Life Matters - Full program podcast
Life Matters helps you figure out all the big stuff in life: relationships, health, money, work and the world. With trusted experts and your stories, it's all about what matters to you.
Episodes
What you can gain from embracing uncertainty and divorcing your 'chosen family'
If you've ever suddenly lost a job, had a surprise health diagnosis or a relationship end, you know what it feels like to grapple with uncertainty. Let's face it, uncertainty is all around us, but that doesn't make it any easier to deal with. It's an uncomfortable feeling. Journalist Simone Stolzoff and psychologist Sahra O'Doherty unpack what you could be missing when fear of th
Why young men are getting 'the snip' and Malcolm Turnbull on playing pirates with his grandkids
Daniel Finlay decided to get a vasectomy at 30 years old, the decision surprises his peers but he's not alone. New research from Adelaide University suggests more Australian men are making that decision earlier than previous generations. So what's driving this family planning decision for men?All over the country more people are engaging in the Nordic pass-time of sauna.The popul
Why some friendships last a lifetime and the reality of multiple births
Is your first best friend still in your life? For many of us, those friendships fade as life moves on. But for others, like comedian Matt Okine, that childhood friend is still in their life decades later. So what's special about a friend who's known you since childhood and what makes those friendships last?This month Brisbane woman Jenitar Na'amoana has given birth to identical q
Solar energy for apartment-dwellers and building a family through infertility
Australia has the highest uptake per capita of rooftop solar in the world, but for the 10% of the country who live in apartments the solar energy transition is harder to achieve. Overseas the solution has been balcony solar systems, but these aren't currently allowed in Australia. So what needs to change in how we support renewable energy in apartments?Author, comedian and cabare
Grandparenting through conflict and estrangement and Odyssey-inspired literary travel
When your kids become parents, it can feel like deja vu. You've weathered these same toddler tantrums and teenage rebellions — but this time it's your grandchildren testing the boundaries, and your own kids are now the ones in charge. For this instalment of The Grandparent Trap, it's time to explore some trickier territory. Author, podcaster and Mamamia editor Jessie Stephens and
The secret to sharing the mental load and splitting up for better sleep
When it comes to two-parent families, research shows women do 50 per cent more housework than men, and double the amount of caring duties. But the mental load is about more than juggling the significant burden of daily life admin. So what would it look like if that was equally shared? Sociologist Leah Ruppanner and psychologist Simon Rice explain how to divide and conquer before
Checking in on public trust in AI, leaving a doomsday church and Jacqueline Harvey's grandparenting joy
The federal government's setting up an Office of AI to lay out some ground rules for companies that want to build centres in Australia. So what does this say about our trust in AI, and the global corporations developing these tools? Tech reporter Cam Wilson, AI expert Toby Walsh and researcher Nicole Gillespie, who's been keeping tabs on public perceptions around AI since 2020, w
Finding love offline and Hannah Ferguson on what's driving young people politically
Gayle is looking for love again in her 40s. She spent some time scouring the dating apps, but now she's ditched them in an effort to find someone offline. Well, kind of offline. She's also documenting her journey on social media. So what is the best way to find a new relationship in mid-life? Are people having more success offline than on — or are we just evolving past dating app
How David Wenham will remember his friend Sam Neill and the co-housing solution for older women
There's a critical lack of affordable housing options across the board, and data suggests older women — who typically retire with less in savings and superannuation than men — are particularly vulnerable. There's no silver bullet, but one potential solution involves a co-housing model that puts community front and centre. Sharing With Friends CEO Susan Davies and author Sally Pip
Grandparenting as a full-time carer and reclaiming your ring after divorce
There are more than 100,000 children currently in some form of kinship care in Australia, and it's estimated more than half of those providing that care are grandparents. As part of Life Matters' special series The Grandparent Trap, Kinship Alliance Australia founder Meredith Kiraly and researcher Jocelyn Jones explore the complicated dynamics involved in raising children the sec
The pep talk to pull you out of a career slump and solving a dogsitting disaster
If you're feeling a bit stuck in your career, or pessimistic about how AI might affect your future prospects, it might be time for a pep talk. Career management coach Jane Jackson and Money Money Money host Glen James want to help pull you out of your slump and get unstuck.And it's all fun and games until someone loses an eye … this week Aunties Urvi Majumdar and James Colley sha
Homesharing solutions, Morris Gleitzman's grandparenting joy and the renaissance of medieval festivals
Women over 55 are the fastest-growing cohort experiencing homelessness in Australia. Many have been pushed to seek alternative living arrangements, and new research suggests homesharing could be a viable option. Researcher Lyndall Bryant and Homeshare Australia New Zealand Alliance's Rosie Lawn explain how the model works and why there's such a significant demand.When you're shap
Beware the bank of mum and dad and where not to go on your next holiday
If talking about money makes you squirm, you might want to think twice before you open an account with the bank of mum and dad. University of Newcastle researchers Julia Cook and Mirella Atherton explain the tricky emotional — and legal — consequences of lending cash to your loved ones.One person's dream holiday destination is another's backyard. But some UNESCO heritage sites ar
Untangling gambling from sports culture and are smart glasses cool now?
