The Briefing

Monday Headlines: Albanese wins final leaders’ debate, Canadian car ramming death toll rises to 11, thousands rally after alleged murder of NSW teen, US pushing for peace between Ukraine and Russia following St Peter's meeting, and we've had the world’s first sperm race!Deep Dive: Male masculinity influencers have hit the mainstream, with a new global study finding young men are turning to them not just for entertainment but for life advice.  While some of this content is harmless, experts warn it comes at the cost of men’s mental health.  In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith speaks to Dr Zac Seidler, the global director of men's health research at Movember, about the rise of these creators and how we can reshape conversations around what it means to be a man. Find the full study from Movember hereFollow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04-27

24:26

She’s side-eyed former Prime Ministers, called out power at the highest levels and reshaped Australia’s conversation around sexual abuse - Grace Tame is nothing short of a force. The former Australian of the Year has endured more scrutiny than many public figures twice her age, all while staying fiercely outspoken and unapologetically herself. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Grace unpacks what it really takes to ‘win’ as a woman in Australia and how to make your vote count in the upcoming federal election. Weekend list with Helen Smith TO TRY: Mini trampoline workout  TO DO: Head to a local comedy show comedy.com.au TO EAT: Peppermint and licorice tea TO TRY: Phone down and notepad out before bed Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04-25

38:49

Deep Dive: As international alliances face growing uncertainty, new figures reveal that less than one in four Gen Z Australians feel a strong personal connection to ANZAC Day and only one in six say they would sign up to defend our country.   In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Sir Peter Cosgrove, Former Defence Chief and Vietnam veteran, to explain why this year more than ever we need to commemorate ANZAC day.   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04-25

17:38

Friday Headlines: ANZAC Day services are held around the country, Extra security at MCG for today's football clash, Pope's Funeral tomorrow.Deep Dive: Thousands of former ADF members have died by suicide, and despite years of advocacy and a Royal Commission, families say not enough has changed. David Finney was a sailor who proudly served for two decades before his mental health deteriorated. After years of trauma, both in service and at home, David took his life in 2019 — one of many veterans failed by the system. In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with David's mother Julie-Ann Finney, now a veteran mental health advocate, to unpack what needs to change and why so many veterans are still falling through the cracks.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04-24

22:04

With just days to go until the federal election, a record number of Australians have already cast their vote and the latest exit polls suggest Labor is in front.  That’s despite the Coalition starting strong amid frustration over the cost-of-living crisis, but Liberal Leader Peter Dutton says the race is far from over.  From housing and inflation to policy backflips and campaign momentum, these are just some of the issues on the table.  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling speaks with Peter Dutton to unpack where his campaign stands, what he thinks went wrong and why he still believes he can win.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04-24

22:04

Thursday Headlines: Another Coalition backflip, Apple and Meta fined hundreds of millions, Sydney man charged over NSW court leak, Bunnings strikes agreement with 'terrified' plant growers and the viral twinnies meet Jimmy Kimmel. Deep Dive:  This election campaign has seen its fair share of controversy, from alleged criminal activity to mass leaflet drops aimed at discrediting candidates, and influencers causing a stir.  The Australian Electoral Commission is the body that’s been investigating it all, so voters know where political content is coming from in the lead up to the election.  In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy is joined by the AEC’s Evan Eakin-Smyth to unpack some of the probes that have made headlines, why we need the AEC and whether its role is about to change thanks to modern media, and potential new laws.Further listening from the headlines: Is Bunnings’ glowing reputation earned, or engineered? is available on LiSTNR or wherever you get your podcasts. Bunnings responds: 'Big is not bad' in the hardware industry is available on LiSTNR or wherever you get your podcasts.Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04-23

25:19

Afternoon Headlines: Trump to reduced tariffs on China as a recession looms for the US and AI movies can now win an Oscar  Deep Dive: A pair of identical Australian twins has taken the world be storm, after a clip of them speaking in unison went viral. It’s not the first time “The Twinnes” have made international headlines, but the new interview has some asking are they fake and how can they finish each other sentences. In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Twins expert Professor Jeff Craig who has worked with the Queensland sisters and reveals a fascinating insight into their incredible gifts.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04-23

