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We’re back with this weekend’s installment of Our Take, our looser, goosier look back at the week that was.   We kick off this weekend with The Inbox, talking all about what we can and can't report in the media after one of our posts from the biggest news story this week caused a bit of a stir.  Then we jump into The Debrief to unpack why the internet needs to leave Miley Cyrus alone after her Hollywood Bowl concerts.  Plus, Curtis from Triple M NRL is back to try and take on the quiz AGAIN, while Chris kicks off his campaign to get Strawberry Kisses to the top of the Triple M 1000 countdown!  The Weekend Quiz:   Why were curfews enforced in parts of France this week? Why did Prince Harry make headlines after an interview with GQ? The main river of a major Australian city is aiming to become safe and swimmable by 2050 – which city and river? The BOM’s radars have been showing rain where there isn’t any for the last month – what is causing the error in the sensors?  Which Emmy-winning TV show is getting a reboot? Follow The Briefing:   TikTok: @thebriefingpod   Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast   YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines:  Global scramble to fix program flaw impacting 70% of the internet Man charged after allegedly threatening WA MP  Ben Roberts Smith denies war crimes in 2GB interview Nationals leader Matt Canavan could be moving to the lower house  Reporter saves  driver from floodwaters in Brisbane  Deep Dive: A Tesla sports car launched off a ramp in Texas last week, flipped mid-air and cleared a row of parked cars. Elon Musk calls it proof the future has flying cars. Back on the ground, Australians are only just warming to EVs, and driverless cars are still being road-tested.   So are we really ready to take traffic into the sky... and who’s writing the rules if we do?   In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by futurist Steve Sammartino to unpack what Tesla actually built, who else is racing to make flying cars a reality, and whether Australia is anywhere near ready for them.  Follow The Briefing:  TikTok: @thebriefingpod  Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast  YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines:  Helen Haines' husband reveals she has lost both legs Man arrested after allegedly taking nunchucks into a WA MP's electorate office  US envoy meets with Putin for Russia-Ukraine talks Australian e-bike hospitalisations on the rise  Glee reboot is coming Deep Dive: Microsoft Teams knows when you’re online, when you’re in a meeting and, with the right add-ons, how fast you’re typing.    Workplace monitoring has quietly moved from CCTV cameras into the everyday software we use for our jobs. Now AI is turning that data into dashboards that rank staff on how “productive” they are.    Most workers have no idea it’s happening, and a few lines buried in their employment contract may be the only warning they ever get.   So how much is your boss allowed to know about you ... and what can they actually do with it?   In this episode of The Briefing, Tessa Randello is joined by Professor Edward Santow, co-director of the Human Technology Institute at UTS, to unpack how everyday tech became a surveillance tool and what you can do if you think you’re being watched.  Follow The Briefing:  TikTok: @thebriefingpod  Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast  YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines:  Brendan Nugent to face court accused of intentionally targeting Helen Haines  France to deploy troops ahead of further protests planned this weekend Pauline Hanson apologises for Jacqui Lambie cartoon Prince Harry admits he wants to reconcile with his family Moths that are wreaking havoc on weather radars across south east Australia.  Deep Dive: Australia is reeling following the vehicle attack on Independent MP, Helen Haines, on Monday night.   The violent incident has sparked nationwide conversations about political violence in this country and how we can turn the temperature down when it comes to how we speak about and interact with politics and our elected officials.   In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Chief Political Analyst at The Australia Institute, Amy Remeikis, to discuss the situation, what’s driving it, and how we move forward.  Follow The Briefing:  TikTok: @thebriefingpod  Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast  YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines:  Independent MP Helen Haines critically injured in apparent vehicle attack Israeli police make arrests over settler attacks in West Bank  French PM urges curfews after riots Hanson tells Lambie to 'lighten up sweetheart' over One Nation cartoon mocking her Plans to make Melbourne’s Yarra River swimmable by 2050 Deep Dive: The Greens have been powering ahead with a renewed strategy under new leader David Shoebridge to take up the fight to Labor in a more aggressive approach to policies.   In the space of just a week, the party has blocked or delayed two crucial pieces of government legislation, with the help of the Coalition.   But in the same time frame it’s also been forced to confront negative headlines surrounding allegations against WA senator Jordon Steele-John and claims of political point-scoring by factions within the party.   In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt chats with co-host of the Serious Danger podcast, Tom Ballard, to take a closer look at the Greens’ new strategy, and how recent headlines might help or hinder the party’s future success.  Follow The Briefing:  TikTok: @thebriefingpod  Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast  YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines:  Jordon Steele-John releases lengthy statement, says he’s not on leave Violent cost of living protests sweep France with more than 2000 arrested Trump endorses Netanyahu as his administration calls for more to be done over Israeli settler violence in the West Bank Pope Leo makes first public appearance since lung surgery Katie Zachariah fired after five days in White House press secretary role Deep Dive: They started out treating type 2 diabetes. Now hundreds of thousands of Australians are taking them, many for a completely different reason.   GLP-1s. You probably know them as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro.   And the more people sign up, the longer the fine print gets. There are side effects GPs are still learning about, prices many can’t afford, and growing concern about online clinics posting pens to people they’ve never met.   So, years after they went from diabetes medication to weight-loss wonder drug... what do we actually know about them?   In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Dr Michael Wright, President of the Royal Australian College of GPs, to unpack what we’ve learnt about these drugs, who should be taking them, and who definitely shouldn’t.  