The Briefing

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We’re your friends in news. Sacha Barbour Gatt and Chris Spyrou wake up early to bring you all the important daily news headlines. Then, we deep dive on an essential news story that'll make you feel smarter about the world. Listen every weekday to know more in minutes.

15 hr ago

Trump announces Russia-Ukraine ceasefire + The US midterms explained

Monday Headlines: Opt-out laws to pass Parliament after controversial ministerial power dropped Zelensky surprised as Trump announces energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine Australians warned against travelling to Saudi capital after Houthi attacks on airports Australian hiker found dead in Peru Aussies issued important advice ahead of Grand Theft Auto 6 release Deep Dive: This November, American voters will head to polls to decide whether the Republicans or the Democrats will control the US House of Representatives and the Senate. The vote is largely being seen as a verdict on Donald Trump’s presidency, halfway through his second term. So, with Trump’s agenda on the line, a shift of just a few seats in either direction could give Democrats the power to block his cabinet appointments, stall legislation, or completely flip control of Washington. In today’s episode of The Briefing, Planet America’s Chas Licciardello joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to break down the key battleground races, Trump's sway over voters, and what a predicted Democrat win will mean for the rest of his two years in the White House. Further listening from the headlines: The Houthis vs Saudi Arabia explained Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1 day ago

BONUS: The family behind the biggest merger in media history; Warner Bros and Paramount

It’s official, Warner Bros and Paramount are now one company. The $159 billion merger is the biggest in media history, bringing both studios under Skydance Corp, led David Ellison – the son of a powerful tech titan and Trump-backer, Larry Ellison. Larry is one of the wealthiest people on the planet, and his company Oracle doesn't just do business with governments - it helps run them, including here in Australia. In this bonus episode of The Briefing, we revisit Chris Spyrou’s chat with NPR host Roben Farzad to unpack what the Ellison empire controls and what its latest moves tell us about who really holds power in 2026. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2 days ago

Our Take: Christa Pike, thunderc***ing moths & who is Chris Wood?!

We’re back with The Briefing: Our Take, the weekend hangout where we loosen our ties and kick off our shoes and take you behind the scenes of the week that was, and what you (and we) made of it. Chris and Sacha kick off by debriefing the botched execution of Christa Pike, who’s now woken up, and is speaking and even walking in hospital after two doses of a lethal injection. We crack open the inbox to get your thoughts on some of the biggest stories this week with plans for a public supermarket and the latest One Nation ad blowing up our inbox, and one listener teaches us a new word! We’re also joined by LiSTNR’s head of social media, Brett, who takes on the weekend quiz, before topping it all off with some recommendations on the weekend list! As always, we want to hear from you! Reach out to us on Instagram @thebriefingpodcast and feel free to leave a comment if you’re listening on Spotify. The Weekend Quiz: The Coalition leader Angus Taylor released the party’s migration plan this week. What does it want to cut net overseas migration to, for the first two years?A) 100,000B) 160,000C) 225,000 The Greens official think tank wants to create new public supermarkets called what? We spoke with two federal leaders this week, who were they? The logos for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics have been released after a leak over the weekend. What animal inspired them? Who won the 2026 NRL men’s and women’s Grand Final? The Weekend List: To do: Containers for Change Scheme (Listener Scott) To watch: Bledisloe Cup (Sacha) Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3 days ago

Sam Wood denied bail + Sanding back Australia's darkest Test

Friday Headlines: Sam Wood denied bail Former Prince Andrew wins case against UK Police ATO facing pressure from government over credit card ban Greens celebrate ‘biggest surge in new members’ since leadership change Christa Pike ‘up and walking’ after surviving two lethal injections Further listening from the headlines: Sach's chat with David Shoebridge Deep Dive: Eight years ago, a young Aussie cricketer was caught on camera stuffing sandpaper down his pants during a Test match in Cape Town. It became known as Sandpapergate - Australian cricket's biggest cheating scandal. The fallout was brutal. Captain Steve Smith cried on live TV, players were banned, the coach quit and sponsors walked. Now, for the first time since, Australia is back playing Test cricket in South Africa. So how did a bit of sandpaper become a national crisis? And was the outrage ever worth it? In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by sports journalist Sam Ferris, who covered the series from South Africa, to unpack what happened, who knew what, and how it still follows the team. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4 days ago

Headlines: Albo accused of corruption, Sam Wood in court + Pornhub's back

Thursday Headlines: Anthony Albanese facing increasing scrutiny over golf club grants 1 in 6 cafes now charging more for coffee after card surcharge ban Sam Wood to apply for bail after DV charges Abortion pill access jumps 50% after improved access Pornhub is returning to Australia ... with a catch Further listening from headlines: Surcharges are going. Will prices drop? Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4 days ago

'You should go home': Jane Hume on the Coalition's migration plan

The Coalition has finally put numbers on its migration plan, and it's betting voters want a smaller, more selective system. Net overseas migration down to 100,000 a year. Around 650,000 fewer temporary visa holders. Graduate visas gone. So can it cut this deep without leaving hospitals, farms and pubs short of workers? In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Deputy Liberal Leader Senator Jane Hume to unpack the plan, what Angus Taylor meant when he said Labor's immigration policy is "threatening our way of life", and whether the Coalition accepts any blame for building up the system it's now trying to dismantle. And if you haven't already, you can check out today's headlines in your feed as a separate ep now. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5 days ago

The new Greens leader's plan to take on Australia's 'three death cults'

David Shoebridge is the new leader of The Greens, defeating Sarah Hanson-Young and Mehreen Faruqi to become the person to lead the party to the next election. But after losing three seats in the 2025 vote and failing to make an impact against a surging One Nation, the party is facing an uphill battle to win over voters. In today's deep dive only episode, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Senator Shoebridge about his plans for The Greens and why he wants everyday Aussies to back his party. Remember today's headlines are now live too if you haven't already caught them! Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5 days ago

Headlines: One Nation's 'racist' ad, the Coalition's migration plan + ASOS hacked

Wednesday Headlines: Business and humanitarian groups slam Coalition's migration plan Australian who served in Afghanistan named as soldier killed in NT training exercise Man charged after woman stabbed on Melbourne tram Australians pause to reflect on three-year anniversary of October 7 ASOS customers sent rogue message after fashion giant is hacked AI One Nation ad sparks controversy Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Chris Spyrou

Host
Sacha Barbour Gatt

Host
David Shoebridge

Guest
Sam Ferris

Guest
Janet Davies (actress)

Guest
Marissa Parrott

Guest
Peter Greste

Guest
David Koch

Guest
Joel Gibson

Guest
Hunter Fujak

Guest

We’re your friends in news. Sacha Barbour Gatt and Chris Spyrou wake up early to bring you all the important daily news headlines. Then, we deep dive on an essential news story that'll make you feel smarter about the world. Listen every weekday to know more in minutes.

Channel

LiSTNR
Creator

LiSTNR
Years Active

2020 - 2026
Episodes

1k
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 LiSTNR - Text, image, music and sound comprising this podcast are owned by or licensed to SCA. By accessing, communicating or using this podcast, you agree to be bound by the terms available at https://www.listnr.com/terms
Show Website

The Briefing