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

Jun 3, 2025 • 51min
Could you live on the minimum wage?
The minimum wage will increase by 3.5 per cent from July 1, it’s been described as a historic decision. But what is it to live on the minimum wage and how will the decision impact business? Also, in this edition we talk stigma pregnant women experience with their weight, why Lifeblood is calling for urgent O-type blood donors and why you might want to rethink drinking during air-travel.

Jun 2, 2025 • 52min
Do we need menopause accredited workplaces?
In this edition The Conversation Hour we explore the impact of menopause on women in the workforce, and ask whether menopause accredited workplaces would be an effective means of retaining staff or further stigmatise women experiencing menopause.Also, in this edition, the State government's decision to axe the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, has drawn criticism over the weekend with grass roots football players wearing red arm bands - we discuss the broader implications of the decision. Plus, as Vinnies launches and online boutique offering high end labels we look at how the role of op shops is changing.

May 30, 2025 • 50min
What happens when you discover you have a life altering condition?
Beloved comedian Magd Szubanski has shared that she has stage four cancer. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how the diagnosis of a serious illness changes your life and the process of adaption that comes with it. Also in this edition we talk livestock theft, a tech innovation that detects fatigue in high risk jobs, and who still loves a glass of milk.

May 28, 2025 • 50min
Supporting farmers through drought
in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the impact of the drought on farmers and discuss what the impact could be on future generations. We also talk how young is too young to go into politics, the reunification of the coalition and day one of the machete ban.

May 26, 2025 • 47min
Supporting young retail workers
In the wake of the Northland Shopping centre incident, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what training and support is available to young retail workers. Plus, we speak to the Chair of Lifeline about coping strategies and we ask a criminologist if police hubs in centres would help curb crime and make the public feel safer.

May 23, 2025 • 52min
State budget cuts for women in sport
The Office for Women in Sport and Recreation and the Preventing Violence Through Sport Grants Program has been cut in the State budget, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we explore the impact the cuts will have on women in sport.

May 22, 2025 • 49min
the Enhanced Games + who is still playing Grand Theft Auto ?
With a mission statement to "redefine superhumanity through science innovation and sports" in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at controversial Enhanced Games — where athletes are allowed to use performance-enhancing drugs. Plus, as video games enthusiasts eagerly await the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, which also has controversies of its own, we look at why it remains so popular and who is still playing it. And, it was a big win for the Tottenham Hotspurs — we celebrate the legacy of Ange Postecoglou.

May 21, 2025 • 40min
Accessing hospital parking + new report into adolescent health
Yesterday's State budget saw significant investment into hospitals, but as hospital parking remains an ongoing issue for patients, families and health professionals in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how much it will be factored into planning. Plus a Lancet report into adolescent health as outlined the challenges young people face including poor mental health and rising obesity, we speak with one of the researchers about how to best meet these challenges.

May 20, 2025 • 49min
Why there are protests against the emergency services tax
CFA volunteers and farmers have protested against the emergency services tax across the state today. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how far reaching the impact of this tax could be. Plus, we as homeowners wait with baited breath for the RBA interest rate decision — we look at what it will mean for the housing market. We also talk how the State Budget will shake out this afternoon.

May 19, 2025 • 41min
What role can a community play in preventing suicide?
There has been a lot of discussion over the weekend about suicide prevention in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the role of grass roots community action.