Have you ever visited your childhood home, and reflected on what it was like living there? When Jane Sinclair visited hers, she was not only flooded with memories, she also rediscovered a family treasure.

Life in 500 Words: Jane's clay sculpture

Treasurer Jim Chalmers recently outlined his vision of 'values-based capitalism' for Australia's economic future. But what values should we holding up for our prosperity, and is capitalism the best way to uphold them?

Talkback: what values should drive our economy?

Your ex sister-in-law sends a Christmas newsletter of what the family is doing and it upsets you. How do you tell her you'd prefer she ask about your family?

Too Hard Basket: what to do when the family newsletter is causing you anguish

Lucky Girl Syndrome, a trend that's gone viral on TikTok, promotes the idea that affirmative mantras and a positive mind-set will determine what you will attract into your life. If we believe we can get what we want, will the universe deliver?

Talkback: do we create our own luck?

Worrying is a normal part of life, and most kids will have their first worry at a very young age. But there are tools we can give kids to help them navigate their way through the feelings those worries might bring up.

Little kid, big worries: what can you do?

When Anna Fienberg's partner died, she sought comfort in his belongings, but missed his words. Then she remembered a book they had read together, and what he had written inside it.

Life in 500 Words: Anna's book

When science journalist Paul Biegler hurt his knee, he was given painkillers and told he’d need surgery. Then he read about the science of ‘pain mistakes’; Then he read about the science of ‘pain mistakes’; the idea that your brain can think you have an injury when you no longer do. Drawing from the methods he researched which can help reset the brain, such as hypnosis, virtual reality and ‘paced-up exercise’, Paul set out to fix himself.

Paul Biegler was in excruciating chronic pain. Then he rewired his brain

Food writer Lee Tran Lam and illustrator Shirley Zhuo talk about the special meaning behind the foods we share on festive occasions.

Festive foods to bring in the Lunar New Year

Are the old labels of extroverted versus introverted still enough to help you understand your social side?

Getting to know your social self

Rent-to-own, or rent-to-buy schemes have a shady history, but a new wave of schemes are promising access and stability for people struggling to save for a home.

Can rent-to-own schemes help in the housing crisis?

Do you often feel rushed? Like your brain and body are on auto-pilot? Euphemia Russell says one way to reconnect with yourself is by adding 'small doses' of pleasure into your day. More pleasure, believes Euphemia, can make us happier and healthier and can even contribute to creating a more just and inclusive world.

How to explore your pleasure spectrum

After recovering from cancer, Jordana Blackman, learnt to ride a bike for a charity race. Now she runs an all-female community called Chicks Who Ride Bikes that encourages women to get out cycling. The group have recently launched an app which Jordana hopes will encourage and support more women to get out riding and build their own bike communities. 

The new app designed to get more women out cycling

His followers refer to him as 'the Top G', and he's said some terrible things about women, yet many young boys and men think he gives good advice. How much of a negative influence has he already had, and what can schools and parents do to combat that?

Why you should care about Andrew Tate

Martin Welsh's trip with his father to Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, is described in his story about a precious object.

Life in 500 Words: Martin's trip with his dad

Generative AI products like ChatGPT and DALL-E represent a 'tipping point' in how we use AI in our work, educaiton and lives, according to experts. Sounds a bit unsettling, but what does it mean for our day-to-day? We find out what the future holds and how AI can make your life easier right now.

Talkback: how we'll use AI in our lives

Your elderly neighbour loves to feed the local pigeons. Consequently, you have major issues with birds on your roof. You feel for the lady, as her husband is dying, and don't want to upset her. What do you do?

Too Hard Basket: my elderly neighbour feeds the pigeons but they roost on our roof

Whether you're someone who holds onto belongings for their sentimental value, or someone who throws things out if they serve no purpose. Knowing what to keep and what to discard isn't always an easy task.

Professional Organiser, Robyn Amott, shares her tips on how to make decisions around what to keep and what to cast out.

Guest: 

Robyn Amott, Founder of Bless this Mess

Talkback: do you embrace clutter or need a clear home?

Sometimes an item of clothing you've had for a long time can be hard to part with. For Michael Randall, it's his Greg Chappell cricket hat.

Life in 500 Words: Michael's cricket hat

Cricket is one of the few professional Australian women's sports, with a team that has outperformed their male counterparts on the world stage. But it didn't get there without its champions. Former batsman, World Cup and Ashes captain Alex Blackwell shares how she pushed for change at every turn over her thirty year career, often clashing with the powers that be to make the game fairer for women and LGBTQI+ players.

Alex Blackwell on fighting for a fairer cricket

In the bestselling High Sobriety, Jill Stark famously quit drinking. But, when she took it up again, it was like ‘pouring petrol on a bonfire’ and things went horribly wrong. Jill’s now been sober for three years and says she feels more connected with her authentic self than ever before. What lessons does she have for the sober curious who want to follow her lead?

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

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