The Briefing

As sitcom show Friends goes from strength to strength finding new audiences 20 years after winding up, one of its brightest stars Matthew Perry has died aged 54. Himself saying no one would be surprised if he died early, he battled a lifetime of addictions to both drugs and alcohol. In this extra episode of the Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Katrina Blowers to discuss Perry’s career, his ups and downs, and what is legacy will be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An extreme movement of Australians who reject the authority of our government and believe they’re exempt from laws, taxes and the values of mainstream society has snowballed over the past five years. Known as “sovereign citizens”, they’re most visible at anti-government protests and came under the glare of national spotlight during the COVID pandemic. While some sympathise with the notion the government has over-reached into our lives and personal freedoms, sovereign citizen ideology is built on conspiracy and misinformation. So what happens when the ideology comes into the family home? In this exclusive episode of The Briefing, Tom Tilley brings you the story of an ordinary Australian dad whose ex-partner transformed from a suburban mum into a sovereign citizen, turning their family life into a “living nightmare”. Headlines: Tributes pour in after Matthew Perry's death Israel extends ground campaign in Gaza Wallabies coach Eddie Jones resigns Matildas win against Philippines Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You've probably come across ASMR content in your TikTok feed recently - content in which you can hear in highly detailed sound of other people eating, brushing their hair or whispering a bedtime story. Earlier this week The Briefing brought you an episode about ASMR and the science behind it - but what is it actually like being someone who creates this content, an 'ASMRtist'? In this bonus episode of The Briefing, you'll hear the full interview between LiSTNR journalist and ASMR Creator Jade Scarborough, aka ASMR Jade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trent Dalton is one of Australia’s best known and loved modern authors. Unsure if it would sell, Trent went from book club to book club speaking about his semi-auto-biographical novel, Boy Swallows Universe. Now a national and international bestseller and Netflix series on the way, Trent is out with a new novel Lola in the Mirror. In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Trent breaks down his character writing process and explains why he still reads the critics words. Weekend list One Four: against all odds on Netflix Vegan Palak Paneer with Tofu from Rainbowplantlife.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a social media phenomenon. From videos of people tapping on objects, to whispering bedtime stories, or even eating within millimetres of a microphone, many posts have hundreds of thousands of views. But is it just a TikTok trend, or can it actually help people relax? Many describe ASMR as giving them a warm, tingly feeling when watching or listening to certain 'triggers'. While not everybody experiences these reactions, many who do claim it helps them fall asleep, deal with pain, and manage their emotions. On today's extra episode of The Briefing, we hear from Professor David Alais at Sydney University's School of Psychology, and ASMR Creator Jade Scarborough, about what exactly ASMR is, the science behind it, and how it can help with relaxation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melbourne Fashion Week is coming to close, after a week marked with controversy following a dozen Black Australian models boycotting the event to highlight the fashion industry’s mistreatment of people of colour. Making headlines across the country and overseas, the public boycott sparked further action across the week, with additional models choosing to snub the event. In a statement to the Briefing, a MFW spokesperson said organisers "acknowledged and fully support" the concerns expressed by Black models choosing to boycott, and the safety of black and brown models is "paramount". A week after The Briefing’s exclusive investigation into the boycott, Antoinette Lattouf is joined by Jo-Anne Hui-miller, the former editor of Inside Retail magazine and diversity advocate to ask what lessons the fashion industry can learn from this moment. Headlines: Lehrmann facing rape charges Manhunt continues after Sydney woman's death Maine mass shooter still at large Matildas win against Iran Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Australia men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, a statistic that has lead to countless mental health campaigns aimed at blokes across the country - but how much of an impact do they have on that statistic? In a survey of almost 1,300 Aussie men, the Sax Institute’s Public Health Research and Practice journal found most rank their mental health as their number one preventative health concern, particularly those aged 18-35. As we head into Men’s Health Awareness Month, there is hope these new statistics show a shift in how Aussie men are looking at their mental health - but there is still plenty of work to be done. On today’s extra episode of The Briefing, we're joined by Simon von Saldern, CEO of Healthy Male, to discuss what we can learn from these statistics, and how we can keep breaking down barriers for Aussie blokes when it comes to their mental and physical health. If you are in need of support, contact Lifeline now on 13 11 14, or Men's Line on 1300 78 99 78.