The Briefing

An ordinary Melbourne barman stumbles across an extraordinary loophole - an ATM glitch that lets him withdraw unlimited cash, no questions asked. What follows is a rapid transformation into a high-roller fantasy: luxury hotels, designer shopping, five-star dining and private jets, all fuelled by money that shouldn’t exist. In this episode of The Briefing, we’re taking a break from the daily news cycle and bringing you part one of an extraordinary story from LiSTNR’s Crime in Focus. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @thebriefingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boxing Day in Australia has become synonymous with a few things; cricket, shopping and the movies. It’s arguably the biggest day for movie releases down under, and the streamers too are getting in with some big drops the day after Christmas. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by host of LiSTNR’s The Streaming Service, Justin Hill to chat all things TV and movies this festive release season. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @thebriefingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Christmas day! And while it’s often seen as a time of joy and togetherness for many Australians, it can also be a period of deep hardship. With the cost-of-living crisis and record rental and housing prices putting unprecedented pressure on Australians, more people are experiencing homelessness. In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Ben Kharblas, Deputy CEO of Mission Australia, who explains what Christmas looks like for someone experiencing homelessness, why loneliness and mental health challenges spike over the holiday season and how you can help. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @thebriefingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: Anthony Albanese has delivered his official Christmas message to Australians, Canterbury-Bankstown Council shuts down prayer hall linked to Naveed Akram, and Aussies expected to spend nearly 4 Billion dollars this Christmas. Deep Dive: The Christmas break often brings families together and with that can come awkward, uncomfortable, or even confronting conversations. From navigating tense dynamics with relatives you’d rather avoid to responding to racist or misogynistic comments at the dinner table, these moments can be hard to handle in the heat of the moment. In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Carly Dober, Director of the Australian Association of Psychologists, about why these conversations tend to surface during the holidays and how to tackle an unwanted comment thrown your way. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @thebriefingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: 3/4's of Australians want tougher gun laws, Britain wants to follow our under 16 social media ban, New warnings to keep Christmas snacks away from pets. Deep Dive: Australia has recorded one of its worst road tolls on record this year. New data from the National Road Safety Hub shows 1,340 people died on our roads across the country in the 12 months to July 2025. In this episode, we’re joined by the NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison, who explains why the death toll is so high and her important message for every driver this holiday season. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @thebriefingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.