The Conversation Hour

A recent report by the University College London's Institute of Education has looked at the role of sport in improves the academic performance of young people. In this edition in The Conversation Hour we discuss what makes a good PE teacher and the importance of the role in schools. Also in this program, an exploration of the breakup album off the back of Lily Allen's much talked about album West...

The Victorian government has announced it's reopening Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what role schools can play in preventing at risk young people entering the justice system. Research suggests that students who have been suspended or expelled from school are likely to go on to have contact with the criminal justice system. So, should we be inve...

Have you noticed that on some cars it is hard to tell the indicator is on or the brake lights are working? As more care designers are getting creative with the lights, from the shape to the way they move in this edition of the Conversation Hour we ask whether lights on a car should be off limits and purely for safety. Also in this edition, a new study that looks how fast our brain decides on the f...

There are new guidelines on what to eat and drink if you have chronic constipation, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with a gastroenterologist about the new guidelines as well as how to reduce stigma about the condition.  Also in this edition, we talk citizen science, why wool is a good fibre for sportswear plus dating in later life.

In recent years public discussions about the impact of menopause has been having a bit of a moment, In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the rise of so called 'menowashing' and the dangers of commercial interests spreading misinformation and harmful advice in how to manage it. Also in this edition, it's dyslexia awareness month, we look at why there are calls to abandon the term and...

With home births and free births in the headlines today, in this edition of The Conversation Hour, we discuss the important differentiation between two, the homebirth guidelines,  and also why some women decide to give birth at home. Also in this episode, new research from The Electrical Trades Union has found that one in eight electrical apprentices have been shocked while on the job, so what nee...

As rates of homeschooling rise,  in this edition of The Conversation Hour,  we look at why there has been an upward trend and delve into what has been termed the 'accidental home schooler.' Also in this edition, was Barbie responsible for the rise in fast fashion? What does a climate resilient health system look like? Plus, the power of art to connect.  

The WNBL season kicked off on the weekend and in this edition of The Conversation we take a look at what engagement with the game was like and how it will fare this season. Also in this episode there are calls to end to the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035 to speed up the shift EV, will it work? Why environmental conservationists are concerned by the state government decision to continue...

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 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...

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...

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?

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

"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...

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,...

In this very special edition of The Conversation Hour, Jacinta Parsons (filling in for Richelle) visits the Royal Melbourne Show. 

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.

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...

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?

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...

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.