Life Matters - Full program podcast

Is there a risk that Australia's High Court appointments could be ideologically appointed like in the US? And what impact would that really have on our lives? We investigate why we seem to know more about SCOTUS than our own apex court. Plus, do you have a preference for brands that have a "stance" on social issues? We take a look at brand activism and whether you should trust it.

In the shadow of this week’s overturning of the Roe vs Wade ruling, new Australian research finds that access, stigma and affordability are still the biggest barriers women face when it comes to seeking an abortion. Also, is it better to be a generalist or a specialist in the current job market, and why many of us are awkward around other people’s grief.

Several large retailers, including Kmart and Bunnings, already use facial recognition technology in their stores – collecting biometric data that is as unique as a fingerprint – but are customers aware of how their facial data is being captured and used?

Conflict with close friends can be a significant event in adult life. We take your calls on how you’ve navigated the ups and downs of these relationships. And in the Too Hard Basket, your brother and sister-in-law tell you that their kids don’t respond well to discipline, so do you step in when your young niece and nephew behave badly, or do you tell their parents to step it up?

Former Dolly Magazine cover girl Alison Daddo reveals what she learned about menopause, and how it changed her life. Plus a farmer from Queensland who is helping to protect the Great Barrier Reef, and Monique's story for Life in 500 Words about her father and a fire horse doll.

Victoria and NSW are bringing in big changes to support a year of pre-school for all children, double what's offered now. We look at how play based learning became the hot topic in education and what play can do for kids' development. Plus, if you binged on processed comfort food in lockdowns, we learn how those eating habits might still be affecting your mental health.

Next month the "Job active" program is being replaced by the "Workforce Australia" scheme. How will this change the way jobseekers interact with the services that help them into work? Also, how does musician Murray Cook use music in prison to help build confidence and connectedness? And, we hear from TV quiz master Braydon Coverdale on the role of quizzing in his life and in contemporary Australia.

The NSW government has announced it wants to scrap stamp duty in favour of an annual land tax. While it's been supported by economists, it is uncertain what impact the move could have on the housing crisis. So, what will it mean for you?

We hear your stories of coming out later in life, and how to date, explore sex, talk about it with friends and family and embrace your authentic self. And in the Too Hard Basket, how far should you go when it comes to catering to the dieting needs of your house guests? If your visitors are vegan, should the household only eat vegan food while they’re staying?

For medical issues that affect both sexes, more men than women will die, that's a fact. So what can be done to address the gender gap in life expectancy for men? Plus we explore the phenomenon of the midlife crisis in women, and in our Life in 500 Words segment, Jennifer tells us about a little embroidered harp which is precious to her.