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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How do we incorporate fun into our everyday lives?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

War, death, climate destruction and disease - given the state of the news, it's easy to feel like everything is hopeless. But good things are also happening around the world, from poverty rates falling to the advancement of women's and LGBTQ+ rights, and yet, we rarely hear about it.Future Crunch co-founder Dr Angus Hervey explains why solutions-focused stories of progress need to be told.Plus, an organisation finding novel pathways to work for those struggling to find it.

Since the turn of the century, house prices have significantly outpaced other parts of the economy, like wages.While that's been great news for those who've received good returns on their investments, but has lead to tough times for anyone paying off a mortgage or trying to buy their first home. It's been signalled as a crisis for years, but what really needs to change to close the divide between the haves and the wants? Finance journalist Alan Kohler discusses the range of factors at play.Plus, Jimmy Rees on how being a children's entertainer shaped him as a father. 

It's been 100 years since RN started broadcasting, and over that century, it's been a powerful fixture in people's lives.But as the media landscape changes, is public radio being drowned out? Or is it more necessary than ever? We look at how public radio is evolving for the future.Plus, beachgoers live in terror of coming across a shark on a summer swim, but they might not deserve their bad reputation. We look at whether we need to be so scared of sharks.

In periods of chronic stress, like the one we're in now, substance abuse risk goes up. But is that the same for everyone?We look at who is more at risk of addiction and how to protect people in stressful times.Plus, a look at why Australians are turning away from travel to the USA, and how Christmas feasting has changed throughout history.

Inherited traditions can connect us to family and culture, but they aren't for everyone. How do you break away and find your own path, without burning too many bridges?Plus, we get into dog beach drama for the Too Hard Basket with comedian Michelle Brasier and writer Patrick Lenton.

Having a baby is never easy, but if you have perinatal depression or anxiety, it can be outright impossible .So why is it still so hard for women to get support they need- particularly the medication that may be a lifesaver?Plus, meet the communities restoring our ecosystem with tiny forests. 

Language learning programs are shifting around Australia, and not in ways that always reflect the communities in which they're run.We look at how we can set language priorities to make communities stronger.Plus, Sonny Jane Wise discusses changing our thinking around neurodiversity. 

Across the country, thousands of Australians have been receiving that dreaded letter from the ATO, letting them know that they have an outstanding tax debt.The ATO has said that they want to increase the visibility of the debts, but why now? How does someone end up with an unexpected tax debt? And how does the ATO decide what to forgive and what to collect?Plus, author Jane Gilmore looks at the quality of fairytale princesses as role models, and finds they come up short under feminist scrutiny. So what stories should we tell our kids?And while it's become something of a meme (#foodporn), we still love to post pictures and videos our food, so why the urge to share what's on our plate with the world?

Nearly 80 per cent of single mothers are in paid employment, while 84 per cent have completed secondary education and have a University degree or TAFE qualification.But despite their work status and educational achievements, many single mothers say they're worried about their long-term financial security. And while the picture is complicated, stigma and stereotypes are playing a role we can change.Plus, we peer into the crystal ball as demographer Simon Kuestenmacher makes some big predictions for 2033.

Mixing business with pleasure can be a recipe for disaster. But if you do work with your romantic partner how can you keep both your relationship and your professional life strong? Plus, we tackle the question of attending the high school reunion with comedian Lou Wall and ABC Newcastle Drive presenter Paul Culliver.

The years of the COVID work from home experiment are over, now workplaces are trying to decide the best model for the future of work, but there's little agreement.CEOs want workers to return to the office, workers want full flexibility. What's the best way to work in a post-COVID world?Plus, if you've ever Googled your symptoms, and convinced yourself you have a rare parasitic disease from South East Asia (when you've never been there), Tegan Taylor and Dr Norman Swan are here to highlight where to find sound health advice - their new podcast What's That Rash?.

The federal government recently passed major amendments to the Family Law act, which remove the presumption of shared parental responsibility and seek instead to prioritise the needs of the child. What will this mean for families encountering the system?And Anja Christoffersen, an ambassador for the International Day of People with Disabilities shares her story and explains why she founded an agency to help people professionalise their lived experience.

More than one third of Australians take a dietary supplement, but far fewer people need to be.Most of us get the nutrients we need from our diets, so why are increasing numbers of people taking pills, gummies and tonics they don't need?And we find out about how to stay safe as the latest COVID wave peaks. 

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

Can you recall a moment that changed your life? A chance meeting? A book that inspired you? A plane you missed? As part of our series Leap, we've been hearing stories of people who've made big changes to their lives. But we've all had life-changing moments, even if we didn't realise it at the time. We hear your stories of small moments with big ripple effects. Plus, comedian Chris Ryan and podcaster Fuzz Ali solve some apartment bin night drama for the Too Hard Basket.

Getting to the end of a busy day, all you want to do is get some sleep, but then anxious thoughts start rushing through your head.Worrying at night is a common phenomenon. Learn how chronic stress is exacerbating an evolutionary phenomenon, and how to calm yourself and get the best sleep you can.Plus, author and journalist Julia Baird teases out the idea of grace, and why we're yearning for it in our modern world. 

New applications to the NDIS are currently restricted to people under the age of 65. Australian barrister Peter Freckleton explains why he is lodging a discrimination complaint with the UN about the age cap. And Professor Elizabeth Kendall and Dr Mark Brown explore why the age cap exists and whether the support it provides should be more widely available.And a recent winner of ABC's Takeover shares her story, about how a diagnosis of autism helped her find a community.

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

Off-label prescribing of semaglutide drugs for weight loss has attracted a lot of controversy, especially as the drug remains in short supply as a type-2 diabetes treatment.But the ire directed at larger individuals, both for using the drug and refusing not to, is rooted in fatphobia. We explore the state of Ozempic in Australia and what it's really like to use it for weight loss.Plus, learn why the next generation of fiancées are turning away from the classic diamond engagement ring, and artist David Bromley opens up about his anxiety and the ways his art helps him stay on track.

Getting inked is a personal act for many of us, and attitudes to that act have changed a lot over time and between cultures. We look at the stories behind people's tattoos and why people get the ones they do. And we dive into the politics of Zoom calls and whether camera on is a fair default with Simon Taylor and Clare Bowditch.

What does it take to turn your life around? Does it take a certain personality type? A dire situation? Or is transformation within reach for all of us? In the last instalment of our Leap series, we look at how you can make a big change in your life. And author Jaclyn Crupi talks about deepening her relationship with pasta and how the Italian staple connects her to her family.

The federal government has announced a new campaign encouraging more Australians to ‘be that teacher.’ But with teacher shortages becoming more common across the country, what bigger changes are necessary to attract new teachers and retain the ones currently working? Plus, researchers are working to understand precisely how those kilos of microbes affect our health, but they're also seeing a significant drop in the diversity of that microbiome. A new documentary examines the research of leading scientists on the human microbiome, The Invisible Extinction. Scientists Gloria Dominguez-Bello and Marty Blaser explain their research.

Is the way we live our busy, disconnected lives, making us sick? Canadian physician Dr Gabor Mate  believes so. He has a lot to say about the impact of trauma on children and how physical and mental illness can show up in our bodies later in life. We revisit his interview from earlier in the year, and include a follow up with an autoimmune expert, to explore some of the assertions Dr Mate makes.

Have you ever wished you could be at your own funeral? There's no reason why you can't. More people are considering the 'living funeral', a celebration of life with the dying person in attendance. We explore the pros and cons of this event, and what it can offer to both the dying and the to-be bereaved. How does pain in children's television programs influence our kids' relationship with pain? We explore the latest research. And feminist writer Clementine Ford makes the case for abolishing marriage in her new book I Don't.

You hear a lot of wedding vows where people were overjoyed to "marry their best friend", but it's less common that they were that way before becoming romantically involved. Dating friends is divisive - high risk, but potentially high reward too. We look at how to get it right. Plus, Lizzy Hoo and Alex Dyson take a party clash dilemma out of the Too Hard Basket.

Break-ups in the modern era don't leave us with much recompense, except for maybe "forgetting" to return an ex's favourite book, but what if you could take legal action and charge your ex with ‘lacerating your emotions’? We look back at the Breach of Promise Act, a moment in history when Australians lived could sue former lovers for emotional damages, and what it says about how we love today. Plus, in the fourth instalment of Leap, we meet Derick Cusack, who leapt from substance abuse into marathon running and never looked back.

Parents are estimated to be the ninth-largest lender in Australia, with many helping their kids enter the housing market in whatever way they can. We explore the flow-on effects this is having on the housing market, wealth distribution and even family relationships.  Plus, a look at language, rhetoric and reality, and how to spot the reality behind fuzzy messages.

The federal government has announced $3.5 million in funding to combat the impact of misogynistic influencers like Andrew Tate. So what works to promote healthy masculinity? Plus, for Halloween we explore why some people love a scary story. And how a lack of teacher diversity in the classroom is doing our children a disservice.

