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
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.
Apr 23, 2024 • 47min
Dr Sutapa Mukherjee on how to sleep well
From muscle paralysis and sleepwalking, to the power of our subconscious, Dr Sutapa Mukherjee takes you into the secret world of sleep
Apr 22, 2024 • 54min
The creativity of language, storytelling and the great language recovery by Dr Ray Kelly Snr
When Ray Kelly Snr's grandfather was asked to translate "telephone" into Gumbayngirr, he responded with “muuya barrigi”, or flying breath (CW: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners please be advised this program contains discussion of people who have died. Please take care when listening)To binge even more great episodes of the ‘Conversations podcast’ with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, singers, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.
Apr 19, 2024 • 54min
Theologian Pádraig Ó Tuama on making peace and living in poetry
Pádraig Ó Tuama survived conversion therapy and exorcism as a young gay man in a church in Ireland, then became a leading peace negotiator and a poet (R)
Apr 18, 2024 • 52min
Carly-Jay on dying, living, and learning to breathe
Carly-Jay Metcalfe lives with cystic fibrosis, and has faced a double lung transplant, a rare cancer and other huge medical challenges. But through it all humour and hope have fuelled her survival (CW: this story discusses organ transplant and donation, drug use and self harm)
Apr 17, 2024 • 53min
A portrait of Peter Dutton
Writer Lech Blaine on Peter Dutton, the former policeman who became the leader of the Liberal Party of Australia
Apr 16, 2024 • 49min
The secret life of slime mould
Scientist Tanya Latty on how a single-cell organism, slime mould, can solve complex problems in some remarkable ways (R)
Apr 15, 2024 • 53min
Bettany Hughes takes you to the hottest sightseeing spots of the ancient world
What was on the "must-see" lists for tourists in 200 BCE? From the Hanging Gardens of Babylon to the Great Pyramids at Giza, historian Bettany Hughes is your tour guide through the seven wonders of the ancient world
Apr 12, 2024 • 51min
Finding a new version of family
Journalist Marina Kamenev on the changing story of our families in the 21st century (CW: discusses donor conception)
Apr 11, 2024 • 52min
Louise Milligan on justice, family and Ireland
The investigative reporter reflects on her beloved Ringsend relatives and what drives her work holding powerful organisations to account (CW: discussion of suicide and confronting material)
