The Briefing

Are you concerned about media experts getting lots of media airtime to talk about Covid-19. but getting it wrong, often being way too pessimistic?  It feels like it’s impossible to filter out all the white noise to get to the facts we need to make an informed decision.   Dr Nick Coatsworth was the Deputy CMO for six months, he’s an infectious disease expert and the Director of Medical Services, Canberra Health Services. He wrote an op ed piece recently calling out his colleagues and other experts for expressing opinions not fact.   So where does the truth lie?  How do we strike a balance in the age of mass media and social media, so we can make informed decisions individually and as a country?  Dr Nick gives us the answers.   TODAY'S HEADLINES Victoria joins Sydney, Brisbane in lockdown Sydney lockdown expanded to Newcastle and Hunter Hillsong leader vows to return to Australia to fight charges $1 billion from Commonwealth for Closing The Gap More gold up for grabs as Australia records most successful games ever Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

News broke this week that a US company had made a $39 billion bid for Australian firm, Afterpay.  It is the biggest business deal in the history of the Australian Stock Exchange.   A company that is created and then grows massively in a short amount of time is called a ‘unicorn’.  Jonathan Shapiro and James Eyers are reporters for the Australian Financial Review and the authors of ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’, a new book on the Afterpay phenomenon.  They join us to explain how and why so much wealth been created so quickly despite many initially saying the company was overhyped and overvalued.   On today’s Briefing, we learn how the company was created and how it grew so big so fast…..and made a lot of people very rich in the process.  Those who were lucky enough to discover the elusive unicorn.    TODAY'S HEADLINES QLD authorities suggest lockdown extension may be needed Expert coalition calls for AZ uptake, warns Australia doomed to continued lockdowns Commonwealth defends commuter car park scheme Medals on offer in hockey and soccer after sailing/running Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TODAY'S HEADLINES PM unveils vaccine threshold, admits need for restrictions NSW sets vaccination goal for lifting restrictions Wuhan back in lockdown amid Delta chaos Olympic finals for Kookaburras and Boomers Payphones to become free Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tokyo Games has been Australia’s most successful Olympics in the pool ever, with nine gold medals.  In Rio, five years ago, we won three.  In London, we won just one.    The Australian swimming team has always been about the men – but in Tokyo, eight out of nine medals were won by female swimmers... which got us to number two in the world... behind the US with 11 gold... and 30 medals in total compared to our 20.   Seven’s Nathan Templeton was poolside all week.  He was the first person they spoke to after winning their events.   So how did we do it? How did our female swimmers take us back to our best?   TODAY'S HEADLINES Children to undergo testing as students form majority of QLD cases Labor and government push for different vaccine incentives Records broken on Square-Afterpay purchase Matildas out of Olympics after loss to Sweden Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ampol is sponsoring Surf Lifesaving Australia.  The giant oil company says its money will go to saving lives and its name will appear on the sleeves of surf club members on beaches right across Australia this summer.   The wider surfing community says the clubs should not be taking money from oil companies that contribute to global warming.  Sean Doherty is Chairperson of Surfrider Australia.  He says he understands why Surf Lifesaving Australia is taking the money, but it’s not a good look.   Social media erupted last month with people slamming Ampol AND Surf Lifesaving Australia.  We make sense of the debate in today’s Briefing.  If you have a view, join the discussion on Instagram.   TODAY'S HEADLINES NSW pushes vaccine drive and eased restrictions for August Missing link in SE QLD cases troubles authorities on second day of lockdown Sky News banned from YouTube Australia’s most successful day at Olympics ever Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Osher Günsberg is a familiar face on Australian television, having hosted Australian Idol, The Bachelor franchise and Masked Singer Australia.   However, off-screen, Osher is a much more complicated and complex man. He talks openly with Jamila Rizvi about his struggles with alcoholism and depression, finding spiritual connections in changing his name, his family life both now and growing up; as well as giving us in inside into The Bachelor.    THE WEEKEND LIST with Tait McGregor: Watch: Gossip Girl reboot (Binge) Watch: Never Have I Ever (Netflix) Listen: The Story of Hugo EP by JAWNY Do: Order a fancy meal from Providoor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is so much information circulating about Pfizer, AstraZeneca and vaccines in general.  No one knows what to believe.   Dr Nick Coatsworth is former Deputy Chief Medical Officer….and Executive Director of Medical Services at Canberra Hospital. He features in the federal government’s ads urging us to get vaccinated.   We invited our listeners to send in their questions and Dr Nick has answered them.  Here are the answers to the questions that need asking.     TODAY'S HEADLINES Troops called onto Sydney streets after record number of cases Experts release vaccine modelling to National Cabinet First images of jailed Australian in Myanmar Aussie track and field athletes cleared following Covid scare Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of our listeners asked us to do an episode on the Friendlyjordies story. Friendlyjordies is Youtube star, Jordan Shanks - a 31-year-old from Sydney.  