Who can achieve great things? Turns out it's less about who shows early promise, and more about those who develop the motivation to keep going. Organisational psychologist and author Adam Grant discusses his new book Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things, and how to find the genius in everyone. A new analysis of animal bones from a First Nations midden has provided more insight into the closeness of dingoes and humans prior to colonisation. We look at what this can teach us about our relationship with animals. Plus, in her memoir, Desi Girl, Sarah writes about the complexities and nuances of coming of age as a first generation Pakistani-Australian, in the shadow of 9/11 and all that came after. 

"What do you do?" is often the first thing we ask new people we meet. Identifying with our work can be empowering, but when we put too much weight on our professional personhood, we can feel lost when our work situation changes. We look at how to manage this and where our work-selves should fit in the broader scheme of our identities.  Plus, comedian Anna Piper Scott and writer Yianni Agisilaou tackle a tricky Too Hard Basket dilemma involving platonic heterosexual friendships and children saying the darndest things.

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

One full year of paid parental leave with superannuation, access to universal childcare whether you’re working or not and more support for older women returning to the workforce; these are some of the key recommendations by the Federal Government’s Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce. We look at how these recommendations could work in practice. If you feel like your online experience boasts less quality posts from people you care about, and more ads, you're not alone. Journalist and activist Cory Doctorow looks at what has happened to social media in the past few years to make it feel 'crappy'.

Engineered stone derived from quartz might be a cheap way to get that marble look in your kitchen, but it comes at a cost. The dust leaves many workers with silicosis, and Safe Work Australia is considering a proposed ban of the material. We look at the health impacts and how that ban might work practically. Plus, author on author, Sarah Krasnostein examines the cultural impact of Peter Carey.  And learn about the power of placebo to alter your belief in more ways than you might have realised.

There's plenty to complain about right now, but does whingeing and venting serve us in the long term? Learn how to find the social benefits of complaining without without turning into a negative Nancy. This very busy European summer season was mired by fires and heatwaves. Ironically, air travel contributes heavy carbon emissions that exacerbate these disasters. So should we be travelling long distances into the future? And how should we factor the impacts climate change into our travel plans? And meet the educators bringing plants and greenery into the school environment to help children learn. 

When you have a child, or your friend has one, it can be a tectonic shift in your established dynamic. We look at whether it can work like before, and how to cope with the changes. Plus, Nina Oyama and Simon Kennedy-Jewell tackle the tricky problem of people calling dibs on communal facilities at public campsites.

If a 300-year-old tree falls, and no one is around to save it, does it break a heart? Many, as it turns out. The illegal felling of the Sycamore Gap tree in North England has highlighted the emotional connection we share with trees. We explore the power they have to ground us in an increasingly unstable world.  Plus, in the second instalment of Leap, meet the man who ditched the 9-5 life to become an escort, and never looked back.

It's been more than 18 months since the RBA started raising interest rates to combat soaring inflation. Australians feeling the pinch might have hoped for some financial relief by now. So what's taking so long? Will the end ever be in sight? We take your questions. If you've ever felt that hospitals are a cold, intimidating environment, know you're not alone. Meet the organisation using arts to transform health care culture, and make hospital environments more kind. 

It's now possible to register yourself with your local GP clinic, and potentially receive some benefits in return, under the new My Medicare program, which aims to improve care for patients and reduce visits to emergency departments. We explain whether its worth registering. Our social media feeds have been inundated with graphic images of conflict, from Gaza to Ukraine. It can be very distressing, so how can we cope? Plus, we investigate crowd rules in sport, in particular, why we need to stay silent at the tennis. 

Creative recovery is an emerging tool for healing the trauma of diaster-affected communities. We learn how art projects are helping people process their grief and illuminate their experiences for all Australians. Menopause can be confronting and confusing, so cartoonist Kaz Cooke decided to shed some light on it. She joins us to talk about her new book It's The Menopause, and the thousands of women she heard from in the process of writing it. And we look at the history of Australia's film classifcation system, censorship and the allure of banned films.

We all get jealous sometimes, what matters is how you deal with it. We look at ways to change your thinking, and other tips for managing your feelings when the green-eyed monster rears its head. And Too Hard Basketeers James Colley and Urvi Majumdar tackle a very modern dilemma for adults - How often should we be visiting our parents? With family, work, social and other towering commitments, how can you make time for your ageing parents, especially when they live far away? 

Most of our cities aren't bike-friendly enough for cycling to be a safe, easy commuting option. We look at what needs to change to make Australian cities cycling havens. Have you ever wished you could just make a big change and shake up your life? Over the next five weeks, you'll meet the Australians who took that big leap, and learn what it took to change their lives. In the first instalment, Jodi Wilson shares how and why she left her well-paying job and possessions behind, packed up her family of six into a caravan and never looked back.

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

As the Voice referendum vote draws near, we look at the impact of the debate on indigenous peoples' mental health.  Plus, how to pick the perfect fruit and vegetables with fruiterer Thanh Truong, and some ideas about the sustainable future of fashion with Clare Press.

Mood tracking has become a popular way of understanding the sources of our feelings and regulating our emotions. There's a lot of evidence that this practice can benefit our wellbeing. But when we track using apps with AI capabilities, like Apple’s latest iOS update which promises mental health insights based on how we report our feelings, can we believe them? Kink is undeniably human, but where does it stem from? Sex educator Esmé Louise James' new book Kinky History examines the origins of kink, its expression in surprisingly highbrow circles, and how what we consider alternative (read 'shameful') is constantly evolving.  If someone nearby had a cardiac arrest, what would you do? A recent survey in Canada found many people felt unprepared to help using CPR, particularly if the person experiencing the cardiac arrest was a woman. We look at the situation in Australia and what needs to change.

Group texts and chats are increasingly prevalent in our digital lives. But the rules of engagement can vary just as much as social dynamics in real life. Which app do you use? What does that sticker mean? And why doesn't anyone respond to that person in the chat? We explore the complex social mores of the group chat. Plus, comedians Matt Okine and Frankie McNair solve the issue of the misbehaving house-sitter. 

How did sex begin exactly? Not just last night, but way, way back in the primordial soup? A new history of sex posits our earliest encounters as a cannibalistic act. Historian David Baker discusses how that evolved into modern human intimacy. And if flowers are your go-to gift, you might want to reconsider. Cut flowers have a bigger carbon footprint than you might realise. So is there a sustainable way to give a bouquet?

The Disability Royal Commission report has recommended big changes to education for children with a disability, floating the idea of phasing out special schools. So what would it take to achieve inclusive education for all?  Plus, as our society obsesses over minimalism and 'decluttering', Gemma Nisbet argues for the value of our collected posessions in telling the stories of our lives. 

Australia has seen its driest September on record and Sydney smashed its previous heat record for October 1st by more than 2 degrees. What will it take, to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels? How achievable is that goal? And what does it mean if we miss our ever-narrowing window? We take a look at why abandoned spaces enchant us, and psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg shares his guide to being the best grandparent you can be. 

It's never too late to learn another language. In fact, emerging research shows that learning a language is the best possible workout we can give our brain as it ages, using more areas of the brain than most other activities. So how do you figure out what to study and how to stick with it? ABC Classic Presenter Ed La Brocq reveals the enduring fingerprint of Western classical music on our culture in his new book Sound Bites. And as climate change intensifies and El Niño returns, bringing bushfires and extreme heat, we look at our growing need for emergency volunteers.

We're constantly comparing ourselves to others, and that can be made even harder when we have an over-achiever in our lives. Learn how to stop that comparison engine and focus on your own successes. Singer Barry Crocker shares backstage tales from his book Last of the Entertainers, and we take a drama about an unfair rent share out of the Too Hard Basket with comedian and journalist Ange Lavoipierre and actor Bjorn Stewart.

If you've ever suspected your boss might be a psychopath, you might be right. A type of person without the capacity for empathy, psychopaths are far more common than we might think and can make our worklives untenable. Researcher and author David Gillepsie shares his strategies for dealing with toxic psychopaths at work. And Asylum Seeker Resource Centre founder Kon Karapanagiotidis connects with his culture and mum through his new cookbook of Greek vegetarian recipes. 

The pandemic was a massive blow for Australia's arts scene, and recovery has been slow, with rocketing costs for patrons, artists and crew alike. With the recent cancellation of major festivals and events, what does the future hold for the arts in Australia? Plus, we look at how COVID kids might adapt to a post-pandemic world.

Indigenous suicide rates are higher than the national average, but tackling the problem often ignores cultural context and community. We meet Australian Mental Health Prize winner Professor Maree Toombs, a Euahlayi and Kooma woman developing community-led interventions that work. We look at how recipes, flavours and food place us in long lineages and connect us to our culture. Plus, we learn when it's ok for kids to play rough.

