ABC

The Conversation Hour

Society EN ↓ 317 episodes

Expect engaging discussions with real people and inspiring stories connecting communities across Victoria, on The Conversation Hour with Richelle Hunt and Jonathon Kendall.

Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: www.abc.net.au

Author

ABC

Category

Society

Podcast website

www.abc.net.au

Latest episode

Oct 27, 2026

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Episodes

Should supermarket junk food specials be banned? 17.10.2025

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 living goes up, do those savings feel even more enticing? Well, the UK has recently banned muti-buy and and get one free specials on unhealthy foods, and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore whether this is something we should be doing...

Football Victoria calls for urgent upgrade to facilities 15.10.2025

Football Victoria says it's had a substantial jump in participation, and is calling for urgent investment to support its growing popularity. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we discuss concerns about the current state of  its facilities and what's need to support clubs into the future. Also in this edition, we talk 50 years of music therapy, unpack the changes to carry on luggage,  plus ta...

What happens when a young person gets their first phone? 14.10.2025

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 Conversation Hour we discuss the big changes that can occur in a child's life around this time and why negotiation is key. Also in this episode, should GPs be able to initiate conversations with their patients about voluntary assisted dying? The Victoria...

Are you looking for gold? 13.10.2025

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 prospector about the rise of prospecting. Also in this edition, is it time to abandon the ATAR? Plus, should significant local residential architecture be turned into house museums?

Have we got a bit carried away with how we sell real estate? 10.10.2025

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 real estate has changed and ask whether we have lost the ability to envisage how we might like a place to look without all the trimmings. Also in this edition, are hot chips the ultimate treat? Plus, what is the  purpose of marriage is in modern day l...

How do we safeguard the future of music venues? 09.10.2025

Music venues play an import role in sustaining music culture and creating community, but as the cost of living rises, and discretionary spending decreases how do we ensure the music venues survive? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we venture to Europe to hear about some innovative initiatives there and ask if the same models could be applied in Australia. Also in this edition, John Lennon...

How sport influences the things we say 08.10.2025

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 the height of basketball players. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore just how much sport influences our everyday language and the meaning we derive from it. Also in this edition, do you feel ethically compromised using delivery drivers...

What does a useful donation to an op shop actually look like? 07.10.2025

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 whether three van loads of props, while well meaning, is in reality a beneficial contribution. Also in this edition, what needs to happen to improve retention of women in the construction industry, what happens if you inherit a pet from a deceased family me...

How do we better support kids who miss school due to illness? 06.10.2025

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 need to be in place. Also in this edition, the emergence of 'risky' playgrounds and how they help kids, plus how possible would it be for your local sports club to say no to any form of advertising or sponsorship harmful industries.

Happy Taylor Swift day! 03.10.2025

"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 anticipation in the lead up to the release. Also in this edition, you may have heard the term AI slop but what is it, and why is it inundating our social media feeds? We also talk music nostalgia and meet a NFL and superfan ahead of the grand final this weeken...

Sunscreen testing under further scrutiny 02.10.2025

The TGA has this week announced it has  significant concerns about the reliability of SPF testing undertaken by Princeton Consumer Research Corp. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with a former employee of the lab who shares his concerns about the alleged incorrect testing practices. Also in this edition we pay tribute to animal rights campaigner and chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall,...

The Conversation Hour goes to the Royal Melbourne Show 30.09.2025

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? 25.09.2025

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 they experience the same pressures and emotions around the big event. Also in this edition, how do clubs identify talent ahead of the draft, plus we get the lowdown on who has been nominated for an ARIAs this year.

How far have we really come in reducing fast food marketing to kids? 24.09.2025

Australian sleepwear brand Peter Alexandar has recently launched a ‘Macca’s’ collection  which includes items for children. In this edition of The Conversation Hour, we ask for your thoughts on whether it is an appropriate collaboration, and whether it constitutes a form of fast-food advertising to young people.  Also in this edition, is it time we finally give romance fiction its recognition ? Pl...

Jimmy Kimmel has been reinstated 23.09.2025

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 political activist Charlie Kirk. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss how the suspension will impact the program and what his first show back might look like. Also in this edition, is it time to do away with the front fence?

Do you have awards at your local sports club? 22.09.2025

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 judged on the scoreboard or is it more about player behaviour? Does your local club celebrate the best and fairest and if so how do you decide who gets a trophy and who doesn't?  Also in this edition,  this week is national pain week, and we look at how...

Are the prelims better than the Grand Final? 19.09.2025

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 whether the prelims eclipse the Grand Final in terms of anticipation and build up. Also, in this edition, the impact of household mould on health plus, how much do you listen to your inner voice. 

Does the music industry need to introduce a green tick? 18.09.2025

As the federal government climate target is handed down today, you may not automatically think what role the music industry has in reaching these targets, but as artists such as Billie Eilish advocate for 'green touring' in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore whether the music industry needs to incentivse a a more environmentally friendly events. Also, in this edition, late night talk...

Why youth clubs matter 17.09.2025

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 edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the what role youth clubs play in keeping young people socially connected. Also, later in the hour, the future of the abandoned Moe Hospital and why some are calling for it to turned into social housing,  why a...

Why are dads less likely to talk about sexual education? 16.09.2025

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? 12.09.2025

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 question of whether it is a case of too much too soon and what mechanisms need to be put in place to better support young players.  Also in this edition, the much overlooked art of clothing alterations, plus the skills you learn by chatting with stran...

How did Korean culture break into the mainstream? 11.09.2025

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 culture. 

The diet created in Victoria that has changed countless lives 10.09.2025

It’s been 20 years since the low FODMAP diet was created at Monash University. 

Using smart phones to monitor roads 09.09.2025

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 08.09.2025

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 in this edition we talk the significance of pools in community health, learn about a new app that speeds up the process of diagnosing cerebral palsy in babies, plus learn what goes into designing a uniform.

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