Life Matters - Full program podcast — Podcast

Why animal relationships can be as important as humans and ditching the neighbour's kid 16.10.2026 53min

From your beloved family dog to a bollard-bashing elephant seal, all creatures IRL and online can be man's best friend. But for all the beauty that relationship can bring it's not without its downsides or risk. So how can you invite animals into your life in a way that is beneficial for you, and them? This week, the Aunties scale dilemma mountain with listener Anton, who's unsure about sharing his favourite hobby with the kid next door.

Richard Glover's advice on ruining your children and why beautiful design matters 15.10.2026 54min

Since Dr Spock in the 1940s, parenting "experts" have had us convinced we're all one wrong move away from ruining our kids. Richard Glover's latest book digs into generations of parenting advice to ask what we actually need to worry about, and what we can finally let go of. He joins Maggie Dent to share the wisdom worth paying attention to. A hot-pink shower chair has just scooped a Good Design Award for ditching the usual beige, boring look of mobility aids. So why have walking frames, wheelchairs and other accessibility products traditionally been so joyless? And could we find a way to design these items with function, aesthetics and affordability in mind? In step with France's deep history of protest, students across the nation have been marching in the street for weeks, demanding better quality education. Closer to home, strikes and walkouts seem to be popping up more than ever. So how does that sense of identity form, and where does Australia actually sit on protest culture?

Getting women behind the wheel and why Australia's chasing a Michelin star 14.10.2026 53min

From the milk in your coffee to the phone in your pocket, so many things we use every day come off the back of a truck. But Australia is short around 28,000 truck drivers, and that number is forecast to grow. A new report from UNSW suggests women are an untapped talent pool. Researcher Catherine Deen and truck driver Kathy Graham discuss how to get more women behind the wheel. South Australian restaurants are about to find out if they've cracked the coveted Michelin Guide for the first time. But with New Zealand reportedly paying $6.3 million for the honour, is chasing those is actually worth it? Food and travel writer Ben Groundwater joins Adelaide-based chef Duncan Welgemoed to chew the fat. We spend around 2,000 hours a year hunched at a screen, and it's leaving plenty of us with what's now been dubbed "tech neck". This Working Life host Lisa Leong explains what you can do to protect yourself at the desk.

Judith Lucy on the comedic timing of cancer and why screens aren't the enemy of books 13.10.2026 54min

Just weeks after launching a new memoir about her quest for wellness, comedian Judith Lucy received a sobering diagnosis: breast cancer. Now days away from a double mastectomy, she reflects on the wild treatments she's tried to fix her burnout — from ayahuasca to faecal transplants — and how she's grappling with the unexpected. In a house where YouTube, audiobooks, e-readers and Netflix are all competing for attention, it's easy to panic that screens will bring about the demise of children's literacy. But the research suggests it's not as simple as "books good, screens bad". University of Melbourne's Sybil Nolan and Australia Reads CEO Anna Burkey explore how to raise a reader in a house full of screens. After a year of soaring fuel prices and consecutive rate rises, it's hardly surprising to learn consumer confidence is at its lowest level since the 1990s. But what does that mean in a practical sense? Does measuring consumer confidence tell us anything real, or is it just a number we've all agreed to be anxious about? Consumer behaviour expert Paul Harrison weighs in.

The elective egg freezing boom and designing cities with native animals in mind 12.10.2026 54min

New research shows that around one in four women who freeze their eggs for non-medical reasons end up coming back to use them. Researchers Oisin Fitzgerald, Molly Johnston and Sherine Sandhu discuss what you really need to know before investing the time, money and emotional energy in this procedure. Forget ensuites and lap pools — does your home have a frog sauna or a butterfly puddle? Our cities are largely built for humans, but they can be a haven for wildlife too, including threatened and endangered species. Urban ecologist Sarah Bekessy and architect Bethany Kiss explore how we design our common spaces with all critters in mind. Sixteen years after breaking up, Powderfinger have confirmed they’re reforming for a national tour from September next year. As fans rush for tickets to relive their youth, music journalist Johnno Keetles asks the bigger question: are reunion tours ever as good as the memory, or are we just chasing the ghost of who we used to be?

