The Conversation Hour
Episodes
Do we still know how to protest with purpose?
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There were chaotic scenes in Melbourne over the weekend as protesters clashed on a range of issues. So, what does it mean to protest effectively and ...
What do dentists think about dental being covered by Medicare?
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new survey of dentists has revealed that there is significant support for dental to be included in Medicare, in this edition of The Conversation Ho...
Where do you turn for guidance?
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the impact of role models in guiding, influencing and inspiring who we are and our social values....
Exploring the legacy of Pope Francis
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Conversation Hour we delve into the legacy of Pope Francis and reflect on his work in changing the Catholic Church for women.A...
Does political campaigning over Easter work?
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As Dutton launched his election policy on reducing crime today , in this edition of the Conversation Hour, we look at how social media is changing wh...
How much will foreign policy influence your vote?
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As issues around housing and cost of living relief dominate the headlines in the lead up to the election, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we...
Who should pay for student debt?
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Coalition has labelled Labor's promise to wipe 20 per cent off HECS debt if it's re-elected elitist and unfair. In this edition of The Conversati...
Have renters been overlooked in this election campaign?
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Housing has been in the spotlight with Labour and the coalition launching their housing polices over the weekend to help new home buyers get into the...
Who will build the new houses?
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Labor and the Coalition launched new housing policies over the weekend including a pledge from Anthony Albanese for $10bn to build up to 100, 000 new...
The legal complexities of the Monash IVF mix-up
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A Monash IVF mix-up that saw a woman give birth to stranger's baby after the wrong embryo was used could potentially lead to a legal landmark case. I...
How do we co-exist with noise?
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the Night Cat in Fitzroy faces closure if they can't afford to upgrade their sound system to avoid breaching noise level limits, in this edition o...
Does there need to be greater regulation around ADHD diagnosis?
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Support for mental health services is in the spotlight after the Labor party's $1 billion dollar election pledge. In this edition of The Conversation...
What would improve youth mental health services?
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are more Youth Specialist Care Centres an effective way of bolstering the mental health of young Australians? As Albanese pledges $1 billion in menta...
How safe do you feel on public transport?
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From lighting at train stations to CCTV cameras on trams – in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how safe commuters feel on public tr...
How much do we understand about the rates illegal gun ownership in Australia?
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Two men have been charged after allegedly carrying two guns into the MCG last night. In this edition of The Conversation Hour, we look at the gun own...
Do you still eat beef?
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As Trump talks tariffs on Aussie beef The Conversation Hour explores the potential impact this will have on local producers. Plus, The Australian Ele...
How should the police force attract cadets?
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Yesterday on The Conversation Hour we heard a first-hand account from a former police officer about the mental and emotional toll of serving in the f...
Do retired police officers get the support they need?
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Wayne Gatt, CEO of the Police Association told Breakfast this morning that policing has become such a violent and confrontational career path that th...
When doctors have to talk about death
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Conversation Hour we learn about the development of a training program that aims to train doctors on how to have conversations...
How much do you change which party you vote for?
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are the days of being a rusted on voter becoming a thing of the past? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how much our voting habits ...
Breaking the social stigma around Tourette syndrome
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tom Cochrane to become first AFL player with Tourette syndrome, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what this means for people living...
Have you ever visited an Urgent Care Clinic?
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Conversation we look at the role of the Urgent Care Clinic in the health system. The Government says if re-elected it will fun...
Is Roblox encouraging child gambling?
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The dangers of online gaming platform Roblox has steadily been gaining coverage in the media over the last year, and one new study from Sydney Univer...
When is animal testing ok?
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Monkeys are being used for medical research at Monash University in the Latrobe Valley, in this edition of The Conversation Hour, we discuss the ethi...
Why there are calls to limit tourism access along The Great Ocean Road
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Local community groups are calling for large tourist buses to be banned in certain pockets of the Great Ocean Road in an effort to protect local wild...
When men cry
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What it does it means to see men being vulnerable? Hugh van Cuylenburg, co-host of The Imperfects cried as he read an open letter he wrote to parents...
How spontaneous are 'surprise' gigs?
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From Fatboy Slim's DJ set a fish and chip shop, to Robbie Williams at Fed Square, Melbourne has been treated to some very exciting pop up style gigs ...
Why we need to talk about 'Adolescence'
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A powerful new Netflix series titled Adolescence has shone a light on the dangers of incel culture and the manosphere, so just how much will it shift...
What's going on with how parents are behaving at sport?
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As an altercation between parents occurred at a junior basketball game in Reservoir on the weekend, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask w...
Would you go 'car free' for a bigger living space?
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You may have seen reports in the papers today about how the amount of new parking spots in suburbs with suburban rail loop stations would be capped, ...
Illegal rubbish dumping is becoming a big problem
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Illegal rubbish dumping has doubled over the past five years in Victoria according to The Environment Protection Authority. In this edition of The Co...
