Life Matters - Full program podcast

Debating a teenager's right to delete, and are influencers the new church missionaries?

03 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Should everyone have the right to easily delete their social media footprint when they turn 18? And, forget the pulpit - are influencers the new miss...

The evolution of masculinity, and what happens when stolen milk drama spills into the workplace?

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We're in a state of change and evolution when it comes to expectations around masculinity in 2025. So, what does it mean to be a man in a contemporar...

The push to move Aussies to the regions, and should parents redesign the workplace?

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Westpac wants a million Aussies to leave city life behind... and move to the regions. And, if you could redesign your work to suit the demands of you...

Living booze-free in Australia, and should parents get more choice in how to spend their childcare subsidy?

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We're a day away from the end of Dry July. Has it got you thinking about going teetotal for good? And, there is another case of alleged abuse inside ...

Digital age verification online, and is the solution to burnout more public holidays?

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is it worth giving up some of our privacy to keep kids safer online? And could an extra long weekend be good for our collective mental health? Plus, ...

The baggage that comes with the word "cancer" and why more families are homeschooling

27 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The power of the word "cancer". And, why mainstream school isn't working for many families. Plus, how ABC finance guru Alan Kohler manages his money....

Helping kids through mental health challenges, and how to deal with a rude funeral guest

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Parents today have a greater awareness of the importance of supporting kids' mental health and emotional needs. But in an era of information overload...

A plan to tackle homelessness in Australia, and does Princess Polly deserve the sustainability tick of approval?

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why are homeless rates in Australia getting worse and what can we do about it? And, the controversy surrounding fashion label Princess Polly being gi...

The age considered "older" in the workplace, and is your toddler in charge of your remote?

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A new report found almost one quarter of HR professionals now classify workers aged 51 to 55 as "older". Plus, so-called "appointment television" is ...

Pioneering work with psychedelic drugs, and AI threatening some workplace roles

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why many Australians are optimistic about the uses of psychedelic drugs. And, a new Netflix show has used AI to cut costs, leaving fears about job re...

Why young workers are still being exploited, and do you have a breakup ritual to help you move on?

20 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A new study reveals young workers still face obstacles in the workplace. Plus, is there a healthy way to deal with a relationship ending? And, journa...

Finding a physical activity that fills you with joy, and juggling different sleep schedules

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Some people decide to make fitness part of their lives as they get older. So, how do you embrace physical activity if you've never been "sporty"? And...

Call to ban card surcharges, and older Aussies dealing with anxiety

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sneaky card surcharges can be frustrating for consumers. But will the RBA's ban mean savings? And, new research about older people and anxiety. Also,...

The debate over letting kids skip school for a holiday, and the rise of the YIMBY movement

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Some educators say the popularity of mid-term holidays is proving a challenge in classrooms. Plus, the role the YIMBY movement is playing in solving ...

Housing affordability is now impacting divorce, and are you a #GirlDad?

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How housing prices are locking people out of the market... and locking them into relationships too. And what's behind the viral #GirlDad movement? Pl...

The risk of losing your doctor, and what's your favourite big Aussie tourist attraction?

13 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Medical patients may lose their regular GP if they don't have frequent appointments. Also, what's behind Australia's obsession with big tourist attra...

How we mask aspects of ourselves, and dealing with a difficult step-sister

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are there environments where you consciously or unconsciously hide parts of your identity in order to fit in? And what happens when the dynamics in a...

A new teaching method that's old-school, and what are the limits to supporting a friend?

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What is explicit instruction and why are so many Australian schools embracing this? Plus, is it ethical to support a friend in any circumstance? And...

Families who develop their own lingo, and why Gen Z is saying no to sex

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Many families adopt their own made-up words or odd phrases - it's known as a familect. Plus, there's less stigma around sex nowadays. So why are many...

Zero-alcohol beverages are having a moment, and why is buying tickets online so stressful?

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is it OK for the teens in your family to crack open a zero-alcohol beer at your Sunday BBQ? Plus, why it's getting so hard to buy a ticket online for...

Fixing a broken childcare system and grieving your best friend

06 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You've seen the horrific stories about a man charged with child sexual offences at a daycare in Melbourne over the last week. For parents it's been a...

Give a pep talk to your high school self, and how should children behave in public?

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How did your high school years shape you... and what would you say to your teen self? And in Ask Aunty, should children be seen and not heard?

The pros and cons of whole body MRIs, and why are young people tight-lipped about money?

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why Aussies are paying thousands of dollars for whole body scans. Plus, how young people are learning to save and spend. Also, ABC meteorologist Nate...

