Life Matters - Full program podcast

Helping you figure out all the big stuff in life: relationships, health, money, work and the world.

Helping you figure out all the big stuff in life: relationships, health, money, work and the world.

Whether you're an introvert or extrovert, everyone can find benefits in solitude, and aloneness doesn't have to equal loneliness. How can you enjoy your own company and build habits around quality solo time? And are we too quick to cull our friends in the name of self care? We look at how to maintain healthy friendships.

What are the elements of a so-called 'good life' and what helps you live one? And is it possible to salvage a relationship with your friend when they decide to break up with you?

There is a growing movement in the world of finance and advocacy, arguing that making money and doing good don't have to be mutually exclusive. What makes an investment ethical?  How do you ensure the companies you're investing in actually do what they say? And how much might you need to participate in this growing marketplace? And how can you start building a strength routine for physical and psychological healing? And how do you make sure you don’t go too hard and injure yourself further in the process?

The percentage of drivers passing their probationary license test after 30 is increasing in Australia. But whether it’s finding an understanding teacher, starting on quieter roads, or seeking the help of a psychologist, people eventually find ways to get their licence. What holds some people back and what helps to push them to master the art of driving? And how do you rebuild your life and your sense of self, when your memories become unreliable or inaccessible?

Research into women's pain shows that it tends to be more common and sometimes more intense, but when women report it, they can often be dismissed, misdiagnosed, or receive different treatment to men experiencing pain. And Backtrack is an organisation that aims to help at-risk youth turn their lives around - as the program itself turns 18, how has it changed the lives of people who have passed through it?

The best model for the good life might not be the CEO but the tiny person playing with blocks and screaming for another episode of Bluey. What can we learn from a toddler's unencumbered approach to life? And more tiny, independent libraries are popping up, each with unique collections. The people starting these libraries say it's a great way of building community.

What are the consequences of one-sided love, and how can we move on from it?  And in Ask Aunty, can you have a constructive conversation with your adult daughter about the clothes she's choosing to wear?

How can we use rituals, memorials, and other grief practices to give ourselves room to heal, when we lose a pet? And it can feel like the number of conspiracy theories and conspiracy theorists is rising astronomically, but new research suggests it's not that clear cut.

Has online gambling become too central to sports in Australia? Or is a bit of a flutter just a fun part of the game? And, when Qin Qin realised that the path she was on wasn't actually bringing her a lot of joy, she decided to go off-script.

The formula that helps calculate how much child support parents are paid is being reviewed, over concerns that it no longer reflects the true costs of raising a child.  And a cadetship program that has been working with people who have lived in social housing to help them gain qualifications and long-term employment.

It can feel sometimes like you're on a treadmill, getting through the routine of regular tasks. But what if you could bring more meaning into your daily life? Plus how to be a good step parent, and make a successful blended family.

Mothers can be the centre of your world when you're a child, but that relationship has twists and turns over the life span. Author Susan Johnson talks about her mother and we hear your stories as well. Plus how to handle an awkward comment from your child about your friendship with another parent.

It's now clear that during menopause, women's brains undergo significant changes. But world-renowned neuroscientist Dr Lisa Mosconi says that with the right treatment and support, women can emerge from this period with renewed and enhanced brains rather than depleted ones. And is the gym the right place for teenagers or pre-teens to be working out? How old should kids be before they lift weights? And what does a safe, age-appropriate and fun kid's strength work-out look like?

Two federal ombudsmen have released a critical report on the manner in which the Australian Tax Office has pursued old debts that had previously been 'written off'. Why, in some cases, are these debts reappearing after more than a decade? And what does the evidence say about the impact of the vagus nerve on stress levels.

Co-operative housing makes up around 22 percent of housing in Sweden, but it constitutes less than one percent of housing in Australia. Could it become a bigger part of the housing solution here? And when Matty Hannon set out on a solo trip from the top of Alaska to the bottom of Patagonia, he was expecting an adventure. What he found was love, and a new way of looking at the world.

Why do we keep falling for fads again and again, and what can we expect from the future of trends? And while church attendance has declined over the decades, parishioners are still gathering. So, how have churches themselves transformed?

