Best Pretty Intense Podcasts (2025)

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Dr. Lisa Miller - How To Find Your Inner Peace - The Awakened Brain 51:59

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7d ago51:59

51:59

Dr. Lisa Miller is Professor and Founder of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University. A graduate of Yale and University of Pennsylvania, she is a leading national expert in spirituality, health and thriving in development. Dr. Miller has authored 100 peer review articles on spirituality and mental health in yout…

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Political panel: productivity agenda shapes-up 14:30

5h ago14:30

14:30

The focus on economic reform has been growing this week as businesses, unions, and social groups weigh in ahead of the Treasurer's economic round table. And while that brought some of the debate back to domestic issues, a protest march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge kept the Israel-Gaza war at the top of the agenda.…

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Greens call on government to end housing crisis 6:01

5h ago6:01

6:01

Ending Australia's housing crisis is possible, that's the message from the Greens. Ahead of the government's economic roundtable this month, the Greens are backing calls from the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) to reform tax discounts for wealthy investors and re-direct funds to build more social housing. Guest: Barbara Pocock, Greens …

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Government faces fresh warning over housing target 9:32

32m ago9:32

9:32

There are fresh warnings the federal government will miss its key housing target, as Housing Minister Clare O'Neil vows to forge ahead by slashing red tape. The government has promised to build 1.2 million homes by the end of the decade to stop a generation of Australians being locked out of the market. But property research firm, Cotality, has bec…

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How should Australia regulate AI? 6:00

1h ago6:00

6:00

Debate has erupted over how the federal government should regulate artificial intelligence. While the Productivity Commission has argued for a light-touch approach to potentially unlock billions of dollars of economic gain, those in creative industries say their work is at risk of being stolen to train AI models. So, what options are on the table f…

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Fundraising rowing brothers take refuge amid wild weather 6:22

1h ago6:22

6:22

It's now been 118 days since the three brothers from the Scottish highlands set off on their world-record attempt across the Pacific Ocean.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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How can the government help Australia's struggling smelters? 7:41

2h ago7:41

7:41

Pressure is building on the federal government to establish a national solution to assist Australia's struggling smelters sector. This week the government united with the South Australian and Tasmanian governments to provide metals producer, Nystar, with a $135 million rescue package for ailing operations in Port Pirie and Hobart. Guest: Alex Hawke…

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Kremlin confirms Trump, Putin meeting in coming days 7:16

1h ago7:16

7:16

The Kremlin says a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump has been agreed on and will take place in the coming days. A foreign affairs adviser in Moscow says both sides are still working on the details, and a venue already agreed on will be announced later. It remains to be seen if Ukraine's President Volodym…

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Israeli PM outlines plan to take full control of Gaza 6:34

2h ago6:34

6:34

Israel's security cabinet is deciding whether its nation's defence forces will embark on a full occupation of Gaza. Speaking ahead of the meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the main objective would be to eradicate Hamas from the Palestinian territory, before handing back control. It comes after an IDF Chief of Staff yesterday publicly …

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Jewish community reacts to global push for Palestinian statehood 6:57

13h ago6:57

6:57

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has all but confirmed his nation's security and military forces will move to occupy Gaza. Pro-Palestinian protestors are expected to once again take to the streets of Australia's major cities later this month following a mass demonstration that saw tens of thousands march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on…

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Global plastics treaty talks stall 8:41

7h ago8:41

8:41

Talks in Geneva on a "Paris Agreement"-style plan that would limit plastic production and ban certain plastic chemicals have once again stalled in the final stages of negotiations. The United States has sent letters to a handful of countries urging them to reject the goal of a global pact, according to a memo and other communications seen by Reuter…

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Intense El Nino events lead to a global insect decline 3:41

9h ago3:41

3:41

From butterflies, to beetles, to spiders - some of our smallest but most important living creatures could be in danger due to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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Why have dozens of Texas Democrats fled the state? 6:50

9h ago6:50

6:50

The political fight over the congressional map in Texas risks spilling over into other parts of the United States, as Democrat leaders threaten retaliation in other blue states like California and New York. More than 50 Texas Democrats have fled the state to deny the Republicans a quorum and block the federal redistricting vote, which they claim en…

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Changing Australia: Carla Raynes and bridging the youth homeless gap 14:45

