The Briefing

Renters and first-time homeowners look set for a difficult Christmas after the RBA announced another hike in interest rates. Australia is already in the middle of a rental crisis with around 70% of people paying rent which is over a third of their household income. In this episode of the Briefing we speak to Emma Greenhalgh, CEO of National Shelter, about the current struggle to find an affordable place to rent in Australia. Headlines: - Gender pay gap stagnates- Labor faces uphill energy battle- East braces for ‘unsettled weather’- Lehrmann in talks for TV interview- FIFA world cup semi finalists decided Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna Spargo-Ryan is an award winning author and writer, whose work has appeared in The Guardian, the Good Weekend, The Saturday Paper and more. She is a mother of two, who was born in Adelaide but now lives in Melbourne. Anna is also an agoraphobe who rarely leaves the relatively short radius around her home. During covid lockdowns, Anna Spargo-Ryan rediscovered activities she hadn’t participated in for years. For two years she went to book launches and birthday drinks. She saw her favourite bands play. And then, Anna said goodbye all over again, to the things she loves; unable to participate when they moved offline again and into the “real world”.Anna’s life, rather like her new book A Kind of Magic, can be dark and difficult, but is also funny and warm, hopeful and joyous. In this conversation Jamila Rizvi and Anna Spargo-Ryan delve into living with mental illness, healing your inner child and discuss why Anna has stopped searching for a “cure”. THE WEEKEND LIST WATCH: Below Deck Adventure – HAYU WATCH: Plan International Charity Christmas Gift WATCH: Christmas Ransom - STAN EAT: 70 Incredible Edible Presents To Give This Festive Season – Delicious.com.au Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could a tax adjustment save Australia's live music venues? A new study has found a 70% drop in the number of venue-based live music gigs taking place in Australia following Covid. Around one in seven venues say they never expect to return to pre-pandemic sized audiences with the current tax settings in place. We’re joined by Dean Ormston - CEO of APRA AMCOS - which represents more than 100,000 musicians, to find out about a new tax offset that could revive the live music sector. In today’s Briefing….a new scheme to re-boot Australia’s live music sector. Headlines: - Harry and Meghan’s Netflix doco drops- National Cabinet to meet today over energy price crisis- Warner’s manager says CA knew about ball tampering- Iran carries out first protest execution- WNBA star freed via prisoner swap Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did police track down Toyah Cordingley’s suspected murderer, and where do we go from here? 24-year-old Toyah was murdered on a beach near Cairns four years ago. Her suspected killer has just been arrested in India after he allegedly fled Australia in the days following Toyah’s death. We’re joined by Seven News journalist Joel Dry who’s been covering the case. In today’s Briefing, we find out what has happened so far, and why the path to justice for Toyah Cordingley will take so long. Headlines: - Bali bomber Umar Patek released from prison- Zelensky and the “spirit of Ukraine” Time Person of the Year- China eases Covid restrictions in response to protests- New homeless figures include 76,000 under 18- Elvis sweeps AACTAs Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are lab-grown diamonds, and why are they becoming so popular? Lab-grown diamonds are becoming increasingly popular, with a recent survey showing nearly 70% of millennials are happy to consider them for an engagement ring. We’re joined by Jodi Bradby, professor at the Research School of Physics and Engineering at the Australian National University; and Ronnie Bauer from the Jewellers Association of Australia. In today’s Briefing, lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically and optically identical to mined diamonds, so how are they made, and are they more sustainable than traditional diamonds? Headlines: - Interest rate pain in lead-up to Christmas- National Cabinet to meet Friday to discuss energy price caps- Indonesia bans sex outside of marriage- Watermelon prices skyrocket Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why has North Korean leader Kim Jong-un decided to reveal his daughter to the world now? Kim Jong-un has revealed North Korea plans to build the “world’s most powerful nuclear force” after testing out a new ballistic missile. He’s also revealed his daughter to the public for the first time ever. So why has the North Korean leader chosen to unveil her to the world now? In this episode of the Briefing we’re speaking to Gordon Flake, founding CEO of the Perth USAsia Centre at The University of Western Australia. We explore North Korea’s nuclear plans and the significance of Kim Jong-un revealing his daughter. Headlines: - Albo tests positive for Covid-19- RBA expected to increase rates today- Hillsong founder Houston returns to court today- China criticises Australian delegation to Taiwan- Heatwave heading to northern Australia Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is it like for youngsters locked up inside Western Australia’s Banksia Hill detention centre? We’re joined by the ABC