The Conversation Hour
Episodes
How do we better support kids who miss school due to illness?
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the impacts of missing school on young people when managing a chronic illness and what supports n...
Happy Taylor Swift day!
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"The Life of a Showgirl" is Taylor Swift's 12th studio album and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we capture all the excitement and anticipat...
Sunscreen testing under further scrutiny
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The TGA has this week announced it has significant concerns about the reliability of SPF testing undertaken by Princeton Consumer Research Corp. In...
The Conversation Hour goes to the Royal Melbourne Show
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this very special edition of The Conversation Hour, Jacinta Parsons (filling in for Richelle) visits the Royal Melbourne Show.
What does it take to be an umpire?
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Grand Final is almost upon us, and there is a lot of talk about how the players are gearing up. But what does it take to be an AFL umpire and do ...
How far have we really come in reducing fast food marketing to kids?
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Australian sleepwear brand Peter Alexandar has recently launched a ‘Macca’s’ collection which includes items for children. In this edition of...
Jimmy Kimmel has been reinstated
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Late night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live will be back on air next Tuesday — following his suspension for comments made about the murder of right-wing...
Do you have awards at your local sports club?
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With the Brownlow medal on tonight in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what it actually means to be the best fairest. Should it be ju...
Are the prelims better than the Grand Final?
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's going to be a big weekend of footy and many are gearing up for the Cats vs Hawks tonight. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss wh...
Does the music industry need to introduce a green tick?
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the federal government climate target is handed down today, you may not automatically think what role the music industry has in reaching these tar...
Why youth clubs matter
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The St Kilda PCYC (Police and Citizens Youth Club) looks set to close, much to the disappointment of its members and the local community. In this edi...
Why are dads less likely to talk about sexual education?
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we unpack new research that finds dads are less likely to initiate these discussions with their kids.
Are athletes paid too much?
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are footballers and athletes paid too much and is it resulting in them feeling disconnected? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the ...
How did Korean culture break into the mainstream?
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From the biggest Netflix film of all time to winning song of the year at the MTV music awards, people can't seem to get enough of Korean art and cult...
The diet created in Victoria that has changed countless lives
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been 20 years since the low FODMAP diet was created at Monash University.
Using smart phones to monitor roads
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A team of researchers at Monash University is hoping to make potholes a thing of the past, by utilising smartphones to help detect them.
Erin Patterson has been sentenced
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of the Conversation Hour we recap on the Erin Patterson's sentence and reflect on why the case has garnered the interest it has. Also...
The loss of a literary journal
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Melbourne University Publishing has announced that the literary journal Meanjin will cease publication at the end of this year. The publication has b...
Could clubs make it easier for fans to go to the AFL finals?
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As Collingwood fans pile into buses bound for Adelaide ahead of the qualifying final, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss whether clu...
How can we better support migrants to keep their name?
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of the Conversation Hour we discuss the societal pressures people from migrant communities can feel to change their name when they co...
The competitive sport that puts the environment front and center
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's called spogomi, was invented in Japan and has the slogan of 'trash pickup is a sport' and in this edition of The Conversation hour we meet a spo...
Debunking the myth that migration leads to a lack of housing
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the wake of the anti-migration rallies over the weekend in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the vital contribution migration makes...
Supporting the mental health of AFL players
29 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It has been a big week for AFL Players speaking out and speaking up, from Mitch Brown discussing what it is to be a bisexual man in the AFL to Bailey...
Should golf courses be multi-functional?
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are golf courses in the heart of our suburbs a luxury that too few people get to enjoy? Some locals in Aspendale and Edithvale are concerned that the...
Supporting frontline workers
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the wake of the death of two police officers in Porepunkah, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the mental health impacts on the...
Should greyhounds be allowed off-leash in dog parks?
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Victoria greyhounds must be leashed at all times in public, this includes off-leash dog parks., with the exception of seven designated grey hound ...
Improving the safety of cyclists
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With tragic news this morning of a cyclist fatality, in this edition of The Conversation Hour, we look at what measures need to be put in place to im...
Are ear pods making us feel disconnected?
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you found yourself trying to chat to someone only to find they have their ear pods in? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore just ...
Do we need to get tougher on dog owners?
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We often hear about cat curfews and importance of keeping cats indoors for the damage they do to native wildlife -but have dogs been going a bit unde...
What is the best way to combat homophobia in sport?
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Homophobia in sport has made the headlines today, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what role captains could play in changing the c...