Why we should never give up on boys with Billy Garvey, and when relationship pettiness goes too far 09.10.2026 54min

If you've been paying attention to the news, to your social media feeds or to really any and all pop culture lately, you've likely heard that boys are not alright. But if you're only looking at the bad parts, the beauty and complexity of raising boys can be hard to see. Developmental paediatrician and author Billy Garvey says it's never too late to try a new approach, in fact it's never been more important to try. When your relationship is on the rocks, what's your conflict style? The Life Matters aunties comedian Sashi Perera and ABC journalist Luke Siddham Dundon are here to help navigate a seemingly petty dilemma that could signal bigger issues.

Li Cunxin on life after Mao's Last Dancer and how to appreciate the night sky 08.10.2026 54min

Even if you've never been to the ballet, you're probably familiar with Mao's Last Dancer. It tells the story of how a young boy in rural China was plucked out of poverty to train at the Beijing Dance Academy and went on to perform on stages around the world. More than 20 years later, Li Cunxin is releasing his second memoir, The Lucky Son, which picks up where Mao's Last Dancer left off and explores the lessons on love, leadership and legacy he has collected along the way. Observational data has found that, every year, the night sky is becoming 10 per cent brighter because of light pollution from our growing towns and cities. It's not just stargazing that's being affected — light pollution can harm wildlife and even human health. Australasian Dark Sky Alliance founder Marnie Ogg and academic Julian O'Shea explain how we can protect our dark sky. Celebrity endorsements have been around since marketing began. But how would you feel if you saw an ad featuring someone you were almost certain was dead? Last week a Swedish manufacturing company released an ad for ball-bearings featuring the AI likeness of Greta Garbo, the legend of Hollywood's golden age who died more than 30 years ago. Resident Life Matters philosopher Patrick Stokes explores the ethical quagmire known as "ghostploitation".

Understanding your pain and why you shouldn't put off death admin 07.10.2026 53min

Around the world, the leading cause of disability isn't infection, road injury or stroke — it's pain. A landmark study of 6 million participants has found people experience heightened pain around age 55, peaking at about 75. And while the pain you feel in your body isn't all in your head, the way you think about pain can make a huge difference to how you feel it. Pain specialists Fiona Blyth and Michael Nicholas explain how reframing pain can help. According to the latest study of death literacy and readiness, Australians aren't that well prepared for the inevitable. Just over half of us have a signed and sealed will. So what's preventing us from preparing for the end of life? The Law Report's Damien Carrick joins Kerrie Noonan from La Trobe's Death Literacy Institute to explore our complicated feelings around death. You've heard of the Tough Guy Book Club, what about a book club dedicated to bro-mantasy? Men who enjoy romance fiction seem to face a certain stigma about the kind of books they choose. Bookish podcasters Luke Bateman and Kate Cuthbert discuss what it might take to shift the narrative.

Do offset accounts really save you money and the secret politics of time 06.10.2026 54min

More than half of Australian households with a mortgage have an offset account attached. It's meant to make your extra savings work for you by reducing the interest you pay on your home loan. But not everyone appears to be reaping the benefits. Following an ASIC investigation earlier this year, a Senate inquiry will look into how banks are managing offset accounts, and what happens when things go wrong. So what can you do to protect your money? As daylight saving kicks off and the usual debate reignites, human geographer Thomas Sigler reveals just how political the "fixed" hours on our clocks really are, and what would happen if the world abolished timezones entirely. As the Radio National readers start tallying up the votes for the Top 100 Australian Books countdown, Andrew Daddo shares why The Magic Pudding is the ultimate classic kids' adventure worthy of a spot in the hall of fame. Whether it's buying a house amid rising interest rates, proposing to the one you love, or changing jobs, the anxiety that comes before a major life decision can become overwhelming. In some cases, analysis paralysis can stop you in your tracks. Psychologist Christine Bagley-Jones explores how to navigate change in a healthier way.

