Left Brain Or Right Brain: Why Neuromyths Like This Don’t Help Life Matters

9:21

Many people are child-free by choice .. and child-free wedding and party invitations are often the centre of heated debates online. So, what do you do when you're out and about - maybe enjoying dinner at a restaurant or at a movie - and someone else's child starts acting up? Do you say something? Is it considered "parenting" someone else's child if you step in?…

1
Who actually needs a COVID jab? 12:12

8 hours ago12:12

12:12

The Australian Government has updated its COVID vaccination guidelines website and one line in particular is grabbing a lot of attention. It says in big bold text: "healthy infants, children and adolescents aged under 18 are not recommended to receive COVID-19 vaccine" Vaccine sceptics are calling it a backflip. Proof, they say, that the science is finally catching up with what they've claimed all along. This has been fuelled by the US Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, announcing that millions of people no longer need routine COVID shots. But is that true? Or is this another case of misinformation spreading faster than the facts?…

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Will new alcohol delivery laws help prevent family violence? 14:38

8 hours ago14:38

14:38

Getting alcohol delivered to your door might seem convenient, but in homes already under pressure, it can be a dangerous accelerant. Last year, the National Cabinet acknowledged the clear link between alcohol and gender-based violence. Now South Australia is leading the way with a draft bill to limit delivery times and introduce a mandatory wait period.…

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Buy Now Pay Later changes: How they'll impact consumers 15:46

8 hours ago15:46

15:46

The Buy Now Pay Later industry has undergone an overhaul, with new regulations coming into force this week. So, do the changes go far enough? And will they help protect people from new high-pressure sales techniques?

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Ethical Dilemmas: Kid free zones 9:21

1 day ago9:21

9:21

What do you do when you're out and about - maybe enjoying dinner at a restaurant or at a movie - and someone else's child starts acting up?

1
Fertility industry questioned after another embryo mix-up 14:03

1 day ago14:03

14:03

One of Australia's biggest fertility companies has revealed a second embryo mix-up.... just two months after disclosing an earlier embryo transfer mistake. How does this keep happening? And what changes could help Australians have more faith in our fertility health care system?

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Does tourism raise awareness about conservation or harm fragile places? 8:55

1 day ago8:55

8:55

Tourism is often justified as a way to raise awareness, even in ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef or Antarctica. But does it open our eyes or put fragile places at risk? Scientists warn growing visitor numbers are already damaging Antarctica’s delicate seafloor, so where’s the line?

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How far have you gone to impress someone? 29:05

1 day ago29:05

29:05

It's called "downbaditis" and it's an epidemic.You're so "down bad" for someone, you'll pretend you're an expert at their favourite hobby, learn a language, even travel for hours to somewhere in case you "coincidentally" run into them.So, when can a harmless fib be a funny start to a love story, a beautiful friendship, or an amazing career? And when are you being dishonest about your own identity?…

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The truth behind family secrets 17:04

2 days ago17:04

17:04

Two of the world's top models, Gigi and Bella Hadid, confirmed their family had been keeping a secret. The sisters revealed they have a younger half-sibling, after their father had a relationship with another woman more than 20 years ago. Meanwhile, actress Mariska Hargitay also recently shared a family secret she'd been keeping for decades - the man who raised her was not her biological father. Family life involves many complexities and tangles. So, why do families keep secrets? And what makes people finally reveal the truth?…

1
During a professional bust-up, should you air dirty laundry? 6:52

2 days ago6:52

6:52

Sonny and Cher, Cheese and Vegemite, Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Some pairings are iconic, but what happens when things go from nice ... to very, very nasty? In the wake-up one of the biggest bust-up of the year ... we ask, when is it okay to air your dirty laundry?

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Are We Failing Our Boys at School? 21:06

2 days ago21:06

21:06

Aussie boys are falling behind in reading and the gap is only getting worse. The latest global results show girls pushing ahead while boys slip further back. So, is it the way we teach? The books we give them? Or something bigger?