reporter Grace Tobin, whose distressing Four Corners report has revealed the number of excessive force complaints against officers at Banksia Hill. Officers have been exposed for using the ‘folding up’ technique to restrain teenagers. The movement is banned in Queensland over fears it could lead to suffocation or death. In this episode of the Briefing, WA’s Banksia Hill’s shameful treatment of detainees - many of whom are children Headlines: - Feds push for cap on energy prices- Albo finishes year on top of the polls- Iran to scrap morality police - Alleged ISIS terrorist Prakash facing six charges - Shane Warne elevated to legend status at Australian Sport Hall of Fame Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Anne Summers is one of Australia's greatest contributors to the feminist movement. She is a writer, speaker and author, who was editor of the American publication Ms magazine in the 1980s and editor of the Good Weekend here in Australia in the 1990s. In between those roles she advised Prime Ministers Hawke and Keating on women's issues and went on to run the Office for the Status of Women, in Canberra.Her most recent work is about the link between family violence and women’s poverty. To read the full report on The Choice: Violence or Poverty by Anne Summers, click the link here: https://www.violenceorpoverty.com/ In this conversation Jamila Rizvi explores the life of Anne Summers, and the pair dissect the confronting figures on the correlation of violence and poverty experienced by women in Australia. THE WEEKEND LIST WATCH: Wednesday - Netflix WATCH: From Lone Wolf to Leader: The Making of Anthony Albanese – The Guardian DO: Wear sunscreen people! EAT: Gingerbread house recipe – Sally’s Baking Addiction Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You may know Isaiah Firebrace from the X Factor or Eurovision. Well he’s written a new children’s book - Come Together - things every kid should know about our First Peoples Isaiah joins Rhianna to explain the book is a heart-warming, debut picture book for children aged 5 and up, inspired by Isaiah’s petition to the Australian Government calling for Aboriginal history to be taught in every classroom. Come Together will make every Aussie kid proud that we are home to the longest continuing culture on Earth! The book is available now. Headlines: - Chris Dawson to be sentenced today- Territories given go-ahead to debate voluntary dying laws- Meghan and Harry’s Netflix trailer drops- Socceroos to face Argentina early Sunday Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chinese government introduced its ‘zero-Covid’ policy back in 2019 when the virus was first detected. So why are protesters choosing to demonstrate against it almost three years later? We’re joined by author and Senior Fellow for East Asia at the Lowy Institute Richard McGregor, to discuss the ‘White Paper protests’ and how the Chinese authorities are attempting to mute them. In this episode of the Briefing we explore how protestors in China are using creative methods to stand up against the country’s strict Covid measures. Headlines: - Socceroos WIN!! Australia through to Round of 16 - Former PM Morrison censured by Parliament- First day of summer after miserable spring- Inflation decline potentially good news for interest rates Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why is it becoming more common for women to freeze their eggs? A couple in the US has just welcomed twins into the world using embryos made 30 years ago. The twins have been named the ‘oldest babies’ to be born after the eggs were kept in ice for 3 decades. We’re joined by Molly Johnston, a bioethics lecturer at Monash University and she’s been working in the IVF field for the last five years to find out if this is something that could happen in Australia. In this episode of the Briefing we explore the growing popularity of women choosing to freeze their eggs and have babies at a later stage in life. Headlines: -New national anti-corruption commission to become law today - Nationals split over Indigenous Voice- NSW Covid fines scrapped- Outback Wrangler charged over chopper crash Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should employers respect a worker’s right to disconnect? The age of mobile phones and the internet means we’re connected more than ever. We’re basically available 24/7. Should workers retain the right to disconnect once their work day is done? A growing movement, called 'right to disconnect' is urging employers to respect a worker’s right to their own downtime. We’re joined by a Queensland teacher and Greens Senator Barbara Pocock. Before she was elected earlier this year, she was worked at the University of South Austrlalia and wrote several books on work/life balance. In this episode of the Briefing we explore the growing movement to enable staff to say ‘enough’s enough’ and to turn off their phones in their own time. Headlines: - Nationals will not support Indigenous Voice - $50m fines for companies over data breaches- RBA boss apologises for wrong advice - Australia’s terror threat reduced- WHO renames monkeypox over racism concerns Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So many of us have developed mental health problems in the wake of the pandemic. The federal government currently has a program where you can see a GP and the doctor will refer you