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
Apr 1, 2026 • 15min
Will Trump escalate or end the war?
Kelly A. Grieco, a defense strategist and senior fellow at the Stimson Center, breaks down U.S. choices on Iran. She discusses the costly challenge of reopening the Strait of Hormuz. She weighs whether claims of victory are realistic and what a U.S. withdrawal would mean for regional security. She outlines the limits of troop movements, island operations, and the long war risks of any ground campaign.
13 snips
Mar 31, 2026 • 15min
Will there be enough fuel for Easter travel?
Saul Kavonic, energy analyst at MST Financial, explains fuel shortages tied to the Iran war and supply disruptions. He outlines which fuels will run short first and why prices could spike. He discusses potential rationing, government incentives risks, and what travelers should consider for the coming weeks.
40 snips
Mar 30, 2026 • 14min
Why Alan Kohler is worried about a recession
Alan Kohler, seasoned finance journalist and ABC finance expert, warns oil supply shocks could tip the economy into recession. He discusses historic oil crises, current Iran war risks, shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz and wider supply threats to food and semiconductors. He stresses the danger of prolonged conflict and how rising fuel and inflation pressures could force tough rate decisions.
Mar 29, 2026 • 15min
Will the fuel crisis spark a switch to electric trucks?
Scott Dwyer, research director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures (UTS) specialising in sustainable transport and EV transitions. He covers current electric truck types in Australia and heavy truck ranges. Discussion of charging options, fast charging and battery swapping. Talks infrastructure hurdles, likely rollout locations and timelines for wider adoption.
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.
