The Briefing

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.

The top blood donors in Australia are older men – but young blood and plasma are needed to keep saving lives. Data shows young people are sporadic donors at best, and most don’t turn up to appointments. However, one young donor, Sam Ryan, has become a prolific donor after his life was saved by 22 bags of donated blood after an accident when he was 17. On this extra episode of The Briefing, we hear about Sam's incredible story and his message encouraging other young people to donate. We also speak to Red Cross Lifeblood to find out what they are doing to raise awareness and recruit young people to roll up their sleeves and give blood.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordie van den Berg (known by his influential social media alias PurplePingers) and Lauren Michaelides (known as Toilet Paper Australia on X) have launched a free database to call out “shit rentals” across the country. With the aim to better empower renters facing sometimes shocking rental conditions, Shitrentals.org has already received over a thousand reviews from tenants since it’s launch last week. Website co-creator PurplePingers joined Tom Tilley to explain why he’s taken his online activism to a new level, how the website works and what he hopes the website will achieve. Headlines: RBA unlikely to lift rates in October as mortgage holders brace for higher payments Jacinta Allan is Victoria’s new premier Qantas head faces awkward senate grilling Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canada and India are at loggerheads, with both nations in a diplomatic storm that looks like it’s going to get much worse before it gets better. Canadian Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was assassinated in Vancouver earlier this year. But now, Canada has blamed the Indian government, saying it was a political assassination, and sparking a massive confrontation between the two powerhouse nations. In this extra episode of The Briefing, we're joined by Professor Ian Hall from the School of Government and International Relations at Griffith University, to break things down.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Andrews, Labor’s longest reigning Premier in Victoria, has announced he will resign from the top job. What was the reasoning behind his decision, what impact will that have on the future of Victorian Labor party, and what can other leaders around the country learn from his time in power? Tom Tilley is joined by Kos Samaras, Director of polling and research company RedBridge group and former Labor campaign director to unpack the decision and explore how the progressive leader held onto power for so long. Headlines: Jacinta Allan tipped to replace former premier Daniel Andrews PwC to announce findings of tax leak scandal and major overhaul Reddit is set to start paying its top contributors Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victorian Premier Dan Andrews has announced he’ll retire at 5pm tomorrow. He says he has no plans, and will take time to spend with his family. He led Victoria for nine years and was Labor leader for 13 years. His legacy will be mixed, with there being many who will say he was a brilliant but divisive leader. In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by The Age newspaper's Victorian State Parliament correspondent Annika Smethurst to discuss the announcement, Mr Andrews’ future and what his legacy will be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The state of Alabama is planning to use nitrogen gas to execute prisoners on death row, after a series of botched lethal injections. Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Alabama have all approved nitrogen gas for execution, but none have ever used it. Katrina Blowers sits down with Dr Joel Zivot, an expert on physician participation in lethal injection, to explain why convicted murderer Kenneth Smith might be the first death row inmate to die by nitrogen gas. Headlines: Home Affairs secretary Mike Pezzullo stood aside as inquiry underway Tentative deal reached for the Writers Guild of America Qantas pilots join calls for Chairman Richard Goyder to step down Lachie Neale takes home the Brownlow Medal and Wallabies out of the World Cup Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been a year since the details of nearly 10 million Aussies were compromised in the Optus data hack. Past and present customers were left confused and frustrated, asking why big companies are allowed to have all our data if they can’t protect it properly. But with what seems like a new breach every few weeks, do we even still care when our information is compromised? In this episode of The Briefing, Antoinette Lattouf is joined by LiSTNR journalist Micaela Savage to talk about the current situation, and what you can do to avoid being hacked.