to a psychologist for 20 help sessions, but the government is planning on winding that back to ten sessions by the end of the year. To add to the problem it’s virtually impossible to find a psychologist who will take on new patients. We’re joined by Sahra O’Doherty – a practicing psychologist and director of the Australian Association of Psychologists – who explains why it’s so tough to find a psych and why the government should keep its current policy of 20 sessions in place. In today’s Briefing, a deep dive on why it’s so difficult to find a psychologist – and why it’s really important to persevere if your GP recommends you seek help. If you need someone to talk to, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Headlines: - New IR laws get green light- Andrews' resounding election win- China protests over Covid restrictions- Toyah Cordingly accused arrested in India- Cam Smith wins third Australian PGA Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Angela White is Australia's most successful porn star. Angela knew she wanted to work in porn from the age of fourteen. She saw the industry as a place where her sexuality and her love of sex would be celebrated, not stigmatised. Today, Angela is one of the biggest adult entertainers in the world, with her own empire. The Daily Beast describes her as the "Meryl Streep of porn". In this conversation Jamila Rizvi and Angela White talk about everything from politics, education, shame around sex and the ins and outs of the pornography industry. THE WEEKEND LIST WATCH: STUTZ - Netflix Documentary WATCH: The White Lotus - BINGE WATCH: Dead To Me (Season 3) - Netflix GET: Sticks Pinot Noir - Yarra Valley Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cryptocurrency is having a year from hell. And it’s been a massive fall - the market capitalisation of the crypto market has fallen from around $US3 trillion last year to around $US 800 billion. As part of the fall, one of the world’s most famous crypto cowboys came down to earth. Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of crypto exchange FTX We’re joined by Paul Vigna, a reporter at the Wall Street Journal... he’s written a book called The Age of Cryptocurrency. Paul explains who SBF is, and how he had such a spectacular fall. In this episode of the Briefing, we look at the rise and fall of the crypto cowboy, Sam Bankman-Fried Headlines: - Baker Boy’s big night at the ARIAs- Tracy Grimshaw bids farewell to A Current Affair- Vic polls point to possible hung parliament- Nude shoot for Bondi Beach Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese president Xi Jinping met with Australia’s prime minister Anthony Albanese last week. It was a first step in a bid to mend relations between the two countries. China blocked Australian imports of wine, barley, live seafood and beef - among others - in 2020 in response to Australia’s criticism of China in the wake of the pandemic. We’re joined by Joanna Chiu - a Vancouver-based journalist for the Toronto Star and the author of 'China Unbound - a new world disorder’ to discover why China has taken Australia out of the diplomatic deep freeze. So what’s behind China’s bid to welcome us back into the fold? Is it simply a change of government? Or is China playing a long game? Headlines: - NSW town evacuated as Lachlan River floods - Seven dead in Walmart shooting in US - Teenager killed in Jerusalem terror attack - Scotland blocked from holding second independence vote - Japan stuns Germany in World Cup upset Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at the results of an inquiry into sexism in the Queensland Police Service. In May, QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced an independent Commission of Inquiry into Queensland Police Service responses to domestic and family violence. We’re joined by Kate Kyriacou, a senior journalist at Brisbane’s Courier Mail newspaper. Kate has followed the hearings since day one and says the inquiry heard women had been raped, kissed, touched inappropriately, threatened and stalked online and in person by senior colleagues. In today’s Briefing we dissect the inquiry’s findings and ask a simple question – can the culture in the QLD Police Service change under its current leadership? Headlines: - RBA boss warns of higher inflation, lower growth - Saudi Arabia stuns Argentina at FIFA World Cup - Helliar announces Project departure - Indo quake death toll reaches 268 - Caddick artworks sold at auction Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Protests against Iran's clerical establishment erupted two months ago after the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was detained by morality police for allegedly breaking the strict hijab rules. We’re joined by Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert who spent more than 800 days imprisoned in Iran and has carried out research into protests and revolutions in the Middle East. Kylie explains we’ll see more bloodshed before we see the end of the unrest. The protests have spread to 140 cities and towns and evolved into the most significant challenge to the Islamic Republic in over a decade. In today’s Briefing, Iran’s youth revolution Headlines: - Massive earthquake in Indonesia kills more than 160 - NASA returns to moon’s orbit - QLD police lashed in sexism inquiry - World Cup ‘one love’ armband ban - More wild