Life Matters - Full program podcast

When you think of your home, what springs to mind? For some, home is their happy place, a sanctuary of comfort and calm. But for others, it's complicated. Psychologist Chris Cheers discusses what it means to feel at home in our space, mind and body. And Ask Aunty delves into pet politics — Denise Eriksen and James Colley discuss how to deal with a mate's four-legged friend if you're not that enamoured by a slobbery extra guest under the dinner table.

School is back and across the ditch there's a new subject in the New Zealand curriculum: financial education will be taught in classrooms from year 1 to 10. The Barefoot Investor author Scott Pape discusses how Australia could incorporate financial lessons into our own curriculum.There's a turf war in Melbourne right now over who's responsible for maintaining the nature strip on either side of the road. But could there be a better way to make use of these public pockets of land?Giving your child a name that suits them can feel like an impossible task, and we turn to our own cultural touchpoints for inspiration. So what does it say about our cultural references when Charlotte, Oliver, Amelia and Noah top the charts every year?

Australia is a world leader in cancer survival, with more than 1.6 million people now living with and beyond cancer. But survival alone doesn't tell the whole story. Cancer survivor and researcher Professor Phoebe Phillips and Professor Bogda Koczwara from the Australian Research Centre for Cancer Survivorship discuss how to support people not just during the early stages of care, but for the long run. What age did you consider yourself "too old" to wear certain outfits? Playwright Peta Murray and author David Carlin share what they learned about the complexities of aging through caring for their elderly parents and reflecting on their experience in a new memoir, How to Dress for Old Age.Around one in seven Australians lives with tinnitus, a debilitating condition that can affect our social lives, our work and even how we get to sleep. As part of Tinnitus Awareness Week, a group of researchers from around the world have joined forces to push sound-based therapies designed to help people reduce the noise.

While women's sport is booming in Australia, beneath the surface there are signs of a culture that's lagging behind. Accusations of disrespect, mistreatment and exclusion are still bubbling away — and one regional Victorian women's team has walked away from their club altogether. ABC Sport reporter Marnie Vinall, researcher Rochelle Eime and West Brunswick AFC president Lydia Holt unpack what it actually takes to turn spaces built by men, for men, into places where women truly belong.The pandemic entrenched working from home, and these days, millions of people are logging in remotely to do everything they once did in the office. But if your boss is not so keen on the idea of you working from home, how can you make the case for it? Melissa Wheeler digs into new research looking at which flexible work requests are most effective.An Australian designer has released a copycat version of the iconic Birkin handbag, retailing for a fraction of the price. It begs the question: how much more are we willing to pay for "authentic" products or experiences? Paul Harrison discusses whether fake can still be fashionable, and how important authenticity is to real consumers.

The dog park is a magical place for our four-legged friends. But it's also a unique space for humans to connect with each other, form friendships, build community, and in some cases, even fall in love. Co-creator of ABC's new comedy Dog Park Amanda Higgs and animal-human relationship specialist Tiffani Howell discuss what makes dog park friendships so special. When John Davey became a quadruple amputee, he spent eight months lying in a hospital bed before a chance meeting in rehab showed him the true meaning of companionship. Could social connection be the key to recovery?A new survey shows around 70 per cent of kids travel to school by car, missing out on the benefits that come with active travel. So how can we get more out of our daily commute? Kieran Brophy shares the successes of a Victorian pilot program to get more kids walking to school.

If you've always defined who you are by what you do, you may have found it difficult to nurture other parts of your identity. But journalist and author of The Good Enough Job, Simone Stolzoff, argues there are ways to downsize the role of work in your life.And aunties Nelly Thomas and Annie Louey weigh in on when it's helpful to step into your 12-year-old's social life and when it's not.

