Life Matters - Full program podcast

Whether it's climate change, nuclear war, or AI doomsday, conversations about the end of the world are becoming fairly commonplace. So how are we preparing for a seemingly endless list of existential threats? AI expert Toby Walsh and sociologist Jordan McKenzie discuss how we're collectively feeling about the end of days. It's all fun and games at the younger levels of junior sport, but as players move through the age groups, the element of competition becomes more serious. Researcher Sam Elliott and Olympic medallist Libby Trickett explore how to strike the balance between encouraging healthy competition and making room for fun in kids' sport.  The story of the Gallipoli campaign is a key part of our national identity. ANZAC history has been commemorated in myriad ways over the decades, but a new video game is raising eyebrows. Sociologist Dan Woodman weighs in on the role conflict plays in our national myths.

Among readers, there are two main camps: the completionists, and those who DNF (do not finish). Giving up on a bad book is one thing, but it can be much harder to walk away from a goal that's taken years of effort. Endurance runner Jane Davies joins researcher Hugh Riddell to explore the power of shifting or simply walking away from a goal.  Olfactory historian William Tullett has dedicated his career to understanding how an oft-overlooked sense has shaped not only our day-to-day lives, but human history. He argues we could learn a lot from stopping not just to smell the roses, but even the grislier scents too.  Poetry has always been a pure, earnest and powerful way for humans to express themselves. A recent UK study revealed that 24 per cent of people aged eight to 18 read poetry at least once a month. In the digital age, what's behind this surge of young people turning to this timeless form of expression?

The NSW government will be implementing screen time caps in public school classrooms from 2028, in a bid to give students a much-needed "digital detox". Education researchers Therese Keane and Deborah Pino Pasternak join low-tech school principal Kenneth Crowther to discuss the balance of screens and old fashioned pen-and-paper learning.  Research suggests women are more likely than men to experience roadblocks getting timely treatment for heart attacks. Peak heart health bodies from around the world have endorsed a new definition of heart attack that could help tackle this problem. The Heart Foundation's Natalie Raffoul and Mandy Hall join cardiologist Sarah Zaman to explore the potential solutions.  Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, AKA Raygun, is attempting a public pivot after her widely panned performance at the Tokyo Olympics in 2024. Consumer behaviour expert Paul Harrison weighs in on what it takes to pull off the celebrity rebrand.

Whether it's the mother's day cake stall, election day sausage sizzle or end-of-term trivia night, you've probably chipped in to a local school fundraiser at some stage. But many P&Cs are being forced to scale up their efforts to cover what many consider to be essential resources and infrastructure. So why are gaps in public education funding being filled by the community? When Graeme Base set out to create his second children's picture book, an English language illustrated alphabet didn't sound like a winning idea. But Animalia went on to sell more than 5 million copies, and is now celebrating its 40th anniversary. The beloved author-illustrator reflects on the books that built him. What do you say when you answer the phone? The humble "hello" may be on its way out, with younger generations ditching the standard greeting. Linguist Daniel Midgley explores the history of hello and why language evolves over time.

If you've gone to see a counsellor or psychologist, you might be wrestling with tough questions about your relationships, career and life choices. But we don't often make space for existential questions about the meaning of life. Father-daughter psychologist duo Ross Menzies and Rachel Menzies argue that the big, unanswerable questions are worth talking about.  When you’ve been training for a half marathon for months, but your best friend all of a sudden wants to run the race together, who wins when friendship complicates the competition? Aunties Alex Barwick and Annie Louey weigh in on this week's listener dilemma.

Many kids dream of becoming an explorer when they grow up, but Antarctic adventurer Tim Jarvis is one of the rare few that turned that into reality. He reflects on a life spent exploring the most remote corners of the world, and advocating for the protection of the environment. Australians could soon be granted the right to ask large companies to destroy their personal information from online platforms. Niels Wouters has spent the last 18 months trying to get his son's information removed from a childcare app, with little success. He joins Digital Rights Watch chair Lizzie O'Shea to explore just how realistic the "right to be forgotten" could be in practice. If you're looking for inspiration on what to vote for in Radio National's Top 100 Australian Books countdown, the kids' shelf is a good place to start. Bestselling author Liane Moriarty shares the story of a sickly dragon that has stayed with her since the first time she read it. Ethics has been part of our national curriculum for over a decade, but researchers say a more structured approach could make a real difference to students in the long-term. Our philosopher-in-residence Patrick Stokes weighs in.

Everywhere you look, there are messages about how to optimise your life — whether it's your looks, your health, your morning routine, even your personality. But what happens when all that maxxing leaves you feeling maxxed out? Jack Waters shares what he learned from heading down a "relentless path of self-optimisation", while social scientist Jose Yong explains how it can lead to a life of monotony. Europe has endured one of the worst fire seasons in modern history, burning through more than 600,000 hectares over summer. With a Super El Nino predicted to sweep across Australia, it could be a tough season here as well. Community resilience advocate Jean Renouf and professor of pyrogeography David Bowman explain how working together with the people in your neighbourhood can be the key to survival.  A recent study from RMIT University found 72 per cent of women were wearing shoe sizes that didn't match the actual length of their feet. Researcher Carol Tan and shoemaker Darren Bischoff explain what makes it so hard to find the right fit.

There's been strong growth in the number of supermarket-owned products on our shelves. In the last financial year, Coles' private label sales grew by more than 6 per cent, while Woolworths increased by 5.5 per cent. Consumer behaviour expert Gary Mortimer and Gippsland Jersey cofounder Sallie Jones explain what it means for the prices you pay at the checkout. In years gone by, psychedelics like MDMA and psylocibin were seen as experimental party drugs. But that narrative has shifted. Investigative journalist Rich Haridy has been watching this previously taboo field come out of the shadows and into mainstream culture in recent years. His new book explores the line between hype and hope.  We're three quarters of the way through 2026, and you might need a spring clean for those new year’s resolutions languishing on your to-do list. The end of the year still seems so far away, and you can't really start taking the foot off the gas just yet. So when you hit the September slump, how do you get yourself out of it?

Vinted has landed in Australia — the latest in an explosion of online platforms dedicated to reselling pre-loved clothing. At the same time, the original op shopping experience is changing, with US giant Savers expanding in Australia. Avid secondhand shopper Hannah Klose joins sustainability advocate Ainsley Simpson and Red Cross retail boss Richard Wood to explore what this all means for the future of op shops. Usually, if you're going out to watch a band, a comedy gig, or theatre production, the thing getting you out the door is be the act itself. But a recent study shows that the identity of a venue itself can be a strong driver. Researcher Lenny Vance and  DarkLab's Kimberley Galceran explore why those special venues can make all the difference. Data from the UK shows the number of people who dabble in open water swimming has doubled since 2016, largely driven by women. Sue Thornton from the New Granny Grommets and researcher Rebecca Olive discuss the joys of swimming, surfing, and paddling in the great outdoors.

Australian author Alice Pung penned her seminal memoir Unpolished Gem two decades ago, which she started writing age 19. Even as a teenager Alice had lived a full life, and the story of how her parents, grandmother and aunt travelled by foot through three countries to seek resettlement as refugees in Melbourne, has become a modern Australian classic. Such is the power of memoir, and in this episode we unpack the memoirs that have helped people better understand themselves and the world around them through another person’s story. Vote now in the Radio National Top 100 Australian books countdown here.  If your mum raised you in the thick of diet culture, you’ve probably had some body image lessons to unpick from that era. And when you have to play more of an active role in helping mum manage her health as she ages, you know you can always ask aunties Jane Caro and Diana Nguyen to help navigate this tricky terrain.

Fresh off the release of her much-anticipated sequel Big Little Truths, beloved Australian author Liane Moriarty reflects on her career as a writer, the relationships and life experiences that have inspired her fictional worlds, and the secret to staying true to her own voice. As an author whose characters have been brought to life on screen by the likes of Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon, it's no mean feat. Have you been dazzled by the bright headlights of other vehicles while driving at night? A recent inquest into the death of veteran BBC broadcaster Jenni Murray heard that dazzling headlights were a factor in her fatal crash. It's an issue that's causing concern for drivers around the world. Road safety specialist David Beck and motoring journalist John Cadogan explore what can be done. As you're whittling down your shortlist for Radio National's Top 100 Australian Books countdown, you might be digging deep into the memory box for inspiration. Parenting author and educator Maggie Dent shares the classic Australian children's book that deserves top spot in her list — despite the messy lamington kitchen adventures it inspired. When news broke of Dolly Parton’s death last week, the outpouring of grief came from across the political spectrum, from all genres of music, and communities all over the world. She achieved fame in an era where celebrity was built through mass media, but that landscape doesn't exist in the same way anymore. So could our culture, in its hyper-fragmented form, ever produce another figure so universally loved?

