The Conversation Hour

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.

Recent data indicates that food studies is becoming increasing in popular with secondary school students, and has come along way since the days of home economics. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss why more students are studying it and meet a teacher who is brining the subject to life in Ringwood.Also in this edition, should you be able to take paid leave to look after or grieve your pet, plus why the Olympic Winter Games appeal so much to younger audiences.

With reports of declining vegan food options in supermarkets and on restaurant menus - in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore whether people are turning away from vegan diets and discuss what undercurrents might be at play. Also in this edition, is tourism wrecking our national parks, plus do you clean your kids room?

As Tasmania trials a UK based model whereby schools share resources, staff and knowledge to improve student results, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how the program works and whether we should be looking at employing a similar model here in Victoria.Also in this edition, do hidden car door handles pose a safety risk, plus are people still buying sewing patterns?

The Sydney Mardi Gras party has been cancelled, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what underpins the decision and the significance of the after party to the event.Also in this edition, the welfare of gig workers on hot days, why hotels are starting to welcome pets plus what makes icecream icecream.

Writers Victoria has lost its funding from the State government, threatening its survival, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss its role in supporting local emerging writers.Also in this edition, how concerned should we be about space junk, a push to get young people into aviation, plus who is Bad Bunny?

The Australian Open has wrapped for another year and endured some particularly hot days during the tournament. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk climate proofing sports stadiums and what innovations are taking place globally in this space.Also in this edition, is it better to renovate or rebuild public housing towers, would you wear a second hand wedding dress plus all the latest from the Grammys.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask you about the first job you had and what skills you have taken from it into later life. Also in this edition, the health impacts of teeth grinding, do you find sad movies healing, plus what's in bloom at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

As prep students head to school for the fist time, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk the school buddy program, where older children are paired with preps to help them feel connected.Plus, later in the hour combating declining rates of volunteering, do you feel like you have to dress up to go to the tennis? And is 'friendflation' making it harder to catch up with your mates?

A new study has highlighted the importance of outdoor play for kids, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore why it is important for young people and what needs to happen in the education sector to better support young people playing outside.Also in this edition, a Kyneton groundskeeper has won the World's Ugliest Lawn competition, but can there be environmental benifits to a bit of mess. Plus, one man's plight to ware a flannel shirt to work.

As Victoria endures a heatwave, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore how we can design and build homes that stay cool, without an over reliance on air conditioning.Also in this edition, caring for your pets in the heat, all the latest from the tennis and just how hard it is to make a career pivot midlife?

Well, there has been a bit on the internet this week about wedding reception dancefloors and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we delve into dancing in midlife and why some feel they loose their skill.Also in this edition, the latest from the tennis and later in the hour, what underpins the decline in emergency volunteers.

The light will win is the theme of today's National Day of Mourning to honour the victims of the Bondi terrorist attack. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we meet an artist for whom the theme has special resonance. Joel Adler is the artist behind a behind a sculptural Hanukkiah titled 'Sunnukiah' being used as a temporary memorial at Bondi and he joined the program to discuss the meaning and significance of the piece. We are also joined later in the program by Lynda Ben-Menashe, president of the National Council of Jewish Women Australia who shared her reflections on the day and the notion of mitzvah.Also in this edition we talk why Gen X might need a rebrand, hear what it is to fly The Roulettes and get all the latest from the tennis.