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Snap this! How photography can change lives 6:12

2 days ago6:12

6:12

Do you love taking photos? Well, it's doing more for you than you might think. Whether it’s snapping your dog, the sky at sunset, or your grandkids pulling faces, photography helps us slow down and really see the moment. It gets us out of the house, sparks conversations, and reminds us that our lives are full of small, beautiful things. So think about the last photo you took that made you smile.…

1
Is your smartphone a parasite? 9:15

3 days ago9:15

9:15

A new article in the Australasian Journal of Philosophy argues humans are hosts and phones are the parasite. So, what is our relationship with our phones?

1
Why do people choose to donate their body to science? 13:52

3 days ago13:52

13:52

The University of Queensland is a major medical teaching institution. It's reliant on generous donors who give their bodies to science, to allow budding doctors to learn. So, why has the uni had had to say "NO" to new donors? And why do people choose to donate their body to science?

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Will new rules for cosmetic injectables make these procedures safer for Aussies? 28:09

3 days ago28:09

28:09

Overfilled lips, sculpted cheeks and a wrinkle free brow used to be a look you'd see on Hollywood stars or a Kardashian. Now, you're just as likely to see this face on your friends, family, and your social media circle. Australia's medical regulator last week introduced new safeguards aimed at protecting young people from potentially dangerous side-effects of non-invasive cosmetic procedures like fillers, chemical peels, and anti-wrinkle injections. So, what do people need to know before they head to the clinic?…

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

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The truth about parenting and how it changes you 40:25

6 days ago40:25

40:25

Parenting doesn't come with a rule book. It's raw, real, and totally unpredictable. No one hands you a step-by-step guide the day your child is born, you just dive in. And somewhere in the chaos, you realise you're not just raising a child, you're also becoming someone new. Every parent is winging it, one messy, beautiful moment at a time. So, how has being a parent changed you?…

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

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Ask Aunty: my child's best friend is being mean 10:51

6 days ago10:51

10:51

When your child's best buddy is being mean, you might want to say "Hey Kid! That's my baby! Back off!" But is it really helpful to get involved?

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

1
What's behind the boom in grey divorce? 18:05

7 days ago18:05

18:05

More older Australians are finding themselves suddenly single, facing housing stress, and heading back to work, all thanks to a growing trend of late-in-life divorce. Nearly one in three divorces now involves someone aged 50 or older. Why are so many splitting up after long marriages?

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

1
Should Australia invest more in competitive gaming? 19:06

7 days ago19:06

19:06

Forget the cliche image of gamers as nerds in a basement... competitive gaming is now a multi-billion dollar global industry and professional gamers are superstars who earn millions. Now, there's a push for Australia to invest more in this growing industry... particularly as we approach the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.…

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

1
My Two Cents: Sarah McLeod 6:44

7 days ago6:44

6:44

Musician Sarah McLeod, who fronts The Superjesus, reveals her rock n roll approach to finances. After hitting rock bottom financially almost 20 years ago, she's worked her way back up to a place where she can make impulse purchases without breaking the bank.

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

1
Is the university sector in terminal decline? 6:49

7 days ago6:49

6:49

Many experts fear the university sector is the grip of an identity crisis. Once proud institutions of knowledge and debate… now accused of becoming sausage factories... with declining funding, academic burnout, bureaucratic bloat, and staff cutbacks. There are growing doubts about whether a degree is even worth it anymore.…

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

1
Has the Right to Disconnect made a difference in your life? 23:55

8 days ago23:55

23:55

The Right to Disconnect law is about to be put to the test in court for the first time. It's approaching a year since the legislation came into effect. So, do you feel like you can fully disconnect after work now?

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

1
What's the best way to protect mum and dad from cyber scams? 12:24

8 days ago12:24

12:24

Online scams targeting older Australians are getting bolder - and more expensive. From remote access tricks, to phishing texts and email invoice fraud... when anything can be a scam, what's the best way to protect your loved ones?

