The Conversation Hour

With food producers already struggling to find workers for the upcoming harvest season, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what the backpacker changes announced by the Federal Government will mean for farmers, food production and the cost of living more broadly.Also in this edition, getting young people into reading, a big weekend for country footy. Plus, does a new video game about Gallipoli trivialise war?

In this very special edition of The Conversation Hour, hosted by Hilary Harper,  we collaborate with Radio National's Top 100 Australian books to celebrate the Australian books that you love.Authors Louise Milligan, Robert Gott, Tony Birch and program director of the Queenscliff Literary festival Elizabeth McCarthy reflect on the writing that matters to them.  

Community opposition to data centres grows. We speak to president of Citizens for Totnam Jacqui Glover, about the data centre being built metres from her home. New research shows structural barriers, not masculinity, are keeping men out of care work and the Alannah and Madeline Foundation commemorates 30years of important work.

Former Olympian and MP Zali Steggal weighs in on the negative impacts of a new betting commercial that sexualises and belittles women in sport. We explore the feasibility of upgrading the Upfield line with campaigner Andrea Bunting and Johnathon Spear of infrastructure Victoria. A new guide reveals wearing a poorly fitted bra, or not having access to sports bras, severely impacts sport participation for women and girls. 

Well, it's finally game day and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we cross to the MCG to get all the colour and movement from the NFL. Speaking of sport, we also cross to the States to get the latest on the US Open.Also in this edition, the cost of rising sea levels. Plus, as the UN votes to adapt a new more accurate map, we ask you about the maps you have held onto.

As the state gears up for the NFL tomorrow morning, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what this Melborrne match means for the game globally.Also in this edition, men's relationship with their faces, what role you GP can play in your mental health plan. Plus, what does it mean to be an art theft investigator?

The International PISA test indicates a decline in Australian students reading and maths performance. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what role dwindling attention spans play in these results.Also in this edition, preventing child abuse, arts centre strikes. Plus, why pet owner keep social media accounts for their fluffy friends.

Three years ago the Federal Government said that it would introduce national packaging scheme to help reduce plastic waste. The scheme has however been shelved. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what underpins that decision and what the repercussions of the decision will be.Also in this editon, how young people should manage a bad boss, concern over the rise in popularity of the AfD party in in Germany. Plus, the origin of the ampersand as we celebrate World Ampersand Day.

A new report from Eating Disorders Victoria has highlighted that eating disorders in Victoria have remained at COVID levels, with emergency department presentations reaching 40 cases a week. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the underlying factor and the importance of seeking help early.Also in this edition, concerns about Fire Rescue Victoria's resourcing and response times,  the hidden issue of farm crime across Australia. Plus, Melbourne prepares for the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams to hit the MCG this Friday.

From bird flu to rising ocean temperatures — an international conference at Phillip Island has been looking at the challenges the world's penguin population face. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we discuss the current threats and what is being done to protect this much loved seabird.Also in this edition, we celebrate 50 years of The Muppet Show, get the latest from the US open. Plus, with much speculation over whether Rachel Cusk's new novel M is about Natalie Portman we discuss the ethics of whether it is ok for a writer to mine the lives of others.

New research from the The Centre for Independent Studies has revealed that one third of class time in Australian schools is being lost to disruptive students . In this edition of The Conversation Hour Mary speaks with the research author about why appropriate behaviour should be explicitly taught in schools.Also in this edition, why there has been a downturn in Australians travelling overseas, the gap between those that can afford houisng and those that can't, plus is the Raygun doco worth a watch?

In this very special edition of The Conversation Hour special actor Debra Lawrance and writer Kate Halfpenny join Mary Gearin for a wide-ranging chat on the complex relationship women have with their face as they age. 

New data from the CSIRO reveals that protein can actually help women maintain a health weight during menopause. In this this edition of The Conversation we speak with the researcher about the study and how it is that eating more protein can actually assist in weight loss.Also in this edition, the importance of finding the right shoe size, if you can. Plus, soccer great Lionel Messi announces his retirement from playing internationally, we talk about his legacy and why he could be considered the greatest of all time.