If your kids asked you what metadata is, or how an algorithm works, or why they still have to write an essay even though ChatGPT can do it for them, would you have a good answer? Dr Niraj Lal is the author of a new book that aims to give teenagers the tools they need to understand and demystify the internet. We all have that one family member who's told the same story a thousand times. But these stories matter — they help situate you in your own history and tell you something about who you are. Lorin Clarke shares her experience in documenting the stories of her late father and beloved satirist John Clarke, while Professor Kasia Bail explains all the benefits of reminiscing about the past. Should we bear witness to human suffering through our screens? What compels us to watch and share videos depicting violence and crisis — and does doing so help anyone beyond ourselves? Associate Professor in Philosophy Patrick Stokes unpacks the ethical dilemma of doomscrolling.

When she was five, Katherine Bennell-Pegg looked up at the stars and never looked back. While most childhood dreams drift back to Earth, hers didn't. The 2026 Australian of the Year reflects on the determination it takes to become an astronaut, and what compels someone to push beyond the limits and boldly go where we've never gone before.After another week of record-breaking heat, it's pretty clear a lot of our homes simply aren't designed for the climate we live in. So how can we design our homes so that they're a sanctuary once more, instead of an oven?Do we treat female voices differently to male voices? New research suggests when it comes to AI assistants, there's a clear divide. So what does that say about us, and does it really matter?

Conversations about masculinity are often heavy. It can sometimes feel like the message boys hear is not just that there is a problem, but that they are the problem. Professor James Smith, researcher Ged Moriarty and advocate Luke Bateman discuss how we might re-imagine the concept of boyhood.The aged care industry is struggling to find workers, but one facility on the NSW central coast is tapping fresh high school graduates to bring a youthful energy to the home. So could a younger workforce change the game?A Queensland high school banning the mullet and other "unacceptable" hairstyles has reignited debate over the right to self-expression. Researcher Kayla Mildren unpacks whether a rat's tail really creates a ratbag, or if rules like these are about something bigger.

From the desks we work at to the places we retreat to at the end of the day, the spaces around us quietly shape how we feel, how we live, and how we connect with each other. Good design isn't just about looks – it's about comfort, dignity, possibility, and the way a space can hold us, support us, even change us. Kevin McCloud, presenter of TV show Grand Designs and Tim Ross, comedian, broadcaster and self-described design nerd dig into how design can make our lives better.Once the holidays are over and life settles back into routine, issues you've been avoiding can have a way of resurfacing – especially in relationships. Clinical psychologist Elisabeth Shaw and psychotherapist Dr Zoë Krupka unpack why January is a peak month for separations, and how to decide when a rough patch is worth working through or if it's time to part ways.

There's a viral nostalgia trend at the moment with millions of people posting photos of themselves from a decade ago. So, what is it about today that's making us yearn for the past? And how much does it serve us to kick off 2026 with our heads in 2016? Psychologist Dr Carly Johnco and behavioural neuroscientist Dr Jee Hyun Kim on how to look back whilst also looking ahead.And, on Ask Aunty, columnist Kerri Sackville and broadcaster Paul Culliver weigh in on the politics of volunteering at your kid's canteen.

Up to one in five Australians are postponing retirement or re-entering the work force later in life. For many, there's just not enough in the nest egg to retire when and how they'd like. Financial adviser Olivia Maragna and Neysa King, who returned to work in her 70s, unpack some of the reasons behind the trend.A new study from Harvard University shows that mixing up the types of exercise you do can significantly reduce the risk of early death. Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis breaks down the science and Heather Cooper shares her own training regime for running a half marathon at the age of 81.Have you tried typing your name into an online search engine? It can be surprising what shows up. Rae Johnston explains how to clean up the digital footprint you leave online.

You've heard the saying "it takes a village". But when so much of our modern lives are geared towards convenience and individualism, where do we find one? New York-based writer Amanda Litman decided to build her own by inviting friends and strangers to weekly dinners for a whole year. Weight loss drugs are here to stay — and changes coming to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme are set to make it easier for more people to access these medications. So how might that change the way we eat together and connect over food? And Professor Dan Woodman examines the conundrum of volunteer burnout: while volunteer numbers have been in steady decline, the amount of work we rely on those volunteers to do has stayed roughly the same.