He started his satirical YouTube channel eight years ago, has half a million subscribers and has racked up 135m views. He’s part comedian part political commentator   Friendlyjordies published a series of videos personally attacking the NSW deputy premier John Barilaro.  Shanks is now being sued for defamation and his producer, Kristo Langker, has been charged with stalking Mr Barilaro.  The producer was arrested by the NSW Police Fixated Persons Squad.   We’re joined by Dr Keiran Hardy, counter-terrorism law and policy expert and lecturer at Griffith University to explain the fixated persons factor; and Michael McGowan, journalist at The Guardian who has covered developments in the Shanks/Langker cases.    What’s the story with Friendlyjordies?   TODAY'S HEADLINES Sydney suburbs put under strict rules as lockdown is extended Commonwealth boosts and expands emergency support payments  $35 million payout for NT child detention inmates Record Olympic haul for Aussies in Tokyo Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia is currently in the middle of a massive timber shortage.  It means the booming construction industry has had to hit the brakes.   Angela Lillicrap, Chief Economist with the Housing Industry Association explains the reasons for the shortage; Mark Swadling from Sydney’s Swadling Timbers explains what it means for the industry; and Andrew Page, a builder tells us what it means for tradies and their customers.   Small businesses across Australia are already on their knees in the wake of the pandemic, but could a timber shortage, attributed to things beyond the industry’s control, put even more pressure on tradies and the industry in general?   TODAY'S HEADLINES Greater Sydney lockdown to be extended by four weeks NSW opens AstraZeneca doses to all adults Covid breach from ship crew at Perth hospital More swimming wins up for grabs after historic surfing competition Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is back on the hustings in the US. He’s talking up his chances of reclaiming the White House.   So, how likely is he to run again in 2024?  Does he have the money?  Does he have the support?  Could one of his family members bump him from the top of the ballot paper?     Ron Elving, is Senior Editor and correspondent on the Washington desk for NPR News.  He breaks down the likelihood of Trump running again in 2024.  What are the obstacles and could legal action derail Trump's campaign.   TODAY'S HEADLINES VIC and SA lockdowns to ease tonight NSW police issue warning over second planned protest Sexual harassment training for politicians following workplace review BRS trial hears detail of villager death Titmus and Ledecky prepare for next pool showdow Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Next month, Independent NSW MP Alex Greenwich will introduce a voluntary assisted dying bill to the state’s parliament.  Under the proposal, adults with a terminal illness that will cause death within six months, can access assisted dying with the approval of two doctors.    Like recently adopted legislation in South Australia and Queensland, health practitioners can conscientiously object or decline to participate in assisted dying for any reason... including religion. Alex joins us to talk through the legislation.    Nikki Gemmel has a strong view on the debate because her mum took her own life because of chronic pain.  Nikki’s a well known author and wrote a book about her mum’s story called After.   On today’s Briefing, we talk about bringing dignity to dying.   TODAY'S HEADLINES Police tracking down anti-lockdown protestors NSW expected to extend Sydney lockdown after more deaths PM pushes AZ vaccine after ATAGI changes advice Olympic showdown: Titmus Vs Ledecky   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian Nazeem Hussain became a household name after reaching the final of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, made his American TV debut sharing a screen with Bill Nye and has a comedy special on Netflix.   But Nazeem never meant to become an international comedy success as Jamila Rizvi finds out. The two talk about Nazeem’s heritage, growing up in Melbourne’s Muslim community and reconnecting with his Sri Lankan roots; life as a dad and rubbing shoulders with A-Listers like Kevin Hart and Dave Chappelle on wild nights out.   THE WEEKEND LIST with Tait McGregor: Listen: F*CK LOVE 3: OVER YOU EP by The Kid LAROI Cook: Steve Manfredi’s Hunza Pie (Good Food) Cook: Hetty McKinnon’s Peanut Butter Noodles With Cucumbers (Bon Appétit) Watch: The Bold Type (Stan) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tokyo Olympics is finally here!  The pandemic meant the Games were delayed by a year….and there were times this year when it looked like they might not go ahead.   We meet two young Australians hoping to win gold in their respective sports.  Australian Hockey midfielder, Renee Taylor; and Australian freestyle BMX rider Natalya Diehm have trained for years for the opportunity to compete at the Olympic Games.   Today’s Briefing is an opportunity to meet two young Aussies giving all for their country in their chosen sports.   Keep an eye out for Renee and Natalya as they give their best in their bid for Olympic glory.    TODAY'S HEADLINES State and federal leaders back the AZ jab for under 40s QLD closes off border to all of NSW China rejects WHO investigation into lab leak theory John Coates hits out at “mansplaining” accusations Upset win for Australian soccer ahead of opening ceremony   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian music industry is on its knees.  Artists and promoters have had gigs and festivals cancelled as a result of the most recent Covid lockdowns.   Reuben Styles, one half of Peking Duk, joins us to talk about the impact on local artists.  