Think burnout is bad? Bore-out wants a word. It's a phenomenon that happens when you're chronically bored and understimulated in your work. It can be soul-destroying, but whose responsibility is it to make work interesting?  Learn about the contributions of older protesters and why they're less visible than the stereotype of the teen activist.  And we find out if a weekend sleep-in is actually good for you.

Do you have a friend who's quite a bit older or younger than you? Someone from a different generation? Those friendships might be uncommon, and even a bit 'odd' to some, but they can bring a lot of joy and refreshing perspective to our lives. We look at how to make and nurture intergenerational connections. Plus, Too Hard Basketeers Annie Louey and Sam Leighton-Dore help a listener struggling with a friend who's always being a downer. 

Preventative and allied health is falling by the wayside as the cost of living bites. And that means we miss health problems that become more pressing and expensive down the line. We look at what not to cut out of your budget, and what can be done on a broader scale. Plus, learn about how scammers exploit our cognitive biases as Dr Christopher Chabris shares the findings of his new book Nobody's Fool: Why we get taken in and what we can do about it.

Are Australian universities in crisis? A spate of industrial actions and student dissatisfaction seems to indicate tough times for our higher education sector. So what needs to change to make universities sustainable? Plus, meet Leisa Prowd, a dancer and artist living with achondroplasia, whose latest piece I Am (Not) This Body challenges the judgments and meaning we place on the physical form.

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

They say to write/paint/sing what you know, and what do you know better than your own life? Narrative therapy allows us to tell our own stories in a way that empowers us and improves our mental wellbeing, and art is the perfect medium for those stories. We look at how to get creative with your life story and boost your mental health in the process.  The feeling of being disappointed by Paris is so common it has a name: 'Paris Syndrome'. And in the age of social media, more of our holiday destinations aren't meeting the expectations set by those perfect Instagram selfies. So how do you avoid being let down by your dream destination? Plus, how an online course could help you stop worrying and focus on the present.

Step-parents get a bad wrap in culture, but as more families become blended, more are taking a parent role with a partner's child. How do you manage boundaries as a step-parent? And what can you do to make your blended family a harmonious one? Plus, solving the case of the coworker who's cheating in your company charity stepathon, for the Too Hard Basket with comedians Gillian Cosgriff and Ivan Aristigueta.

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

According to a recent survey from Roy Morgan, trust in corporations is at the lowest it's been since measuring began five years ago. "Greedy", "corrupt" and "a lack of professional integrity" were just some of the sentiments being expressed about our corporate sector. We look at how our trust was broken and if it can be restored. Plus, we teach kids to be strong and resilient, but is there some space for sensitivity? Author Jess Sanders looks at the power of being vulnerable.

More of us are buying and living in apartments, but those dwellings have strings attached, namely the other apartment owners in your building. Making decisions in close quarters can lead to drama, so how do you keep things smooth sailing in your owners committee? If you thought the right to stay with your family was a given in Australia, think again. We hear from an Italian national fighting to stay in Australia with his young son. Plus, would a chat at the checkout help you feel less lonely? Supermarkets in The Netherlands are trying 'chatty checkouts', we look at how that might benefit people here.

Hobbies have been proven to be good for our mental health and wellbeing, and can give us new skills, social connections and a sense of purpose. Yet, so many of us still don't find time or energy for them. We look at how to find a hobby that will stick and make time for it. OCD is more than just being excessively clean, it's an anxiety disorder that can tarnish everything in your life. Author Penny Moodie shares her journey with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and how she got her joy back. And would you sign up for a pet timeshare? A new service is connecting worn out pet owners with people who want a part time furry friend. Sounds nice on paper, but what are the risks for your animal?

Our sexual desires and preferences change over time. What got you hot and heavy early in a relationship might no longer do it for you. So how do you stay in touch with your turn-ons over time?  Plus, Kirsty Webeck and Rich from The Listies solve a case of workplace food shaming from the Too Hard Basket.

Have you ever gone to a doctor with a problem and not been believed? Or had your symptoms downplayed? Medical misdiagnosis, or 'gaslighting' can have life-threatening consequences, and disproportionately happens to marginalised people. Learn how to spot it and get a second opinion. Plus, could animals that can count hold the key to understanding our own mathematical mastery? Cognitive neuroscientist Dr Brian Butterworth shares how the animal kingdom's numerical skills can help us treat human learning disorders.

After the lowest returns in a decade, Australia Post's CEO says either the government might have to chip in more to keep the post running, or services might need to change in order to stay profitable. It raises a lot of questions: Is Australia Post a business or a public service? Do we still need it when technology is rapidly advancing? Why don't they ring the doorbell when you're obviously home? We answer them. Plus, a conversation with Tom Taylor, the graphic novelist who made history with his comic book take on the classic Peter Pan story.

Do milk teeth need a dentist? We look at the senate review of children's dental care and how to look after your child's pearly whites without breaking the bank. Plus, what more can be done to support young people with intellectual disabilities transitioning from school. And former AFL player Dylan Buckley opens up for some Honest Chat.

In most cases, therapy isn't supposed to be forever, but how do you know it's really time to end that special relationship? We look at how often people leave earlier than they should, and why that personal relationship can make finishing difficult. Plus, author Kate Mildenhall peels back the curtain on those author endorsements you see on book covers, and learn how doodling can improve your mental health and focus with artist Tamara Michael.

When free time is scarce, it's hard to know what to do with it when you have it. So, what are weekends really for, and how can we make sure we're making that precious time work for us? Plus, how to deal with the coworker who hogs every meeting to ramble and brag, with comedians Amy Hetherington and Ben Russell.

It's not just adults who can find themselves in unhealthy or violent relationships. Often in the first ever romantic relationships, teenagers are particularly vulnerable. So how can you spot abuse, and what can we do to foster respectful relationships for teens? Plus, a look at how stoicism can get you through a frustrating workday and help you thrive in your career.

Medicinal cannabis has been legal in various Australian jurisdictions for seven years, but those who have a prescription can still face discrimination at work. How do we update our thinking around prescription marijuana? Plus, AIME founder Jack Manning Bancroft on how Indigenous ways of thinking could reform the economy for everyone's benefit. He calls it 'hoodie economics'.

Is private health insurance fit for purpose? New research has found that although half of Australians have private cover, many don't use it. So is it doing what it's supposed to? Plus, mitigating the environmental cost of getting the perfect holiday photo, and how honey holds the hidden secrets of our surroundings.

Our body image has a huge impact on our wellbeing, and as we get older, it can become fraught. We look at how to love your body as it ages, and feel great in your skin. Plus, a look at how formal settings change our behaviour and what we lose in a world that's becoming more casual. And learn how technology has changed the art of street photography.

What makes a superfan so devoted? And why spend all that time and money on your favourite artist? Turns out there are plenty of psychological benefits to being a fan, according to psychologist and Dolly Parton-fan Chris Cheers. Plus, we take some family wedding drama out of the Too Hard Basket, and find out whether it's ever ok to announce your pregnancy at a family member's wedding with comedians Adam Rozenbachs and Mish Wittrup. 

Without a clear plan for your retirement, there's a risk you could lose your sense of relevance and purpose. We look at how to steer clear of 'relevance deprivation syndrome' and have a meaningful retirement. Plus, as we grow into adults and have our own children, how does our appreciation of our own parents change? Hugh Van Cuylenburg wraps his look at Modern Dads by sitting down with his own.

The idea that we should be constantly busy is one that's really taken hold in Australia. But do we need to think differently about the importance of rest? And what draws people in and keeps them in a cult? 

A new scheme called BetStop came into effect this week and it's aiming to help problem gamblers block themselves from betting on the phone and online. But does it go far enough? Gestational diabetes can be serious but experts believe it's being over-diagnosed, and the treatments could be doing more harm to those without the condition.  Plus, learn about the science behind the ever-growing flavours of craft beers.  

We've long believed our personalities are fixed, but new research is finding that some traits shift as we get older. For example, we're likely to become less extroverted, but more agreeable. Learn how to navigate these changes in yourself and your loved ones. Plus, sex educator and best selling author Cory Silverberg on what sex ed can teach kids about being their best selves.

High school reunions can be daunting affairs, but they don't have to be! Get the survival guide to reconnecting with teenage friends and foes, and talking about your adult journey without being a brag. Plus, we solve the problem of the commitment-phobic friend who always cancels at the last minute with ABC Alice Springs presenter Alex Barwick and The Conversation's Patrick Lenton.

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

The Matildas have been dominating in the Women's World Cup, but have you ever wondered how young athletes make the team? Hilary looks at what it takes to raise an elite athlete, and whether its worth the pressure and sacrifice as a parent. Later, Hayley Campbell joins the conversation for an unflinching look at death in her new book All The Living and the Dead, and Hugh Van Cuylenberg chats to chef and presenter Adam Liaw about how he negotiates the domestic load at home. 

Food poisoning can be debilitating and in some cases, even fatal. So how can you help figure out what made you ill? Learn how urban swimmers are pushing cities to clean up their rivers, and how sound baths can ease stress and pain.

