Life Matters

They say to write/paint/sing what you know, and what do you know better than your own life? Narrative therapy allows us to tell our own stories in a way that empowers us and improves our mental wellbeing, and art is the perfect medium for those stories. We look at how to get creative with your life story and boost your mental health in the process. 

The feeling of being disappointed by Paris is so common it has a name: 'Paris Syndrome'. And in the age of social media, more of our holiday destinations aren't meeting the expectations set by those perfect Instagram selfies. So how do you avoid being let down by your dream destination?

Plus, how an online course could help you stop worrying and focus on the present.

Step-parents get a bad wrap in culture, but as more families become blended, more are taking a parent role with a partner's child. How do you manage boundaries as a step-parent? And what can you do to make your blended family a harmonious one?

Plus, solving the case of the coworker who's cheating in your company charity stepathon, for the Too Hard Basket with comedians Gillian Cosgriff and Ivan Aristigueta.

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

According to a recent survey from Roy Morgan, trust in corporations is at the lowest it's been since measuring began five years ago. "Greedy", "corrupt" and "a lack of professional integrity" were just some of the sentiments being expressed about our corporate sector. We look at how our trust was broken and if it can be restored.

Plus, we teach kids to be strong and resilient, but is there some space for sensitivity? Author Jess Sanders looks at the power of being vulnerable.

More of us are buying and living in apartments, but those dwellings have strings attached, namely the other apartment owners in your building. Making decisions in close quarters can lead to drama, so how do you keep things smooth sailing in your owners committee?

If you thought the right to stay with your family was a given in Australia, think again. We hear from an Italian national fighting to stay in Australia with his young son.

Plus, would a chat at the checkout help you feel less lonely? Supermarkets in The Netherlands are trying 'chatty checkouts', we look at how that might benefit people here.

Hobbies have been proven to be good for our mental health and wellbeing, and can give us new skills, social connections and a sense of purpose. Yet, so many of us still don't find time or energy for them. We look at how to find a hobby that will stick and make time for it.

OCD is more than just being excessively clean, it's an anxiety disorder that can tarnish everything in your life. Author Penny Moodie shares her journey with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and how she got her joy back.

And would you sign up for a pet timeshare? A new service is connecting worn out pet owners with people who want a part time furry friend. Sounds nice on paper, but what are the risks for your animal?

Our sexual desires and preferences change over time. What got you hot and heavy early in a relationship might no longer do it for you. So how do you stay in touch with your turn-ons over time? 

Plus, Kirsty Webeck and Rich from The Listies solve a case of workplace food shaming from the Too Hard Basket.

Have you ever gone to a doctor with a problem and not been believed? Or had your symptoms downplayed? Medical misdiagnosis, or 'gaslighting' can have life-threatening consequences, and disproportionately happens to marginalised people. Learn how to spot it and get a second opinion. Plus, could animals that can count hold the key to understanding our own mathematical mastery? Cognitive neuroscientist Dr Brian Butterworth shares how the animal kingdom's numerical skills can help us treat human learning disorders.

After the lowest returns in a decade, Australia Post's CEO says either the government might have to chip in more to keep the post running, or services might need to change in order to stay profitable. It raises a lot of questions: Is Australia Post a business or a public service? Do we still need it when technology is rapidly advancing? Why don't they ring the doorbell when you're obviously home? We answer them.

Plus, a conversation with Tom Taylor, the graphic novelist who made history with his comic book take on the classic Peter Pan story.

Do milk teeth need a dentist? We look at the senate review of children's dental care and how to look after your child's pearly whites without breaking the bank.

Plus, what more can be done to support young people with intellectual disabilities transitioning from school. And former AFL player Dylan Buckley opens up for some Honest Chat.