As the ACCC investigate supermarket pricing – in this edition of The Conversation Hour the team explore what the alternative is to shopping at the supermarkets actually are. While farmers markets and green grocers offer another option how difficult is it to change consumer behaviour and habits?

There is nothing healthy about a tan, so what is the best way to educate a new generation about the dangers of tanning? In the 80s the Slip Slop Slap ad campaign was a game changer, but how much to does the power now rest with influencers?

Have you been to your mechanic lately only to be told there is a long wait to have any repairs done? With the uptake of electric vehicles what will the future of mechanics look like?

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we delve into the slow flower movement – which aims to encourage sustainable farming practices by reducing flower miles, and encourage consumers to buy from the many local small-scale producers.

This year's Global Drug Survey throws a spotlight on understanding illegal steroid use. So, what are the risks, what drives people to take them and how much does stigma prevent people getting the help they need.

From early driver education to the condition of our regional roads, Nic Healey speaks with a range of guests on how we are best placed to prevent road deaths.

A little over a year ago, the Federal Government halved the number of subsidised visits you can make to a psychologist ere are calls to re-instate the number of subsidised visits. There are also calls to reduce the gap fee. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask how do we make visits to mental health professions affordable and accessible?

Each week, across the country, there's an activity that nearly 3.9 million Aussies share – and that's riding a bike. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what needs to change to get more people on bikes in 2024 — from infrastructure to understanding what bike is best for you.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the health of the regional and rural paper — and what it means to the health of regional communities

From using viruses to preserve food, to utilising left over vegetables from farms enrich meals with nutrients to re-purposing bread – in this edition we explore the cutting edge innovations to prevent food waste and what we can learn from our ancestors and their observations of the natural world.

What does it take to change careers later in life? And what support is available to help people hoping to do just that? From preventing age discrimination,  to offering better support to mature age students in this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak to the experts about what you need to do to make the leap.

There have been some dramatic images in the media recently of airline incidents,  how much does seeing these pictures exacerbate a fear of flying?

Are you working through your new year 'to-do list' ? For many of us a dental check up is on the list – but how likely are you to actually cross dental visit off the list? In this edition of The Conversation Hour Nic Healey filling in for Richelle Hunt speaks with a range of guests on how we are best placed to make dental care affordable and accessible.

Caravan parks can offer an affordable holiday option, especially for those looking to holiday with the extended family — but with significant increases in insurance premiums some operators are concerned about their financial viability into the future.

Kids aren't playing sport as much as they used to, so what underpins this trend and how do we get young people active again? 

There is an estimated four million people living with arthritis in Australia , it affects people of all ages, and the pain can be excruciating. So,what needs to happen to ensure that people with arthritis get the support and treatment they need?

From cost, availability to accessibility in this edition of The Conversation Hour the team talk parking

In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team discuss how to talk to kids about bushfires, from understanding the warning system to looking after their wellbeing.

As students across Victoria nervously await the release of their ATAR results next week, The Conversation Hour looks at what options are out there for students beyond a high ATAR.

As the cost of living rises so does the cost of a meal at a pub, in this edition of The Conversation Hour the team talk the place of pubs in local communities and what it takes to keep them running.

In this edition of the Conversation Hour the team talk pets at Christmas, from how to find a reputable breeder and not get scammed to why some are urging you to 'adopt — not shop' – to keeping the tinsel out of reach on Christmas Day.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team talk genetic testing. While it can be a game changer in disease prevention there are concerns that it could lead to discrimination, particularly when it comes to life insurance and there are calls for greater regulation around this.

 Do you find toddler food confusing- do you feel like you are being health washed? 

From protecting your pets, through to the importance of staying calm if you have been bitten – In this edition of The Conversation Hour our favourite snake experts to answer your questions.

We all need to waste less, for both environmental and economic reasons and in this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at how to stretch your leftovers

It's been four years since Voluntary Assisted Dying was made legal in Victoria and some are calling for the scheme to be expanded to include people with dementia. In this edition if the Conversation Hour the team speak with a range of guests about what safeguards would need to be put in place and hear the story of someone living with dementia who explains why she would like to have access.

More and more public and private businesses are hiring private security guards to try and improve safety, in this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at how effective this is and ask whether it potentially creates a whole new level of problems.

Mental health related consultations are increasingly becoming a significant proportion of a GPs day and in this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at what needs to be done to better support GPs to do this work and whether it is indicative of a lack of access to mental health specialists more generally.

It's been a year since ChatGPT was launched – so how is it actually being used? From education to the health sector the team look at how the technology is being utilised and explore some of the greater concerns from bias to what it might do to our brains.

If you get injured at work or if you get sick and can not work for a period of time- do you know what to do- what your rights are? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how to navigate workers compensation and look at whether there is some way it can be made easier for those who need to access it.

Recent data shows nearly one-third of Australian teenagers aged 18-19 have experienced intimate partner violence in the past year. In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team discuss how to ensure teens understand what it means to have a healthy relationship.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team talk grief and why words matter in recognising someone's loss.

From access to green spaces, to even a proper footpath, in this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at what role infrastructure plays on our health and wellbeing

From the sporting facilities available to where recruiters search – do private schools have an advantage of public school?

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we take you behind the scenes at the SecondBite warehouse as part of the  ABC Gives appeal. 

Renowned artist David Bromley and his wife lawyer Yuge Bromley join The Conversation Hour to talk about importance of making art available to all. The team are also joined by music education advocate Anita Collins and Susannah Day from The Torch who discuss what it means to make art.

