If You're Listening
News & Politics
About
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...
Episodes
- How did Palantir get so powerful?
This episode explores how Palantir, co-founded by Peter Thiel and Alex Karp, became powerful by connecting disparate data to identify threats. The company's methods are now significantly bolstered by the advent of large language models.
- Matt's producers present the weirdest tales from the basement
Matt Bevan's producers, Pat and Adair, reveal strange stories they've encountered that haven't been featured on 'If You're Listening'. These tales involve a range of unusual incidents and individuals.
- The unexpected loser of the Iran war
This episode discusses how Qatar, a gas-rich nation, has relied on international diplomacy for decades. It explores challenges to Qatar's position as old alliances falter and diplomatic norms diminish.
- How not to cover a radioactive incident
In 2003, emergency services responded to a radioactive incident at Merewether High School in Newcastle. A 14-year-old student, Matt Bevan, reported live from the scene, an event he revisits at the Newcastle Writers Festival.
- Will the US and Iran make a deal (again)?
This episode examines Donald Trump's approach to the Iranian regime and his efforts to secure a new deal, comparing his strategy to the 2015 agreement made under the Obama administration. It explores the challenges of leverage and negotiat…
- When will Australia run out of fuel?
Matt and ABC Senior Business Correspondent Carrington Clarke discuss Australia's fuel supply outlook as the last tankers from before the Persian Gulf conflict arrive. They examine the current state of the global energy market.
- How the Iran war exposed Australia's energy mistakes
This episode of If You're Listening examines how Australia's long-term gas export agreements impact domestic supply and pricing. It discusses why Australia faces energy challenges despite being one of the world's largest gas exporters.
- Trump’s on-again, off-again negotiations with Iran
Kara updates Matt on recent US-Iran negotiations and communications regarding the topic. The episode also addresses listener questions concerning Iran, petrol prices, and oil pipelines.
- The brutal scam compounds of Myanmar
This episode examines the rise of industrial scam compounds in Myanmar during its civil war, highlighting the role of criminal networks and human trafficking. It also discusses China's shifting stance on the issue as its own citizens are i…
- Growing up fighting apartheid
Sisonke Msimang from the podcast Boycott! joins host Matt to discuss her father’s experiences as a revolutionary fighting against apartheid.
- What happened last time we ran out of oil
This episode examines the history of oil shortages, comparing current fuel concerns to those experienced during the 1970s. It also touches upon the origins of the current conflict involving Donald Trump.
- When Iraq accidentally bombed a U.S. warship
This episode examines the 1987 incident where the USS Stark was struck by Iraqi missiles. The program discusses the historical context of the event and the claim that the attack, which occurred while Iraq was a U.S. ally, was accidental.
- We were warned about the Strait of Hormuz
This episode explores the reasons why a potential desert pipeline project designed to bypass the Strait of Hormuz was never completed. It investigates the historical context of the project and the ongoing efforts to navigate logistical cha…
- Why Iran is building their own internet
Matt interviews Deakin University PhD candidate Amin Naeeni about Iran's history of internet shutdowns and the development of its national internet system. The discussion explores the regime's methods of digital control.
- Iran is running out of water
This episode of If You're Listening explores Iran's severe water crisis, examining the long-term impact of mismanagement, industrial policies, and agricultural choices. It discusses how environmental degradation is affecting the country's…
- Life inside the Iranian Revolution
Author Saeed Fassaie recounts his personal experiences as a witness to the Iranian Revolution, detailing his journey from political fugitive and soldier to building a life in Australia.
- Who is Trump really fighting in Iran?
This episode examines the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' role in Iran and analyzes the potential challenges of a US strategy focused on regime change. It explores the complexities of the Iranian political and military structure.
- Kylie Moore-Gilbert says Trump might be stuck in Iran
Former Iranian prisoner and academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert discusses her experiences in detention, her analysis of the Revolutionary Guard, and her perspective on the current situation in Iran and how Australia should respond.
- Trump thinks he can switch off the Iran War
This episode examines Donald Trump's shift in policy regarding Iran, evaluating his past stance on endless wars in contrast to a strike that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other Iranian leaders. It explores whether recent events signal…
- Making sense of Trump’s attack on Iran
Matt and Kara address listener questions regarding the situation in the Middle East following Donald Trump's attack on Iran. They discuss potential new leadership, the impact on oil trade, and whether there is a broader strategy.
- Where did Epstein’s money come from?
This episode examines the origins of Jeffrey Epstein's wealth, exploring whether he obtained his fortune by scamming wealthy clients. The discussion includes potential evidence from the deposition of billionaire businessman Les Wexner.
- The Epstein Q&A our lawyers approved
Matt and Kara answer listener questions regarding the Epstein files, covering potential consequences for the Royal family, theories about Epstein’s possible connection to Q, and their perspectives on the claim that he was a Mossad agent.
- Epstein’s ghost is haunting the UK
This episode examines the political fallout in the UK following the release of the Epstein files and explores why these revelations are impacting British politics differently than in the United States. It specifically analyzes the pressure…
- The time an astronaut said they weren't coming back
Matt and Fiona Pepper from the Science Friction podcast discuss the physical and mental challenges of space travel and a story discovered while researching the 1986 Challenger disaster.
- How Epstein and QAnon blew up the justice system
This episode examines how the Jeffrey Epstein case evolved from online rumors into the fuel for the QAnon conspiracy movement. It discusses the release of government documents and how the process has impacted public trust in institutions.
