dive: Have you heard the recent rumours that Peter Dutton might be ‘Peggy Sue’? Creator and sex worker Kayla Jade, who boasts 1.9 million followers on TikTok, has made her fame by talking about her work with her clients – with aliases of course – including a high-profile male client who pays her thousands of dollars to peg him.Dubbed ‘Peggy Sue’, comments underneath videos sharing her stories with him take guesses at who the high-profile client could be – with the front runner gaining most traction being the Opposition leader, Peter Dutton. Enter TikTokker and vocal critic of the Coalition, and its leader, Holly MacAlpine, who seized upon the moment, calling on her audience to flood Dutton’s comment section on socials with the words ‘Peggy Sue’. While rumours and personal attacks swirling ahead of an election are nothing new, there’s a clear shift in where they’re originating from, with creators and commentators leading the charge online. And with this year’s vote the first where Gen Z and millennials will outnumber Boomers at the ballot box, who is influencing young voters and leading the discourse – will make a difference. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Holly MacAlpine to explore what she thinks of the ‘Peggy Sue’ meme, politics on TikTok, and the influence of people like her.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Resilience is a journey we’re all on - and it's the cornerstone of one of Australia’s top podcasts, The Imperfects. Hosted by Hugh van Cuylenburg, Josh van Cuylenburg, and Ryan Shelton, the show has become a go-to for authentic conversations about life’s challenges. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, The Imperfects pour themselves a cup of vulnerabilitea and get real about toxic masculinity, making friends as adults and what Americans really think of them. Find tickets to their live show here. Tickets go on sale on Monday 24 February at 11am, local time. Weekend list with Helen Smith TO WATCH: Pose on SBS on Demand TO READ: Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty TO DO: Line Dancing at your local pub or club TO WATCH: Mo on Netflix Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are your noise-cancelling headphones doing you serious damage? In ear, over-ear, for work, for working out, for study, for music festivals – removing background or outside noise has started to become an essential part of our listening experience day-to-day. But what if we’re going to all this effort – only to be doing terrible damage to our hearing, our memory and our brains? Wayne Wilson is an associate professor in the school of health and rehabilitation sciences at The University of Queensland. He joins Sacha Barbour Gatt on this episode of The Briefing to explain how it all works.   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Luis Rubiales found guilty of sexual assault over soccer player kiss, Peter Dutton wrongly says Labor is fast-tracking citizenship for Gazans to win votes, Meta and Google pull out of sponsoring Sydney’s Mardi Gras among DEI fight in the US, and the chances of an asteroid hitting earth yo-yos. Deep Dive: For decades now, whether you like it or not, we’ve had a desire to keep up with famous people, know their secrets and delight over their scandals. Up until recently, we’ve relied on so-called “sources” to spill the tea to a gossip rag or for paparazzi to capture an outrageous moment. Then came social media and it felt like we were getting a little glimpse behind the curtain into the “real” lives of famous people. But there’s no better source than straight from the horse’s mouth. Enter the TikTok lip reader, and it’s not just celebs in their sights; it’s politicians too. On this episode of The Briefing, we speak to Nina Dellinger, or @ninacelested on TikTok, a lip reader who is sharing what she thinks celebs and pollies are saying, why she creates the content she does, and how she does it. Further listening from the headlines: 'Asteroid hurtling towards Earth? Meet the team tasked with protecting us' is out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During last year’s election, Donald Trump joked about becoming a dictator, but “only on day one” of his second term as president. But over the past month, Trump has ignored laws passed by the US Congress, rejected the authority of US courts, forced the deletion of thousands of government websites and destroyed reams of scientific literature and public health data. It’s starting to look less and less like a joke. On this episode of the Briefing, Bension Siebert dives deep into whether Trump is genuinely beginning to turn the US into a dictatorship, and as Trump’s politics gain traction in Australia – most recently through billionaire Clive Palmer’s new political party – we ask what it would mean for this country if the world’s most powerful democracy slid into autocracy. On the other hand, Trump is no Hitler or Stalin – so is calling him a dictator...just a bit over-the-top?  US investigative journalist Dave Levinthal and University of Melbourne lecturer in history Dr Sarah Walsh join Bension Siebert to help unpack these questions and more. Listen to The Briefing's episode on Trump's key cabinet picks here. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Trump calls Zelensky a ‘dictator without elections’, ASIO boss says multiple ‘hostile’ nations plotted to murder critics in Australia and Scott Morrison asks for photo album bought at south Sydney Salvos to be returned. Deep Dive: Skibidi Toilet, the wildly popular YouTube web series featuring animated singing human heads emerging from toilets, is making its debut in an art gallery at the Institute of Modern Art (IMA) in Brisbane. Since it burst onto the scene in 2023, the quirky series by Russian content creator Alexey Gerasimov has captivated audiences worldwide, amassing 18 billion views and has gained the attention of film director Michael Bay. In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Nick Aloisio-Shearer, the Assistant Director and curator of the exhibition at IMA, and Dr Nicholas Karah, the Director of the University of Queensland’s Centre for Digital Cultures and Societies, to explain the phenomenon that is Skibidi Toilet, and why we need to talk about it. You can check out the exhibition until the 30th of March at Brisbane’s Institute of Modern Art. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When a plane carrying 80 people crash landed, burst into flames and flipped upside down on the tarmac of a Canadian airport yesterday, it was the third plane crash in North America in less than a month. 18 people were taken to hospital but, amazingly, no-one was killed. Although statistically, flying is a very safe way to travel – much safer than driving – these incidents make many of us increasingly nervous about the next time we get on a flight. On this episode of the Briefing, Helen Smith asks President of the Australian Association of Psychologists Sahra O'Doherty for her top tips for keeping calm, especially when your flight hits a patch of turbulence.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: The Reserve Bank finally cut interest rates, man charged with online harassment of Antoinette Lattouf and a TikTokker finds an album of unseen photos of Scott Morrison from 1996. Deep Dive: If you’re getting your pills tested at a music festival, who ends up with your data from the results – and what should they do with it?  Legal pill and drug testing in Australia has made significant legislative steps in recent years – from calls for it to be trialled by community organisations to being introduced into four jurisdictions across the country, with some being permanent sites.   But as we become more familiar with pill testing, are we doing enough with the data we get from it for it to be of major use to the community?In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith is joined by RMIT drug policy expert, Associate Professor Monica Barratt, who has some ideas for what our policymakers could be doing better. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gerald Ridsdale, known as Australia’s most notorious paedophile priest, has died in prison, aged 90. Ridsdale was convicted eight separate times over the sexual abuse of 70 known victim survivors – with the most recent sentencing being in 2023. The impact of his abuse – on victim survivors, on the reputation of the church, and on Australian society – cannot be understated. Lucie Morris Marr is a Walkley-awarding winner investigative journalist, author and broadcaster – who's book Fallen: The inside story of the secret trial and conviction of Cardinal George Pell went into great detail on the abuse surrounding Ridsdale and his relationship to Pell. She joins Helen Smith on this episode of The Briefing to outline what those impacted by his violence are feeling on the day of his death. You can find Lucie's newest book, Processed, here. If anything in this episode has caused you distress, you can get help. Some numbers you can call include:1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732 Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114 Victims of Crime Helpline: 1800 819 817 Full Stop Australia: 1800 385 578  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stem cell treatments are being offered around the globe as an almost ‘miracle’ intervention promising to help patients avoid major surgeries and treat untreatable conditions. While commercialised and able to be accessed internationally, the bulk of stem cell related therapies in Australia remain ‘experimental,’ with only a limited amount of uses approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and the National Health and Medical Research Council. So what exactly are stem cells, why are Australians traveling overseas to get them and is it time for a regulatory rethink? In Part Two of this two-part deep dive of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Professor Megan Munsie, an expert in stem cell ethics and policy at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, and Professor James St John, Head of the Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, to break down the future of stem cell treatments in Australia. Listen to Part One here. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Big day for borrowers as the RBA meets to consider rate cut, new video emerges of Australian soldier Oscar Jenkins captured fighting for Ukraine, and Donald Trump has been personally invited to NRL Vegas round. Deep Dive: Imagine being told you needed to undergo major surgery to repair a torn ACL or dodgy hip? You know what you're likely in for – a few months of pain, some rehab and medical bill after medical bill.   