Exploring strategies to help you overcome shame or embarrassment.  And how do you handle the pressure when you're at the salon and your hairdresser suggests extra products and treatments while you're in the chair?

What does protein actually do and how do you know if you’re getting the right amount? And wildlife scientist Vanessa Pirotta shares her passion for whales and explores what it is about the adventures of these massive creatures that resonates with us so deeply.

Even before new policies to support electric vehicles are implemented, there has been a shift in consumer purchasing, with EV sales doubling in 2023. What factors have the most influence over consumers decisions around low-emissions vehicles? And is the recent run of incidents on Boeing planes just a random run of bad luck? Or something to factor in as you plan your next trip?

People in aged care face some of the highest risks of depression in our community. But new Australian research shows there may be simple solutions with enormous potential to help, if they're properly implemented. And Every Week Counts, has been working to reduce early births and pre-term births before week 37. The people behind the campaign believe it is working, but significant challenges remain, particularly for some First Nations mothers and babies.

New data from Our Watch reveals that more than two in five women, and just over a quarter of men, experienced sexual harassment at work in the past five years. Australian law says it's on workplaces to prevent sexual harassment, so how can that actually be done?  And the demand for cash is declining. Yet some are concerned about the charges we pay at the point of sale, especially during a cost-of-living crisis. Is there a future for cash?

A big part of being a parent is supporting our children to make friends. So, what happens when our values are very different to those of the families of their new friends? How can you best manage those clashes? Also, what would you do if you went on a road trip with an old friend and it all went wrong?

More and more research is showing that building muscle helps us live longer and better lives. So how can you start getting stronger at any age? Also, fifty years since Peter Singer published Animal Liberation, what does he think we can all do to keep building a more sustainable world?

Finding out you have cancer can be terrifying, and going through treatment can be arduous. But the experience of cancer can also bring about illuminating discoveries on the nature of life and our place in it. That's what author and GP Peter Goldsworthy AM found, and he tells his story in his memoir The Cancer Finishing School: Lessons in Laughter, Love and Resilience. We hear from him and Life Matters listeners about the lessons learned from cancer. Plus, Irish comedian Ed Byrne shares how creating his latest show Tragedy Plus Time helped him process the death of his younger brother.

If you've read the fineprint of your hotel terms and conditions or travel insurance, you might find that people over a certain age have very expensive premiums or are not welcome at all.  We explore how common ageism in travel really is and look at how to embrace inclusive tourism. Plus, how a lack of regulation in private tutoring is causing education inequity, and a history of social work in Australia.

Meet someone who has made the switch away from a smart phone to a device with no internet. No maps, no email, no google and no facetime. Just how practical is it, and do the benefits outweigh the cons? Plus how being a fan can enrich your life.

Your stories about times when sex has been disappointing, and how you turned that around. We get tips for those who want a more satisfying sex life from expert sexologist Tanya Koens. And in Ask Aunty, the job interview full of awkward pauses.

Journalist Marina Kamenev learned how unsustainable the nuclear family model was, both practically and economically, and began looking for alternatives. Plus the joy of watching dogs muster sheep, and how to engage with wildlife in your area.

The recent Australian Universities Accord report says if we don't increase higher education participation, it will "do lasting damage to Australia's prospects of national economic success" and lock out certain groups from higher-paid jobs. But is radically increasing the number of people going to TAFE or university the answer? Will that fix social and economic inequities, as well as skilling up our future workforce? We explore and hear your thoughts. Plus, playing sport is great for kids, when they get to participate that is. Spending too much time on the bench can be discouraging, so how can we manage the tension between playing and winning?

Every day, we interact with dozens of algorithms as we go about our lives, but many of us don't understand how they work. How do we get the the best out of these tools while keeping the potential dangers in check? And, by 2050, we're going to need twice the level of palliative care in the home as we do now. What can we do to start building the workforce we'll need to make sure our future selves are cared for?

We explore the cultural devaluation of ‘home’ work, and how rethinking our relationship with domestic can improve our lives. And getting something for nothing seems like a great deal, but earning points, particular when credit cards are involved, can expose us to financial traps. We look at what airline points really get you.