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

1
Can you do anything about the forever chemicals in your body? 15:23

8 days ago15:23

15:23

New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that 85% of Australians have at least three types of PFAS in their blood - the forever chemicals found in everyday products. The numbers are grim, and if you live near a site that's known to be contaminated by PFAS none of this will be new to you. But what does it mean for the rest of us? How worried should we actually be?…

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

1
Should you be dipping into your super? 15:19

9 days ago15:19

15:19

More Aussies than ever have withdrawn from their superannuation fund on "compassionate grounds."But what are the long-term effects on your finances? And why are some experts calling the practice "predatory"?

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

1
What's the best way for emergency services to respond to a mental health crisis? 22:39

9 days ago22:39

22:39

A call to emergency services can save lives, but when it comes to a mental health crisis that depends who answers. Often, it's the police, but under-resourced police departments across the country say they shouldn't be first on the scene. So what works, and what still needs to change?

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

1
"Recession indicators" have taken over social media, but what's the reality? 6:06

9 days ago6:06

6:06

Sky-high egg prices, empty bars on a Saturday night, the return of low-rise jeans? Gen Zs say they're "recession indicators" - all heralding impending economic doom. But are they really sure signs we're headed for a slump?

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

1
What can we learn from extreme sports enthusiasts? 7:27

9 days ago7:27

7:27

If you've seen the latest Mission: Impossible film, you'll know that 62-year-old Tom Cruise hasn't let his age stop him from performing death-defying stunts. Both on and off-screen, the actor is known for embracing extreme adventures. So, why do some people love the thrill of extreme sports like sky diving and free climbing... while others shy away from roller-coasters?…

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

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The Good Retirement: Living the high life on a low budget 20:43

10 days ago20:43

20:43

Retirement can be a tricky time when we wonder, "Have I got enough money to live happily ever after?" But come retirement time, many Australians find their nest egg isn't big enough to go luxury cruising or laze on a tropical island. So how can you find enjoyment and fulfilment from retirement without spending a fortune?…

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

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Big changes coming to pet custody in divorce law 8:37

10 days ago8:37

8:37

Australian family law is set to recognise the family pet as a companion animal, not just "property" in light of a relationship breakdown. The change means judges must now consider emotional bonds and who’s best placed to care for the pet going forward. It’s a big step toward treating pets like family, not furniture. So, a "custody battle" might now include the Labrador too.…

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

1
Will new reforms improve ADHD diagnosis and treatment for patients? 20:09

10 days ago20:09

20:09

Getting an ADHD diagnosis can totally depend on where you live and how much you can afford. For many people, that means long waits and big bills. But NSW is about to shake things up. Soon, you’ll be able to see your family GP for ADHD diagnosis and treatment, whether you’re a kid or an adult. It’s a big move that could save time, stress, and serious money. So how are GPs getting ready, and what does it mean if you’ve been stuck in ADHD limbo?…

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

1
What do your clothes say about you? 40:24

13 days ago40:24

40:24

We all get dressed every day, but how often do you stop and think about it? That old hoodie, your favourite boots, the dress you keep for special nights, they’re not just clothes, they’re stories. Our wardrobes hold emotion, memory, identity, even a little rebellion. In a world that moves fast, fashion is one of the most personal and powerful ways to tell the world who we are.…

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

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Ask Aunty: How cautious should you be with new love? 11:37

13 days ago11:37

11:37

When dating someone new, it can feel wonderful to give in to the intoxicating feeling of lust and novelty. So, what happens when you get a warning to tread a little more carefully?

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

1
Ethical dilemmas: Can you offset doing something morally wrong? 9:01

14 days ago9:01

9:01

We all want to believe that buying carbon offsets means we're doing our bit for the planet. But many of these “green” schemes are turning out to be more spin than substance. Some companies are now admitting those offsets barely made a dent in emissions, if any at all. It's a wake-up call about greenwashing, and a reminder to look closely at where our climate dollars are really going.…

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

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What are the ethics of cryopreserving humans? 22:52

14 days ago22:52

22:52

A grieving Australian mother wants to cryogenically preserve her late son. It's not just science fiction. There are cryopreservation facilities around the world, including one in country New South Wales. But the issue raises questions about the science and ethics of freezing humans for a second chance at life.…

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

1
Why all the drama in WhatsApp parent groups? 19:50

14 days ago19:50

19:50

If you're a parent of school age children, you're no doubt familiar with the social minefield of the WhatsApp chat group. So, why do parents and teachers say the online platform has turned toxic?