Many are desperate to get back to what they do best….and to make matters worse, they’re seeing sports venues packed to the rafters.   As a means to make a difference, the famous Australian music family, Alberts, has created Alberts Impact Ventures’ fund to help fund music projects to try to help kick start the sector.  We’re joined by investment manager Lisa Fedorenko; and head of strategy Glenn Bartlett to learn what strategies they have, to bring the industry back to life.   TODAY'S HEADLINES Brisbane confirmed as host for 2032 Olympics PM admits problems with vaccine rollout, pushes for change in AZ advice SA virus cluster doubles as NSW construction industry calls for restart UNESCO reef decision delayed as UK cities stripped of heritage status Dozens die in China subway flood   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has highlighted NSW’s role in seeding the outbreak that’s led to Victoria’s current lockdown and many Melburnians have expressed anger at Sydney for not containing the outbreak.   We’re joined by the much-loved Melbourne musician Rebecca Barnard who is furious because the local music industry was just starting to find its feet again.   Raffael Epstein from ABC Melbourne says the argy bargy between the two cities is a snapshot of our overall frustration.  We all want someone to blame.   How much did Sydney’s Covid strategy contribute to Melbourne’s fifth lockdown chaos.     TODAY'S HEADLINES Almost 14 million in lockdown as SA fights virus spread Victoria and regional NSW hit by new lockdowns Crown labelled unsuitable to run Melbourne casino Olympic competition gets underway as Brisbane prepares for 2032 bid Amazon’s Bezos flies to space   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UFOs are back on the radar in the US.   On June 25, the Director of National Intelligence did put out a report on UFOs... but they call them something slightly different. The report was titled... Preliminary Assessment: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena.   The report looked at 144 sightings.... and follows on from a move by the department of defence in April last year to declassify three UAP videos taken by Navy pilots.  Professor Chris Impey, a Professor in Astronomy at the University in Arizona, author and former Vice President of the American Astronomical Society.   So what did the report find?  Did the report simply leave more questions unanswered?  Tom and Annika open the US government’s X Files on this morning’s Briefing.   TODAY'S HEADLINES VIC Premier expected to reveal length of lockdown Mother of Sydney removalists latest covid victim Australia joins other nations in rare China hacking condemnation Former NSW ministers Eddie Obeid, Ian Macdonald found guilty of conspiracy   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, July 19, is Freedom Day in the UK. Prime Minister Boris Johnson sold it as the day Great Britain “goes back to life as it was before Covid”. Our team reached out to a handful of Brits who disagree with Mr Johnson.   We’re also joined by Bevan Shields, UK correspondent for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald who says life is definitely returning to normal; and Martin McKee, Professor of European public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine who says it’s a disastrous idea.   What will life look like in the UK from today? What can Australia learn as more than 10 million Australians remain in lockdown? Is Boris Johnson’s Freedom Day a winner….or will it be a massive loser…?   TODAY'S HEADLINES Decision on Victorian lockdown expected as regional cases grow Construction stopped, public transport cut in Sydney Covid fight QLD Premier Palaszczuk goes to Tokyo as Olympic cases rise Senior UK politicians in Covid isolation ahead of Freedom Day Port Arthur movie recognised at Cannes   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate Ellis was elected to the seat of Adelaide at the age of 27, and held the title of the youngest person to become a federal minister at 30. After working in Parliament House for 12 years before leaving the profession to prioritise her family life and to write her book Sex, Lies and Question Time: Why the Successes and Struggles of Women in Australia's Parliament Matter to Us All.Jamila Rizvi talks to Kate about her career in politics and quickly moving up the ranks, the experiences she uncovered in her book, motherhood and more.   THE WEEKEND LIST with Tait McGregor:   Watch: Bo Burnham: Inside (Netflix) Cook: Cannelloni of silverbeet with burnt butter and parmesan (Good Food) Listen: 6 Of A Billion EP by Claire Rosinkranz   Let us know who you'd love to see on the show! Send us a message on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ash Barty and Dylan Alcott kept Australia mesmerised last weekend when they won their respective Wimbledon titles.  Both are bona fide champions….but how do they get themselves in shape mentally?   Ben Crowe works with both Ash and Dylan. He’s their mindset coach.  He gets them in the right frame of mind to face their opposition….and their fears.   So what can YOU learn from someone like Ben?  Will you make a ‘to be’ list? Or a ‘to do’ list?   The episode of the Briefing is all about self belief.  Part of the challenge of being a champion is about champion learnings. Learn from the best.   TODAY'S HEADLINES Melbourne wakes to first day of fifth lockdown PM to take extended funding proposal to National Cabinet Floods claim more than 40 lives in Germany Britney Spears wins right to choose lawyer Australian swimmers don sauna suits to prepare for Tokyo humidity   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No one likes having difficult conversations.  It’s easier NOT to talk about things like death, sex and money.  But we DO need to have those conversations   Anna Sale is an author and host of WNYC’s podcast, Death, Sex & Money.  