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

These days, we all want our kids to grow up with the confidence and independence they need to navigate the world on their own. But, we also want to make sure they can come back to us for the love and support they need when they're struggling. So how do you find the balance that works for your family? And how can you know if you're getting it right?

Life Matters comes to you from Darwin Festival with stories about how the NT does it differently. Learn how a north-east Arnhem Land aged care centre is creating a "little heaven" for its residents, find out why women have embraced fishing in Darwin, and hear the Untold conversations Indigenous creatives say we need to be having.

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

Will the new pill to treat perinatal depression be a game changer?  Then, what are the rules behind the naming rights of these fireballs? Plus, how do we understand ourselves in relation to our family, our communities, and our work?

What would it take to heal the wounds of forced adoption?  This year marks a decade since the national apology for Australia's forced adoption practices, but some of those affected believe that justice has never truly been served.

When you come home, how do you go just shedding all the stress related to work at the front door? If the work-life boundary gets blurry, it can have really bad impacts on our mental and physical wellbeing, so what can we do to reduce work stress? Also, how to handle a friend who's a troll.

Teaching doctors how to write could make them better listeners and greatly improve the quality of the healthcare we receive. And Attica head chef Ben Shewry on divorcing with excellence.

There are many factors that keep survivors from speaking up and seeking justice, but a win can be transformative. We look at the road to justice and how it is changing. Then, why are so many Australians getting into disputes with their banks and other financial institutions? 

Who should pay to fix the housing crisis? Then, are individual virtues ruining our democracy? Plus, the power of libraries. 

Against a trend of extreme weather events that scientists warn is likely to continue or escalate, what can we do to protect our own homes and communities?

As we experience both the happy and sad events of our lives, not only do our friends ground us and comfort us, they also teach us valuable lessons. What are some of the life lessons that come from our friendships? And do we always value them enough? Also, can you uninvite someone to your wedding?

After falling in love with a woman from her church and coming out to her school, not only was Steph Lentz fired, but she was forced to ask herself: could she be gay and still be a 'true Christian'? And how do you chart your path as father, when you lost your own parents at a young age?

We know men's violence against women is a national crisis. But what does it take to prevent domestic and family violence? Then, how sensory experiences can help lift your mood.

How are parents managing the rising cost of childcare? Then, learning the Swedish art of death cleaning. Plus, can a country town survive without a pub?

The Victorian Government cited a massive cost blowout when it withdrew from hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games, but does this signal an end to major sporting events in Australia, or is it specific to these Games?

All relationships take sacrifices, and doing things for others can make us feel good. But it can also become a one-way-street. So, how can meet the needs of others while also looking after our own needs? Also, what to do about a stingy friend who always makes you pick up the tab. 

A proposed new law in Israel would allow the parents of soldiers who die at war to retrieve sperm from their deceased sons' bodies to create  'future grandchildren'. What are the ethical considerations at play? And in the first episode of Modern Dads, Hugh van Cuylenburg talks to Professor Rob Moodie about the small triumphs and big lessons of fatherhood.

Inflammation is cited as a factor in various diseases, why is that and what do we really know about it? Plus actor Rachel Ward reveals her new passion for regenerative farming, and roboticist Marita Cheng on writing a book for girls using AI.

What will the future economics of the screen industry look like? Changes to NAPLAN results, plus could tiny homes play a role in easing the housing crisis?

The Australian Federal Government has introduced legislation to combat misinformation and disinformation on social media, but who should have the responsibility to decide what we see online?

Feelings of loneliness and disconnection have soared since the pandemic, and more than half of Australians say they're feeling more lonely than ever. So, how can we learn to embrace time alone without feeling lonely? Also, how do you navigate a friendship with a couple when they break up, especially when one of them starts seeing someone new?

Mental health and mindfulness apps are one of the fastest growing sectors of the trillion dollar wellness market but how likely are they to do what they're promising? And could they actually make your symptoms worse? And a musical in which three different John Farnhams travel back in time to teach you about their lives.

What protections would you like to see for people who call out misconduct? Plus surveys show Gen Z workers often don't have the tech skills for the job. And The Mens Table is bringing men together to talk about their feelings, build connections and combat social isolation.

What are the benefits of dual-naming traditional place names as part of healing and reconciliation? Plus, why diamonds are no longer a newlyweds best friends. And, creating community from the ground up. 

"Robodebt was a crude and cruel mechanism, neither fair nor legal, and it made many people feel like criminals." That was the scathing assessment by Commissioner Catherine Holmes in her overview of the Royal Commission into the robodebt scheme. Will the recommendations in the commission's report prevent something similar from happening in the future?

When we're confronted by new challenges, it's our primeval response to feel fear. To want to back off.  But is it good for us to try new things? And are there ways we can learn to better understand and outsmart our automatic reaction to fear? Also, what do you do if your futsal teammate is so intense, he's ruining the game for everyone?

New research is showing that ultra-processed food could be having a major impact on our minds. And Sam Drummond shares the story of his childhood and everything his mum gave up just so he and his brother 'had a shot'.

South Korea is creating spaces where children are excluded completely - is that a useful or fair thing to do? Plus the importance of giving when times are tough, and for NAIDOC week, marking 21 years of live prison radio with Beyond the Bars.

How can you manage the rising cost of strata levies? Then, unpacking the mechanics of a referendum. Plus, dealing with anxiety. 

The age to access the age pension has increased to 67 years old, with some reports suggesting it will eventually need to rise to 70. Should age be the only thing that defines our access to the age pension, or do we need to think about other factors, like occupation and means testing?

For some of us, our families of origin might show up the way we need them to. But, if that's not the case, we may have found a group of friends we feel more 'at home' with than anyone else. How do we go about finding these 'chosen families', and how do we continue to nourish them as we age? Also, if your partner isn't picking up their share of the domestic load, how do you confront them about it? 

How to get the people who don't respect your boundaries and generally make you feel terrible out of your life. And is our school system set up so that all students have the best chance of making it all the way through? 

Experts are beginning to turn away from the body mass index as a measure of health. Why is it seen as problematic and what's the alternative? Plus preserving our digital history, and what makes us think people are becoming more unkind?

What can GriefTok teach us about death? The fallout of Roe v Wade, one year on. Plus, why do men keep resorting to public violence to settle disputes, and why do people enjoy watching?

Soon, some patients will be able to get treatments for PTSD and treatment resistant depression using a psychedelic drug and psychotherapy in combination.

When you have more than one child, managing their individual dispositions can be quite a dance.  How do you manage each of your child's needs without favouritism? And, is there a way your parents did it that worked well or not so well for you? Also, if you've found a way to use AI to make your work easier, do you have to tell your boss?

Advocates say that treating drug use as a crime rather than a health issue is causing the waiting lists for drug treatment programs to reach epic proportions and are calling for a new national approach. And is the institution of marriage still fit for our modern lives? 

Understanding the growing phenomenon of workplace trauma, plus how our obsession with taking photos of food is impacting our relationship to eating, and COVID kids: the teenage years. 

New guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of childhood concussion, plus we take a look at the no-wash movement, and a new campaign to keep young people safe on social media. 

When the bill to create the NDIS was first introduced, the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, said that the scheme would "transform the lives of people with disability, their families and carers." But with a major review currently under way, the Minister, Bill Shorten, has expressed concerns, stating that "the NDIS is not what it should be." How has the NDIS impacted people's lives ten years on? 

How have you been able to improve the sexual relationship you have with yourself? Plus, why are we so sentimental about names?

Dealing with our feelings about bad climate change news. Plus making sure powers of attorney are not used against older people, and how COVID amplified the negative effects of social media for primary school children.

Some men are using testosterone therapy in the hopes it will make them healthier, but do they really need it? Plus how the suit became such a staple in our wardrobes, and a look at ageing through the lens of life satisfaction and happiness, rather than focusing on longevity.

If you're in the city, you usually have access to specialists, hospitals, GPs, and allied health. It may not always be cheap, or immediate, or local, but it is available. When you head out to rural, regional, and remote Australia, how does that story change?

Who is shaping our boys and teenagers into young men, and how are they being influenced by ideas about toxic masculinity? Plus Matthew Evans on eating ethically, and Louise tells the story of a stolen locket that's still precious to her.

We all deal with guilt in our lives, and it doesn't feel good, but does guilt serve a function? Does it make us do better? And, if so, how can we channel it into positive action? Also, what do you do about the friend whose online personality makes you cringe? 

Rachael Coopes explains why she left behind her stable life and her soul mate to study for a year with the French master clown Philippe Gaulier. And what happens when a woman who moved countries to escape her parents learns that her father has dementia and has been left in her care?

Rooftop solar is booming, so how can its benefits be more evenly distributed? Plus making sure your tax return doesn't set off a red flag at the ATO, and former Goop executive Elise Loehnen on how women being 'good' comes at a cost.