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cryptocurrencies are set to be be regulated – with the government announcing plans to bring crypto exchanges under the control of the financial regulator ASIC. Exchanges holding more the $5m worth of assets will soon have to apply for a licence from ASIC. Tom Tilley is joined by Stephen Jones the Minister for Financial Services who’s leading the charge. Headlines: Australia and the US deepen ties Inflation numbers rise 1.2% Matildas to begin their Olympics campaign Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have we seen the end of an era of large-scale festivals in Australia? For a long time music festivals have been a key part of an Australian summer - but following the Covid pandemic they are facing a range of challenges, including increasing costs and changes in ticket purchasing behaviour due to the cost of living and weather events. In this extra episode of The Briefing, Dark Mofo’s new Artistic Director Chris Twite takes us through the reasons for postponing next year’s event, and Managing Director of Australian Festivals Association, Mitch Wilson, maps out what festival organisers need to survive into the future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Sunday Indigenous leaders sent an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after a week of silence was observed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples following the defeat of the Voice referendum. Thomas Mayo is one of the indigenous leaders who helped write the public letter and was a key campaigner for the Yes camp. Thomas joins Tom Tilley to breakdown the letter. Headlines: Released Israeli hostage speaks about ordeal Second bushfire death as fires continue to burn on the East Coast Museum fixes the skin colour of "The Rock" waxwork The world’s oldest dog ever has died at 31 Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Britney Spears has been in the headlines since she was 16; from global pop princess, to very public breakdown, to a battle in court to free her from a conservatorship she says she never needed or wanted. Tomorrow her tell-all memoir The Woman in Me will hit bookshops across the world, promising to reveal her journey in her own words for the very first time. So, what have we learnt already from leaks of the book? And what impacts will it have on pop culture and our understanding of the world of fame... and Britney herself? In this extra episode of The Briefing, we speak to entertainment reporter and host of LiSTNR’s The Streaming Service, Justin Hill, to find out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the recent escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict, both sides of the war have been calling out the other for enacting war crimes. In this episode of The Briefing we look at what both sides allege, what a war crime is and how international law gets enforced with Professor Ben Saul from the University of Sydney. Headlines: Microsoft to invest $5 billion in Australia Israel has escalated their aerial bombardment of Gaza Britney Spears is about to release a memoir Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every day those who represent some of the country’s largest organisations meet with our politicians and public servants to try and influence government decisions. Lobbyists represent a range of interests - from mining to environmental causes, and everything in between - and while it’s completely legal, nearly 40% of federally registered lobbyists are actually former government representatives. Today in this extra episode of The Briefing, you’ll find out how lobbying works and why you should care about how it’s carried out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NSW Police are trialling technology allowing them to remotely access Triple Zero callers' phones so they can see what’s happening on the ground in an emergency. The GoodSAM app enables police dispatchers to turn on a caller’s camera and start livestreaming video, as well as pinpointing their location, direction of travel and speed. Privacy experts have said while the app looks to be an effective tool, there are significant concerns about transparency, accountability and openness, and the lack of a guarantee people’s data will be secure. Jan Fran is joined by Jodie Siganto from the Australian Privacy Foundation to find out more. Headlines: The Yes campaign describes referendum defeat as "mean-spirited" Israeli military intensifying its bombardment of Gaza China's agreed to review Aussie wine tariffs Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monique Conti has taken the sporting world by storm playing for both Richmond in AFLW and the Melbourne Boomers in basketball. But this is something she had to fight for. In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Monique explains how the Matilda’s have helped put the spotlight on women’s sport and what’s next for her AFLW career. AFLW 2023 season tickets here Weekend List I'm Glad My Mom Died BY Jennette McCurdy Audio book on Spotify Helen’s Summer skincare: MECCA COSMETICA To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen and McoBeauty SUPER GLOW BRONZING DROPS Send us your Weekend List suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sydney Opera House, an iconic building synonymous with Australia, turns 50 today. Iva Davies is the founder and frontman for Icehouse, one of the most significant and successful bands in Australia; he also played in an orchestra at the first performances at the then-new building back in 1973. In this extra episode of The Briefing, we take a look at how the Opera House has shaped our national identity, and take a deep dive on Iva Davies’ relationship with the building, going back 50 years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than a dozen Black Australian models are boycotting Melbourne Fashion Week (MFW) to highlight the fashion industry’s mistreatment of people of colour. From being