Her new book is Let’s Talk About Hard Things: Death, Sex & Money.  Anna tells us how and why we need to have conversations that make us uncomfortable.   You’ll learn a lesson or two via this podcast as Tom and Katrina take a deep dive on the conversations you need to have ….to help you navigate the difficult times life can throw at you.   TODAY'S HEADLINES Victoria reintroduces mask rules after new outbreaks New South Wales sets target for lifting lockdown Maroons save series from whitewash Cuban anti-government protests spread to US   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The nation is watching Sydney right now as it struggles to get this Covid-19 outbreak under control.  For people in Melbourne, it's looking eerily similar to the second wave that sent the Victorian capital into 112 days of lockdown last winter...     There is speculation Sydney’s so-called ‘lockdown lite’ is to blame.   We’re joined by Juliette   O’Brien – a digital and data journalist who established covid19data.com.au,   the definitive Covid-19 tracking website, who takes us through the chronology of the outbreak.    How did this outbreak blow away the expectations of the state who’d been labeled the gold standard for managing covid risk?   TODAY'S HEADLINES New financial support template paves the way for extended lockdown New vaccine advice for hotspot residents Chinese spy ship returns to Queensland coast South Africa violence claims 45 lives IOC slips up in message or reassurance to Japan   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of our listeners sent us a message asking us to do an episode on whether Botox is dangerous.  We know it’s become incredibly popular since it was approved for cosmetic use 20 years ago    We’re joined by Dr Cara McDonald, a dermatologist from Sunbury in Victoria.  Dr Cara tells us what Botox is, why it’s so popular….and the best way to make the most of what it has to offer.   The college of cosmetic surgery in Australia puts the spending on cosmetic procedures at more than one billion dollars... with around a third of that on Botox.  And increasingly...it’s being used by younger Australians in an effort to prevent aging.  Is Botox dangerous….?      TODAY'S HEADLINES Cash support for NSW as lockdown likely to be extended AstraZeneca advice remains unchanged VIC and SA on alert over Covid removalists England manager, Prince William condemn racial football abuse Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mariam Dabboussy was married in 2011 and she and her husband went on a holiday in 2015.  Her husband took her into Syria and joined the ISIS fight to establish a caliphate.  He was killed just before their second child was born.  Mariam was subsequently married off twice more.   Her father, Kamalle Dabboussy joins us to tell his daughter’s story – and to talk about trying to bring his daughter and now three grandchildren home.    It’s a heartbreaking story of the plight of a young Australian family – and a failure of government leaving helpless women and children to suffer in a camp in northern Syria, desperate to come home, even if they have to face the consequences for their actions.   TODAY'S HEADLINES NSW cases likely to hit 100 New vaccine ad campaign begins as deaths increase Government confirms all ADF troops out of Afghanistan Richard Branson goes to space England prepares for historic final Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A big episode for a big name! Dannii Minogue is one of the country's golden girls, with Australians growing up with her on Young Talent Time before she cracked the international market as a pop success; and now as a mum, podcaster and fashion designer, while gracing our screens as a television show judge.   Amidst her astronomical fame has been turmoil, from relentless paparazzi snapping her every move to being caught in the 2011 UK phone hacking scandal and being robbed of important personal moments.    Jamila Rizvi sat down with Dannii to discuss her life as she blossomed into fame and how that now impacts her son Ethan, landing a record deal as a teenager, the devastating phone scandal, and her new LiSTNR show, The 90s with Dannii Minogue.    THE WEEKEND LIST with Tait McGregor:  Watch: The OC (Stan) Watch: Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir (Netflix) Read: The Success Experiment by Lillian Ahenkan   Let us know what your list suggestions and guests you'd love to see on the show! Send us a message on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Covid 19 has made avoiding plastics a lot harder; cafes stopped taking keep cups, there was an increase in food and grocery deliveries - all wrapped in plastic and use of disposal PPE gear spiked … for obvious reasons.     On today’s Briefing - are we losing the fight on plastics? We’re joined by Kate Noble,  World Wildlife Fund Australia’s No Plastics in Nature Policy Manager to discuss if we’re doing enough in the fight to reduce plastics and their impact on the environment.   In the last few years each state and territory has progressed at a different pace.... bringing in bans on items like straws and plastic cutlery.   Are we doing enough?     TODAY'S HEADLINES NSW leaders split on virus strategy as police crack down on Sydney No fans at Tokyo Olympics after fourth state of emergency Ash Barty through to Wimbledon finals Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s briefing - the vaping problem in schools. Teachers and parents are extremely worried that school students are illegally dealing vapes... and that more and more students are taking it up.    There are reports that increasingly younger students, even primary students, are taking it up.  Rudy and Maya, year 12 students give us their first-hand experience.  We’re also joined by Craig Petersen, President of NSW Secondary Principals' Council; and drug and alcohol educator Paul Dillon.   