You're interstate getting treatment for a long-term illness, so you ask an overcommitting friend to help look after your apartment and car. When she fails to return your keys immediately as you instructed, and you call her out on it, she insists she's trustworthy and accuses you of being too strict. How do you patch things up?

This week, the world fell for actor Andrew Garfield's show of vulnerability as he talked about his grief for his late mother on Sesame Street.Emotional vulnerability has been having a moment in our culture, and for good reason. Being real helps us connect with others and can free us to be ourselves. But it's very hard to do for many people, and can be misunderstood or abused. What does it really mean to be vulnerable and how can you do it protectively?

In romantic relationships, sometimes one person may be in their happy zone while the other is overloaded and juggling multiple sources of stress Ideally, partners can help each other to calm down, but can too much regulation, or the wrong type, be a bad thing? Welcome to the world of self-regulation, co-regulation and partner regulation.

Food guru Stephanie Alexander's Cook's Companion is a staple in Australian homes, and her passion for food has extended to championing cooking education in schools.Good food often comes with good conversation, and Stephanie shares some wisdom learned about how to listen, even when you disagree.

Most people living in bushfire-prone areas know they should prepare their property before the bushfire season begins. But how many of us think about preparing our mind for such an event? Experts say psychological preparedness is an important task for anyone living in high-risk areas. So what does it involve? And how can it work alongside physical preparations? 

Synaesthesia has been described as having an extraordinary response to a very ordinary stimulus. You might see numbers as colours, but there are many other responses when the senses merge. So why does it happen for some, and how can having it impact your life?

Sport is a huge part of Australian culture and identity, and physical education in schools is one of the key learning areas of the Australian curriculum.Now, a new study shows that many public schools in Australia are outsourcing health and physical education, with families are being charged extra for their kids to take part in PE.So, why is this happening, and what happens when some students can't access these classes?

Talking about your genetic condition to a wide audience through poetry turned out to be a slam dunk for Perth's Jo Giles.Jo recently won this year's National Poetry Slam with a deeply personal story of undergoing a lung transplant. Jo talks about their process and the big slam alongside poetry slam pioneer Miles Merrill.

The Royal Flying Doctors Service has been proving life-saving care to Australians living in the bush for nearly 100 years.But as well as responding to emergencies, they're also trying to reduce the number of people in rural and remote areas dying from preventable diseases like heart disease and strokes.So how do you go about providing targeted healthcare to remote communities? And for those on the job, what does it entail?

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, has uncovered cases of doctors and nurses prescribing large quantities of cannabis via very brief telehealth appointments. In one case, a doctor was prescribing the drug to 90 patients a day. So, how do you know if you're receiving good quality telehealth care and what are the warning signs consumers should be looking out for? 

Drugs such as Ozempic have transformed weight loss as we know it, but have we fully grasped yet the impact these drugs are going to have on society? New York Times best-selling author, Johann Hari shares what he's learnt about these drugs and the issues they raise about our dysfunctional relationship with food.

For many people who find out they're expecting a baby, speculation quickly turns to whether it'll be a boy or a girl.But for some expectant parents, learning their baby's sex is a surprise... a shock... and a huge disappointment.Gender disappointment is one of the greatest parenting taboos with many people hesitant to discuss their emotions openly.So how can people deal with these complex feelings?

If you don't feel like marriage is for you, does it mean you can't have a wedding?More couples are sitting with that question, and considering alternative ways of celebrating their commitment.And it's not just weddings that are getting a rethink.As many of our beliefs about life and the world change, people are looking for ways to mark milestones and gather that align with their values - love parties, living wakes, orphans Christmasses, are just a few 'new rituals' entering the vernacular.So what does it take to make a ritual?

You give your bridesmaids free reign to pick their own dresses (with your approval of course), but when one's mother picks something you hate, should you take back control? Or just go along with it?

Making friends at work is inevitable but it can come with complications and conflicts.We hear your stories of workmate drama and look at how to resolve conflict when there's competition involved.

Nearly two million Year 12 students will sit final exams over the next month. But what does the research say about the validity of exams as a tool for measuring learning? And are the skills we hone over years of sitting exams in high school and university useful as we head into diverse career pathways? 

Peter Evans leads Australia's most daring company dedicated to the Bard. Peter shares how an anxiety diagnosis helped him understand himself, why it's important to own up to your mistakes, and how writing your own obituary can bring your life into relief.

Since he was young, Melbourne man Shaun Resnik had dreamed of becoming a dad, but said as a gay man he found it hard to meet a partner who also wanted to have children.So, as he neared 40, he decided to forgo meeting "Mr Right" and pursue parenthood on his own.He welcomed his son Eli in 2022 and made history as the first single man in Victoria to be given the go-ahead by officials to become a father under the state's surrogacy laws.More than two years later, there's a village helping him raise Eli, with both Eli's egg donor and surrogate remaining in the picture. We look at Eli's unique family patchwork and how alternative families blossom. 

Almost 95% of Australians are not eating the recommended five servings of vegetables a day.And while we know that not getting enough fresh fruit and vegetables is bad for our bodies, the lack of demand for vegetables is also hurting our farmers.  How can we start to change our relationship with the humble vegetable?

When you think of flatmates, your mind typically goes to a group of 20 or 30-somethings living in a share house.But there's a new generation of people who are embracing a different type of share house. People over the age of 50 are increasingly choosing to live with housemates, as a way of combating the tough rental market and the cost of living crisis.Social media platforms like the Facebook page 'Women Wide Network for Share Accommodation' have thousands of members and many of them are mature-aged people looking for someone to share a home.

Do you remember where you used to play as a child? What you got up to? For those children living in the high rise housing commission flats in Melbourne's Fitzroy in the 1970's an adventure playground would change their lives and make historyMany of us know playgrounds to be highly designed where kids are almost told how to play. The Cubbies was not that playground but one created by the children themselves. The woman behind it all was Joan Healey. Her book is called The Cubbies, the battle for Australia's first adventure playground.

Around 1 in 10 new and expecting dads experience mental health problems. So could having more support groups for dads help prevent things like loneliness and anxiety?One new charity is helping dads make new connections through games while also encouraging them to look after their physical health. 

An experimental recovery program that uses a unique combination of boxing and creative writing to process childhood trauma is the subject of a new documentary, Left Write Hook.The film follows the harrowing stories of seven survivors of childhood sexual abuse as they move through the eight-week program.  

A friend of a friend invites you on their podcast – but when you realise the whole thing sounds like a shambles is it ok to ask them to not hit publish?

We all know that common saying that nobody is perfect – but somehow it's easier to say than to practice. Some say that the desire to be perfect is reaching epidemic proportions and some researchers in the field say that social media is playing significant role in perpetuating unobtainable standards of perfection. In this edition of Life Matters Beverley Wang is joined by psychologist Anushka Phal to discuss how to recognise the signs of perfectionism and what strategies we can employ to tame our perfectionist tendencies.

Neuroimaging of teenage brains is increasingly making sense of why risk-taking behaviour is a feature of this stage of life. We take a closer look at the science behind a teen's changing brain, and ask how can parents harness their knowledge to better support their teens? 

From a young age writer Lucinda Price knew that she wanted to be hot. She gravitated towards the 'pretty' girls at school and sought nose surgery in her mid-teens. By her twenties she had been through multiple cosmetic surgeries and developed an eating disorder. Now in a place of total recovery she recounts her story in her new book "All I Ever wanted was to be Hot" detailing the contributing factors that lead to her seeking physical perfection. She Joined Jacinta Parsons to share her story and reflect on what improvements could be made to the medical system to better support people experiencing disordered eating..

"Eldest daughter syndrome" is used to describe the unique pressures and responsibilities placed on the oldest woman in the family.She's the caretaker, the people-pleaser, the "responsible" one.Meanwhile, some believe there are personality traits associated with other family roles - such as the youngest or "baby" of the family, the "forgotten" middle child, and the "spoiled and selfish" only child.So, does birth order really impact your personality?

To praise or not to praise is the question we are asking when it comes to young children. "What a good boy, what a good girl!' may well be considered terms of encouragement, but is too much praise a good, or a bad thing?Dr Amanda Niland, a senior lecturer in early childhood at Sydney University and program director of the Master of teaching early childhood believes it's the way we hand out praise that can make the difference to our child's wellbeing.

When you think about passing on your wealth, what things do you consider? Do you know who you'll pass your money and possessions on to and when?According to research by AMP most people under the age of 40 haven't spoken with their parents about wealth transferral.So should we all be thinking and talking more about how and when we pass on our wealth? And do we also need to think more broadly about how we define our wealth?

A report today from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has raised concerns about an ageing GP workforce and access issues for people living in regional and rural areas. But there is a glimmer of hope with the college saying a workforce recovery has begun. It's being supported by an incentivised training program for junior doctors working in rural areas. 

Canteens have long been at the heart of school life, providing healthy and affordable food to children and helping them to learn healthy eating habits.  However, rising costs and a lack of volunteers are forcing many to close or scale back. So what needs to be done to put school canteens back at the centre of school life? 

She's a writer, adventurer and survivor who wears her vulnerability on her sleeve.Last year, Gina Chick captured Australia's attention on the first series of Alone Australia.Over 67 days, her passion for nature and her ability to confound our expectations transformed her into the show's breakout star -and ultimate winner.Now Gina has written a memoir titled We Are The Stars: A misfit's story of love, connection and the glorious power of letting go.

You work in a bookshop cafe but when one of the regulars takes liberties with the Sudoku you wonder if it might be time to have words.

We talk about decisions in terms of being the things we arrive at — but often it is the way we get there that tells us a lot about who we are.The decision-making process can be complex, but understanding your motivations and values can help you choose the right path.So, as we find ourselves in the final quarter of the year, when perhaps we are weighing up some big decisions clinical psychologist Dr Charlotte Keating shares her insights on the psychology of decision making.

When it comes to marriage breakdowns, Dani Zetzer has seen it all.The Melbourne-based family lawyer has spent more than a decade working with clients at the most emotionally vulnerable time in their lives. She says she's committed to "doing divorce differently" with her clients.So how can people navigate the end of a marriage in a healthy and sustainable manner?

Comedian, actor and writer Felicity Ward shares how she's learnt to embrace her weirdness and how friendship is like a high interest savings account that enriches her life. 

People over 65 are being prescribed antidepressants as pain treatment based on studies that either exclude older adults or include only a small number of them. Researchers from the University of Sydney say guidelines should reflect the unique needs of older adults, including the known harms of antidepressant use for this cohort. We look at other treatments for chronic pain, and ask what's the best way to navigate discussions with your doctor if you're concerned about the current approach?

From a young age Ben Shewry was obsessed with cooking, even boiling his dad's shoes in a pot.  But it's this obsession and passion that's driven him to become one of Australia's leading chefs and owner of Melbourne restaurant Attica. His new memoir, Uses for Obsession, reveals Ben's motivation, his self doubt and determination. 

William Hanson became a viral sensation when he began posting etiquette tips on social media a few years ago, but Britain's leading etiquette coach has been teaching people around the world, protocol and good manners for the last 17 years.Those people include Royal and VIP households, diplomats, and businesses.He also holds two Guinness World Records for etiquette, one relating to curtsying and the other involving the largest cream tea party.

When Storm Menzies injured her dominant hand, and with weakness in her other hand, she was confronted with how difficult it was to apply make-up and beauty products and it got her thinking about a solution.Holly Sultana too loves wearing make-up but is challenged when using regular products on the market. With the aim of making beauty inclusive Storm has designed a range of grip aides to fit all make-up designs.

Virginia Trioli is best known for being a host of TV and radio, but she's also a fierce foodie. And she loves nothing more than a well-executed side dish.In her new book, A Bit on the Side, she shares her obsession with a good béarnaise sauce and a delicate dim sim, but she also gets us to think about the joy found in life's small moments.

While animal assisted therapy grows in popularly for treating mental health conditions some say we need more in depth clinical research to understand its effectiveness. Clinical psychologist and Swinburne academic Dr Kelvin Wong is seeking to understand why it has been helpful and he joined Jacinta Parsons to talk through his study.

Uncertainty is a part of life. From starting a new school or job, to trying to create a family to being diagnosed with a life-changing illness. These are the spaces in our lives when we hover in a no-man's land of anxiety, worry and frustration. We are told it’s important to sit in discomfort - to not reach for things like alcohol, shopping or risky behaviour to mask that feeling. But how exactly do we do that? What are the practical things we can do when our tummy is churning or we can’t sleep at night?

If you were diagnosed with terminal cancer and knew you had limited time left, what would you do?Emily Lahey, 32, has a rare and aggressive cancer called NUT Carcinoma. Facing a terminal diagnosis, she sold off 3-minute pieces of her remaining time to strangers in a daring public art project called 'Time To Live.'

We all strive to be good in life, and it can make us feel warm and joyous to be able to help those around us.But what happens when our sense of being good is challenged? And how do we sit with ourselves when we feel we have done wrong.

We all strive to be good in life, and it can make us feel warm and joyous to be able to help those around us.But what happens when our sense of being good is challenged? And how do we sit with ourselves when we feel we have done wrong.

When a package goes missing from a communal table in an apartment block you suspect your neighbours of taking it. But was it an accident or intentional?

Up to 40 per cent of air travellers experience some anxiety about flying, and around one in six suffer from some degree of aviophobia. Amazingly, even some pilots report feelings of fear about flying. We speak to two women pilots who have harnessed their fear of flying and forged incredible career paths. Their stories are documented in a new book called Take Flight: Incredible Stories of Australian Women Who Reach for the Sky. 

Richard Scolyer AO is co-medical director of the Melanoma Institute Australia. In 2023 he was diagnosed with incurable Grade 4 brain cancer and this year he was named Australian of the Year along with his colleague Georgina Long AO.   For Here's What I Know, Richard shares the lessons he's learnt about sun safety, his love of family and the importance of living in the moment.   

When we talk about age gaps in relationships there's a tired, old cliché: The older man with a much younger woman.But are we seeing a broader representation of age gap relationships?In popular culture, there are more and more depictions of older women with younger men... meanwhile, in the LGBTQ+ community, large age gaps have long been more common.So, does a significant age difference help or hurt a relationship?

Over in the United States, Rupert Murdoch is fighting for his eldest son to have full control of the Murdoch empire. But the question of who will inherit the family business is also one that many Australians also face. And it's not an equal playing field.It's believed that only around 10% of daughters are getting the opportunity to take over family businesses. So why are daughters being overlooked and what sort of strain can that put on families?

We're getting older, faster.More than one in every six Australians are aged 65 and over, according to the latest ABS figures. That ratio is likely to be 1 in 4 people by the year 2071.That's because we're living longer and also because of declining birth rates. Our recent 5 part series Squished shone a light on the Sandwich Generation and the issues facing those caught between raising children and looking after aging parentsThat  discussion brought up another big question, what if you don't have children you can rely on, as you age? Will it be the nieces and nephews or friends who will help?Are you comfortable asking for assistance,  and who will advocate for you and what's in your best interests, especially when it comes to medical issues?

How would you deal if your body started failing you but you didn't know why, and neither did the doctors?Ben Noble thought he was about to die, and while he was grappling with an 'imagined' expiry date it became clear he needed to talk about it.The result of discussing death and grief formed the foundation for his show The Dilly Dally of Death and Dying. It will be showing at the Melbourne Fringe.

Always stretch before you work out; Crunches will give you a six--pack stomach; And if you're not sweating, you're not working hard enough to make a difference!There are a lot of commonly-held beliefs when it comes to exercise and fitness, but there's also plenty of misinformation. What's the science behind these beliefs?

Four months after changes to the Family Law Act came into effect, we ask the experts whether the amendments are making a substantive difference to the thousands of children engaged in the Family Court system each year. The changes included removing the presumption of ‘equal shared parental responsibility’, and a new definition for ‘best interests of the child’. 

From polyamory to open relationships or casual hook-ups, there are many ways to be in a romantic relationship. So why do people choose long-term, committed ones?  And how do they survive? Raquel Peel, senior lecturer in Psychology at Notre Dame, looks at the up-sides of commitment, and how we can overcome the challenges that come with all human relationships.

A recent survey from the ABS and Cancer Council has revealed some uncomfortable truths about Australians' attitudes to sun exposure. One in ten Australians tried to get a suntan in the 12 months preceding the survey. And for young women, that figure was one in four. So is the iconic 'Slip, Slop, Slap' campaign still working to educate Australians about the risks associated with sun exposure? 

It's commonly known as medical tourism... but for many people who travel overseas for healthcare, it's anything but a holiday.Australians are travelling to other countries for care including dentistry, heart surgery, fertility treatments, surrogacy, gender affirming surgery, stem-cell therapy, cancer treatments, and cosmetic surgery.But what should you consider before travelling for a medical procedure?

When you see a neighbour pick another neighbour's prized rose that is hanging over their fence,  do you tell them who it was?

Getting love right is not always easy and some say that we need to learn to love better. Psychologist and author Dr Chris Cheers describes love as the actions of connection, belonging and safety and emphasis in his book The New Rule Book and says we need to think of love as an action rather than just a feeling. He joined Beverley Wang to discuss how we can get better at love.

Tim Minchin has achieved huge success as an internationally-acclaimed composer, comedian, actor, and writer. But despite being somewhat of an over-achiever he's an advocate for micro-ambition.  Talking about his new book You Don't Have to Have a Dream: Advice for the Incrementally Ambitious, Tim shares his thoughts and advice on life, art, and what it means to achieve success.

Roughly 2 out of every 5 family types will be couples without children in 2046, according to projections made by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.That's compared to earlier data from the ABS, which projected 1 in 4 couples would be child free in 2029. Life Matters recently discussed the issue of parental regret, a huge taboo subject in our society.But another taboo subject is couples choosing to be child free.

If life gives you lemons — make lemonade. Zoologist Tim Husband wasn't given any lemons, he was given Lemurs, and you might say they saved his life.

Twenty-something Australians jetted off on nearly one million overseas holidays in the last financial year. They're part of a larger trend of Aussies returning to international travel after COVID, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. But what does the classic backpacking adventure mean to young people who spent their formative years in COVID lockdowns, learning remotely and unable to attend even a high school formal? 

Art, music, and story-telling all enrich our lives, but are they fundamental to how we learn, remember, and explore new ideas?Scientists have discovered a 'supergene', unique to us humans, that they believe influences our creative capabilities.How can this discovery help us better understand how we absorb, retain and pass down information through the generations? And could it be these creative skills that give us the advantage over other species?

It's an admission that may be the ultimate parenting taboo: People who regret having children.Parents are sharing their deepest thoughts about parenthood on a range of public forums from Facebook to Reddit. The sites have messages from mothers who became parents just to please their family, fathers who feel envy when they look at their childless friends, and parents who wish they could just go back in time and make another choice.One expert says we need to offer a "compassionate" ear to parents who are sharing feelings that are difficult to discuss.

If you’ve hit midlife with kids at home and ageing parents, welcome to The Sandwich Generation. Stuff’s about to get real and you are going to need help because it will be the trickiest time of your life, and nobody talks about it. But we see you and listen up ‘cause we’ve got some answers.   Featuring:Dr Michelle O’Shea, Senior lecturer in the School of Business at Western Sydney UniversityDr Megan Godwin, PhD Australian Women’s Wellbeing expert  (QUT)Mark McCrindle, social researcher  Shevonne Hunt, member of the sandwich generation   

So you’ve decided to care for your parent at home, we'll dive into the sorts of honest conversations you must have with your partner and kids to avoid it all imploding. Plus, how do you protect yourself, and your sanity, as you fall deeper into the world of the Sandwich Generation?      Featuring:   Dr Rebecca Ray, psychologist and author Setting Boundaries Dr Kaylene Henderson, a medically trained child health specialist and parenting expert Professor Ruth Phillips, Professor of Social Policy at the University of Sydney Shevonne Hunt, member of the sandwich generation   

Your siblings have gone AWOL so it’s all on you — all the appointments, decisions and physical care. And if you’re a woman, it seems everyone thinks this is a responsibility that’s yours and yours alone. How do you navigate the emotional strain when other family members aren’t stepping up to help?   Featuring: Dr Jenny Brown, family systems therapist and mental health social worker   Rohini Balram, researcher at Western Sydney University and contributor to the research for Carers NSW   Shevonne Hunt, member of the sandwich generation   

The physical, emotional and financial toll of caring for ageing parents while raising children is a double whammy that can leave you reeling. Even your own mental and physical health can suffer and nobody even notices. We’ll hear how best to survive in the Sandwich Generation.  Featuring: Dr Megan Godwin, PhD Australian Women’s Wellbeing expert  (QUT)Christopher Hall, Psychologist and CEO of Grief Australia Elena Katrakis, CEO Carers NSW  Shevonne Hunt, member of the Sandwich Generation   

Our panel of experts share their ideas on the big and little things that need to change to ease the burden and make life better for the Sandwich Generation.  Featuring: Elena Kartakis, CEO Carers NSW  Ruth Phillips, professor of Social Policy at the University of Sydney   Dr Megan Godwin, PhD  Australian Women’s Wellbeing expert  (QUT)

When your neighbour leaves their old car parked outside your house indefinitely do you call the council, tell them to move it, or just say nothing and become quietly resentful?

