Free Daily Podcast Summary
If You're Listening: Daily Summaries Delivered
by ABC Australia
The world is on fire. There's a coup. Inflation is through the roof, and AI is taking our jobs. What does it all mean? Each week, Matt Bevan explains the biggest story in world news while hiding in his basement from assassins and authoritarian regimes. Recent episodes include an exploration of the relationship between India and China, a closer look at the Saudi Arabian city of NEOM, the conflict in the Middle East, the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, and Ukraine's incursions into Vladimir Putin's Russia. Matt Bevan draws connections between stories from the past and the events of the present to help listeners understand world news and international affairs. The podcast also features series about big moments in world news; previous series have focused on the United States presidential election, the United Kingdom's 14 years of Conservative Party leadership, Donald Trump's relationship with Russia, Donald Trump's presidency and promise to Make America Great Again, the Mueller Report, Vladimir Putin's scheme to destroy western democracies, how the relationship between Australia and China came to the verge of collapse, and Australia's turbulent history with climate change.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Yesterday25 min
Does Trump's midterm wipeout spell the end for MAGA?
The Democrats swept the US midterms, winning control of both the House and the Senate. So what happens now?In this bonus episode of If You’re Listening, Matt Bevan answers more of your US midterms questions with Dr Emma Shortis, Director of the International and Security Affairs Program at the Australia Institute. They look at which campaigns stood out, how Donald Trump has reacted to the results, and whether the Democrats can end the war in Iran. They also tackle the push to impeach Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Epstein files, the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, and whether this is the end of MAGA.Follow If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.Check out our series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IfYoureListeningABC
- 5 days ago28 min
The dirty trick that couldn’t save Trump’s midterms
After Democrats declared a landslide win in the midterms, a narrative quickly formed online: Republicans’ aggressive redistricting strategy had spectacularly backfired…but the reality is more complicated. Years ago, Donald Trump pushed Texas Republicans to redraw their electoral map specifically to blunt the kind of wave that just hit them, and it worked exactly as designed, just not enough to survive a landslide. This time the strategy didn’t win them the election, but it meaningfully softened the damage, even as their own aggressive redistricting triggered a counter-gerrymander from Democrats that cost them ground elsewhere. So did the plan really fail, or did it just stop a landslide from being even bigger?Follow If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.Check out our series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IfYoureListeningABC
- 6 days ago24 min
Matt answers your US midterms questions live(ish)
The US midterm results are still coming in, but already, the Democrats have won the US House of Representatives and the Senate in a landslide. Surprisingly, in an interview on Fox News, Donald Trump said he will accept the results, saying the Democrats have “some good people” who “fought hard”, and that the Republicans lost because voters “didn’t like the candidates”. We did our first live stream on our brand new YouTube channel to watch the US midterm results come in live and take viewer questions, we had over 5300 people tune in from all over the world! So here are some of our favourite questions.Follow If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.Check out our series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IfYoureListeningABC
- 1 weeks ago26 min
What’s actually at stake for Trump at the midterms?
It's US midterms eve, and since Matt hasn’t actually travelled to the US this election cycle, he's called up Four Corners reporter Mark Willacy. Mark has spent the last few weeks travelling across America, talking to voters and experts, including former FBI director James Comey and former CIA director John Brennan.Mark and Matt talk about why some Republicans are bracing for a bad night, whether Donald Trump could interfere in the vote, and what a forecast Democratic win in Congress, and possibly the Senate, could mean for the next two years.Watch Matt’s midterms livestream on the If You’re Listening YouTube channel at 3pm AEDT tomorrow: https://youtube.com/live/bgmZfIZD0aUFollow If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.Check out our series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IfYoureListeningABC
- 1 weeks ago29 min
Israel’s October 7 inquiry hinges on this election
In 2018, Israeli intelligence obtained a Hamas planning document outlining almost exactly how the October 7 attack would unfold. A more detailed version followed in 2022, and Egypt and the UAE both delivered direct warnings in the weeks before the attack. None of it stopped what Israelis call the worst single day in the country’s history. More than 1100 days later, Israel still hasn’t opened an independent inquiry into the attack, and Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected calls for one. His rival Gadi Eisenkot has promised to launch one immediately if he wins. So will Israel get a proper reckoning with October 7? It all comes down to a single election.Follow If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.Check out our series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IfYoureListeningABC
- 2 weeks ago25 min
The Bananas in Pyjamas’ doomed trip to Moscow
In 1998, the Bananas in Pyjamas visited Moscow as part of a promotional tour. Things did not go to plan. Today, Eric Campbell, the ABC’s Russia correspondent at the time, joins Matt to try to piece together what really happened. Eric also talks about meeting Boris Yeltsin in a broom cupboard, the changing face of Russian media, and why Russian politicians took aim at Peppa Pig.Follow If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.Check out our series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IfYoureListeningABC
- 2 weeks ago25 min
Lenin's WWII goo adventure
Surprise! We're popping in on a Sunday to answer your questions, many of which were about goo and the Canadian state of Alberta this month.Kara also tells Matt an incredible story from Russia during World War II — the Weekend at Bernie's-style odyssey that kept Vladimir Lenin's corpse safe. We're going to do this regularly, so if you have questions for Matt and Kara send them through as emails or voice notes, to ifyourelistening@abc.net.au.And to ask Matt questions live as the US midterm election results roll in on November 4 at 3PM AEDT, subscribe to our brand new YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@IfYoureListeningABCFollow If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.