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Popular online dating platforms like Tinder, Bumble and Hinge - are being threatened with government regulation unless they improve safety for users. The federal government is giving the industry until the middle of next year to develop and implement a voluntary code of practice to improve standards. This comes after an investigation last year by the Australian Institute of Criminology that found 75% of online daters had been subject to some kind of online sexual violence in the past five years. In this episode of The Briefing Antoinette Lattouf speaks with intimacy and dating app expert Lisa Portolan. Headlines: The Government releases the first Employment White Paper in almost three decades Voice referendum Newspoll shows No vote camp has risen Melbourne airport expecting a daily average of 100-thousand people this week The largest soil sample from an asteroid has landed Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See 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. Over the next two months, 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 Hugh van Cuylenburg on resilience. You might recognise Hugh’s voice from the very successful podcast the Imperfects co hosted by Ryan Shelton, and his brother Josh van Cuylenburg. In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Hugh explains what resilience looks like in the modern day and questions how we become resilient.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rupert Murdoch has announced he will stand down as head of News Corp and Fox, the media behemoth he created. While his son Lachlan will take over as chair of both companies, Rupert Murdoch will still have some involvement as he takes on the role of “emeritus chairman”. In this episode of The Briefing, we talk to Professor Rodney Tiffen whose 2014 book “A Reassessment” explored Murdoch’s empire and legacy. We analyse today's announcement to find out what it means for News Corp and the implications for media and news around the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week more than 40 child and women safety experts have signed an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calling for an Australian porn passport trial. Research undertaken by the eSafety Commission has found 75% of 16 to 18-year-olds have viewed online pornography, and a third of those first saw it before they were 13. In this episode of The Briefing, Tom Tilley finds out what’s going on with one of those who has signed the letter, Collective Shout’s Daniel Principe. Headlines: Murdoch steps down as Fox and News Corp chair New Covid inquiry faces backlash Taylor Swift academic conference to come to Australia Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vaping is a growing problem among our youth, with widespread accessibility and a multitude of health and addiction risks facing our adolescents. But it’s not just an issue for kids - it’s also a growing burden on their teachers. So we’ve spoken to educators from around the country, to get an idea of what it’s like dealing with vaping in the classroom, and how it affects their ability to do their jobs. In this episode of The Briefing, Amelia Oberhardt is joined by LiSTNR journalist, Micaela Savage, to talk about the dangerous vaping dilemma damaging our youth and their education. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research has found vape residue clings to furniture, car interiors and walls and remains toxic for up to a month- even worse than cigarettes! Kids are particularly affected because they're more likely to put their hands in their mouths and it goes to their lungs. In this episode of The Briefing, Katrina Blowers gets the low-down from The Woolcock Institute’s Professor Brian Oliver about just how bad vape residue is, and what we can do to protect ourselves. Headlines: Albanese to announce inquiry into Covid response Alan Joyce could lose half his pay cheque Firefighters on high alert Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research has found the endometriosis crisis in Australia is worsening. Endometriosis is a common, yet painful disease where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside of the womb. In 2019, it was found that around 1 in 9 women aged between 44-49 were estimated to have endometriosis. Now, that estimation has risen to 1 in 7. In this episode of The Briefing, Amelia Oberhardt is joined by CEO of Endometriosis Australia, Maree Davenport, to hear more about the increase in cases and why more isn't being done to help sufferers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warren Mundine is a Bungulung man and one of those leading the charge opposing the referendum for an Indigenous Voice to parliament. He was the national president of the Australian Labor Party in 2006, before making the switch and becoming a member of the National Advisory Council under Prime Minister Tony Abbott. With just under four weeks to go until the referendum, he sits down with Tom Tilley to discuss why he remains adamant a Voice is not the silver bullet to fixing First Nation problems, and how campaigning for a No vote has impacted his own mental health. Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this extra episode of The Briefing: Comedian, actor, writer, podcaster and conspiracy theorist, Russell Brand, has come under fire. While Brand has been a celebrity for more than twenty years, over the past few days shocking allegations have come to light. While Brand vehemently denies he is guilty and insists all his sexual encounters were consensual, at least four women have accused him of rape and/or sexual assault. Jahan Kalantar is a Sydney-based lawyer who attracted global attention for his commentary on the Amber Heard/Johhny Depp trial. In this extra episode of The Briefing, Jahan discusses what we can expect next for Russell Brand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Noel Pearson is one of Australia's most respected Indigenous leaders - fighting for Constitutional recognition since the Howard era. With just four weeks to go until the referendum, he sits down with Tom Tilley to discuss the Yes campaign's progress so far, and his fight to win over the 'soft no' voters. Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this headlines-free extra episode of the Briefing: Meet the 12,000 people on temporary protection visas who are blocked from the government’s new pathway to permanent residency. That’s because they were processed and refused under the previous Coalition Government’s controversial “fast-track” process - criticised as a rubber stamping machine for refusals. But here’s the thing: all have been in Australia for over 10 years. They have families, communities, roots and children born here who’ve become citizens. You'll hear from sixteen-year-old Iranian refugee Tanya, as they begin a week-long sit-down protest in Melbourne, calling for change. If you want to learn more and sign the petition in support, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s spring, so let’s talk allergies!Australia is considered the allergy capital of the world. Allergic disease currently affects more than four million Australians and that number is expected to rise.By 2050, the number of people affected by allergic diseases in Australia is predicted to increase by 70 per cent to 7.7 million.In this episode of The Briefing, Antoinette Lattouf speaks with Professor Kirsten Perrett, Director of the National Allergy Centre to find out why. Headlines: Thousands attend 'Yes' rallies Russell Brand investigated over sexual assault allegations Wallabies lose to Fiji at Rugby World Cup Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2023 Australian of The Year Local Hero and founder of Turbans 4 Australia, Amar Singh, is six weeks into his roadshow around Australia to promote the Voice. Travelling around Australia, he is hoping to to promote the Voice to Parliament to multicultural, culturally diverse, religious, and ethnic groups. Why does he care, and what has the reception been like? In this bonus episode of The Briefing, Antoinette Lattouf joins him for a leg to find out how his campaign is going, and what CALD communities around the country are telling him. Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to On Topic with the Weekend Briefing, a special series where Jamila Rizvi talks to some of her favourite guests - old and new - about a single, fascinating subject. Over the next two months, you’ll hear from singers, writers, models, actors and change makers on topics as diverse as power and influence, mindset and money, bodies and brains. Today you’ll hear from Sean Kelly, on politics. Sean is a columnist for the Nine papers and a regular contributor to The Monthly. He was a political adviser to Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard. In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Sean explains politics as a performance, the fracturing of the two party system, the entrenchment of attitudes and opinions - and what it means if Australians treat politics as a game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this headlines-free extra episode of the Briefing: How are social media influencers shaking up Australia's fashion industry? Content creators are certainly making a name for themselves in this space - from releasing collections with big-name brands to even creating their own fashion label. And their followers are eating up everything they're putting out. We're joined by LISTNR journalist Loren Howarth to talk about what effect influencers are having on the industry and designers who've been in the game for decades.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should I have a baby? That’s the big question Gina Rushton grapples with in her new book, The Parenthood Dilemma. She delves into some of the existential issues: whether it’s responsible to have children while our climate continues to heat up at a rapid rate; as well as the personal: why, when faced with the potential of her own infertility, she found herself questioning how she thought she felt about children. In this episode of The Briefing, Tom Tilley speaks with Gina about the challenges of modern parenthood. Headlines: Son of US President Joe Biden charged with gun crimes Jacinta Nampijinpa Price says First Nations Australians are not affected by colonisation Apology from multimillionaire who wants unemployment to rise Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this headlines-free extra episode of The Briefing: Everyone knows the impact of mental health on our wellbeing, our families, our jobs and our future. So today, we ask 'R U OK'? While we’re more acutely aware of the tell-tale signs and how and why we need to seek help, it can be hard to know how to check in with those around us, or for those struggling to know what to do. Asking if someone’s OK is a great place to start the conversation. In this R U OK? Day episode of the Briefing, we’re joined by Gus Worland, Founder of Gotcha4Life, a not-for-profit foundation with a goal of zero suicides, taking action by delivering mental fitness programs that engage, educate and empower local communities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Constant exposure to dire forecasts and extreme weather events is taking its toll on climate scientists. It's meant scientists are now trying group therapy to deal with their fear and anxiety. In this episode of our Summer Ahead series Tom Tilley breaks it down with ANU scientist Joe Duggan. Headlines: Qantas loses over sacking baggage handlers Multimillionaire wants unemployment to rise US crab-walking prison escapee found Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this headlines-free extra episode of The Briefing: The ACT has passed laws that decriminalise illicit drugs. This means you’ll get the equivalent of a speeding ticket if found in possession of 1.5 grams of cocaine, meth or 1 gram of heroin. So why has the ACT gone down this path? Will it become a target market for gangland criminals? And what can the ACT learn from countries like Portugal that decriminalised illicit drugs more than 20 years ago? We’re joined by Bronwyn Hendry, CEO of Canberra-based Directions Health Services which has advocated for drugs to be decriminalised.