Conversations

Ten years ago, Sydney-based artist HOSSEI took a step back from the art world to care for his sick mother. The more time they spent together, the more inspired HOSSEI became to create something especially for, about, and starring his mum.HOSSEI is an artist with a flair for colour, quirk and unbridled joy.But growing up the only son of a Persian-Australian family, it took years of hard work to convince his parents that being an artist was his destiny.HOSSEI's mother, Nahid, came around first, getting her sewing machine out to help her son make his incredible costumes.Then, it was HOSSEI's turn to support his mum, who needed a carer as her health deteriorated.As they spent more and more time together, HOSSEI was inspired to write a musical for, about and starring his cheeky, charismatic mother.The project is personal, but also has a political edge -- women in Iran aren't allowed to freely sing, dance or play music -- and so HOSSEI put his mother centre stage.Further informationRecently, HOSSEI was commissioned by Parramatta Artist Studios to update their uniform in connection with Wear it Purple Day.He has also been commissioned by the Sydney Opera House to develop a play space for the Centre for Creativity, which will be presented in January 2026.HOSSEI is currently touring his show ESSSENSSSE through regional NSW, at Bathurst Regional Gallery, Yarrila Arts and Museum in Coffs Harbour and later to Wagga Wagga Art Gallery.You can keep up to date with HOSSEI's exhibitions and news at his Instagram page.This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris and presented by Richard Fidler, executive producer is Nicola Harrison.It explores visual arts, performing arts, becoming an artist, how to be an artist, carers, caring for parents, the sandwich generation, Persia, Iran, womens rights, feminism, musical theatre, experimental art, Western Sydney, Sydney College of the Arts, university, TAFE, tertiary education, what to do after high school, graduation, Istanbul, migration, war, escape, family dynamics, sisters, kidnapping.To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

Hollywood actor Alan Alda has devoted his life to science, by taking his acting and communication skills off the screen and into the laboratory. Alan grew up in a show business family and spent his childhood touring with a burlesque show run by his parents.He eventually made a name for himself in showbiz, becoming well-known and much-loved for his performances in M.A.S.H. and The West Wing, as well as his roles in many Hollywood films.Alan is also famous for his love of science.He wrote Dear Albert for the stage, based on the love letters of Albert Einstein, which reveal Einstein as a beautifully passionate man.Alan has used his acting for the good of science by teaching communication skills to scientists so they might make their work better known and better understood.Further informationThis interview was first broadcast in December 2016.2025 update:  Alan has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but he says he’s managing it well.  Alan is still working occasionally, most recently in the TV remake of his 1981 film ‘The Four Seasons’.You can read all about the Conversations origin story on the ABC News website.This episode of Conversations explores science, science communication, MASH, television, Hollywood, silver screen, acting, show biz families, family business, Vietnam, origin stories, memoir.To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

Growing up south of Sydney as one of six boys, midwifery wasn't the occupation Christian Wright expected for himself. At the age of nine, he experienced a vision that gave him a sense of his future in a life of service.As a qualified midwife, Christian spent time in the tiny town of Nhulunbuy, right on the tip of the Northern Territory.He worked with Yolŋu women of remote Arnhem Land to help them birth their babies.Further informationThis interview was first broadcast in March 2021.2025 update: Several years ago, Christian married his beloved, Caroline in Gove.On the first day of their honeymoon, as they were driving up the track, their troop carrier rolled.Christian's spine was broken, and he was airlifted to Royal Adelaide Hospital, where the doctors feared that he might not walk again.Christian went back to work within six months of the accident and has since worked in the NT and Papua New Guinea.He and Caroline now have a baby boy.Discover more about Christian's research on pregnancy and childbirth.Discover the Djakamirr program, training doulas to help Yolŋu women give birth on their own country.Christian also recommends the book Why Warriors Lie Down and Die by Richard Trudgen as a valuable resource on Indigenous Australia.You can hear Richard's full conversation with Nigel Newton on the ABC Listen App or wherever you get your podcasts.https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/publisher-nigel-newton-on-harnessing-the-harry-potter-effect/7788834You can read all about the Conversations origin story on the ABC News website.https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-03/richard-fidler-reflects-on-20-years-of-conversations/105495784