Is it time to shift the dial attitudes to renting? While most Australians might hope to own their own home one day, how realistic is that now? And is it time to put stronger policy into place that support long term renting options?xploring the issues that affect all Victorians.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at the importance of follow up care and support for parents after a premature birth.

The number of Victorians dying on our roads is increasing. In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team talk road safety and how we can change driver attitudes and behaviours.

 From hospitals to banks to our transport network – the impact of the Optus outage was wide reaching.

Australian Sports Commission data shows that participation in mountain biking has increased more than 100 per cent over the last five years. In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at how a growing number of regional towns are looking to the sport as the next big tourist attraction.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team discuss what actually constitutes as sustainability in the restaurant business – from where the food is sourced to how the staff are treated to who is driving the trend. Are sustainable restaurants a fad or here to stay?

In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look the role social media is playing in tweens using unnecessary beauty products and discuss the impact it has on their skin

In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team explores what shift work can do to your body and speak with a researcher who has looked specifically at the impact of shift work on pregnant women.

There are two shocks that happen when you are told you have cancer. One is being diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, the other is all the costs associated with the disease. With the rising cost of living, cancer is fast becoming a disease that some simply can't afford to have.

As life online becomes increasing fraught with the risk of being scammed The Conversation Hour looks at whether match makers are making a comeback.

Some have suggested that fast trains could be one measure to solve the housing crisis. but others argue it could lead to further disadvantage with regional towns becoming dormitories for city folk.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at what constitutes controlling behavior in sport and the potential harm it can do to kids.

We are told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but how many of us have time for a healthy breakfast? In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team explore how much are our breakfast cereals are loaded up with sugar and whether a rating system could be an effective measure in ensuring we are eating healthier breakfasts.

From Kyneton to Aireys Inlet, there has been a number of refurbished motels across the state. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the history of the motel and delve into their enduring appeal.

Last week electric cars were thrown into the spotlight with the high court ruling on EV ownership tax. This highlighted the growing number of people who own an EV or who plan that their next car will be electric. For a long time, EV advocates have believed that Victoria is behind the rest of the world when it comes to embracing and supporting electric vehicles.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk the measures you can take to avoid skin cancer and why the UV index plays such an important role in staying safe in the sun.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk granny flats and look at whether they could be an effective measure in mitigating the housing crisis.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at why schools matter to regional and remote communities and discuss what needs to happen to ensure they attract and retain teachers.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with sleep specialists about sleep hygiene, sleep disorders and answer your sleep related questions.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour you'll hear the experiences of people caring for loved ones as well as the support groups advocating for improvements to carer wellbeing.

Did you know there are over 600 historic shipwrecks around the Victoria coast but only 330 have been found? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we meet the maritime archaeologists at the forefront of shipwreck exploration – and find out the role you could play in assisting the search.

From nature strips to roof tops, in this edition of The Conversation we delve into the importance of green spaces. We talk what it can mean for our sense of well being and what needs to happen to ensure there is equity of access to these spaces.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Kirsten Diprose , filling in for Richelle Hunt, looks at why teenagers are gambling and what measures can be taken to prevent these behaviours.

From pet cemeteries to pet cremation services , in this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at how the way we mark the end our pets life is changing along with a greater recognition of the grieving process.

Late last week it was decided artificial intelligence including ChatGPT will be allowed in all Australian schools from 2024, after education ministers formally backed a national framework guiding the use of the new technology

In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at what practical measures you can take now to stay safe during this fire season.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore why more people are getting divorced in later life, the challenges associated with grey divorce and what discussions and resources we need to have to make the transition easier.

From understanding blood types to growing blood outside the body, in this edition of the Conversation Hour the team go deep on blood.

By 2030 forty per-cent of Australia’s public pools will have reached the end of their lifespan and replacing them will cost a staggering $8 billion. In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at the vital role local pools play and what the future holds for local public pools. 

From cultural enrichment, to jobs creation, to bringing tourism to regional towns in this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at why music festivals matter and what is at stake when they are cancelled.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team explore the history of the Collingwood Football Club and ask why the clubs supporters are among the most maligned.

Recent discussions have focused on how effective road signs are for keeping wildlife safe. In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look a number of different measures taken to keep wildlife off the road.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we delve into what it means to care for someone with dementia — what support is available and how to prevent discrimination.

Over 80 per cent of Melburnians live within a 5-minute walk of a bus stop, yet only 1 in 3 consider occasionally travelling by bus.

In this edition of The Conversation we look at the value in learning a second language and look at what needs to happen to enable more people to engage with languages.

A few months ago the state and federal governments agreed to impose mandatory packaging rules to force industry to reduce packaging waste and boost recycling. There’ll be public consultation on that before the end of the year, so you’ll get a say.

Regional Capitals Australia has warned that 60 per cent of Australia's regional airports are running at a loss. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what regional airports mean to local communities.

Australia's classrooms are amongst the most disruptive in the world — why?

The Conversation Hour delves into the debilitating impact of migraines and explores the treatment options in managing them.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look the significance of junior coaches and the complexities involved in the role.

There has been heated discussion over where dogs should and should not be allowed to go. In this edition of the Conversation Hour the team look at how and why our relationship with pets is changing and evolving.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at plant based food. Are they good for us and the environment or just good marketing and packaging?

What underpins that endless scroll, how do we prevent ourselves from wasting time on our phones, and is being on our phones continuously really a waste of time? In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team delves into the someone fraught relationship we can have with our phones.

