Life Matters

Being chased down an alley by a giant microbe, getting stuck in an elevator with three people and no hand sanitiser! These are just a few of the coronavirus nightmares some of us are having at night. And sleep experts say that, given the virus is affecting every other aspect of our lives, it's no surprise that our subconscious is being affected too. We speak to a brain researcher about Monash University's new sleep study and Dr Michael Mosley comes back on the show to talk about his new expertise — how to get a good night's sleep using all the latest evidence-based methods. Also, Dr Noman Swan examines why there's been a recent uptick in coronavirus cases and we hear a new episode of CoronaTales.

As we witness what it's like to have busy cities empty out before our eyes, are there lessons we can learn about how to make our cities more liveable in the future? Also, meet the doctor and public health expert whose passed on both his love of medicine and his love of Reggae Music to his son as ways to stay resilient through hard times. And, Dr Norman Swan investigates the allegations that coronavirus was created in a Chinese lab.

As some parts of the country begin to ease the restrictions put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, listeners share their thoughts about lockdown ending, whenever that finally happens, and what they’re most looking forward to doing. And in Coronacast, Tegan Taylor and Dr Norman Swan discuss schools, vitamin D and why the next fortnight is key.

Now, more than ever, are we sacrificing privacy online for connection? The changes in online dating behaviour during lockdown, and ruminations on aging when you still feel 28. Plus a song for its namesake.

How has the way we eat changed in the time of COVID-19, the latest episode of Coronacast, and the Too Hard Basket explores what to do when you receive unwanted chain mail

If you're a graduate hitting the job market for the first time this year, you're probably looking at the future and feeling pretty stressed. Today on Life Matters, we talk to two employment experts who say lockdown could be the perfect time to put your head down, build a really good career plan, and make yourself as employable as possible. They'll explain how to get started. Also, Dr Norman Swan reviews the evidence on children and coronavirus. And, a new episode of Walking Together.

We've heard lots of stories about how hard lockdown has been for people in relationships. There's been advice on how to not get divorced and how to not let parental disagreements burden children, but what about those people looking for love, physical intimacy or just companionship? We explore the world of dating during lockdown. After that, we'll hear a genuine pandemic rom-com. And the story of a man who gave it all away for a happier life!

gAs all of us move our lives almost entirely online, the question of whether our data is private, is becoming ever more pressing. Former journalist turned media and law academic Sacha Molitorisz talks to Life Matters about whether privacy is possible in a digital world. Also, is ageing a fact of life or merely a state of mind? And Norman Swan on the government's new COVID-19 app.

Pure hell, a wonderful time or somewhere in between? Many parents are working double shifts, doing their day jobs, at home, while helping their children to learn remotely. They share their experiences of home schooling, COVID-19-style. Coronacast looks at obesity as a risk factor. And a listener requests the song Alone Together for our Alone, Together segment.

Is this time of lockdown when the world knows the constant joys of an introvert? The power of music to connect us, and equip us to deal with crisis, 18 amazing doll's house scenes help usher in modern day crime forensics, and a song that rallies against losing inspiration.