How effective is book week in connecting kids to reading?
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Parents often feel a bit conflicted when it comes to book week, of course it is great to promote reading, but the last minute dash to cobble together...
The showgirl is having a moment
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From Taylor Swift's new album The Life of a Showgirl to Pamela Anderson's film The Last Showgirl, social media feeds have been awash with plumes of b...
Do we underestimate the impact of being homesick?
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Australian NFL hopeful Archie Wilson broke down crying when the teen reflected on living away from his family in the US, in this edition of The Conve...
The Conversation Hour
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The quality of meals in aged care are on the agenda today as Maggie Beer AO, champion of improving meals in aged care presents at the Press Club. In ...
Why do women still face criticism for mixing motherhood and a career?
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It can be a case of damned if you do and damned if you don't when it comes to women returning to work after childbirth. Seven's AFL commentator Abbey...
The environmental cost of Winter swimming
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For some the local pool becomes a vital source of staying fit over winter but keeping the pool heated comes at an environmental cost, in this edition...
Is customer service in retail a lost art?
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's all eyes on retail this morning with the opening of the Mecca superstore but was does good retail customer service actually look like? In this e...
Creating hospital meals for culturally diverse patients
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dieticians at Western Health are introducing a multicultural hospital meals program, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the signific...
The kids taking charge of air pollution
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The politics of school drop off and pick up has long been discussed, but a new study looks at one particular element — the environmental impact of ...
New study reveals prevalence of women experiencing migraine
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new study from Jean Hailes Women Health has found that one in three Australian women are living with migraines, in this edition of The Conversation...
Why we need to talk about IVF 'add-ons'
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
AsAustralia's health ministers have agreed to undertake a review of the nation's fertility sector, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look a...
The legacy of Where Did I Come From
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Australian publication of the iconic sex education book Where Did I Come From, in this edition of the Con...
Supporting the families of emergency service workers
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It is not uncommon to hear stories about the the trauma emergency service workers experience, but the toll it takes on their family members often get...
Is social media addiction impacting your family?
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The government has confirmed YouTube will be included in Australia's social media ban for kids under 16, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we ...
Do skate parks help keep kids connected?
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
DIY Bike ramps and skate ramps in parks are contentious, kids build them and then they get pulled down. In Brighton locals are debating whether makes...
What will the Saints historic win mean for fans?
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It was an extraordinary win for St Kilda FC against the Dees on Sunday afternoon, with a historic three quarter time comeback, in this edition of The...
Is footy following the American model?
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With rumours of Snoop Dog playing at the AFL Grand Final in this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask whether or not it is ok for the AFL Grand Fi...
Would we judge Monica Lewinsky as harshly as we did 3 decades ago?
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what the reaction would be if the affair between Lewinsky and Bill Clinton if it happened today. ...
What is the state of your local basketball facility?
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Last week construction started on a $60 million redevelopment initiative on the Frankston Stadium, with features including ten basketball courts and ...
Has footy become too long?
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The AFL's new executive general manager of football performance, Greg Swann, has said he is looking to speed up games. In this edition of The Convers...
Are AI recruitment practices exacerbating ageism in the workforce?
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One quarter of employers classify people over the age of 50 as old, that's according to a study into employer attitudes from the Australian Human Rig...
Why meaningful work when you are young matters
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New research suggests many young people aged between 20 and 34 aren't using their skills in their current job and can't get the hours they want, in t...
Do women who decide to not have kids still face social stigma?
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New data has revealed that birthrates in Melbourne are in decline, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we explore whether stigma around not havi...
Police initiative combats harassment on public transport
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A police messaging service called STOPIT that was set up to report harassment on Melbourne's public transport system has led to more than 60 arrests ...
Birth trauma connected to poor mental health outcomes
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new study by Birth Trauma Australia has found that women who struggled to get a diagnosis for their injuries were 2.4 times more likely to experien...
Privacy concerns over age verification for internet searches
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Later this year age-assurance technology will be introduced to internet search engines, to reduce children's exposure to harmful content, in this edi...
What is the best way to ensure protests remain peaceful?
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Victorian opposition have proposed new policy that would see the Victorian police, instead of local councils in charge of protest registrations. ...
Do we need to reign in how medicinal cannabis is prescribed?
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
AHPRA is releasing new guidance for prescribing of medicinal cannabis after an investigation found unsafe practices where leading to harmful impacts ...
What happens when the local bank closes?