Plenty of workplaces have mentoring programs where senior staff provide guidance and wisdom to younger team members. But have you heard of reverse mentoring? Reserve Bank Australia governor Michelle Bullock recently mentioned she has a reverse mentor helping her learn more about AI. Careers coach Leah Lambart and mentee James Arvanitakis explain how workplaces across Australia are encouraging reverse mentoring.   Recent research found that reading about the impacts of climate change increases our negative emotions and decreases hope — but those same negative emotions can be a positive predictor of climate-friendly behaviours. Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie and facilitator Beth Hill from Psychology for a Safe Climate discuss how processing eco grief and climate anxiety can be an important step in taking meaningful action. You don’t have to work in the emergency department to experience rolling crises at work. Computers crash, machinery stops working, the printer chews your document. In those moments of panic and indecision, it's easy to make the wrong choice. How can you better prepare yourself for these times?

The Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) has been considering the ways housing affects children's health and development. They found that around 1 in 8 kids who grow up in rentals have moved at least 10 times by the time they reach the age of 14. Researcher Amy Clair and psychologist Rachel Samson explain how housing instability can affect kids in the long-term and what we can do to make these transitions easier.  Increasingly, Australians are turning to AI tools to understand their rights, draft complaints, or even prepare a case for court. In some ways it's making our justice system more accessible, but it also means courts, tribunals and complaints bodies are dealing with more submissions — including some that shouldn't be there.  Grocery tourism has been a named one of the biggest trends of the year, with one report estimating 77 per cent of travellers enjoy visiting grocery stores abroad. As far as tourist attractions go, it's an inexpensive way to spend an hour and get a sense of the daily life in that city. Consumer behaviour expert Paul Harrison unpacks what's behind the trend.

Voluntary assisted dying is now legal in all states and territories of Australia, but many terminally ill Australians who are eligible for VAD still face challenges in accessing this choice. Anita Rumore, who cared for her father before he died by VAD last year, joins legal expert Ben White and advocate Linda Swan to talk through the barriers that remain. When you're reading picture books to your little ones, what keeps you (and them) engaged? Is it the words that tell the stories, or the illustrations that bring them to life? Best-selling children's author Andy Griffiths and his collaborator, illustrator Bill Hope explain what it takes to combine those elements and craft a story that stays with its readers. It's never been easier to take a photo. But how often do you actually revisit your happy snaps now that they're sitting in the cloud instead of a precious family album? Looking back over old photos can transport us to those special moments in our shared history, so how do we preserve these memories forever?

All Australian states and territories now have workplace health obligations in place that require employers to protect your psychosocial safety. That means preventing things like unachievable job demands and inadequate reward and recognition. We all experience some of these things to some extent in the workplace, but where is the line? Employment lawyer Mariah Loriente and psychotherapist Andrew Sloan explain what it means for you. When you’re gifted a bag of clothes, what is the acceptable course of action for the items you don’t want to keep? Is it ever ok to resell a gift? Aunties Fiona Harris and Jennifer Wong weigh in on the rules of engagement when it comes to unwanted gifts.

We know spending time outdoors is good for our mental health. Now, there's even more research to prove it. A study out of Scotland found people who lived close to woodland areas were 10 per cent less likely to be prescribed antidepressants. Urban planning researcher Sebastian Pfausch and Gardening Australia's Hannah Moloney explain just how strong the healing power of nature can be. More Australians are living alone than ever before, but so much of our society is designed for couples and families. Author of The Spinster Cookbook, Eli Davies, explores what it means to cook for yourself and by yourself, and how to find joy in the practice. You don't have to venture too far to find yourself wading into conspiracy theories on the internet. But it can be hard to draw the line between harmless speculation and something more serious. Our resident philosopher Patrick Stokes weighs in on the ethics of conspiracy.

We celebrate mother's day, father's day, and even invite the grandparents along to kindy once a year to partake in special craft activities, but are we overlooking the role of our beloved aunties and uncles? Journalists Kate Leaver and Tiger Webb explain the special relationship they each have with their nieces and nephews, and how being an aunty and an uncle has changed them. As the world reflects on the life of Dolly Parton, who died overnight aged 80, millions of children will remember her simply as "the book lady". Among her many accolades, one of her proudest achievements was establishing the Imagination Library. Lindsey McKee, CEO of United Way, which runs the free book program in Australia, shares how Dolly Parton's legacy made it all the way to Tamworth.  This northern hemisphere summer has been punishingly hot, a real mood killer if you were planning a glamorous Euro trip. And the summer looming here could be just as bad. New research shows that a fifth of people surveyed had changed their most recent holiday because of the weather. So what does our changing climate mean for your travel plans and the tourism industry? If there's a bird feeder hanging in your backyard, you're not alone. Around 50 per cent of Australian households say they feed wild birds. But it might be time to reconsider, because there's a risk it could be a hotspot for bird flu transmission. Urban ecologist Daryl Jones and Euan Ritchie explain how to safely interact with your feathered friends.

New research from the University of Melbourne has found that young people are now significantly more likely than older generations to hold hostile attitudes towards women. It can be easy to feel like there's no hope of things getting any better. But researcher Sara Meger and youth mentors Daniel Allars and Daniel Principe say it starts with finding opportunities to change young minds. Roadies were the backbone of Australia's rock and roll scene, making the magic happen before and after the curtains dropped. But now it's taking a toll — physically, emotionally and socially. Adelaide University researcher Brad West, roadie Rod Louey-Gung and geropsychologist Nancy Pachana explore what other industries can learn from the original gig workers. If someone was bad mouthing your best friend you'd go into bat for them, but what if the person they're talking down on is themselves? Psychologist Christine Bagley-Jones explains how to nip the negative self-talk in the bud.

According to a new report from Screen Australia, 78 per cent of Australians have played a video game in the past six months. Gaming is one of the fastest-growing industries of Australia's screen sector, yet unlike film and television, we don't often talk about its cultural value. Video game developer Luke Muscat and researcher Brendan Keogh explore what's missing from these conversations. The National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) is inducting 10 Australian YouTube content creators into the archive. It's a big step in recognising their cultural contribution, but with technology and media appetites changing so quickly, how do we keep up? Digital culture researcher Nicholas Carah and the NFSA's Patrick MacIntyre explain who gets to decide what's worth preserving in our digital world. Romance fiction is often dismissed as a guilty pleasure, but this growing genre accounts for a hefty chunk of the publishing industry. So why do we look down our noses at these books? Author Kodi McAlister and sex historian Esme Soan explore our changing relationship with romance novels.

We all die. But how much have you thought about what will happen before, during and after? Funeral celebrant and author Jackie Bailey explores why planning for a "good death" can bring a sense of peace and control, and make the grieving process a whole lot easier for the people you'll eventually leave behind.  There's nothing like a secret crush. But should it stay that way? This week, Aunties Patrick Lenton and Michelle Law give some advice to a listener whose true feelings about a platonic friend are at risk of being exposed. Is it time to 'fess up?

With home ownership still out of reach for a huge swathe of Australians, the Australian Council of Trade Unions is calling on the government to improve stability for long-term renters. Its wishlist includes increased investment in public housing and stronger tenant rights, including minimum two-year lease terms. Housing policy researcher Hal Pawson joins two lifelong renters to explore what actually contributes to a sense of stability for people renting long-term. Waking during the night or struggling to fall asleep can become more common as you get older, and poor sleep has all sorts of flow-on effects. Researchers in Finland have found a connection between poor sleep and a shorter working life. Sleep expert Moira Junge and podcaster Sarah Macdonald explore what gets in the way of a good night's sleep as we get older. We all love a good whinge. Complaining about the little everyday inconveniences can help us work through things, and sometimes, it can even lead to social change. So where's the line between a harmless whinge that facilitates social bonding and becoming the Eeyore of your friend group?

If the weekend is something you take for granted, it might be worth remembering it's a concept that only came about 100 years ago in the United States, and it’s even younger here in Australia. But over the last few decades the sanctity of the weekend has shifted. Historian Sean Scalmer explores whether the weekend is on its way to becoming a relic. It's estimated around 1 in 7 Australian mothers will experience postnatal depression in the year after giving birth, and 1 in 5 will experience postnatal anxiety. On the other side of her own experience with postnatal anxiety, Australian senator Marielle Smith is calling for a national inquiry into postpartum health care. She joins clinical psychologist Nicole Highet and rural parenting advocate Stephanie Tretheway to explore how far we've come and what we could be doing better. More than 60 per cent of Australian employers say they're using AI "significantly" or "extensively" in recruitment. It might be to write job ads, screen and shortlist applicants, or even to interview candidates. So, if you're job hunting, how do you beat the bot?

