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 25, 2025 • 49min
Holiday Listening: David Bindi Hudson on playing his didgeridoo at the Taj Mahal
David Bindi Hudson, a Western Yalanji and Ewamian artist and didgeridoo player, shares his remarkable journey from his beginnings at the Mona Mona mission to performing at iconic locations like the Taj Mahal. He discusses the significance of his name, Bindi, which means 'always looking forward,' and how he overcame a childhood stutter through music. David also recounts humorous anecdotes about his early career, including a unique dinner with Marlon Brando and the cultural impact of Indigenous Australian art. His insights reveal the deep connections between traditional culture and modern performance.
Dec 24, 2025 • 51min
Holiday Listening: Learning from the mighty matriarchs of the animal kingdom
Anna Walraven, a former senior curator and zookeeper at Taronga Zoo, shares her fascinating journey from the Netherlands to Australia. She reveals the challenges of being one of the first female zookeepers amidst workplace sexism and pranks. Anna highlights the complex social structures of bonobos and their matriarchal society, explores animal mating behaviors, and discusses the wisdom of older female animals. She also reflects on her family's WWII experiences and the emotional ties between humans and animals, offering a unique perspective on life and nature.
Dec 19, 2025 • 53min
Best of 2025: Mike Doleman on surving the Blythe Star
Mick Dolman, a seafarer and survivor of the 1973 Blythe Star shipwreck, shares his harrowing experience of survival in the Southern Ocean. He recounts the captain's dubious decisions and the ship's dangerous state before sinking. Stranded in a life raft, Mick highlights the challenges of limited rations and harsh weather, including a tragic death among the crew. He discusses the subsequent inquiry which revealed major safety failures and reflects on his journey towards advocating for maritime safety reforms.
15 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 54min
Best of 2025: How I became a brainwashed cult bride
Liz Cameron, author of *Cult Bride*, shares her harrowing story of being groomed into the JMS cult at just 18. She recounts her initial encounters with recruiters, who lured her in with attention and love-bombing. As her involvement deepened, she faced isolation, sleep deprivation, and manipulation. Liz highlights her struggle with eating disorders and the eventual medical intervention that led to her escape. Now in recovery, she emphasizes the importance of speaking out against cults and the profound impact of her journey.
Dec 17, 2025 • 52min
Best of 2025: The young boat builder who rowed across the Pacific
Tom Robinson, a young boat builder and adventurer, shares his incredible journey of rowing solo across the Pacific Ocean. At just 14, he vowed to become the youngest person to achieve this feat and meticulously crafted his own boat. Tom discusses navigating by the stars, his encounters with storms and marine life, and the emotional challenges faced at sea. He recounts his gripping rescue after his boat capsized and reflects on the profound experiences of isolation and community on remote islands, ultimately finding closure in his journey.
Dec 16, 2025 • 53min
Best of 2025: Claire Keegan on bravery, writing and the single life
Claire Keegan, an acclaimed Irish author known for her evocative stories set in rural Ireland, shares insights from her unique upbringing on a 50-acre farm. She reflects on the profound lessons learned from piglets about individuality and strong writing. Claire discusses her childhood solitude, the importance of horses in her life, and her decision to embrace independence over traditional marriage. She also explores the moral silence in her novella, Small Things Like These, and how her craft prioritizes impactful storytelling over ornate prose.
Dec 15, 2025 • 52min
Best of 2025: How Vincent Fantauzzo's life was saved by love and painting
Vincent Fantauzzo, an award-winning Australian portrait artist, shares his incredible journey from street-fighting youth to renowned painter. He discusses how art became his escape from a chaotic childhood full of struggles, including dyslexia. Vincent reveals his unconventional entry into art school, the pivotal moment painting Heath Ledger that skyrocketed his career, and the love story with Asher Keddie that transformed his life. He also touches on boxing as a mental health ritual and reflects on the importance of compassion for his younger self.
Dec 12, 2025 • 51min
Encore: the life of Norman Swan
Norman Swan, an Australian physician and renowned broadcaster, reflects on his remarkable journey from Glasgow to becoming a trusted voice during the COVID-19 pandemic. He shares poignant stories of his family's Jewish roots and the name change that shaped his identity. Highlighting his career, he discusses the challenges of being a doctor and a parent, and his unique approach with children facing pandemic fears. Norman emphasizes that pandemics are social and political events, and aims to empower readers by debunking health myths in his latest book.
Dec 11, 2025 • 51min
William McInnes' bittersweet summers — budgie smugglers, boardies and bumming around
William McInnes, an Australian actor and author, shares vivid memories of summers spent in Redcliffe, highlighting the bittersweet nature of these warm seasons. He amusingly recounts his mother's creative wake-up tactics using water pistols and reflects on the joys of beach life and family connections. With nostalgia, he talks about his fashion faux pas in swimwear, the carefree days of childhood, and sentimental moments with his parents that shaped his life. His new book, *It's a Scorcher*, dives deeper into these quintessential Australian experiences.
Dec 10, 2025 • 51min
How living like a Stoic changed my life
Brigid Delaney is a journalist and author known for her works on wellness and Stoicism, including "Reasons Not to Worry." In this discussion, she shares how embracing Stoic philosophy transformed her outlook on life, focusing on meaning over happiness. Brigid emphasizes the importance of accepting what lies beyond our control and practices like journaling, which she credits for emotional steadiness. She also explores how Stoicism prepares us for grief, encourages compassion within limits, and offers practical strategies for living with purpose.