weather on east coast Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria will head to the polls this weekend, to decide whether to re-elect Daniel Andrews. We look into what has shaped the man who has become one of Australia’s most powerful and divisive premiers. We speak to Sumeyya Ilanbey from The Age who has written a biography of Andrews, the man who is likely to lead his government into a third term. Headlines: - Severe weather lashes east- FIFA World Cup begins in Qatar- Elon Musk reinstates Trump’s Twitter account- Historic deal struck at the UN's COP27 summit- Five dead in Colorado shooting; more medibank data released; Chris Hemsworth takes a break; Lisa Wilkinson leaves The Project; Kath & Kim airs 20 year reunion Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Boyd was just eighteen years old when he was named the number one AFL draft pick of 2013. After briefly playing for Greater Western Sydney he moved back to Melbourne to join the Western Bulldogs. The teenager’s contract was worth a record-breaking $7 million. Tom Boyd was instrumental in the Bulldogs premiership of 2016, the team’s first in 62 years. Three years later, at 23 years old, Tom made the decision to retire from footy, shocking fans, commentators and everyone who had predicted a long and glittering career. In this conversation Jamila Rizvi & Tom Boyd discuss the pressure and scrutiny that came with Tom’s AFL career, including the cycle of severe insomnia, depression and anxiety, plus his insights on what the AFL can do better to help players both on and off the field. THE WEEKEND LIST WATCH: Donna Hay Christmas – Disney+ WATCH: The Phantom of The Opera – Arts Centre Melbourne DO: Check out Black Friday & Cyber Monday sales GET: Witchery X KITX capsule collection 'Towards a Sustainable Future’ Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each morning, The Briefing tells you what is happening in the world. But does it tell you why it is happening? Well, yes, actually it does. It’s a real all-rounder. But what if I told you that there was a brand new podcast that could tell you the whats and the whys of what is happening in relation to astrology? Hosted by astrologer Katherine Gillies, It’s a Sign is a daily, 90-second guide to your life. Delving into the complexities of the Zodiac, Katherine charts moon and planetary transits and contextualises – simply – how these changes will translate into our day-to-day lives. If you’re ever wanted a little friend on your shoulder, whispering what you should (and shouldn’t) be doing, you need It’s a Sign. This is SO much more than a horoscope – it’s logical, practical tips in short, bite-sized pieces. Welcome to your new guide to life! It’s a Sign is now available on all your favourite podcasting apps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Covid cases are rapidly rising on Australia's east coast, leading Queensland to issue an amber alert across the state. There are fears Australia is heading for a Covid crisis in the lead up to Christmas. Experts are urging us to work from home; there are calls for mask mandates to be re-introduced; and Queensland has issued an amber alert across the state. In this episode of the Briefing, we talk new strains, new risks and just how worried we need to be this Summer. To answer all these questions we’re joined by Associate Professor Paul Griffin who’s an infectious diseases doctor and microbiologist at Brisbane’s Mater Hospital. Headlines: - Australian released from Myanmar prison- Three sentenced following MH17 trial- Third missing in floods; Guy Sebastian’s manager sentenced; Twiggy donates to Ukraine; Taylor Swift crashes Ticketmaster- Neighbours is coming back Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Towns in the Central West of NSW have been inundated by floodwaters this week. Residents of Forbes were told to leave town with the Lachlan River forecast to hit a new record. There were wild scenes across a number of small towns on Monday: more than 100 people were rescued by helicopter in Eugowra. Molong and Canowindra were also hard hit by flooding, and Wyangla Dam on the Lachlan has been overflowing. We’re joined by Jamie Jones, deputy mayor of Cabonne Shire Council and Kathy Finn, the manager of Hay’s Shear Outback, the Shearer’s Hall of Fame, to give us a snapshot of the impact of the floods – which in itself is amazing, given the two communities are more than 500kms apart. In this episode of the Briefing, we bring you the voices of people hammered by flooding in the NSW Central West. Headlines: - Ukraine war: crisis averted- Trump launches 2024 presidential bid- NSW floods claim another life- Deliveroo leaves Australia- Kevin Spacey charged; Tesla recalls cars; NASA launches Artemis Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A brand new podcast has lifted the lid on every parent’s worst nightmare. Listnr’s new podcast, The Children in the Pictures follows Australian documentary-maker and dad, Akhim Dev, as he uncovers the truth behind a global criminal network of child sexual abuse. We’re joined by Detective Inspector Jon Rouse, who has been running Taskforce Argos at QLD Police for 25 years. His team infiltrates child sex networks to find 'the children in the pictures' – and hopefully to arrest and convict those responsible. On today’s Briefing, a sneak peak at this new eight-part series examining how