Two years after the breakdown of her 20-year marriage, Hilary Harper feels like she might be ready to date again. But the dating scene has changed a lot since she was last single in the early 2000s.  Having never made contact with the world of dating apps and profiles, she feels overwhelmed wading into things again. How do you pick up the pieces and work out when you're emotionally ready to resume the quest for love? How do you figure out what you want? In our 40s and beyond, our priorities around relationships shift. Hilary sets the scene, letting us know what she's weathered and how her heart got to a place where she might be able to put herself out there again. Credits Hilary Harper, Presenter Nat Tencic, Series Producer Matthew Crawford, Mixing and mastering Hayley Crane, Executive Producer Maria Tickle, Editor - Factual, ABC RN

If you missed the rise of dating apps because you were in a long marriage or relationship, it’s very fair to find them a bit intimidating.   The way we meet potential lovers has changed drastically over the past decade, moving from pubs and parties to the online space. Hilary navigates these shifts and gets across these new tools, learning how to craft the perfect profile and grappling with the flat way we have to represent ourselves to catch a mate today. Credits Hilary Harper, Presenter Nat Tencic, Series Producer Matthew Crawford, Mixing and mastering Hayley Crane, Executive Producer Maria Tickle, Editor - Factual, ABC RN

Hilary goes on her first first-date and finds the goods are not quite what was advertised. Plus, an oversharing bookseller and the flaky 'poetry guy' test her fragile heart. How do you deal with people who lie, overshare, or don't respect your feelings? Hilary confronts the reality that the people she meets on the apps might challenge her trust while looking inward at how her baggage affects her interactions. Older daters are covered in scars. Some heartbreaks and hang-ups significantly influence how we connect with others. So, how do we protect ourselves while trying to be vulnerable with strangers? Credits Hilary Harper, Presenter Nat Tencic, Series Producer Matthew Crawford, Mixing and mastering Hayley Crane, Executive Producer Maria Tickle, Editor - Factual, ABC RN

Hilary has found someone, and sparks are flying. She's starting to feel the flutter of sexual attraction, but she's worried about breaking her long dry spell. She takes a hard look in the mirror and considers her relationship with her body and sexuality. With the help of sex therapist Tanya Koens, she learns how to overcome the trauma of her past and embrace pleasure again with someone new. Credits Hilary Harper, Presenter Nat Tencic, Series Producer Matthew Crawford, Mixing and mastering Hayley Crane, Executive Producer Maria Tickle, Editor - Factual, ABC RN

Things are going well with Gene. It's the happily ever after Hilary hadn't considered would come so soon, if at all. He ticks all the boxes and everything feels miraculously right. Is it too soon to use the 'R' word? Or the 'L' word? At this stage of life, Hil wonders what she's looking for in the long term and where this dating quest is supposed to lead her.   Credits Hilary Harper, Presenter Nat Tencic, Series Producer Matthew Crawford, Mixing and mastering Hayley Crane, Executive Producer Maria Tickle, Editor - Factual, ABC RN

Whether you're a saver or a spender, have you ever wondered what drives your behaviour around money? And what do you do when your best friend and her sister, who is also a friend, are feuding on the netball court and you're caught in the middle?

Ten per cent of Australians have cut it out, but doctors say they may not need to do so. Meanwhile, 80 per cent of those with coeliac disease don’t know they have it. So, whether you have a gluten sensitivity or are coeliac, how do you get the diagnosis and treatment you need? Plus when Maura Pierlot began reading ethical texts, she found a moral compass that guided her throughout her life. And she believes you’re never too young to learn the art.

Unions and other bodies are calling for specific types of leave for things like menstruation and menopause, but do we need additional solutions to create truly equitable workplaces? And as Dungeons & Dragons turns 50, how has the game changed over the years and why is it still capturing the imagination of so many people?

A recent report by the former ACCC chair Alan Fels claims that rising prices have been caused, not just by inflation, but also by companies with too much market power using that position to increase their profits. What's led to this concentration of corporate power? And what does it mean for consumers, workers, and suppliers? And prison visits from relatives have been shown to have a positive effect on the prisoner, both in jail and upon release. What can be changed to make the visiting process less fraught?

