Conversations
ABC
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
Nov 4, 2025 • 0sec
The drama and the grit behind Michelle Payne's ride into Melbourne Cup history
Michelle Payne, a groundbreaking jockey and author of *Ride On*, shares her inspiring journey as the first woman to win the Melbourne Cup. She reflects on the struggles of growing up in a large family after losing her mother young, and the bond she shared with her brother Stevie. The conversation dives into her rigorous training, the mental hurdles of racing, and the aftermath of her historic win. Michelle opens up about recovery from severe injuries and the importance of horse welfare, all while celebrating resilience and family amidst life's challenges.
Oct 31, 2025 • 53min
Encore: The story of a wild, radical feminist socialist lesbian mum, and her son
Ianto Ware, a writer and author of 'Mother and I', shares his extraordinary childhood in Adelaide with his radical feminist lesbian mother, Dimity. He recounts their adventurous family trips in a quirky camper van, detailing the lessons learned from camping mishaps and the beauty of their wild garden sanctuary. Ianto discusses the challenges of single motherhood in the 70s, the stigma they faced, and the deep emotional bond they forged as an only child. His moving reflections on loss, resilience, and his mother's vibrant spirit provide a poignant tribute to her legacy.
Oct 30, 2025 • 53min
How Paris helped this aerospace engineer survive anorexia
Kate Reid, founder of Lune Croissanterie and former aerospace engineer, shares her captivating journey from Formula One to baking. She discusses the challenges of her career, battling anorexia, and the turning point a library book about Paris provided. Kate highlights how her time in a Paris boulangerie reinvigorated her passion for food, paralleling her engineering background with pastry-making. Her croissants, meticulously developed through a scientific lens, now form the heart of a thriving business, illustrating her transformation and resilience.
Oct 29, 2025 • 0sec
The strange tale of the artist who stole 3000 butterflies
Walter Marsh, an Australian historian and author of The Butterfly Thief, unravels the bizarre story of Colin Wyatt—a ski champion and wartime camouflage expert turned gentleman thief. In the 1940s, Wyatt masterminded the heist of over 3,000 rare butterfly specimens from Australian museums. Marsh discusses the significance of holotypes, explains why butterflies are vital environmental indicators, and explores Wyatt's obsession with collecting. The conversation highlights museum security, scientific integrity, and the legal aftermath of this grand theft.
Oct 28, 2025 • 53min
Why this humanitarian doctor swapped Byron Bay for a war zone and what happened next
Katie Treble is a humanitarian doctor and author who traded the tranquility of Byron Bay for the intensity of working with Médecins Sans Frontières in the Central African Republic. She shares gripping insights into the desperate medical needs amid civil war and the profound impact her colleagues had on her. Katie discusses her realities of mass casualty planning, adapting treatment in extreme scarcity, and the emotional toll of working in a conflict zone. Now pursuing psychiatry, she emphasizes the healing power of MDMA therapy for trauma.
Oct 24, 2025 • 0sec
Encore: Aaron Fa’Aoso on his mistakes, heartaches, and lucky breaks
Aaron Fa’Aoso, a Torres Strait Islander actor, director, and producer, shares his remarkable journey from a dinghy ride to his first audition to becoming a TV star. He opens up about facing loss early in life, the impact of toxic relationships, and navigating domestic violence. His experiences fueled his creativity and led to pivotal roles in shows like Remote Area Nurse. Aaron also reflects on therapy's role in finding peace, the joys of fatherhood, and the significance of cultural roots tied to Cape York.
Oct 23, 2025 • 53min
‘Maximalist power queen’ Em Rusciano on the diagnoses that revealed her
Em Rusciano, a multi-talented performer and comedian known for her career on Australian Idol, shares her journey of late diagnoses of ADHD and autism. She opens up about the challenges of navigating perimenopause and parenting while embracing her neurodivergent identity. Em discusses her pivot to podcasting during the COVID lockdowns and reflects on the impact of her diagnoses on her self-perception. Additionally, she talks about her book, Blood, Sweat and Glitter, revealing how these experiences have shaped her creative expression and advocacy for neurodivergent children.
13 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 53min
Telling the future and the past through the palm
Alison Bashford, a history professor at UNSW and author of "Decoding the Hand," delves into the fascinating history of palmistry and its scientific counterparts. She shares a captivating story about discovering a gorilla's handprint that ignited her research. The conversation covers the psychology of handprints, ancient beliefs linking hands to character, and the intriguing connections between palmistry and astrology. Bashford also reveals how 19th-century hand readings intertwined with social identities and examines the rise of celebrity palmists.
Oct 21, 2025 • 51min
Cakes, Ottolenghi and the Fire Horse child
Helen Goh, a pastry chef and trained psychologist, shares her unique journey as co-author with Yotam Ottolenghi. She dives into her childhood memories of Malaysian desserts, immigrant experiences, and the cultural nuances of baking. Helen discusses the unexpected intersection of psychology and pastry, like how baking serves as a nurturing tool in child development. She reflects on her impressive culinary training and the emotional depth behind why we bake, revealing how food becomes a heartfelt expression of care in our lives.
Oct 17, 2025 • 0sec
Encore: Wendy Harmer on overcoming her fractured childhood
Wendy Harmer, a renowned Australian comedian and broadcaster, shares her compelling journey from a fractured childhood to success. She speaks candidly about overcoming the stigma of a facial disfigurement and facing childhood bullying, discovering her passion for journalism, and ultimately pivoting to comedy. Wendy reflects on the emotional impact of her tumultuous family life, the creative outlets that shaped her, and how she found stability in her marriage. Her story highlights resilience and the transformative power of humor, all detailed in her memoir.
