For centuries, Christmas at the White House has been the gold standard of tradition with elaborate gingerbread houses and classic spruce trees. But for Melania Trump, the festive season sparked something else entirely: a meme jackpot of controversy online, leaked audio and public backlash.

In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks the most chaotic holiday in the White House, from the infamous ‘blood-red’ trees to the secret 2018 recording where the First Lady famously asked, ‘Who gives a f*** about Christmas stuff?’

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast
Facebook: @thebriefingpodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phoebe Santillan-Stocks has spoken to some of the most powerful right hands in the world - the people operating just out of sight, shaping history from behind the scenes.

The founder of Missing Perspectives and author of The Right Hand, explores what it’s really like to be a chief of staff or adviser to global leaders from Nelson Mandela to Jacinda Ardern and even the Obamas.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Phoebe Santillan-Stocks shares what she learned by asking big questions in her twenties, why she’s driven to amplify overlooked voices, and the lessons that stayed with her long after the interviews ended.

Take part in The Briefing survey HERE.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

• TO EAT: Panettone tiramisu
• TO EAT: Fruit kebabs
• TO DO: Ette Media Live Show tickets here
• TO DO: Gift an experience over a material item

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of Australians turned out this morning for an emotional paddle out at Bondi Beach, with a powerful message of healing, unity and hope just five days after Australia's worst terror attack.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by one of the organisers and members of the Bondi Jewish community, David Solsky, who explains why today was an important step forward.

Headlines: The Prime Minister has announced the federal government will launch a new national gun buyback scheme, the NSW Government has announced the details of its gun reform legislation, and Bondi hero, Ahmed al-Ahmed, has been presented with a cheque for more than $2.5 million in hospital.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast
Facebook: @thebriefingpodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.