Life after losing a limb and what is a good salary in 2026? 05.10.2026 55min

There are over 160,000 amputees living in Australia and each one has their own story of loss and having to rebuild their life. James O'Brien's life changed rapidly after going on an idyllic beach holiday. He's documented his experience in a new podcast called The Limb Shift, where he interviews people about the resilience of life after losing a limb. Recent data from Australia's HILDA survey shows the average income we 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? The University of Melbourne's Archives and Special Collections now holds a rare copy of a 15th century manual on hunting, torturing and executing women accused of witchcraft. So what can the world's most infamous witch-hunting handbook tell us about the spread of misinformation and dangerous ideas today?

How to navigate a mismatch in sexual satisfaction and reconnecting with a high school flame 02.10.2026 52min

Sex positivity has never been more talked about, but that doesn't mean the bedroom has caught up. And the stresses of everyday life can make a big impact, from resentment over the mental load to the daily grind of parenting. So what happens to a relationship when sexual satisfaction is lopsided? Sex and relationships therapist Georgia Grace and sexologist Cam Fraser explore. This week, Aunties Denise Eriksen and Mike McLeish share their advice with a listener who reconnected with an old flame at their high school reunion. But how can they tell whether it was just a nostalgic fling, or if there really is something more waiting to be discovered?

How families are gearing up for Thriving Kids and the bright side of getting older 01.10.2026 54min

The federal government's new Thriving Kids program officially starts today, designed to shift children with mild-to-moderate autism off the NDIS. Researcher Adam Guastella and Autism Awareness Australia CEO Nicole Rogerson explain what that means for the families caught up in this transition. On International Day of Older Persons, it's time to flip the script on our youth-obsessed culture, and consider the benefits of ageing. Neuroscientist Olivia Maurice joins dementia researcher Ruth Peters and author Maggie Kirkman to explore the bright side. The RBA's ban on card surcharges is kicking in, so what does that mean for the price of your coffee? Financial services expert Steve Worthington and Mount Gambier bakery owner Dylan McQueen discuss what to expect.

Protecting yourself from financial dread how to spot burnout 30.09.2026 54min

The RBA has raised interest rates to a 15-year high, and with wages still trailing inflation, cost-of-living pressures are mounting. So if you are struggling, what are the practical things you can do to feel some sense of stability? Financial counsellor Deb Shroot and financial planner Amie Baker discuss how to protect your from financial dread. As AFLW marks 10 years of competition, internationally acclaimed playwright Suzie Miller is premiering a new show about the grit and determination it took to turn that dream into a reality. An estimated 82 per cent of workers are at risk of burnout, costing the global economy $8.9 trillion a year. This Working Life host Lisa Leong explores how we can get better at recognising and treating the symptoms before it's too late.

How safe are AI scribes at the doctor's office and why our kids are lonelier than ever 29.09.2026 53min

Last week's OpenAI hack of a Medicare website sent shockwaves through the community. While authorities have confirmed no personal information was compromised, it raises questions about the role of AI in dealing with sensitive medical information. What really happens to all those private details being recorded at your appointments? Researcher Andrew Cullen and AMA president-elect Michael Bonning discuss the role of AI assistants in the doctor's office and what can be done to protect patient privacy. New research shows social isolation has nearly doubled in two decades, hitting young people hardest. So why does the most digitally connected generation in history feel so lonely? Michelle Lim, CEO of Australia's peak body tackling loneliness, explores how we got here and what we can do to shift the needle. For years, messages warning about the consequences of illegally downloading and sharing movies, music and TV were everywhere. But has the dominance of streaming services stamped out piracy? Consumer behaviour expert Paul Harrison explains how easy access to every piece of media imaginable has changed the game.

