The Briefing

Australia’s definition of terrorism was set up after the Sept 11 terror attacks, but now the world and Australia have changed dramatically. In 2026, the landscape of terror and radicalization is complicated with new threats from a range of different groups including lone actors.   In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Associate Professor Keiran Hardy from the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Griffith University to unpack how we define terror and how we crack down on dangerous radicalisation and extremism.     Headlines: Israeli President Isaac Herzog arrives in Sydney ahead of national protests, Former Hong Kong media mogul sentenced to 20 years in prison and Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime message.   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: Sussan Ley could face leadership spill within the week, Sydneysiders told to avoid non-essential travel during Israeli President’s visit, Tropical Cyclone Mitchell approaches Exmouth, Christchurch mosque terrorist to appeal sentence, fears Australia is on track to becoming an “artless country” and The Super Bowl is on today. Deep Dive: Protests are planned in every capital city across the country today in protest of Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s official visit to Australia.  While Anthony Albanese says the trip is appropriate and aimed at promoting unity, critics argue it risks deepening divisions as the war in Gaza continues, and allegations of war crimes dominate global scrutiny.  In this episode of The Briefing, we hear from lawyer Josh Bornstein and Greens Senator David Shoebridge who help us unpack why Herzog’s visit is so divisive and what it reveals about protest, social cohesion, and Australia’s relationship with the Israeli government.  You can read the Zionist Federation of Australia’s December 23 statement here.Further listening from the headlines:Obsession drove Joey Watson into the warped mind of a terroristBad Bunny’s historic halftime show Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chappell Roan took home the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2025, clocked more than 68 million streams in the first 6 months of 2024 and she's currently touring Australia, headlining Laneway music festival.  Over the last few years, female-made, female-focused pop has been in the middle of a full-blown renaissance and all signs suggest it’s carrying straight through into 2026 - with artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX still dominating and Lily Allen re-entering the race.  In this bonus ep of the Briefing from 2024 Sacha Barbour-Gatt is joined by Nic Kelly, host of The Hot Hits on the Hit Network, to unpack the female pop revolution and the secret ingredient to becoming a pop star today.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At just 19 years old, Sherele Moody’s life was irrevocably changed when she learned her stepfather had murdered a child in the home he shared with her, her siblings and their mother. Since then Sherele has become a pioneer in the domestic violence space - widely known as Femicide Watch on Instagram with over 123k followers, where she tracks every woman and child killed by violence. She went on to found The RED HEART Movement - a living memorial and meticulously maintained public database for victims and survivors of violence in Australia, ensuring their stories are named, seen, and never forgotten. In this chat with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Sherele shares her deeply personal journey and how she’s transforming grief into accountability and silence into action. She also gives her verdict on ethics in crime reporting and the frenzy over the case of Erin Patterson that elevated the convicted murderer to a "true crime popstar". Weekend list with Helen Smith Listener Issy TO WATCH: Tell Me Lies on Disney Plus TO WATCH: Bridgerton season 4 on Netflix TO DO: Imagine a holiday! TO DO/WATCH: EUROPA Film Festival Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hundreds of new 'Jeffrey Epstein files' were dropped this week, with more damaging allegations about high-profile politicians. The British PM Keir Starmer’s leadership is now under serious threat after his links to former ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson.  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Foreign Editor of 7 News, Hugh Whitfeld, who unpacks this week’s developments and explains why the political fallout from the Epstein files is only just beginning.  There is no suggestion that Peter Mandelson, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor or Bill Clinton have committed any sexual offences.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Deadline looms for Coalition reunion, Penny Wong defends Israeli President’s visit among death threats, Queensland man charged with 596 child abuse offences, child vaccination rates plunge to 30-year low and footy fandom has tangible impact on our stress levels. Deep Dive: The Super Bowl halftime show is set to make history this year, with Bad Bunny becoming the first artist to perform solely in Spanish - sparking both celebration and backlash.  From a supermarket job in Puerto Rico and SoundCloud uploads to Grammy wins and four years as Spotify’s most-streamed artist, his rise has reshaped global pop music.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Seany B from the HIT Network’s The Pulse to unpack Bad Bunny’s rise to superstardom, why this moment matters, and whether his Super Bowl stage could double as a political statement.