Sports betting is the fastest-growing form of gambling in the country, and it's overwhelmingly popular with men. Experts say that's no coincidence. Researcher Rohann Irving and lived experience advocate Mark Kempster explore how gambling got so tied up with our love of sport and our ideas about masculinity, and whether there's any way to untangle it.Smart glasses have been around
Introducing the Grandparent Trap and unpacking tax time anxiety
Grandparents in 2026 are more enmeshed in their grandchildren's lives than ever. While most are providing some form of care for their grandchildren, close to three in five say their grandparenting style doesn't always match what's expected of them. In the first instalment of a new Life Matters series, parenting expert Maggie Dent and demographer Liz Allen unpack the complexities
Cultivating confidence and dating after death
Confidence can be the magic ingredient to help us through the curveballs life throws our way. It shows up in your career, your relationships, the way you parent, and unexpected everyday moments where you just need a boost. So is confidence something you can cultivate? Personal coach Kate James and psychotherapist Giac Giacomantonio share their tips on building confidence brick by
How do we deal with Neil the seal and the ethics of football fandom
Neil the seal is an internet sensation. His regular midwinter haul-outs have brought him onto land and in close contact with humans and our built environment. But as he grows bigger, so too do the risks. So how do we manage the situation so that Neil's pilgrimages don't put him — or others — in harm's way?Australia's snowfall has been in long-term decline for decades, and it's so
Family holidays without the fighting and embracing death for a happy life
Family holidays are where we make some of our most cherished memories — and some of the most stressful, chaotic ones, too. So how do you make the most out of the time away? Parenting expert Justin Coulson and writer Rebel Wylie share how to plan for a successful getaway, and what makes it all worthwhile.Once upon a time, paying for TV meant skipping the ads. But these days, we're
Tim Minchin on the future of Australian theatre and discovering autism in your 50s
Two major Australian musicals, Beetlejuice and Waitress, have been forced to cancel the remaining legs of their tours and close early. So why are big productions struggling, and is the audience part of the problem? Tim Minchin and Live Performance Australia's Eric Lassen unpack what's going on in the Australian theatre scene.For Pam Brinsmead, life had always felt like a movie wh
Middle children are disappearing and what this runner learned completing 150 marathons
The evidence around how much birth order affects personality traits or behaviour has been debated for decades, but one thing is fairly clear from the data: middle children are disappearing. We're flat out having second babies, let alone a third. So if middle children are no more, what do we stand to lose? In 2025 alone Australians lost almost $18 million to scams delivered via te
Stepping out of the self-sabotage spiral and family function fatigue
We all have our own habitual behaviours that help us get through tricky moments or avoid stressful situations. But sometimes, what feels easier or more comfortable in the moment can hurt us long-term. Clinical psychologist Rebecca Ray explains how identifying self-sabotaging behaviours and understanding what's behind them is the best place to start breaking the cycle.This week, A
Don Spencer and Alex Papps celebrate Play School's 60th birthday and public displays of affection
Play School is celebrating a milestone birthday this year: it's Big Ted's diamond jubilee. For six decades, the show's beloved presenters have been singing, playing, telling stories and teaching generations of Australian children. Long-term hosts Alex Papps and Don Spencer join media researcher Jessica Balanzategui to discuss the secret to the show's success? A regimented focus o
The decline of male teachers and how to protect your backyard chooks from bird flu
According to the latest statistics, men make up less than a third of Australian school teachers. In primary schools, the figures are even lower, and have been declining for decades. High school maths teacher Eddie Woo and sociologist Nicholas Hookway explore what's behind the trend and why it matters.The RSPCA estimates Australians keep about 2 million domestic chickens. While th
The secret to a sustainable wardrobe and why shopping simulators exist
The average wardrobe contains about 199 pieces of clothing, according to research published last year. Among them are usually a couple of items that rarely see the light of day. Fashion researcher Alicja Kuźmycz and podcaster Clare Press explore how increasing the wearability of what's already in your wardrobe can unlock the secret to sustainability.Researchers in Canada have sco
People-powered cities and finding yourself in the family history books
Pushing for change takes a sustained effort — it requires people to keep showing up, keep organising, and keep working together. And building a movement often means finding common ground with people outside your usual circles. Amanda Tattersall and Kurt Iveson, co-authors of People Power in Cities, explore what it takes to create real change.Around 26 million people worldwide hav
What does spirituality look like without religion and is there a 'wrong' way to grieve?
