The Conversation Hour

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.

As the summer holiday slowly fades, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the concept of holidays in the suburbs and the suburban caravan park.Plus, have you heard of the tunnel fits phenomenon? Well, you may have seen one last night when Naomi Osaka made her entrance into the Austalian Open. Also in this edition the impact of climate on seabirds.

Safer Care Victoria, a State Government agency, has recently released a set of guidelines for clinicians to help them navigate situations where a woman rejects their medical advice. The guide is titled the Respectful Maternity and Newborn Care Framework and is described as "a practical tool that supports clinicians and consumers genuine partnership — especially when a woman makes an informed decision about her care pathway that differs from clinical recommendations." In this edition of the Conversation Hour we speak with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists to get a better understanding of the guidelines and why they have been introduced.Also in this edition — from births to deaths, we talk whether there needs to be greater regulation around funeral directors. Plus, what are crisps doing on the tables of fancy restaurants? And we bring you all the latest from The Australian Open.

Has your social media feed filled up with pictures of your friends 10 years ago? #2016 is suddenly trending along with selfies, holiday pics and plates of fancy restaurant cuisine. But what is all this telling us about how the way we use Instagram has changed over the last decade? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what underpins that shift.Also in this edition the role bull bars are having in the rise of pedestrian deaths, and should they be banned in urban areas?Plus, what does it take to make it to the Australian Open, and with Venus Williams competing at 45, what does it take to stay in the game?

Earlier in the week we talked insurance in the wake of fires, and today, it's floods down at Wye River and the surrounding communities . In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the impact of flooding events on caravan parks and will they get harder to operate insurance wise.Also in this edition, did you know that flies are actually pretty good for the environment? We might find them pesky little creatures but some are calling for a rebrand. Plus, have your kids been watching Stranger Things and are they suddenly into all things 80s? Could the 80s have been the best decade to grow up in?

 As Victorian beaches get busier over summer in this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk to the dos and don'ts of claiming a spot on the beach particularly when it comes to cabanas.Also in this edition,  why people are loving the new tv series Heated Rivalry, the rise of dementia-inclusive societies plus how regional business is going as Victoria continues to recover from the recent bushfires. 

Mattel has recently launched its first autistic barbie and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore how the doll has been received by the autistic community, and how far will it go in moving in the dial on inclusion and representation.Also in this edition, as the State recovers from the recent bushfires, we discuss what safe vegetation along our roadsides should look like. And later in the program we hear about a new study on muscle strength in women as they age, plus get all the latest from Melbourne Park in the lead up to the Australian Open.

We have seen some iconic music performances at sporting events over the last year, and with the The Australian Open just around the corner Australian bands are also limbering up to hit the stage. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what role these types of events play in raising the profile and exposure of artists and whether audiences have an appetite to see live music with their sport.Also in this edition, we talk insurance in a time of climate change, supporting farmers in the wake of the Victorian bushfires, plus talk through a new report into the experience of women in elite sport

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore how much prefab housing could be used as a form of temporary housing particularly in the wake of catastrophic bushfires. Also, in this program, do we need better support for renters after bushfires, do they slip between the cracks?

What did your school holidays look like when you where a kid? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how the social media ban for under 16s will change what kids do during the holiday and if they could start to look something like the holidays of previous generations.Also in this edition, has annotating books become a thing on BookTok? Music festivals are in full swing over summer, but what is it to work as crew for the big acts and festivals and does there need to be better supports in place for music crew?Plus, navigating gendered marketing toys this Christmas.

It's been a big day for year 12 students, as they receive their ATAR score, but is it actually ok to ask what someone got? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what the best way to approach the conversation is, and what the best approach is if you are a student who doesn't want to discuss it.Also in this edition, why there has been an increase in sharks around Byron Bay, the rise of women on steroids. Plus, what are the best albums of 2025

A rare dinosaur skeleton will be going to auction in London. Nicknamed Spike, inspired by its pointy skull, it has been described as a "colourful bird-like beast." In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the ethics of investing in dinosaur fossils and whether they should just stay in the domain of museums and the scientific community.Also in this edition, Fanny Lumsden talks auditioning local acts for her new tour, how the social media ban for under 16s will impact boarding school students. Plus, have we seen any progress in preventing youth homelessness?

Well, Christmas is almost upon us and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we hear your unique Christmas traditions and catch up with the co-founder of Elf on a Shelf. Also in this edition, who is up for a nomination at this year's Golden Globes, how much does body language matter in how we communicate plus we take you to parliament to hear The Victorian government's historic apology to Aboriginal Victorians. 

A Government spokesperson has told The Conversation Hour that they are addressing duplication by bringing the work of VicHealth into the larger Department of Health. In this edition of the program we discuss whether VicHealth needs to maintain a certain level of independence and what this move means for preventive health more broadly.And later in the hour, the complex relationship women have with facial hair.

A recent study has exposed a gap in the amount of time allocated to teaching primary school students how to type and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss why learning to type still matters and what is best practice in teaching it. Also in this edition, the danger posed by potholes to Victoria's motorcycle community, the extraordinary lengths one man has gone to raise awareness of the destruction of our natural habitat our mental health. Plus, why we still love Lady Gaga.

Today marks  International Day of People with a Disability and in this edition of the Conversation Hour we discuss the prevalence of discrimination in the workplace towards blind and low vision people and how to combat discriminatory attittudes and practices. Also in this edition, we celebrate 80 years of The Country Hour, discuss what is behind the Prada buying Versace, plus  US hip hop artist Kendrick Lamar heads to Ballarat on Saturday, we compile your tips on what he should see and do. 

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?