Listen to Life Matters online

LMS 2008-12-03

today Listen

Homeless World Cup Melbourne is hosting the Homeless World Cup, with soccer players from 56 countries. Missing young people Couch surfing, having some time out, having a break - these are not terms you usually associate with missing people. But young people who lose contact with their families and friends do not always perceive themselves as `missing?. Playing poker with the SAS About this time two years ago an Australian comedian packed his bags for a special trip. Your feedback The letter...

LMS 2008-12-02

Tue, Dec 2 Listen

Family television viewing The extent to which television viewing has become an integral part of family life is revealed in newly released data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Giving week This is Australian Giving Week. Meet the listener: keeping it in the family Meet the listener guest Steph writes 'My sister and I are grandmothers to two beautiful children from her son and my daughter'.

LMS 2008-12-01

Mon, Dec 1 Listen

COAG health funding boost Will the funding boost for health announced at Saturday's Council of Australian Governments meeting fix Australia's crisis ridden health system? Workplace dislosure of disabilities Disclosing a disability or illness to an employer is highly risky. In a job application, it might stop you being considered. The age I'm in When you look in the mirror do you get a surprise? Do you feel younger inside than the image staring back at you? Slice of Life 5: Doggie day care At...

LMS 2008-11-28

Fri, Nov 28 Listen

Talkback: radio memories They say that the sense of smell evokes the most vivid memories of all, but sometimes our aural memories can be almost as strong. Today's discussion topic is your memories of listening to the radio and what they mean to you.

LMS 2008-11-27

Thu, Nov 27 Listen

Educational success and money Lack of money does not in itself set children up badly for starting school. But there are other factors, often associated with financial disadvantage, which definitely do hamper children's school readiness and subsequent success. Life in foster care: part 3 This week on Life Matters we've been hearing from children living in foster care. So far two boys have talked about how drugs and alcohol were major reasons for them to be removed from their parents' care. In...

LMS 2008-11-26

Wed, Nov 26 Listen

Drugs and young people Mission Australia's latest national survey of young people indicates those aged 11 to 24 are increasingly worried about drug use. Life in foster care: part 2 This week on Life Matters we're featuring the stories of three children living in foster care. Ulterior motives Marriage and relationships can be a magical mystery tour at the best of times and there is always more to know about your partner. Music Track: Late in the evening Your feedback The letter of the week is...

LMS 2008-11-25

Tue, Nov 25 Listen

Tertiary education costs How much is going to university worth? A new report from the National Centre for Social and Economic Monitoring has found that HECS is a significant cost, but over a lifetime its effects are offset by graduate salaries. The real financial struggle is income support, with students relying on family, savings or credit cards to survive. Life in foster care: part 1 Thousands of children around Australia are currently in foster care and government departments struggle...

LMS 2008-11-24

Mon, Nov 24 Listen

Finance sector job losses If you work in the finance sector, you?re probably feeling pretty anxious. Places of pain and shame Governor General Quentin Bryce recently visited the French village of Fromelles where a mass grave of Australian servicemen has been found. A passion for flying: Phil Latz Phi Latz was a self-described `feral outback kid? from central Australia, who fell into a career in aviation. Slice of Life 4: Old school skaters A group of urban men show us how to be forever young.

LMS 2008-11-21

Fri, Nov 21 Listen

Talkback: hair today, gone tomorrow Some men take baldness in their stride, while for others it can be traumatic and a blow to their self esteem.

LMS 2008-11-20

Thu, Nov 20 Listen

Drug marketing Drug companies have a lot of influence on the choices doctors make. Why can't I see my grandkids? 'Loss of contact' is one of the fastest-growing problems affecting older Australians. Rudely Interrupted Melbourne based band Rudely Interrupted has been invited to play for the United Nations next month, on the International Day for People with Disabilities. Multiple choice: fishing school In her latest series of Multiple Choice Susan Maushart is once again delving into some of...

