The Conversation Hour

The Sydney Mardi Gras party has been cancelled, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what underpins the decision and the significance of the after party to the event.Also in this edition, the welfare of gig workers on hot days, why hotels are starting to welcome pets plus what makes icecream icecream.

Writers Victoria has lost its funding from the State government, threatening its survival, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss its role in supporting local emerging writers.Also in this edition, how concerned should we be about space junk, a push to get young people into aviation, plus who is Bad Bunny?

The Australian Open has wrapped for another year and endured some particularly hot days during the tournament. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk climate proofing sports stadiums and what innovations are taking place globally in this space.Also in this edition, is it better to renovate or rebuild public housing towers, would you wear a second hand wedding dress plus all the latest from the Grammys.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask you about the first job you had and what skills you have taken from it into later life. Also in this edition, the health impacts of teeth grinding, do you find sad movies healing, plus what's in bloom at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

As prep students head to school for the fist time, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk the school buddy program, where older children are paired with preps to help them feel connected.Plus, later in the hour combating declining rates of volunteering, do you feel like you have to dress up to go to the tennis? And is 'friendflation' making it harder to catch up with your mates?

A new study has highlighted the importance of outdoor play for kids, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore why it is important for young people and what needs to happen in the education sector to better support young people playing outside.Also in this edition, a Kyneton groundskeeper has won the World's Ugliest Lawn competition, but can there be environmental benifits to a bit of mess. Plus, one man's plight to ware a flannel shirt to work.

Nadia Pires, RSPCA senior animal care manager, offers quick tips to keep pets and backyard chooks cool. Matthew Kinleyside, Mildura library leader, explains libraries serving as air-conditioned community refuges. Rob Murphy, Jellybrand resident, shares on-the-ground bushfire evacuations. Anthony Burke, architecture professor, discusses passive design, insulation, shading and retrofits for heat-resilient homes.

Well, there has been a bit on the internet this week about wedding reception dancefloors and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we delve into dancing in midlife and why some feel they loose their skill.Also in this edition, the latest from the tennis and later in the hour, what underpins the decline in emergency volunteers.

The light will win is the theme of today's National Day of Mourning to honour the victims of the Bondi terrorist attack. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we meet an artist for whom the theme has special resonance. Joel Adler is the artist behind a behind a sculptural Hanukkiah titled 'Sunnukiah' being used as a temporary memorial at Bondi and he joined the program to discuss the meaning and significance of the piece. We are also joined later in the program by Lynda Ben-Menashe, president of the National Council of Jewish Women Australia who shared her reflections on the day and the notion of mitzvah.Also in this edition we talk why Gen X might need a rebrand, hear what it is to fly The Roulettes and get all the latest from the tennis.

As the summer holiday slowly fades, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the concept of holidays in the suburbs and the suburban caravan park.Plus, have you heard of the tunnel fits phenomenon? Well, you may have seen one last night when Naomi Osaka made her entrance into the Austalian Open. Also in this edition the impact of climate on seabirds.