Coal ships halted in major protest + Confessions of an ex-scientologist

The Victorian government is investigating mothers’ groups and a homeschooling network run by neo-Nazis. Experts say these groups can often end up as patriarchal cults with coercive control.  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by far-right researcher Dr Kaz Ross, who explains what’s really fuelling this far-right extremism and why governments need to listen.  Headlines: Bruce Lehrmann has lost his latest defamation appeal, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that if pushed, Russia is ready for war, and Anika Wells is under fire after revelations that taxpayers footed a massive bill for a New York event promoting Australia’s teen social media ban.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: New apps soar in popularity ahead of social media ban, internal Liberal Party review blames Trump for election defeat, coroner hears of pilot’s breakdown before deadly SeaWorld chopper crash, flagship gambling reform has done little to deter addicts, and the Matildas have ended their playing year on a high, beating New Zealand 2-0. Deep Dive: The 2025 TikTok Awards made headlines last week for their celebrity guests, record-breaking votes and history-making Creator of the Year - but another story quickly took over online.  Black creators publicly alleged they were blocked from the red carpet while white creators walked through freely, prompting accusations of racism and a response from TikTok Australia that many say fell short.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with independent journalist and Back Cover Media founder Mibenge Nsenduluka about what unfolded, why it escalated so quickly online, and how events like this can be handled better in the future.  You can read TikTok Australia’s statement here.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1995 a history making interview inside Kensington Palace between the late Princess Diana and ex-BBC reporter Martin Bashir changed the trajectory of the monarchy forever.   The Panorama TV interview watched by an estimated 200 million worldwide, became one of the most dissected moments in modern royal history but resulted in an inquiry into how the BBC 'covered up’ the controversial methods Bashir used to secure it.   In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks fresh claims made in a new book, Dianarama, and explores why nearly three decades on many still blame Bashir for Diana’s death. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The WHO has released new guidelines recommending breakthrough weight loss drugs like Ozempic as long-term treatments for obesity. While the new measures are hoping to make the medications more accessible and cheaper, it comes as our TGA released new safety warnings for people taking the drugs. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by endocrinologist and obesity specialist Katherine Samaras, who explains the complexities of managing obesity and why, in many cases, the benefits of these game-changing drugs far outweigh any negatives.  If this discussion raised any issues for you, contact the Butterfly Foundation on 1800 33 4673 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.   Headlines: A long-awaited review into government board appointments has blasted Australia’s “jobs for mates” culture, Environment Minister Murray Watt has admitted that greater oversight was needed on the controversial $96 million Bureau of Meteorology website redesign, and a new report has revealed Australia’s happiest workers.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Labor to launch its National AI Plan today, WHO recommends Ozempic-style meds for weight-loss as TGA issues fresh warning, landmark class action against ADF starts today, Donald Trump says he will release his MRI results, and Joey Watson joins us to chat about this week’s investigation on Secrets We Keep: Uncovered. Deep Dive: Millions of Aussies are being duped by sneaky subscription traps, drip pricing, and refund runarounds - and the government’s calling time.   A proposed ban on unfair trading practices could soon make it illegal for businesses to deliberately trick or trap us into spending more and it’s not just consumers paying the price.   In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Erin Turner, CEO of the Consumer Policy Research Centre, about what the ban would cover, how it could work, and whether it can actually stop the dodgy tactics.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the frightening new frontier of coercive control and family violence. Abusers are now weaponising smart devices and even the software in cars to spy, abuse and manipulate victim survivors. In one case, there are allegations that an abuser manipulated an ex-partner’s software in her car, which allegedly allowed him to control where she was going or completely shut down the vehicle.  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by CEO of Full Stop Australia Karen Bevan, to explain what technology-facilitated abuse is and where you can go to get help.    If this discussion raised any issues for you, or you think you may be a victim of technology-facilitated abuse, contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732. Headlines: Australia is keeping a close eye on a Chinese Navy flotilla currently in the Philippine Sea, four Sydney men have been charged in connection with an international "satanic" child sex abuse material ring, and more than $150,000 worth of snails have been stolen from a farm north of Paris.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: More than 100 arrested at major port protest, death toll rises in Hong Kong apartment blaze, Benjamin Netanyahu asks for pardon in corruption case, Gen Z Australians are attempting suicide more than previous generations and what we’ve learnt about Albo’s wedding. Deep Dive: Scientology is turning to TikTok in Australia as a way to advertise to and recruit young people.  Mirriam Francis spent 26 years of her life as a member of the Church of Scientology in Australia, the US and UK.  At just 15 years old, she was working in the Department of Promotion and Marketing of Scientology in LA, a division of the church which looks to find the best ways to sell the religion to potential members.  Mirriam has since left the church and has recently been giving evidence at a Victorian inquiry into high control religious groups. In this episode of The Briefing, she’s joining Sacha Barbour Gatt to reveal why she’s deeply concerned at the church’s recent foray into TikTok.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John F Kennedy’s grandson Jack Schlossberg, is a self-described silly goose, social media provocateur and one of vogues political correspondents, and now he’s running the U.S. House of Representatives next year.The Democrat officially launched his campaign via social media, leaning into the online persona that has made him both a curiosity and a headline regular. In this bonus episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by LiSNTR's entertainment reporter Justin Hill who unpacks the strategy behind Schlossberg’s viral rise.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob Brown is nothing short of a trailblazer. A pioneering environmentalist, he became a defining force in Australia’s conservation movement and made history as the first openly gay leader of an Australian political party. Before entering politics, Bob trained as a doctor more than 50 years ago shaping his understanding of life and fragility. In his latest book, Defiance, he shares why he’s entering a new era of being at peace with death. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Bob explains why he still refuses to give up on humanity and how people like Trump find themselves in such powerful positions. Weekend list with Helen Smith TO WATCH: Bugonia TO WATCH: Kevin Hart: Acting My Age on Netflix TO DO: Watch out for scams TO WATCH: Yurlu Country Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A special plea for more Australians to donate blood, plasma and platelets, with supplies at dangerous levels in the lead up to Christmas. Australia needs a new donor every 5 minutes, but only one in 30 donates. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by 11-year-old Rosie, who has been diagnosed with a rare blood disease and needs donations to stay alive. The 11-year-old and her mum Ann share their heartbreaking story, and their important message for Australians to help others in need.  https://www.lifeblood.com.au/ Headlines: Two people have been arrested after a man was shot dead in Sydney’s west, one of the National Guards shot near the White House in the US yesterday has died, and shoppers are being warned it may cost more to buy prawns this Christmas because of low stock.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.