Life Matters - Full program podcast — Taskuhääling

The secret to sharing the mental load and splitting up for better sleep 17.07.2026 53min

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 you find yourself in total burnout. What do you do if sleeping next to your partner has become an absolute nightmare? This week, Aunties Tito Ambyo and Fiona Harris share their advice with a listener who's considering separate beds in the hopes of catching some Zs and improving their sex life.

Checking in on public trust in AI, leaving a doomsday church and Jacqueline Harvey's grandparenting joy 16.07.2026 55min

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, weigh in. Imagine being told, every day, that today could be the day the world ends. That was the message drilled into Bek Condello for as long as she could remember. She shares what it was like being raised in a strict doomsday church, and how leaving led her to rebuild her entire life. In the latest instalment of The Grandparent Trap, children's author Jacqueline Harvey shares how becoming "Nanny Jac" to her step-daughter's gorgeous son Alfie brought a totally new kind of love into her life. One of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons in the world sold this week for $71 million. The buyer has not yet been disclosed, but it begs the question: should any one person own an item like this?

Finding love offline and Hannah Ferguson on what's driving young people politically 15.07.2026 55min

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 apps? According to new research from the Australian Institute of Family Studies, young people aren't disengaged from politics and civic life — they're actually just engaging in different ways than the generations before them. Lead author of the research Dr Ebony Biden and Cheek Media Co founder Hannah Ferguson unpack the results. In Head and Heart you get some tips on moving out of the acquaintance zone and into the friend zone.

How David Wenham will remember his friend Sam Neill and the co-housing solution for older women 14.07.2026 54min

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 Piper explain how the idea sparked a friendship and inspired a novel. Everyone has those menial tasks that feel impossible — not because they're difficult, but just because they're so incredibly tedious. So how do you get through the dreaded to-do list? Time management coach Christie Flora explains the power of "get stuff done" parties bringing people together to collectively crush the boring life admin jobs. With the news of Sam Neill's death reverberating around the world, friend and fellow actor David Wenham shares how he'll be remembered: not just as an extraordinary actor, but a beautiful person whose warmth, wit, and talent touched millions.

Grandparenting as a full-time carer and reclaiming your ring after divorce 13.07.2026 55min

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 second time around. Plus, Australian soap royalty Lynne McGranger shares why becoming a nanna was even more special than winning the Gold Logie. When a marriage ends in divorce, what do you do with the wedding ring? One option apparently gaining steam is taking that piece of jewellery and turning it into something new: the divorce ring. Jeweller Nicole Winkler and divorce lawyer Antonella Sanderson weigh in on what this trend says about our feelings around divorce. After Life Matters dove into the ethical quandaries of the smart glasses revolution last week, former disability discrimination commissioner Graeme Innes got in touch to share how this technology has been a game-changer for accessibility.

The pep talk to pull you out of a career slump and solving a dogsitting disaster 10.07.2026 53min

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 share some advice for a listener in hot water after a dogsitting disaster.

Homesharing solutions, Morris Gleitzman's grandparenting joy and the renaissance of medieval festivals 09.07.2026 55min

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 shaping the minds of the next generation, how do you bring 65,000 years of Indigenous peoples' stories into the here and now? University of Melbourne researchers Justin Wilkey and Jess Gannaway share how they're gathering knowledge from Indigenous educators across the world to help Australian teachers bring truth-telling into the classroom. As part of Life Matters' new series The Grandparenting Trap, children's author Morris Gleitzman explains how sharing his love of stories and wild imagination with his two grandsons has brought him immense joy. There are dozens of medieval fairs across the country each year, with multi-day festivals selling out faster than you can say "hear ye, hear ye". So what's behind the nostalgia for a time none of us has ever experienced? Sociologist Dan Woodman and sword fighter Kiara Bruggeman break it down.

Beware the bank of mum and dad and where not to go on your next holiday 08.07.2026 55min

If talking about money makes you squirm, you might want to think twice before you open an account with the bank of mum and dad. University of Newcastle researchers Julia Cook and Mirella Atherton explain the tricky emotional — and legal — consequences of lending cash to your loved ones. One person's dream holiday destination is another's backyard. But some UNESCO heritage sites are now so overwhelmed by tourists, they're asking to be removed from the list. So, if locals are asking you not to go, do you have a responsibility to change your travel plans? If you were running a car for eight hours a day without stopping, eventually you would run out of petrol and the car would break down. The same can be said for our bodies and minds, so taking effective breaks at work should be a priority. This Working Life host Lisa Leong shares how to build in restorative breaks throughout your day.

