Conversations

When Helen Garner began following her grandson Amby's under-16s football team, it was a chance to spend more time with her youngest grandchild before he became an adult and she was fascinated by the spectacle. She went along to all the games, and to every training session, shivering on the sidelines at dusk, it also gave Helen a new writing project. As Helen began writing about Amby and his season, she began to realise that part of the story was about the 'ordinary beauty of human society'. This episode of Conversations was produced by Nicola Harrison, the executive producer was Carmel Rooney. It explores growing older, teenagers, playing AFL, training, team sport, AFL, injury, man hood, being a grandma, family, writing, memoir, the culture of sport in Australia, writing, raising boys. 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.

At the very end of World War Two, Australian soldiers were sent to Borneo to dislodge the occupying Japanese Forces. The story of their brutal fighting was largely forgotten by their own compatriots, who never understood why they went in there in the first place. It was one of the largest amphibious landings of the whole war, and what followed was months of brutal fighting on an island that was both a hell and a paradise. The operation was called Operation Oboe, and it was one of the most successful military campaigns Australia has ever been a part of. But the men who fought there were never celebrated upon their return home. They were forgotten amid all the questioning of whether all the fighting and dying on Borneo needed to happen in the first place. Author Michael Veitch happened upon this forgotten story of Australians at war in the most unlikely of circumstances involving a trivia night and a grumpy older man. Borneo: The Last Campaign - Australia's brilliant, controversial end to World War Two is published by Hachette. This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris, executive producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores war, battles, history, modern history, occupation, fighting, death, grief, men at war, brothers in arms, US military, military history, Japanese, Germany, Nazis, allied forces, AUKUS, ANZAC, axis powers, Russia, General MacArthur, great war, fighting, leopards, Borneo, rubber, oil, resources, surrender, books for dad, Christmas books, history books. 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.

While fighting anorexia Lexi Crouch was admitted to hospital 25 times and placed in an induced coma twice. When doctors told her she would die, she began the slow climb up and out to health (CW: discussion of eating disorders) Lexi was 16 when she was first admitted to hospital and diagnosed with anorexia and spent the next decade in and out specialist clinics. When she overheard doctors talking about how she was going to die, Lexi decided she wasn't ready to give up and began to confront what was driving her illness and begin the slow process of recovery. Lexi is now a clinical nutritionist and eating disorders recovery coach and has co-written a book with psychiatrist Dr Warren Ward called ReNourish: a complete and compassionate guide to recovery from eating disorders. Listen to Sarah's interview with Dr Warren Ward  Treating anorexia by nourishing the heart This episode of Conversations was produced by Jen Leake, executive producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores eating disorders, mental health, body image, boarding school, anorexia, eating disorder clinics, psychiatric ward, perfectionism, extreme exercise, near death, intensive care, therapy, yoga, spirituality, recovery, pregnancy, clinical nutrition. 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.

Mark Winterbottom grew up in outer Western Sydney, in a family with not much money to spend on expensive hobbies. But by an extraordinary twist of fate, Mark won his first mini motorbike in a shopping centre raffle at the age of 8. Immediately, he was off, speedily rising up from bikes to kart racing, and then to V8 Supercars. Mark won race after race, earning him the nickname 'Frosty'. But for years, he could not wrestle the infamous Bathurst 1000 trophy from the hands of his great rival, Jamie Whincup. Then, in 2013, after six hours roaring around the track, in the final lap, the two of them went bumper to bumper, fighting for first place in an electrifying finish. Frosty is published by HarperCollins. This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris, executive producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores motorsports, supercars, F1, Ford, Holden, Bathurst, cancer, death of a parent, grief, love, marriage, fatherhood, Owen Wilson, Cars the movie, Disney, Pixar, voice over acting, driving, crash, memo0ir, writing books, origin story, raising boys, childhood sweetheart. 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.

Heather's brother and grandfather died in a tragic drowning accident when she was 12 and from that day, she began looking for a way to commune with what lies beyond.  The quest has taken the Stella award winning writer to Buddhist monasteries, Native American dance rituals and sweat lodges, and to the discipline of writing. And Heather has had an intuitive sense of life's mystery ever since she was a little girl growing up near the ancient forests and wild beaches of Tasmania. Heather's novels include The Museum of Modern Love and the best-selling thriller Bruny and Sarah spoke with Heather in 2022 after the publication of her memoir, Nothing Bad Ever Happens Here. This episode of Conversations was produced by Alice Moldovan, the Executive Producer was Carmel Rooney. It covers, grief, death, drowning, family, Tasmania, writing, Buddhism, memoir, Native American Dance rituals, therapy, nature, the mystery of life, arthritis, chronic illness.

Louise O'Sullivan spent 10 years with the ADF, including deployments with the Special Forces in Afghanistan which eventually left her with PTSD, but a bigger battle lay ahead, the fight to save her premature twins. After leaving the military, Louise wanted to begin a family but cancer treatment had left her unable to carry her own children so she found a surrogate in Ukraine. But when her twins were born prematurely, she spent months living and caring for them in a Ukranian hospital. Eventually Louise had to begin her own process of healing, which included a life changing course of ketamine therapy. The episode of Conversations was produced by Jen Leake and the Executive Producer was Nicola Harrison. It covers topics including psychology, trauma, Australian Defence Force, Afghanistan, women in the military, army training, physical and mental endurance, helicopter crash, fatalities, injury, ripping out, trauma response, PTSD, cervical cancer, chemotherapy, radiation, hysterectomy, international surrogacy, premature babies, health care in Ukraine, divorces, EMDR, ketamine therapy 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. The most shared episode of Conversations in 2025 was Sarah's interview with social psychologist Jonathan Hait on 'attention fracking' and how to stop tech companies stealing your focus. Sarah's interview with Jonathan Haidt

After the death of her father, a spiritual moment with the life-size wooden statue of Bob at Nine Mile convinced queer rapper, Jamaica Moana that everything would be alright. Jamaica was born to the music of Bob Marley on the Central Coast of NSW. Her dad loved Bob’s music more than anything else and would listen incessantly on his interstate truck driving routes. Jamaica was the beloved baby of six children, growing up in a Maori-Samoan family in the outer suburbs of Auckland. When the family moved to Campbelltown in Western Sydney, Jamaica began to express her queer identity through the dance troupe The Pioneers. Jamaica’s father rejected this new version of her, so different from the son he knew, and they became estranged.  When he became seriously ill years later, Jamaica moved home to care for him and the pair renewed their relationship, staying close until his death. With her brother, she eventually made a pilgrimage to Bob Marley's home town as a tribute to their father. Deep in grief, it was a spiritual experience with a life-size statue of Bob at Nine Mile that convinced Jamaica everything would be alright. Further information Jamaica Moana's debut EP is Bud & Deni.  This episode of Conversations was produced by Alice Moldovan. The Executive Producer was Nicola Harrison. It covers topics including rap, dance, Hokianga Harbour, Maori, South Auckland, Papakura, Western Sydney, authentic, authenticity, queer, trans, parental estrangement, father daughter relationship, carer, caring for parent, Nicki Minaj, ballroom, duckwalk, west ball, safe space, rupture and repair and community. 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.

Tens of thousands of 'van lifers' and 'grey nomads' drive around Australia each year. But the iconic road trip has a surprising origin story involving a pair of missionaries, a retired butcher and a gun-slinging mother-daughter duo. David Riley is a pastor and father who was on a lap around Australia with his wife and three children when he heard about the surprising origin story of this great road trip. In 1925, two young men set off from Perth to Darwin in a tiny French car nicknamed 'Bubsie'. They were running an errand for their Church – instructed to set up a Seventh-Day Adventist Missionary outpost in the Northern Territory, then to turn around and come back home. Nevill Westwood and Greg Davies battled flat tires, evil cows, losing their way, leaky fuel tanks, dangerous river crossings and a falling out along the way. With the help of First Nations people and station owners they met along the way, they made it to Darwin. But when they got to Darwin, they just kept going, entering into a race with a retired butcher and a gun-slinging mother-daughter duo to become the first vehicle to circumnavigate Australia. For David, researching and writing the story down became a powerful way to preserve the memories of his own family's lap around Australia, after receiving terrible news. Bubsie and The Boys: The First Journey Around Australia by Car is published by SIGNS. Early next year, Bubsie's sister car, a 102-year-old Citroën, will drive around Australia for the 100th anniversary of the original journey. The trip will be raising money for Canteen and Brain Child. Information about the trip will be online early next year. This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris, executive producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores travel, road trips, Australian history, modern history, motoring history, great global road trips, grey nomads, caravanning, van life, historical records, religion, church, cancer, losing a daughter, brain cancer, grief, driving, driving Western Australia, madman's track, white history, black history.

Despite being a stand-out young player, many NRL clubs initially rejected Johnathan Thurston because they thought he was too small and wiry but he went on to become one of the best rugby league players of all time. Johnathan showed his rare talent for rugby league early on but his parents didn't have the money to help him travel to games. So in his late teens, Johnathan moved to Toowoomba to get a start in rugby league, while working part-time in the butcher’s section of a supermarket. When Johnathan moved to Sydney at 18 to try his luck with the Cantebury Bulldogs, he began to get noticed and by the time he retired in 2018, had won a record 4 Daly M medals.  Johnathan Thurston The Autobiography (with James Phelps) is published by Harper Collins. This episode of Conversations was produced by Nicola Harrison, the Executive Producer was Pam O'Brien. It explores the career of Johnathan Thurston, the NRL, rugby league, sporting talent, growing up in Brisbane, working part time jobs, alcohol, scholarships, NRL clubs, the Canterbury Bulldogs, North Queensland Cowboys, State of Origin, Queensland, Daly M medal, NRL Grand Final,  Queensland Maroons, indigenous Australian, Maori heritage, goal kicker, housing commission, Toowoomba, Indigenous All Star, GOAT    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.