Australia is increasingly a nation of non believers — in the 50 years from to 2021, the number of people claiming "no religion" rose from about 7 per cent to nearly 40 per cent. Yet other research suggests those identifying as "spiritual" is on the rise. So how do we find spirituality outside of religion? Author Jackie Bailey and sociologist Anna Hallafoff explore the bounds of s
John Williamson takes back true blue and life after a shark attack
"It really bothers me when any kind of white supremacist people have tried to use my song, I've objected to that a few times now. True blue is just...your promise is your bond." John Williamson has spent his five-decade long career bringing our wide brown land to life in song. He's never shied away from speaking his mind, especially when his words are used for causes he stands ag
Why it's still worth learning a new language and dads locked out of parental leave
It used to feel like learning a few key phrases in the local language before you headed overseas would help you get around. But with the rise of translation apps, is it even worth it anymore? Neuroscientist Olivia Maurice and linguist Peter Crosthwaite explore the benefits of learning another language. Australia's paid parental leave scheme is about to be extended to six months,
What makes a "good" salary in 2026 and reviving the local bowls clubs
Results from the last HILDA survey shows the income Australians need to feel satisfied is climbing higher and higher. So is this just a case of lifestyle creep, or a genuine struggle to pay the bills even with a decent pay packet?After almost 150 years, Balmain Bowling Club in Sydney called last drinks over the weekend. And sadly, it's a familiar tale. Researchers from the Univer
Giving building materials a second life and does the body really keep the score?
A pilot project in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales is trying to demonstrate the value that remains in building materials of houses earmarked for demolition. How much could we save if we put the materials left behind to good use rather than contribute to growing landfill?We now live in a digital first world but if you aren't constantly using technology there's the real like
AI anxiety and fibbing about your religion for the greater good
According to a 2026 report from Stanford University, Australians are among the heaviest intentional users of AI in the world — and yet, many of us don't trust it. It's a complicated relationship. So how are you feeling about the way AI is showing up in your relationships, your work, your daily life? Download This Show host Rae Johnston and psychotherapist Andrew Sloan unpick what
Dealing with anxiety after a health scare and chasing happiness
After hanging up the Olympic swimming goggles, growing and birthing five beautiful children, Libby Trickett was ready to make her 40s the decade of health and fitness. But last June she had what she would later find out was a spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) heart attack. She joins Dr Barbara Murphy to talk through dealing with the ongoing anxiety that often comes af
Using maths to make the 'perfect' decision and why communities need trees and bookstores
In the 1970s, the late physicist and Nobel laureate Richard Feynman came up with a mathematical formula to help his friend decide what to order at their favourite restaurant. The trouble is, no-one could decipher the handwriting — until now. Self-proclaimed maths geek Adam B Spencer and psychotherapist Zoë Krupka explore the answers to decision paralysis.When you think about the
Our plastic shame and how to deal with dyslexia at work
Australia uses 1.3 million tonnes of plastic packaging every year — and the majority of that packaging ends up in landfill. Exemptions that allow some companies to export certain types of plastic waste are being wound back. So does Australia have the capacity — and the market — to make recycling work?Dyslexia can make everyday tasks really difficult, and take a huge toll on self
What Dr Billy Garvey wants you to know about raising boys and reflecting on Richard Scolyer's legacy
Childhood development expert Billy Garvey has worked with thousands of families over the last two decades, helping anxious, angry, withdrawn boys and parents who don't know where to begin. He joins Life Matters to talk about his new book, Ten Things I Wish You Knew About Raising Boys.Bringing a pet into your family is supposed to be a love-at-first-sight moment signalling a life
Where looksmaxxing crosses the line and the guilt of pet regret
