Life Matters - Full program podcast

If talking about money makes you squirm, you might want to think twice before you open an account with the bank of mum and dad. University of Newcastle researchers Julia Cook and Mirella Atherton explain the tricky emotional — and legal — consequences of lending cash to your loved ones.
One person's dream holiday destination is another's backyard. But some UNESCO heritage sites are now so overwhelmed by tourists, they're asking to be removed from the list. So, if locals are asking you not to go, do you have a responsibility to change your travel plans? 
If you were running a car for eight hours a day without stopping, eventually you would run out of petrol and the car would break down. The same can be said for our bodies and minds, so taking effective breaks at work should be a priority. This Working Life host Lisa Leong shares how to build in restorative breaks throughout your day.

Sports betting is the fastest-growing form of gambling in the country, and it's overwhelmingly popular with men. Experts say that's no coincidence. Researcher Rohann Irving and lived experience advocate Mark Kempster explore how gambling got so tied up with our love of sport and our ideas about masculinity, and whether there's any way to untangle it.
Smart glasses have been around for years, but this time the tech's had an AI injection. Companies like Meta are looking for new ways to market their products to the masses, collaborating with the likes of Kylie Jenner. Tech journalist Alice Clarke and digital sociologist Ben Lyall discuss whether these goofy glasses are finally becoming cool, and what it means for your privacy. 
Australia's introducing new labelling rules that will require restaurants to clearly state whether seafood is locally sourced, imported, or a mix of the two. So how might this affect what you choose from the menu?

Grandparents in 2026 are more enmeshed in their grandchildren's lives than ever. While most are providing some form of care for their grandchildren, close to three in five say their grandparenting style doesn't always match what's expected of them. In the first instalment of a new Life Matters series, parenting expert Maggie Dent and demographer Liz Allen unpack the complexities of modern grandparenting.
Financial stress is a growing problem for Australian households, affecting around 13 per cent of the population. It can affect every facet of our lives, and can be particularly hard on relationships. Beyond Blue's Georgie Harman and tax clinic supervisor Annette Tasker explain how to work through periods of financial anxiety and where to find support.

Confidence can be the magic ingredient to help us through the curveballs life throws our way. It shows up in your career, your relationships, the way you parent, and unexpected everyday moments where you just need a boost. So is confidence something you can cultivate? Personal coach Kate James and psychotherapist Giac Giacomantonio share their tips on building confidence brick by brick and tapping into it through life's challenges.
This week for Ask Aunty, author Patrick Lenton and comedian Kat Davidson weigh in on how soon is too soon to start dating again after losing the love of your life.

Neil the seal is an internet sensation. His regular midwinter haul-outs have brought him onto land and in close contact with humans and our built environment. But as he grows bigger, so too do the risks. So how do we manage the situation so that Neil's pilgrimages don't put him — or others — in harm's way?
Australia's snowfall has been in long-term decline for decades, and it's something the towns on the frontline of our winter economy have been grappling with. Snow Resorts Australia CEO Josh Elliott, Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce president Oliver Kapetanakos and climate scientist Ailie Gallant explore the future of the Australian ski season.
International events like the World Cup can turn the most fairweather fan into a sports obsessive. People who never watch football suddenly know exactly when the Socceroos are playing. So what does it say about us if our loyalty waxes and wanes with the seasons?