

The Briefing
LiSTNR
A national daily news podcast, The Briefing gives you the latest headlines, discussion and explainer interviews to keep you informed and entertained.
Bringing you the news you need to know at 6am and 4pm Monday to Friday, and profile features across the weekend, The Briefing is Australia's go-to news podcast for your commute, coffee or exercise.
Know more in minutes.
Hosted by journalists Sacha Barbour Gatt, Chris Spyrou and Natarsha Belling.
Bringing you the news you need to know at 6am and 4pm Monday to Friday, and profile features across the weekend, The Briefing is Australia's go-to news podcast for your commute, coffee or exercise.
Know more in minutes.
Hosted by journalists Sacha Barbour Gatt, Chris Spyrou and Natarsha Belling.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 30, 2025 • 15min
BUPA’s $35 million penalty + Why we need to care about Trump’s tariffs
Afternoon Headlines: BUPA to pay $35 MILLION dollars in penalties and two US firefighters have been shot with the body of a suspected shooter found and the jury for Erin Patterson’s murder trial starts deliberation Deep Dive: Donald Trump’s trade war with China is set to cost Australia $27 billion in lost income from two of our biggest exports, liquefied natural gas and iron ore, according to the federal government. It comes as Anthony Albanese has slammed the US President for placing tariffs on Australia, as world leaders prepare for a second “Liberation Day” announcement when the 90-day pause on tariffs lifts next week. In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr Susan Stone, economist from UniSA Business to explain the impact these tariffs continue to have on our economy. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 snips
Jun 29, 2025 • 23min
Is this the end of unpaid work? + Exposing Australia’s worst terrorist
Joey Watson, an investigative journalist with Listener, delves into the chilling story of Australia’s worst terrorist, whose 2019 attack left 51 dead. He discusses the complexities of radicalization and the dangers of viewing such acts as isolated. Joey retraces the killer's steps in his series, revealing overlooked connections to broader extremist ideologies. The conversation also touches on the impact of anti-protest laws in NSW, social compensation changes, and a shark attack that highlights everyday heroism amidst societal shifts.

Jun 29, 2025 • 20min
The Baby Trade: Inside the international surrogacy marketplace
Bonus Episode: As the Australian government prepares to review our national patchwork of surrogacy laws, this exclusive LiSTNR investigation reveals how restrictive domestic policies are quietly fuelling a booming, unregulated international surrogacy marketplace - one that has recently shifted to Latin America. In this special episode of The Briefing, investigative journalist Claudianna Blanco travels to the Colombian capital, Bogotá, to uncover a secretive world of ethical grey zones, riddled with stories of underpaid and medically vulnerable surrogates and opaque payment systems. Going undercover, she exposes how private clinics rely on Colombia’s overstretched public health system to support foreign clients. Listen to Claudianna on Secrets We Keep: By Any Means.Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 27, 2025 • 50min
MAFS’ Carina Mirabile on being ‘the ethnic girl’ & groom's door punch
Carina Mirabile grew up dreaming of being a blonde beach babe instead of the 'ethnic girl', but now she proudly embraces her Italian heritage. The Married at First Sight reality star, fashion label boss and podcast host is a walking content machine who admits she 'low-key manifested' her rise to fame. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Carina opens up about the violent outburst from her on-screen husband on national TV, her reflections on domestic violence and why her search for love is currently on pause. If you need support, contact the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or check out their website for resources. Weekend list with Helen Smith and Chris Spyrou: TO WATCH: America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders season 2 on Netflix TO TRY: QV Baby bath oil for washing your pet TO DO: Flowers from Harris Farm TO DO: Send us your shoe recs for Chris! Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 27, 2025 • 2min
Day 39: Two-minute mushroom trial recap
Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023. She’s pled not guilty to all charges. In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks the trial in under two minutes. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 27, 2025 • 11min
Horror house party stabbing + Jeff Bezos’ $85 million wedding in Venice
Afternoon Headlines: Teenager charged with murder for allegedly fatally stabbing a man, appeal hearing underway for police officer who tasered a 95-year-old great grandmother, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese isn’t matching NATO's massive defence pledge and Anna Wintour steps down as American Vogue's editor-in-chief Deep Dive: The weeklong wedding extravaganza between billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Venice, that’s costing an estimated 85 million dollars, is dividing the internet. Protests have forced the couple to move venues, as A-list celebrities, politicians and millionaires start to arrive with the celebrations kicking off with a foam party on board a luxury yacht. In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by culture journalist Maggie Zhou to unpack everything we know about the multi-million-dollar affair. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 26, 2025 • 23min
‘Freak offs’ & ‘fear’: Diddy trial nears end + The Squid Game effect
Friday Headlines: Iran’s supreme leader says US gained nothing from strikes, Prosecution says Diddy used ‘violence and fear’ as closing arguments begin, Global cocaine boom keeps breaking records, Queensland Government slammed for Olympic environment and planning laws, and 11new Aussie words have been added to the Oxford dictionary. Deep Dive: Korean dystopian survival thriller, Squid Game, has become one of the most successful TV series in the world, and today it’ll launch its third and final season. It remains Netflix’s most watched show on record, has become a social media and marketing sensation, shifted pop culture and even led to a surge in people learning the Korean language. In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks to ABC pop culture and entertainment reporter Mawunyo Gbogbo about what’s behind Squid Game’s cult-like fandom and success, and whether season three will live up to expectations. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 26, 2025 • 2min
Day 38: Two-minute mushroom trial recap
Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023. She’s pled not guilty to all charges. In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks the trial in under two minutes. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 26, 2025 • 15min
Who is Zohran Mamdani? + Police arrest alleged uni hacker
Afternoon Headlines: First repatriation flight of Australians from Israel lands in Sydney, three men charged over murdered indigenous teenager Cassius Turvey and 27-year-old woman arrested over alleged cyber hacks at Western Sydney Uni Deep Dive: Zohran Mamdani is the Democratic Party candidate on track to be the next Mayor of New York City, propelled by a wave of community-led support with strong left-wing ideals. The 33-year-old candidate is making history as the first Muslim South Asian nominee, who has endorsements from Bill Clinton and is using TikTok algorithms to his advantage. In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Simran Pasricha from Pedestrian TV to unpack what lessons politicians around the world, including here in Australian, can learn from this changing of the political guard. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 25, 2025 • 23min
‘Daddy’ Trump and his NATO kids + Dating app turned hate crime trap
Joe Ball, Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ Communities Commissioner, sheds light on the alarming rise of homophobic violence targeting gay and bi men in Australia. He discusses how dating apps like Grindr are being exploited by offenders, leading to serious assaults and extortion. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community awareness and encourages victims to speak out. Joe also touches on the broader implications of these attacks, connecting them to social media dynamics and the urgent need for stronger protective measures.