While casual socialising, without a particular productive purpose, is supposedly on the decline, loneliness is on the rise. What are the causes of our diminishing 'social fitness' and how do we reclaim the lost art of the hang out. And why do some fruits become part of a country's food culture, while others fall by the wayside?

With the relatively recent rise of dating apps, the world of romance can feel quite foreign to anyone looking for love after the end of a long relationship. Hilary Harper answers questions about what she learnt while documenting and sharing her own foray into the world of online dating after 50 in the audio series — Dated.  And in Ask Aunty, should a brother be expected to host his nephew during an international trip?

Dassi Erlich shares how she found the courage to speak out, even as her community did everything it could to silence her, and how she and her two sisters built a formidable community coalition to see justice served. And Dr Kate Luckins found that there is a way to "do green" that doesn’t just help the planet, but also brings mental relief, joy and cost savings.

The same tools that have given us the flexibility to work from anywhere at any time, also mean that we can feel like we're expected to work from anywhere at any time. What will the right to disconnect, recently introduced by the federal government, mean for the way we work? And in the final episode of Dated, we meet Gene and consider what happily ever after looks like when we're dating in older age.

Asbestos-contaminated mulch has been discovered at dozens of sites across Sydney and NSW. How much of a risk is this contamination? And how could it have happened in the first place? And in part four of Dated, Hilary takes a hard look in the mirror and considers her relationship with her body and sexuality.

When Annabel Abbs-Streets found herself in the midst of chronic insomnia, she began to explore the mystery of the 'night brain' and found a wondrous world of people she now calls her 'night spinners'. And in part 3 of Dated, Hilary goes on her first first-date and finds the goods are not quite what was advertised.

Whether it's living an unhealthy lifestyle, an unsatisfying job, or some other aspect of your life, being in a rut can be a difficult experience. Dr Amantha Imber provides some helpful tips on getting yourself back on track. Plus on Ask Aunty with Reuben Kaye and Nelly Thomas: what to do when the man screaming at your colleagues on bin night happens to be your relative.

By 2050, superbugs are predicted to become the second biggest cause of human death, after heart disease. Could a new treatment, developed by Australian researchers, provide a cure? Plus part 2 of Dated sees Hilary navigating a changed dating scene, which has moved from pubs and parties to the online space.

Many older people are coming out of long relationships, and having to learn about dating apps. Hilary Harper is one of them! How do you pick up the pieces and work out when you're emotionally ready to resume the quest for love? How do you figure out what you want? In our 40s and beyond, our priorities around relationships shift. In the first instalment of our five-part series, Dated: Love Online After 50, Hilary sets the scene, letting us know what she's weathered and how her heart got to a place where she might be able to put herself out there again. Plus, many argue for the benefits of single-sex schools, but what does the evidence show?

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has just introduced new regulations to protect customers experiencing financial hardship, but many consumer groups argue the protections governing phone and internet consumers need to be beefed up beyond the changes being proposed by the industry. And, as Taylor Swift begins her Australian tour, how has fan culture changed since The Beatles visited our shores 6 decades ago?

Cultural historian Witold Rybczynksi says deciding how to use our free time has been complicated since the start of human history. So what can we learn from our ancestors' approach to time off? And a growing movement that invites you to consider how you want to transition to old age, and how you want to spend the last years of your life.

When a big chapter in your life ends, it can be hard to accept. But it can also mean that a new beginning is just around the corner. So why not mark the end of this time with a ritual celebration? Plus Ask Aunty looks at how to deal with a boarded who isn't paying board.

New school funding from the Federal Government may be a step towards closing the widening inequity gap in our public schools. But experts say, for that to happen, we need buy-in from the states, and the money needs to be spent correctly.  An Dr Rob Brander looks at how to stay safe while enjoying a day at the beach.

Helping you figure out all the big stuff in life: relationships, health, money, work and the world.

What would change if care policy took a whole-of-life approach? One that acknowledges that our personal lives are part of our reality, even at work. And that we  may be caring for different people, at different stages, of life at the same time. And answers to the strange things we experience every day, like why can't I get that song out of my head and why do I see faces in everyday objects?

