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
9 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 52min
AFL star Zach Tuohy on his silent struggles as a young father and life after footy
Zach Tuohy, an AFL star from Ireland who played for Carlton and Geelong, opens up about his journey from teen athlete to first-time father. He shares the unexpected challenges he faced while balancing his burgeoning sports career and family life, often feeling isolated. Zach also reflects on the emotional journey leading up to significant victories and the complexities of transitioning to life after footy. With candid insights, he emphasizes the often unspoken struggles of early fatherhood and the quest to find purpose beyond the sport.
8 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 47min
Encore: Janty Blair is the BMW of standup comics
Janty Blair, a Butchulla, Mununjhali, and Woppaburra woman, is a nurse, midwife, and comedian who discovered her talent for comedy later in life. She shares her transformative journey from a serious childhood influenced by military life to finding her funny bone after a serendipitous Bumble date. Janty discusses the joy of pursuing her passion for stand-up, the importance of family support, and how her unique cultural identity shapes her humor. She also reflects on motherhood and the intergenerational wisdom that inspires her comedic voice.
Jul 10, 2025 • 53min
Leah Purcell's meteoric rise, from the Murgon meatworks to centre stage
Leah Purcell, an acclaimed actor, playwright, and director, shares her inspiring journey from a small Queensland town to the heights of the performing arts. She reflects on her upbringing with her mother and the impact of her family's history on her identity. Leah recounts the transformative moment when a push from her boss at the meatworks led her to pursue her passion. She also discusses the emotional depth behind her successful works like 'Box the Pony' and 'The Drover's Wife,' highlighting themes of resilience, storytelling, and cultural heritage.
Jul 9, 2025 • 51min
How a boy from Balmain made caring cool
In this engaging conversation, Jack Manning Bancroft, a Bundjalung man and founder of AIME, shares his transformative journey from Balmain to reconnecting with his heritage. He reflects on childhood pressures, the importance of mentoring, and how he turned sports into a path for self-identity. Jack discusses the challenges of advocating for change and the innovative ideas of organizational lifespan, urging listeners to embrace imagination and foster understanding across cultures. His story is a compelling testament to resilience and community connection.
5 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 46min
A family secret unearths connection to country
Yvonne Orley, a Kamilaroi woman who grew up in Aboriginal missions, shares her journey of self-discovery and her commitment to supporting adults with mental disabilities. She reveals how family secrets shaped her identity and the significance of her heritage. Yvonne reflects on her nursing career during the AIDS crisis and the challenges of balancing family life while embracing her cultural roots. Her story is a powerful exploration of resilience, community, and the deep bonds that connect us to our history and each other.
Jul 4, 2025 • 52min
Encore: Love, jail, Jesus, and pubs — a tangled tale of four very different parents
Lech Blaine, author of 'Australian Gospel,' shares his unusual upbringing in Queensland, colored by love and complex family dynamics with four unique parents. He reflects on his childhood marked by joy and sports, overshadowed by the looming presence of his biological parents, religious zealots entangled in legal troubles. The discussion highlights the challenges of foster care, the resilience found in diverse parenting experiences, and how literature has shaped his identity, offering a deep look at the intersection of love, trauma, and family ties.
Jul 3, 2025 • 53min
When a sea change collides with messy midlife
In this engaging discussion, journalist Kate Halfpenny shares her transformative journey after moving to a beachside town during lockdowns. She candidly opens up about navigating perimenopause and coping with her husband’s alcoholism while embracing newfound leisure through boogie boarding. Kate reflects on family complexities, the challenges of being far from loved ones, and the surprising moments of clarity that emerged in her quieter life. This heartfelt conversation intertwines themes of resilience, personal growth, and navigating the messy realities of midlife.
Jul 2, 2025 • 51min
Hannah vs Disney, Lizzo and Beyonce
Hannah Diviney, a trailblazing writer, actress, and advocate for disability representation, made history as the first person with a disability to film a sex scene for Australian television. She shares her journey, detailing her early experiences with cerebral palsy and the importance of representation. Hannah went viral for confronting Lizzo and Beyonce about ableist language in their lyrics, sparking a conversation about accountability in pop culture. She also highlights her advocacy efforts, including a petition to Disney for a wheelchair-using princess, showcasing the power of storytelling in inclusion.
Jul 1, 2025 • 53min
Purity, hypnosis and hiding — how a gay teen survived Opus Dei
Tim Pocock, a Hollywood actor known for roles in Dance Academy and X-Men Origins: Wolverine, shares his harrowing journey growing up gay in the conservative environment of Opus Dei. He reveals how he was manipulated into gay conversion therapy by his devout mother. Tim candidly discusses the bullying he faced, the limitations of Opus Dei education on sexuality, and his struggles with identity and acceptance. After his mother's death, he finally embraced his true self, finding empowerment in acting and advocating for change in attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community.
Jun 27, 2025 • 50min
Encore: my three fathers
In this engaging conversation, Ann Patchett, an acclaimed novelist and Nashville bookstore owner, shares her unique perspective shaped by her three father figures, each offering invaluable lessons in strength and acceptance. She reflects on a transformative year without shopping, revealing the deeper meanings behind materialism. With humor, she recounts her encounters with invisibility, explores the complexities of family dynamics, and highlights the power of friendships, all while weaving in her upcoming book about legacy and life’s profound stories.