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The findings of the coronial inquest into the Bondi Junction Westfield stabbing attack have been handed down, and they paint a devastating picture of a mental health system riddled with gaps. Six people were killed and ten others injured when Joel Cauchi went on a stabbing rampage in April 2024. The Coroner has now recommended the psychiatrist who treated Cauchi be referred to the Queensland Health Ombudsman. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by the CEO of the Australian Society of Psychiatrists, Dr Pramudie Gunaratne, who unpacks the Coroner’s key recommendations and what they reveal about chronic underinvestment, fractured care, and missed opportunities across Australia’s mental health system.  Headlines: Authorities have declared the attempted bombing of an Invasion Day rally in Perth a terrorist act, police say they have identified a suspect in the disappearance of four-year-old Gus Lamont, and the graves of more than 250 Australian soldiershave been destroyed by Israeli forces in Gaza.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast If this episode raised any concerns for you, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines: Future of Coalition in doubt after peace talks fail again, Donald Trump’s would-be assassin handed life sentence, Bill Gates denies ‘false’ allegations in new Epstein files, prominent neo-Nazi has become Australia’s first person to be jailed for performing a nazi salute, Australia’s Winter Olympics flag bearers named, and Draco Malfoy has become an unlikely Chinese New Year symbol. Deep Dive: Political campaigns are known to be run on slogans, slick visuals and attack ads, but what voters don’t see is the money quietly powering it all.   New Australian Electoral Commission data for the 2024/25 financial year shows millions flowing from well-known donors like Clive Palmer, Gina Rinehart and Climate 200, alongside tens of millions in legal but undisclosed “dark money.”   With the rules set to change and questions over whether they’ll work, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with The Australia Institute’s Bill Browne in this episode of The Briefing.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every year, hundreds of young Australians aged 15 to 29 take part in the Burnet Institute’s Sex, Drugs and Rock ’n’ Roll survey - a look into the behaviours, attitudes, and well-being of our nation’s youth. First launched at the Big Day Out in Melbourne more than a decade ago, the survey covers sexual behaviours and alcohol and other drugs, giving us a rare, long-term look at how young people are living, thinking, and experimenting.   In this episode, Natarsha Belling is joined by the study’s lead researcher, Megan Lim, who breaks down the latest findings, exploring what’s changing, what’s worrying, and what it all means for young Australians today.  Headlines: The government will sell off more than $3b worth of defence land, Clive Palmer has announced he will launch a High Court challenge to Labor’s new electoral donation caps, the US Military says they’ve shot down an Iranian drone, and Bunnings may have a solution to the housing crisis.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: Four major banks pass on interest rate hike, first senior royal publicly comments on latest release of Epstein files, Melbourne man charged over allegedly giving Nazi salute to Jewish schoolchildren, Sydney’s biggest Mardi Gras party cancelled, and Aussie teen hailed a hero after swimming 4km to save family swept out to sea. Deep Dive: AI-generated inanimate objects have been dominating social media feeds in recent weeks, dishing out what seems like innocent health and home hacks.  Pages generating this content have exploded in popularity as each post gets more clicks and more comments, but many are asking whether we can trust the content, but also who is behind it and what their goals are.  In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with Dr Karl Kruszelnicki to unpack it. Further listening from the headlines: What to expect from interest rates in 2026 Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Liberal Senator Cory Bernardi is the latest recruit to join One Nation as support for the party continues to soar. So, will the swing to the hard right One Nation party work in the long-term as disillusioned voters desert the major parties?  In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by ANU Political Expert Dr Jill Shepard to unpack the latest developments and why the major parties need to do better.  Headlines: The Reserve Bank has announced it will lift the official cash rate, a last-minute deal to reunite the Coalition has collapsed, NSW Police have extended restrictions on protests ahead of Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit, Bill and Hilary Clinton have agreed to testify in the House investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and investigators in the US say the mother of a high-profile TV host has been kidnapped.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Parliament back today with a split Coalition, Australia's political donors revealed, Trump threatens to sue Grammy host Trevor Noah, millions lost in daytime spending during recent heatwave, and nuggets revealed as the top Aussie canteen food. Deep Dive: Anthony Albanese is weighing an invitation to join a group integral to Donald Trump’s plan to permanently end the war in Gaza - the so-called ‘Board of Peace.’  