Susan Delcour had been eagerly counting down the days until her treatment for breast cancer was over. But after that final appointment, she realised she actually missed the routine of regular appointments and familiar faces checking in. Nearly 1.7 million people are living with, or beyond, cancer in Australia — and that number is expected to reach 2.6 million by 2050. So how do we better support people who are adjusting to life after cancer? Better protections have just landed for workers in some sections of the gig economy, giving delivery drivers a set of minimum standards to ensure fairer pay. But the gig economy has expanded beyond food and ridesharing. Employment relations expert Alex Veen explores how workplace protections are keeping up with the changing face of employment. The next generation of budding STEM workers are being encouraged to enter the sciences via pen pal friendships with working scientists.STEMpals founder Jennifer Payne and researcher Zoe Xirocostas share the joy in exchanging letters with aspiring scientists.

It wasn't that long ago that buying something required you to hand over some cash, or at least use a physical card. But by last year 40 per cent of payments were coming from digital wallets on a phone or smart watch. So how would you feel about using your biometric data to make a purchase? Researcher Lauren Perry and tech journalist Kirsten Drysdale talk through the ethical implications of using facial recognition technology in commerce. A Queensland council that came under heavy criticism for demolishing makeshift campsites has announced it will turn a local park into a dedicated space for people experiencing homelessness. Advocates Gregory Smith and Leanne Mitchell explore the role that local councils can play in supporting their communities and providing services to fill the gap. Ever since the Duolingo owl became a TikTok sensation, it seems like every organisation — from corporate brands to your state police department — wants to act like a cool, hip person on the internet. Does this actually generate sales? And did this phenomenon exist before the internet?

Around 1 in 5 of us will experience chronic pain. If you've lived through it, you know how terribly draining it can be. But understanding how pain works and what its purpose is can help. Neuroscientist Lorimer Moseley and chronic pain advocate Lauren Richards explain what's happening in our brains when we experience pain, and why that doesn't mean it's all in your head. When it comes time to downsize, how do you sort the family keepsakes worth holding onto from the sentimental junk? This week Aunties Janty Blair and Lawrence Leung have some advice for listener Lorraine, whose grown-up kids have no interest in storing the boxes of stuff she's held onto for all these years.

Canberra's beloved bus shelters have just been added to the ACT Heritage Registry — but these "concrete monstrosities" weren't always adored. Architecture advocate Izzie White and public art curator Beth Jackson explore how ordinary features can influence the way we interact with our cities. August marks Family History Month, a chance to dig through the archives and find out how your ancestors lived. So would you know where to start looking? For comedian Luke McGregor, the search took him all the way to Scotland to reconnect with his clan and himself. We all have a set of moral principles we try to live by, but sometimes other factors get in the way. Not for a Melbourne-based pilot who recently gave up a 40-year aviation career over concerns about climate change. Patrick Stokes explores what it means to live your life entirely according to your virtues.

Sleep has played a crucial role in human evolution, and evolutionary biologist David Samson argues our ability to function on little sleep is actually a superpower. If we look back to traditional hunter-gatherer societies, we can take some insights on how modern humans could stress less about sleep and feel better rested.  When you're sitting in the chair at the salon or the barber shop, the care you're receiving often goes deeper than beauty therapy. But we don't train hairdressers to deal with trauma. Researchers Hannah McCann and Stacey Page explore the urgent need to better equip the people who become our de facto therapists with the tools to do this heavy emotional labour. The average person spends around 90,000 hours at work in their lifetime. That's a lot of time to spend somewhere if you're not happy. This Working Life host Lisa Leong explains the classiest way to quit your job, and what to consider before you pull the trigger.

The Australian Census is upon us. Among the questions that statisticians will be keenly poring over is a fairly simple one: what is the person's religion? But answering it isn't always straightforward. For people who grew up religious, but no longer practice, there can still be some cultural attachment to their faith. Social trends researcher Rebecca Huntley and journalist and comedian Sami Shah explore what our religious statistics really say about us.  Emily Novo had put off seeing the dentist because she was worried about the cost — then she ended up in a hospital emergency department. She's among more than two million Australians who've skipped dental care because they can't afford it. The Australian Dental Association says it's high time we fill the gap. What happens when your approach to managing money doesn't sync up with your partner's? Psychologist Christine Bagley-Jones talks through how to have the sensitive chats about finances without starting a huge fight.

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

Childhood friendships are special, and formative in our adolescence. But finding, making and maintaining strong healthy connections can be tricky. Ladies We Need To Talk host Yumi Stynes and clinical psychologist Jacinta Grimes explore how to support the young people in your life through the ups and downs of friendship.  This week, aunties Nelly Thomas and James Colley help out a listener who's feeling weird about their son being taken to church while on a sleepover. Is it worth bringing up the discomfort with the other parents? And should they let their kid go for another sleepover?

When you think about your golden years, what do you picture? For most of us, the ideal scenario means growing old in the place we've set down roots. While the idea of "ageing in place" has obvious benefits, it's not always feasible. Joan White shares how her regional Queensland town wants to fill the gap by building a community-owned aged care facility.  Every year 50,000 people go missing in Australia, leaving their loved ones in a state of ambiguous loss. Researcher Sarah Wayland joins Loren O'Keeffe, whose brother went missing in 2011, to discuss how to navigate this state of unknowing, and how our communities can better support people going through this. Paid social clubs are bringing strangers together for shared dinners, drinks and social activities, offering connection at a time when we know one in six Australians experience severe loneliness. But can you really buy friendship?

If you’ve ever moved cities, you know the struggle of building your friendship group and daily routines from the ground up. From scoping out the best cafes to figuring out the local public transport network, how do you learn to fall in love with the city you’ve just moved to? Travel guide Chris Zeiher and author Nicole Webb share their tips. New research shows screen time may not be as damaging for children's development as we thought. A 10-year study of almost 4,000 children found that, after accounting for family functioning, there were no significant links between screen use and psychosocial harms. Researcher Lelia Green and tech journalist Alice Clarke explore how parents can support children to safely explore the digital media landscape. As part of Life Matters' special series The Grandparent Trap, veteran broadcaster Ray Martin offers a peek behind the curtain of his private life as a grandfather, and why transforming into "Mondo" gives him special superpowers. Major players in the diamond industry are closing their mines or starting to downsize, largely due to the growing popularity of lab-grown diamonds. So does a diamond have to come out of the dirt for it to be "authentic"? And if retailers are closing up shop, does that mean your family heirloom ring is suddenly more or less valuable?

When it comes to intellectual ability, the vast majority of us fall somewhere around the middle of the bell curve. But it's estimated that 10 per cent of students could be considered academically gifted, capable of learning at a much faster pace than their peers. So do gifted and talented education programs make a difference for success in the long-term?  Boys are less likely than girls to read for pleasure — especially as teenagers, according to international research. But researchers say addressing the gender reading gap is more complex than writing more "books for boys". Children's author Scott Stuart and education lecturer Sarah McDonald explore what really helps boys develop a lifelong love of reading. As smart phones have become more integral to our day-to-day lives, there's been a subtle push back against the tech reliance. Companies promising to help break the addiction are offering all manner of products designed to make our phones less convenient. Consumer behaviour expert Paul Harrison breaks down why we're paying to reintroduce friction.

What are you willing to give up in order to make the world around you a better place? Renowned philosopher and ethicist Peter Singer has spent decades exploring this question. To mark his 80th birthday, he joins Life Matters to explore what it means to live a life shaped by our responsibilities to others. Last week the Clean Energy Council proposed a federal scheme to allow the regional areas that host renewable projects to directly benefit from their efforts. Council spokesperson Chris O'Keefe and Western Downs mayor Andrew Smith explain how a scheme like this could work and what it means for the areas carrying the weight of the energy transition. A recent study from the University of Texas has challenged the idea that cognitive decline is inevitable, showing that regular brain training can boost cognition well into old age. Neuroscientist Lila Landowski explains how to keep your brain fit in your later years.

All through July, Life Matters has been exploring what it means to be a grandparent in 2026, but now it's time to turn inwards. Author Tony Birch and historian Tanya Evans explore how life lessons are passed down through generations, and share their reflections on what their own grandparents taught them. Early childhood friendships are usually pretty simple — struck up over shared interests in Lego, dress-ups or morning tea snacks. But the same can't always be said for adults. This week, Aunties Maeve Marsden and Joe Sullivan share some advice for a listener who's keen to bond with the cooler parents at kinder pick-up.

A recent survey of Australian school teachers found more than half had no formal training in sex and relationships education before becoming a teacher. Many of them feel poorly equipped for the job. Researcher Lily Moor and respectful relationships educator Evan Couper discuss how to better equip teachers to provide the sex ed teenagers need.  The latest stats from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show divorces are on the rise. When you walk away from the person you thought you'd be with forever, it can be messy, no matter how mature both partners are about it. Karen McNenny, author of The Good Divorce, explains how to find a way through it with as little drama as possible.  Every day we make hundreds of choices, big and small. Free will gives us a sense of direction and power over our own lives. But do we truly have free will? A recent study from the University of Melbourne suggests accepting free will doesn't exist might have its own benefits.

