

Life Matters - Full program podcast
ABC Australia
Helping you figure out all the big stuff in life: relationships, health, money, work and the world. Let's talk! With trusted experts and your stories, Life Matters is all about what matters to you.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 29, 2025 • 52min
Our relationship with our clothing and a warning about a new girlfriend
Our clothing is one of the most individual forms of self-expression. So, what do your clothes say about you? And in Ask Aunty, what should you do if you get a warning about a new romantic partner?

May 28, 2025 • 55min
The world of human cryopreservation and why drama is engulfing parent WhatsApp groups
An Australian mother is trying to raise the funds to cryogenically preserve the body of her teenage son, who died tragically last week. So, what are the ethical implications of cryogenics? Meanwhile, WhatsApp parent chat groups have some people pulling their hair out. But should they be banned? And can you offset doing something morally wrong?

May 27, 2025 • 55min
Have you imagined a life without the internet and what's behind the rise of 'dupe' culture?
The internet has opened up the world and changed the way we live our lives. But are we better for it? Plus, from fashion to tech, dupe culture is more popular than ever. So why are shoppers embracing copies of big brand items? Also, could modular homes be the answer to Australia's need for more housing?

May 26, 2025 • 55min
Playing team sport improves mental health
Michael is a rugby league educator who’s spent the past forty years helping at risk youth stay out of trouble by getting them involved in sport. He says the benefits go far beyond the footy field. Michael’s on the ground experience echoes recent a Swedish research showing that participation in team sports can significantly reduce the risk of mental illness and addiction later in life.Plus, soft plastics recycling returns, will it work this time? And a psychologist takes on AI therapy bots.

May 25, 2025 • 55min
Surviving disaster after disaster: new research reveals hidden mental toll
There’s a common belief that after experiencing a disaster once, people are better placed the second time, you get better at sandbagging, know what to secure, and what to leave behind.But what toll does this actually take, enduring disaster after disaster? New research shows the cumulative toll on mental wellbeing goes far beyond the physical damage.Plus, how to navigate retirement when your health takes a turn and how neuromyths are holding us back.

May 22, 2025 • 53min
Our money relationships and family estrangement
If your emotional 'hangups' about money are holding you back, is there a way to let them go? And, if you're being pressured to reconnect with a family member and you simply don't want to, what's the best way to respond?

May 21, 2025 • 55min
How do you help a loved one who's being drawn to extremist views?
According to the Australian Federal Police, children as young as 12 are being radicalised by extremist groups online, and petrified families say there's nowhere to turn. So, what does early intervention look? Plus, how to get your groceries down to $10 a week and which generation is bearing the brunt of cossie lives.

May 20, 2025 • 55min
Tracking or Trusting? When location sharing crosses the line
Nearly one in five young adults think it’s normal for a partner to track their location. For many, it feels harmless, families use it for peace of mind, parents to check kids got home safe. Plus, sober curiosity and the small changes that can have a big impact on your relationship with alcohol. And does the Coalition split signal a bigger divide between city and country?

May 19, 2025 • 55min
Has camping become too expensive?
Camping in NSW national parks could soon cost more under a major proposal to standardise fees across the state. Supporters say it will improve facilities and reduce no-shows, but others fear it will make nature less accessible.Plus, the race against aging and why your best ideas happen in the shower.

May 18, 2025 • 55min
Inside the "toxic" tradwife subculture
Stacey Knight is a self-described tradwife who blogs about her family life. The movement has made headlines overseas for its links to far-right politics, but Stacey says her lifestyle is about simplicity—not ideology. So why are more young women embracing traditional roles?Plus, why is protein in everything now—and is a robot coming for your job?


