Life Matters

Australians aged 30 and older are now eligible for a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, amid concerns around new COVID-19 sub-variants and a rise in Omicron infections. Life Matters takes your questions on reinfection rates, boosters and what you want to know about COVID-19 now.

You might love your partner, and still not love the way they think about and handle money. So how can you figure that out? Plus how to move on when your best friend is not giving you what you need.

When it comes to reconciliation with First Nations people, what's the best form of truth-telling? Plus journalist and author Michael Pollan on his new TV series 'How to Change Your Mind' about psychedelic drugs and their potential as treatments for some psychological disorders. And for Life in 500 Words, Andrew describes a family breakup, and a Christmas gift he was given by his dad.

Clothing made from recycled materials sounds great for the environment, but experts say the trend isn't as green as it sounds. We look at how to make the most sustainable choice for your wardrobe. Plus, we meet First Nations authors teaching about culture through children's books. And, is it cruel to keep a dog in an apartment? We look at pooch options for flat-dwellers.

For two years, many people accessed medical appointments through video and telephone consults, but longer telephone consultations will no longer be funded, concerning patients. Plus, visit childcare centres implementing bilingual programs. And Sober in the Country's Shanna Whan shares the joys and trials of lowering your alcohol intake.

This year's NAIDOC Week theme of Get Up! Stand up! Show up! calls for change and support for First Nations peoples and communities. So, what does enduring, meaningful allyship look like?

To mark the ABC's 90th birthday, Life Matters takes the Too Hard Basket to a live audience in Melbourne. The popular Friday segment is part of the ABC's long and proud history of tackling tricky interpersonal situations that many of us grapple with in our daily lives.

An increase in image-based abuse during the pandemic is one of the reasons behind the creation of a resource for young people called 'Scroll'. Plus how a nurse with burnout learned to help herself and other health workers with art therapy, and Pat finds a book owned by his dad, which raises questions. And how second hand shopping is more difficult when you're plus-size.

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.