Artist, author and Stolen Generations survivor, Rhonda Collard-Spratt, on bush hugs, beehives, emu bumps, and finding peace. Aunty Rhonda Collard-Spratt is a Yamatji-Noongar elder and Stolen Generations survivor who grew up on the Carnarvon Native Mission in Western Australia. As a little girl she would escape from her dormitory into the bush to feel the love and warmth she was missing from her mum. After leaving the mission as a teenager, Rhonda trained as a hairdresser, creating some of the best beehives in Perth. Later in life, she managed to reconnect with her mum and formed a surprising bond with her English stepfather, through music. Rhonda Collard-Spratt's memoir, Alice’s Daughter: Lost Mission Child, was written with Jacki Ferro and published by Aboriginal Studies Press. You can find her children's book series, Spirit of the Dreaming, online in both print and audiobook formats. This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris, executive producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores Aboriginal Australia, black history, colonisation, segregation, assimilation, religion, Christianity, the Native Act, reckoning with Australia's history, the Voice, racism, Indigenous suicide, mental health, medical neglect, art, motherhood, writing, books, memoir, modern Australia, Ipswich, Churches of Christ, Aborigines Mission Board.

Dr James Loxton on how modern democracies can crumble as authoritarian regimes take hold, but also how freedom and democracy can rise again, from the Americas to Europe and into Asia. James grew up in stable Canada, where he spent his summers herding sheep in the middle of forest plantations. As a teenager, he hatched a plan to escape his "rough as guts" bush town and the life of a shepherd, moving to India on his own to finish high school. At an international school in Maharashtra, James' classmates taught him about the world outside of democratic Canada, and he became fascinated by military dictatorships and guerilla insurgencies.  Later on, years of living in Latin America showed him firsthand how dictators operated, how they are feared and hated, but also revered and loved by some of the people they control. Now James, and many other political scientists, have their eyes turned to America, watching closely to see how the world's most powerful democracy is changing right before their eyes. Authoritarianism: A Very Short Introduction is published by Oxford University Press. This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris, executive producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores Donald Trump, Putin, USA, regime, dictators, ICE, Clinton, Epstein, politics, democracy, Chilean presidential election, Russia, China, Taiwan, Philippines, government, globalisation, Latin American politics, Whitlam, dismissal, divisive politics, left versus right, parliamentary versus presidential forms of government, united kingdom, British colonies, Javier Milei, Venezuela, Argentina, Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega, Hugo Chavez, Maduro, elitism, drain the swamp, populism, power for the people, tariffs, Peru, Cuba, straw man, Stalin, Hitler, competitive authoritarianism, substance abuse, addiction, alcoholism, alcoholic mothers, homelessness, losing a mother. 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.

Eric Philips has always loved cold weather and from young age became fixated on the idea of polar exploration and following in the footsteps of the adventurers he read about in National Geographic. And he went on to lead gruelling expeditions to the North and South Poles, pushing his body and mind to the limits. Eric also had dreams of travelling into space and had assumed the would be impossible. But while on a ski expedition in Svalbard, he met a crypto billionaire who was planning a trip to space and he later asked Eric to come along. The crew Eric was a part of would go on became the first human spaceflight mission to explore Earth from a polar orbit and fly over the Earth’s polar regions. This episode of Conversations was produced by Jen Leake, the Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores polar exploration, South Pole. North Pole, hypothermia, mental and physical exhaustion, physical endurance, kite skiing, antarctica, large families, drug overdose, Space x, polar orbit, dramatic weight loss, rescue, failure 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.

Screenwriter Samantha Strauss on her grandmother's vibrant last years in a Gold Coast retirement home where love, sex and startlingly pragmatic conversations about dying were all part of daily life. (CW: not suitable for children) (R) Samantha Strauss started dancing from the age of 2, and as she grew up, she became increasingly serious about it. Sam was 18 when her budding ballet career was cut short by a shocking injury. After a year on the couch recovering, she reinvented herself. A few years later, inspired by the story of her own life in ballet, she co-created a TV series called Dance Academy. Dance Academy went on to screen in 160 countries, with Sam as the head writer across the 65 episodes. Sam's next show, The End, was set partly in a Gold Coast retirement village. Samantha got the idea as she watched how her own Grandmother's life changed after moving into a similar place at the end of her life. She expected to hate it, but eventually she found a circle of friends who partied hard and talked freely about love, sex, and death, including experimenting with making their own Nembutal.   Further information Originally broadcast April 2021. Samantha has since won a Logie for her work on the Netflix program Apple Cider Vinegar, based on Belle Gibson’s life. This episode was produced by Nicola Harrison. The Executive Producer was Carmel Rooney. It explores Belle Gibson, wellness, scam, scammers, Philip Nitschke, exit international, VAD, voluntary assisted dying, nursing home, aged care, grandparent grandchild relationship, sick parent, writing, being a writer, dance career, LA, Los Angeles, film industry, connections, Australians in LA, actors, nudists and naturalists. 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.

Reuben Kaye has always known he was going to be a performer and grew up a house that encouraged his love of the limelight.  But in the background was the weight of his family history full of complicated characters and stories of cruelty. Reuben's parent both came from Jewish European families who were forced to flee their homes because of World War 2.   And there were other more secretive stories, involving a return to Communist East Germany and a heartbreaking decision made by Alfreda as a young woman. But Reuben uses the art of cabaret to help make sense of and pay tribute to his momentous family stories. Reuben Kaye's one man show is called EnGORGED and tickets are available via Reuben Kaye's website This episode of Conversations was produced by Jen Leake, executive producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores family history, Nazi Germany, East Germany, persecution, Russia, immigration, dress making, grief, suicide, divorce, cancer, queer identity, bullying, Jewish history, Jewish identity, the Holocaust, musical theatre, drug use, London, death, funerals, live shows, comedy, make up, drag, Stolpersteine, stumbling stones, Melbourne, Leipzig. 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.

Petal Ashmole Winstanley was just a teenager when she left Perth on her own to sail to London. There, in the swinging 1960s, she began her wild adventure of dance, love and heartbreak. Petal got her first big dancing break in a Christmas pantomime, and then she had a spin as a Go-Go dancer in a Parisian nightclub, before eventually working her way into some of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world. Along the way, Petal fell in love with three great men, and she lost them all under brutal circumstances. Get Up, Dress Up, Show Up: Lessons in Love and Surmounting Grief is published by Grosvenor House. This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris, executive producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores ballet, dancing, United Kingdom, Dancing with the Stars, love, relationships, marriage, career women, death, grief, loss of a spouse, sexuality, lavender marriages, 1960s, hippies, free love, Western Australia, South Africa, apartheid, genocide, Canada, couples who work together, dating in later life, how to date in later life, online dating after 70, bravery, courage, HIV AIDS, STI, divorce, memoir, writing, books, origin story. 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.

Editor-at-Large of The Australian, Paul Kelly looks back at the most profound crisis in Australia’s democracy, including the off-the-record information he was given five days before it took place.   In 1975 Paul was a young press gallery journalist, working in the cramped old Parliament House, where all it took was a flight of stairs and a few steps to find himself in the Prime Minister’s office. Paul was on close terms with both Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser when Australia faced the biggest crisis in its political history. Five days before the dismissal, Paul was told — off the record — that the Governor General, Sir John Kerr, was going to sack the Whitlam Government, but Paul was sworn to secrecy and had to stand back and watch the fallout like everyone else. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the political upheaval, and Paul looks back at his insider’s experience in the press gallery from that tumultuous time. Further information This episode was produced by Alice Moldovan. The Executive Producer was Nicola Harrison. This episode explores remembrance day 2025, government shutdown, paul kelly, democracy in crisis, conspiracy, gough whitlam, whitlam, whitlam government, malcolm fraser, john kerr, constitutional crisis, election, it's time, no fault divorce, free university, women's rights, women's lib, medibank, great barrier reef, healthcare, old parliament house, press gallery, old school journo, power, journalism, mungo mccallum, graham freudenberg, killing season and dismissal. 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.

When Ben Gillies was 15 he began touring around the world in his band called Silverchair. After the band broke up, Ben had to work through anxiety and addiction to make an entirely new life for himself. Silverchair toured America, supporting the Ramones and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. They played on the roof of the Radio City Music Hall during the MTV awards. And when they weren't working, they were back at high school, at Newcastle High. Silverchair made 5 albums together, all of which debuted at Number 1 on the Australian charts. But being a teenager rock god wasn't all roses, and through the years, and especially after the break-up of the band, Ben had to work through anxiety and addiction to make a good life for himself as a grown up. This episode explores Silverchair, teenagers, rock music, guitar, male friendship, record deal, live music, mental health, fame, touring, Newcastle, money, anxiety, family, recovery 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.