In an era where we have access to the technology, surgery and drugs to modify every aspect of our appearance, how can we build a relationship with our selves based on compassion and acceptance? Clinical psychologists Louise Adams and Zac Seidler explore the world of looksmaxxing and what's behind the human desire to feel attractive.This week, Aunties Michelle Law and James Findla
Can we reset the ragebait machine and how to get better rest
Ten years ago, Facebook updated its platform to introduce new ways to interact with posts you see in your feed. Alongside a range of smiley face emojis sat a one-click shortcut to the most powerful emotion of all: anger. In the years since, it seems our online appetite for anger has only grown, with algorithms amplifying 60-second rants and spicy hot takes. Ed Coper, author of An
Intergenerational BFFs and online nostalgia communities
Most of us make friends with people around our own age, and we bond over the things we're all navigating at the same stage of life. But there's something valuable in friendships that span generations, too. Reporter Alice Angeloni and her friend Clive share how they bonded after a chance meeting in a cafe, and researcher Ruth Peters explains the health benefits of intergenerationa
What losing his son taught this dad about fatherhood and recovering scam losses
Lawyer and educator Adair Donaldson is navigating a kind of grief that no parent should ever have to go through. Earlier this year, his son Oliver, the youngest of four boys, died suddenly. He was 19. In the midst of processing the enormity of this loss, he has been reflecting on what it means to be a good dad to boys, and turning these reflections into a series of letters — Dear
Fixing our social media feeds and planning a new city in space
Australia's social media ban has been in place for six months — with mixed reports on its success. For teens managing to bypass the ban, they're still swimming in the same addictive stream of harmful content. But could we change the way these algorithms work, and make social media a better place for everyone? Consent campaigner Chanel Contos and AI tech reporter Cam Wilson explai
How to talk about gambling and spotting a romance scam
The odds are, gambling is part of your life or the life of someone you know. It's a national pastime woven into Australian culture, so talking about the harms it brings can be tricky. Advocate Kate Seselja and clinical psychologist Kate Fennessy explain when it's time to seek help, and why there's still such serious stigma around gambling addiction.This week, Aunties Nate Byrne a
How coral became big business and a new system for job seekers
Each year up to 190 tonnes of coral is allowed to be harvested from the Great Barrier Reef, making Australia the second-largest exporter in the world. While those in the industry say it's a highly regulated space, conservationists are calling for an end to the trade. Third-generation coral farmer Lyle Squire Jr, conservation campaigner Simon Miller and conservation biologist Jon
The weirdest Australian festivals and the future of sustainable fashion
From the dunny derby to the championship tuna toss, some of Australia's most iconic events sound almost completely made up. But these quirky festivals tell us something deeper about regional Australia. Often times, the novelty comes from a community finding creative ways to bring people in, keep their towns thriving, and show off a part of the country most of us would otherwise d
Why you're feeling stuck and how discounts influence buyer behaviour
Most of the best things in life start as a risk — changing careers, moving cities, building a dream. But data suggests we're not taking these chances as much as we used to. Even owning your own home can come with "golden handcuffs", tying people to one place, one job, and one version of their life. ABC business journalist Daniel Ziffer and author Jodi Wilson explore how to get yo
The real winners of the Enhanced Games and what to do if you find a fossil
Thousands of spectators at a purpose-built complex in Las Vegas are about to watch something that's never happened before. The Enhanced Games will see 40 athletes attempting to break human records by pumping their bodies full of performance-enhancing drugs. Powerlifting coach Gus Cooke and researchers Matthew Dunn and Adam Karg examine how the Games could change sport and science
Overcoming social anxiety and untangling sleep envy
Recent research suggests social anxiety is on the rise. Beyond the usual feelings around making awkward small talk, many people are struggling to socialise at work, meet new friends or even leave their own house. Psychologist Sahra O'Doherty explains why more of us are experiencing social anxiety and what you can do about it.When you're parenting small children, sleep can feel li
The value of NDIS social supports and is your car spying on you?
