Background Briefing

Background Briefing tells true stories not everyone will want you to hear. We infuse investigative reporting with captivating drama, following the thread of an individual story only to find that it leads us to something bigger. It's the only podcast in Australia that does this week in, week out. Hosted by Thomas Oriti. We want to hear from you too. If you have a tip-off, please contact us at backgroundbriefing[at]abc.net.au

01 Before and After | The cost of keeping your hair

Hair loss ads are everywhere. Telehealth clinics with thousands of five-star reviews promise fast consults and discreet delivery to your doorstep. But what happens when the treatment messes with your brain chemistry?

11-14
37:00

Introducing... Before and After

Before and After is a new series by Background Briefing that exposes how medical hype spreads online, who profits, and who pays.

11-07
01:00

The secret teacher blacklist

Kim saw a teacher’s aide laughing at a video of a vulnerable student and reported it to the principal. She had no idea it would come to define the next seven years of her life.

10-17
39:47

05 The Favourite - A Day in Court

After years of manipulation, Alliyah is determined to see justice done. When Kellie appears in the dock, what will she say? And how will the judge respond?

10-10
32:15

04 The Favourite | Full Disclosure

Alliyah steps into a police station on the outskirts of Brisbane, and says: “I want to report a crime.” After keeping the so-called relationship with Kellie secret for almost a decade, Alliyah is finally ready to tell their story. 

10-03
34:54

03 The Favourite | Alliyah's choice

A new job and a surprise encounter show Alliyah that another way is possible. Will they manage to slip out of Kellie's control?

09-26
40:13

02 The Favourite | A marriage proposal

When the principal discovers Alliyah and their teacher Kellie are exchanging secret messages outside class, Kellie is warned — but not fired. Then, on the last day of Alliyah’s graduation, another message arrives: “Secret squirrel… you can’t tell anyone.” As suspicion mounts at home, Alliyah's connection with Kellie grows stronger and more dangerous by the day.

09-19
35:23

01 The Favourite | Secrets after school

12-year-old Alliyah’s clowning around in science class, testing the waters to see how the new teacher will respond. An unusual bond grows between them — and what starts with a death stare and a smirk, soon slips into a world of secrets.

09-12
30:44

Introducing... The Favourite

She's every student’s favourite teacher — warm, funny, the kind who bends the rules. But for one 12-year-old, Alliyah, her attention goes far beyond the classroom. The Favourite is a five-part series by Background Briefing about how a secret remained hidden in plain sight for nearly a decade.

09-09
01:39

The invisible stuff on your blueberries

When a marine scientist starts picking up traces of pesticides in oysters, she follows a trail that leads inland — to NSW blueberries carrying a poison not permitted for use in Australia. 

09-04
32:23

Long Read | The smart kids who can’t afford to succeed

Catherine Taylor investigates how money, disadvantage and resources risk holding back our brightest students.

08-29
19:37

Long Read | The fight over your backyard

The Yes In My Backyard movement is lobbying for denser cities and more housing in places people want to work and live. The YIMBYs want these homes built yesterday, but as Gina Rushton explains, the NIMBYs haven’t given up yet.

08-14
18:34

PRESENTS — Criminal Psychology from All in the Mind

Fascinated by true crime? Or intrigued by what drives people to break the law?Criminal Psychology, a gripping series from All in the Mind, takes you deep inside the minds of those who cross the line into extreme behaviour.In this four-episode series, they explore the psychological drivers behind arson, kleptomania, serial killers and Munchausen by Proxy, with people who work closely on these cases.And find out how understanding the human mind can help us to prevent harm.If you're curious about the corners of criminal human behaviour, this is unmissable listening.Find Criminal Psychology from All in the Mind here. 

08-11
02:39

Long Read | The Summer of Trump

This week, Nick Bryant returns to the US for the first time in four years, finding a country that doesn't want to talk about politics, despite being in the eye of the Trump storm.

08-07
22:20

Dr Mo: The Beast from the Middle East

An Australian doctor sells his car and writes a will — unsure if he’ll ever make it back home. He crosses the concrete walls that surround the Gaza Strip and begins work inside the last functioning hospital in the north. But in the chaos of war, something unfolded that no one, including him, could have predicted.  This week, reporter Marty Smiley brings us the story of Dr Mo's impossible mission.

08-03
42:04

04 Beef | YouTube detectives uncover PlayStation guru’s shocking secret

It started with a bizarre customer-service experience and soon transformed into something darker. Outrage rippled across Youtube, spurring an army of online vigilantes into action. But as reporter Maddison Connaughton discovered, the stakes were higher than anyone anticipated.

07-18
39:17

03 Beef | Pensioner takes big bank to court to prove a point

Ian Williams woke up one morning to find $1338 has been stolen from his account. Two years later, the 73-year-old is taking on NAB at the Supreme Court, seeking more than $300m in damages, with no lawyers to help him.

07-11
36:48

02 Beef | Who would shoot a wombat?

Most Aussies see wombats as an iconic native. But reporter Tynan King discovered one regional NSW town where farmers see them through a scope.

07-04
37:42

01 Beef | Big Rob versus just about everyone in town

Big Rob has gone from online vigilante to censured politician, starting little fights that have become big problems for his divided city. 

06-27
43:25

INTRODUCING — Beef

A new series by Background Briefing investigates when small feuds take on a life of their own.  First episode coming June 28.

06-24
00:37

sharon maitland

what an absolute pest 😒

07-01 Reply

James Anderson

Arrests.org SC serves as a vital resource for accessing up-to-date and comprehensive arrest records in South Carolina. The platform provides an easy-to-use interface, allowing users to search by name, location, or date, ensuring transparency and accessibility. Staying informed about law enforcement activities has never been simpler. For detailed arrest data, visit http://arrestss-sc.org and explore a user-friendly way to access public information.

12-22 Reply

Sharon Maitland

May turn out to be a trial by media.... he sounds very inauthentic to say the least. His poor parents and sister.

07-14 Reply

Sharon Maitland

#Bravery.

11-10 Reply

Sharon Maitland

#courage 🙏

10-14 Reply

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