Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

Did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up?Some people never quite figure it out ... even well into their fifth or sixth decade.Others land their "dream job", only to realise they hate it.But leaving can feel harder than staying. That feeling? It's called decision paralysis.

The atmosphere at a game of live footy is pretty awesome -- in fact, being part of that energy is one of the reasons we brave the cold and the crowds.But a recent study from the University of South Australia has found more than one in five AFL umpires has also been physically attacked.Lots of referees walk away from the game they love, worried they're just not safe anymore.

Patients risk losing their regular GP if they go for long periods without a visit. So, if not going to the doctor is a good thing then why are some people being punished for long stints of good health? 

Long family road trips in Australia offer some big reasons to pull over.The Big Banana at Coffs Harbour, the Big Merino in Goulburn, and the Big Lobster in South Australia are just a few of the country's many giant landmarks.Now there's talk of building a giant pear in Shepparton, Victoria.So, what's the deal with Australia's obsession with Big Things?

As conversations about neurodiversity become more mainstream, there's a growing awareness of the concept of "masking".It's the act of covering up behaviours, or hiding parts of your identity to better fit in.But, it's not just neurodivergent people who may "perform themselves" differently depending on their environment. So, how does this impact us, and how can we get in touch with a more authentic version of who we are?

Most families have a particular way of being in a space together. Some are very warm and affectionate while others make a birthday party feel like a wake. So, what happens when the behavioural style of your new step-family is very different to your own?

As conversations about neurodiversity become more mainstream, there's a growing awareness of the concept of "masking".It's the act of covering up behaviours, or hiding parts of your identity to better fit in.But, it's not just neurodivergent people who may "perform themselves" differently depending on their environment. So, how does this impact us, and how can we get in touch with a more authentic version of who we are?

Over the last few years a new way of teaching has emerged in Australian classrooms, yet many of the techniques sound old. It's called explicit instruction, and it's taking over Australian classrooms. What is it and what does it mean for your kids? Guests:Steve Capp, Principal of Chelsea Heights Primary School Jane Hunter, Associate Professor of Teacher Education and Innovation at the University of Technology SydneyAmy Haywood, Deputy Program Director of education at the Grattan Institute 

Movies and video games have age ratings that help you know if they're suitable for your child. But what about books? They don't typically come with ratings - so how are we supposed to know what's actually in these books before our kids dive in?Should they come with content guidance too?

During Erin Patterson's two-month murder trial, one person stood by her in court. That friend later revealed she'd been treated "badly" because of her continued support.So, what are the ethics of supporting a friend?  Should you stand by a mate no matter what?