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI is here: already a third of employees are using AI for work, and in two-thirds of those cases, their manager doesn't know. Sectors like media, finance and education will see the biggest changes; with experts saying companies need to come up with an AI strategy as soon as possible. In this episode of The Briefing, Katrina Blowers speaks with Dr Kellie Nuttall from Deloitte about how much AI has already been adopted in Australia. Headlines: Marcia Langton denies calling No voters racist Over 10,000 missing after Libya floods Republicans order impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this headlines-free extra episode of The Briefing: What exactly are our politicians being gifted for free, and who takes the most? While gifts range from bicycles to sports tickets, and many aren't accepted, each year the accumulated worth runs into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. And currently they’re under scrutiny. Just today a survey from Nine newspapers revealed that 70% of Australians believe they shouldn’t accept free membership of elite clubs such as the Qantas Chairman’s Lounge. We’re joined by LiSTNR's Investigations Editor, Clair Weaver, to tell you about the hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of gifts being accepted by our politicians every year, and whether the gifts could sway policy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chanel Contos shot to fame when she uncovered thousands of horror stories about sexual abuse and coercion in Sydney’s elite private schools. Since then she’s successfully pushed for consent education to become part of the school curriculum. In this episode of The Briefing, Tom Tilley speaks with Chanel about her new book Consent Laid Bare. Headlines: Labor’s $10b housing fund after deal with the Greens Pressure mounting over the future of Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk Apple to ditch iPhone lightning power port and cable Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this headlines-free extra episode of the Briefing: After three weeks of intense pressure, Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales has finally succumbed and announced he will resign. Rubiales has dominated news after kissing Spanish player Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent, after Spain won the FIFA Women’s World Cup last month. We’re joined by Bonita Mersiades, a former executive with Football Australia and a FIFA whistleblower, to speak about what happened and whether this will be the watershed moment many are hoping for.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At least 2,012 people have died with at least 2000 more injured in the most powerful earthquake Morocco has suffered in 120 years. The 6.8 magnitude quake hit Morocco late on Friday local time, with entire villages levelled. Now the race is on to try and recover survivors from the rubble. Katrina Blowers speaks with Oumaima Azzelzouli, a journalist with Moroccan National Radio who lives in Rabat about what’s happening on the ground. Headlines: Luis Rubiales to quit after World Cup kiss scandal Tasmania is the only state voting yes for the Voice referendum Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis apology video Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to On Topic with the Weekend Briefing, a special series where Jamila Rizvi talks to some of her favourite guests - old and new - about a single, fascinating subject. Over the next two months, you’ll hear from singers, writers, models, actors and change makers on topics as diverse as power and influence, mindset and money, bodies and brains. Today you’ll hear from Lillian Ahenkan, on influence. Lillian, better known as Flex Mami, is a radio and TV presenter, DJ, author, business owner and has more than 169,000 followers on Instagram. In this special episode, Flex speaks about the commodification of influence, who gets to be a role model and why we all should think more deeply about who influences us and why. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this headlines-free extra episode of the Briefing: Tom Tilley's secret passion!! The Rugby World Cup begins in France this weekend – and the Wallabies head into the tournament after losing five lead-up matches. Coach Eddie Jones has picked a very young, inexperienced side, who he says he will have firing at exactly the right time. Tom Tilley and Sacha Barbour-Gatt are rugby 'tragics'! Australia was transfixed when the Matildas contested the FIFA Womens’ World Cup last month. Can the Wallabies mirrot the Matilda’s success and save a dying code? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.