The Briefing

Headlines: More face-to-face U.S.-Iran negotiations coming Australia in talks to safeguard Strait of Hormuz Qantas and Uber hike prices TGA warns against unregulated peptides Harry and Meghan visit children’s hospital  Deep Dive:  What happens when you offend a billion Catholics? Trump’s about to find out. After feuding with the Pope and posting an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus, Donald Trump is facing criticism from some of his biggest supporters. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Corey Alpert, a researcher at the University of Melbourne and a former staffer in the Biden Administration, to talk about the role of religion in American politics and Trump’s religious boundary-pushing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines:  US blockage of the strait of Hormuz has officially begun The Opposition leader will unveil the details of the Coalition’s Immigration Policy Booking.com hit by data breach Two thirds of under 16s still have access to social media despite the ban. Harry and Megan will touch down in Australia today for a four day visit Deep Dive: Anthony Albanese is continuing his rapid diplomatic tour through Southeast Asia, visiting Brunei, Malaysia, and Singapore as fuel security concerns grow amid escalating Middle East tensions.  With petrol and diesel prices staying high and Australia’s supply under pressure, the government is trying to reassure the public but at the same time has launched a $20 million ad campaign asking us to use less fuel.  So how secure is Australia’s fuel supply, and could the country actually run out?   In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Saul Kavonic, Head of Energy Research at MST Financial, to find out.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:  Reactions to Trump’s Hormuz threat  Trump’s broadside against Pope Leo Albanese reveals new defence chief Three Victorian ministers resign Rory McIlroy wins the Masters, again  Deep Dive:  Hungary’s right-wing strongman, Viktor Orbán, suffered an election wipeout this morning, despite an endorsement from Donald Trump. How will this historic moment change Hungary? And what are the implications for the EU and the war in Ukraine? In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Associate Professor Ben Wellings to talk about Hungary’s fading illiberal democracy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: Trump says the US Navy would start a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz  Anthony Albanese continues Southeast Asia fuel blitz Convicted gang rapist arrested after five days on the run Bondi stabbing heroes honoured two years on Gout Gout’s win heralds new sprinting golden age Deep Dive: Donald Trump has fired two high-profile women this year; the Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and now Pam Bondi, the Attorney-General. Why?  Trump has put huge expectations on his lieutenants during the second term – but both women also made serious political fumbles which cast Trump in a bad light. For Noem it was a US$220 million dollar ad campaign, and for Bondi it was her mishandling of the Epstein investigation.  In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith and Chris Spyrou break down the stories of Bondi, Noem, and their very public downfalls.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of us are worried about Donald Trump. The US President has become increasingly aggressive, self-aggrandizing and erratic, making threats such as “a whole civilisation will die tonight.” So how did he get like this? In this bonus episode from The Briefing's archive, we're bringing you the extended version of Tom Tilley’s compelling interview with Donald Trump's niece Mary. You’ll hear Mary’s fascinating insights into her uncle, whom she describes as "the world's most dangerous man." With a PHD in psychology, Mary’s helps us understand more about the man, his mind, and what he might do next. Mary wrote the book Too Much and Never Enough - How My Family Created The World’s Most Dangerous Man. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joshua Fox has built a reputation as one of Australia’s most relentless wedding crashers, better known as the ‘MAFS Guy’ for his viral ambushes on the set of Married at First Sight. But long before the online notoriety, he was Britain’s youngest paparazzo - landing an early win photographing Paris Hilton and earning more than he ever imagined. From those beginnings in Manchester to producing one of Australia’s biggest radio shows, The Kyle and Jackie O Show, Josh’s path has been anything but conventional. In this chat with Chris Syprou, Josh opens up about the reality behind his MAFS persona, his unexpected foray into OnlyFans, and the darker chapters he’s faced - from getting divorced before 30 to reinventing himself as one of the country’s most listened-to podcasters. Content warning: This chat does touch on themes of suicide and sexual assault Weekend list with Helen Smith Listener Chris TO LISTEN:  TO WATCH: Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom on Netflix TO WATCH: The Moment TO READ: Girl on Girl by Sophie Gilbert Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:  Albanese's energy agreement with Singapore U.S.-Iran talks to begin over the weekend Queensland MP found dead Artemis II splashing down Saturday morning A wolf on the loose in South Korea  Deep Dive:  Is Australia ready for an electric car revolution? The war in Iran has sent petrol prices spiking and Aussies looking for other ways to drive. But is our infrastructure ready for a rapid transition? And what should you watch out for if you’re considering an EV purchase?  