Forgiveness can be tricky terrain: while it can make us feel good to be forgiving, it isn't always easy to do, nor is it always appropriate. Psychologist Christine Bagley-Jones joins Beverley Wang to step through the mental health benefits of forgiveness, strategies on how to do it, and what it means to be able to forgive ourselves.

Dopamine is one of those molecules in the body that gets bandied about for all kinds of reasons. It’s both the pleasure molecule and a source of addiction, both good and evil.  But what does the science tell us about this powerful and necessary neurotransmitter? And can building your understanding of dopamine and the way it drives pleasure help you to make better choices in life?

Author, cook, and broadcaster Alice Zaslavsky shares what she's learned about feedback, relationships, and finally finishing the 'great books'.

Most of us want to lead a longer and healthier life. For some people, the effort to slow or reverse ageing has led them to embrace cutting-edge and experimental technologies and therapies. But what does science say about these radical age-reversal techniques?

After getting married, the assumption is that you'll live with your new spouse, but some people choose a different path.Sydney couple Yvette Evans and Ed Streeter tied the knot two years ago. They're fully committed to a life together but they've decided to remain living separately for the time being.So, what are the implications for couples who choose not to live together and how does living apart change a relationship?

A new report suggests that over 8% of restaurants and bars will close over the next year as rising costs hit their bottom line and the rising cost of living changes the way we eat. While some parts of the industry are doing quite well, many smaller businesses are struggling, even if they're not at risk of closing.Is it just consumer spending driving these challenges or are there deeper economic concerns for the hospitality market? And what will it mean for your next meal out?

There are so many negative ways used to describe the older woman, old girl, old bag and old cow to name just a few.Crones in Cabaret, Not Dead Yet is a show that reinvents the crone as a capable, kind, wise, warm , worldly, witty woman - who loves to have fun. Presented by the Older Women's Network Theatre Group, it is showing at the Sydney Fringe Festival.

After three years, the final report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans Suicide is in. It reveals that at least 1,677 defence force members died by suicide between 1997 and 2021. On World Suicide Prevention Day, we look more broadly at the appalling number of deaths by suicide in this country, and what actions might bring that figure down. John Brogden AM knows what it's like to come close to the brink. In his new book Profiles of Hope, John speaks to 15 Australians who survived suicide and found their way back to a better life.  If this story raises any concerns for you, please seek help at Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Suicide Call-back Service on 1300 659 467 or Open Arms 1800 011 046 which provides 24-hour free and confidential counselling and support for current and former ADF members and their families. 

It’s estimated 1.1 million people have an eating disorder in Australia. And while eating disorders are not the most common mental health issue, they are among the most deadly. Global research suggests less than half the people with an eating disorder who access treatment achieve long-term recovery. We speak to leading experts about the challenges of introducing new therapies and what else might work. If this story raises concerns for you, please contact the Butterfly Foundation on 1800 33 4673 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. 

New research reveals that wearable activity trackers are effective at detecting early signals of disease.Many of us use wearable technology to monitor our health, like how many steps we’re walking, what we're eating, and even our how well we’re sleeping.  Could a smart watch become a cost-effective way of screening for potentially deadly diseases? 

Is there anything wrong with having your kids sleep in your bed? Some parents love snuggling up with their little ones after a long day. For others their bed is a kid-free zone.We're digging into the benefits and drawbacks of having kids sleep in your bed and asking if there is a right or wrong way to approach family sleeping arrangements.

A popular financial trend is making a lot of noise. It's called Loud Budgeting. The movement is centred around sharing your financial goals, being upfront about your spending boundaries and being honest about what you don't want to spend money on.  

You move into a share house, but when your housemates start introducing all sorts of arbitrary rules you wonder if it is time to move.

Our homes provide us with security and shelter. But they also represent a way for us to express who we are and how we connect to ourselves. Psychologist Nasalifya Namwinga joins Beverley Wang to explore what it is that creates that sense of 'home', and what it means to build that emotional connection in a precarious housing climate. 

The old notion that there's pain in laughter is something Michelle Brasier can attest to. After losing her father and brother to cancer, and learning there's a high chance she will develop it too, Michelle turned a burgeoning acting career into award-winning comedy. Now, she's written a book about those difficult times and what it means to live your life as if every day was your last. 

Thomas Mayo is an Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander, an author and an assistant national secretary of the MUA.For Here's What I Know, he shares how he set aside the lessons in masculinity that he'd been taught growing up, and the lessons he's sharing with his own son.

An American mother stirred up conversation with a TikTok in which she revealed that she served dinner to her children at 3.30pm. Dr Evangeline Mantzioris explores whether there is any such thing as the 'best' time to eat your last meal of the day.

In January this year best mates Cezary Carmichael and Leo Norman took off on two wheels to do two things, to see and document the 700+ bird species of Australia and to raise money to help build a school in Timor Leste. We catch up with the two birders again, eight months later, to see where their journey has taken them.

A breast cancer diagnosis can be devastating and often requires quick decision making around treatment plans. But the distress around the loss of breasts is often eclipsed by the larger trauma associated with the diagnosis. How do we better support women though the decision process around reconstruction and improve access for women seeking it. And does the medical profession need to get better at having conversations with patients who don't want to reconstruct about the option of 'going flat?'

Elle Macpherson stepped onto the public stage as a teenager, first as a model, then a supermodel and eventually an actress, businesswoman, and philanthrophist.She was nicknamed 'The Body' by Time magazine. But inside that body was a person, going through her own struggles.In her new memoir, Elle Macpherson takes us away from the glitzy facade, and shares her personal journey — of romance and heartache, addiction and recovery, and, eventually, a path to self-love.

Jack grew up in a home where he was exposed to addiction and violence, where consistent love and care was missing. Now in his thirties he’s a father himself and wants to do things differently.While we're learning more and more about how the things we’re exposed to as children can affect both how we view ourselves and the world around us. Are there also ways to unlearn destructive patterns and build a positive future?

As the rental crisis worsens across the country, the Greens have proposed a suite of federal reforms to better protect renters. Proposed changes include a national landlord watchdog, rent control and minimum living standards. But how realistic are the measures when states and territories play such a key role in regulation? 

What does the word 'stoic' mean to you? Is it maintaining a stiff upper lip in the face of adversity, or living with virtue?Can you imagine being stoic in love?Annie Lawson first applied the wisdom of the Stoic philosophers to the way we work, now she has married this wisdom to matters of the heart.

Children living in single parent households are three times more likely to experience poverty.Worrying new child poverty data has revealed that since the pandemic there's over 100.000 more children living in poverty here in Australia and it’s an issue disproportionately affecting single parent households.Alan Duncan and Terese Edwards explore what impacts poverty has on children's lives and what needs to be done to reverse the trend.

Does dealing with heartbreak become easier as we get older? The breakdown of a second marriage or long-term relationship comes with its own set of challenges. How can you navigate this complex transition? And how can you ensure a smooth split for the whole family?

Is it ok to use a supermarket trolly as a place holder in a supermarket queue? What happens if you decide to just push a ahead of those empty trollies?

With the increasing demand for cosmetic procedures like dental veneers,  just how closely is our sense of self worth tied to the appearance of our teeth? Matt Hopcraft, Associate professor at the Melbourne University Dental School, joins Beverley Wang to discuss what is driving the desire for perfect teeth and just how far people are going to get them.

"I would do it, but I just don't know how... and you're so good at it"When one person is left doing the bulk of the workload—whether that's in a relationship or in the office—it can lead to frustration.If you're dealing with weaponised incompetence in your life, how can you find a fair solution so that everyone is lifting their weight?

Performer and comedian Colin Lane on why he's glad he joined a book club and learning that sometimes it's ok to quit.

There are higher levels of whooping Cough around Australia right now than we've seen in a decade, particularly in NSW and Queensland.Queensland has seen over 7000 cases, up from 104 during the same period last year.Is this just a natural part of the disease cycle for whooping cough? Or is there an immunisation gap we need to fix?And what should you do if you, or a family member, comes down with the infection?

There's more and more evidence about the importance of strength for general health, but building strength has also been shown to be effective at healing injury, both physical and psychological, and helping  avoid injury in the future.Sammy Prowse and Ella Mason explore how you can start building a gentle strength routine for physical and psychological healing. And how to make sure you don’t go too hard and injure yourself further in the process.

As road safety researchers are pushing for lower speed limits on the road, what additional measures could be effective in reducing the number of fatalities on the roads?Associate professor Michael Fitzharris, from The Monash Accident Research centre joins Hilary Harper to discuss what keeps drivers safe.

Everyday food staples like bread and eggs have gone up in price and so too has the number of people worrying about how they’re going to afford to pay for their groceries.But could joining together with your friends and neighbours to buy in bulk help save money, reduce waste and build community connections? 

Pet ownership boomed during COVID, with nearly 50% of all households now home to at least one dog.But how many 4-legged friends are truly happy and understood by their owners?Canine welfare scientist, Dr Mia Cobb says dogs have a need to feel understood beyond just eating, sleeping and playing and she says we need to be letting our pets make some choices for themselves.

Around 17% of Australians have experienced an anxiety disorder, and many of us struggle with our mental health from time to time.Parenting expert and psychologist Steve Biddulph says that we can do some healing by reconnecting with a more sensory way of experiencing the world.

The rising cost of housing and a lack of full-time employment opportunities for young people has led to more adult children living at home with their parents for longer.But although these are tough economic times, does it benefit young people to learn how to pay their own way? And should parents be asking them to contribute to household bills? 

The spotlight is back on the pros and cons of working from home, in light of recent return to office edicts from various major employers, the latest being the NSW Government.The Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) says the remote working revolution has benefited workers with disabilities, carers and mothers with young children.But with more workers returning to the office now,  how will this effect those working from home, in terms of things like promotions, networking opportunities, team building and inclusion?

When a friend wrongly accuses you of damaging a record she lent you, do you pay to replace it?

Trust is essential for our sense of well-being and in many ways, provides the foundation for maintaining healthy relationships. In this edition of Life Matters we hear about when your sense of trust has been tested and how you've restored trust in your life. 

Whether we like it or not, the internet is an ever-growing part of our lives: social media for staying in touch, apps for all our essential services, news sites for keeping up with the world.But—whether it's scams or fake news—how do we determine truth from fiction, when the information we see all begins to look the same?A new study into media literacy in adults has found that most Australians are worried about the information they see online and want better tools to make sense of the world.Where do we begin? And what are the risks if we simply hope for the best?

Guitarist, composer, and artistic director of the Adelaide Guitar Festival Slava Grigoryan shares why he always makes time to cook, even when he's on the road, and why he's looking forward to getting better at things as he gets older.

From political rallies to online arguments, anger can seem like the defining emotion of the moment.David Nugent and Stephen May discuss why we get angry and how might we substitute empathy and understanding in its place.

There is a lot to consider when it comes to changing career midlife, but with thousands of trucking jobs going unfilled some are saying it is time to get more women in the industry. What does it take to drive a truck and how do we better support women who want to get into the industry?

"I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore," is the rallying cry from Australian actor Peter Finch in his last role as newsreader Howard Beale, in the 1976 film Network.His character urges viewers to yell the mantra from their windows.It seems like instead of yelling out the window to clear our frustration and anger, we've been taking it out on other people especially those who we perceive as "less" than us. There has been an increase in the number of signs in shops, eateries and health care centres saying rudeness to staff will not be tolerated, what's leading to those attitudes?

Romi Grossberg left Australia for the opportunity to work with Cambodian youth at 'Tiny Toones' in Phnom Penh, a centre where Hip Hop and Breaking play a central role in helping disadvantaged youth.She has written 'Hip Hop and Hope', one woman's journey in the slums of Cambodia. 

When a relationship breaks down, so too can communication. But if you have kids together there's still lots of conversations that need to be had: custody arrangements, kids' medical appointments, scheduling school events, and sharing school reports, are just the start of the list.That takes a commitment to communicating well, but if you're separated, that can come with a layer of frustration or even anxiety.Some parents are using co-parenting apps, to try to get this stuff right for their kids' sake. How useful are those tools?

Dementia is a diagnosis that touches many of our lives, with more than four hundred thousands Australians living with dementia, and more than one and a half million of us are in carer roles.And, like any illness, with the right support and care, it is possible to continue to live a fulfilling life.Heather Cooper and Dr Kaele Stokes talk about what that support and care should look like, and what it's like, to get such a life-altering diagnosis.

Reintegrating into society after a stretch in prison can be a difficult process for some. Issues such as low self esteem and disconnection from community, combined with a lack of purpose, can all be barriers to people moving forward.Through creating and exhibiting their own artwork, the Artists on the Inside program, hopes to help prisoners, and those who have spent time in prison, to overcome some of those barriers and to share their stories and experiences through their artwork.

What's going on over at the neighbour's house? What happens if you are privy to something unsettling? Let's say you suspect you are witnessing domestic abuse, what do you do with this information?The Fence, a play written reflecting personal experience, by renowned playwright Fleur Murphy confronts this very issue.

What's the secret to a happy life? We often look to the successful, mature and wise for tips. Getting up at 4am, daily runs and affirmations.If that's not working for you, why not try jumping in puddles, asking silly questions and taking naps? The best model for the good life might be the tiny person in your life playing with blocks and screaming for another episode of Bluey.Toddlers have incredible brains and a very different perspective to our own. Pediatrician and associate professor Hasan Merali works closely with the under 5s, and says while we're usually the ones teaching them, there's a lot we can also learn from their unencumbered approach to life.

When a package goes missing from a communal table in an apartment block you suspect your neighbours of taking it. Was it by accident though?

It's interesting to consider how much we change over our life spans and reflect on whether we are the same person that we were decades ago.While most of our personality develops in our childhoods, who we are continues to shift and evolve as we age.Psychologist Dr Charlotte Keating joins Beverley Wang to discuss where our personalities come from and whether you can actually actively change your own personality.

Many of us are lucky enough to have a family that we're close to, where love and care is a two-way street.But if your blood relatives aren't a positive part of your life, can you still create that connection?Tracie Laymon has done this, in a very unusual way. She's the writer and director of a film called Bob Trevino Likes It — a semi-fictionalised version of what happened when she reached out to a man on Facebook who shared her father's name.

Natasha Mitchell, the host of Big Ideas, shares her thoughts on taking up space, why women should apologise less, and the power of a friendly dog.

Psychiatrist Dr Mark Cross has, in his own words, gone from being an anxious shrink to being an angry shrink.He says our mental health system is broken, not fit for purpose and in need of urgent repair.In his new book, Mental State, Navigating Australia's Insane Mental Health System, he outlines the problems and offers some radical solutions.

The idea of making money off women's bodies is by no means a new one.But whether it's for menstruation, menopause, or urinary incontinence there's a whole array of new products that claim to either ease symptoms or mask our bodily functions.Dr Jen Gunter discusses why women's bodies are so often viewed as broken, unclean, or smelly. And how can we tell which products really do help and which are best avoided?

Data suggests that Australians are retiring at their oldest age since the 1970s. But with research indicating that ageism remains a significant issue in the workplace, what needs to happen to create workplaces that are more inclusive of older workers?

A hug, a sneeze, or a stumble: imagine if any of these might cause a break in your bones. This is the reality for Loretta Smith. Loretta was born with Osteogenisis Imperfecta, most commonly known as brittle bone disease.Despite enduring multiple fractures, extreme pain and endless operations Loretta is a force, living well beyond the prognosis of her childhood. She has written about this in Corpus In Extremis, a memoir.

Francis 'Frank' Roberts was a man who made history: a celebrated boxer, who became the first Aboriginal Olympian - in 1964, before the referendum.How did he get the nod to travel to Tokyo, when he wasn't even acknowledged as an equal citizen in his own country? And what did he bring back from that experience?Rhoda Roberts is telling Frank's story in a new play presented by NORPA, My Cousin Frank.

Malcolm Turnbull, Rupert Murdoch, Cathy Freeman, Gina Rinehart, Andrew Forrest, Missy Higgins and Rebel Wilson all went to boarding schools.At least two,  Malcolm Turnbull and Rupert Murdoch are both on record as saying they were bullied there.Have things changed since the Child Abuse Royal Commission and when is the right age to send a child to boarding school?

The cost-of-living crisis has pushed up the price of many things such as rent, food and bill, but has it also affected the price of holidays?Camping and caravan holidays have traditionally been a great budget option, but as many holiday parks become like resorts complete with pools, pump tracks and jumping pillows, are they still a budget option?Catherine Best and Grant Wilckens explore whether holidays are becoming out of reach. 

The Federal government has announced a 15% increase to wages in early childhood education, over 2 years.The extra money will be funded entirely by the government, and will be available to childcare centres that keep their fee increases at or below 4.4% over the next year.Associate Professor Gillian Kirk and Julie Price discuss whether that's enough, by itself, to fix the shortfalls in the places available for children, particularly in remote and regional Australia.

 It’s part of normal development that teenagers will pull away from their parents, but that doesn’t stop the sting when it happens. Particularly when it happens when they’re tweens, and it feels like only yesterday they were leaping into your lap with glee. How can parents cope with this difficult phase of parenting? And why are some tweens and teens so mean?Parenting educator Michelle Mitchell explains what's going on for our children developmentally and Dr Cher McGilliveray from Bond University offers some suggestions for how parents can manage their own feelings.

All your friends are getting married, but the associated expenses are starting to build up. When personal values and emotions play a large role in the event, how do you tell your close friend you won’t be coming to her bridal party? 

We all strive to be good in life and it can make us feel warm and joyous to be able to help people around us. But what happens when our sense of being good is challenged, how do we sit with ourselves when we feel we have done wrong. Psychiatrist Steve Ellen joins Beverley Wang to discuss what it actually means to be good and how we sit with ourselves when we feel we have been bad 

Later this month, some of the best athletes in the world will head to Paris to compete for Gold while their nations cheer them on, in the Paralympics.Australia will be hoping to beat our already remarkable tally from the Tokyo Games — 80 medals, including 21 gold.A lot has changed about the Paralympics over the last few decades, but what has that meant for the athletes? Louise Sauvage and Georgia Munro-Cook talk about what it's like being a competitor at the Games.

Comedian Zoë Coombs Marr shares her advice on learning to chill out and the value of nepotism.

Interest rates are on hold again as markets turn volatile. Amidst all the facts and figures, what impact do these metrics have on our daily lives? Kate McCallum explains whether they change how likely we are to shop, buy a house, or make our mortgage repayments.

Health star ratings on packaged food and drink were introduced 10 years ago, as a voluntary measure by the food industry.They’re supposed to rate the nutritional value of those foods, but when some highly processed cereals get 4 out of 5 stars, consumers could be misled into thinking they're making healthy choices.The federal government is currently preparing to make the system mandatory if the food industry doesn’t incorporate health star ratings on 70 per cent of all packaged foods by next year.But is the rating system the best way to work out the nutritional value of foods?

Travelling with your dog can be tricky, from finding dog-friendly accommodation, to planning dog-friendly activities. But it doesn't have to be rough.Travel writer Shandos Cleaver discusses how to see Australia with your dog and the top tips from her new dog travel guide.

'Under-consumption core' is a new social media trend that promotes only buying what is really needed. In some ways it offers us a way to re-frame our identity as environmentally conscious and fiscally responsible members of society. Dr Paul Harrison discusses whether it's just a fad or something with deeper roots.

More than 70 people have been hospitalised and 2 people have died from a Legionnaires' outbreak in Melbourne's West.It's the largest outbreak in the country since 2000, when 125 people were infected at the Melbourne Aquarium.Dawn and Cheryl share what it's like to go through that illness and its aftermath. And Professor Elizabeth Hartland explains what science tells us about the infection and the safety mechanisms currently in place.

If you and your partner are compatible in every way, except for your sleeping habits - could separate beds be a positive step, rather than a symbol of the end?Jennifer Adams discusses why it can be a good solution and how to manage that conversation with a partner who might not feel the same way.

Carol Mudford is no stranger to stepping out of her comfort zone, taking the leap from nursing to become a Novice Champion shearer.Now she's breaking the silence on mental health, founding a charity dedicated to suicide prevention and positive mental health in Australia's shearing sheds. 

