Conversations

Fran Harding, a former outback publican and author, candidly shares her unexpected journey to running Charleville's famous Korone's Hotel, known as the 'Taj Mahal of the Warrego.' From navigating life with eight kids while learning to pour beers to uncovering the hotel's rich history and the legacy of its founder, Harry Korone, Fran's stories are both entertaining and heartfelt. She reflects on the transformative impact of the 1990 flood, the quirky locals, and her bittersweet memories of motherhood intertwined with her years managing the pub.

Dr. Todd Bond, a marine ecologist and Deputy Director at the Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre, takes listeners on an exhilarating journey to the mysterious Hadal Zone, over 6,000 meters deep. He shares captivating details about his titanium submersible, the challenges of deep-sea exploration, and the strange, often colorful life forms encountered. Todd also discusses human impacts on these extreme environments, the astonishing behavior of creatures like pufferfish, and the urgency of studying and protecting the ocean's depths before species vanish forever.

In a heartfelt tribute, Jane Goodall, the iconic primatologist and conservationist, reminisces about her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees. She explains how her research revealed their complex social behaviors, tool-making abilities, and even their capacity for laughter and grief. Jane shares vivid memories of Gombe National Park and the challenges she faced in gaining the trust of her subjects. She discusses the critical threats to wildlife today, emphasizing the importance of nurturing a sustainable relationship between humans and nature.

In this enlightening discussion, Paula Gerber, a lecturer at Monash University Law School and a passionate human rights lawyer, shares her journey from childhood visits to courts with her father to advocating for children's legal protections. They delve into the precarious situation of children's rights in Australia, the impact of political leadership on child policy, and the critical need for a cultural shift in respecting children's voices. Paula highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of issues like juvenile justice and advocates for empowering children to know their rights.

Paul Field, a musician and former member of The Cockroaches, shares his heartfelt journey through the grief of losing his baby daughter, Bernadette, to SIDS. He discusses how this tragedy inspired the creation of The Wiggles, a beloved band that brings joy to children worldwide. Paul also delves into the support he found through Red Nose Australia and the importance of discussing child loss openly. His story highlights the healing power of music and community in the face of unimaginable loss.

Brad Guy, an author and former radio presenter, shares his harrowing tale of surviving a near-fatal skydiving accident that left him battling PTSD and depression. He vividly recalls the fateful jump, the terrifying realization of a parachute failure, and the painful recovery that followed. Brad discusses the overwhelming guilt and emotional turmoil he faced, along with how therapy and family support ultimately guided him toward healing. He reflects on his journey of self-acceptance and the profound impact of his experience on his life and family dynamics.

Phillipa Perry grew in England and as a teenager went to a finishing school in Switzerland where she learnt to ski and speak in a posh accent.  But instead of joining the aristocracy she worked as debt collector, a manager at McDonalds and eventually a psychotherapist.Later she married the celebrated artist Grayson Perry, who is famous for his cross-dressing.Philippa says the key to raising children is acknowledging feelings – the good, the bad, and the ugly.Her best selling parenting book The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read is published by Penguin.Her latest book The Book You Want Everyone You Love To Read (and maybe a few you don't) is also published by Penguin.This episode of Conversations was produced by Nicola Harrison. Executive Producer was Carmel Rooney.It explores psychotherapy, parenting, emotions, family, love, queer identity, Grayson Perry, anger, sadness, children, writing.To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

Bronnie Ware, a palliative carer-turned-author, shares profound insights from her experiences with the dying. She reveals the top five regrets expressed by her patients, emphasizing the importance of open communication and acceptance in life. Bronnie recounts how her early childhood shaped her view on death and living bravely. She discusses her journey from burnout to finding joy in nature and storytelling, and how caregiving has taught her to embrace life’s fleeting moments without fear of death.

To Australia he was a genius adman and best-selling author but behind closed doors Bryce Courtenay was a deeply flawed husband and father. His son, Adam, has tried to make sense of the lies, the ego and the heartbreak.When Adam Courtenay was growing up, he saw his dad Bryce as a hero.Bryce worked in advertising so he knew all the latest, coolest trends, and at bedtime, Bryce told Adam and his brothers amazing stories about his life in South Africa and the Courtenay family’s noble origins.When Bryce went from adman to wildly successful writer with his debut novel, The Power of One, Adam couldn’t have been prouder.As Adam grew older, he became aware of the gaps in the stories his father told so well, and realised just how many lies Bryce had told his family and the nation.At first, Adam tried to ignore the fables and fibs - he wanted badly to believe them because they made Bryce's storytelling so powerful.But when Adam became a writer himself, an author of historical books and a journalist, he needed to champion the truth above all else.Further informationMy Father Bryce is published by Hachette.This episode of Conversations explores novels, writing, advertising, Australiana, Australian books, memoir, father son relationships, big egos, Australian voices, Tandia, The Night Country, Whitethorn, The Potato Factory, Tommo & Hawk, Solomon's Song, Nick Duncan Saga, The Persimmon Tree, Fishing for Stars, The Milky Bar Kid, knowing your parents, marriage, fatherhood, journalism, betrayal, cancer, divorce, affairs, infidelity, public personas, modern history, literature.To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

In 2017, journalist Nick McKenzie heard rumours of executions and cover-ups inside Australia’s most elite military unit. For the next eight years, Nick waged an epic battle for the truth to be acknowledged about Ben Roberts-Smith VC.Along with his colleague Chris Masters, Nick began an investigation which hinged on Australia’s most famous, and most decorated living soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, who served in the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) from 2003 - 2013.By following the story, they were plunged into the defamation trial of the century.His fight examined evidence of bullying, intimidation, war crimes and murder, and took him across Australia and to Afghanistan.As he unearthed secrets Ben Roberts-Smith had thought he'd long ago buried, Nick had to deal with death threats, and powerful forces intent on destroying his career.He also witnessed attempts to silence brave SAS soldiers, who had witnessed their famous comrade commit unspeakable acts.For years Nick waged an epic battle for the truth to be acknowledged.Earlier this year, Ben Roberts-Smith lost an appeal against a defamation judgement, which found he committed war crimes.Further informationCrossing the Line is published by Hachette.This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris. Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison.It explores war, Afghanistan, the SAS, war crimes, allegations of war crimes, legal history, Australia's military history, Andrew Hastie, ADF, Iraq, Nine, Fairfax, Kerry Stokes, Seven, Media,  Anthony Besanko, Brereton Report, AFP, Federal Police, phone tapping, Mick Keelty, Federal Court, truth defence, David Wroe, peer pressure, military life, camaraderie, life at war, civil versus criminal court.To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.