The Conversation Hour

New research indicates that nightclubs could be doing more to prevent sexual harm in their venues. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk through what sorts of of things venues could be doing to decrease the risk.Also in this edition, keeping pets safe in high density housing, just how much will the metro tunnel reshape the way we travel in the years ahead plus, we speak to a linguist why MUTT could catch on as a nickname for the tunnel.

The Metro Tunnell is go and in this special edition of The Conversation Hour we broadcast live from Town Hall Station. We speak with architects, train drivers, station masters and public transport researchers and you on this momentous day for Melbourne.

Two schools in Berwick went into lockdown yesterday, a Department of Education spokesperson said the incident involved a "young student who behaved in a dangerous matter".In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss whether lockdown drills are necessary in Victorian schools and how to do them without perpetuating a sense of fear and anxiety in young people.Also in this edition, why this year's cherry season has been delayed, why uniforms matter in attracting women into trade plus is Robert Irwin the perfect male role model?

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at where things are currently at with banning single use plastics and discuss the impact it continues to have on marine life.Also in this edition, Stranger Things returns for its final season we talk how to write the perfect ending. The Tik Tok awards were last night, so what role they play in bolstering cultural capital of the platform? And we catch up with former professional basketball player and coach Brendan Joyce about his life and career.

Melbourne has a new staff-free 7-Eleven, which is essentially comprised of vending machines.  In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss if this is the way of future for retail and what underpins the move. Also on the show, actor Chris Hemsworth has released a film that documents a road trip with his dad who has early-onset Alzheimers, we speak with the dementia community on how the documentary has been received.We also get the latest on what is being done to mitigate B6 toxicity and get the latest on the Optus outage. 

Over the past couple of months a group of 65 plus citizen scientists have hit the streets of Melbourne, mapping their experiences to capture how to make our suburbs more livable for our older population. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what they discovered the work they are doing with researchers in the field to improve our streets and cities.Also in this edition, Stahl House is up for sale, the LA mid-century modernist icon perched in the Hollywood Hills has been the set of innumerable film and tv productions, so what's next for one of Hollywood's most famous homes? Later in the program we also delve into the notion of 'full service schools' an educational model that aims to minimise inequality in the schooling system. Plus, how to safe guard your brain against buying things you don't actually really need or want during the Black Friday sales

A Rail, Tram and Bus Union survey has found 73 per cent of female transport workers have experienced health issues as a result of poor toilet facilities. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we hear about the experiences of a heavy haulage driver on the road and speak with the union about what they would like to see changed to better support women on the road.Also in this edition, why parents are increasingly accompanying their kids to schoolies, why public school principals are reporting poor wellbeing plus we pay tribute to Skye Gyngell, the first Australian female chef to win a Michelin star.

There is Sabrina Carpenter using a fork as a cigarette holder in a music video, pop star Rosalía giving Charli xcx a cigarette bouquet for her birthday, and Jeremy Allen White from The Bear being papped in the streets smoking, not to mention the rise of 'cigfluencer' on Instagram with all its snaps of famous folk having a puff. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss how much smoking in celebrity culture impacts young people and and how to effectively communicate the harms. Also in this edition, we talk farmers markets, elite women's sport stadiums and is Wicked: For Good actually all that good?

The Ashes start tomorrow and with Christmas just around the corner perhaps you are considering digging out your backyard cricket set. But is the back lawn really still a thing? While it might feel like a part of the  Australian cultural landscape,  some argue that they are not as environmentally sound as you might think.Also in this edition, is thrifting actually all that sustainable? How a not-for profit is transforming unused land to educate secondary school students about food systems.Plus, it was a big night for Melbourne music at the ARIAS with Amyl and the Sniffers dominating the night, we get the lowdown on the event. 

This morning our 774 ABC Radio Melbourne Breakfast host Sharnelle Vella shared the joyous news that she is expecting a baby girl in March. She reflected that it had not been an easy journey revealing her struggle with infertility and spoke of her years of IVF treatments and unexpected endometriosis diagnosis. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss just how significant infertility can be on all aspects of day to day life and how we can better support women through it.Also in this edition, we talk the health impacts of ultra processed foods, the broader implications of job cuts to the CSIRO, why there needs to be greater awareness about the dangers lilies and some other flowers pose to cats. Plus, we talk to the proud mum of the Amyl and the Sniffers bassist ahead of tonight's ARIAS.

32 years ago today Nirvana played an unplugged gig for MTV in New York and it marked a pivotal moment for the band. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore why the performance was so significant and hear your stories about what Nirvana meant to you.Also in this edition, First term MP Jess Wilson has been elected to lead the Victorian Liberal Party, becoming the first woman to lead the Coalition in the state's history.She's 35, so what will so what will having a millennial leader mean for the success of the State Liberal Party?Plus, Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown called out a photographer for telling her to smile, we discuss why we need to stop telling women to smile.