But what if you could avoid all of that with just a few injections? The only catch: you have to travel overseas, and the treatment is considered experimental in Australia.  That’s the decision one of our listeners made when she opted against surgery—choosing instead to fly to Thailand for stem cell therapy. In part one of this two-part deep dive of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou chats with Marie Cassaniti about her experience, why she took the risk, and whether she believes it was worth it.  Part Two is in your feed now - or you can listen here. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The highly anticipated third season of cult TV show The White Lotus has dropped today and as much as we’ll be picking apart the storylines and theme, we’ll also be obsessing over the location.  Koh Samui takes centre stage as arguably the main character, just like Maui and Taormina did in the seasons that came before. But what will locals think of its new-found fame among cashed-up tourists?  In today’s deep dive, Sacha Barbour Gatt and Australian Traveller’s Quentin Long talk about the “White Lotus effect”; what happens to a location when an insanely popular show makes it look so damn good.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: Australia building half as many homes compared to 30 years ago, Ukraine not part of fresh peace talks between US and Russia, and millions to be impacted by Sydney train chaos. Deep Dive: Have the Greens lost their momentum right before a federal election? In 2022, the party had their best federal election result ever, picking up 12 Senate seats and four in the House of Representatives. The result three years ago was dubbed a “green slide” - with the party, along with the Teal independents, enjoying a surge in support from the Australian public tired of major parties. Fast forward to the recent by-election result in the Melbourne seat of Prahran, which saw the Greens lose it to the Liberals after holding the seat for over a decade, and things are not looking for certain. Recent polling has also given the party their worst result in nine months, suggesting leader Adam Bandt is failing to cut through with voters. Are we about to see a big Green loss as Australians head to the polls later this year? Or can the party recapture the attention of Australian voters? Leader of the Greens, Adam Bandt, joins Sacha Barbour Gatt this episode of The Briefing to explain what the party is selling to voters, and how he'll negotiate a possible minority government.   Further listening from the headlines: Are unions holding Australians to ransom with Wilhelmina Stracke is out now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kishwar Chowdhury never imagined she’d find herself on national TV, but MasterChef took her to new heights giving her the platform to showcase Bengali cuisine to the world. The proud Bangladeshi-Aussie went from cooking in her kitchen to becoming a celebrity chef traveling around South Asia and beyond. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Kishwar shares how cooking helped her navigate grief and reveals why her dream cookbook collaboration is with Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart. Weekend list with Helen Smith TO WATCH: Bump season 5 on Stan TO MAYBE WATCH: Apple Cider Vinegar on Netflix TO DO: Musical productions at your local school TO TRY: Pill box for your vitamins Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know there’s a body responsible for monitoring asteroids, and planning what to do should they set a collision course with Earth? The International Asteroid Warning Network is a UN-backed agency that has recently swung into action with the discovery of Asteroid 2024 YR4, which has 2.2% chance of hitting our planet in 2032. So, who are the people tasked with protecting us from city-destroying space rocks and what happens when the threat goes from unlikely, to likely? In today’s episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt takes you behind the scenes of the IAWN with former manager Dr Tim Spahr. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: NSW nurses banned from practising anywhere in Australia, Hamas says ceasefire deal back on track, Albo drops strongest hints of a March or April election, and have you woken up single this morning? Deep Dive: Donald Trump promised to end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours – and he’s well past his own deadline. The US President now says he’s spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the phone, and secured an agreement to start negotiating for peace.  But with neither side so far offering major concessions, almost three years after Russia illegally invaded Ukraine – is ending the war realistic? And are Ukrainians willing to accept peace at the expense of justice? On this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert is joined by Chrestyna Kmetj from the Ukrainian Australian Federation for her reaction to the news.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Breaking up with someone is never easy - and new research has found that the week leading up to Valentine's Day is a peak time for relationships break ups. So why does a holiday about love lead to more relationship ends? Communication styles within different generations and the way social media has warped our perception of what love should look has undoubtedly impacted how we approach break ups. In this special pre-Valentine's Day episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith speaks with Dr Lisa Portolan, a love, intimacy and online dating academic, to unpack the best ways to end a relationship and how our understanding of love has evolved. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Two NSW health nurses to be charged for antisemitic comments, Antoinette Lattouf’s unfair dismissal trial hears from final witnesses, Westpac becomes second big bank to slash fixed mortgage rates, and Beavers 🦫 finish Czech damn project hit by red tape. Deep Dive: Belle Gibson was one of Australia’s first major wellness influencers, claiming to have cured her terminal brain cancer through clean eating and alternative therapies. She built a massive following, launched a bestselling app and cookbook, and even secured a partnership with Apple. But there was just one problem—Belle never had cancer. A series of exposés were published in 2015, and by 2017 her wellness empire had collapsed and she was a convicted fraudster who owed hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. Now, her story is being told in a new Netflix series, Apple Cider Vinegar, billed as a “true-ish story, based on a lie.” In this episode of The Briefing, we hear from Chanelle McAuliffe - once Belle’s friend, who would go on to help expose her. Chanelle’s real-life experience is depicted in the series - she joins Chris Spyrou to share what Netflix got right, what it missed, and what it was like to watch the world discover the truth. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia is in the grip of a growing medicine shortage, with pharmacists, doctors and patients all feeling the impact. There are currently more than 400 shortages listed on the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s website, with dozens more expected and hundreds of medications being discontinued. But what’s driving the shortages, and is there a fix? In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith is joined by President of the Australian Medical Association Dr. Danielle McMullin to break down how we can improve the shortages, and whether Australians should brace for long-term medicine delays. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Sam Kerr not guilty in racially aggravated harassment case, Trump tariffs on Australia still on the cards despite PM phone call, Banks to disregard HECS debt in loan test, and Liam Neeson is helping a Melbourne couple sell their house. Deep Dive: Most of us, at one point or another, have had a terrible boss. And while we might fantasise about quitting in a blaze of glory by destroying documents, changing passwords and stealing clients to exact our revenge - most of us stop short of doing just that. But thanks to Gen Z and changing office cultures, that’s starting to shift, with “revenge quitting” tipped as the leading workplace trend of 2025. But is quitting with a grudge a power move or a career killer? In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by recruitment expert Tammie Ballis from Realistic Careers to break down the risks, rewards, and realities of revenge quitting. Listen to Tammie's chat with The Briefing, on finding a new job in 2025, here.Further listening from the headlines: Trump's tariff war has come to Australia. Here's what it means for you is available on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever thought about going to therapy?   Official stats show mental illness now affects about double the Australians it affected in the early 2000s. But in a cost-of-living crisis, no one wants to waste hundreds of dollars on therapy they don’t really need or spend time with a therapist that's not the right fit.  It’s a crowded market – both with people seeking therapy, and the many types of therapy on offer in Australia. So how do you start, and decide on what’s right for you? In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with psychotherapist and President of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia Nigel Will Polak, and psychologists Jocelyn Brewer and Betty Chetcuti, to offer a no-bullshit explainer the steps you should take if you’re thinking therapy might be right for you. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Popular rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar are currently embroiled in a very public spat - which has come to a triumphant head with Kendrick's knockout performance at the Super Bowl yesterday. But why are they fighting again? Last year The Briefing brought you an explainer on why there is so much bad blood and the long history behind the feud. In case you missed it, listen in to catch up on all the context with hip hop journalist and author Simone Amelia Jordan.Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Jury in Sam Kerr trial retires, Hamas pauses release of Israeli hostages, Nationals walk back Dutton’s threat of axing public servant jobs and Super Bowl 59 will go down as one for the ages. Deep Dive: Australia has officially entered the tariff war.   After weeks of speculation, yesterday US President Donald Trump confirmed Australia will be among the latest targets of sweeping 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.  Australian PM Anthony Albanese says he’ll have an urgent phone call with the US President to convince Trump to tariff other countries but keep us the hell out of it. But will it work – and if it doesn’t, how will it impact not just Australian business, but everyday Aussies on the ground?   