Life Matters - Full program podcast

Two years into the pandemic, we take a look at how Indigenous communities around the country have been affected so far. Also, now that the Winter Olympics has closed and another Olympic village is abandoned, we think about what it is that makes abandoned buildings so fascinating. And teacher and author Daisy Turnbull brings us some tips on how to get your teens to open up.

With many of us reconsidering how much we work, alternative work arrangements that once seemed impossible now feel within reach. A growing number of countries and companies are experimenting with the four-day work week. But is it realistic for Australia?

How do you ensure a sustainable future for national parks that meets the needs of traditional owners, other locals, and the flora and fauna? What makes the spicy Asian condiment Blachung such an essential ingredient for so many Indigenous families in the Northern Territory? And in The Too Hard Basket, minding other people’s children.

Are parts of the NDIS conducting budget cuts by stealth? Users speak out. Why our senses are being assailed like no other time in history, and the insidious nature of digital subscriptions.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of single sex schools, and how do they impact on children and young people who are developing their gender identity? Plus former ABC TV's One Plus One host Jane Hutcheon on how to have a powerful conversation with your friends, family and colleagues. Also, some tips on the best way to reintroduce exercise into your life, if you're getting over COVID.

E-scooters are becoming more and more popular these days, but how safe are they for the scooter riders and the pedestrians and drivers sharing space with them? Also, how long is too long when it comes to holding a grudge?

From Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, to the modern couples on Married at First Sight, can pop culture warp your perception of romantic relationships? And what makes a healthy relationship anyway?

Entrepreneur and inventor Saul Griffith has a bold plan for Australia: electrify everything. So how would that work in reality? The history of women’s undergarments and how they’ve shaped femininity. And The Too Hard Basket tackles body odour.

North Queensland tourism operators discuss the re-opening of Australia's borders, which methods of education are best to teach consent, and explaining the enormous influence of Big Data on what global corporations know about us.

With school now back for children and young people across the country, we discuss how everyone is settling back in and what you can do to help the child in your life overcome any detrimental effects of the pandemic. Plus the availability of local news outside of capital cities is subject to a parliamentary inquiry with submissions closing soon. How has your community been affected by the decline of regional newspapers?

When you don't have a stable place to call home, it has a major impact on your wellbeing, but exactly how much is your health affected? And how much do charity challenges like FebFast change our habits? Also, how did one man's mid-life crisis lead him back to his traditional way of life?

The ongoing impact of the pandemic has meant many Australians have faced lengthy wait times for elective surgery, but with surgeries set to resume in some capacity in NSW and Victoria from February 7, what effect has the delay had on patients' health outcomes?

Destiny Kynuna, from Yarrabah in Far North Queensland, is a psychiatric nurse who’s about to graduate from medical school. Seeing First Nations people over-represented in the mental health system has further fuelled her passion to make a difference. Wendy Mitchell shares her surprising story of living with dementia. And in the Too Hard Basket, should listener Meredith let her narcissistic ex-partner back into her life?

What, if anything, would encourage more people to consider taking a job in the embattled aged care sector? Experts argue the Government’s new one-off payments of $800 won’t make a real difference and more fundamental reform is needed. And we take your calls on how to let go of the never-ending to-do list.

It's the hottest time of the year and many renters are really feeling it, especially if the properties they live in are not properly cooled. So what can be done about it? Plus we take a look at whether or not this is a good time to fix the interest rate on your home loan, and find out how to recognise the early signs of hoarding disorder in young people.