With major allies declining to take part and accusations that it’s a power grab laden with human rights risks, questions are growing over whether it’s a genuine security solution or simply a Trump vanity project.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Guardian Australia’s Ben Doherty about the Board’s proposed role, its prospects for delivering peace, and how Australia is likely to decide.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another crazy day in Australian politics... The National’s Leadership spill fell over, the Coalition is apparently getting back together and now Pauline Hanson is Australia’s most popular leader. A growing number of Australians are fleeing the major parties as support continues to soar for One Nation. In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by 7News political editor Mark Riley who explains just what is going on and why this political circus is detrimental for all of us. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: Leadership spills and poor polling for the Coalition as parliament resumes, Clive Palmer responds to mention in Epstein files, Gaza’s Rafah crossing has reopened, Carlos Alcaraz becomes the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, and The Grammys are on today.  Deep Dive: The Reserve Bank will hand down its first decision of 2026 on the official cash rate tomorrow.  While some economists had been predicting the RBA wouldn’t change the cash rate at all this year, a recent rise in inflation has poured cold water on that notion.  In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with economist and journalist Peter Martin about what we should expect in 2026, and why we should we care about interest rates.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You might know him as the conviction politician who speaks out on issues like poker machines, euthanasia and war. But independent MP Andrew Wilkie first made national headlines as a whistleblower who took a very big risk in the name of truth. As Australia geared up to join the US in the Iraq War in 2003, he was working as an analyst for an intelligence agency that reported to the Prime Minister. Here he says he found himself at an extraordinary ethical crossroads on discovering our government’s claims to justify the war were untrue.  "The government was lying to the Australian people about why we should support to the US and join in the invasion of Iraq in 2003," Mr Wilkie says. "I felt ultimately I had a moral duty to alert people to this dishonesty." In this interview with our colleague Joey Watson at Secrets We Keep: Uncovered, Mr Wilkie speaks candidly about whistleblowing against the official narrative, the personal cost of his actions and what it means to challenge power in the lead-up to war. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ilai Matangi was crowned Australia’s TikTok creator of the year in 2025, becoming the first man and first Pacific Islander to win the gong.  Under his username, Havea676, he’s been dubbed Australia’s favourite girl dad and creates hilarious relatable content for his 1.8 million followers on Insta and nearly 3 million on TikTok.   In this chat with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Ilai shares the importance of representation on stages like the TikTok Australia awards and why he’s not going back to stand-up comedy anytime soon.  Weekend list with Sacha Barbour Gatt and Chris Spyrou TO WATCH: Burlesque TO DO: Pickleball TO SCROLL: WeRateDogs TO EAT: Biscoff cheesecake Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Birdwatching isn’t just for dads anymore; it’s booming, addictive, and drawing a new generation into nature.  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by wildlife vet and host of Death by Birding, Dr César Puechmarin. Cesar reveals how spotting birds can connect us to nature, spark curiosity, and even transform the way we see the world around us.  Headlines: The federal government will provide an extra $25 billion in public hospital funding, Sussan Ley has unveiled an interim liberal shadow ministry, there's been a double murder suicide in Perth, and screenings of the Melania documentary have been delayed in Australia.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Health funding and gun reforms set to dominate today’s National Cabinet meeting, Albanese defends Israeli president’s visit, Australia spends more on tax breaks for investors than affordable housing, health authorities closely monitoring Nipah virus, and the women’s finalists are locked in at the AO! Deep Dive: The Australian Open has long been the most entertainment-driven of the world’s four tennis Grand Slams.   But this year, as more influencers fill the stands and branded content fills our feeds – some fans are saying the spectacle has overtaken the sport.   In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Ben Clare, Creative Director at social media agency We Are Social Australia, about the role of influencers at the AO and how they might be benefiting the sport rather than taking away from it. Further listening from the headlines:Larissa Waters on Sussan Ley, One Nation, and the embarrassment of Aussie politics Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s political landscape feels bleak at the moment. From the coalition consumed by infighting to the brutal realities facing women in leadership, voters are frustrated. As trust erodes, support for protest parties like One Nation is rising, fuelled by cost-of-living pressure, culture-war politics and a growing sense that no one is actually listening. In this episode, Natarsha Belling is joined by Greens Leader Larissa Waters. Larissa unpacks how economic anxiety is being weaponised, why climate change and household bills are inseparable, the controversial hate speech laws, and the failure of political leaders to offer unity or accountability.