9h ago14:45

14:45

Housing is one of the biggest issues facing Australia right now and on Changing Australia we have been looking closely at ways people are approaching the problem. For young people who've been in out-of-home care, or have experienced homelessness before, the barriers to a secure and stable home can be extraordinary and they often don't have families…

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Greens say Labor didn't learn from Robodebt 5:55

9h ago5:55

5:55

The Greens have accused the Albanese government of failing to learn from the Robodebt scandal, after a damning new report confirmed welfare agencies have continued to break the law. The Commonwealth Ombudsman found 1,000 job seekers were wrongfully kicked off payments by an automated process, but said there were differences to the Robodebt saga.…

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Ex-ambassadors plea to Albanese on Israel 7:06

9h ago7:06

7:06

Fifteen former ambassadors and diplomats have written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese requesting he quickly recognise a Palestinian state and press the United States to end arms exports to Israel. The letter also calls for Israeli hostages to be released from Gaza and for Australia to back democratic reform within the Palestinian authority.…

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'Answer isn't more rules': Opposition on AI's future in Australia 8:27

10h ago8:27

8:27

Artificial intelligence is a rapidly evolving technology, and the debate over how it is regulated in Australia continues to build. Ahead of the Treasurer's productivity roundtable, the Productivity Commission has warned over-regulation could stifle billions in economic potential and productivity growth. It's urged the federal government to take a l…

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5.9: What Are You Saying?! 1:03:05

10h ago1:03:05

1:03:05

While rewatching season 5 episode 9 of PLL "March Of Crimes", Hayley and Ashley lose their minds over Aria's behaviour, choice of words, and general existence. They also dissect the mechanics of Noel's little eye holes, and mess around with a little horse play! You can also WATCH our regular fortnightly episodes on the Call An Adult YouTube channel…

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Arts and media organisations hit back at AI report 7:04

1d ago7:04

7:04

The Productivity Commission claims artificial intelligence could unlock more than $100 billion for Australia's economy. But creative and arts bodies are voicing concern that the Commission's call for the federal government to exercise a light touch on AI regulation — especially in relation to copyright and data mining — could lead to creative theft…

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Congress subpoenas Clintons over Epstein files 6:44

11h ago6:44

6:44

Senior figures in the Trump administration, including the Vice President JD Vance and Attorney General Pam Bondi, are expected to meet and discuss how to deal with the Epstein case.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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Iranian-US man faces possible deportation to Australia under Trump immigration crackdown 7:01

11h ago7:01

7:01

An Iranian-born man is facing deportation from the United States to Australia as part of Donald Trump's crackdown on immigration.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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US envoy meets with Putin in Russia 5:28

11h ago5:28

5:28

US envoy Steve Witkoff has left Moscow after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Mr Witkoff's last-minute visit was aimed at creating a breakthrough on a ceasefire and ultimately a peace deal with Ukraine. President Trump has given Mr Putin until August 8 to agree to a peace deal, or face heavy new tariffs on countries that buy Russian o…

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Israeli cabinet to discuss plan for full Gaza takeover 6:55

1d ago6:55

6:55

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal for a full military takeover of Gaza is set to be discussed at a cabinet meeting on Thursday. The plan has sparked internal divisions with the IDF Chief of Staff warning it could trap Israeli forces and endanger hostages still held in Gaza. The proposal has also drawn international alarm, with th…

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Peter Garrett on Australia's need to sign anti-nuclear weapon treaty 7:17

1d ago7:17

7:17

"Never again"... That's the message from a Melbourne-founded anti-nuclear group on the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan. Now, a new poll from the the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons has revealed two-thirds of surveyed Australians support the country joining the treaty on the Prohibition of…

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Changing Australia: Anthony Chesler and changing the fate of unsold clothes 11:51

1d ago11:51

11:51

Targeting waste from the fashion industry has become a national priority for the federal government, with hundreds of tonnes of clothing being dumped in landfills around Australia each year.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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eSafety Commissioner demands big tech does more to combat child exploitation material 7:46

1d ago7:46

7:46

Big tech companies are not doing enough to combat child exploitation material on their platforms, according to a new report out today by the eSafety Commissioner. The latest research comes after a win for the Commissioner, with the federal government last week deciding to heed her advice and include video platform YouTube in its social media ban fo…

