Best Working Class Heroes Radio Podcasts (2024)

1
Here's What I Know: Kerri Sackville on the power of focus and solitude 5:19

2h ago5:19

5:19

If you listened to Hilary’s series Dated, you will recognise the voice of Kerri Sackville. She is a columnist and author of Out There: a Survival Guide to Dating in Midlife. Sharing wisdom of a different kind, Kerri unpacks her classification of solitude and why we need to experience it each day if we want to lead creative lives.…

1
How might history offer solutions for modern issues? 23:51

2h ago23:51

23:51

Humanity is grappling with many critical issues, such as climate change, rising inequality and the cost of living.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Rethinking housework: how mindful housekeeping can boost wellbeing 22:06

2h ago22:06

22:06

Doing the dishes, folding laundry, getting in the garden, or cooking dinner might feel like ‘chores’: just more things on the big list of nuisances we don't have time for. But changing our mindset around housekeeping can help our mental clarity and wellbeing. We explore the cultural devaluation of ‘home’ work, and how rethinking our relationship wi…

1
Life goes on but will it ever be the same? 16:07

13h ago16:07

16:07

When Megan Maurice was diagnosed with breast cancer at 36 years of age, her daughter Pia was only seven. Megan thought the way to manage was to stay positive, and to adopt the mask of a character from a sad-but-uplifting TV show. She decided the emotional breakdown could come later. But what if surviving survival was even harder? Megan joins Hilary…

1
Why age inclusive language matters 36:18

14h ago36:18

36:18

The World Health Organisation's 2021 Global Report on Ageism found that one in two people worldwide are ageist, and called ageism 'prevalent, ubiquitous, and insidious'. One of the ways ageism manifests is through harmful stereotypes, and the language we use can play a critical role in either perpetuating or preventing those stereotypes. Dr Catheri…

1
What is the Digital Product Passport, and how will it revolutionise the fashion industry? 14:23

1d ago14:23

14:23

With Australia reportedly one of the world's biggest fashion consumers, what if there was a way to find out everything you want to know about the item you are purchasing - to see the entire life cycle of a garment. How would this influence or inform your buying choices? A Digital Product Passport will contain all the information you need about an i…

1
Alex Noble: 'I Fight, You Fight', living with spinal cord injury 14:53

1d ago14:53

14:53

Alex Noble was sixteen and crazy about his chosen sport, Rugby. It was the day of the trials for the Open Sevens and Alex was primed. One tackle though went horribly wrong leaving him paralysed from the neck down.Five years on Alex is now a motivational speaker, has written a book called 'I Fight You Fight' and developed an approach to life he call…

1
Preterm baby guidelines are first of their kind in Australia 22:28

1d ago22:28

22:28

A new set of guidelines from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute will help more than 3000 very preterm babies born in Australia annually. With around 60 per cent of these babies experiencing health and development difficulties later in life, experts say post-discharge care is often inconsistent and confusing for parents. The guidelines offer …

1
Should media literacy join reading and writing on the school syllabus? 17:25

3d ago17:25

17:25

The internet and social media has been a double edged sword for news and journalism. It's given a voice to communities that weren't often heard in the mainstream and enabled individuals and small collectives to report on news that would never have been covered otherwise. But a lot of what you see on social media isn't actually true and the algorith…

1
'More addictive than heroin': Jonathan Haidt on why social media is so harmful and how to help kids get unhooked 26:13

3d ago26:13

26:13

The tragic statistics forming the basis of the youth mental health crisis can all be traced back to one moment - the invention of the smartphone and the emergence of the 'selfie-based social media ecosystem' in 2012. That's the argument at the centre of social psychologist Jonathan Haidt's groundbreaking new book ‘the Anxious Generation’. With the …

1
What’s it like being the only child in class who is not on Instagram? 8:26

3d ago8:26

8:26

At ten-years-old, when Aalia Elachi's smartphone broke and her parents decided not to replace it, she was devastated. But she's now fourteen and has loved the social-media-free life her parents have given her. What motivated the Elachis' decision and how are other parents around the country following their lead? Guests: Dany Elachi, Sydney father o…

1
Ask Aunty: hot desking woes 12:04

6d ago12:04

12:04

You have recently started job sharing which entails also sharing a desk. But what happens when you job share partner helps themselves to the precious cashmere scarf you leave on the back of your seat.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Why we need to talk about death 39:23

