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
Oct 13, 2025 • 17min
The time the US Navy teamed up with the Mafia
Marc Fennell, a journalist and host of No One Saw It Coming, shares a jaw-dropping tale of WWII, discussing how the US Navy struck an unlikely alliance with the Mafia. They dive into a shocking 1942 ship fire that unveiled security gaps in New York and prompted the Navy to partner with mobsters like Socks Lanza and Lucky Luciano. The moral complexities of this deal and its impact on military operations and political careers add to the intrigue, raising questions about efficacy and ethics in wartime desperation.
Oct 8, 2025 • 17min
Weighing up Ozempic
The discussion dives into the intriguing history of weight-loss products, revealing a century of harmful fads and social shaming. With semaglutide, hailed as a miracle drug, it uncovers the fascinating science behind appetite suppression. The market's explosive demand raises concerns about shortages for diabetes patients. They also address the psychological toll of weight regain after stopping the drug and the hefty costs involved. Finally, the potential for semaglutide to influence not just weight but other addictive behaviors adds a captivating layer to the conversation.
Oct 6, 2025 • 21min
The Montana Mountain King and a conspiracy to clone
Join environment reporter Peter de Kruijff, who uncovered the wild story of 81-year-old Jack Schubarth, sentenced for orchestrating a bizarre cloning conspiracy involving bighorn sheep tissues. Delve into the strange world of trophy game ranching and the lengths people go to, including smuggling genetic material for cloning. Peter also discusses the modern cloning industry, the ethics behind it, and even Barbra Streisand's famous pet cloning experience. Cloning's fascinating implications and challenges are laid bare!
Oct 1, 2025 • 17min
How dodgy data sent China's economy off course
Explore the startling consequences of China's dodgy population data and the One Child Policy. Discover how empty towers in Kunming symbolize a faltering property sector. Delve into the cultural impact of the strict population control and its unexpected economic backfire. Uncover why accurate census data is crucial for effective planning. Learn how overestimation masked a demographic decline and drove birth rates down despite policy relaxations. Finally, see how these factors ripple through global markets, affecting iron ore prices and more.
8 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 24min
Florida Man Invades Venezuela
Adair Sheppard, a producer and reporter, dives into the audacious yet failed plot by American mercenaries to invade Venezuela, led by ex-Green Beret Jordan Goudreau. They discuss Goudreau's transformation from a Canadian recruit to the head of Silvercorp USA, emphasizing his bizarre branding strategies and reckless social media presence. The conversation unpacks the chaotic May 2020 raid, the operational blunders, and how it all crumbled before it began, revealing a mix of ambition, miscalculation, and a quest for a $15 million bounty on Maduro.
8 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 23min
Why Trump is blowing up boats off Venezuela
The U.S. military has recently targeted boats off Venezuela, stirring questions about the administration's strategy. The historical context reveals parallels to past interventions, particularly against Noriega in Panama. Discussion includes the geographical challenges of the Dragon's Mouths strait and the implications for Nicolás Maduro's regime. With the U.S. indictment of Maduro for drug trafficking and rising military pressure, the podcast explores the potential for heightened conflict and what Venezuela's responses might entail.
Sep 22, 2025 • 29min
This can't be good for our brains
Kara Jensen-McKinnon, a supervising producer known for her insightful reporting and analysis, joins the discussion. They dive into the chaotic morning when news of Charlie Kirk’s assassination broke, highlighting the overwhelming rush of graphic content and speculation. The conversation shifts to the historical context of the Zapruder Film, exploring past media secrecy and the legal battles over its release. Finally, they reflect on the cognitive toll of instant access to violent news, questioning the impact of this modern phenomenon on our mental well-being.
Sep 17, 2025 • 24min
Charlie Kirk’s murder sparks calls for revenge
The podcast delves into the chilling assassination of Charlie Kirk and its rapid politicization. A minute-by-minute breakdown reveals the immediate fallout and media speculation. Historical parallels are drawn with past political violence, raising questions about motives. The discussion highlights how conspiracy theories are now fueling calls for cracking down on supposed extremist networks. Amidst it all, a poignant reminder emerges: the need for empathy over revenge in the face of escalating tensions.
Sep 15, 2025 • 25min
The Kurdish Fox and the Strawberry
Kim Malmgren, a crime reporter for Expressen and host of the podcast Krimrummet, dives into the bizarre world of TikTok fame stemming from a gangster known as the Kurdish Fox. She uncovers the troubling rise of gang violence in Sweden, highlighting the alarming recruitment of teenagers as 'child soldiers.' The discussion reveals the complex dynamics of this phenomenon, including the cultural implications and the war with rival gangs, adding depth to what initially seems like a meme-driven curiosity.
8 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 24min
Iran’s global network of goons
Explore the troubling rise of antisemitic attacks in Australia, which reveal a deeper international connection. Discover how Iranian-backed criminals are targeting Jewish communities, raising concerns about foreign influence. The violent dynamics of gang rivalries and the chaos in Lebanon illustrate the reach of Iran's operations. A disturbing mass casualty plot underscores the dual threats from local and foreign elements. Amid these challenges, the importance of community resilience shines as a beacon of hope.
