Conversations

Ji Wallace, a former national champion gymnast and acrobat, shares his inspiring journey from a young trampoline enthusiast in Brisbane to representing Australia at the Olympics. He recounts facing a life-altering injury and the emotional turmoil of being diagnosed with HIV. Ji discusses the thrill of competing for gold and the community support during tough times. He also reflects on his role as a coach, fostering future athletes while embracing love and resilience within the LGBTQ+ community, showing that life's highs and lows can lead to profound new directions.

Duncan McKellar, a psychiatrist and author of a pivotal report that led to a Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, shares his insights on elderly care. He emphasizes the importance of understanding patients' life stories to improve their care experience. The conversation reveals emotional struggles families face, the toxic culture in care facilities, and innovative solutions like values-based recruitment. McKellar also discusses creative approaches in dementia care, including a musical inspired by his experiences, showcasing the transformative power of empathy.

James Earl Jones, a legendary actor known for his iconic voice, shares his inspiring journey from childhood stuttering to becoming a cinema legend. He recounts the pivotal role an English teacher played in his life, enabling his transition from a segregated South to impactful storytelling. The podcast dives into the complexities of identity and activism through roles in 'The Great White Hope' and the cultural significance of 'Doctor Strangelove.' Jones also reflects on voicing beloved characters like Darth Vader and Mufasa, highlighting the emotional depth in his performances.

From sharks with wheels of teeth, to gargantuan sharks like the megalodon, palaeontologist John Long has traced the long and storied history of these oceanic hunters.Sharks and humans have a complicated relationship.We have long considered them monsters and super predators that should be eliminated for our own safety.But sharks are much more than scary and fearsome.The history of this incredible animal stretches back hundreds of millions of years.From sharks with wheels of teeth, to the ascent of the super predators like the megalodon, palaeontologist John Long has traced the long and storied history of these hunters, asking how they've managed to survive extinction despite everything that's been thrown at them.This episode of Conversations explores science, origin stories, ancient history, sharks, palaeontology, the ocean, climate change, megalodon, hunting and predators.

Anita Heiss, an award-winning author and professor, shares her family's rich heritage and the intertwining of love and history in her storytelling. She reflects on her parents' romance against the backdrop of colonial struggles faced by her ancestors. Heiss explores the legacy of Windradyne, a Wiradjuri warrior, and the importance of cultural preservation through language. With a focus on empowering First Nations voices, she reveals her commitment to promoting Indigenous literature, emphasizing the vital role of love stories in shaping Aboriginal experiences.

Gideon Haigh, a seasoned writer, shares his emotional journey after the tragic loss of his brother Jasper in a car accident at 17. He reflects on decades of silence about that night, revealing the transformative power of storytelling in processing grief. Gideon explores the complexities of brotherhood, the effects of family loss, and his struggles with identity. As he navigates his memories, he discusses how writing helps confront pain and preserve cherished memories, showcasing the enduring bond of family amidst sorrow.

Seana Smith, who navigated a complicated childhood marked by her father's struggles with alcohol, shares her powerful journey to sobriety. She reflects on how her upbringing shaped her own drinking habits, revealing poignant moments from her past. Seana discusses her escape from an abusive environment and her academic adventures at Oxford. As a mother, she confronts the emotional challenges tied to alcohol and her father's health issues, ultimately leading her to a life-altering commitment to sobriety and deeper family connections.

Laura Vissaritis, a dog behaviourist with expertise in animal behaviour and human psychology, shares fascinating insights about our four-legged friends. She discusses how understanding dog behavior often starts with modifying human actions. The conversation dives into the deep emotional bond between humans and dogs, their shared 14,000-year journey, and the impacts of viewing dogs as quasi-people. Vissaritis also highlights the consequences of unethical breeding and promotes humane training methods to strengthen the human-animal bond.

Brenda Matthews, a member of the Stolen Generations, shares her courageous journey toward healing alongside her biological mother. She reflects on her childhood filled with both joy and separation, detailing the pain of losing her family to authorities. Their reconnection shines light on the complexities of identity and belonging. Brenda emphasizes the power of storytelling in her healing process and the challenges posed by redacted records that obscure her family's truth. Ultimately, her story is one of resilience, love, and rediscovering roots.

Jack Beaumont, a former fighter pilot turned intelligence operative, shares his thrilling journey from the cockpit to covert missions with France's DGSE. He explores the complex world of espionage, discussing the dual identities spies maintain and the psychological toll of their secretive lives. Jack reflects on his tumultuous Paris childhood and how it shaped his quest for adventure. He candidly addresses the challenges of military life, injuries from high-stakes flying, and the struggles to leave behind the hyper-vigilance instilled by his past.