The Briefing

Last week a massive white balloon drifted across U.S. airspace before being shot down by the Air Force. But where did it come from? The US believes China was spying on its military camps with the 200ft balloon which contained sensors and surveillance equipment inside. The incident has sparked diplomatic tensions, China said the US overreacted by bringing the balloon down and the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has cancelled his trip to China. So, what exactly was the balloon doing there and is this something that happens often?    In this episode, we speak to Jennifer Hsu, Research Fellow at the Lowy Institute, to find out more about the balloon and tensions between the US and China.  Headlines: - Turkiye faces second disaster- Tudge resignation triggers by-election- Calls for Communications Minister to resign- Composer Burt Bacharach dies Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9 Feb 202320min

Rural regions in Australia are facing major maternity shortages as services in rural hospitals are forced to close. Pregnant women are travelling for hours to get care – some fearing they may have to give birth on the side of the road. The problem is adding more pressure to Australia’s maternity crisis which has been ongoing for years.  In this episode, we speak to Sophie Walker - the founder of the Australian Birth Stories Podcast, who tells us more about the country’s maternity crisis.  Headlines: - Turkiye death toll passes 11,000- MH-17 investigation suspended- Albo agrees to a Voice pamphlet- Warne’s will revealed Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8 Feb 202323min

The first baby born through IVF was in 1978 and since then the treatment has dramatically changed how the family unit can look. It has also given same sex couples more options when it comes to creating a family as well as solo parents, challenging the image of a nuclear family. Technology surrounding IVF is continuing to advance but there are still many common misconceptions and questions surrounding the process - from costs to how long it takes.   In this episode, entrepreneur and author Lisa Messenger shares her personal IVF experience. We also hear from fertility specialist Dr Manuela Toledo.    Headlines: - RBA warns more rate hikes on the way- Turkey declares state of emergency- Another covid booster approved - Bruce Lehrmann has lodged two defamation cases- Optus scammer avoids jail time   Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

7 Feb 202321min

Women across Australia are continuing to choose to become solo mothers by choice, using assisted fertilization (IVF, donor) because of factors like age and social infertility.   We’re joined by solo mothers, Aoife Cooke and Liz Cashen who take us through their fertility journey.  The decision to start the journey as a solo mother can be a daunting step but with online communities and support groups the process doesn't have to be as lonely. Headlines: - Earthquake kills thousands in Turkey and Syria - Greens declare support for Voice to Parliament - Alcohol bans reinstated in central Australia- Interest rates to rise - Beyonce becomes most Grammy awarded artist ever Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 Feb 202320min

Safety on dating apps has been at the centre of a government roundtable as the number of domestic violence cases across Australia continues to rise.     App companies, domestic abuse survivors and police were all at the summit which was called a few weeks after a NSW woman was allegedly killed by a man she met on a dating app. So, how do we really know who we’re speaking to behind the screen?    In this episode, we speak to e-Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant on how we can make dating apps safer.     Headlines: US shoots down giant Chinese ‘spy’ balloon Australia to prescribe psychedelics as medication A teenage girl has died after a shark attack The woman who took Prince Harry’s virginity has spoken out Grammy Awards taking place in LA today Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5 Feb 202319min

Alex Dyson is an Australian radio and podcast presenter, author, business owner and former political candidate. He currently hosts the podcast ‘Matt & Alex All Day Breakfast’ alongside Matt Okine.    In this conversation, Jamila Rizvi and Alex Dyson delve into experiencing fame at a young age, the impact of loss and the legacy he wants to leave behind.    You can check out the podcast Matt & Alex All Day Breakfast here.    Alex Dyson's books: When It Drops here, and Eric The Awkward Orc here.    Find tickets to stand up comedy in Melbourne at Comedy Republic here.    THE WEEKEND LIST WATCH: You People – Netflix   LISTEN: Nature or Nurture with Sam Petersen – Podcast   WATCH: Babylon – Local cinemas BUY: Eupheme      Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3 Feb 202338min

So, Briefing co-host Jan Fran is back after more than six months away from the microphone.    In this episode, Tom interviews Jan about what’s she’s been up to over the last six months – and what big news stories have been on her radar    In today’s Briefing, we welcome back Jan Fran  Headlines: Clashes outside George Pell’s funeral Hand sanitiser banned in some Alice Springs pharmacies King Charles won’t be on Aussie $5 dollar note Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2 Feb 202321min

There has been a rise of well-known Aussies, particularly females, announcing that they have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. Due to this rise there have been many conversations on social media about why this is happening, with many saying it’s just being over diagnosed or turning into a trend.    We’re joined by Bridget Pringle - a freelance writer, mother of two and advertising professional from Melbourne who learned she had ADHD via a TikTok algorithm.     So what’s it like living with adult ADHD, and what treatment or medication is available to make life easier for those who have learned they have ADHD, later in life.    Headlines: Protest going ahead outside George Pell’s funeral Robo-debt royal commission Radioactive capsule found in WA outback Two people taken to hospital after QantasLink flight turbulence Green comet buzzes Earth   Follow The Briefing: Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1 Feb 202323min