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
Dec 5, 2025 • 52min
Encore: Helen Garner's love letter to her grandson, and football
Helen Garner, an acclaimed Australian novelist and memoirist, shares her heartwarming journey of following her grandson Amby's under-16s football team. She reflects on the beauty of community and human connection found in sports while navigating the bittersweet transition of childhood to adolescence. Garner discusses her experiences at games, the rituals of football culture, and the noble moments of camaraderie she witnesses. Through her observations, she captures the essence of grandmotherly love and the stories that emerge from the sidelines.
Dec 4, 2025 • 53min
The forgotten men who fought and died in the wild jungles of Borneo
Michael Veitch, an author and historian, uncovers the forgotten tales of Australian soldiers who fought valiantly during World War II in Borneo. He shares how he stumbled upon this story through a trivia night and a chance encounter with veteran Bruce Ruxton. The podcast delves into the brutal conditions faced during Operation Oboe, the strategic importance of Borneo, and the ambivalence surrounding these soldiers’ sacrifices. Veitch highlights the bitterness of veterans who returned to a nation that largely overlooked their valor amidst the chaos of the war's end.
Dec 3, 2025 • 50min
Deciding to live—recovery from a decade long battle with anorexia
Lexi Crouch, a clinical nutritionist and eating-disorders recovery coach, shares her incredible journey of battling anorexia for a decade. She recalls her harrowing experiences, including multiple hospitalizations and facing death, which became a spiritual turning point. Lexi discusses the role of yoga in her recovery and how it helped her reconnect with her body. Now, she empowers teens to overcome their struggles while advocating for empathy and understanding in recovery. Her insights highlight the possibility of full recovery and the joys of modeling balanced food attitudes for her daughter.
Dec 2, 2025 • 53min
Frosty the supercars legend and his race to the top of Mount Panorama
Mark Winterbottom, known as 'Frosty', is a celebrated Australian V8 race driver and author. He shares his thrilling journey from winning a childhood motorbike raffle to conquering the iconic Bathurst 1000. The podcast dives into the fierce rivalry with Jamie Whincup, the emotional toll of family challenges, and the rigorous preparations for races. Mark reflects on memorable victories, the weight of racing ethics, and even his experience as a voice actor in the animated film 'Cars 2'. It's a stunning blend of speed, grit, and heartfelt stories.
Nov 28, 2025 • 52min
Encore: Author Heather Rose on the grief lodged deep in her body
Heather Rose, an Australian novelist and memoirist, shares her profound journey through grief and spirituality. Following the tragic deaths of her brother and grandfather, she sought solace in nature and diverse spiritual practices, including Buddhism and Native American rituals. Heather vividly recounts lessons from her Tasmanian childhood, visions of lost loved ones, and the transformative power of ceremonies like the Sundance. She emphasizes how grief resides in the body but also leads to empathy and gratitude, ultimately shaping her artistic and personal life.
Nov 27, 2025 • 49min
A former army psychologist on ketamine therapy, PTSD and her surrogate twins
Louise O'Sullivan, a former Australian Army psychologist and veteran, explores her journey from military life to motherhood through international surrogacy. She shares her profound battles with PTSD stemming from her deployments, including a traumatic helicopter crash in Afghanistan. Louise highlights her life-changing experiences with ketamine therapy, which she found crucial for her mental health. From caring for her premature twins in Ukraine to redefining her purpose post-military, her story is a compelling blend of resilience, healing, and the quest for normalcy.
Nov 26, 2025 • 46min
Dad, Bob Marley and me
Jamaica Moana, a Queer rapper and community leader from Aotearoa/New Zealand, shares her journey from estrangement to reconnection with her father, fueled by their shared love of Bob Marley. She reflects on her Māori heritage, the significance of her family's roots, and her first experiences with queer identity through dance. Jamaica also discusses the emotional pilgrimage to Jamaica that honored her father's memory, highlighting the healing power of community and music in her life.
Nov 25, 2025 • 52min
How a pair of disobedient missionaries invented Australia's most iconic road trip
David Riley, a pastor, author, and vintage-car enthusiast, shares the enchanting tale of 'Bubsy,' the tiny Citroën that became the first car to circumnavigate Australia in 1925. He reveals the adventurous spirit of missionaries Nevill Westwood and Greg Davies, who faced wild obstacles from flat tires to river crossings. Riley reflects on his family's own travels, making poignant connections between their journey and the historical one. The narrative intertwines local encounters, rivalries, and the legacy of exploration, celebrating the joy and memories of travel.
Nov 21, 2025 • 52min
Encore: How Johnathan Thurston became one of the greats
Join Johnathan Thurston, a legendary former NRL player and Indigenous Australian icon, as he shares his inspiring journey from being overlooked due to his size to becoming a four-time Daly M medalist. He opens up about facing rejection, the challenges of his early career, and the profound impact of his family's support. Thurston also recounts memorable moments, like his emotional NRL debut and the highs and lows of the 2015 grand final. Plus, he reflects on his heritage and life lessons for aspiring athletes.
Nov 20, 2025 • 51min
How Aunty Rhonda learnt to cry
Aunty Rhonda Collard-Spratt, a Yamatji-Noongar elder and Stolen Generations survivor, shares her profound journey from mission life to reconnecting with her roots. She reflects on childhood escapes into the bush for solace and the impact of systemic racism. Rhonda recounts her transformative bond with music and how it healed her, alongside her struggles with emotional detachment from family. Delving into her artistic endeavors, she discusses her children's book series that honors her culture, while advocating for understanding and acceptance in modern Australia.