- 2 weeks ago29 min
Is Trump going to bomb the bond market?
Donald Trump recently said that if his treasury secretary can’t get bond yields down, the next move might be the military. It sounds absurd, but the US bond market is the quiet foundation underneath almost every price in the global economy, from your mortgage to a company’s loan. When investors lose faith in a government’s ability to manage its money, as happened under the UK’s Liz Truss in 2022, bond yields spike, and borrowing gets more expensive for everyone, instantly. Trump’s tariffs, his war in Iran and his promised $5,000 dividend cheques have investors nervous all over again, and bond yields are climbing. Unlike Liz Truss, Trump has nobody above him to sack him over it. So who actually pays when the bond market loses faith in Donald Trump?Follow If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.Check out our series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDTPrMoGHssAfgMMS3L5LpLNFMNp1U_Nq
Get If You're Listening summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
Americast
BBC journalists analyze U.S. politics, focusing on the Trump administration and social media's influence on American voters.
American Friction
A UK-based podcast analyzing US politics with expert interviews and commentary on current events and major issues.
The Global Story
A daily look at global politics, business, and foreign policy through the lens of US decisions and their worldwide impact.
From Our Own Correspondent
Global insights, analysis, and stories from BBC correspondents and journalists worldwide.
Here's Why
Explains global news and geopolitical shifts with clear, concise analysis on topics like nuclear security, AI, and market dynamics.
Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files
Christiane Amanpour and Jamie Rubin analyze global crises and geopolitical upheavals with insider expertise and candid dialogue.
The Real Story
Experts and decision makers analyze and debate major news stories.
One Decision
Former intelligence leaders and journalists examine high-stakes decisions that shaped global events.
The Headlines
A daily news podcast offering global headlines and analysis from New York Times reporters.
What in the World
A daily podcast exploring major and minor global events to help listeners understand current affairs and feel more informed.
Global News Podcast
A twice-daily news podcast delivering global headlines and analysis on politics, economics, climate, business, technology, and health.
America In The Morning
A morning news magazine covering overnight developments, national news, politics, business, entertainment, and weather.
About If You're Listening
The world is on fire. There's a coup. Inflation is through the roof, and AI is taking our jobs. What does it all mean? Each week, Matt Bevan explains the biggest story in world news while hiding in his basement from assassins and authoritarian regimes. Recent episodes include an exploration of the relationship between India and China, a closer look at the Saudi Arabian city of NEOM, the conflict in the Middle East, the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, and Ukraine's incursions into Vladimir Putin's Russia. Matt Bevan draws connections between stories from the past and the events of the present to help listeners understand world news and international affairs. The podcast also features series about big moments in world news; previous series have focused on the United States presidential election, the United Kingdom's 14 years of Conservative Party leadership, Donald Trump's relationship with Russia, Donald Trump's presidency and promise to Make America Great Again, the Mueller Report, Vladimir Putin's scheme to destroy western democracies, how the relationship between Australia and China came to the verge of collapse, and Australia's turbulent history with climate change.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from If You're Listening in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's If You're Listening daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of If You're Listening as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the If You're Listening podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official If You're Listening product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by ABC Australia.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts, any in the catalog. Basic raises that to 15, Pro to 40 and Max to 100. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does If You're Listening release new episodes?
If You're Listening publishes every few days. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does If You're Listening cover?
If You're Listening covers topics including News, Politics. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting If You're Listening summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.