6d ago39:23

39:23

Our relationship with our own mortality is perhaps one of the most challenging relationships we have in our lives, so how do we feel ok about it? Dr Leah Kaminsky and Dr Chris Cheers join Beverley Wang to discuss what underpins our fear of death, how we might come to cultivate better acceptance of it, and how that acceptance could in turn actually …

1
How parents and grandparents can play a role in children's literacy 21:09

7d ago21:09

21:09

One in three of Australia's four million children are struggling to read proficiently, according to the Grattan Institute. That's a shocking figure, and one that understandably worries many parents, grandparents and guardians. Anne McLeish and Amy Haywood discuss how adults can play a role in supporting kids' education in the home, and what are the…

1
Here's What I Know: what Shane Jacobson's learned about bending the truth 5:34

7d ago5:34

5:34

Shane Jacobson is a beloved fixture of Australian screen and stage, from plunging toilets as Kenny to singing in Guys and Dolls. He shares his motto for life's great moments, and a lesson from his mum about the perils of embellishing a story.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Why are Australian homes so cold and can we warm them up in an affordable way? 13:33

8d ago13:33

13:33

Much of Australia is having a cold snap right now — with sub-zero temperatures in six different states and territories. And it can be very nice in those times to curl up in a warm room with a hot cuppa, and forget about the world outside. Unfortunately, many Australian homes barely keep the cold outside, and that affects our energy bills, which are…

1
How to prevent mid-year burnout 37:52

8d ago37:52

37:52

Mid-year can be a tricky time: the weather is colder, the days are shorter, and the summer holidays can feel like they're a long way away. Is there a way we can better support ourselves and those around us from burnout? Dr Charlotte Keating is a clinical psychologist with a PhD in Neuroscience and she joined Hilary Harper to discuss the evolving fi…

1
Refugee Hero: Parisa Sekandari 14:28

9d ago14:28

14:28

Parisa Sekandari came into the world under Taliban rule in Afghanistan. Some two decades later, the second time they rose to power, her life would dramatically change overnight. Now a Refugee Advocate and co-creator of the collectives 'Amplify Afghan Women' and 'Community for Humanity', Parisa is one of the 'refugee heroes' fronting the Asylum Seek…

1
The power of placebos 15:02

9d ago15:02

15:02

We often think of placebos in a medical context, as control measures for testing the effectiveness of drugs. But can placebos also influence how how things taste, or even how effective certain over-the-counter medicines are? Professor Joel Pearson shares the ways in which placebos harness the power of our brain's own belief.…

1
New class of deadly drug sparks pill testing push 23:27

9d ago23:27

23:27

A new family of drugs are causing alarm among medical professionals. Up to fifty times stronger than fentanyl, nitazenes are synthetic opioids that have been detected in Australia in recreational drugs like MDMA and ketamine. Experts are warning harm minimisation policies, including pill testing, need to be put in place now to protect unsuspecting …

1
What does writing by hand do for our brain? 12:03

10d ago12:03

12:03

As the world becomes increasingly digitised, writing by hand can seem totally archaic. But research shows that, putting pen to paper brings far more cognitive benefit than is often assumed. What might happen if handwriting becomes a lost art?By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
With great power: Why does AI make things up and how should businesses use it responsibly? 17:03

10d ago17:03

17:03

Google recently rolled out an experimental search feature, using AI to summarise results. And while it's generally very effective, sometimes it recommended putting glue in your pizza base. Legal research tools like Westlaw have implemented AI into their products, but a recent Stanford research paper found that up to a third of the results returned …

1
A question of reasonableness: Why are so many Australians working under a non-compete clause? 21:37

10d ago21:37

21:37

A study by E61 found that more than 20% of Australian workers are working under a non-compete clause — and that's everything from senior executives to hairdressers to fast food workers. The Assistant Treasurer, Andrew Leigh, has put non-compete clauses on the national agenda in Australia, and the Free Trade Commission has recently banned them in th…

1
Ask Aunty: when a saxophone saga jinxes a work opportunity 11:57

13d ago11:57

11:57

You are going for your dream job when you realise that you have history with your new would be boss. Guests: Lizzy Hoo, stand-up comedian, presenter, writer, and actor Patrick Lenton, writer, journalist and authorBy Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Adult friendships: a guide to making (and keeping) friends in later life 40:40

