If You're Listening
| Company type | Podcast and video series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Broadcasting, Media |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Founder | Matt Bevan |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
Key people | Matt Bevan, Will Ockenden, Yasmin Parry, Ruby Jones, Sam Dunn |
| Products | Podcasts, Video presentations |
If You're Listening is a collection of podcasts and video presentations created and hosted by Matt Bevan, broadcast on Australian ABC radio and television. These video specials are also accessible on multiple video-sharing platforms.
History
Matt Bevan launched occasional specials under the title "Russia — If You're Listening" in 2019, each episode concentrating on contemporary issues. The production team included Will Ockenden, Yasmin Parry, and Ruby Jones.
- The first series (17 episodes, 14 May 2018 – 10 Sep 2018) explored subjects ranging from Donald Trump's 2013 ties to Russia to his disputes with Robert Mueller. This series was produced by Ockenden and Parry, with Tanya Nolan as managing editor.
- The second series (8 episodes, 25 Mar 2019 – 23 May 2019) analyzed Bill Barr's summary of Mueller's investigation, concluding with discussions involving personalities such as George Papadopoulos and Australia's involvement in Russian intelligence related to Hillary Clinton. Ockenden and Jones handled production.
- The third series (9 episodes, 23 May 2019 – 16 Dec 2019) concentrated on incidents including the Salisbury assassination attempt and the cyberattack on the Democratic National Committee. Production duties were managed by Ockenden and Jones.
- The fourth season (9 episodes, titled "America — If You're Listening," 7 Sep 2020 – 2 Nov 2020) compared governmental reactions to hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, concluding with coverage of the US COVID-19 response and Donald Trump's conflicts with Dr Anthony Fauci. Ockenden and Parry produced this season.
- The fifth season (3 episodes, "China — If You're Listening," 1 Jun 2021 – 11 Jun 2021) traced Xi Jinping’s ascent to power and examined Chinese responses to Australian criticisms, including an evaluation of Prime Minister Bob Hawke’s speech regarding the Tiananmen crackdown.
- The sixth season (8 episodes, "Australia — If You're Listening," 23 Feb 2022 – 12 Apr 2022) focused on Australia's approach to climate change. It highlighted that the greenhouse effect was first identified in Australia in 1912 and later studied by the CSIRO in 1971; climate policy has played a role in six federal elections. Production was led by Ockenden and Sam Dunn.
- The seventh season (6 episodes, "Russia — If You're Listening," 9 Nov 2022 – 14 Dec 2022) delved into Vladimir Putin's impact, the COVID-19 pandemic, the conflict in Ukraine, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This season was produced by Ockenden and Parry.
After the seventh season concluded, additional specials were released, including one focusing on Kamala Harris broadcast on 1 Aug 2024.
Visual media
In response to audience interest during mid-2023, ABC introduced video adaptations of the podcasts featuring Bevan in a simple studio environment. The format evolved into standalone essays that blend his narration with supporting visuals such as archival footage, graphics, and historical photographs, creating a unique visual experience.
Crew
Matthew Bevan, originally from Newcastle, New South Wales, began his career at ABC radio in 2008 as both producer and journalist. He served six years as the breakfast newsreader for Radio National alongside Fran Kelly. Bevan was a speaker at the 2024 Newcastle Writers' Festival and disclosed in a March 2025 episode that he is a father of four children, including twins.
Yasmin Parry fulfilled the role of editor from the inception of the series until July 2024. Jess O'Callaghan, an experienced audio producer at ABC who has contributed to various Background Briefing programs and supported hosts Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas, produced the acclaimed 2018 program "Carers who kill," which received recognition from the UNAA.