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With the recent announcement of closure of 10 Bendigo Bank branches across Australia, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what is los...
Funding cuts to programs that help new parents settle their babies
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With news of the axing of funding for council-run sleep and settling group education classes, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss wha...
Women's football on the big grounds, would it make a difference?
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There have been calls the AFLW to be played at stadiums like the MCG and Marvel to rise the profile of the game, in this edition of the Conversation ...
Why there are calls for restricted access to supplements containing B6
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Changes to the way products containing B6 are accessed is one of the proposals from the Therapeutic Goods Administration under a recently released in...
Why we need to talk about the well being of childcare workers
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Police investigating a Melbourne childcare worker accused of child sex crimes has caused a great deal of distress in the community. In this edition o...
Will the new seafood labeling laws change what you order in a restaurant?
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Legislation introduced today will require restaurants and cafes to inform their customers on the origin of the seafood they serve, in this edition of...
Is it ok for students to use their teachers first name?
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some recent research has suggested that allowing students to use their teachers first names may help foster stronger teacher-student relationships, i...
How much is your wardrobe a form of self-expression?
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Anna Wintour has stepped down as editor of US Vogue, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what role the magazine has played as a fashi...
Has online ticketing made going to events just too hard?
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling a sense of nostalgia for queuing might sound a little odd, but when it comes to seeing your favourite band there is perhaps a certain camarad...
Why we need to talk about suicide prevention
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new report from the Productivity Commission says that Australia's national plan to improve mental health and prevent suicide is "not fit for purpos...
Should YouTube be included in the social media ban?
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The esafety Commissioner is recommending the Youtube be included in the social media ban for people under the age of 16, in this edition of The Conve...
How much do we need to be watching our water consumption in Melbourne?
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As regional areas across Victoria face water restrictions, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what future measures can be taken to s...
How insurance costs are impacting the live music scene
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A music venue in Belgrave will be the first venue to put a Public Liability Levi of a $1 on every ticket to absorb insurance costs. In this edition o...
Preparing young workers for security incidents
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the wake of another security incident at Northland we look at what employers should be doing to better equip young workers to deal with incidents ...
Improving mental health support for GPs
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
GPs are calling for an end to mandatory reporting so they can access mental health care without fear of discrimination. In this edition of the Conver...
Will the post and boast laws work?
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new law introduced by the State Government today will target criminals posting their crimes on social media, in this edition of The Conversation Ho...
What is the true cost of not being able to see a psychiatrist?
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new report from The Grattan Institute has found that that Austalians are paying excessive fees for specialist care, with people paying in some inst...
Should libraries be a gateway to social services?
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore whether libraries are an appropriate place for social workers to be stationed.
What impact does school expulsion have on a student?
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With principals being given the power to expel students for their actions outside of school hours - in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explo...
Could you live on the minimum wage?
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Do we need menopause accredited workplaces?
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition The Conversation Hour we explore the impact of menopause on women in the workforce, and ask whether menopause accredited workplaces w...
What happens when you discover you have a life altering condition?
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Supporting farmers through drought
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
Supporting young retail workers
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
State budget cuts for women in sport
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 editi...
the Enhanced Games + who is still playing Grand Theft Auto ?
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With a mission statement to "redefine superhumanity through science innovation and sports" in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at contro...
Accessing hospital parking + new report into adolescent health
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Yesterday's State budget saw significant investment into hospitals, but as hospital parking remains an ongoing issue for patients, families and healt...
Why there are protests against the emergency services tax
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
CFA volunteers and farmers have protested against the emergency services tax across the state today. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look...
What role can a community play in preventing suicide?
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ro...
Celebrating women in cricket
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cricket commentator and former international cricketer Mel Jones OAM was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Sport award this week at the Victori...
When a seabird's body crunches with the sound of plastic
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Is secondary traumatic stress driving teachers out of the profession?
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, ...
Supporting families through paediatric palliative care
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 providin...
How do we cultivate a love of reading?
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Is the risk of concussion too high in kids footy?
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Why are young people not driving trucks?
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 at...
Why is the AFL looking to recruit players in America?
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 g...
A big night for Melbourne's basketball community
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 nigh...
Why are children overrepresented in e-scooter fatalities?
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New research reveals that children are disproportionately represented in e-scooter deaths, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the ri...
Is nightclubbing still a rite of passage?
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 H...
Do we need better breastfeeding facilities at sporting venues?
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Conv...
What would Maggie Dent do?
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Con...