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
Jun 14, 2024 • 47min
The strange true tale of the tattooed arm regurgitated by a shark
True crime enthusiast Phil Roope shares the bizarre tale of a tattooed arm regurgitated by a shark in 1930s Sydney, unraveling a story of police corruption, smuggling, and a wronged man. The podcast explores the shocking discovery, identification of the victim, and suspicious connections revealed during the investigation, offering a captivating glimpse into a historic case and public fascination with crime and sharks.
Jun 13, 2024 • 51min
The girl who turned her head away
Juliana Nkrumah, survivor of childhood ill treatment and former teacher warned by Mugabe regime, shares her journey from Ghana to Australia. Topics include family dynamics, cultural exchange through cooking, navigating danger in Zimbabwe, and advocating for immigrant and refugee women in Australia.
Jun 12, 2024 • 51min
Free will, liberty and Aristotle in the animal kingdom
Dr. Jenny Gray, CEO of Zoos Victoria, discusses liberty and free will in the animal kingdom. Topics include ethical dilemmas faced by zoos, childhood memories in South Africa, civil engineering projects, transition to zoo CEO, animal ethics, and conservation efforts at Zoos Victoria.
Jun 11, 2024 • 50min
Michael Mosley’s legacy: empowering science for the everyday
Dr. Michael Mosley shares his research on gut health and the human microbiome, discussing topics like intermittent fasting, probiotics, prebiotics, and the gut-brain connection. He explores the importance of probiotics, prebiotics, and a Mediterranean diet for gut health, debunks myths about full-fat yogurt, and reflects on childhood obesity initiatives. Mosley also touches on the evolution of food culture in London, the need for nutrition education in healthcare, and the revolutionary discovery of Helicobacter pylori in ulcer treatment.
Jun 10, 2024 • 52min
The 700-room nightmare
Explore the daring escape attempts of Allied officers at Colditz Castle during WWII, including the discovery of an escape route, the construction of tunnels, and the complex dynamics among prisoners. Learn about Wing Commander Douglas Bader's complicated legacy, ingenious escape tactics, and the joyous liberation of the castle by American troops.
Jun 7, 2024 • 52min
Tabletop, Spank, and Spycraft
Thriller writer with Romany roots, Louise Doughty, shares insights on spycraft and her latest book 'A Bird in Winter.' Topics include a woman's journey in MI5, character analysis of Bird, spy training, mysterious inspiration for a novel character, setting in England, family origins, and literary success at a writers' festival.
Jun 6, 2024 • 53min
The charming Italian narcissist
Kerstin reflects on her whirlwind romance with Gianni, a charming Italian man. From their passionate beginnings and shared adventures to a brush with mortality and a heartfelt gesture of gratitude, their relationship takes unexpected turns. The journey through health struggles and betrayal leads to self-discovery and forgiveness, highlighting the complexity of love and compassion.
Jun 5, 2024 • 50min
Nick Bryant's America: polarised forever
Journalist Nick Bryant reassesses his ideas about America after three years away, exploring topics like the historical roots of American democracy, the erosion of democratic norms in the Republican Party, and the looming threat of civil unrest in America. The podcast delves into the deep-rooted tensions within the nation, the influence of Trump on the party post-January 6th, and the fear of America becoming similar to Australia.
Jun 4, 2024 • 50min
Psyche, the curious and brave goddess of the soul
Author Kate Forsyth discusses her fascination with the Greek goddess Psyche, exploring themes of beauty, jealousy, and primal desires. The conversation delves into the enduring influence of the myth on fairy tales, the challenges faced by Psyche in ancient tasks, and the symbolic meanings associated with her in Greek culture.
Jun 3, 2024 • 51min
The secret psychosis of a first-time mother
Psychologist Ariane Beeston shares her struggles with delusions and hallucinations postpartum, including seeing her son as a dragon. The podcast explores her journey from child protection work to motherhood, highlighting societal pressures and the concealed struggles of a first-time mother facing mental health challenges.