Untangling gambling from sports culture and are smart glasses cool now? 07.07.2026 55min

Sports betting is the fastest-growing form of gambling in the country, and it's overwhelmingly popular with men. Experts say that's no coincidence. Researcher Rohann Irving and lived experience advocate Mark Kempster explore how gambling got so tied up with our love of sport and our ideas about masculinity, and whether there's any way to untangle it. Smart glasses have been around for years, but this time the tech's had an AI injection. Companies like Meta are looking for new ways to market their products to the masses, collaborating with the likes of Kylie Jenner. Tech journalist Alice Clarke and digital sociologist Ben Lyall discuss whether these goofy glasses are finally becoming cool, and what it means for your privacy. Australia's introducing new labelling rules that will require restaurants to clearly state whether seafood is locally sourced, imported, or a mix of the two. So how might this affect what you choose from the menu?

Introducing the Grandparent Trap and unpacking tax time anxiety 06.07.2026 55min

Grandparents in 2026 are more enmeshed in their grandchildren's lives than ever. While most are providing some form of care for their grandchildren, close to three in five say their grandparenting style doesn't always match what's expected of them. In the first instalment of a new Life Matters series, parenting expert Maggie Dent and demographer Liz Allen unpack the complexities of modern grandparenting. Financial stress is a growing problem for Australian households, affecting around 13 per cent of the population. It can affect every facet of our lives, and can be particularly hard on relationships. Beyond Blue's Georgie Harman and tax clinic supervisor Annette Tasker explain how to work through periods of financial anxiety and where to find support.

Cultivating confidence and dating after death 03.07.2026 52min

Confidence can be the magic ingredient to help us through the curveballs life throws our way. It shows up in your career, your relationships, the way you parent, and unexpected everyday moments where you just need a boost. So is confidence something you can cultivate? Personal coach Kate James and psychotherapist Giac Giacomantonio share their tips on building confidence brick by brick and tapping into it through life's challenges. This week for Ask Aunty, author Patrick Lenton and comedian Kat Davidson weigh in on how soon is too soon to start dating again after losing the love of your life.

How do we deal with Neil the seal and the ethics of football fandom 02.07.2026 55min

Neil the seal is an internet sensation. His regular midwinter haul-outs have brought him onto land and in close contact with humans and our built environment. But as he grows bigger, so too do the risks. So how do we manage the situation so that Neil's pilgrimages don't put him — or others — in harm's way? Australia's snowfall has been in long-term decline for decades, and it's something the towns on the frontline of our winter economy have been grappling with. Snow Resorts Australia CEO Josh Elliott, Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce president Oliver Kapetanakos and climate scientist Ailie Gallant explore the future of the Australian ski season. International events like the World Cup can turn the most fairweather fan into a sports obsessive. People who never watch football suddenly know exactly when the Socceroos are playing. So what does it say about us if our loyalty waxes and wanes with the seasons?

Family holidays without the fighting and embracing death for a happy life 01.07.2026 55min

Family holidays are where we make some of our most cherished memories — and some of the most stressful, chaotic ones, too. So how do you make the most out of the time away? Parenting expert Justin Coulson and writer Rebel Wylie share how to plan for a successful getaway, and what makes it all worthwhile. Once upon a time, paying for TV meant skipping the ads. But these days, we're paying more and more for an ad-free experience. It's landed Amazon in court, with the ACCC alleging the company relied on unfair contract terms to introduce ads to Prime Video. So what might this case mean for viewers? Whether it's a long time away, or sooner than you think, death is a fact of life. Embracing that fact could change the way you live. Ben Pronk, author of We're All Going To Die, offers his tips for practical happiness in the time you have left.

Tim Minchin on the future of Australian theatre and discovering autism in your 50s 30.06.2026 55min

Two major Australian musicals, Beetlejuice and Waitress, have been forced to cancel the remaining legs of their tours and close early. So why are big productions struggling, and is the audience part of the problem? Tim Minchin and Live Performance Australia's Eric Lassen unpack what's going on in the Australian theatre scene. For Pam Brinsmead, life had always felt like a movie where everyone else knew the script. That was until she received an autism diagnosis in her 50s that changed everything. She joins psychologist Jac den Houting to explore how autism presents in girls and women, and the freedom in discovering your true self later in life. This week marks 30 years since Dolly the sheep became the first mammal ever cloned from an adult cell. It was a landmark moment in the world of science, so how have our perceptions on the ethics of cloning shifted in the years since?