If you've ever felt the sudden urge to throw your device into a body of water and live a simpler, offline life, you're not alone. A group of people in New York City recently organised an eight-day festival promoting human connection in the spirit of the Luddites. Gowanus, media spokespuppet for The Summer of Ludd and University of Melbourne sociologist Dan Woodman explore what this yearning for a time before smart phones says about us. In the age of navigation apps, the days of balancing a street directory on your knees as you drive across an unfamiliar city are relatively rare. But if your phone dies, or the satellite technology fails, would you be lost without it? Orienteerer Ian Jessup and psychologist Oliver Baumann explain the benefits of using your own brain's navigation system. The University of Melbourne's Archives and Special Collections now holds a rare copy of a 15th century manual on hunting, torturing and executing women accused of witchcraft. So what can the world's most infamous witch-hunting handbook tell us about the spread of misinformation and dangerous ideas today?

The latest data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows smoking rates have fallen to historic lows, but at the same time, there's been a steady increase in the illicit tobacco trade. So do we really have a clear picture on who's smoking, and how much? Researchers Ed Jegasothy and James Martin weigh in on how the black market rise is affecting our public health strategy. In the vast history of the universe, a human lifespan is a mere blip. But long after our bodies are gone, signs of the lives we lived will remain. So what will the everyday objects you leave behind say about you? Roxanne Missingham from the State Library of Victoria and family history writer Cassie Gilmartin discuss how pieces of everyday life have stories to tell for future generations.  The message that "you can be anything you want to be" is meant to instil confidence in our kids, but does it set them up for disappointment? For Head and Heart, resident Life Matters psychologist Christine Bagley-Jones explores how to walk the line between encouraging ambition and setting realistic expectations.

Grandparenting can come at a time of life where your old identities no longer fit. So the opportunities for transformation can be profound — it's a chance to do things differently to when you were a parent and explore a new way of connecting with the next generation. In the latest instalment of The Grandparent Trap, grandads Julian Mather and Alistair Thomson join researcher Amanda Salmon to explore the possibilities of reinvention.  True crime has become a mainstay of popular culture, but has our collective obsession gone too far? Last week a murder inquest in Queensland heard from an amateur detective who tried to solve the crime on her own, inspired by podcasts about the cold case. ABC's Stephen Stockwell and criminology lecturer Greg Stratton explain how our fascination with high-profile cases could impact the justice system. By now we’re all familiar with the idealised version of tradwife life: living off the land and dutifully raising children in an isolated, beautiful, part of the world. But some women in rural Australia argue the trend is obscuring the harsh realities of what it means to live in country Australia.

If you've ever suddenly lost a job, had a surprise health diagnosis or a relationship end, you know what it feels like to grapple with uncertainty. Let's face it, uncertainty is all around us, but that doesn't make it any easier to deal with. It's an uncomfortable feeling. Journalist Simone Stolzoff and psychologist Sahra O'Doherty unpack what you could be missing when fear of the unknown drives decision making. In Ask Aunty, a listener asks for advice on how to navigate an entangled friendship group when one member of the chosen family isn't pulling their weight.

Daniel Finlay decided to get a vasectomy at 30 years old, the decision surprises his peers but he's not alone. New research from Adelaide University suggests more Australian men are making that decision earlier than previous generations. So what's driving this family planning decision for men? All over the country more people are engaging in the Nordic pass-time of sauna.The popularity has risen due to a push by the health and fitness industry on how this practice can optimise your workouts. But what is behind our fascination with sauna and is it here to stay? From commanding the halls of power to playing hide and seek in the halls of his house, former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has a lot more time on his hands now to devote to his favourite activity: playing silly games with his grandchildren. In Social Studies, Professor Dan Woodman unpacks new analysis that shows young Australian men are turning to religion at higher rates than their female counterparts. So how widespread and entrenched is this trend, and what's driving it?

Is your first best friend still in your life? For many of us, those friendships fade as life moves on. But for others, like comedian Matt Okine, that childhood friend is still in their life decades later. So what's special about a friend who's known you since childhood and what makes those friendships last? This month Brisbane woman Jenitar Na'amoana has given birth to identical quadruplets, in a case that has gained global attention. It's an incredible feat of the human body, with about a one in 15 million chance of occurring. But what is it like on the other side, raising that many children all at the same time? Do you feel like your reward for being good at your job is getting more work? You may have incurred the competence tax. This Working Life host Lisa Leong can help you with that.

Australia has the highest uptake per capita of rooftop solar in the world, but for the 10% of the country who live in apartments the solar energy transition is harder to achieve. Overseas the solution has been balcony solar systems, but these aren't currently allowed in Australia. So what needs to change in how we support renewable energy in apartments? Author, comedian and cabaret performer Libby Trainor Parker always assumed she would meet the love of her life, have a big family, and live in a house full of children's laughter. And in a way, she got that dream. But it's been a long road, with a lot of heartbreak, infertility, loss and grief, which she has documented in a new book. If you've ever been stuck at a red light, wondering why you're still waiting when there are no cars coming the other way — AI might make this a frustration of the past. An Australia-first trial of AI-powered traffic lights is slated for later this year, and although a faster journey sounds appealing but how do we make sure those decisions are fair and safe for everyone using the road? Plus meet 'Papa Bruce', the grumpy grandpa persona of Yuin, Bunurong and Tasmanian man award-winning author Bruce Pascoe.

When your kids become parents, it can feel like deja vu. You've weathered these same toddler tantrums and teenage rebellions — but this time it's your grandchildren testing the boundaries, and your own kids are now the ones in charge. For this instalment of The Grandparent Trap, it's time to explore some trickier territory. Author, podcaster and Mamamia editor Jessie Stephens and her mum Anne Stephens share how their relationship dynamic changed when the family added a new generation, and family psychologist Dr Josh Coleman weighs in on how to navigate conflict and estrangement if things aren't going so well. Plus, Dark Emu author Bruce Pascoe (or "Papa Bruce" to his grandkids) explains his role as the "grumpy grandparent" insistent on table manners and raising his grandchildren to become conscientious citizens.  And if Christopher Nolan's screen interpretation of The Odyssey has got you dreaming of a Mediterranean holiday, you're not alone. Tourism operator Sam Wood, author Larissa Behrendt and The Book Show's Claire Nichols explore what's behind the rising trend in literary travel.

When it comes to two-parent families, research shows women do 50 per cent more housework than men, and double the amount of caring duties. But the mental load is about more than juggling the significant burden of daily life admin. So what would it look like if that was equally shared? Sociologist Leah Ruppanner and psychologist Simon Rice explain how to divide and conquer before you find yourself in total burnout.  What do you do if sleeping next to your partner has become an absolute nightmare? This week, Aunties Tito Ambyo and Fiona Harris share their advice with a listener who's considering separate beds in the hopes of catching some Zs and improving their sex life.

The federal government's setting up an Office of AI to lay out some ground rules for companies that want to build centres in Australia. So what does this say about our trust in AI, and the global corporations developing these tools? Tech reporter Cam Wilson, AI expert Toby Walsh and researcher Nicole Gillespie, who's been keeping tabs on public perceptions around AI since 2020, weigh in. Imagine being told, every day, that today could be the day the world ends. That was the message drilled into Bek Condello for as long as she could remember. She shares what it was like being raised in a strict doomsday church, and how leaving led her to rebuild her entire life.  In the latest instalment of The Grandparent Trap, children's author Jacqueline Harvey shares how becoming "Nanny Jac" to her step-daughter's gorgeous son Alfie brought a totally new kind of love into her life.  One of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons in the world sold this week for $71 million. The buyer has not yet been disclosed, but it begs the question: should any one person own an item like this?

Gayle is looking for love again in her 40s. She spent some time scouring the dating apps, but now she's ditched them in an effort to find someone offline. Well, kind of offline. She's also documenting her journey on social media. So what is the best way to find a new relationship in mid-life? Are people having more success offline than on — or are we just evolving past dating apps? According to new research from the Australian Institute of Family Studies, young people aren't disengaged from politics and civic life — they're actually just engaging in different ways than the generations before them. Lead author of the research Dr Ebony Biden and Cheek Media Co founder Hannah Ferguson unpack the results.  In Head and Heart you get some tips on moving out of the acquaintance zone and into the friend zone.

There's a critical lack of affordable housing options across the board, and data suggests older women — who typically retire with less in savings and superannuation than men — are particularly vulnerable. There's no silver bullet, but one potential solution involves a co-housing model that puts community front and centre. Sharing With Friends CEO Susan Davies and author Sally Piper explain how the idea sparked a friendship and inspired a novel. Everyone has those menial tasks that feel impossible — not because they're difficult, but just because they're so incredibly tedious. So how do you get through the dreaded to-do list? Time management coach Christie Flora explains the power of "get stuff done" parties bringing people together to collectively crush the boring life admin jobs. With the news of Sam Neill's death reverberating around the world, friend and fellow actor David Wenham shares how he'll be remembered: not just as an extraordinary actor, but a beautiful person whose warmth, wit, and talent touched millions.