paid significantly less than white models, the N-word being used by photographers, and hairdressers suggesting a “buzzcut” because “Afros are too hard to style’. Antoinette Lattouf is joined by model Nyaluak Leth to explain why 13 Black models have joined forces to call out an industry they claim is unsafe and unfair. Headlines: 20 aid trucks are expected to be allowed into Gaza today Lisa Wilkinson is suing network Ten over her legal costs Julia Gillard's ex-boyfriend fined $7000 for the sexual assault The unemployment rate falls to 3.6% Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guards armed with guns are an unusual sight in Australian public life - but not if you go to a Jewish school, synagogue or some other faith-based institutions. The additional measures are allowed because of special rules as a result of terror threats linked to conflicts in the Middle East, and white supremacist groups. And now the measures are taxpayer-funded under the Federal Governments' new $50 million 'Securing Faith Based Places' program. On this extra episode of The Briefing, Madeline Palmer speaks with Daniel Aghion, President of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, about why these security measures, and why they are necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Australia there’s no requirement for regular testing to confirm what’s inside your protein powder. The protein powder market is mostly unregulated and in some cases undeclared poisons have been found within the mix. Including heavy metals, pesticides and other potentially toxic contaminants Katrina Blowers is joined by sports dietitian Bethanie Allanson to break down why the ingredients list might not match up with what’s inside your tub of protein. Headlines: The US doesn’t believe Israel is responsible for Gaza hospital explosionTicketek has found itself in hot water for breaching spam laws. Prime Minister Albanese has denied being asked to delay the referendumThe US has been accused of making its own Bluey rip-off Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fewer women in Australia are trained and confident to administer first aid than men, according to an alarming survey by St. John Ambulance. Even worse, women are less likely to receive CPR in a life-threatening situation compared to men. So why do fewer women have first aid training than men, why do people feel less confident to administer CPR on women, and should this crucial life-saving skill become compulsory to learn for all employees across all working sectors? Today on this extra episode of The Briefing, Antoinette Lattouf and LiSTNR journalist Sophia Funiciello explore the problems at hand when it comes to the gender gap in first aid.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Misinformation and disinformation about the Israel-Gaza conflict is currently flooding social media platforms. Changes in the verification process for some big platforms has let doctored images, mislabelled content, fake videos and images of graphic violence spread rapidly. Katrina Blowers is joined by the Editorial Director of NewsGuard, Eric Effron, to explain how you can spot the fakes. Headlines: Airstrike hits Gaza hospital killing hundreds Aussie journalist Cheng Lei speaks after she was detained in China Netflix releases details about the final series of The Crown Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent report forecasted that this financial year, toll operators will rake in $3.7 billion in toll revenue. What's scary is that over 80% of toll roads in Australia (all of which are located in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney) are operated by the same company - Transurban. And what about those rebates that some drivers are able to get back from toll payments? Well, the government foots that bill... Which means those payments end up coming out of your pocket through taxes anyway. Today on this extra episode of The Briefing, Amelia Oberhardt speaks with LiSTNR Investigations Editor, Clair Weaver, about the issue with Australia's toll road system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could a Brisbane teenager have the solution to achieving net zero? 17-year-old Will Shackel launched the ‘Nuclear for Australia’ campaign a year ago, and has since launched a petition that’s received over 10,000 signatures and given evidence to a senate committee, advocating for a ban on nuclear power in Australia to be lifted. Will joins Katrina Blowers to explain what’s he thinks should be next for Australia's relationship to nuclear. Headlines: Fears Israel conflict could be expanded to two fronts ADHD diagnoses double in five years New sports are being added to the Olympics Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia has voted on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, with the result being firm rejection of the proposal. All states and territories, excluding the ACT, voted no - but what happens when we look deeper into the numbers? How much did socio-economic factors, your proximity to the city, or your cultural heritage affect your vote? In this extra episode of the Briefing, Amelia Oberhardt is joined by pollster Kos Samaras to analyse the nation's diverse voting landscape, dissecting the intriguing narratives within metro, regional and rural Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Saturday the country voted in the first referendum since 1999 on a Voice to Parliament. The country voted with 39.4% saying ‘yes’ and 60.6.