One in five teenagers dropped out of high school before finishing Year 12 last year, as retention rates fell to the lowest level in a decade. In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at what role tech and other alternative schooling options could play in boosting engagement.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at what impact a drier hotter summer will have on agriculture and what farmers are doing to prepare.

Spring time means more motorcyclists back on the roads and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what sorts of advancements we have see in motorcycle safety over recent times and delve into why it remains such an appealing pursuit for many.

In a world that celebrates the loud, what does it mean to be shy?

In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at what role youth workers can play in curbing youth crime.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour, Richelle Hunt and Warwick Long discuss how biosecurity works in Australia, and the role we all play in protecting industries, livelihoods and consumers from the impacts of disease.

Underquoting is when a real estate agent lists a property with an unrealistically low-price guide to lure buyers in. The Conversation Hour delves into how to best combat it and what impact it is having on homebuyers. 

Did you know dead snakes can still deliver venom through their fangs and that some snakes are cannibals? In this edition of The Conversation Hour snake experts Dr Andrew Watt and Dr Timothy Jackson answer all your snake related questions,  and share some insights about the creatures that may surprise you.

Shoplifting is on the rise from supermarkets to department stores, retailers are reporting hits to their bottom line because of an increase in theft. In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team delve into what is underpinning this trend.

The number of women going to prison is rising. In Victoria if a woman is pregnant or has a dependent child under the age of five, she can apply for her Living with mum program. In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team explore how best to support mothers and their children in the prison system.  

There is a lot of advice on hormones at the moment, so what is a trend and what is the truth?

Ok, maybe not all of them but with productivity growth in decline some are suggesting emails and meetings could be a key culprit.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at what impact climate change and the cost of living is having on the Victorian ski season.  

When you think about the pursuit of the perfect body and the extreme measures and risks some people take, you might think about restrictive eating and calorie counting – but a growing number of Victorians are turning to illegal steroid use. 

Could tiny house communities offer a way of combating the housing crises or do they risk creating ghettos filled with marginalised and lower socio-economic Australians?

The launch of a new alcoholic version of a popular soft drink brand has sparked demand for tighter regulations around booze being marketed to underage drinkers.

The Matildas' dream of lifting the FIFA Women's World Cup might be over, but the legacy of their incredible run to the semi-finals now begins - one that could shape Australia's sporting landscape for decades to come. 

Advocacy groups, families and teachers of children living with a disability say they haven't been consulted. Why is the service so vital?

From trucks belching exhaust in Melbourne's west, to the plumes of smoke which blanketed the state after the Black Summer bushfires, air pollution is described by scientists as a "silent killer". Is it time to take a deep breath and clear the air? 

On this edition of the Conversation Hour, we examine the barriers preventing women from accessing a potentially "life changing" procedure, and why according to many who have undergone breast reduction surgery: "it's the best thing you'll ever do". 

The national team's success casts a long shadow across the sporting landscape at home, where netball's professional and amateur clubs continue to play second fiddle to more dominant, profitable sporting codes.

In towns and cities across Australia, a war of words is raging over our native bats. Some argue they are destroying valuable and rare trees, while others say bats are simply part of the urban ecosystem. Can we learn to co-exist with them? 

From the Murtoa Stick Shed in the Wimmera, to the Curtin Hotel in Carlton, Victoria's architectural landscape is awash with heritage-listed buildings saved from demolition. But for every success there are stories of demise.

Rates of anorexia were already on the rise before the pandemic hit - now numbers have exploded, especially for young people. What support is needed to help those suffering from one of Australia's deadliest mental illnesses? 

Armed guards or 'PSOs' were introduced in 2011 and began patrolling Victorian train stations in 2014. But is more security the best solution for safer train and bus travel?

Skateboarding's popularity is growing rapidly in the rest of the world, and with that growth is a shift in attitude that has been years in the making.

From language barriers to unfamiliarity with Australia's legal system, life can be difficult for someone newly arrived in either the city or country. 

As the federal government admit the $13 billion Murray-Darling Basin Plan will not be completed on time, the Conversation Hour explores the changing fortunes of the Murray Cod - and how a fine-dining renaissance might help its survival.

We’ve all heard the warnings about turning down the volume on our headphones or wearing ear plugs at gigs to protect our hearing, but what do you do when everyday noise becomes too much? 

As industrial action brings Hollywood's immense television & film industry to a grinding halt, Australian-based artists and writers reflect on the challenges of living and working as a "full time" creative. 

Badgework, hiking, camping and the teaching of life-skills are synonymous with the Scout Movement's iconic uniform and trademark salute. But in recent years, the organisation has also been plagued with scandal. 

Extreme weather has caused havoc across much of the planet, with record temperatures in the United States, Europe and North Africa sparking forest fires, water shortages and a rise in heat-related hospital admissions. Is Australia ready for similar conditions? 

With the Victorian government committing to a $150 million regional worker accommodation package, what should the future of worker housing look like?

Dissecting Australia's pay structure is no simple task. From businesses that rely on trainee or youth wages, to executives earning millions of dollars, deciding what is 'fair' differs from every individual employer and employee.

A drug commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes has become a popular weight loss medication. But with "inadequate" access and regulation provoking criticism from some experts, who is set to benefit from a pill-popping boom?

With new research showing Australians are spending less time with friends and family than ever before, what are the keys to forming - and sustaining - true, meaningful friendships?

As Australians juggle a cost of living crisis and are choosing to spend less, one of the biggest victims are our small businesses. The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia fears many small retailers and services will soon decide they have had enough.

