4BC Afternoons - Highlights

Rebecca Gibney has spent decades as Australia’s favourite TV mom and top-tier actor, but at 61, she’s stepping into her most "vulnerable" role yet as the new host of Millionaire Hot Seat. She revealed to Carla why a year of "saying yes" led her to face a lifelong fear of public speaking and how she’s navigating the emotional highs and lows of giving away life-changing money.

As classrooms go high-tech, over half of students from disadvantaged backgrounds are at risk of starting the year without a laptop or tablet. Doug Taylor explained why digital exclusion is the newest barrier to breaking the cycle of poverty.

Does it feel like you just took the Christmas tree down, yet January is already over? Professor Hinze Hogendoorn explained the fascinating psychological reason why our adult lives feel like they are speeding up and how your "boring" routine is actually deleting your memories.

The iconic Aussie road trip is facing a major reality check, as new data reveal that costs have surged by more than 50% in just five years. From triple-digit insurance spikes to $3.40-a-litre diesel, find out if the "affordable" family getaway is becoming a luxury of the past.

When Mark Gable told his famous peers he was launching a tell-all tour, the response from legends like Steve Kilbey was a resounding "don't talk about me." Hear why the Choirboys frontman plans to spill the beans anyway when he hits the Princess Theatre on February 28.

Nine News presenter Joel Dry joined Carla to discuss why he still shared his son’s milestone first day of school on social media despite serious new police warnings about "sharenting" risks. He revealed the clever technical tricks his family uses to mask identifying details while still celebrating the big moment.

As skin cancer rates reach a global high, experts are calling for a radical shift in the school schedule to protect the next generation. Dr. Austin Lang joined Carla to explain why a mandatory five-minute "slop" break before lunch could be the simplest way to save thousands of lives.

Katherine Pegg went from a kid lying on the grass looking at the stars to becoming the first astronaut to qualify under an Australian space program. She joined Carla Bignasca to discuss how we can raise the aspirations of the next generation to tackle "hard things" like STEM.

With temperatures climbing toward 40°, RSPCA Queensland’s Chief Vet warned that shade and water may not be enough to save your pets from fatal heatstroke.  Learn the critical "red flags" to watch for and why a simple stick in a water trough could save local wildlife today.

The legendary Sam Kekovich fired back at the World Happiness Index and explained why a simple backyard barbecue is the ultimate antidote to national division. He shared his "no-nonsense" plan to get Australia back on top by ditching petty politics for a succulent lamb chop.

What does Australia Day look like when you’re proud of your heritage but love your home? Siri joined her daughter Carla to explain why she wants her grandson to know his Thai roots while embracing the "free country" that gave her a life of opportunity.

Think being a koala keeper is all cuddles and naps? Lone Pine educator Anna Johnston joined Carla to reveal the messy reality of raking poo and the fascinating reason why these sleepy icons have fingerprints almost identical to our own.   

Queensland is facing an unseasonal spike in influenza cases as a mutated new strain, dubbed "Super K," sweeps through the state this January. AMA Queensland President Dr. Nick Yim joined Carla Bignasca to explain why your last flu shot might not be enough and what you need to know to protect your family before school returns.

Twenty-four years after her historic gold medal win, Alisa Camplin is heading to Italy as Chef de Mission to lead our second-largest Winter Olympic team in history. She opened up about the "once-in-a-generation" squad, from Townsville bobsledders to five-time legends, and why the world should finally stop underestimating the Aussies on the ice.

Most people try to avoid their partners' exes, but Hayley’s "family orchard" makes that impossible after her boyfriend's dad and his ex's mom moved in together. Hear why she’s being hailed as a master of diplomacy for navigating the world’s most complicated holiday seating chart.

Psychologist Nahum Kozak joined Carla Bignasca to break down the public rift between the Beckhams and what it teaches us about setting boundaries. Discover why trying to stay neutral between your parents and your partner is a "losing strategy" and how to use the "drawbridge" technique to protect your relationship.