LMS 2008-11-19

Wed, Nov 19 Listen

Navy families Australian Navy families are looking forward to an unexpected Christmas present, announced yesterday. Religion, love and sexual desire Dr Patricia Weerakoon, the coordinator of Sydney University's sexual health graduate program, is on a mission to have sexual matters discussed within churches. Music Track - She was too good to me Caring for pets in times of crisis Going into hospital or moving into a nursing home can be very distressing and that stress can escalate dramatically...

LMS 2008-11-18

Tue, Nov 18 Listen

Keynes revival The ideas of British economist John Maynard Keynes are back in vogue as the G20 nations try to fix the global financial crisis. Protecting kids in hospital Going to hospital is a traumatic experience for any child, but imagine how much more upsetting it would be if they were denied specialised care. Online genome tests The first online genome testing companies appeared only last year, but they're already sparking lots of debate in medical, scientific and ethics circles. Meet...

LMS 2008-11-17

Mon, Nov 17 Listen

Whooping cough resurgence The reported cases of whooping cough for October were three times the rate for the same month in 2007. Flexible schools A half of all high school students have part-time jobs and juggle work and study. Computers in schools problems A year after it promised to deliver a computer to every high school student from years 9-12, the Federal Government is facing a rebellion from state leaders over the plan. Meat Do you eat meat? A lot of Australians do and we eat a lot of...

LMS 2008-11-14

Fri, Nov 14 Listen

Talkback - Grandparents Becoming a grandparent can mean a new lease of life or putting your lifeplans on hold to care for the grandchildren.

LMS 2008-11-13

Thu, Nov 13 Listen

Forum: 21st century learning Australia has a "21st Century economy with a 19th century education system", Rupert Murdoch?s damning assessment in his Boyer lectures currently being broadcast on ABC Radio National. But is it fair?

LMS 2008-11-12

Wed, Nov 12 Listen

New Human Rights president A new president of the Australian Human Rights Commission has taken over from John von Doussa. Roberta Taylor: The Reinvention of Ivy Brown The news that Inspector Gina Gold (Roberta Taylor) isn?t going to be at Sun Hill Police Station forever has devastated hard core fans of The Bill. Pool drownings Have you got a backyard pool? How long since you?ve checked the gate and the fence? Your feedback

LMS 2008-11-11

Tue, Nov 11 Listen

Women in mining Think coal mining and you?re likely to imagine a remote industrial landscape where giant machines rumble and sweaty men toil in hard-hats. Smart country schools Many high school students in small country areas are rivalling the academic achievements of those enrolled in Australia?s most elite secondary colleges.

LMS 2008-11-10

Mon, Nov 10 Listen

Irritating! Are you having a good day or has it been full of hassles? Perhaps a call or two from a telemarketer, cut off by another driver on the way to work or dismissive treatment from a shop assistant. Christos Tsiolkas: The Slap Would you slap a child who is not your own? Courage: Anna Funder Without courage, as Aristotle says, there is no other virtue. Slice of Life 2: dental care plus A unique dental clinic, for people who are homeless or have drug and alcohol problems or mental...

LMS 2008-11-07

Fri, Nov 7 Listen

Talkback: Regret Regret is often positioned as an indication of a less than satisfying life. I have no regrets is said triumphantly. To not have regrets becomes a badge of honour.

LMS 2008-11-06

Thu, Nov 6 Listen

President Obama A former Washington insider gives her assessment of the Obabma victory. Hugh Mackay: arts participation as therapy When it comes to sport, we?re a nation of spectators, more likely to watch than to play. 'Mediatrician' Michael Rich Dr Michael Rich is arguably the world's first 'mediatrician'. Heart of Gold films Toni Powell says she?s always had a feeling she could change the world, now she's and is on a crusade to bring joy to as many people as possible through the power of...

