Life Matters - Full program podcast

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.

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.

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?

A Grattan Institute report indicates that over one million Australians a year are delaying or skipping specialist health care because they can't afford it. Specialists do vital work, and they're highly trained. But uncapped fees means costs can keep growing and people can't keep up. What can be done to balance the scales and what is the reality for the specialists?New research has outlined the urgent need to better equip the people who become our de facto therapists — the beauticians, hairdressers, nail techs —with the tools to do this heavy emotional labour.If you're married, did you keep your own surname or take the name of your betrothed? It's a highly gendered and changing social norm, so what does our surname actually say about us? 

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?

Australia sends 26 million tonnes of rubbish to landfills each year, and we're running out of room. Sydney is on track to run out of space in the next five years. Among the potential solutions are waste-to-energy facilities that burn rubbish and turn it into electricity. A few are already up and running, but there's significant community pushback. So could these projects really have a role to play in moving towards a circular economy?If there's an old piano in your life, you might be wondering what to do with it when the keys won't play anymore. It's estimated at least 3,000 pianos are thrown away each year, often because they're costly to maintain, difficult to move, and hard even to give away. Jen Petrie and Mike Hendry share how they're giving unwanted pianos a second chance. The character of a place can be a significant drawcard, so we often feel protective over the vibe of our local community. But this week, a tribunal in Victoria ruled that there's no true authority on what's cool, reversing a local council decision to block McDonald's from moving into the trendy neighbourhood. Resident Life Matters sociologist Dan Woodman weighs in on who decides what's considered cool.