Life Matters - Full program podcast
Self-Improvement
About
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.
Episodes
- How parenting dynamics change in adulthood and the price of doggy destruction
This episode of Life Matters discusses the evolving dynamics of parent-child relationships in adulthood, with insights from psychotherapist Zoe Krupka. It also covers a listener question about financial responsibility for pet-induced damag…
- Celebrating 100 years of David Attenborough and cancelling the Met Gala
This episode celebrates David Attenborough's 100th birthday and his legacy in nature documentation. It also discusses the ethics of the Met Gala and features blood donation advocate Kate Fisher on the importance of giving blood.
- The golden gap year and where to start tightening your budget
This episode discusses the "golden gap year" for older adults and practical advice on budgeting and making financial savings. It also briefly covers the impact of circadian rhythms on daily productivity and workplace dynamics.
- The reality of leaving an abusive relationship and are influencers making us sick?
Dr. Ruth and Elizabeth McLindon discuss the challenges of leaving abusive relationships. Deborah Cohen investigates the impact of wellness influencers on health advice.
- The great school debate and friction-maxxing
This episode discusses the divide between public and private schools, the concept of "friction-maxxing" as a resistance to convenience, and research on vocal attractiveness and its relation to sexuality, power, and status.
- Dads discovering the father wound and the unspoken politics of the group chat
Zac Seidler explores the challenges of fatherhood when a relationship with one's own father was difficult. James Findlay and Diana Nguyen offer advice on navigating the politics of group chats.
- The unpopular solution to our growing waste problem and what to do with old pianos
This episode discusses Australia's growing waste problem, including potential waste-to-energy solutions and the challenges of landfill capacity. It also explores what to do with old pianos that are no longer wanted and how to give them a s…
- How misogi celebrates one big win and the science of cosiness
This episode discusses the Japanese ritual of misogi, the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports with insights from Pride Cup CEO Hayley Conway, and the cultural and scientific aspects of cosiness. Guests include adventure photographer D…
- The personal toll of advocacy and balancing out the mental load
Kate Everett, co-founder of Dolly's Dream, shares her experience balancing grief and advocacy. Sociologist Leah Ruppanner discusses the mental load and how an audit can help. Consumer behaviour expert Paul Harrison examines marketing trick…
- A win for renters' privacy and the local councils trying to save uninsurable towns
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- How to spot a real narcissist and the case of the missing family jewels
This episode discusses narcissistic personality disorder, clarifying its definition versus general selfish behavior. It also offers advice on managing family disputes over inheritance and possessions after a death.
- Why we need to talk about booze and what it really takes to make it in Australia
This episode of Life Matters discusses alcohol consumption levels in Australia with Erin Lalor and Shanna Whan. It also explores the challenges new migrants face when starting careers in Australia with Jane Favero and Welde. Finally, the e…
- The singles tax and psychosocial safety in the workplace
This episode of Life Matters discusses the financial realities for single people in Australia, parental awareness of concussion, and the challenges of psychosocial safety in the workplace. It features insights from Gen Ford, Jill Stark, Va…
- What's going on with adult ADHD diagnosis and is optimism dead?
This episode discusses the increase in adult ADHD diagnoses and challenges within the support system, offering guidance on finding assessments. It also explores the concept of optimism, referencing a poll on societal well-being and insight…
- What it costs to feed Australia and why we don't listen to new music
A new report estimates Australia spends $2.1 billion annually to feed public institutions and programs. Experts discuss improvements for healthier public food and the decline in new music sales. The concept of death doulas is also explored.
- Making workplaces truly neuro-inclusive and the school fete dilemma
This episode of Life Matters discusses creating neuro-inclusive workplaces with Monique Mitchelson and Alex Lazarus-Priestly. It also features Annie Louey and Simon Kennedy-Jewell addressing a school fete dilemma.