Parliament has rushed through sweeping new powers to designate hate groups and penalise religious leaders following the Bondi tragedy, but critics say the legal lines are "clear as mud." Conflict strategist Sarah Blake joined Carla Bignasca to explore whether these laws protect the community or simply silence diverse political protest.

Having survived both romance and the wild, Luke Bateman compared the "catty" drama of reality TV to the physical toll of the African bush. He revealed which experience pushed his emotions and appetite to the absolute limit.

At just 24 years old, Rhys Hoole went from a normal game of touch football to needing a life-saving heart transplant as a medical milestone at Prince Charles Hospital. He joined the program to share his "second chance at life" and celebrate the 40-year foundation that made it possible.

With four shark attacks reported in just 48 hours, Bond University expert Dr. Daryl McPhee explains why recent heavy rainfall and murky water have created a "perfect storm" for bull shark activity along the coast. 

Body and Soul Content Director Jacqui Mooney revealed how Aussies are ditching the scales to prioritise mental bliss and holistic wellbeing. Discover why the "Health of the Nation" report showed a massive generational shift toward joy over dress sizes.

Is your year destined for a "Love Story" or total "Misery"? Carla and Gary look at the box office hits from their childhoods to see what the future holds.

After a massive branch shattered just inches from Sofie during her Saturday stroll, Carla investigated whether the Council is actually responsible for your medical bills. Legal expert Henry Garrett explained why these public liability claims are harder to win than you might think.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the media to condemn the "act of pure evil" committed at Bondi Beach, describing it as a targeted anti-Semitic terror attack on the first day of Hanukkah. He announced plans to immediately propose tougher national gun laws.

Peter Kennedy believes the Sunshine Coast hinterland is small enough that no one should ever have to walk alone. Hear how his Veterans Wellbeing Foundation is rallying the local community to provide "hand ups, not handouts," from paid-forward coffees to thousands of dollars in Christmas gifts.

Queensland’s new solar scheme promises to slash power bills, but tenants are rightly worried it could lead to a loophole for rent increases. Carla Bignasca asked REIQ’s Antonia Mercorella if the government's strict eligibility rules are enough to stop landlords from taking the cash and raising the price.

It is the news Queenslanders know all too well, but now the rest of the nation agrees: the Bruce Highway has officially been named Australia’s worst road. Smart’s Loralei Blaine joined the show and revealed the shocking stats behind the vote and why drivers from every state dread this specific stretch of bitumen.

From behind bars, a disgraced financial planner is launching a landmark lawsuit against the betting giants he claims fuelled his $3 million theft. Tim Costello joined Carla Bignasca to explain why this "line in the sand" moment could finally expose the industry's predatory tactics to the public.

The national ban on social media for under-16s is officially here, but activist Chanel Contos warned that age limits alone won't stop the flood of harmful content waiting for teens. 

San Francisco has launched a landmark lawsuit against food giants for the health costs of ultra-processed foods, creating a precedent that paediatric nutritionist Mandy Sacher calls Australia’s "tobacco moment." She joined Carla Bignasca to explain why our government must stop prioritising profit over health and overhaul a rating system designed by the very companies it regulates.

From Jacob Elordi’s double nomination to Rose Byrne’s comedy nod, Australian talent is dominating this awards season like never before. Movie analyst Shane Bassett joined Carla Bignasca to predict our biggest winners and weigh in on why Hugh Jackman was left off the list.

As the federal government’s under-16 social media ban kicks in, IT specialist Shaun Rowland warned that forcing kids to "fake" their age could actually strip away existing safety protections. Listen in to find out why a blanket ban might make the internet more dangerous for teenagers, not safer.

The viral videos captured the shock, but what happened after Oprah Winfrey walked into a private high tea at Southbank? Guest Nicci Hope shared the surreal details of sharing cake with the global superstar and revealed what Oprah is actually like in person.

Brisbane Powerhouse CEO Louise Bezzina hits back at the "uncultured bogan" cliché, revealing why The New York Times was "bamboozled" by Brisbane's securing of exclusive international shows. She explained how the state's outdoor lifestyle is actually a cultural superpower and previewed the major changes coming to the local arts scene.