We know that the first five years of a child’s life are critical for laying the foundations for healthy development, so, three years on from the WHO's declaration of a pandemic, what impact has that time had on young children?

No matter whether the expectations our parents have for us are high, low, or non existent, they will inevitably shape who we are and how we approach work, life and relationships. If you had parents who pushed you too hard or not enough, how has that worked out for you? Also, what to do when your relative's many belongings are being stored at your house, and they won't come to pick them up?

When Alexandra Collier woke up one day with ‘baby fever’ and her partner didn't feel the same, she found a new path in life — becoming a solo mum, by choice. And a rise in unsolicited, face to face psychic scams is resulting in financial extortion, and even threats of violence.

When a person with dementia goes missing, loved ones and concerned bystanders are often unsure how to help. Plus, growing flowers indoors and how Brad Guy's tragic sky diving accident led to personal growth, ten years on.

Solutions to body image problems that involve tweaking social media use. Plus, who should be responsible for reducing hard waste? And Jen Cloher on coming to her cultural heritage later in life. 

How do we choose what to pass down through the generations and what to let go? And how do we think beyond our own lives: to keep future generations in mind with the decisions we make?

In some cultures - old age is revered. In others - we worship youth. How do you feel about ageing? Has it made you feel invisible, or has it given you a new found freedom and confidence to be yourself? Also, what to do if your a coeliac, and your dinner party host has knowingly served you gluten? 

Jenny Odell suggests looking for purpose outside the world of work, deadlines and to-do-lists and changing the way we think about time altogether. And can volunteering be a boost to our own mental health?

Should the federal government intervene to increase low-paid childcare workers wages? Plus advocates for better palliative care on their new documentary, and a teenager and a centenarian get together to make a portrait.

How will regulation around buy now, pay later services impact you? Plus the fantasy fuelling our real estate voyeurism. 

The Australian government is considering the introduction of an age verification system to restrict access to explicit material online. But how much power does any one government have over the internet, and is a healthy balance possible between an open internet and government regulation?

Asking for what you want at work - whether it's a change, more money, or a promotion - can be incredibly difficult. But, how can we push through and advocate for ourselves? And, in the Too Hard Basket, getting out of a 'poo-ey' situation with neighbours.

What can be done to fix the systemic sexual abuse and harassment experienced by many working in hospitality? And how do we recognise and tackle our own unconscious bias?

Plagiarism is not a new phenomenon, but techonology and culture are changing the way it occurs. Plus how the demise of Jenny Craig demonstrates a shift in diet culture, and why our organs ageing at different rates can tell a bigger story about our health.

If this year's budget measures around Jobseeker are passed, the new unemployment benefit will be a smidge under $400 a week. What's it like to actually try to live on that? And, what do people do to make it work?

Is there a magic number when it comes to contributing to a wedding wishing well? Plus, how do our mother-daughter relationships evolve throughout life? 

What would make school playgrounds a happier and more usable place for all different kinds of students, of all ages? And should our cities and towns change to better accommodate for the risk of natural disaster?

We dissect the budget through a generational lens and you tell us how it's measures will affect you. Plus the history of vegemite, as told by the grandson of its creator.

Overcoming food waste, Ellen van Neerven on sport, culture and identity and why we're obsessed with morning routines.

From birth-plans to the model of care, what decisions about their pregnancy and birth were people glad they made, when they were able to make a choice.

How can we avoid awkward clashes at family reunions? Plus, should I reveal my father's mental health issues in his funeral speech?

Legendary songwriter Paul Kelly sets out to share his love of poetry with a new generation. And are denser cities the best answer for Australia's housing crisis?

Small stressors can add up over time and make a big impact on your health. Plus everything you need to know about tinnitus, and how an art project for incarcerated First Nations people is changing lives.

The pressure on Australian households is turning from tough to untenable. Are higher interest rates are the only means we have to stabilise the economy? Plus, a guide to buying second-hand electric vehicles and using AI-powered devices to live independently. 

Delving into your family history can be quite surprising, in good and bad ways. Maybe there's a local hero or minor royalty? On the other hand, you might discover some unpleasant family secrets. Why has it become so popular, in recent years, to dig up our family histories and what are we looking for?

Being coupled up is still overwhelmingly thought of as the ideal and the norm - even in the face of very real numbers. But single person households are on the rise - now making up around a quarter of Australian homes. How does it enrich or refocus other relationships when you're not in a typical committed couple and what are the unique benefits of 'solo life'?

As we live longer and healthier, retirement might need a rethink. We look at the options beyond idle gardening, to make the most of your 'encore life'. And former Olympian, surgeon and mother of six Jana Pittman on how to accept that we are enough.

Sometimes, despite a person's imminent death, their wishes regarding organ donation cannot be fulfilled. One parent wants the laws changed to make this possible. Plus how laughter can be good for our minds and bodies, and what to do if you fall in love with your therapist.

Dr Carolyn Holbrook explains how our ideas about the way we should mark Anzac Day have changed over time. Plus Greg's story about his grandpa's war diary and a brass lizard. And learn about pioneering filmmaking trio, the McDonagh sisters.

Finding out you have ADHD as an adult can bring long-sought clarity. But getting a definitive diagnosis can take many years, a lot of money, and significant mental and emotional effort. Does it need to be that way?   

As the renovation boom turns to bust, we look at how homeowners are weathering the storm. And we pay tribute to the late Father Bob Maguire with a conversation from the Life Matters archive.

Why is so hard to unsubscribe from some services? The ACCC wants businesses to make this easier for you. Plus how to enjoy food, and how getting a 'nature prescription' could improve your physical and mental health.

How does a town built on a legacy of coal transition away from it? Plus, how can we help our children to be smart with money, if they never see it? 

Historically, people have moved to the right, politically, as they age. But recent elections suggest Millennials are leaning more to the left as they age. What effect will that have on our body politic? 

Have you heard of ethical non monogamy, which is currently on the rise? It's when people in a relationship have more than one partner at a time, but everybody involved is aware and enthusiastically consenting. What are the challenges and how are people making it work?

Should public schools be delivering religious instruction in classes? Plus, is fun the new happiness of the wellbeing world? 

The popularity of telehealth is creating challenges for regulators, when it comes to prescribing pharmaceutical drugs. Plus Tim Olsen reflects on his father the late artist John Olsen (from 2020), and how 'speedrunners' are hacking games to raise funds for charity.

Australia's rental market is extremely tight, with vacancies low and rents higher than ever. So how could introducing a cap on rents affect this? Plus Diana Greentree recalls how she felt while performing in The King and I, in her story about a precious object.

Frances Peters-Little on her musician father's legacy and representation of First Nations people in our culture. Plus how to manage a dog in a small apartment, and the children's books telling Indigenous stories.

Your stories about sibling bonds and how you’ve changed these relationships for the better. Plus in the Too Hard Basket, dealing with the sister who is critical of your housekeeping standards!

Tech titans are calling for a pause on AI development - but is it even possible, or necessary, and what should we do about managing the future of machine learning? Plus we meet some of the members of the Tough Guy Book Club.

How do we fix the shortfalls in our health system when it comes to early pregnancy loss? Plus figuring out what love is meant to look like as a person with autism, and Sarah Wilson on breaking up with gas.

The idea that markets can help address global warming and improve biodiversity is appealing, but does it stack up? Plus how going to see live music is good for your brain, and First Nations woman Sasha Kutabah Sarago on beauty, wisdom and womanhood.

Australia has slid down towards the bottom of the international rankings for student behaviour in schools, and many teachers are feeling hamstrung when it comes to what kinds of consequences they can hand out for bad behaviour. If your child is misbehaving and disrupting others in class, how would you like to see that handled? 

The things we might feel guilty about as parents are endless, but where does all this guilt get us? And does it actually help us become better parents? And, in the Too Hard Basket, have you ever found yourself in the position of knowing someone was potentially cheating on a friend?  

What does it take to extend our lifespans? A good diet, daily crosswords or exercise? Or is longevity more likely to be found on a cellular level?Plus, if scheduling activities for the pending school holidays is leaving you stressed, comedian and actor Jimmy Rees has you sorted. 

How will the federal government's legislation to close the gender pay gap work in practice? Plus the rise of intentional communities, and how recognising the rights of intersex people to have control over their own bodies, as well as providing psychosocial supports, could soon change lives in the ACT.

Experts say women need better information and treatment for menopause, but how often is that happening in Australia? Plus, learn how a Melbourne college went from nearly shutting down to School of the Year.

The Therapeutic Goods Administrations has now taken the hardest stance on vaping in the world, , with some new recommendations. Are those measures justified? And will they be enough to deal with this growing public health problem? 

Some of us have moved out on exes without telling them where we were going, some of us have cheated to trigger breakups because it felt like the easier route, but is there actually a 'good way' to break up with someone? Also, what to do if your kid's pranked the neighbour and it's been caught on their CCTV?

