Conversations
ABC Australia
Conversations draws you deeper into the life story of someone you may have heard about, but never met. Journey into their world, joining them on epic adventures to unfamiliar places, back in time to wild moments of history, and into their deepest memories, to be moved by personal stories of resilience and redemption.
Hosted by Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski, Conversations is the ABC's most popular long-form interview program. Every day we explore the vast tapestry of human experience, weaving together narratives from history, science, art, and personal storytelling.
Conversations Live is coming to the stage! Join Sarah Kanowski and Richard Fidler for an unmissable night of unforgettable stories, behind-the-scenes secrets, and surprise guests. Australia’s most-loved podcast — live, up close, and in the moment. Find out more at the Conversations website.
Hosted by Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski, Conversations is the ABC's most popular long-form interview program. Every day we explore the vast tapestry of human experience, weaving together narratives from history, science, art, and personal storytelling.
Conversations Live is coming to the stage! Join Sarah Kanowski and Richard Fidler for an unmissable night of unforgettable stories, behind-the-scenes secrets, and surprise guests. Australia’s most-loved podcast — live, up close, and in the moment. Find out more at the Conversations website.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 9, 2025 • 52min
Sarah's Most Memorable Guests — Gisela Kaplan
Gisela Kaplan, a renowned field biologist and animal behaviourist, shares her fascinating journey from sociology to studying Australian birds. She reveals the emotional connections formed during wildlife rehabilitation, especially with magpies and kookaburras. The discussion highlights the intelligence of birds, including their communication skills through body language. Kaplan also uncovers the social lives of Australian birds, focusing on their complex relationships and extended adolescent phases, offering a fresh perspective on their emotional depth and behaviors.
Jan 7, 2025 • 52min
Sarah's Most Memorable Guests — Robyn Davidson
Robyn Davidson, an adventurous author famous for her trek across the Australian desert, shares captivating stories from her life. She discusses her thrilling Jungle tale, including a near encounter with a leopard. Robyn reflects on her deep connection to nomadic cultures in India, her emotional journey after losing her mother, and the complex dynamics of grief and family relationships. Listeners will find her insights on adventure, personal loss, and the joys of community both inspiring and thought-provoking.
Jan 6, 2025 • 51min
Sarah's Most Memorable Guests — Archie Roach
Archie Roach, a revered Gunditjmara and Bundjalung elder, shares his profound journey as a singer-songwriter known for tackling the Stolen Generations. He reflects on the emotional power behind his song 'Took the Children Away', his reunion with lost siblings, and his love story with Ruby Hunter. Archie opens up about the turmoil of discovering his past and the solace he found through music, painting a poignant picture of resilience and healing that resonates deeply with listeners.
Jan 5, 2025 • 52min
Sarah's Most Memorable Guests — Brendan James Murray
Brendan James Murray, an author specializing in Australian natural history and education, dives into the harrowing history of the coastal taipan. He shares the legendary tale of George Rosendale, who survived a lethal snake bite in 1949, and explores the race for an antivenom that followed. Murray also unpacks the cultural significance of the taipan to Indigenous Australians and recounts the contributions of pioneering collectors in the 19th century. His insights unveil the complex relationship between humans and these fearsome reptiles.
Jan 3, 2025 • 49min
Richard's Most Memorable Guests — Peter Hoysted
Peter Hoysted, a crime writer and columnist for The Australian under the pseudonym 'Jack the Insider', dives into the infamous Fine Cotton affair. He reveals a bizarre tale of a racehorse switch, scamming bookmakers, and a cast of quirky characters, including a gangster and a hapless horse trainer. The discussion highlights the chaotic underbelly of Australian racing, punctuated by dark humor, scandal, and the absurd lengths people went to in pursuit of gambling dreams. Hoysted’s storytelling offers a captivating mix of crime and comedy.
Jan 1, 2025 • 52min
Richard's Most Memorable Guests — Gill Hicks
Gill Hicks, an Australian expat in London and founder of the charity MAD for Peace, shares her remarkable journey after losing both legs in the 2005 London bombings. She discusses the pivotal moment of choosing life over despair, fueled by the love of strangers and caregivers. Gill highlights her transformative 270-mile walk promoting unity, and the healing power of compassion as a pathway to peace. Her insights underscore the futility of violence and the importance of fostering understanding across communities.
Dec 31, 2024 • 52min
Richard's Most Memorable Guests — Ross Gittins
Ross Gittins, one of Australia’s leading newspaper columnists, shares insights from his five-decade career simplifying economics. He discusses his frugal upbringing in a Salvation Army family and its lasting impact on his views of financial discipline and charity. Gittins critiques current housing policies, highlighting the economic struggles faced by young Australians. He also reflects on evolving societal attitudes toward women in the workplace and the need for equitable economic reform, all while maintaining a heartfelt connection with his readers.
Dec 30, 2024 • 52min
Richard's Most Memorable Guests — Gregory Smith
Gregory Smith, an Academic at Southern Cross University and recipient of the Order of Australia, shares his remarkable journey of overcoming a troubled childhood marked by abuse and homelessness. He vividly recalls his decade as a hermit in a northern NSW forest, where he mastered survival techniques while grappling with his past. Gregory discusses the emotional scars from his time in orphanages, the challenges of misdiagnosis, and how he transformed trauma into strength, ultimately finding academic success and a place in society.
Dec 29, 2024 • 52min
Richard's Most Memorable Guests — Uncle Jack Charles
Uncle Jack Charles, a revered Aboriginal elder, actor, and musician, shares his remarkable journey as a Stolen Generations survivor. He reflects on his traumatic childhood in Box Hill Boys Home and the complex search for identity amid a troubled past. Uncle Jack discusses his struggles with addiction and crime, leading to transformative moments of recovery through arts and community. His advocacy for youth in detention and emphasis on mentorship showcase his commitment to empowering others. His legacy as a performer and leader shines brightly throughout the conversation.
Dec 26, 2024 • 51min
Richard's Most Memorable Guests — Sandy MacKinnon
Sandy MacKinnon, an adventurer and former teacher, shares his thrilling journey of sailing a small dinghy across the English Channel and through European rivers to the Black Sea. He recounts heartwarming encounters with kind strangers and some hair-raising moments, including a chilling encounter with an armed horseman. Sandy reflects on how childhood literature fueled his passion for exploration and the chaotic joys of navigating canals. His whimsical tales are filled with adventure, humor, and the beauty of facing the unknown.
