Life Matters - Full Program Podcast

In 2021, has Australia made progress in tackling sexism and sexual violence against women? How to slightly break up with your mobile phone, and tips to avoid regressing to your younger self when gathering with family this summer.

How far have we progressed in the work towards recognising Indigenous people in the constitution, and or a First Nations Voice to Parliament? Plus can exercising in very small bursts help you stay fit?

Australian adults can now get COVID boosters five months after their second vaccine dose. What questions do you have about booster shots or the booster rollout? Also, meet the award-winning 22-year-old who volunteers in aged care. And, what happens when insomnia and sleep apnoea combine?

With state barriers coming down and Australians able to go overseas, more travel is on the cards. Some love to journey with others, but there is a certain freedom that comes from embarking on a solo adventure. Experts and listeners discuss what you need to know to do it safely.

Forget living together to make a romantic relationship "official", more couples are choosing commitment without sharing a home. Plus, increasing accessibility and inclusivity in live music venues. And what should you do when you're stuck in a one-sided conversation with your neighbour?

We take your questions on the TGA giving provisional approval for the use of Pfizer in children aged 5-11. Why we're resistant to change, and what we can do about that, and why only six countries have reached their peak in meat consumption.

The re-naming of places to better reflect peoples' connection to them is becoming more common in Australia. What's been the experience of those affected by changing these names, either good or bad? And a team are building the world's first black box for climate change in a remote part of Tasmania, we'll find out what it will record and capture.

As public school teachers in NSW go on strike for the first time in a decade, we explore what might keep more people interested in teaching. And, with dog ownership on the rise around the country, we think about how Australia can become a more pet-friendly nation. Also, what are the Productivity Commission's new recommendations about our rights to repair?

It’s been a year to remember, or possibly forget. Either way, end-of-year festivities could take on an extra intensity this time around. But without a bit of planning, we can all end up throwing away unused food and unwanted gifts. Fear not, advice is at hand on how to stop this happening.

Play isn’t just for children. Can adults reap similar mental and physical health benefits using seniors exercise parks? Plus, the working lives of people with disability in Broome, WA. And what do you do when a club member resigns and takes the passwords with them?

Will proposed anti-trolling legislation do the job in curbing online bullying and abuse? How our brains could be sabotaging our ability to work well, and the complexities of treating addictive overeating.

Some smokers say vaping nicotine has helped them quit cigarettes for good, but how strong is the evidence for the efficacy and long term safety of this approach? Plus a discussion about the way we consider and treat wild animals, and stories of lust, love and loss from war.

With the emergence of the new Omicron variant around the globe, is Australia doing it's part to contribute to international vaccination efforts? And, if you're planning a trip overseas or inter-state in the not too distant future, how are you preparing before you go?

Today, the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide begins public hearings in Brisbane. Veteran experts, who are using their training in psychiatry and sociology to help other service people, join Life Matters to discuss their work. Listeners share insights into defence life and discuss the changes they hope will flow from the royal commission.

How do you find the motivation and time to exercise if you've been inactive for a while? Plus, not all kids are returning to swimming lessons and swim educators say that's a problem. And what do you do when your flatmate's new dog begins to encroach on your life?

From February 1st 2022, the Austrian government will make covid-19 vaccinations mandatory for all their citizens, the first country in Europe to do so. So what is the future of covid-19 vaccine mandates in this country? Plus we take your calls on how you've overcome inertia of a 'loyalty tax' in shopping for better deals on loans, insurance, and other financial contracts.

Advocates say there is still a lot of work to be done to remove barriers to employment for those living with disability, we explore some of the actions that could help. Plus how to 'move on' when you know you've already invested too much in something or someone, and why one woman made a suit from men's moustache hair.

New research shows many of us still don't include sun protection in our daily routine. Is it time for the next Slip, Slop, Slap campaign? Also, meet the founder of a nation-wide network of women from migrant and refugee backgrounds aiming to secure their futures through business. And how can 15 minutes of mentoring per week improve student happiness?

There is a long and proud history of independent politicians playing a part in this country’s parliaments. But is this an effective form of representation for voters and does it end up getting the results people are looking for when they vote these candidates in? Life Matters speaks to the experts and we hear from listeners about their past and future voting patterns around independents.

Veena Sahajwalla, Inventor and 2022 NSW Australian of the Year, on turning to waste as a solution to the climate crisis. Plus, creating sustainability through what we eat. And what can you do when a pair of silk pillowcases becomes the unwanted prize in an instance of regifting gone wrong?