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
Nov 27, 2023 • 52min
The truth about Pax Romana
Explore the dark history of the Colosseum and the violent spectacles within. Discover why the Roman Empire is so captivating, comparing Caesars to dinosaurs. Learn about Nero's obsession with his wife, Sabina, and the rumors surrounding her death. Uncover the significance of mythological reproductions in the Colosseum. Delve into Emperor Hadrian's decisions on the boundaries of the empire. Understand the historical context behind the term 'Judeans' and the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans.
Nov 24, 2023 • 52min
Lee Miller: surrealist photographer, war correspondent, and gourmet chef
Antony Penrose grew up knowing little about his remarkable mother Lee Miller, who had studied with Man Ray in Paris, and become a model, a photographer, and a war correspondent. But then an unexpected find in the family attic changed everything
Nov 23, 2023 • 51min
Lucy's button shop
Lucy shares her love for buttons and the stories they carry. The hosts discuss their fascination with buttons and learning to sew. The speaker talks about transitioning from seamstress to draftsman. Taya's journey of opening a button shop and the challenges she faced. The origins of the button shop idea in Australia. The history and evolution of buttons. Lucy shares her favorite hand-carved polyester buttons.
Nov 22, 2023 • 47min
Hayley's morbid curiosity
Hayley Campbell, a British-Australian journalist, uncovers the secret society of the death industry. She discusses childhood fascination with death, returning personal effects, the work of an anatomical pathology technologist, the fragility of the brain, and a humorous conversation about death with the speaker.
Nov 21, 2023 • 49min
Pentridge Prison, Australia's bluestone hell
Explore the haunted history and chilling tales of Pentridge Prison in Australia, including discussions on extrajudicial killings, the harsh conditions of H Division, and the transformation of the prison into a luxury destination. Hear stories of ghostly encounters and personal transformations, from violent crime to a quest for racial harmony. Reflect on the purpose of prisons and the importance of rehabilitation.
Nov 20, 2023 • 51min
Jon Owen's radical love
Jon Owen, nearing the end of his university degree, upended everything to begin a new life helping drug addicts, sex workers, and the homeless. The podcast explores his inspiring life story, growing up different, exploring the gospel in childhood churches, working at a needle exchange and meeting his wife, unexpected honeymoon at Mother Teresa's Home, the Wayside Chapel's love and acceptance, and presiding over a funeral for a dog to highlight the radical nature of love.
Nov 17, 2023 • 53min
Catherine Martin: making Elvis and loving Baz
How a fashion-loving misfit from Sydney took over Hollywood with husband Baz Luhrmann, winning more Oscars than any other Australian (R)
Nov 16, 2023 • 53min
The ladder out of depression with psychiatrist Ian Hickie
Psychiatrist Ian Hickie discusses the physical aspects of depression, the metaphor of the ladder to understand depression, Prozac-like drugs, importance of immediate treatment, and improving the mental health system.
Nov 15, 2023 • 45min
Prepared for anything
Brendan Watson, Chief Commissioner of Scouts, Australia, shares his unexpected experiences, from surviving unexpected situations to driving through the Gobi Desert with puppets. He also discusses sponsoring and hosting Chernobyl orphans and going blind during university. Brendan reflects on the importance of friends during difficult times and shares his gratitude for regaining his sight. He also talks about his involvement with wildlife and livestock in Mongolia through scouting.
Nov 14, 2023 • 51min
The rise of the Super Bilby
Ecologist Katherine Moseby is helping Australia's bilbies, quolls, and stick-nest rats evolve to become tougher, faster and stronger, so they can survive the looming threat of more than 2 million feral cats (R)
