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
Aug 18, 2023 • 20min
Remembering Michael Parkinson
Michael Parkinson reflects on his late father, John William - a Yorkshireman, miner, humorist, and fast bowler. They discuss Parkinson's interviewing style, his father's love for cricket, and the impact of coal mining on their lives. They also explore their mother's ambitions, their father's gentle and humorous nature, and a humorous story about arranging a nursing home for their pregnant wife.
Aug 18, 2023 • 54min
Maddy, the shipwreck mermaid
Dr Maddy McAllister's job as a marine archaeologist involves diving into the deep to uncover the artefacts and human stories sunk in shipwrecks (R)
Aug 17, 2023 • 54min
The invisible Mrs Orwell
Anna Funder discusses the life of Eileen O'Shaughnessy, George Orwell's first wife, including her contributions in the Spanish Civil War and her role in Orwell's writing. The podcast explores the challenges women faced in different time periods and reflects on the admiration for Eileen's gallantry in a patriarchal society.
Aug 16, 2023 • 53min
From the meatworks to mending men's souls
Peter Stojanovic, a former meatworks employee turned counsellor, shares his incredible journey from Yugoslavia to Australia. He discusses his escape from his home country and his experiences in marriage, education, and spiritual awakening. Stojanovic also shares his memories of supporting the Chamberlain family during a major injustice and his work in relationship counseling with violent men. Throughout it all, he emphasizes the power of compassion and personal growth.
Aug 15, 2023 • 54min
Jana Pittman's turning point
Jana Pittman, Australia's famous athlete, reflects on her upbringing, struggles academically and socially, the thrill and pressure of the Olympics, using discomfort as motivation, trying bobsledding, transitioning into medicine, and personal growth in making a difference.
Aug 14, 2023 • 54min
David the Seahorse saviour
David Harasti with the story of how he opened a chain of underwater seahorse hotels to save an endangered species
Aug 11, 2023 • 0sec
A Heart in Two Places
Sarah Donnelley on her life working at Wilcannia Central School, on Barkandji Country 950 kilometres west of Sydney (R)
Aug 10, 2023 • 54min
Dr Freakman, hippie psychiatrist
Psychiatrist Dr Harry Freeman on the memorable patients, LSD, and medical epiphanies from his 50 years in psychiatry
Aug 9, 2023 • 45min
The sculptor's son
Hung Le and his family made a terrifying escape from Saigon in 1975, carrying one suitcase, a box of biscuits and some seasick pills. Decades after they fled, Hung returned to Vietnam to honour his late father's wishes (R)
Aug 8, 2023 • 50min
How Brendan Watkins claimed his birthright
Brendan Watkins on his search to find the truth about his birth parents and the failings of the Catholic church his discoveries unveiled