How does Ben Crowe get elite athletes to the top of their game? What he asks footballers, surfers and tennis players to do seems counter intuitive, and a lot of the work happens off the field. (R) Ben Crowe is a mindset coach who has worked with elite athletes like surfer Steph Gilmore, tennis superstar Ash Barty, and the Richmond Football Club. But Ben's method of coaching seems counter-intuitive. Rather than telling these athletes they're the best, he encourages them to own their flaws, make sense of their life stories off the field, prioritising vulnerability and human connection, so they can take both wins and losses in their stride.  Further information Originally broadcast in July 2021. Ben Crowe's new book, Where the Light Gets In, will be published by HarperCollins in January 2026. This episode of Conversations was produced by Michelle Ransom Hughes, executive producer was Carmel Rooney. It explores sport, NBA, basketball, football, Bayern, David Beckham, Hawks, Tigers, Magpies, Warriors, Tottenham, Jake Weatherald, Champions League, Wimbledon, Tennis Open, US Open, Australian Open, Arsenal, UCL, sports trading, UEFA, FIFA, mindset coaching, positive, books, writing, origin story, grief, death of a father, josh giddey. 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.

Bunurong/Boonwurrung actor and author, Tasma Walton was enjoying her big break on TV show Blue Heelers in the 1990s in Melbourne when a transformative visit from her grandmother launched her in a new direction.   Boonwurrung/Bunurong woman, Tasma grew up in windy Geraldton, in Western Australia in the 1970s, hearing stories from her grandmother about baby whales and women who lived in kelp forests.  These stories always featured a bay and very cold water — neither of which were in Geraldton. Many years later, while Tasma was filming Blue Heelers and living in St Kilda in Melbourne, her grandmother came to stay, and the stories she had told Tasma over and over again started to make sense. Except for one tale that had been sanitised for children’s ears — a supposed love story between Tasma's great-great-great grandmother, Nannertgarrook, and a vicious sealer man. As an adult, Tasma started to research the truth of what had happened to Nannertgarrook, generations ago. Further information If you need help, you can call the National domestic family and sexual violence counselling service on 1800-RESPECT — 1800 737 732. I Am Nannertgarrook is published by Simon & Schuster Bundyi. Tasma was named joint winner, with Robbie Arnott, of the $100,000 ARA Historical Novel Prize for 2025. Watch Reckless on SBS, NITV, and SBS ON DEMAND. This episode of Conversations was produced by Alice Moldovan. The Executive Producer was Nicola Harrison. This episode explores heritage, ancestral legacy, inherited trauma, intergenerational trauma, DV, family violence, method acting, mob, Indigenous, First Nations, Aboriginal, slavery, blak, blak mothers, reconnecting with culture, bunurong strong, Nerrm, Narrm, Wilsons Prom, Wilsons Promontory, mermaids, dolphins, asthma, asthma attacks, medea, monologue, auditions, acting auditions, SBS, reckless, St Kilda, Blue Heelers, Luna Park. 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.

Historian William Dalrymple had a rarefied childhood on the windswept coast of Scotland. As an adult he fell in love with India, and later discovered his family's own deep ties to the country. Born into the Scottish aristocracy, William followed his three older brothers and left for boarding school at just 8 years old.  While still an university William set off to follow Marco Polo's journey across the width of Asia and he wrote a best-selling book about that adventure. But after then moving to India, William started to see the many gaps and biases in his understanding of history and ever since he's been working to find the stories and people his education had left out. William also began uncovering his own family’s connections to India which stretched back generations and eventually a discovery relating to his own father's experience in India as a young man.  It seemed to answer the question of why his Dad chose never to go back. The episode of Conversations was produced by Jen Leake, the Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores history, Scotland, North Berwick, Marco Polo's journey to South Asia, India, Delhi, archaeology, witches, family history, aristocracy, partition, history writing, large families, family secrets, the golden road, Palestine, Ampleforth College, Catholic Education, Robbie Burns, travel writing, Scottish history.  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.

Ten years ago, Michelle Payne became the first woman to win The Melbourne Cup but in the years since she's had to face many challenges, including a life threatening injury and family heartbreak.  Fortunately if there is one thing Michelle knows a lot about, it's how to get back up. Michelle Payne grew up on a farm, the youngest of ten kids, in a family were everyone was mad about horses and horse racing.   Her dad always said girls could be great jockeys if they were given the opportunity and she was determined to prove him right, despite some big challenges. She won her first race at age 15 and in 2015 became the first woman to win The Melbourne Cup and her beloved brother Stevie was her strapper for the race. Michelle Payne's memoir is called Ride On The executive producer of Conversations is Nicola Harrison. It explores horse racing, the Melbourne Cup, female jockey, large families, grief, death, animals, disability, training, injuring, horses, gambling, physical endurance, extreme weight loss, women, head injury, life threatening injuries, horses, recovery, resilience. 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.

Writer, Ianto Ware on growing up in the suburbs of Adelaide in a single-parent, single-child family, when such an experience was rare. (R)   Ianto Ware was raised in the suburbs of Adelaide in a house surrounded by a tangled garden of oak trees and vegetables, and furniture foraged from hard rubbish. Aside from the family pets, it was just Ianto and Dimity at home. His family was different to most in his street, as his mother Dimity described herself as a 'radical feminist socialist lesbian'. Dimity wore dungarees, and for some of Ianto's childhood, she drove a campervan with a yellow kayak on the roof, with a rainbow cat sticker on the bonnet of the van. As she was raising Ianto alone, Dimity knew that it was very likely she would not live to old age, because of a health condition she was born with. Ianto has written down the story his mother's remarkable life, and her legacy. Further information Originally broadcast June 2021. This episode was recorded remotely, during COVID. Mother and I: The fable of a wilful family was published by Hunter Publishing. Read more about Ianto on his website. https://iantoware.com.au/about/  This episode of Conversations was produced by Nicola Harrison. The Executive Producer was Carmel Rooney. This episode explores single mothers, queer mothers, lesbian, gardening, rainbow families, unusual families, being different, how it feels to be different, when you don't fit in, is it ok to be different, Adelaide, Dunstan, mother and son, single parent family, single parent, single child family, kidney disease, kidney transplant, death of a mother, death of a parent, orphan, strong mothers, only child, one and done, amicable separation, amicable divorce, good divorce, adult son and chronic illness. 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.

Kate Reid inherited her love of Formula 1 from her dad. She put her heart and soul into qualifying for a job with the renowned racing team, Williams, but her dream job turned out very differently to what she expected. Then, a public library turned out to be a bridge to Kate's recovery.   Growing up in Melbourne, Kate was an asthmatic child who developed an extremely close bond with her dad. He would care for Kate during her frequent asthma attacks by operating a whirring nebuliser, staying next to her as she regained her breath in her bed. Kate became obsessed with her dad’s favourite sport — Formula 1 racing.  Once Kate experienced the vibration ripping through her body at a race, she decided she would become an aerospace engineer and work in the area she and her dad loved so much. When her dream job turned turned sour, Kate’s life took a dangerous turn and she developed depression and anorexia. Kate returned to Australia for treatment, and it was thanks to a public library in Melbourne that she started on the next obsession, the one that would heal her. Kate's croissanterie, Lune, is now a thriving business. Further information Destination Moon is published by Simon & Schuster. If you need support with an eating disorder, you can visit the Butterfly Foundation or call on 1800 33 4673. https://butterfly.org.au/  This episode of Conversations was produced by Alice Moldovan. The Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores eating disorders, disordered eating, pain au chocolat, Paris, Ousia, hospitality, hospo, cafe culture, croissants, start up, self made, CEO, life of a CEO, France, pastry chef, laminated pastries, obsession, control, perfection, perfectionism, tin tin, sibling love, family support, tight family unit, Du Pain et des Idées, boulangerie, Christophe Vasseur, changing careers, formula 1, formula one, racing, motorsports, pit crew and Monaco. 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.

Walter Marsh with the surreal tale of Colin Wyatt, the ski champion, mountaineer, wartime camouflage expert, artist, and naturalist who committed one of the world's biggest-ever museum heists in the 1940s.   In January 1947, by chance, it was found that over 3,000 rare and precious specimens of butterflies had vanished from museums in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide.  Alarmingly, the missing insects included many priceless ‘holotypes’ — the first specimen of a given species to be identified, against which all others are compared. On the other side of the world, New Scotland Yard descended on a nondescript country house in Surrey, where they found a trove of over 40,000 butterfly specimens.  The culprit was Colin Wyatt, a Cambridge-educated ski champion, mountaineer, wartime camouflage expert, artist, and amateur naturalist whose high-flying exploits cut a path from the Alps of Europe to a London court room to a final expedition to the jungles of Guatemala. Walter Marsh has written down the strange and confounding tale of the gentleman butterfly thief in his new book. This episode of Conversations was produced by Jennifer Leake, executive producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores museum heists, museum thefts, gentlemen criminals, natural history, lepidopterists, butterflies, butterfly stealing,adventurers, skiing, mountaineering, war, WWII, alps, london, stealing from a museum, theft from museum, famous museum heists, strange criminals, smooth criminals, why do people commit crime, collectors, the collector, extreme collections. 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.