- There Will Be Mud (again)
Producer Pat and Matt investigate whether Ukrainian chernozem soil is present in rural New South Wales and look into rumors regarding a black market for the soil. This episode is supported by the New South Wales Soil Knowledge Network.
- Stephen Miller: Edgelord in Chief
This episode explores the political career and influence of Stephen Miller, Donald Trump's Deputy Chief of Staff. It examines his role in driving immigration policy and his efforts to change the operations of the US government.
- Pod Save America on the endless escalation of Trump
Jon Lovett from Pod Save America joins Matt to discuss navigating the political environment surrounding Donald Trump and potential lessons the U.S. could learn from the Australian political system.
- Steven Pinker thinks we’re worried about the wrong things
Psychologist and science writer Steven Pinker joins host Matt to discuss doomsday predictions, climate anxiety, and balancing optimism with pessimism regarding the future.
- 04 Black Swans | Countdown to Doomsday
This final episode of the Black Swans series explores why humanity struggles to predict the future. Host Matt Bevan examines 67-year-old ABC forecasts about 2026 and discusses modern-day fears like climate change and artificial intelligenc…
- Did a 1981 book correctly predict the future?
Matt and Kara discuss a 1981 book that served as inspiration for the Black Swans series. The episode explores why predictions about the future are often inaccurate by examining past forecasts about life in 2026.
- 03 Black Swans | Burning Hill
This episode explores the history of air travel advancements, such as the Concorde, and examines why the speed of most transportation has not increased significantly since the mid-20th century.
- The city that ten beers built
Matt and Kara explore the history of town planner Alex Ramsay and the unusual land deal behind the creation of Elizabeth, South Australia. This episode is part of the Black Swans series on Australian history and future projections.
- 02 Black Swans | The Australian Dream
This episode examines the history of the Australian housing market, comparing the affordability and accessibility of homeownership in the 1950s to the current challenges faced by younger generations. It explores the factors contributing to…
- 01 Black Swans | The Population Bomb
This episode explores the shift from past fears regarding population explosion and resource depletion to current concerns about declining birth rates. It examines the changing perspective on global population trends over time.
- Matt got lost on his way to the costume department
Kara and Matt discuss the behind-the-scenes process of creating the series. They also look ahead to the premiere of Black Swans on January 8th for the podcast and January 10th for television.
- Trump’s playbook for Nicolás Maduro and Venezuela
This episode discusses a social media claim by US President Trump regarding the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on drug charges. It examines the legality and historical context of such an operation.
- NEOM: The world's dumbest megaproject
This episode examines the NEOM infrastructure project in Saudi Arabia and its flagship development, The Line. The program discusses the project's ambitious scope, recent reports of significant scaling back, and the questions surrounding it…
- What's the deal with fluoride?
This episode explores the history of water fluoridation, the origins of opposition to the practice, and recent efforts by the Trump administration to ban fluoride in U.S. water supplies.
- How good are Australia’s gun laws really?
This episode examines the effectiveness of Australia's gun laws, addressing the increase in the number of legally-owned firearms and incidents of violence despite strict regulations. It questions whether current laws are as robust as perce…
- 24 hours after the Bondi shooting
Perry Duffin, a senior crime reporter for the Sydney Morning Herald, discusses the ongoing investigation into the shooting attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi. The episode explores the impact of the tragedy and the broader concerns r…
- Why is Venezuela falling apart?
This episode explores the reasons behind Venezuela's severe economic crisis and the reported situation of President Nicolas Maduro, including a failed offer of safe passage from the United States.
- This robot will shoot you and steal your wife
This episode of If You're Listening explores the 1932 story of Alpha, an English robot that was reported to have shot its inventor. Matt and Kara examine the archive, revealing the truth behind the sensationalized reports about this machin…
- Where’s my robot butler?
This episode examines the challenges behind developing mass-produced humanoid robots. despite significant financial investment, the technology continues to rely heavily on human intervention.
- Is internet piracy making a comeback, me hearties?
Matt and producer Adair Sheppard discuss the history of The Pirate Bay and the current state of internet piracy. The episode also features insights from Rick Falkvinge, founder of Sweden's Pirate Party, and explores the legal consequences…
- Is China’s plan to invade Taiwan inevitable?
This episode examines concerns surrounding a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, including reports of espionage and military exercises, against President Xi Jinping's stated preference for peaceful reunification.
- The time Andrew Denton tried to hire a bounty hunter
Mark Humphries joins Matt to discuss the early 1990s hunt for fugitive Christopher Skase in Mallorca, including the unusual involvement of TV personality Andrew Denton and bounty hunters. This episode explores the efforts to bring Skase ba…
- The truth about China’s social credit scores
This episode examines the reality of social credit scores in China and investigates whether the rumored dystopian AI-powered surveillance system truly exists. It explores common perceptions of Chinese government technology and its comparis…
- maTt and kaRa address yoUr conspiracy THeory
Matt and Kara answer listener questions, covering topics such as Elon Musk's potential trillionaire status, a missing show episode, and soil science.
- So you’ve robbed the Louvre… now what?
This episode examines a heist at the Louvre, where two thieves stole 88 million euros worth of crown jewels in eight minutes. It discusses the security vulnerabilities of the gallery and the logistical difficulties of handling stolen goods…