The Conversation Hour

Episodet

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  The NFL is go 11.09.2026 49min

  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.
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  The NFL has come to town 10.09.2026 49min

  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?
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  How is your attention span? 09.09.2026 51min

  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.
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  Where are we at with plastic recycling reform in Australia 08.09.2026 50min

  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 popularity of the AfD party in in Germany. Plus, the origin of the ampersand as we celebrate World Ampersand Day.
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  Why we need to improve early intervention for people living with an eating disorders 07.09.2026 51min

  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 response times,  the hidden issue of farm crime across Australia. Plus, Melbourne prepares for the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams to hit the MCG this Friday.
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  International penguin conference comes to Phillip Island 04.09.2026 50min

  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 US open. Plus, with much speculation over whether Rachel Cusk's new novel M is about Natalie Portman we discuss the ethics of whether it is ok for a writer to mine the lives of others.
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  Should students be explicitly taught how to behave in class? 03.09.2026 50min

  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 travelling overseas, the gap between those that can afford houisng and those that can't, plus is the Raygun doco worth a watch?
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  How is your relationship with your face? 02.09.2026 50min

  In this very special edition of The Conversation Hour special actor Debra Lawrance and writer Kate Halfpenny join Mary Gearin for a wide-ranging chat on the complex relationship women have with their face as they age. 
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  Why protein intake during menopause matters 01.09.2026 52min

  New data from the CSIRO reveals that protein can actually help women maintain a health weight during menopause. In this this edition of The Conversation we speak with the researcher about the study and how it is that eating more protein can actually assist in weight loss. Also in this edition, the importance of finding the right shoe size, if you can. Plus, soccer great Lionel Messi announces his retirement from playing internationally, we talk about his legacy and why he could be considered the greatest of all time.
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  Why we need to talk about how we implement concussion protocols in sport 28.08.2026 51min

  Concussion protocols have made headlines again this week as cricketer Will Pucovski sues Brighton Grammar over an alleged concussion from when he was student at the school. And today there was fierce debate about Geelong Football Club's $140,000 fine for failing to tell the AFL about the Jake Kolodjashnij concussion waiver. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss how much we have come to understand about the impacts of concussion, and how well do we carry out protocols that science has given us at both a community and elite level. Also in this edition, with increasing ease and opportunity for reselling beloved wardrobe items, what are the rules around declaring the sales to the tax office?
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  Understanding the impact of the devasting Nepal-Tibet flash floods 27.08.2026 51min

  As the situation continues to unfold, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we look at the impact of the massive flash flooding event to hit Nepal, the affected communities and the challenges ahead for aid agencies trying to access the region. Also in this edition we pay tribute to the late Tim Curry and celebrate Rocky Horror Picture Show.
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  Celebrating the life of Dolly Parton 26.08.2026 50min

  With sad news this morning that country music legend Dolly Parton has died aged 80, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we celebrate her life and legacy.  Also in this edition, the impact of concussion on a developing brains. Plus, we cross to Bright where a memorial service took place honouring Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart. 
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  The Conversation Hour takes you to Narre Warren 25.08.2026 51min

  In this edition of The Conversation Hour Mary Gearin broadcasts from Bunjil Place in the South Eastern suburb of Narre Warren. It's a fast growing area, and today we explore what that growth means for the local community, with all the challenges and opportunities it presents.  
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  Does Melbourne need a new arena? 24.08.2026 52min

  With calls for a new 20,000 seat arena to support live events in Melbourne, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what it would mean for our local music scene, and how to best support Victorian artists. Also in this edition, calls to ban gambling logos on sports jerseys plus what should you always keep in the boot of your car.
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  Sydney Swans sexual assault allegation: Lawyer representing two of the women speaks out 21.08.2026 52min

  Mary speaks with John Karantzis, the lawyer representing two of the women at the centre of the Sydney Swans sexual assault investigation.
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  Misogyny in our schools 20.08.2026 53min

  A new University of Melbourne report reveals some alarming statistics of the prevalence of misogyny in our schools. We speak to two Victorian teachers working on the frontline of this cultural crisis and Dr. Sara Meger shares the findings of her report.
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  Firefighters call to fix mobile phone black spots 19.08.2026 52min

  Firefighters fear for community safety amid calls to fix mobile black spots in Victoria ahead of the upcoming fire season. Fire Rescue Commissioner Gavin Freeman gives the Spring weather and fire forecast. And for the first time, 10 YouTube content creators have been inducted into the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia. We speak to inductee Eddie Woo and NFSA CEO Patrick McIntyre.
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  Should you be able to access your Super early 18.08.2026 52min

  Economist Saul Eslake examines the viability of accessing your Super early. We speak to CEO of Our Watch, former VWFL player Patty Kinnersly about AFL player respect training. And Animal Behaviourist, Kate Mornement discusses a new report that claims Otters enjoy people watching as much as we do.
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  Does removing public seating make a community safer 14.08.2026 52min

  We examine Brimbank Council’s decision to remove seating in Sunshine following concerns about antisocial behaviour, but does this just move social problems elsewhere? We look at an outreach model that has been working  to de-escalate incidents and connect vulnerable people with housing, health and social support.  The European Union has brought in new laws banning the destruction of unsold garments, should Australia follow suit? We discuss the environmental impacts of mass fashion production and what we can do to address the problem.
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  Students across Australia protest against One Nation and Pauline Hanson 13.08.2026 52min

  Protest organiser Felix Hughes and the Longitudinal Head of Growing Up in Australia, Kirsten Campbell, discuss ways in which young people today are engaging in politics.  Following yesterday’s chat to provide free third spaces for young people, we catch up on the community pressure to stall the sale of Brunswick’s community centre Don Bosco.  And a new Neighbourhood Watch report on the importance of knowing thy neighbour.