The Conversation Hour

The risk factors that make menopause more severe for some

22 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Recent research has revealed what makes menopause symptoms more severe and ongoing for some women, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we speak ...

The science minister responds to climate research cuts at the CSIRO 

21 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Following on from yesterday's discussion about job cuts at the CSIRO, in this edition of The Conversation Hour  the Science Minister responds to cli...

What's happening at the CSIRO?

20 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The CSIRO will press ahead with cutting up to 350 jobs, despite receiving federal government funding of  $387.4 million over the next four years. Wi...

How do you feel about your GP using an AI scribe?

19 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's World Family Doctor Day and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the role of the AI scribe in the doctors surgery, and the patien...

Staying safe on public transport

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Victoria police have revealed that their Transit Safety Division 'STOPIT' unit have received more than 7,000 reports of unwanted sexual and anti-soci...

How much do you hear accents in music?

15 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Delta Goodrem has made it to the Eurovision Grand Final after performing her song Eclipse. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss accent...

Should free meal programs be available in schools?

14 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

With recent calls for a universal school lunch program, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with two schools who have created a lunch p...

How far does the budget go in reducing intergenerational inequity?

13 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Federal Budget has been handed down and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore just how far it goes in reducing intergenerational in...

Politics and voter trust 

12 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of the federal budget tonight, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the issue of voter trust and does it really matter if a part...

One Nation wins Farrer by-election

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

One Nation won the seat of Farrer from the Coalition, which had held the seat for 77 years. Meanwhile in the UK local elections indicate a decline fo...

Celebrating Sir David Attenborough at 100

08 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Sir David Attenborough has turned 100, and in this edition of The Conversation we explore how he has influenced and inspired generations to care abou...

Should the World Cup still be screened at Federation Square?

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There has been fierce debate this morning regarding whether the screening of The World Cup should be banned at Fed Square. In this edition of The Con...

Improving public transport accessibly

06 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we introduce you to  Santiago Velasquez.  Santiago is blind and has created an app that enables public tra...

Has the recent spate of firebombing impacted your business?

05 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

With yet another nightclub firebombing overnight in this edition of the Conversation Hour we discuss what impact this series of attacks is having on ...

Accessing voluntary assisted dying in aged care

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A recent report from Go Gentle Australia has highlighted concerns about access to Voluntary Assisted Dying in aged care, in this edition of The Conve...

How can we better suppport our paramedics?

01 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

With the distressing news of the stabbing of a paramedic on Thursday in Reservoir in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what protection...

The interim report from the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has been handed down

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has released its interim report this morning. Established in response to the Bondi terror ...

Concerns about AI surveillance at work 

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A new report from the John Curtin Research Centre says there needs to be stronger safeguards around how AI is being used in the workplace. In this ed...

Why don't you take the bus?

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The state budget will see a $100 million injection into the Victorian bus service, with the funding to include expanded bus hours and routes into gro...

Improving the condition of roads in Victoria

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Victorian Government will spend over one billion dollars to repair and resurface our roads, as part of the state budget. In this edition of the C...

Answering your questions about the NDIS

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Health Minister Mark Butler has detailed big cuts to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we talk throu...

What is basic human dignity?

22 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The federal government will reverse its decision to charge at-home aged care recipients for showers, dressing and continence care. In this edition of...

Truck drivers to receive fuel money from business

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It have been described as an historic order, The Fair Work Commission has ruled that some of Australia's larger companies need to compensate truckies...

Changes to blood donation eligibility

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

More people can donate blood from today, as eligibility has expanded to include gay and bisexual men and also transgender people. In this edition of ...

Are the men 'marrying up'?

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An ABC analysis of census data recently revealed that women are more likely to exceed their husbands when it comes to education. In this edition of T...

New survey reveals extent of financial strain dental costs caused by dental costs 

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Consumer Health Forum is calling for the Federal Government to prioritise dental affordability ahead of the budget, off the back of its survey fi...

Navigating the AFL tribunal on umpire abuse and the principles of justice

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The AFL tribunal has found Port Adelaide player Zak Butters guilty of verbally abusing umpire Nick Foot, despite a lack of evidence. In this edition ...

Is Australia too reliant on the US?

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Arthur Sinodinos, chair of the United States study centre and former Australian ambassador to the US and lib...

Safeguarding democracy in Australia

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore a new report from The Grattan Institute that explores attitudes towards democracy in Australia an...

Why don’t we repair things more?

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the importance of learning the art of reparation.

How is the Lebanese Community feeling?

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Conversation Hour, the latest on how the Lebanese community is feeling amidst the Middle East conflict.

Is this peace?

08 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Conversation Hour, the latest on the Iran and US conflict. We ask a Middle East analyst does this two-week ceasefire mean peac...

Junior pay rates abolished for young adult employees

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Fair Work Commission will abolish junior pay rates for young adult employees aged 18 to 20 in the fast food, retail, and pharmacy sectors with a ...

Supporting our Victorian policing community in times of trauma

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In breaking news this morning police have shot dead fugitive gunman Dezi Freeman in Victoria's north-east. Freeman had been on the run for seven mont...