Faith can be ephemeral - believing in an intangible power you can’t see or touch. But committing to a religion can be very concrete as you must follow the doctrines of that faith.So what leads someone to take up a faith if they had none before? Or to convert from one faith practice to another? And once the leap of faith is taken, how does it impact that person and those around them? Someone who converted to a new faith is comedian and Buddhist Meshel Laurie. She's joined by Dr Rosemary Hancock, Senior Lecturer at Notre Dame, Assistant Director at the Institute for Ethics and Society and Convenor Religion, Culture and Society Research Focus Area. 

You go on holiday with some friends but a cheeky 'plus one' causes trouble.

Once thought of as a mental disorder, there have been mixed views about nostalgia's usefulness for our mental health over the centuries. These days, nostalgia is mainly seen as good for bolstering our sense of self and supporting social connection. But as with most things in life, moderation is key. What does a healthy dose of nostalgia look like? How reliable is memory, and were the good old days really that good?

The 2024 Games mark a surprising debut for the Olympics: for the first time, the same number of women and men are competing.And that's been a significant turn-around. As recently as 1992, women represented fewer than 30% of competitors.Australia's been ahead of the curve, with equality for the last few games, but why has it taken so long for the world to catch up and is representation enough?

Dr Kerryn Phelps, GP, author, and former member of Parliament for the seat of Wentworth, on how she learnt that being polite, but persistent, was one of the keys to getting your message heard.

In Dr Norman Swan's new book, launching on Life Matters, he taps into his training as a paediatrician to bring parents the latest evidence on how to raise happy and healthy children, particularly through their middle years, which new research shows are crucial in their development.

Australian Poetry Month kicks off tomorrow, but what role does poetry play in contemporary Australia? Is it still seen as elitist and inaccessible? Or does it quietly offer many of us solace and reflective time in a frantically busy world?  

Negative social attitudes towards people who don't have children are nothing new, but with the resurfaced interview from Republican Vice President candidate JD Vance calling Democrats a "bunch of childless cat ladies," the stereotype is back in the zeitgeist. Dr Prudence Flowers, Fran Baum and Dr Imogene Smith discuss whether attitudes are shifting and, as we head towards what economists call a ‘baby recession,' whether the decision to not have children will become normalised.

Home can mean different things for different people. For travel writer Louise Southerden home, for a long time, had been the hotel rooms and cabins that had provided safety and comfort while giving her the freedom to roam.Then COVID-19 hit, borders closed and Louise was forced to stop moving. For the first time she started imagining an actual place she could call home. And so began her next adventure to build her own, very small house.

Advocates are warning of a silent epidemic of older women experiencing sexual abuse. Last week's Australian Elder Abuse Conference heard from frontline workers who believe the prevalence of sexual abuse of older women is far higher than the data shows, with stigma, shame and complex health and caring roles some of the reasons for non-disclosure.  

Can we really have affordable, accessible, quality early childhood care and education, for all? The ALP thinks so, the ACCC says yes, under certain circumstances, and the Productivity Commission is about to release their final report into the sector.Georgie Dent and Katherine Oborne discuss the changes needed to make universal childcare worthwhile and sustainable, and whether it's possible to create enough places for every family in Australia, no matter where they live.

We often equate happiness with comfort and pleasure but what if the true path to happiness lies in embracing discomfort?Clinical psychologist, Dr Tim Sharp, has spent decades treating people with mental illnesses and has himself experienced anxiety and depression.Drawing on both his professional and personal experience he makes the argument that seeking out discomfort, taking risks and embracing life's messiness might be the true path to a happy and meaningful life.

These days, Nimbin stands as a symbol of hippie culture in Australia. But back in the early 70s, it was something else entirely: a small dairy town with a few hundred residents.Then, in 1973, the town played host to the Aquarius festival—a ten day event that attracted thousands of students, hippies, and counterculture figures from across the country—and changed the town forever. Wendy Champagne shares the story that she documented in a new film, Aquarius.

Most people don’t like thinking about death, but what can different cultural practices about death teach us about living? What can we learn about our own relationship to mortality, and are there better ways to live with grief? Anita Isalka explored many different cultural practices around death, grief and rebirth in her book The Lonely Planet's Guide to Death, Grief and Rebirth; Dr Rachel Menzies, a clinical psychologist and research fellow at the University of Sydney, has researched death anxiety; and Good Grief podcaster Ryan Bowles shares how his faith helped him deal with painful loss.

You want to put a few nice additional things in the street library — but not everyone approves

Spending time alone can provide a meaningful way of connecting with our selves, but some say technology is making it harder. Psychologist Sahra O'Doherty joins Beverley Wang to discuss the benefits of solitude to our mental health and how we can cultivate quality alone time.

An increasing number of older Australians are having loan applications knocked back by banks. This is despite the fact that many of them have paid off their mortgages.But being debt free doesn't mean you'll never need to take out a loan again.Julian Finch and Patricia Sparrow discuss whether banks allowed to discriminate according to age. And what you can do if you think you've been unfairly treated by the banks.

Broadcaster and author Jacinta Parsons shares her wisdom, including the value of risk taking and the importance of remembering to breath.

Shame can be debilitating. It’s a feeling that makes us want to crawl into ourselves and hide. But what if we understood shame better? What if shame is really a product of the broken systems around us, and not our own individual actions? Devon Price, author of Unlearning Shame explains why he believes shame is the result of greater powers around us. Dr Zac Seidler, Clinical psychologist & Director of Mental Health training at Movember explains how shame impacts men and their mental health.

When was the last time you heard someone utter the words 'gadzooks' or 'fopdoodle' in the heat of the moment?  Dr Howard Manns explores how our profane words have changed over time and how that evolution happens? 

From the Paris Olympics to the US election, competition is in the air. And while it’s ok for Olympians and politicians to embrace that spirit, it's not always as welcome in the workplace or the home.What is the psychology of competitiveness? And how can we embrace it in a healthy way? 

When you have young children, you sometimes look around your house and think 'where have my surfaces gone?'But sometimes, even when the kids grow up and move out of home, they leave their stuff behind.Elisabeth Shaw talks about what you can do when you've been left with years worth of sporting gear, trophies, and school projects.

Ask most parents and they'll tell you that two of their most difficult challenges are getting kids to eat their veggies and getting kids off their devices.Research has shown that too much screen time can lead to problems including poor sleep, lower grades, and negative mental health.Dr Nick Fuller argues that moderating screen time could also play an important role in establishing healthy eating patterns.

US President Joe Biden's decision this week to quit the Presidential race came after weeks of pressure and deliberations. But away from the limelight of the campaign trail, many of us can relate to the struggle of making a difficult decision. Whether it's retirement or stepping away from a role you love, when is the right time and how do you know?

The phrase 'You Are What You Eat' has been adopted by the diet industry and health professionals to encourage healthy eating choices.But the fact is people and life are complex and Dr Emma Beckett wants us to recognise this more.As a food and nutrition scientist she wants us to move away from the idea that it's as simple as just cutting out carbs, or just ditching sugar and for us to embrace the complexity of food and nutrition. 

We hear so much about the evils of social media, but is it possible that social media can provide a social good? How do you create an authentic experience on platforms that are designed for entertainment and still help people in a real and meaningful way? Casey Beros started an Instagram account documenting her father's experience with mesothelioma and Daniel Mancuso started Yiayia Next Door with his brother Luke to raise awareness about domestic violence. Casey and Daniel are joined by Dr Edith Hill from Flinders University, an expert in health and wellbeing writing online.

Skateboarding is as much a culture as it a sport, and the outlines of that culture change as new generations pick up a deck and begin to make their mark.But when the sport was added to the Tokyo Olympics back in 2020, it opened up a new layers of competition, and introduced the sport to a much wider audience.Eliza Cox and Charlotte Heath discuss the new documentary, Queens of Concrete, which follows three young girls as they train and compete to qualify for those Olympic Games and, perhaps more importantly, as they begin to figure out who they are on and off the skateboard.

You find someone you like on a dating app, but what should you do if you a close friend also fancies them?

Society loves a bit of grit and celebrates qualities of perseverance and determination. It can be a handy quality to have: seeing you through hard times and propelling you towards your life goals, but understanding what a healthy amount of grit looks like can be difficult. How do you know when it's no longer serving you. Dr Zoe Krupka joined Beverley Wang to discuss what it means to have grit and when it might not be so helpful.

As a newly-divorced mother of four working as nurse, Dr Hilary Caldwell was struggling to pay the bills. Then she found sex work, which she says led her down a path towards sexual liberation. In her new memoir, the sexologist and academic opens up about her personal story for the first time with the hope that being honest and 'shame-free' about her own journey may help others on theirs. Guest:Dr Hilary Caldwell, sexologist, academic and author of Slutdom: Reclaiming shame-free sexuality

Sometimes it's the simple things that make a big difference in our lives.Claire Hooper is a comedian and presenter and here she shares her regret about not taking time to remember names, what her dog taught her, and her discovery of comfortable shoes.  

If you've been pregnant, but lost the baby, at or near term, what is it like to become pregnant again and to try to parent, after such a loss?Health care professionals are becoming more aware that people need particular support around stillbirth.That's why The Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth have released a new update to their guidelines for Care Around Stillbirth and Neonatal Death.Lilly Castor, Emma Porter and Fran Boyle talk about what helps, for parents going through such a devastating time.

What role should the bank of mum and dad play in supporting children into adulthood and how might this perpetuate inequality into the future?Sociologist Professor Dan Woodman joins Hilary Harper to share his insights on the broader impacts that Intergenerational wealth transfer could have on society.

Teenage girls are routinely underestimated and dismissed, while at the same time painted as anxious, tech-addicted and vulnerable. Chelsea Goodan and Sahra O'Doherty say teen girls have inherent power and wisdom that we can better nurture. And by focusing on their fears for teen girls, adults often overlook their strengths. 

New research reveals that over four million Australians are struggling to afford basic toiletries such as shampoo, soap and deodorant.Hygiene poverty is believed to be a precursor to food and fuel poverty and can have devastating impacts on both mental and physical health.So, what more needs to be done to ensure that people aren't being forced to make tough decisions about which essentials they buy.

In the past, tattoos were associated with criminality, promiscuity and poor morality. That's changed, but does social stigma still exist in some form against people with tattoos, perhaps in subtler ways? We look at contemporary views of tattoos through a gender lens and find that tattooed women and men experience social stigma in different ways. 

The Victorian branch of the CFMEU, one of Australia's biggest and most powerful unions, has been placed in administration, its secretary has stepped down, and allegations of misconduct have been referred to the police and the state's anti corruption body.This comes at a time when union membership has undergone a substantial decline. In the 1970s, more than 55 per cent of workers belonged to a union. Now that number is below 15 per cent.Distinguished Professor Anthony Forsyth and Professor Bradon Ellem discuss the role of the unions in an era of short-term job contracts and an increasingly digital economy.And what does the news around the Victorian CFMEU mean for our trust in these institutions?

We've long been searching for the secret to a long and healthy life. But we may be a step closer as scientists have discovered what actually drives ageing.Scientists hope that by better understanding what causes our cells to age, we will be able to improve people’s quality of life and potentially even prevent or slow the progression of age-related diseases. 

If you follow the headlines, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the environmental news these days.And eco-anxiety is an issue impacting children just as much as adults.So how can we talk to our kids in a way that acknowledges the problems, but maintains a space for hope.Rebecca Gilling talks about Now For The Good News, a new book published by Planet Ark, that's aiming to make those conversations a little easier.

Are you someone who enjoys a wine with dinner? Or a cold beer at the end of a long working day? And if you do, how do you feel about giving up alcohol?To be ‘sober curious’ is to be conscious of your relationship with alcohol. Dr Nicole Lee and Beck Feiner discuss what it means to choose a life without alcohol.

The assassination attempt on Donald Trump could place gun control squarely on the agenda in the US presidential campaign.Australia has its own history with gun violence, but our gun culture has shifted hugely in recent decades, and the number of gun licences has almost halved since 1997.Dr Vince Hurley discusses whether Australian-style gun reform could help in the US?

We all do a cheeky scroll from time to time through someone's Instagram page, but what happens when you accidentally hit like. Do you need to explain yourself? And what if said person is a new love interest? 

Vanity is loosely defined as being a bit too invested in physical appearance – but how much is too much? With the phenomenal popularity of the Get Ready With Me videos on social media, vanity is certainly having a moment in the culture. At best it can be viewed as celebrated form of self-care but  at worst can lead to some risky behaviours.Anushka Phal joins Beverley Wang to navigate where vanity can be helpful and where it can be harmful.

A new professional body, the Divorce and Separation Coaching Institute, has been formed to try to regulate New Zealand's growing industry of divorce coaches. But in Australia, the industry remains unregulated. So, what skills and qualifications should you look for in a divorce coach? 

Nas Campanella is the ABC's national disability affairs reporter.Here, she shares the importance of story time, how motherhood helped her to understand and appreciate her own resilience, and how yoga creates a quiet space in a busy life.

For the last few decades the ‘history wars’  dominated the discussion about how students learn about Indigenous culture and history in schools. Now that we have a rich Indigenous studies curriculum, what does learning look like on the ground? And what more can be done to deepen students' relationships with First Nations' knowledge of country?Guests: Professor Peter Anderson, Director, Indigenous Research Unit, Griffith UniversityProfessor Anna Clarke, historian at the Australian Centre for Public History, UTS, author of Making Australian History and Executive Producer of Hey History!, Australia’s first classroom history podcast for primary school students

Khin Myint, spent years watching his sister, Theda, fight a debilitating illness. It left her bedridden and distressed, but there was constant debate about whether her condition was mental or physical. Even the doctors were left deliberating over both the cause and best treatment. For Theda, the illness and lack of answers left her seeking euthanasia. Fragile Creatures is Khin's memoir and explores how you learn to accept and support someone you love who wants to die.

Cultural representations of the midlife crisis has shifted somewhat over recent years and a new offering from writer Miranda July titled All Fours has sparked headlines about the female experience of midlife.Dr Charlotte Keating is a clinical psychologist with a PhD in neuroscience and she joined Hilary Harper to discuss how to recognise a midlife crisis and the best way to navigate through it.

Many Australians living in rural and remote areas have higher levels of chronic disease, shorter lives and poorer access to health services, compared with people living in metropolitan areas.To help tackle these issues, the Queensland government has announced a cash incentive to try and boost GP numbers and encourage more young doctors to work in rural and remote communities.  So how will the incentive work and will cash alone be enough to tempt doctors out of the cities and into rural practice?

Georgia Sheehan is a Commonwealth gold medallist for 3m synchronised diving and a silver medallist in the women's 1m springboard.This year, she finished third in qualifying for the Olympics. That's a pretty remarkable achievement, but Australia is only sending two divers. So this time, Georgia is missing out.What's it like dedicating yourself to a goal that doesn't quite come to pass?And how do you pick yourself up and decide what's next?

Over the weekend, the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Bill Shorten, said that access to sex work would be banned from the NDIS under planned reforms.Theoretically, specialised sex services have been available since a Federal court ruling in 2020, which found that the services should be approved, when deemed 'reasonable and necessary'.But despite raising concerns over sustainability, Mr Shorten said that he was only aware of "one or two examples" of it ever happening"Marayke Jonkers and Rachel Wotton discuss why it is being ruled out now and what it means for the broader changes to the scheme.

Ailsa Piper's world fell apart when her husband Peter died suddenly and unexpectedly.Despite the horror and trauma of this time her book For Life: A Memoir of Living and Dying, and Flying contains a wealth of beauty and light.Ailsa talks to Hilary about how she found ways to process her grief, exploring how objects hold memory, how nature helped her heal, and how new pursuits helped her to learn to live again.

Between family, work, and friends, Georgia Weir was juggling a lot of things in her life.And, behind the scenes, she was juggling even more — dealing with addiction and mental health issues.Then, a little over a decade ago, Georgia started running.In quick order she went from the couch, to the New York marathon, to coaching other people and creating the Deadly Runners program.This year, Georgia was a finalist for the NAIDOC 2024 Person of the Year, recognising her work and her journey.

Holocaust survivor and psychologist Victor Frankle wrote ""Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how'."But how do we find our 'why'? Ronni Kahn and Dr Sam Sphall tease out how to find your meaning in life.

You are trying to get a colleague to stop using disposable coffee cups, but the message just is not getting through.

Increasingly research shows there are psychological benefits to dance, particularly for its role in fostering social connection. Psychologist Chris Cheers and choreographer Joel Bray join Luke Siddham Dundon to reflect on the power of dance and what it can mean in our lives.

How well do you know your own family's story? If you sat down with your grandparents, what do you think they'd tell you? Andra Putnis' grandmothers grew up in Latvia and experienced first Russian and then German occupation, before coming to Australia following the Second World War.Growing up, they were simply her family. But as she grew older, Andra became curious about their history and their stories and so she started asking the questions that led to her new book, Stories My Grandmothers Didn't Tell Me.

Star of the Country music scene, Troy Cassar-Daley is known for bringing raw honesty to his music. Here he shares the advice that kept him moving forward, the importance supporting others, and learning to accept heartache is part of life.

Over the last decade, dating apps have changed the way we meet, and they've made a few successful businesses very, very wealthy.But, with concerns over safety, and a rising cost for subscriptions, many of the apps are beginning to see a fall in new users.For some people, it's a chance to get back to the analog world, whether that's nightclubs, running clubs, or an emerging industry of dating groups.For others, it's about swearing off relationships for a time, with the hashtag #boysober trending on social platforms.Lisa Portolan, Anthony Elliott, and Tanya Koens discuss how dating apps have changed the way we relate to each other and to ourselves, and whether it is possible to set them aside completely.

Australia has some of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world with 2 in 3 Australians being diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. Men are also more at risk of developing and dying from skin cancer than women.What you might not know is that rates of skin cancer are higher in rural and remote areas and often detected once the cancer is more advanced. Researchers in Queensland and South Australia are looking at different ways we can bring down the number of people in rural areas dying from skin cancer and looking at ways we can educate rural communities, especially men, to take skin health more seriously.

Former Prime Minster Julia Gillard has urged for a rethink in how society works with men to combat misogyny. With the rise in popularity of figures like Andrew Tate and the so called manosphere, what are the ways to best educate boys and men about respectful relationships and do the current strategies need to change?

If you've not been into your local library for a while you might be surprised by what you find.There are still plenty of books on the shelves, but many local libraries now run language classes, hold exhibitions, facilitate knitting classes, and some even have social workers on site.Cathie Warbuton and Christine Bolton explore how libraries are changing, and what role they should play in our communities.

Australia has some of the most magnificent and diverse landscapes in the world. But every year around 3000 people get lost and need rescuing. While not all of these are people out bush walking, there are dedicated teams in every state that spend their time rescuing people from hard to reach wilderness places.So if you're thinking of lacing up your boots and taking to the wilds, what things can you do to keep yourself safe?

Earlier this year, the American Environmental Protection Agency announced there is no safe level of what are known as 'forever chemicals' in drinking water and they're setting new enforceable limits across the US.Given PFOS and PFOA have been found in tap water around Australia, Australian experts on chemical regulation say we should be following the US example as soon as possible. Dr Nick Chartres and Dr Mariann Lloyd-Smith discuss what we know about the presence of these 'forever chemicals' in our national water supply and whether regulatory standards need to change in order to protect our health.

Parenting is a challenging experience for everyone who joins the club, and many of the problems parents confront are common among most others. But for migrant families, cultural differences can bring a new level of angst. The SAARI (South Asian Australians Representing Ideas) Collective decided to make things a little easier by launching a Parenting Hub for the South Asian diaspora and anyone else grappling with complex cultural parenting issues.

Should Australia's real estate industry be not-for-profit?Australia's private rental sector has burgeoned rapidly over the last two decades as more investors take advantage of generous tax incentives for property profiteering.But there are growing calls for regulatory changes to make the sector more secure for the 31 percent of households who now rent.Professor Wendy Stone says banning 'no grounds evictions', making the sector more transparent, and non-profit real estate agencies are just some of the ideas that should be encouraged.

Later this month, as their superstar children take to the sporting stage of the Paris Olympics, parents across Australia will have their hearts in their mouths. What does it take to parent a champion? What sacrifices are made and what is gained in the process? 

You like your neighbour, consider them friends even. Things get a bit strange however when they start to copy some of your choices, starting with the planting of a lavender bush.

Balancing the needs of others against your own can, at times, feel hard. You want to make the people around you feel like their needs matter, but pleasing just for the sake of pleasing can leave you feeling exhausted, resentful, and perhaps even a little compromised. So how do we stop outsourcing our self worth?Beverley Wang is joined by psychotherapist Dr Zoe Krupka who shares her insights on how to negotiate other people's expectations.

