The Conversation Hour

ABC listen
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Jul 17, 2025 • 51min

Do women who decide to not have kids still face social stigma?

New data has revealed that birthrates in Melbourne are in decline, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we explore whether stigma around not having kids is also in decline or if attitudes, particularly towards women, remain somewhat judgy. Also in this edition,  the implications of reduced access to rural and regional courts, the power in sartorial soft diplomacy and what AI can tell us about animal behavour. 
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Jul 16, 2025 • 51min

Police initiative combats harassment on public transport

A police messaging service called STOPIT that was set up to report harassment on Melbourne's public transport system has led to more than 60 arrests over the last 3 years, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what role it has played in capturing and preventing instances of unwanted sexual behaviour which could otherwise go unreported.Also in this edition, outback killer, Bardley John Murdoch has died in prison, he was sentenced to life for the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio , in 2005, we revisit the case that inspired Wolf Creek.Plus, what does a day off alcohol mean for your health and preserving heritage listing and green spaces while increasing housing.
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Jul 15, 2025 • 51min

Birth trauma connected to poor mental health outcomes

A new study by Birth Trauma Australia has found that women who struggled to get a diagnosis for their injuries were 2.4 times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how better to support women experiencing birth trauma.Also in this edition, we look at a new study that has revealed a third of young workers are exploited, plus after the accidental Federal Treasury document revelation, that the 1.2 million homes target would not be met, what will it mean for tackling housing affordability.
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Jul 11, 2025 • 53min

Privacy concerns over age verification for internet searches

Later this year age-assurance technology will be introduced to internet search engines, to reduce children's exposure to harmful content, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we delve into what impact the changes may pose to privacy. Also in this edition we also explore why Melbourne rents are at record highs, and discuss what is the best ways to boost vaccination rates in Australia.Plus, some handy tips on how to reduce your wardrobe and stay stylish.
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Jul 10, 2025 • 51min

What is the best way to ensure protests remain peaceful?

The Victorian opposition have proposed new policy that would see the Victorian police, instead of local councils in charge of protest registrations. But some argue that could be counterproductive, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we explore what the best system is to support peaceful protests.Also in this edition, as bus drivers strike around the state we look at how to improve the bus network across Victoria, plus as the housing crisis intensifies, will we see a swing towards multi-generational living?
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Jul 9, 2025 • 51min

Do we need to reign in how medicinal cannabis is prescribed?

AHPRA is releasing new guidance for prescribing of medicinal cannabis after an investigation found unsafe practices where leading to harmful impacts on patients, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what measures need to be put in place to ensure the wellbeing of health consumers.Also in this edition, a recent survey from the United Workers Union has revealed the under staffing in childcare centres, so how do we better support the industry and ensure child safety. Plus, we delve into the history of NAIDOC week.
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Jul 8, 2025 • 53min

What happens when the local bank closes?

With the recent announcement of closure of 10 Bendigo Bank branches across Australia, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what is lost when a local branch is closes and whether we need stronger policy to keep branches open.Also in this edition, what will the RBA rate decision tell us about the cost of living crises, why Australia was gripped by the mushroom murder trial, and we also discuss the importance of revitalising First Nations language.
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Jul 7, 2025 • 52min

Funding cuts to programs that help new parents settle their babies

With news of the axing of funding for council-run sleep and settling group education classes, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what impact it will have on young parents and discuss the importance of sleep on mental health.Also in this edition, how to combat threatening behaviour towards umpires, the importance of age inclusive language and what will the legacy of Peter Russell-Clarke be?
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Jul 4, 2025 • 51min

Women's football on the big grounds, would it make a difference?

There have been calls the AFLW to be played at stadiums like the MCG and Marvel to rise the profile of the game, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we look at what the measure would mean in changing attitudes to women's sport. Also in this edition, as UK rock legends Oasis commence their international tour, will we see the same rock n roll antics of previous times? Plus, the legacy of Miss Piggy and is diva a dirty word?
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Jul 3, 2025 • 53min

Why there are calls for restricted access to supplements containing B6

Changes to the way products containing B6 are accessed is one of the proposals from the Therapeutic Goods Administration under a recently released interim decision. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore why there are concerns about the amount of B6 people are consuming in products such as mineral supplements, energy drinks. Also in this edition, what is the health of family business in Australia, and what makes Wimbledon so fashionable 

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