There are more than 100,000 children currently in some form of kinship care in Australia, and it's estimated more than half of those providing that care are grandparents. As part of Life Matters' special series The Grandparent Trap, Kinship Alliance Australia founder Meredith Kiraly and researcher Jocelyn Jones explore the complicated dynamics involved in raising children the second time around.  Plus, Australian soap royalty Lynne McGranger shares why becoming a nanna was even more special than winning the Gold Logie.  When a marriage ends in divorce, what do you do with the wedding ring? One option apparently gaining steam is taking that piece of jewellery and turning it into something new: the divorce ring. Jeweller Nicole Winkler and divorce lawyer Antonella Sanderson weigh in on what this trend says about our feelings around divorce. After Life Matters dove into the ethical quandaries of the smart glasses revolution last week, former disability discrimination commissioner Graeme Innes got in touch to share how this technology has been a game-changer for accessibility.

If you're feeling a bit stuck in your career, or pessimistic about how AI might affect your future prospects, it might be time for a pep talk. Career management coach Jane Jackson and Money Money Money host Glen James want to help pull you out of your slump and get unstuck. And it's all fun and games until someone loses an eye … this week Aunties Urvi Majumdar and James Colley share some advice for a listener in hot water after a dogsitting disaster.

Women over 55 are the fastest-growing cohort experiencing homelessness in Australia. Many have been pushed to seek alternative living arrangements, and new research suggests homesharing could be a viable option. Researcher Lyndall Bryant and Homeshare Australia New Zealand Alliance's Rosie Lawn explain how the model works and why there's such a significant demand. When you're shaping the minds of the next generation, how do you bring 65,000 years of Indigenous peoples' stories into the here and now? University of Melbourne researchers Justin Wilkey and Jess Gannaway share how they're gathering knowledge from Indigenous educators across the world to help Australian teachers bring truth-telling into the classroom. As part of Life Matters' new series The Grandparenting Trap, children's author Morris Gleitzman explains how sharing his love of stories and wild imagination with his two grandsons has brought him immense joy.  There are dozens of medieval fairs across the country each year, with multi-day festivals selling out faster than you can say "hear ye, hear ye". So what's behind the nostalgia for a time none of us has ever experienced? Sociologist Dan Woodman and sword fighter Kiara Bruggeman break it down.

If talking about money makes you squirm, you might want to think twice before you open an account with the bank of mum and dad. University of Newcastle researchers Julia Cook and Mirella Atherton explain the tricky emotional — and legal — consequences of lending cash to your loved ones. One person's dream holiday destination is another's backyard. But some UNESCO heritage sites are now so overwhelmed by tourists, they're asking to be removed from the list. So, if locals are asking you not to go, do you have a responsibility to change your travel plans?  If you were running a car for eight hours a day without stopping, eventually you would run out of petrol and the car would break down. The same can be said for our bodies and minds, so taking effective breaks at work should be a priority. This Working Life host Lisa Leong shares how to build in restorative breaks throughout your day.

Sports betting is the fastest-growing form of gambling in the country, and it's overwhelmingly popular with men. Experts say that's no coincidence. Researcher Rohann Irving and lived experience advocate Mark Kempster explore how gambling got so tied up with our love of sport and our ideas about masculinity, and whether there's any way to untangle it. Smart glasses have been around for years, but this time the tech's had an AI injection. Companies like Meta are looking for new ways to market their products to the masses, collaborating with the likes of Kylie Jenner. Tech journalist Alice Clarke and digital sociologist Ben Lyall discuss whether these goofy glasses are finally becoming cool, and what it means for your privacy.  Australia's introducing new labelling rules that will require restaurants to clearly state whether seafood is locally sourced, imported, or a mix of the two. So how might this affect what you choose from the menu?

Grandparents in 2026 are more enmeshed in their grandchildren's lives than ever. While most are providing some form of care for their grandchildren, close to three in five say their grandparenting style doesn't always match what's expected of them. In the first instalment of a new Life Matters series, parenting expert Maggie Dent and demographer Liz Allen unpack the complexities of modern grandparenting. Financial stress is a growing problem for Australian households, affecting around 13 per cent of the population. It can affect every facet of our lives, and can be particularly hard on relationships. Beyond Blue's Georgie Harman and tax clinic supervisor Annette Tasker explain how to work through periods of financial anxiety and where to find support.

Confidence can be the magic ingredient to help us through the curveballs life throws our way. It shows up in your career, your relationships, the way you parent, and unexpected everyday moments where you just need a boost. So is confidence something you can cultivate? Personal coach Kate James and psychotherapist Giac Giacomantonio share their tips on building confidence brick by brick and tapping into it through life's challenges. This week for Ask Aunty, author Patrick Lenton and comedian Kat Davidson weigh in on how soon is too soon to start dating again after losing the love of your life.

Neil the seal is an internet sensation. His regular midwinter haul-outs have brought him onto land and in close contact with humans and our built environment. But as he grows bigger, so too do the risks. So how do we manage the situation so that Neil's pilgrimages don't put him — or others — in harm's way? Australia's snowfall has been in long-term decline for decades, and it's something the towns on the frontline of our winter economy have been grappling with. Snow Resorts Australia CEO Josh Elliott, Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce president Oliver Kapetanakos and climate scientist Ailie Gallant explore the future of the Australian ski season. International events like the World Cup can turn the most fairweather fan into a sports obsessive. People who never watch football suddenly know exactly when the Socceroos are playing. So what does it say about us if our loyalty waxes and wanes with the seasons?

Family holidays are where we make some of our most cherished memories — and some of the most stressful, chaotic ones, too. So how do you make the most out of the time away? Parenting expert Justin Coulson and writer Rebel Wylie share how to plan for a successful getaway, and what makes it all worthwhile. Once upon a time, paying for TV meant skipping the ads. But these days, we're paying more and more for an ad-free experience. It's landed Amazon in court, with the ACCC alleging the company relied on unfair contract terms to introduce ads to Prime Video. So what might this case mean for viewers? Whether it's a long time away, or sooner than you think, death is a fact of life. Embracing that fact could change the way you live. Ben Pronk, author of We're All Going To Die, offers his tips for practical happiness in the time you have left.

Two major Australian musicals, Beetlejuice and Waitress, have been forced to cancel the remaining legs of their tours and close early. So why are big productions struggling, and is the audience part of the problem? Tim Minchin and Live Performance Australia's Eric Lassen unpack what's going on in the Australian theatre scene. For Pam Brinsmead, life had always felt like a movie where everyone else knew the script. That was until she received an autism diagnosis in her 50s that changed everything. She joins psychologist Jac den Houting to explore how autism presents in girls and women, and the freedom in discovering your true self later in life. This week marks 30 years since Dolly the sheep became the first mammal ever cloned from an adult cell. It was a landmark moment in the world of science, so how have our perceptions on the ethics of cloning shifted in the years since?

The evidence around how much birth order affects personality traits or behaviour has been debated for decades, but one thing is fairly clear from the data: middle children are disappearing. We're flat out having second babies, let alone a third. So if middle children are no more, what do we stand to lose?  In 2025 alone Australians lost almost $18 million to scams delivered via text messages. Come July 1, scammers face an extra hurdle to reaching your mobile — but that doesn't mean it's time to let your guard down. Erchana Murrary-Bartlett set herself a huge goal in 2022: run 150 marathons from the very tip of Australia's east coast to the bottom. She broke a world record in the process, and now she's releasing a documentary about her epic trip called 150.

We all have our own habitual behaviours that help us get through tricky moments or avoid stressful situations. But sometimes, what feels easier or more comfortable in the moment can hurt us long-term. Clinical psychologist Rebecca Ray explains how identifying self-sabotaging behaviours and understanding what's behind them is the best place to start breaking the cycle. This week, Aunties Nate Byrne and Janty Blair weigh in on a family dilemma over a relative who's gone MIA. Is juggling life with a new baby a good enough excuse to skip the odd family function? If everyone else is putting in the effort, is it fair to feel a little miffed at the cousin who can't make it?

Play School is celebrating a milestone birthday this year: it's Big Ted's diamond jubilee. For six decades, the show's beloved presenters have been singing, playing, telling stories and teaching generations of Australian children. Long-term hosts Alex Papps and Don Spencer join media researcher Jessica Balanzategui to discuss the secret to the show's success?  A regimented focus on what you're eating. Big, rapid changes to your body. Constant monitoring of your weight. All these are signs of a potential eating disorder — but they're also things that happen during pregnancy. Research estimates 1 in 20 women experience an eating disorder during pregnancy. So if it's so hard to spot how do you do it, and how do you have a conversation about it if you're concerned?  And in Social Studies with Professor Dan Woodman, we investigate an apparent decline in public displays of affection among Gen Z.