Extreme ice bathing, cuddle therapy, and ecstatic dance are just some of the wellness fads we now see everywhere on social media. Is it possible to try them out without getting burnt? And Junda Khoo shares his journey from a teenager living on instant noodles to the head chef at a celebrated restaurant.

Helping you figure out all the big stuff in life: relationships, health, money, work and the world.

How do we incorporate fun into our everyday lives?

A recent report by the ACCC has found that there are serious problems with access to child care and early education in Australia. What is the cost to families when childcare is inaccessible?  And a celebration of the relationships that make up our lives: from the childhood best friend to the casual chats that make the week a little brighter.

Practical steps that will help if your child becomes unable or unwilling to attend school. And what do we know about the melatonin gummies that are becoming popular for children with sleep problems?

Many regular meditators say their practice is their ‘anchor in the storm’, and research supports their experience. But how do you get started? And we all hope love lasts forever, but sadly, that's not always the case. Scientists are discovering more about love and how it influences our bodies and brains.

How tight is the hold of past experiences and relationships on our lives today? Best selling author Sloane Crosley shares her thoughts. Also, you want to change your surname but are worried it will upset others. What should you do?

An insight into what organ donation means for grieving families, and the barriers to donation. Could a search for meaning, rather than happiness, lead us to a more joyous life? And two young birders set off on an adventure across Australia.

Australia's approach towards drugs is back on the agenda after a number of overdoses at recent festivals. Is pill testing part of the solution? Or is it better to just say no? And how can we be more supportive of children and adults who have a stutter?

Will a $10 billion investment in social housing be money well spent? Or is it too little, too late to make a difference? Plus how to find out if your employer has been paying your superannuation and what to do if the payments are missing.

How did a change in diet completely transform Dr Will Bulsiewicz's lifestyle and health? And personal trainer Jono Castano on getting back into exercise. He says that the hardest exercise is getting through the door of your gym, but once your mentality is in the right place, momentum does the rest.

Helping you figure out all the big stuff in life: relationships, health, money, work and the world.

It's been called the most feared condition of our time,  but many of us are unsure about the early signs, despite having more information than ever now on our potential risk factors. Plus a time travelling John Farnham musical, and the wonders of seaweed.

A look into our inner world and the feelings that drive us. Does your personality change as you get older? Plus behavioural scientist Pragya Agarwal on reaching emotional utopia, and ex AFL player Dylan Buckley transforms his anxiety through having honest conversations with others.

Some tips on how to endure and possibly even transform things about your self and your life that are difficult. Like rewiring your brain to heal chronic pain. Plus how the philosophy of stoicism might help us get through the working week, and what we know works for those living with tinnitus.

Author Jenny Odell on how to look for purpose outside the world of work, deadlines and to-do-lists, and change the way you think about time altogether. Plus journalist Jane Hutcheon on how she's reinvented herself and is enjoying a fulfilling older life.

Helping you figure out all the big stuff in life: relationships, health, money, work and the world.

There's lots of ways to protect the environment around us, marine parks are one. But if fishing is one of the ways you enjoy our coastal waters, these big protective measures can be less welcome. Plus, how one family restored a rainforest, and what honey can tell us about the environment.

Inflammation can be a force for good in our bodies, as well as a cause of illness, as it tries to regenerate us after injuries. Plus, learn about the ways in which stretching, which we usually think about as a way to prevent injuries, actually works for us mentally too. And can having a sound bath make you feel better?

Some in the field of longevity research are now saying we could live to 150, or beyond. We look at how much ageing-related decline is under our control. And we hear from a centenarian about the key to his very long life.

Older people share what it's like getting to 70, 80, 90 and the certain perspective that comes from weathering decades of life's storms. One developed the ability to deadlift more than their own bodyweight, and another two started making books together. Plus a nonagenarian on what it means to her to 'age well' and live a fulfilling life.

When it comes to clutter -- are you a keeper or a chucker? What's your approach to sorting through the stuff of life? Do you need some help? Plus in the Too Hard Basket, the late apology from the estranged relative.

Writing your own life story is one way to to approach understanding yourself and your past in a way that's helpful. We'll explore that and how to handle the feelings it might bring up for you. Plus former athlete now doctor, Jana Pittman on how she learned to accept that who she is, is enough.

