Nicole’s fascination with Africa sparked while she was still in high school. She went to volunteer in Kenya when she was 18, returning again when she was 22. She tells us about how her experiences helped her understand gratitude and joy; and how sometimes, you should say no to that tattoo.

Gratitude In The Simple Things

Growing up, Amanda thought that being kind and being a good person meant doing everything for everybody, and putting herself last. She learnt how to be a great chameleon, flawlessly reading people and adapting herself to meet all their needs; but after a series of destructive relationships, she decided that something had to change.

When Being Kind To Others Backfires

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has vowed to stop Sydney music festival Defqon.1, after two young people died and another two were left fighting for their lives from multiple suspected overdoses. We spoke with Greens MP David Shoebridge about police presence, pill-testing and other harm-minimisation measures at music festivals. Produced by Tina Matolov

Death at Defqon Festival Sparks Debate About Pill Testing

You probably don’t love the look of cane toads, but these toxic toads have just been found to be the key to unlocking evolutionary success in Australia. We spoke with Professor in Evolutionary Biology Rick Shine about cracking the cane toad DNA puzzle, and how this will help develop methods for managing its impact on Australia’s fauna and environment. Produced by Tina Matolov.

Cane toad DNA unlocked for the first time - warts and all

If recent statistics are anything to go by, we are a generation that is keenly infatuated with the idea of a sexual relationship...without the relationship part. It seems that the comfort and closeness that generally come with the package of a relationship are becoming somewhat obsolete in favour of short sexual trysts, often with a friend, to satisfy a primal urge. Friends with benefits situations, those revolving purely around sex and convenience, work well for some, but there’s often the need for ground rules to be laid, Tina Matolov spoke with sexologist and relationship expert Dr Nikki Goldstein, and Edith Weisberg, Director of Reserach at Family PLanning NSW to learn more.

Would You Like Some Sex With That Friendship?

Do you scroll through social media a little more than you should? Most of us use some form of social media every day, but have you ever thought about the potential effect it may be having on your mental health? Several recent studies have suggested that online platforms are leading to an increase in anxiety and depression in young people, while others imply that having an online community can actually help with mental health issues. Tina Matolov speaks with three professionals in the field to find out more about our online habits and their effects on our mental health.