In this edition of the Conversation Hour we talk of Solo Mothers by Choice day, which generally describes single mums who have used assisted reproductive technology. One of the key focuses of the day is advocating for for equal treatment in law, policy and society. We discuss what area of law reform the community would like to see as well as the growing sense of connection fostered by the community.We start the program today with a debrief on what went down at the cancelled Amyl and the Sniffers Fed square gig and  what their donation meant to live music venues. Plus, what will changes to protective service officers mean for your safety.

It's been a big week for rock in Melbourne — in this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask you when you discovered the genre.Also in this edition, intimacy coordinators have been making headlines this week , we discuss how their role in the industry is evolving. Plus, how much do rom-coms shape our relationships?

A new women's health study from Monash University has looked at the impact of decreasing libido on women midlife. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with researcher on what factors might underpin poor sexual wellbeing, how it impacts their lives and why we need to start talking about it.But first,  the state of caravan parks in Victoria, a debrief on AC/DC, and we check in with OzHarvest for our day of ABC Gives.

AC/DC are in Melbourne and folk are excited. In this edition of The Conversation we hear your AC/DC stories and reflect on what their set list might look like.Also in this edition, the health of local theatre in Victoria plus, violent youth offenders will be tried in adult courts, but how far will it really go in curbing youth crime.

New research has looked at the experience of autistic people playing team sport and has revealed that while there is a desire to increase their participation, barriers are preventing it. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what those barriers are and how to create more inclusive team environments.Also in this edition, why people are protesting Shein in Paris, how our  bee populations are faring, plus what were you wearing in 1975?

Has football become too long and too confusing? And will the new wildcard make it even more complicated? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask if you are struggling to keep up and why it has become increasingly complex.Also in this edition , we talk the importance of archiving history ahead of Remembrance Day, how you can do your bit for citizen science, plus should Vault move to Mildura?

Bryan Lipmann  has been named the 2026 Senior Australian of the Year for Victoria and in this edition of The Conversation Hour he speaks with Justin Smith about his work advocating for homeless older people. Also in this edition former premier of Victoria Steve Bracks, shares his reflections on the Whitlam dismissal in the lead up to the 50th anniversary, plus we also talk music memoirs and why local content quotas on streaming platforms matter.

In a housing crisis the idea of holiday home has become something of a dirty word, and comes with a presumption of privilege. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what role the holiday home has played in Australia culture and whether it is really fair to assume they are only for the wealthy.Also in this edition, how the plastics industry made the burden of recycling a consumer issue, are we more vulnerable to advertising at Christmas time plus, how good are you at recognising a face in a crowd.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we learn about the 2025 Foodbank Hunger Report, talk the come back of Race Around the World and ask do magazines for teenagers still matter? 

A couple of months ago the car company introduced a so called 'semi-autonomous' driving feature upgrade here in Australia. They call it 'supervised' self-driving. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore how this feature works what sort of policy needs to be introduced to make sure it is safe.Also in this edition, we celebrate 50 years of Bohemian Rhapsody, how to use your own body weight to get fit, plus what does it mean to coexist safely with crocodiles.

As tech companies launch live translation features, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore how much it influence our motivation to learn new languages and discuss how much we can really rely on the accuracy of the translations.Also in this edition a new study that looks at the experiences of young people caring for parents with early onset dementia, plus is it becoming just too expensive to be a bridesmaid?

A new Aged Care Act is coming in November.In this special edition of The Conversation we explore how the act will affect you and the people you love. 

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 End Girl, and just how prevalent is hostile architecture in Victoria.

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 investing in schools and not jails?Also in this edition, why San Remo locals are worried about the wombat population, plus how farmers are using celebrities  to ensure the survival of their industry. 

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 food we consume, plus the Australian Masters Games have wrapped for another year and find out about a sport that derives from Victoria that made its debut this year.

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 what needs to happen to better support reading and writing in schools.

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 needs to change to ensure the safety of trade apprentices.

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 to list deer as a protected species. Plus, how did a crocodile end up in a luxury resort hotel pool?

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 here.Also in this episode, the legacy of Ace Frehley from Kiss, how to identify if you have social anxiety and the future of political cartoons .Plus we take you to mountain cattleman get together.

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 take you to a sheep shearing competition. 

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 Victorian Government is moving to lift some restrictions on the State's Assisted Dying scheme which include allowing doctors to bring it up as an option, so if this does happen what sort of support and training should medical professionals have to better equip them to have these conversations.Plus, we cross to Hollywood where Naomi Watts has been immortalised on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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 life?

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 would have been 85 today, we discuss his enduring influence and legacy. Plus, a medical students mission to improve aged care in rural areas.

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? Do pets experience grief? Plus the rise of E-sports in Australia.

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 member plus we take you to the Elmore Filed Days.

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 weekend.

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, delve into why our friendships might be in trouble, plus how to  prevent plantar fasciitis?