Although more funding has been directed towards home care packages in recent years, some say the system has changed for the worse. Plus the fight to save an iconic community building, and sex education with Cory Silverberg.

States and territories around the country are banning mobile phones in schools, but is it the right move? Plus minimising packaging on fruits and vegetables, and how one couple got a big lesson in parenting when they relocated their family to France.

As a number of large international banks hit rough waters, do we need to watch out for the ripple effects here in Australia? Are online mental health support services keeping our sensitive private data safe? And parenting advice and encouragement for rainbow families. 

In one state, the rules are being tightened around mobile phone use while driving, but loosened for medicinal cannabis use by drivers. Do you think changes like these help make our roads safer? What kinds of changes would you like to see in your state or territory? 

Although we hate to admit it, many of our most important relationships in life are those we have with our colleagues and managers, so what can you do if one of those relationships is causing you trouble? If you've ever had a difficult relationship with a colleague or a boss, how did you make it work? And, in the Too Hard Basket, what can you do if your sister's new partner is racist?

UK GP Dr Louise Newson is a world leader in menopause care and advocacy. She discusses her frustration with the lack of treatment around perimenopause and menopause and what needs to change. Plus, children's author Sally Rippin on how she responded to her son's dyslexia and his difficulties with school.

Although evidence shows the benefits of of safe injecting rooms for drug users and the wider community, opposition against creating more of them is still strong. Plus retiring gradually and why eating seaweed is becoming more popular.

Whether it’s the Oscars, Eurovision, or the Archibald Prize, how often do you agree with the judges’ choice in these awards? Can we judge what is good or bad in the realm of art? And can art ever be competitive?

People are forming what feel like completely authentic relationships with online avatars. Could this change who we are as a species, and how we relate to other humans? Plus Gomeroi academic Amy Thunig on being the first person in her family to go to university.

If you're into astrology you probably already know that big changes are afoot as Pluto enters Aquarius. And, this significant astrological event is as good a reason as any to have a conversation about big life changes. Have you ever made a complete U-turn in your life? And what helped you smoothly navigate through it? Also, what would you to if your housemate was having an affair and it made you really uncomfortable?

Greater financial burdens mean more young adults are staying under their parents' roof. But does delaying leaving the nest delay the development of adulthood? Plus meet Pragya Agarwal, the behavioural scientist investigating the cultural and historical factors pulling our emotional strings.

For International Women's Day, we meet 78 year old Bea, who took up powerlifting because she was having trouble opening jars. Plus managing our water supply, using Indigenous science, and how one family learned to cope with psychosis.

With vaping on the rise, especially amongst younger generations, there are urgent calls for governments and the TGA to increase regulation of vapes and e-cigarettes. How to keep cats safe, happy and healthy while being fully contained in the home environment, whether you live in an apartment or a house. And why we feel so nostalgic about the corner stores of our childhoods.

Housing crises, floods, wars, earthquakes... the news is a bit depressing lately. So how do you find the balance between staying informed about important events and ideas...and staying sane? 

We all have those sliding door moments where we wonder what might have been, if things had turned out differently with an ex. How tight is the hold of past experiences and relationships on our lives today? Also, should you give your friends advice on how to raise their kids when you think they're not doing a good job?

How does ocean conservation square with recreational activities like fishing and boating? We find out if we can have it both ways. Plus Kristina Olsson revisits the tragic kidnapping of her lost brother in the new edition of her memoir Boy, Lost.   

Aged care is shifting to accommodate the needs of LGBTQI+ Australians, so what more needs to be done? Plus Dr Gabor Mate says some autoimmune diseases are caused by stress and trauma, we ask an immunologist. And how idling your car could be making others unwell.

Superannuation has become a political football of late. Now, the Federal Government wants to enshrine its core purpose in law. What will this mean for your super savings? Plus, why aren’t more female scientists household names in Australia? And the final instalment of our queer spaces series, how the internet became the new gay bar.

Teal independent MP Monique Ryan is in mediation over an unfair dismissal dispute with her chief of staff Sally Rugg who was sacked after refusing to work what Rugg calls 'unreasonable hours'. What do 'unreasonable' hours look like to you? And, would you speak up if you were being overworked? 

We all have a sexual identity -- we're human! But that doesn't mean we're automatically equipped to talk to the young people in our lives about sex and sexuality. On this episode of Life Matters, we're creating an opportunity to learn how to do that better and to hear your stories and questions. And in the Too Hard Basket, what to do when your child is stuck with a teacher who's just pretty lousy. 

Becoming a mother is one of those transformative experiences, for better or worse. We look at how the gritty reality of those changes are being embraced in new literature. Plus, learn about the history of gay saunas and how solar power can help you save on your electricity bills.

Single parents and retirees are sharing spaces during this housing crunch. What are the benefits and pitfalls? Plus, up close with the rockstars of food, and guidance for parents of children with autism.

In her latest book, anthropologist Eve Vincent tracks the history of Australia’s welfare system and asks why it has become so punitive in its provision of ‘care’. Former Miss World contestant, Maria Thattil, tells how she wanted to shake things up at the world’s biggest beauty pageant. And as Sydney World Pride gets underway, we ask, where have all the lesbian bars gone?

Mardi Gras and World Pride have begun! It's an opportunity for people of diverse genders and sexualities, and their allies, to gather and party - to be seen and heard, but what was it like before there were so many queer-friendly spaces? And what role have they played in your life? 

They say you are what you eat, but what happens when someone you love has very different ideas about food or completely different eating styles? Can it be a deal-breaker? Also, in the Too Hard Basket, what happens when your friend wraps up a book you lent her and regifts it for a birthday, and you're the recipient? 

Thought-leader and physician Dr Gabor Maté joins Life Matters to connect the dots between modern life, trauma, illness and addiction. Plus, how to keep your cool when throwing your child a birthday party. 

Shannon Molloy shares what he's learned from speaking to other male survivors of child sexual abuse. Plus how to refinance a loan to help cut costs, and why more of us are swapping planes for trains.

After living in limbo for a decade or so, almost 20,000 refugees living in Australia will be able to apply for permanent residency and family reunion. How one family’s battle with ovarian cancer is helping to fund much-needed research for this deadly disease. And is the way we approach modern love too shallow?  

Valentine's Day is a moment to celebrate the love and lives of couples. But, we take a moment to think about what life is like for those who are single when it comes to financial, legal and social issues.  

Being a grandparent who regularly cares for grandkids for whole days, or even multiple days a week, comes with lots of joyful moments but can also be incredibly tiring. What's the best way to manage it and be able to say no when it becomes too much? Also, why is it so infuriating to be called the wrong name and how can you correct people without seeming rude?

Catch up on the facts about dementia and the most recent developments in diagnosis and treatment. Plus, we meet the young prospector hunting for gold in her new memoir.

Interest rates are still on the way up and so is the cost of living. How can you manage until things level off? Plus the history of a patch of land in the Wet Tropics, and a board game to teach you about gut health.

From the middle of this year, small number of psychedelic substances will be available as medicines. What will this mean in practice for health professionals, for patients, and for the health system? Also, the power of singing, and reducing the environmental impact of cargo ships.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers released a manifesto last week. He said we need to reform our economy to one representing 'values-based capitalism'. So what would values based capitalism look like? And would it deal with the practical and also the human problems we're all facing?

A new hashtag trending on TikTok is 'lucky girl syndrome' or the idea that if you believe enough in what you want, it will come true. What do you think? And, in the Too Hard Basket, what happens when you're on a family Christmas mailing list that is making you less than cheery?

When it comes to treating chronic pain, it turns out neuroplasticity can be both a friend and foe. How can sufferers use this knowledge to help them overcome their pain? And how to help children manage their feelings and fears as they head back into the classroom.

There are a number of 'rent-to-buy' housing projects on offer for those who can't get a deposit together -  is it a good way of getting into the market? Plus how knowing your type can help you make connections, and foods to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

In case you missed the Andrew Tate saga, we look at the phenomenon of misogyny influencers and how to counteract their lessons with the men in your life. Plus, an app bringing cycling women together and how to engage your pleasure spectrum.

ChatGPT is what's called a generative AI - so it can create new content, sometimes with eerie detail. It's even been passing University level exams. How are you feeling about using AI in your life and work? Are you embracing these tools? 

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

It's been ten years since Jill Stark began to question her relationship with alcohol. She reveals what she's learned about herself along the way. Plus Women's Cricket pioneer Alex Blackwell on equality in sport.

A newly approved drug for weight loss is being prescribed in Australia. So how does it work and who should have access? Plus using your words against bullies, and why some of you are more interested in watching fictional murder mysteries, than true crime. 

Medicare is looking to add allied health and nursing services to rebates, making care more accessible in the wake of GP shortages and huge gap fees. But how will it work? Plus, how a couple of footy mates turned their efforts toward poetry, and the power of conscious breathwork.