Many women involved in soccer have pointed to the disparity in funding and support that exists compared to the men's game, both at an amateur and professional level. Can the World Cup be the catalyst for change?

The state government has announced it will cancel the 2026 Commonwealth Games, just one year on from taking on hosting duties.

For more than a century the responsibility of maintaining and repairing bridges has been passed between local, state and federal governments like a political football, splitting communities by removing a key piece of physical connection.   The very real question of whether some of these dilapidated older bridges may ever reopen is front and centre in this edition of the Conversation Hour.

Women are being sent home as early as six hours after giving birth.  In this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask how we can better support new mothers after giving birth.

Downsizing isn't as simple you might think, financially, emotionally or just even finding the right place can be challenging. The edition of The Conversation explores if there is a way to make it all a bit simpler.

In this edition of the Conversation Hour the team look into what it actually takes to make bottled water. Once marketed as a healthy life style choice, is it now just a convenience. And what impact does this convenience have on the environment?

The Conversation Hour looks at what impact screen time has on our on personal connections and meets some young adults who are taking active steps to reconnect.

Recent data shows that Victoria has the higher rates of heroin consumption than other Australian states. In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team explores how to remedy better access to treatment and how much the issue of stigma underpins the issue.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we hear the stories of people whose lives have been directly impacted by organ donation, from a mother who received a lifesaving liver transplant to the daughter of a farmer who donated his lungs, kidneys and eye tissue which went to eight different people.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we bring you a special Songs and Stories NADIOC special presented by Brian Nankervis and featuring Just conversations about music and life with Cathy Freeman , Ken Wyatt, Rachael Maza, Corey Tutt and Dr Lois Peeler.

From long digital queues to scalping dramas and more, the Taylor Swift ticket debacle has highlighted the confusing way online ticket sales work -- does it need changing?

In this edition of the Conversation Hour we delve into why some are so drawn to frontier tourism – from Everest to Antarctica. What is it in our nature that seeks adventure and does there need to be stronger international legislation to keep people out of danger?

While there might be great options for recreational cyclists visiting regional towns such as rail trails and mountain bike tracks – what is the actual state of commuter bike paths in regional Victoria? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what the state of cycling infrastructure in in regional communities.

This edition of Conversation Hour explores the the role of primary care nurses in the healthcare system and asks whether drawing on their full skill base could create better access to health care for Victorians and ease the pressures on GPs

Nearly every expert will agree that the solution to Australia's housing crisis is a complex one and in today's Conversation Hour we delve into whether caps on rents is a viable solution.

From libraries that have a social worker on staff to travelling libraries, in this edition of The Conversation hour we look at how this long established institution stays current and their evolving roles in local communities. 

The number of us people in Australia  who are reaching out to alcohol treatment services is at its highest in a decade and has prompted calls for a "safety pause" between when people can order liquor and have it delivered to their home. In this edition of The Conversation hour we ask will stronger regulation work.

Many locals have nowhere to live and there is zero availability of long term rentals in many tourist towns and communities. But some short stay owners and those in the tourism sector say that these play a role in the important tourism sector. In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at if there is a way to strike the balance.

Retail group Woolworths announced a move into health-care delivery with a new online portal, but should commercial enterprises be filling the gap in our healthcare system?

Emergency service volunteers play such an important role in the community, but issues such as increasing levels of bureaucracy are becoming something of a barrier for some. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the critical role emergency volunteers play and discuss how emergency services are best placed to attract and retain them.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team discuss what needs to change to ensure older people feel comfortable holding onto their money to lead a comfortable retirement.

We know that grass sports clubs survive on the smell of an oily rag but what would happen if clubs banned advertising and sponsorship from junk food and other forms of  harmful advertising like gambling and alcohol?

 In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team discuss to what extent everyday exercise - from going to the gym, the pool or yoga is created with unconscious ableism?

Today people gathered in Port Melbourne to save a public housing complex that is due to be pulled down. It’s part of Victoria’s Big Build where many public homes will be pulled down and re-built, but some argue it is better to redesign and renovate for a number of reasons.

In this edition of the Conversation Hour the team talk drug testing in the workplace. When is it a breach of civil liberties and when is it a necessary safety measure?

In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team discusses what happens if a young person doesn't feel safe to be themselves in their home town and what can be done to foster a more inclusive community.

South Australia has recently passed laws to crackdown on protests, so what is the future of protesting in Australia? And what role to protests play in changing minds? In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at the significance of protests in generating change.

From getting rid of white sport uniforms to understanding how to train during the menstrual cycle – in this edition of The Conversation Hour the team discuss periods and sport.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at what underpins the increasing demands on food charities in Victoria and discuss whether the Government could be doing more to prevent people going hungry.

Did you know that some schools in Victoria currently offer legal services to students? In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at whether lawyers have a place in schools.

From cost of materials to finding workers in this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at what factors are contributing to the construction crisis and discuss what needs to happen to turn things around.

How much will the resignation of WA premiere Mark McGowan citing exhaustion change the dial on how we view burnout? The Conversation Hour looks at how we identify the condition and whether it is time for society to take it a little more seriously. 

From the impact on the environment to the safety of the climbers and sherpas – in this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at just how sustainable climbing Mount Everest is and what measures can be taken to ensure the health and safety of the climbers and the mountain itself.

As the cost of living goes up and the rental crisis worsens could boarding be one way of easing some the pressures we currently face in Victoria?

Entire communities continue to be torn apart by terrible road deaths. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask why the number of regional people who die on regional roads continues to be higher than metro areas and what actions can be taken to prevent these tragic deaths.

