Cassie Zervos had posted more BTS photos from the recording of the Dezi Freeman: The Hunt podcast on her Instagram.
Harry Potter: The Official Film Podcast, which has been produced by HBO Max in partnership with Pod People, will debut on 19 May with a two-episode launch focused on the first film (Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone). Two episodes will drop weekly from then on.
Fans will be able to stream the video version of the podcast exclusively on HBO Max in the US, while the audio-only version will be available across all major digital platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
CBC, ABC and BBC Partner to Revive Beloved Audio Series Short Cuts
National public broadcasters CBC, ABC and the BBC today announced that they are joining forces to bring back the beloved audio short-form documentary series Short Cuts as a podcast and radio series, with the original host, British comedian Josie Long, and produced by the creators of the series, U.K. radio production company Falling Tree Productions. From its inception in 2012 and up until its final episode in 2025, the original long-running program was known as a home for award-winning personal documentaries and experimental storytelling, and developed a devoted international following.
For the relaunch, Falling Tree Productions has announced a call for pitches, open from now until 11:59 p.m. BST on Wednesday, July 1 on their website. The new iteration of the series will premiere in 2027 everywhere podcasts are available, as well as on CBC Listen, BBC Sounds and ABC listen, and radio platforms CBC Radio, BBC Radio 4 and ABC Radio.
“I can’t wait to start making Short Cuts again,” said host Josie Long. “It’s been the joy and privilege of my career to present this series! There are so many new ideas, voices and ways of making things in sound to discover - I’m proud to be a part of a show that is dedicated to helping bring these into the world.”
“This landmark collaboration not only revives a beloved series, but also represents a shared commitment to nurturing creativity and excellence in narrative audio,” said Arif Noorani, Director, CBC Podcasts. “By sharing resources and expanding audiences with BBC and ABC, we are building on the Short Cuts legacy of developing the next generation of audio makers.”
“Short Cuts is a brilliant showcase for inventive, intimate audio storytelling, and we’re thrilled to bring it back to global audiences through this collaboration with CBC and the BBC,” said Jess Radburn, ABC Head of Audio on Demand. “This renowned short-form series gives Australian creators the chance to be heard alongside leading emerging and established talent worldwide, and through the open pitch call we’re supporting the next wave of bold audio storytellers on a global stage.”
“I’m delighted that the BBC is partnering with CBC and ABC to bring Short Cuts back, not only to its existing loyal fanbase but also to new listeners around the world,” says Mohit Bakaya, Director of Speech and Controller of BBC Radio 4. “It’s a powerful example of how public broadcasters can join forces to champion distinctive audio, and a brilliant addition to the opportunities Radio 4 already offers to emerging producers to help them develop their craft."
Known for its adventurous spirit, the original Short Cuts series became a cornerstone of the global audio community, with each episode featuring a selection of short documentaries exploring a wide range of subjects through inventive and highly crafted audio. The series offered both established and emerging creators a rare space to experiment with form, sound and narrative. Short Cuts has received two Gold awards for Best Radio Podcast at the British Podcast Awards; the Gold Award, Best New Artists and Best Short at the Third Coast International Audio Festival; the Miller Audio Prize in Audio Documentary; as well as awards from Prix Marulić, Grand Prix Nova, and Hearsay Festival.
As part of the relaunch, Falling Tree Productions is hosting an open call for pitches from international audio producers. The call invites both emerging and established makers to submit ideas for short audio documentaries that embody the spirit of Short Cuts: inventive, personal, and sonically adventurous. More information can be found on their website, and pitches can be submitted from now until 11:59 p.m. BST on Wednesday, July 1.
Podcast ranker: Sky News makes a run for the top spot
Sky News Australia Update, a four-minute wrap of news stories released around three times a day, has proven to be a successful podcast format for News Corp, with the show leaping into the top three Australian podcasts for the first time.
The show drew 514,202 listeners in April, according to Triton’s Australian Podcast Ranker, with 868,511 downloads across 91 episodes.
It sits behind Hamish and Andy — which has again taken the top spot after slipping down the list during the show’s interactive summer months — and Mamamia Out Loud, which commanded the #1 position for the first three months of the year.
Behind the White Line – New The West Australian and LiSTNR collaboration investigates Australia’s war on cocaine
Launching Thursday 21 May on LiSTNR, Behind the White Line is a gripping six-part investigative documentary series that exposes the depth of Australia’s cocaine epidemic and the fractured law enforcement effort trying to stop it.
Produced by The West Australian the series explores how Australia has become the world’s biggest user of cocaine per capita. With the drug as accessible as food on a delivery app, the country is now the premier destination for international crime syndicates and Mexican cartels seeking record-breaking profits.