Summer is peak season for cricket, and tennis. If you're not a big sport fan, that can be challenging. So what determines whether someone gets interested in sports? And, if you're a fan, what got you hooked?

We hear your stories about your first paid jobs and what lessons you learned from those experiences. Plus in the Too Hard Basket, Magda's work related dilemma about how to handle an employee, who is also her friend.

Jacinta Parsons on coming to terms with getting older. Plus how checking in with friends makes a difference. Research shows, the simple act of sending a text message to a friend can have a great impact on their happiness. 

First Nations architects and urban planners on how to design and build with a 'country-centred' perspective. How practising humility can be a game-changer, and the science of skin-care.

Former Dolly magazine cover girl Alison Daddo struggled with the transition into menopause, before turning things around and finding it had changed her life for the better. Plus what works to fix your pelvic floor.

Art is subjective in nature, but when everyone has to see it, catering to as many tastes as possible can be a challenge. So what makes a good piece of public art? Plus one woman's exploration of adulthood and what it means for people of all ages.

We're dedicating this show to you,  mums and dads. Lots of parenting advice coming your way, particularly if you have children in their teens and twenties. Plus, one mum's experience of parenting very small children.

Australian Men on average die 5 years earlier than women, even though we're all living longer.  Men say a fear of being seen as weak is one of the reasons they don't seek help earlier. New research may have some answers on how to shift these attitudes and save some lives.  

The endless cycle of news stories about the changing climate can be hard to handle. But lots of people are taking matters into their own hands, and this program is dedicated to celebrating their efforts. From garbage bins collecting plastic in the ocean to preventing run off on the Great Barrier Reef, these are stories of individual actions to prevent climate change.

In this body-focused episode, three leaders in their field  provide answers to common health concerns: gut issues and how to manage them; how to tell if your feet and legs are "normal", and what does and doesn't work for managing arthritis.

What’s driving the growth in cosmetic dentistry in Australia? Where do you draw the line between dentistry for cosmetic purposes and health purposes? Plus how everything we've been taught about posture is wrong.

Most of us start making friends when we're young, and if we're really lucky, some of those relationships can carry us through for our whole lives. But other friendships don't last the distance, and this can happen for a huge variety of reasons.

These stories all share the theme of finding meaning, and culture, and the lengths we'll go to as we look for it. Is God a man? How can a pair of teenage fundamentalists find community again after leaving the church? And how can Australia's Indigenous culture be better integrated into our lives?

Have you spent the last few years feeling 'tired and wired'? It describes feeling exhausted, but not being able to properly recover, so that you can feel rested and calm. Help is on the way with three world leading researchers on sleep, as well as an exploration of a de-stressing technique called 'tapping'.

What drives a person to transform their lives? And what helps them do it? Sometimes making the decision to change is the easy part, as you imagine how much better life will be, but the follow through can be a lot harder. In this episode, four stories of transformation.

How has the way you think about animals changed over the past few years? For a lot of people, animals, and especially their pets, are more important than ever.  We're devoting the entire show to animals today, and all the ways in which they enrich our lives.

To mark the ABC's 90th birthday, Life Matters takes the Too Hard Basket to a live audience in Melbourne. The popular Friday segment is part of the ABC's long and proud history of tackling tricky interpersonal situations that many of us grapple with in our daily lives.

People have been searching for the secret to eternal youth forever, and average life expectancy has been increasing over time. This program focuses on evidence based diet and lifestyle changes that will help you live a longer, and healthier life.

How well do you understand yourself, and the reasons you do what you do? Learn how to take back control of your behaviours - especially the ones that hold you back. Here are some tips to resist those urges, and train your brain to form good habits, that your older self will thank you for.

Have you ever wondered why you care so much about a television show you watched, or an actor, or a true crime story you've become obsessed with? Here are some of our best stories on this very important topic.

Three stories about life outside capital cities. City boy Roland Breckwoldt on his experience as an outback ringer, Sally Warriner on being referred to as the 'wife of the general manager' on an outback station and why she left, plus Sam Vincent heads back to the family farm.

Author Susan Cain explains why it’s important to feel sadness, melancholy and heartache in a world of ‘toxic positivity’. From the Life Matters archives, the late John Hinde, beloved film critic, chats to Geraldine Doogue in 2002. And pre school children who are learning to speak in more than one language.

Social media has transformed what it means to be a child star, we find out what is and isn't being done to protect children in this space. Plus for Life Matters 30th anniversary, former child actor RJ Mitte from Breaking Bad.

Is it necessary to be polite when it comes to fighting for gender equality? Wendy McCarthy weighs in. Plus international creativity expert Ken Robinson from our Life Matters 30th Anniversary series.

Public speaker and author Kemi Nekvapil explains how to take control of our lives. Plus Julie McCrossin's Life Matters 30th anniversary chat with actress Shirley MacLaine, and we visit a library of Australian culture.

From Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, to the modern couples on Married at First Sight, can pop culture warp your perception of romantic relationships? Plus from our 30th anniversary series, Amanda Smith speaks with Stan Yarramunua.

How do you mark the end of a year? The Life Matters audience shares their highlights and lowlights for 2023, and their rituals for seeing out a year, whether it’s been one for the pool room or one for the bonfire. And in the Too Hard Basket, a tricky social situation involving three couples.

The way children are taught is about to become more evidence-based, as a national body set up to improve education outcomes releases its first report. Plus how 'listening' to your body can help prevent you from eating foods that make you feel bad afterwards.

The 2022 mood has been one of exhaustion and retreat and with a year of feeling battered by COVID dragging on, financial stress, war and floods, how do we recover from collective trauma? Plus we look at the digital future of death, and meet the Torres Strait Islanders fighting to conserve their home. 

Controlling your kids behaviour can be especially tricky during the holiday season, but is it helpful to get Santa involved when it comes to rewards and consequences? Also, how might the colours you surround yourself with help you feel good? And, is it possible for an Aussie kid to become a soccer champion? 

Planning for a financially and environmentally sustainable Christmas has never been more relevant. We hear from experts and get your tips on how to hit both of those targets, and still have fun.

The Life Matters audience shares tips on how to get the most out of the holiday season without sending your blood pressure skyrocketing. And in the Too Hard Basket, a tricky situation with your social media-obsessed in-laws.  

Despite programs to improve gender equality, women are much more likely to be nurses or teachers than men. It's called 'occupational segregation', and it's about to get a shakeup. Plus how Year 12 formals are becoming more inclusive for queer kids and young people who live in out of home care.

What's behind the increase in parents sending their children to private schools, and is it a problem? Plus navigating the mortgage cliff when your fixed interest rate ends, and female Indigenous rangers working to save the Great Barrier Reef.

As Christmas approaches and floodwaters recede in some towns on the NSW-Victorian border, businesses are cautiously opening up, but other towns are expecting more flooding. How should they move forward? Also, what does it look like to open up your suburban home to new migrants?

Pets are an important part of our lives, and we're spending more on them than ever. Is there a line you draw when it comes to how much to spend on your pet's health and wellbeing? What is that line for you?

Ahead of the International Day of People with a Disability, Life Matters takes your calls about what it’s like being on the dating scene when you had a disability. And in the Too Hard Basket, what do you do when your friends give you driving lessons for your birthday, but you’ve never expressed any interest in getting your licence?

Plans for privately funded social housing are progressing, and may bring some hope to those who are desperately trying to find affordable housing. Plus an expert in modern day fermented drinks like kombucha, reveals her secrets and how they draw on the long history of drinks like mead and others.

The government's new Industrial Relations Bill includes a yearly review of welfare payments. So does it mean actual change for Australia's Jobseeker payment? Plus, we imagine what the internet might look like without advertising, and meet the creators of an app helping parents of children with disabilities. 

Are Australian workers sacrificing their right to disconnect by gaining more flexibility to work from home? Plus some tips for the best food to prep when eating 'alfresco', and pioneering filmmakers the McDonagh sisters are celebrated in a new biography.

Actor Chris Hemsworth's recent news about tests revealing his risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, is broadening the conversation about planning for inherited disease. Would you want to know, if it means you could take action to prevent it?

How much is too much when it comes to kids’ screen time? Digital wellbeing expert Jocelyn Brewer argues that we should be focussed more on ‘digital nutrition’ than the amount of time kids spend on screens. And in the Too Hard Basket, what to do about your husband who is increasingly reluctant to leave home.

With the fourth wave of COVID-19 infections upon us, will we ever be able to think of the disease in the same way as influenza or the common cold? Plus Kate hangs on to a box of handwritten treasures as a precious object, and Matthew Evans on how ethical eating will make you feel good.

La Niña has brought floods and a nightmare mosquito season. We'll likely be seeing many more swarms to come, so we look at how to stay safe from disease. Also meet the Ukranian refugees battling floods in Molong, and learn how meditation can bring you zen.

