The Conversation Hour

In this edition of the Conversation Hour we bring you all the action as the Socceroos gear up to compete against Paraguay. Plus, we talk the legaliteis of taking a sickie.

Independents Allegra Spender and Zali Steggall have teamed up to form a new party which they have called Community Strong Australia. In this edition of The Conversation Hour Ms Steggall reflects on what the party will stand for and how the party will work, plus we get analysis from author and former adviser to Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd, Sean Kelly. Also in this edition, a woman living in Syria...

A new study from The University of Melbourne has found there is a lack of evidence that IVF add-ons improve fertility. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we  take a look at the research and discuss what resources are available to women to make informed decisions around treatment. Also in this edition, how much does emotional labour lead to work burnout? Plus, as Daryl Braithwaite announces h...

UK PM Keir Starmer has resigned, and ex-Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is favoured to take over role. Some commentary has  focused on the role of charisma in the rise  as a determinant of political success and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask  how much charisma, authenticity and conviction  sway who you vote for.  Also  in this edition, the broader impacts of bird flu on wildlife in...

New data obtained by The Age shows that around 150 students are suspended each school day in Victoria. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the ongoing impact of a school suspension on younger people and the correlation between suspensions and youth crime. Also in this edition, will Andy Burnham become the UK's next PM, winter swimming and could human composting be on it's way?

It's a big weekend ahead as the Socceroos take on the USA in Seattle in the World Cup. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with an American-Australian sports journalist to preview the game and find out who he will be barracking for. Plus, we cross to a few venues around Melbourne set to open super early about their World Cup preparations. Also in this edition, what is it to be living...

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we venture out to Mill Park Library for a wide ranging conversation about the role of libraries in your community, plus hear the stories of the libraries from your childhood. 

With the closure of Lincraft's physical stores , in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the future of the fabric shop and what it means for dressmakers. Also in this edition, the rugby league is go, but does anyone know how to pronounce the Maroons. Plus, we catch up with Bangarra Dance Theatre artistic director Frances Rings about their latest production.

New analysis from the Penington Institute has indicated seven drug overdose fatalities per day in 2024. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what underpins this increase and what needs to happen to prevent these deaths. Also in this edition, keeping your home healthy during the winter months, orchid hunting plus is there such a thing as too much Bond?

With news of the US and Iran agreeing to a ceasefire deal, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we explore what this will mean for petrol prices in Australia. Also in this edition, we look at plans to create a new 13-day hiking trail along the Yarra, talk men's health, plus catch up with Vika and Linda Bull to celebrate their induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame.

Last night saw six Australian acts join ARIA's Hall of Fame including 3-piece rockers Spiderbait. In this edition of The Conversation Hour Mary catches up with Janet English, the bands bassists and vocalist, to reflect on the band's legacy.  Also in this edition, a new PFAS class action, plus the politics of The World Cup.

From installing solar panels to getting rid of mould, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what landlords could and should to to improve the life of renters. Also in this edition, preventing the illegal operation of solariums, plus, the story of your wool jumper.

You may have seen the video of actor Rosamund Pike reprimanding an audience member for texting during a piece of theatre. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what considerate theatre behaviour should look like and just how much mobile phones are impacting our manners. Also in this edition, we cross the MCG ahead of Neale Daniher's state funeral, talk the popularity of bird watching...

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the connection between social class and the way we vote , and whether politicians have misunderstood the so called working class. Also in this edition, new research into the mental health of renters, declining rates of young people having the HPV vaccine. Plus, a stoush in the magic community over the exclusion of a robot magician from The Magic...

Former Australian of the Year and leading melanoma researcher and pathologist , Professor Richard Scolyer, has died aged 59. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we pay tribute to him and also reflect on what it is to live with a life threatening illness. Plus, later in the program combating marine trafficking, a guide to understanding the 'beautiful game' and we catch up with botanist Tim Ent...

Recent polling has indicated that Pauline Hanson is the most popular party leader among women voters, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore whether women voting for the far-right is part of a broader global trend. Also in this edition, staying safe in the snow, why park rangers are taking industrial action. Plus, do you keep a journal?

In this edition of The Conversation Hour independent economist Saul Eslake joins Mary Gearin to chat about how the recent drop in house prices could mark a shift towards seeing housing as a basic human right, over an investment opportunity.  Also in this episode, should Victoria follow the NSW government's medicinal cannabis driving reforms? Plus, a fashion runway with a difference. 

The effectiveness of recent reforms aimed to reduce harm from alcohol delivery services has been subject to a new study from Monash University and Turning Point. The report found that four in ten Victorians surveyed had received an alcohol delivery while intoxicated, despite the reforms prohibiting delivering to consumers who are intoxicated or appear intoxicated. In this edition of the Conversati...

Recent data indicates that almost 20 per cent of Australian students don't finish school, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we explore how schools are best placed to retain students. Also in this edition, tax tips with the ATO, the return of Serena Williams, birthdays in the age of social media and could Australia's scam prevention program be improved?

New figures have indicated that Victorian students are missing more than seven million days of classes each year in part due to parents taking them on holiday. In this edition of The Conversation we look at just how prevalent this is becoming and why some parents opt to travel during the semester. Also in this edition, will we see the rise of progressive populism in Australia? Plus why Melbourne l...

New research from Jean Hailes and Dementia Australia has revealed that most women are unaware of the factors that my contribute to their dementia risk, as well as the mortality rates. In this edition of the Conversation we talk what can reduce your dementia risk. Also in this edition, why Gen Z loves the 90s and the rise of line dancing.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk the sexual health of older Australians and how it is an often neglected area of research, particularly when it comes to sexually transmitted diseases. Also in this edition, dealing with 'scanxiety' after a blood cancer diagnosis. Plus, is 'baby brain' really a thing?

In the wake of Brad Scott's departure from Essendon, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with AFL legends Kevin Sheedy and Joel Bowden about what makes a great coach. Also, in this edition preventing child criminal exploitation, why younger generations are favouring texts over calls, plus we pay tribute to a family run business that is closing its doors after 172 years

With the sad passing of Neale Daniher in this edition of The Conversation Hour we reflect on his legacy and also speak with an MND researcher about the disease. Also in this episode, the sacking of Brad Scott from Essendon, gun control in Victoria plus what Pope Leo XIV thinks about AI.

As we head into our final week of free public transport in Victoria in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore some new research into just how much free public transport changes our travel behaviour. Also in this edition, why are the Teals talking about forming a political party, the significance of the closure of an STI clinic in the CBD, plus how much are you spending on your pets?