the fastest-growing serious crime in the world has become endemic online, and explores what we can all do to fight it. Headlines: - Two missing in NSW floods- Albanese meets with Xi Jinping - Covid wave to soon be over - Djokovic to play Aus Open - AGL: Cannon-Brookes victorious Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After Elon Musk’s incredible success at Tesla and Paypal, the world wanted to see what he would do when he announced he was buying Twitter. So far, it's been a disaster. From day one, Musk has pivoted from one mistake to another, sacking thousands of people before backtracking and making a complete mess of the verification process. In today’s Briefing, we take a deep dive on Elon Musk’s twitter chaos, blow by blow with David Swan, the tech editor at The Australian newspaper. Headlines: - Flood crisis worsening in western NSW- Anthony Albanese to meet Xi Jinping - Medibank: Mental health data leaked - Folbigg inquiry examines role of mutant gene- Amazon boss Bezos to give away his fortune Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rebel Wilson has just announced her daughter was born via surrogate. She’s one of a growing number of people having their children this way. In her announcement she thanked the surrogate who “carried Royce and birthed her with such grace and care,” and it got us talking about surrogacy. In today's Briefing, we speak to lawyer Sarah Jefford, a surrogate herself, about the Australia system which forces the majority of couples who want a surrogate, to go overseas. Headlines: - US: Democrats hold the senate- Biden speaks to Albo ahead of China talks- Celebrations in Ukraine- Wild weather lashes the south east- Victorian election begins Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NASA is heading back to the moon in the hopes of setting up a colony there. But this endeavour – called Artemis - has been plagued by delays and the spacecraft remains firmly on the ground. So, what’s going on? Why hasn’t it launched yet? Dr Sophie Calabretto talks to Cosmos Magazine journalist Matthew Agius about the Artemis missions, what's gone wrong so far and when we’re likely to a see moon colony become a reality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke Blurton was Australia's first ever Indigenous and bisexual Bachelorette. There is so more to this impressive young woman than reality TV fame. Brooke is a passionate advocate for mental health, a proud champion of young queer people and people of colour.In her new book Big Love, she reveals a far more complex character than we were permitted to see on screen, and speaks about a childhood that was truly harrowing at times but nonetheless, full of love. In this conversation Jamila Rizvi and Brooke Blurton dive into the importance of identity and culture, mental health and breaking through intergenerational trauma. THE WEEKEND LIST LISTEN: Jan Fran ‘I Just Thought, This Is It' - The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show Podcast WATCH: The Great British Bake Off - BINGE LISTEN: Peking Duk Podcast GET: Nala Underwear Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wil Anderson’s new book is called I am NOT fine, thanks. It's all about how the pandemic impacted us: we worked from home, or maybe lost our jobs, or began losing friends down rabbit holes. Wil says it’s time to bring those who drifted into conspiracy theories back into the fold. In today’s Briefing, Wil Anderson talks us through how the pandemic impacted his career and how he found himself living among vaccine deniers on the NSW north coast, how he deals with the impact of lockdowns, and how it’s OK to say ‘I’m NOT fine, thanks’. Headlines: - Chris Dawson’s daughter wants to know where her mother’s body is- US inflation down- A new wave of Covid is taking hold- Thousands leave Optus following hack Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all watched in amazement as the world’s super-rich went gangbusters during the pandemic. Some of the increases in wealth were next level. If 2020 and 2021 were dream years, 2022 has been a nightmare for billionaires. James Thomson writes the Chanticleer column in the Australian Financial Review. James explains why the pandemic was so profitable for the uber-wealthy, and why 2022 has seen some experience up to 40 percent falls in their net worth. In today’s Briefing, why 2022 was a bad year for billionaires. Headlines: - Medibank customer information leaked to dark web- Democrats outperform expectations- Russia withdraw from Kherson- Meta lays off 11,000 staff- Eggs thrown at King Charles Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We dive into some mindblowing research scientists have been doing in the field of lucid dreaming. They’ve actually spoken to people in their sleep, even asking them to solve complex mathematical problems, and those people have responded. It’s a bit like the real life version of that movie Inception, where Leonardo DiCaprio entered into other people’s dreams and interacted with them. We're joined by Ken Paller, professor of psychology and director of the Cognitive Neuroscience Program at Northwestern University. Scientists think being able to communicate with people while they’re having a lucid dream has incredible potential, like helping people with PTSD overcome trauma as well as allowing elite athletes and performers to practice doing