Next year, it will be a decade since the Gillard government apologised for the forced adoption practices of previous governments. How has adoption changed since then? Also, what can we learn from Norway about electric vehicles? And, what is multi-level-marketing, the new side hustle option, many people are taking up?

With soft plastics recycling in doubt, efforts are being focused on reducing and reusing waste products. We explore innovations in waste and packaging and the move towards making organisations that generate waste, have sustainable 'end of life' plans for packaging.

To celebrate Aus Music Month, Life Matters listeners share stories of the songs that helped to forge their relationships. And in the Too Hard Basket, do you say anything to your boss who you know hasn’t contributed to a long-standing team member’s retirement gift.

'Subjective ageing' is a new field of research that's bringing surprising results, including that the way you feel, may influence your biological age. Plus Dr Norman Swan on cooking and how to get yourself ready for a family caravan trip.

A trial in NSW will give pharmacists the power to prescribe some medications to patients, despite being widely criticised by doctors. YouTube cooking sensation Nat’s What I Reckon turns his no-nonsense approach to tackling mental health. And a radio station in aged care homes is helping to reduce social isolation and dementia.

The world's population has just hit eight billion, according to the United Nations. So, what does that mean for Australia? Also, the artists rising up from Mallacoota's bushfire recovery. And, writer Jessie Cole on what happened when she found herself falling for an older man who lived a long way away.

New research reveals the reasons why women of different socio-economic backgrounds and ages drink alcohol, despite the health risks. We examine how messaging and other measures might help people decrease their alcohol consumption. 

Is the age-old tradition of multi-generational living one solution to the housing affordability crisis? Listeners share their strategies for thriving, not just surviving, in households with more than two generations. And in the Too Hard Basket, is there anything wrong with having your buck’s night at a strip club?

There's disagreement between academics and literacy experts about the best method for teaching children to read. Is balanced literacy or explicit phonics better for learning? Plus in Tiny Tasters, alternatives to calorie counting and ahead of Remembrance Day, the stories of underage soldiers in WWII.

The federal government wants to replace the 'gamble responsibly' message with harsher warnings about betting risks. We look at how gambling addiction happens and whether it'll cut through. Plus, how to deal with growing HECS debts and why the internet pushes us to extremes.

In the first nine months of this year, we lost more than 425 million dollars, collectively, to scams, so what can you do to avoid being scammed and can we get better at stopping these crimes from taking place? Also, how can you ease pre-work-week, Sunday night anxiety? And meet the wombat lady of Flinders.

Higher energy prices have prompted those in power to rethink who should own and control the electricity we use in our everyday lives. 

Why do the connections we form when we travel feel so different to the ones we make at home? Life Matters listeners share their stories of special flings and friendships forged on holidays. And in the Too Hard Basket, what to do when a friend goes cold on you.

One group of borrowers is trapped in what's been coined a 'mortgage prison', where refinancing your home loan becomes impossible. What can be done to prevent that? Plus in Tiny Tasters, feeding teenagers, and a child of immigrant parents explains her feelings of gratitude and guilt toward them.

As some state governments move to legislate against protests that disrupt economic activity, Life Matters asks is there a ‘right’ way to protest? And what is the best way to affect change? And the final episode of the Pineapple Project looks at how not to be a cheap date.

Gomeroi author and academic Amy Thunig's memoir recounts the difficult events of her childhood, and her determination to lift her family out of poverty. Plus growing up in country Australia, and how the spicy condiment blachan became a staple in Darwin. 

An independent review into the NDIS is currently underway. The aim is to 'strengthen the scheme' and make sure it's sustainable, as the estimated future costs of maintaining it are eye-watering. So how can it be improved?

Do you remember how you first learnt about sex? Was the conversation filled with slightly odd and awkward euphemisms for body parts? Listeners share their stories of how far we’ve come when it comes to sex education. And in the Too Hard Basket, how do you respond when your boyfriend wants people to think you’re married?

One expert claims time-restricted eating works well together with high-intensity interval training - we get the facts. Plus in Tiny tasters, the importance of language when feeding children, and author Heather Rose reflects on the tragic events that have shaped her.

Whether it’s Labor’s first federal budget in nine years, or our addiction to streaming services, it’s all about your hip pocket today.

Many of the places we buy goods and services from have failed to keep our data safe from hackers and cyber criminals. So, what can we do to protect ourselves? Also, what can we do in our environment to protect our pollinators? And, thinking of running a marathon? Here's how to prepare. 

Sports and politics have a complicated relationship. More teams are speaking out about social and cultural issues, which can turn funding the sport into a big headache when the values of sponsors don't similarly align. Do the values of sports sponsors need to align with their teams? 

Listeners share their stories of sibling bonds and how they’ve changed their relationships for the better. And in the Too Hard Basket, how do you respond when your friend asks you if people aren’t inviting them to events because no-one likes their partner.

Many parents are turning to homeschooling as a more suitable option for their children. Plus in Tiny Tasters, how to feed babies for optimum health. And a couple who began cycling later in life on their long distance rides in Australia and New Zealand.

East coast communities face the prospect of more heavy rain and flooding this week. A team of researchers has been talking to survivors of recent floods in Queensland and the NSW Northern Rivers, to get their perspectives on the best ways to support flood-affected communities. And in the Pineapple Project, how to have a beauty regime that doesn’t cost the earth.

Australia’s digital divide means around 2.8 million people remain ‘highly excluded’ from internet access. Latest data shows the impacts are much more significant than not being able to enjoy your favourite TV show on a streaming service. And from humble beginnings in suburban Melbourne, fashion icon Gregory Ladner reflects on his decades in haute couture.  

Whether it's flexible hours, working remotely or logging on from a different time zone – for some, the pandemic has fundamentally shifted the traditional 9-5 workday. What are the ramifications for employees? And how are businesses leveraging new ways of working?

What's worked for you when it comes to dating after a long-term relationship? Maybe you can help someone who might be new to the scene? Listeners share their experiences, along with Nelly Thomas, co-host of the hit new podcast The Single Life of Us. And in the Too Hard Basket, how to deal with a critical sister.

Fortitude, grit and resilience are all big buzzwords in self-help books. But does focusing on resilience put too much emphasis on our ability to cope with stressful situations, rather than addressing the causes? New series, Tiny Tasters, kicks off with Alice Zaslavsky. And an Australian invention that’s cleaning up and analysing the rubbish in our oceans.

As more powered vehicles like e-scooters and mono bikes share roads and pathways with cars and pedestrians, personal safety is being compromised. So what's the way forward? Plus in The Pineapple Project, figure out if you need health insurance, or not.

As we work on longer term solutions to the housing crisis, are there innovative shorter term options that could help? Also, actor, television host and singer-songwriter Rob "Millsy" Mills opens up about his struggles with mental health. And writer Randa Abdel-Fattah on the countless words we have for love.

This week marks two decades since 202 people, including 88 Australians, were killed in the Bali bombings. In the years since, what impact have the attacks had on how we consider the threat of terrorism? 

Who taught you how to cook? We hear your stories about the experience of learning to cook and get advice from Alice Zaslavsky. Plus in the Too Hard Basket, you receive a message from someone who says they know you, but you don't remember them. 

Until now there hasn't been an agreed set of protocols on how to diagnose and treat ADHD, often leading to patchy outcomes. But new guidelines for the assessment and treatment of ADHD are set to change that. And best-selling children’s book author Sally Rippin opens up about why she was compelled to write her first book for adults.

The number of students refusing to go to school has increased, for many reasons. 'School detachment' is putting a huge strain on families, so what can be done about it? Plus in The Pineapple Project, how to cut your energy costs.

It can be hard to hang on when you see the value of your investments dropping during an economic downturn - so what should you do? Plus, what's it like to try ice therapy? And, Anna Spargo-Ryan on anxiety and optimism.

After undergoing a massive shift during the years of closed borders due to the pandemic, air travel is taking flight again. But in the face of pent-up demand, those taking to the skies face price rises, chaos at the airport and baggage drama. So, what does the future of air travel look like?

Our in-laws are often the source of many a joke or trope in western culture. These relationships get a bad rap, but they can also be a source of a great joy and support. We take your calls on how you’ve developed these important relationships. And in the Too Hard Basket, your sister in-law tries to recruit you to help in her in a family conflict. Do you get involved, or keep out of it?

You may consider yourself to be an empathetic person, but do you show it in a way that others genuinely feel it? Plus, 20 years on from the Bali bombings, plastic surgeon Professor Fiona Wood reflects on that time and her ground breaking work treating burns.

Forms can be so complex and detailed that people give up on filling them out, leaving some especially vulnerable. So how can the process be made easier? Plus Holocaust survivor Abram Goldberg on what's helped him live a happy life, and in the Pineapple Project, does your baby really need all that stuff?

Millions of Optus customers have scrambled to change their passwords after a massive data breach, but how do you really keep your data secure? Plus, explore an exhibition that gets kids in touch with their senses. And what another year of La Niña will mean for allergy sufferers.