Hosted by multi-award-winning investigative journalist Richard Baker, and published on LiSTNR’s Secrets We Keep feed, the series takes listeners deep inside an audacious $1 billion sting operation. From the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) and West Australian state police dumping fake bricks of cocaine 70 kilometres off the Perth coast to the explosive turf wars between the AFP, the DEA and West Australian police, Baker reveals a system in conflict while cartels remain united.
Richard Baker said: “This collaboration with The West Australian has allowed us to look deep into a story that starts on the shores of WA but has massive national and international implications. We’re at a point where cocaine use is almost normalised in Australia, but there is a dark, complex trail that leads to those cubicles. While the cartels are working together with lethal efficiency, our own law enforcement agencies are locked in a fierce turf war. That friction gives the cartels a deadly advantage.”
Christopher Dore, The West Australian Editor in Chief said: “Behind the White Line is a powerful example of the kind of journalism The West Australian is committed to, deep, rigorous reporting that holds up to scrutiny and serves the public interest. This investigation plays to our strengths across multiple platforms, combining the authority of our newsroom with the reach and immediacy of audio to bring a complex national story to life.
Clair Weaver, LiSTNR Head of Factual said: “Behind the White Line is a masterclass in investigative storytelling and a testament to the strength of our partnership with The West Australian. Richard Baker has uncovered a narrative that is as thrilling as it is sobering, shedding light on the scale of the cartels’ reach into Australia. Fresh off the back of the hugely successful Dezi Freeman: The Hunt miniseries, the Secrets We Keep podcast feed is Australia’s home for quality investigative journalism, and true crime stories.”
Listeners can also dive keeper into the investigation with exclusive reports, analysis and extended coverage available on thewest.com.au.
TRIPLE WIN FOR NINE & TAPT PODCASTS AT NEW YORK FESTIVAL RADIO AWARDS
Two of Nine’s most powerful investigative podcasts from A Current Affair, 60 Minutes & TaptMedia (formerly 9Podcasts), have been recognised at the internationally renowned New York Festival Radio Awards overnight.
The Saints and Alva Beach: Death At The Door, were awarded Bronze and Silver statues respectively in the ‘narrative/documentary podcast’ category. Alva Beach: Death At The Door was also awarded Bronze in the ‘serialised podcast’ category.
Presented by 60 Minutes journalist Adam Hegarty, with producer Jess Lodge and sound design & editing by Matty White, Alva Beach: Death At The Door pulls back the curtain on the fatal events of a single night in the quiet North Queensland town Alva Beach.
Through exclusive interviews and extensive evidence, Hegarty delves into the stabbing deaths of two men: 37-year-old father of three Corey Christensen and 27-year-old Tom Davy, dissecting an inexcusable failure by first responders; troves of contradicting testimony; why lawyers stormed out of the inquest; and speaking with families feeling let down by what they consider a flawed investigation.
Adam Hegarty said: “This is a story that’s stuck with me for a very long time, so I could not be prouder of the work Jess, Matty and I have done, and am incredibly grateful for the recognition.
“My thoughts and admiration are also with the Davy and Christensen families. It takes serious courage to share your heartbreak, and your important grievances, when you know doing so will be met with criticism.
“I hope - at the very least - people finally feel heard.”
Presented by A Current Affair’s Pippa Bradshaw, with producer Jess Lodge and sound design & editing by Hannah Sterling, The Saints exposes one of Australia’s most shocking cases of religious extremism which resulted in the tragic death of eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs in Toowoomba, Queensland.
The podcast not only exposes the dark underbelly of cult psychology and religious extremism thriving in Australia’s regional towns but also raises urgent questions about potential failures in the justice and child protection systems.
Pippa Bradshaw said: “I’m deeply honoured to have The Saints and Elizabeth’s story recognised on a global stage, one that highlights the real dangers of extreme belief, and the importance of accountability.”
The Saints has also been recognised among the best in Australian podcasting, shortlisted for ‘best crime podcast’ at the upcoming 2026 Australian Audio Awards in Sydney.
With more than a million combined downloads, both of these projects showcase the power of podcasting in investigative journalism, placing two regional Queensland cases in the global spotlight & earning recognition among the best in the world.
ABC’s Unravel: What Became of Jack? steps into the disappearance of Jack McLennan in a gripping new season.
ABC’s award‑winning true crime podcast Unravel returns for a new gripping season exploring the mysterious disappearance of 27‑year‑old Queenslander Jack McLennan. The first two episodes of Unravel: What Became of Jack? are available now on ABC listen.
Jack McLennan had been drinking beers at a picnic spot three hours outside Brisbane when, his mate says, he looked away, and when he looked back, Jack was gone.
Strong and fit, and despite a recent breakup, Jack had seemed positive. Then he vanished, and strange clues began to emerge, hinting at his final movements.
“You could nearly say an alien took him away because he’s just vanished,” said his mother, Kellie.
In the weeks that followed, pieces of Jack’s life surfaced: his hat, his wallet, his shoes, found kilometres apart in places that didn’t make sense. His parents began to suspect foul play.