Concussion protocols have made headlines again this week as cricketer Will Pucovski sues Brighton Grammar over an alleged concussion from when he was student at the school. And today there was fierce debate about Geelong Football Club's $140,000 fine for failing to tell the AFL about the Jake Kolodjashnij concussion waiver. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss how much we have come to understand about the impacts of concussion, and how well do we carry out protocols that science has given us at both a community and elite level.Also in this edition, with increasing ease and opportunity for reselling beloved wardrobe items, what are the rules around declaring the sales to the tax office?

As the situation continues to unfold, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we look at the impact of the massive flash flooding event to hit Nepal, the affected communities and the challenges ahead for aid agencies trying to access the region.Also in this edition we pay tribute to the late Tim Curry and celebrate Rocky Horror Picture Show.

With sad news this morning that country music legend Dolly Parton has died aged 80, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we celebrate her life and legacy. Also in this edition, the impact of concussion on a developing brains. Plus, we cross to Bright where a memorial service took place honouring Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart. 

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Mary Gearin broadcasts from Bunjil Place in the South Eastern suburb of Narre Warren. It's a fast growing area, and today we explore what that growth means for the local community, with all the challenges and opportunities it presents.

With calls for a new 20,000 seat arena to support live events in Melbourne, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what it would mean for our local music scene, and how to best support Victorian artists.Also in this edition, calls to ban gambling logos on sports jerseys plus what should you always keep in the boot of your car.

Mary speaks with John Karantzis, the lawyer representing two of the women at the centre of the Sydney Swans sexual assault investigation.

A new University of Melbourne report reveals some alarming statistics of the prevalence of misogyny in our schools. We speak to two Victorian teachers working on the frontline of this cultural crisis and Dr. Sara Meger shares the findings of her report.

Firefighters fear for community safety amid calls to fix mobile black spots in Victoria ahead of the upcoming fire season. Fire Rescue Commissioner Gavin Freeman gives the Spring weather and fire forecast. And for the first time, 10 YouTube content creators have been inducted into the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia. We speak to inductee Eddie Woo and NFSA CEO Patrick McIntyre.

Economist Saul Eslake examines the viability of accessing your Super early. We speak to CEO of Our Watch, former VWFL player Patty Kinnersly about AFL player respect training. And Animal Behaviourist, Kate Mornement discusses a new report that claims Otters enjoy people watching as much as we do.

We examine Brimbank Council's decision to remove seating in Sunshine following concerns about antisocial behaviour, but does this just move social problems elsewhere? We look at an outreach model that has been working  to de-escalate incidents and connect vulnerable people with housing, health and social support. The European Union has brought in new laws banning the destruction of unsold garments, should Australia follow suit? We discuss the environmental impacts of mass fashion production and what we can do to address the problem.

Protest organiser Felix Hughes and the Longitudinal Head of Growing Up in Australia, Kirsten Campbell, discuss ways in which young people today are engaging in politics. Following yesterday's chat to provide free third spaces for young people, we catch up on the community pressure to stall the sale of Brunswick's community centre Don Bosco. And a new Neighbourhood Watch report on the importance of knowing thy neighbour.

We speak to Associate Professor Jake Goldenfein about the accuracy of AI facial recognition. And personal injury Lawyer Nick Mann offers a legal perspective on the Geelong concussion contract.

We talk about the hidden and ongoing costs of childhood cancer with Redkite CEO Monique Keighery, and mother of two Samantha Leffler, whose 1-year-old daughter Florence was diagnosed with a Wilms tumour.Liz Allen takes your Census questions and shares her personal connection to the Census, why she became a Demographer and why she believes every Australian should be counted.And Paul Simon's Graceland celebrates its 40th Anniversary. We take a look back at the joy and controversy surrounding its release and the legacy that lives on with Sisonke Msimang.