% saying ‘no’. The country has voted overwhelmingly to reject a Voice to Parliament. In this episode of The Briefing, we speak to one of the most prominent No advocates Nyunggai Warren Mundine about the result and what comes next. Headlines: 'Yes' campaigners say they'll continue to work towards Closing the Gap Thousands of troops continue to gather at the Gaza border New Zealand has a new prime minister Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jelena Dokic has had an extraordinary tennis career and why she may have left the tennis court she hasn’t left public life. In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Jelena explains how she felt lost after retiring at only 29, the impacts of being body shamed and how her first book and memoir Unbreakable changed her. Jelena’s new book Fearless - Finding the Power to Thrive reflects on everything that’s happened since. Weekend List BECKHAM on Netflix Who Killed Jill Dando? on Netflix Send us your Weekend List suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sad news broke this week of the passing of beloved comedian Cal Wilson, after a short illness fighting an unexpected and aggressive cancer. Cal, who was only 53, had a long and colourful career in Australian entertainment. Over the last 20 years she was a core character across the Australian stand-up comedy circuit, as well as a feature on many iconic TV shows, such as the original Thank God Your Here, Spicks and Specks and Good News Week. On this extra episode of The Briefing, Madeline Palmer speaks with artist Andrea Huelin, who painted the 2023 Archibald Packing Room Prize for her portrait of Cal Wilson, 'Clown Jewels'. Andrea shares her experience of painting the portrait, what she hopes the portrait meant to Cal, and what she hopes it will mean for her legacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy is a Yanyuwa woman from the Gulf country in the Northern Territory. Despite what the polls say she, and the Labor cohort, want you to vote yes in the referendum on Saturday. She joins Tom Tilley on the Briefing to take one last opportunity to explain why. Headlines: Voting for the voice referendum is tomorrow ASIO boss warns tensions in Israel could cause ‘opportunistic violence’ Trump is cut from Forbes wealthiest list again Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you cope with catastrophic news? The world is reeling watching events unfold in Israel/Palestine. As the death toll climbs on both sides, and information is released including the deaths of families and babies, it becomes more and more difficult to process the news. It’s heartbreaking no matter which side you support – the Palestinians face a massive military onslaught, and the Israelis have just suffered the worst attack on their homeland in 50 years. So how do you cope? In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Professor Ian Hickie, co-director of the Brain & Mind Institute at the University of Sydney, to learn coping mechanisms to help you navigate your way through troubled times. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Dutton’s opposition to the proposal for a Voice to parliament has been a crucial factor in its declining support over months of referendum campaigning. The leader of the Opposition joins Tom Tilley for an in-depth discussion on his final reasoning for a No vote before Saturday, what he thinks a No result will mean for the country, and what alternative policies he suggests will work to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians. Headlines: Australian journalist Cheng Lei has returned home Anthony Albanese shows support for Jewish community Comedian Cal Wilson has passed away following a short illness. Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has now been 15 years since the creation of Goop, the wellness giant established by actor Gwyneth Paltrow. But what exactly is wellness? And why all of a sudden has it become such a big business? Today we check in with the Therapeutics Goods Association and the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission to discuss the industry and the surrounding wellness scandals. In this extra episode of the Briefing, we talk all things wellness....and discover that sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel has formally declared war on Hamas, the militant Islamist group that controls the Gaza Strip, following the groups attack on soldiers and civilians in Israel on Saturday. But what (or who) is Hamas, how did it come to the position it is currently in, and why has there been an increase in fighting in the region? Dr Mariam Farida, Lecturer in Terrorism Studies in the Department of Security Studies and Criminology at Macquarie University, joins Antoinette Lattouf to take us back to basics. Headlines: Hamas attacking the Israeli city of Ashkelon United Nations Secretary General describes the situation in Israel as dire Prime Minister Anthony Albanese moved to tears during Uluru ceremony Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world was horrified at the weekend to learn Hamas militants escaped from the Gaza Strip and wreaked havoc on Israel, killing more than 700 people and taking an estimated 130 hostages. Israel has promised a military offensive the likes of which the world has never seen. Sydney couple Joe and Kerry Carnuccio are stuck in a hotel room in Tel Aviv. We managed to get in touch with them between visits to a safe room in their hotel. In this episode of The Briefing, we go behind the scenes of the conflict in Israel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The disappearance of Lynette Simms from Sydney's northern beaches in 1982 was the cold case that gripped both Australia and the world. Uncovered by journalist Hedley Thomas in the record-breaking Teacher’s Pet podcast, the investigation would develop into a dramatic trial that would find her husband Chris Dawson guilty of her murder in 2022. In this episode Tom Tilley is joined by Hedley Thomas to discuss his new book The Teacher’s Pet, which explores reporting on the cold case, and