If you listened to Hilary’s series Dated, you will recognise the voice of Kerri Sackville. She is a columnist and author of Out There: a Survival Guide to Dating in Midlife.Sharing wisdom of a different kind, Kerri unpacks her classification of solitude and why we need to experience it each day if we want to lead creative lives. 

Humanity is grappling with many critical issues, such as climate change, rising inequality and the cost of living. 

Doing the dishes, folding laundry, getting in the garden, or cooking dinner might feel like ‘chores’: just more things on the big list of nuisances we don't have time for.But changing our mindset around housekeeping can help our mental clarity and wellbeing.We explore the cultural devaluation of ‘home’ work, and how rethinking our relationship with domestic can improve our lives.

When Megan Maurice was diagnosed with breast cancer at 36 years of age, her daughter Pia was only seven. Megan thought the way to manage was to stay positive, and to adopt the mask of a character from a sad-but-uplifting TV show. She decided the emotional breakdown could come later. But what if surviving survival was even harder? Megan joins Hilary to talk about parenting through illness and trauma, and how to break through the numbness that comes once the crisis has passed. 

The World Health Organisation's 2021 Global Report on Ageism found that one in two people worldwide are ageist, and called ageism 'prevalent, ubiquitous, and insidious'.One of the ways ageism manifests is through harmful stereotypes, and the language we use can play a critical role in either perpetuating or preventing those stereotypes.Dr Catherine Barrett, Director and Founder of Celebrate Ageing and Dr Howard Manns, Senior Lecturer in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics at Monash University join Hilary Harper to discuss the role language plays in shaping our attitudes and how using more age inclusive language can help prevent ageism.

With Australia reportedly one of the world's biggest fashion consumers, what if there was a way to find out everything you want to know about the item you are purchasing - to see the entire life cycle of a garment. How would this influence or inform your buying choices?  A Digital Product Passport will contain all the information you need about an item's environmental impact. By 2030, all textile products for sale in Europe will need one, This well affect our trade with Europe, so will Australia follow suit? 

Alex Noble was sixteen and crazy about his chosen sport, Rugby. It was the day of the trials for the Open Sevens and Alex was primed. One tackle though went horribly wrong leaving  him paralysed from the neck down.Five years on Alex is now a motivational speaker, has written a book called 'I Fight You Fight' and developed an approach to life he calls 'The Noble Way' 

A new set of guidelines from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute will help more than 3000 very preterm babies born in Australia annually. With around 60 per cent of these babies experiencing health and development difficulties later in life, experts say post-discharge care is often inconsistent and confusing for parents. The guidelines offer a schedule of care for all babies from the time they leave hospital up to school age so problems can be better identified and treated.

The internet and social media has been a double edged sword for news and journalism.It's given a voice to communities that weren't often heard in the mainstream and enabled individuals and small collectives to report on news that would never have been covered otherwise.But a lot of what you see on social media isn't actually true and the algorithms that control our feeds have tended to prioritise engagement over accuracy.With many children and teenagers getting their news from social media, is it time for media literacy to be added to the school curriculum?

The tragic statistics forming the basis of the youth mental health crisis can all be traced back to one moment - the invention of the smartphone and the emergence of the 'selfie-based social media ecosystem' in 2012. That's the argument at the centre of social psychologist Jonathan Haidt's groundbreaking new book ‘the Anxious Generation’.With the use of extensive research, Haidt outlines why social media is an ‘inherently dangerous consumer product’ akin to smoking. But he also lays out a detailed blueprint for how parents can take childhood back for their kids. Guest:Professor Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist at New York University and author of the Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness 

At ten-years-old, when Aalia Elachi's smartphone broke and her parents decided not to replace it, she was devastated. But she's now fourteen and has loved the social-media-free life her parents have given her.What motivated the Elachis' decision and how are other parents around the country following their lead? Guests:Dany Elachi, Sydney father of five and co-founder of the Heads Up alliance, a grassroots organisation supporting parents who want their kids to be smart-phone and social media free, with more than 5000 followers Aalia Elachi, 14-year-old who doesn't have a smartphone and isn't on social media

You have recently started job sharing which entails also sharing a desk. But what happens when you job share partner helps themselves to the precious cashmere scarf you leave on the back of your seat.

Our relationship with our own mortality is perhaps one of the most challenging relationships we have in our lives, so how do we feel ok about it? Dr Leah Kaminsky and Dr Chris Cheers join Beverley Wang to discuss what underpins our fear of death, how we might come to cultivate better acceptance of it, and how that acceptance could in turn actually help us lead richer lives.

One in three of Australia's four million children are struggling to read proficiently, according to the Grattan Institute. That's a shocking figure, and one that understandably worries many parents, grandparents and guardians. Anne McLeish and Amy Haywood discuss how adults can play a role in supporting kids' education in the home, and what are the best evidence-based ways to teach kids to read.

Shane Jacobson is a beloved fixture of Australian screen and stage, from plunging toilets as Kenny to singing in Guys and Dolls.He shares his motto for life's great moments, and a lesson from his mum about the perils of embellishing a story.

Much of Australia is having a cold snap right now — with sub-zero temperatures in six different states and territories.And it can be very nice in those times to curl up in a warm room with a hot cuppa, and forget about the world outside.Unfortunately, many Australian homes barely keep the cold outside, and that affects our energy bills, which are already high.Professor Emma Baker discusses what can we do to warm up our homes - both this winter and into the future?

Mid-year can be a tricky time: the weather is colder, the days are shorter, and the summer holidays can feel like they're a long way away. Is there a way we can better support ourselves and those around us from burnout?Dr Charlotte Keating is a clinical psychologist with a PhD in Neuroscience and she joined Hilary Harper to discuss the evolving field of research around what constitutes burnout, its impact and what we can do to protect ourselves from getting it.

Parisa Sekandari came into the world under Taliban rule in Afghanistan.Some two decades later, the second time they rose to power, her life would dramatically change overnight.Now a Refugee Advocate and co-creator of the collectives 'Amplify Afghan Women' and 'Community for Humanity', Parisa is one of the 'refugee heroes' fronting the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre's annual telethon coming up on World Refugee Day, Thursday 20th June.

We often think of placebos in a medical context, as control measures for testing the effectiveness of drugs. But can placebos also influence how how things taste, or even how effective certain over-the-counter medicines are? Professor Joel Pearson shares the ways in which placebos harness the power of our brain's own belief. 

A new family of drugs are causing alarm among medical professionals. Up to fifty times stronger than fentanyl, nitazenes are synthetic opioids that have been detected in Australia in recreational drugs like MDMA and ketamine. Experts are warning harm minimisation policies, including pill testing, need to be put in place now to protect unsuspecting drug users. 

As the world becomes increasingly digitised, writing by hand can seem totally archaic. But research shows that, putting pen to paper brings far more cognitive benefit than is often assumed. What might happen if handwriting becomes a lost art?

Google recently rolled out an experimental search feature, using AI to summarise results. And while it's generally very effective, sometimes it recommended putting glue in your pizza base.Legal research tools like Westlaw have implemented AI into their products, but a recent Stanford research paper found that up to a third of the results returned by the new tools were hallucinations.These powerful tools are becoming increasingly common, but, like any tool, they have their strengths and weaknesses.Dr Ali Intezari and Professor Toby Walsh examine how AI should they used, and what happens when we ask them to do more than we should?

A study by E61 found that more than 20% of Australian workers are working under a non-compete clause — and that's everything from senior executives to hairdressers to fast food workers.The Assistant Treasurer, Andrew Leigh, has put non-compete clauses on the national agenda in Australia, and the Free Trade Commission has recently banned them in the US.Charles Power and Angela Knox discuss why they have become so common and what happens if they go away.

You are going for your dream job when you realise that you have history with your new would be boss.Guests:Lizzy Hoo, stand-up comedian, presenter, writer, and actorPatrick Lenton, writer, journalist and author

When we're young, friends are everything and making new friends can be as easy and simple as having a shared interest. But as we grow older we seem to shed friends, and getting them back can be challenging. Dr Zoë Krupka , psychotherapist and clinical supervisor joins Beverley Wang to step through how to make and maintain social connections as we age.

Most of us know how to reduce our risk of developing heart disease, diabetes or ding from Covid. But with new research from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare highlighting the most common causes of death in Australia, we look at the lesser known non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. Known as psycho-social factors or social determinants, these are the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age and they can have significant implications for health. 

Ailsa Piper is a writer whose latest offering For Life explores grief.She shares what it means to let move past grief, how bodily shifts can make a difference to our state of mind and the power of swimming.

Hitting puberty is challenging enough, but 13 per cent of Australians experience early puberty (for females, this means getting their period as young as eight), and new research shows there are unique brain changes for this cohort making them particularly vulnerable to mental health symptoms. Dr Nandi Vijayakumar, Professor Susan Sawyer, and Olivia Bellas look at how parents and schools can better support them.

Do dreams serve an evolutionary purpose? They're energy-zapping and leave us vulnerable to predation and yet dreams are necessary. Hilary Harper is joined by Rahul Jandial, an expert who's uniquely placed to talk all things brains and dreams. 

The ACT has become the latest Australian jurisdiction to legalise Voluntary Assisted Dying — with the changes taking effect in November 2025.That means that every State and Territory, except the Northern Territory has legalised the practice — but there are some differences across the different jurisdictions: the ACT will allow registered nurses, as well as doctors, to assess cases and has removed the specific 6 or 12 month life expectancy that the other states have included.Dr Eliana Close and Dr Nick Carr discuss how we should best regulate VAD — for the patients and for the medical professionals who are part of the process.

Norman Swan met Michael Mosley as a young doctor. Norman reflects on Michael‘s transition from GP to leading science communicator and his ability to weave his personal story into scientific research. Guest: Dr Norman Swan, Producer and presenter of the Health Report

Tantrums are a fact of life for most parents — the world can be a lot for a young child to take in — and sometimes their emotions can get the best of them.But some psychologists are saying that they're seeing an increase in parents saying that their child is 'dysregulated.'Shawna Campbell and Carol Markie-Dadds explain what that actually means and how can we help our children regulate their emotions in a healthy way.

Charities are reporting a huge spike in demand for services across the country. At the same time, donations are dropping as potential donors are experiencing financial hardship, sometimes for the first time in years. How has the cost-of-living crisis impacted giving habits? And what's the best way to support charities when you are coping with less?

When you fall in love, you hope that it will last forever! But sadly, that's not always the case. Scientists are discovering more about love and how it influences our bodies and brains.

While grieving a series of deaths in her close circle of family and friends, Annabel Abbs-Streets found herself in the midst of chronic, severe, insomnia.After railing against her sleeplessness, becoming increasingly frustrated, she decided upon a different tack. She became inquisitive and started exploring the mysteries of the 'night brain'.What she discovered was a wondrous world of mainly women, who she now calls her 'night spinners'.

There’s been an explosion of media telling us that consuming more protein can do everything from building muscle to extending our lives, but experts say more is not always better and too much could actually be harmful.So what does protein actually do and how do you know if you’re getting the right amount?Guests:Dr Evangeline Mantzioris, Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences at the University of South Australia and accredited practising dieticianProfessor Stephen Simpson, nutritional ecologist at the University of Sydney, Executive Director of Obesity Australia and author of Eat Like the Animals: What Nature Teaches Us about the Science of Healthy Eating

You like shopping at the posh supermarket across the street but when a neighbour makes a snide comment about your shopping habits you wonder whether it’s time to give up the supermarket or your friendship with the neighbour.

Hair can be a fun way to express who we are, it can also signify a lot about us, from our cultural heritage to our age.Clinical psychologist Nasalifya Namwinga joins Beverley Wang to explore the connection between our hair and our identity.

May this year was the hottest on record, globally speaking, and that marks 12 straight months of record heat.And with that heat comes disaster events: wildfires are raging in California, heatwaves have impacted South and South-East Asia and floods have killed hundreds in Indonesia, Afghanistan and Europe in recent months.Clive Hamilton and George Wilkenfeld have been proponents of climate change mitigation for many decades, but in their new book, they're suggesting that it's time to start prioritising adaptation.

Chris Cheers is a psychologist, educator and author who works mostly with the queer and arts community.He shares why sometimes stress can tell us we are doing something meaningful, the importance of curiosity and why he prioritises making time for friends

As traditional dieting has been proven to be ineffective for many people, the Health at Every Size movement has offered a more holistic alternative. But a new journalistic investigation has found that major American food companies have distorted the HAES message to sell their sugary products. Caitlin Gilbert, Zoe Nicolson, and Louise Adams discuss what an evidence-based Health at Every Size approach looks like.

Michelle Hamer is an acclaimed artist whose work delivers a strong message through what may be considered a gentle medium. She is also no stranger to chronic pain. But it was in asking others to share their experiences that informed her latest works.Her new exhibition called 'I'm a Believer' confronts the dismissive language around those living with chronic pain.

Genetic testing is increasingly becoming essential in disease management and prevention, but some argue that life insurance discrimination could deter people from getting tested. The Council of Australian Life Insurers says they support a near-total ban on the use of genetic test results in insurance underwriting. However, some healthcare professionals are calling on the government to legislate a total ban.  Tarishi Desai and Paul Lacaze discuss the way forward to ensure safe access to this evolving field of research.

Morris Gleitzman is a bestselling children’s author, whose work includes Two Weeks with the Queen and more recently Tweet.He reflects on the importance of looking under the surface, making the time to read and typing with all his fingers. 

It's time to stop and smell the roses. Adriana Picker has a particular passion for the floral world. She sees her life 'punctuated by plants'.Her book is called 'Blossom, practical and creative ways to find wonder in the floral world.'

While we like to distract ourselves from the concept of death, Terror Management Theory, a school of psychological thought, argues that anxiety about our own and others' mortality drives many of our more perverse behaviours. Some researchers are now arguing that death anxiety may be at the root of some mental health disorders. On the brighter side, we can tackle this and being more comfortable discussing death could help.

The Fair Work Commission have raised the minimum and award wages by 3.75%, roughly in line with inflation. But, despite increases above what many business groups have asked for over the last 5 years, wages have fallen in real terms. Greg Jericho discusses how the decision on award rates get made, and what the latest increase means for workers and businesses during a cost of living crisis.

There are plenty of devices on the market that aim to help improve your sleep posture, but does it really need shifting?Professor Danny Eckert looks at why we like to sleep in a certain position, and when those positions can get in the way of a good night's sleep.

While far less common than developing an allergy in childhood, adults can get food allergies too.Professor Clare Collins looks at causes adults to acquire food allergies and whether there is any way to avoid it.

If you labelled a child 'selfish', 'spoiled', or 'maladjusted' because of their skin colour or religion you'd be rightfully accused of discrimination. So why do people feel entitled to make the same judgements about only children.Myths about only children have persisted for decades despite being debunked time and time again.Professor Toni Falbo and Dr Rosina McAlpine explore the myths, why they linger, and what are the outcomes for "onlies".

You ride your bike to work, and so does your senior colleague. When you enter the shower, you always find that your senior colleague is leaving their hair around the drain. It might be time for a difficult conversation. Can you ask them to clean the shower before leaving, or would that make things unbearably awkward?

If you look up the word 'risk' in the dictionary you may well find that it refers to the possibility of something bad happening, but it can also be an opportunity to evolve. Clinical psychologist Dr Charlotte Keating joins Beverley Wang to talk risk and personal growth. Charlotte discusses how our upbringing can determine our appetite for risk taking and also provides some strategies for how we might manage risk taking in our own lives. 

Have you ever gone to the perfect holiday spot and thought: I wish I could just live here forever? What is it like for the people who actually do?From the busy days of peak season to the slow days when the crowds go home, how does that change life for the people who live there all year round?And can that understanding help us to become better tourists ourselves?

Dr Yves Rees is a historian, author and podcaster and prominent voice on issues and experiences of gender diversity. They share how taking up ocean swimming with the Salty Slags club boosted their wellbeing, and why they make an effort to sit with the hard feelings.

When teacher Molly Roden Winter’s husband is home late, leaving her to put the kids to bed (again), she storms out of the house, finding herself at a bar exchanging numbers with a cute guy. Molly never expects to pursue it, until she gets back home to learn her husband knows about the encounter. What follows is a complete transformation of Molly’s relationship with her husband and herself. 

When you walk through the city or just pop down to the shops, it can feel like everyone has a set of headphones glued to their earsWhile work-related hearing loss has gone down in Australia over the last few decades, the World Health Organisation suggested that more than 1 Billion young people are at risk of hearing problems - in part because of the way we're listening to music.Professor Robert Cowan share how to keep our ears healthy into our older age.

A Senate report says banking services and access to cash should be considered an essential service in Australia, and has called for a new banking code, which would prohibit banks from closing local branches in regional areas without consultation. The report, which also calls for investigation into the feasibility of a publicly owned bank, has been criticised by the Australian Banking Association, which says customer behaviour has moved away from face-to-face banking services. However, some residents living in, regional and remote communities have welcomed the report, highlighting the importance of local banks for those low on digital literacy, as well as the difficulties businesses face in having no safe places to make large cash deposits.

Jane Cafarella was separated from her sister when her parents divorced, each taking one child with them.But well before that while living under the same roof her parents had already claimed a child each. For Jane it was her mother, and for her sister, Julie, her father.How this, and living with lymphodoema, played out across Jane's life is captured in her memoir Cleaved, a story of loss, legs and finding family.

We have all been conditioned to think that being frail and prone to falls is an inevitable product of ageing. But research suggests that frailty, and its precursor pre-frailty, are partially a product of our lifestyle.A new study suggests that simple exercises with resistance bands can help turn things around, and this may enable people to age well and live independently for longer.

1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men have reported experiencing sexual violence in Australia.And recent surveys suggest that many Australians feel confused around issues of consent.The Federal Government has begun rolling out a $40 million dollar campaign called Consent Can't Wait, which looks at some of the big questions . How much of a difference can an awareness campaign make? And what will it take to change the culture of consent in Australia?

It may seem like living longer is the latest in a long set of goals you're being asked to achieve. But should having a meaningful and happier life, no matter the duration, be a more desirable goal? And what helps that happen?

'Ghost jobs' are ads for positions that employers have no intention are filling, and they are on the rise.Recruiters have all sorts of reasons for doing this - from building their general candidate pool, to giving an impression of growth, but they're making the job market look healthier than it is and eroding jobseeker trust.How is this allowed, and how do you spot one?

Whole body donation is critical for teaching medical students anatomy and supporting forensic research. But those in universities are reporting students are getting less time with and access to real cadavers. Are people not donating or is something else going on?We look at why body donation is crucial to medicine and how the process works.

You reach a breaking point after the parent of your child's bestie behaves disrespectfully. They ask for favours and show little gratitude when you go out of your way for them. You stop giving their child lifts to school.Do you need mend relations for the sake of your daughter?

Making a good first impression can be hard. You want to act natural, but the harder you try the less natural you can seem.So how do we get out of the way of ourselves and connect with those around us?A hostage negotiator and a psychologist share their insights on how to win at making a good first impression. 

Head far enough back in history, and really not all that far, and the idea of consistent free time was one enjoyed by a relatively small elite.Indeed, the 5 day work week that many of us take for granted now, didn't come about until the early twentieth Century.But what happened to the idea that some economists were touting after the industrial revolution: that one day we'd all only work a few hours a week, and have lots of free time, to become well rounded individuals, and improve the world?

ABC News Breakfast co-host Lisa Millar has had a storied career bringing you the big stories from abroad and at home, and championing a few muster dogs too.She reflects on some of her big achievements, opens up about a few regrets, and shares her golden tip for dealing with critical emails.

These days, it’s hard to talk food and lifestyle without someone singing the praises of the Mediterranean diet, but Greek food was originally so unfamiliar to the Anglo-Australian palate that savvy cafe owners had to sneak it in behind a very different cuisine- American food.Yes, milkshakes, hamburgers, and ice cream sundaes were the first foods introduced by the Greek community that Australians embraced.David Tsirekas and Leonard Janiszewski exmplote how we moved from this bizarre food fusion to today’s dynamic Greek-Australian food tradition.

Some of us might have a bottom drawer with a random collection of items we've collected over time or an appliance that we always tell ourselves we'll repair.Trauma manifests in various ways, and hoarding tendencies might just be one of them.So, how does it affect immigrant communities that may have experienced displacement, unpredictability, or even the challenge of building a new life in a new country?

Many of us like to think of Australia as fairly egalitarian, where anyone can rise above their beginnings and find success.For some of us, that's true. But class can still play a huge role in the opportunities we encounter, and help to shape how we look at the world and at ourselves.Rose Butler and Eve Vincent, the authors of Love Across Class, example the role class plays in our closest relationships, especially if the person we love comes from a very different socio-economic background than the one we grew up with

How do you feel about the notion of a bucket list? Have you made one? And if you have, what's on it? Dr. Leah Williams Veazey has co-authored a study looking into meaning, mobility and mortality after a cancer diagnosis.It reveals the significance of the bucket list in the life of cancer patients. And travel that comes in on the top.