We've all Googled our symptoms, but would you ask AI for medical advice? David Hansen from CSIRO's e-Health Research Centre, Dr Michael Bonning and consumer health expert Elizabeth Deveny weigh up the risks of relying on AI chatbots to navigate your health concerns.When comedian Craig Quartermaine applied for an arts grant, it was a flat-out no. Comedy wasn't on the list of "accepted" performing arts. So, if the purpose of "art" is to act as a mirror to reflect society, does stand-up deserve a ticket to the show?The face of multi-level marketing schemes seems to be changing, but the chances of success remain the same. Consumer behaviour expert Paul Harrison examines how MLMs hook us in, and what keeps us coming back for more.

The Bondi terrorist attack has left the Jewish community and the nation at large reeling. Journalist Nadine Cohen, artist Joel Adler and grief sociologist Margaret Gibson unpack how you can create space for mourning to heal and move through tragedy. Ben Collins had been contemplating a career change for years before hitting the books again in his late 40s to become a junior doctor at 51. So when is the right time to make a career pivot? You'll hear Ben's story and career counsellor Ellen Hooper's advice on making the move.When was the last time you pressed an actual button to get where you needed to go? Australia's car safety body warns touchscreens are taking over, and is pushing for a return to physical controls.

If you spent the holidays with your immediate or extended family, it may have been joyful. But is may also have been stressful and draining. Psychologist Anushka Phal helps you work through any emotions that came up during what may have been some intense family time. And, aunties, comedian Geraldine Hickey and ABC meteorologist Nate Byrne, advise on what to do when you want your new hook-up to be casual but not MIA!

The rise of apps linked to childcare centres gives crucial reassurance to worried parents that children are safe and happy at daycare. Throughout the day, educators snap pictures of activities and upload them to the app.But what happens to the pictures and sensitive documents accumulated over the years on these apps? Some parents, like Niels Wouters, are finding out that when your child graduates to big school, their data doesn't automatically go with them. Luci Pangrazio is an Associate Professor at Deakin University and Chief Investigator at the Centre for the Digital Child and Nesha Hutchinson is Vice President of the Australian Childcare Alliance.One of the cornerstone reforms from the Aged Care Royal Commission's final report is a new federal Aged Care Act. So do these changes bring us closer to a system we can trust to care for our parents ... and ourselves? Debra Nicholl is CEO of Elder Rights Australia and Lisa Backhouse has been advocating for aged care reforms and gave evidence to Royal Commission about the substandard level of care her mother experienced.In Australian primary schools, many tuckshops are struggling, teachers are paying for kids' lunches out of their own pockets, and some public primary schools are hiring chefs. And yet, many kids are still going to school hungry and without lunch. So, why is lunch a growing challenge for Australian schools? Bec Spink is the principal of Wirrigirri Primary School in Victoria and Rebecca Golley is Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics at Flinders University.

In Victoria, some foster carers are reporting sudden reductions in their allowances for looking after children with high-level needs. It highlights the ongoing challenges around the country when it comes to finding foster carers for children who need safe and stable homes. So, what needs to change? Emma is a foster carer, Samantha Hauge is Chief executive of the Foster Care Association of Victoria, and Renée Leigh is CEO of Adopt Change, and member of the National Foster & Kinship Care Collective.The Bureau of Meteorology has revamped its website and to say that people have strong opinions is an understatement. Whether you like or loathe it, the flood of reactions shows how the weather means so much more to us than small talk. So what is it about the weather... why are we so obsessed? Nate Byrne is ABC News Breakfast weather presenter and meteorologist and Lawrie Zion is professor of journalism at La Trobe University and author of The Weather Obsession.Suzanne Somers was one of the biggest TV stars of the 1980s and 1990s... starring on sitcoms like Three's Company and Step by Step. She also made a name for herself marketing the iconic fitness gadget - the ThighMaster. Sadly, Suzanne died of cancer in 2023... but now her husband of 46 years has brought her back... kind of. Somers' widower Alan Hamel has created an AI clone of her and plans to upload it on her website, to be a 24/7 AI chatbot for her fans. So, is this ethical? Patrick Stokes is Associate Professor of philosophy at Deakin University.

