Life Matters

Facing your fears is old wisdom, but we're more scared of it than ever. Research is finding that exposure therapy is very effective in tackling anxiety, so why don't we face our fears more? Plus, the booming market of toys for 'kidults'.

Boundaries are the lines we draw around ourselves, and our time, that help us feel safe and confident, but they can be easily pushed and crossed by people in our lives if we don't learn how to set and maintain them. We look at how to set healthy boundaries and enforce them. Plus, how to talk to your 10-year-old about a friend who might be a bad influence.

Most people use DNA ancestry websites to trace their history, but for donor-conceived people, these services can create a map of present families, and trace a network of siblings. Is there a better way for them to connect? Plus, what Kamala Harris' loss will mean for women in the US and internationally, and some lessons about men and love from sex worker and author Charlotte Shane.

On the brink of the US election, many are discovering their partners hold conflicting political beliefs. Does that mean it's over? Hardly. Here's how to persist through political disagreement, and why half of Australians do. Plus, an A for good behaviour? Here's why Norway's model of grading might be the trick to tackle discipline issues in Australian classrooms.

What's the brain chemistry behind hangxiety, those feelings of dread the morning after a big night? Plus What are you looking forward to? Helen Popovic on the importance of anticipatory happiness for a joyful life

How to deal with surveillance in the workplace, and parenting in a time of political polarisation. Plus, not too deep, not too small, learning the gentle art of medium talk.

In sickness and health is a well known oath but what is the true impact of chronic illness on our relationships? Plus, Ask Aunty ponders whether it is ok to propose marriage at a funeral. 

Helping you figure out all the big stuff in life: relationships, health, money, work and the world.

Being made to repeat a year of school isn't as common as it used to be. Research is finding it might not have been as helpful as originally thought, and may have had lasting effects on these students. We hear your stories and figure out the best way to meet children's different needs at school. And a sort of inverse, children can also experience long term damage when treated like adults by their parents, and made to grow up too fast. That's parentification. Here's how you can heal.

Australians who've been affected by bank impersonator scams might be looking at reimbursement thanks to a recent decision by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. We look at who should be responsible for redressing these types of scams. 

The beach bod tanned lifesaver is a evocative part of our nation's mythology, but the myth mightn't match reality, considering about one in four Australian adults can't swim. We look at this clash and how to improve swimming ability.

Plus, drag royalty Art Simone on the history of Australian drag culture.