The Conversation Hour

As discussion rages about how the war in the Middle East will impact our fuel supplies, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask the question just how well placed is our public transport system equipped to deal with a demand surge in Victoria. Also in this edition, a new study looks at reducing the risk of birth trauma, plus we bring you all the latest from the Oscars.

Opal Healthcare is trialling a new two-tier system essentially requiring residents to pay extra for things like a hot breakfast and tv in rooms. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk how far a system like this goes in perpetuating inequity in aged care and whether we will likely see it spread further across the sector. Also in this edition, the critical role social connection plays in p...

Home sellers would pay for building and pest inspections, under a new pitch from the Victorian Government  if it is re-elected later this year. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with key industry figures about the pros and cons on the plan and discuss whether there is a risk of conflict of interest.  Also in this edition, while Australia celebrates the courage of the Iranian soccer...

The war in Middle East has sparked a wave of panic buying fuel, despite reassurances that there is no shortage of supplies, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what underpins panic buying.  Also in this edition, the rise of alternative energy sources, a new Nationals leader, plus top tips for composting.

With news this morning that Australia will send military support to the United Arab Emirates in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss whether this can still be seen as a defensive move or whether is Australia is now an active participant. We also reflect on the significance of the Iranian soccer players being offered in humanitarian visas plus later in hour, with Oscars just around the...

Actor Timothée Chalamet went viral over the weekend for his comments dismissing the ballet and opera, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk to the Australian Contemporary Opera Company about keeping opera relevant. But before that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are headed to Melbourne, we talk what is behind the visit and discuss what sort of interest the visit might garner locally.  Pl...

There is a lot to talk about when it comes to how menopause impacts the lives of women, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk all things menopause. 

Melbourne author Helen Garner shared what inspired her to become a Western Bulldogs supporter on Breakfast this morning and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we take your calls on what influenced who you go for. Also in this edition, why we need to bolster support for netball, plus what is was like to be in the crowd when Ed Sheeran visited the Royal Children's hospital.

As our breakfast show co-host Sharnelle Vella gets ready to go on maternity leave you may have heard her special baby shower broadcast this morning. One listener had some great advice which was how she introduces her two dogs Bruce and Barry to the new member of the family. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we speak with a pet behaviourist on how to make that transition as smooth as possibl...

Speech pathology services have recently been included in Medicare rebates for young people with under 25s with stuttering, speech sound disorders, or cleft lip or palate now being eligible for rebates for assessment and treatment. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the significance of the change. Also in this edition, we celebrate World Wildlife Day.

There has been major flight disruptions in the Middle East, as the US-Israel strikes on Iran unfold. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with an airline captain about what happens in the cockpit when a major international conflict erupts, and we speak with the Insurance Council of Australia about why war acts are generally excluded across the majority of travel insurance products. We...

Brunton Avenue will soon be known as Barassi Way, paying home to the footy great. Running alongside the MCG, the location is in many ways apt, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore however whether it would be better suited to a more walkable area where fans can stop and pay homage and read about Barassi's legacy. Also in this edition, do we need to learn to put our phones away at gig...

Set The Standard is a Vic Health initiative designed to help local sports clubs fight racism by helping coaches and club leaders build culturally inclusive spaces. In this edition of The Conversation Hour Ian Hamm, Yorta Yorta man and Vic Health joins the program to discuss just how serious the issue of racism is in sports clubs and discusses some of the best strategies in combating it.  Also in t...

Melbourne airport is having a renovation, so what's number one on your list of improvements? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with an airport architect and former airline captain on what makes a great airport. Also in this edition, the legacy of Don Bradman, the push make genetic testing for disease more accessible plus what will the next chapter of the Australian Open look like a...

A baby monkey, and his orangutan soft toy have gone viral after the macaque named Punch was rejected by his mother. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the deep connection we have with soft toys in our childhood and learn about the psychological principal of attachment theory. Also in this edition, sex after 60, we meet fashion designer Prabal Gurung plus a special announcement abo...

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we meet the mother of an autistic child who has created what she describes as a 'Big Hug' suit to assist her young son with hair appointments and look more broadly at what measures hairdressers take to support neurodivergent customers. Also in this edition, calls for inquiry into a prominent Melbourne gynaecologist, the crucial role of photojournalists in d...

From Footscray to Frankston — hospital design has been in the spotlight lately; in this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk patient centred design and how hospital design is changing. Also in this edition, we talk Man on the Run, a new documentary on Paul McCartney on life post The Beatles plus the mental load of making dinner.

With news of the MotoGP moving to Adeliade, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we explore what will happen to the Philip Island race track and the other events that happen there.  Also in this edition, combating the concerning trend of peptide injectables, plus as Emerald Fennell's film Wuthering Heights performs well at the box office despite some less than complimentary reviews, we look at...

If you live in the suburbs do you have a fire plan? If you live in a housing estate and a grass fire broke out and you needed to leave how bad do you think the traffic would be? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss fire preparedness on the urban fringe. Also in this edition, as Neighbourhood Houses Victoria fights for funding we look at the important role they play in the community...

The Electrical Trades Union recently launched a campaign called Nowhere To Go, designed to draw attention to the lack access to toilets for women working in trade. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss just how widespread the issue of proper access to toilets are in the workplace across a range of industries. Also in this edition, why we need to celebrate the spirit of spontaneity wh...

Parks Victoria has recently spruiked for applications for park rangers, advertising 62 new roles across the state. It was only a couple of weeks ago that we where talking about the vital role they play in safe guarding precious environmental sites. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we ask if and additional 62 is really enough and what level of experience is needed to become a park ranger. A...

It's World Radio Day and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we celebrate you — the talkback caller and take your calls on the talkback that has moved and inspired you over the years. But first, the complex question of where parking meters should and shouldn't be located plus, the rise of 'quiet tech' in sports wear.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour hiker Sarah Gibbs shares her harrowing account of being assaulted by a man while hiking the Goldfields Track and her concerns about the lack of police response in the aftermath. We also speak with Respect Victoria changing community attitudes towards gendered violence and improving the justice system response. Also in this edition, the call to save Sir Roy...

High-rise apartments could be built at a so called "activity centre" in the south-east suburbs, that's according to draft plans released by the State government. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what activity centres actually are and whether high-density has become a dirty word.  Also in this edition, the significant role the game Dungeons and Dragons' is playing in Victoria's a...

A Victorian man was left injured after he was attacked by a Kangaroo, while trying to protect his pet dog. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we discuss how to stay safe around the species. Also in this edition, the hype around Wuthering Heights, antiques in an age of fast furniture and the art of voice coaching.