There are significant areas of concern in paediatric care for chronic illnesses within regional and rural Australia, including delayed diagnosis, lack of mental health support, and inadequate attention tailored to the needs of young people.How can we do better to support our kids in managing a life-altering chronic disease outside of capital cities?

The Federal Government has announced it will provide 24,000 additional home care packages in 2024-25, with the aim of supporting more people to age at home, rather than move into an aged care facility.While this increase has been welcomed, industry experts, those relying on home care packages and carers say not only is more funding is needed to support people at home, but the way staff are trained to provide community care needs to adapt.

Australia is home to dozens of species of native bees, including 11 kinds of stingless bees.Native beekeeping is a growing hobby, and a growing industry, but if you don't have a hive yourself, how can you start?Sarah Hamilton shares how looking after bees can make you more connected to the world around you.

It's a big milestone when your kids leave the nest, but it can leave you feeling a bit... empty.And while there's plenty of literature about that empty nest syndrome when it comes to mothers, fathers also struggle with their kids' transition to adulthood.We look at where dads can go to open up about their grief and how they can reframe their roles as their kids become adults.

When times are tough, like they are for many of us at the moment, the thing we keep coming back to is resilience.You gotta push through, bounce back, find a way to be ok. But what if we're wrong about what resilience really looks like?Dr Helen Street is a social psychologist and her new book The Impossible Question of Living Well looks at why living well is coping well, and how hard times change us.

Your brother in law has just published his first work of fiction, a novel. But he's used your name to identify one of the worst characters in the book.The author, his mother and your husband don't think this is a big deal. You've tried to express how hurt you are but no one wants to address it. What can you do with these feelings?

Being honest can be equal parts scary and liberating. It can take a while to work up to being honest with someone, and it can feel confronting when someone is honest with you. The term 'radical honesty' has been bandied about the internet lately. Proponents claim it can reduce stress and help us feel more connected to those around us. But the art of being honest and receiving honesty takes care and consideration.

Students have gathered on campuses across Australia to protest their universities' involvement with weapons manufacturers and with the state of Israel.Deakin University and the ANU have called time on the protests, but the Group of 8 released a statement of principals which includes support for "the right to peaceful, non-violent demonstrations on campus as the exercise of lawful Freedom of Speech."That stands in stark contrast with America, where some student camps have been met with tear gas and rubber bullets by police called in by the university administrators.This is hardly the first protest to occur on campus grounds — from the Vietnam war to gender equality to student rights — unis have been a site for political expression.So why do universities become flash-points for protest? And how do the current protests fit into that tradition?

Marcia Hines is Australia's queen of disco and a long-time fixture on our TV screens judging and mentoring aspiring stars. She shares the best advice she received from her mother and how she plans to spend her kids' inheritance.

As the youngest executive manager at one of Australia’s biggest financial service companies, Jo Wagstaff appeared to have it all: a corner office overlooking Sydney harbour, a new BMW bought outright with her latest bonus, a beautiful home, husband and son.But underneath, she was ‘barely keeping it together’. And one day the pieces of her life came tumbling down.So, how did Jo recover from a place of ‘success addiction’ and workaholism and what can any of us finding it hard to disconnect from work stress learn from her experience?

Have you ever turned down the wrong street on your way home and found yourself surprised by your own town?Even the most exciting city can begin to feel familiar, even a little boring, but what happens if you embrace those wrong turns or even treat your city like a tourist?Professor Stephen Dobson shares his thoughts on why we should take a fresh look at the world around us.

The Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, has been at pains to call this a "responsible" budget.And it's clear that the Government is hoping to convince the Reserve Bank that an interest cut is warranted by the end of the year.But, with many Australian's still feeling the pressure of the increased cost of living, does the budget do enough to balance the challenges of today alongside the hope of the future?

Anybody hanging out in the Melbourne early 80's music scene will know Painters and Dockers, the veteran punk band fronted by Paulie Stewart.But these days you are far more likely to hear him singing with the Alma nuns in Timor Leste.Paulie's activist work is shaped by a personal tragedy and you might even say his music was too.

The recent move by Cumberland Council in Western Sydney to ban books about same sex parenting in its libraries is not a one off.The Australian Library and Information Association says there has been an increase in so-called book challenges in Australia, where community members try to have certain books removed from library shelves.The move echoes a trend to ban books in the United States and other parts of the world, which has been documented in a new RN Series Banned Books.

Ahead of the Federal budget, SNAICC, the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, is calling for childcare and early education to be made more affordable for First Nations families, through subsidies that would provide up to 30 hours of free access to childcare.SNAICC and parts of the Aboriginal community-controlled early learning sector argue that increased access to affordable and culturally safe childcare would help close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Watching your parents grow old can be challenging at times, but there can be some comfort in being the arm they use to steady themselves on as they age.But what happens when you don't live in the same city, or even the same country? How are first-generation immigrants tackling long-distance caregiving? 

We might be spending less on luxuries now, but perfume is the exception. Sales are surging in 2024 for big brands and independent makers alike.So, when times are tough, why are we still forking out for something sweet-smelling? And what do perfumes really do for our well-being and confidence?

The Germans have a word for anticipatory happiness: vorfreude.It's the recognition that anticipating something good can be great for us. We know it has several benefits for our mental and physical health, so how can we build it into our lives, in both a big and small way daily?

You pick up a friend to go out for lunch, and are joined by their digital nomad millennial  house guest. Things are going well until the bill comes and the guest wants to calculate it down to the cent. As you're driving them back, the guest opens a big bottle of kombucha and spills it all over the back seat of your new car. You didn't ask for money but are now annoyed about it! What could you have done differently?Guests:Jenny Tian, comedian Suren Jayemanne, comedian, writer and actorIf you have a tricky life dilemma you need help with, write it up and email it to Ask Aunty, [email protected] 

When someone helps you out, it can really mean a lot. A load has been taken off you, both physically and mentally.We like to help each other out,  and yet when it's our turn to ask for help it's not necessarily a comfortable experience. Here's some tips on how to do it well.

From the outside, the intense, hyper-commercial culture inside financial firms seems both fascinating and appalling, leading to works like The Wolf of Wall Street.What's it like from the inside, especially if you'd already tried to step away from it, to try to find a new kind of balance?In her new memoir, Private Equity, Carrie Sun details how she dived back into the belly of the beast, as personal assistant to the billionaire founder of one of the hottest investment firms in New York and found herself slowly starting to disappear.

Playwright and author Marieke Hardy has long been cutting us up with her sharp and witty takes on life.She brings her best nuggets of wisdom to Life Matters, explaining why she always makes time for dinner with a book, and how embracing a beginner's mindset changed her life. 

Renowned chef Joseph Abboud grew up steeped in the comforting, Lebanese food traditions of his parents. But his travels along the Silk Road led him to  realise there was a much richer Middle-Eastern food tradition that he could bring to Australian shores.How did that epiphany lead Joseph to join other chefs ushering in a new ‘Lebanese-Australian food renaissance’? What is the history of Australian Middle-Eastern cooking that paved their way? And how has this evolving food tradition invigorated cross-cultural dialogue at Australian tables?  

Finding a job or career that matches your values, and even your passions, is the dream for many.But how do you begin to figure out what that means in practice?And, if you find it, how do you stop from dedicating all of your energy into your work, to the point that you risk burning out?

A Melbourne private school has expelled two of its male students, following their involvement in spreadsheet that rated female students on their attractiveness and used sexually violent terms.As Australian society contemplates its ongoing problem with gendered violence, what are the best strategies for families, schools, and wider society to use when raising teenage boys?

Pharmacists have been offering a wide variety of basic medical services for decades, including medication reviews, wound care, and sleep apnoea support.it can also be possible for pharmacists to diagnose and refer you to a GP when required. But how has the role of the pharmacist evolved with time, and what’s on offer for no additional fee?

In September 2020, when parts of the country were dealing with the threat of illness and death due to covid, writer Nova Weetman found herself caring for her partner of 25 years, playwright Aidan Fennessy, at home as he was dying from cancer.After Aidan's death, Nova found herself contemplating not only how we grieve when life and personal responsibilities will not go away, but also reflecting the ups and downs that any relationship inevitably goes through.Nova did what writers do, she poured these musings into a memoir: Love, Death and Other Scenes.

Over the weekend, the Government has proposed two important changes for tertiary students and graduates.The HECS-HELP scheme would be indexed to the lower option of the Consumer Price Index or the Wage Price Index, and that change will be backdated a year, which will save students and graduates hundreds or thousands of dollars.Additionally, students studying nursing, teaching, midwifery, and social work will now be paid $319.50 a week during their placements; work that has previously been completely unpaid.Professor Christine Morley and Professor Andrew Norton discuss whether these measures are enough to stop the 'debt spiral' that some students are describing and whether they wukk attract new students to degrees that have previously seemed unaffordable.

Award winning Chef, author and TV personality Manu Feildel was told as a child he was descended from the Vikings. What young boy wouldn't want that to be true?Will Manu find out he has Viking heritage? And will his love of the culinary arts be reflected in his bloodline? His story is revealed in the SBS series Who Do You Think You Are.

From "Ozempic face" to "Ozempic babies", women who are taking semaglutide for weight loss are reporting unexpected pregnancies, some even while they're taking the contraceptive pill.So, what do we know for sure about how Ozempic affects fertility, and pregnancy? While it's early days, we get some helpful advice about using semaglutide and family planning.

We're used to leaving a doctor's appointment with a prescription for medication, or a referral for a specialist, but what about a prescription for a movie club? A cooking class? A craft circle? Dance Therapy? Doctor's orders!Social prescribing is a treatment system where healthcare providers connect people with social activities in their local community to improve their mental and physical health. So how does it work? And could it be coming to a GP near you? 

You're seeing someone and you know it's not exclusive because he's into polyamory. But on your date he played you a voicemail from another person he's seeing.You're worried he might be sharing personal information about you to other people he's seeing as well.If you don't know those people, does it really matter? Or should this be a deal breaker?

Whether you're a fashionista or you just throw on whatever is at the top of the pile in your bedroom, you probably have views about the clothes you wear and what they communicate about you as a person.Is what you wear an expression of your emotions, your identity, your past, your future? And how do those clothes make you feel?

Lucy Bradlow and Bronwen Bock have proposed to run for the Federal seat of Higgins as job-share representatives.It seems there are a few hurdles to overcome before job-sharing is an easy option for politicians, but what about in our own workplaces?Professor Rosalind Dixon looks at different models of job sharing, how it work for both businesses and employees, and whether this presents a new model for leadership.

David Hobson is a stalwart of Australian opera, a composer and all around entertainer in his partnership with comedian Colin Lane.He reflects on the wisdom and altruism of his late mother, how hypnosis eased his fear of flying, and why we could all afford to be a bit less self-indulgent and more 'audience first'.

David Hobson is a stalwart of Australian opera, a composer and all around entertainer in his partnership with comedian Colin Lane.He reflects on the wisdom and altruism of his late mother, how hypnosis eased his fear of flying, and why we could all afford to be a bit less self-indulgent and more 'audience first'.

When colonial settlers arrived on the first fleet, they brought sheep with them, and sheep grazing expanded so rapidly that ‘mutton was cheaper than bread’.But it was the sheep’s wool that was of financial value and mutton seen as merely ‘the soil on which the wool could grow'.So how did this lowly ‘by-product' become what historian Barbara Santich calls a 'cultural superfood'? How did the farming of this food forever alter the Australian landscape? And how are sheep farmers today trying to use their industry to heal the land and the planet? 

For many of us, our relationship with food can become tied to our actual relationships: to the way our parents cooked, or the meals we make for a partner.But what about when that relationship changes?In his new novel, Family Meal, Bryan Washington follows 3 characters at pivotal moments of their lives, as they spiral in the aftermath of grief, and grow to find the possibility of change.

It's been more than four years since Covid first appeared and upended our lives, but for thousands of Australians, Long Covid has left them dealing with symptoms long after the original infection.Professor Steven Faux share what we know, and what we still need to know about the symptoms, the treatment, and the policies around Long Covid.

Jo Peck had just had her 60th Birthday when she was greeted with the news her husband of 25 years had his business elsewhere. So Jo took a dive into the dating pool, heart first.Her Memoir is called Suddenly Single at Sixty.

Some organisations might seem beneficial, helping to link people into others of like mind. But for some, when they go in further to a group, they realise it has taken over their life.After attending a free clairvoyant reading at a Mind Body Spirit festival, Carli McConkey became trapped in a new-age cult for 13 years.She says there are tell-tale signs and calls for police to do more on cult-like groups, ahead of her appearance tonight on SBS Insight program Cult Following.

There's a crisis in gendered violence here in Australia, with 27 women murdered this year already, and protesters around the country demanding action. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called a National Cabinet meeting with state and territory leaders on the issue. So what can be done?If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT - that's 1800 737 732

You know the saying; a man is not a financial plan? It's meant to encourage women to take the reins of their own financial futures.But young women are still much less confident and less skilled than young men in that realm.Research from ASIC's Moneysmart has found that Gen Z women are more likely than Gen Z men to be overwhelmed by finances, have no savings, and use risky buy now-pay later services. How can we improve the situation?

It’s frustrating if you're working hard for a promotion at work just to see a colleague you feel is less deserving advance ahead of you.But failing upwards calls into question the idea that our workplaces are meritocracies, which is the ideal, if not the reality, that we aspire to.Can work ever be entirely based on competence? And why do some get to fail and succeed while others don't? 

Imagine you are swept up in a great big love. You marry on an ocean liner, and all seems like a fairytale until the honeymoon takes a serious turn. Kerstin Pilz's memoir is called Loving My Lying, Dying, Cheating Husband. 

You catch up with an old school friend and her husband for lunch. When you ask the husband questions the pair talk over the top of each other and your friend's voice gets louder and louder.It's a distressing experience that is making you reconsider moving back to your home town, because you'll need to see more of them.What can you do?

The way we are as parents can be heavily influenced by our own experiences in childhood, both good and bad.When it came to parenting your own children, how much you have stuck to or strayed from how you were parented?

When it comes to presentation and manner, Australians are pretty casual, and more of the world is following suit. Employees are pushing back against formal dress codes in workplaces, and formal dress is necessary in fewer social settings. So are we losing anything by dropping the formalities? How does our presentation change the way we relate to each other, and ourselves? 

Geraldine Turner is a legend of the Australian stage, and has earned a lot of wisdom through her long career.She shares her mantra for getting through stage fright, and what she's learned about figuring out a person's true character.

Angie Chong’s grandfather, Chen Wing Young, is known as the man who, in the early 1940's, popularised the dim sim in Australia. Angie’s mum, Elizabeth Chong, Australia’s 'queen of Chinese Chinese cuisine', was one of the country’s first celebrity chefs. Angie has a rich cooking legacy of her own. But now, as a grandmother, how does she bring her family together over food? And, how has she evolved traditions to keep her grandkids happy whilst maintaining a strong connection to her family’s past? A conversation with three generations - Angie Chong, her mum Elizabeth Chong and her daughter Tess Duddy-Chong

Our closest relationships can feel all consuming sometimes. particularly our children, but also our partners, or close friends, or parents.It can be hard to imagine ourselves apart from them; to define ourselves, outside of those relationships.And even when a relationship ends those connections still resonate, we are shaped by the people in our lives, as we shape their lives in turn.In her new memoir Splinters, Leslie Jamison is sharing her story: of being a mother, a wife, a teacher, an artist, and of being herself.

Psychiatrist Duncan McKellar's life changed when he began looking into problems associated with the Oakden Older Persons' Mental Health Service in Adelaide.His participation in the Oakden Review was spurred on by people like Barb Spriggs who, following the death of her husband six months after being admitted to Oakden, was looking for answers.These events paved the way for the Royal Commission into Aged Care and prompted Duncan to investigate how to create caring health cultures that place patients at the centre. In his book, An Everyone Story, he champions the idea that institutions must ensure that the concerns of patients, families and staff are heard and acted on.

In 1970 an eighteen year old, pregnant Lynda Holden took the advice of her doctor who suggested a place she could go to find support. As it happened the support came cloaked with disrespect and deception, and she was told her Aboriginality meant she couldn't keep the baby.Lynda is telling her story in a new memoir, co-written with Jo Tuscano, called This Is Where You Have To Go

Australian swimmer Michelle Ford competed in the 1980 Moscow Games, at a time when the Australian Government did not want their citizens to go and when the East German Olympic team was dominating the pool. Michelle went on to win gold and bronze at those games.Later it would be revealed that a state-wide campaign of doping athletes was being orchestrated in East Germany.Michelle Ford-Eriksson has written about her experiences in Turning the Tide, and she wants justice for competitors who failed to be awarded Olympic medals, despite evidence of doping emerging after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

A shopping centre and a church were recently the scenes of two violent attacks in Sydney.The events were shocking because of what happened, but they were also shocking because of where they happened.What happens when a place that we think of as intrinsically safe sees that protection broken?And how can we process trauma when it becomes tied to a particular place?

Stretching across hundreds of kilometres and multiple countries, the Camino de Santiago is perhaps the best known collection of pilgrims' ways in the world and a walk that is said to be like no other.But what is it like to put one foot in front of the other and set out on a path that will take you many weeks to complete? To follow in the footsteps of so many others who have sought faith, or transformation, or simply a nice long stroll.

When we first start wearing glasses, or get a stronger prescription, it can feel like our previous eyesight is worse than it was.But do glasses really make our eyes 'lazy'? Or is it all in the mind?We answer your optometry questions.

Small talk is the bane of many, but these innocuous, shallow-seeming conversations with strangers and acquaintances can be more revealing than we might realise.We look at the function of small talk in human socialising, why it gets a bad rap, and how to improve your conversation game.

Your friend invests a lot of time in her social media posts and wants you to share some of them on your feed as well.You're not a fan of what she posts, cringe when she tags you in them, and feel uncomfortable when you see her in person and she brings it up.What should you do?

Just living life is expensive right now, with the price of almost everything having gone up a lot in the past couple of years.So how is that affecting your relationships with your friends, your romantic partner, your family — all the people who are important in your life.

As parents, many of us worry that if our kids only like eating pasta, white bread and cheese, they may be missing out on some essential nutrients - particularly protein.99 per cent of Australian adults are getting enough protein, but what about kids?And what are some tips for introducing the foods they need but don't necessarily like on the first, second, or third, try?Guests: Karina Savage, Paediatric dietitian Dr Miabing Zheng, Researcher at the Institute of Nutrition at Deakin University specialising in babies and protein

Yumi Stynes is a broadcaster, author and resident ABC taboo breaker with her beloved podcast Ladies, We Need To Talk.As a new season launches, she shares how she learned to be consensual with her body, the creative ways you can get your sleep, and why she's looking forward to running marathons in her 70s.

We hear a lot about wars and leaders and political or ideological trends, in history class, but wouldn't it be more fun to tell that story...through cake? That's what the collections team at State Library of Queensland thought when they kept seeing archival documents about the Australian history of baking stretching way back in time.The result is Cake: the podcast.

We all know exercise is good for us, but that doesn't mean it's always easy to get organised, into fitness gear, and out of the house.And that's particularly true if you're dealing with depression or anxiety, which comedian Jennifer Wong was when she worked out a novel way to force herself to try some new activities.That experience has inspired her new show, The Sweet and Sour Hour of Power.

Rental vacancies are at record lows, and rents are increasing, on average, far faster than our incomes, particularly in our biggest cities.That's leading to financial stress for many Australians and increasing the likelihood of housing insecurity.One temporary solution that's been proposed is for people without secure housing to move into properties that have been sitting unused for more than 2 years, what is commonly referred to as squatting.But is it legal to enter another person's house? What rights do property owners have? And why are some houses being left empty for years?

Why have the birds of the world all gone haywire? Yes, that is what is happening in Morris Gleitzman's new novel, Tweet. What are our feathered friends trying to tell us? And how can a boy and his budgie solve the puzzle?Having written some 44 books Morris is one of Australia's most successful children's authors. And he doesn't shy away from the serious stuff of life.

If you've ever tried to implement change, whether that's a new workplace practice or a national recycling program, you'll know that getting people to shift their behaviour can be a challenge.And what might seem obvious and desirable to you, might seem outrageous or silly to someone else.So — if we do want to create change — how can we make sure we're taking people with us, and not just shouting into the void?

It is nine months since changes to Therapeutic Goods Administration rules have enabled psychiatrists to treat patients for treatment resistant depression and PTSD using therapy augmented by psychedelic drugs.Yet since that time, it is believed only a handful of treatments have taken place, and only nine psychiatrists have been registered to administer treatment using MDMA or Psilocybin. Meanwhile, this therapy is currently costing more than $20,000 per patient.Those researching and providing clinical treatment believe it will become more accessible, and affordable, but only when stronger evidence of its effectiveness emerges.