Students are vaping inside the classroom... and it's spreading from the city to country schools.  Australia has relatively strict vaping laws, many say too strict because they restrict access to people that could use nicotine vapes as a way of quitting smoking.   So what’s the answer here?  Are our laws too lenient, or are vapes the answer to reducing our reliance on nicotine…?   TODAY'S HEADLINES Sydney lockdown extended as big business invited to join vaccine rollout State of emergency in Haiti after President assassinated Trump to sue Facebook, Twitter and Google US wins right to appeal Assange decision Historic first for Olympic flag bearers Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2019, Bridie Jabour wrote a piece for the Guardian about the malaise of millennials.  She found herself and her friends talking about the painful, protracted end of their adolescence.    They're looking at their lives and thinking: 'Is this it? Have I chosen the right place to live, the right job, the right partner? Am I, perhaps, not as special as I thought?'   The article went viral and Bridie decided the time had come to write a book about her generation - those much-maligned millennials.   After all, this generation is coming of age in a unique set of social and economic circumstances, including precarious work, delayed baby-making, rising singledom, a heating planet, loss of religion, increased unstable housing and, now, a pandemic. Today’s Briefing is all about Millennial malaise.   TODAY'S HEADLINES Lockdown extension expected as Sydneysiders await confirmation Under-40s could get mRNA jabs by September Reserve Bank to ease back on easy money Barty through to semi after All-Australian Wimbledon showdown Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joanna, a Briefing listener, wrote to us via Instagram to ask us to do a story on the discovery of First Nation’s children in Canada.  Hundreds of bodies have been found in unmarked graves.   We’re joined by Kerry Benjoe - a journalist from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and a former residential school student; and Fiona Cornforth, CEO of The Healing Foundation.  Kerry tells us first-hand what it was like in the schools, and Fiona tells us if there are parallels with Australia and our Stolen Generation.   Sadly, there are many parallels.  This is a very important story, particularly given it’s NAIDOC Week.   TODAY'S HEADLINES Inquiries won’t change parliament - Julia Banks $50,000 fines and suspensions for NRL partygoers Gaming inspectors stopped from investigating Crown Thousands of Afghan troops flee Taliban as visa concerns grow Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the last two weeks dozens of people from Afghanistan have been evacuated to Australia because the war is ending - many had worked as interpreters for Australian troops.    Harry Moffitt worked alongside these local interpreters in the theatre of war.  He says we’re not getting enough of them out... and we’re not getting them out fast enough. Glenn Kolomeitz works with the government to help the interpreters and their families with the paperwork and admin.   Today’s briefing... the race to save these Aghan interpreters from the Taliban who are taking more and more territory as international troops leave.   TODAY'S HEADLINES Family angry after Covid returns to aged care in Sydney Government uncertain on vaccine threshold and Pfizer for under 40s Bad weather hampers rescues following Japan mudslide US authorities prepare to demolish collapsed condo ahead of tropical storm 45 dead in Philippines Air Force plane crash   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Clarke has been called Australia’s controversial cricket captain. This kid from the western suburbs, with his blonde tipped hair, famous girlfriends and love of fast cars, took the conservative cricketing world by surprise. But it was what he achieved on the field that captured the country’s attention and inspired another generation of wannabe cricket stars.Jamila Rizvi talks to the cricket-captain-turned-commentator-and-radio-host about life as a professional athlete, retiring from the pitch and life as a father. THE WEEKEND LIST: Watch: Morning Wars (Apple TV+) Cook: Andy Baraghani’s I-Can’t Believe-It’s-Vegetarian-Ramen (Bon Appetit) Listen (podcast): Soft Voice (QCODE) Watch: A Suitable Boy (Netflix) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Briefing we’re going to take you into the world of Britney Spears - from where it all began to now - where she’s fighting to free herself from a 13-year conservatorship that she says is abusive.    Last week in a 23-minute statement she told a US judge that under the conservatorship she had been drugged, forced to perform against her will and made to continue using birth control despite wanting to have children. Spencer Kornhaber from The Atlantic joins us to talk through exactly what conservatorship is, and what Britney’s future holds.   Last week’s hearing was the first time the star has spoken publicly about the conservatorship.   So what is this American legal arrangement called a conservatorship... and should Britney be freed of it?   TODAY'S HEADLINES Leaders to discuss how to end lockdowns as federal-state stoush continues  Judge denies Britney conservatorship plea Government refuses to reveal if last Australians have left Afghanistan Trump Organisation chief surrenders to police Harry and William unveil Diana statue in London   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many Australians are addicted to their phones.  We spend countless hours staring at our devices. A recent Monash University study found 43.3 per cent of respondents spent over three hours a day on their phone! The same study measured nomophobia (no mobile phone phobia) finding 99.2% of users have some fear of being without their phone. Jenni Gritters is a US-based journalist who ditched her smartphone for a dumb phone.  