“It’s just nonsensical, where the stuff is. It’s been scattered,” said his father, Ross McLennan.
As online theories spread, ABC journalist Rob Burgin sets out to investigate, tracing the fragments of that night through small Queensland towns where everyone knows one another, and everyone has a different version of what happened.
Was a crime committed? In the absence of answers, tensions rise and whispers turn to accusations, threatening to derail the search for truth.
As new witnesses come forward, Burgin uncovers a deeper, darker story revealing secrets at the heart of Queensland’s South Burnett region.
ABOUT ROB BURGIN:
Rob Burgin came across this story while working as a producer and journalist for ABC Sunshine Coast.
Rob has previously worked as a reporter and digital producer for Fairfax, News Corp, Australian Associated Press and Bauer Media. He has also worked extensively in sports media and management around Rugby League for NRL teams and internationally in the Asia-Pacific region, Brazil and Argentina.
PRODUCTION CREDITS: Host and Reporter: Rob Burgin. Producer and Fact Checker: Jake Morcom. Supervising Producers: Alex Mann and Yasmin Parry. Theme Composition and Additional Music: Martin Peralta, Ashley Cadell and Emrys Cronin. Sound Design: Emrys Cronin. Executive Producers: Tim Roxburgh and Eric George. ABC Head of Audio on Demand: Jessica Radburn.
Grace Tame opens up about autism as host of new ABC podcast: Autistic AF
Trailer:
The ABC today announced Autistic AF with Grace Tame, a powerful new Ladies, We Need To Talk podcast series premiering Tuesday 2 June on ABC listen and ABC Australia’s YouTube Channel.
In this special podcast series, human rights campaigner Grace Tame speaks more openly than ever before about being autistic, years of misdiagnoses - including being misdiagnosed with anorexia - and her autism diagnosis at 19.
Combining personal stories with the latest research, Autistic AF with Grace Tame explores what life is like for autistic women and gender-diverse people - from late diagnosis, masking and overlooked strengths, to why autistic people often experience poorer health outcomes.
The four-part series opens with Yumi Stynes interviewing Grace, before Grace takes the lead for candid conversations with guests including Chloe Hayden (Heartbreak High), Bethany Woodman (The Assembly), and insights from experts including neuroscientist Dr Gina Rippon.
Grace Tame says, “Like too many fellow autistic women and gender diverse people, I’ve spent most of my life trying to fit into an often-unwelcoming world that I don’t fully understand.That is why I am thrilled to be working on this miniseries about women and girls’ unique experiences of autism, which until recently didn’t even feature in research, let alone the public discourse. I hope it opens hearts and minds, breaks down barriers, answers questions, provokes curiosity, and resonates with autistic and neurotypical listeners alike.”
Autistic AF with Grace Tame is a collaboration between ABC Audio Studios podcast Ladies, We Need To Talk and the Radio National Science Unit.
Autistic AF with Grace Tame is available on ABC listen and wherever you get your podcasts, with the first episode video podcast available on ABC Australia’s YouTube Channel.
Production credit: Commissioned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Hosted by Grace Tame. Created and produced by Emma Morris. Mixed by Ann-Marie DeBettencor. ABC Executive Producers: Tamar Cranswick, Alex Lollback and Eric George. ABC Head of Audio On Demand Jessica Radburn.
Subscribers can watch and listen to The Flood through first access on The Australian app and website, and via Apple Podcasts, where listeners can link to their subscription.
After a two-week subscriber-first window, episodes will be available across platforms including YouTube and Spotify.
UPDATE 5/6:
The Age/SMH’s Calum Jaspan reported that following the release of the first episode of Autistic AF podcast on Tuesday, the ABC decided to release the remaining three episodes on Wednesday, seemingly to avoid the surrounding media circus, including Charlie Pickering calling the podcast “problematic” during a live-stream hosted by Avi Yemini.
ABC Sport Daily has been axed. Announced on the podcast feed:
After four years, one thousand episodes and countless breaking scandals, ABC Sport Daily is saying goodbye. Host Patrick Stack explains why we’re calling time on the show and how we’re going out with a bang with a massive World Cup special.
To catch up on everything that’s making sports headlines recently, listen to more episodes of ABC Sport Daily,’ hosted by Patrick Stack on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport. In the episodes we will cover big sporting personalities and all sports, including cricket, soccer, F1, NBA, AFL, AFLW to NRLW & NRL news, to covering competitions like the Olympics, the World Cup, The Ashes, Grand Prix and Grand Finals and more.
They will be doing World Cup Specials and then finish up.
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Mamamia Out Loud topples Hamish and Andy in podcast ranker
Mamamia Out Loud has reclaimed the top spot in the Triton podcast ranker for May, marking the fourth month in 2026 the show has sat in pole position.
