The Conversation Hour

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?

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 ? Plus, later in the hour the eSafety Commissioner's  teen social media ban may include Roblox, but how will the ban actually work in practice

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 chronic pain impacts young people and how we can better support families.  Plus we discuss a new online platform assisting people with disordered eating. 

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. 

As the federal government climate target is handed down today, you may not automatically think what role the music industry has in reaching these targets, but as artists such as Billie Eilish advocate for 'green touring' in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore whether the music industry needs to incentivse a a more environmentally friendly events.Also, in this edition, late night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live has been suspended for comments he made about the murder of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk — we look at the future of comedy in the current political climate.Plus, as Trump is treated to a glittering royal banquet at Windsor Castle just how far can soft power diplomacy go in securing good international relations. And as the World Athletics Championships are in full swing we get some running tips.

The St Kilda PCYC (Police and Citizens Youth Club) looks set to close, much to the disappointment of its members and the local community. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the what role youth clubs play in keeping young people socially connected.Also, later in the hour, the future of the abandoned Moe Hospital and why some are calling for it to turned into social housing,  why a new report into the proposed Macquarie stadium recommends it should not proceed, plus why 'third spaces' are becoming a bit of a thing.

In this episode, we unpack new research that finds dads are less likely to initiate these discussions with their kids.

Are footballers and athletes paid too much and is it resulting in them feeling disconnected? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the question of whether it is a case of too much too soon and what mechanisms need to be put in place to better support young players. Also in this edition, the much overlooked art of clothing alterations, plus the skills you learn by chatting with strangers.

From the biggest Netflix film of all time to winning song of the year at the MTV music awards, people can't seem to get enough of Korean art and culture. 

It's been 20 years since the low FODMAP diet was created at Monash University. 

A team of researchers at Monash University is hoping to make potholes a thing of the past, by utilising smartphones to help detect them.

In this edition of the Conversation Hour we recap on the Erin Patterson's sentence and reflect on why the case has garnered the interest it has. Also in this edition we talk the significance of pools in community health, learn about a new app that speeds up the process of diagnosing cerebral palsy in babies, plus learn what goes into designing a uniform.

Melbourne University Publishing has announced that the literary journal Meanjin will cease publication at the end of this year. The publication has been running for 85 years and has published the likes of Helen Garner, David Malouf and Patrick White. In this edition of the Conversation Hour former Meanjin editor Sophie Cunningham who discussed the cultural significance of the magazine and the role the university should play in supporting the publication.Also in this edition, Bronwyn Pike AM, has been honoured for her contribution to the child and family sector services, she joined Richelle to reflect on her life and career. Plus, what does it take t be a single mum.

As Collingwood fans pile into buses bound for Adelaide ahead of the qualifying final, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss whether clubs should and could do more to enable fans to see the finals.Also in this edition we look at the mission to re grow banksia's in Victoria's Upper Murray after the black summer fires wiped them out. Plus, the widening appeal of country music.

In this edition of the Conversation Hour we discuss the societal pressures people from migrant communities can feel to change their name when they come to Australia and the bureaucratic issues that can arise down the track in doing so.Also in this edition, is the introduction of CCTV in a park in Balaclava to "monitor whether local dog restrictions are being followed" too heavy handed on dog owners, does the popularity of the Life 360 tracking app suggest a shift towards the "anxiety economy" plus, we get the low down on what new Vogue US editor Chloe Malle will bring to the magazine.

It's called spogomi, was invented in Japan and has the slogan of 'trash pickup is a sport' and in this edition of The Conversation hour we meet a spogmi competitor.Also in this edition, why residents in Hamilton are divided over plans for a local art gallery. Plus, how can we better support people caring for someone with dementia.

In the wake of the anti-migration rallies over the weekend in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the vital contribution migration makes to Australia, both economically and culturally, as well as debunk the argument that migration has caused the housing crisis.Also in this edition, an inner-city bar has made light of choking in an advertisement, we discuss why it is problematic. Plus, with father's day just around the corner we discusses the important role of fatherhood.

It has been a big week for AFL Players speaking out and speaking up, from Mitch Brown discussing what it is to be a bisexual man in the AFL to Bailey Smith opening up about his mental health struggles. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we discuss what the AFL could and should be doing to better support its players.Also in this edition why farmers are protesting land access legislation,  plus why everyone is talking about Jamie Lee Curtis.

Are golf courses in the heart of our suburbs a luxury that too few people get to enjoy? Some locals in Aspendale and Edithvale are concerned that the sale of their golf course might be used for housing. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we discuss what a golf course means to a community and whether they should or could be multi-functional spaces.Also in this edition, the significance of former AFL player Mitch Brown talking about being a bisexual man, a heartfelt tribute to tribute to Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, Anthony Burke talks his new podcast the Homefront, plus a curious seal sighting.

In the wake of the death of two police officers in Porepunkah, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss  the mental health impacts on the broader police force, their families and community.And in what has been a challenging morning across the State we get updates on a school bus has rolled over in Stonehaven, and a crane incident in Derrimut. 

In Victoria greyhounds must be leashed at all times in public, this includes off-leash dog parks., with the exception of seven designated grey hound parks around the state. There are calls to change this law and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we delve into why the laws are in place and what would be at stake if they where changed and why there is the push to change them.Also, in this edition, new research looks at how long COVID continues to impact people's lives, plus the lasting legacy of Jeff Buckley.

With tragic news this morning of a cyclist fatality, in this edition of The Conversation Hour, we look at what measures need to be put in place to improve the safety of cyclists on our roads.Also in this edition, is it problematic for celebrities to put their name to weight loss products? What is the cumulative impact of grief on staff working in aged care? Plus,  we speak with one of the first female boundary umpires to umpire the men's AFL. 

Have you found yourself trying to chat to someone only to find they have their ear pods in? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore just how much ear pods are contributing to people feeling social isolation. Also in this edition, a big win for Softball Australia plus why the We Do Not Care Club is having an impact.