- The neighbourhoods driving the DIY energy transition and why picky eating is a modern problem
This episode of Life Matters explores how Australians are dealing with the global fuel crisis and the role of individual efforts in the energy transition. It also delves into the modern phenomenon of picky eating in children, examining its…
- The science of the perfect day and dogs in public spaces
This episode discusses research on achieving a perfect day, considering the balance between enjoyable activities and unavoidable tasks. It also explores the societal debate on allowing dogs in various public spaces, and provides guidance f…
- Can kids claw back their digital privacy and fighting for the right to repair
This episode discusses a new Children's Online Privacy Code, which aims to give young people more control over their online data. It also covers the growing movement advocating for the "right to repair" household appliances and the pushbac…
- The bees are dying again and the rise of 'slopaganda'
This episode discusses the impact of the varroa mite on European honeybee colonies and the concept of 'slopaganda' in online propaganda. It also examines the decline in new business creation.
- Understanding ethical non-monogamy and a family split over Dad's ashes
This episode of Life Matters explores ethical non-monogamy and changing attitudes towards relationships, discussing if monogamy is still relevant. It also covers a family conflict regarding a loved one's ashes and the challenges of honorin…
- Rescuing the 'post-literate' generation and what ancient philosophers say about aliens
This episode explores the decline in reading among the younger generation, with historian Dominic Sandbrook discussing the implications of a 'post-literate' society. It also touches on the creation and protection of public spaces for teena…
- What kids of divorce really need and the future of space exploration
This episode discusses what children of divorce need, emphasizing safety and security over other factors. It also delves into the future of space exploration, including the Artemis II mission and its potential impact.
- How to tackle Australia's gambling problem and why You Can't Ask That is back
This episode of Life Matters discusses Australia's gambling reforms, including restrictions on gambling ads, and whether these changes are sufficient. It also covers the return of the show "You Can't Ask That" for its seventh season and ra…
- Watching Married At First Sight with your teenager and rethinking financial education
This episode of Life Matters explores co-viewing "Married at First Sight" with teenagers for discussions on relationships. It also delves into financial literacy education in Australian schools and the benefits of pushing personal limits i…
- Parenting advice from Dr Billy Garvey and how to uninvite a friend's four-legged plus-one
Dr. Billy Garvey provides parenting advice on addressing children's mental and emotional needs. Denise Eriksen and James Colley help a listener with a social dilemma involving a friend's pet.
- How to solve food insecurity and why Australian men are 'marrying up'
This episode discusses food insecurity in Australia, strategies for coping with grief, and the sociological trend of Australian men marrying women with higher education levels. It examines the complexities of food security, personal approa…
- Learning on the road and the woman who fought Ansett to fly
This episode covers homeschooling, a father and son's journey from Sydney to Italy on a Vespa, and Deborah Lawrie's legal fight against Ansett for the right to become a pilot.
- Is social media addiction real and focus for dummies
This episode discusses research on social media addiction and its effects on the brain with psychology researchers Deon Tullett-Prado and Sharon Horwood. Neuroscientist Lila Landowski shares insights on improving focus. Additionally, consu…
- Putting the car-free experiment to the test and the ethics of panic buying
This episode explores a car-free experiment in Brisbane, a new national plan to provide equal access to music for young Australians, and the ethical considerations of panic buying. It covers insights from a researcher on ditching cars and…
- How to stay friends when you hate their politics and advice about a toxic ex
This episode discusses navigating friendships when political views diverge and handling situations where a friend reunites with an ex you dislike. Psychotherapist Andrew Sloan offers insights on these relational challenges.
- Reimagining boyhood and launching childhood dreams with astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg
This episode of Life Matters features astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg, discussing the reimagining of boyhood and childhood dreams. The program aims to help listeners with significant life topics such as relationships, health, money, work,…
- Petrol prices throwing travel plans out the window and AI agents doing your admin
This episode discusses the impact of rising petrol prices on travel plans and the concept of AI agents handling administrative tasks. It also touches on the lifespan and significance of kitchens in Australian homes.
- Giving up your capital gains tax discount and the hot flush gold rush
This episode discusses capital gains tax discounts, negative gearing, and their effects on housing affordability. It also explores the marketing phenomenon dubbed the "hot flush gold rush," which targets menopausal women.