Why DINKs are in the happiest relationships and how technology is stealing our everyday speech 28.09.2026 54min

According to the latest HILDA survey, most Australians are pretty satisfied with their relationships. The data suggests couples without kids are among the happiest. Psychologist Stephen Andrew and sociologist Leah Ruppanner discuss the ingredients for a strong relationship. Over the last couple of decades, the average number of words we say out loud each day has dropped. Between 2005 and 2019, researchers in the US found a 28 per cent decline in the number of spoken words. Linguistics professor Nick Enfield explains what's happening to our lost speech. Tutors are often the people who step up when your kids are struggling in their education. But some of these businesses are shutting up shop, with the rise of AI shaking up the industry. The Australian Tutoring Association's Mohan Dhall and researcher Ben Zunica explore whether a chatbot can really replace a human tutor.

Why you love your unhinged best friend and persecuting a precious pooch 25.09.2026 54min

We all want friends who are funny, smart, loyal and kind, but we also want them to have our back no matter what. Jaimie Krems and Keelah Williams are friendship scientists — they're also BFFs — who have researched the science behind why you love your vicious, maybe a little unhinged best friend. Their research won an Ignobel prize, so what other qualities do we want in a bestie? When new neighbours threaten the harmony of a quiet cul-de-sac by persecuting a precious pooch, it's time to ask aunty.

The case for a more exciting suburbia and how to holiday with pets 24.09.2026 54min

Our suburbs are home to an incredibly diverse population. But when you look at Australia's urban sprawl, it can feel like the people in charge simply hit copy and paste. The upcoming Future Suburb Symposium, hosted by the University of Melbourne, wants to transform our suburbs from 'stubbornly generic, repetitive, and under-serviced', to places that are inclusive, exciting, and better reflect the needs of those who live there. So what would the ideal suburb of the future look like, and what needs to change to make it possible? It's becoming easier to holiday with your pets in Australia, with at least one major airline now allowing small animals on planes and accommodation booking sites offering "pet-friendly" filters. But even if you find a motel or campground your pet can come to, what about the hikes, museums, cafes and restaurants, can they actually enjoy the holiday like you can? Author of a guide to travelling with pets Carla Francis and human-animal relationship expert Dr Tiffani Howell help you get the balance right. And in Ask Aristotle with ethicist Patrick Stokes, is it ever ok to track your kids?

The magic of your childhood home and why don't we take migraines more seriously? 23.09.2026 53min

Picture your childhood home for a moment. What details can you still remember? The colour of the kitchen cupboards? The view from your bedroom window? Your secret hiding spot? Lifelong memories are shaped by the daggy laminate benches and cracked vinyl couches of our childhood homes. Christian Duell has studied the significance of our first homes, and he is joined by Grand Designs Australia and By Design host Anthony Burke to unpack why the home you grew up is lodged in your heart for life. Just this week the Australian Health and Welfare Institute estimated two in three people with migraine don't even have a formal diagnosis. It's part of a wider picture of just how misunderstood this condition is. So how would better understanding and treatment for migraine change the lives of almost 4 million Australians? And how could letting go of your fitness goals help you achieve them?

Living well for longer and should you join a cookbook club? 22.09.2026 54min

They say life's short, but it's actually getting longer. By 2066, life expectancy for Australian women will have jumped from 86 years to nearly 90. And from 82 to 86 years for men. So how do we make sure those extra years of life are lived well? There's something about physically picking up a cookbook, with it's pasta sauce-splattered, dog-eared pages that makes the meal enjoyed at the end feel a bit special. It goes some way to explaining the rise of cookbook clubs, like a traditional book club but with better food. Joan Tran and Dominique Lonsdale, co-founders of Cookbook Club Naarm join Stephanie Alexander AO, chef, restaurateur and cookbook author to unpack why these books can are so dear to us. Olympian and mum of five Libby Trickett shares her favourite Australian kids book, and in Head and Heart our resident psychologist Christine Bagley-Jones helps you to prepare for empty-nesting, and hopefully avoid some of the heartbreak that comes with sending your kids off into the world.

Inventing words and what to say to a loved one with dementia 21.09.2026 54min

Looksmaxxing, promposal, copium... who decides which words are important enough to be elevated to dictionary status?