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
May 7, 2024 • 53min
Fantastic and fascinating fungi
Dr. Alison Pouilot, an expert in fungi, discusses the fascinating world of fungi and their underground behavior. She explores the importance of fungi in ecosystems, the unique properties of fungi, their role in symbiosis with plants, and their mysterious aura in nature.
May 6, 2024 • 51min
Chris Haywood's life in character
Australian actor Chris Haywood reflects on his colorful life, from childhood adventures in rural England to horse riding in Australia. He discusses auditions, improvisation techniques, and cultural experiences in the industry. Sharing personal stories of resilience, loss, and career choices, Haywood offers insights into his diverse roles in Australian films and TV series.
May 3, 2024 • 54min
The soup bar saving lives
Hana Assafiri was a child bride in her teens when she fought her way free of her violent husband. Then she built a new life helping other marginalised women (CW: the conversation discusses physical and sexual violence against women)
May 2, 2024 • 52min
How our brains use autocorrect
Dr. Margaret Moore delves into the mysteries of the brain through studying stroke survivors, discussing predictive coding, neglect dyslexia, and cognitive tests post-stroke. She shares personal experiences with stroke, research motivation, and the complexity of brain recovery. Dive into the fascinating world of brain perception and cognition with a passionate researcher.
May 1, 2024 • 48min
Nick Cave's broken-hearted optimism
Nick Cave has lived through addiction, love and unthinkable loss. His experiences have changed how he understands hope, heartbreak and optimism (R)
Apr 30, 2024 • 52min
Terry's long goodbye
Keri Kitay with the story of her devoted, outgoing mum Terry, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease at 54 years old
Apr 29, 2024 • 52min
Learning to read with Manisha Gazula
How headmistress Manisha Gazula radically (and controversially) transformed the literacy, and life, outcomes for her students at Marsden Road Public School
Apr 26, 2024 • 51min
Mother Courage
Writer Colum McCann with the story of Diane Foley, whose son James was murdered by the Islamic State (CW: this episode contains descriptions of violent acts and terrorism)
Apr 24, 2024 • 55min
ANZAC Day: letters from the front
For 100 years Australia has been collecting tens and thousands of letters and diaries from deployed service personnel. These are just some of the moving, beautiful and tragic stories among them
Apr 24, 2024 • 53min
How Rhonda defied expectations
Dr. Rhonda Wilson shares her journey from defying career advice in high school to becoming a respected professor of nursing in Australia. Topics discussed include her childhood memories on a farm, experiences managing photocopiers at university, transition to mental health nursing, enhancing mental health support for rural youth, cultural responsibility in nursing science, and reflections on achieving a PhD.
