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
Feb 9, 2024 • 53min
A party girl gets sober
Victoria Vanstone shares her journey from a party girl lifestyle to sobriety, including her introduction to rave culture, university partying, and the challenges of motherhood. She discusses seeking help for addiction, finding support in the sober community, and the positive changes experienced since quitting alcohol.
Feb 8, 2024 • 53min
Sue's special classroom
Sue Lowry, originally trained as an opera singer, fell in love with teaching children with special needs. The podcast explores her journey, experiences teaching, and her recognition as the ARIA music teacher of the year. It also discusses the unique training received as opera singers, memories of growing up in a radio station, working as supply teachers in special needs schools, the transformation in a special classroom, and the importance of music education for students with disabilities.
Feb 7, 2024 • 0sec
Richard E. Grant and his pocketful of happiness
Richard E. Grant reflects on his late wife Joan Washington, their 38-year marriage, and the final message she left him. He discusses the power of writing diaries, funny incidents with Joan, his audition for 'Withnail and I,' and his experience with the Spice Girls movie. Grant also delves into reconciliation and reflection, and expresses gratitude for his late wife's love and care during her illness.
Feb 6, 2024 • 48min
Kira and the real King Kong
Dr Kira Westaway discusses the extinct giant ape Gigantopithecus Blacki and shares the surprising discovery that helped piece together its history. They explore the questions surrounding Gigantopithecus, the formation of limestone towers and cave preservation, the challenges of identifying Giganto bones, and the use of ancient DNA. They also discuss exploring caves in VR due to COVID-19 lockdowns and the implications of primate extinction and environmental stresses.
Feb 5, 2024 • 52min
The making of Nazeem Hussain
Nazeem Hussain, a comedian who honed his comedy in Melbourne's suburbs in the 1990s, talks about using humor to deal with bullies. He discusses the nature of comedy, Sri Lankan Muslim weddings, the support and guidance from the Muslim community in Australia, childhood reflections and leaflet delivery, school experiences and the effects of 9/11 on the Muslim community. He also shares stories about discovering the secret of being a comedian and a mysterious phone call.
Feb 2, 2024 • 52min
The toilet warrior
Mark Balla's journey as a travel guide led him to realize the lack of access to toilets in poorer parts of the world. They recount their eye-opening experience in an Indian slum, discuss the impact on girls and women, and the link between toilet accessibility and sexual assault. They also share their family's harrowing experience during war and how it shaped parenting. The chapter explores their career path and passion for languages. Lastly, they discuss their experience working for Lonely Planet, being stranded on an island, and the positive changes that can be made through simple solutions.
Feb 1, 2024 • 51min
She farms, she flies, she castrates bulls
Dr Ameliah Scott shares her experiences as a flying veterinary practitioner, discussing the challenges of communication, the importance of animals on the farm, and the financial challenges of having hobbies like planes and horses. She also recounts stories of scaring her partner during a plane ride and encountering troublesome animals like Barney the cockatoo. Additionally, she shares her experience of calling on the Royal Flying Doctor Service for a pregnancy emergency.
Jan 31, 2024 • 48min
Trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling) and me
Adele Dumont shares her experience with trichotillomania, discussing childhood memories, triggers and sensations associated with hair pulling, the secret world of trichotillomania, and the lack of physical support groups and therapy options.
Jan 30, 2024 • 47min
Jackie goes to Space Camp
Jackie Carpenter, the first Australian accepted to NASA's Space Camp, shares her inspiring journey and the transformative experience of attending space camp. They discuss the significance of teamwork in the space industry, the Apollo program, childhood memories, a perilous bushfire journey, and inspiring children through space exploration.
10 snips
Jan 29, 2024 • 48min
Julia Baird's search for grace
Julia Baird discusses finding grace in hard times and the power of acts of 'moral beauty' to restore our shared humanity. Topics include selflessness of blood donors, grace in times of tragedy, a disastrous incident in Spain, insights from sick people, and the sacredness of grace and healing power of the ocean.