Follow The Briefing:  TikTok: @thebriefingpod  Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast  YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week an inquest launched, looking at whether system failures led to the death of 8-year-old Elizabeth Struhs, and what could have been done to save her.   Elizabeth passed away in 2022 after her parents stopped giving her insulin due to their religious beliefs. Her mum and dad were found guilty of her manslaughter in a later court case.   It comes after a case earlier this year, when Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital took a 15-year-old girl to the Supreme Court after she refused treatment for her leukaemia – also for religious reasons.   In this bonus episode of The Briefing, we revisit Chris Spyrou's chat with University of Sydney law professor Cameron Stewart about what happens when medicine, parental authority and religious beliefs collide.  Follow The Briefing:  TikTok: @thebriefingpod  Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast  YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Take your ties off and put your wigs on, we're back with The Briefing Our Take.   It's the weekend hangout where we take you behind the scenes of the week that was, and what we (and you) thought of it.   Sacha and Chris dive into a story we didn't get a chance to cover this week – the new White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia and her first briefing that REALLY made an impression.   We crack open the inbox to get your thoughts on some of the biggest stories this week, including plans to get rid of screens for some kids in WA and Aussie cricket.   We're also joined by LiSTNR audio producer and sound designer, Nial, who takes on the weekend quiz, before topping it all off with 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:    Donald Trump announced a ceasefire this week between two countries which ones? And, for a bonus point – what type of ceasefire did he claim it was?   WA is banning screens in the classroom for some students in a pilot program; what grades will be included?    Petrol prices are back at levels seen at the start of the Iran war. What’s the national average?   A) 2 dollars 70 a litreB) 2 dollars 16 a litreC) 2 dollars 41 a litre The first restaurants in Australia were given Michelin stars this week and they were all in one state – which one was it?  The Fair Work Ombudsman gave advice on how to take leave for the release of what game this week?  For an extra point – what date is it being released?    The Weekend List:    To watch: The State of Man on ABC iView (Chris)  To (not) watch: The Bledisloe Cup   Follow The Briefing:  TikTok: @thebriefingpod  Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast  YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines:  Donald Trump calls off execution live stream Greens senator on leave after allegations of inappropriate comments to women Labor's digital duty of care bill introduced to Parliament Zelenskyy says he is 'done' with US ceasefire on energy targets Debate erupts over public bars on Brisbane ferries Deep Dive: It took about 15 minutes for YouTube to take Marc Fennell’s kids from Minecraft videos to manosphere content. Nobody touched the remote. So he set up a phone as a young bloke, and within five weeks the algorithm had moved from gym tips and crypto to racist AI slop.  So why is it finding such a receptive audience in Australian men, and is the algorithm really to blame?   In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Marc to talk about his new ABC docuseries The State of Man, what he learnt sitting down with manosphere influencers and the men who’ve left it, and what could work to change course.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines:  Greens and Coalition team up to block Labor's private health bill Russel Brand a ‘ruthless, calculated and manipulative sexual predator’ court hears Netflix to lay off 1000 staff Vatican says Pope Leo recovering as expected First Australian restaurants score Michelin stars – and they’re all in South Australia Deep Dive: Australia’s falling fertility rate was recently laid bare in the government’s 2026 Intergenerational Report, which revealed just 1.34 babies per woman will be born by 2065.   It’s sparked a conversation around what could move the dial when it comes to encouraging Australians to have more kids.   One suggestion has been a national fertility plan.   In today’s episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Dr Petra Wale from the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand to discuss the plan and whether we it’s time to bring back sweeteners like the Baby Bonus.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines:  Anthony Albanese working to stop execution livestream being shown in Australia Small business minister says she’s received 19 death threats in a week over surcharge changes Convicted pedophile Ashley Paul Griffith to be extradited to NSW Sharp rise in family and sexual violence rates against Australian children  Cybersecurity experts warn French supermarket fridge hack could happen in Australia  Australia win's first test in South Africa  Deep Dive: The Cornell 7 case has sparked global headlines, condemnation and outrage; seven men accused of gang raping a woman inside a frat house at one of America’s most prestigious universities.   As police reopen the investigation into the 2024 incident, the spotlight has turned back on Greek life and whether fraternities and sororities still have a place on modern campuses.   In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by higher education expert Dr. Pietro Sasso to unpack the culture of American Greek life and examine its connection to cases like the Cornell 7.   This story discusses confronting details about sexual violence. If you need support, you can contact 1800 RESPECT or Full Stop Australia. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines:  Australian government urged to ban livestream of US public execution Simon Carman pleads guilty to one charge in Thai teen murder trial  Molly Ticehurst’s killer to appeal murder conviction  Petrol prices now back at levels seen at the start of the Iran war WA to limit screen use for K-2 students in pilot program  Deep Dive: One AI went rogue and breached a Medicare portal. Another fired off a bogus murder tip to US police. And the tech giants behind them took months to notice.   Meanwhile in Canberra, federal MPs are questioning the people building systems that could one day cure cancer... but could also, by their own admission, wipe us out.   So can a country our size actually keep big tech in line? Or are we just along for the ride?   In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Independent MP for Curtin Kate Chaney, who sits on parliament’s AI committee. They unpack what she’s heard in the hearings, why she wants $100 million a year spent on AI safety, and what rules data centres should have to follow.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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.