to reveals a family tragedy with startling similarities to Lynette Dawson that drove him to report on the story. Headlines: Anti Israeli protest in Sydney Israel preparing for massive military onslaught Robert F Kennedy Junior drops out of Democrat race to run as an independent Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year, so much of our national conversation has revolved around whether our Constitution should be amended to include an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. But outside of Oz, what is the rest of the world saying about us? With arguments from the 'Yes' and 'No' camps expected to rage right up until Saturday's referendum date, today we look at what other countries are saying about our debate on the Voice - in particular those with histories of colonisation. Furthermore, if the 'No' case is successful, what could repercussions regarding our Foreign Policy look like? In this extra episode of The Briefing, we hear an expert in Politics and International Relations at La Trobe University, Dr Bec Strating, to hear about what the data shows and what it could mean for Australia after the vote on the Voice. Click here to find out more about the proposed Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Click here to listen to the LiSTNR Blak Matters podcast episode 'Treaty vs Voice: How does New Zealand compare to Australia?'See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Briefing brings you an up to the minute explanation of what has happened in Israel over the last two days. It began on Saturday morning with a shocking attack by Hamas militants on Israeli civilians. Israel has promised an ‘unprecedented price.’ Ali Hashem joins Tom Tilley and Katrina Blowers to explain what that may mean and whether this conflict could spread across the region. Headlines: Israeli-Palestinian conflict Referendum week is officially here Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elise Loehnen has achieved a lot! She has ghost written 12 books, was second-in-command at Goop and has now released her first book under her own name - On Our Best Behaviour: The Price Women Pay to Be Good. In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Elise explains where the seven deadly sins originated from (and nope they’re not from the bible) and the pressure women place on themselves to be good. Weekend List Sex Education Season 4 on Disney PLUS Welcome to Wrexham season 2 on Netflix Send us your Weekend List suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People from all around the world travel to NSW’s Blue Mountains for the serenity. But did you know it’s actually home to a dark secret? The Twelve Tribes - which has been described as a cult - owns a cafe on a popular street in town. On this extra episode, we’re joined by LiSTNR journalist Loren Howarth to unpack what's happening there. You'll also hear from former Twelve Tribes member Matthew Klein, who shares with us his experiences and thoughts on the controversial group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A TikTok trend created by Swedish influencer Saskia Cort, who told her Instagram followers to ask men how often they think about the Roman Empire, has unexpectedly exposed the way we think about gender and history, with some experts suggesting it’s an example of “white cis gender masculinity” at play. Tom Tilley is joined by Professor of Modern History at Keele University Dominic Janes to discuss why we’re all suddenly thinking about the Roman Empire, and why the answer might not be all fun and games. Headlines: This year is set to be hottest on record US President Joe Biden's administration announces new section of border wall King Charles III $1 coin revealed Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paris may be the city of love, but there’s one local you wouldn’t want to share a bed with… Bed bugs. The city and host for the next Olympics in 2024 has been infested with bed bugs - the tiny biting insect that burrows its way into bed linen, furniture, carpets and rugs... And bites. In this extra episode of the Briefing, we’re joined by ecological expert Professor Dieter Hochuli to talk all things bed bugs – and to find out if it can happen in Paris, could it happen here too? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades rates of doctors prescribing birth control has remained steady - but figures show that since the early 2000’s, the number of those choosing the pill has dropped, as an increasing number of women express concerns surrounding the impact of the pill on weight, mood and fertility. But what actually happens to you if you choose come off the pill? Katrina Blowers is joined by Dr Phoebe Holdenson Kimura, a GP and a graduate of the University of New South Wales specialising in women’s health, to bust some of the myths surrounding what you should expect if you’re thinking of coming off the pill yourself. Headlines: Over 900K people have already voted In The Referendum There is no speaker in the house of representatives in the US Survivor of the death cap mushroom farewells wife Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bushfires are already creating havoc and hardship across Australia. With the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting a dry, hot summer, things are expected to worsen. We all watched in horror during the Black Summer bushfires of 2019, as firefighters across the country risked their lives to save Australians stranded on fire fronts. So how and why do people become volunteer firefighters? And why aren’t more young people signing up? In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by representatives from three states and a volunteer firefighter to learn what it takes to be a volunteer firefighter. If you want to find out more about