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines: Perth bomb scare investigated as a potential terrorist act, PM to push states on gun buyback scheme, Trump threatens Iran as US fleet arrives in the Gulf, Telstra phone update leaves some customers unable to access Triple 0, and Djokovic and Sinner set up semifinal clash at the Australian Open Deep Dive: OpenAI is introducing advertising into ChatGPT. The company says it won’t sell user conversations or allow ads to influence answers, but history suggests platforms rarely stay neutral once money enters the chat.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with senior lecturer in business information systems at the University of Sydney, Raffaele Ciriello about why these ads are more dangerous than others on socials and whether this is the beginning of the familiar slide from useful tool to profit-driven platform.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when a trusted surgeon doesn’t listen to his patients?  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by investigative journalist and author of Duty to Warn, Charlotte Grieve. Charlotte takes us inside her explosive investigation into one of Australia’s most controversial medical cases, and the powerful doctor at the centre of it. What began with an unsettling appointment involving her own father, spiralled into years of reporting, court battles, and a landmark defamation trial.  Dr Munjed Al Muderis denies any wrongdoing and has launched an appeal against the defamation finding.   Headlines: Nationals Leader David Littleproud will face a leadership spill next week. The chance of another interest rate cut has taken a major hit, and scientists have moved the doomsday clock to the closest it has been to midnight since its creation.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: Bushfire threatens homes in Victoria after record-breaking heat, Perth man remanded in custody after allegedly throwing homemade bomb at Invasion Day rally, support for One Nation continues in latest poll, ABC reviewing security controls after news account hacked, and Alex De Minaur is out of the Aus Open. Deep Dive: When Meghan Trainor announced the birth of her third child via surrogate, celebration from fans collided with accusations of exploitation - reigniting a familiar argument about whether surrogacy empowers women or takes advantage of them.  The controversy comes as the Australian government reviews its own surrogacy laws and considers how, or if, they should change.  In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Sarah Jefford - surrogacy lawyer and former surrogate to break down why this case has inflamed the debate, what’s being misunderstood and what reform could realistically look like. Further listening from the headlines: Could Pauline Hanson be our next PM Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bail laws are under the spotlight after the alleged murders of three people, including a young pregnant mother in rural NSW. The alleged gunman, who is still on the run, was on bail at the time for domestic violence related offences.  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Professor Julia Quilter, who breaks down how the bail system works and explains what magistrates are legally required to consider, and why predicting risk is one of the most challenging decisions in the justice system.  Headlines: A 31-year-old man has been charged after an improvised explosive device was allegedly thrown into a crowd at an Invasion Day rally in Perth, A federal watchdog has found Services Australia deliberately broke the law for six years, a controversial British-Israeli influencer has had his visa cancelled, and Australia’s top ChatGPT searches have been revealed.  If this discussion raised any issues for you, the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service can be contacted confidentially anytime at 1800 737 732, or by visiting 1800 RESPECT.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Australia Day and Invasion Day events marred by bomb threat and antisemitism, heatwave hits large parts of southeastern Australia, Trump says his administration is ‘reviewing everything’ after ICE shooting of Alex Pretti, calls to tradie mental health hotline soar, and the quarter finals of the AO get underway!Deep Dive: Hackers are promising to release tens of millions of audio files they claim to have scraped from Spotify, in what’s been described as one of the most brazen digital heists of all time.  It comes as global piracy rates continue to rebound after years of decline, prompting some to declare we’re living through a new “golden age” of piracy.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou walks us through what this new ‘age’ looks like and what role streaming services and governments have played in it.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: Australian of the Year named, dingoes involved in Canadian backpacker’s death euthanised. calls for a full investigation after second fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis, heatwave to hit millions of Australians this week, and Alex De Minaur is through to the AO quarter finals.Deep Dive: Patriotism in Australia is shifting, with once‑common symbols of national pride now bringing with them significant political and cultural baggage.  