Ozempic and other brands of semaglutide drugs which were developed to treat diabetes, are now being used in very high frequency for weight loss.But is the way we're being encouraged to think about this class of drugs actually healthy in itself?

Social media is full of advice for managing your relationships, often cribbed from the world of therapy. Making sure your friendships are positive and respectful is a worthy goal, but are the algorithms merging well intentioned and credible ideas with petty or extreme advice? We look at where to draw the line, how to mend friendships that grate on us, and how to shift our own expectations of the people around us.

For some of us, nothing is more exciting than a slab of time to ourselves. For others, nothing could be worse.But whether you're an introvert or extrovert, everyone can find benefits in solitude, and aloneness doesn't have to equal loneliness.We look at how to enjoy your own company and build habits around quality solo time.

You have three separate friends who you believe are 'breaking-up' their relationship with you.They say you talk about yourself too much. But you find it difficult to make small talk and listen to their stories, which are often not very interesting to you.You want to salvage the friendships, so how can you do that?

Sometimes we grapple with that question when times are tough. But, we may also muse about having a so-called 'purpose' in life, even when things are running smoothly.  What are the elements of a so-called 'good life' and what helps you live one?

There's more and more evidence about the importance of strength for general health, but building strength has also been shown to be effective at healing injury, both physical and psychological, and helping  avoid injury in the future.Sammy Prowse and Ella Mason explore how you can start building a gentle strength routine for physical and psychological healing. And how to make sure you don’t go too hard and injure yourself further in the process.

Award-winning journalist, author, and advocate Tracey Spicer is a leading voice on feminist media and technology.She shares her tips for peeling a banana and how she learned that the key to a great life is timing.

When we think of maximising profit, we don't necessarily think ethical. But new research shows 88 per cent of Australians expect their money to be invested ethically. And there is a growing movement in the worlds of finance and advocacy arguing that making money and doing good don't have to be mutually exclusive.So, what makes an investment ethical?  How do you make sure the companies you're investing in are actually doing what they say? And how much might you need to participate in this growing marketplace?

How do you rebuild your life and your sense of self, when your memories become unreliable or inaccessible?When Anna Jacobson was 23, she experienced a psychotic episode and, once admitted to hospital under an involuntary treatment order, was treated with electroconvulsive therapy.That experience left her with gaps in her memory and under the care of a system that didn't always seem to care.In a new memoir, How to Knit a Human, Anna shares the impact of trauma, the power of art, and the importance of owning your own story.

Not everyone gets their driver's licence in their teens, and for those left catching public transport in their late twenties and beyond, achieving this milestone can be challenging, especially if you add anxiety into the mix.The percentage of drivers passing their probationary license test after 30 is increasing in Australia. But whether it’s finding an understanding teacher, starting on quieter roads, or seeking the help of a psychologist, people eventually find ways to get their licence.What holds some people back and what helps to push them to master the art of driving?

Former Jackaroo Bernie Shakeshaft  founded Backtrack in 2006 with the aim to help at-risk youth turn their lives around. In 2018 the award winning documentary, 'BackTrack Boys', followed Bernie and the young people he was trying to keep alive and out of jail. Now a new film traces their stories a few years on as they chase their dreams.

Splendour in the Grass is cancelled for the year, Mona Foma has called time, and the Federal Government has launched an inquiry into live music in Australia.But many local venues are worried they won't be around by the time the report is finished.And local artists don't seem to be earning any more then they were decades ago, so it's not them driving up costs.Why does it seem like the live music industry is struggling, when around a third of Australians are still keen to go to gigs?

Research into women's pain shows that it tends to be more common and sometimes more intense, but when women report it, they can often be dismissed, misdiagnosed, or receive different treatment to men experiencing pain.In Victoria, the state government is conducting an inquiry into women's pain and as part of that, it has opened a survey, asking for women's experiences of pain and its management.

As the days get shorter and colder, we tend to spend less time outside, and that means less sun exposure and less vitamin D.Dr Rachel Neale explains what the sun does for our health and whether we should be changing our behaviour during Winter?

Public libraries aren't the only place to find a great book.More tiny, independent libraries are popping up, each with unique collections specialising in niche topics like modern art, anarchist politics or LGBTQ+ fiction.The people starting these libraries say it's a great way of building community. 

What's the secret to a happy life? We often look to the successful, mature and wise for tips. Getting up at 4am, daily runs and affirmations.If that's not working for you, why not try jumping in puddles, asking silly questions and taking naps? The best model for the good life might be the tiny person in your life playing with blocks and screaming for another episode of Bluey.Toddlers have incredible brains and a very different perspective to our own. Pediatrician and associate professor Hasan Merali works closely with the under 5s, and says while we're usually the ones teaching them, there's a lot we can also learn from their unencumbered approach to life.

On a recent trip to visit your adult daughter you noticed she was wearing a very short skirt and you could see her underwear. It didn't go well when you pointed that out. You're also worried she makes light of the fact that she and her friends were once chased out of a church in Europe by a nun for wearing "mini" tops.Can you have a constructive conversation with your daughter to share your concerns? 

Books, movies and TV shows are littered with stories of unrequited love, and the crush is often depicted as a pure and passionate kind of romance, even something to aspire to.But what are the consequences of one-sided love, and how can we move on from it?

Taylor Swift is a psyop, #KateMiddleton is a body double and big pharma is suppressing a cancer cure.It can feel like the number of conspiracy theories and conspiracy theorists are rising astronomically, but new research suggests it's not that clear cut.Guests: Dr Mathew Marques, Senior Lecturer in psychology at Latrobe University specialising in conspiracy theoriesKerri Sackville, columnist and author

Comedian Lizzy Hoo used to stress herself out trying to be on time, now she "gets the haircut", a bit of wisdom gained from her time in Mongolia.She also discusses the joy of spooning her perfectly sized greyhound.

When we lose a four-legged friend, comments like 'he was just a dog' may belittle our grief. We may even belittle it ourselves.Experts call this disenfranchised grief and say it can make it hard to properly process our loss.So, how can we use rituals, memorials and other grief practices  to give ourselves room to heal?Hear more on ABC Compass episode Goodbye, My Dog, airing Sunday April 7 on ABC and streaming on ABC Iview

Writer and broadcaster Benjamin Law has been a strong voice in Australia's literary and media scenes for more than a decade.In his time making television and radio, he's learned a few things about which opinions you should take seriously, and which you should disregard. He shares his lessons about letting go, and a great tip for getting on top of emails.

What does it mean to set aside the story you've been told about yourself and find your own path?Qin Qin was following the path laid out for her: she studied hard, went into law, got a scholarship to Harvard.But somewhere along the way, Qin Qin realised that the path she was on wasn't actually bringing her a lot of joy. And so she decided to go off-script.

Last year, the Federal Government held a parliamentary inquiry into online gambling, which recommended—among other things—a phased, comprehensive ban on advertising.While there are some important regulations across the industry, some of their behaviour operates under a voluntary, self-regulated code of conduct.A number of clubs have turned away from gambling sponsorships, but it's big money for the leagues, and this year the NRL kicked off their season in Las Vegas.Has online gambling become too central to sports in Australia? Or is a bit of a flutter just a fun part of the game?

Just over a decade ago teacher Ernest Price made the announcement in front of 250 year 10 students that he was transgender and would be beginning a medical transition. His debut novel, The Pyramid of Needs, a darkly funny story about transphobia and family dysfunction.

It can be hard to get out of poverty when you grow up on social housing.A cadetship program has been working with people who have lived in this type of housing to help them gain qualifications and long-term employment.Early signs are that mentors may be a key element of the program's successes to date.

The formula that helps calculate how much child support parents are paid is being reviewed, over concerns that it no longer reflects the true costs of raising a child.But critics argue that while the current system provides excellent access to free administrative options for payment reviews, it still falls down when it comes to ensuring parents are paid all they are owed.

Parenting any child has its challenges, but stepping into the parent role for the kids of your new partner can be particularly fraught.  Blended families are on the rise, and although every family is different, there are ways step-parents can avoid conflict, build trust, and define  the role they play within the family. 

In 2021, sociologist Corey Keyes popularised the idea of 'languishing', a state of being not necessarily in crisis, or flourishing, just some flat middle ground.Many of us resonated with this idea of going through the motions in the doldrums of COVID restrictions, but the pressure hasn't abated post-pandemic.So when things are weighing on us and we feel like we're sleepwalking through life, how can we turn our attention to moving in the direction we want to be?

Spending time in the outdoor world is important for Judy Macwilliams. This passion led to her officially becoming a volunteer tour guide at her happy place, Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens.

You have a great rapport with the father of one of your child's schoolfriends. You see each other often, have great platonic chemistry and hope to become better friends. Then one day, while spending time with him and both of your children, your daughter feels the need to comment on your new haircut, gleefully accusing you of trying to look sexy for him.The encounter creates some awkwardness and tension between you and the school dad, which you hope to resolve, but you're unsure how to bring it up. What do you do? 

How do mother and daughter relationships change over time? And how do our roles within them evolve as we move through life?Author, Susan Johnson, had a lot of time to think about her own relationship with her mum when they lived together on a small Greek island for almost a year.

Building strength has been shown to be incredibly important in both adults and kids, and regular muscle-strengthening is now in the national children's health guidelines, but the sight of kids using gyms and lifting weights has caused concern amongst some parents.Dr Jordan Smith and Dr Genevieve Dwyer look at whether the gym is the right place for teenagers or pre-teens to be working out. How old should kids be before they lift weights? And what does a safe, age-appropriate and fun kid's strength work-out look like? 

Broadcaster, author and politics nerd Annabel Crabb has gained a bit of wisdom in her 50 odd years.She shares what she's learned about understanding people you disagree with, overcomitting to projects  and a hot tip to up your sauce game.Annabel's new show 50 Odd Years of Crabb is touring to Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Perth, Sydney Comedy Festival and Brisbane Comedy Festival throughout April and May 2024. 

It's now clear that, during menopause, women's brains undergo significant changes. Research shows that, for some, the volume of the brain's grey and white matter decreases, and around 70 per cent of women experience neurological symptoms.But world-renowned neuroscientist Dr Lisa Mosconi says, with the right treatment and support, women can emerge from this period with brains that are renewed and enhanced rather than depleted.

The vagus nerve makes up the largest part of our body's rest, digest and restore system, which is also called the parasympathetic nervous system.There is now growing evidence that this system can be stimulated through humming, singing, push-ups, social contact, and even some yoga poses, with these activities helping to reduce stress levels.There are even devices being sold that stimulate this nerve, but experts suggest sticking to physical movements.

Two federal ombudsmen have released a critical report on the manner in which the Australian Tax Office has pursued old debts that had previously been 'written off'.In some cases, these debts are reappearing after more than a decade and, to the surprise of the taxpayer, come with hefty interest charges.The ATO have said they are required under legislation to pursue the outstanding debts and that they are owed more than $15 billion from 1.8 million entities, largely consisting of individuals.

A horse named Toby was left in a paddock will little care and nourishment while his half-brother on the same property was nurtured and well fed.It seemed Toby's fate was sealed, but what happened to change his destiny?

In 2014, Matty Hannon set out on the adventure of a lifetime. He planned to ride his motorbike solo from the top of Alaska to the bottom of Patagonia, surfing all the way.But, near the start of the trip, he met Heather Hillier.After a few months of letter writing as he traveled south, she agreed to join him and his tale of adventure became a love story.They're telling their story in a new documentary, The Road to Patagonia.

Many Australians continue to face intense stress over housing, with affordable rentals non-existent in many cities and regional areas.Some researchers argue that we need to look to other solutions and one model used more frequently overseas is co-operative housing.Some 22 per cent of housing in Sweden follows this model, but in Australia it constitutes less than one per cent of housing. This form of social housing enables tenants to enjoy long-term housing at affordable rents. But tenants must agree to be involved in the running and upkeep of the property, which can be a source of tension when not everyone pulls their weight.

During the early days of the pandemic, there was a surge in home baking as sourdough starters were swapped from home to home.But what does it take to make the perfect loaf of bread? To produce the kind of loaf that has top-end restaurants lining up for a slice?

Is your local church still being used as a church, or has it been converted into fancy units, a cafe, or even abandoned?The National Church Life Survey found around 1,200 churches had closed in Australia since 1991.While church attendance has declined over the decades, parishioners are still gathering. So, how have churches themselves transformed?

Short-lived products, hacks, and tricks seem to dominate our culture, from wellness and mental health to fashion and even workplaces.

You know when you go to the checkout to pay for your petrol and the cashier asks if you want to buy something from the counter as well? That "light" sales pressure can get much more intense when you're at the salon and your hairdresser suggests extra products and treatments while you're in the chair.So how do you handle it?

Feelings of shame can begin when we're children and continue throughout life. You may feel shame around something that you did or that happened to you, that wasn't your fault at all.We hear stories and explore strategies to help you overcome shame or embarrassment. 

From Moby Dick to Hvaldimir, the beluga whale who was allegedly an escaped Russian spy, to Migaloo, the rare Australian albino humpback, we’ve long been fascinated by stories of whales.What is it about the adventures of these massive creatures that resonates with us so deeply and what can they teach us about how to live our lives in balance?Guest:Vanessa Pirotta, Wildlife scientist and author of Humpback Highway: Diving into the mysterious world of whales

Comedian and presenter Tom Ballard has gained plenty of wisdom in his years on stage and on air.He shares his experiences going sober, the pitfalls of "complaining down" and lessons learned the hard way about admitting what you don't know.

There’s been an explosion of media telling us that consuming more protein can do everything from building muscle to extending our lives, but experts say more is not always better and too much could actually be harmful.So what does protein actually do and how do you know if you’re getting the right amount?Guests:Dr Evangeline Mantzioris, Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences at the University of South Australia and accredited practising dieticianProfessor Stephen Simpson, nutritional ecologist at the University of Sydney, Executive Director of Obesity Australia and author of Eat Like the Animals: What Nature Teaches Us about the Science of Healthy Eating

Sarah Rowan is an award winning international speaker and speed painter.For Sarah discovering this profession was perhaps as surprising as the path that led to the person she is today.

Over the past few months, a number of Boeing passenger jets have had safety concerns while they've been in the air.Most have been relatively minor, but the American Federal Aviation Authority ordered inspections on 737 MAX 9 planes after a door plug blew out during an Alaska Airlines flight; and a recent flight between Sydney and Auckland saw dozens injured after the plane dropped unexpectedly.Is this just a random run of bad luck? Or is something more serious going wrong?

The Federal Government plans to introduce new fuel efficiency standards, with the aim of making EVs more competitive in price, when compared to petrol cars.But even before those policies have been implemented, there has been a shift in consumer purchasing. EV sales doubled in 2023 and new figures show purchases by consumers living in outer suburbs have outstripped purchases by those from inner suburbs, with EVs providing cheaper transport for consumers who need to who need to drive long distances.So when it comes to policy frameworks, market forces and cost-of-living pressures, what factors have the most influence over consumers decisions around low-emissions vehicles?

Whether you're having a spat with your loved one, trying to get your point of view across in a public forum, or having a verbal tussle on the internet, the ability to think before you speak can go a long way.Philosopher Michaelis Michael believes learning how to argue better can make us better people.

Being born at 37 weeks used to be considered close to full term, but doctors now believe that babies born between 37 and 39 weeks may face an increased risk of learning difficulties and behavioural problems.Every Week Counts, a program running across 63 public hospitals, has been working to reduce early births and pre-term births before week 37.The people behind the campaign believe it is working, but significant challenges remain, particularly for some First Nations mothers and babies.

People in aged care face some of the highest risks of depression in our community.And perhaps that's not surprising, after a 2021 report by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety found major systemic failings.But new Australian research shows there may be simple solutions with enormous potential to help, if they're properly implemented.

With a few long weekends, you might be considering a road trip with the family. But a lack of preparation can leave everyone trapped in a tin can full of screams and headaches.Travel writer Ben Groundwater shares his top tips for surviving the family road trip and travelling well with children.

The demand for cash in decline. Yet the charges we pay at the point of sale are a concern for some,  especially during a cost of living crisis.Is there a future for cash, and why is it important?

New data from Our Watch reveals that more than two in five women, and just over a quarter of men, experienced sexual harassment at work in the past five years. But just saying it's an issue or blaming 'bad apples' isn't working to address the problem.Australian law says it's on workplaces to prevent sexual harassment, so how can that actually be done? 

You go on a driving holiday with an old friend, who is driving erratically, partly because she is holding her phone to navigate. Your attempts to help are not well received. Your friend gets annoyed and says so at the end of the trip. You are shocked and don't want to talk about it when you're upset.Would other people act the same way as you, in your situation as the passenger?

When your child has a friend it means you'll probably need to interact with their parents as well. They may have different values and rules than you when it comes to parenting. Your stories and questions about managing value clashes or differing parenting styles and expectations from the families of your children's friends.

Before he was feted, or vilified, Peter Singer was just a young Australian grad student, sitting down to eat a spaghetti and meat sauce lunch with a fellow student. What happened at that lunch that led to the publication of the book that made him a household name, Animal Liberation? And 50 years on, as he publishes a new edition of that seminal text, why is he more optimistic about our environmental future than ever before? 

A group of 90 year olds started lifting weights for eight weeks and more than doubled their strength. Imagine what you could do! We’ve long been told the key to getting healthy is losing weight, but more and more research shows gaining something- muscles- could be just as beneficial. Why is building muscle so helpful for fighting disease and how can you start doing it?Guests:Dr Gabrielle Lyon, Functional medicine practitioner and author of Forever Strong: The New Science Based strategy for Aging WellAssociate professor David Scott, Exercise scientist, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition at Deakin University

Irish comedian Ed Byrne's new comedy called, Tragedy Plus Time, is about grief and dedicated to his brother, Paul. His shows in Australia begin with the Adelaide Fringe and go on to Comedy Festivals across the country.

Finding out you have cancer is a life-altering experience.And although treatments are better and advances are being made, death still looms large. So what can be learned from it?

When students are struggling at school or trying to get into a selective-entry high school, some parents may decide to engage a private tutor. But the industry, dubbed the shadow education system, remains largely unregulated, so standards and outcomes vary greatly. With cost-of-living pressures biting, how can parents make the best decisions for their children? Meanwhile, concerns remain about inequity for those families who cannot afford to pay for extra schooling.

The Boomer generation pretty much kickstarted the whole backpacking movement in the 1960s and 1970s. Now some hotels won't accept bookings from people over sixty-five years old, and your travel insurance might skyrocket once you turn seventy.Is the travel industry ageist? And what opportunities exist for players willing to embrace 'inclusive' tourism?

How do you feel about your favourite star and what would you do to show your devotion to them? Would you hand over a month's wages to see them in concert? Or get a tattoo? We look at the benefits of fandom, and how we can draw identity and community from our idols with psychologist, Chris Cheers, who shares his love for Dolly Parton.

Many of us have a problematic relationship with our smartphones, checking emails or doomscrolling into the late hours of the night.It can feel hard to resist the pull of constantly pinging notifications, could downgrading to a phone without these capabilities restore your inner peace?There's a small but growing group switching to 'dumb phones' to take control of their lives back. We look at what it's like, and how to get on top of your digital nutrition.

You've finally landed a great job after being out of the workforce for a while. But the final interview with your new boss was weird.When you finished answering a question he would just look at you and smile, leaving you to fill the awkward pauses.How are you going to manage working with this slightly odd and much younger boss?

Sometimes sex is disappointing, and that might lead to you giving up on it altogether.Sex is good for your mental and physical health, and can provide benefits over and above procreation.So how can you turn bad sex into something more satisfying?

The world is becoming increasingly automated, but when it comes to herding livestock on a farm, working dogs are more efficient than any machine. So what is it about the dog and sheep relationship and the dog and farmer relationship that is so special? And why, judging by the popularity of ABC TV’s Muster Dogs, is watching a muster dog at work something none of us can get enough of?

Depending where you live, nature can feel very far away. But ecologist Jessie Oliver says unique wildlife encounters are probably within reach if you know where to find them.How can adults play a role in helping kids access some of the best-kept secrets in our cities? 

Rodney and his partner Jeff are the proud parents of seven kids. They co-parent with five other couples and believe living in extended, chosen families is the best way to make life happy for everyone involved. For anyone finding the nuclear family model unsustainable, both practically and financially, how could they follow Jeff and Rodney’s lead?   

