99 episodes

The world is on fire. There's a coup. A former president is being indicted. 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.

If You're Listening ABC News

    • News
    • 4.9 • 82 Ratings

The world is on fire. There's a coup. A former president is being indicted. 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.

    Looking for Modi 02 | The abandoned wife

    Looking for Modi 02 | The abandoned wife

    For most politicians, the image of a stable marriage and a happy family is a crucial part of their pitch to voters. But in India, being single is a selling point: leaders want to show that they are dedicated only to their country. Narendra Modi's carefully crafted image of a bachelor was up-ended when it emerged that he had a wife who had been kept secret for decades.

    Since this scandal broke, Modi's estranged wife has barely been seen or spoken to the media. In this episode, we're going to find her.

    • 28 min
    Why does Putin bother holding elections?

    Why does Putin bother holding elections?

    Russia is in the midst of an election, but we already know Vladimir Putin will win. He always wins.

    So why does Russia bother holding elections? What’s the point?

    Putin learned a lesson many years ago about the illusion of democracy, and it’s one he has never forgotten.

    • 20 min
    Looking For Modi 01 | Humble beginnings

    Looking For Modi 01 | Humble beginnings

    Every Tuesday for the next seven weeks, we'll be dropping an extra episode from a new ABC podcast into the If You're Listening feed. Looking for Modi, hosted by the ABC's South Asia correspondent Avani Dias, examines the life and political career of Indian prime minister Narendra Modi. It's a fascinating show that we think you might enjoy. Matt will be back with another episode on Thursday.




    Narendra Modi's rise from poverty-stricken childhood has been a major appeal throughout his political career. He tells ordinary Indians that he is just like them, and that his life is proof of India's egalitarian democracy. But in truth, some of the central elements of his own biography are disputed. What do we really know about his origin story, and how did his time spent with a volunteer right wing organisation many view as a paramilitary group influence his politics?

    • 36 min
    How China hires hackers

    How China hires hackers

    The police arrested and interrogated Andrew after he was set up by hackers.

    Now we know how Chinese spies pull it off.

    An unprecedented leak of data from Chinese company i-Soon has cracked open the black box, revealing the secrets of China's cyber espionage operations.

    Correction: When Andrew Phelan was taken in for questioning by Victoria Police, he was never chargedSubscribe to If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.

    Check out our series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c58XyP6Bx1E

    • 14 min
    Is Donald Trump running out of money?

    Is Donald Trump running out of money?

    Donald Trump was ordered to pay a $463.9 million fine for lying to banks about how rich he is.

    He's also facing at least five other cases that could cost him millions more in legal fees and fines.

    And this is all happening as he tries to run for president again — and political campaigns ain't cheap.

    So the question is: Can Donald Trump make it to election day without running out of money?

    Subscribe to If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.

    Check out our series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzEp-Vr4Oao

    • 15 min
    The Ayatollah who dreamed of an Iranian caliphate

    The Ayatollah who dreamed of an Iranian caliphate

    Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini was a revolutionary leader with a revolutionary idea.

    In just 10 years as Supreme Leader, Iran became a global pariah; virtually friendless in the international community.

    Yet when he died, millions of Iranians hysterically grieved his death.

    In today's episode, how Ayatollah Khomeini changed the course of Middle Eastern history, and how his ideas are still affecting us today.

    Subscribe to If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.

    Check out our series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOsdbCwS5qQ

    • 17 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
82 Ratings

82 Ratings

Rosey9697 ,

A must listen

I love this podcast - I always learn something and the host is really interesting to listen to. So glad a new season of Russia is back! Thank you for an awesome show.

Simon Drought ,

Simon Drought

Very insightful in answering the China. Especially for us in New Zealand.

helenanatasha ,

Just When You Thought You Knew It All

Fascinating and illuminating podcast. I binged entire three seasons in two sittings.

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