

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast
ABC listen
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

Jun 1, 2025 • 21min
The Good Retirement: Living the high life on a low budget
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?

Jun 1, 2025 • 20min
Will new reforms improve ADHD diagnosis and treatment for patients?
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?

Jun 1, 2025 • 9min
Big changes coming to pet custody in divorce law
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.

May 29, 2025 • 40min
What do your clothes say about you?
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.

May 29, 2025 • 12min
Ask Aunty: How cautious should you be with new love?
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?

May 28, 2025 • 9min
Ethical dilemmas: Can you offset doing something morally wrong?
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.

May 28, 2025 • 20min
Why all the drama in WhatsApp parent groups?
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?

May 28, 2025 • 23min
What are the ethics of cryopreserving humans?
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.

May 27, 2025 • 12min
Are modular homes the solution to Australia's housing crisis?
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?

May 27, 2025 • 30min
Imagining a life without the internet: Have you tried to step back from the screen?
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?