In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Paul Maric from carexpert.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines:  Israel tells hundreds of thousands in Beirut to evacuate Melania Trump says rumours linking her to Epstein ‘need to end today’ Convicted gang rapist remains on the run after escaping police custody  Funding cuts force Grace Tame Foundation to close Traffic volumes take a dive across the country  Deep Dive: Smoking is making a comeback in pop culture, appearing in shows like The Bear and Euphoria, and in music videos from Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter. Even Australian band DMA’S opens their latest video My Baby’s Place with multiple people smoking within the first 30 seconds.  The trend isn’t limited to entertainment. Instagram ‘cigfluencers’ are glamorising the habit, while depictions of smoking have surged by 70%, despite it remaining a leading cause of death worldwide.  In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by public health professor Becky Freeman to discuss why smoking is resurfacing and whether vaping is playing a role in its resurgence.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: The world watches a shaky Iran ceasefire Albanese travels to Singapore to secure fuel supply A hammer attack in a Sydney hospital Bruce Lehrmann loses final chance to appeal defamation case Plus: the cop chase stopped by a cactus  Deep Dive:  When women began disappearing on Long Island in the 1990s, police didn’t know they were facing a new serial killer. Today, architect Rex Heuermann pleads guilty to the murders of eight women in what have become known as the Gilgo Beach murders. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr Xanthe Weston, associate professor of criminology and host of the Motive & Method podcast, to talk about how the killer was caught.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines: Ceasefire in doubt as Israel pounds Lebanon and Iran halts oil tankers Fuel price drops unlikely to hit your tank in a hurry AI tool that spots heart failure risk five years before it develops Activist group infiltrates Coles You could own a Queensland town for $400K   Further listening from headlines: Your supermarket is spying on youThe controversial ICE tech at our door Deep Dive: Israel says its invasion of Lebanon is about security and pushing Hezbollah away from its northern border. But on the ground, more than a million people have been displaced, infrastructure is being torn apart, and tensions inside the country are rising fast.  With villages flattened, others cut off, and communities turning on each other, fears are growing of a prolonged Israeli occupation and the risk the conflict could tip Lebanon into something it hasn’t seen since the 1970s – a civil war.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Middle East and counter-terrorism expert Dr Mariam Farida from Macquarie University about Israel’s long-term strategy in Lebanon, whether it can ‘dismantle’ Hezbollah and why the risk of a broader crisis is rising.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines:  A two-week ceasefire in Iran Matt Canavan sets out his “Patriot Agenda” Ben Roberts-Smith doesn’t seek bail Australia’s sporting rich list revealed Deep Dive:  Trump has announced a two-week ceasefire against Iran, hours after making the threat to wipe out the “whole civilization” if a deal wasn’t reached.  But will the ceasefire last? And what does Trump have to show for his five-and-a-half weeks of war?  In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Jennifer Parker, an expert on national security and the principal and founder of Barrier Strategic Advisory. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BREAKING: Donald Trump has announced he will suspend all bombing and attacks on Iran for two weeks - but only if Iran agrees to the complete and immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.  In a post to Truth Social, the US President says he's agreed to a request from Pakistan, which has been working as a mediator, to hold off on his threatened bombardment of Iran's power and civil infrastructure. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: Trump warns a 'whole civilisation will die' if Iran doesn't make deal Ben Roberts Smith to appear before court today Record number of scam websites taken down by Australia's financial regulator Kanye West blocked from entering the UK EV sales hit record highs in Australia Deep Dive: War used to be reported. Now it’s being packaged.  Footage shared by the White House showing strikes on Iran is being edited like gameplay - complete with stylised overlays, dramatic pacing and even ‘killstreak’-style visuals, pulling in millions of views.  But this isn’t a one-off. From ICE raid clips set to the Pokémon theme to military operations branded like blockbuster titles, conflict is being reframed through the language and aesthetics of entertainment.  In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith speaks with Daniel Baldino from the University of Notre Dame Australia about how war is being gamified - and what that shift does to public perception, accountability, and reality itself.  Further listening: Will Elon unplug your EV dream? Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia’s most decorated soldier, has been arrested at Sydney Airport over allegations of war crimes. It comes after a joint operation by the AFP and the Office of the Special Investigator. