Life Matters - Full program podcast

COVID isn't over, and the 'let it rip' approach has left us with some the highest daily case numbers in the world. How did we get from fortress Australia to throwing in the towel, and do we need to go back to restrictions? Plus, Alice Zaslavsky dishes on the ultimate dinner party etiquette. And this National Volunteer Week, we spotlight volunteers working in natural disaster zones.

The rental crisis is at a peak in Australia right now, and it's being argued that regulation of short term accommodation could help. What would have to happen to make this work? Also, as musician Nick Cave grieves his 31-year-old son, we ponder the particular pain of losing a child. And, Bastian Fox Phelan talks about finding their body to be an 'unwelcome place'.

With less than a week to go until the federal election, Life Matters asks how lowering the voting age could alter Australia's political landscape and the future of civic engagement.

Psychotherapist and journalist Moya Sarner explores why do so many of us struggle with feeling like a grown up, despite hitting many ‘adult’ milestones. The Too Hard Basket considers later life dating and whether it’s ok to not to continue seeing someone who has a health condition. And we head deep into remote Southwest Tasmania.

Is the weather we've been experiencing in Australia in the past year or two really unusual? We ask experts if the heavy rain is going to stop soon and what's behind the current weather pattern. Plus get tips on how to manage trauma from Lady Gaga's therapist, and learn how to manage a 'bad boss'.

Many Australians are in support of an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, but it's still a long way off. How has First Nations recognition been implemented in other parts of the world and what can we learn from those experiences? Plus neuroscientist and performance coach Elaine Fox on how to build a flexible mindset, for better mental health.

NAPLAN starts this week around the country and, for the first time, all tests will be conducted online. What are the pros and cons and what can we expect? Also, how can we reduce our anxiety as we travel in the COVID age? And, have you ever thought of adding some weeds to your diet?

When it comes to the big milestones like building a career, having children or buying a home, will young people today follow the same linear route in life as their parents?

After 33 years at the ABC, Michael Mackenzie is retiring. He shares one of his favourite stories from his time at Life Matters. We look at the important role that sports coaches play in children’s lives, and how parents can build a successful relationship with their kids’ coaches, for everyone’s benefit. And in the Too Hard Basket, what to do about a group gift when not everyone contributes.

With more interest rate rises expected, what impact does that have on people who rely on their savings? Life Matters brings you an archival interview from 2003 with author Augusten Burroughs after the release of his controversial memoir, Running with Scissors, and bow legs, pigeon toes and flat feet. Are they a threat to your long term health and mobility?