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
Jan 16, 2026 • 52min
New Beginnings: How Rafael Bonachela let out his inner showgirl with Kylie Minogue
Rafael Bonachela, a Spanish-born contemporary dancer and choreographer, shares his remarkable journey from a patriarchal upbringing in Spain to the vibrant stage of international dance. He reflects on overcoming family expectations, bullies, and finding his artistic voice as a 'showgirl' at heart. The pivotal moment came with Kylie's email inviting him to choreograph a performance, leading to a creative partnership that flourished in Las Vegas. Rafael also discusses taking the helm at Sydney Dance Company during a period of grief and how Australia has shaped his artistry.
Jan 15, 2026 • 52min
New Beginnings: Justin Heazlewood on swapping fame for his hometown
Justin Heazlewood, an Australian comedian, songwriter, and author, shares his journey from aspiring artist to reconnecting with his roots in Burnie. He candidly discusses growing up with a mother who has schizophrenia and his role as her carer. Justin reflects on the pressures of fame and mental health, detailing how these experiences shaped his life and creativity. His new book, Dream Burnie, celebrates fellow artists in regional Australia, emphasizing the importance of community and the healing power of stories.
Jan 14, 2026 • 53min
New Beginnings: When a sea change collides with messy midlife
Kate Halfpenny, a journalist and memoirist known for her book 'Boogie Wonderland,' discusses her dramatic sea change to Ocean Grove during Melbourne's lockdowns. She shares candid insights about confronting her husband's alcoholism, the challenges of perimenopause, and the profound loneliness of midlife. Kate recalls a frightening moment at the beach that forced them to face their realities. With humor and vulnerability, she explores themes of recovery, the impact of addiction on relationships, and finding peace in a new chapter of her life.
Jan 13, 2026 • 52min
New Beginnings: Artist Loribelle Spirovski on finding family and love
Loribelle Spirovski, a talented artist and writer from the Philippines, shares her unique journey of identity and creativity. She recounts her emotional first meeting with her Serbian father at seven and the impact of a childhood spent navigating cultural landscapes. Loribelle discusses the challenges of chronic pain affecting her art and the evolution of her identity from painter to artist. Discover her heartfelt love story with pianist Simon Tedeschi and how her experiences shaped her memoir, White Hibiscus, and her award-winning art.
Jan 12, 2026 • 51min
New Beginnings: Felicia Djamirze, beauty queen and drug dealer
Felicia Djamirze, a former beauty queen and memoir author, shares her harrowing journey from the criminal underworld to becoming a counselor and advocate for women's justice. She discusses her turbulent childhood in a crime-ridden neighborhood, the traumatic relationships she endured, and the shocking police raid that changed everything. Now using her experiences, Felicia helps others heal from trauma, emphasizing the power of reinvention and the importance of overcoming adversity for a brighter future.
Jan 6, 2026 • 50min
Holiday listening: Anh Nguyen Austen's story of rescue and reinvention
Anh Nguyen Austen, an academic and community volunteer, shares her incredible journey as a child refugee from Vietnam. She recounts her family's dramatic escape by boat, facing a life-threatening storm and eventual rescue by Médecins du Monde. Anh reflects on her childhood memories, the emotional aftermath of Saigon's fall, and her family's resettlement in the U.S. Her work today focuses on helping refugees and honoring her family's legacy through community initiatives, emphasizing the importance of survival and the duty to support others.
Jan 5, 2026 • 50min
Holiday listening: the secret world of the human ear
Professor Kelvin Kong, a proud Worimi man and ENT surgeon, shares his passion for the ear, calling it the most beautiful organ. He discusses the intricate process of how sound transforms into hearing and highlights the significance of early intervention for untreated ear diseases in Indigenous children. Kelvin reflects on his groundbreaking fetal surgeries, the emotional stakes involved, and the importance of cultural safety in healthcare. He also touches on his journey as Australia's first Aboriginal surgeon and the profound impact of treating Otitis Media on children's lives.
Jan 4, 2026 • 51min
Holiday Listening: Birds, bees and intelligent machines
Mandyam Srinivasan, a visual neuroscientist and Emeritus Professor at the Queensland Brain Institute, shares fascinating insights into bee and bird vision. He reveals how bees elegantly navigate and land using complex vision systems, similar to those in human cognition. The discussion touches on bees' panoramic views and unique landing strategies, alongside the innovative applications of this research in developing drones that fly autonomously without GPS. Srinivasan also delves into the ethics of drone technology, highlighting its potential in various fields like rescue operations and military use.
Jan 1, 2026 • 52min
Holiday Listening: Nerida's nudibranchs, sea dragons and siphonophores
In this fascinating chat, Dr. Nerida Wilson, a marine molecular biologist from the Western Australian Museum, dives into the wonders of deep-sea life. She shares her awe-inspiring first sighting of a nudibranch and reveals their stunning diversity and unique adaptations. Discover the enchanting sea dragons with their camouflaging leafy appendages and learn how AI is being used to monitor their populations. Nerida also recounts her thrilling expeditions into the Ningaloo Canyons, including spotting a colossal siphonophore and exploring the depths with cutting-edge ROV technology.
Dec 31, 2025 • 52min
Holiday Listening: Lee Berger, the real-life Indiana Jones, and the Case of the Lost Hominids
Lee Berger, a groundbreaking paleoanthropologist known for his major fossil discoveries, shares his thrilling journey in the field. He reflects on his humble beginnings in rural Georgia and the unexpected finds that reshaped our understanding of human evolution, including the jawbone of a new species discovered by his son. Berger also reveals the extraordinary Rising Star cave exploration, where they unearthed Homo naledi, challenging long-standing beliefs about what it means to be human. His passion for exploration and the intersection of science and media inspires throughout the conversation.