From the anthem to the flag to January 26, the way we talk about and display national pride has changed, with some expressions now seen as ‘cringey,’ while others are viewed as outright racist.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with historian and associate professor at Central Queensland University, Dr Benjamin Jones, about how patriotism in Australia has changed and whether it can survive the 21st century.   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Beckham family feud has reignited after Brooklyn Peltz Beckham posted a damning statement addressing his fractured relationship with his parents.  In this bonus episode of The Briefing, Alexandria Funnell breaks down the timeline of events and the swirl of rumours, unpacking how one of the world’s most famous families went from picture-perfect to fractured. From public absences to whispered feuds, she explores whether the Beckham legacy can withstand the cracks now spilling into public view. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wil Anderson (not to be confused with Adam Hills) is one of Australia’s most enduring and influential comedians - with a career that spans radio, television, podcasting across generations. You might remember him from Triple J Breakfast, hosting Gruen or more recently from one of his hugely popular podcasts which reach hundreds of thousands of listeners.  In this chat with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Wil reflects on navigating a never-ending news cycle, the evolution of comedy and why the Sunday scaries hit us all - no matter how successful we appear. Weekend list with Helen Smith TO WATCH: It Was Just an Accident by Jafar Panahi TO DO: Pap smear check up! TO WATCH: The Australian Open TO EAT: Cadbury Dairy Milk Biscoff Chocolate Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the multi-billion-dollar industry that’s preying on the insecurities of young men with dangerous consequences. The MANOSPHERE is fuelled by social media and is now playing out in the real world, with major impacts on mental health, behaviour, and relationships.  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by extremism researcher Vivian Gerrard to explain what the Manosphere is and the solutions we all need to fight for.  Headlines: A major manhunt continues for 37-year-old Julian Ingram after three people were shot dead in the central west of NSW, the Prime Minister claims the Liberal Party has undermined its first female leader, and a number of NSW beaches are set to reopen this weekend after four shark attacks this week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: PM apologises to Jewish community at Day of Mourning service, regional NSW town in lockdown after three people shot and killed, Victorians told to brace for another heatwave, the Special K's crash out of the AO doubles, and the 2026 Oscars nominations have been revealedDeep Dive: The Beckham family feud has dominated headlines all week, after Brooklyn Peltz Beckham posted a damning statement addressing his fractured relationship with his parents.  But beyond the celebrity fallout, the story raises bigger questions about family breakups, performative parenting and so-called “boy mum” culture.   In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Associate Professor Megan Willis from ACU to unpack the psychology behind family estrangement, public parenting and the pressures of growing up in the spotlight. Further listening from the headlines: How to rig the Oscars The Marty Supreme hype machine Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prince Harry is back in court, giving emotional testimony as part of a High Court lawsuit against the publishers of The Daily Mail. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Journalism Professor Andrew Dodd, who explains this latest court case and what it means for Harry’s ongoing war with the media.  Headlines: Speculation is rife once again that Sussan Lee’s days as Liberal leader are numbered after the Coalition formally split again, a number of people are missing after a major landslide in New Zealand, Australia’s unemployment rate dropped from 4.3% to 4.1% in December, and the lead singer of Men at Work has slammed the use of his hit song Down Under at anti-immigration rallies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines: Coalition’s future in doubt after mass shadow cabinet walkout, Australia to mark National Day of Mourning for Bondi victims today, Trump rules out using force to acquire Greenland, Gen X overtake Baby Boomers as richest landholders by generation, and Alex De Minaur becomes the first Aussie through to round three of the AO.Deep Dive: The ACT government has reopened an investigation into its fleet of Chinese-made electric buses amid renewed warnings they could be remotely disabled through a "kill switch.”   Security experts say the issue goes far beyond buses and points to a broader trend where we're trading national security in the interest of affordability.   In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Alastair MacGibbon, Chief Strategy Officer at CyberCX, about when concern over Chinese-made EVs is warranted and how seriously we should be taking these new warnings.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Coalition is again in crisis, as three Nationals MPs quit after opposing the Coalition’s stance on hate crime laws. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by 7News Political Editor Mark Riley, to unpack today’s unprecedented developments and what it means for Sussan Ley and the future of the Coalition.  