The Conversation Hour

It's all eyes on retail this morning with the opening of the Mecca superstore but was does good retail customer service actually look like? In this edition of The Conversation Hour explore what role those working behind the counter play in retail success.Also in this edition the legacy of Carrie Bradshaw, a behind the scenes look at one of Melbourne's most curios museums, plus we take you to the Australian Alpaca National Show.

Dieticians at Western Health are introducing a multicultural hospital meals program, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the significance of food and how it connects to a sense of heritage and community.Also in this edition, what love letters can tell us about history, plus a disconcerting side effect associated with playing Tetris.

The politics of school drop off and pick up has long been discussed, but a new study looks at one particular element — the environmental impact of so-called 'idling'. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we learn about the 'Idle off' campaign which saw students urge parents to turn off the ignition when they parked close to school in an effort to reduce pollution and give young people agency in the face of climate change.Also in this edition, we pay tribute to singer songwriter Col Joyce and look at how streaming has changed song structures.

A new study from Jean Hailes Women Health has found that one in three Australian women are living with migraines, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss just how debilitating the neurological condition can be and why there needs to be greater awareness of the impact it can have on women's lives.Also in this edition, why some parents are considering banning sleep overs, police recruitment study plus why academics are turning to pop icons to understand the culture.

AsAustralia's health ministers have agreed to undertake a review of the nation's fertility sector, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at whether there will be greater regulation around so called IVF ‘add ons.' Also in this edition, it was a big weekend for Super Netball, so do we need to treat it more like football, with the big stadiums and TV coverage? Plus we debrief on the Logies.   

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Australian publication of the iconic sex education book Where Did I Come From, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we explore what made the book so popular and the various controversies that emerged.Also in this edition, why folk are invested in the Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson coupling, what a Logies win means plus what is the Stop Killing Games movement all about.

It is not uncommon to hear stories about the the trauma emergency service workers experience, but the toll it takes on their family members often gets overlooked. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at a new resource called Supportable, created by the Emergency Services Foundation, it offers mental health support those close to frontline workers.Also in this edition, what does the closure of Victoria's last wool cleaning mill in Geelong mean for the wool industry, plus how women's sports bars are bolstering visibility of women's sport.

The government has confirmed YouTube will be included in Australia's social media ban for kids under 16, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss just how damaging social media addiction can be to families and what role social media plays in perpetuating anxiety and depression in young people.Also in this edition, should schools separate classes, such as maths, around academic ability, the importance of LGBTQIA+ stories in film and TV and why scientists are arming birds with backpacks.

DIY Bike ramps and skate ramps in parks are contentious, kids build them and then they get pulled down. In Brighton locals are debating whether makeshift bike jump should be removed. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what role skate parks can have in keeping young people connected.Also in this edition, a change to blood donation rules for cancer survivors, a child led movement empowering kids to tackle the climate change.

It was an extraordinary win for St Kilda FC against the Dees on Sunday afternoon, with a historic three quarter time comeback, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss how far the win will go in restoring hope in the club.Also in this edition, the closure of Australia's oldest Chinese restaurant, understanding meme stocks and can ultrafast fashion ever be certified as sustainable?

With rumours of Snoop Dog playing at the AFL Grand Final in this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask whether or not it is ok for the AFL Grand Final to have the look at feel of the Super Bowl.Also, in this edition, is it becoming a bit cringe to post on social media and Obama says tomato sauce is just for kids — is he right?

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what the reaction would be if the affair between Lewinsky and Bill Clinton if it happened today. Would the judgement be as harsh on Lewinsky? And what has it meant for her to reclaim her story?Also in this edition, does Australia need to be doing more policy wise in curbing the public appetite for ultra-fast fashion and what does the axing of Colbert tell us about the state of American politics. 

Last week construction started on a $60 million redevelopment initiative on the Frankston Stadium, with features including ten basketball courts and a new 1,000 seat show court, and while this is a great win for the basketball community in Frankston, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the health of courts around the state.Also in this edition what will the lasting legacy of Ozzy Osbourne be? Plus, could mentoring be the key to teacher retention?

The AFL's new executive general manager of football performance, Greg Swann, has said he is looking to speed up games. In this edition of The Conversation Hour, we look whether games have become drawn out and what changes need to be made to tighten them up. Also in this edition, what is underpinning the rising rates of school bullying, why we need to talk more about mental health after cancer, plus a win for the spotted tree frogs of Mount Beauty.  