Concern the fuel crisis will impact kids sports 

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what impact the fuel crisis could have on kids sports, particularly for those living in regional ...

How much is walking part of your daily commute?

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Last week we discussed what role cycling could play as an alternative to driving in the context of the fuel crisis, in this edition of The Conversati...

Principals under pressure

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore a new study from Monash University that has highlighted the emotional stress experienced by schoo...

Will we see more people cycling as a result of the fuel crisis?

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As petrol prices continue to rise, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore whether people will turn to the trusty bicycle to save money a...

Can jet skis co-exist with marine life?

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

With news today that Victoria's Conservation Regulator is investigating reports of jet ski riders harassing dolphins at Philip Island, in this editio...

How Should You Think About Your Budget

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In a time of global conflict, how should you think about your budget, your priorities, and your long term plans? 

What could the fuel crisis mean for tradies

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Yesterday on program we received a few calls from trade workers who shared their concerns about how the fuel crisis will impact their business. In th...

How much surge capacity is in our public transport system?

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As discussion rages about how the war in the Middle East will impact our fuel supplies, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask the question ...

Elder rights advocates share concern about a major aged care provider two-tier system

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Opal Healthcare is trialling a new two-tier system essentially requiring residents to pay extra for things like a hot breakfast and tv in rooms. In t...

Divided opinion on plans to shift building inspection costs from buyers to sellers

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Home sellers would pay for building and pest inspections, under a new pitch from the Victorian Government  if it is re-elected later this year. In t...

The psychology of panic buying

11 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The war in Middle East has sparked a wave of panic buying fuel, despite reassurances that there is no shortage of supplies, in this edition of The Co...

Understanding Australia's involvement in the Iranian conflict

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

With news this morning that Australia will send military support to the United Arab Emirates in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss whet...

When was the last time you went to the ballet or opera?

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Actor Timothée Chalamet went viral over the weekend for his comments dismissing the ballet and opera, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we ta...

A Conversation Hour menopause special

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There is a lot to talk about when it comes to how menopause impacts the lives of women, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk all things m...

How did you come to barrack for your AFL team?

05 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Melbourne author Helen Garner shared what inspired her to become a Western Bulldogs supporter on Breakfast this morning and in this edition of The Co...

Introducing your pets to a newborn 

04 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As our breakfast show co-host Sharnelle Vella gets ready to go on maternity leave you may have heard her special baby shower broadcast this morning. ...

A win for better access to speech pathologists 

03 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Speech pathology services have recently been included in Medicare rebates for young people with under 25s with stuttering, speech sound disorders, or...

Turning the plane around: what happens in the cockpit during international conflicts?

02 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There has been major flight disruptions in the Middle East, as the US-Israel strikes on Iran unfold. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we spea...

Ron Barassi memorialised in Barassi Way

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Brunton Avenue will soon be known as Barassi Way, paying home to the footy great. Running alongside the MCG, the location is in many ways apt, in thi...

Combating racism in community sport

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Set The Standard is a Vic Health initiative designed to help local sports clubs fight racism by helping coaches and club leaders build culturally in...

What makes a good airport design?

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Melbourne airport is having a renovation, so what's number one on your list of improvements? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with a...

The tale of your teddy 

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A baby monkey, and his orangutan soft toy have gone viral after the macaque named Punch was rejected by his mother. In this edition of The Conversati...

Supporting neurodivergent kids at the hairdresser

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we meet the mother of an autistic child who has created what she describes as a 'Big Hug' suit to assist her...

Have we got better at designing hospitals?

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

From Footscray to Frankston — hospital design has been in the spotlight lately; in this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk patient centred de...

What is the future of the Philip Island Circuit?

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

With news of the MotoGP moving to Adeliade, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we explore what will happen to the Philip Island race track and ...

How prepared are you for grassfires in the suburbs?

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you live in the suburbs do you have a fire plan? If you live in a housing estate and a grass fire broke out and you needed to leave how bad do you...

How hard is it for you to go to the toilet at work?

17 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Electrical Trades Union recently launched a campaign called Nowhere To Go, designed to draw attention to the lack access to toilets for women wor...

Why park rangers matter

16 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Parks Victoria has recently spruiked for applications for park rangers, advertising 62 new roles across the state. It was only a couple of weeks ago ...

Taking your talkback on talkback...

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's World Radio Day and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we celebrate you — the talkback caller and take your calls on the talkback that h...

"The police don't really take us seriously" hiker calls for stronger police action after alleged assault

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this edition of The Conversation Hour hiker Sarah Gibbs shares her harrowing account of being assaulted by a man while hiking the Goldfields Track...

What do we actually mean when we talk about 'activity centres' in a housing context?

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

High-rise apartments could be built at a so called "activity centre" in the south-east suburbs, that's according to draft plans released by the State...

Co-existing with kangaroos

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A Victorian man was left injured after he was attacked by a Kangaroo, while trying to protect his pet dog. In this edition of the Conversation Hour w...

