The Conversation Hour

An ABC analysis of census data recently revealed that women are more likely to exceed their husbands when it comes to education. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask the provocative question what role things like educational status and earning capacity play in who we walk down the aisle with.Also in this edition, how Geelong is fairing in the wake of the oil refinery fire plus, will the Prime Minister's fertiliser deal ease concerns of farmers.

The Consumer Health Forum is calling for the Federal Government to prioritise dental affordability ahead of the budget, off the back of its survey findings that eight in ten are finically strained by dental costs. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with their CEO the sacrifices Australians are having to make to go to the dentist and what measures the CHF would like the Federal Government take to improve equitable access to dental care.Also in this edition, parking inspectors take strike action, why AI might know you better than you think plus a win for road safety.

The AFL tribunal has found Port Adelaide player Zak Butters guilty of verbally abusing umpire Nick Foot, despite a lack of evidence. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk through the principles of justice and discuss whether it should have gone to the tribunal in the first place.Also in this edition, the significance of having four Australians have drafted into the WNBA, plus how would you feel about an AI boss?

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Arthur Sinodinos, chair of the United States study centre and former Australian ambassador to the US and liberal minister reflects on the intricate balance of a more self-reliant Australia while also maintaining a solid US alliance, off the back of his opinion piece for The Guardian.Also in this edition, how to better support people retiring with housing debt, concerns of wildlife poaching in the Darebin Parklands plus Harry and Meghan are in Melbourne.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore a new report from The Grattan Institute that explores attitudes towards democracy in Australia and how to protect it into the future.Also in this edition, we talk passenger health on ultra-long flights, a change of leadership in Hungary as Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's concedes defeat. Plus we also speak with the Jesuit Social Services about a funding boost to their Stop it Now! service.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the importance of learning the art of reparation.

In this episode of The Conversation Hour, the latest on how the Lebanese community is feeling amidst the Middle East conflict.

In this episode of The Conversation Hour, the latest on the Iran and US conflict. We ask a Middle East analyst does this two-week ceasefire mean peace?Also, do you still use the water saving measures you implemented in the 1990s during water restrictions?And we find out how many minutes of exercise you should be doing each week. 

The Fair Work Commission will abolish junior pay rates for young adult employees aged 18 to 20 in the fast food, retail, and pharmacy sectors with a phase-in period of up to four years. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we talk what it means for both young workers and business.Also in this edition, why Gen Z dads feel they need to be the providers and we talk farmers mental health in the face of the fuel crisis.

In breaking news this morning police have shot dead fugitive gunman Dezi Freeman in Victoria's north-east. Freeman had been on the run for seven months, and was wanted for the fatal shootings of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart. Bringing back memories of the tragic day of losing the officers, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the emotional impact of the shooting on the police force, and reflect on what support could and should be offered to police community in the wake of traumatic events.Also in this edition, a month of free public transport sounds like good news but what will it mean for people who live in regional Victoria and particularly those that rely on the V-Line service? Plus, Kylie Minogue is set to headline the AFL grand final entertainment, and while many are celebrating the announcement as being great for Australian music others say the gig should go to emerging artists.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what impact the fuel crisis could have on kids sports, particularly for those living in regional Victoria having to drive long distance, and how to best support young people playing sport in a cost of living crisis. Also in this edition, the UK has launched it's own version of Saturday Night Live, we ask will we ever see a SNL hit our shores. 

Last week we discussed what role cycling could play as an alternative to driving in the context of the fuel crisis, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we delve into whether there could be an uptick in people turning to walking for their daily commute and how to look after your feet if it is something you are considering. Also in this edition, mitigating fuel theft, the latest from the teachers strike plus, new research into rural crime. 

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore a new study from Monash University that has highlighted the emotional stress experienced by school principals and we discuss why they will be joining the teachers strikes.Also in this edition, we talk the world's best airports, delve into a study that looks at Australian attitudes towards national security, plus celebrate the public toilet.

As petrol prices continue to rise, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore whether people will turn to the trusty bicycle to save money and if we actually have the infrastructure to support an uptick in cyclists.Plus, later in the hour we talk with Dr Anne Jones, host of What the Duck about her new podcast that delves into the curious mix of true crime and natural history. 

With news today that Victoria's Conservation Regulator is investigating reports of jet ski riders harassing dolphins at Philip Island, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss just how much they disrupt marine life and what measures should be put in place to protect sea mammals.Also in this edition, we recently spoke on the program about whether the fuel crisis will see drivers shift to electric vehicles, so today we explore what this shift will mean for mechanics, and what will the future work of mechanics look like?Plus, how is social media changing how we buy and sell real estate?

In a time of global conflict, how should you think about your budget, your priorities, and your long term plans? 

Yesterday on program we received a few calls from trade workers who shared their concerns about how the fuel crisis will impact their business. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with industry figures about just how acutely it will be felt and also what it means for consumers.We also throw the spotlight on the vast area of Gippsland to explore the cost of rising fuel prices on the shire, plus we discuss the welfare of seafarers in times of global conflict.

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 people living with dementia, Super netball is back, plus who will the winners be at this year's Oscars?

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 team, we explore the emotional complexities of leaving home behind. Plus, we talk the impacts of menopause on your feet. 

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 corner we talk the art of casting.

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. Plus later in the hour, do we need a national strategy to promote women in sport? And we also talk what support is available to people with a disability navigating the justice system. 

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 possible.Also in this edition, why women are less likely to receive bystander defibrillation than men and the campaign to change that, how trauma-informed education is being used in classrooms for children with complex needs, plus the art of the memoir and 'spilling the tea.'

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 also learn how the conflict may impact a number of international sporting events, from the Grand Prix to the FIFA World Cup.Also in this edition the dramatic rise in diesel sales.

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 gigs, and breaking the taboo in talking about periods.

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 this edition, the role kindergarten plays in a child's development, plus we talk all the excitement of Bad Bunny arriving in Australia. 

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 as Craig Tiley departs Tennis Australia.

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 about The Conversation Hour.

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 documenting history, why have viral foodtrends become so popular on the internet and all the latest on the BAFTAS.

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 how the landscape of movie reviews and the role of influencers in driving what films we do and don't see. 

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 plus, it was two decades ago this week that the Chaser's War on Everything hit our TV screens, we talk to one of the co-founders about why the show made such an impact.

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 when we travel plus we take you to evokeAG to hear about the emerging industries in agriculture.

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.Also in this edition, we talk what role public art should play in the community plus, the psychology of supermarket specials.

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 Grounds' John Medley Building at Melbourne University, the return of Meanjin, the health impacts of household mould and Melbourne's Cherry Bar gets a visit from Chappell Roan.

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 autism community, plus some good news for fans of Guns N Roses.

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.