EFTM.com's Trevor Long is also the Today Show’s tech expert who takes us through strategies to get us off our phones. Do you check your phone first thing each day? A Deloitte study found 80% of us do.  In this Briefing, how do you get this technology under control?”   TODAY'S HEADLINES Bill Cosby to walk free after conviction overturned Medical authorities accuse politicians of mangling vaccine message Fears of new Sydney Covid cluster UN warns trillions of dollars damage to tourism from pandemic French police arrest sign woman at centre of Tour de France crash   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three of Singapore’s most senior government officials wrote an article in the national newspaper, the Straits Times, to say the island nation was considering major changes to how it deals with Covid-19.   They suggested it was time to start “living with Covid”, and it was time to stop reporting daily cases, to get back to going to major events – and basically to treat Covid-19 like any other flu.   Chris Barrett is the South-East Asia correspondent for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.  He’s watched developments unfold while based in Singapore.   What can Australia learn from Singapore’s move to re-think Covid?  And how close is the world to living with the reality that Covid-19 is not going away soon?   TODAY'S HEADLINES Medical experts surprised by AstraZeneca decision Parts of QLD in lockdown as NSW avoids viral surge Companies to be enlisted to speed up vaccine rollout Audit critical of Commonwealth govt car park funding scheme Tour de France riders stage protests over unsafe routes   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever heard the term helicopter parenting?  Well, it’s about parents hovering over their children making sure they are never put at risk.   Daisy Turnbull says not letting children take risks leaves them exposed to challenges later in life.  Her book 50 Risks You Should Take with Your Kids not only provides inspiration, it also gives parenting tips on getting bogged down in guilt and doubt over whether you're doing a good enough job.     Tom and Annika shed light on their own childhoods and how their experience has shaped their lives.  Don’t mollycoddle your children – too much!!!  Let them eat sand, skin their knees and ride a scooter down a hill at speed.  Let them live and watch them grow.   TODAY'S HEADLINES National cabinet decrees tougher testing and vaccination rules Daniel Andrews hits out at back injury rumours on first day back Aussie Caleb Ewan out of Tour after crash Former Liberal leader defends Ben Roberts-Smith Kuwait arrests man for complaining about the weather   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tokyo Olympic Games begin on July 23rd. It’s the world’s biggest event, but with Covid-19 still running amok in Japan, locals are concerned the games will see cases skyrocket.   We thought we’d ask locals if they want the event to go ahead.   We’re joined by Japanese lawyer Yoshihisa Hayakawa; Tokyo locals Moeca Takeshima and Hiroki Kawai and Tom’s party animal mate, Yu.    Locals say the problem is, if Tokyo cancels the games, it’s liable for billions of dollars in compensation to the International Olympic Committee.  So what do locals think?  We’re less than a month from the Opening Ceremony and it’s still not certain the Games of the 32nd Olympiad will get underway.   TODAY'S HEADLINES Covid lockdowns and restrictions across multiple state capitals Labor hits out at the government over new outbreaks Daniel Andrews shares video message ahead of returning as Premier NSW looks to new era after State of Origin win Death toll from Miami collapse rises   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waleed Aly is one of the smartest people on Australian television. As well as sitting at The Project desk, writing columns for the Nine newspapers or hosting one of his many podcasts, Waleed is very busy out of the media limelight.    He is an obsessive Richmond Tigers supporter, the lead guitarist for rock band Robot Child, husband to wife Susan Carland, and dad to Aisha and Zayd. Jamila Rizvi and Waleed discuss his career of law turned media, his love of AFL, the government’s response to the pandemic and his family.   THE WEEKEND LIST: Watch: Luca - Disney+ Read: The Other Half of You by Michael Mohammed Ahmad Listen: Cat & Calmell’s Life of Mine EP Watch: Stateless - Netflix   Let us know what you're loving! Send us recommendations on Instagram @thebriefingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s vaccine rollout has been a disaster.   So far only 2.8 percent of Australians have been fully vaccinated... In Israel 57% are fully vaccinated.    In Israel they prioritised the Pfizer vaccine, in Australia we bet harder on the AstraZeneca vaccine... and backed the wrong horse.   Professor Bill Bowtell is Adjunct Professor at UNSW’s Kirby Institute. He says Australia was offered a deal with Pfizer and knocked it back   This week we learned that the AstraZeneca vaccine, thanks to its blood clot issues, will be phased out by October.   This is bringing the decision not to secure more Pfizer doses earlier into very sharp focus. How and why did Australia back the wrong horse in the Covid vaccine stakes?   TODAY'S HEADLINES Leading epidemiologists criticise NSW virus strategy China lodges dispute with Australia at WTO Britney Spears speaks out about conservatorship Canadian investigators find more than 700 graves at former school Trump lawyer’s licence revoked over election claims   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US-Korean writer and musician Michelle Zauner’s new book is called Crying in H Mart. It’s about how she found herself crying in her local Korean grocery store in the wake of her mother’s death.    