Among the major changes slated for the NDIS, funding for "social and community participation" looks likely to be significantly reduced. These programs help people stay connected, build confidence and independence, and participate in daily life. Social researcher and NDIS participant Katie Butler and Megan Spindler-Smith from People With Disability Australia explain how these chan
The friendship wealth gap and the price of volunteering
Not all friendships are for life, and there are plenty of reasons people drift apart. Sometimes distance makes it harder to catch up, or life just pulls you in different directions. But what happens when it's money driving a wedge between mates? Writer Cate Gilpin, comedian Matt Okine and psychologist Rachel Samson explore the friendship wealth gap and how to make peace with it.T
Forgotten women of Australian history and our deep obsession with gambling
Less than 4 per cent of the statues in Australia depict women from our history. It reveals a lot about who we remember, and how they're immortalised. Our collective memory is shaped by historians' personal values, ideals and beliefs as much as it is by historical events themselves. So historian and guide Sita Sargeant took it upon herself to reshape this history to tell stories o
Local councils tackling homelessness and bringing life back to cemeteries
Since, COVID, there's been a 39 per cent increase in the number of people sleeping rough. When housed residents see this in their local parks, they call council to report it. But of all the levels of government, it's this local layer that it is least equipped to respond. Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli and researcher Andrew Clarke explain how local councils are addressing the
Reframing shame around sexual hang-ups and splitting up the family photo albums
Whether you feel self-conscious about your body, or have trouble with performance anxiety, most of us experience sexual hang-ups at some point or another. Sex and relationships therapist Georgia Grace talks through where these anxieties come from, and how normalising conversations about our hang-ups can help us work through them to prioritise pleasure.Family photo albums can hold
Keeping up with specialist bills and why beauty therapy is more than skin deep
A Grattan Institute report indicates that over one million Australians a year are delaying or skipping specialist health care because they can't afford it. Specialists do vital work, and they're highly trained. But uncapped fees means costs can keep growing and people can't keep up. What can be done to balance the scales and what is the reality for the specialists?New research ha
Calls for intra-generational fairness in budget and rules of modern dating
The government has laid out the federal budget for the next year, and there's a theme: intergenerational fairness. We know the scales are not tipped in favour of young people, but can we re-balance the scales without pitting older people against younger people, and acknowledge that not all older people are rich? Patricial Sparrow from Council on the Ageing unpacks the budget for
Saving the school library and first aid for mental health
The school library is where so many kids first develop a love of reading and learn the skills they need to understand the world. But the very existence of those libraries is largely dependent on the discretion of the school, and some say they're under threat. The Australian Library and Information Association's Cathie Warburton, best-selling children's author Andy Griffiths and s
Caring for the carers and the economics of homegrown produce
There are three million carers in Australia looking after a loved one who's unable to care for themselves anymore. But what happens when carers need a break? There's meant to be a system of respite care to serve this need, but that system is under strain. Jayne Christian, who has been caring for her mum since 2022, joins sociologist Myra Hamilton and Sharon Gudu, CEO of Carers Ne
How parenting dynamics change in adulthood and the price of doggy destruction
The parent-child relationship is a two-way street. It takes both sides to figure out how to relate to each other as adults -- and that can be especially tough if you have different expectations. Psychotherapist Zoe Krupka unpacks how to manage the changing relationship dynamics from childhood to into adult life. The Aunties help out a listener whose beloved teddy bear was destroy
Celebrating 100 years of David Attenborough and cancelling the Met Gala
Sir David Attenborough is turning 100 years old. Over decades spent exploring and documenting the wonders of nature across the planet, he has shaped our collective understanding of the world. On the cusp of his birthday, Emeritus Professor Justin Marshall and Sir Dave Day convenor Gemma Pepper celebrate the enduring legacy of an extraordinary man.Every day, thousands of Australia
The golden gap year and where to start tightening your budget
After Chris Herrmann's wife died suddenly, he was left with the feeling that life is too short not to make the most of every moment. So he packed up and set off on a round-the-world trip. Retirement expert Bec Wilson shares how the "golden gap year" is giving people in their 50s, 60s and beyond a chance to see the world and take the trips they missed out on in their youth.Rates a
The reality of leaving an abusive relationship and are influencers making us sick?