ChatGPT... Grammarly... Google Gemini... AI tools have changed student life in the space of just a couple of years. Cheating seems easier than ever before. So, how do teachers monitor AI use, while accurately assessing students' work? Mark McLauchlin is a nursing student who is fighting AI cheating accusations. Dr Jasmine Thomas, Associate Director of I.C.T. Governance and Partnerships at the University of Southern Queensland and Dr Cameron Edmond, lecturer in game development, at Macquarie University's School of computing are both navigating the world of academia and AI.Four million Australians work between 6pm and 6am - from nurses and cleaners to delivery drivers and security staff. But the people who keep our cities running after dark are largely invisible in planning. Researchers from the University of Melbourne’s Night Shift project say it’s time to design cities that better support night-time workers. So what would that look like? Dr Anna Edwards is a Research Fellow in Urban Studies at the University of Melbourne's Centre for Cities and Andrew Copolov is the founder of the Gig Workers Hub.Have you heard about the tiny bakery in Sydney that's supposedly selling cinnamon scrolls that are to die for? Every weekend, the lure of baked good from Sundays Bondi draws a line of people that stretches down the road. Are the cinnamon scrolls worth a one-hour wait? Who knows! Does the act of queuing for hours to buy something increase the thrill when you finally get it? Or are expectations sky-high and destined to result in disappointment? Dr Paul Harrison is a senior lecturer in marketing at Deakin Business School.

The news that Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban had ended their marriage after 19 years came as a shock. As did stories that Keith has reportedly moved on and is in a new relationship. While we're talking about two global superstars here... in a lot of ways, they're also going through a pretty relatable experience. About 30% of Australian marriages end in divorce....and many people go on to find new partners and remarry. Kate Halfpenny is a journalist and author who's written about endings and beginnings in her own relationships. Elisabeth Shaw is a clinical psychologist and CEO of Relationships Australia NSW.Infertility is a taboo topic at the best of times, and when it comes to male infertility, the stigma can have big consequences for starting a family. New guidelines have just been implemented to inform and shape the care heterosexual couples going through infertility will receive. But will they reduce the stigma for blokes seeking help for infertility? Father-of-two Jason Wylie shares his story of infertility and Associate Professor Darren Katz, urologist and male fertility specialist, discusses the new guidelines.A new version of the world's most popular AI chatbot, ChatGPT, will include erotic conversations and the ability to "act like a friend." So is this innovation? Can a bot help alleviate loneliness? Or are there too many risks when you replace human connection with AI? Social media content creator Mia Anastasia says she treats ChatGPT as a friend. Professor Jeannie Paterson is Co-director of the Centre for AI and Digital Ethics, University of Melbourne and Scott Watters is CEO and Founder of the youth mental health service LifeChanger.

Unlike previous generations, most parents today know there is a huge amount they can do to set up (or stuff up) their kids' mental and emotional needs.In an era of information overload, Developmental Paediatrician, host of the Pop Culture Parenting podcast and author Dr Billy Garvey aims to help parents understand and prioritise what's most important. Also, aunties, journalist Denise Eriksen and Head Writer for the ABC's Gruen James Colley, advise on how to respond when your best friend's plus one has four legs and a tail.

Our best stories of 2025 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.Today you'll hear about finding joy in going solo.

Over Summer, we've been revisiting some of your favourite stories from 2025.Today, we'll be discussing how to help our kids - or grandkids - navigate the world safety.How do you actually talk to your children about their own personal safety - without scaring them, but still giving them the confidence to make good decisions when you're not around?We also look at a different kind of safety - financial safety - and why we should be talking about money at school, and at home.Also, how to stop children from committing a crime - how early do we need to intervene?

