The debate over speed limits, and treating chatbots as lovers and friends episode artwork

EPISODE · Oct 22, 2025 · 55 MIN

The debate over speed limits, and treating chatbots as lovers and friends

from Life Matters - Full program podcast · host Australian Broadcasting Corporation

A new study from RMIT has found bringing residential speed limits down from 50 to 30 kilometres an hour would protect cyclists. Other studies show a drop in residential speed limits even more benefits, especially for our kids. So what do we need to do to make our streets safe, healthy and places that encourage us to get outside and play? Jennifer Kent is a senior research fellow at the University of Sydney's school of architecture, design and planning and Robyn Monro Miller AM is chief executive of Play Australia.Infertility is a taboo topic at the best of times, and when it comes to male infertility, the stigma can have big consequences for starting a family. New guidelines have just been implemented to inform and shape the care heterosexual couples going through infertility will receive. But will they reduce the stigma for blokes seeking help for infertility? Father-of-two Jason Wylie shares his story of infertility and Associate Professor Darren Katz, urologist and male fertility specialist, discusses the new guidelines.New research found one in seven adult Australians could imagine falling in love with an AI chatbot.  It comes as the world's most popular AI chatbot, ChatGPT, prepares to roll out a new version that includes erotic conversations and the ability to "act like a friend." So is this innovation? Can a bot help alleviate loneliness? Or are there too many risks when you replace human connection with AI? Social media content creator Mia Anastasia says she treats ChatGPT as a friend. Professor Jeannie Paterson is Co-director of the Centre for AI and Digital Ethics, University of Melbourne and Scott Watters is CEO and Founder of the youth mental health service LifeChanger. 

A new study from RMIT has found bringing residential speed limits down from 50 to 30 kilometres an hour would protect cyclists. Other studies show a drop in residential speed limits even more benefits, especially for our kids. So what do we need to do to make our streets safe, healthy and places that encourage us to get outside and play? Jennifer Kent is a senior research fellow at the University of Sydney's school of architecture, design and planning and Robyn Monro Miller AM is chief executive of Play Australia. Infertility is a taboo topic at the best of times, and when it comes to male infertility, the stigma can have big consequences for starting a family. New guidelines have just been implemented to inform and shape the care heterosexual couples going through infertility will receive. But will they reduce the stigma for blokes seeking help for infertility? Father-of-two Jason Wylie shares his story of infertility and Associate Professor Darren Katz, urologist and male fertility specialist, discusses the new guidelines. New research found one in seven adult Australians could imagine falling in love with an AI chatbot.  It comes as the world's most popular AI chatbot, ChatGPT, prepares to roll out a new version that includes erotic conversations and the ability to "act like a friend." So is this innovation? Can a bot help alleviate loneliness? Or are there too many risks when you replace human connection with AI? Social media content creator Mia Anastasia says she treats ChatGPT as a friend. Professor Jeannie Paterson is Co-director of the Centre for AI and Digital Ethics, University of Melbourne and Scott Watters is CEO and Founder of the youth mental health service LifeChanger.

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The debate over speed limits, and treating chatbots as lovers and friends

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This episode was published on October 22, 2025.

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A new study from RMIT has found bringing residential speed limits down from 50 to 30 kilometres an hour would protect cyclists. Other studies show a drop in residential speed limits even more benefits, especially for our kids. So what do we need to...

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