Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

Conspiratorial thinking has spread through the megaphone of the internet, and Australians aren't immune.Now it's the subject of a new book, Conspiracy Nation: exposing the dangerous world of Australian conspiracy theories, which takes readers to the places where home-grown conspiracy theories spread.

Chin hairs, smiling and making others happy. These are just some of the things the worldwide We Do Not Care Club have struck off their list.The club started when Melanie Sanders, a US social media influencer, posted a video online listing things she used to care about but no longer does.So, why does the movement appeal to so many women?

"Are you worried they're getting worse?"From September 30, parents of children in NSW public hospitals will be asked that question, to ensure concerns about their child's health are recognised and acted upon.The new rule is backed by Monash Health research which found a parent's intuition is just as important as clinical measures like heart rate and blood pressure.

Over the weekend, in the midst of torrential rain 100,000 protesters shut down the Sydney Harbour Bridge calling for an end to the war in Gaza. But it almost never happened.In some states we're seeing legislation pass that can make it harder for protests to get approval. Are we risking "regulating away" our freedom to protest? 

This week is Missing Person's Week. Every year, 50,000 missing persons reports are filed in Australia. Luckily, most of those people are found. But for those who aren't, their families are left in a constant state of uncertainty.Fluctuating between despair and hope their loved one will walk through the door - it's a unique sort of grief, and the only kind experts say gets worse over time. 

Explore the impact of online group chats on friendships in the digital age. Discover how these conversations can both strengthen and complicate connections. Delve into the double-edged nature of virtual interactions, emphasizing the need for meaningful engagement. Learn strategies to combat feelings of isolation and foster genuine relationships. This engaging dialogue sheds light on navigating social dynamics in a world dominated by screens.

In this discussion, Amanda Luggerson, Director of the Australian National Dictionary Centre and historian, dives into the colorful world of Australian English. She uncovers how unique slang reflects Australia's cultural identity and worries about its preservation amid funding challenges. The conversation highlights the interplay between Indigenous languages and modern slang, showcasing terms that define moments in history, even during crises like the COVID pandemic. Let’s celebrate Australia’s rich linguistic heritage and explore the intricacies shaping its vibrant tongue!

Forget the pulpit -- are influencers the new missionaries?A thousand influencers who are also clergy descended on Rome last week ... and some were dubbed "hot priests."Is this a bit off-brand for the church? Or just a sign of the social media age we live in? 

Australia's national art collection and leasing program, Artbank, is celebrating its 45th birthday this month.It has more than 11 thousand works by Australian artists... and over half the collection is leased at any given time. So, what do you hang on your walls?

In amongst the stack of laws and regulations under development to keep kids safer online is the Children's Online Privacy Code, which could include an option for kids to delete their online footprint once they turn 18.The right to be forgotten online is an idea gaining traction in other parts of the globe - so are there lessons here for all of us?