Headlines: Leaders of both France and Canada have taken aim at Donald Trump in speeches at the World Economic Summit, a top barrister has been charged with possessing child abuse material, Premier David Crisafulli has confirmed Queensland will not partake in the federal gun buyback scheme, and new research has revealed cows may be far smarter than we first thought.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: Hate speech and gun laws pass parliament, new restrictions on MP travel expenses, tributes flow for Midnight Oil drummer, shock as Maya Joint knocked out of AO, and David Beckham 'responds' to son's explosive family feud reveal.Deep Dive: Sydney has been rocked by three shark attacks in a little over 24 hours this week, plus a fourth in Northern NSW, sparking beach closures and fresh safety fears.   The incidents have also started a conversation on how to better educate the public about sharks and a push for better communication when it comes to when the water is and isn’t safe to swim in.   In this episode of The Briefing, shark bite policy researcher Professor Chris Pepin-Neff chats with Sacha Barbour Gatt to explain the need for a rethink when it comes to sharks in Australia.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new landmark report has found there is no link between pregnant women taking paracetamol and a child developing autism and/or ADHD. The Lancet study contradicts the US administration’s advice last year when they warned women to stop taking paracetamol because of risks to their unborn child.  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling, is joined by leading child disability expert Professor Helen Leonard, who explains what this latest study means and the new advice for pregnant women.  Headlines: A watered-down version of hate crime laws has passed its first hurdle in Parliament, there's been a fourth confirmed shark attack in NSW in just 48 hours, and the Bureau of Meteorology has issued an aurora alert amid a rare surge in solar activity.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Labor’s Bondi bills set to pass today, Sydney beaches closed after three shark attacks in 24 hours, Police ‘traumatised’ after 19-year-old found dead on Queensland beach, Donald Trump declines to rule out seizing Greenland by force and Aussies advance through at the Aus Open in day two action.Deep Dive: Pauline Hanson’s One Nation is polling higher than ever, overtaking the Coalition in one survey, prompting the Senator to declare she wants to run the country.  With Pauline Hanson’s primary vote surging and mainstream parties under pressure, what was once considered fringe appears to be shaping the national conversation.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with political scientist Dr Jill Sheppard from ANU about the rise of One Nation, what the polling really tells us, and whether Hanson could ever translate her support on paper into real power.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The collapse of key parts of the federal government’s legislation on hate speech is now raising serious questions about the Prime Minister’s leadership. Concerns have already been raised about key aspects of the proposed overhaul, with the Greens and Coalition stating they will not support it.  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Crikey’s political editor Bernard Keane, who explains why rushing through the changes was a mistake, and why this political disaster is one of the worst he’s seen in Australian history.  Headlines: An emotional tribute for the victims of the Bondi Terror attack in parliament, at least 21 people have been killed and many more injured after two high-speed trains derailed in Spain, and Sydney’s Dee Why Beach has been closed after another shark attack.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: Politicians return to Canberra today ahead of contentious vote on hate speech laws, boy critical after Sydney shark attack, Anthony Albanese asked to join Gaza ‘Board of Peace,' Trump threatens tariffs on Europe over Greenland bid, and round one of the Aus Open is underway!Deep Dive: In the aftermath of the Bondi terror attack, questions are being raised about how far governments should go in the name of security.  One company that’s surfacing in those conversations is Palantir - a powerful and controversial data firm used by both companies and intelligence agencies around the world.   In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with journalist Paul Gregoire about Palantir’s origins, its role in surveillance, and why its possible expansion in Australia is contentious.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has been eyeing off a Nobel Peace Prize, after scoring nominations from countries including Israel and Pakistan - and it looks like he’s finally gotten one. The Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has “presented” her gold Nobel peace prize medal to the US President in a meeting at the White House - nearly a fortnight after he ordered the arrest of Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro. In this bonus episode of The Briefing from 2025, Helen Smith is joined by Allan Behm, a special advisor at the Australia Institute, to unpack what a Trump win would mean for the award’s credibility, and whether he could be ruled out of the race altogether. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2020, at just 22 years old Hannah Ferguson launched Cheek Media Co - an independent news platform designed to break down big, complex issues and speak to people who feel alienated by traditional media. Since then, she’s built a media empire: publishing two books, launching a hit podcast, speaking at the National Press Club, interviewing the Prime Minister and even designing a vibrator - all while advocating for social change. In this chat with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Hannah unpacks why talking politics at the dinner table actually matters and the role Cheek Media played in shaping the 2025 election result. Weekend list with Helen Smith TO WATCH: Marty Supreme  TO EAT: Sacha’s easy take on bruschetta    TO DO: What's your best TK Maxx find?  TO READ: Books by Jodi Picoult, like Mad Honey Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20% of Aussies with depression don't respond positively to antidepressant medication.  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Co-Director of Health and Policy at The University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre, Professor Ian Hickie, who explains why antidepressants work well for many people — and fail badly for others. Drawing on new Australian research, involving more than 15,000 Australians, Professor Hickie unpacks the evidence that shows depression is not one condition, but many, each with distinct biological drivers. Headlines: Some of Australia’s most prominent religious leaders have urged the government to halt their hate speech reforms, Venezuela’s opposition leader has presented her Nobel Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump, and the mother of one of Elon Musk’s fourteen children is suing X.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Cars, caravans and tents swept out to sea as flash flooding hits Victoria, millions of accounts deactivated after world-first social media ban, British band agrees to play Adelaide Festival after apology to Randa Abdel-Fattah, astronauts splash down to earth after first medical evacuation in the International Space Station’s history and Australia’s first Trump Tower could be built in the Gold Coast.Deep Dive: A24’s Marty Supreme has become one of the most talked-about films of the awards season and is proving that buzz can be just as powerful as trophies.    Starring Timothée Chalamet and directed by Josh Safdie, the film has had a chaotic, headline-grabbing PR campaign, and its limited release has already broken records for the independent studio, setting a new benchmark for how hype is built in 2026.  In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by senior producer Holly Mitchell, who attended the Australian premiere, to unpack how the Marty Supreme hype has worked and when it hasn’t in the past.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s largest Neo-Nazi group, the National Socialist Network, has announced its disbanding ahead of the proposed overhaul of hate speech laws by the federal government. But there are concerns that this latest move will not see the extremists disappear, with some experts warning it will only fuel further hate and unify more dedicated followers.  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr Kaz Ross, a researcher on far-right extremism, who unpacks these latest developments and shares her analysis on what may happen next.  Headlines: The federal government’s hate speech bill appears to be on shaky ground, with both the Greens and the Coalition refusing to back it in its current form, there’s been another shooting by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, and authorities in Canberra are investigating after 11 explosive devices were found in the city. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines: Coalition set to vote against new hate speech laws, Iran fast-tracks trials and possible executions, JD Vance meets with foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland, Victorian schools students’ details leaked in major hack, and Aussie amateur wins $1 million at Australian Open ‘One Point Slam’.Deep Dive: Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok is under renewed scrutiny after it emerged it could be used to digitally undress women and children and manipulate images into sexually suggestive content.  While the tool stops short of generating full nudity, it has sparked concern from regulators worldwide, reigniting questions about platform responsibility, AI guardrails, and whether Musk’s push for “unsanitised” technology has gone too far.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with The New York Times’ Silicon Valley correspondent, Mike Isaac about Grok, how it fits into Elon Musk’s wider tech empire, and why this latest scandal may be less an anomaly and more a pattern.  Further listening from headlines:Trump vs Greenland explainedFollow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria Premier, Jacinta Allan, is under increasing pressure over a funding crisis for firefighters. Firefighters and volunteers say they’ve been calling for more money for years, with their trucks and equipment out of date - putting lives and property at risk.  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Peter Marshall from the United Firefighters Union, who claims Jacinta Allan is lying, warning lives will be lost as a horror bushfire season continues.   