volunteering, head to the following link for your state: https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/ httrfs.nsw.gov.au https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/ https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/ https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/home/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So you’re having trouble paying attention - scrolling has replaced daydreaming, TikTok has replaced reading a book or watching a movie, and focusing on anything for a long time feels hard. If deleting all digital distraction from your life isn’t an option, what steps can you take right now to fix it? In this three-part feature series, The Briefing dives deep into what has happened to make us all feel so distracted, why it matters, and what you can do about it. In this episode, Jan Fran speaks with Jocelyn Brewer, psychologist, writer and educator, and Adam Guastella, Professor of neurodevelopment at the University of Sydney. Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gender affirming surgeries reduce suicide, depression and gender dysphoria among transgender and gender-diverse people who need them. But they cost patients tens of thousands of dollars. In a historic moment for trans rights in Australia, an application has been made to get gender affirming surgeries fully funded under Medicare - and it’s estimated 47,000 people could take up the treatment in the first year. On this extra episode of The Briefing, we hear from the experts on the latest developments, and from trans Australians about what it means to them. Melbourne Uni’s head of Trans Health Research, Associate Professor Ada Cheung, and University of Southern Queensland psychologist Jaime Swan talk us through the evidence, and we speak to Tay, Ophelia and Stella about their gender affirmation journeys. Warning: This episode discusses mental illness including suicide. If you need help, contact Lifeline now on 13 11 14.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you having trouble paying attention? Studies show most of us are increasingly feeling more distracted and less attentive - but if we’re all in the same boat, why should you care? In this three-part feature series, The Briefing dives deep into what has happened to make us all feel so distracted, why it matters, and what you can do to fix it. In this episode, Jan Fran speaks with Adam Guastella, Professor of neurodevelopment at the University of Sydney, and Maggie Jackson, author of the book Distracted, on what the mental and social consequences are of ongoing decimation of our attention. Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Private islands have always been fascinating for Australians and popular with celebrities. With several small islands in Tasmania and Queensland recently hitting the market for just a few million dollars, could they be becoming more attainable? Former Victorian politician Clem Newton-Brown has owned Picnic Island in Tasmania for 20 years and is now selling for $5 million. Richard Vanhoff gives his expert opinion in the sale of Hamilton Island, expected to sell for as much as $1 billion In this extra episode of the briefing, we take a look behind the fantasy of owning an island.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you noticed your attention waning? Texts, emails and notifications; podcasts, meetings and social media - while everyone is fighting for it, it feels increasingly like we have less attention it to spare. In this three-part feature series, The Briefing dives deep into what has happened to make us all feel so distracted, why it matters, and what you can do to fix it. In this episode, Jan Fran explores why it feels like her attention is disappearing and who is stealing it with author Distracted, Maggie Jackson. Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to this special series of the Weekend Briefing, where Jamila talks to some of her favourite guests - old and new - about a single, fascinating subject. During this series you’ll hear from singers, writers, models, actors and change makers on topics as diverse as the interview subject themselves. Today you’ll hear from our final series guest Hannah Ferguson, on feminism. Hannah is the co-founder and CEO of Cheek Media and host of the Big Small podcast. She’s just released her first book, Bite Back, feminism, media, politics and our power to change it all. In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Hannah touched on #metoo, the politics of gender, getting canceled and whatever happened to the girl boss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Going on holiday is one of life’s greatest pleasures. It’s a chance to let your hair down and blow off a bit of steam. While it usually pays to have travel insurance just in case of the unexpected, what happens when something does go wrong and you’re not covered? In this episode of The Briefing, we hear the story of a surfer in Bali who was left facing a huge medical bill after a horrific accident, and you hear the tips on what to do to make sure you have the right cover for your next trip.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kenny Bollwerk has built over 240,000 TikTok followers and amassed millions of views of his livestreams showing some of the most rat-infested streets of New York City. Interest has been so great, the creator of ‘RatTok’ is now running free rat tours across the city, taking tourists to “rat hotspots” seven nights a week. He joined Tom Tilley to explain where he thinks the fascination has come from. Headlines: Clive Palmer spending $2m promoting the No vote British actor Sir Michael Gambon dies aged 82 AFL Grand Final parade to hit Melbourne today Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.