The native timber industry in Victoria will close at the end of this year. The government will provide around $200 million to help transition workers out of the industry to other jobs. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we hear from Orbost locals who will be impacted by this recent announcement.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how we can better educate ourselves about the realities of living with Dementia and what we can do as a society to support people living with the condition.

The rising cost of living and the rental crisis are contributing to pet owners having to make tough decision to give up their pets.

Is a safe public space more than lighting and cameras? When and where do you feel unsafe where you live, and what changes could be made?

In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team discuss the digital divide, with more people working from home the issue of access in regional and rural areas intensifies, but who should actually be responsible for fixing the connection woes?

We are starting to learn more about the risks of eating too much processed food, from heart disease to obesity. In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at where we are at in our understanding of what the risks are and how to make consumers more aware of what we are potentially putting in our bodies.

Did you know that harvested mushrooms continue to make vitamin D if you put them in sunlight?

Technology is changing our lives, and also our deaths.

Is your next car going to be electric?  Are you holding on to your old petrol one for longer than you normally would?  And what does the future hold for the current generation of internal combustion engine vehicles, and the vintage cars that collectors love.

Do specific crimes or specific offenders need specific courts to get the best possible outcome for everyone involved?

As we start to retire coal mines around the state, what will Victorian communities be left with?

Is Long COVID changing the way we respond to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Local clubs everywhere have always relied on volunteers to make sure the clubs can run, but is it always the same people stepping up? How do we share the load to ensure community sport continues to thrive?

How possible is it at your local school to provide music education, from instruments to music teachers?

In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team discuss how to reduce the rising rates of obesity in Australia.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team explores whether Australia has a history of viewing unemployment as some sort of moral failing that needs to be punished, rather than supported.

With a Melbourne council this week cancelling a drag queen story time event following threats of violence, The Conversation Hour team takes a look at the rich history of drag in Victoria.

What do people living with Tourette Syndrome want the rest of us to know?

Is Mother's Day an uncomplicated celebration for you?  Do you think it's been hijacked by commercial interests?  Perhaps it's difficult for you because of your own circumstances.

To build more housing in Victoria without increasing urban sprawl we need to increase density.  But how do we build places where people want to live?

Is animal theft on the rise? Are pure-bred dogs being targeted for sale on the black market?

Schools are facing big challenges in keeping school camps going. In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at what underpins these issues and the efforts parents, teachers and principles are going to keep the school camp alive.

There is a concern that men are going undiagnosed and not coming forward because of the shame and stigma that comes with having an eating disorder.

When you buy a new product how much do you think about how easy it will be to repair? How much will the fixes cost? Who has the skills need to make those repairs? Is it even physically impossible to repair because yes for some products that is a question you need to be asking.

A report from ASIC released today has revealed that customers of the major banks have reported over $550 million in scams. The corporate regulator is urging banks to do more to protect their customers. The Conversation Hour meets the people who have experienced being scammed and discuss the fall out.

Are you holding off on medical check ups because of the costs? In this edition of The Conversation Hour Nic Healey looks at the decline in doctors bulk billing and what needs to happen to make it available to those who need it.

With the cost of living going up some are turning to cash as a tangible way of staying on top of their finances.

The data shows a growing number of Australians are choosing to do just that. In this edition of the conversation hour we discuss what has underpinned that shift.

The National Farmer Wellbeing Report has found that an alarming 30 per cent of farmers have attempted self-harm or suicide. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at to support farmers who are struggling with their mental health.

 In this edition of The Conversation Hour you will meet the women changing what a career in aviation looks like for women.

Over last fortnight there have been many suggestions from politicians, the TGA and the medical community on how to reign in what is currently out of control.

Running a school canteen is becoming increasingly challenging, from stocking to staffing. In this edition of the Conversation Hour the team was what's the future of the school canteen.

Did you know that Wetlands are the world's most threatened ecosystem due to urbanisation, agriculture, pollution, invasive species, disrupted flows due to dams and water diversions, and a host of other reasons. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what defines a wetland, how to care for them and what their role in the eco-system.

Homes built off-site and trucked to the regions are being proposed as a quick solution to Queensland's housing affordability issue, is it a good idea?  would it work in Victoria ?

Do you live in a town that will host the Commonwealth Games, what are you looking forward to and what are you concerns?

It can be something of a confronting idea to think about, but as the we move towards more environmentally friendly burials is it time for us to think about human composting?

Some are calling for employers to provide better support and training and others say that there should be stronger criminal penalties for worker abuse. In this edition of the Conversation Hour the team look at just how prevalent the problem is ask what is underpinning these customer behaviours.

It’s getting harder to keep our homes warm as electricity prices increase. In this edition of The Conversation Hour asks whether there is an affordable and sustainable way to heat our homes.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at what the fabrics of future are, from sustainability, innovation and manufacturing.

The Government recently announced that the AUKUS submarine program will create around 20,000 jobs in Australia, but some are questioning if we have the skills and resources to really back this up. 

From turning old railway stations into galleries and restaurants, through to old railway lines being turned as popular walking and bike tracks, rail trails are a huge tourist attraction. 

This week has seen a number of distressing road rage cases where people have ended up in hospital with serious injuries. In this edition of the Conversation Hour the team discuss what measures can be taken to reduce aggressive driving and hear your experiences of road rage.

Dark marketing from harmful industries refers to ads that appear on someone's social media feeds and increasingly young people are being targeted by gambling, alcohol, and unhealthy food advertisements. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we look at just how prevalent it is and what can be done to mitigate it.

