The Conversation Hour

The International PISA test indicates a decline in Australian students reading and maths performance. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what role dwindling attention spans play in these results. Also in this edition, preventing child abuse, arts centre strikes. Plus, why pet owner keep social media accounts for their fluffy friends.

Three years ago the Federal Government said that it would introduce national packaging scheme to help reduce plastic waste. The scheme has however been shelved. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what underpins that decision and what the repercussions of the decision will be. Also in this editon, how young people should manage a bad boss, concern over the rise in popularity of the...

A new report from Eating Disorders Victoria has highlighted that eating disorders in Victoria have remained at COVID levels, with emergency department presentations reaching 40 cases a week. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the underlying factor and the importance of seeking help early. Also in this edition, concerns about Fire Rescue Victoria's resourcing and response times,  t...

From bird flu to rising ocean temperatures — an international conference at Phillip Island has been looking at the challenges the world's penguin population face. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we discuss the current threats and what is being done to protect this much loved seabird. Also in this edition, we celebrate 50 years of The Muppet Show, get the latest from the US open. Plus, wit...

New research from the The Centre for Independent Studies has revealed that one third of class time in Australian schools is being lost to disruptive students . In this edition of The Conversation Hour Mary speaks with the research author about why appropriate behaviour should be explicitly taught in schools. Also in this edition, why there has been a downturn in Australians travelling overseas, th...

In this very special edition of The Conversation Hour special actor Debra Lawrance and writer Kate Halfpenny join Mary Gearin for a wide-ranging chat on the complex relationship women have with their face as they age. 

New data from the CSIRO reveals that protein can actually help women maintain a health weight during menopause. In this this edition of The Conversation we speak with the researcher about the study and how it is that eating more protein can actually assist in weight loss. Also in this edition, the importance of finding the right shoe size, if you can. Plus, soccer great Lionel Messi announces his...

Concussion protocols have made headlines again this week as cricketer Will Pucovski sues Brighton Grammar over an alleged concussion from when he was student at the school. And today there was fierce debate about Geelong Football Club's $140,000 fine for failing to tell the AFL about the Jake Kolodjashnij concussion waiver. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss how much we have come...

As the situation continues to unfold, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we look at the impact of the massive flash flooding event to hit Nepal, the affected communities and the challenges ahead for aid agencies trying to access the region. Also in this edition we pay tribute to the late Tim Curry and celebrate Rocky Horror Picture Show.

With sad news this morning that country music legend Dolly Parton has died aged 80, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we celebrate her life and legacy.  Also in this edition, the impact of concussion on a developing brains. Plus, we cross to Bright where a memorial service took place honouring Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart. 

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Mary Gearin broadcasts from Bunjil Place in the South Eastern suburb of Narre Warren. It's a fast growing area, and today we explore what that growth means for the local community, with all the challenges and opportunities it presents.

With calls for a new 20,000 seat arena to support live events in Melbourne, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what it would mean for our local music scene, and how to best support Victorian artists. Also in this edition, calls to ban gambling logos on sports jerseys plus what should you always keep in the boot of your car.

Mary speaks with John Karantzis, the lawyer representing two of the women at the centre of the Sydney Swans sexual assault investigation.

A new University of Melbourne report reveals some alarming statistics of the prevalence of misogyny in our schools. We speak to two Victorian teachers working on the frontline of this cultural crisis and Dr. Sara Meger shares the findings of her report.

Firefighters fear for community safety amid calls to fix mobile black spots in Victoria ahead of the upcoming fire season. Fire Rescue Commissioner Gavin Freeman gives the Spring weather and fire forecast. And for the first time, 10 YouTube content creators have been inducted into the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia. We speak to inductee Eddie Woo and NFSA CEO Patrick McIntyre.

Economist Saul Eslake examines the viability of accessing your Super early. We speak to CEO of Our Watch, former VWFL player Patty Kinnersly about AFL player respect training. And Animal Behaviourist, Kate Mornement discusses a new report that claims Otters enjoy people watching as much as we do.

We examine Brimbank Council’s decision to remove seating in Sunshine following concerns about antisocial behaviour, but does this just move social problems elsewhere? We look at an outreach model that has been working  to de-escalate incidents and connect vulnerable people with housing, health and social support.  The European Union has brought in new laws banning the destruction of unsold garment...

Protest organiser Felix Hughes and the Longitudinal Head of Growing Up in Australia, Kirsten Campbell, discuss ways in which young people today are engaging in politics.  Following yesterday’s chat to provide free third spaces for young people, we catch up on the community pressure to stall the sale of Brunswick’s community centre Don Bosco.  And a new Neighbourhood Watch report on the importance...

We speak to Associate Professor Jake Goldenfein about the accuracy of AI facial recognition. And personal injury Lawyer Nick Mann offers a legal perspective on the Geelong concussion contract.

We talk about the hidden and ongoing costs of childhood cancer with Redkite CEO Monique Keighery, and mother of two Samantha Leffler, whose 1-year-old daughter Florence was diagnosed with a Wilms tumour. Liz Allen takes your Census questions and shares her personal connection to the Census, why she became a Demographer and why she believes every Australian should be counted. And Paul Simon’s Grace...

Former AFL player Joel Bowden brings a human perspective to the Geelong concussion saga.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we continue to discuss the Geelong concussion deal and ask what the AFL and Players Association should be doing in response. Also in this edition, improving fatigue warnings for new parents. Plus a new theatre production delves into Melbourne's night life.

A Victorian AFL club has reportedly made a secret deal where a player was made liable for their own concussion risk. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask what the AFL should be doing to prevent this happening again. Also in this edition, how dental health impacts self esteem, has gambling reform become to hard? Plus, FIFA backs Infantino after failed plans for partial sale.

Yesterday on the Conversation Hour we discussed whether it is ok to comment on someone's looks. In this edition we look at the pressures that men and boys face in maintaining body image ideals. Also in this episode, concerns about how carry on luggage costs will impact people living with a disability, the latest on IBAC, plus as British 90s trip hop outfit Massive Attack tour Australia we give you...

There has been much media scrutiny around Ariana Grande's weight and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore is it ever ok to make a comment on another's physical appearance. Also in this edition, aged care affordability, claims of historic sexual abuse at a Melbourne alternative school. And why the indoor cats are doing ok.