One quarter of employers classify people over the age of 50 as old, that's according to a study into employer attitudes from the Australian Human Rights Age Commissioner and the Human Resources Institute. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what role AI recruitment systems play in age discrimination and speak with a careers coach on the measures some are taking to circumvent the system.Also in this edition, infidelity in the age of social media and how far will additional mental health clinics go in supporting the mental health of Victorians

New research suggests many young people aged between 20 and 34 aren't using their skills in their current job and can't get the hours they want, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we explore what impact this can have.Also, in this edition, how much will the stadium debate sway the election results in Tasmania, the secret life of farmers and why we need to rethink making happiness the goal.

New data has revealed that birthrates in Melbourne are in decline, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we explore whether stigma around not having kids is also in decline or if attitudes, particularly towards women, remain somewhat judgy. Also in this edition,  the implications of reduced access to rural and regional courts, the power in sartorial soft diplomacy and what AI can tell us about animal behavour. 

A police messaging service called STOPIT that was set up to report harassment on Melbourne's public transport system has led to more than 60 arrests over the last 3 years, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what role it has played in capturing and preventing instances of unwanted sexual behaviour which could otherwise go unreported.Also in this edition, outback killer, Bardley John Murdoch has died in prison, he was sentenced to life for the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio , in 2005, we revisit the case that inspired Wolf Creek.Plus, what does a day off alcohol mean for your health and preserving heritage listing and green spaces while increasing housing.

A new study by Birth Trauma Australia has found that women who struggled to get a diagnosis for their injuries were 2.4 times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how better to support women experiencing birth trauma.Also in this edition, we look at a new study that has revealed a third of young workers are exploited, plus after the accidental Federal Treasury document revelation, that the 1.2 million homes target would not be met, what will it mean for tackling housing affordability.

Later this year age-assurance technology will be introduced to internet search engines, to reduce children's exposure to harmful content, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we delve into what impact the changes may pose to privacy. Also in this edition we also explore why Melbourne rents are at record highs, and discuss what is the best ways to boost vaccination rates in Australia.Plus, some handy tips on how to reduce your wardrobe and stay stylish.

The Victorian opposition have proposed new policy that would see the Victorian police, instead of local councils in charge of protest registrations. But some argue that could be counterproductive, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we explore what the best system is to support peaceful protests.Also in this edition, as bus drivers strike around the state we look at how to improve the bus network across Victoria, plus as the housing crisis intensifies, will we see a swing towards multi-generational living?

AHPRA is releasing new guidance for prescribing of medicinal cannabis after an investigation found unsafe practices where leading to harmful impacts on patients, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what measures need to be put in place to ensure the wellbeing of health consumers.Also in this edition, a recent survey from the United Workers Union has revealed the under staffing in childcare centres, so how do we better support the industry and ensure child safety. Plus, we delve into the history of NAIDOC week.

With the recent announcement of closure of 10 Bendigo Bank branches across Australia, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what is lost when a local branch is closes and whether we need stronger policy to keep branches open.Also in this edition, what will the RBA rate decision tell us about the cost of living crises, why Australia was gripped by the mushroom murder trial, and we also discuss the importance of revitalising First Nations language.

With news of the axing of funding for council-run sleep and settling group education classes, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what impact it will have on young parents and discuss the importance of sleep on mental health.Also in this edition, how to combat threatening behaviour towards umpires, the importance of age inclusive language and what will the legacy of Peter Russell-Clarke be?

There have been calls the AFLW to be played at stadiums like the MCG and Marvel to rise the profile of the game, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we look at what the measure would mean in changing attitudes to women's sport. Also in this edition, as UK rock legends Oasis commence their international tour, will we see the same rock n roll antics of previous times? Plus, the legacy of Miss Piggy and is diva a dirty word?

Changes to the way products containing B6 are accessed is one of the proposals from the Therapeutic Goods Administration under a recently released interim decision. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore why there are concerns about the amount of B6 people are consuming in products such as mineral supplements, energy drinks. Also in this edition, what is the health of family business in Australia, and what makes Wimbledon so fashionable 

Police investigating a Melbourne childcare worker accused of child sex crimes has caused a great deal of distress in the community. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we look at how this news has impacted the wellbeing of childcare workers and what supports need to be in place ahead of a deeply troubling day.Also in this edition, what why an online retailer is banning serial returners, a new online test to assist in early detection of kidney disease plus how fresh cut flowers and brighten your day.