Katie Treble grew up crying at about how all the king's horses and men couldn't put Humpty Dumpty together again. It was that compassion that made her the perfect candidate for doctoring during war as an adult. When Dr Katie Treble decided to swap the good vibes and beautiful beaches of Byron Bay for work with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) she knew she would be in for a shock.  Nothing could have prepared her for the desperate need she encountered in the Central African Republic (CAR) in the midst of a civil war. But Katie was even more affected by the courage and kindness of her colleagues. She came away from her months in Bria, CAR knowing that her time as a humanitarian doctor would change her own life in deep ways, and so when she got back to Australia she started the work of trying to make sense of it all. Field Notes from Death's Door is published by HarperCollins. This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris, executive producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores medicine, university, war, civil war, Africa, humanitarian crisis, Gaza, Israel, Palestine, MSF, doctors without borders, access to medicine, hospital, conflict zones, PTSD, malaria, defence, navy, Kenya, France, Jamaica, Haiti, natural disaster, murder, infant mortality rate, vaccination, religious war, Islam, Christianity, genocide, MDMA therapy, psychology, recovery, healing. 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.

Aaron was living on the tip of Cape York when he borrowed his uncle’s dinghy to make it to his first acting audition on nearby Thursday Island. He won the role that day in a TV show called Remote Area Nurse, and many other TV series followed, including the crime dramas The Straits and East West 101. He also presented the Torres Strait Island Cooking show, Strait to the Plate, and he was one of the stars of the comedy show Black Comedy. Today Aaron is not just an actor, he's a director and producer as well and as he writes about in his memoir So Far, So Good, there have been many setbacks and some heartbreak on his path to success. Further information So Far, So Good is published by Pantera Press This episode of Conversations explores Cape York, acting, writing, producing, television, film, domestic violence, children, rejection, family, domestic violence protection order, logie awards, masculinity, relationships, racism. 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.

The singer, podcaster, writer and comedian on living big with neurodivergence, and owning her manic, creative energy.   Growing up in Melbourne in the 1980s, Em was a serious young athlete, focused on hurdles, when a high kick up-ended her ambitions.   She was a creative, energetic child who seemed to always be busier than everyone else.  As a young, stay-at-home mum, Em appeared on Australian Idol, having never performed on stage before, and this opportunity launched her career in radio. Em and her husband had two more children and she found herself at a loss during COVID lockdowns. Em felt she was drowning, and couldn’t work out why things had always seemed so much harder for her than for those around her. As an adult, Em received two life-changing diagnoses, all while being put through the wringer of perimenopause. Em's book Blood, Sweat and Glitter: A Coming of Middle Age Story is published by Pantera Press. This episode of Conversations was produced by Alice Moldovan. The Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison. This episode explores ADHD, neurodivergence, autism, diamond creek, emsolation, emsolation extra, outgrown, diagnostic trifecta, Anomalous, podcast, rage against the vagine, covid lockdowns, melbourne lockdowns, DSM 5, neuropsychologist, National Press Club, National Press Club address, impostor syndrome, sensory issues, autistic females, Quinni, Heartbreak High, jumping on the bandwagon, menopause, perimenopause, hormones, hormonal shift, executive function, autistic, hormone treatment, iron deficient, low iron and middle age women. 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.

From fairground palmistry to the science of fingerprinting, historian Alison Bashford explores the secrets, history and psychology of the hand. Alison was in a London library when she discovered a ginormous palm print of a gorilla, taken two days after it died at London Zoo in the 1930s. She had no idea whatsoever about why someone had made this mysterious print, or why it had been kept in pristine condition for all these years. Alison plunged into researching the history of the hand, from fairground palm reading to Jungian analysis. She was transported into the magical, scientific and pseudo-scientific attitudes to markings on the body. She encountered Victorian wellness entrepreneurs, how Down Syndrome was first diagnosed in neonates, and celebrity palm readers whose influence reached all the way to former British Prime Minister, William Gladstone. Further information Alison's book Decoding The Hand: A History of Science, Medicine, and Magic is published by The University of Chicago Press. This episode of Conversations was produced by Alice Moldovan. The Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison. 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. This episode explores gypsies, Roma, palm reading, fortune telling, psychology, psychoanalysis, Charlotte Wolff, Carl Jung, Weimar Germany, Nazi Germany, Brahmin, palmistry, cheiromancy, Cheiro, writing a book, university, Hollywood, 1930s Hollywood, celebrity, Down Syndrome, diagnosis, genetics, eugenics, Lionel Penrose, BBC, simian line, occult, Francis Galton, Ellis Family and British Institute for Mental Science.

Helen Goh's life story began with a complicated childhood — and blossomed into one about culture, cake and the meaning of life.       Helen was born in Malaysia in the year of the Fire Horse. This zodiac birth year was a big threat to the Gohs, and her parents had to make a heartbreaking decision that would affect the family for a generation. The Gohs eventually immigrated to Australia, and Helen went on to sell pharmaceuticals to doctors, before she pursued her honours in psychology. A stint as a cafe owner followed, then Helen went back to basics as a chef's apprentice in Melbourne. She followed her heart to London, and encountered an 'Aladdin's cave' of goodies in a deli in Notting Hill, which was owned by Yotam Ottolenghi. Helen has come to understand the psychological benefits of baking, and now interweaves two of her life's enduring interests. Helen's book Baking and The Meaning of Life is published by Murdoch Books. This episode of Conversations was produced by Alice Moldovan. The Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison. 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. This episode explores insecure attachment, attachment styles, coherence, purpose and significance in life, so you think horse, Yotam Ottolenghi, Year of the Fire horse, Notting Hill, Helen Goh's chocolate cake, Helen Goh recipes, baking for charity, raising money, bake sales, two careers, how to have two careers, baker, baker and psychologist, studying psychology, lemon curd, Women's Weekly, Malaysia, Nonya, Nyonya, foster child, fostering children, complicated family, raising Jewish boys, sweet, cookbook and cooking.

Wendy Harmer has enjoyed huge success over four decades as a comedian, tv host and as a radio presenter.  A long way from her origins in country Victoria, where she was born with a facial disfigurement, into a struggling family. When her mother left, Wendy often had to look after her young siblings. After her talent for writing was spotted by a lecturer at Deakin University, Wendy became a cadet journalist at the Geelong Advertiser. And then Wendy's life was transformed one night in Melbourne when she saw stand-up comedy for the first time and decided to try it herself. She bought records of Joan Rivers, Whoopi Goldberg and Woody Allen, and studied their acts. The first night she stood up at an open mic night for her 5 minute set, she knew it was the perfect role for her. Soon she was headlining her own shows at the Melbourne comedy venue the Last Laugh, and her life set off on a completely different path. Further information Wendy's memoir is called Lies My Mirror Told Me This episode of Conversations was produced by Nicola Harrison, the Executive Producer was Carmel Rooney. It explores family, separation, cleft lip and palate, facial surgery, siblings, poverty, alcoholism, physical abuse, journalism, comedy, broadcasting, writing for children, country Victoria, stand up comedy, television, 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.

Historian and bookseller Edmund Goldrick on the hair-raising, forgotten tale of the escaped Australian prisoners of war who stumbled into another, hidden genocide, and tried to stop it. Early in the World War Two, Australian soldiers who had been captured by the Germans escaped by leaping from a moving train. They found themselves in unfamiliar territory, in the lands of Yugoslavia. The Australians on the run found themselves in the company of dangerous men, who planned to use the cover of war to commit genocide. One of the Australians fell in with a Serbian Royalist group, and when he discovered their leader’s plans, he acted as a double agent in their ranks, determined to find a way to warn the Allies that their man in Serbia was determined to conduct mass murder. Anzac Guerillas is published by Hachette. Edmund will be giving a talk on Remembrance Day at the Goulburn Library, and again on Saturday, 6 December at Sydney's Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park. This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris. Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores war, POWs, Germany, former Yugoslavia, Serbia, Croatia, Turkey, Catholic, Orthodox, Roma people, Jewish, Islamic, Chetniks, Partisans, genocide, civil war, death, escape, spies, double agents, allied forces, war crimes, international war tribunal, guerilla warfare, murder, assassination, holocaust, Italy, Greece, fascism, tyranny, Bosnia, Nazi, Hitler. 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.

Journalist Ariel Bogle takes us inside the rallies, homes, courtrooms, secret chat rooms and $2000 Byron Bay luxury retreats where Australia’s conspiracy theories spread. Ariel has been investigating conspiracy theories and those who follow them for her new book. When things feel wrong and unfair, sometimes people look for answers in some of the more febrile corners of the internet. Add political fragmentation and the megaphone of the internet to the mix, and many conspiracy theories are fast gaining traction Australia. Some of these beliefs are imported from America; others are home-grown.  In researching her book, Ariel met people who believe there are microchips in vaccines, and that the law isn’t real, but QAnon is. She also met those drawn into the cult-like world of sovereign citizens and tried to understand what lured them there in the first place. This episode of Conversations was produced by Alice Moldovan and the Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison. Further information: Conspiracy Nation, co-authored with Cam Wilson is published by Hardie Grant. Listen to David Heilpern's interview with Sarah Kanowski https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/david-heilpern-magistrate-drug-driving-laws-ptsd-justice-system/14103618  It explores conspiracy theories, 5G, vaccines, vaccine refusal, traffic fines, QAnon, 15 minute cities, sovereign citizens, pseudo law, legal system, relationships, conferences, podcasters, influential conspiracy theorists, Bill Heffernan, sheeple, Port Arthur, Wieambilla murders, Port Arthur, what pushes people into conspiracy theories, David Heilpern, do conspiracy theorists change their minds, families, fractured families, going no contact, Dezi Freeman, the hunt for Dezi Freeman, sovcit movement, propaganda, powerful cabals, strange conspiracy theories, australian economy, . 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.

