Best Working Class Heroes Radio Podcasts (2024)

1
Ask Aunty: hot desking woes 12:04

3h 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

4h 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

13h 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

1d 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

1d 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

1d 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

3d 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

3d 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

3d 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

4d 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

4d 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

4d 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

7d 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

7d 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

8d 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

8d 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

8d 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

9d 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

9d 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

10d 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

10d 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

10d 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

11d 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

11d 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

11d 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

14d 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

14d 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

15d 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

15d 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

15d 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

16d 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

16d 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

17d 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

17d 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

17d 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

17d 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

18d 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

18d 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

18d 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…

1
Ask Aunty: a tricky bathroom situation at work 12:28

21d ago12:28

12:28

You ride your bike to work, and so does your senior colleague. When you enter the shower, you always find that your senior colleague is leaving their hair around the drain. It might be time for a difficult conversation. Can you ask them to clean the shower before leaving, or would that make things unbearably awkward?…

1
What’s your relationship with risk? 39:20

21d ago39:20

39:20

If you look up the word 'risk' in the dictionary you may well find that it refers to the possibility of something bad happening, but it can also be an opportunity to evolve. Clinical psychologist Dr Charlotte Keating joins Beverley Wang to talk risk and personal growth. Charlotte discusses how our upbringing can determine our appetite for risk taki…

1
Life in a tourist town 19:55

22d ago19:55

19:55

Have you ever gone to the perfect holiday spot and thought: I wish I could just live here forever? What is it like for the people who actually do? From the busy days of peak season to the slow days when the crowds go home, how does that change life for the people who live there all year round? And can that understanding help us to become better tou…

1
Here's What I Know: Dr Yves Rees on why we need to feel our feelings 5:01

22d ago5:01

5:01

Dr Yves Rees is a historian, author and podcaster and prominent voice on issues and experiences of gender diversity. They share how taking up ocean swimming with the Salty Slags club boosted their wellbeing, and why they make an effort to sit with the hard feelings.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Feeling ‘suffocated’ by the role of mother and wife, Molly Roden Winter found an outlet - polyamory 27:19

22d ago27:19

27:19

When teacher Molly Roden Winter’s husband is home late, leaving her to put the kids to bed (again), she storms out of the house, finding herself at a bar exchanging numbers with a cute guy. Molly never expects to pursue it, until she gets back home to learn her husband knows about the encounter. What follows is a complete transformation of Molly’s …

1
Headphones and hearing 13:34

23d ago13:34

13:34

When you walk through the city or just pop down to the shops, it can feel like everyone has a set of headphones glued to their ears While work-related hearing loss has gone down in Australia over the last few decades, the World Health Organisation suggested that more than 1 Billion young people are at risk of hearing problems - in part because of t…

1
How are bank branch closures affecting you? 37:48

23d ago37:48

37:48

A Senate report says banking services and access to cash should be considered an essential service in Australia, and has called for a new banking code, which would prohibit banks from closing local branches in regional areas without consultation. The report, which also calls for investigation into the feasibility of a publicly owned bank, has been …

1
'I lost my sister in my parent's divorce' 15:49

23d ago15:49

15:49

Jane Cafarella was separated from her sister when her parents divorced, each taking one child with them. But well before that while living under the same roof her parents had already claimed a child each. For Jane it was her mother, and for her sister, Julie, her father. How this, and living with lymphodoema, played out across Jane's life is captur…

1
Pre-frailty can start in your 40s but exercise will turn it around 15:35

24d ago15:35

15:35

We have all been conditioned to think that being frail and prone to falls is an inevitable product of ageing. But research suggests that frailty, and its precursor pre-frailty, are partially a product of our lifestyle. A new study suggests that simple exercises with resistance bands can help turn things around, and this may enable people to age wel…

1
Meet the advisors behind the federal government’s new consent campaign 21:09

24d ago21:09

21:09

1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men have reported experiencing sexual violence in Australia. And recent surveys suggest that many Australians feel confused around issues of consent. The Federal Government has begun rolling out a $40 million dollar campaign called Consent Can't Wait, which looks at some of the big questions . How much of a difference can a…

1
Are we under too much pressure to 'age well'? 15:09

25d ago15:09

15:09

It may seem like living longer is the latest in a long set of goals you're being asked to achieve. But should having a meaningful and happier life, no matter the duration, be a more desirable goal? And what helps that happen?By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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