Do magpies hold grudges?

What does it take to investigate powerful people and institutions - and what does that work cost the journalist? In this special extended interview, Bridie O’Donnell speaks with award-winning investigative journalist Nick McKenzie about his career and his new book Building Bad, co-written with Ben Schneiders. They discuss McKenzie's reporting on allegations of corruption and links to organised crime within Victoria's CFMEU, Australia’s most powerful construction union, and the scrutiny that led to a royal commission. 

Exploring the issues that affect all Victorians.

Exploring the issues that affect all Victorians. 

Olympic gold medallist and Mum of 5 Libby Trickett, on why kids shouldn't specialise in sport. One year on from aged care reforms, Professor Hal Swerissen assesses what was promised and what has been delivered. And Retail Historian Prof. Mathew Bailey on the uncertain future of heritage retail giant David Jones.

As Victoria’s election campaign gets underway, pollster Kos Samaras explains what the polls can, and can’t, tell us. Behavioural ecologist Professor Darryl Jones explores whether swooping magpies remember us, after one bird targeted the same boy for six years. Plus, ABC correspondent Elias Clure joins us from Washington DC as voting begins in the US midterm elections.

A Cup day rate hike, the environment policies shaping Victoria's state election, and the best of this year's architecture. Economist Fabrizio Carmignani, wildlife ecologist Professor Euan Ritchie and architect Adam Haddow join us to unpack the stories.

Exploring the issues that affect all Victorians.

To mark Mary's final show hosting the Conversation Hour, in this edition of the program we celebrate the art of the conversation, what it means to be curious and how to cultivate the skill of really listening.Also in this edition, concern about a rise in anaphylaxis associated with unapproved peptides, a preview of the USA midterms, plus understanding the legacy of actor Patrick Stewart. 

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss some new research from Swinburn University that highlights the financial risks people in share houses experience and what could be done to better support renters in financially precarious situations.Also in this edition, concerns about a new alternate IVF trend, celebrating the small pockets of biodiversity in Melbourne. Plus, the rise and rise of romantasy.

Australia is heading towards recording its highest number of road deaths in 15 yeas, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what underpins this trend and what measures need to be put in place to prevent people from dying on our roads.Also in this edition, Peter Norden talks life after 40 years as a priest. Plus, are you a music snob?