Life Matters - Full program podcast

Christine Bagley-Jones, a resident psychologist on judgment and compassion. Julian Warnock, who organised a living wake to celebrate his wife while she was terminally ill. Professor Karen Thorpe, child development researcher who studies early childhood quality and safety. Cecilia Cobb, founder of For Parents campaigning to let subsidies follow parents. They discuss expanding childcare subsidy choices, evidence and safety for non‑centre care, and the meaning and logistics of living funerals.

Dr Fiona MacDonald, policy expert on work and leave, discusses unpaid overtime and the push for a fifth week of annual leave. Paul Sadler, chair of Meals on Wheels Australia, outlines funding pressures, volunteer decline and service changes. Mandy Nolan, comedian and parent, shares candid stories about teaching her five kids to drive, managing anxiety and different learning styles.

Cam Fraser, a sex coach who helps men overcome performance anxiety, and Tanya Coons, a clinical sexologist focused on libido and communication, explore the orgasm gap, barriers to intimacy and how to ask for what you want in bed. They discuss building an erotic menu, practical scripts for low desire, solo pleasure and navigating hormonal changes and consent in modern relationships.

Aaron McEwen, behavioural scientist and workplace futurist, offers quick tips on spotting toxic workplace traits. Roxanne Missingham, chief librarian, reflects on the cultural weight of letters and the Rebel Hearts display. Professor Gary Mortimer, retail expert, and James Purtill, technology reporter, unpack electronic shelf labels, dynamic and personalised pricing, AI shopping agents and what that might mean for shoppers.

Natasha Banks, AI educator teaching practical AI literacy in schools. Philip Samartzis, sound artist and Antarctic researcher creating therapeutic soundscapes. Andrew Martin, educational psychologist studying learning in-person versus online. They discuss shifting campus culture and O Week rituals. They explore how art functions in health and extreme environments. They explain practical AI teaching and preparing young people for digital life.

Dr Paul Harrison, consumer behaviour expert who studies earworms and music in advertising; Tamara Dimattina, founder of Buy Nothing New Month and secondhand advocate; Dr Lorinda Kramer, historian of sustainable fashion; Professor Simone Pettigrew, food policy and alcohol marketing researcher. They discuss zero-alcohol drinks and regulation, buy-nothing experiments and frugal chic, and how jingles shape choices.

Kate Medill, voice researcher at the University of Sydney, on how pitch and speech signal attraction, power and identity. Dr Norman Swan, medical journalist, on the craze for longevity, evidence and why basic habits matter. Sam Whiting, Churchill Fellow, on community and not-for-profit models rescuing small live music venues. Short, sharp conversations about voice, wellness mania and saving grassroots music.

Dr Luke Martin, clinical psychologist at Beyond Blue, offers mental-health focused takes on money stress. Vicki Staff, National Debt Helpline coordinator, gives practical tips for budgeting and hardship supports. They talk about shame and panic around debt, who calls the helpline, how money stories shape behaviour, and navigating tough financial choices and relationships.

Mandy Maysey, president of the Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia and parent of children with Tourette's, speaks about living with involuntary tics and making public spaces kinder. Georgie Dent, CEO of The Parenthood, outlines ideas for universal early education and care in Australia. Patrick Stokes, philosophy professor, ponders identity and head transplants. Mick Thomas, veteran musician, shares short money anecdotes.

Georgie Trickett, everyday athlete and kids coach who co-created Play On Media, and Libby Trickett, seven-time Olympic swim medallist and mother of five, explore shifting sport talk from scores to stories. They discuss inclusive pathways, late-entry and social sport, re-engaging adults and women, and how community-focused approaches can reshape participation and belonging.