Legislation introduced today will require restaurants and cafes to inform their customers on the origin of the seafood they serve, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss at what it will mean for what diners order and how far it will go in gearing customers to make better informed decisions about the seafood they consume. Also in this edition, why there are calls for a national strategy into loneliness, are the recent moves to address uni “placement poverty” enough, plus we delve into what it means to make livable affordable architecture. 

Some recent research has suggested that allowing students to use their teachers first names may help foster stronger teacher-student relationships, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore why it may improve teacher-student relations.Also in this edition, what will the Brett Whitely exhibition mean for tourism to Shepparton, what will the aged care system look like for forever renters, plus a new study seeks to understand the best way to treat IBS.

Anna Wintour has stepped down as editor of US Vogue, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what role the magazine has played as a fashion archive and explore how much what we wear forms who we are. Also, in this edition we introduce you to pro-basketballer Caitlin Cunningham, Caitlin has recently gone viral on the internet for their gothic look and being a positive role model for self expression,Plus, as the founder of adult content platform OnlyFans looks to sell, we talk where porn sits in the feminist debate, is it misogyny or empowerment?

Feeling a sense of nostalgia for queuing might sound a little odd, but when it comes to seeing your favourite band there is perhaps a certain camaraderie that comes from those long waits with sleeping bags and a thermos. But as ticket sales for big touring acts move online, can it dimmish a sense of fandom? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore whether online ticketing has made accessing tickets harder than lining up in a physical queue. Also in this edition, we discuss the challenges of dealing with a rare cancer, the impact of tourism on Bali and an innovation in bee conversation. 

A new report from the Productivity Commission says that Australia's national plan to improve mental health and prevent suicide is "not fit for purpose" and needs to be re-written and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what measures need to be in place to improve suicide prevention in Australia.Also in this edition we talk the language plays in perpetuating medical misogyny, how to do snow adventures safely and what role airports can play in easing anxious travellers.

The esafety Commissioner is recommending the Youtube be included in the social media ban for people under the age of 16, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what makes YouTube a form of social media and whether a ban would be effective in mitigating social media to young people.Also in this edition we discuss a new approach to suicide prevention and why we need social workers in libraries.

As regional areas across Victoria face water restrictions, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what future measures can be taken to secure water across the State and whether Melbourne should also be on restrictions.Also in this edition we also discuss the rising popularity of junior golf, the challenges of building new playgrounds plus we celebrate the history of denim manufacturing in Victoria.

A music venue in Belgrave will be the first venue to put a Public Liability Levi of a $1 on every ticket to absorb insurance costs. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we look at just how much sky rocketing insurance costs are impacting locally run music venues.Also in this edition we look at a program that supports young people facing financial disadvantage participate in team sport and ask whether there is more pressure for men to dress their age.

In the wake of another security incident at Northland we look at what employers should be doing to better equip young workers to deal with incidents and how to best support them in the aftermath.Also in this edition, we explore what the scrapping of the ban on gay and bisexual men donating blood means for the LGBTQIA community, how pet telehealth could take the pressure off vets working in rural communities and the face of modern day match making.

GPs are calling for an end to mandatory reporting so they can access mental health care without fear of discrimination. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we look at what is means to be a healthcare worker experiencing mental health challenges and what needs to happen to shift the dial on stigma. Also in this edition we discuss the ethics around IVF patients choosing the sex of their child, plus why are attitudes towards crime in rural areas different to those living in urban areas.  

A new law introduced by the State Government today will target criminals posting their crimes on social media, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what impact it could have in curbing youth crime. Also in this edition we look at a study on the impacts of how a dads mental health can impact their children and discuss why the French are banning ads that promote ultra fast fashion. 

A new report from The Grattan Institute has found that that Austalians are paying excessive fees for specialist care, with people paying in some instances the likes of upwards of six hundred dollars to see a psychiatrist. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the ramifications of an unaffordable mental health care system. Plus, as ‘touristification' protests take place across Europe what is the way forward for sustainable tourism?

In this episode, we explore whether libraries are an appropriate place for social workers to be stationed. 

With principals being given the power to expel students for their actions outside of school hours - in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what impact school expulsion has on the student. Plus, we also talk the significance of heritage listing LGBTQI venues and the incredible wardrobe owned by Sarah Jessica Parker. 

The minimum wage will increase by 3.5 per cent from July 1, it's been described as a historic decision. But what is it to live on the minimum wage and how will the decision impact business? Also, in this edition we talk stigma pregnant women experience with their weight, why Lifeblood is calling for urgent O-type blood donors and why you might want to rethink drinking during air-travel.