Our best stories of 2025 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.Today you'll hear about how overcoming challenges early in life.

Today, we're taking a look back at some of your favourite stories from 2025 and revisiting those all-important "firsts" at work.A study shows more than one in three young people have been ripped off by their employers, and they're also unlikely to challenge their bosses about it. We look at why young workers are still so widely exploited - despite multiple legal reforms.Also, does where you grow up - shape your career trajectory? The "class ceiling" is very real. So, how can we tackle it?Plus - a generation divide in workplaces and AI dominating entry-level tasks - what's the future of wok look like for interns and grads?

When you get dressed in the morning, what role does your identity play in the clothes you choose to wear? And how do your feelings that day influence what you pick from your wardrobe?Fashion photographer Liz Sunshine and fashion lecturer Dr Harriette Richards look at the messages your clothes send to the world about who you are.Also, aunties columnist Robert Skinner and comedian Urvi Majumder, strategise on how to deal with your new desk buddy's gross eating habits.

We're bringing you some of our favourite stories from Life Matters in 2025 over summer, to help you figure out all the big stuff in life: relationships, health, money, work and the world.Today it's your stories about mental health and neurodivergence in yourself and your family.

We're bringing you the best stories from Life Matters in 2025 that helps you figure out all the big stuff in life: relationships, health, money, work and the world.You're about to hear about the potential changes to New South Wales national parks that could see camping fees increase, why we're so obsessed with the big stuff - whether it's prawns, bananas or avocados - and one marine ecologist's long commute to one of the most remote island's on earth.

Over Summer, we've been revisiting some of your favourite stories from 2025.Science says we reach our mental peak at 60. So, why are we always being told our best years are in our teens or twenties? Plus, the women joining the "We do not Care" club in droves. We also discuss the practicalities of long-haul travel in retirement.

Over Summer, we've been revisiting some of your favourite stories from 2025.Today, we'll be discussing the hint to find the elixir of youth - and the huge cash prize up for grabs. Plus, what do we consider "old" in the workforce? The answer might surprise you. We also look into how photography can help us age well, as Dr Karl shares his money secrets.

Have you heard of the "Let Them theory", the viral self-help trend popularised by American motivational speaker Mel Robbins?The mantra, according to Robbins, can help you let go of situations you can't control. But what do psychologists say about what happens if the theory is applied to our actual relationships and life goals? Clinical psychologist Dr Jacqueline Baulch weighs in.And, aunties, comedian Reuben Kaye and journalist Denise Eriksen, advise on what to do when your no-strings-attached hook-up is getting you all tied up.

Are there actually physical symptoms when you get your heart broken? Why do heart emojis look nothing like the thing beating in our chests? What can be done to save someone when their heart stops beating?

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

It's summer on ABC Radio National so we're bringing you some of your favourite stories from the year gone by.Today, we're giving you a peek behind the curtain of secretive extremist subcultures. They're in our backyards, but most of us know next to nothing about them.We speak to a journalist who delved down the rabbit hole of the history of conspiracy theories in Australia. We also look into the tradwife subculture, and speak to a young mum who says the movement has been co-opted by alt-right radicals. And a de-radicalisation specialist explains why young people are sucked into extremism online.

It's summer on ABC Radio National so we're bringing you some of your favourite stories from the year gone by.Today, we're diving into family relationships. During the holiday season, those ties feel more tangled (and more telling) than ever.They're fraught with complexities, but probably the deepest and most intimate connections many of us will ever have.We talk to a so-called "reproductive refugee" - who fled her home state, to create her own family and make her dream of motherhood come true.We also unpack whether a marriage can survive addiction, and look at the dynamics of family secrets.