Scott Phillips, Chief Investment Officer at The Motley Fool Australia, joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to unpack what this means for us, and what he thinks will happen next.Further listening from the headlines: 'Drake v Kendrick Lamar isn't just a war of words' is available on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you been impacted by the recent egg shortages across Australia? The major supermarkets have been hit hard by limited supplies – and a new bird flu outbreak in Victoria this week has sparked a warning that those shortages could persist a while yet. This all comes as experts report a rise in the number of us choosing to own our own chickens – first reported during the pandemic, and more recently as people looked to take control of their food supply when supermarket shelves were often bare of a lot of essentials. Fresh research out of the University of Adelaide is shining a picture on how we view our backyard chickens, what it says about us and whether we need to step up our game when it comes to caring for them. Researcher Dr Emily Buddle joins Sacha Barbour Gatt on this episode of The Briefing to explain. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Labor’s major announcement for women’s health, Labor vote dives in Victorian by-elections, Sam Kerr’s lawyers to give final arguments in racial harassment trial, and more than 120 million people are expected to tune in to the Super Bowl today. Deep Dive: Content Warning - this deep dive discusses child sexual abuse. Australian Federal Police have issued a warning about a rise in the use of generative AI in creating child sexual abuse material.  Not only is it being used by predators online, it’s also being used by Aussie kids to bully and harass each other. In today’s episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with documentary and podcast maker Akhim Dev who has long worked alongside police in this space, to talk about the threat of AI to kids, and how the tech is being used to fight and track down perpetrators of child sexual abuse. If this episode has brought up any issues for you, help is available:Lifeline 13 11 14 1800Respect  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maddy MacRae has over 3.5 million followers across her social media accounts, but surprisingly has spent years facing rejection and chasing acting gigs. With $15k debt, multiple hospitality jobs, and a faltering passion for her acting career, she broke into the influencer space almost by accident. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Maddy explains how she turned her stomach into viral content, and what it was like when she finally landed a role in a TV series. Weekend list with Helen Smith TO DO: Send us your recommendations to try on insta @thebriefingpodcast TO DO: Running with a mate or joining a run club TO TRY: Countdown app for goal setting  TO TRY: Brown eyeliner to you waterline  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Australia’s biggest reality TV show unethical? Married at First Sight – one of Australia's most popular reality TV shows, currently in its 12th season – amasses millions of viewers each year. This season it has also garnered major controversy in its airing of toxic behaviour from various members of the show.  In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Alexandria Funnell, ex MAFS post producer and co-host of That’s Show Biz Baby, to unpack what really happens behind the scenes, if MAFS has crossed an ethical line this season, and if we should still be watching.   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Peter Dutton holds rare press conference calling for inquiry into PM’s knowledge of explosives caravan, Trump restates plan for Gaza, ABC staff ‘disgusted’ by broadcaster’s handling of Antoinette Lattouf’s Federal Court case and 61% of you say you'll be voting for an independent candidate. Deep Dive: Mastercard will remove the 16-digit number from their credit and debit cards by 2030 and replace them with tokenisation and biometric authentication.   The move is designed to crack down on identity theft and the fraudulent use of cards, with card fraud in Australia being over $868 million in the last financial year.   In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Gary Mortimer, a professor of marketing and consumer behaviour at the QUT Business School, to unpack what it all means. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you satisfied with the Government right now? If polls are anything to go by, Australians are increasingly getting over being led by majority governments on the left or the right. Labor and the Coalition are unsurprisingly not keen on sharing power with independents and minor parties – and have responded by pushing legislation through parliament to reform our national elections. The Government says this new law would stop billionaires having too much influence on our elections – but independent MPs say it’s really aimed at making it harder for them, and new independents, to be elected in the future. It’s a battle over the future of the country. Who’s going to win, and what should you do about it? Allegra Spender is the Independent Member for Wentworth, and Kate Chaney the Independent Member for Curtin. On this episode of The Briefing, they join Bension Siebert from parliament house in Canberra.