If You're Listening
ABC Australia
The world is on fire. There's a coup. Inflation is through the roof, and AI is taking our jobs. What does it all mean? Each week, Matt Bevan explains the biggest story in world news while hiding in his basement from assassins and authoritarian regimes.
Recent episodes include an exploration of the relationship between India and China, a closer look at the Saudi Arabian city of NEOM, the conflict in the Middle East, the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, and Ukraine's incursions into Vladimir Putin's Russia. Matt Bevan draws connections between stories from the past and the events of the present to help listeners understand world news and international affairs.
The podcast also features series about big moments in world news; previous series have focused on the United States presidential election, the United Kingdom's 14 years of Conservative Party leadership, Donald Trump's relationship with Russia, Donald Trump's presidency and promise to Make America Great Again, the Mueller Report, Vladimir Putin's scheme to destroy western democracies, how the relationship between Australia and China came to the verge of collapse, and Australia's turbulent history with climate change.
There's a new episode of If You're Listening every Thursday.
Recent episodes include an exploration of the relationship between India and China, a closer look at the Saudi Arabian city of NEOM, the conflict in the Middle East, the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, and Ukraine's incursions into Vladimir Putin's Russia. Matt Bevan draws connections between stories from the past and the events of the present to help listeners understand world news and international affairs.
The podcast also features series about big moments in world news; previous series have focused on the United States presidential election, the United Kingdom's 14 years of Conservative Party leadership, Donald Trump's relationship with Russia, Donald Trump's presidency and promise to Make America Great Again, the Mueller Report, Vladimir Putin's scheme to destroy western democracies, how the relationship between Australia and China came to the verge of collapse, and Australia's turbulent history with climate change.
There's a new episode of If You're Listening every Thursday.
Episodes
Mentioned books
7 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 26min
Where did Epstein’s money come from?
Les Wexner, American retail billionaire and longtime CEO behind brands like Victoria's Secret, speaks about his financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Short segments cover how they met, Wexner’s handover of financial control, assets that moved between them, the alleged theft and settlement, and how Epstein’s wealth trajectory could be explained by scamming wealthy clients.
7 snips
Feb 23, 2026 • 24min
The Epstein Q&A our lawyers approved
They answer listener questions about the fallout from the files and what it means for Australian democracy. They explore scrutiny of the Royal family and how prosecutions could test privilege. They examine reported Israeli links and why the files do not prove intelligence ties. They weigh claims that Epstein could be connected to QAnon and explain why that is unlikely.
36 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 24min
Epstein’s ghost is haunting the UK
A storm of newly released files unsettles UK politics as connections to Jeffrey Epstein trigger high-profile resignations and questions about vetting. Broad Europe-wide probes and sackings follow. The US response is far quieter, highlighting different standards of political accountability across democracies.
21 snips
Feb 16, 2026 • 22min
The time an astronaut said they weren't coming back
Fiona Pepper, co-host of Science Friction and co-producer of The Challenger Legacy, shares a strange story from Challenger research. They discuss Taylor Wang’s failed experiment and his panic in orbit. Tensions aboard the shuttle, fears about a crew member refusing to return, and NASA’s uneasy fixes are explored. The conversation touches on trust, routine, and what civilian spaceflight might learn.
21 snips
Feb 11, 2026 • 24min
How Epstein and QAnon blew up the justice system
A deep dive into how an online photo and tabloids escalated a local scandal into global obsession. Exploration of 4chan trolling, Pizzagate links and the rise of QAnon. Discussion of massive document releases and how public distrust reshaped trust in justice. Examination of online mob investigations and the harms of unredacted files.
7 snips
Feb 9, 2026 • 22min
There Will Be Mud (again)
Pat Sunderland, a producer who investigated the claim of Ukrainian chernozem soil in New South Wales, walks through soil mapping, expert interviews, and on-the-ground evidence. Short segments explore government mapping tools, local chernozem-like patches around Nimitabel and elsewhere, shifting soil terminology, and rumors of a black-market for stolen soil.
19 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 25min
Stephen Miller: Edgelord in Chief
A deep dive into the rise of a polarizing political strategist and how he reshaped immigration rhetoric. Traces his early activist stunts and provocative public challenges. Examines his push against institutions, bold enforcement plans and attempts to expand executive power. Covers internal fights to check his proposals and the public backlash that forced tactical retreats.
27 snips
Feb 2, 2026 • 22min
Pod Save America on the endless escalation of Trump
Jon Lovett, former presidential speechwriter and long-time political commentator. He unpacks why US politics feels like constant escalation. He discusses federal responses to protests and how leaders should handle Trump. He compares US and Australian political systems and outlines Democrats’ branding and vision problems.
9 snips
Jan 31, 2026 • 24min
Steven Pinker thinks we’re worried about the wrong things
Steven Pinker, cognitive psychologist and bestselling science writer, talks about doomsday metaphors and why they can breed fatalism. He examines nuclear deterrence, why progress often feels invisible, failed doomsayers, and how to balance climate realism with innovation. He explores messaging that motivates action without panic.
Jan 28, 2026 • 31min
04 Black Swans | Countdown to Doomsday
Cold War atomic tests and the origin of the Doomsday Clock set the stage for moments when humanity nearly stumbled into catastrophe. Stories of near-misses—from false alarms to Y2K preparations—show how fear shaped deterrence and public reaction. The conversation jumps to modern anxieties like climate change, AI and political unrest while probing why big surprises keep tripping up our predictions.
