The Conversation Hour
Episodes
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 sportsÂ
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?Â
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 newbornÂ
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 pathologistsÂ
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 teddyÂ
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 homesÂ
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?Â
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...
Are cigarettes back in the culture?
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There is Sabrina Carpenter using a fork as a cigarette holder in a music video, pop star RosalÃa giving Charli xcx a cigarette bouquet for her birth...
Is backyard cricket still a thing?
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Ashes start tomorrow and with Christmas just around the corner perhaps you are considering digging out your backyard cricket set. But is the back...
Understanding the wide ranging impacts infertility can have on your life
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This morning our 774 ABC Radio Melbourne Breakfast host Sharnelle Vella shared the joyous news that she is expecting a baby girl in March. She reflec...
That time in the 90s when Nirvana performed on MTVÂ Â
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
32 years ago today Nirvana played an unplugged gig for MTV in New York and it marked a pivotal moment for the band. In this edition of The Conversati...
It's Solo Mothers by Choice Day
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of the Conversation Hour we talk of Solo Mothers by Choice day, which generally describes single mums who have used assisted reproduc...
When did you discover rock and roll?
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's been a big week for rock in Melbourne — in this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask you when you discovered the genre.Also in this edition...
Why we need to talk about the sexual wellbeing of women in midlife
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new women's health study from Monash University has looked at the impact of decreasing libido on women midlife. In this edition of The Conversation...
AC/DC are in town
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
AC/DC are in Melbourne and folk are excited. In this edition of The Conversation we hear your AC/DC stories and reflect on what their set list might ...
Improving team sport inclusion for people with autisim
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New research has looked at the experience of autistic people playing team sport and has revealed that while there is a desire to increase their parti...
Do we need to simplify footy?
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Has football become too long and too confusing? And will the new wildcard make it even more complicated? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we ...
Meet the Victorian senior of the year
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bryan Lipmann  has been named the 2026 Senior Australian of the Year for Victoria and in this edition of The Conversation Hour he speaks with Justin...
Have generational holiday homes become a luxury Victoria can no longer afford?
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In a housing crisis the idea of holiday home has become something of a dirty word, and comes with a presumption of privilege. In this edition of The ...
The Foodbank Hunger Report
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Conversation Hour we learn about the 2025 Foodbank Hunger Report, talk the come back of Race Around the World and ask do magaz...
Are we ready for 'supervised' self-driving cars?
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A couple of months ago the car company introduced a so called 'semi-autonomous' driving feature upgrade here in Australia. They call it 'supervised' ...
Will live translation tech stop us from learning new languages?
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As tech companies launch live translation features, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore how much it influence our motivation to learn...
What does the new Aged Care Act mean for you?
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
AÂ new Aged Care Act is coming in November.In this special edition of The Conversation we explore how the act will affect you and the people you love...
Do we underestimate the role of PE teachers?
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A recent report by the University College London's Institute of Education has looked at the role of sport in improves the academic performance of you...
Is education the missing link in our youth crime problem?
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Victorian government has announced it's reopening Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what role s...
Is visual clutter becoming an issue on our roads?
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you noticed that on some cars it is hard to tell the indicator is on or the brake lights are working? As more care designers are getting creativ...
Managing chronic constipation
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are new guidelines on what to eat and drink if you have chronic constipation, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with a gastroen...
The disconcerting rise of 'menowashing'
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In recent years public discussions about the impact of menopause has been having a bit of a moment, In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look ...
Navigating the question of home births
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With home births and free births in the headlines today, in this edition of The Conversation Hour, we discuss the important differentiation between t...
Are you an accidental home schooler?
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As rates of homeschooling rise, Â in this edition of The Conversation Hour, Â we look at why there has been an upward trend and delve into what has b...
What's the state of women's basketball in Australia?
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The WNBL season kicked off on the weekend and in this edition of The Conversation we take a look at what engagement with the game was like and how it...
Should supermarket junk food specials be banned?
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You try and keep your diet healthy, but are you sometimes lured by those two for one chocolate bar deals on the supermarket shelf? And as the cost of...
Football Victoria calls for urgent upgrade to facilities
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Football Victoria says it's had a substantial jump in participation, and is calling for urgent investment to support its growing popularity. In this ...
What happens when a young person gets their first phone?
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you are in the eye of the storm of your child wanting their first mobile, what sorts of things do you need to consider? In this edition of The Con...
Are you looking for gold?
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From having a scrounge in your local second hand shop to learning how to prospect, as the price of gold goes up we speak with a geologist and gold pr...
Have we got a bit carried away with how we sell real estate?
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From carefully curated books on the bedside table to designer cushions on the couch, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore how selling ...
How do we safeguard the future of music venues?
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Music venues play an import role in sustaining music culture and creating community, but as the cost of living rises, and discretionary spending decr...
How sport influences the things we say
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
So, you might have heard the young folk say "6 7". It's become a popular term that has recently flooded TikTok, and is said to have it's origins in t...
What does a useful donation to an op shop actually look like?
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is a suburban op shop the right place to donate forty years of memorabilia from Neighbours? In this edition of the Conversation Hour we discus whethe...