Conversations
ABC listen
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
Oct 28, 2025 • 53min
Why this humanitarian doctor swapped Byron Bay for a war zone and what happened next
Katie Treble is a humanitarian doctor and author who traded the tranquility of Byron Bay for the intensity of working with Médecins Sans Frontières in the Central African Republic. She shares gripping insights into the desperate medical needs amid civil war and the profound impact her colleagues had on her. Katie discusses her realities of mass casualty planning, adapting treatment in extreme scarcity, and the emotional toll of working in a conflict zone. Now pursuing psychiatry, she emphasizes the healing power of MDMA therapy for trauma.
Oct 24, 2025 • 0sec
Encore: Aaron Fa’Aoso on his mistakes, heartaches, and lucky breaks
Aaron Fa’Aoso, a Torres Strait Islander actor, director, and producer, shares his remarkable journey from a dinghy ride to his first audition to becoming a TV star. He opens up about facing loss early in life, the impact of toxic relationships, and navigating domestic violence. His experiences fueled his creativity and led to pivotal roles in shows like Remote Area Nurse. Aaron also reflects on therapy's role in finding peace, the joys of fatherhood, and the significance of cultural roots tied to Cape York.
Oct 23, 2025 • 53min
‘Maximalist power queen’ Em Rusciano on the diagnoses that revealed her
Em Rusciano, a multi-talented performer and comedian known for her career on Australian Idol, shares her journey of late diagnoses of ADHD and autism. She opens up about the challenges of navigating perimenopause and parenting while embracing her neurodivergent identity. Em discusses her pivot to podcasting during the COVID lockdowns and reflects on the impact of her diagnoses on her self-perception. Additionally, she talks about her book, Blood, Sweat and Glitter, revealing how these experiences have shaped her creative expression and advocacy for neurodivergent children.
13 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 53min
Telling the future and the past through the palm
Alison Bashford, a history professor at UNSW and author of "Decoding the Hand," delves into the fascinating history of palmistry and its scientific counterparts. She shares a captivating story about discovering a gorilla's handprint that ignited her research. The conversation covers the psychology of handprints, ancient beliefs linking hands to character, and the intriguing connections between palmistry and astrology. Bashford also reveals how 19th-century hand readings intertwined with social identities and examines the rise of celebrity palmists.
Oct 21, 2025 • 51min
Cakes, Ottolenghi and the Fire Horse child
Helen Goh, a pastry chef and trained psychologist, shares her unique journey as co-author with Yotam Ottolenghi. She dives into her childhood memories of Malaysian desserts, immigrant experiences, and the cultural nuances of baking. Helen discusses the unexpected intersection of psychology and pastry, like how baking serves as a nurturing tool in child development. She reflects on her impressive culinary training and the emotional depth behind why we bake, revealing how food becomes a heartfelt expression of care in our lives.
Oct 17, 2025 • 0sec
Encore: Wendy Harmer on overcoming her fractured childhood
Wendy Harmer, a renowned Australian comedian and broadcaster, shares her compelling journey from a fractured childhood to success. She speaks candidly about overcoming the stigma of a facial disfigurement and facing childhood bullying, discovering her passion for journalism, and ultimately pivoting to comedy. Wendy reflects on the emotional impact of her tumultuous family life, the creative outlets that shaped her, and how she found stability in her marriage. Her story highlights resilience and the transformative power of humor, all detailed in her memoir.
Oct 16, 2025 • 47min
Why these prisoners of war wished they never escaped 'from the bloody train'
Join historian and author Edmund Goldrick, who specializes in the stories of Australian soldiers during WWII, as he uncovers the harrowing journey of escaped POWs in Yugoslavia. They leap from a moving train only to find themselves caught in a web of genocide and political intrigue. Goldrick discusses how one soldier, Ronald Jones, turned double agent to thwart ethnic cleansing plans. The conversation delves into the complicated loyalties of war, the brutality witnessed, and the unexpected moral clarity in chaos.
Oct 15, 2025 • 52min
QAnon, 15-minute cities and sovereign citizens: Plunging into the world of conspiracy theories
Ariel Bogle, a journalist and author of "Conspiracy Nation," delves into the captivating world of Australian conspiracy theories. She discusses the rise of these beliefs during the pandemic, driven by social disruption and online influence. Ariel explores the intriguing dynamics within groups like QAnon and the sovereign citizen movement, shedding light on personal triggers for belief. She reflects on historical roots of conspiracies like Pizzagate and their chilling real-world implications, revealing how these ideologies take hold and evolve in society.
Oct 14, 2025 • 48min
The Hollywood insider and the murder that changed his famous family
Griffin Dunne, an actor, director, and memoirist, shares his poignant journey through Hollywood and personal tragedy. He recounts the heartbreaking murder of his sister Dominique, which profoundly shook his family's foundations and his own career. Griffin recalls his childhood filled with glamorous parties and brushes with legends like Sean Connery. He reflects on the aftermath of the trial and its impact on his family, and discusses how grief reshaped his life, reigniting his passion for acting through new roles and writing his memoir, The Friday Afternoon Club.
Oct 10, 2025 • 52min
Encore: Ben Lee, the chutzpah mystic, Bondi rock prodigy, Noise Addict
Ben Lee, an Australian musician and teen rock prodigy from Bondi, dives deep into his eclectic journey. He reflects on the groundbreaking moment when seeing Nirvana inspired him to start his band, Noise Addict. Ben shares his experiences at an ashram in India and discusses the profound insights he gained from his ayahuasca ceremonies, emphasizing their dreamlike and transformative nature. He explores the intersection of fame and spirituality, revealing how his artistic pursuits have ultimately guided him back to a grounded life.
