The making of a Special Olympian + Actor Eric Dane has died

When Emily Maitlis sat down to question then-Prince Andrew about his links to Jeffrey Epstein in 2019, few could have predicted she would walk away with the scoop of the century. The interview on the BBC’s Newsnight became one of the most explosive moments in modern media and a masterclass in calm, forensic questioning that reshaped the global conversation around power and accountability. In this chat with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Emily reflects on the decades of reporting that led that night, the meticulous planning behind the scenes and the unexpected message she received from a close friend of the King just weeks after it aired. Tickets for Emily Maitlis live in Australia. Emily Maitlis appears at the MCEC presented by The Wheeler Centre on 5 March and at the All About Women festival in Sydney on 8 March. Weekend list with Helen Smith Listener Marc TO WATCH: Fleabag on Amazon Prime TO READ: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid TO WATCH: Frankenstein on Netflix TO EAT: Dumpling Lasagna  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When James Summerhayes got the call from Special Olympics Australia, he’d finished fourth at nationals and thought his Olympic dream was over. But a shock withdrawal changed everything — and suddenly he was pulling on the green and gold. In this inspiring conversation, James takes Natarsha Belling inside his journey to becoming a dual silver medallist at the Special Olympics World Games. From years of hospital stays, to standing on the podium representing Australia, James shares why the medals were never the main goal. For him, it was about connection, inclusion and representing his country with pride. Headlines: Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has been released from police custody after he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, four teenagers have been arrested for a number of violent incidents allegedly targeting the son of former NRL star Matt Utai, and Eric Dane, star of Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, has passed away at the age of 53. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested, first meeting of Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, Greg Lynn applies for bail, Aussies drop $17bn at Bunnings and Kmart, and YouTube’s first-ever video deemed museum-worthy. Deep DIve: Dinosaur bones and fossils are a highly sought-after market - snapped up by private investors, celebrities, researchers, museums, and increasingly, sold online to the highest bidder.   Just before Christmas, an Australian family made a remarkable discovery: a fossilised vertebra believed to be more than 20 million years old. But their findings sparked a much bigger conversation over the debate of science vs status.   In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by leading paleontologist Michael Archer to unpack the ethics, economics and how everyday Aussies are helping make ancient discoveries.Further listening from the headlines: The Trump 'vanity project' on Albo's desk Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NSW Government has announced a review after two men escaped from a mental health facility at a major Sydney hospital, and then allegedly went on to cause three deaths in separate incidents. Premier Chris Minns has admitted something has gone “badly wrong”, with many saying the mental health system is broken after decades of neglect from both sides of government.  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr Angelo Virgona, President-Elect of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, who explains why our mental health system is failing so many people and why we need targeted funding at both the community and federal levels.  Headlines: A Sydney man has faced court charged with threatening to kill Treasurer Jim Chalmers, there are numerous reports that the US is mobilising its military ahead of possible strikes on Iran, and the Moto GP is heading to Adelaide.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines: Australian citizen with ISIS links in Syria temporarily banned from returning, MPs admit to accepting free sport tickets from gambling companies, Supermarkets in hot water over item pricing, Shark attacks rise sharply in 2025, And we’ve picked up another medal at the Winter Olympics! Deep Dive: Jane Hume is the new deputy leader of the Liberal party after helping to roll Sussan Ley and install Angus Taylor in the top job.  The pair have since named their shadow cabinet and have promised to restore faith in the party after years of in-fighting, poor policy decisions and a lack of direction.  In today’s episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with Jane Hume to discuss the new-look Libs and whether they can win back not only their old base, but new voters too.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police have announced a new taskforce just a day after former NRL star Matt Utai was gunned down outside his Sydney home. Since then another two other houses that are allegedly linked to his son have been targeted - one firebombed and the other peppered with bullets by masked gunmen. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by 7NEWS Reporter Liam Tapper to unpack these latest developments as rival gangs seek revenge at all costs.  There is no suggestion Matt Utai nor any of his family members impacted by the Sydney attacks are involved in criminal activity. Headlines: Pauline Hanson issues partial apology for suggesting there are no 'good' Muslims, Hillary Clinton accuses Trump's administration of Epstein files 'cover-up' and Australians' pay rises are not keeping up with the rising cost of living Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: Identity of man accused of attempted Invasion Day bombing revealed, Angus Taylor unveils his front bench, landmark report finds 70% of Australian university students and staff have experienced racism, private health insurance costs to increase by biggest margin in ten years, American civil rights legend Jesse Jackson dies and Aussie pubs thriving as cafes call it quits. Deep Dive: Terror attacks and the people accused of committing them will almost always elicit a strong response from the community – ranging from anger to outright hatred.  When emotions are high and public anger is intense, what does it take for a barrister to put aside personal feelings to represent a client?   In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou sits down with barrister Greg Barnes SC to chat about the ethics, pressures, and principles of defending the most reviled accused in our justice system.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he has no sympathy for the latest group of so-called ISIS brides wanting to return to Australia. The PM also refused to provide assistance or repatriation.  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Peta Lowe, who is a Countering Violent Extremism expert. Peta explains what threat these women and children pose and why the government needs to change its approach to tackling extremism and radicalisation.  Headlines: Investigations are underway after former NRL star Matt Utai was shot in a drive-by shooting, one person has been killed after a random stabbing attack in Western Sydney, and YouTube star Logan Paul has sold a Pokémon card for $US16.5 million.   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Libs’ hardline immigration policy leaked, ‘ISIS brides’ turned back after leaving Syrian camp for Australia, grandparent of Gus Lamont arrested, intermittent fasting makes “no difference” to weight loss, and Barack Obama clarifies his stance on aliens. Deep Dive: Allegations of mob-linked figures, intimidation and inflated costs on taxpayer-funded infrastructure have triggered a political firestorm in Australia. At the centre of it is the construction arm of the CFMEU.  A recent inquiry has floated a $15 billion figure, which the Victorian government says is untested, as it resists calls for another royal commission. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with award-winning journalist from The Age, Nick McKenzie about what is alleged, how it connects to one of Australia’s largest infrastructure pipelines, and what it reveals about public money, unions and accountability.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been called the “Case of the Century”, and it could change supermarket pricing forever.  The ACCC is taking Coles to the Federal Court, alleging it engaged in a planned campaign to mislead customers over price discounts. Coles is denying allegations, saying the prices were a result of global inflation.   In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha is joined by economist Dr Meg Elkins, who unpacks today’s historic case and its implications for both consumers and companies.  Headlines: Accused Bondi Gunman, Naveed Akram, has appeared in court for the first time, South Australian Police have announced a new search for evidence related to the disappearance of 4-year-old Gus Lamont, police are appealing for information after an 85-year-old was kidnapped from his Sydney home, and former US President Barack Obama has admitted he believes in aliens. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.