The Briefing

Iran has a new Supreme Leader - but who is he, and what does it mean for the region and the future of the Middle East conflict?
In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Kylie Moore-Gilbert, who explains the rise of Mojtaba Khamenei, who has stepped into power during one of the most volatile moments in Iran’s history. Kylie reveals what his rise means for the Iranian people, why the US and Israel may be deeply unhappy with this outcome, and whether the escalating conflict could spiral into a long and messy war. Plus, the growing calls in Australia to offer asylum to Iran’s women’s soccer team amid fears of persecution back home.
Headlines:
Former NSW Liberal MP, Rory Amon, has been found not guilty on a majority of child sex abuse charges
More than $110 billion has been wiped off the Australian stockmarket
Investigations are underway after two separate shootings in Sydney’s west
Prince Harry and Meagan will visit Australia next month
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Monday Headlines:
Australia’s role in Middle East being considered
Crocs “absolutely everywhere” in flooded NT
Tributes for 22-year-old Melbourne Good Samaritan
Age verification comes into effect for porn sites from today
Matildas draw 3-all with South Korea in electric Asian Cup clash
Further listening from the headlines:
Watching porn? ID please
How I escaped porn addiction
Deep Dive: There are fears one family is accumulating more control over tech, government and media than any other family in modern history. Most Australians have barely heard of them, but they probably should.

Tech titan and Trump backer Larry Ellison is one of the wealthiest people on the planet, and his company Oracle doesn't just do business with governments - it helps run them.

Now his son David has won the most expensive bidding war in entertainment history, bringing a vast collection of film studios, news networks and streaming platforms under the same family umbrella.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by NPR host Roben Farzad to unpack what the Ellison empire actually controls and what its latest moves tell us about who really holds power in 2026.
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Before she was busy being “difficult”, Grace Tame was side-eyeing former Prime Ministers, calling out power at the highest levels and reshaping Australia’s conversation around sexual abuse.
The former Australian of the Year has endured more scrutiny than many public figures twice her age, all while staying fiercely outspoken and unapologetically herself.
In this bonus episode of The Weekend Briefing with Antoinette Lattouf, we bring you a discussion with Grace Tame about what it really takes to ‘win’ as a woman in Australia.
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When Sam Taunton was a kid, he dreamed of becoming a professional golfer. Instead, he found himself in a blazer, behind the desk of The Project, working live on national television alongside a man whom he calls “the smartest guy in the country."
He didn’t grow up with a lot of money and his dad would often get creative to keep the family home standing. But long before he invited the whole of Australia to his New Year’s Eve party on live TV, Sam was chasing a very different future.
In this chat with Chris Spyrou, Sam reveals what it's actually like working on live TV, the moment he found out the show was no more, his gratitude journal and how losing one dream can sometimes lead to finding the right one.
Tickets to Sam's tour here
Weekend list with Helen Smith
Listener Krissy TO WATCH: Upper Middle Bogan on ABC iView
TO LISTEN: BBC World of Secrets: The Child Cancer Scam
TO DO: Dance Party
TO DO: Share the Dignity Drive
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Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is driving Australia’s first work from home laws, arguing they will boost productivity and help families.
But there's backlash from small businesses, who warn the extra pressure of remote working and lack of exemptions will force some to move operations interstate or overseas.
In this interview with Natarsha Belling, the Premier addresses the new WFH controversy - and the mystery of how 90,000 fake followers appeared on her Instagram account.
Headlines:
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirms Australian sailors were on board the US submarine that sank an Iranian frigate
ACCC has written to the top fuel companies as concerns grow over price gouging
Coroner reveals cause of death of 19-year-old Canadian backpacker Piper James
Australian billionaire James Packer announces engagement
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TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.