Conversations

Jimmy Webb, a legendary singer-songwriter known for classics like "Wichita Lineman" and "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," shares his journey from a poor preacher's kid in Oklahoma to a musical icon. He reflects on how his upbringing shaped his artistry, his humorous anecdotes about songwriting mishaps, and the personal losses that fueled his creativity. Webb also discusses the joy of collaboration with legends and the fascinating nuances of songwriting, emphasizing that imperfections can enhance a song's character.

Linda Peake, author of "Malta, A Childhood Under Siege," shares her mother Margaret's harrowing stories of survival during WWII. They discuss the brutal two-year siege of Malta, where food scarcity and relentless bombings marked daily life. Linda reflects on the psychological impacts of war, weaving personal anecdotes with historical context. The vibrant beauty of Malta contrasts sharply with its wartime trauma, as stories of resilience and creativity emerge amidst chaos. Fascinating insights ensure listeners grasp the depth of human spirit in the face of adversity.

Volcanologist Teresa Ubide opens volcanoes up from the outside, like a doll's house, searching for tiny crystal balls to help her predict when the next eruption might occurHumans have always had a complicated relationship with volcanoes — they are striking to look at and create fertile soils for farming, but they can be destructive and deadly.Today, around 10 per cent of the world's population lives within 100km of an active volcano, which means volcanology — the science of studying volcanoes — is becoming increasingly important.Volcanologists like Teresa Ubide, spend their time getting to know the 'personalities' of different volcanoes: how they work, the composition of the magma, the likelihood of eruption, and how spectacular that explosion of lava could be.When Teresa was a little girl, a teacher opened her imagination up to what she calls the 'guts of a volcano' and today, as an Australian Research Council Future Fellow and a lecturer at the University of Queensland, she travels the world visiting volcanoes and predicting their future by looking at tiny crystal balls.This episode of Conversations explores natural disasters, Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, La Palma, Stromboli, Spain, Italy, Argentina, copper mining, sustainable mining, electric vehicles, smartphones, geology, magma, exploration, epic history, chemistry.

Warren Brown, an author and cartoonist, shares his thrilling experiences recreating Francis Birtles' iconic 1927 car journey from London to Melbourne. He details their challenges through 80 countries in a vintage Bean car, including humorous encounters in Saudi Arabia and navigating the unpredictable climates of Europe. Warren reflects on the stunning landscapes of Egypt, the unexpected fame they gained, and the historical significance of their travels. His anecdotes highlight a captivating blend of adventure, culture, and resilience.

Nazeem Hussain, an acclaimed comedian, writer, and actor, dives into his journey from a childhood grappling with bullying to becoming an international comedy sensation. He shares how his mother’s resilience shaped his humor and the impact of his Sri Lankan heritage on his comedy. Nazeem reflects on the challenges of fatherhood, navigating media representation, and the shift in societal attitudes following 9/11. With hilarious anecdotes, he explores the intersection of race, identity, and the joy of making his children laugh.

Eileen Ormsby, a lawyer turned investigative journalist, dives deep into the dark web's underbelly. She shares her journey from curiosity about The Silk Road to uncovering the shocking realities of drug trafficking and hitman scams. Eileen discusses the structured nature of illicit marketplaces and the complexities of addiction intertwined with law enforcement challenges. Her gripping investigation reveals the dangers of manipulation, as seen in the tragic betrayal of Amy Allwine, while dispelling myths about dark web criminality.

Hedley Thomas, an award-winning journalist known for his true crime investigations, shares the harrowing story of his grandmother Gladys, who vanished in the 1950s. This personal tragedy fueled his passion for journalism, leading to his acclaimed podcast on Lynne Dawson's mysterious disappearance. Hedley reveals the shooting incident that nearly claimed his life and the emotional aftermath it caused. He reflects on family secrets, the evolution of investigative journalism, and the relentless pursuit of justice for victims of femicide and domestic violence.

Lucinda Light, a Reality TV star known for her heartwarming charm on 'Married At First Sight', shares her transformative journey through love and relationships. From running a speed dating company to embracing her creative side, she reflects on the complexities of modern dating and her adventures leading a tour. Lucinda also discusses her experiences with ADHD, her pursuit of authentic connections, and the evolution of her identity after the show. Her upcoming book promises to delve deeper into these themes, making the search for love even more compelling.

Mark Balla, a former Lonely Planet writer turned passionate sanitation advocate, recounts his life-changing encounter with two young men in a Mumbai slum. This meeting ignited his mission to address the dire lack of toilet facilities faced by millions, particularly impacting women and girls. He shares heart-wrenching stories from schools struggling with sanitation issues and illustrates how these challenges intertwine with education and health. Mark's journey has not only earned him the title 'Toilet Warrior' but has galvanized efforts to transform sanitation access worldwide.

Belinda Probert, author of "Bill's Secrets," uncovers the hidden past of her father, a decorated English war hero. The conversation reveals shocking family secrets about his identity as Roy and his life as a spy for British intelligence post-war. Belinda shares poignant memories of her complex relationship with him and how World War II shaped their family dynamics. They explore themes of classism, identity, and the quiet echoes of war, painting a vivid picture of resilience and transformation in the face of obscured legacies.