Life Matters - Separate stories podcast - podcast cover

Life Matters - Separate stories 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

Princess Polly and the criticism over B Corp certification

Fast fashion retailer Princess Polly has received a coveted tick of approval, with B Corp certification. But people are fired up that the brand is now listed as a sustainable company. So can fast fashion be socially and environmentally responsible?

Jul 23, 202519 min

Can we end homelessness?

Since May 2022, homelessness in Australia has grown by at least 10%.We're a wealthy nation, so you'd be forgiven for asking yourself... why is this problem only getting worse? And what needs to be done?

Jul 23, 202527 min

AI influencers infiltrating our social media feeds

Have you heard the name Mia Zelu? She's an influencer that's gone viral after attending Wimbledon. The twist is that Mia doesn't actually exist - she's a bot. Or a "digital storyteller" according to her social media bio. She's one of many AI influencers who've infiltrated our feeds, sharing very human-like experiences and thoughts with followers. So is this a problem? Some human influencers are kind of fake anyway, aren't they?

Jul 23, 20256 min

The changing viewing habits of Aussies at home

Bluey is not just an Aussie phenomenon -- it's just been named the most streamed show of 2025 so far in the United States. It's amassed more than 25 billion minutes of viewing this year according to Nielsen's streaming ratings. So, who decides what you view in your household?

Jul 22, 202515 min

Surprising research on what's seen as "older" in the workplace

A new report by the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Australian Human Resources Institute found almost one quarter of HR professionals now classify workers aged 51 to 55 as "older". Two years ago, only 10 per cent of recruiters took that view. So, what does it mean to be an "older" person in the workplace?

Jul 22, 202527 min

The ethics of dark tourism

Chernobyl, Auschwitz, the Killing Fields, and most recently, Leongatha in Victoria.Now, the Jonestown cult site is opening as a tourist attraction and survivors have voiced their concern. It begs the question - is it ethically dubious to visit these tragic sites? And is it possible to visit in a respectful way?

Jul 22, 20259 min

Why do some people develop a god complex?

They're never wrong, they're not interested in feedback, and their word is final. Do you work with someone who has a god complex? And if you're not sure... are you the problem?

Jul 21, 20257 min

The temptation to judge others' affairs and scandals

If you've been anywhere near the internet - you've probably seen the video that's spawned a million memes.A short viral video from a Coldplay concert that has effectively ended a career ... and possibly two marriages.So what does it say about our appetite for spectacle ... that we're so quick to jump in and play judge and jury to complete strangers?

Jul 21, 20259 min

Experts fear AI is replacing work done by interns and grads

Netflix has used artificial intelligence in one of its TV shows for the first time, with visual effects for series El Eternauta completed in one tenth the usual time. But experts say this efficiency isn't always for the best - with companies outsourcing basic tasks, it limits the need for interns and graduate employees.

Jul 21, 202512 min

Can psychedelic drugs heal body and soul?

The "Make America Healthy Again" movement loves the idea of psychedelics in medicine. It's a field where Australia is actually a pioneer. It's been two years since we became the first country to allow psychiatrists to prescribe two psychedelics as a treatment for mental health conditions. And just a few weeks ago, health insurer Medibank stepped in to fund some treatment.

Jul 21, 202523 min

Why are young workers still so widely exploited?

Almost half of Australia's young workers aged 15 to 30 have been pressured into unpaid overtime, and a third aren't paid superannuation. With so much publicity around dodgy workplace practices - why is exploitation still so prevalent?

Jul 20, 202514 min

Why a basket weaver moved to a ghost town

Corporate life was overwhelming, so basket weaver Monique Ross opted to do something completely different. It catapulted her into a ghost town in remote Western Australia.

Jul 20, 202510 min

The enduring appeal of Superman

Have you been to the movies in the last couple of weeks? Two popular franchises are back: Jurassic World Rebirth and Superman. So what explains our enduring fascination with dinosaurs and superheroes?

