The Conversation Hour

To mark Mary's final show hosting the Conversation Hour, in this edition of the program we celebrate the art of the conversation, what it means to be curious and how to cultivate the skill of really listening. Also in this edition, concern about a rise in anaphylaxis associated with unapproved peptides, a preview of the USA midterms, plus understanding the legacy of actor Patrick Stewart. 

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss some new research from Swinburn University that highlights the financial risks people in share houses experience and what could be done to better support renters in financially precarious situations. Also in this edition, concerns about a new alternate IVF trend, celebrating the small pockets of biodiversity in Melbourne. Plus, the rise and rise...

Australia is heading towards recording its highest number of road deaths in 15 yeas, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what underpins this trend and what measures need to be put in place to prevent people from dying on our roads. Also in this edition, Peter Norden talks life after 40 years as a priest. Plus, are you a music snob?

Labour have made an election promise to ban violent patients from Victorian hospitals for a year in a move to bolster the safety of healthcare workers. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what that means for people with complex mental health issues and whether improving mental health resourcing could be a more productive measure. Also in this edition, a look at the TGA proposed sun...

With calls to cool the current political climate, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore whether preventing online anonymity could be one measure in tackling the issue. Also in this edition, a look at the annual Foodbank Hunger report , plus the latest from the Brazil elections.

New data from the ATO has revealed that Australians have withdrawn over 1.4 billion in medical costs over the last financial year. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss why dental procedures have ranked so high and why there is concern about patients using their superannuation for inappropriate services such as cosmetic procedures. Also in this edition, the latest on the Brazil elect...

Independent MP Helen Haines was critically injured yesterday afternoon in Wangaratta in a targeted attack. While charges have not yet been laid, and no political motive has been established, in this edition of the Conversation Hour Mary Gearin is joined by a range of guests to discuss the current political and social environment in the wake of the attack. Also in this episode, the importance of re...

New laws designed to combat underquoting and improve price transparency will come into place this weekend. Real estate agents will be required to disclose the reserve a week before auction. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss how these laws will impact the property market. Also in this edition, concern that Australia's hospital system is not equipped to support the growing number o...

A draft national plan has outlined a strategy in in protecting Australian wildlife against the threat posed by the red fox, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore just how much of a problem foxes are in Melbourne and what wildlife is most at risk. Also in this edition, new research indicates cannabis-related hospital admissions have increased, we talk what is behind these growing rate...

Legislation to stop life insurers from using adverse genetic tests came into place this week. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what this landmark law reform will mean for early detection of disease.  Also in this edition, the Beach Boys hit Good Vibrations turns 60 today, we hear about the extraordinary production process that went into making the hit. Plus, the common words tha...

Recent polling indicates that 60 per-cent of Victorians have not yet committed to who they will vote for in the Victoria election. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk why this election is particularly volatile and what sorts of things might influence how people vote next month. Also in this edition, the push to ban wood fire heaters, a pre-COP debrief. Plus, it's World Octopus Day!

As Federal opposition leader Angus Taylor promises to make the biggest cuts to migration in Australian history, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the potential impacts on aged care, business as well as what it means for refugees. Also in this edition, what came out of the parliamentary inquiry into AI and creatives. Plus, we celebrate 30 years of The Corner Hotel.

As Open AI's Chief Strategy officer Jason Kwon is set to appear before a parliamentary inquiry after the Medicare AI breach, in this edition of The Conversation Hour ask you if you are getting more or less worried about Ai over time. Also in this edition, should friendships have a legal status. Plus, how can we better support seafarers.

It's International Tenants Day and in this edition of the Conversation Hour we speak with Tenants Victoria about what protections they would like to see put in place ahead of a forum they are holding this afternoon. Also in this edition, what's the purpose of the pre-COP meeting in Fiji? A debrief on the NRL grandfinal. Plus, are glow worms the best inspects?

As Victoria prepares for heavy rainfall over the weekend, in this edition of The Conversation Hour Kirsten catches up with a few farmers across the state on how the rain will likely impact their produce. Also in this edition, the rise of the para-social relationship, the words that feel impossible to spell, plus a preview of the NRL Grandfinal.

As uptake for electric vehicles increase in popularity with car drivers, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what the rise of electric vehicles means for the trucking industry, and the opportunities and challenges involved with adopting an electric fleet. Also in this edition, why Victorian public hospital doctors are striking. Plus, a new snake map tracks where Melbourne's most ve...

In the wake of the interest rate rise of yesterday in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore whether it will have a disproportionate affect on those heading towards retirement, either through renting or paying off their mortgage. Also in this edition, bridging the political generation divide in families, the return of the corset in pop culture. Plus, celebrating the pub gig.

With the RBA expected to raise interest rates today, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what impact the rate rise will have on small business and more specifically the Aussie pub. Also in this edition, the impact of deepfakes on the Victorian elections. Plus, the joy of the Melbourne Royal Show.

The Victorian Government has announced updated protocols for mental health call outs prioritising a health led, rather than a law and order response. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what best practice is and what further improvements could be made. Also in this edition, the impact of Wharfie Time in in the GF, who are the NRL fans in Vic. Plus we introduce you to the PALM schem...

The year the AFL grand final will feature two interstate teams in the Fremantle Dockers and the Brisbane Lions. So as fans from WA and Queensland come to Melbourne, we talk what sort of boost it will mean for local businesses. Also in this edition, we talk AI guard rails, the history of the photo booth and get a preview of the AFL Masters which kick off on Sunday.

As political debate over whether super could or should be accessed for housing deposits rages, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore how we balance home security with retirement savings. Also in this edition, the power of the footy for social connection. Plus, celebrating pet adoption as the Lort Smith turns 90.

With predictions that there will be more deaths than people being born in 2060 in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what economic consequences could be and what could be done to support new parents. Also in this edition, how to protect yourself against the flu, strengthening mental health protocols in sport. Plus, celebrating Victoria's best trees.

New research from The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has highlighted the difficulty of getting a dementia diagnosis, with less than half receiving a diagnosis in the first year. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore how the role of the GP could simplify the process. Also in this episode, the role of the AFL mascot in lifting the mood of a game, our fraught relationship wi...

With food producers already struggling to find workers for the upcoming harvest season, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what the backpacker changes announced by the Federal Government will mean for farmers, food production and the cost of living more broadly. Also in this edition, getting young people into reading, a big weekend for country footy. Plus, does a new video game ab...

In this very special edition of The Conversation Hour, hosted by Hilary Harper,  we collaborate with Radio National's Top 100 Australian books to celebrate the Australian books that you love. Authors Louise Milligan, Robert Gott, Tony Birch and program director of the Queenscliff Literary festival Elizabeth McCarthy reflect on the writing that matters to them.