Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

As kids, we imagine we'll hit a point when our 'adulting' instincts magically kick in, but many of us never quite feel as adult as we think we should. So  what do we even mean when we talk about 'adulting', can we learn to do it, or is it better to learn that we don't really need to?

It can be a delicate balance when you try to support someone you love in a time of need. It's even more complicated when that person moves into your home.In today's Ask Aunty, letter writer Daphne is trying to keep the peace after her newly-separated brother moves in with her family. 

When we want to weigh the moral heft of a political decision in this country, we don't crack open a philosophy textbook.We pull up a stool at the nearest bar and ask, "does it pass the pub test?"But why is this our gold standard?

When so many of us look back on the movies which shaped our childhood, one element stands out - the magic of Dick Van Dyke.The veteran actor is about to turn 100 - and he's still cheeky, energetic, and larger than life.So, what's the real secret to ageing well? Is it mindset? Attitude? Something more?

As we age, our bodies naturally change.But with cosmetic procedures and weight loss treatments more widely accessible, that change in your body can be rapid – and it can be a lot to process, even if it’s something you wanted.So when the body you've known for years changes in a profound way, how do you navigate that mentally?And when – if ever – is it okay to comment on other people's bodies, or have a conversation about their appearance?

Being an active bystander - that is, speaking up or intervening in the face of injustice - feels like the right thing to do when you see something you disagree with. But it doesn't always go to plan, and your best intentions can backfire. There's new analysis suggesting that, in schools at least, encouraging kids to intervene isn't always helpful.So how are you meant to know when it's the right time to stop being a bystander and step up?

We're asking your favourite Australians about their relationship with money in our series My Two Cents.Today... is it raining cash in ABC weather presenter Nate Byrne's world? 

"An AI and a robot walk into a bar—AI says, 'I'll have something strong.' Robot says, 'Same—my battery's at 3%."That's what happened when ChatGPT tried to write a joke.Simply put ... artificial intelligence may be a lot of things ... chatbot, digital assistant... but it is not funny.At least not right now... because an Australian researcher is trying to work out whether AI robots can do stand-up comedy.Not necessarily write jokes... but deliver a comedy routine that leaves people in stitches.So, do you think AI could make you laugh?

In under 24 hours, the internet will look very different. Nationwide, anyone under 16 will be locked out of social media.Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, X, Reddit, YouTube - all off-limits.If you're not yet 16, you'll be waiting until your birthday to log back in.

The December 10 social media ban for under-16s has been widely publicised and debated. And although a lot of parents have voiced support for the move - it certainly doesn't mean it will be an easy transition.In fact, experts say it will mean a pretty solid adjustment for families, and a lot to navigate.