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
Jan 6, 2026 • 50min
Holiday listening: Anh Nguyen Austen's story of rescue and reinvention
Anh Nguyen Austen, an academic and community volunteer, shares her incredible journey as a child refugee from Vietnam. She recounts her family's dramatic escape by boat, facing a life-threatening storm and eventual rescue by Médecins du Monde. Anh reflects on her childhood memories, the emotional aftermath of Saigon's fall, and her family's resettlement in the U.S. Her work today focuses on helping refugees and honoring her family's legacy through community initiatives, emphasizing the importance of survival and the duty to support others.
19 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 50min
Holiday listening: the secret world of the human ear
Professor Kelvin Kong, a proud Worimi man and ENT surgeon, shares his passion for the ear, calling it the most beautiful organ. He discusses the intricate process of how sound transforms into hearing and highlights the significance of early intervention for untreated ear diseases in Indigenous children. Kelvin reflects on his groundbreaking fetal surgeries, the emotional stakes involved, and the importance of cultural safety in healthcare. He also touches on his journey as Australia's first Aboriginal surgeon and the profound impact of treating Otitis Media on children's lives.
Jan 4, 2026 • 51min
Holiday Listening: Birds, bees and intelligent machines
Mandyam Srinivasan, a visual neuroscientist and Emeritus Professor at the Queensland Brain Institute, shares fascinating insights into bee and bird vision. He reveals how bees elegantly navigate and land using complex vision systems, similar to those in human cognition. The discussion touches on bees' panoramic views and unique landing strategies, alongside the innovative applications of this research in developing drones that fly autonomously without GPS. Srinivasan also delves into the ethics of drone technology, highlighting its potential in various fields like rescue operations and military use.
Jan 1, 2026 • 52min
Holiday Listening: Nerida's nudibranchs, sea dragons and siphonophores
In this fascinating chat, Dr. Nerida Wilson, a marine molecular biologist from the Western Australian Museum, dives into the wonders of deep-sea life. She shares her awe-inspiring first sighting of a nudibranch and reveals their stunning diversity and unique adaptations. Discover the enchanting sea dragons with their camouflaging leafy appendages and learn how AI is being used to monitor their populations. Nerida also recounts her thrilling expeditions into the Ningaloo Canyons, including spotting a colossal siphonophore and exploring the depths with cutting-edge ROV technology.
13 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 52min
Holiday Listening: Lee Berger, the real-life Indiana Jones, and the Case of the Lost Hominids
Lee Berger, a groundbreaking paleoanthropologist known for his major fossil discoveries, shares his thrilling journey in the field. He reflects on his humble beginnings in rural Georgia and the unexpected finds that reshaped our understanding of human evolution, including the jawbone of a new species discovered by his son. Berger also reveals the extraordinary Rising Star cave exploration, where they unearthed Homo naledi, challenging long-standing beliefs about what it means to be human. His passion for exploration and the intersection of science and media inspires throughout the conversation.
Dec 30, 2025 • 50min
Holiday Listening: Fishing for feelings -- the many ways fish are smarter than you think
Dr. Culum Brown, a marine biologist from Macquarie University, dives into the surprising intelligence of fish. He discusses how fish communicate using sounds and their superior vision capabilities, including UV detection. Culum highlights fish social structures, revealing bullying among species and intricate kin recognition. Notably, he shares how Port Jackson sharks develop friendships, while rays exhibit long-term memories linked to feeding spots. His insights challenge traditional views on fish cognition, advocating for better ethical treatment in light of their complex behaviors.
15 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 51min
Holiday Listening: The flying vet from Outback Queensland
Dr. Campbell Costello is a veterinarian and adventurer who has journeyed from his family's cattle station in Queensland to remote areas across the globe. He shares gripping tales of his veterinary career, including acting as the official vet for intense races like the Mongol Derby. Campbell discusses his poignant reasons for becoming a pilot to service isolated communities and the profound impact of family loss on his life. With a heartwarming story about his co-pilot dog, Henry, he reflects on the camaraderie and resilience found in rural communities, both in Australia and Central Asia.
Dec 28, 2025 • 48min
Holiday Listening: Slime moulds—the brainless blobs that can move and solve mazes
Dr. Tanya Latty, an entomologist at the University of Sydney, shares her fascination with brainless slime moulds. She reveals how these incredible organisms navigate and solve mazes despite lacking a brain. Tanya draws intriguing parallels between slime moulds and collective behaviours in ants and bees, and discusses their potential to inspire solutions for complex human challenges. She recounts personal stories, from caring for her pet slime mould to a close encounter with a cougar during fieldwork, showcasing her passion for unique creatures.
Dec 25, 2025 • 49min
Holiday Listening: David Bindi Hudson on playing his didgeridoo at the Taj Mahal
David Bindi Hudson, a Western Yalanji and Ewamian artist and didgeridoo player, shares his remarkable journey from his beginnings at the Mona Mona mission to performing at iconic locations like the Taj Mahal. He discusses the significance of his name, Bindi, which means 'always looking forward,' and how he overcame a childhood stutter through music. David also recounts humorous anecdotes about his early career, including a unique dinner with Marlon Brando and the cultural impact of Indigenous Australian art. His insights reveal the deep connections between traditional culture and modern performance.
11 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 51min
Holiday Listening: Learning from the mighty matriarchs of the animal kingdom
Anna Walraven, a former senior curator and zookeeper at Taronga Zoo, shares her fascinating journey from the Netherlands to Australia. She reveals the challenges of being one of the first female zookeepers amidst workplace sexism and pranks. Anna highlights the complex social structures of bonobos and their matriarchal society, explores animal mating behaviors, and discusses the wisdom of older female animals. She also reflects on her family's WWII experiences and the emotional ties between humans and animals, offering a unique perspective on life and nature.