Retired social worker Jane Miller's book, 'Social Betterment, social work education in Australia' tells, for the first time, the history of Australian social work education from 1900 to 1960. Guest:

Sport has benefits for everyone, from better physical health to improved social skills and resilience. Yet eight out of 10 Australian children fail to meet the WHO's guidelines of doing 60 minutes of physical activity a day. Team sports can be great, but some teens give up when the competition gets too intense, especially if coaches give them less playing time than others. So how can parents and coaches help cushion the blow of being benched?

If the Universities Accord report goes to plan,  eighty percent of workers will have some form of tertiary education by 2050. Is that a realistic goal? And how can we create better access?

Beds are Burning, Blue Sky Mine and Power and the Passion: these are just a few of the epic songs Jim Moginie would co-write for the band Midnight Oil. Jim is a founding member - songwriter, guitarist and keyboardist - but beyond the band life he held a mystery close to his heart...a big unanswered question. Where did he really come from?His memoir is called The Silver River: a memoir of family lost and found.Guest:Jim Moginie, musician and author

Every day, we interact with dozens of algorithms as we go about our lives: they plan the best route between destinations; help us find new music; and curate our social media feeds. Meanwhile, AI tools are learning to generate content in a way that seemed like science fiction a decade ago.But these same tools are raising major questions about the way they're created and used, and the power they might have over our lives.Is it possible to take the good parts of this emerging technology without resigning ourselves to the negatives?

As Australia's population ages, our need for palliative care services is expected to double by 2050. But regardless of age, not everyone gets the same access to end-of-life care when living at home.Meanwhile, a new resource aims to help the families of those moving into aged care, so they can be ready to anticipate their loved one's palliative care needs in future.

Whether it's a garden or a huge art project, working together as a community can be a chance to create something exciting and lasting.But these kinds of big collaborative projects come with challenges: in the way they're run, and the kinds of relationships they involve between community members and practitioners.Jade Lillie and Adolfo Aranjuez discuss what it takes to come together and build relationships that extend far beyond the deadlines?

Airline loyalty programs can seem great, it's always good to get something for nothing, right?In a time where every dollar counts, you might want your dollar taking you as far as it can.But the hamster wheel of earning points, particular when credit cards are involved, can expose us to financial traps.We look at what airline points really get you.

Doing the dishes, folding laundry, getting in the garden, or cooking dinner might feel like ‘chores’: just more things on the big list of nuisances we don't have time for.But changing our mindset around housekeeping can help our mental clarity and wellbeing.We explore the cultural devaluation of ‘home’ work, and how rethinking our relationship with domestic can improve our lives.

You play on a mixed netball team with your best friend and her sister, who is also a friend. They often fight with each other.During a recent match things got heated and your best friend stormed off afterwards. She's been cold with you ever since.How can you navigate these sibling dynamics?

Whether you're a saver or a spender, have you ever wondered what drives your behaviour around money?We examine where your beliefs come from and if they have held you back or made you more able to manage financially.Get some tips on how to transform your relationship with money.

Philosophy and ethics may seem like archaic disciplines, but, for ethics’ scholars like Maura Pierlot, they’re the perfect antidote to the chaos of the modern world.When Maura began reading ethical texts, she found a moral compass that’s guided her throughout her life. And she believes you’re never too young to learn the art.  

Ten per cent of Australians don’t eat gluten, but doctors say they may not need to be completely cutting it out. Meanwhile, 80 per cent of those with coeliac disease don’t know they have it.Gastroenterologist Dr Jason Tye-Din says part of the reason for the mismatch of symptoms and treatment is a medical culture not listening to patient needs. So, whether you have a ‘gluten sensitivity’ or are coeliac, how do you get the diagnosis and treatment you need?

The role playing game Dungeons and Dragons began a half a century ago and continues it's immense popularity today across demographics and age groups. How is a fantasy game from 1974 still capturing the imagination of so many people?

Some health conditions, like menstruation and menopause, affect only women or those born female, with others impacting women disproportionately.Aside from being painful and debilitating, this can result in reduced workplace participation.Unions and other bodies are calling for specific types of leave for things like menstruation and menopause, but do we need additional solutions to create truly equitable workplaces?

With the cost of living remaining way too high, many are looking to cook affordable yet healthy food.Cook to Connect, a program based out of a library in Melbourne, brings together locals from a range of backgrounds, including new arrivals, the elderly, and those at risk of homelessness, to cook thrifty and tasty meals.Along the way, new skills are learned and friendships are formed.

Prison visits from relatives have proven to have a positive effect on the prisoner, both in jail and upon release. Keeping these connections may hold the key to seeing those incarcerated become less likely to reoffend in the future.But the visiting process can be fraught according to research from LaTrobe University school of Criminology.

Whether it's the supermarkets or the airlines, mobile phones or bank accounts, many of Australia's key industries are dominated by a few major players. And a recent report by the former ACCC chair Alan Fels claims that rising prices have been caused, not just by inflation, but also by companies with too much market power using that position to increase their profits.What's led to this concentration of corporate power? And what does it mean for consumers, workers, and suppliers?

Why do some fruits become part of a country's food culture, while others fall by the wayside?Kate Evans grew up in New Zealand feasting under laden feijoa trees. As an adult she set out to find out how the fruit made its way there from South America, and what a transplanted tree could teach her about belonging to a place.

Gym memberships soar at the turn of the year as people look to transform their health, but, as the months pass, many go unused, costing us an estimated $2.4 billion in fees annually.We look at your rights when it comes to gym memberships, how to identify unfair contracts and get out of them, as well as some tips on getting the exercise you need, without the gym fees.

A Sunday drop-in, a catch up with a friend that continues for hours: for many of us, it's happening less often these days.While casual socialising, without a particular productive purpose, is supposedly on the decline, loneliness is on the rise.Shiela Liming and Michelle Lim explore the causes of our diminishing 'social fitness' and how to reclaim the lost art of the hang out.

Your son is going on a trip backpacking around Europe. Your brother (his uncle) lives there and you asked if your son could stay for a few nights. Your brother is not keen.You really want your son and brother to spend time together, but your brother's living space is small and the couch is being occupied by another.Is it fair of him to say no, or should he be making more of an effort with your son?

Looking for love can be a challenge, especially if you haven't been on the "market" for a while. Life Matters Hilary Harper has been documenting and sharing her own foray into the world of online dating after 50 in the audio series — Dated.If you've tried online dating in mid life, particularly if you found yourself newly single after a long time — how was it for you?We also meet Hilary's new beau, Gene.

Artist Simon Normand began collecting teaspoons during lockdown, which sparked an exploration of how Australia selectively commemorates certain towns and individuals in its kitsch teaspoon art.From this, Teaspoon Colony was born: an exhibition that aims to highlight dark stories and lesser-known heroes from our past.

Dr Kate Luckins was an in-demand sustainability commentator with stellar green credentials. But, a decade after having her first kid, she found herself exhausted, 'eco-guilty' and staring at an electricity bill double the average household.What Kate missed most was the joy of sustainable living. She realised there is a way to "do green" that doesn’t just help the planet, but also brings mental relief, joy and cost savings.

The sentencing of former principal Malka Leifer, last year, for sexual abuse was the result of a decades-long fight by the sisters Leifer abused to bring the truth to light.One of those sisters, Dassi Erlich, has now written a book about how she found the courage to speak out, even as her community did everything it could to silence her, and how she and her two sisters built a formidable community coalition to see justice served.

Once upon a time, work stayed at work and home was for partners, families, or our own sweet solitude.But now, the same tools that have given us the flexibility to work from anywhere at any time, also mean that we can feel like we're expected to work from anywhere at any time.Earlier this month, the federal government passed an amendment, negotiated for by the Greens, to give Australians the right to disconnect: to not be expected to answer unreasonable phone calls or emails outside our normal hours.Is that feasible in the modern workplace? And what will it mean for the way we work?

Since asbestos was first discovered in mulch at the Rozelle Parklands in Inner West Sydney in January, more than 30 additional sites across Sydney and NSW have been identified as having mulch which contains asbestos.These include parklands, schools, shopping centres, hospitals, and transport corridors.Associate Professor Peter Franklin and John Batty explain why the health risk from the contamination is relatively low and how we should dispose of asbestos in our own environment..

For many of us there is nothing more delightful than biting into a crisp apple, for others just hearing that sound can incite rage. Author Imbi Neeme lives with misophonia and she brings it to life in her new novel.

While grieving a series of deaths in her close circle of family and friends, Annabel Abbs-Streets found herself in the midst of chronic, severe, insomnia.After railing against her sleeplessness, becoming increasingly frustrated, she decided upon a different tack. She became inquisitive and started exploring the mysteries of the 'night brain'.What she discovered was a wondrous world of mainly women, who she now calls her 'night spinners'.

Your colleagues are regularly berated by a man who lives across the road from your workplace.When they park outside his house, his rubbish isn't collected and he gets very angry and sometimes puts the full bin on the bonnet of their car.No one knows that the angry bin man is an estranged relative of yours.Do you have to tell your work colleagues you're related? And are you obliged to say something to your relative or any other family member about this behaviour?  

Whether it's living an unhealthy lifestyle, a place you're tired of, an unsatisfying job, or some other aspect of your life, being in a rut can be a difficult experience.If you've ever felt stuck in life or work, Dr Amantha Imber provides some helpful tips on getting yourself back on track.

By 2050, superbugs are predicted to become the second biggest cause of human death, after heart disease.But a new treatment called phage therapy, which involves injecting the superbug with trillions of viruses, is being developed by Australian researchers. And, they've just embarked on their first human trial. Could this experimental therapy save the lives of the patients involved and potentially millions in the future?

In school settings, a debate over whether gender impacts learning continues. Long-held assumptions that boys and girls have different brains are at the crux of the dispute. So, what does science say? Does gender impact the way we learn, or have we all fallen victim to ‘neurosexism’?

Two years after the breakdown of her 20-year marriage, Hilary Harper feels like she might be ready to date again. But the dating scene has changed a lot since she was last single in the early 2000s. 

If you missed the rise of dating apps because you were in a long marriage or relationship, it’s very fair to find them a bit intimidating.  Hilary navigates these shifts and gets across these new tools, learning how to craft the perfect profile and grappling with the flat way we have to represent ourselves to catch a mate today.

Hilary goes on her first first-date and finds the goods are not quite what was advertised.

Hilary has found someone, and sparks are flying. She's starting to feel the flutter of sexual attraction, but she's worried about breaking her long dry spell.

Things are going well with Gene. It's the happily ever after Hilary hadn't considered would come so soon, if at all.

The Lunar New Year ushered in the year of the Wood Dragon in 2024. Being born a Dragon is said to come with luck and power. Bruce Lee, Martin Luther-King, Adele and John Lennon are a few of the many born into a Dragon year.

Even if you're not a fan of her music, the amount of devotion shown by Taylor Swift fans may remind you of another 'era' in Australian music history.Beatlemania was 60 years ago, so when it comes to fan culture, are we having the same kind of "mania moment"?

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has just introduced new regulations to protect customers experiencing financial hardship.This comes as the industry is reviewing its self-regulatory code, the Telecommunications Consumer Protections Code.But many consumer groups argue the protections governing phone and internet consumers need to be beefed up beyond the changes being proposed by the industry.Meanwhile, as cost of living pressures bite, what can you do to get a better telco deal?

Two Australian astronomers have had asteroids named after them in recognition of their work helping us better understand the universe.Professor Jonti Horner shares what it feels like to have his named immortalised in space and talks about how space exploration continues to transform life here on earth.  

You've probably heard of concepts like 'aging well' and 'aging gracefully', and maybe even 'aging disgracefully'. But have you heard of 'conscious aging'?It's a growing movement that invites you to consider how you want to transition to old age, and how you want to spend the last years of your life.

With all the pressure to self-optimise, what we do in our leisure time can feel a lot like work. This might seem like a very modern problem, but cultural historian Witold Rybczynksi says deciding how to use our free time has been complicated since the start of human history.Witold Rybczynksi, author of Waiting for the Weekend, shares what can we learn from our ancestors' approach to time off.

A family friend broke up with his wife and has moved in to your spare room, which you usually rent out to help cover your bills and the mortgage. He shows no signs of finding his own place, and now seems to be developing romantic feelings for you. Your teenaged kids are starting to wonder what's going on.How do you get him out of your spare room and retain the friendship?

When a big chapter in your life ends, it can be hard to accept. But it can also mean that a new beginning is just around the corner.It can be cathartic and potentially liberating to recognise that this chapter of your life is now done. So why not mark the end of this time with a ritual celebration?

Rick Sarre is a big fan of coastlines. He takes us on a trip to beaches around the world, before landing on his favourite, much closer to home.The theme for Life In 500 Words is My Happy Place. Describe your happy place, where it is and why it's special to you, in 500 words or less. Record your My Happy Place story into your mobile phone, and email it to us at [email protected]

Dr Rob Brander had been studying beaches in his native home of Canada for decades. Then, he came to Australia, and his mind was blown by the fun of swimming in the surf. His mind was also blown when he learned about the danger of rips. But he realised he had the knowledge to help others.Guest: Dr Rob Brander, a coastal scientist at the University of New South Wales, author of Dr Rip's Essential Beach Book: Everything You Need to Know About Surf, Sand, and Rips

Last week, the federal government announced it would inject an extra three billion dollars into the school system annually.Education experts say the new funding is a sign that we may finally have the tools to close the widening inequity gap in our public schools. But, for that to happen, they say we need buy-in from the states and the money needs to be spent correctly. Doug Taylor, Dr Jordana Hunter and Dale Pearce consider what that would look like?

The body acceptance movement has been around for decades now there's a growing understanding that a range of weights can be considered healthy.And yet there remains an enduring bias against fatness, which can affect education, employment and health outcomes of those who don't don't match the physical 'ideal'.In her new book, Unshrinking, Kate Manne examines what it means to be fat, and what would change if the world were designed to accommodate different bodies.

If the thought of maths stresses you out, you may have maths anxiety.Research suggests those higher in maths anxiety have a harder time making sound financial decisions, and this has negative impacts on the choices people make in education and work too.The good news is, you can improve your numeracy skills as an adult, and along the way, become better able to wrangle the numbers in your life.

For a very long time in Australia, the work of caring was seen as the family's responsibility, and it fell mainly to women.Some policies have changed to better support carers, but navigating the different systems can feel like a job in itself.What would change if care policy took a whole-of-life approach? One that acknowledges that our personal lives are part of our reality, even at work. And that we  may be caring for different people, at different stages, of life at the same time.

Why can't I get that song out of my head? Why do I stick out my tongue when concentrating? Why do I see faces in everyday objects? Dr. Jen Martin explores the answers to all these questions in a new book called Why Am I Like This?

Paediatric dermatologist Dr Deshan Sebaratnam spends his days combating online misinformation about what you should and should not put on your face.This means he gently steers teenagers away from unnecessary retinol skin potions, suggesting instead that sunscreen is really the only thing most need. His advice for adults? Spend no more than $20 on any skin product.

Moving to a new country can be exciting, but it can also leave you missing the small things from the home you left behind. The sounds, the smells, and the tastes.Junda Khoo came to Australia from Malaysia to study when he was 16 and, like most teenagers left to their own devices, he ate a lot of packets of instant noodles.Then his Amah came to visit and Junda's approach to cooking changed.These days he's the head chef and the owner of the Ho Jiak chain of restaurants in Sydney.

Like many people, Rachel Ward had felt frightened by the effects of climate change. And, like many people, she couldn't think what she could do that would be big enough to make a real difference.Then, in the wake of the Black Summer bushfires, she heard about the idea of regenerative farming.Ward and her family had owned a farm for decades, but it had always been managed by someone else. That was about to change.Ward's documentary, Rachel's Farm, tells the story of her work on the land, and the connections that came along the way.

Extreme ice bathing, cuddle therapy, and ecstatic dance are just some of the wellness fads we now see everywhere on social media. Many of these practices exist on a spectrum, from the fairly harmless to possibly beneficial, and absolutely bogus. Is it possible to try them out without getting burnt?

You have a big group of friends and like to socialise together alot. You suspect that one of your friend's isn't including her partner in those group occasions, and you don't want them to feel left out.What should you do?

Researchers are discovering more about the power of fun to help us feel better the rest of the time.So let's keep that holiday feeling going for as long as we can, and learn some more about how to incorporate fun into our everyday lives.

A friend helped Monica Jansons find her happy place, and it was life changing. Monica is now passing this advice about happiness on to her son. 'Be where you are.'  The theme for Life In 500 Words is My Happy Place. Describe your happy place, where it is and why it's special to you, in 500 words or less. Record your My Happy Place story into your mobile phone, and email it to us at [email protected]

A friend helped Monica Jansons find her happy place, and it was life changing. Monica is now passing this advice about happiness on to her son. 'Be where you are.'  The theme for Life In 500 Words is My Happy Place. Describe your happy place, where it is and why it's special to you, in 500 words or less. Record your My Happy Place story into your mobile phone, and email it to us at [email protected]

The first act of sex was likely a display of desperate cannibalism but since its emergence life has reproduced in many surprising ways.Historian David Baker's Sex: Two Billion Years of Procreation and Recreation is a comprehensive history of this most primal urge and reveals how it drives many of the decisions that we make whether we realise it or not.

Screens have become ubiquitous in our lives, and it's not just us grown ups that spend alot of time staring at them.Experts are concerned though, that rates of myopia are increasing in children and adults alike, and they're investigating the links to screen use.

Our friendships can play a crucial part in our wellbeing. They're fun, they're stimulating, they're comforting, they're supportive.But how do they begin? How do we sustain them?In her new book, Gyan Yankovich is celebrating the relationships that make up our lives: from the childhood best friend to the casual chats that make the week a little brighter.

A recent report by the ACCC has found that there are serious problems with access to child care and early education in Australia.And that won't be a surprise for most parents. Even if you're lucky enough to live in a town with multiple options, finding a place with enough days, with the right days, and at the right price can feel like an almost impossible task.What needs to change? And what is the cost to families when childcare is inaccessible?

Kristine Philipp got the job as a Girl Friday when she was fifteen. This would mark the beginning of an extraordinarily, ordinary working life which shines a light of women in the workplace.

Sleep can be elusive for many children, but when it becomes a chronic problem, some parents have been increasingly turning to gummy lollies that contain melatonin in a desperate bid to get their kids to sleep.These products are unregulated, and sometimes contain vastly higher amounts of melatonin than advertised. Meanwhile, the practice of prescribing melatonin to sleepless children is concerning sleep experts, because of a lack of long-term data about the impact of melatonin on growing brains.

Students are heading back to school, but for some, the act of leaving the house, and heading to classes, can become impossible.As Australia waits for the Federal Government to respond to a Senate inquiry into school refusal, experts argue that parents can take practical steps that will help if their child becomes unable to attend school.

When you fall in love, you hope that it will last forever! But sadly, that's not always the case. Scientists are discovering more about love and how it influences our bodies and brains.

Paris has undertaken a massive clean up effort to make the Seine river ready to host Olympic swimming events this year.But it's just one in a big wave of cities cleaning up their rivers. We look at how Australia is tracking, when we'll be able to take a dip in our own urban waterways and the benefits of swimming next to the skyline.

We often start the year wanting to have a clear plan—to know exactly what we want out of life and how to get it—but sometimes, with the clean slate of the new year, we can actually feel a bit lost. Many regular meditators say their practice is their ‘anchor in the storm’, and research supports their experience. How can you get started?

Getting outdoors is a fantastic way to stay in touch with nature, and enjoy it's beauty. Sanda Oo takes us on a tour of gardens she's tended and loved, over the years.The theme for Life In 500 Words is My Happy Place. Describe your happy place, where it is and why it's special to you, in 500 words or less. Record your My Happy Place story into your mobile phone, and email it to us at [email protected]

While you've loved your first name your whole life, your second name - the one that belongs to your biological father - is causing you grief.

How do the memories of past relationships shape who we are today?Is there a temptation to look back with rose-tinted glasses, or wonder what could have been? And do we have to make peace with our past relationships so that we can embrace the new ones? 

Leo Norman and Cezary Carmichael are spending their gap year riding the country documenting the unique cultural and ecological importance of birds in Australia.

Growing up in India, Ahona Guha witnessed the impacts of terrorism on her community and family. By the age of 23, Ahona had joined and left a cult, and had experienced marriage and divorce.Today, Ahona works as a clinical psychologist with clients who are grappling with trauma and other mental health challenges.In her latest book, Life Skills for a Broken World, Ahona argues that instead of looking for happiness, we should search for things that give us meaning, to build a framework that will not only help navigate life's challenges, but also unearth joy.

At 59, Katie Clemmens was looking forward to the birth of her second grandchild. Then Katie was struck by a car and suffered a catastrophic brain injury. Her family decided to donate her organs to others who needed them.An insight into what organ donation means for grieving families, and the barriers to increasing donations. Plus, the personal boost blood donors get from giving to their community.