Home can be a refuge where you curl up, feel safe and read a good book. But your sense of 'home' doesn't have to be a physical place. Psychologist Chris Cheers explores how you can find that sense of comfort wherever you are. Also, the aunties, comedian Nazeem Hussain and broadcaster James Findlay, weigh in on what happens when you love your friends but find their kids (kind of) annoying.

From the Life Matters archives, it's all about parents today.You'll hear about how the way we're sharing our kids identity online is shifting. We also ask what's driving a rise in homebirths, and how fathering - not fatherhood - has changed in Australia over the last century.Plus how comedian Matt Okine has totally changed his priorities and how he thinks about money since becoming a dad in My Two Cents.

It's summer! Which means you're hearing the best of the best from Life Matters this year.Today we're giving you the wrap up on all things work life balance.You'll hear from someone who thinks it's just important to have a hobby as it is to have a fulfilling job. And by now we know AI is coming for our jobs, but what would it mean for our career trajectory if it takes our internships? Plus the town trying to add a public holiday to it's roster for their resident's mental health, and a healthy tourism boost.

We're replaying some of your favourite stories from Life Matters this year for our summer specials.Today you'll hear our top stories to navigate the ethical minefield of shopping at Christmas time.If your kids are begging you for "dupes" of popular items - it's a double edged sword - on one hand you'll be saving money and on another you could be encouraging a trend that rips off smaller designers, so how can you manage it?And for the music lover in your life it's good news - CDs are back - and they're becoming an alternative for people turning away from unethical streaming companies.Plus if you're looking for a holiday with a bit of a twist - would you consider dark tourism? Hear why visiting a place with a dark past is on the up.

It's summer on Life Matters so we're bringing you some of your favourite stories from the year gone by.Today we're talking housing, diving into how downsizing isn't always as straightforward as it seems. We'll also dig into the strain housing stress can put on relationships, namely the self-induced stress of a renovation with Grand Designs Australia host Anthony Burke, and investigate what role modular housing can play in addressing supply shortages.

As kids, we imagine we'll hit a point when our 'adulting' instincts magically kick in, but many of us never quite feel as adult as we think we should. So what do we even mean when we talk about 'adulting', can we learn to do it, or is it better to learn that we don't really need to? Moya Sarner is a psychotherapist and journalist and author of When I Grow Up: Conversations with Adults in Search of Adulthood and Dr Rebecca Ray is a psychologist and author.It can be a delicate balance when you try to support someone you love in a time of need. It's even more complicated when that person moves into your home. In today's Ask Aunty, letter writer Daphne is trying to keep the peace after her newly-separated brother moves in with her family. Aunties Denise Eriksen, Journalist and Executive Director of Screen Careers and comedian and writer Bec Shaw offer their insights.

As cosmetic procedures and weight loss treatments become more widely accessible, body changes can be rapid. So when the body you've known for years changes in a profound way, how do you navigate that mentally? And when – if ever – is it okay to comment on other people's bodies, or have a conversation about their appearance? Steve Molk lost more than 100kg over the course of three years and Professor Gemma Sharp is a clinical psychologist who leads a body image, eating and weight disorders research program.When so many of us look back on the movies which shaped our childhood, one element stands out - the magic of Dick Van Dyke. The veteran actor is about to turn 100 - and he's still cheeky, energetic, and larger than life. So, what's the real secret to ageing well? Is it mindset? Attitude? Something more? Nancy Pahana is a geropsychologist and Everald Compton, 94, never plans to retire.When we want to weigh the moral heft of a political decision in this country, we don't crack open a philosophy textbook. We pull up a stool at the nearest bar and ask, "does it pass the pub test?" But why is this our gold standard? Patrick Stokes is an Associate Professor philosophy at Deakin University.