In Australia, it's estimated that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 14 men have experienced violence from an intimate partner. While public awareness of this national crisis has improved, so often, the response is: why didn't they just leave? Abuse survivor Dr Ruth and domestic violence researcher and counsellor Elizabeth McLindon explain the complicated reality of escaping intimate partner
The great school debate and friction-maxxing
Parents have never had more options to give their child the best start in life. But when it comes to choosing the "best" school to provide your child a quality education, that decision can be costly. Author Jane Caro argues that the gap between public and private schools has grown, and turned what many would consider a basic right to education into a minefield of parental guilt.I
Dads discovering the father wound and the unspoken politics of the group chat
It's time to talk about the father wound. For many, these relationships can be complicated by absence, emotional distance and "dadmiration". Clinical psychologist Zac Seidler explores the challenges of navigating fatherhood when your relationship with your own dad was difficult, and where modern dads are looking for support, guidance and role models outside of Bluey.This week, Au
The unpopular solution to our growing waste problem and what to do with old pianos
Australia sends 26 million tonnes of rubbish to landfills each year, and we're running out of room. Sydney is on track to run out of space in the next five years. Among the potential solutions are waste-to-energy facilities that burn rubbish and turn it into electricity. A few are already up and running, but there's significant community pushback. So could these projects really h
How misogi celebrates one big win and the science of cosiness
Recently, the Japanese Shinto ritual of misogi has been gaining traction online. It's a simple concept where each year you set yourself one main challenge that's so hard you might actually fail. The reward is in the attempt, rather than the success. Adventure photographer Daygin Prescott shares what he's learned from his own misogi, and researcher Hugh Riddell explains the benefi
The personal toll of advocacy and balancing out the mental load
The grief of losing a loved one is different for everyone. For some it's private, while for others, it can become a force for action that drives them to fight for change. This kind of advocacy work can make an incredible impact, but it also takes a considerable personal toll. Kate Everett, co-founder of Dolly's Dream, shares how she's navigated the balance between grief and advoc
A win for renters' privacy and the local councils trying to save uninsurable towns
Australia's Privacy Commissioner has put the rent tech sector on notice, ruling that a platform had been unfairly collecting excessive amounts of personal information from prospective tenants. Researcher Samantha Floreani and Antonia Mercorella from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland unpack how the industry is likely to respond and what it could mean for renters.After reside
How to spot a real narcissist and the case of the missing family jewels
A grandiose sense of self importance, an intense need for admiration, an inflated sense of entitlement and a lack of empathy — these are the hallmarks of narcissistic personality disorder. In an era of toxic reality TV and mercurial political leaders, it can feel like we're surrounded by narcissists. Psychiatrist Steve Ellen explains what narcissism really means and why the label
Why we need to talk about booze and what it really takes to make it in Australia
Most Australians enjoy an adult beverage now and then, but around 6.6 million of us are drinking at risky levels. Alcohol is one of leading risk factors for disease, costing the public purse around $75 billion a year, so minimising the burden to the health system is a priority for the federal government. Alcohol Change Australia CEO Erin Lalor and Sober in the Country founder Sha
The singles tax and psychosocial safety in the workplace
If you're living the single life, you're likely feeling the sting in your wallet. Analysis from financial comparison site Finder estimates the average single person in Australia has $19,260 less in savings than the average partnered person. So how much does it really cost to live as a single person? Singlehood Australia advocate Gen Ford and podcaster Jill Stark explore the reali
What's going on with adult ADHD diagnosis and is optimism dead?