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Defence Minister unpacks $10b frigate deal with Japan 10:13

1d ago10:13

10:13

Australia will spend $10 billion on eleven new frigates that will initially be constructed in Japan. Defence analysts say while the deal plugs a few critical holes for Australia's naval capabilities, given Japan hasn't exported a new warship to a new country, the deal doesn't come without risk. Guest: Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister and Minis…

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'Pretty staggering': Welfare payments unlawfully cut off 6:48

2d ago6:48

6:48

Almost a thousand Australians lost their welfare payments by federal government agencies between 2022 and 2024 in contradiction of the law, according to a new report by the Commonwealth Ombudsman. Guest: Iain Anderson, Commonwealth Ombudsman Producer: Max Chalmers This story has been updated to include a response from the Department of Employment a…

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Race Discrimination Commissioner calls for National Anti-Racism Taskforce 6:40

1d ago6:40

6:40

More Australians are facing antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of racism. Today, the Race Discrimination Commissioner will call for a national anti-racism taskforce to tackle rising hate and inequality across Australia, at the National Press Club. Giridharan Sivaraman says despite the backing of 100 key organisations, no government in Aust…

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Humanitarian crisis escalates in Sudan 7:26

1d ago7:26

7:26

Aid groups are warning more than 600,000 children under the age of five are now at risk of violence, disease, and hunger as the humanitarian crisis worsens in Sudan. This week, the United Nations Children's Fund found almost 1,200 cholera cases — including around 300 in children — in North Darfur State since the end of June. The area has absorbed h…

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Israeli PM reportedly mulling complete Gaza takeover 7:12

1d ago7:12

7:12

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has met with senior security officials to finalise a new strategy for the war in Gaza. Local media reports Mr Netanyahu is leaning towards a complete takeover of Gaza, as he prepares for a meeting of the Israeli cabinet later this week. It comes as more than 600 retired Israeli security officials, including…

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New economic policy seeks to address closing the gap targets 5:40

2d ago5:40

5:40

First Nations communities will be boosted by a $145 million federal government plan which aims to close the gap by improving economic outcomes. The Prime Minister unveiled the plan over the weekend at the Garma festival. The Opposition says it will wait to see the full details but is warning Indigenous businesses need help right now. Guest: Darren …

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Hiroshima marks 80 years since atomic bombing 6:53

2d ago6:53

6:53

Today representatives from 120 countries and regions are expected to attend a memorial marking the 80th anniversary of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima The event spurred on a post-war political consensus of anti-nuclear weapons pacifism in Japan. But some fear that could change in the coming decade. Guest: Dr Sumiko Hatakeyama, activist with Peace …

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Metals smelter Nyrstar to receive $135 million rescue package 7:43

2d ago7:43

7:43

International metals producer Nyrstar will receive a $135 million bailout from the federal, South Australian and Tasmanian governments to support its struggling businesses in Port Pirie and Hobart. Guest: Leon Stephens, Mayor of Port Pirie and Liberal candidate for Stuart Producer: Oscar ColemanBy Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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Coalition shifts language on Gaza 10:42

2d ago10:42

10:42

The Coalition has shifted its language on Gaza, with the Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley yesterday admitting there is hunger and starvation occurring on the strip after previously — and repeatedly — dodging the question. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed he has spoken with Palestinian Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas. D…

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Foreign Minister warns 'risk there will be no Palestine left to recognise' if war continues 9:43

2d ago9:43

9:43

The Australian government is facing renewed pressure to indicate when it will recognise Palestinian statehood, after authorities estimate more than 100,000 people marched over Sydney Harbour Bridge to call for an end to the war in Gaza. As organisers of Sunday's rally indicate plans for another protest this month, Foreign Minister Penny Wong has wa…

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Nations gather in push to finalise UN Plastics Treaty 6:54

2d ago6:54

6:54

Representatives from 170 countries are gathering in Geneva, Switzerland, today in the hopes of finalising a global treaty limiting plastic pollution. December talks in South Korea collapsed after a small number of fossil fuel producing nations blocked attempts by 100 countries to introduce a legally binding treaty that limits plastics production. A…

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Productivity Commission warns against over-regulation of AI 7:14

2d ago7:14

7:14

The government has been warned not to take a heavy-handed approach to regulating artificial intelligence, with the Productivity Commission saying the technology could add $116 billion to the economy over the next decade. In a new report, the Commission says AI could have a bigger impact on productivity than the advent of the internet or the mobile …