Griffin Dunne's acting career was just taking off when his sister was brutally attacked by an ex-boyfriend, and the outcome of the infamous murder trial that followed was devastating for his family. As a child his parents threw legendary parties, including one where Sean Connery saved him from drowning in the family pool in Beverly Hills and when he was a teenager, he hung out with famous actors and directors at his aunty's place, the legendary writer Joan Didion. Then as a struggling actor in his 20s, he shared a Manhattan apartment with his best friend, the actress Carrie Fisher. And Griffin went on to achieve his own success, including a starring role in the cult horror film An American Werewolf in London. But after the murder of his younger sister Dominique, Griffin lost interest in his acting career. And his father Dominick Dunne  who wrote about his daughter's trial for Vanity Fair, went on to cover other high profile murder cases for the magazine, including the Menendez Brothers and OJ Simpson. Griffin's memoir is called The Friday Afternoon Club This episode of Conversations explores Hollywood history, family, memoir, fame, domestic abuse, murder, legal system, relationships, acting, producing, New York City, alcohol abuse, writing, divorce, homosexuality, writers, directors, horror films. 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.

Ben Lee on life as a teen rock prodigy, Hollywood fame, living in an Ashram in India, and exploring his subconscious through ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic from the Amazon (R). Ben Lee grew up in Bondi in the 1980s when it was a place of bikie gangs, Yiddish-speaking grandmas and tribes of kids living next to one of the world's most beautiful beaches.  He was educated at a local Jewish school where he confounded his Rabbi by asking some surprising questions about Moses. Ben was always a seeker, and even as a boy, he also possessed a whole lot of chutzpah. At the age of 14 he saw Nirvana play at the Big Day Out.  The next day he started his own band and just two years later Ben was flying to America to support Sonic Youth. After many wild years, Ben emerged with a crucial realisation about his life story.   He is now living back in Australia with his wife Ione and their teenage daughter. This episode of Conversations was produced by Nicola Harrison and the Executive Producer was Carmel Rooney. It explores music, songwriting, drugs, drug taking, ayahuasca, what does ayahuasca feel like, ecstasy, do drugs change your brain, your brain on drugs, your subconscious mind, Claire Danes, how to be famous, what it feels like to be famous, mental health, identity crisis, seasons of life, rock star wife, rock star husband, Evan Dando, Evan Dando drug addiction, Lemonheads, ego, big ego, tall poppy syndrome, catch my disease, gamble everything for love, fame, rock music, singing, Bondi, Noise Addict, Sonic Youth, alternative spirituality, Judaism, Australian music, celebrity, Ione Skye. 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.

Historian Tom Trumble tells the story of the cunning World War II Australian sabotage mission known as Operation Jaywick, and how two survivors outsmarted the Imperial Japanese Army police, the Kempeh Tai. Deep in the years of World War II, Australian commandos in the Pacific theatre executed a cunning plan to sneak up on Japanese warships in the occupied Singapore Harbour. They managed to get away with an incredible operation, but in doing so, triggered intense paranoia and embarrassment for Japan. The Japanese were furious, and were convinced Chinese-Singaporeans were behind this humiliating setback. They enacted a terrifying regime of massacres, arrests and torture. Japanese authorities suspected Elizabeth Choy and Robert Heatlie Scott were involved with the sabotage, and the two paid dearly for that assumption during their time in prison. Further information Survival in Singapore: The triumph and tragedy of Australia's greatest commando operation is published by Penguin Random House. This episode was produced by Alice Moldovan, Conversations' Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison.  It explores Changi, Changi Prison, smuggling money, the double tenth incident, sook ching massacre, fall of Singapore, WWII, military history, WWII history, fishing vessel, sabotage, commando operation, Australian commandos, Ivan Lyon, SOE, Special Operations Executive, revenge, Sumida Haruzo and spies. 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.

Fran Harding was a stay-at-home mother of eight children when her pharmacist husband came home one night with the news that the family were moving to Charleville in Western Queensland to run a pub. Gordan had spontaneously leased a pub, and Fran was to be its new publican. So, with their kids in tow (including a little baby), they set off. Fran set up her sewing machine behind the bar and did her best to work out how to pull beers, understand what the locals were saying and keep tabs on her brood. Then Fran’s husband fell in love with the pub across the street – the once grand hotel, The Corones. The Harding family moved in, learning about its history as ‘The Taj Mahal of the Warrego’ and doing their best to return the pub to its former glory. Fran has published two books about her life and about the Corones Hotel, called The Accidental Australians and The Accidental Publican. This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris. Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores Australian history, stories, outback, the bush, Queensland, Quilpie, Migration, Great Australians, 1990 flood, recovering after natural disasters, social history, outback characters, hospitality, running a business, big families, motherhood, historic hotels, writing, books, memoir, Greek-Australians, small town Australia, working mothers, how to run a pub, renovating historic buildings, Harry Corones, Kythira, Poppa, Greece, Mediterranean Islands, Greek Orthodox, Greek diaspora, Australian pioneers. 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.

Dr Todd Bond is marine ecologist who goes where very few humans have ever been: the underworld, or the deep ocean. There, he studies the strange, scary and often cute creatures who call the deepest parts of our oceans home. This part of the ocean starts at 6000 metres deep, and is known as the 'Hadal Zone'. Todd travels there in a small titanium submersible, not much bigger than his own 6'4'' frame. Waiting there for Todd, in the inky darkness, is mysterious and magic, and is still largely unexplored by humans. And when he can't get there himself, Todd sends cameras down to poke around these trenches and caverns. Dr Todd Bond is the Deputy Director of the Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre at The University of Western Australia. You can read more about what the centre does online. This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris. Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores fish, marine biology, marine science, Twiggy Forrest, deep sea, space, exploration, human curiosity, why fish matter, bio-medicine, submarines, OceanGate, Titan submersible implosion, James Cameron, Anglar Fish, snail fish, UWA, university, PhD, doctorate, how to study fish, why we study fish, Mariana Trench, Christmas Island, Java Trench, puffer fish, Antarctica, marine park, conservation, off-shore mining, manganese mining, deep sea mining, ethical science. 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.

Jane Goodall, the renowned conservationist and pioneer of groundbreaking chimpanzee field research, has died of natural causes at the age of 91. Jane lived an utterly remarkable life, and her discoveries revolutionised science. She was only 26 years old when she first visited Tanzania to begin her research on chimpanzees in the wild Before Jane went to Africa we knew very little about chimpanzees, despite the fact that they're our closest cousins. It's only because of Jane’s research and observations that we now know they sometimes eat meat, they make tools, they laugh, they are curious about the world around them, they love, they mourn, and sometimes, they are capable of spectacular violence. You can read more about The Jane Goodall Institute online. Read more about Jane's remarkable life at the ABC News website. This episode of Conversations explores zoology, biology, evolution, Africa, exploration, conservation, chimpanzees, apes, monkeys, Kenya, Tanzania, David Attenborough, Dame Jane, mother earth, protecting our environment, habitats, UN Messenger of Peace, raising awareness, threats to wildlife, sustainable relationship between people, animals and the natural world, celebrity death. 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.

Lawyer Paula Gerber on the human rights of the most endangered group of people in any community - its children. They are open to the most predatory forms of exploitation simply because they don't have the worldliness of adults, and must rely on trust and goodwill.  When Paula Gerber was growing up in suburban Brisbane, she didn’t spend her weekends at the pool or playing cricket with her dad. Quality time with her father meant visiting his clients with him in the local jail or mental institution. Her dad was a criminal lawyer, and Paula tagged along to many of his meetings watching him empathise with people, coming up with defences that worked, sometimes because his client were innocent, and sometimes because he knew the law like the back of his hand, and could do some creative arguing around technicalities. Paula wanted nothing else but to follow in the footsteps of her father. She began her career in construction law, but after a motorbike accident, she needed a change, and turned her thoughts to how to help more people with her law degree. Paula began to specialise in human rights, specifically the rights of children. Sex, Gender & Identity: Trans Rights in Australia is published by Monash University Publishing. This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris. Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores childhood trauma, abuse, child protection services, juvenile justice, the age of criminal responsibility, the queer community, growing up gay, lesbians, construction law, Multiplex, property development, women in male dominated fields, writing, books, the law, the legal system, courts, barrister, criminal law, the UN Convention on the Rights of Children, human rights abuses, discrimination, parenting. 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.

Musician Paul Field on grieving the death of his baby girl, Bernadette, and how she inspired his family band, The Wiggles, to bring joy into the lives of millions of children. CW: This episode of Conversations discusses the death of a child. Paul Field was on tour in Queensland with his band, the Cockroaches, when he received a call that would alter his life forever. His 7-month-old baby daughter, Bernadette, had unexpectedly died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Paul and his wife, Pauline, had never imagined they would one day plan a funeral for their baby, but that's what they had to do. Surrounded by their close-knit families and with support from mental health professionals, Paul and Pauline grieved differently but together, realising that fully reckoning with the their tragic loss was the only way they could move forward for their eldest son, Luke, and for the three more children to come.  Today, Paul loves finding any opportunity to talk about Bernadette, his gentle, joyful baby girl. In fact, Bernadette, changed the course of Paul's next family project: The Wiggles -- a band that has connected with millions of children for the last 30 years. Help and support is always available. You can call or text Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Read more about research into SIDS, and find out more about counselling services available to parents who have lost a child at the Red Nose website. This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris. Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores unexplained death of a child, how to cope with losing a child, loss, Red Nose Day, Sids for Kids, grief, marriage, love, relationships, music, family bands, big families, Irish Catholic families, Sydney in the 1980s, pub rock, skivvies, Anthony Field, Emma Watkins, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Greg Page, Jeff Fatt, Wake up Jeff,  Lachlan Gillespie, Simon Pryce, Tsehay Hawkins, Evie Ferris, John Pearce, Caterina Mete, Lucia Field, big red car, police corruption, NSW police, royal commission, Sydney gangs, drugs, substance abuse. 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.

