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
Oct 16, 2025 • 47min
Why these prisoners of war wished they never escaped 'from the bloody train'
Join historian and author Edmund Goldrick, who specializes in the stories of Australian soldiers during WWII, as he uncovers the harrowing journey of escaped POWs in Yugoslavia. They leap from a moving train only to find themselves caught in a web of genocide and political intrigue. Goldrick discusses how one soldier, Ronald Jones, turned double agent to thwart ethnic cleansing plans. The conversation delves into the complicated loyalties of war, the brutality witnessed, and the unexpected moral clarity in chaos.
34 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 52min
QAnon, 15-minute cities and sovereign citizens: Plunging into the world of conspiracy theories
Ariel Bogle, a journalist and author of "Conspiracy Nation," delves into the captivating world of Australian conspiracy theories. She discusses the rise of these beliefs during the pandemic, driven by social disruption and online influence. Ariel explores the intriguing dynamics within groups like QAnon and the sovereign citizen movement, shedding light on personal triggers for belief. She reflects on historical roots of conspiracies like Pizzagate and their chilling real-world implications, revealing how these ideologies take hold and evolve in society.
Oct 14, 2025 • 48min
The Hollywood insider and the murder that changed his famous family
Griffin Dunne, an actor, director, and memoirist, shares his poignant journey through Hollywood and personal tragedy. He recounts the heartbreaking murder of his sister Dominique, which profoundly shook his family's foundations and his own career. Griffin recalls his childhood filled with glamorous parties and brushes with legends like Sean Connery. He reflects on the aftermath of the trial and its impact on his family, and discusses how grief reshaped his life, reigniting his passion for acting through new roles and writing his memoir, The Friday Afternoon Club.
Oct 10, 2025 • 52min
Encore: Ben Lee, the chutzpah mystic, Bondi rock prodigy, Noise Addict
Ben Lee, an Australian musician and teen rock prodigy from Bondi, dives deep into his eclectic journey. He reflects on the groundbreaking moment when seeing Nirvana inspired him to start his band, Noise Addict. Ben shares his experiences at an ashram in India and discusses the profound insights he gained from his ayahuasca ceremonies, emphasizing their dreamlike and transformative nature. He explores the intersection of fame and spirituality, revealing how his artistic pursuits have ultimately guided him back to a grounded life.
Oct 9, 2025 • 52min
How a heroine of Singapore survived jail and torture in WWII
Historian Tom Trumble shares gripping tales of war hero Elizabeth Choy, who bravely resisted Japanese oppression during WWII. He recounts the daring sabotage mission Operation Jaywick, detailing how Australian commandos struck Japanese forces, triggering fierce reprisals. Trumble discusses the harrowing tortures Choy endured in Changi Prison, her relentless spirit, and her refusal to betray fellow resistors. After the war, her remarkable journey of forgiveness and postwar contributions highlight the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.
18 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 53min
The unlikely outback publican of the 'Taj Mahal of the Warrego’
Fran Harding, a former outback publican and author, candidly shares her unexpected journey to running Charleville's famous Korone's Hotel, known as the 'Taj Mahal of the Warrego.' From navigating life with eight kids while learning to pour beers to uncovering the hotel's rich history and the legacy of its founder, Harry Korone, Fran's stories are both entertaining and heartfelt. She reflects on the transformative impact of the 1990 flood, the quirky locals, and her bittersweet memories of motherhood intertwined with her years managing the pub.
Oct 7, 2025 • 52min
Journeying to the Hadal Zone in a two-man submarine
Dr. Todd Bond, a marine ecologist and Deputy Director at the Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre, takes listeners on an exhilarating journey to the mysterious Hadal Zone, over 6,000 meters deep. He shares captivating details about his titanium submersible, the challenges of deep-sea exploration, and the strange, often colorful life forms encountered. Todd also discusses human impacts on these extreme environments, the astonishing behavior of creatures like pufferfish, and the urgency of studying and protecting the ocean's depths before species vanish forever.
14 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 49min
Remembering Dr Jane Goodall's science and her humanity
In a heartfelt tribute, Jane Goodall, the iconic primatologist and conservationist, reminisces about her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees. She explains how her research revealed their complex social behaviors, tool-making abilities, and even their capacity for laughter and grief. Jane shares vivid memories of Gombe National Park and the challenges she faced in gaining the trust of her subjects. She discusses the critical threats to wildlife today, emphasizing the importance of nurturing a sustainable relationship between humans and nature.
15 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 52min
Why you should empower your children to know their human rights
In this enlightening discussion, Paula Gerber, a lecturer at Monash University Law School and a passionate human rights lawyer, shares her journey from childhood visits to courts with her father to advocating for children's legal protections. They delve into the precarious situation of children's rights in Australia, the impact of political leadership on child policy, and the critical need for a cultural shift in respecting children's voices. Paula highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of issues like juvenile justice and advocates for empowering children to know their rights.
Oct 1, 2025 • 52min
The Wiggles, Red Nose Day and baby Bernadette
Paul Field, a musician and former member of The Cockroaches, shares his heartfelt journey through the grief of losing his baby daughter, Bernadette, to SIDS. He discusses how this tragedy inspired the creation of The Wiggles, a beloved band that brings joy to children worldwide. Paul also delves into the support he found through Red Nose Australia and the importance of discussing child loss openly. His story highlights the healing power of music and community in the face of unimaginable loss.