According to the latest statistics, men make up less than a third of Australian school teachers. In primary schools, the figures are even lower, and have been declining for decades. High school maths teacher Eddie Woo and sociologist Nicholas Hookway explore what's behind the trend and why it matters. The RSPCA estimates Australians keep about 2 million domestic chickens. While they may seem like low maintenance pets, the recent arrival of a new strain of bird flu has some backyard chook keepers in a flap. So if you've got a flock of your own, how do you keep them safe? There are more than 250 Indigenous languages across Australia, including 800 dialects. They carry culture, history and knowledge through generations, and communities are doing everything they can to keep them alive. Researcher Rachel Nordlinger shares how the 50 Words Project has been collecting and preserving audio recordings from some of Australia's oldest languages.

The average wardrobe contains about 199 pieces of clothing, according to research published last year. Among them are usually a couple of items that rarely see the light of day. Fashion researcher Alicja Kuźmycz and podcaster Clare Press explore how increasing the wearability of what's already in your wardrobe can unlock the secret to sustainability. Researchers in Canada have scoured some of the most popular skincare content and found TikToks that discourage sunscreen use attract higher engagement. While Australia has strict rules on what brands and influencers can say about these products, social media is borderless and hard to regulate. So how does the average consumer know what to put in their cart? Online shopping has become so addictive that people are simulating the process through "dopamine sites" where users can browse, buy and track virtual orders. Consumer behaviour expert Paul Harrison explains why adding to cart gives us a little rush — even when there's no money or actual product involved.

Pushing for change takes a sustained effort — it requires people to keep showing up, keep organising, and keep working together. And building a movement often means finding common ground with people outside your usual circles. Amanda Tattersall and Kurt Iveson, co-authors of People Power in Cities, explore what it takes to create real change. Around 26 million people worldwide have taken an at-home DNA test to discover their ancestry. For Simon Chate, it led him to a family he never knew existed. So what's behind this yearning to connect with our past? And what does it teach us about ourselves? Trust in medical institutions is declining, and it's never been easier to find alternative information online. So how do you support someone you love who's started exploring questionable treatments?

Australia is increasingly a nation of non believers — in the 50 years from to 2021, the number of people claiming "no religion" rose from about 7 per cent to nearly 40 per cent. Yet other research suggests those identifying as "spiritual" is on the rise. So how do we find spirituality outside of religion? Author Jackie Bailey and sociologist Anna Hallafoff explore the bounds of spirituality. When it comes to grief, everyone processes things in their own way. This week, Aunties Fiona Harris and Nelly Thomas share their advice with a listener who's having a hard time with a relative who's called dibs on their dying loved one's belongings.

"It really bothers me when any kind of white supremacist people have tried to use my song, I've objected to that a few times now. True blue is just...your promise is your bond."  John Williamson has spent his five-decade long career bringing our wide brown land to life in song. He's never shied away from speaking his mind, especially when his words are used for causes he stands against — whether it's racism or environmental degradation. His storytelling expertise is now being put to use as a judge for the Wilderness Society's Environment Award for Children's Literature. When a young woman was bitten by a shark in the middle of a sunny winter's day at Sydney's Coogee Beach, it gave many ocean lovers reason to pause before their morning swim. It's something Justine Barwick has lived through herself. So if the water's your happy place, how do you feel safe to get back in? After a Canadian pilot was found to have forged his licence credentials for 17 years, we're compelled to Ask Aristotle when a white lie becomes unethical — or straight up fraud?

It used to feel like learning a few key phrases in the local language before you headed overseas would help you get around. But with the rise of translation apps, is it even worth it anymore? Neuroscientist Olivia Maurice and linguist Peter Crosthwaite explore the benefits of learning another language.  Australia's paid parental leave scheme is about to be extended to six months, but as it stands, it's mostly mums taking time off. Research shows dads desperately want to spend more time with their kids, but simply can't afford it under the current system. So what would the gold standard system look like, and how realistic is it? AI is increasingly becoming part of our working lives. But it takes time and effort to teach these tools how to fit in with workplace culture, policies and systems. Research shows there's a capability gap among Australian workers, with some burnt out on "botsitting", and those who aren't quite fluent in AI falling behind.

Results from the last HILDA survey shows the income Australians need to feel satisfied is climbing higher and higher. So is this just a case of lifestyle creep, or a genuine struggle to pay the bills even with a decent pay packet? After almost 150 years, Balmain Bowling Club in Sydney called last drinks over the weekend. And sadly, it's a familiar tale. Researchers from the University of New South Wales crunched the numbers in 2022 and found that Sydney had lost nearly half of its bowls clubs since 1980. So what's the future for these community hubs? On Head and Heart we ask our resident psychologist Christine Bagley-Jones how to navigate caring for your ageing parents if you feel like they never fully cared for you.

A pilot project in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales is trying to demonstrate the value that remains in building materials of houses earmarked for demolition. How much could we save if we put the materials left behind to good use rather than contribute to growing landfill? We now live in a digital first world but if you aren't constantly using technology there's the real likelihood you are being left behind — and when you do have to log on, it's probably a stressful experience. You'll hear about new research into the phenomenon of "technostress" and a program meant to bridge the digital divide. You've probably heard the saying "the body keeps the score", but do you know where it comes from? If you answered no, you wouldn't be alone. Some argue that the core idea has been oversimplified beyond the bounds of scientific evidence. So does the body really keep the score? And can unexplained physical symptoms actually be a sign of repressed traumatic memories?

According to a 2026 report from Stanford University, Australians are among the heaviest intentional users of AI in the world — and yet, many of us don't trust it. It's a complicated relationship. So how are you feeling about the way AI is showing up in your relationships, your work, your daily life? Download This Show host Rae Johnston and psychotherapist Andrew Sloan unpick what's behind AI anxiety. Is it OK to fib about your faith to get your child into a good school? This week Aunties Annie Louey and Monica Dux share advice with a listener who's weighing up whether or not they should tell a little white lie to help their kid's chances at the local Catholic school.

After hanging up the Olympic swimming goggles, growing and birthing five beautiful children, Libby Trickett was ready to make her 40s the decade of health and fitness. But last June she had what she would later find out was a spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) heart attack. She joins Dr Barbara Murphy to talk through dealing with the ongoing anxiety that often comes after a major health scare. International Day of Play recognises the right of every child to have access to the time and space to play. The latest survey shows a quarter of Australian kids feel they need better opportunities to play outdoors. Play Australia CEO Robyn Munro Miller explains how to build communities where kids have the space to get outside and play. Recent ABS data reveals that people are less happy now than they were in 2020. So when did we start to consider our happiness and how has life satisfaction changed over time? Sociologist Dan Woodman explores what happiness means to us in 2026.

In the 1970s, the late physicist and Nobel laureate Richard Feynman came up with a mathematical formula to help his friend decide what to order at their favourite restaurant. The trouble is, no-one could decipher the handwriting — until now. Self-proclaimed maths geek Adam B Spencer and psychotherapist Zoë Krupka explore the answers to decision paralysis. When you think about the critical infrastructure that makes up a city, what comes to mind? Roads, bridges, power lines, public hospitals — what about trees? The gentle giants that shelter our footpaths, filter our air and cool our cities provide a lot for the communities where they grow. So when one gets cut down, sometimes the people push back. But the question of who gets final say over whether a tree stays or goes is complicated. In the past decade, nearly half of Australia's bookstores have closed. It's an obvious loss for the book lovers who feel most at home among the shelves. But even if you're not an avid reader, these places can carry cultural significance, giving people the opportunity to gather and be a part of their community. Bookshop owner Tim Jarvis weighs up the future of bricks-and-mortar stores and what it means for the industry.

Australia uses 1.3 million tonnes of plastic packaging every year — and the majority of that packaging ends up in landfill. Exemptions that allow some companies to export certain types of plastic waste are being wound back. So does Australia have the capacity — and the market — to make recycling work? Dyslexia can make everyday tasks really difficult, and take a huge toll on self esteem and confidence over time. British actor Tom Holland recently revealed he's turned down big opportunities over his discomfort reading cue cards. Advocates Will Wheeler and Jodi Clements explain what it's like to live and work with dyslexia. It's hard to make any purchase these days without being offered a special discount or deal if you sign up to a customer loyalty program. But are the perks worth it? Consumer behaviour expert Paul Harrison weighs up the pros and cons.

Childhood development expert Billy Garvey has worked with thousands of families over the last two decades, helping anxious, angry, withdrawn boys and parents who don't know where to begin. He joins Life Matters to talk about his new book, Ten Things I Wish You Knew About Raising Boys. Bringing a pet into your family is supposed to be a love-at-first-sight moment signalling a life ahead with your new best friend, but the day-to-day reality can be a lot harder. So what happens when that initial excitement wears off, and the stress of pet ownership sets in?  Richard Scolyer, the leading melanoma pathologist and former Australian of the Year, has died at age 59. Scolyer was the first in the world to receive immunotherapy before having a brain tumour removed, a radical approach based on research he and his colleagues developed. Writer Garry Maddox, who co-authored Scolyer's biography, reflects on his incredible legacy.