This edition of The Conversation Hour looks at the raft of challenges multiple birth parents face and address what support would ease the difficulties they experience.

Bird flu has been causing growing concern in recent months, with hundreds of millions of birds around the world dying of the virus since October 2021 , in that time the virus has made its way to every continent except Australia and Antarctica.

Australia will be treated to a total solar eclipse in April. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we learn the significance of this incredible celestial event, meet the solar eclipse chasers, and visit the town at the centre of the action. 

March is Endometriosis month and around 1 in 9 Australian women of reproductive age develop endometriosis, according to the federal health department, and on average it takes seven years to be diagnosed.

There is nothing quite like being a part of a live music event, but for people who are living with a disability there are still so many barriers for attending or working at arts events. In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team discuss what needs to change to create better access.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team talk tree farming, asking what are the benefits for the farmer, the consumer and the environment.

Have you ever moved to a regional or rural town? Did you feel welcome?

Restorative justice is a process where perpetrators and victims crime meet for a facilitated interaction with the aim of decreasing recidivism and helping victims of crime heal.

How has bank closures impacted you? Is going to a bank a thing of the past or do they still play an important role in your town?

Are you or someone you know waiting for a new car to arrive from overseas? Many Victorians have been waiting up to a year, in this edition of The Converation Hour the team explore what the hold up is.

Getting stuck in traffic was once something that only affected those living close to the city, but that is no longer case with communities across the state impacted by traffic jams. In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team delve into what role urban planning can play in reducing those times.

Elderly pet owners going into aged care face the tough decision of being separated from their pets,  and some are calling for better support in enabling people to hold onto them. 

In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team explore whether there will be an uptick in employers housing their staff, the benefits and concerns around the arrangement and also the history of corporations providing housing.

From Pride Games to ambassadors – what things work in mitigating homophobic attitudes in sport?

'It's not utopia, but it's awfully good' shares Janet Stafford from the local CWA.

There are many questions and debates at the moment about who should be marching in the Mardi Gras, from our Prime Minister to corporate business. In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team discuss whether the Mardi Gras is a party or political statement.   

It can be quite shocking just how much a concussion can take it's toll on athletes and a Senate inquiry is currently underway to investigate the impacts of concussions and repeated head trauma.

A new report suggests that kids in Australia could be the first generation in history to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. This edition of The Conversation Hour looks at why prevention is more important than ever. 

A survey of 500 Victorian surfers has recently been completed and has shown that 6 percent of surfers have had to help someone in trouble in the water and 3% of surfers have had to administer first aid. In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt looks at whether surfers have become the unofficial life savers.

With the tragic death of a 22-year-old cyclist at the West Melbourne Intersection and subsequent calls for an immediate ban on left turns in that particular intersection, this edition of The Conversation Hour looks at what needs to happen to ensure cyclists are safe on the road.  

Have you ever been teased about your body hair? Growing up hairy can be a tricky thing.In this edition of the Conversation Hour the team discuss the social pressures to remove it, and ask whether it is time to throw the razor away and just embrace it.

There are many misconceptions about what OCD actually is, and people with the condition can feel shame and embarrassment about their thoughts and behaviours making getting help all the more challenging. In this edition of The Conversation Hour you'll meet people living with OCD and the mental health professionals treating the disorder.

The average wait lit for public dental is around two and half years according to the latest Productivity Commission Report, in this edition of The Conversation Hour the team explore what needs to happen to create better access.

From understanding UV levels to ensuring you get maximum coverage from your sunscreen, The Conversation Hour looks at how to best protect yourself against skin cancer.

With an increase in research into the impact of the physical school environment on student learning outcomes, the Conversation Hour looks at how much a built environment affects learning.

Described as the 'dirty little dark secret of the birthing world' this edition of The Conversation Hour explores the importance of finally naming it and look at what can be done to support women who have had difficult births.

From parks to playgrounds to beaches, debates are raging in communities across Victoria between dog owners, ecologists and parents of young children about when and where it is appropriate to have a dog off leash.

The Maryvale paper mill has recently suspended production of white paper, so what is the future of paper? In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team discuss what the alternate products to paper will be.

Telehealth plays a vital role in our health system but a new wave of start ups have some worried that it is becoming a business opportunity rather than health care provider.

With turn backs, delays, baggage going missing the Conversation explores what’s at the root of some of these problems and whether travellers are exploring other modes of transport.  

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and Bronwyn O'Shea discuss what it is to be a landlord and whether some of the stereotypes about landlord are really fair.

It’s an iconic attraction but how we preserve it is a matter for debate.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and Jeremy Story Carter discuss whether fine dining holds the same appeal it once did.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the challenges and rewards of being an architect in a regional area, and what it means to be the only architect in town. 

In this edition of the Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and Nic Healey delve into what our future with robots looks like. From use in domestic law enforcement and warfare to whether or not robots should have rites the team speak with a variety of guest about robot ethics.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and Kirsten Diprose speak with a range of guests on how safeguard Antarctica’s biodiversity and discuss the impact of tourism on the region. 

Have you tried to dial back your drinking this summer?The Conversation Hour meets the people who have embraced sobriety. 

In France, women and girls under the age of 25 have access to free birth control and just this week, condoms have also been made free to those under the age of 25.

Urban planning can transform the conditions in which people live and work, such as their access to facilities and services and their ability to develop strong social networks, key determinants of the health, wellbeing and quality of life of citizens

What do you know about snakes in your local area? Do you know what to do if you see one? How many myths do we believe? And how much do we know about the science behind venom?

