The Conversation Hour

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 Rosalía 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 MTV  

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

A 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,  in this edition of The Conversation Hour,  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...

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...