In an era where we have access to the technology, surgery and drugs to modify every aspect of our appearance, how can we build a relationship with our selves based on compassion and acceptance? Clinical psychologists Louise Adams and Zac Seidler explore the world of looksmaxxing and what's behind the human desire to feel attractive. This week, Aunties Michelle Law and James Findlay share their advice for a listener with a doggy dilemma. How do you know when loyalty to a beloved pet is no longer enough? And what do you do when every option feels heartbreaking?

Ten years ago, Facebook updated its platform to introduce new ways to interact with posts you see in your feed. Alongside a range of smiley face emojis sat a one-click shortcut to the most powerful emotion of all: anger. In the years since, it seems our online appetite for anger has only grown, with algorithms amplifying 60-second rants and spicy hot takes. Ed Coper, author of Angertainment, and Cheek Media founder Hannah Ferguson unpack whether there is an alternative to the ragebait economy. According to Beyond Blue, 1 in 2 Australians are facing burnout in the workplace. And we're so used to it we just accept this as a natural state of feeling awful all the time, feeling like there's never enough time to rest. Organisational psychologist Amantha Imber road tested strategies to fix her burnout without totally changing her life, with lessons for us all. Plus this week we Ask Aristotle to unpack the ethics of whistleblowing.

Most of us make friends with people around our own age, and we bond over the things we're all navigating at the same stage of life. But there's something valuable in friendships that span generations, too. Reporter Alice Angeloni and her friend Clive share how they bonded after a chance meeting in a cafe, and researcher Ruth Peters explains the health benefits of intergenerational connections. From pop culture milestones to forgotten parts of the city you love — there's a Facebook page for that. These pages are little pockets of nice in an online world that can get pretty ugly, but they're also performing a deeper function of documenting sub-cultures and histories that might not make it to a bricks and mortar museum. Have you ever heard of the "thoughtload"? It's those work tasks you need to complete to do your job, but in reality become complete distractions and lead to time wasting. This Working Life's Lisa Leong helps you recognise your 'thoughtload' and process it so you can get the most out of your day.

Lawyer and educator Adair Donaldson is navigating a kind of grief that no parent should ever have to go through. Earlier this year, his son Oliver, the youngest of four boys, died suddenly. He was 19. In the midst of processing the enormity of this loss, he has been reflecting on what it means to be a good dad to boys, and turning these reflections into a series of letters — Dear Fathers of Sons. The federal government has announced plans to claw back money for people who have fallen victim to small-scale scams, introducing an automatic reimbursement scheme for scam victims with verified losses up to $3,000. Could this help stop cyber criminals from taking off with your hard-earned cash? In Head and Heart our resident psychologist Christine Bagley-Jones dives into the sticky question of whether it's ever ok to tell a friend they need therapy.

Australia's social media ban has been in place for six months — with mixed reports on its success. For teens managing to bypass the ban, they're still swimming in the same addictive stream of harmful content. But could we change the way these algorithms work, and make social media a better place for everyone? Consent campaigner Chanel Contos and AI tech reporter Cam Wilson explain what it would take to fix our feeds. NASA is planning to build a home base for astronauts on the Moon as part of the Artemis program. It raises some big questions: are we any closer to a scenario where everyday humans are living somewhere other than Earth? And if we are, what would the ideal space city look like? Futurist Bridgette Engeler and Craig McCormack, who researches the possibilities of architecture in space, dive into the unknown. If you're looking for inspiration on where to take your next hike, the internet is full of visually stunning recommendations. But some of the most beautiful treks can be seriously dangerous. So how do we encourage people to visit these pristine locations without obscuring the risks?

The odds are, gambling is part of your life or the life of someone you know. It's a national pastime woven into Australian culture, so talking about the harms it brings can be tricky. Advocate Kate Seselja and clinical psychologist Kate Fennessy explain when it's time to seek help, and why there's still such serious stigma around gambling addiction. This week, Aunties Nate Byrne and Diana Nguyen give some advice to a listener who's suss on her friend's latest romantic suitor. How do you know when something really is too good to be true, and what can you do to support someone unlucky in love?

Each year up to 190 tonnes of coral is allowed to be harvested from the Great Barrier Reef, making Australia the second-largest exporter in the world. While those in the industry say it's a highly regulated space, conservationists are calling for an end to the trade. Third-generation coral farmer Lyle Squire Jr, conservation campaigner Simon Miller and conservation biologist Jon Daly discuss whether it's time for a rethink on the sustainability of coral harvesting. The federal government has announced a major overhaul of the unemployment system that it says is ill-equipped to support many of the people who rely on it. Job seeker Kerry Forrest, Australian Council of Social Service acting CEO Edwina MacDonald and National Employment Services Association CEO Kathryn Mandla explain the proposed changes and what they could mean for people looking for more meaningful work. New data from the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority shows that in 2025, only 37 per cent of year 10 students were proficient in digital skills. So if the kids can't even keep up with this newfangled techy world — what hope do the rest of us have?

From the dunny derby to the championship tuna toss, some of Australia's most iconic events sound almost completely made up. But these quirky festivals tell us something deeper about regional Australia. Often times, the novelty comes from a community finding creative ways to bring people in, keep their towns thriving, and show off a part of the country most of us would otherwise drive straight past. Sustainability has been a fashion buzzword for well over a decade. But the controversial sale of Everlane to a fast-fashion giant has left many shoppers wondering what this means for the future of ethical consumption. Author and podcaster Clare Press and ethical fashion co-founder Eric Phu explore whether sustainable clothing can truly make for financially sustainable businesses.  The average person spends around 90,000 hours at work in their lifetime. That's a lot of time to spend somewhere if you're not happy. This Working Life host Lisa Leong explains the classiest way to quit your job, and what to consider before you pull the trigger.

Most of the best things in life start as a risk — changing careers, moving cities, building a dream. But data suggests we're not taking these chances as much as we used to. Even owning your own home can come with "golden handcuffs", tying people to one place, one job, and one version of their life. ABC business journalist Daniel Ziffer and author Jodi Wilson explore how to get yourself unstuck. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Alice Springs School of the Air, the first of its kind in the world. While times and technology have changed since 1951, it remains a lifeline for kids in the bush. Principal Kerrie Russell, online learning platform founder Martin Dougiamas and parent advocate Amber Driver reflect on the legacy of Australia's largest virtual classroom. The Federal Court recently found Coles intentionally misled customers with its infamous "down down" discounts. So what role do discounts play in marketing and what does this mean for upcoming cases against other businesses?

Thousands of spectators at a purpose-built complex in Las Vegas are about to watch something that's never happened before. The Enhanced Games will see 40 athletes attempting to break human records by pumping their bodies full of performance-enhancing drugs. Powerlifting coach Gus Cooke and researchers Matthew Dunn and Adam Karg examine how the Games could change sport and science as we know it. Imagine being caught in a cycle where every 29 days, you transform into an angry, weepy, out-of-control mess. Then suddenly, it passes. This is how author Emma Hardy describes living with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. She joins psychiatrist Jayashri Kulkarni to explain the complex reality of living with PMDD. Twenty-three species of dinosaur have been discovered in Australia and 70 per cent of those were found by the public. Palaeontologist Sally Hurst explains what you should do if you find a fossil.

Recent research suggests social anxiety is on the rise. Beyond the usual feelings around making awkward small talk, many people are struggling to socialise at work, meet new friends or even leave their own house. Psychologist Sahra O'Doherty explains why more of us are experiencing social anxiety and what you can do about it. When you're parenting small children, sleep can feel like a battleground. So when one person takes a night off, how late is too late to stay out? Aunties Amy Middleton and Joe Sullivan,  weigh in on a sensitive debate, and share some advice on navigating sleep envy and resentment.

Among the major changes slated for the NDIS, funding for "social and community participation" looks likely to be significantly reduced. These programs help people stay connected, build confidence and independence, and participate in daily life. Social researcher and NDIS participant Katie Butler and Megan Spindler-Smith from People With Disability Australia explain how these changes could affect people day-to-day. With features that are designed for safety, connected cars have been described as a "privacy nightmare on wheels". These vehicles transmit data continuously — tracking location, monitoring calls, recording your voice and even capturing images from inside and outside your car. So how much data is being collected and what are the rules around it? A new survey has found 1 in 4 doctors believe it will one day be possible to preserve a person's brain and revive their body at a later date. But just because we can, does that mean we should? What would that mean for our sense of humanity?

Not all friendships are for life, and there are plenty of reasons people drift apart. Sometimes distance makes it harder to catch up, or life just pulls you in different directions. But what happens when it's money driving a wedge between mates? Writer Cate Gilpin, comedian Matt Okine and psychologist Rachel Samson explore the friendship wealth gap and how to make peace with it. The majority of people who stand between you and all manner of natural disasters are highly trained and totally unpaid. It's one thing to sign up as a volunteer to make friends and learn new skills, but many volunteers put their own lives on the line to save others. So how sustainable is a critical system that relies so heavily on unpaid labour, and should they be paid for the work they do?