Music was always in Mike Chapman’s blood. As a boy, he collected bottles at the Brisbane showgrounds and traded them for money, which he saved to buy his first guitar. In his career he has penned electrifying numbers for The Sweet, The Knack and Pat Benatar.In the history of '70s and '80s rock music, he is one of the least known, but most influential people.As a young man, he moved to the UK, hoping to become a rock and roll star.In the US, Mike produced Blondie's classic album, Parallel Lines, which sold more than 20 million copies.Mike continues to write and produce music all over the world.Further information2025 update: a documentary about Mike is in production, called ‘Simply the Best: The Mike Chapman Story’.This episode was originally broadcast in July 2011.Songs edited for podcast.Sunday Girl performed by BlondieHanging on the Telephone performed by BlondieBallroom Blitz performed by The SweetStumblin' In performed by Suzi Quatro and Chris NormanMy Sharona performed by The KnackStandout story – Brenda BlethynHear Richard’s conversation with Brenda Blethyn.https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/stage-and-screen-actor-brenda-blethyn/7823938We have many people to thank for their work and support over the years, including our colleagues at ABC Local Radio, Radio National, and Radio Australia.Huge thanks to James O’Loughlin, Steve Cannane, Ann Jones, Ellen Fanning, David Bush, Cathy Van Extel, Scott Stephens, Steve Austin, Hamish Macdonald, Patrick Abboud, Wesley Enoch, Charlie King, Lisa Leong,  Sally Sara, Sana Qadar, Rudi Bremer, Tom Hall, Paul Penton, Robert Apolloni, Steve Fieldhouse, David White, Peter Scott, David Le May, Steven Tilley, Timothy Nicastri, Roi Huberman, Ellis Fitzpatrick, Emrys Cronin, Craig Tilmouth, Matt Hiley, Geoff Cavanagh, Michael Mason, Warwick Tiernan, James O’Brien, Judith Whelan, Jen Brennan, Cath Dwyer, Ben Latimer, Jess Radburn, Anthony Frangi, Justine Kelly, Monique Bowley, Eric George, Brigit Berger, Alison Barclay, Mateuse Pingol, Lilly Cooper, Jade Tully, Anna Priestland, Michaela Perske, Rebecca Levingston, Georgia Bateman, Renee Krosch, Joey Watson, Michael Dulaney, Jenna Koda, Cate Carrigan, Rebecca Armstrong, Rosa Ellen, Stef Collett, Nick King, Lisa Pellegrino, Sajarn Stow, Sinead Lee, Kim Lester, Evan Williams, Katie O’Neill, Eliza Kirsch, Tamar Cranswick, Rebecca McLaren, Michael Hartt, Fiona Purcell, Jen Leake, Michelle Ransom-Hughes, Alice Moldovan, Meggie Morris, Nicola Harrison, Kellie Riordan, Pam O’Brien and Carmel Rooney.  You can read all about the Conversations origin story on the ABC News website.https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-03/richard-fidler-reflects-on-20-years-of-conversations/105495784This episode of Conversations touches on music, songwriting, simply the best, rock 'n' roll, albums, music producer, Nambour, Sunshine Coast, recording studios, Debbie Harry and top ten hit songs.To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

Michael Ware witnessed some of the most violent battles in Baghdad; and was kidnapped three times.He was one of the few Western journalists to live full-time in Iraq during the war, embedded with U.S. forces, insurgents, and terrorists. Leaving the war zone and resettling in Brisbane, Michael has had to 'consciously attempt to reclaim his life'.Further informationOriginally broadcast July 2012.Content warning: This interview contains distressing content. Please listen with care.Michael released a film in 2015, Only The Dead, based on more than 250 hours of his personal footage from the front lines. If you need help, you can call Open Arms, 24-hour crisis support for Veterans and their families on 1800 011 046https://www.openarms.gov.au/Or you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.https://www.lifeline.org.au/This episode was produced by Michelle Ransom-Hughes. The Executive Producer was Pam O'Brien. Carmel Rooney is the Executive Producer of the 20th Anniversary Collection.You can read all about the Conversations origin story on the ABC News website.https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-03/richard-fidler-reflects-on-20-years-of-conversations/105495784This episode of Conversations touches on Saddam Hussein, ISIS, IS, Islamic State, embedding, Australian Defence Force, ADF, Baghdad bad boys and Al-Qaida.To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