Adult diagnoses of ADHD have soared in recent years, but the system is still struggling to support everyone. A Four Corners investigation has revealed hotspots where prescriptions for ADHD medication are higher than expected, and pockets of missed diagnosis. So if you're seeking out assessment for ADHD, how do you know where to find it? Clinical psychologist Maddi Derrick and soc
What it costs to feed Australia and why we don't listen to new music
A new report has estimated how much Australia spends providing food for public institutions and programs — hospitals, aged care centres, correctional facilities — and the bill totals $2.1 billion. Project lead Leah Galvin and researcher Stephanie Godrich talk through the improvements to the system that could make our public food healthier, better protect the environment and suppo
Making workplaces truly neuro-inclusive and the school fete dilemma
In recent years, the number of Australians being diagnosed with ADHD and autism has risen. With up to 20 per cent of employees now identifying as neurodivergent, conversations about how to support this growing population are moving into the workplace. Clinical psychologist Monique Mitchelson and autism inclusion advocate Alex Lazarus-Priestly discuss how truly neuro-inclusive wor
The neighbourhoods driving the DIY energy transition and why picky eating is a modern problem
At a time when Australians are grappling with the global fuel crisis, those who got in early on clean energy may be feeling a sense of relief. But it's going to take more than individual efforts to drive an energy transition that can support an entire country's needs. Sustainability researcher Peter Newman and strategist Kristen McDonald examine whether the system keeping up with
The science of the perfect day and dogs in public spaces
New research from the University of Pennsylvania shows there are three key indicators of a better-than-average day. But there are also unavoidable tasks like housework that make your day worse — so how do you decide what the trade-offs are? Time use epidemiologist Dot Dumuid and journalist Emma Joyce explore the key ingredients for a perfect day.Almost half of Australian househol
Can kids claw back their digital privacy and fighting for the right to repair
Children now have a digital footprint by the time they graduate day care, and it only explodes when they get to school. A new draft Children's Online Privacy Code could change that, giving young people more control over their online world including the ability to delete data captured before they turned 18. Privacy commissioner Carly Kind and Digital Rights Watch chair Lizzie O'Sh
The bees are dying again and the rise of 'slopaganda'
In an attempt to save the bees, thousands of people set up colonies of the European honeybee in their backyard. But for many, an outbreak of the parasitic varroa mite has brought this low-stakes eco-hobby to an emotionally devastating end. Backyard beekeeper Mike Allerton and Professor Sasha Mikheyev unpack the spread of varroa mite. We know the internet is full of slop, but what
Understanding ethical non-monogamy and a family split over Dad's ashes
The idea of finding your one true love and settling down as a couple is baked deep into society. But attitudes are changing. On dating apps, in surveys and podcasts, people are signalling an interest and greater acceptance of open relationships. So is monogamy still fit for purpose in 2026 or has it had its day?Has anyone ever made you responsible for what happens after they die?
Rescuing the 'post-literate' generation and what ancient philosophers say about aliens
The data shows we're reading less than ever. About one in three Australian school students isn't developing the reading skills they need, and the shift reflects a broader global trend. Across the board, there are signs the next generation is just not interested in picking up a book, and historian and podcaster Dominic Sandbrook is concerned we're headed for a "post-literate" soci
What kids of divorce really need and the future of space exploration
Breaking up is hard to do, especially when there are children involved. And for many parents working through a separation, it comes with guilt and fear that kids living across two separate households will be worse off. But a new research shows as long as kids feel a sense of safety and security, the bells and whistles are less important. As AI adoption surges, so too does the dem
How to tackle Australia's gambling problem and why You Can't Ask That is back
The federal government has unveiled its plan for gambling reforms, announcing a ban on gambling ads in sports stadiums and players' uniforms, and heavy restrictions around ads on TV, radio and online platforms. But does this go far enough to stop millions of dollars flowing out of people's wallets and into gambling company coffers? Researcher Samantha Thomas and advocate Anna Bar
Watching Married At First Sight with your teenager and rethinking financial education
Would you watch Married At First Sight with your teenagers? It might sound like a strange parenting strategy — the show is messy, engineered for drama, and showcases some pretty troubling behaviour. Media lecturer Jessica Ford and men's mental health expert Simon Rice discuss how creating a safe space for conversations about respectful relationships could be a good place to start