When Brad Guy went skydiving in his early 20s, his whole family was there to watch.  But when Brad jumped out of the plane strapped to his instructor, the parachute, and the backup chute both failed to open. The pair plunged to the ground at 80km an hour, and miraculously both survived. The fall was terrifying, but recovery is what scared Brad the most. Despite hitting the ground at around 80kmph, they both survived, but from the first night in hospital Brad started experiencing debilitating night terrors.  Then back at home with his parents for the first four months, Brad sunk into a deep depression and was barely able to leave his room.  It was the start of physical and emotional recovery that took years and changed Brad and his family forever. This episode of Conversations was produced by Jen Leake. Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores physical injury, skydiving, fear, family, PTSD, nightmare disorder, shame, guilt, trauma, mental breakdown, sexuality, psychology, medication, family history, generational trauma. 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.

Phillipa Perry grew in England and as a teenager went to a finishing school in Switzerland where she learnt to ski and speak in a posh accent.  But instead of joining the aristocracy she worked as debt collector, a manager at McDonalds and eventually a psychotherapist. Later she married the celebrated artist Grayson Perry, who is famous for his cross-dressing. Philippa says the key to raising children is acknowledging feelings – the good, the bad, and the ugly. Her best selling parenting book The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read is published by Penguin. Her latest book The Book You Want Everyone You Love To Read (and maybe a few you don't) is also published by Penguin. This episode of Conversations was produced by Nicola Harrison. Executive Producer was Carmel Rooney. It explores psychotherapy, parenting, emotions, family, love, queer identity, Grayson Perry, anger, sadness, children, writing. 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.

Bronnie Ware was recovering from burnout when she wrote a blog post reflecting on years working as a palliative carer and the epiphanies patients shared with her as they faced death.  It was read by millions and became the basis of her best-selling book, The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying. And the lessons Bronnie learnt from her dying patients also helped her confront some darker elements of her childhood and eventually find peace. The book has become a touchstone for many people all over the world, including influential thinkers like Dr Gabor Mate and Dr Rangan Chaterjee. Bronnie's wildlife vlog can be found on her website bronnieware.com This episode of Conversations was produced by Jen Leake. Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores death, dying, palliative care, family, regrets, nature, depression, chronic illness, carer work, Bronnie Ware, The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying, writing,  forgiveness, wildlife, spirituality, memory, meditation. 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.

To Australia he was a genius adman and best-selling author but behind closed doors Bryce Courtenay was a deeply flawed husband and father. His son, Adam, has tried to make sense of the lies, the ego and the heartbreak. When Adam Courtenay was growing up, he saw his dad Bryce as a hero. Bryce worked in advertising so he knew all the latest, coolest trends, and at bedtime, Bryce told Adam and his brothers amazing stories about his life in South Africa and the Courtenay family’s noble origins. When Bryce went from adman to wildly successful writer with his debut novel, The Power of One, Adam couldn’t have been prouder. As Adam grew older, he became aware of the gaps in the stories his father told so well, and realised just how many lies Bryce had told his family and the nation. At first, Adam tried to ignore the fables and fibs - he wanted badly to believe them because they made Bryce's storytelling so powerful. But when Adam became a writer himself, an author of historical books and a journalist, he needed to champion the truth above all else. Further information My Father Bryce is published by Hachette. This episode of Conversations explores novels, writing, advertising, Australiana, Australian books, memoir, father son relationships, big egos, Australian voices, Tandia, The Night Country, Whitethorn, The Potato Factory, Tommo & Hawk, Solomon's Song, Nick Duncan Saga, The Persimmon Tree, Fishing for Stars, The Milky Bar Kid, knowing your parents, marriage, fatherhood, journalism, betrayal, cancer, divorce, affairs, infidelity, public personas, modern history, literature. 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.

In 2017, journalist Nick McKenzie heard rumours of executions and cover-ups inside Australia’s most elite military unit. For the next eight years, Nick waged an epic battle for the truth to be acknowledged about Ben Roberts-Smith VC. Along with his colleague Chris Masters, Nick began an investigation which hinged on Australia’s most famous, and most decorated living soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, who served in the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) from 2003 - 2013. By following the story, they were plunged into the defamation trial of the century. His fight examined evidence of bullying, intimidation, war crimes and murder, and took him across Australia and to Afghanistan. As he unearthed secrets Ben Roberts-Smith had thought he'd long ago buried, Nick had to deal with death threats, and powerful forces intent on destroying his career. He also witnessed attempts to silence brave SAS soldiers, who had witnessed their famous comrade commit unspeakable acts. For years Nick waged an epic battle for the truth to be acknowledged. Earlier this year, Ben Roberts-Smith lost an appeal against a defamation judgement, which found he committed war crimes. Further information Crossing the Line is published by Hachette. This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris. Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores war, Afghanistan, the SAS, war crimes, allegations of war crimes, legal history, Australia's military history, Andrew Hastie, ADF, Iraq, Nine, Fairfax, Kerry Stokes, Seven, Media,  Anthony Besanko, Brereton Report, AFP, Federal Police, phone tapping, Mick Keelty, Federal Court, truth defence, David Wroe, peer pressure, military life, camaraderie, life at war, civil versus criminal court. 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 information This 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 information This 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/7788834 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/105495784

Christie took up wheelchair racing as a child as part of her rehab after a car crash left her with paraplegia.  Sometimes dangerous and always thrilling, the sport helped to restore her sense of self and Christie went on to compete in seven Paralympic Games. But she almost gave up one of her events, the marathon, after a terrifying experience in Boston in 2013.  Christie manages to split her time training for races, holding down several jobs, and raising her family.   Further information If you need someone to talk to, help and support is always available Lifeline on 13 11 14 Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 Headspace on 1800 650 890 This episode was produced by Michelle Ransom Hughes and the Executive Producer was Carmel Rooney. This episode of Conversations touches on suicide, Paralympic Games, terrorism, disability, family, wheelchair marathon, wheelchair racing, positivity, sport, women, alcohol, equal rights. 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.

Claire Parkinson is the daughter of a long-distance lorry driver and her first job was cleaning the urinals at her local Suffolk factory. A stint as a prison officer set her up with stability and responsibility, then she was assigned to protect a notorious murderer.  Content warning: this episode contains strong language. As a child, Claire was the apple of her father’s eye and when she got pregnant unexpectedly while a teenager, he could not speak to her at all and the two fell out. Claire became homeless for a time, then tried to adjust to life with her new baby boy. Eventually she got a job as a prison officer at Highpoint Prison, where she was assigned to look after the child murderer, Myra Hindley. Prison taught Claire many lessons, ones she was forced to lean on in a move halfway around the world, and a new career in mining in Australia, bringing her back to her dad.  This episode of Conversations was produced by Alice Moldovan. The Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison.  This episode of Conversations touches on bhp job cuts queensland coal mining, virgin australia breastfeeding, childcare, crime, counter terrorism, George Michael, LinkedIn, positivity, growth mindset, family dynamics, origin story, hard work, jail, prison officer, corrective services, corrections, mortgage interest rates, and being a single mum. 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.

Tom Robinson was a 14-year-old living in the Brisbane suburbs when he made a promise to himself to become the youngest person ever to row across the Pacific Ocean.  Nine years later Tom set off from Peru bound for Australia without a support crew and limited communication. Tom navigated by the stars, made eye contact with a shark and rowed up to 15 hours a day when strong currents pushed him off course. And when his adventure ended, it was in a completely unexpected by perfect way. Read more about Tom at his website:  https://www.tomrobinsonboats.com/ This episode of Conversations was produced by Jen Leake. Executive producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores solo adventure, rowing the Pacific Ocean, boat building, remote Pacific Island communities, family, rescue, bad weather, world records, isolation, fear, survival, adventure, near death, volcanic islands, marine life, weather, storms, storms at sea, naked, rescue, teenage adventurer, and getting off your phone. 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

Diplomat Grant Dooley was inside the Australian Embassy building in Indonesia when a bomb went off, killing several people. This was just the beginning of a series of devastating events that Grant had to come to terms with years after moving back home to Australia. In 2004, Grant Dooley and his wife, Kristan, moved to Jakarta with their two young children to start a three-year posting at the Australian Embassy. In September of that year, Grant arrived at the embassy complex for a brief visit. Not long after he entered the building, a bomb went off outside, which partially destroyed the building and killed many people. The Australian Embassy had been the target of an attack plotted by Jemaah Islamiah, a terrorist group with links to al-Qaeda. Little did Grant know that he and his family had arrived in Indonesia in the middle of a horror show of bombings, natural disasters, and geopolitical tensions, which would not end for the next several years. The embassy bombing was followed by the Boxing Day Tsunami, a second Bali bombing, the Garuda plane crash in Yogyakarta and more. Not only was Grant a witness to these events, he was also a first responder to some of them. Further information Bomb Season In Jakarta is published by Affirm Press. This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris; executive producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores terrorism, diplomacy, expats, Bali bombings, Sumatra, earthquake, tsunami, Schapelle Corby, Bali 9, drug smuggling, banged up abroad, how to become a diplomat, the real life of diplomats, PTSD, post traumatic stress, Jemaah Islamiyah, jihadist organisation, al-Qaeda, Paddy's pub, Sari Club, Aceh, John Howard, Alexander Downer, Kevin Rudd, Prabowo Subianto, Megawati Sukarnoputri, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Joko Widodo, foreign affairs, books, writing, memoir, modern history, Abu Bakar Bashir, 2003 Marriott Hotel bombing, East Timor, South East Asia, Iraq, Afghanistan, war. 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.