The special role of grandparents, and should AI write our heartfelt messages?

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the demands on parents have changed over the years, so have the expectations on grandma and grandpa. And, is it acceptable to use AI for personal ...

Creative burial ideas, and why you should ask strangers "what do you do for a hobby?"

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Australia is running out of burial space. So what's the solution? Plus, a woman who tried 17 hobbies over the course of a year and what she learned a...

Children living shorter lives than their parents and how to not be 'that' annoying tourist

29 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why are a generation of children on track to die before their parents? Plus, how to avoid being that annoying tourist and should we step up to help e...

Connections with people you've never met, and what to do if you're 'ghosted'

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Parasocial relationships are a one-sided, emotional attachment with a celebrity or public figure. So, why do we feel a bond with people we've never m...

Challenging tired stereotypes in advertising, and the tech that's changing who gets to watch sport

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are older Aussies being misrepresented in advertising? Plus, the AFL has just launched a tool for blind and low-vision fans that's transforming how t...

What to say after someone you love says "I have cancer", and what's it like to give birth at home?

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Almost half of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime. So why are we still so lost for words when it happens? Plus, modern medicine means b...

Winning a million-dollar lottery, and playgrounds that prevent bullying

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The surprising emotions that come with a lottery windfall. Also, could playground design protect children from bullying? Plus, new research shows tha...

Finding calm in times of global crisis, and helping kids transition to school

22 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Global tension can impact us emotionally, mentally, even physically. So, how can we deal with this anxiety? Plus, how did you navigate the transition...

Exploring your sense of home, and is a pet dog a party guest?

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When you think about home... where do you go? It it where you live or where you feel most like yourself? Plus in Ask Aunty, does loving your friends ...

How we fall in love with particular songs, and the challenges of Fly In Fly Out work and parenting

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Creative Australia has released a new report that looks at how we find and engage with local music. Plus, dealing with the difficulties of family lif...

Putting your love life in the hands of a matchmaker, and why are climate targets starting to unravel?

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Aussie matchmakers share how they help singles find love. And after years of effort convincing the public of the urgency of climate change, are polit...

Dealing with a spouse's alcohol addiction, and a new study about an embarrassing illness

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

One couple's story of pandemic drinking and pulling their marriage back from breaking point. Plus, a major new study about Irritable bowel syndrome. ...

Safety concerns escalate over e-scooters, and what's your relationship with meal delivery apps?

15 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Councils around the country are calling for better regulation of e-scooters. Plus, how meal delivery apps have changed Australia. And, how is support...

The lessons we learn in relationships, and what to do when your family doesn't "do feelings"

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Was there a moment that made you realise you had to evolve your relationship style? And in Ask Aunty, how to navigate a family that isn't good at tal...

Changes to liquor laws aim to curb family violence, and is it acceptable to discipline other people's children?

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Changes to alcohol delivery laws aim to prevent family violence. Meanwhile, the Buy Now Pay Later industry has undergone an overhaul, with new regula...

The extreme things we do for a crush, and fears after another Australian embryo mix-up

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever pretended you're someone you're not, in order to impress a new love interest? And, shock after another embryo error at one of Australia...

How to ensure boys embrace reading, and why do families keep secrets?

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to reading, Aussie boys aren't keeping up with girls and the gap is getting wider. Why do families keep secrets... and what makes peopl...

New guidelines for cosmetic injectables, and what happens when you donate your body to science?

08 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Australia's medical regulator last week introduced new safeguards aimed at protecting young people from potentially dangerous side-effects of non-inv...

The changes that parenting brings to your life, and is it wise to get involved in your child's friendships?

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There is no manual or perfect guide to tell you how to raise a child, everyone just kind of figures it out as they go. So, how has being a parent cha...

The push for Australia to invest more in the gaming industry, and why is grey divorce a phenomenon?

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Should Australia offer more support to the gaming industry? Why is later-in-life divorce becoming more common? Plus, musician Sarah McLeod offers her...

A legal test case for the Right to Disconnect, and new data about forever chemicals

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How have the Right to Disconnect laws impacted your work life? And, new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that 85% of Australians h...

How to respond to a mental health crisis, and should you withdraw your super early?

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A call to emergency services can save lives, but what should you do when you see someone in mental health crisis? What are the long-term effects on y...

Changes set to make an ADHD diagnosis easier for some patients, and retiring comfortably on a budget

01 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is an ADHD diagnosis set to become easier and more accessible? How can you lead a comfortable and fulfilled retirement without spending a fortune? Al...

