Life Matters

Why do we keep falling for fads again and again, and what can we expect from the future of trends?

And while church attendance has declined over the decades, parishioners are still gathering. So, how have churches themselves transformed?

Exploring strategies to help you overcome shame or embarrassment. 

And how do you handle the pressure when you're at the salon and your hairdresser suggests extra products and treatments while you're in the chair?

What does protein actually do and how do you know if you’re getting the right amount?

And wildlife scientist Vanessa Pirotta shares her passion for whales and explores what it is about the adventures of these massive creatures that resonates with us so deeply.

Even before new policies to support electric vehicles are implemented, there has been a shift in consumer purchasing, with EV sales doubling in 2023. What factors have the most influence over consumers decisions around low-emissions vehicles?

And is the recent run of incidents on Boeing planes just a random run of bad luck? Or something to factor in as you plan your next trip?

People in aged care face some of the highest risks of depression in our community. But new Australian research shows there may be simple solutions with enormous potential to help, if they're properly implemented.

And Every Week Counts, has been working to reduce early births and pre-term births before week 37. The people behind the campaign believe it is working, but significant challenges remain, particularly for some First Nations mothers and babies.

New data from Our Watch reveals that more than two in five women, and just over a quarter of men, experienced sexual harassment at work in the past five years. Australian law says it's on workplaces to prevent sexual harassment, so how can that actually be done? 

And the demand for cash is declining. Yet some are concerned about the charges we pay at the point of sale, especially during a cost-of-living crisis. Is there a future for cash?

A big part of being a parent is supporting our children to make friends. So, what happens when our values are very different to those of the families of their new friends? How can you best manage those clashes? Also, what would you do if you went on a road trip with an old friend and it all went wrong?

More and more research is showing that building muscle helps us live longer and better lives. So how can you start getting stronger at any age? Also, fifty years since Peter Singer published Animal Liberation, what does he think we can all do to keep building a more sustainable world? 

Finding out you have cancer can be terrifying, and going through treatment can be arduous.

But the experience of cancer can also bring about illuminating discoveries on the nature of life and our place in it. That's what author and GP Peter Goldsworthy AM found, and he tells his story in his memoir The Cancer Finishing School: Lessons in Laughter, Love and Resilience. We hear from him and Life Matters listeners about the lessons learned from cancer.

Plus, Irish comedian Ed Byrne shares how creating his latest show Tragedy Plus Time helped him process the death of his younger brother. 

If you've read the fineprint of your hotel terms and conditions or travel insurance, you might find that people over a certain age have very expensive premiums or are not welcome at all. 

We explore how common ageism in travel really is and look at how to embrace inclusive tourism.

Plus, how a lack of regulation in private tutoring is causing education inequity, and a history of social work in Australia.