The Briefing

Liz Porter has spent decades immersed in the world of crime, from CSI to Silent Witness to the triple murder mushroom trial. The award-winning journalist, true crime author and host of Crime Insiders: Forensics has spent her career showing how science solves the toughest cases. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Liz shares why forensics scientists are the unsung heroes of your favourite true crime thriller and and how blowflies can play a role in solving them. Weekend list with Helen Smith TO LISTEN: Sweet Bobby on Netflix (trust me it's trending) TO LISTEN: Black Rabbit on Netflix TO DO: The Art of Loving Olivia Deans Album TO DO: Arms of Eve jewellery Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban filed for divorce after 19 years of marriage, involving millions of dollars, prenups and allegedly a ‘cocaine’ clause.    Society can often slam our obsession with celebrity marriages and divorces as just entertainment, but they can often fulfil a cultural or emotional need, impacting how we view our own relationships.   In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith is joined by LiSNTR’s entertainment reporter Justin Hill on our ‘parasocial’ obsession with celebrity romance.  Afternoon headlines: Former NSW police officer accused of murder declares 'the truth will prevail', Palestinian Action Group told Sydney Opera House 'off-limits' ahead of planned rally and Taylor Swifts long awaited album The Life of a Showgirl is here  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Two killed in 'terrorist incident' at Manchester synagogue, new footage sheds light on Dezi Freeman's escape, Queensland to launch state’s first sexual violence peak body, new research shows $25 billion worth of unworn clothes in Aussie wardrobes, and what bizarre encounters have you had with cops?   Deep DIve: A soccer team of Uber drivers and tradies is just one win away from making football history - and they’ll get their shot this Saturday.  Victoria’s Heidelberg United is taking on A-League heavyweight Newcastle Jets in a clash being billed as a true David v Goliath, with all eyes on whether the semi-pro side can become the first to lift the Australia Cup.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Heidelberg’s head coach John Anastasiadis and sports journalist Adam Peacock to unpack everything we know about their underdog run and what it means for the future of Australian football. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taylor Swift and Kanye West’s feud has spanned well over a decade, morphing from a single shocking awards show moment into one of pop culture’s most enduring rivalries.   Both artists have deftly commercialised the conflict, turning personal grievance into consistent headlines and platinum sales. With the release of Swift's The Life of a Showgirl creating speculation that it's a nod to Kanye’s The Life of Pablo, suggestion the beef is far from over.  In this episode of The Beefing, Alexandria Funnell dissects how the feud ignited, why it has endured for so long, and how both Swift and West have survived mass cancellation to emerge as masters of reinvention.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, delivered his new set of directives for the US military, including that moving forward he only wants male standards for combat roles and suggested wokeness was infecting the department of war.    During the hour-long speech in front of some of the country's top personnel, Hegseth told the crowd he’s tired of seeing ‘fat generals and admirals in the halls of the Pentagon, and leading commands around the country and the world’.   In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith is joined by Donna Manton, a former army major and the chairperson of the Athena project, who explains why the speech could be detrimental for the US military. Afternoon headlines: Historic defence treaty between Australia and Papua New Guinea approved, Global Sumud Flotilla intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, thousands of Commonwealth Bank users unable to access their online banking and 32 Chunk wins Fat Bear Week contest for 2025   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines: Police are being called to scrap strip searches of young people after landmark win, sunscreen whistleblowers say testing company ‘cut corners’, Geelong Cats apologise for ‘inappropriate’ Mad Monday gags, large companies paying no tax in Australia hits record low, and James Tedesco and Tamika Upton win the Dally M. Deep Dive: During his recent overseas tour, Anthony Albanese invited one of the Middle East’s largest retail chains to set up shop in Australia - pitching LuLu Hypermarket as a serious challenger to Coles and Woolies.  So what exactly do we know about the Emirati chain, can it actually lower prices for Aussie shoppers and what does it say about the government’s strategy on cost-of-living?   In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Erin Turner, CEO of the Consumer Policy Research Centre, to unpack it all.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is eyeing off a Nobel Peace Prize, after scoring nominations from countries including Israel and Pakistan - a surprising nod for a president more often associated with confrontation than conciliation.  Trump would join the likes of former Presidents' Barack Obama and Teddy Roosevelt, but was quick to brush off his nomination saying, 'I don’t seek attention. I just want to save lives.'  In this episode of The Briefing, 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.  