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
Jan 26, 2026 • 24min
Did a 1981 book correctly predict the future?
They dig up a 1980 Book of Predictions and trace its strange forecasts about space travel, pod houses and nuclear fallout. They compare science fiction, experts and psychics and tally hits versus misses. They unearth eerie historical coincidences like a novel foreshadowing a shipwreck and explain why prediction books once mattered.
18 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 29min
03 Black Swans | Burning Hill
In a captivating exploration of transport evolution, the discussion reveals how rapid advancements led to unexpected stagnation. The Concorde promised supersonic travel, yet the Boeing 747 emerged as a surprising game-changer. Listeners dive into intriguing letters from 1959 predicting instant travel delights, only to confront rising costs and oil shocks. The mystery of why cities dismantled tram systems unfolds alongside Melbourne's unique tram preservation efforts. Ultimately, this episode unveils how unforeseen events have stunted our journey toward faster travel.
15 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 28min
The city that ten beers built
Discover the intriguing tale of town planner Alex Ramsay and his unorthodox land deal that shaped Elizabeth, SA. Hear how a reluctant dairy farmer influenced negotiations and how Ramsay built trust through shared labor and local connections. The pivotal moments include navigating governmental pressures and the playful twist of sealing the deal over ten beers. The poignant reflections on Ramsay’s legacy highlight the complexities of public service and the balance between efficiency and democracy.
7 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 31min
02 Black Swans | The Australian Dream
The podcast dives deep into Australia's housing crisis, exploring the drastic changes since the 1950s when home ownership was accessible. Listeners learn about mid-century visions of housing versus today’s soaring prices. The story of Elizabeth, a planned satellite city, reveals its ambitious beginnings and subsequent challenges. Cultural clashes among migrants and the impact of deindustrialization further show the complexity of this issue. Government responses and the future of urban living are critically examined, raising questions about affordability and decentralisation.
23 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 28min
01 Black Swans | The Population Bomb
Explore the fascinating shift in population predictions from the past to present. Experts once feared overpopulation leading to famine, but now we're confronting low birth rates instead. The discussion delves into black swan events that reshape forecasts and the Now-famous predictions of Paul Ehrlich's 'The Population Bomb.' Discover how technological advances, like the Green Revolution, averted the crisis. Delve into contrasting demographic responses in Australia versus Asia and learn why certain policies unexpectedly led to declines in fertility.
6 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 27min
Matt got lost on his way to the costume department
Dive into the chaotic behind-the-scenes world of a new TV series, where a frantic search for an iron leads to unexpected adventures. From Matt's wild journey with child-sized costumes to the trials of navigating a professional studio, laughter abounds. Discover the outrageous audience predictions that evolved over time, and hear amusing anecdotes from their live show touring. Lastly, enjoy a peek into the vast costume archive and the filming frenzy, culminating in valuable lessons about the unpredictability of creativity.
26 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 31min
Trump’s playbook for Nicolás Maduro and Venezuela
The discussion kicks off with Trump's bold claim of capturing Nicolás Maduro, igniting debates on legality and the implications of such actions. A fascinating parallel to The Dark Knight's extrajudicial tactics unfolds, exploring the notion of the U.S. 'yoinking' foreign leaders. Historical comparisons to Noriega's case highlight past U.S. interventions and their consequences. The hosts speculate on Venezuela's future, weighing diplomatic solutions against chaos, while questioning new norms in international law that may emerge from these actions.
30 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 14min
NEOM: The world's dumbest megaproject
Explore the audacious and surreal vision behind NEOM and its centerpiece, The Line, a car-free city meant for nine million residents. Despite high hopes, the project's scope has shrunk dramatically, raising questions about its viability. Delve into Mohammed bin Salman's ambitious plans and the political ramifications of this megaproject. Discover the striking contrast between lofty science fiction designs and the harsh realities of life within The Line, as well as local displacement issues revealing the deeper stakes at play.
20 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 20min
What's the deal with fluoride?
Explore the fascinating history of fluoride in drinking water and its impact on dental health since the 1940s. Discover the whirlwind of misinformation surrounding fluoridation and the surprising opposition it has faced, especially with recent political movements. Delve into the Grand Rapids experiment that changed dental care forever and the societal backlash against fluoridation in Australia. Hear about the pervasive influence of conspiracy theories and the potential dental implications of banning fluoride in modern society.
Dec 17, 2025 • 25min
How good are Australia’s gun laws really?
Australians take pride in their renowned gun laws, often hailed as a model for safety. However, recent events have raised concerns as legally-owned high-powered guns were used in attacks. The origins of these laws date back to the infamous Port Arthur massacre, which prompted sweeping reforms. Despite these measures, loopholes have persisted, allowing dangerous firearms back into circulation. The discussion highlights the need for stricter enforcement and the importance of addressing underlying issues, such as antisemitism, in tandem with gun control.