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Labor agrees to minimum jail sentences for terror crimes, the world reacts to Trump’s Gaza plan, Sam Kerr’s trial continues, and 50,000 people say life feels best in the morning. Deep Dive: Are Frequent Flyer programs, and supermarket loyalty programs, a scam? If these airlines and big supermarket chains are constantly pressuring us to join up can that really be in our best interests? On this episode of The Briefing, we dive deep into whether these programs are a genuine savings opportunity – and what mistakes you might be making if you’re trying to make your points convert to real life value. Bension Siebert chats to “points whisperer” and founder of I Fly Flat, Steven Hui, about the upsides and downsides of frequent flyer programs and the best strategies to save serious cash on an overseas trip.  Further listening from the headlines:  Yesterday's special breaking news edition following Trump's Gaza announcements is available on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts now. 'How to retrain your brain in 2025' is available on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it too. We'll own it.” US President Donald Trump has just announced his intention to expel all Palestinians from Gaza and claim ownership of the land for the United States. To forcefully and permanently exile more than 1.7 million people to neighbouring countries would have huge implications for global community – and potentially Australia, as a key ally to the USA. Has the world just witnessed the end of the two-state solution? In this special breaking news episode of the Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with Chair in Global Islamic Politics at Deakin University Greg Barton to get his immediate reaction, and explain what this means for the Middle East, the world and Australia.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Australia to ban DeepSeek from government devices, China hits back with retaliatory tariffs on US goods, FBI enlisted in case against Melbourne’s Pam the Bird graffiti artist and Putin moves to revive Soviet-era Eurovision rival.You can catch last week's deep dive on DeepSeek on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts now. Deep Dive: How did Elon Musk become one of the most powerful men in the world? The tech billionaire is best known for being the CEO of Tesla and founder of SpaceX. But his involvement in politics - and new position within the Trump administration - is turning heads in the tech world. But who is Elon Musk, really? What drives him, and what do you need to know about his past to understand his future? In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Mike Isaac, a technology correspondent for The New York Times, to unpack who Elon Musk is behind closed doors. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learning a new language is famously very hard and usually takes years. Could all that be about to change?  While we now have apps like Duolingo to help, it’s still likely to take a long time and a lot of effort to be anything close to fluent. What usually helps is spending time in a country where everyone speaks the language you’re learning – but one group of Australian researchers says virtual reality and AI could step in for those who aren’t able to make the trip.  Brodie McGee from the University of Southern Queensland is one of them. In this episode of The Briefing Bension Siebert chats with the Australian teacher and researcher on how you could be supercharging the process of learning a new language. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Major parties rake in over $130 million in political donations last financial year, Sam Kerr faces UK trial over racially aggravated harassment, Trump pauses tariffs on Mexico amid possible “deal” with the country, and Beyonce finally takes home Grammy for Album of the Year. Deep Dive: Have you ever spat in a tube and sent it off for testing? In recent years it feels like everyone knows someone – friends, family, people all over the country and world, who have placed their precious DNA into a home testing kit to learn about their heritage, unknown history, or for just for a bit of home science fun. But what if it’s all a massive exercise in exploitation? What happens to your DNA data – and what happens if it falls into the wrong hands? On this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by award-winning investigative journalist Claire Aird, host of LiSTNR’s newest exclusive podcast Secrets We Keep: Should I Spit?, to expose what happens when the DNA leaves you and heads out into the world. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politics is about to be back on for 2025. You'd be forgiven for thinking government has already been in session this year – there’s been a bit on – but this week marks the first sitting of parliament for the year, and a major moment for the Labor government to get some legislative runs on the board before everyone starts fighting for your vote in the upcoming federal election. What will be dominating the debate over the next fortnight – and is what is on the political agenda the same stuff that matters to you and your day-to-day? On this episode of The Briefing Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Nine’s National affairs editor, Andrew Probyn, to get his read on what will get the most (hot) airtime.