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As Victoria prepares for heavy rainfall over the weekend, in this edition of The Conversation Hour Kirsten catches up with a few farmers across the state on how the rain will likely impact their produce. Also in this edition, the rise of the para-social relationship, the words that feel impossible to spell, plus a preview of the NRL Grandfinal.

As uptake for electric vehicles increase in popularity with car drivers, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what the rise of electric vehicles means for the trucking industry, and the opportunities and challenges involved with adopting an electric fleet. Also in this edition, why Victorian public hospital doctors are striking. Plus, a new snake map tracks where Melbourne's most venomous snakes live.

In the wake of the interest rate rise of yesterday in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore whether it will have a disproportionate affect on those heading towards retirement, either through renting or paying off their mortgage. Also in this edition, bridging the political generation divide in families, the return of the corset in pop culture. Plus, celebrating the pub gig.

With the RBA expected to raise interest rates today, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what impact the rate rise will have on small business and more specifically the Aussie pub. Also in this edition, the impact of deepfakes on the Victorian elections. Plus, the joy of the Melbourne Royal Show.

The Victorian Government has announced updated protocols for mental health call outs prioritising a health led, rather than a law and order response. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what best practice is and what further improvements could be made. Also in this edition, the impact of Wharfie Time in in the GF, who are the NRL fans in Vic. Plus we introduce you to the PALM scheme workers who formed a choir.

The year the AFL grand final will feature two interstate teams in the Fremantle Dockers and the Brisbane Lions. So as fans from WA and Queensland come to Melbourne, we talk what sort of boost it will mean for local businesses. Also in this edition, we talk AI guard rails, the history of the photo booth and get a preview of the AFL Masters which kick off on Sunday.

As political debate over whether super could or should be accessed for housing deposits rages, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore how we balance home security with retirement savings. Also in this edition, the power of the footy for social connection. Plus, celebrating pet adoption as the Lort Smith turns 90.

With predictions that there will be more deaths than people being born in 2060 in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what economic consequences could be and what could be done to support new parents. Also in this edition, how to protect yourself against the flu, strengthening mental health protocols in sport. Plus, celebrating Victoria's best trees.

New research from The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has highlighted the difficulty of getting a dementia diagnosis, with less than half receiving a diagnosis in the first year. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore how the role of the GP could simplify the process. Also in this episode, the role of the AFL mascot in lifting the mood of a game, our fraught relationship with fast fashion. Plus, could you identify a quoll?

With food producers already struggling to find workers for the upcoming harvest season, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what the backpacker changes announced by the Federal Government will mean for farmers, food production and the cost of living more broadly. Also in this edition, getting young people into reading, a big weekend for country footy. Plus, does a new video game about Gallipoli trivialise war?

In this very special edition of The Conversation Hour, hosted by Hilary Harper,  we collaborate with Radio National's Top 100 Australian books to celebrate the Australian books that you love. Authors Louise Milligan, Robert Gott, Tony Birch and program director of the Queenscliff Literary festival Elizabeth McCarthy reflect on the writing that matters to them.

Community opposition to data centres grows. We speak to president of Citizens for Totnam Jacqui Glover, about the data centre being built metres from her home. New research shows structural barriers, not masculinity, are keeping men out of care work and the Alannah and Madeline Foundation commemorates 30years of important work.

Former Olympian and MP Zali Steggal weighs in on the negative impacts of a new betting commercial that sexualises and belittles women in sport. We explore the feasibility of upgrading the Upfield line with campaigner Andrea Bunting and Johnathon Spear of infrastructure Victoria. A new guide reveals wearing a poorly fitted bra, or not having access to sports bras, severely impacts sport participation for women and girls.

Well, it's finally game day and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we cross to the MCG to get all the colour and movement from the NFL. Speaking of sport, we also cross to the States to get the latest on the US Open. Also in this edition, the cost of rising sea levels. Plus, as the UN votes to adapt a new more accurate map, we ask you about the maps you have held onto.

As the state gears up for the NFL tomorrow morning, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what this Melborrne match means for the game globally. Also in this edition, men's relationship with their faces, what role you GP can play in your mental health plan. Plus, what does it mean to be an art theft investigator?