Former AFL player Joel Bowden brings a human perspective to the Geelong concussion saga.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we continue to discuss the Geelong concussion deal and ask what the AFL and Players Association should be doing in response.Also in this edition, improving fatigue warnings for new parents. Plus a new theatre production delves into Melbourne's night life.

A Victorian AFL club has reportedly made a secret deal where a player was made liable for their own concussion risk. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask what the AFL should be doing to prevent this happening again.Also in this edition, how dental health impacts self esteem, has gambling reform become to hard? Plus, FIFA backs Infantino after failed plans for partial sale.

Yesterday on the Conversation Hour we discussed whether it is ok to comment on someone's looks. In this edition we look at the pressures that men and boys face in maintaining body image ideals.Also in this episode, concerns about how carry on luggage costs will impact people living with a disability, the latest on IBAC, plus as British 90s trip hop outfit Massive Attack tour Australia we give you a refresher on their cannon of work.

There has been much media scrutiny around Ariana Grande's weight and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore is it ever ok to make a comment on another's physical appearance.Also in this edition, aged care affordability, claims of historic sexual abuse at a Melbourne alternative school. And why the indoor cats are doing ok.

While prospective home buyers might be celebrating the down turn in house prices, others, particularly those considering aged care options hold concerns around how they will afford aged care. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore how older Victorians might potentially be impacted.Also in this edition, preventing parents behaving badly at their kids sport, what the Census will mean for regional planning, plus what to expect now the fuel excise is back.

MTV turns 45 this weekend and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk the rise of the music video and how it changed the music industry.Also in this edition, what will a change of premier mean for small business in Victoria? Is FIFA for sale? Plus remembering music journalist Glenn A. Baker who has died aged 74.

The H5N1 bird flu has now been detected in Victoria, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss how it might potentially impact Victorian agriculture and also the our native wildlife.Also in this edition, Australia's sprint success at the Commonwealth Games, when a bad online review can be a positive, plus how to support young sports stars.

Ben Carroll has been Victoria's new premier for 24 hours and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk what the election campaign will look and feel like under his leadership.Also in this edition, Eildon gets a new tourist attraction, Qantas tests a direct flight from Melbourne to Toulouse, plus we celebrate sprint at the Commonwealth Games.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour, we take you through the morning's twists and turns of the Labour leadership challenge which has seen Ben Carroll become Victoria's 50th premier.Also in this edition, we celebrate Australia's Commonwealth Games swimming wins, plus pay tribute to former Goodies star, the late Bill Oddie who has died aged 85.

Victoria's premier Jacinta Allan is facing a potential leadership challenge just four months out from a state election. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what how much this challenge will influence how you vote.Also in this edition, should significant trees have legal protections? A push for mandatory reporting for wildlife road strikes. Plus, a concerning rise in hygiene poverty.

With news of another data hack this week, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at just how frequently companies are paying up, how much it perpetuates copycat crime and whether the paying of ransom money should be made illegal. Also in this edition, fuel prices are expected to rise again, but by how much? And later in the hour, the push to keep ancient languages alive, plus how to prevent falls in later life.

The Don Bosco Youth Centre in Brunswick has been listed for sale. In this edition of The Conversation Hour, we discuss what role the centre has played in the community and the push to save it.Also in this edition, teacher strike action, an Open AI model goes rogue during testing, plus why is there a decline in job mobility in younger people?

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Mary Gearin broadcasts live from Ringwood's Realm and we meet the locals making an impact. 

There was a bit of a moment on 7:30 when Barnaby Joyce yelled at his dog on live tv. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss if the moment will influence perceptions about Joyce, and how much of it is a distraction from key policy discussions. We also get the lowdown from a pet behaviourist about best practice when managing pet behaviour, particularly in high pressure situations.Also in this edition, understanding creatine and we celebrate National Belgium Day.

As the Word Cup draws to a close in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the highs and lows of the tournament and ask how you would rate it.Also in this edition, Hinkley announced as Tassie Devils coach, a push for pedestrian safety, understanding the Odyssey, plus Victoria farewells Derryn Hinch.