LMS 2008-11-05

Wed, Nov 5 Listen

What drives voter turnout? There?s been record voter turn out in the United States, perhaps the highest for 50 years. Children, pain and the power of music There are few experiences more gut-wrenching than having to hold a child as they try to kick and scream their way out of a painful medical procedure. Graeme Base: I do it for me Graeme Base is Australia's most successful book creator. His books are lavish visual treats - the more you look at the pages the more they reveal. His book...

LMS 2008-11-04

Tue, Nov 4 Listen

Pub violence Alcohol-fuelled violence and binge drinking is increasing and governments are under pressure to prevent and manage the problem. Sheila Hancock: Just Me You know her face from television, most recently in Grumpy Old Women and Who do you think you are? Sheila Hancock is also well known as the widow of John Thaw. He played Inspector Morse amongst many other roles. Community housing grows Housing prices are falling - that has to be good news for people trying to buy their first home,...

LMS 2008-11-03

Mon, Nov 3 Listen

Family reunion after a decade apart Jemal Ambo is a Melbourne based Ethiopian refugee who has not seen his four children for 10 years. Hearing voices Chances are the term 'hearing voices' makes you think of schizophrenia. Phony: How I faked my way through life Andrea Stanfield once faked her resume, by including a non-existent university degree. Slice of life 1: Kay loves to dance In the first of our weekly Slice of Life series of short features, we meet Kay Solakis.

LMS 2008-10-31

Fri, Oct 31 Listen

Talkback: Windfalls Windfalls are the stuff of dreams.

LMS 2008-10-30

Thu, Oct 30 Listen

Living low paid Low-paid workers make up one quarter of all workers in Australia. And yet they?re barely noticed or supported. Erectile dysfunction and relationships Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects 60% of men over 60 and, with an ageing population, the incidence is certain to escalate. Comedienne Denise Scott When Denise Scott and her husband bought their family home years ago she burst into tears, describing the house as repulsive in every way. Vacuum man The Hoover is celebrating its...

LMS 2008-10-29

Wed, Oct 29 Listen

School reporting: too much testing Education minister Julia Gillard wants schools to be more accountable, and she?s particularly impressed by the New York system of school reporting. Steve Biddulph: boys need mentors Wanted: good men who want to spend time with teenage boys. Alana Ruben Free: beginner at life Anorexia Nervosa is a disease we commonly associate with teenagers, but for Alana Ruben Free it was after the birth of her son that the disease really took hold. Your feedback More tales...

LMS 2008-10-28

Tue, Oct 28 Listen

The other tax review While the Ken Henry-led tax review chugs along, not due to report until late next year, a new, independent tax panel has been set up. Teens and risk: too safe for their own good The pendulum has been swinging back for some time now when it comes to giving children more responsibility for themselves and their actions. Six degrees of separation: new documentary We speak with one of the world's leading researchers on the new science of networks, Professor Duncan Watts. Meet...

LMS 2008-10-27

Mon, Oct 27 Listen

Private school funding Are private schools getting more than their fair share of public money? Barry Dickins is back To say that the writer and artist Barry Dickins has just been to hell and back would be an understatement. Maggie Beer: a generous life Maggie Beer is one of our most loved foodies! The self-taught cook started out as a pheasant farmer in the Barossa Valley, before turning her talents to food author, restaurateur and food manufacturer.

LMS 2008-10-24

Fri, Oct 24 Listen

Talkback: The worst day of the week We all do it. Some of us love it. Some of us loathe it.

LMS 2008-10-23

Thu, Oct 23 Listen

When muck up days go wrong Recent negative publicity involving a top private school in Victoria has reignited the debate about appropriate rituals for letting off steam when school is over, and adulthood beckons. Ian Gawler: The Dragon?s Blessing Ian Gawler's name is synonymous with cancer recovery. Blogdaddy episode 10 (final) Today a child is born, a doctor and a midwife fight and blogdaddy may be facing a future alone! Music Track - Walkin' my baby back home Kids teaching kids Sometimes a...

Life Matters (Interviews)