Afternoon headlines: US government shutdown begins after funding deadlock, Australian government expresses safety concerns for Aussies on flotilla to Gaza and AFL scraps centre bounce for men's game. Further listening: The reality of Trump's Gaza plan Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AFLW has exploded in growth and popularity over the past few years, elevating star players like Essendon FC captain Bonnie Toogood. But with that spotlight comes huge pressure to perform, which can impact players’ mental health.  In today’s special episode of The Briefing, sponsored by Medibank, Helen Smith is joined by Bonnie, who shares her experiences and her tips on building mental fitness on and off the field.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: More sunscreens pulled from Aussie shelves, house prices climb for eighth month in a row as 5% deposits kick in, charges dropped for conspiracy theorist linked to Weiambilla attack, a medical breakthrough in the fertility sector and five stars for Aussie cops turn delivery drivers.Deep Dive: Free speech has been at the heart of heated debates in recent weeks, off the back of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk’s death, and disagreement over immigration sparking racial tensions in public and online.  So what’s allowed, and what crosses the line into hate speech, or censorship in Australia?  In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay about the importance of each, and how our laws and rights differ in Australia to our US counterparts.Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Antoinette Lattouf’s legal battle with the ABC has dominated the news cycle, but behind the headlines lies a story of broken trust and, in Antoinette’s own words, a deep sense of heartbreak. In December 2023 Antoinette was fired by the ABC from a casual five day stint and what followed was a lengthy legal battle lasting over 20 months.  In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith, Antoinette’s producer and collaborator, unpacks the complex court case, the subsequent ruling and the emotional fallout. Including an exclusive voice memo from Antoinette herself. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly two years into Israel's war on Gaza, more than 66,000 lives have been lost, and millions are on the brink of famine. Now, Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu have unveiled a 20-point 'peace plan' they say could end the bloodshed. But is it a genuine path to peace, or just political theatre? In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Middle East expert Professor Greg Barton to break down what the deal really promises: a ceasefire, hostage exchanges, aid, rebuilding, and a controversial governing board featuring Trump himself and Tony Blair.  Afternoon headlines: The RBA has held interest rates, the Taliban has imposed a nationwide shutdown of telecommunications in Afghanistan, YouTube has settled a multimillion-dollar lawsuit with Donald Trump, and Matilda’s star Mary Fowler has made her catwalk debut.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Trump announces 'historic peace plan' for Gaza, Optus executives to meet with Communications Minister after second 000 outage, Geelong Cats star Bailey Smith labelled a homophobic loser, new warning for melatonin users in Australia, and the Larrimah Hotel has been sold! Deep Dive: When Sussan Ley stepped in as leader of the Liberal Party, the phrase “glass cliff” started doing the rounds.  Now, one name is emerging as the most likely to push her off it: Andrew Hastie.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Nine’s Political Editor, Charles Croucher, to find out who the Shadow Home Affairs Minister is, whether he is making his move now and if so - who’s backing him and why? Further listening from the headlines: THE BEEFING: The AFL vs homophobia Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Calls are mounting to abolish the use of character references in court sentencing, following Queensland’s recent legislation restricting their use in cases involving convicted sex offenders.  Character references have long played a controversial role in high-profile cases, including when former Prime Minister John Howard gave one to Cardinal George Pell, describing him as ‘a person of both high intelligence and exemplary character’. More recently in the case of paedophile Ashley Paul Griffith who has pleaded guilty to over 300 charges, also benefited from character references.   In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith, is joined by victim-survivor Josh Byrnes, the ACT representative from Your Reference Ain’t Relevant campaign, to explain how character evidence works in court and why advocates want them abolished.   Afternoon headlines: Teens arrested in Melbourne CBD after a police pursuit, Opposition leader Sussan Ley calls for independent inquiry into the 'entire triple-zero ecosystem' and Bad Bunny to headline 2026 Super Bowl half-time show Further listening: How to stop teen machete murders Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: Anthony Albanese promises to "defend democracy" alongside "mate" Keir Starmer, Federal Budget in $18 billion better shape than expected, former Australian political candidate to front court over Nazi salute, Pfizer in court over contraceptive alleged to cause brain tumours and Brisbane sweeps the footy codes with four wins over weekend! Deep Dive: A number of once common, and deadly, diseases have become rare in Australia, but with vaccine hesitancy on the rise, there are fears that could change.  Measles, an illness that once killed hundreds of children a year, is now spreading in Australia and abroad, with experts worried we’ve forgotten what a vaccine-free world was like.  