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

1
What's behind the rise of 'dupe' culture? 9:14

15 days ago9:14

9:14

A while back, if you asked someone whether they'd buy a counterfeit item, or a cheap knock-off, it'd be rare to get an admission. But nowadays, many people are proud to show off their big brand 'dupes' - that's short for duplicates. From fashion to tech, #dupes is an online trend... while shoppers at big chain stores are also embracing dupes of bags and Stanley cups. So, what's behind the rise of dupe culture? And who is it hurting?…

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

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Are modular homes the solution to Australia's housing crisis? 11:50

15 days ago11:50

11:50

Australia's housing crisis is getting worse. New homes aren't being built fast enough and supply is near its lowest in a decade. Last week, the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council reported just 177,000 homes were built last year, falling short of the 223,000 expected. That makes the federal government's target of 1.2 million new homes in four years look unlikely. It's a game of catch-up we can't hope to win if we keep building houses the way we always have. So, what if we could build them up to 50% faster? Is modular housing the missing piece of the puzzle to help solve Australia's housing crisis?…

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

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Imagining a life without the internet: Have you tried to step back from the screen? 30:05

15 days ago30:05

30:05

We love it, we hate it - there's no escaping it. The internet has opened up the world and changed the way we live our lives. But are we better for it? According to a recent survey from the UK almost 50% of young people say they wish they lived in a world without it. So does the internet actually suck? Has it made our lives better or worse - what parts would you keep and what would you leave behind if you could change it?…

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

1
The profound effect team sport can have on mental health 15:58

16 days ago15:58

15:58

We all know sport is good for kids, but what if it’s actually protective against mental illness and addiction later in life? A major Swedish study tracking over 16,000 children from birth to age 18 has found that playing team sports could be a game changer, especially for boys. The mental health benefits weren’t just noticeable, they were tangible. And with boys showing the strongest gains, it raises important questions about how we’re supporting their mental health from the sidelines.…

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

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When entertainment meets justice: true crime’s legal impact 14:07

16 days ago14:07

14:07

P Diddy, the mushroom case, and what feels like every new podcast you’ve listened to over the past five years - the true crime movement has cemented itself in popular culture. But as people queue each morning for a coveted spot inside the courtroom at the P Diddy trial, is our obsession, and the viral coverage of true crime stories, having an impact on the legal system?…

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

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AI Therapists Are Here — But What Do Psychologists Think? 8:26

16 days ago8:26

8:26

As waitlists increase more Australians are turning to AI for cheaper and easier therapy and mental health advice, but is AI up to the task? The movement has some human psychologists concerned. Not just about privacy, but about how vulnerable users might react to advice that lacks the empathy and nuance of real, human care.…

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

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Soft plastic recycling is slowly coming back - will it work this time? 12:36

16 days ago12:36

12:36

For most of the 2010s, we had what felt like a decent solution to the soft plastics problem, you could drop off your soft plastics at your supermarket for recycling by a company called REDcycle - but they went under in 2022 after it was revealed they'd been stockpiling their collections, unable to meet the demand. Since then, major supermarkets formed the Soft Plastics Taskforce to trial a new recycling system. The rollout means bins are back in some stores - so what's different in this approach and most importantly, will it work?…

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

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What happens when an introvert falls in love with an extrovert? 15:00

17 days ago15:00

15:00

Author Jenny Valentish describes herself as an introvert and a reformed sociophobe. For most of her professional life, she resorted to Dutch courage before going to social events. So, how does she navigate life with a partner who says he's a "card-carrying extrovert"? In her new book, she offers advice for introverts and sociophobes.…

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

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Surviving disaster after disaster: new research reveals hidden mental toll 18:19

17 days ago18:19