The Conversation Hour

Melbourne University Publishing has announced that the literary journal Meanjin will cease publication at the end of this year. The publication has been running for 85 years and has published the likes of Helen Garner, David Malouf and Patrick White. In this edition of the Conversation Hour former Meanjin editor Sophie Cunningham who discussed the cultural significance of the magazine and the role...

As Collingwood fans pile into buses bound for Adelaide ahead of the qualifying final, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss whether clubs should and could do more to enable fans to see the finals. Also in this edition we look at the mission to re grow banksia's in Victoria's Upper Murray after the black summer fires wiped them out. Plus, the widening appeal of country music.

In this edition of the Conversation Hour we discuss the societal pressures people from migrant communities can feel to change their name when they come to Australia and the bureaucratic issues that can arise down the track in doing so. Also in this edition, is the introduction of CCTV in a park in Balaclava to "monitor whether local dog restrictions are being followed" too heavy handed on dog owne...

It's called spogomi, was invented in Japan and has the slogan of 'trash pickup is a sport' and in this edition of The Conversation hour we meet a spogmi competitor. Also in this edition, why residents in Hamilton are divided over plans for a local art gallery. Plus, how can we better support people caring for someone with dementia.

In the wake of the anti-migration rallies over the weekend in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the vital contribution migration makes to Australia, both economically and culturally, as well as debunk the argument that migration has caused the housing crisis. Also in this edition, an inner-city bar has made light of choking in an advertisement, we discuss why it is problematic. Plus...

It has been a big week for AFL Players speaking out and speaking up, from Mitch Brown discussing what it is to be a bisexual man in the AFL to Bailey Smith opening up about his mental health struggles. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we discuss what the AFL could and should be doing to better support its players. Also in this edition why farmers are protesting land access legislation,  pl...

Are golf courses in the heart of our suburbs a luxury that too few people get to enjoy? Some locals in Aspendale and Edithvale are concerned that the sale of their golf course might be used for housing. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we discuss what a golf course means to a community and whether they should or could be multi-functional spaces. Also in this edition, the significance of fo...

In the wake of the death of two police officers in Porepunkah, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss  the mental health impacts on the broader police force, their families and community. And in what has been a challenging morning across the State we get updates on a school bus has rolled over in Stonehaven, and a crane incident in Derrimut. 

In Victoria greyhounds must be leashed at all times in public, this includes off-leash dog parks., with the exception of seven designated grey hound parks around the state. There are calls to change this law and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we delve into why the laws are in place and what would be at stake if they where changed and why there is the push to change them. Also, in this ed...

With tragic news this morning of a cyclist fatality, in this edition of The Conversation Hour, we look at what measures need to be put in place to improve the safety of cyclists on our roads. Also in this edition, is it problematic for celebrities to put their name to weight loss products? What is the cumulative impact of grief on staff working in aged care? Plus,  we speak with one of the first f...

Have you found yourself trying to chat to someone only to find they have their ear pods in? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore just how much ear pods are contributing to people feeling social isolation.  Also in this edition, a big win for Softball Australia plus why the We Do Not Care Club is having an impact. 

We often hear about cat curfews and importance of keeping cats indoors for the damage they do to native wildlife -but have dogs been going a bit under the radar? Do they do just as much environmental damage? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore whether we need stronger laws about where dogs can and can't go. Also in this edition of The Conversation Hour, how can we make aged care se...

Homophobia in sport has made the headlines today, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what role captains could play in changing the culture in sport.  Also in this edition, how a Wimmera mechanic is making a difference to the lives of young people experiencing financial disadvantage, do we need to cut red tape around modular housing? And the significance of introducing female bound...

Parents often feel a bit conflicted when it comes to book week, of course it is great to promote reading, but the last minute dash to cobble together a costume can be a bit of a burdensome. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what role book week really plays in encouraging young readers and if it is worth the pressure. Also in this edition, how to improve women's inclusion in the m...

From Taylor Swift's new album The Life of a Showgirl to Pamela Anderson's film The Last Showgirl, social media feeds have been awash with plumes of brightly coloured feathers and sparkly outfits, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask why the Showgirl is having a moment. Plus, we look at a VR work that captures the experiences and reflections of flood affected people, pay tribute to David...

Australian NFL hopeful Archie Wilson broke down crying when the teen reflected on living away from his family in the US, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the toll homesickness can have on young players. Plus, as the 10th season of AFLW kicks off — we look at the roles of sport fans in promoting gender equality. Plus, from a beauty brand  hiring an OnlyFans star to market one of...

The quality of meals in aged care are on the agenda today as Maggie Beer AO, champion of improving meals in aged care presents at the Press Club. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at whether food standards are improving in aged care and why it is such a critical element of aged care reform. Also in this edition, why some retailers are locking their doors during open hours, the lost...

It can be a case of damned if you do and damned if you don't when it comes to women returning to work after childbirth. Seven's AFL commentator Abbey Holmes was recently trolled after announcing she would be returning to work seven weeks after having a baby. So why does society judge, and what can the potential impact of that judgement be? Also in this edition, more Victorians died of drug overdos...

For some the local pool becomes a vital source of staying fit over winter but keeping the pool heated comes at an environmental cost, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the future of keeping aquatic centres running over the chillier months. Also in this edition, chat bots are increasingly be used by people with eating disorders, so when are they helpful and when are they harmful?...

It's all eyes on retail this morning with the opening of the Mecca superstore but was does good retail customer service actually look like? In this edition of The Conversation Hour explore what role those working behind the counter play in retail success. Also in this edition the legacy of Carrie Bradshaw, a behind the scenes look at one of Melbourne's most curios museums, plus we take you to the...

Dieticians at Western Health are introducing a multicultural hospital meals program, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the significance of food and how it connects to a sense of heritage and community. Also in this edition, what love letters can tell us about history, plus a disconcerting side effect associated with playing Tetris.

The politics of school drop off and pick up has long been discussed, but a new study looks at one particular element — the environmental impact of so-called 'idling'. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we learn about the 'Idle off' campaign which saw students urge parents to turn off the ignition when they parked close to school in an effort to reduce pollution and give young people agency i...

A new study from Jean Hailes Women Health has found that one in three Australian women are living with migraines, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss just how debilitating the neurological condition can be and why there needs to be greater awareness of the impact it can have on women's lives. Also in this edition, why some parents are considering banning sleep overs, police recruit...

AsAustralia's health ministers have agreed to undertake a review of the nation's fertility sector, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at whether there will be greater regulation around so called IVF ‘add ons.’  Also in this edition, it was a big weekend for Super Netball, so do we need to treat it more like football, with the big stadiums and TV coverage? Plus we debrief on the Logie...

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Australian publication of the iconic sex education book Where Did I Come From, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we explore what made the book so popular and the various controversies that emerged. Also in this edition, why folk are invested in the Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson coupling, what a Logies win means plus what is the Stop Killing Game...