Middle children are disappearing and what this runner learned completing 150 marathons 29.06.2026 55min

The evidence around how much birth order affects personality traits or behaviour has been debated for decades, but one thing is fairly clear from the data: middle children are disappearing. We're flat out having second babies, let alone a third. So if middle children are no more, what do we stand to lose? In 2025 alone Australians lost almost $18 million to scams delivered via text messages. Come July 1, scammers face an extra hurdle to reaching your mobile — but that doesn't mean it's time to let your guard down. Erchana Murrary-Bartlett set herself a huge goal in 2022: run 150 marathons from the very tip of Australia's east coast to the bottom. She broke a world record in the process, and now she's releasing a documentary about her epic trip called 150.

Stepping out of the self-sabotage spiral and family function fatigue 26.06.2026 53min

We all have our own habitual behaviours that help us get through tricky moments or avoid stressful situations. But sometimes, what feels easier or more comfortable in the moment can hurt us long-term. Clinical psychologist Rebecca Ray explains how identifying self-sabotaging behaviours and understanding what's behind them is the best place to start breaking the cycle. This week, Aunties Nate Byrne and Janty Blair weigh in on a family dilemma over a relative who's gone MIA. Is juggling life with a new baby a good enough excuse to skip the odd family function? If everyone else is putting in the effort, is it fair to feel a little miffed at the cousin who can't make it?

Don Spencer and Alex Papps celebrate Play School's 60th birthday and public displays of affection 25.06.2026 55min

Play School is celebrating a milestone birthday this year: it's Big Ted's diamond jubilee. For six decades, the show's beloved presenters have been singing, playing, telling stories and teaching generations of Australian children. Long-term hosts Alex Papps and Don Spencer join media researcher Jessica Balanzategui to discuss the secret to the show's success? A regimented focus on what you're eating. Big, rapid changes to your body. Constant monitoring of your weight. All these are signs of a potential eating disorder — but they're also things that happen during pregnancy. Research estimates 1 in 20 women experience an eating disorder during pregnancy. So if it's so hard to spot how do you do it, and how do you have a conversation about it if you're concerned? And in Social Studies with Professor Dan Woodman, we investigate an apparent decline in public displays of affection among Gen Z.

The decline of male teachers and how to protect your backyard chooks from bird flu 24.06.2026 55min

According to the latest statistics, men make up less than a third of Australian school teachers. In primary schools, the figures are even lower, and have been declining for decades. High school maths teacher Eddie Woo and sociologist Nicholas Hookway explore what's behind the trend and why it matters. The RSPCA estimates Australians keep about 2 million domestic chickens. While they may seem like low maintenance pets, the recent arrival of a new strain of bird flu has some backyard chook keepers in a flap. So if you've got a flock of your own, how do you keep them safe? There are more than 250 Indigenous languages across Australia, including 800 dialects. They carry culture, history and knowledge through generations, and communities are doing everything they can to keep them alive. Researcher Rachel Nordlinger shares how the 50 Words Project has been collecting and preserving audio recordings from some of Australia's oldest languages.

The secret to a sustainable wardrobe and why shopping simulators exist 23.06.2026 55min

The average wardrobe contains about 199 pieces of clothing, according to research published last year. Among them are usually a couple of items that rarely see the light of day. Fashion researcher Alicja Kuźmycz and podcaster Clare Press explore how increasing the wearability of what's already in your wardrobe can unlock the secret to sustainability. Researchers in Canada have scoured some of the most popular skincare content and found TikToks that discourage sunscreen use attract higher engagement. While Australia has strict rules on what brands and influencers can say about these products, social media is borderless and hard to regulate. So how does the average consumer know what to put in their cart? Online shopping has become so addictive that people are simulating the process through "dopamine sites" where users can browse, buy and track virtual orders. Consumer behaviour expert Paul Harrison explains why adding to cart gives us a little rush — even when there's no money or actual product involved.

People-powered cities and finding yourself in the family history books 22.06.2026 55min

Pushing for change takes a sustained effort — it requires people to keep showing up, keep organising, and keep working together. And building a movement often means finding common ground with people outside your usual circles. Amanda Tattersall and Kurt Iveson, co-authors of People Power in Cities, explore what it takes to create real change. Around 26 million people worldwide have taken an at-home DNA test to discover their ancestry. For Simon Chate, it led him to a family he never knew existed. So what's behind this yearning to connect with our past? And what does it teach us about ourselves? Trust in medical institutions is declining, and it's never been easier to find alternative information online. So how do you support someone you love who's started exploring questionable treatments?