There was a strong reminder last week of Indonesia's conservative values when new laws were passed banning sex outside marriage and unmarried couples from living together.

From burning rubbish in incinerators in the backyard to having up to four different bins per household, we have seen the amount of waste we produce and how we get rid of it change over the years.

The local tourist industry in Echuca has had it tough over the last few years — from Covid lockdowns to the recent floods. In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and Warwick Long explore what you need to know about heading to Echuca this summer

Talking about death isn't easy and some of us are better at it than others. However, there is more to talking about death than the songs you want played at your funeral.

Have you noticed teenagers working at your local cafe, restaurant, or retail shops? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at whether we are seeing more young workers filling the worker shortages and what safeguards are in place to protect their rights.

 In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and Warwick long look at whether junior sport needs an overhaul to make sure any child who wants to play sport can.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and Daniel Miles delve into driver behavior and how to tackle phone distraction.

 In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and Jane McNaughton discuss what role children play in deciding who you date

In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team look at what the plans are to treat long COVID into the future

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and Jonathon Kendall delve into whether we need a national food security plan, and what it might look like.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and co-host Dani Valent talk food delivery apps and ask who really wins. 

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and co-host Nic Healey look at the future of philanthropy.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and co-host Matilda Marozzi look into the disputes process with cars and delve into whether a car ombudsman could be answer

From cost to geography, is university still seen as an achievable pathway or is the idea of a large student loan too much of a deterrent?

A twelve-month trial has been announced in NSW giving pharmacists more prescription powers, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask should Victoria be doing the same?  

With rates of 'school refusal' on the rise since COVID-19 lockdowns, how can struggling students again find joy in the classroom?

As medicinal cannabis becomes more common and more accepted, what do we still need to know and learn — and do some areas need tighter regulation to ensure that the market doesn't get flooded by cowboys who are more interested in profit then your health?

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and Daniel Miles are joined by a panel of experts to answer your questions about going solar.

In this edition of the Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and Bronwen O'Shea discuss the laws and ethics surrounding surrogacy and meet the people whose lives have been changed by it.

As more and more of us are driving Electric Vehicles and the future of petrol cars comes to an end, what does that mean for auto mechanics.

Another, less visible casualty of housing affordability and availability is the emergence of couples who have separated but continue to live together.

Richelle Hunt and Jeremy Story Carter discuss whether a Swedish Prison model should be trialled in Australia – where 'open prisons' allow prisoners out during the day to work and earn a wage.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what we should be putting in our composts and look at whether bio degradable plastics actually work.

In this edition of the Conversation Hour the team explore how the floods have caused the fish deaths and the work being done to save them.

Do you know what food is healthy you? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we feature a Your Move special in conjunction with Magda's Big National Health Check . 

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and Warwick Long delve into the issue of the impact of domestic cats on wildlife.

Australia has a truck driver shortage which impacts on our entire supply chain. In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and co-host Daniel Miles explore how to get more women drivers in the industry and meet the women getting behind the wheel.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt talks to sustainability leaders about how to mitigate cost of living pressures by creating our own ecosystems.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and Warwick Long discuss regional airports and whether we need to be utilising regional travel more.

As players increasingly scrutinise what is they are wearing and tacitly endorsing – are we as fans also reconsidering what it is we are supporting?

There are two big conversations surrounding breast reconstruction: wait-times for surgery and providing woman with all reconstruction options, including the ability to 'go flat'.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and Kirsten Diprose look at the future of where and how we grow our food in the face of climate change.

For a word we throw around all the time, how much do we understand it?

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and Warwick Long meet the communities along the Murray and discuss the history and importance of the river.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and Tim Lee look at how voluntary buybacks work and how much they help. 

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt is joined by Dr Elizabeth Farrell AM and Janet Hailes Michelmore AO from Jean Hailes for a wide ranging conversation about menopause with a special focus on medical menopause.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and Jeremy Story-Carter look at dire state of the Victorian roads and the impact on flood affected communities

From detergent to luxury holidays villas - the number of brands that advertise their products as eco-friendly is ever growing.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we share the stories of those affected by the Bali Bombing and reflect on the connections Victorians have with Bali 20 years on.

With the cost of living rising are we seeing a greater class divide?

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and co-host Warwick Long discuss sport and pregnancy – and research into the impact and support available to athtleese women after having a baby. In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and co-host Warwick Long discuss sport and pregnancy – and research into the impact and support available to athletes after having a baby.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and co-host Jane McNaughton discuss what it would take to get more people to switch to electric cars

From suburban Melbourne to regional Victoria can and should we try to shift our freight off the roads and onto rail?

The Federal government tabled $4.5 billion in childcare reforms last week – but is it time to reimagine the sector?

The Loy Yang A coal-powered plant in Victoria's Latrobe Valley is now scheduled to shut its doors in 2035. Richelle Hunt and co-host Jonathon Kendall look at the broader implications on the Latrobe community. 

With growing rates of young people vaping The Conversation Hour looks at why teenagers are taking the habit up and what the health impacts are.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour  Richelle Hunt and co-host Jeremy Story-Carter look at what it means to get the diagnoses as an adult and how it can be  life changing.  

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and co-host Amber Irving-Guthrie look at how stereo-types about gaming is changing, with a greater emphasis of inclusive gaming.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and co-host Bronwen O'Shea discuss the issue of staff shortages in the hospitality industry and what can be done to bolster numbers. 

