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Is misogyny and gender-based violence perpetrated by teenage boys on the rise? According to Professor Michael Salter from the School of Social Sciences, social media has become a convenient scapegoat, preventing further examination of "our underlying assumptions that really need challenging."

The NSW government has faced criticism for ruling out three inner-city Sydney sites for social housing. Addressing the issue of housing affordability, Professor Hal Pawson from the City Futures Research Centre suggests implementing a special levy on all new developments, highlighting their effectiveness in other contexts.

How will the Budget 2025 impact first home buyers? Professor Hal Pawson from the City Futures Research Centre breaks down the details of the federal government's plan, describing it as a “tweak to an existing program” that reflects the changing housing and economic landscape.

Emeritus Scientia Professor Louise Edwards from the School of Humanities & Languages reflects on the evolution of Australia's national character and its relationships with the region, particularly across Asia, as posited in Donald Horne's influential 1964 book, The Lucky Country.

How important is play for children in learning environments? Dr Fatemeh Aminpour from the City Futures Research Centre examines how rising enrolment numbers are reshaping the size, nature, and function of school playgrounds, and considers the implications for children's development. [Timestamp 06:05].

Professor Philip Thalis from the School of Built Environment discusses the growing scrutiny facing Australian developers for misrepresenting green spaces in new projects. He explains that artist renderings often fail to accurately depict the final product, citing a recent example in Box Hill.

According to Professor Michael Salter from the School of Social Sciences, "we have a younger generation engaging in more sexual violence than previous generations." He explains how the increasing prevalence of pornography has contributed to this phenomenon and its escalating effects.

Professor Jill Bennett from the Big Anxiety Research Centre explores how AI companion bots can improve the lives of ageing Australians and those with dementia. She addresses common concerns about AI replacing human interaction, emphasising the potential for these technologies to combat loneliness and provide "quality interactions".

Why is the notion of 'vibe' so difficult to describe or articulate? According to Dr Ash Watson from the Centre for Social Research in Health, while there's certainly "something emotional and sensory about it," deriving an exact or universal meaning remains challenging. [Timestamp 10:30].

Recent research has revealed that two-thirds of retired households renting privately are living in poverty. Professor Hal Pawson from the City Futures Research Centre advocates for increasing Commonwealth Rent Assistance and reimaging its one-size-fits-all approach. 

Following the critical acclaim of the film Anora, Scientia Professor Carla Treloar from the Centre for Social Research in Health discusses the film's themes and premise centered on sex work. She highlights the impacts of stigma on the health and wellbeing of the sex worker community, noting how “their illnesses are inextricably tied to their work."

Associate Professor Paul Munro from the School of Humanities & Languages shares his research into the emergence of small-scale, off-grid solar products in Africa and the Pacific. He explains that while "they've become quite a ubiquitous feature of households there," unfortunately, many of these systems are in a state of disrepair. [Timestamp 20:06]

According to Adjunct Associate Professor Catherine Fitzpatrick from the School of Social Sciences, "doing nothing is no longer an option" when it comes to corporate responsibility in protecting consumers from financial abuse. She advocates for businesses to join the "globally leading action" of the Respect and Protect public awareness campaign.

A new report has revealed that Sydney's land value is estimated at three trillion dollars, marking a 66% increase across five years. Dr Chris Martin from the City Futures Research Centre discusses the drivers of this significant growth, and the implications for landlords, potential homebuyers, renters and the housing market. [Timestamp 24:08]

What is behind the rise of 'vibe' culture? Dr Ash Watson from the Centre for Social Research in Health traces its long history, dating back to the Ancient Greeks to its "explosion in recent years." She also shares her sociological approach to articulating and understanding this phenomenon. [Timestamp 1:44:48]