The Conversation Hour

It's World Radio Day and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we celebrate you — the talkback caller and take your calls on the talkback that has moved and inspired you over the years.But first, the complex question of where parking meters should and shouldn't be located plus, the rise of 'quiet tech' in sports wear.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour hiker Sarah Gibbs shares her harrowing account of being assaulted by a man while hiking the Goldfields Track and her concerns about the lack of police response in the aftermath. We also speak with Respect Victoria changing community attitudes towards gendered violence and improving the justice system response.Also in this edition, the call to save Sir Roy Grounds' John Medley Building at Melbourne University, the return of Meanjin, the health impacts of household mould and Melbourne's Cherry Bar gets a visit from Chappell Roan.

High-rise apartments could be built at a so called "activity centre" in the south-east suburbs, that's according to draft plans released by the State government. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what activity centres actually are and whether high-density has become a dirty word. Also in this edition, the significant role the game Dungeons and Dragons' is playing in Victoria's autism community, plus some good news for fans of Guns N Roses.

A Victorian man was left injured after he was attacked by a Kangaroo, while trying to protect his pet dog. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we discuss how to stay safe around the species.Also in this edition, the hype around Wuthering Heights, antiques in an age of fast furniture and the art of voice coaching.

Recent data indicates that food studies is becoming increasing in popular with secondary school students, and has come along way since the days of home economics. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss why more students are studying it and meet a teacher who is brining the subject to life in Ringwood.Also in this edition, should you be able to take paid leave to look after or grieve your pet, plus why the Olympic Winter Games appeal so much to younger audiences.

With reports of declining vegan food options in supermarkets and on restaurant menus - in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore whether people are turning away from vegan diets and discuss what undercurrents might be at play. Also in this edition, is tourism wrecking our national parks, plus do you clean your kids room?

As Tasmania trials a UK based model whereby schools share resources, staff and knowledge to improve student results, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how the program works and whether we should be looking at employing a similar model here in Victoria.Also in this edition, do hidden car door handles pose a safety risk, plus are people still buying sewing patterns?

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.

As Victoria endures a heatwave, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore how we can design and build homes that stay cool, without an over reliance on air conditioning.Also in this edition, caring for your pets in the heat, all the latest from the tennis and just how hard it is to make a career pivot midlife?

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.

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?