- Making apartments more family-friendly and is 'leisure sickness' a real thing?
This episode discusses making apartments family-friendly with Kate Longley and Natalia Krysiak, challenges faced by country students, Kathy Lette's inspiration for writing, and theories behind "leisure sickness." It covers various lifestyl…
- Understanding 'the mother wound' and drawing the line on workplace gossip
Psychotherapist Zoe Krupka discusses 'the mother wound', examining mother-daughter bonds, expectations, guilt, and comparisons. The episode also explores the line between harmless and unprofessional workplace gossip.
- How to protect your f*** off fund and travelling with dementia
This episode discusses financial independence and protecting assets in relationships, with insights from a researcher, a solicitor, and a journalist. It also covers living with dementia and prioritizing travel, featuring personal stories.…
- The big benefits of small talk and leaving the 'manosphere'
Professor Gillian Sandstrom discusses the benefits of small talk. Leeson Timms shares his experience leaving the 'manosphere', a topic also covered by Louis Theroux's documentary. The episode also touches on Finland's Housing First policy…
- A national hotline for witnesses to war and talking teens through spirituality
This episode of Life Matters discusses a national hotline established for witnesses of war. It also explores methods for guiding teenagers through spirituality.
- Teaching e-scooter safety and why optimism is good for your health
This episode discusses a new e-scooter safety program in Queensland and the increasing number of injuries associated with these devices. It also covers research from Yale University on the health benefits of optimism and explores the myste…
- Co-parenting after separation and clearing an innocent cat's name
Danielle Lundberg discusses co-parenting after separation, offering advice on navigating family dynamics. Additionally, a listener seeks guidance on an issue involving her cat and a neighbor.
- Why teens are trying therapy via Fortnite and should you get a sleep divorce?
The episode "Why teens are trying therapy via Fortnite and should you get a sleep divorce?" from the show Life Matters discusses youth mental health and relationship dynamics, focusing on modern approaches to therapy and sleep arrangements…
- Denise Scott on making comedy through cancer and workplace conflict tips from Esther Perel
Denise Scott shares her experience making comedy after a cancer diagnosis. Esther Perel's insights on navigating workplace conflict are also discussed.
- Giving parents more choice in child care and saying goodbye at a living funeral
This episode discusses expanding child care subsidy options to include various care types beyond centers. It also features a segment on living funerals, sharing one woman's experience of saying goodbye on her own terms.
- The future of Meals on Wheels and teaching teens to drive
This episode discusses the future of Meals on Wheels, challenges faced by the service, and changes being implemented. It also covers the topic of teaching teenagers to drive and a proposal by the Australian Council of Trade Unions to incre…
- Getting what you want in the bedroom and discovering infidelity after death
This episode of Life Matters discusses sexual satisfaction, intimacy barriers, and communication in relationships, referencing a survey on Australian sex lives. It also addresses navigating grief and betrayal when infidelity is discovered…
- Is dynamic pricing coming to Australian supermarkets and the end of letters
This episode discusses the rise of dynamic pricing in Australian supermarkets, the potential end of letter delivery by Australia Post, and how to recognize toxic behavior in the workplace. Experts analyze the implications for shoppers, his…
- What happened to O Week and could art save your life?
This episode explores changes in university life, discussing the impact of online learning on O Week with Dan Woodman and Andrew Martin. Professor Daisy Fancourt shares insights from her book "Art Cure: The Science of How The Arts Saves Li…
- What's the harm in zero-alcohol drinks and should you try a no-buy year?
This episode discusses the rise of zero-alcohol drinks and their potential impact on health perceptions, as well as the growing trend of 'no-buy' years to reduce textile consumption. Experts examine the societal and historical context of t…
- The obsession with longevity and how not-for-profit venues could revive live music
This episode of Life Matters discusses the obsession with longevity and the future of live music venues in Australia. It explores how not-for-profit venues could revive live music and delves into the extremes of living longer.