With principals being given the power to expel students for their actions outside of school hours - in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what impact school expulsion has on the student. Plus, we also talk the significance of heritage listing LGBTQI venues and the incredible wardrobe owned by Sarah Jessica Parker.
Jun 04, 2025•49 min
The minimum wage will increase by 3.5 per cent from July 1, it’s been described as a historic decision. But what is it to live on the minimum wage and how will the decision impact business? Also, in this edition we talk stigma pregnant women experience with their weight, why Lifeblood is calling for urgent O-type blood donors and why you might want to rethink drinking during air-travel.
Jun 03, 2025•51 min
In this edition The Conversation Hour we explore the impact of menopause on women in the workforce, and ask whether menopause accredited workplaces would be an effective means of retaining staff or further stigmatise women experiencing menopause. Also, in this edition, the State government's decision to axe the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, has drawn criticism over the weekend with grass roots football players wearing red arm bands - we discuss the broader implications of the decisio...
Jun 02, 2025•52 min
Beloved comedian Magd Szubanski has shared that she has stage four cancer. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how the diagnosis of a serious illness changes your life and the process of adaption that comes with it. Also in this edition we talk livestock theft, a tech innovation that detects fatigue in high risk jobs, and who still loves a glass of milk.
May 30, 2025•50 min
in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the impact of the drought on farmers and discuss what the impact could be on future generations. We also talk how young is too young to go into politics, the reunification of the coalition and day one of the machete ban.
May 28, 2025•50 min
In the wake of the Northland Shopping centre incident, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what training and support is available to young retail workers. Plus, we speak to the Chair of Lifeline about coping strategies and we ask a criminologist if police hubs in centres would help curb crime and make the public feel safer.
May 26, 2025•47 min
The Office for Women in Sport and Recreation and the Preventing Violence Through Sport Grants Program has been cut in the State budget, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we explore the impact the cuts will have on women in sport.
May 23, 2025•52 min
With a mission statement to "redefine superhumanity through science innovation and sports" in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at controversial Enhanced Games — where athletes are allowed to use performance-enhancing drugs. Plus, as video games enthusiasts eagerly await the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, which also has controversies of its own, we look at why it remains so popular and who is still playing it. And, it was a big win for the Tottenham Hotspurs — we celebrate the legacy...
May 22, 2025•49 min
Yesterday's State budget saw significant investment into hospitals, but as hospital parking remains an ongoing issue for patients, families and health professionals in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how much it will be factored into planning. Plus a Lancet report into adolescent health as outlined the challenges young people face including poor mental health and rising obesity, we speak with one of the researchers about how to best meet these challenges.
May 21, 2025•40 min
CFA volunteers and farmers have protested against the emergency services tax across the state today. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how far reaching the impact of this tax could be. Plus, we as homeowners wait with baited breath for the RBA interest rate decision — we look at what it will mean for the housing market. We also talk how the State Budget will shake out this afternoon.
May 20, 2025•49 min
There has been a lot of discussion over the weekend about suicide prevention in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the role of grass roots community action.
May 19, 2025•41 min
Cricket commentator and former international cricketer Mel Jones OAM was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Sport award this week at the Victorian Sports Awards, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with Mel about her work in supporting women in the game. Also, in this edition, we discuss injuries caused by energy based cosmetic treatments such as laser treatments, we also delve into the delicate terrain of when friendships get romantic.
May 16, 2025•48 min
Record amounts of plastic have been discovered in the seabirds of Lord Howe Island, so much so that you can hear their bodies crunch. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk what it would take to cut back plastic use. Plus, we look at the new national guidelines for the treatment of early pregnancy loss.
May 15, 2025•50 min
A new study has looked at the impact of Secondary Traumatic Stress on teachers and the role it could play in driving teachers out of the profession, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the importance of formal recognition of the condition and what might help alleviate the stressors. Also in this edition we discuss whether there needs to be stronger legal protections for employees who are dismissed for having a criminal record, plus learn about some new technology to help prevent ...
May 14, 2025•50 min
This week is palliative care week and in this edition of The Conversation hour we hear about the work of Very Special Kids and their role in providing palliative care for children with life-limiting illness. We hear the firsthand experience of a mother who was supported by the charity as well as her family support practitioner. Also, in this edition, what will Susan Ley's leadership mean for the Liberal party, do we need to create better incentives for international touring acts to choose local ...