Less than 4 per cent of the statues in Australia depict women from our history. It reveals a lot about who we remember, and how they're immortalised. Our collective memory is shaped by historians' personal values, ideals and beliefs as much as it is by historical events themselves. So historian and guide Sita Sargeant took it upon herself to reshape this history to tell stories of the women we forgot.  Shaun Micallef has never understood the appeal of gambling, but he's something of an outlier. Australians are among the biggest punters in the world, and we lose billions each year. He explains why he decided to investigate our national obsession in a new documentary series, and what can be done to protect future generations from falling prey to voracious betting companies. It's notoriously hard to hold the attention of teenage boys. But when Andy Griffiths stumbled across a novella in his school library about a man who wakes up as an insect, it sparked something wonderful. That reading experience would set him on the path to becoming an award-winning children's author with a penchant for the ridiculous.  Parenting styles are a bit like fashion — norms are continually challenged, evolving and ultimately judged. Psychologist Christine Bagley-Jones joins Life Matters for Head and Heart to unpack "beta parenting", the latest trend describing a more relaxed, "good enough" approach to child-rearing.

Whether you feel self-conscious about your body, or have trouble with performance anxiety, most of us experience sexual hang-ups at some point or another. Sex and relationships therapist Georgia Grace talks through where these anxieties come from, and how normalising conversations about our hang-ups can help us work through them to prioritise pleasure. Family photo albums can hold immense sentimental value, documenting a shared history and keeping memories of relatives long since passed alive for future generations. But when the family parts ways, who decides where those memories go?

Since, COVID, there's been a 39 per cent increase in the number of people sleeping rough. When housed residents see this in their local parks, they call council to report it. But of all the levels of government, it's this local layer that it is least equipped to respond. Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli and researcher Andrew Clarke explain how local councils are addressing the issue. There are more than 6,300 cemeteries across the country, but space is at a premium, with many already at capacity. In some cases, the mourners visiting these sacred places are dying out too. So could we find a better way to use these public spaces dedicated to grief, giving them back to the living, while maintaining respect for the dead? There was a time when the word "peptide" was reserved for conversations between chemists, but now it's a wellness supplement gaining momentum. It's prompted experts to call for stronger regulation, with concerns that young people are particularly at risk.

The government has laid out the federal budget for the next year, and there's a theme: intergenerational fairness. We know the scales are not tipped in favour of young people, but can we re-balance the scales without pitting older people against younger people, and acknowledge that not all older people are rich? Patricial Sparrow from Council on the Ageing unpacks the budget for over 50s.  If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice about dating, what would you tell them? When Dee Salmin sat down to write a book on everything she'd learned about love, it was her teenage self she had in mind. But it struck a chord with women who'd grown up in an era before "going boy sober" or "raising the bar" were trending topics.  Would you be up for a sing-along session with your colleagues, in the name of collaboration? Research shows music can be a powerful tool in promoting connection and group identity. Melissa Forbes and Emma Dean share what happened when they brought together a group of carers to investigate the benefits of music in the workplace.

The school library is where so many kids first develop a love of reading and learn the skills they need to understand the world. But the very existence of those libraries is largely dependent on the discretion of the school, and some say they're under threat. The Australian Library and Information Association's Cathie Warburton, best-selling children's author Andy Griffiths and school librarian Hajnalka Molloy explain why school libraries are a vital learning resource for students. After a player went through a serious mental health episode on the field, the AFL implemented a new rule: all clubs must have an in-house psychologist to keep an eye on players' mental fitness. So if the footy field was actually your office, could you spot the signs? Sport psychologist Courtney Walton and Mental Health First Aid Australia's Jackqui Barnfield run through how to support someone in crisis.  What is it that motivates you to get to the gym? An investigation by the BBC has revealed a trend in companies using AI influencers to sell programs promising results that experts say are unrealistic. Consumer behaviour expert Paul Harrison explores how marketing is being used in the health industry and what role AI plays in convincing us to get fit.

There are three million carers in Australia looking after a loved one who's unable to care for themselves anymore. But what happens when carers need a break? There's meant to be a system of respite care to serve this need, but that system is under strain. Jayne Christian, who has been caring for her mum since 2022, joins sociologist Myra Hamilton and Sharon Gudu, CEO of Carers New South Wales, to explore the future for respite care. With the price of groceries climbing, many are looking to grow fresh produce at home and bring down household bills. Horticulturalist Michael Casey, home gardener Emmy Petersson and psychologist Christine Bagley-Jones break down the costs and benefits of growing your own produce. A new program from the Adelaide University is looking to get over-50s back into exercise, utilising outdoor gym equipment. Lead researcher Alyson Crozier explains how, beyond the health benefits, the program is hopinh to combat social isolation and increase a sense of belonging.

The parent-child relationship is a two-way street. It takes both sides to figure out how to relate to each other as adults -- and that can be especially tough if you have different expectations. Psychotherapist Zoe Krupka unpacks how to manage the changing relationship dynamics from childhood to into adult life.  The Aunties help out a listener whose beloved teddy bear was destroyed by the neighbours' dog. When the eye-watering bill for repairs comes in, is it reasonable to expect the owners to pay up?

Sir David Attenborough is turning 100 years old. Over decades spent exploring and documenting the wonders of nature across the planet, he has shaped our collective understanding of the world. On the cusp of his birthday, Emeritus Professor Justin Marshall and Sir Dave Day convenor Gemma Pepper celebrate the enduring legacy of an extraordinary man. Every day, thousands of Australians rely on blood transfusions to not just survive, but to live a normal life. And while it's estimated one in three of us will need blood or blood products in our lifetime, only one in 30 donates. Blood donation advocate Kate Fisher shares how human stories are key to encouraging more eligible donors to give the gift of life. The Met Gala has always been for a handful of elite philanthropists and celebrities raising money for an exclusive institution. But this year's event, funded by Jeff Bezos, felt especially dystopian. So is it ethical to have a little bit of fun looking at fancy people dressing up in fun clothes, when it's sponsored by a billionaire oligarch?

After Chris Herrmann's wife died suddenly, he was left with the feeling that life is too short not to make the most of every moment. So he packed up and set off on a round-the-world trip. Retirement expert Bec Wilson shares how the "golden gap year" is giving people in their 50s, 60s and beyond a chance to see the world and take the trips they missed out on in their youth. Rates are rising again, the cost of grocery staples is going up and people are feeling it. Many households are starting to look more closely at their budgets to figure out where they can make meaningful savings. Financial adviser James Wrigley and the National Debt Helpline's Karyn Hicks explain where to start if you're trying to cut back. Circadian rhythms play a powerful role in how your manage your day. If you're a morning person, your energy might be waning by the early afternoon, while night owls feel more productive later in the day. But the workforce isn't set up to suit everyone's needs, so how do you get the best out of everyone?

In Australia, it's estimated that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 14 men have experienced violence from an intimate partner. While public awareness of this national crisis has improved, so often, the response is: why didn't they just leave? Abuse survivor Dr Ruth and domestic violence researcher and counsellor Elizabeth McLindon explain the complicated reality of escaping intimate partner violence, and why there are so many barriers for those who want to leave. Health advice is everywhere online, with endless streams of content from wellness influencers on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. These self-styled experts are at your fingertips to give advice you advice, — and they're often cashing in. Journalist Deborah Cohen has been investigating what's at risk when we turn to the algorithm for answers about our health. And there's carers leave for family, but what about friendship leave to make time for the family you choose?

Parents have never had more options to give their child the best start in life. But when it comes to choosing the "best" school to provide your child a quality education, that decision can be costly. Author Jane Caro argues that the gap between public and private schools has grown, and turned what many would consider a basic right to education into a minefield of parental guilt. In an age where people are writing entire novels using ChatGPT, author Bri Lee chose to compose her latest work completely by hand. It's a small act of resistance pushing back against the relentless quest for convenience — just one example of a broader trend described by columnist Kathryn Jezer-Morton as 'friction-maxxing'. New research has explored which voices we find more attractive and how our sexuality might shape the kinds of speech that turns us on. Researcher Cate Madill explains what shapes the way we talk, and how our voices reflect power, status and our place in the world.

It's time to talk about the father wound. For many, these relationships can be complicated by absence, emotional distance and "dadmiration". Clinical psychologist Zac Seidler explores the challenges of navigating fatherhood when your relationship with your own dad was difficult, and where modern dads are looking for support, guidance and role models outside of Bluey. This week, Aunties James Findlay and Diana Nguyen advise a Life Matters listener on the politics of the group chat. When a friendship fades out, is it OK to remove the ring-in? Or is it better to create a new chat on the side? What happens if they find out they weren't invited?