Being an active bystander - that is, speaking up or intervening in the face of injustice - feels like the right thing to do when you see something you disagree with. But it doesn't always go to plan, and your best intentions can backfire. There's new analysis suggesting that, in schools at least, encouraging kids to intervene isn't always helpful. So how are you meant to know when it's the right time to stop being a bystander and step up? Dr Karyn Healy is an Honorary Principal Research Fellow at the Parenting and Family Support Centre at the University of Queensland and Dr Vicki Webster is an organisational psychologist with a focus on the workplace and executive team.Artificial intelligence may be a lot of things ... chatbot, digital assistant... but can it be funny? An Australian researcher is trying to work out whether AI robots can do stand-up comedy. Not necessarily write jokes... but deliver a comedy routine that leaves people in stitches.So, do you think AI could make you laugh? Dr Robert Walton is a Research Fellow, Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, University of Melbourne and Nicolette Minster is a comedian and writer.We're asking your favourite Australians about their relationship with money in our series My Two Cents. So, is it raining cash in ABC weather presenter Nate Byrne's world?

In under 24 hours, the internet will look very different. Nationwide, anyone under 16 will be locked out of social media. Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, X, Reddit, YouTube - all off-limits. If you're not yet 16, you'll be waiting until your birthday to log back in. Julie Inman Grant is Australian eSafety Commissioner.Many parents have voiced support for Australia's social media ban for under 16s - but that doesn't mean it will be an easy transition. In fact, experts say it will mean a pretty solid adjustment for families, and a lot to navigate. Professor Alina Morawska is a Parenting and Family Support Centre at UQ's School of Psychology and Cam Wilson is Tech Reporter at Crikey.You've been gearing up for a holiday all year... and now the day is finally here. The tickets are booked, bags are packed, you've even picked out your outfit for the plane. Psychologist Christine Bagley-Jones discusses how to manage different expectations of your holiday.

Whether it's the big flashy state library in your capital city, or the humble one in your suburb, the role of a library is stretching to meet demand for its free programs and resources. That evolution hasn't come without friction, so in modern Australia, who, and what, are our libraries really for? Cathie Warburton is CEO of The Australian Library and Information Association, and Dr Heather Robinson is Research Associate at Flinders University and author of Beyond the books: Culture, value, and why libraries matter.More and more people are turning to AI for spiritual support, by using bots for religious worship and guidance. They're known as "faith bots" and there's one for pretty much every belief. Christians can use Text Jesus. There's a virtual Islamic Scholar called Sheikh GPT. And Gita GPT allows you to exchange messages with the Hindu god Krishna. So, can AI help you become closer to God? Can it strengthen your faith? Dr Rosemary Hancock is a Senior lecturer and Convener of the Religion, Culture and Society Research Focus Area, at the University of Notre Dame and Venerable Dr JueWei, is Head of program of applied Buddhist studies and humanistic Buddhism at Nan Tien Institute.It's a time to eat, drink, and be merry. But for Australians struggling with - or recovering from - addiction, holiday gatherings can become a test of willpower. An addiction specialist shares his first Christmas off the booze. Benn Veenker is Manager of Lived Experience at Turning Point.

Developmental paediatrician Dr Billy Garvey says behavioural and emotional difficulties are the number one reason parents come to see him. But, Dr Billy says parents can learn to respond to challenging behaviour in a way that works for both them and their kids.What do you do when it feels like you and your in-laws speak different languages when it comes to parenting? And the situation is heightened when your mother-in-law moves in to offer emergency childcare? Aunties Bridie Jabour, author, journalist and associate editor at Guardian Australia and James Colley, head writer for ABC's Gruen, offer their insights.