complex skills. Headlines: - US midterm elections underway - Teen admits to blackmailing Optus customers- Secret report into sports rorts revealed- Coles and Woolies plastic recycling program collapses Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US midterm elections are happening this week, with major implications for President Joe Biden. A third of the seats in the US senate are on the ballot along with every seat in the House of Representatives; that means the country’s legislature could swing towards either party. Biden’s Democrats are hoping to win votes by focusing on abortion rights and democracy, while Republicans are concentrating on the economy and immigration. They’re beginning today and they could have major implications for President Joe Biden; action on climate change and spending on the war in Ukraine will influence the playing field of the 2024 presidential campaign - and pave the way for Donald Trump running again. We take a deep dive with former Chaser and Planet America host Chas Licciardello. Headlines: - Medibank is facing a class action - Sri Lanka Cricketer refused bail - Scott Morrison has been warned by the attorney-general - Teal independents reveal election spend Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian housing market is experiencing strange times. In this episode we’ll look at previous downturns, and how they’ve panned out to discover if the current downturn will be the worst housing market crash in Australian history. We chat to Eliza Owen, Property Analyst from Corelogic to give us the inside scoop. Headlines: - COP 27: past 8 years hottest on record - Floodwaters move downstream - Sri Lankan cricketer faces court over sexual assault - Elon Musk lays off workers as advertisers leave Twitter - Tributes flow for Aaron Carter Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teela Reid is a proud Wiradjuri and Wailwan woman, lawyer, and story-teller. Teela was also involved in the Constitutional dialogue process that culminated in the Uluru Statement from the Heart. The Prime Minister has foreshadowed a referendum on the question of a First Nations Voice to Parliament; a key component of the Statement of the Heart. One day soon we will all be called upon to vote on this critical question.In this conversation Jamila Rizvi and Teela Reid discuss kinship, oral history, colonization, healing, treaty, and much more. THE WEEKEND LIST: READ: Audiobooks from your local library WATCH: Emilia – Arts Centre Melbourne WATCH: Drink Masters – Netflix READ: Uluru Statement From The Heart Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our first two episodes of the gut instinct series, we’ve explored the growing evidence that suggests how so much of what happens in the gut impacts diseases traditionally linked to the brain. We’ve also examined the booming multi-billion dollar probiotics and kombucha industries, and found they have little or limited effect on the gut. So what other ways can we treat the mind via our guts? Around a third of GPs now identify as integrative doctors who blend conventional medicine with lifestyle interventions. We chat to Dr William Barnes, who is an Integrative GP and Functional Medicine Doctor. Headlines: - Cyber crime is surging - NSW communities hit with more floods - Brian Houston slams Hillsong board - Online child exploitation surging - Imran Khan survives assassination attempt Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Globally the kombucha and probiotics market is worth billions and it’s rapidly growing as people spend big on wellness and gut health. In part two of our three part series on gut health, we’ll be exploring if we’re being fooled by some of the extraordinary health claims these products make. Or maybe there's a tiny nugget of truth in the proclamations— and it's just been over-hyped. We talk to Jordan Stanford from the University of Wollongong, a dietician with a PhD investigating dietary interventions to improve gut health. Headlines: - Cassius Turvey vigils held across the country- Woman at centre of Hawthorn investigation pulls out- New gambling taglines- Taronga Zoo investigates escaped lions Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This series will examine the growing body of evidence between gut health and gut microbiomes to mental health, sleep disorders and in some cases even autism. Should we be changing our approach to mental health treatment which is so heavily geared toward quick pharmaceutical interventions? Professor Emad El-Omar is the director of the University of New South Wales Microbiome Research Centre and is also a professor of medicine. He chats with us about the ins and outs of our gut health. Headlines: - RBA hikes rates again and warns more on the way - Cold snap freezes the south east - Nine arrested after India bridge collapse - Rapper Takeoff shot dead - Gold Trip wins Melbourne Cup Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian workers have been getting a raw deal on wages. Wages actually being stolen, that is, unlawful underpayment, and then there’s the terrible bargaining power that has seen real wages flat-line for the last decade. That’s one of the issues the Labor party campaigned on to get into office, and now that they’re in office, it's proving hard to change. Ben Schneiders has been investigating the wage problem for years, he’s an investigative journalist with The Age and author of “Hard Labour: Wage Theft in the Age of Inequality." Headlines: - Not enough police at South Korea’s crowd crush tragedy - Netball Australia has new sponsor - Brazil elects new left-wing president - Jetstar under fire after woman crawled down aisle - Melbourne Cup set to be cold / RBA to hike interest rates / Will you pay for a Twitter blue tick? Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a dramatic week last week in the story of Ye-formerly known as Kayne West. The list of companies that have walked away from Kanye is huge, he says it cost him $2bn in one day. So is this the end of Kanye’s career? Kanye West, or Ye has been a master of controversy; he loves to shock. But in the last month his attacks on Jewish people have brought serious consequences. We’ll get a Jewish perspective on Kanye from author John Safran. Headlines: - 150+ dead in Seoul crowd crush- Twitter hit by trolling campaign- Pelosi attacker charged with attempted murder- Cassius Turvey vigils to be held- New Covid strain detected Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Shelton is a hugely successful comedian, actor, writer, radio and television presenter. In this conversation Jamila Rizvi and Ryan Shelton discuss following opportunities for success, discovering the power of vulnerability and Ryan’s own creative processes, where he has found honesty as the secret for his latest accomplishments. THE WEEKEND LIST: WATCH: Hocus Pocus & Hocus Pocus 2 – Disney+ LISTEN: How Other Dads Dad With Hamish Blake – Podcast WATCH: Eat The Rich: The Game Stop Saga – Netflix GET: Holme Beauty Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trends in funerary practices and how the recently departed are remembered are nothing new. From face moulds of the dead to making the rear window of your car a rolling memorial, the way someone is remembered has changed through time. But would you turn the tattoos of a dead family member into art? Kyle Sherwood does just that for a living and it’s proving quite popular. Remembrance is a very individual act. But would you ever preserve the tattoos of a loved one who's passed? Headlines: - Lehrmann jury dismissed- Northern Rivers buyback scheme announced- Dutton issues budget reply - Socceroos protest Qatar human rights- Prince Harry’s book to be released in January Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canberra might cop it a lot for being one of the most boring cities in Australia but it’s always been pretty progressive when it comes to social issues. It’s the only place in Australia where the personal use of cannabis is legal. We recently shared with you here on The Briefing that it was hosting a trial of the first fixed pill testing site, and now the ACT government has passed legislation decriminalising small amounts of illicit drugs like cocaine, heroin and speed. We speak to ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith who explains that under the new law - which comes into effect in a year, people found with amounts of certain drugs considered to be "personal possession", so that’s smaller than trafficable quantities, would be subject to a civil fine of $100, rather than criminal charges, and be referred for counselling. Headlines: - Inflation hits new high - Lehrmann’s lawyers accuse Scomo of prejudicing trial - WA commissioner sparks outrage in indigenous community - Wallam scores match-winning goal - Dr Who to move to Disney+ Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labor’s first budget in a decade has been handed down. It’s being touted as a cost of living budget that’s friendly for families. The government’s focus is on childcare, paid parental leave and disaster resilience as well as TAFE and university places. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has also taken into account our challenging economic times; growth is forecast to slump while unemployment is set to rise. We speak with the Australian Financial Review's Tom McIlroy about the Albanese government's first budget. Headlines: - Labor’s first budget is handed down - Lehrmann trial: Jury unable to reach unanimous verdict - Convicted murderer wants to reverse guilty plea - Adidas drops Ye aka Kanye West Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK's political saga continues with Rishi Sunak named the UK's new Prime Minister overnight. He replaces Liz Truss who was forced to resign just 45 days into the job after her disastrous mini-budget sent financial markets into meltdown. Truss had replaced Boris Johnson who sent his party into a meltdown. Rishi is 42, the youngest person to take office in more than 200 years, and is the first from an Indian background. He’s also married to one of the UK’s wealthiest women. Later this week he’ll be officially appointed to the top job by King Charles III. We speak with Rob Harris, The Age's reporter in London about who the new Prime Minister is, and how the last few tumultuous weeks in UK politics unfolded. Headlines: - Rishi Sunak named UK Prime Minister - Labor’s budget to be handed down - Floodwaters start receding - Man charged with murder over indigenous boy’s death Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On election day, a record number of independents seized previously "safe" seats and helped spell the end of the near decade-long Liberal government. It was a teal wave that