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Asbestos industry launches defamation case, claiming white asbestos is 'harmless' 7:02

2d ago7:02

7:02

It's more than 20 years since Australia banned all forms of asbestos, but its deadly legacy still lingers in buildings across the country, as well as in the lungs of thousands exposed to the material. But as Australia leads a global campaign to raise awareness, a new legal battle is unfolding on the nation's doorstep. In Indonesia, activists who re…

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Are childcare regulators equipped to enforce new rules? 6:30

3d ago6:30

6:30

Australia's child care sector is set to come under further scrutiny in the coming weeks as a New South Wales inquiry puts the sector under the microscope when hearings begin next week. The federal government has been quick to respond to the growing number of allegations facing centres, passing new laws to strip providers of subsidies if they fail t…

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US, India trade tensions intensify amid Trump tariff threat 8:30

2d ago8:30

8:30

Trade tensions between Washington and Delhi are intensifying this morning, as Donald Trump plans to raise tariffs on imports India because of its purchases of Russian oil. It's part of efforts by the US to increase pressure on the Russian economy. Delhi has fired back, claiming the US is hypocritical by itself indulging trade with Russia itself. Gu…

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Father reflects on anguish of having wife, daughters kidnapped by Hamas 9:33

3d ago9:33

9:33

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene a meeting of his security cabinet this week to discuss how to achieve its military objectives in Gaza. At the centre of this war are approximately 50 hostages who remain with Hamas, with the group releasing videos of two emaciated Israeli hostages over the weekend. One of them Evyatar David wa…

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Teen pilot prepares to become youngest person to fly around the world 7:54

3d ago7:54

7:54

At just 14 years old, Byron Waller became the youngest person to fly across Australia, and now he's setting his sights even higher and further — preparing to become the youngest supported pilot to navigate around the world.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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Coalition demands detail on PM's economic development plan as Garma concludes 7:02

3d ago7:02

7:02

Today marks the final day of Garma Festival in north-east Arnhem Land, with the four-day event seeing the Albanese Government commit to a new, multi-million dollar economic development plan for First Nations people. Shadow Attorney-General, Julian Leeser, has been the Coalition's sole representative at Garma. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and Shadow…

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'A wake-up call for Australian politics': Husic on Sydney pro-Palestinian march 9:06

3d ago9:06

9:06

An estimated 90,000 pro-Palestinian supporters marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in pouring rain yesterday, to demand the end of the war in Gaza, and the immediate recognition of Palestinian statehood. The event was given the green-light after a legal battle with police, but a few hours in, authorities urged attendees to stop marching due to…

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'Everyone needs to reflect': NSW Police on pro-Palestine march safety concerns 6:39

6d ago6:39

6:39

Tens of thousands of Australians joined pro-Palestinian protests over the weekend, shutting down the Sydney Harbour Bridge after a last-minute legal win on Friday.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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New national housing resilience rating scheme proposed 6:21

6d ago6:21

6:21

The Productivity Commission wants the federal government to create a new national housing resilience rating scheme, pointing out ratings need to reflect potential damages from climate hazards.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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Scientists go nuclear on animal poachers 6:09

3d ago6:09

6:09

Nuclear science is being used to save rhinos from the threat of poaching as part of an innovative new project in South Africa. Scientists are inserting measured quantities of radio isotopes into the horns of live rhinos. The isotopes can then be detected at airports and borders. Guest: Jessica Babich, CEO of the Rhisotope Project in partnership wit…

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Tasmanian independent on major parties' hunt to form government 7:16

6d ago7:16

7:16

Vote counting has finished in Tasmania's election but it remains unclear as to who will form government. Last month Tasmanians were forced back to the polls for the second state election in 16 months, following a no confidence vote against the Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Guest: Craig Garland, independent member for Braddon Producer: Eddy Diamo…

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Hamas videos spark global outrage 8:09

6d ago8:09

8:09

Videos showing an emaciated Israeli hostage held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip have prompted worldwide outrage. In the footage, hostage Evyatar David is shown being forced to dig what he describes as his own grave. Mr David says he hasn't eaten in days. Mr David was one of the people captured by Hamas at a music festival in southern Israel in October …