Donna Duggan, the Director of Maasai Wanderings and Nasikia Camps, shares her inspiring journey of love and loss in Tanzania. She recounts how a dream nanny job led her to Africa, where she fell for local man, Nas. Together, they built a safari business focused on community support. The conversation touches on the challenges of grief after Nas’s tragic plane crash, the intricacies of running a business, and the cultural richness of Tanzania. Donna also highlights heartfelt experiences in wildlife operations and the humor found in safari misunderstandings.

Charles Lomu's gentle and religious life in Tonga with his grandparents showed him the meaning of love. He was on track to being a young, in-demand Rugby League player when grief shook his family, and Charles turned down a dark path.He ended up in periodic detention in jail.Today, the power of barbering is a tool the youth worker uses to steer young men away from the dangerous path he experienced, and to teach them to be men.Further informationOriginally broadcast July 2022.This episode was produced by Alice Moldovan. The executive producer was Carmel Rooney.Standout Story – Colin HayHear Sarah’s conversation with Colin Hay:https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/colin-hay-rpt/10573618You can read all about the Conversations origin story on the ABC News website.https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-03/richard-fidler-reflects-on-20-years-of-conversations/105495784This episode of Conversations touches on pusiaki, barbering, jail, prison, youth detention, Tonga, grandparents, grandparenting, footy, youth work, familial care, periodic detention, barber and hairstyling.To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

Marine ecologist, Pia Winberg learned how useful seaweed could be for gut health and wound healing. One day she was conducting research by herself in her lab when she had a terrible accident.Pia was four-years-old when she moved from her native Sweden to Australia.She always loved the beach and the coastline. As an adult, Pia became fascinated with the scientific properties of seaweed after visiting a Sri Lankan prawn farm using seaweed to bolster the health of the surrounding environment.She became a marine ecologist in Wollongong south of Sydney, looking at the unique ways seaweed could help clean the ocean and help people with various ailments.In 2015 Pia set up her own seaweed farm, on the edge of an alcohol distillery in the town of Nowra.One day she was emptying seaweed extract from a tank when a large section of her scalp was torn away from her head by a machine.The accident could've killed her if she'd fainted. Instead Pia walked 200 metres from the factory to her office, to tell her staff what had happened.Further information2025 update: Pia has now had six reconstruction surgeries, and seaweed gels have played a huge part in her healing.  Pia explains: using Phyaluronic formulations, which we coined to describe seaweed gels that mimic human tissue, has been transformative in my recovery… I am now 90% reconstructed on top.Originally broadcast July 2019.Learn more about Pia's work with seaweed.More information about Australia's unique seaweed species.This episode was produced by Nicola Harrison. The executive producer was Carmel Rooney.This episode of Conversations touches on seaweed, sustainable farming, emergency services, near-fatal accidents, epic life story, origin story, oceans and marine research.Standout story – Bill BaileyHear Richard’s conversation with Bill Bailey:https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/conversations-bill-bailey/8032120You can read all about the Conversations origin story on the ABC News website.https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-03/richard-fidler-reflects-on-20-years-of-conversations/105495784To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

Sarah and Richard give you a sneak peek behind the scenes of the Conversations Live Tour, Brisbane edition.Writer and comedian, Mandy Nolan and Chair of Creative Australia, Quandamooka man Wesley Enoch were two of the special guests who appeared on stage to share some photos close to their heart, and the stories attached to them.Further informationTo see Mandy and Wesley's photos for yourself, head to the ABC Conversations Facebook page.https://www.facebook.com/abcconvos/To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

Mic Whitty, a former RAAF apprentice and IT professional, shares his remarkable journey from homelessness to purpose. After a tumultuous career and a struggle with gambling that led to financial ruin, Mic found redemption while cycling to visit war cemeteries, inspired by his grandfather's diary. He reflects on the challenges of addiction, the importance of vulnerability, and the unique connections he uncovered through his cycling adventures. Mic’s resilience and newfound mission create a touching narrative of hope and exploration.