13d ago40:40

40:40

When we're young, friends are everything and making new friends can be as easy and simple as having a shared interest. But as we grow older we seem to shed friends, and getting them back can be challenging. Dr Zoë Krupka , psychotherapist and clinical supervisor joins Beverley Wang to step through how to make and maintain social connections as we a…

1
How social determinants shape the way we live and die 17:38

14d ago17:38

17:38

Most of us know how to reduce our risk of developing heart disease, diabetes or ding from Covid. But with new research from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare highlighting the most common causes of death in Australia, we look at the lesser known non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. Known as psycho-social factors or social…

1
Here's What I Know: Ailsa Piper on understanding the way things are 5:14

14d ago5:14

5:14

Ailsa Piper is a writer whose latest offering For Life explores grief. She shares what it means to let move past grief, how bodily shifts can make a difference to our state of mind and the power of swimming.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
‘Like attaching a car’s accelerator before the brake’: How can we better support young people experiencing early puberty? 27:39

14d ago27:39

27:39

Hitting puberty is challenging enough, but 13 per cent of Australians experience early puberty (for females, this means getting their period as young as eight), and new research shows there are unique brain changes for this cohort making them particularly vulnerable to mental health symptoms. Dr Nandi Vijayakumar, Professor Susan Sawyer, and Olivia…

1
A message from the Gods or necessary bodily function: why do we dream? 14:29

15d ago14:29

14:29

Do dreams serve an evolutionary purpose? They're energy-zapping and leave us vulnerable to predation and yet dreams are necessary. Hilary Harper is joined by Rahul Jandial, an expert who's uniquely placed to talk all things brains and dreams.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Balancing choice and protection: what are best ways to regulate voluntary assisted dying? 36:48

15d ago36:48

36:48

The ACT has become the latest Australian jurisdiction to legalise Voluntary Assisted Dying — with the changes taking effect in November 2025. That means that every State and Territory, except the Northern Territory has legalised the practice — but there are some differences across the different jurisdictions: the ACT will allow registered nurses, a…

1
Norman Swan remembers Michael Mosley as a leading science communicator 15:42

16d ago15:42

15:42

Norman Swan met Michael Mosley as a young doctor. Norman reflects on Michael‘s transition from GP to leading science communicator and his ability to weave his personal story into scientific research. Guest: Dr Norman Swan, Producer and presenter of the Health ReportBy Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
How can we help our children regulate their emotions in a healthy way? 15:05

16d ago15:05

15:05

Tantrums are a fact of life for most parents — the world can be a lot for a young child to take in — and sometimes their emotions can get the best of them. But some psychologists are saying that they're seeing an increase in parents saying that their child is 'dysregulated.' Shawna Campbell and Carol Markie-Dadds explain what that actually means an…

1
People are giving less: how are charities pivoting to stay afloat during a cost-of-living crisis? 20:45

16d ago20:45

20:45

Charities are reporting a huge spike in demand for services across the country. At the same time, donations are dropping as potential donors are experiencing financial hardship, sometimes for the first time in years. How has the cost-of-living crisis impacted giving habits? And what's the best way to support charities when you are coping with less?…

1
What we're learning about romantic love 9:04

17d ago9:04

9:04

When you fall in love, you hope that it will last forever! But sadly, that's not always the case. Scientists are discovering more about love and how it influences our bodies and brains.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
The surprising benefits of insomnia 16:49

17d ago16:49

16:49

While grieving a series of deaths in her close circle of family and friends, Annabel Abbs-Streets found herself in the midst of chronic, severe, insomnia. After railing against her sleeplessness, becoming increasingly frustrated, she decided upon a different tack. She became inquisitive and started exploring the mysteries of the 'night brain'. What…

1
Protein is the ‘miracle nutrient’ of the moment, but how much do you really need? 27:29

17d ago27:29

27:29

There’s been an explosion of media telling us that consuming more protein can do everything from building muscle to extending our lives, but experts say more is not always better and too much could actually be harmful. So what does protein actually do and how do you know if you’re getting the right amount? Guests: Dr Evangeline Mantzioris, Program …

1
Ask Aunty: You feel judged for your choice in supermarkets 13:11

20d ago13:11

13:11

You like shopping at the posh supermarket across the street but when a neighbour makes a snide comment about your shopping habits you wonder whether it’s time to give up the supermarket or your friendship with the neighbour.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Why your relationship with your hair is deeper than you think 39:05

