Episodes
Mothers can be the centre of your world when you're a child, but that relationship has twists and turns over the life span. Author Susan Johnson talks about her mother and we hear your stories as well. Plus how to handle an awkward comment from your child about your friendship with another parent.
Published 03/28/24
It's now clear that during menopause, women's brains undergo significant changes. But world-renowned neuroscientist Dr Lisa Mosconi says that with the right treatment and support, women can emerge from this period with renewed and enhanced brains rather than depleted ones. And is the gym the right place for teenagers or pre-teens to be working out? How old should kids be before they lift weights? And what does a safe, age-appropriate and fun kid's strength work-out look like? 
Published 03/27/24
Two federal ombudsmen have released a critical report on the manner in which the Australian Tax Office has pursued old debts that had previously been 'written off'. Why, in some cases, are these debts reappearing after more than a decade? And what does the evidence say about the impact of the vagus nerve on stress levels.
Published 03/26/24
Co-operative housing makes up around 22 percent of housing in Sweden, but it constitutes less than one percent of housing in Australia. Could it become a bigger part of the housing solution here? And when Matty Hannon set out on a solo trip from the top of Alaska to the bottom of Patagonia, he was expecting an adventure. What he found was love, and a new way of looking at the world.
Published 03/25/24
Why do we keep falling for fads again and again, and what can we expect from the future of trends? And while church attendance has declined over the decades, parishioners are still gathering. So, how have churches themselves transformed?
Published 03/24/24
Exploring strategies to help you overcome shame or embarrassment.  And how do you handle the pressure when you're at the salon and your hairdresser suggests extra products and treatments while you're in the chair?
Published 03/21/24
What does protein actually do and how do you know if you’re getting the right amount? And wildlife scientist Vanessa Pirotta shares her passion for whales and explores what it is about the adventures of these massive creatures that resonates with us so deeply.
Published 03/20/24
Even before new policies to support electric vehicles are implemented, there has been a shift in consumer purchasing, with EV sales doubling in 2023. What factors have the most influence over consumers decisions around low-emissions vehicles? And is the recent run of incidents on Boeing planes just a random run of bad luck? Or something to factor in as you plan your next trip?
Published 03/19/24
People in aged care face some of the highest risks of depression in our community. But new Australian research shows there may be simple solutions with enormous potential to help, if they're properly implemented. And Every Week Counts, has been working to reduce early births and pre-term births before week 37. The people behind the campaign believe it is working, but significant challenges remain, particularly for some First Nations mothers and babies.
Published 03/18/24
New data from Our Watch reveals that more than two in five women, and just over a quarter of men, experienced sexual harassment at work in the past five years. Australian law says it's on workplaces to prevent sexual harassment, so how can that actually be done?  And the demand for cash is declining. Yet some are concerned about the charges we pay at the point of sale, especially during a cost-of-living crisis. Is there a future for cash?
Published 03/17/24
A big part of being a parent is supporting our children to make friends. So, what happens when our values are very different to those of the families of their new friends? How can you best manage those clashes? Also, what would you do if you went on a road trip with an old friend and it all went wrong?
Published 03/14/24
More and more research is showing that building muscle helps us live longer and better lives. So how can you start getting stronger at any age? Also, fifty years since Peter Singer published Animal Liberation, what does he think we can all do to keep building a more sustainable world? 
Published 03/13/24
Finding out you have cancer can be terrifying, and going through treatment can be arduous. But the experience of cancer can also bring about illuminating discoveries on the nature of life and our place in it. That's what author and GP Peter Goldsworthy AM found, and he tells his story in his memoir The Cancer Finishing School: Lessons in Laughter, Love and Resilience. We hear from him and Life Matters listeners about the lessons learned from cancer. Plus, Irish comedian Ed Byrne shares how...
Published 03/12/24
If you've read the fineprint of your hotel terms and conditions or travel insurance, you might find that people over a certain age have very expensive premiums or are not welcome at all.  We explore how common ageism in travel really is and look at how to embrace inclusive tourism. Plus, how a lack of regulation in private tutoring is causing education inequity, and a history of social work in Australia.
Published 03/11/24
Meet someone who has made the switch away from a smart phone to a device with no internet. No maps, no email, no google and no facetime. Just how practical is it, and do the benefits outweigh the cons? Plus how being a fan can enrich your life.
Published 03/10/24
Your stories about times when sex has been disappointing, and how you turned that around. We get tips for those who want a more satisfying sex life from expert sexologist Tanya Koens. And in Ask Aunty, the job interview full of awkward pauses.
Published 03/07/24
Journalist Marina Kamenev learned how unsustainable the nuclear family model was, both practically and economically, and began looking for alternatives. Plus the joy of watching dogs muster sheep, and how to engage with wildlife in your area.
Published 03/06/24
The recent Australian Universities Accord report says if we don't increase higher education participation, it will "do lasting damage to Australia's prospects of national economic success" and lock out certain groups from higher-paid jobs. But is radically increasing the number of people going to TAFE or university the answer? Will that fix social and economic inequities, as well as skilling up our future workforce? We explore and hear your thoughts. Plus, playing sport is great for kids,...
Published 03/05/24
Every day, we interact with dozens of algorithms as we go about our lives, but many of us don't understand how they work. How do we get the the best out of these tools while keeping the potential dangers in check? And, by 2050, we're going to need twice the level of palliative care in the home as we do now. What can we do to start building the workforce we'll need to make sure our future selves are cared for?
Published 03/04/24
We explore the cultural devaluation of ‘home’ work, and how rethinking our relationship with domestic can improve our lives. And getting something for nothing seems like a great deal, but earning points, particular when credit cards are involved, can expose us to financial traps. We look at what airline points really get you.
Published 03/03/24
Two years after the breakdown of her 20-year marriage, Hilary Harper feels like she might be ready to date again. But the dating scene has changed a lot since she was last single in the early 2000s.  Having never made contact with the world of dating apps and profiles, she feels overwhelmed wading into things again. How do you pick up the pieces and work out when you're emotionally ready to resume the quest for love? How do you figure out what you want? In our 40s and beyond, our priorities...
Published 03/01/24
If you missed the rise of dating apps because you were in a long marriage or relationship, it’s very fair to find them a bit intimidating.   The way we meet potential lovers has changed drastically over the past decade, moving from pubs and parties to the online space. Hilary navigates these shifts and gets across these new tools, learning how to craft the perfect profile and grappling with the flat way we have to represent ourselves to catch a mate today. Credits Hilary Harper,...
Published 03/01/24
Hilary goes on her first first-date and finds the goods are not quite what was advertised. Plus, an oversharing bookseller and the flaky 'poetry guy' test her fragile heart. How do you deal with people who lie, overshare, or don't respect your feelings? Hilary confronts the reality that the people she meets on the apps might challenge her trust while looking inward at how her baggage affects her interactions. Older daters are covered in scars. Some heartbreaks and hang-ups significantly...
Published 03/01/24
Hilary has found someone, and sparks are flying. She's starting to feel the flutter of sexual attraction, but she's worried about breaking her long dry spell. She takes a hard look in the mirror and considers her relationship with her body and sexuality. With the help of sex therapist Tanya Koens, she learns how to overcome the trauma of her past and embrace pleasure again with someone new. Credits Hilary Harper, Presenter Nat Tencic, Series Producer Matthew Crawford, Mixing and...
Published 03/01/24