Our relationship with our clothing and a warning about a new girlfriend

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our clothing is one of the most individual forms of self-expression. So, what do your clothes say about you? And in Ask Aunty, what should you do if...

The world of human cryopreservation and why drama is engulfing parent WhatsApp groups

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An Australian mother is trying to raise the funds to cryogenically preserve the body of her teenage son, who died tragically last week. So, what are ...

Have you imagined a life without the internet and what's behind the rise of 'dupe' culture?

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The internet has opened up the world and changed the way we live our lives. But are we better for it? Plus, from fashion to tech, dupe culture is mor...

Playing team sport improves mental health

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Michael is a rugby league educator who’s spent the past forty years helping at risk youth stay out of trouble by getting them involved in sport. He...

Surviving disaster after disaster: new research reveals hidden mental toll

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There’s a common belief that after experiencing a disaster once, people are better placed the second time, you get better at sandbagging, know what...

Our money relationships and family estrangement

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If your emotional 'hangups' about money are holding you back, is there a way to let them go? And, if you're being pressured to reconnect with a famil...

How do you help a loved one who's being drawn to extremist views?

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

According to the Australian Federal Police, children as young as 12 are being radicalised by extremist groups online, and petrified families say ther...

Tracking or Trusting? When location sharing crosses the line

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nearly one in five young adults think it’s normal for a partner to track their location. For many, it feels harmless, families use it for peace of ...

Has camping become too expensive?

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Camping in NSW national parks could soon cost more under a major proposal to standardise fees across the state. Supporters say it will improve facili...

Inside the "toxic" tradwife subculture

18 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Stacey Knight is a self-described tradwife who blogs about her family life. The movement has made headlines overseas for its links to far-right polit...

Exploring masculinity and conflicting bin etiquette

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

These days, there are a lot of conflicting opinions when it comes to whether there's a "right" way to be a man. What qualities of masculinity have yo...

Why one woman became a "reproductive refugee" to achieve her dream of parenthood

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jane was blocked from using her frozen eggs in Western Australia. She describes this as forcing her to become a 'reproductive refugee,' travelling ac...

Escort, removalist, can collector: how side hustles became mainstream

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Andrew’s side hustle has helped fund his wedding and several overseas holidays. But it’s not just about the money; his side job keeps him fulfill...

Overprescribing and undertreating: the antidepressant dilemma

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kate first started taking antidepressants when she was 12 years old. Thirty years later, she's still on them. She's one of the three and a half milli...

The hidden struggle, one in three adults can’t read properly

11 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Katelyn managed to finish Year 12 despite struggling with reading. Now an adult, she wants to open her world up to more opportunities, so for the pas...

Letting dreams go and super intense parents in kids' sports

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If your dream for a career, relationship, family or life goal, doesn't work out, it can be devastating. But, can it also bring peace, relief and pers...

It's legal to smack kids in Australia, but advocates want to see the laws change.

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

Pathways to home ownership and intergenerational housing easing loneliness

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Owning a home is often considered part of the Australian dream, so how do some people make that dream a reality? And how could intergenerational comm...

Screen time links to poor youth mental health questioned by new research

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

How to be there for sick loved ones and The Good Retirement ep 2

04 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rosie Waterland and Jamila Rizvi's new book, Broken Brains, confronts how we treat mental health and physical health conditions differently and offer...

How to "find your tribe" and helping your elderly dad out of a pickle

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you've moved or changed your living circumstances, it can be tricky to make a new crew of friends. What's the best way to find like-minded souls w...

Why Aussies are cancelling US holiday plans & can you copyright a recipe?

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do I need to buy a burner, or should I ditch my US trip? Some Aussies are questioning their holiday plans to the States, and travel agency Flight Cen...

How to talk politics without losing friends and comedian Brett Blake on second chances

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

Is an electric vehicle actually the right choice for you?

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Like Bob Dylan in the 60s, the move to go electric might be seen as controversial or risky. But things have changed significantly since the first mod...

Why people are voting early and how to have a good retirement

27 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

Blended families, dealing with your friends' children, and advice from a comedian

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Blending families and introducing new partners and siblings can be hard. So, what does it take to create a happy step family? And what happens when y...

What's behind the rise of women on steroids?

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jas Paterson is a competitive bodybuilder, and although she doesn't use steroids herself, she's seen first hand the rise in pressure to chemically en...

How to leave the productivity rat race

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever feel guilty at the prospect of downtime? The gnawing feeling that you should be doing something "better", something more productive? You'...

