

The Conversation Hour
ABC
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

Jul 25, 2025 • 51min
Is footy following the American model?
With rumours of Snoop Dog playing at the AFL Grand Final in this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask whether or not it is ok for the AFL Grand Final to have the look at feel of the Super Bowl.Also, in this edition, is it becoming a bit cringe to post on social media and Obama says tomato sauce is just for kids — is he right?

Jul 24, 2025 • 44min
Would we judge Monica Lewinsky as harshly as we did 3 decades ago?
In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what the reaction would be if the affair between Lewinsky and Bill Clinton if it happened today. Would the judgement be as harsh on Lewinsky? And what has it meant for her to reclaim her story?Also in this edition, does Australia need to be doing more policy wise in curbing the public appetite for ultra-fast fashion and what does the axing of Colbert tell us about the state of American politics.

Jul 23, 2025 • 52min
What is the state of your local basketball facility?
Last week construction started on a $60 million redevelopment initiative on the Frankston Stadium, with features including ten basketball courts and a new 1,000 seat show court, and while this is a great win for the basketball community in Frankston, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the health of courts around the state.Also in this edition what will the lasting legacy of Ozzy Osbourne be? Plus, could mentoring be the key to teacher retention?

Jul 22, 2025 • 45min
Has footy become too long?
The AFL's new executive general manager of football performance, Greg Swann, has said he is looking to speed up games. In this edition of The Conversation Hour, we look whether games have become drawn out and what changes need to be made to tighten them up. Also in this edition, what is underpinning the rising rates of school bullying, why we need to talk more about mental health after cancer, plus a win for the spotted tree frogs of Mount Beauty.

Jul 21, 2025 • 50min
Are AI recruitment practices exacerbating ageism in the workforce?
One quarter of employers classify people over the age of 50 as old, that's according to a study into employer attitudes from the Australian Human Rights Age Commissioner and the Human Resources Institute. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what role AI recruitment systems play in age discrimination and speak with a careers coach on the measures some are taking to circumvent the system.Also in this edition, infidelity in the age of social media and how far will additional mental health clinics go in supporting the mental health of Victorians

Jul 18, 2025 • 47min
Why meaningful work when you are young matters
New research suggests many young people aged between 20 and 34 aren't using their skills in their current job and can't get the hours they want, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we explore what impact this can have.Also, in this edition, how much will the stadium debate sway the election results in Tasmania, the secret life of farmers and why we need to rethink making happiness the goal.

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.

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.

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.

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.


