Conversations

Brigitte Muir is a renowned mountaineer who made history by climbing the tallest peaks on all seven continents. In this conversation, she shares her exhilarating journey, from her roots in Belgium to facing life-and-death challenges on Everest. Brigitte discusses the emotional toll of loss and the strength she discovered within herself. She also reflects on the unique culture of the Himalayas and her efforts to empower women in Nepal. Her adventures reveal not just the beauty of nature, but profound lessons in resilience and community.

David Whyte, a renowned poet and philosopher, shares insights from his rich journey in poetry, deeply influenced by his Irish roots and early experiences. He emphasizes how a single line of poetry can transform lives, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness in our everyday moments. Whyte reflects on a near-death experience in the Galapagos, which illuminated his understanding of life and vulnerability. The discussion explores how poetry navigates emotions, captures the essence of human connections, and facilitates personal growth through artistic expression.

Dannielle Miller, CEO of Enlighten Education and advocate for at-risk youth, shares her remarkable journey from fearful novice teacher to trusted mentor. She discusses her childhood experiences with domestic abuse, shaping her resilience and approach to teaching. The impact of societal pressures on teenagers, especially girls, is examined, along with the importance of creating safe environments and understanding their unique struggles. Dannielle also addresses the urgent need for improvements in school facilities, highlighting how overlooked issues affect student well-being.

Clare Wright, a Professor of History at La Trobe University and author of "Naku Daruk: The Bark Petitions," dives into a little-known yet pivotal moment in Australian democracy. She shares her experiences living in the Yolngu community and uncovers the significance of the Bark Petitions, where Yolngu people asserted their custodianship over their land through art and language. Clare highlights the transformative effects these petitions had on Indigenous rights, revealing a profound cultural and political awakening that reshaped the narrative of democracy in Australia.

Jimmy Webb, a legendary singer-songwriter known for classics like "Wichita Lineman" and "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," shares his journey from a poor preacher's kid in Oklahoma to a musical icon. He reflects on how his upbringing shaped his artistry, his humorous anecdotes about songwriting mishaps, and the personal losses that fueled his creativity. Webb also discusses the joy of collaboration with legends and the fascinating nuances of songwriting, emphasizing that imperfections can enhance a song's character.

Linda Peake, author of "Malta, A Childhood Under Siege," shares her mother Margaret's harrowing stories of survival during WWII. They discuss the brutal two-year siege of Malta, where food scarcity and relentless bombings marked daily life. Linda reflects on the psychological impacts of war, weaving personal anecdotes with historical context. The vibrant beauty of Malta contrasts sharply with its wartime trauma, as stories of resilience and creativity emerge amidst chaos. Fascinating insights ensure listeners grasp the depth of human spirit in the face of adversity.

Volcanologist Teresa Ubide opens volcanoes up from the outside, like a doll's house, searching for tiny crystal balls to help her predict when the next eruption might occurHumans have always had a complicated relationship with volcanoes — they are striking to look at and create fertile soils for farming, but they can be destructive and deadly.Today, around 10 per cent of the world's population lives within 100km of an active volcano, which means volcanology — the science of studying volcanoes — is becoming increasingly important.Volcanologists like Teresa Ubide, spend their time getting to know the 'personalities' of different volcanoes: how they work, the composition of the magma, the likelihood of eruption, and how spectacular that explosion of lava could be.When Teresa was a little girl, a teacher opened her imagination up to what she calls the 'guts of a volcano' and today, as an Australian Research Council Future Fellow and a lecturer at the University of Queensland, she travels the world visiting volcanoes and predicting their future by looking at tiny crystal balls.This episode of Conversations explores natural disasters, Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, La Palma, Stromboli, Spain, Italy, Argentina, copper mining, sustainable mining, electric vehicles, smartphones, geology, magma, exploration, epic history, chemistry.

Warren Brown, an author and cartoonist, shares his thrilling experiences recreating Francis Birtles' iconic 1927 car journey from London to Melbourne. He details their challenges through 80 countries in a vintage Bean car, including humorous encounters in Saudi Arabia and navigating the unpredictable climates of Europe. Warren reflects on the stunning landscapes of Egypt, the unexpected fame they gained, and the historical significance of their travels. His anecdotes highlight a captivating blend of adventure, culture, and resilience.

Nazeem Hussain, an acclaimed comedian, writer, and actor, dives into his journey from a childhood grappling with bullying to becoming an international comedy sensation. He shares how his mother’s resilience shaped his humor and the impact of his Sri Lankan heritage on his comedy. Nazeem reflects on the challenges of fatherhood, navigating media representation, and the shift in societal attitudes following 9/11. With hilarious anecdotes, he explores the intersection of race, identity, and the joy of making his children laugh.

Eileen Ormsby, a lawyer turned investigative journalist, dives deep into the dark web's underbelly. She shares her journey from curiosity about The Silk Road to uncovering the shocking realities of drug trafficking and hitman scams. Eileen discusses the structured nature of illicit marketplaces and the complexities of addiction intertwined with law enforcement challenges. Her gripping investigation reveals the dangers of manipulation, as seen in the tragic betrayal of Amy Allwine, while dispelling myths about dark web criminality.