From the Cronulla Riots to the Lindt Café siege, Tom Steinfort joined Carla Bignasca to discuss the defining moments that have shaped our nation in the new series Events That Changed Australia. He opened up about his own experiences on the frontline of history, including the day he witnessed the "surface of the moon" devastation of the 2009 bushfires.

After a week of supercell destruction, a new project is deploying high-tech "hail plates" to finally crack the code on forecasting giant hail. UQ’s Matthew Mason explained how this data could revolutionise roof design and why he needs you to store storm debris in your freezer.

After suffering a stroke at 24, ambassador Lisa Cox shared the stark reality of being a young person trapped in a system built for the elderly. Hear how the Youngcare Christmas Appeal is fighting to give young Australians back their freedom, dignity, and choice.

Logan Mayor Jon Raven joined Carla Bignasca to discuss the region's exploding property market and his bold plan to secure Olympic baseball for the city by 2032. He explained why high-density living is the key to affordability and shared details on the star-studded Christmas carols taking over Meadowbrook this weekend.

With Brisbane house prices hitting nine times the median income, Ross Elliott discussed why the Council's new "salt and pepper" density approach is vital for young families trying to enter the market. He explained why the days of heavy industry in the suburbs are over and predicted which areas could become the next James Street or West Village.

We assume a side hustle fixes financial stress, but new UQ research suggests the extra cash comes at a shocking cost to your life satisfaction. Find out why "moonlighters" are reporting significantly lower well-being scores despite the bigger paycheque.

After a dislocated hip left him confined to his bed and in constant pain, Jason Borys feared his active life was over. Hear the inspiring story of how a Youngcare grant provided the specialist wheelchair that restored his independence and allowed him to rejoin the community.

South East Queensland is facing a population explosion as young families flee Sydney’s multi-million dollar property market for a better life in the north. 

Aussie icon Rachael Beck joined Sofie Formica to preview the hilarious twists of the new Cluedo stage show arriving at QPAC this January. She also opened up about her ten-year hiatus from the limelight and the touching personal reason she is finally ready to reinvent herself.

Do you find yourself adding items to your cart even when you know you shouldn't, simply because the savings look irresistible? Dr Anastasia Hronis shared with Sofie Formica how retailers hijack your dopamine pathways to trigger addictive behaviours and learn the psychologist's top tip to resist the urge to splurge.

After a teenage rugby injury changed his life forever, Youngcare’s Ben Harvey shared his powerful lived experience of navigating the disability sector before the NDIS existed. Listen to find out how he is now helping others escape aged care and why he says the disability community is the one minority group anyone can join at any time.

On Ausmusic T-Shirt Day, a new report revealed how platforms like Spotify are failing local talent, with the number of featured Australian artists dropping by 20 per cent. Discover why our homegrown acts are struggling to compete against US giants and the new initiatives launching to help save our music culture.

Ever wondered what it takes to tour with ten horses, ten dogs, four goats, and two toddlers? Golden Guitar winner Tom Curtain reveals the chaotic reality of life on the road with his spectacular Katherine Outback Experience.

The iconic outback pub made famous by Crocodile Dundee has been snapped up by a local cattle farmer looking to diversify his grazing business. Listen in to hear Angus Brodie’s plans for a true farm-to-plate experience at the Walkabout Creek Hotel, plus his confession about a disastrous first attempt at pouring a beer.

Queensland has recorded a staggering increase in road fatalities involving unlicensed drivers, prompting urgent questions about why thousands continue to take the wheel illegally. RACQ’s Joel Tucker broke down the concerning data and explained why current penalties are failing to deter dangerous behaviour.

Residents fear a new precinct plan for 15-storey towers will crush the Bayside’s village atmosphere without delivering the necessary infrastructure to support it.  Community leader Tarnya Lowe explained why locals are demanding better planning before the skyline changes forever.