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How secure are renters in Australia and what can be done to better support their wellbeing? Emeritus Professor Hal Pawson from the City Futures Research Centre examines Australia's rental landscape, noting that there is "relatively little security for private tenants" and explores the implications of "living in a landlord's market."

Amid rising sea levels, Dr Elisa Palazzo from the School of Built Environment has highlighted the growing threat of coastal hazards across the state. She notes that “little by little cities will have to recede” and emphasises the importance of designing architecture that can adapt to and withstand rising water levels.

Professor Philip Oldfield from the School of Built Environment comments on the Federal Opposition’s proposal to reduce regulations for new housing, warning against weakening standards for safety, accessibility and energy efficiency. He argues that “cheap housing doesn’t mean a cheap lifestyle”. [Timestamp 2:30:15]

Dr Andrew Clarke from the School of Social Sciences explains how the Census captures people experiencing homelessness across a range of circumstances, from sleeping rough to temporary or insecure housing. He describes the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ approach as “multipronged” and underpinned by a “rigorous methodology.” [Timestamp 0:34:30]

Honorary Associate Professor Jane Mills from the School of the Arts & Media unpacks the notoriety of ������ò, exploring its enduring legacy in 20th-century cinema and ongoing relevance through its examination of “the dangers of uncontrolled power, the abuse of power, and fascism.”

Professor Emery Schubert from the School of the Arts & Media explains why some songs have the power to “jump into people’s minds”, using the recent breakout hit Eastern Rosellas to illustrate the science behind musical earworms. [Timestamp 1:08:45]

What makes a song unforgettable? Professor Emery Schubert from the School of the Arts & Media explains the mechanics behind “earworm creation", highlighting the role of strategic repetition in the viral success of global hit Eastern Rosellas.

From “Bob’s your uncle” to “mum’s the word”, Professor Stephen Doherty from the faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture explores the meaning and origins of common idioms, explaining how their usage and significance have evolved over time. [Timestamp 27:35]

Professor Philip Oldfield from the School of Built Environment underscores the importance of the home through a real-world competition challenging students to reimagine the future of urban development and affordable housing in Sydney.

Dr Charlotte Farrell from the School of the Arts & Media discusses the closure of queer arts collective Divine Playhouse, describing it as symptomatic of broader challenges facing queer cultural spaces in Australia and "the difficulty of keeping them alive.” [Timestamp 2:40:25]

Professor Michael Salter from the School of Social Sciences discusses the eSafety Commissioner’s concerns about AI and children’s images online, highlighting risks including data harvesting, peer-to-peer abuse and exploitation by child abuse networks. He calls for clear guidelines and minimum standards to "keep kids safe online."

Professor Michael Salter from the School of Social Sciences warns against posting children’s images online amid the rise of AI-generated deepfakes targeting school communities, noting that “unfortunately children in uniforms intersects with some of the worst online appetites.”

An award-winning apartment building in Sydney's north-west is challenging the trend for all-glass balconies with its curved brick design. Professor Philip Oldfield from the School of Built Environment says the change is "not before time", arguing that solid brick balconies provide better shade and privacy.

The NSW government's Housing Delivery Authority is fast-tracking housing developments on sites including churches, shopping centres and universities. Professor Chris Pettit from the City Futures Research Centre says large retail landowners are well placed to deliver higher-density housing under the reforms.

Scientia Professor Jill Bennett from the Big Anxiety Research Centre discusses AI companions 'Mia' and 'Tom', developed with Chinese international students to help address loneliness. She explains they are designed to complement human care by providing safe, relatable psychosocial support for students already turning to AI for help.

A recent Four Corners investigation has revealed many 'affordable' rental listings are still too expensive for the Australians who need them most. Ryan van den Nouwelant from the School of Built Environment says clearer regulation is needed, warning that relying on market mechanisms to deliver affordable housing was "always going to fail".

Scientia Professor Andrew Martin from the School of Education discusses how people's ability to form mental images varies – from vivid visualisation to aphantasia – and how these differences can affect how students learn. [Timestamp 1:04:39]

Professor Emery Schubert from the School of the Arts & Media explains how different types of music can improve productivity. From familiar songs that ease anxiety to lo-fi study playlists, he discusses how music can influence focus and performance. [Timestamp 2:14:01]