Sarah and Richard give you a sneak peek behind the scenes of the now complete Conversations Live Tour, Brisbane edition. Comedian, Mel Buttle was one of the special guests who appeared on stage to share some photos close to her heart, and the stories attached to them.  Further information To see Mel'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.

As a child, Candice Fox knew her family wasn't what most people would consider normal.  Their Christmas included lunch at Long Bay jail, where her father worked (R). At home, Candice's mother Ocean was busy rescuing lost people, injured native animals, and bringing home odd things from the council clean-up. In one 5-year period, Ocean fostered more than 140 children.  To escape the chaos of home, Candice would immerse herself in her mum's collection of illustrated true crime stories. Then she began writing her own. She grew up to become one of the world's best-selling crime authors. Further information Originally broadcast in March, 2024. Candice’s novels High Wire and Fire With Fire are now being adapted for the screen. This episode of Conversations was produced by Nicola Harrison. Executive producer was Carmel Rooney. It explores writing, books, animals, Australian animals, wildlife rescue, conservation, childhood memories, true crime, crime novels, crime writing, foster families, foster children, blended families, how to become an author, books. 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.

Dr Charlotte Tottman is a clinical psychologist who specialises in supporting cancer patients. Both her parents had died young from different cancers, so Charlotte always joked she would be next. In 2018, it wasn't a joke anymore. While on a beach holiday, Charlotte found a lump in her breast. When she got her own cancer diagnosis, all of Charlotte’s skills as a psychologist went out the window. She was scared, and angry, and determined to keep going rather than letting herself rest. After falling in a heap, Charlotte has found her way back - helped by an ex-husband’s generosity, by her own penchant for swimming only in bikini bottoms and by needing to be there to have deeper conversations with her children as they became adults. Further information Charlotte's podcast, Upfront About Breast Cancer - What You Don't Know Until You Do, is produced with Breast Cancer Network Australia, and is available to stream at Apple Podcasts. If you or anyone you know needs help: Breast Cancer Network Australia on 1800 500 258 Cancer Council on 13 11 20 Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 Lifeline on 13 11 14 This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris, executive producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores breast cancer, cancer diagnosis, parenting, motherhood, mother-daughter relationships, divorce, finding love again, career change, double mastectomy, body image after cancer, psycho-oncology, helping people with cancer, how to talk to your children about cancer, mindfulness, swimming, mental health, shock, coping with illness, recovering from illness, major surgery, origin story. 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.

A few years ago, after a series of crisis after crisis after crisis, Allie Pepper thought she would have to give up high-altitude mountain climbing. This is how she got her groove back. Record-breaking mountaineer, Allie Pepper, is currently in the middle of a project to become the first and fastest woman to climb the world’s 14 tallest mountains – those over 8000m – without the use of oxygen. But just a few years ago, Allie nearly gave up climbing all together after a trifecta of mid-life crises pulled the rug out from under her. Menopause, divorce, and a devastating death completely grounded Allie. But when she got her groove back, Allie headed straight to the mountain.  Further information Allie recently made a documentary called Limitless Above the Clouds, which was filmed across the Himalayas. It will be available to stream worldwide between 20 - 27 September at this link. This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris; executive producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores mid-life crisis, starting new, documentary, film, mountain climbing, Everest, Nepal, spiritual journey, India, Pakistan, travel, badass women, women in middle age, how to start again, separation, marriage, death of a father, self esteem, self worth, failing school, TAFE, alternative career pathways, Klára Kolouchová, Nanga Parbat, origin story, child of divorce, peri-menopause, hidden menopause symptoms, HRT, hormone therapy for menopause, chronic fatigue, depression, mental health, sweats. 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.

Doctors often use euphemisms to dance around the 'C' word. But for oncologist Dr Ranjana Srivastava, how you talk to someone with cancer goes beyond "shadows, lumps and lesions". It's all about compassion and clarity, even when honesty is difficult. Ranjana Srivastava was a young doctor in regional Australia, accompanying her consultant on his late night rounds when she heard a patient say something that stopped Ranjana in her tracks. It was in that moment that she finally knew what her speciality was going to be: oncology.  Ranjana now works in Melbourne as an oncologist and an author. She often writes about the need for clarity and compassion in doctor-patient conversations, to deliver good news, bad news and everything that falls between. Ranjana had her own experience of being at the receiving end of devastating news when she was pregnant with twins. Ranjana has carried the lesson she received from her own doctor forward, into her work as an oncologist, where bearing witness to the attitudes of her patients has changed the way she sees the world and has helped put her own life in perspective. Further information Ranjana's latest book, Every Word Matters, is published by Simon & Schuster. She has published seven books about cancer and end of life care, including A Better Death, Tell Me the Truth, Dying for a Chat, So It's Cancer: Now What, and After Cancer: A Guide to Living Well. Ranjana also writes a regular column for The Guardian, for which she won the Kennedy Award for Outstanding Columnist of The Year in 2025. In 2017, Ranjana was awarded an Order of Australia medal for her work as an oncologist and in improving doctor-patient communication. This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris. Executive producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores cancer, oncology, the big C, cancerland, breast cancer, bowel cancer, how to survive cancer, incurable cancer, end of life care, palliative care, honest doctors, refusing treatment, chemotherapy, radiation, how to be honest with patients, doctor patient relationship, geriatric oncology, India, migration, motherhood, late term miscarriage, pregnancy, writing, books, origin story, journalism. 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.

Voyager frontman Danny Estrin on his unconventional path from heavy metal to law and on to the Eurovision grand final (R). Danny Estrin is one of the few Australians who knows what it’s like to perform at Eurovision.  As frontman for the progressive synth metal band, Voyager, Danny commanded the stage in the 2023 competition, wind machine and all.  His musical education started early, on a piano gifted by his babushka and freighted from the Soviet Union to his childhood home in Hamburg. After moving from Germany to Perth as a child, Danny turned to heavy metal as a way of finding belonging. Danny is also an immigration lawyer, but by night he quite literally lets his hair down, swapping his suit and tie for a keytar and microphone. Just months after Sarah first spoke to Danny in 2023, he received a stage four cancer diagnosis. Voyager had to cancel all the shows they'd booked after their Eurovision performance, as Danny started treatment, supported by his wife and two girls. While his cancer is terminal, Danny has been doing really well, defying everyone's expectations. This year he even got the band back together, and when he's not undergoing treatment, Danny is back on stage with Voyager. Further information Originally broadcast in August, 2023. Danny is currently working on a television show about people's love affairs with their cars. This episode of Conversations was produced by Tamar Cranswick. It explores music, heavy metal, Eurovision, migration stories, migration law, Russia, Germany, multiculturalism in Australia, classical music, how to have a career in music, family, fatherhood, love, marriage, father of daughters, cancer diagnosis, terminal cancer, cars, hot rods. 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.

Kathleen Folbigg was locked up in prison for decades, wrongly convicted of the deaths of her four children. For years, her childhood friend Tracy was the only person who believed in her innocence. Now they are telling the story of their herculean fight to overturn Kathleen's conviction. (CW: loss of children, descriptions of life in prison)   In 2003, Kathleen Folbigg was locked up in jail for decades, wrongly convicted of the deaths of her four children. One of the only people who believed in her innocence was her childhood friend Tracy. Together, they fought for her freedom for years before science and the law caught up with the case. Kathleen was pardoned and exonerated in 2023.  Now Kathleen and Tracy have written down their story of their 20-year battle for justice, and they are telling their story together for the first time. Further information Inside Out is published by Penguin  Help and support is always available. You can call Lifeline 24 hours a day, on 13 11 14.   This episode of Conversations was produced by Nicola Harrison and presented by Sarah Kanowski. The Executive Producer was Nicola Harrison. It explores crime, punishment, criminal conviction, wrongful conviction, a fight for justice, criminal pardon, exoneration, science, DNA, Meadows Law, life in prison, daily life behind bars, flaws in the justice system, internalised misogyny in the law, unsympathetic mothers, never giving up, rallying around scientists and philanthropists, science catching up to a criminal case, the use of DNA to free someone, how a wrongful conviction can be overturned, powerful women, impressive women, tenacity, guts, new beginnings, hope for the future, how to survive the loss of a child, grief after the death of a child, grief after the death of children, post traumatic growth, PTSD, having to be strong, activism, Newcastle, Muswellbrook, famous criminal cases, women who are disliked, how to overcome trauma, moving on, death threats, social media hate, online pile-ons, online cruelty, moving on after trauma, healing after trauma, reinvention, midlife reinvention, new chapter, starting a new chapter of life. 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.