Headlines: Palestinian Australian Author, Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah has threatened the South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas with legal action, Tom Silvagni has applied to appeal his rape convictions, and Bill & Hilary Clinton have refused a congressional subpoena linked to an investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: New hate speech laws trigger the disbanding of neo-Nazi group, Trump says killers of protesters in Iran will ‘pay a big price,'  acclaimed Australian author charged with child exploitation material offences, threatened habitats approved for land clearing in Australia hit 15-year high, and the creators of Stranger Things have been accused of using ChatGPT to write the last season.Deep Dive: Free speech has surged back into the spotlight in Australia after Palestinian Australian author and academic Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah was removed from Adelaide Writers’ Week.  Her axing triggered a mass boycott by writers, culminating in the event’s collapse. And the controversy raises bigger questions about how we navigate polarising debates in Australia.  In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Dr Denis Muller from the Centre for Advancing Journalism to discuss free speech in Australia and how we regain the art of having tough discussions respectfully.  Further listening from headlines:'The child experiments that inspired Stranger Things: The Montauk Project explained' is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you listen to your podcasts.Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former PM Kevin Rudd has resigned as US ambassador a year early. His reign has been filled with plenty of controversy, including critical comments about US President Donald Trump. So, why did Mr Rudd leave early, who are the frontrunners to replace him, and what does this latest move mean for our fragile alliance with the US, in very uncertain international times? In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by political reporter with 7NEWS, Josh Martin, to unpack all today’s developments.  Headlines: Adelaide Writers Week has been cancelled after days of controversy, Adelaide United has strongly rejected allegations from former player Joshua Cavallo that the A-League club is homophobic, and Etihad Airways has been named the world’s safest full-service airline.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Labor facing pushback against Bondi terror law reforms, man killed in Victorian bushfires named, Jacinda Ardern pulls out of Adelaide writers’ week, Grok blocked in Malaysia and Indonesia, and Australia’s women’s cricket captain is retiring. Deep Dive: Protests in Iran’s capital which started over rising inflation have turned into a nationwide challenge to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.   As the regime cracks down, cutting internet access and killing hundreds, tensions are rising at home and abroad amid talk of US intervention.   In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou chats with Middle East expert and former Iranian political prisoner, Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert, to explain what’s unfolding on the ground. Further listening from headlines:Alyssa Healy's retirement call Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ICE agents are under the spotlight in the US after the shooting death of a mother of three in her car in Minneapolis. Concerns and protests are growing over their actions, with a concerning lack of transparency. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Associate Professor David Smith from the US Studies Centre, who explains what ICE is, who controls it, and the training they receive.  Headlines: The Prime Minister has recalled Federal Parliament for next week to introduce new hate speech legislation, the heroic police officer who shot dead the Bondi Junction Westfield attacker has been diagnosed with cancer, and Aussie Rose Byrne has won her first Golden Globe.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: Victoria’s bushfires turn deadly, thousands turn out for vigil one month on from Bondi attack, Iran promises retaliation if US intervenes over anti-government protests, board members of Adelaide Writers’ festival resign, and the Australian Open kicks off today! Deep Dive: A big Medicare promise dominated last year’s election campaign - with the government promising more funding, higher bulk-billing rates, and cheaper GP visits for families.   Health officials warned it could take years to see real change, but new data suggests the impact may already be showing.   In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Cleanbill CEO James Gillespie about what’s actually changed since the Medicare reforms rolled out and whether it’s helping or hindering.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah is back in the headlines after being removed from the Adelaide Writers’ Week 2026 program in the wake of the Bondi terror attack. Festival organisers say the decision wasn’t about linking Randa or her work to the attack, but about concerns that, based on her past public statements, her appearance could be culturally insensitive at this time. Randa has strongly rejected that explanation, accusing the festival of anti-Palestinian racism, censorship, and of trying to associate her with the Bondi massacre. Dozens of high-profile authors, including Zadie Smith, Helen Garner, Hannah Ferguson and Peter Greste, have pulled out of the festival in solidarity. In this episode, we revisit Antoinette Lattouf’s conversation with Randa on The Weekend Briefing, where she spoke candidly about a similar controversy at the Bendigo Writers Festival, the personal cost of sustained public attacks, and what it’s like to keep speaking out amid public scrutiny. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.