What does day to day life in jail actually look like?
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the Victorian Government is set to introduce tougher bail laws, this edition of the Conversation Hour includes a chat with a former incarcerated...
Do we need tighter bail laws?
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Should it be harder for people to have committed serious crime to be granted bail? That is what I being debated today in cabinet, but some are concer...
Are companies doing enough to prevent scams?
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stacey Wagner was a victim of an elaborate ticket scam that affected several people.
The economics behind bargain shopping
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
St Vincent de Paul saw a 34 per cent increase in customers in the last year compared with 2023.
Should the writing industry embrace AI?
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Melbourne book publisher Black Inc has caused a stir after it sent a request to its authors to allow for their writing to be used in the training of ...
Lessons from the latest gender pay gap figures
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On average, for every $1 a man earns, a woman earns 78 cents.
Is the vape ban deterring young people?
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we explore new data that has shown a promising reduction in young people vaping.
Would you listen to AI generated music?
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new album featuring the likes of Kate Bush, Annie Lennox and Damon Albarn has just been released. But there is no actual music on the album. "Is Th...
What role should male sporting identities play in improving gender equity in sport?
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From Andrew Gaze to Kieren Perkins, we hear from some of Australia’s most influential sporting identities about what role men should play in combat...
What is the psychological impact of a home invasion?
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the trauma associated with a home invasion and how we are best placed to manage the impact it c...
What does the Queen Vic Market mean to Melbourne?
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Queen Vic market is something of an institution in Melbourne and according to some functions as a type of social glue, beyond a place to get y...
What does high density housing mean for parking?
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With new medium to high density apartments potentially being built in your area, are you worried that parking will get worse? In this edition of The ...
Why Victoria is scrapping the voluntary assisted dying "gag clause"
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
While VAD laws were introduced into Victoria in 2017 a so called 'gag clause' has prevented doctors from initiating conversation with their patients ...
Do curfews prevent cats from ending up in pounds?
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Animal rescuers claim that new Victorian government cat management policies will result in an increase in the number of cats that are euthanized in p...
Is fake fashionable?
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As TikTok videos with the dupe hashtag have racked up nearly six billion views are we seeing the rise of dupe culture and just how tempted are you ...
Why are more families sending their kids to private schools?
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Conversation we look at why families are going private over public and discuss the lengths parents are going to to get their c...
Does there need to be a greater focus on wellbeing in the police force?
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of the Conversation Hour we look at the role of police leadership in creating a stronger sense of wellbeing in the force. Plus, a thr...
How much time do you spend travelling to work?
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt looks at just how long our commute times to work are getting and what needs to happen to reduc...
Do we need social workers at train stations?
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
At train stations in Dandenong and Frankston social workers are helping disadvantaged Victorian connect with support service, in this edition of The ...
Have you stopped reading books?
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you find yourself looking at the pile of books on your nightstand wondering why they remain unread? Well, you are not alone. But the good news is ...
How much do you understand about the food that ends up in your shopping trolley?
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new VicHealth survey has revealed that 3 in 5 consumers find it difficult to know if they can trust the health claims made on the foods they are bu...
What happened to Chapel Street?
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It was once a glamorous shopping destination, but these days it's largely associated with crime. So, what went wrong, and will we ever see the return...
Does sex education in schools need a refresh?
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new study from Edith Cowan University reveals teens think their sex education classes need a greater focus on relationships, so what needs to happe...
Begging is still a crime in Victoria , but should it be?
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Lord Mayor is targeting begging around the city and is allocating additional resources to minimise public disturbance. Begging is still a crime i...
Will private security guards create a safer in the city?
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece has announced that he will be trialling private security guards to target alcohol consumption and begging in the streets of...
Are periods a barrier to playing sport?
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk how to better support young women and girls who experience period anxiety in sport. Plus, if you cau...
Do you feel pressure to buy your kids a house?
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the latest house price figures from CoreLogic were released today, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with a sociologist about the ...
Is there still stigma around older women dating younger men?
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With the launch of Babygirl in cinemas this week we take your calls on what it means to be a woman in a relationship with a younger man. Also, as Bot...
Why Lithium batteries fueled fires are particularly difficult to extinguish
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As firefighters battle a fire at a Melbourne warehouse, fuelled by lithium-ion batteries, we speak with a forensic fire investigator about what made ...
Are teachers carrying parental load?
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As school returns for another year is there a rising pressure and tension between teachers and parents?-Are teachers now pseudo parents taking respon...
Why are young people playing the pokies?
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When you think of who might play pokies young people probably would not spring to mind and yet a recent study has shown that 18-24 year olds are th...
Are we done with tanning?
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A year ago professors Georgina Long AO and Richard Scolyer AO from the Melanoma Institute Australia were named joint Australians of the Year so, one ...
Police at Pride: a complex history
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For the first time in 22 years the Victoria Police will not participate in the Midsumma Pride March, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look...
Should we ban cars around schools?