One in one hundred Australians live with a stutter that affects their speech, and for children it's even more common. So how can we be more accepting of children and adults who have one?

After multiple cases of drug-related harm at festivals in Victoria this month, Australia's approach towards drugs is back on the agenda. After initially pushing back against the question of pill testing, the Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has said that she will seek out expert advice.And in Queensland, the Government is following Canberra's lead and opening a fixed drug testing site - for a trial period.Dr Monica Barratt and Professor Malcolm McLeod share their expertise about harm minimisation and look at the impact pill testing has had in Canberra, where a trial has been running for several years. 

While libraries full of the written word have their limits, the human library seeks to fill in those gaps by allowing you to borrow a 'human book'.It's a movement that's been running events around the world for more than twenty years, but it's still relatively small in Australia, with just a couple of organisations.

How much attention do you pay to your super?Many of us prefer to assume that everything's going to plan, and it will be there when we need it.But maybe it's worth checking again, because up to a quarter of Australian workers have had some amount of their superannuation go unpaid.Recent changes mean you'll now be able to take direct action to recover that money.Xavier O'Halloran from Super Consumers shares some tips on where you even begin?

As house repayments and rent continue their upward trend, many Australians are struggling to balance their budgets, and governments around the country are grappling with questions of housing affordability.Late last year, the Federal Government announced an investment of ten billion dollars in social housing, with a goal of creating 20,000 new social homes and 20,000 new affordable homes over the next five years.But some advocacy groups are calling for that number of new homes per year.Dr Weijie Hu and Dr Alistair Sisson talk about the role social housing should play in the Australian market.

What does it mean to move in a world that doesn't feel like it was made for you? And if that's your experience, how do you make people respond to what you do instead of who you are?Leisa Prowd was born with achondroplasia, so she doesn't look like a lot of other dancers. In her most recent show, I Am (Not) This Body, she invited audiences into her experience.

We all find it hard to get back on the fitness wagon — no matter how big our new year exercise resolutions.Trainer Jono Castano says the hardest exercise is getting through the door of your gym, but, once your mentality is in the right place, momentum does the rest.The former professional soccer player, who’s trained thousands (including celebrities Richard Branson and Rebel Wilson), suggests routine, 'micro-goals' and crafting your own 'fitness story'.

At 33, gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz was overweight with high blood pressure and cholesterol, and abdominal pain. Then he went on his wife’s plant-based diet and completely transformed his lifestyle and his health. Now he wants those suffering from gut issues and IBS to benefit from what he’s learned.Guests:Dr Will Bulsiewicz, gastroenterologist and author of Fibre Fuelled: The Plant Based Gut Health Program for Losing Weight, Restoring Your Health and Optimising Your MicrobiomeDr Emma Halmos, dietician and researcher from Monash University’s Translational Nutrition Science Team, who've just published Low FODMAP: The Cookbook

When Helen Miller was a child, there was a Chinese pear tree in her front yard that was good for climbing,  pear throwing and general fun.

When Helen Miller was a child, there was a Chinese pear tree in her front yard that was good for climbing,  pear throwing and general fun.

Your housemate is having an affair with a married man and you are uncomfortable. Do you have any right to have a say on whether she can continue her this relationship in our house? 

Life can be full of twists and turns. Then, there are moments when things take a complete U-turn. But, when we make a big change in our life, how do we know we've made the right decision? And, regardless of the outcome, is there always an opportunity for growth?

As we learn more about seaweed's potential uses, from micronutrients to bioplastics, will we also learn to take better care of the ecosystems it comes from, including Tasmania's endangered giant kelp forests?

Imagine a John Farnham-themed musical, in which three different John Farnhams travel back in time to teach you about their lives.Now imagine having a behind-the-scenes look at that show as produced by the students of a public school for neurodiverse kids in the outer suburbs of Melbourne. That is the spectacular storyline of a new film, This is Going to Be Big.

Receiving a dementia diagnosis, or finding out you may have one in your future, dramatically changes people's lives.We investigate what the future holds for our understanding of this mysterious disease and whether we will ever find a cure.

Australia is known for its banter, and it certainly has its place. But sometimes we need to have those deeper conversations. This is sometimes where men can struggle. Often men feel unable to open up about their feelings, to show vulnerability, but this is something Dylan Buckley is hoping to change through his book Honest Chat.

We think of our emotions as raw expressions of our most primal selves. But behavioural scientist Pragya Agarwal argues that, at all times, our emotions are actually being shaped by cultural and historical factors outside of our control. What would it look like if we all learnt to express what we truly felt?

Do you feel like you recognise your younger self? Or do you think you've changed? Turns out our personalities aren't as fixed as we'd previously thought. There's a growing body of evidence that our personalities shift as we reach our 60s, and again as we reach the end of our lives. Hear from personality experts Professor Brent Roberts and Associate Professor Tim Windsor about how you might change, and how you can tweak your personality to thrive in later life.

Tinnitus affects most people at some point in their lives, but experts are still learning about it, and what works for treating the condition. Still, hope is on the horizon as a trial using brain stimulation is set to expand.

You’re in the meeting from hell and feeling like you’re going to explode.Well guess what? Nearly 2000 years ago, Marcus Aurelius faced similar frustrations, and author Annie Lawson argues that what greatly helped him was Stoic philosophy.  She says that by mastering the art of stoicism you could be as successful at handling workplace annoyances as Aurelius was at ruling an empire. Guest: Annie Lawson, author of Stoic at Work

When science journalist Paul Biegler hurt his knee, he was given painkillers and told he’d need surgery. Then he read about the science of ‘pain mistakes’; Then he read about the science of ‘pain mistakes’; the idea that your brain can think you have an injury when you no longer do. Drawing from the methods he researched which can help reset the brain, such as hypnosis, virtual reality and ‘paced-up exercise’, Paul set out to fix himself.

When journalist Jane Hutcheon’s mother recently passed away, she realised the models of retirement most familiar to her didn’t fit the kind of productive and liberated life she had envisioned for herself in her older years. She set out to find a new one.

With the madness of daily life, who doesn’t want to find a few extra hours in the day? But artist and best-selling author Jenny Odell says, if we’re trying to be more productive, we may be chasing the wrong goal. Instead, she suggests looking for purpose outside the world of work, deadlines and to-do-lists and changing the way we think about time altogether.

It's time to solve a dilemma about a dominating dinner party guest. We've all been there, haven't we? You know, when there's that person at the table who does a lot of the talking, and not enough of the listening? How should you respond?

Terra Sword moved to Hobart to start a new chapter in her life and heal after a painful relationship breakup. She finds peace and quiets her mind while hiking on Kunanyi (Mt Wellington).The theme for Life In 500 Words is My Happy Place. Describe your happy place, where it is and why it's special to you, in 500 words or less. Record your My Happy Place story into your mobile phone, and email it to us at [email protected]

Terra Sword moved to Hobart to start a new chapter in her life and heal after a painful relationship breakup. She finds peace and quiets her mind while hiking on Kunanyi (Mt Wellington).The theme for Life In 500 Words is My Happy Place. Describe your happy place, where it is and why it's special to you, in 500 words or less. Record your My Happy Place story into your mobile phone, and email it to us at [email protected]

Lucky Girl Syndrome, a trend that's gone viral on TikTok, promotes the idea that affirmative mantras and a positive mind-set will determine what you will attract into your life. If we believe we can get what we want, will the universe deliver?

Honey might be an Aussie breakfast staple, but have you ever thought about what we can learn about our environment from the flavour of honey? Whether it comes from an urban backyard beekeeper or from a regional coastal area, honey often holds surprising clues about its home environment.

When scientists Penny and Noel bought a property called 'Thiaki' in the Wet Tropics of Far North Queensland, they had no idea what they were in for. Twenty years later, Penny reveals what she's learned about the land and the people who have lived on it.

Plans to establish a giant new Australian marine park in the Southern Ocean have re-sparked debates about the damage fishing does to marine environments. Is it possible to fish in a way that is environmentally sustainable and do Australian marine parks have the balance right?

Music can evoke many emotions. It can bring a party to life, and it can soothe a broken heart. But can sound heal? Some people believe that sound baths can help reduce stress and even ease physical pain. But what exactly is a sound bath? And is there any science behind the practice?

Coaches can play a big role in your life, and push you to be your best. Colin Fraser has an athletics trophy he won thanks to a special mentor.

Coaches can play a big role in your life, and push you to be your best. Colin Fraser has an athletics trophy he won thanks to a special mentor.

Since the days of the Roman Empire, when soldiers exercised before battle, stretching has been used to decrease chance of injury. But new research shows the greatest benefit of stretching could be in the way it works to calm the body’s stress response. Professor of Health Sciences Tony Blazevich talks us through the best way to make that happen for you.

What's driving our natural immune response into overdrive and making us ill? We look at how culture, lifestyle, inflammation and disease are linked, and what we can do to reclaim our health.

When Jenny was a young girl her family would sit around a yellow laminex kitchen table, which was used for drawing, on as well as in the usual ways.

When Jenny was a young girl her family would sit around a yellow laminex kitchen table, which was used for drawing, on as well as in the usual ways.

Australia is home to around 3,700 people who have lived to the age of 100 and beyond. An intergenerational art project has been partnering teenagers with centenarians to paint their portrait for a travelling exhibition which culminates in Canberra.

Scientists can now measure the age of our organ systems, and have found they can age at significantly different rates. That means your heart or brain may be younger or older than your chronological age.

Researchers at the forefront of the rapidly evolving field of longevity say that any day now we will have the science that allows us to live to 150. But physician turned podcast superstar Dr Peter Attia and ageing researcher Dr Lindsay Wu say there are many things we can do to lengthen our life-spans right now.

Diana Greentree is an actress who's appeared in many productions on stage and screen. For many years, she's treasured a doll she carried on stage during her performances in The King and I.

Diana Greentree is an actress who's appeared in many productions on stage and screen. For many years, she's treasured a doll she carried on stage during her performances in The King and I.

It may seem like living longer is the latest in a long set of goals you're being asked to achieve. But should having a meaningful and happier life, no matter the duration, be a more desirable goal? And what helps that happen?

Harry Donnelly and Keith Blake had been footy friends for over four decades, but after Harry put a call out for someone to illustrate his poems he discovered a new side to his long-time friend. Now the pair work as a team, Harry writing poems and Keith illustrating them.   

By the time women turn 70, they've already lived through many lifetimes' worth of new technologies, jobs and relationships. And for some women the challenges don't stop there as they continue to defy expectations.  

On the face of it, getting an apology email from an estranged relative seems like a good thing. But what it you don't want to revisit history? How should you respond, and do you even need to?

Whether you're someone who holds onto belongings for their sentimental value, or someone who throws things out if they serve no purpose. Knowing what to keep and what to discard isn't always an easy task.Professional Organiser, Robyn Amott, shares her tips on how to make decisions around what to keep and what to cast out.Guest: Robyn Amott, Founder of Bless this Mess

For her 70th birthday, Kathy Williams received an album filled with photos and memories from her life.

For her 70th birthday, Kathy Williams received an album filled with photos and memories from her life.

We all have different versions of ourselves that we show to the world, whether that's at work, with family, or with friends.But when it's just you, alone in the dark, who are you? And if the answer isn't clear, how do you begin to find your sense of self?In her new book, It's On Me, Sara Kuburic explores existential psychotherapy. 

Art and stories are closely intertwined, and what better story to explore than your own? Research shows that using artistic practice can help us process difficult and traumatic events, and frame our life narrative in a way that supports our mental wellbeing. So how do you pick up the pen or paintbrush and share your story? We call on clinical psychologist and artist Associate Professor Paul Rhodes and author Amra Pajalic to help you build your narrative, find your audience, choose your medium, and revel in the catharsis that awaits you.

There's a growing recognition from the field of music psychology that shows that music can help us feel a sense of self-compassion and belonging.

As the world becomes increasingly digitised, writing by hand can seem totally archaic. But research shows that, putting pen to paper brings far more cognitive benefit than is often assumed. What might happen if handwriting becomes a lost art?

Ultra processed foods (UPF’s) have been shown to be particularly bad for our bodies, but new research is showing that they could also be having a major impact on our minds. What is it about these delicious snacks that is so harmful? And is it possible to live without them?

Kay Kerr used to wonder if she was doing love right, so she set about trying to find out everything she could about what she thought love was meant to look like. Since then Kay has learned that autistic people like her love in many different ways and that there was never meant to be anything typical about love in the first place.

Australians aren't the most liberal when it comes to talking about sex, especially experiences outside the cisgender, heterosexual, monogamous norm. So what made Australia so prudish? And how do we take a more live and let live approach to other people's sex lives? Polyamorous author Paul Dalgarno has experienced that prudish judgement first-hand, and explores its harsh impacts in his new book Prudish Nation. 

Relationship chatbots powered by artificial intelligence are now widely used, and for some these relationships feel very real.

When Mary Louise Parkinson was a child, her family had a signed copy of Sir William Dobell's 'Storm Approaching Wangi' on the living room wall. She wonders where it is now.

When Mary Louise Parkinson was a child, her family had a signed copy of Sir William Dobell's 'Storm Approaching Wangi' on the living room wall. She wonders where it is now.

When writer Rachael Mogan McIntosh and husband Keith moved their family to the south of France for a year abroad, they were hoping for a bit of ambience and exposure to a new language. Instead, they found themselves in an 'opposite world' which caused them to question everything about their parenting style and the 'Australian way' we relate to our children.

We’ve all heard of post-high school gap years, but these days lots of people are taking adult gap years. For actor Rachael Coopes, that involved leaving behind her stable life and soul mate to study with French master clown Philippe Gaulier.

Carmel O'Sullivan's wedding ring was lost, then found, then remade after she divorced her husband. Kindness and the importance of relationships plays a key part in her story.

Carmel O'Sullivan's wedding ring was lost, then found, then remade after she divorced her husband. Kindness and the importance of relationships plays a key part in her story.

Your friend's boyfriend has 'super liked' you on Tinder. Do you tell your friend about it, or confront him? Or do nothing?

The idea of dating more than one person, or bringing additional people into an existing relationship can be a daunting one.But if it's something you'd like to explore, there are ways to address those concerns and build healthy, trusting non-monogamous relationships.

Mike Rucker spent years studying the science of happiness, until he realised his methods didn't work for his own life. Since then, he’s dedicated his life to studying fun including working out how to have Type 1 Fun', 'Type 2 Fun', 'Hard Fun' and 'Soft Fun'.

Books, writing and imagination all come together to create a magical and happy place for Ashleigh Meikle.The theme for Life In 500 Words is My Happy Place. Describe your happy place, where it is and why it's special to you, in 500 words or less. Record your My Happy Place story into your mobile phone, and email it to us at [email protected]

Books, writing and imagination all come together to create a magical and happy place for Ashleigh Meikle.The theme for Life In 500 Words is My Happy Place. Describe your happy place, where it is and why it's special to you, in 500 words or less. Record your My Happy Place story into your mobile phone, and email it to us at [email protected]

The benefits of conscious breathing techniques can be life changing. From bringing down stress levels to making for better sleep, to harnessing energy and improving intimacy. Learn how it works and some tips for starting breathwork.

Spending time in nature may be good for both your mental and physical health. 

A self-confessed 'control freak' by nature, Ruth Henderson found her happy place on the back end of a tandem bicycle driven by her husband.The theme for Life In 500 Words is My Happy Place. Describe your happy place, where it is and why it's special to you, in 500 words or less. Record your My Happy Place story into your mobile phone, and email it to us at [email protected]

A self-confessed 'control freak' by nature, Ruth Henderson found her happy place on the back end of a tandem bicycle driven by her husband.The theme for Life In 500 Words is My Happy Place. Describe your happy place, where it is and why it's special to you, in 500 words or less. Record your My Happy Place story into your mobile phone, and email it to us at [email protected]

Many of us could do with more joy and less stress in our lives but could laughing more help us achieve it?

Are you a shower singer? Perhaps you are in a choir? No matter how, or where, you do it, the act of singing can benefit you on many levels.

Doing something that isn't work can add a lot of joy and wellbeing benefits to our lives, but "unproductive" leisure activities are also the first on the chopping block when our other responsibilities pile up.In our work-centric world, serious leisure takes a back seat, but maybe that needs a re-think. We look at how to make space for hobbies, how to find one you'll stick with, and why you shouldn't skimp on this kind of 'you-time' with Act-Belong-Commit campaign founder Dr Rob Donovan and Charles Sturt University's Dr Yazdan Mansourian.

Tracey Edstein's rolltop desk belonged to her grandfather and was part of the family stonemasonry business for decades. She has kept the desk, as well as some of the mysterious objects from it's many drawers and compartments.

Tracey Edstein's rolltop desk belonged to her grandfather and was part of the family stonemasonry business for decades. She has kept the desk, as well as some of the mysterious objects from it's many drawers and compartments.

Most of the time, the listening we do is purely functional. But what happens when we make time to listen for pleasure, to listen with purpose and to listen deeply? What do more conscious listening experiences provide us? And how can we make more time for them in our lives?

Jimmy Little was one of Australians most loved musicians.  His daughter, Frances Peters-Little has just completed the first biography of the singer.

Long before Paul Kelly ever picked up a guitar, he expressed himself in a different format: the poem. Now, he’s returning to his first love, and taking his fans with him on the journey.

Have you ever bought something thinking you knew what it was for, and then later discovered it was for something else entirely? Benita Cattalini's chair wasn't for barbering.

Have you ever bought something thinking you knew what it was for, and then later discovered it was for something else entirely? Benita Cattalini's chair wasn't for barbering.

Your ex sister-in-law sends a Christmas newsletter of what the family is doing and it upsets you. How do you tell her you'd prefer she ask about your family?

We all need people in our lives who can love and support us. But, for some people, their families of origin might not be able to provide that. That's where 'chosen families' can come in. So how can we build stronger connections with people who share our values, understand our lived experience and make us feel at home?  

As an Aussie writer living in New York with the man she loved, Alexandra Collier has the dream life. Until, she wakes up with ‘baby fever’. And, her partner doesn’t feel the same. But, as the relationships ends, a new possibility opens  up — becoming an SMBC  (a solo mum, by choice).

In Rachel Yoders' bestselling novel Nightbitch, a mother in the throes of early parenting is shocked to notice coarse hair sprouting from her neck, pointy ends to her teeth and the beginnings of a tail. She’s become Nightbitch. How do the demands of motherhood change us and can we survive with your pre-parenting identities intact?

The law of the land usually refers to rules laid down by lawmakers in Parliament House. But for the Yolngu people, the phrase has a deeper meaning: a connection with Country that's shaped the law across generations.A new documentary, Luku Ngarra, shares the story of Reverend Dr Djiniyini Gondarra, a civil rights activist, spiritual leader, and Yolngu lawman who, for decades, has fought for the recognition of Yolngu law. 

Superheroes are big business these days, dominating our movie screens as the major players compete to create the next big spectacle.So as the form of storytelling becomes more important, what does it mean to see yourself reflected in those heroes? Or in the creators working behind the scenes?Cleverman garnered critical acclaim in recent years, but it was decades earlier when the first Australian Indigenous superhero took to the screen in ABC's Basically Black.Blak Power, an exhibition at the Darwin Festival, showcases the work of more than a dozen artists from over the years.

When Frank Spry was a small child, he and his three siblings were placed in the Retta Dixon Home, a place that became notorious for the mistreatment of the children who lived there.In a new work with his son David, they are sharing the story of his childhood in Kingadong, the trauma of being taken away, and the triumph of spirit that has seen Frank become a powerful advocate for human rights.

Darren Pope's precious object is a little piece of Australian history. It was made during a restorative period in the life of the well-known artist, John Perceval, who died in 2000.

Darren Pope's precious object is a little piece of Australian history. It was made during a restorative period in the life of the well-known artist, John Perceval, who died in 2000.

Every day there are conversations that dominate the airwaves and social media. But are we missing some of the big ideas that really matter?Untold at the Darwin Festival is bringing together a range of Indigenous creative and cultural leaders for some conversations that might not have been widely heard, but should be.

Head out to any coastline across Australia and you're likely to see a few intrepid fisherman relaxing in the morning air or testing themselves against the fish and the elements. But one thing tends to be missing from the scene - women.      Not so in Darwin, where you'll find men, women, even whole families taking their rods out to the water. But that wasn't always the case. What led to that cultural shift?  

After decades fighting for its creation, a new aged care facility designed by Aboriginal elders has opened its doors in north-east Arnhem Land.The Yutjuwala Djwarr centre allows elders to stay on country and in their community, and features include a traditional ceremony space, bush medicine plants, and even a rescue dog.What can we learn from the success of this facility, and how can similar features be implemented in aged care centres around the country?