New research claims that the number of empty dwellings across Melbourne has risen dramatically... from more than 27,000 in 2023 to nearly 32,000 in 2024. And across the country ... experimental ABS data suggests that up to 140,000 dwellings are sitting vacant. So, why would houses, apartments, and blocks of land be left sitting empty? And is there a way to utilise these properties to address Australia's housing crisis? Rayna Fahey is Director of Advocacy, Prosper Australia and Dr Michael Fotheringham is CEO of the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute.Only around one in twenty Australians eat enough fruit and veggies. The rest of us are falling way short of where we need to be. Price is a common complaint, but is fresh produce really that expensive? A Monash study has looked at the perception of prices of fresh produce - and found that displaying a cost-per-serving on the ticket induces shoppers buy more vegetables. Fiona Newton is an Associate Professor and consumer psychology expert at Monash Business School and Jane Martin is Executive Manager of the Food for Health Alliance.You've got dinner plans with a group of friends, and you've been looking forward to it for weeks. But in the days -or hours- leading to the catch-up... you get one... maybe several texts. Sorry, I can't make it. Sorry, work has been insane this week. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. So, are we flakier than we used to be? Dan Woodman is a Professor of Sociology at University of Melbourne.

From the desks we work at to the places we retreat to at the end of the day, the spaces around us quietly shape how we feel, how we live, and how we connect with each other. Good design isn't just about looks – it's about comfort, dignity, possibility, and the way a space can hold us, support us, even change us. Kevin McCloud, presenter of TV show Grand Designs and Tim Ross, comedian, broadcaster and self-described design nerd dig into how design can make our lives better.Have you ever asked a hairdresser or a tradie if they can do a better price for cash? Have you done work for someone and got paid "cash in hand." Or perhaps a friend has a small business with a percentage of income generated "under the table." Australia's shadow economy is thriving and Tony Goding, Assistant Commissioner and Chair of the ATO's Shadow Economy Taskforce, is one of the people cracking down on this illegal activity.

If you're heading on an overnight hike or about to tackle a challenging climb on your summer break, how much thought have you given to the worst-case scenario? It's not something anyone likes to dwell on, but preparing for all possibilities can be the difference between life, death, or being extracted by specialist rescue teams. So how prepared are you to venture into the wilderness? Dr Jo Kippax is an emergency doctor and 2026 Tasmanian Australian of the Year, Dr Jim Whitehead is a search and rescue trainer, and Krystal Dacey is a PHD candidate looking into the way we behave when we're lost in the wilderness.The Christmas party invite says smart casual. But what does that mean when it's 35 degrees and storms are on the way? And why are double pluggers acceptable in a Queensland office setting, but you'd never catch anyone in Sydney with their toes out at work? There's no doubt our weather and cultural trends influence what we wear. But how much personal freedom do we really have when we're getting dressed? Alex Haslam is a Professor of Social and Organisational Psychology, University of Queensland.Two major clothing retailers have been busted using AI-generated ads. Now Heineken, Polaroid, and Cadbury are pushing back- branding their campaigns "human made." So, why are we bothered whether an ad is AI-generated or not? Paul Harrison is Chair of Consumer Behaviour at Deakin University's Business School.

Last Thursday morning, a woman died and her boyfriend was seriously injured in a shark attack at a remote NSW beach. The attack happened as the couple was reportedly filming dolphins in the water. It's a tragedy... and the fifth fatal shark attack in Australia this year. So, are shark attacks on the rise in Australia? And what's the most effective way of reducing attacks? Professor Culum Brown is Head of the Fish lab at Macquarie University and Steven Pearce is CEO of Surf Life Saving New South Wales.AI is already pretty good at making decent music with bare minimum human input, but now one of the biggest AI-music generating platforms has partnered with one of the world's biggest record labels. It could mean the artificially-made music is about to be based on some of your favourite – and most popular – artists' work. So once the song is sung, do you care whether the music you love is AI or human-generated? Ben Lee is an Australian musician, Dr Emery Schubert is a Professor at UNSW, and Dr Ben Green is a music sociologist and Lecturer at RMIT. The consumer watchdog is urging shoppers to be wary of online "ghost stores" in the lead-up to Christmas. The ACCC has received more than 700 complaints about online stores suspected of misrepresenting themselves as local businesses. So how can you steer clear of online scams this festive season? And what should you do if you've been caught up in one? Dr Cassandra Cross is a Professor at Queensland University of Technology's School of Justice and Troy Hunt is a web security consultant and founder of Have I Been Pwned.