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Labor imposes counter-terrorism sanctions on online neo-Nazi network for the first time, North Queensland floods update, trade war looming over Trump’s tariffs against Canada, Mexico and China, and The Grammys are on today. Deep Dive: In the 2010s ISIS became one of the world’s biggest terror groups, controlling almost one-third of Syria and around half of Iraq. Over the years the group has claimed responsibility for terrorist attacks across the globe, including those in Paris in 2015, Berlin in 2016, and Manchester at an Ariana Grande concert the year after. Since 2018 the group’s influence has felt quieter, claiming less responsibility for attacks but that has changed.  In 2024 we saw Russia’s deadliest terror attack in over two decades – which ISIS took responsibility for – and on New Year's Day, an ISIS-inspired attack killed 14 people and injured dozens more in New Orleans. So, is ISIS having a resurgence?  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Michael Ware, a man who witnessed the birth of ISIS firsthand and is the only western journalist to escape one of their beheading attempts, to explain how we got here, if he thinks ISIS is having a resurgence, and if Australia is ready for a possible terror attack from the group.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steph Claire Smith has always been a trailblazer - and the model turned business founder and podcast host with over 1.4million followers doesn’t stop. The O.G influencer started Kic with her best friend Laura Henshaw. Since then, the pair have sky rocketed to global success, releasing product lines and joining the LiSTNR family with the KICPOD Podcast. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Steph opens up on how she's feeling about being an (almost) second time mum, her views of the 'Oatzempic' craze, and her obsession with chicken wings. Listen to KIC POD here Weekend List with Helen Smith TO WATCH: Jubilee's surrounded series on YouTube TO LISTEN: Bad Hasbara - The World's Most Moral Podcast TO EAT: Congee rice porridge TO READ: Hot Pilates  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2024 was full of comments, complaints and promises from politicians and companies over the cost of living - and so far this year we're looking likely to see the same thing.  Lowering your weekly groceries shop, scoring a discount or filling up the tank for less is something we all want, so how can we do it? In this episode of The Briefing, we did the homework for you. Chris Spyrou is joined by The Briefing's Helen Smith to unpack which apps and tools can save you the most on fuel, food and fashion. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A man diagnosed with sexsomnia has been found not guilty of having non-consensual sex with a woman in Sydney. With the disorder now appearing as a key argument in trials across the country and the world, The Briefing wanted to bring you a previous explainer the team published on sexsomnia - what it is, how it works, what behaviours it can lead to. In this bonus episode, Helen Smith is joined by Aleks Trkulja from the Pleasure Centre, and specialist sleep physician Dr David Cunnington, so you can catch up on just how common sexsomnia is, and what you need to know about it. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this morning’s deep dive, we spoke to consumer and money expert Joel Gibson about how Bunnings has monpolised the hardware industry. When we reached out to the hardware chain for comment, they were keen to dispute our assertion that it holds a leading stake in the market and insists big brands don’t equal bad brands. In part two of our look at Bunnings and how it’s managed to become cemented in Australia’s cultural zeitgeist, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by the chain’s Managing Director, Mike Schneider.Listen to part one on LiSTNR, Apple or Spotify now. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Greens to push for 50 cent public transport nationwide, no survivors after Washington plane and helicopter crash, Australians facing long-term homelessness surges 25% in five years and Donald Trump calls for Elon Musk’s Space X to “go get” stranded ISS astronauts.  Deep Dive: By all accounts, Bunnings is a true blue Aussie success story.  What started in 1907 as a sawmill in WA now boasts more than 300 locations across Australia and New Zealand and reported revenue in 2024 of $19 billion. On top of that, the hardware giant has managed to crack into the cultural zeitgeist. Who doesn’t talk fondly about a weekend snag and peruse of the paint aisle? But amidst its praise and popularity comes quiet criticism about its monopoly over the Australian hardware industry, its mega profits, its sometimes sneaky marketing tactics and its ability to effectively wipe out the competition. So, why do we seem to love Bunnings, despite these things?On today’s special two-part investigation, Sacha Barbour Gatt answers that question with money and consumer expert, Joel Gibson.In part two, in your feed now, we ask Bunnings Managing Director, Mike Schneider, what he thinks of the answer.  Listen to part two 'Bunnings Responds' on LiSTNR, Apple or Spotify now. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.