In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with Associate Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology Dr David Muscatello, about what’s ahead if we continue on this path. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Briefing host Tara Cassidy is once again a finalist in a prestigious journalism award for her LiSTNR crime podcast Crime In Focus: Killer Charm. So for today's bonus episode, we're playing out episode three of the award-winning series. You can find the first two episodes in our feed here and here or to binge the full series, go to Crime in Focus. In episode three, Sharon Graham’s movements on the night of the murder are under scrutiny, as suspicions around her grow. Tara tracks down some of Sharon’s exes to find out what she was like as a partner, and if she’s ever shown signs of planning something sinister before.  All people convicted of murder related to this case have lodged their intentions to appeal the outcomes. At the point of publishing this podcast those appeals have not progressed further.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mitch Churi has worn it all, from chicken suits to Spanx, but what really sets him apart is his razor-sharp wit and unapologetic authenticity.  Bursting into commercial radio at just 19, he cut his teeth with industry giants Kyle and Jackie O and was eventually thrown the curveball of redundancy last year. Instead of slowing down, Churi leaned in, reinventing himself with the same mix of charm, bite, and self-deprecating humour that makes him one of Australia’s most entertaining youth voices. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Mitch shares his bold new venture, the art of laughing at ourselves, and the terrifyingly wonderful act of starting something new. Weekend list with Helen Smith TO LISTEN: The Beefing (right here on The Briefing) TO LISTEN: Charlotte Cardin Canadian singer-songwriter TO DO: Check your nail polish TO DO: Wheeler Centre events Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 68% of Gen Z are romanticising eras that existed long before they were born, while Millennials and Gen X are increasingly drawn to historical nostalgia.  Once classified as a medical condition and later a psychological disorder, nostalgia is now being re-evaluated as potentially beneficial for mental health.  In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith, is joined by Dr Clay Routledge, from the Human Flourishing Lab, whose PHD investigates the psychology of nostalgia and why we are drawn to historical nostalgia.   Afternoon headlines: Donald Trump imposes 100 per cent tariff on pharmaceuticals, Qantas flight mayday call triggering over potential fire in the cargo hold and the cheapest supermarkets in Australians   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Trump administration says fatal shooting of ICE office was politically motivated, Andrew Hastie pours cold water on claims he's gunning for Sussan Ley's job, Diddy's appeal to be decided by the end of next week, foreign students earn less than half of some domestic graduates, and Albo shouts New York pub a beer!  Deep Dive: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Cynthia Erivo and Sydney Sweeney are all in the Oscar conversation six months before the red carpet’s even rolled out.   So why the early buzz? Who decides what’s Oscar-worthy and what press tours, deals and power plays shape the race?   In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by LiSTNR’s resident cinephile Amy Kimball to unpack the politics, PR and strategy behind Hollywood’s night of nights.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The AFL remains Australia’s most attended sport, drawing 8.4 million fans in 2024 alone, but the games history with homophobia has been back in the national spotlight.   Over the past year and a half there have been six publicised incidences of homophobia within the league. And in the games 130-year history only one player has come out as openly bisexual or gay, Former West Coast Eagles defender Mitch Brown, making him the first current or former openly bisexual male AFL player.   In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks the tension between AFL and it’s history of homophobia. Putting in question whether the code is enough to drive meaningful cultural change and implement targeted anti-discrimination programs.  Audio of Mitch Brown thanks to the Daily Aus Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public confidence in Australian universities is continuing to erode, as institutions face funding issues, widespread job cuts and allegations of failures to report gender-based violence across campuses. The University of Technology and the Australian National University have both faced various controversies over the past couple of years, prompting renewed scrutiny of university governance and priorities. Experts fear universities are prioritising profit over education, losing sight of their purpose as educational institutions and acting as businesses first. In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith, is joined by Senator David Pocock to explain what needs to change in the governance of Australian universities and how the sector can rebuild public trust.  Afternoon headlines: Prime minister Anthony Albanese gives his first speech to the UN, Bali hospital denies allegations of organ theft after body of Australian repatriated without heart and Snoop Dog still set to perform at the AFL grand final Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.