Everyone has a story to tell, and ABC Radio Melbourne shared some of yours at the Melbourne Writers Festival along the theme of  'I have been meaning to tell you.'

Has the opportunity of working remotely lead to the rise of the digital nomad?

King Charles has been a passionate advocate of the wool Australian industry; The Conversation Hour explores what that support has meant locally for wool producers

From 'glider poles' to 'tunnels of love' The Conversation Hour looks at how animal crossings are saving wildlife from dying on our roads. 

How much do you know about your local water way or river? In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and co-host Beau Miles delve into why the health of rivers matters so much

New data shows that overdose deaths in Australia are being driven by opioids and prescription medications, The Conversation Hour looks at what strategies can be put in place to prevent these deaths. 

Music Victoria has recently released a white paper seeking to bolster the Victorian music industry post lock-down.The Conversation Hour looks at what some of these strategies might involve and delves into how the sector can lead on a international scale.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Richelle Hunt and co-host Prue Bentley look at what factors contribute to a place being granted a heritage listing and ask can preservation and progress co-exist?

With the recent release of the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry the lives of chickens are set to get better, but how much do you think about the animals and animal products you consume?

What changes could happen by opening the school gates? The Conversation Hour delves into how schools can unite communities. 

 Better conditions and pay for the apprentice or better subsidies for the employers? The Conversation Hour looks at how to  keep people in their apprenticeships.

Ever fancied hitting the high seas? Wondered what life on the ocean might be like? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we celebrate the work of seafarers.

Caravan parks for many of us conjure up images of childhood holidays, but for a growing number of Victorians caravan parks have become home.

Demand for Australian made clothes has gone up — but how do we keep supply going when there is a shortage of workers in the industry?

With the forecast of a 3rd La La Niña on the way – how flood literate do our communities need to be?

The South Australian government has appointed an Assistant Minister for Autism, The Conversation Hour looks at whether Victoria needs an equivalent minister and how the role can best serve the autism  community.

There has been an explosion of popularity in mountain biking, which has come with a push for more trails. But balancing the appetite for tourism against the environmental concerns has been a complex issue for some Victorian towns.

From menstrual cycles, pelvic floor and breast health, pregnancy – as well as barriers to leadership and inclusion at all levels of sort The Conversation Hour delves into how to best support women in elite sport. 

Richelle Hunt and co-host Dr Graham Phillips explore the taboo question of whether there could be life on other planets. 

Stress, anxiety and boredom may have lead to a few of us reaching for a so called quarantini during lockdown – but what has been the ongoing impact been? How much has a change in work practice increased our propensity to drink?

With women only making up around thirteen percent of the construction workforce, Richelle Hunt and Jonathon Kendall explore how appealing for women. 

Richelle Hunt and Prue Bentley look at how we get more people into long term rental and continue to support local tourism. 

Today's Conversation Hour delves into whether consuming some of our waters overlooked fish species could be a step towards reducing overfishing. 

As the cost of living increases, is buying organic produce still worth it?

Retirees are being encouraged to take up fruit picking work to fill job vacancies.

Animal shelters have noticed a rise in dogs being surrendered because their owners can no longer afford them.

Research is being done globally into into the idea of a wellbeing economy, starting with a wellbeing budget, and the concept is already being trialled.

Women over the age of 55 are the fastest growing demographic of homeless people in Australia. What are the short and long-term solutions?

Are "goon sacks" and canned beverages revolutionising the Australian wine industry?

Scammers have been increasingly targeting Australians with dodgy malicious texts that employ a range of clever gambits to trick people into handing over sensitive information or even money.

Taking 10,000 steps every day has been one of the biggest public health messages this decade, but the rule didn't originate from much scientific evidence.

It has been five months since Russia invaded Ukraine and there's no sign of the conflict ending. Here are some of the ways Victorians are helping Ukrainians feel at home, wherever they are in the world.

ClubsNSW has unveiled a proposal which would allow family members of gamblers to ban their loved one from entering pokie venues. Should this be implemented in Victoria for addiction?

Changing the conversation around healthcare and bigger bodies has only started to gain traction as an issue among key healthcare organisations in recent years.

In the ABC's most recent Australia Talks survey, 29 per cent of people said marriage was an outdated institution. Is it just marriage that younger people are moving away from, or is monogamy also becoming a thing of the past?

A TV advertisement showing a woman running after dark was nearly cancelled in the UK due to complaints it was encouraging unsafe behaviour, and experts say similar perceptions exist in Australia.

The importance of nurses has been highlighted during the COVID pandemic, which is reminiscent of the 1980s at the beginning of the HIV/AIDs epidemic.

What protections are there for people being filmed without their knowledge, and do good deed videos stigmatise older Australians?

What are the ramifications to the economy if people are experiencing burnout en masse?

A rise in synthetic drug use has renewed calls for pill testing or the decriminalisation of small amounts of illicit drugs.

Varroa mite has the potential to impact pollination of one third of Australia's locally produced food.

Prostate cancer has overtaken breast cancer as Australia's most common form of cancer.

"Four strangers literally picked me up and lifted me on my chair off the tram. There was no other option, I was stuck," said disability advocate Akii Ngo.

Airport workers say the transition to self-check ins and automated airports may have contributed to delays for customers.

As more research becomes available on CTE and the impacts of concession, are football clubs moving too slow to enact change?

An 82 year old brick business in Stawell is closing its doors due to high energy costs.  

Some parents who can afford to are cutting back their work hours to support their children in VCE.