Is food studies back?

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Recent data indicates that food studies is becoming increasing in popular with secondary school students, and has come along way since the days of ho...

Are fewer people going vegan?

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

With reports of declining vegan food options in supermarkets and on restaurant menus - in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore whether pe...

Could greater collaboration between Victorian schools boost student performance?

05 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As Tasmania trials a UK based model whereby schools share resources, staff and knowledge to improve student results, in this edition of The Conversat...

The Mardi Gras after party has been cancelled

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Sydney Mardi Gras party has been cancelled, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what underpins the decision and the significance ...

The push to save Writers Victoria

03 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Writers Victoria has lost its funding from the State government, threatening its survival, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss its ro...

Climate proofing sporting events

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Australian Open has wrapped for another year and endured some particularly hot days during the tournament. In this edition of The Conversation Ho...

What skills did you learn from your first job?

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask you about the first job you had and what skills you have taken from it into later life. Also in this ...

Little buddies creating a sense of belonging at school

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As prep students head to school for the fist time, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk the school buddy program, where older children ar...

Why outdoor play matters

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A new study has highlighted the importance of outdoor play for kids, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore why it is important for youn...

Designing heat resistant homes 

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As Victoria endures a heatwave, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore how we can design and build homes that stay cool, without an over...

Do you still dance?

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Well, there has been a bit on the internet this week about wedding reception dancefloors and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we delve into d...

Finding light in a time of darkness

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The light will win is the theme of today's National Day of Mourning to honour the victims of the Bondi terrorist attack. In this edition of The Conve...

Do you holiday in the suburbs?

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As the summer holiday slowly fades, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the concept of holidays in the suburbs and the suburban carav...

New birth guidelines introduced for clinicians

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Safer Care Victoria, a State Government agency, has recently released a set of guidelines for clinicians to help them navigate situations where a wom...

What does the 2016 trend tell us about our relationship with social media?

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Has your social media feed filled up with pictures of your friends 10 years ago? #2016 is suddenly trending along with selfies, holiday pics and plat...

Is it getting harder for holiday parks to insure?

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Earlier in the week we talked insurance in the wake of fires, and today, it's floods down at Wye River and the surrounding communities . In this edit...

What is the etiquette around claiming a patch on the beach?

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

 As Victorian beaches get busier over summer in this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk to the dos and don'ts of claiming a spot on the beach ...

Did Mattel's new autistic barbie get it right?

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Mattel has recently launched its first autistic barbie and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore how the doll has been received by the ...

Do you want live music at your next sporting event?

13 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We have seen some iconic music performances at sporting events over the last year, and with the The Australian Open just around the corner Australian...

Improving temporary accommodation after a natural disasters

12 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore how much prefab housing could be used as a form of temporary housing particularly in the wake of ...

Will the social media ban change how kids will holiday this summer?

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What did your school holidays look like when you where a kid? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how the social media ban for under ...

Is it ok to ask what someone got for their ATAR score?

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's been a big day for year 12 students, as they receive their ATAR score, but is it actually ok to ask what someone got? In this edition of The Con...

A dinosaur skeleton is going to auction, but should it be?

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A rare dinosaur skeleton will be going to auction in London. Nicknamed Spike, inspired by its pointy skull, it has been described as a "colourful bir...

What are your unique Christmas traditions?

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Well, Christmas is almost upon us and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we hear your unique Christmas traditions and catch up with the co-foun...

What's happening to VicHealth?

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A Government spokesperson has told The Conversation Hour that they are addressing duplication by bringing the work of VicHealth into the larger Depar...

Should primary schools have a stronger focus on teaching typing skills?

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A recent study has exposed a gap in the amount of time allocated to teaching primary school students how to type and in this edition of The Conversat...

Changing employer attitudes towards hiring a person who is blind

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today marks  International Day of People with a Disability and in this edition of the Conversation Hour we discuss the prevalence of discrimination ...

What should nightclubs be doing to prevent sexual harm to its patrons? 

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New research indicates that nightclubs could be doing more to prevent sexual harm in their venues. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk t...

We take you to Town Hall Station

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Metro Tunnell is go and in this special edition of The Conversation Hour we broadcast live from Town Hall Station. We speak with architects, trai...

Do we need lockdown drills in Victorian schools?

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Two schools in Berwick went into lockdown yesterday, Department of Education spokesperson said the incident involved a "young student who behaved in ...

Are we doing enough to reduce plastics?

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at where things are currently at with banning single use plastics and discuss the impact it continue...

Would you be happy to walk into a shop that has no staff?

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

: Melbourne has a new staff-free 7-Eleven, which is essentially comprised of vending machines.  In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss ...

Improving our neighbourhoods for older Melbournians

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Over the past couple of months a group of 65 plus citizen scientists have hit the streets of Melbourne, mapping their experiences to capture how to m...

New survey reveals extent of poor toilet facilities for women transport workers

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A Rail, Tram and Bus Union survey has found 73 per cent of female transport workers have experienced health issues as a result of poor toilet facilit...