More than 40 per cent of Aboriginal adults in Australia are estimated to have low literacy, so what's being done to help? Plus, neuroscientist Steven Laureys on what prompted him to examine the benefits of meditation. And what should you do when your relationship with your partner lacks emotional intimacy?

Life Matters - Full program podcast

Using literacy to empower and the benefits of meditation

As Australia opens up why are COVID vulnerable people with disabilities still not being vaccinated? Author and broadcaster Clementine Ford reflects on how love, and power dressing - it's fascinating history and what it looks like now.

People with disabilities behind in vaccination rates, Clem Ford reflects on how we love, the psychology of power dressing

Why the AMA says elective surgery wait times are a sign that the health system is in crisis. Why a small town in regional WA is hoping to take control of its own power supply. And why finding her tribe saved transgender model and advocate AJ Clementine.

Elective surgery blowouts, TikTok sensation AJ Clementine, and Walpole’s power solution

Renowned Australian author Helen Garner steps back in time to the mid-90s in the latest instalment of her personal diaries. Biologist and writer Merlin Sheldrake goes on a literally mind-bending journey into the magical world of fungi. And listener Bill Boyd shares his true confession.

Helen Garner reflects on marriage and Merlin Sheldrake ruminates on fungi

As world leaders gather for the all-important COP26 UN Climate Change Conference, Life Matters takes your calls on what real leadership looks like when it comes to climate change. Are politicians the ones you look to for leadership on climate action? Or are there others in your community leading the charge?

Real climate change leadership

Helping children with learning difficulties, changing the way we think about insomnia and cooking with Jewish grandparents. NB: This episode is a repeat as the live program was disrupted by power outages.

Game based training, food is love, rethinking insomnia, standing out in a small town

In the wake of the findings against Crown Casino, what is our nation's cultural attitude to gambling? The Ladies We Need To Talk podcast now has a book tackling female taboos, Australian pianist and composer Heather Shannon challenges her own perfectionism deep within an Icelandic fjord

Our gambling culture, a new book tackles female taboos, composing in an Icelandic fjord

What’s the Federal Government’s roadmap for reducing transport emissions by 2050, and how will electric cars and other new technology contribute to this? And your questions answered about how to create an estate plan.

Avoiding the pitfalls of estate planning, and how electric vehicles will help us reach net zero

Since the start of the pandemic, due to border closures and lockdowns, restaurants and tourism operators were forced to let their workers go, but as life opens up again, many are facing unprecedented labour shortages. Will they be able to cope with the busy summer ahead? Also, how did one man's dive into the unknown ocean bring emotions hidden deep within him up to the surface?

Staff shortages and a new project from the creator of My Octopus Teacher

Australia is opening up. Victoria is out of lockdown, and soon mask restrictions will ease there, and people will be able to travel more. With NSW at 80 per cent vaccination rates for those aged over 16, many more freedoms will be available. But living with the virus will be no picnic as we know from overseas experiences. Life Matters takes your calls on we learn from other countries, booster shots and the way forward through the pandemic.

What will life be like as we open up?

One in four Australian homes now have solar systems, making it a booming industry. But how can you avoid paying too much, or being sold a faulty product? Listeners share their experiences. Plus, you've put cladding on your driveway gate, but your neighbour has taken offence – what should you do?

Problems with solar panel deals and a neighbour's gate grumblings

School students of all ages have faced enormous disruption to their educational lives, so what impact does that have on attendance? Should the contraceptive pill be available over the counter without seeing a GP, and the quirky history of the picnic through an Australian lens

School refusal, access to the pill, and the history of picnics

Are those after school karate classes really worth it? How does musical play contribute to babies’ early development? And why are more than a quarter of a million people tuning in to watch a young farmer do his job?

The benefits of extracurricular activities, babies and music, and YouTube goes wild for Mark the farmer

Life Matters is your guide to contemporary Australian life. Be part of rich conversations on relationships, family, parenting, education, work, health and consumer issues.