Three years ago the Federal Government said that it would introduce national packaging scheme to help reduce plastic waste. The scheme has however been shelved. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what underpins that decision and what the repercussions of the decision will be.

Also in this editon, how young people should manage a bad boss, concern over the rise in popularity of the AfD party in in Germany. Plus, the origin of the ampersand as we celebrate World Ampersand Day.

A new report from Eating Disorders Victoria has highlighted that eating disorders in Victoria have remained at COVID levels, with emergency department presentations reaching 40 cases a week. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the underlying factor and the importance of seeking help early.

Also in this edition, concerns about Fire Rescue Victoria's resourcing and response times,  the hidden issue of farm crime across Australia. Plus, Melbourne prepares for the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams to hit the MCG this Friday.

From bird flu to rising ocean temperatures — an international conference at Phillip Island has been looking at the challenges the world's penguin population face. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we discuss the current threats and what is being done to protect this much loved seabird.

Also in this edition, we celebrate 50 years of The Muppet Show, get the latest from the US open. Plus, with much speculation over whether Rachel Cusk's new novel M is about Natalie Portman we discuss the ethics of whether it is ok for a writer to mine the lives of others.

New research from the The Centre for Independent Studies has revealed that one third of class time in Australian schools is being lost to disruptive students . In this edition of The Conversation Hour Mary speaks with the research author about why appropriate behaviour should be explicitly taught in schools.

Also in this edition, why there has been a downturn in Australians travelling overseas, the gap between those that can afford houisng and those that can't, plus is the Raygun doco worth a watch?

In this very special edition of The Conversation Hour special actor Debra Lawrance and writer Kate Halfpenny join Mary Gearin for a wide-ranging chat on the complex relationship women have with their face as they age. 

New data from the CSIRO reveals that protein can actually help women maintain a health weight during menopause. In this this edition of The Conversation we speak with the researcher about the study and how it is that eating more protein can actually assist in weight loss.

Also in this edition, the importance of finding the right shoe size, if you can. Plus, soccer great Lionel Messi announces his retirement from playing internationally, we talk about his legacy and why he could be considered the greatest of all time.

Concussion protocols have made headlines again this week as cricketer Will Pucovski sues Brighton Grammar over an alleged concussion from when he was student at the school. And today there was fierce debate about Geelong Football Club's $140,000 fine for failing to tell the AFL about the Jake Kolodjashnij concussion waiver. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss how much we have come to understand about the impacts of concussion, and how well do we carry out protocols that science has given us at both a community and elite level.

Also in this edition, with increasing ease and opportunity for reselling beloved wardrobe items, what are the rules around declaring the sales to the tax office?

As the situation continues to unfold, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we look at the impact of the massive flash flooding event to hit Nepal, the affected communities and the challenges ahead for aid agencies trying to access the region.

Also in this edition we pay tribute to the late Tim Curry and celebrate Rocky Horror Picture Show.

With sad news this morning that country music legend Dolly Parton has died aged 80, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we celebrate her life and legacy. 

Also in this edition, the impact of concussion on a developing brains. Plus, we cross to Bright where a memorial service took place honouring Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart. 

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Mary Gearin broadcasts from Bunjil Place in the South Eastern suburb of Narre Warren. It's a fast growing area, and today we explore what that growth means for the local community, with all the challenges and opportunities it presents.