As we discover more about the importance of keeping our brains functioning well into later life, we'll hear the latest on what we should and shouldn't eat, to keep our brains healthy. Plus, what does writing by hand, and listening to live music, do for our brains?

Chat GPT technology is super-charging relationship chatbots, so what are the implications of this for our relationships with other humans? Plus,  how one author's coming out as polyamorous led to an examination about attitudes held in wider society, towards love and sex. And we learn about the many and varied ways that autistic people experience love.

Rachael Coopes explains why she left behind her stable life and her soul mate to study for a year with the French master clown Philippe Gaulier. And a couple move their entire young family to France, and get more than they bargained for.

Have you heard of ethical non-monogamy? It's when people in a relationship have more than one partner at a time, but everybody involved is aware and enthusiastically consenting. What are the challenges and how are people making it work? Plus in the Too Hard Basket, what do you do when your friend's partner super-likes you on Tinder?

What are the things that you practice in your life, to help you feel good? We're  delving deeper into more ways to help you feel good, spending time in nature is one of them. Learning how to breathe properly is another, and a happiness expert helps us understand what fun actually is.

What are the things that you practice in your life, to help you feel good? It might be cooking, or sewing, or playing a game with friends. With a focus on ways to improve your wellbeing, how important are hobbies, to having a full and healthy life? Plus, how laughing, and singing, might help too.

Yes, you're listening, but are you really listening? Deep listening is the act of listening for pleasure, with purpose.  Learn how to listen mindfully and how it can open up your life.

Legendary songwriter Paul Kelly sets out to share his love of poetry with a new generation. Plus, Frances Peters Little reflects on the life and songbook of her father, the late Jimmy Little.

For some of us, our families of origin might show up the way we need them to. But, if that's not the case, we may have found a group of friends we feel more 'at home' with than anyone else. How do we go about finding these 'chosen families', and how do we continue to nourish them as we age? Also, how to handle the triggering annual Christmas Newsletter you receive from a relative.

An exploration of how a desire to have children impacts our lives. We examine stories from fiction with authors Rachel Yoder and Esther Freud, and take a look at the experiences of women who choose to take on mothering 'solo'.

A powerful and personal story of the Stolen Generations, an exploration of how Yolngu law and the Westminster system could work together instead of in opposition, and how are Indigenous superheroes, old and new, changing comic books?

Learn how a north-east Arnhem Land aged care centre is creating a "little heaven" for its residents, find out why women have embraced fishing in Darwin, and hear the Untold conversations Indigenous creatives say we need to be having.

Most of the fish you buy in restaurants could be imported and you'd never know. But that might be about to change. So will knowing where your fish comes from change your dining habits? Plus, we look at when to change schools if your child is having difficulties, and when it might be better to stick it out.

It's time to think about the highs and lows of the year for you personally, and take part in our annual 'ritual cleanse'. Plus in the Too Hard Basket, the mum who won't let go of control of the traditional Christmas lunch.

Friends, volunteering, work? Researchers have scoured the Harvard Study of Adult Development to come up with the keys to a good and happy life, and are willing to share them with you. Plus, how to tame your inner toddler, and be less reactive at this stressful time of year.

Christmas and the summer holidays are a time to be with the people we love, but for those who aren't close to family, or lacking strong support networks, the loneliness can be difficult to bear. We look at how to cope and build social bonds that last all year around. Plus, meet young female goldminer Tyler Mahoney.

The use of semaglutide drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss are already having ripple effects in the food system, as US industry figures report slumps in processed food and alcohol sales. Could these drugs be the key to finally altering the obesity-prone food environment? Plus, a rural telefit service that aims to get seniors in Katherine moving.

It's another year where Christmas might not look like what the young people in your life are used to, as cost of living pressures have us cutting back on the trappings and tinsel. We look at how to broach this with children, and use the moment to teach kids important lessons about budgeting and materialism

Why do some people seem to have confidence and others don't? We look at how to find that self-belief that can carry you through the world, and why confidence does not always equal high self-esteem. Plus, we navigate an awkward dilemma around babysitting children in a very unclean house, with comedians Kyran Nicholson and Jennifer Wong.