Michelle tells the story of her relationship with her mother and how she didn’t realise when she was growing up, food was her mother’s way of expressing her love.   Once her mother passed away, food became an emotional connection between them. On today’s Briefing, what does grief taste like?   TODAY'S HEADLINES NSW Premier warns of more restrictions Melbourne allows crowds as restrictions ease Biloela Tamil family granted bridging visas Ben Roberts-Smith admits to burning laptop Former Sony employees consider lawsuit   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US rapper Mac Miller died in his LA home in 2018.  It was accidental overdose of fentanyl, cocaine and alcohol.  He was just 26 years old.   LA prosecutors say Miller thought he'd been sold the painkiller oxycodone but it had actually been laced with fentanyl, a powerful drug that is 50 times more potent than heroin.  Rhian Daly from Britain’s NME joins us to talk about the three men charged over his death.   Fentanyl was the substance that’s killed a number of famous musos including Prince and Tom Petty.  Is the user responsible for their own death?  Do we make pharmaceutical drugs more difficult to get legally?  We try to find the balance in a vexed debate about the escalating problem of opioid deaths.   TODAY'S HEADLINES NZ flight cases discovered as NSW travel bubble paused Senior nationals open to net zero deal as coalition negotiations continue Government challenges UNESCO reef concerns Sun Yang ruled out of Olympics Online safety bill passes   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China has made no secret of its plans to dominate the space race.  So how does this latest space race reflect tensions here on earth?     Beijing has launched the Tiangong Space station...a rival site to the aging international space station.  Last month they landed a remote-controlled rover on Mars making it only the second country after the US to operate a rover there.     Dr. Rebecca Allen, an Astronomer and researcher at Swinburne University’s Space Technology and Industry Institute joins us to talk about how and why China has joined the space race.    TODAY'S HEADLINES Barnaby Joyce to be sworn in as Deputy PM Sydney restrictions likely to remain after new cases Tokyo Olympics reveals spectator rules Hong Kong democracy newspaper set to close Sony boss Denis Handlin removed after 50 years service to label   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this briefing we’re bringing you Brock ‘Chooka’ McLean’s story.    He played in the AFL for ten years up until 2014... playing157 games with Carlton and Melbourne. But while he was kicking goals on the field … it was a very different story behind the scenes.    Over a third of people with eating disorders are male and Brock was one of them - he was suffering from Bulimia.   Brock McLean’s inspirational story…..      TODAY'S HEADLINES Covid rules tightened in Sydney McCormack denies leadership threat West’s mission to Afghanistan was a failure, former leader says First Covid case among Olympians in Tokyo   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nyadol Nyuon was dealt a hand of cards against her from birth. At just four-years-old, the conflict in Ethiopia forced her family to trek 40 days to South Sudan where they settled in a refugee camp.   It was there that she was split up from her mother, caring for her siblings while her father led the liberation army. It was only after her father was killed when she was a teenager that she was able to reunite with her mum.   The family was finally granted resettlement in Australia when Nyadol was 18. With limited English and not a single dollar, Nyadol went on to obtain her HSC and study law at the Melbourne Law School.   She now works in the Department of Justice, decorated in accolades for her work in the combat of racism and empowering migrant and refugee women through her activism and advocacy.   Her tale is a truly remarkable story of beating the odds, as Jamila Rizvi sits down to find out.   THE WEEKEND LIST: Listen (podcast): Shameless presents Books That Changed My Life Watch: Sweet Tooth (Netflix) Watch: Cruella (Disney+) Listen (podcast): Tonts Send us your recommendations on Instagram @thebriefingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scientists have come up with a plan to send egg, sperm and seed samples from 6.7 million Earth species to a vault inside the moon.    Jekan Thanga, Assistant Professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Arizona is part of the team planning to store  eggs, sperm, seeds and other DNA matter inside lunar lava tubes - massive caverns under the moon’s surface.    The point is to preserve the human race - as well as animals, plants and fungi - in the event of a global catastrophe.  They’re calling it “a modern global insurance policy” which really just sounds like a futuristic version of "Noah’s Ark.”  You heard it here first!!   TODAY'S HEADLINES Police investigate Sydney Covid outbreak AstraZeneca advice changes following more clots Unemployment returns to pre-Covid levels Nadal withdraws from Wimbledon and Tokyo Olympics   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brisbane is one step away from hosting the 2032 Olympic Games.  What will it mean for the city - and the country?Five-time Olympian and Sydney gold medallist Natalie Cook has been involved in the Brisbane bid since day one.   The Games will also feature events on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, spread across almost 40 venues.   So what will it mean for south-east Queensland …?  Is the region ready to stage one of the biggest events on the global calendar?  Australians learned from the Sydney Games that staging a world event can change a city forever.  What does the future hold for Brisbane….?   