surged stronger than anyone had expected, and it was backed by Climate 200 - a non profit, non partisan group that employed crowdfunding, whose founder, Simon Holmes à Court says is just getting started. Simon joins us on the Briefing to talk through his motivation for establishing Climate 200 and what he expects will happen at the upcoming NSW and Victorian elections. His new book, The Big Teal, is out now. It focuses how his Climate 200 group won over what he calls the ‘forgotten people’ of the 21st Century: women and younger voters especially - and how no seat in Australia will ever be safe again. Headlines: - The east coast cops another drenching - Australia pledges to cut methane - Chinese president Xi Jinping begins record-breaking third term - Netball Australia faces sponsorship crisis - Boris Johnson likely for second tilt at UK PM Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you tuned in to watch this year’s federal election night coverage, even for a few moments, you would have seen a sea of teal. All the political commentators could talk about was the wave of centre right independents who had claimed previously safe Liberal party seats. At the centre of these shifting political winds is Allegra Spender, former businesswoman and now the member for Wentworth covering some of Sydney’s wealthiest suburbs. Allegra Spender comes from a high-profile family, with both her father and grandfather being MPs and her mother, the late fashion designer Carla Zampatti. In this conversation, Jamila Rizvi and Allegra Spender cover everything from tax cuts, climate change, women’s issues and Australia’s ever-changing political climate. The Weekend List: Watch: Don’t Worry Darling Listen: FULL STORY: Ben Roberts-Smith V The Media - Podcast Watch: Easy-Bake Battle: The Home Cooking Competition - Netflix Cook: Sweet Potato Tea Cake – Bon Appetit Recipe Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why has an Aussie heavy metal band gone green? In Hearts Wake have used their passion for ecological advocacy, to push the boundaries of the music industry by recording, releasing and performing their last album, (Kaliyuga), in a radically new and sustainable way. Kaliyuga became the first carbon offset album, pressed on recycled materials to hit the top 5 in the ARIA Australian Albums Chart as it debuted at #3. We’re joined by the band’s front man Jake Taylor, who also directed a new documentary about the band’s eco journey, Green Is The New Black, released yesterday on DocPlay and iTunes. This is a great example of truly believing in your cause and using your art to make the world a better place. Headlines: - UK PM Liz Truss resigns - Greens senator steps down from leadership role- Towns brace for weekend floods- ACT government legalises small amounts of illicit drugs Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parts of NSW and Victoria are again under water as another big weather system heads for already sodden regions. Flood warnings are in place in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. Thousands of people living in the Victorian NSW border towns of Echuca and Moama are bracing for a second flood in a week as local rivers peak. We spoke to Bianca Hall, senior reporter with The Age newspaper early this morning. More than 700 flood rescues have been made since the disaster began, and thousands of people have been displaced. On this morning’s Briefing, we get the latest from the flooded town of Echuca. Headlines: - Jurors deliberate Lehrmann case- Bureau of Meteorology rebrand cost $200,000+- Damning review into Covid response- Gov spy agency working with Medibank on cyber attack Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex Jones is an American radio show host and prominent conspiracy theorist who was last week ordered to pay almost a billion dollars US to the families of the victims of the Sandy Hook school massacre. Jones had peddled the theory the shooting was a hoax to curb America’s gun laws. A court in Connecticut ordered Jones to pay up – but he’s now claiming bankruptcy and there are fears the families will never receive the compensation they deserve. Elizabeth Williamson, a New York Times journalist and author of “Sandy Hook: An American Tragedy and the Battle for Truth” joins us to explain if the families will ever see any money, and how Jones has managed to slip the net of accountability for the pain and suffering he’s caused. Headlines: - More rain for already sodden towns- Bruce Lehrmann trial begins to wrap up- Israel condemns reversing Jerusalem decision- Royals could be headed down under in 2024 Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s Briefing we look at a perverse twist of Me Too. The wave of abuse stories has come with a wave of defamation lawsuits. London-based barristers Jen Robinson and Keina Yoshida have written a book called How Many More Women detailing the way the law and the media has held back justice for sexual assault victims. The book, out today, is about how and why laws must change to protect women who are brave enough to speak out against their attackers. Headlines: - Consumers to brace for price hikes following floods- Politicians give evidence at Lehrmann trial- Australia drops Jerusalem as Australian capital of Israel- Calls for Nedd Brockman to be Australian of the year Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.