ABC News Daily
ABC Australia
ABC News Daily is the podcast that helps you understand the issues affecting your world. Every episode, host Samantha Hawley walks through one story with the help of an ABC colleague or expert in under 15 minutes. When you want coverage you can trust, listen to ABC News Daily.
From interest rates, real estate and the housing crisis, to scams and US politics, ABC News Daily brings you facts and analysis you need to understand the biggest news stories.
The podcast covers news from America, with analysis of the Donald Trump administration in the White House. His actions, including threats of massive tariffs have big implications for global politics and the economy and US journalists and experts will explain what's at stake.
As Australians battle a cost-of-living crisis, ABC News Daily looks at the causes of inflation, rising rental costs, house prices, insurance costs and the price of groceries. Key experts in business and finance join Samantha Hawley, explaining the state of the economy, the unemployment rate and the jobs market.
Whether you rent, own an investment house or apartment, or are repaying a mortgage, ABC News Daily offers unique insights and analysis. When there are big moves from the Reserve Bank (RBA) on interest rates, or reactions in the ASX or the Australian dollar, guest experts, including economists, explain why.
Look into ABC News Daily's archive to find episodes on electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI), politics, the big banks, supermarkets, Tesla, Elon Musk, education, schools, teachers and crime.
Watch for episodes about federal politics and the leadership of Labor's Anthony Albanese. We look at policy areas that matter for voters, including education, health, housing and immigration and assess the proposals from the federal opposition.
ABC News Daily follows developments in the Middle East and the war between Israel and Hamas, with insights into the actions of Benjamin Netanyahu.
The podcast looks at the latest from Ukraine as Volodymyr Zelensky fights to repel the Russian invaders led by Russia's President Vladimir Putin. As China's Xi Jinping contemplates the future of Taiwan, ABC News Daily will sort fact from fiction.
As climate change fuelled by greenhouse gas emissions increases the risk of natural disasters, including fires and floods, ABC News Daily brings you fact-based analysis.
The podcast covers the future of renewable / green power generation, including the use of wind turbines, solar and hydro electric power.
ABC experts including Ian Verrender, Alan Kohler, Laura Tingle, David Speers, and Annabel Crabb join Samantha Hawley to step through big issues and current affairs.
From interest rates, real estate and the housing crisis, to scams and US politics, ABC News Daily brings you facts and analysis you need to understand the biggest news stories.
The podcast covers news from America, with analysis of the Donald Trump administration in the White House. His actions, including threats of massive tariffs have big implications for global politics and the economy and US journalists and experts will explain what's at stake.
As Australians battle a cost-of-living crisis, ABC News Daily looks at the causes of inflation, rising rental costs, house prices, insurance costs and the price of groceries. Key experts in business and finance join Samantha Hawley, explaining the state of the economy, the unemployment rate and the jobs market.
Whether you rent, own an investment house or apartment, or are repaying a mortgage, ABC News Daily offers unique insights and analysis. When there are big moves from the Reserve Bank (RBA) on interest rates, or reactions in the ASX or the Australian dollar, guest experts, including economists, explain why.
Look into ABC News Daily's archive to find episodes on electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI), politics, the big banks, supermarkets, Tesla, Elon Musk, education, schools, teachers and crime.
Watch for episodes about federal politics and the leadership of Labor's Anthony Albanese. We look at policy areas that matter for voters, including education, health, housing and immigration and assess the proposals from the federal opposition.
ABC News Daily follows developments in the Middle East and the war between Israel and Hamas, with insights into the actions of Benjamin Netanyahu.
The podcast looks at the latest from Ukraine as Volodymyr Zelensky fights to repel the Russian invaders led by Russia's President Vladimir Putin. As China's Xi Jinping contemplates the future of Taiwan, ABC News Daily will sort fact from fiction.
As climate change fuelled by greenhouse gas emissions increases the risk of natural disasters, including fires and floods, ABC News Daily brings you fact-based analysis.
The podcast covers the future of renewable / green power generation, including the use of wind turbines, solar and hydro electric power.