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by lawyer Justin Quill to explain what this latest development means. Headlines:  Trump repeats threat to destroy civilian infrastructure in Iran  PM Albanese will be travelling to Singapore to address the fuel shortage  One Nation surges in the latest Newspoll  The Artemis mission is heading home  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Donald Trump says Iran ‘can be taken out in one night’  Fuel shipments to Australia are now secured 'well into' May   14 people killed on roads over Easter long weekend Kanye West's right to enter UK under review Artemis II sets new record Further listening from headlines: Why today’s moon mission mattersDeep Dive: Zomi Frankcom was the Australian aid worker killed by an Israeli strike in Gaza, and her family still want answers.  Last week was the second anniversary of Zomi’s killing, and her brother Mal Frankcom was in parliament advocating for a more open and transparent investigation into Israel’s strikes, which also killed six other aid workers.  The day before the anniversary, Israel’s ambassador to Australia refused to apologise for the killing. He said “sympathy had been expressed”.  In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Mal Frankcom about the family’s push for justice.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday headlines Trump threatens Iran in expletive-laden social media post WA gets tough on Petrol Retailers Pope Leo urges those with the power to unleash wars- to choose peace. Sydney Kings break their championship Trophy Newcastle Knights injury against Raiders Deep Dive: Married at First Sight isn’t just dominating TV ratings - it’s driving a constant stream of online content that keeps the show alive well beyond each episode.  Beyond the drama on screen, a growing ecosystem of podcasts, parody accounts and creators are shaping the conversation - stretching a few episodes a week into a 24/7 cycle in your feed.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with creator Amanda Catalano about why MAFS is “the easiest content on the internet,” how her parody videos rack up huge numbers, and what it says about how we feel about the show.  You can follow Amanda on Instagram @amanda.catalano and TikTok @amanda.catalano  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chocolate prices have surged, with blocks now selling for $8 at major supermarkets - more than double what we were paid a decade ago. Global cocoa prices spiked last year, but climate change and inflation aren’t the only culprits - with a little-known international deal also at play.  In this episode of The Briefing, we revisit Chris Spyrou’s chat with journalist and host of The Internet Reviewed on YouTube Kirsten Drysdale where they unpacked what’s really driving the rising cost of chocolate. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feras Basal spent nearly 50 days on a remote island for Australian Survivor - facing the ‘wheel of torture’ for hours, dislocating his shoulder in week one and enduring intense psychological strain that pushed him to his absolute limits. But alongside the physical and mental toll came a historic win, becoming the first Arab Muslim to take out the title, and the $500,000 prize. His time on the show became something bigger: a chance to challenge stereotypes, represent his community, and show a different side of his culture and faith to a national audience. In this chat with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Feras opens up about what really happens behind the scenes, how the experience changed him long after the cameras stopped rolling, and why representation in Australian media still has a long way to go.   Weekend list with Helen Smith Listener Lindsey TO READ: Remarkably Bright Creatures TO WATCH: Season 4 Love on the Spectrum on Netflix TO EAT: Nagi Maehashi My very best Vanilla Cake TO DO: Tell everyone it's your Birthday! Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday's Headlines:  Australia takes part in talks to re-open straight of Hormuz TV Broadcasters call for financial help after gambling ad ban Artemis II crew preparing to leave earth's orbit Manly beat the Dolphins and the Lions beat the Pies in the AFL Deep Dive: The Good Friday Appeal is synonymous with the Easter long weekend, and this year will be no different.  Culminating with a primetime TV event and telethon on Channel 7, the appeal – in its 95th year – looks to raised much-needed funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.  In today’s deep dive, you’ll meet an incredible family whose little boy ended up on an RCH operating table at just four weeks old, along with Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies, hosts of The Morning Show, about why the the Good Friday Appeal is such a worthy cause.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump delivered a rambling speech to the US people and the world earlier today. He began by saying the US military operations in Iran have been an overwhelming success, calling them “victories like few have ever seen before.” Mr Trump hinted the US would leave the war in the coming weeks and urged other countries to head to Iran to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, to secure their own oil. Earlier in the day Mr Trump said he was considering removing the United States from the NATO alliance. Headlines: PM Albanese addressed the National Press Club, announcing bans on gambling ads NASA's Artemis mission is on its way to the moon Mary Fowler signs a record-breaking $10 million deal with Adidas See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.