

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

Apr 10, 2026 • 52min
Why don’t we repair things more?
In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the importance of learning the art of reparation.

Apr 9, 2026 • 54min
How is the Lebanese Community feeling?
In this episode of The Conversation Hour, the latest on how the Lebanese community is feeling amidst the Middle East conflict.

Apr 8, 2026 • 52min
Is this peace?
In this episode of The Conversation Hour, the latest on the Iran and US conflict. We ask a Middle East analyst does this two-week ceasefire mean peace?Also, do you still use the water saving measures you implemented in the 1990s during water restrictions?And we find out how many minutes of exercise you should be doing each week.

Mar 31, 2026 • 51min
Junior pay rates abolished for young adult employees
The Fair Work Commission will abolish junior pay rates for young adult employees aged 18 to 20 in the fast food, retail, and pharmacy sectors with a phase-in period of up to four years. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we talk what it means for both young workers and business.Also in this edition, why Gen Z dads feel they need to be the providers and we talk farmers mental health in the face of the fuel crisis.

Mar 30, 2026 • 51min
Supporting our Victorian policing community in times of trauma
In breaking news this morning police have shot dead fugitive gunman Dezi Freeman in Victoria's north-east. Freeman had been on the run for seven months, and was wanted for the fatal shootings of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart. Bringing back memories of the tragic day of losing the officers, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the emotional impact of the shooting on the police force, and reflect on what support could and should be offered to police community in the wake of traumatic events.Also in this edition, a month of free public transport sounds like good news but what will it mean for people who live in regional Victoria and particularly those that rely on the V-Line service? Plus, Kylie Minogue is set to headline the AFL grand final entertainment, and while many are celebrating the announcement as being great for Australian music others say the gig should go to emerging artists.

Mar 27, 2026 • 49min
Concern the fuel crisis will impact kids sports
In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what impact the fuel crisis could have on kids sports, particularly for those living in regional Victoria having to drive long distance, and how to best support young people playing sport in a cost of living crisis. Also in this edition, the UK has launched it's own version of Saturday Night Live, we ask will we ever see a SNL hit our shores.

Mar 24, 2026 • 48min
How much is walking part of your daily commute?
Last week we discussed what role cycling could play as an alternative to driving in the context of the fuel crisis, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we delve into whether there could be an uptick in people turning to walking for their daily commute and how to look after your feet if it is something you are considering. Also in this edition, mitigating fuel theft, the latest from the teachers strike plus, new research into rural crime.

Mar 23, 2026 • 49min
Principals under pressure
In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore a new study from Monash University that has highlighted the emotional stress experienced by school principals and we discuss why they will be joining the teachers strikes.Also in this edition, we talk the world's best airports, delve into a study that looks at Australian attitudes towards national security, plus celebrate the public toilet.

Mar 20, 2026 • 51min
Will we see more people cycling as a result of the fuel crisis?
As petrol prices continue to rise, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore whether people will turn to the trusty bicycle to save money and if we actually have the infrastructure to support an uptick in cyclists.Plus, later in the hour we talk with Dr Anne Jones, host of What the Duck about her new podcast that delves into the curious mix of true crime and natural history.

Mar 19, 2026 • 51min
Can jet skis co-exist with marine life?
With news today that Victoria's Conservation Regulator is investigating reports of jet ski riders harassing dolphins at Philip Island, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss just how much they disrupt marine life and what measures should be put in place to protect sea mammals.Also in this edition, we recently spoke on the program about whether the fuel crisis will see drivers shift to electric vehicles, so today we explore what this shift will mean for mechanics, and what will the future work of mechanics look like?Plus, how is social media changing how we buy and sell real estate?