May 13, 2025•50 min
In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at where a love of reading stems from and whether it is something that in innate or can be developed. Also, as farmers in some of the lushest parts of the state run out of water, we look at the impact it is having on livestock producers and just how serious the issue is becoming. And a controversial mural in Fitzroy prompts questions about what the role of public art should be.
May 12, 2025•50 min
How concerned should we be about the risk of concussion in kids footy? In this edition of The Conversation Hour, we explore the challenging decision many parents have to make about whether the risk is just too high. Plus, the Catholic Church has a new pope, Pope Leo, so who is he and what will he stand for? Also, as Nicole Kidman sported a new hair do at the Met Gala this week, we talk the significance of hair and identity.
May 09, 2025•52 min
There has been a decline in the amount of young people driving trucks, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what needs to happen to attract and retain young people to the industry. We also look at why there has already been a spike in flu rates this year and the importance of keeping clothes manufacturing local. loring the issues that affect all Victorians.
May 08, 2025•52 min
In this edition of The Conversation Hour we delve into why AFL recruiters are being sent to America , and what it could mean for the profile of the game internationally. We also discuss the impacts of the closure of the Bega Cheese processing site in Strathmore, talk the dangers of AI bias in surveillance and we reflect on what role the piano has in people's lives
May 07, 2025•51 min
It was a big night in Frankston last night as the Melbourne born Chicago Bulls player subbed in at a local A-grade competition in Frankston last night, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk the significance of the appearance with Melbourne's basketball community. Also in this edition, how much can Victoria's new chief police commissioner Mike Bush change the culture, what are the best looks at this year's Met Gala and why are some elite athletes been warned against having one night st...
May 06, 2025•49 min
New research reveals that children are disproportionately represented in e-scooter deaths, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the risks e-scooters pose to young people and what needs to happen to keep kids safe on the roads. We also look at just how significant influences where in determining the election result. Plus, we look at just how unusual it is to have temperatures in the mid 20s in May.
May 05, 2025•49 min
As Gen Z are said to embrace the 'joy of missing out' aka JOMO — where does that leave Melbourne's nightlife? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask just how significant the generational shift is in how young people socialise. We also look at the social impacts of Married at First Sight and celebrate the talk toilets of Victoria.
May 02, 2025•49 min
If you are breastfeeding and a sports fan — have you stopped going to live sporting events because it is just too hard? In this edition of The Conversation we look at some research from Deakin that reveals the extent of just how challenging attending sporting events can be for new families. We also talk jobs of the future and why eco-protestors are sending their clothes back to the shops they bought them from.
May 01, 2025•52 min
Faced with a parental dilemma, you may have found yourself asking what would parenting author and educator Maggie Dent do. In this edition of The Conversation Hour Maggie Dent talks parenting in the social media age and why she takes issue with the term toxic masculinity. We also look at what it would mean for participation if period products were made free at all sporting facilities and what it takes to get a tier two sport into the Olympics.
Apr 29, 2025•49 min
There were chaotic scenes in Melbourne over the weekend as protesters clashed on a range of issues. So, what does it mean to protest effectively and is the cause getting lost amid the chaos? Also in this edition of the Conversation Hour we look at the recent success of the screen industry in Victoria and celebrate a win for Women's basketball.
Apr 28, 2025•51 min
A new survey of dentists has revealed that there is significant support for dental to be included in Medicare, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the report findings and look at just how much people are falling behind with their dental checks. Also, surveys by ABC NEWS and the Royal Australian College of GPs show only a small proportion of doctors believe they could bulk-bill more patients, despite government commitments incentivising it. Plus we get all the latest from Bells Be...
Apr 24, 2025•51 min
In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the impact of role models in guiding, influencing and inspiring who we are and our social values.
Apr 23, 2025•51 min
In this edition of The Conversation Hour we delve into the legacy of Pope Francis and reflect on his work in changing the Catholic Church for women. Also in this edition, what impact could climate change have on blood donations and are employers changing their attitudes towards employees working from home.
Apr 22, 2025•52 min
As Dutton launched his election policy on reducing crime today , in this edition of the Conversation Hour, we look at how social media is changing when politicians campaign. We also look at the issue of what happens to your data when you recycle your tech plus, we look at TikTok's cookie challenge and what it tells us about our children's propensity to share.
Apr 21, 2025•50 min
As issues around housing and cost of living relief dominate the headlines in the lead up to the election, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how much foreign policy will influence the way people vote. Plus, we look at how video games lure young people into gambling via video games and as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival draws to a close we look at what it takes to crack it in comedy
Apr 17, 2025•52 min