Conversations
ABC listen
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
Jul 31, 2025 • 53min
Shipwrecked and alone: surviving the Blythe Star
In this engaging conversation, Mick Doleman, a crew member of the ill-fated Blythe Star and co-author of 'Back from the Dead,' shares his gripping survival story after the shipwreck in the Southern Ocean. He recounts the harrowing challenges of being stranded at sea, from chaotic navigation struggles to the desperate fight for survival amid despair and hope. Mick also reflects on his maritime journey, touching on the lessons learned from the disaster and the pressing need for accountability in maritime safety.
Jul 30, 2025 • 52min
Crushing on Aladdin and Nigella Lawson — how Daniel learnt to love himself
Daniel Nour, a writer and journalist from Sydney, shares his journey as the only son of Egyptian migrants grappling with his queer identity. He discusses the pressures of family expectations and the transformative power of acceptance. Nour humorously reflects on life in the Sutherland Shire and his experiences with bullying, cultural norms, and faith, revealing the complexities of being an Arab-Australian. His candid stories explore navigating identity, the joy of embracing one’s true self, and the importance of community and humor on the road to self-discovery.
Jul 29, 2025 • 51min
The walking nun — Sister Clare Nolan on entering the convent and saving lives
Sister Clare Nolan, the former head of nursing at St Vincent's Hospital, shares her inspiring journey from the convent to becoming a 'walking sister' during the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Australia. At just 21, she chose a life of service over societal expectations. Clare discusses her experiences caring for marginalized patients, navigating meetings with diverse groups to tackle stigma, and the profound lessons learned from her early challenges in nursing. Her story is a testament to compassion, resilience, and community healing during a crucial time.
Jul 25, 2025 • 52min
Encore: What does a 'disaster specialist' actually do and how do they survive?
Lucy Easthope, an emergency planner and disaster specialist from the UK, shares her transformative journey inspired by the Hillsborough Disaster. She delves into the emotional realities of working through various crises, from natural disasters to acts of terror. Lucy emphasizes the complexities of victim identification and the importance of empathy in disaster management. The conversation also touches on community resilience after traumatic events and the psychological burdens faced by specialists like her, highlighting the critical yet often overlooked role they play in recovery.
Jul 24, 2025 • 51min
Miss Australia, gangland girlfriend, counsellor and criminal: Felicia Djamirze's story
Felicia Djamirze, a three-time Miss Australia and former drug trafficker, shares her tumultuous life journey from the criminal underworld to becoming a counsellor and women's justice advocate. She recounts her traumatic experiences with domestic violence and a chaotic police raid that changed her life. Felicia reflects on her transformation from a troubled childhood through beauty pageants to her new mission of helping others escape the justice system. Her inspiring story emphasizes resilience, healing, and the power of redemption.
Jul 23, 2025 • 50min
A Dad's mission to save his daughter, and conquer cancer
Matt Dun, a biomedical scientist and co-founder of the charity RUN DIPG, shares his heart-wrenching journey of seeking treatments for his daughter, Josie, who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. He discusses his transition from researching childhood leukemia to focusing on DIPG, the emotional struggles of a parent in crisis, and the solace he found in running. Matt highlights the importance of innovative therapies, fundraising efforts, and creating family traditions that celebrate Josie's memory while fighting for hope and advocacy in the battle against pediatric brain cancer.
Jul 22, 2025 • 52min
Teaching Nina Simone how to love me: a daughter's story
Lisa Simone, daughter of the legendary Nina Simone, shares her unique journey as both an artist and a daughter. She recounts joyful moments of childhood, like singing at the piano with her mother, juxtaposed with the challenges of Nina's erratic behavior and turbulent career. Lisa reflects on their complicated relationship, detailing her path to self-discovery through music and motherhood. She also explores the significance of legacy, personal growth, and the emotional healing that came with reconnecting with her mother later in life.
Jul 18, 2025 • 51min
Encore: The secret world of servos after dark
David Goodwin, author of 'Servo, Tales from the Graveyard Shift', shares his wild stories from working the overnight shift at a service station in Melbourne. He encounters bizarre characters like a man dressed as a giant bee and a blood-covered individual, reflecting the unpredictable nature of nighttime work. David discusses the unusual culture of Australian servos, the chaos of late-night shifts, and the impact of drug use on his experiences. He also ponders the future of servos in the electric age, blending humor with insightful reflections on identity and ambition.
20 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 48min
Dr Rangan Chatterjee on health and healing in a hectic world
Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, a physician and author known for his work in lifestyle medicine, shares insights on the interconnectedness of health and happiness. He discusses the importance of lifestyle choices in managing health crises, revealing how personal experiences, like his son's health challenges, shaped his understanding. Listeners learn about the four pillars of health: food, movement, sleep, and relaxation. Chatterjee also reflects on achieving authentic happiness by aligning values with actions, encouraging a deeper fulfillment beyond fleeting pleasures.
7 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 49min
The hidden corners of Emma's Hong Kong — fishing villages, beaches and ancestral graveyards
Emma Pei Yin, an Australian novelist who grew up in both England and Hong Kong, shares her fascinating journey back to her roots. She reflects on her childhood spent in an ancestral village, away from the neon lights of the city. Emma discusses the cultural richness of her heritage, the weight of familial expectations, and the impact of historical trauma. She candidly explores the horrors of sexual violence during WWII in Hong Kong and the enduring legacy of resistance, offering a deep dive into identity and homecoming in a rapidly changing landscape.
