

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

Sep 10, 2025 • 52min
The diet created in Victoria that has changed countless lives
It’s been 20 years since the low FODMAP diet was created at Monash University.

Sep 9, 2025 • 52min
Using smart phones to monitor roads
A team of researchers at Monash University is hoping to make potholes a thing of the past, by utilising smartphones to help detect them.

Sep 8, 2025 • 50min
Erin Patterson has been sentenced
In this edition of the Conversation Hour we recap on the Erin Patterson's sentence and reflect on why the case has garnered the interest it has. Also in this edition we talk the significance of pools in community health, learn about a new app that speeds up the process of diagnosing cerebral palsy in babies, plus learn what goes into designing a uniform.

Sep 5, 2025 • 52min
The loss of a literary journal
Melbourne University Publishing has announced that the literary journal Meanjin will cease publication at the end of this year. The publication has been running for 85 years and has published the likes of Helen Garner, David Malouf and Patrick White. In this edition of the Conversation Hour former Meanjin editor Sophie Cunningham who discussed the cultural significance of the magazine and the role the university should play in supporting the publication.Also in this edition, Bronwyn Pike AM, has been honoured for her contribution to the child and family sector services, she joined Richelle to reflect on her life and career. Plus, what does it take t be a single mum.

Sep 4, 2025 • 46min
Could clubs make it easier for fans to go to the AFL finals?
As Collingwood fans pile into buses bound for Adelaide ahead of the qualifying final, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss whether clubs should and could do more to enable fans to see the finals.Also in this edition we look at the mission to re grow banksia's in Victoria's Upper Murray after the black summer fires wiped them out. Plus, the widening appeal of country music.

Sep 3, 2025 • 50min
How can we better support migrants to keep their name?
In this edition of the Conversation Hour we discuss the societal pressures people from migrant communities can feel to change their name when they come to Australia and the bureaucratic issues that can arise down the track in doing so.Also in this edition, is the introduction of CCTV in a park in Balaclava to "monitor whether local dog restrictions are being followed" too heavy handed on dog owners, does the popularity of the Life 360 tracking app suggest a shift towards the "anxiety economy" plus, we get the low down on what new Vogue US editor Chloe Malle will bring to the magazine.

Sep 2, 2025 • 51min
The competitive sport that puts the environment front and center
It's called spogomi, was invented in Japan and has the slogan of 'trash pickup is a sport' and in this edition of The Conversation hour we meet a spogmi competitor.Also in this edition, why residents in Hamilton are divided over plans for a local art gallery. Plus, how can we better support people caring for someone with dementia.

Sep 1, 2025 • 49min
Debunking the myth that migration leads to a lack of housing
In the wake of the anti-migration rallies over the weekend in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the vital contribution migration makes to Australia, both economically and culturally, as well as debunk the argument that migration has caused the housing crisis.Also in this edition, an inner-city bar has made light of choking in an advertisement, we discuss why it is problematic. Plus, with father's day just around the corner we discusses the important role of fatherhood.

Aug 29, 2025 • 50min
Supporting the mental health of AFL players
It has been a big week for AFL Players speaking out and speaking up, from Mitch Brown discussing what it is to be a bisexual man in the AFL to Bailey Smith opening up about his mental health struggles. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we discuss what the AFL could and should be doing to better support its players.Also in this edition why farmers are protesting land access legislation, plus why everyone is talking about Jamie Lee Curtis.

Aug 28, 2025 • 51min
Should golf courses be multi-functional?
Are golf courses in the heart of our suburbs a luxury that too few people get to enjoy? Some locals in Aspendale and Edithvale are concerned that the sale of their golf course might be used for housing. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we discuss what a golf course means to a community and whether they should or could be multi-functional spaces.Also in this edition, the significance of former AFL player Mitch Brown talking about being a bisexual man, a heartfelt tribute to tribute to Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, Anthony Burke talks his new podcast the Homefront, plus a curious seal sighting.