The Briefing

Monday headlines
Trump threatens Iran in expletive-laden social media post
WA gets tough on Petrol Retailers
Pope Leo urges those with the power to unleash wars- to choose peace.
Sydney Kings break their championship Trophy
Newcastle Knights injury against Raiders
Deep Dive: Married at First Sight isn’t just dominating TV ratings - it’s driving a constant stream of online content that keeps the show alive well beyond each episode.
Beyond the drama on screen, a growing ecosystem of podcasts, parody accounts and creators are shaping the conversation - stretching a few episodes a week into a 24/7 cycle in your feed.
In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with creator Amanda Catalano about why MAFS is “the easiest content on the internet,” how her parody videos rack up huge numbers, and what it says about how we feel about the show.

You can follow Amanda on Instagram @amanda.catalano and TikTok @amanda.catalano
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Chocolate prices have surged, with blocks now selling for $8 at major supermarkets - more than double what we were paid a decade ago.
Global cocoa prices spiked last year, but climate change and inflation aren’t the only culprits - with a little-known international deal also at play.
In this episode of The Briefing, we revisit Chris Spyrou’s chat with journalist and host of The Internet Reviewed on YouTube Kirsten Drysdale where they unpacked what’s really driving the rising cost of chocolate.
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Feras Basal spent nearly 50 days on a remote island for Australian Survivor - facing the ‘wheel of torture’ for hours, dislocating his shoulder in week one and enduring intense psychological strain that pushed him to his absolute limits.
But alongside the physical and mental toll came a historic win, becoming the first Arab Muslim to take out the title, and the $500,000 prize. His time on the show became something bigger: a chance to challenge stereotypes, represent his community, and show a different side of his culture and faith to a national audience.
In this chat with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Feras opens up about what really happens behind the scenes, how the experience changed him long after the cameras stopped rolling, and why representation in Australian media still has a long way to go.
Weekend list with Helen Smith
Listener Lindsey TO READ: Remarkably Bright Creatures
TO WATCH: Season 4 Love on the Spectrum on Netflix
TO EAT: Nagi Maehashi My very best Vanilla Cake
TO DO: Tell everyone it's your Birthday!
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Friday's Headlines:
Australia takes part in talks to re-open straight of Hormuz
TV Broadcasters call for financial help after gambling ad ban
Artemis II crew preparing to leave earth's orbit
Manly beat the Dolphins and the Lions beat the Pies in the AFL
Deep Dive: The Good Friday Appeal is synonymous with the Easter long weekend, and this year will be no different.
Culminating with a primetime TV event and telethon on Channel 7, the appeal – in its 95th year – looks to raised much-needed funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.
In today’s deep dive, you’ll meet an incredible family whose little boy ended up on an RCH operating table at just four weeks old, along with Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies, hosts of The Morning Show, about why the the Good Friday Appeal is such a worthy cause.
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US President Donald Trump delivered a rambling speech to the US people and the world earlier today.
He began by saying the US military operations in Iran have been an overwhelming success, calling them “victories like few have ever seen before.”
Mr Trump hinted the US would leave the war in the coming weeks and urged other countries to head to Iran to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, to secure their own oil.
Earlier in the day Mr Trump said he was considering removing the United States from the NATO alliance.
Headlines:
PM Albanese addressed the National Press Club, announcing bans on gambling ads
NASA's Artemis mission is on its way to the moon
Mary Fowler signs a record-breaking $10 million deal with Adidas
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