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Conversations

Latest episodes

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Apr 4, 2025 • 51min

Encore: A daring escape from Vietnam to the halls of prestigious American universities

Anh Nguyen Austen, an academic and community advocate, shares her gripping story of fleeing Vietnam by boat in 1982 with her family. She recounts the harrowing storms they faced and the emotional toll of their escape from political turmoil. Anh delves into her childhood memories of family bonds and Catholic faith, emphasizing resilience and the pursuit of the American dream. Her journey from refugee to prestigious universities is a testament to hope, growth, and the power of education in transforming lives.
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Apr 3, 2025 • 52min

How Vincent Fantauzzo's life was saved by love and painting

Vincent Fantauzzo, one of Australia's leading portrait artists, shares his incredible journey from a troubled upbringing filled with crime to artistic acclaim. He reflects on how dyslexia shaped his early life and drove his passion for drawing. The discussion includes his unique relationship with art, the transformative power of mentorship, and his love story with actress Asher Keddie. Vincent also opens up about his chaotic childhood, father-son dynamics, and the healing process through boxing and self-discovery.
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Apr 2, 2025 • 52min

'Mistakes were made' — a live storytelling experience

Rebecca Huntley, a social researcher and author, is joined by beloved TV presenter Julia Zemiro and award-winning journalist Rick Morton for a lively storytelling event. They share unforgettable tales of mishaps and misadventures. Huntley recounts her chaotic first drive, while Morton hilariously reflects on a wild run-in involving his brother's friends. Zemiro reveals her mortifying professional experience and the frustration of perfect comebacks arriving too late. Together, they explore the humor in human failure and the beauty of resilience.
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Apr 1, 2025 • 54min

Two sisters, Dod and Brattle - the lesbian poet, and the evangelical Christian

Josie McSkimming, sister of renowned poet Dorothy Porter, shares insights from her memoir, "Gutsy Girls: Love, Poetry and Sisterhood." She reflects on their bohemian upbringing in Sydney, highlighting the striking contrast between their life choices. Josie recounts her journey as a born-again Christian, her eventual departures from doctrinal constraints, and the complex familial dynamics that shaped both sisters. With humor and nostalgia, she pays tribute to Dorothy’s vibrant spirit while navigating her own path through faith and identity.
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Mar 28, 2025 • 52min

Encore: Doctor Koppe — PTSD and me

Hilton Koppe, a cherished country GP and author of "One Curious Doctor," shares his transformative journey after a health crisis reveals PTSD stemming from his medical career. He discusses the emotional weight of his experiences, exploring themes of migration, family heritage, and the importance of empathy in healthcare. Koppe reflects on his training, the challenges of integrating into Australian culture, and the profound effects of personal trauma. He emphasizes healing through connection with nature and reconnecting with passions, like soccer.
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Mar 27, 2025 • 51min

Shaking — escaping the grip of a lifelong tremor

Sonya Voumard, a journalist and author, discusses her life with a tremor that began after her father's untimely death. She shares her journey through the medical system, the challenges of living with dystonia, and the emotional nuances of grief. Sonya vividly recounts transitioning from a young girl to a determined journalist while navigating her condition. She explores innovative treatments like incisionless brain surgery and the complexities of personal identity intertwined with her health, offering a raw and humorous look at resilience.
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Mar 26, 2025 • 52min

Loneliness — it's not only you

Ros Thomas, a globe-trotting journalist and columnist, shares her deep dive into the universal experience of loneliness. She recounts meeting a 70-year-old man who found solace with a small robot, and visits a unique Swedish share house where the elderly and young asylum seekers support one another. Ros opens up about her own childhood struggles with loneliness after her father left, and highlights innovative solutions, like AI companions and community hubs, to combat this growing epidemic.
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Mar 25, 2025 • 54min

The fearless Kate McClymont — weathering death threats and court cases for work

Kate McClymont, the fearless chief investigative reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald, shares her gripping journey uncovering crime and corruption in NSW. She reveals how a seemingly innocent wedding assignment led to her first death threat. McClymont discusses the emotional toll of journalism, the resilience gained from personal loss, and her unique transition from busking in Kings Cross to breaking major stories. With over ten Walkley Awards under her belt, she highlights the critical role of investigative reporting in seeking truth and holding power accountable.
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Mar 21, 2025 • 52min

Encore: Krystyna Duszniak and Poland's lost histories

Krystyna Duszniak, a professional historian dedicated to uncovering lost Polish family histories, shares her profound journey into the past. She discusses the secrets and untold stories lurking in family archives, often tied to World War II. Full of emotional complexity, she helps families connect with hidden relatives and unsavory truths. Krystyna reflects on her father's influence on her love for Polish culture and the bittersweet revelations she encounters while navigating intricate family dynamics and relationships throughout her research.
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Mar 20, 2025 • 53min

Life on the lam — how Peter escaped from under his fugitive father's shadow

Peter Norris's father was a notorious bank robber who lived life on the run, dragging his boy across the country with him, until Peter refused to go with him one last time. It was the hardest decision he ever had to make.Peter Norris grew up on the run with his criminal father, Clarence 'Clarry' Norris.Every time Clarry was arrested, he would find a way out of custody and fulfil his promise of coming back to his son, and every time they reunited they would be off once more tearing across Australia.Peter climbed out windows at foster homes, and escaped group homes for boys to be with his dad, in Sydney, in Shepparton, Perth and Port Hedland.Until one day, his father came back to Peter when he had landed on his feet in the home of a beautiful foster family in regional Victoria.The faith the Dullards had in Peter gave him the courage to finally say "no" to his loving, caring, criminal, complicated dad.It was the hardest decision he ever made, but while desperately Peter wanted to be with his father, but didn't want to be him.It was the last time Peter ever saw his father. This episode of Conversations discusses family dynamics, origin stories, crime, criminality, theft, intergenerational trauma, foster care, abandoned children, group homes, remand centres, Baltara, homelessness, abuse, parenting, grief, closure, fatherhood, father son relationships.The Bank Robber's Boy is published by Simon & Schuster

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