Why are humans so obsessed with leaving a legacy?

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at age 88. He left a legacy as a reformer, reaching out to gay and marginalised people, demanding justice for the ...

Matters of the heart — the science of love from the World Science Festival

20 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are there actually physical symptoms when someone breaks your heart? Why do heart emojis look nothing like the thing beating in our chests? What can ...

Changing your relationship with work, and advice about an annoying colleague

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How would you describe your relationship with your job? And how would you like to change that relationship? Plus, advice about an annoying colleague....

Would you play Roblox with your kids to keep them safe?

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Gayle had never even heard of Roblox when her then eight year old son asked if he could join the online platform, where millions of games would be at...

Gen X career switches and how to have a device free holiday

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

What's it like to be a tourist with a disability?

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Brisbane's Story Bridge has just opened the worlds first accessible bridge climb. While tourism operators are offering up more accessible options, wh...

What have we learned about mental illness a year on from the Bondi Junction attack?

13 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie was a teenager when she had her first experience of psychosis. She's since gotten the support she needs to stay well, although she still bris...

Saying "yes" to yourself as you age and poor food etiquette at work

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Older Australians everywhere are redefining what it means to age, and many say they started "living their best life" when they hit their 50s, 60s, 70...

Men's Mental Health Social Media Groups: Help or Hindrance?

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's critical that men have an opportunity to talk about their mental health in a space where they feel accepted, free from judgement and with access...

How your budget and relationship can survive a home renovation

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Across Australia, a staggering 12.8 billion dollars worth of home renovations were given the green light last financial year. If you've ever renovate...

How safe do you feel exercising alone? and what to expect when tariffs take effect

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sissy Austin took matters into her own hands following a violent attack while running. She has now started a campaign to raise awareness about safety...

What happens when you regret sharing your kids online?

06 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Roisin Tarrant had a penny drop moment when she was visiting the MCG, the stadium packed to it's 100,000 person capacity. The number of people who fo...

Communicating with teens and negotiating with the 'bank of mum and dad'

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Netflix series 'Adolescence' is resonating with parents concerned about what their teens may be consuming online. How can parents make sure they'...

Rethinking after school care and Ben Lee's two cents

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is it time to rethink before and after school and holiday care? What are the ethics of voting? Ben Lee opens his bank account. And the reason why we'...

Is the price of fitness too high? And what your generation says about your vote.

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Australia is one of the most expensive countries in the world for fitness, according to a new ranking from insurance comparison site Compare the Mark...

What does it mean to commit to a "no money" lifestyle in 2025?

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ten years ago, Jo Nemeth quit her job and closed her bank account. Today, she's more committed than ever to her money-less life. Back in the 60s this...

Is sexual harassment in schools getting worse?

30 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah knew something was wrong after her daughter's first day at a new high school. After some gentle questions, her daughter revealed a boy in her c...

Is the "Let Them" theory useful? And sharing tough news with your partner

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The "just let them" philosophy, popularised by motivational speaker Mel Robbins, has gone viral. So when might it help us let go of situations we can...

Do boycotts work? and how to spot early signs of coercive control

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Earlier this week, the federal government reached a landmark funding arrangement on education. Will this make schools fairer? And how can you stay sa...

Sharing finances with your spouse and how to raise good men

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hear one couple's story about shared finances, Thomas Mayo reflects on how to raise good men in reaction to the hit show Adolescence, and why separat...

Why do younger people with disabilities still end up in nursing homes?

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

At 59 years old, Susan McDonald was one of the hundreds of people under 65 living in residential aged care just because of her disability. For two an...

Are rental blacklists being misused? and how fantasy sports are taking off in Australia

23 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever found yourself on a rental blacklist? There are databases across the country that real estate agents and landlords can check before app...

Big conversations with friends and dealing with teenage romance

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Friends are there to help you when the going gets tough but what do you do when your friendship is the cause of your pain? And what happens when you...

Bravery in all its forms and when is public shaming ok?

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

One woman's courageous actions that saved the life of a police officer. Why electricity bills are set to rise and how to opt out of the grid. And whe...

The truth behind hoarding clean-up TikToks and the heavy toll of migraines

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You're scrolling online and a video pops up of a room full of clutter and rubbish, then cuts to someone wearing a hazmat suit scrubbing grime off a w...

Are housing co-operatives the future of renting? And the zen of lawn care

16 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Advocates of housing co-operatives say they could be part of the solution to Australia's rental crisis, so what is the model exactly, and why isn't i...