The Conversation Hour

Safer Care Victoria, a State Government agency, has recently released a set of guidelines for clinicians to help them navigate situations where a woman rejects their medical advice. The guide is titled the Respectful Maternity and Newborn Care Framework and is described as "a practical tool that supports clinicians and consumers genuine partnership — especially when a woman makes an informed decision about her care pathway that differs from clinical recommendations." In this edition of the Conversation Hour we speak with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists to get a better understanding of the guidelines and why they have been introduced.Also in this edition — from births to deaths, we talk whether there needs to be greater regulation around funeral directors. Plus, what are crisps doing on the tables of fancy restaurants? And we bring you all the latest from The Australian Open.

Has your social media feed filled up with pictures of your friends 10 years ago? #2016 is suddenly trending along with selfies, holiday pics and plates of fancy restaurant cuisine. But what is all this telling us about how the way we use Instagram has changed over the last decade? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what underpins that shift.Also in this edition the role bull bars are having in the rise of pedestrian deaths, and should they be banned in urban areas?Plus, what does it take to make it to the Australian Open, and with Venus Williams competing at 45, what does it take to stay in the game?

Earlier in the week we talked insurance in the wake of fires, and today, it's floods down at Wye River and the surrounding communities . In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the impact of flooding events on caravan parks and will they get harder to operate insurance wise.Also in this edition, did you know that flies are actually pretty good for the environment? We might find them pesky little creatures but some are calling for a rebrand. Plus, have your kids been watching Stranger Things and are they suddenly into all things 80s? Could the 80s have been the best decade to grow up in?

 As Victorian beaches get busier over summer in this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk to the dos and don'ts of claiming a spot on the beach particularly when it comes to cabanas.Also in this edition,  why people are loving the new tv series Heated Rivalry, the rise of dementia-inclusive societies plus how regional business is going as Victoria continues to recover from the recent bushfires. 

Mattel has recently launched its first autistic barbie and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore how the doll has been received by the autistic community, and how far will it go in moving in the dial on inclusion and representation.Also in this edition, as the State recovers from the recent bushfires, we discuss what safe vegetation along our roadsides should look like. And later in the program we hear about a new study on muscle strength in women as they age, plus get all the latest from Melbourne Park in the lead up to the Australian Open.

We have seen some iconic music performances at sporting events over the last year, and with the The Australian Open just around the corner Australian bands are also limbering up to hit the stage. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what role these types of events play in raising the profile and exposure of artists and whether audiences have an appetite to see live music with their sport.Also in this edition, we talk insurance in a time of climate change, supporting farmers in the wake of the Victorian bushfires, plus talk through a new report into the experience of women in elite sport

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore how much prefab housing could be used as a form of temporary housing particularly in the wake of catastrophic bushfires. Also, in this program, do we need better support for renters after bushfires, do they slip between the cracks?

What did your school holidays look like when you where a kid? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how the social media ban for under 16s will change what kids do during the holiday and if they could start to look something like the holidays of previous generations.Also in this edition, has annotating books become a thing on BookTok? Music festivals are in full swing over summer, but what is it to work as crew for the big acts and festivals and does there need to be better supports in place for music crew?Plus, navigating gendered marketing toys this Christmas.

It's been a big day for year 12 students, as they receive their ATAR score, but is it actually ok to ask what someone got? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what the best way to approach the conversation is, and what the best approach is if you are a student who doesn't want to discuss it.Also in this edition, why there has been an increase in sharks around Byron Bay, the rise of women on steroids. Plus, what are the best albums of 2025

A rare dinosaur skeleton will be going to auction in London. Nicknamed Spike, inspired by its pointy skull, it has been described as a "colourful bird-like beast." In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the ethics of investing in dinosaur fossils and whether they should just stay in the domain of museums and the scientific community.Also in this edition, Fanny Lumsden talks auditioning local acts for her new tour, how the social media ban for under 16s will impact boarding school students. Plus, have we seen any progress in preventing youth homelessness?