The Conversation Hour
Episodes
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.
Budgeting for retirement
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Getting the balance between saving and spending can be difficult when approaching retirement.
Are we falling out of love with dating apps?
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While some have found success online, there are others who've had discouraging and dangerous experiences.
Understanding the state government's new housing plan
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Premier Jacinta Allan has announced plans for 50 activity centres across Melbourne’s suburbs for fast-tracked apartment developments.
Where to next for the AFLW?
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
AFLW general manager Emma Moore has declared the league is entering a new phase.
Finding a path without an ATAR
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Achieving a high ATAR score is a stressful preoccupation for many young people.
Are we addicted to single use decorations?
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In a time of greater awareness of the costs of disposable plastic items, these decorations appear to be an outlier.
Surviving critical illness: How to manage after leaving hospital
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Kimberley Haines is trialling a peer support program to help ICU survivors with their recovery.
How to get started in bushwalking
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bushwalking Victoria has stated there is capacity for 700 new participants at clubs across the state, where groups meet before heading off on regular...
Finding support after a suicide
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The days that follow a suicide can be some of the most challenging in a person's life.
What to consider before your next building project
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Richelle Hunt is joined by new Grand Designs Australia host Anthony Burke, to talk through the latest building trends.
The plan to tackle eating disorders
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Despite mainstream efforts to encourage healthy eating and body positivity, eating disorders are still afflicting Victorians young and old.
Why are more women freezing their eggs?
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In Victoria, more than 1500 women froze their eggs during 2021-22, which represented a 63 per cent increase from the year prior.
Should kids be exposed to bad news?
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's never been easier for children to access news, which can mean exposure to devastating events such as natural disaster, conflict and disease in r...
Who wins when it comes to dynamic ticket pricing?
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With the growing use of dynamic ticketing, or in demand pricing as it's also known, we take a deep dive into the trend.
Is freedom from bullying a human right?
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Some advocates are calling for stronger terminology to re-classify bullying as a form of violence to capture the harm it causes.
What makes a cold case run hot?
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A crucial cog in cracking any cold case is forensic science and investigation.
Is new car technology a force for good?
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Some experts are warning that the integration of data into our cars is allowing manufacturers to demand too much personal information from car owners...
How do we create a sustainable water future?
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From water licensing, to drought resilience and everyday access, how our water supply is controlled is an issue that affects everyone.