14:13

Wednesday Headlines: Peter Dutton wins third leaders' debate, the coalition to announce increased defence spending, details of Pope Francis' funeral revealed, NZ bill to define men and women by their biology, 25 Australian swimmers may have been robbed of Olympic medals and the Queensland twins going viral.  Deep Dive:  Child sex offenders are among the most reviled criminals in our society—and now, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is vowing to trial a national public register if elected, aiming to give families more access to information and keep kids safe.  But would it actually work? And what are the risks of making this kind of information public?  In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with Akhim Dev—documentary and podcast maker behind the award-winning Children in the Pictures—who spent years embedded with police investigating online child exploitation to unpack it all. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04-22

27:19

Afternoon Headlines: Third leaders debate to go ahead tonight, NSW police investigate links to organised crime after mother killed and Harvard sues Trump administration Deep Dive: What’s next for the Catholic Church after the death of Pope Francis?  He was seen as a Pope for the People and a progressive, but now a new era is emerging as the complicated process for the next leader begins.  In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Joel Hodge, the National Head of the School of Theology at ACU, to explain why Pope Francis has such a significant impact on the world and the six contenders to replace him. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04-22

18:11

Tuesday Headlines: Pope Francis' cause of death revealed, early voting now open, Australia records deadliest Easter weekend of drownings, new calls for US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to resign, and John Cena is coming down under!  Deep Dive: While most Aussies still vote red or blue, a small but significant group of independents—dubbed the Teals—are carving out space in Federal politics.  One of them is Zoe Daniel, the former journalist who flipped a safe Liberal seat in 2022 and is now running for re-election.   In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with MP Zoe Daniel about the key issues this election, how independent the Teals really are and their plan to hold the major parties to account.Further listening from the headlines: What happens when the Pope dies? The power games begin is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.Top secret war plans sent to journalist by mistake is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04-21

27:56

In this special election rewind we are joined by Julia Gillard, the 27th Prime Minister of Australia and our first and only female in the top job.  In this chat with Jamila Rizvi from 2020, Julia unpacks her famous misogyny speech of 2012, how ultra macho leadership styles are letting us down during the pandemic, and her book Women in Leadership. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04-21

33:48

Monday Headlines: Tragedies around the water this Easter, Labour ahead in latest poll, The Pope appears for Easter blessing, Oscar Piastri successful in F1. Deep Dive: For decades everything from the cut of our jeans to the shade of our hair has been linked to the state of our economy. Recession indicators in fashion, beauty and grooming are marked by the shift in a rise of sales of more practical and affordable choices. In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Amy Campbell, the features editor of Esquire Australia, to explain which styles are signs of an economic slump and how we see it play out in fashion.   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04-20

18:33

Peter Rowsthorn cemented his place as Australian comedy royalty in Kath and Kim, playing the loveable bogan Brett. From staring in musicals, sitcoms to stand-up and almost swapping it all for a life on the road as a truckie, Peter's career has been anything but boring. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Peter shares why he’s making a long-awaited comeback to the Melbourne Comedy Festival for the first time since the 80's and the joys of ageing with absolutely no grace whatsoever. Find tickets to his show Pete Rowsthorn is KEEN! Here  Weekend list with Helen Smith TO WATCH: Drop the Movie in cinemas now TO WATCH: The Substance Movie  TO EAT: Greek or natural yogurt dressing TO DO: Free street libraries give and take! Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04-18

37:20

In this special election rewind we are joined by Scott Morrison, the 30th Prime Minister of Australia, lover of chicken curries and author of Plans For Your Good: A Prime Minister's Testimony of God's Faithfulness Morrison has had his fair share of controversies over the years - Hawaii, his response to COVID and his many ministries. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Morrison opens up about his time as PM, repenting his sins and his impact on Australians. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04-18

37:55

Friday Headlines: Opposition Leader clarifies he believed in climate change, Rise in DV over Easter, Great White shark concerns for an Adelaide beach and Trump meets with Italy's PM. Deep Dive: From big policy promises to viral missteps, election campaigns serve up drama, theatre and the occasional meme-worthy moment. But what’s it really like behind the scenes? In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy is joined by News Corp federal political reporter Madura McCormack, who’s been following the 2025 campaign trail. She shares what it’s like travelling with the press pack, the moments that didn’t make headlines—and what they reveal about the parties vying for your vote.Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.