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The Conversation Hour

The Conversation Hour

ABC 250 Episodes Sep 21, 2026

Expect engaging discussions with real people and inspiring stories connecting communities across Victoria, on The Conversation Hour with Richelle Hunt and Jonathon Kendall.

Episodes

Identifying the early signs of dementia
Identifying the early signs of dementia Sep 21, 2026 0:50:16 New research from The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has highlighted the difficulty of getting a dementia diagnosis, with less than half receiving a diagnosis in the first year. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore how the role of the GP could simplify the process.Also in this episode, the role of the AFL mascot in lifting the mood of a game, our fraugh
How will the immigration changes impact farmers?
How will the immigration changes impact farmers? Sep 18, 2026 0:47:55 With food producers already struggling to find workers for the upcoming harvest season, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what the backpacker changes announced by the Federal Government will mean for farmers, food production and the cost of living more broadly.Also in this edition, getting young people into reading, a big weekend for country footy. Plus, does a
Celebrating Australian books
Celebrating Australian books Sep 17, 2026 0:51:41 In this very special edition of The Conversation Hour, hosted by Hilary Harper,  we collaborate with Radio National's Top 100 Australian books to celebrate the Australian books that you love.Authors Louise Milligan, Robert Gott, Tony Birch and program director of the Queenscliff Literary festival Elizabeth McCarthy reflect on the writing that matters to them.  
Community opposition to data centres grows
Community opposition to data centres grows Sep 16, 2026 0:52:02 Community opposition to data centres grows. We speak to president of Citizens for Totnam Jacqui Glover, about the data centre being built metres from her home. New research shows structural barriers, not masculinity, are keeping men out of care work and the Alannah and Madeline Foundation commemorates 30years of important work.
Zali Steggal on sexualising women in sport
Zali Steggal on sexualising women in sport Sep 15, 2026 0:53:19 Former Olympian and MP Zali Steggal weighs in on the negative impacts of a new betting commercial that sexualises and belittles women in sport. We explore the feasibility of upgrading the Upfield line with campaigner Andrea Bunting and Johnathon Spear of infrastructure Victoria. A new guide reveals wearing a poorly fitted bra, or not having access to sports bras, severely impacts
The NFL is go
The NFL is go Sep 11, 2026 0:49:41 Well, it's finally game day and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we cross to the MCG to get all the colour and movement from the NFL. Speaking of sport, we also cross to the States to get the latest on the US Open.Also in this edition, the cost of rising sea levels. Plus, as the UN votes to adapt a new more accurate map, we ask you about the maps you have held onto.
The NFL has come to town
The NFL has come to town Sep 10, 2026 0:49:39 As the state gears up for the NFL tomorrow morning, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what this Melborrne match means for the game globally.Also in this edition, men's relationship with their faces, what role you GP can play in your mental health plan. Plus, what does it mean to be an art theft investigator?
How is your attention span?
How is your attention span? Sep 9, 2026 0:51:06 The International PISA test indicates a decline in Australian students reading and maths performance. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what role dwindling attention spans play in these results.Also in this edition, preventing child abuse, arts centre strikes. Plus, why pet owner keep social media accounts for their fluffy friends.
Where are we at with plastic recycling reform in Australia
Where are we at with plastic recycling reform in Australia Sep 8, 2026 0:50:51 Three years ago the Federal Government said that it would introduce national packaging scheme to help reduce plastic waste. The scheme has however been shelved. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what underpins that decision and what the repercussions of the decision will be.Also in this editon, how young people should manage a bad boss, concern over the rise in
Why we need to improve early intervention for people living with an eating disorders
Why we need to improve early intervention for people living with an eating disorders Sep 7, 2026 0:51:21 A new report from Eating Disorders Victoria has highlighted that eating disorders in Victoria have remained at COVID levels, with emergency department presentations reaching 40 cases a week. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the underlying factor and the importance of seeking help early.Also in this edition, concerns about Fire Rescue Victoria's resourcing and r
International penguin conference comes to Phillip Island
International penguin conference comes to Phillip Island Sep 4, 2026 0:50:36 From bird flu to rising ocean temperatures — an international conference at Phillip Island has been looking at the challenges the world's penguin population face. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we discuss the current threats and what is being done to protect this much loved seabird.Also in this edition, we celebrate 50 years of The Muppet Show, get the latest from the U
Should students be explicitly taught how to behave in class?
Should students be explicitly taught how to behave in class? Sep 3, 2026 0:50:11 New research from the The Centre for Independent Studies has revealed that one third of class time in Australian schools is being lost to disruptive students . In this edition of The Conversation Hour Mary speaks with the research author about why appropriate behaviour should be explicitly taught in schools.Also in this edition, why there has been a downturn in Australians travel

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