Conversations
ABC
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 12, 2025 • 52min
Loving and losing three good men—the story of a ballerina called 'Blossom'
Petal Ashmole Winstanley, a seasoned ballerina and memoirist, shares her incredible journey from Perth to international acclaim. She recounts her early ballet training, and her daring move to London at just 18, juggling multiple jobs while chasing her dream. Petal recalls the love and loss of three significant men in her life, including the profound grief after their deaths. Now at 70, she finds love again through online dating, proving that it’s never too late for joy and connection. Through her stories, she reflects on the resilience of the human spirit.
Nov 11, 2025 • 53min
The conspiracy that brought down the Whitlam Government in the 1975 dismissal
Paul Kelly, a seasoned Australian political journalist and editor-at-large of The Australian, shares his firsthand insights into the monumental 1975 Whitlam dismissal. He reveals exclusive off-the-record details he learned just days before the crisis. The discussion contrasts the leadership styles of Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser, delves into Sir John Kerr's motivations, and explores the dynamics within the press gallery. Kelly reflects on the political machinations at play and the implications for modern democracy.
Nov 10, 2025 • 0sec
Silverchair’s Ben Gillies on his life as a teenage rock god, and what happened next
Ben Gillies, drummer and founding member of Silverchair, shares his wild journey from teenage rock star to navigating life post-band. He talks about his early days in Newcastle, the exhilarating highs of international touring, and the challenges of fame that led to anxiety and addiction. Gillies opens up about his path to sobriety and how it transformed his relationships and parenting. With candid stories about music, friendship, and recovery, he offers valuable insights into the price of success and the joys of making music.
Nov 7, 2025 • 54min
Encore: Meet Ash Barty's mindset coach — Ben Crowe
In this engaging conversation, Ben Crowe, a mindset coach known for guiding elite athletes like Ash Barty, shares his unique approach to performance. He emphasizes the power of vulnerability and owning one's flaws to foster resilience. Ben discusses how childhood memories can reframe self-doubt and why calmness, along with a playful mindset, enhances performance. He also reflects on the impact of family values, the importance of connection, and how grief has shaped his own journey in coaching.
Nov 6, 2025 • 53min
Uncovering the heart of my Nana’s saltwater stories
Tasma Walton, an award-winning actor and author with Boonwurrung/Bunurong heritage, delves deep into her family history and the power of storytelling. She recalls transformative childhood experiences inspired by her grandmother's saltwater tales. The conversation explores the darker realities behind her ancestor Nannertgarrook's story, revealing the harsh truths of sealers' abductions and the impact of intergenerational trauma. Tasma also shares her journey of writing 'I Am Nannertgarrook' as a reclaiming act of her heritage and identity.
13 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 0sec
William Dalrymple's own curious history, from the Scottish coast to Mughal Delhi
William Dalrymple, a renowned historian and travel writer, discusses his fascinating journey from his Scottish childhood to a deep connection with India. He shares insights about his family's historical ties to India, including discovering mixed-race ancestry. The conversation explores his adventures retracing Marco Polo's route and living in Delhi, where he encountered the complexities of colonial narratives. Dalrymple also reflects on his father's traumatic memories of partition, shaping his understanding of history and identity.
Nov 4, 2025 • 0sec
The drama and the grit behind Michelle Payne's ride into Melbourne Cup history
Michelle Payne, a groundbreaking jockey and author of *Ride On*, shares her inspiring journey as the first woman to win the Melbourne Cup. She reflects on the struggles of growing up in a large family after losing her mother young, and the bond she shared with her brother Stevie. The conversation dives into her rigorous training, the mental hurdles of racing, and the aftermath of her historic win. Michelle opens up about recovery from severe injuries and the importance of horse welfare, all while celebrating resilience and family amidst life's challenges.
Oct 31, 2025 • 53min
Encore: The story of a wild, radical feminist socialist lesbian mum, and her son
Ianto Ware, a writer and author of 'Mother and I', shares his extraordinary childhood in Adelaide with his radical feminist lesbian mother, Dimity. He recounts their adventurous family trips in a quirky camper van, detailing the lessons learned from camping mishaps and the beauty of their wild garden sanctuary. Ianto discusses the challenges of single motherhood in the 70s, the stigma they faced, and the deep emotional bond they forged as an only child. His moving reflections on loss, resilience, and his mother's vibrant spirit provide a poignant tribute to her legacy.
Oct 30, 2025 • 53min
How Paris helped this aerospace engineer survive anorexia
Kate Reid, founder of Lune Croissanterie and former aerospace engineer, shares her captivating journey from Formula One to baking. She discusses the challenges of her career, battling anorexia, and the turning point a library book about Paris provided. Kate highlights how her time in a Paris boulangerie reinvigorated her passion for food, paralleling her engineering background with pastry-making. Her croissants, meticulously developed through a scientific lens, now form the heart of a thriving business, illustrating her transformation and resilience.
Oct 29, 2025 • 0sec
The strange tale of the artist who stole 3000 butterflies
Walter Marsh, an Australian historian and author of The Butterfly Thief, unravels the bizarre story of Colin Wyatt—a ski champion and wartime camouflage expert turned gentleman thief. In the 1940s, Wyatt masterminded the heist of over 3,000 rare butterfly specimens from Australian museums. Marsh discusses the significance of holotypes, explains why butterflies are vital environmental indicators, and explores Wyatt's obsession with collecting. The conversation highlights museum security, scientific integrity, and the legal aftermath of this grand theft.
