The Conversation Hour

ABC
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Mar 18, 2026 • 51min

How Should You Think About Your Budget

In a time of global conflict, how should you think about your budget, your priorities, and your long term plans? 
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Mar 17, 2026 • 52min

What could the fuel crisis mean for tradies

Yesterday on program we received a few calls from trade workers who shared their concerns about how the fuel crisis will impact their business. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with industry figures about just how acutely it will be felt and also what it means for consumers.We also throw the spotlight on the vast area of Gippsland to explore the cost of rising fuel prices on the shire, plus we discuss the welfare of seafarers in times of global conflict.
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Mar 16, 2026 • 51min

How much surge capacity is in our public transport system?

As discussion rages about how the war in the Middle East will impact our fuel supplies, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask the question just how well placed is our public transport system equipped to deal with a demand surge in Victoria.Also in this edition, a new study looks at reducing the risk of birth trauma, plus we bring you all the latest from the Oscars.
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Mar 13, 2026 • 51min

Elder rights advocates share concern about a major aged care provider two-tier system

Opal Healthcare is trialling a new two-tier system essentially requiring residents to pay extra for things like a hot breakfast and tv in rooms. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk how far a system like this goes in perpetuating inequity in aged care and whether we will likely see it spread further across the sector.Also in this edition, the critical role social connection plays in people living with dementia, Super netball is back, plus who will the winners be at this year's Oscars?
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Mar 12, 2026 • 51min

Divided opinion on plans to shift building inspection costs from buyers to sellers

Home sellers would pay for building and pest inspections, under a new pitch from the Victorian Government  if it is re-elected later this year. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with key industry figures about the pros and cons on the plan and discuss whether there is a risk of conflict of interest. Also in this edition, while Australia celebrates the courage of the Iranian soccer team, we explore the emotional complexities of leaving home behind. Plus, we talk the impacts of menopause on your feet. 
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Mar 11, 2026 • 51min

The psychology of panic buying

The war in Middle East has sparked a wave of panic buying fuel, despite reassurances that there is no shortage of supplies, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what underpins panic buying. Also in this edition, the rise of alternative energy sources, a new Nationals leader, plus top tips for composting.
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Mar 10, 2026 • 52min

Understanding Australia's involvement in the Iranian conflict

With news this morning that Australia will send military support to the United Arab Emirates in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss whether this can still be seen as a defensive move or whether is Australia is now an active participant.We also reflect on the significance of the Iranian soccer players being offered in humanitarian visas plus later in hour, with Oscars just around the corner we talk the art of casting.
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Mar 9, 2026 • 51min

When was the last time you went to the ballet or opera?

Actor Timothée Chalamet went viral over the weekend for his comments dismissing the ballet and opera, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk to the Australian Contemporary Opera Company about keeping opera relevant. But before that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are headed to Melbourne, we talk what is behind the visit and discuss what sort of interest the visit might garner locally. Plus later in the hour, do we need a national strategy to promote women in sport? And we also talk what support is available to people with a disability navigating the justice system. 
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Mar 6, 2026 • 53min

A Conversation Hour menopause special

There is a lot to talk about when it comes to how menopause impacts the lives of women, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk all things menopause. 
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Mar 5, 2026 • 50min

How did you come to barrack for your AFL team?

Melbourne author Helen Garner shared what inspired her to become a Western Bulldogs supporter on Breakfast this morning and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we take your calls on what influenced who you go for.Also in this edition, why we need to bolster support for netball, plus what is was like to be in the crowd when Ed Sheeran visited the Royal Children's hospital.

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