TODAY'S HEADLINES Two new community Covid cases in Sydney Minimum wage rise to be delayed for Covid-hit industries Ben Roberts-Smith cross-examination begins Ceasefire broken between Israel and Hamas Putin accuses US of hacking Russia   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a theory… called ‘Birth Order Theory’... originally developed by psychologist Alfred Adler last century… that says whether you’re a first born, a middle child or the youngest… has a huge influence on how successful you’ll be, your personality and your view of the world.     ABS figures out last year show our fertility rate at its lowest level in recorded history… in 2003, the average family in Australia had three children. That number is now down to two. We’re joined by parenting expert Michael Grose who’s releasing an updated version of his book Why First Borns Rule the World and Later Borns Want To Change It….    Does your family’s birth order determine your fate….?   TODAY'S HEADLINES Tamil Biloela family reunited in Perth, but future remains uncertain Leaders welcome new Australia-UK free trade deal Two week lockdown for Melbourne apartment block Swimming Australia admits failure in complaints process after stars hit back Exclusive Sydney club to remain men only   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lately it feels like meditation is being mentioned everywhere.   Celebrities like Chris Hemsworth and Diddy have recently released guided meditations you can download… there are meditation apps for kids…. and even cats! And it’s popping up on movies and TV shows like Billions, where the main character, who’s a hedge fund trader, meditates before negotiating big deals.    Sporting stars have recently spoken publicly about how much mediation has helped them, too… AFL Brownlow winner Dusty Martin attributed mindfulness and meditation to being key to his football comeback.    We’re joined by the Garry Gorrow, meditation coach for celebrities and footballers….as we look into why meditation is having a moment right now.   TODAY'S HEADLINES Biloela family expected to be released from detention PM meets with UK leaders over free trade deal Lawyers concerned by YouTube producer arrest Hopes cold snap to end mouse plague Aung San Suu Kyi trial begins   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The federal government announced the launch of the digital vaccine certificate last week.  We expected widespread opposition to the idea.  But there hasn’t been much comment or pushback.   The idea has been really divisive in the US. Around ten states, all republican states have either banned them or passed legislation to ensure they’re never mandatory... and the White House has ruled out introducing a national system like the one we’ve introduced.   Hank Jongen is General Manager of Services Australia, the body tasked with managing the certificate   How will it affect you; what will it look like; and what will it mean for our plans to travel overseas once the pandemic is under control….?   TODAY'S HEADLINES PM says Australia on track to match G7 promises Coalition MPs divided on Biloela family as doctors call for reunion Israel parliament votes to oust Netanyahu  Stars named in Queen’s birthday honours Mack Horton sneaks into Tokyo Olympic team   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE WEEKEND BRIEFING:  Samantha Harris is one of Australia’s most recognisable fashion models. She shot to fame in her late teens after becoming a finalist in the Dolly magazine model search and was just the second Indigenous model to grace the cover of Vogue Australia in 2010.   Now Samantha is a diversity advocate, still walking on runways and workings as a World Vision ambassador.   She joins Jamila Rizvi to talk about the climate of Australia’s fashion industry, her response to body-shamers and where to from here for the fashion world.    THE WEEKEND LIST: Listen: The Royal Record (podcast) Watch: High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America (Netflix) Cook: Roti tacos Do: Frozen: the Musical (Melbourne)   Send us your Weekend List suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s being described as Australia’s biggest ever crime bust and biggest blow ever to organised crime in Australia, but today the inside story of how the AN0M sting unfolded.   Mark Morri, the Daily Telegraph’s Crime Editor, explains Australian police played a critical role in tricking drug traffickers around the world into using an app that enabled police to track their every move.  Hundreds of people have been arrested around the world and millions of dollars seized.   On today’s Briefing, Australia’s role in tricking thousands of drug traffickers and career criminals into using the app distributed by police   TODAY'S HEADLINES Brisbane one step closer to hosting 2032 Olympic Games  Australia to begin travel bubble with Singapore Experts: Keep getting AstraZeneca jab despite new blood clot death Melbourne lockdown lifted Mystery surrounds Victorian couple in QLD hospital with Covid    Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Joe Biden has asked the US intelligence community to investigate the possibility Covid-19 leaked from a virology lab in the Chinese city of Wuhan.   We all know the virus came from Wuhan, but we don’t know if it began in a wet market and was innocently passed from animals to humans – OR if it was a virus experiment that went wrong. Sharri Markson, the News Ltd columnist and Sky News host has written a book on the Wuhan Lab theory and says the evidence points to it being a leak from the lab.   How powerful is the argument that the virus began at the Wuhan lab?  What are the alternative theories…?  And will we ever learn the truth….?   TODAY'S HEADLINES Urgent contact tracing after Victorian couple’s Covid road trip Historic win for NSW in State of Origin Japan backs Australia in China trade dispute Prince Harry hits out at BBC over name claims Melbourne slides down liveability scale   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.