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
15 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 53min
The family secret that inspired 'The Teacher's Pet'
Hedley Thomas, an award-winning journalist known for his true crime investigations, shares the harrowing story of his grandmother Gladys, who vanished in the 1950s. This personal tragedy fueled his passion for journalism, leading to his acclaimed podcast on Lynne Dawson's mysterious disappearance. Hedley reveals the shooting incident that nearly claimed his life and the emotional aftermath it caused. He reflects on family secrets, the evolution of investigative journalism, and the relentless pursuit of justice for victims of femicide and domestic violence.
Feb 4, 2025 • 44min
Lucinda Light on MAFS, living with ADHD, and her search for love
Lucinda Light, a Reality TV star known for her heartwarming charm on 'Married At First Sight', shares her transformative journey through love and relationships. From running a speed dating company to embracing her creative side, she reflects on the complexities of modern dating and her adventures leading a tour. Lucinda also discusses her experiences with ADHD, her pursuit of authentic connections, and the evolution of her identity after the show. Her upcoming book promises to delve deeper into these themes, making the search for love even more compelling.
Jan 31, 2025 • 52min
Encore: The Toilet Warrior's origin story
Mark Balla, a former Lonely Planet writer turned passionate sanitation advocate, recounts his life-changing encounter with two young men in a Mumbai slum. This meeting ignited his mission to address the dire lack of toilet facilities faced by millions, particularly impacting women and girls. He shares heart-wrenching stories from schools struggling with sanitation issues and illustrates how these challenges intertwine with education and health. Mark's journey has not only earned him the title 'Toilet Warrior' but has galvanized efforts to transform sanitation access worldwide.
Jan 30, 2025 • 53min
The spy who kept secrets for the self-made man
Belinda Probert, author of "Bill's Secrets," uncovers the hidden past of her father, a decorated English war hero. The conversation reveals shocking family secrets about his identity as Roy and his life as a spy for British intelligence post-war. Belinda shares poignant memories of her complex relationship with him and how World War II shaped their family dynamics. They explore themes of classism, identity, and the quiet echoes of war, painting a vivid picture of resilience and transformation in the face of obscured legacies.
Jan 29, 2025 • 50min
Dressing drag queens in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
Tim Chappel, an Oscar-winning costume designer, shares his fascinating journey from a military childhood to the glitzy world of fashion. He recounts discovering French Vogue at 14, which shifted his focus from botany to costume design. Chappel discusses his early days crafting drag queen outfits and the challenges of creating iconic costumes for 'Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.' He reflects on the film's cultural impact on LGBTQ rights and shares memorable moments from the Oscars, revealing how costumes enhance storytelling and confidence.
Jan 28, 2025 • 53min
Singing as 'sweet relief' — Meg Washington on stuttering, spirituality and song
Meg Washington, an award-winning Australian singer-songwriter, shares her inspiring journey of overcoming a childhood stutter. She reveals how singing transformed from a therapy into a thrilling form of expression. After opening up about her stutter in a TEDx Talk, she discovered new opportunities, such as voicing Calypso in 'Bluey'. Meg also discusses her creative partnership with her husband in adapting Paul Kelly's 'How To Make Gravy' into a film, and the profound role music has played in her life, community, and personal liberation.
Jan 24, 2025 • 53min
Encore: From Yugoslavia to Australia — Jelena Dokic on tennis and the truth
Jelena Dokic, a renowned tennis champion and author, shares her profound journey from being a young refugee to a celebrated athlete. She discusses the dark realities of her childhood, including the abuse she faced from her father during her rise to fame. The conversation delves into confronting body shaming and the challenges of disordered eating under public scrutiny. Jelena also reflects on her growth towards self-acceptance and healing, revealing how past traumas shaped her identity and aspirations in both tennis and life.
Jan 23, 2025 • 51min
How a teen father used the local skate park to change the world
Jayden Sheridan, a young father from regional Victoria, transformed his passion for skateboarding into a powerful community initiative called Gnarly Neighbours. He shares how his difficult upbringing, marked by homelessness and violence, fueled his desire for a better life for his son. They discuss the healing power of skate parks and the importance of mentorship for troubled youth. Jayden emphasizes how skateboarding became a refuge, fostering connection and resilience in his community while helping kids find their own paths amidst adversity.
Jan 22, 2025 • 54min
43 carolling magpies, CPR on a blue tongue lizard and Claire's animal ambulance
Claire Smith, the 2025 Queensland Local Hero and founder of the state’s first kangaroo hospital, shares her incredible journey from the UK to wildlife rescue in Australia. She recalls her first encounter with the carolling magpie that ignited her passion. Claire discusses the challenges of nighttime rescues, the physiological stress of injured kangaroos, and her experiences caring for a circus of baby animals, including 43 birds in her garage. Her dedication shines through as she highlights the importance of a 24-hour wildlife rescue service.
Jan 21, 2025 • 53min
Bite Club: Surviving a shark attack, and the aftermath
Dave Pearson, founder of Bite Club, survived a harrowing shark attack in 2011 while surfing. He shares his gripping story of survival and the unexpected mental health challenges that followed. The conversation dives into the emotional journey of recovery, the importance of community support, and the haunting aftermath of trauma. Dave emphasizes resilience, recounts vivid memories of childhood surfing, and discusses how he turned his experience into a support network for fellow survivors, highlighting the profound benefits of sharing and healing together.