Jul 20, 202512 min

How to move on after a relationship breakup

After a breakup, what's your tried-and-true tactic to move on? Australian influencer Tammy Hembrow is getting divorced, and revealed she's selling all three dresses she wore at her wedding. So, is ditching the reminders of your ex the way to erase them ... from your mind, too?

Jul 20, 202513 min

Ask Aunty: Do different sleep routines equal relationship doom?

In the age of life hacking, goal setting and 24 hour stimulation, getting a sleep routine that works can be a real challenge. But, what happens when you have one that's working really well for you, and then you shack up with someone who completely up-ends it?

Jul 17, 202513 min

How to embrace your sporting identity

Growing up, many of us may start to think of ourselves as people who just “aren’t that into sport”. But what if we get older and decide we do want to make fitness a part of our lives? How can we form new "sporting identities"? What could help us find that unique physical activity that brings us joy and allow us to build the skills and confidence we may not have had as kids?

Jul 17, 202537 min

What does a card surcharge ban mean for consumers?

Sneaky surcharges can be frustrating for consumers. That $5 coffee? It'll be $5.10c when you tap your debit card. So, does the Reserve Bank of Australia's planned ban of debit and credit card surcharges really mean you'll save money?

Jul 16, 202517 min

New research on how to treat anxiety patients over 60

There's a pervasive stereotype that older people are resistant to change, resistant to accept help.But it turns out that isn't the case, when it comes to treating anxiety in patients over 60.Research shows better outcomes with therapy, than when using anti-anxiety medication.

Jul 16, 202519 min

My Two Cents: Outback Mike

Money can be a bit of a weird topic. Whether you've got stacks of it, or you're living payday to payday, it's one of those things we all deal with, but hardly ever talk about.

Jul 16, 20257 min

What makes an awkward silence... awkward?

Sometimes you're chatting away, swapping gossip and stories ... and then the conversation just .... stops. Suddenly, there's a lull ... and nobody knows what to say. So, why do we jump to fill awkward silences?

Jul 16, 20257 min

The rise of the YIMBY movement

Have you heard of the YIMBY movement? It stands for "Yes, In My Backyard", a counter to anti-development movements. But what role can YIMBYs play in solving Australia's housing crisis?

Jul 15, 202517 min

Should children skip school for mid-term holidays?

Many parents see the benefit of family travel and the financial upside of not travelling in peak school holiday time. But some educators say the popularity of mid-term holidays is proving a challenge in classrooms.

Jul 15, 202527 min

Are your boots made for walking?

Have you heard of the 12-hour Walk movement... what about the trend known as "Japanese walking" or the resurgence of what's being called the "fart walk"? It seems putting one foot in front of the other is suddenly cool again.

Jul 15, 20257 min

What's behind the #GirlDad movement?

You've probably seen photos like this while scrolling your feed. A dad in a tiara sipping imaginary tea. Another teaching his daughter to cast a fishing line. Or ... maybe you remember that viral video of a dad nailing the perfect pony tail ... with a vacuum cleaner. It's usually accompanied by the hashtag #Girl Dad.

Jul 14, 202515 min

Is the housing crisis preventing divorce?

That gap between Australia's housing supply and demand isn't just pushing prices up -- it's having ripple effects in places we don't always expect. It's locking people out of the market... and locking them into relationships too. New research suggests that more and more couples are staying together, not out of love, but because they simply can't afford to get split.

Jul 14, 202517 min

Do public apologies from brands actually work?

They're the two hardest words to say - "I'm sorry". So when a brand or identity is called out for bad behaviour and needs to apologise, why don't we usually believe they're remorseful?

Jul 14, 202510 min

Why are patients being "punished" for good health?

Patients risk losing their regular GP if they go for long periods without a visit. So, if not going to the doctor is a good thing then why are some people being punished for long stints of good health?

Jul 13, 202515 min
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