Life Matters - Full program podcast - podcast cover

Life Matters - Full program podcast

ABC listenwww.abc.net.au
Helping you figure out all the big stuff in life: relationships, health, money, work and the world. Let's talk! With trusted experts and your stories, Life Matters is all about what matters to you.
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Episodes

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

The surprising emotions that come with a lottery windfall. Also, could playground design protect children from bullying? Plus, new research shows that if you use AI assistants like ChatGPT.... there is a cognitive cost. And, Gen Z is drinking less and spending more on fitness and wellbeing than any other generation. But does this health kick make them lonelier?

Jun 23, 202555 min

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

Global tension can impact us emotionally, mentally, even physically. So, how can we deal with this anxiety? Plus, how did you navigate the transition to school for your kids? Also, Australia's first lab-grown meat will be in restaurants within weeks. And when and where do you wear your earbuds?

Jun 22, 202555 min

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

When it comes to reading, Aussie boys aren't keeping up with girls and the gap is getting wider. Why do families keep secrets... and what makes people finally reveal the truth? Plus, new research suggests that taking photos can be surprisingly powerful. And what happens when a business partnership fails?

Jun 09, 202555 min

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

Australia's medical regulator last week introduced new safeguards aimed at protecting young people from potentially dangerous side-effects of non-invasive cosmetic procedures. Plus, the University of Queensland's body donor program has stopped accepting bodies. Turns out, so many people want to donate ... they've run out of space. And, have mobile phones taken over our lives like parasites?

Jun 08, 202555 min

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

A call to emergency services can save lives, but what should you do when you see someone in mental health crisis? What are the long-term effects on your finances when you dip into your super early? Also, Gen Zs have identified "recession indicators", but what's the reality? And, why do some people love the thrill of extreme sports?

Jun 02, 202555 min

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

An Australian mother is trying to raise the funds to cryogenically preserve the body of her teenage son, who died tragically last week. So, what are the ethical implications of cryogenics? Meanwhile, WhatsApp parent chat groups have some people pulling their hair out. But should they be banned? And can you offset doing something morally wrong?

May 28, 202555 min

Playing team sport improves mental health

Michael is a rugby league educator who’s spent the past forty years helping at risk youth stay out of trouble by getting them involved in sport. He says the benefits go far beyond the footy field. Michael’s on the ground experience echoes recent a Swedish research showing that participation in team sports can significantly reduce the risk of mental illness and addiction later in life. Plus, soft plastics recycling returns, will it work this time? And a psychologist takes on AI therapy bots....

May 26, 202555 min

Surviving disaster after disaster: new research reveals hidden mental toll

There’s a common belief that after experiencing a disaster once, people are better placed the second time, you get better at sandbagging, know what to secure, and what to leave behind. But what toll does this actually take, enduring disaster after disaster? New research shows the cumulative toll on mental wellbeing goes far beyond the physical damage. Plus, how to navigate retirement when your health takes a turn and how neuromyths are holding us back.

May 25, 202555 min

Our money relationships and family estrangement

If your emotional 'hangups' about money are holding you back, is there a way to let them go? And, if you're being pressured to reconnect with a family member and you simply don't want to, what's the best way to respond?

May 22, 202553 min

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

According to the Australian Federal Police, children as young as 12 are being radicalised by extremist groups online, and petrified families say there's nowhere to turn. So, what does early intervention look? Plus, how to get your groceries down to $10 a week and which generation is bearing the brunt of cossie lives.

May 21, 202555 min

Tracking or Trusting? When location sharing crosses the line

Nearly one in five young adults think it’s normal for a partner to track their location. For many, it feels harmless, families use it for peace of mind, parents to check kids got home safe. Plus, sober curiosity and the small changes that can have a big impact on your relationship with alcohol. And does the Coalition split signal a bigger divide between city and country?

May 20, 202555 min

Has camping become too expensive?

Camping in NSW national parks could soon cost more under a major proposal to standardise fees across the state. Supporters say it will improve facilities and reduce no-shows, but others fear it will make nature less accessible. Plus, the race against aging and why your best ideas happen in the shower.

May 19, 202555 min

Inside the "toxic" tradwife subculture

Stacey Knight is a self-described tradwife who blogs about her family life. The movement has made headlines overseas for its links to far-right politics, but Stacey says her lifestyle is about simplicity—not ideology. So why are more young women embracing traditional roles? Plus, why is protein in everything now—and is a robot coming for your job?

May 18, 202555 min
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