ABC experts including Ian Verrender, Alan Kohler, Laura Tingle, David Speers, and Annabel Crabb join Samantha Hawley to step through big issues and current affairs.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 26, 2026 • 16min
After Iran and Venezuela, is Cuba next for Trump?
Lillian Guerra, professor of Cuban and Caribbean history at the University of Florida, gives historical context on Cuba today. She discusses risks of imperialistic rhetoric, the humanitarian collapse from energy shortages, the limits of Russian and Chinese aid, and possible U.S. moves toward opening Cuba to investment. She warns about migration, military risks, and how power is consolidated under Díaz-Canel.
Mar 24, 2026 • 16min
Why Iran thinks it’s winning the war
Jonathan Panikoff, director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative and Middle East security analyst, breaks down Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz and its leverage over global oil. He outlines Iran’s remaining naval, missile, drone and asymmetric capabilities. He explains why Iran seeks to end fighting on its own terms and what that means for regional escalation.
Mar 23, 2026 • 0sec
Is this the start of Pauline Hanson’s 'orange wave'?
Melissa Clarke, ABC political correspondent and AM presenter, explains One Nation’s surge in South Australia and what it signals for federal politics. She breaks down how polling turned into votes and which seats flipped. She discusses the party’s positioning on the political spectrum and the risks this trend poses to major parties.
Mar 22, 2026 • 16min
Is it time to rethink flying with Gulf airlines?
Ian Douglas, aviation management lecturer and analyst, explains how Gulf hubs grew and why they are uniquely vulnerable now. He outlines flight cancellations, rerouting pressures and crowded alternative corridors. He discusses safety legacies like MH17 and the reputational and pricing fallout for carriers.
Mar 19, 2026 • 16min
Are the petrol stations ripping us off?
David Byrne, Professor of Economics at the University of Melbourne, gives expert analysis on fuel pricing and competition policy. He breaks down rapid petrol price rises and explains 'rockets and feathers' pricing. He discusses legal and regulatory limits on proving gouging, the role of oversight, and practical tools like price apps and consumer pressure to keep prices in check.
Mar 18, 2026 • 16min
Is Israel trying to make Iran a failed state?
Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute and Middle East analyst, explains Israel’s pressure on the US and Netanyahu’s aims regarding Iran. He discusses why regime change may be unrealistic and how a prolonged campaign might be used to degrade Iran. He also covers regional spillover into Lebanon and the long-term security risks of weakening Iran.
6 snips
Mar 17, 2026 • 16min
Will the Iran war drive interest rates even higher?
Ian Verrender, ABC chief business correspondent, explains the RBA's recent rate rise and the tight board split. He discusses how the Iran conflict could push inflation via energy and supply shocks. Ian compares current risks to 1970s oil shocks. He considers whether more hikes are likely and the trade-off between fighting inflation and slower growth.
18 snips
Mar 16, 2026 • 15min
Is it time to ration petrol and diesel?
David Leaney, an international supply chain specialist and ANU lecturer, explains how Australian fuel gets refined and shipped, why local stocks vary, and how panic buying drives prices up. He discusses strategic reserves, temporary regulatory fixes, and practical rationing ideas to protect emergency services and farmers. The conversation also covers shipping risks through the Strait of Hormuz and likely timelines for supply recovery.
Mar 15, 2026 • 15min
The truth behind the toxic algal bloom
Angus Grigg, Four Corners reporter who investigated the South Australian algal bloom. He recounts surfers falling ill and wildlife deaths. He describes the discovery of brevitoxins, delays in testing and public notice. He critiques official responses and warns about climate-driven increases in such events.
Mar 12, 2026 • 17min
How Donald Trump caught 'victory disease'
Tom Nichols, staff writer at The Atlantic and foreign policy commentator, breaks down why he calls it 'victory disease'. He explores unclear endgames, shifting objectives, and strategic incompetence in the White House. He compares misreads of Iran to past foreign-policy mistakes and examines how small wins can lead to dangerous overreach.