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New research reveals that a quarter of drivers admit to speeding through school zones because they didn't notice the signs. In this edition of The Co...
Is it time to build a bigger garage?
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As Australia's love affair with big cars continues, how are we best placed to tackle on street parking congestion? Well, South Australia has proposed...
What are the lifelong impacts of a school suspension?
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New figures reveal school suspensions have skyrocketed across Victoria's state government primary and secondary schools, with almost 90 students a da...
Returning to sport after childbirth
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As elite athletes like Naomi Osaka break new ground for mums returning to sport after child birth — what does real support look like at both an eli...
Why we need to rethink how we define obesity
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Global health leaders are calling for a new way of thinking about how obesity is defined, proposing two new categories, clinical obesity and pre-clin...
Will the National Autism Strategy help create more inclusive work environments?
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Australia's first national autism strategy was announced today, so how effective will it be in creating more inclusive work places? It's day three ...
Kyrgios is back at the AO plus what it means to be living in Hollywood through the fires
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As Nick Kyrgios makes his return to The Australian Open tonight The Conversation Hour asks what he means for the game, plus how we are best placed to...
What's it really like to live on a small island?
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While some fantasise about dropping everything and escaping to a remote destination, there are already so many Australians that are living that reali...
Have we lost the art of conversation?
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, The Conversation Hour team looks at conversation itself, and asks how we can enrich our interactions.
Embarking on the big lap of Australia
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With the year winding to a close, you might be planning to take time over summer to pack the car and hit the open road.
Who's responsible for our escalating food prices?
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve all been watching food prices since they started to rise sharply in 2021, but In this program we focus on understanding why.
Are rural Australians depicted fairly in our media?
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For years debate has raged about whether the Australian media, film and TV industries are unfairly representing regional Australians.
It's the ecology, stupid.
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On the eve of the Ecological Society of Australia's conference in Melbourne, this episode of The Conversation Hour looks at the state of the environm...
When disaster strikes, sporting clubs matter
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Exploring the significance of sporting clubs in supporting the community in times of trauma, disaster and uncertainty.
Have we dehumanised our workplaces?
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, The Conversation Hour takes a closer at the standards we set at work.
How do we find hope?
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Every year, The Hope Prize draws submissions from around the world celebrating stories that highlight courage and overcoming hardship.
How a diagnosis of autism or ADHD can change your life
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Receiving a diagnosis is a significant and often emotionally confusing moment in a person’s life.
Dragon boat racing: The phenomenon with ancient roots
29 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With historic roots dating back to the first Chinese empire, dragon boat racing has taken on an entirely new significance here in Australia.
Why are scientists so excited about genomics?
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Genomics explores the building blocks of human DNA, in the hopes of uncovering patterns that can lead to lifesaving medical discoveries.
Does online gaming need stronger restrictions?
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Online gaming is a popular space for young people to socialise, but some games have drawn criticism for not providing a safe environment.
Reading rates are down. Should we be concerned?
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Apart from the individual benefits that come with picking up a book, readers are also instrumental in propping up authors, booksellers and the publis...
Are wildlife carers getting the support they need?
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Wildlife Victoria received more than 1000 requests for wildlife assistance on Monday November 11.
ABC Gives: Discussing food security at Foodbank
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Broadcasting live from Foodbank in Yarraville for the ABC Gives campaign, The Conversation Hour team explores the idea of food security.
Fatherhood and the challenge of perinatal depression
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When Matthew Sims became a father, he didn’t feel the way he was told he should feel.
Is it time to embrace active transport?
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Australia Institute has called for city and town planning that encourages people to walk, cycle and use public transport.
The power of forgiveness
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Art Garfunkel has described his regret over his long-standing feud with his creative partner Paul Simon.
Regaining a love of sport later in life
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As time goes by and life becomes more complex, it can be difficult to carve out time to play sport.
What makes a great wedding celebrant?
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, The Conversation Hour team explores the evolving art of celebrancy.
Should junior workers be paid an adult wage?
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Some advocates are concerned junior workers are being overworked and underpaid.
Do we have enough organ donors?
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Despite a majority of Australians being in favour of organ donation, just 36 per cent are registered to donate.
The past, present and future of Landcare in Victoria
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Exploring the issues that affect all Victorians.
The state of 3D printing technology
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From creating firearms to three-bedroom homes, the capability of 3D printing technology is regularly meeting new benchmarks.
Is Melbourne destined to become a megacity?
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The state government estimates more than 80 per cent of Victoria's population, or roughly 8.5 million people, will reside in Melbourne by 2051.
Why the tradition of lighthouse keeping persists
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, The Conversation Hour team shines a light on why these beacons hold a special place in the minds of so many people.
Celebrating the Murray River
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Murray River has made it onto the list of National Geographic's best places to travel in 2025.
Are we paying too much to play community sport?
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Depending on what code you choose to try, playing sport can be an expensive exercise.