20d ago39:05

39:05

Hair can be a fun way to express who we are, it can also signify a lot about us, from our cultural heritage to our age. Clinical psychologist Nasalifya Namwinga joins Beverley Wang to explore the connection between our hair and our identity.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Does adaptation need to become the new priority on climate change? 19:19

21d ago19:19

19:19

May this year was the hottest on record, globally speaking, and that marks 12 straight months of record heat. And with that heat comes disaster events: wildfires are raging in California, heatwaves have impacted South and South-East Asia and floods have killed hundreds in Indonesia, Afghanistan and Europe in recent months. Clive Hamilton and George…

1
Here's What I Know: Chris Cheers on uncomfortable emotions 4:23

21d ago4:23

4:23

Chris Cheers is a psychologist, educator and author who works mostly with the queer and arts community. He shares why sometimes stress can tell us we are doing something meaningful, the importance of curiosity and why he prioritises making time for friendsBy Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Health at Every Size is not about bingeing on junk food, so how does it work? 28:10

21d ago28:10

28:10

As traditional dieting has been proven to be ineffective for many people, the Health at Every Size movement has offered a more holistic alternative. But a new journalistic investigation has found that major American food companies have distorted the HAES message to sell their sugary products. Caitlin Gilbert, Zoe Nicolson, and Louise Adams discuss …

1
'She was able to have golf lessons': Confronting the inquiry into the gender pain gap through art 13:33

22d ago13:33

13:33

Michelle Hamer is an acclaimed artist whose work delivers a strong message through what may be considered a gentle medium. She is also no stranger to chronic pain. But it was in asking others to share their experiences that informed her latest works. Her new exhibition called 'I'm a Believer' confronts the dismissive language around those living wi…

1
Do we need laws to prevent genetic discrimination? 37:40

22d ago37:40

37:40

Genetic testing is increasingly becoming essential in disease management and prevention, but some argue that life insurance discrimination could deter people from getting tested. The Council of Australian Life Insurers says they support a near-total ban on the use of genetic test results in insurance underwriting. However, some healthcare professio…

1
Here's What I Know: Morris Gleitzman on looking below the surface of things 4:49

23d ago4:49

4:49

Morris Gleitzman is a bestselling children’s author, whose work includes Two Weeks with the Queen and more recently Tweet. He reflects on the importance of looking under the surface, making the time to read and typing with all his fingers.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Blossom, practical and creative ways to find wonder in the floral world 14:35

23d ago14:35

14:35

It's time to stop and smell the roses. Adriana Picker has a particular passion for the floral world. She sees her life 'punctuated by plants'. Her book is called 'Blossom, practical and creative ways to find wonder in the floral world.'By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Death anxiety may be unconsciously influencing your life but you can turn it around 14:27

24d ago14:27

14:27

While we like to distract ourselves from the concept of death, Terror Management Theory, a school of psychological thought, argues that anxiety about our own and others' mortality drives many of our more perverse behaviours. Some researchers are now arguing that death anxiety may be at the root of some mental health disorders. On the brighter side,…

1
Is the minimum wage keeping pace with the cost of living? 15:27

24d ago15:27

15:27

The Fair Work Commission have raised the minimum and award wages by 3.75%, roughly in line with inflation. But, despite increases above what many business groups have asked for over the last 5 years, wages have fallen in real terms. Greg Jericho discusses how the decision on award rates get made, and what the latest increase means for workers and b…

1
'Side, back, front?' What's the best position for a good night's sleep? 13:46

25d ago13:46

13:46

There are plenty of devices on the market that aim to help improve your sleep posture, but does it really need shifting? Professor Danny Eckert looks at why we like to sleep in a certain position, and when those positions can get in the way of a good night's sleep.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
We can acquire food allergies as adults. Can it be avoided? 15:07

25d ago15:07

15:07

While far less common than developing an allergy in childhood, adults can get food allergies too. Professor Clare Collins looks at causes adults to acquire food allergies and whether there is any way to avoid it.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Busting the myths about only children 21:36

25d ago21:36

21:36

If you labelled a child 'selfish', 'spoiled', or 'maladjusted' because of their skin colour or religion you'd be rightfully accused of discrimination. So why do people feel entitled to make the same judgements about only children. Myths about only children have persisted for decades despite being debunked time and time again. Professor Toni Falbo a…

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Working Class Heroes Radio Podcasts

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