When you call for an ambulance these days, chances are the officers inside will save a life. But 40 years ago, 80 per cent of Alan Playford's passengers would either die on the way to the hospital, or on its doorstep. This is how he, and his colleagues, changed the face of paramedicine for the better. When Alan Playford first joined the New South Wales Ambulance Service in the 1970s, he would drive an ambulance on his own to all sorts of emergencies. With little equipment, and no support, Alan would simply have to bundle people into the back of the wagon and race to the hospital, where lifesaving machines and skills could give them a chance. In those early days, 80 per cent of Alan's patients would die either on the way to the hospital or on the doorstep. Alan and a group of other ambulance officers and doctors knew they could do better and set about modernising paramedicine. Under the leadership of Dr Bob Wright, they began innovative (and often terrifying) training to save more lives. Ambulance officers from Newcastle, including Alan, were among the first to be trained in these new "advanced life support" skills. So by the time the unprecedented Newcastle Earthqauke hit in 1989, Alan used his more than ten years' experience to save lives at the Newcastle Workers Club and on Beaumont Street. Alan went on to makeover the now beloved Westpac Rescue Helicopter, and took his skills to places like Rwanda and East Timor. He gained his nickname the 'shit magnet' for his habit of coincidentally being there to help out in emergencies, even when he's not on duty. Further information Through the Rubble is written by Alan Playford and Penny Keogh. It is published by Simon & Schuster. This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris and presented by Richard Fidler, executive producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores modern history, medical history, Ambulance Union, paramedics, hospital St Vincents, the Hunter, Norm Duffy, natural disasters, lifesaving innovation, medical innovation, ambos, Australian history, war, Rwanda, genocide, civil war, rescue chopper. 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.

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 information Recently, 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.

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 information 2025 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 Blondie Hanging on the Telephone performed by Blondie Ballroom Blitz performed by The Sweet Stumblin' In performed by Suzi Quatro and Chris Norman My Sharona performed by The Knack Standout story – Brenda Blethyn Hear Richard’s conversation with Brenda Blethyn. https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/stage-and-screen-actor-brenda-blethyn/7823938   We 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/105495784 This 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 information Originally 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 011 046 https://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/105495784 This 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.

After a dream job as a nanny in Notting Hill, a young Donna Duggan was first lured to Africa by the charms of Zanzibar. She soon fell deeply in love with a local man, Nas, though she could never have predicted the direction their life would take.  Nas and Donna set up a safari company, on the premise they would give back to the country and community as their business prospered. They had two children and built a life for their family and their wide network of Tanzanian employees. Nas was making a short journey for work in 2017 when Donna received word his plane was no longer visible on radar. Further information First broadcast April 2019. Read more about Donna's company Maasai Wanderings. https://maasaiwanderings.com  This episode was produced by Michelle Ransom-Hughes. The Executive Producer was 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/105495784 This episode of Conversations touches on safari, widowhood, widow, two year UK working visa, gap year, death of a spouse, owning a business, running a business, husband and wife team, nurse volunteer, nursing, Brisbane and a plane crash. 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.

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 information Originally broadcast July 2022. This episode was produced by Alice Moldovan. The executive producer was Carmel Rooney. Standout Story – Colin Hay Hear Sarah’s conversation with Colin Hay: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/colin-hay-rpt/10573618 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/105495784 This 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 information 2025 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 Bailey Hear Richard’s conversation with Bill Bailey: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/conversations-bill-bailey/8032120 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/105495784 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.

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 information To 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.

Deeply ashamed of something he had done, Mic Whitty retreated into the Welsh wilderness until an unexpected goal pulled him out of homelessness and back into the world. Mic had entered the workforce at the tender age of 15, joining the RAAF as an apprentice, before taking on a series of highly paid jobs in Saudi Arabia and New Zealand.  But feeling stressed out and burnt out, Mic decided to take a simpler job at a youth hostel in the United Kingdom. Mic, however, couldn't financially acclimatise to a simpler way of life. He began gambling on the stock market and then stealing money from his employer to make up for his smaller pay-cheque. Month after month went by, and no one discovered Mic's transgressions, until finally they did. Deeply ashamed, Mic paid off his debts before deciding to go off grid, going from town to town in Wales, sleeping rough. With some help from the local Salvos and then re-discovering a family heirloom, Mic started thinking about re-entering the world again, and he came up with an extraordinary project.  Content warning: this episode of Conversations contains discussion about depression and suicidal ideation. Please take care when listening. If you or anyone you know needs help: Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 Lifeline on 13 11 14 Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 Headspace on 1800 650 890 ReachOut at au.reachout.com MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978 Further information First broadcast in March, 2024. 2025 update: Mic has now cycled another 12,600 kilometres, visiting more than 350 cemeteries where WW1 or WW2 casualties are buried along the way. You can read more about Mic Whitty's extraordinary project, and keep up to date with his progress at his website. Standout story – Jimmy Webb You can hear Sarah’s full conversation with Jimmy Webb on the ABC Listen App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also read all about the Conversations origin story on the ABC News website. This episode of Conversations explores homelessness, rough sleeping, unemployment, shame, making amends, gambling, journalling, diary, mental health, men's mental health, World War One, World War Two, family history, veterans, the military, post-war life, family history, military history, travel, cycling, illegal camping, Wales, Salvation Army. 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.

Tommy Caldwell grew up exploring Yosemite, looking up at El Capitan's punishing 3000ft sheer rock face. After years of training, he was ready to climb it.  Tommy is regarded as the world’s best big wall climber. He spent 15 years ascending various routes on El Capitan, the Yosemite National Park mecca for big wall climbers, until he was finally ready to attempt a route christened 'The Dawn Wall'. The Dawn Wall is a 3000-foot ascent up sheer rock on the southeast face of El Capitan. It took Tommy and his partner Kevin Jorgeson 19 days, but in 2015 they became the first to successfully free climb The Dawn Wall. The accomplishment was the culmination of years of endurance, just only on the wall, but also on the ground.  As a younger man, Tommy was kidnapped in Kyrgyzstan and he later lost a finger in an accident, which is a particularly devastating loss for a climber.  Through it all, Tommy says climbing is what kept him sane. Further information First broadcast in August, 2019. A documentary about Tommy and Kevin's climb, The Dawn Wall, is available on Netflix. 2025 update: Tommy has published a best-selling memoir, ‘The Push’. You can read all about the Conversations origin story on the ABC News website. This episode of Conversations explores rock climbing, bouldering, California, National Parks, outdoor pursuits, free climbing, sports injuries, documentary, adrenaline sports. 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.

Vickie's police record began when she was just 2 years old, and followed her throughout her life. But as an adult she pushed back, challenging a federal law for the rights of prisoners. When Vickie was given a police record as a toddler, it enabled authorities to place her into the custody of a family she didn't know. She grew up in western Sydney, under the strict religious rule of her adoptive mother, with whom she clashed time and again. Vickie left school at 13., and in the same year she met her birth mother for the first time and discovered she was Aboriginal. Decades of trouble followed, including numerous prison terms. But Vickie has also known periods of stability, like winning back her son after a long-running custody dispute. In 2007, Vickie was awarded her master's degree while serving her final prison sentence at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre in Victoria. She was also the plaintiff in a ground-breaking legal challenge to the High Court, which returned to prisoners serving less than three years' the right to vote. Vickie now works as an advocate for the rights of women in prison. Content warning: this episode contains mentions of violence, suicide and drug use. Further information First broadcast in May, 2019. Vickie appears in ABC TV's You Cant Ask That - Domestic Violence (survivors) episode Vickie was joint winner of the 2017 Tim McCoy Human Rights Award Adoption resources and support Find and Connect - support for former residents of children's homes, orphanages and institutions; Benevolent Society Australia - post-adoption support; For forced adoption support you can visit the Government support services website or contact the Forced Adoption Support Service in your state or territory on 1800 21 03 13. For immediate support, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 46 36. You can read all about the Conversations origin story on the ABC News website. This episode of Conversations explores the Stolen Generations, DOCS, child protection, forced adoption, family separation, cultural identity, justice system, Aboriginal incarceration rate, deaths in custody, mental health, origin stories, family dynamics, motherhood, Yuin. 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.

Jana Pittman became one of Australia's most famous athletes as a young woman. Then at age 30, she found herself at a painful crossroads (R)

The Tokyo Paralympics were Christie's seventh as a wheelchair racing competitor, but Christie almost gave up marathons after the 2013 Boston Marathon, and the most frightening experience of her life (CW: mention of suicide) (R)

Anna's stellar cycling career saw her smash Australian Olympic records and become the World Champion 11 times. Then to the surprise of many, she walked away from cycling for good, returning to the world stage as Australia's Chef de Mission for Paris 2024 (R)

Swimmer and entrepreneur Lisa Curry's life has been full of highs and lows both in and out of the pool. But it was the death of her daughter, Jaimi, that completely changed her. This is how Lisa fought to get her old self back after her unimaginable loss (R)

How a boy who grew up on a fishing trawler became the first man in Australia to run 100 metres in under 10 seconds (R)

Bruce McAvaney is the voice of Australian sport, with a commentating style built on his relentless work ethic and genuine passion. But if he hadn't chucked a sickie one day while working as a public servant, the past 50 years of Australian sport might have sounded very different

Writer Louise Kennedy grew up at the height of The Troubles, just outside of Belfast, where violence was ever-present. When her family's pub was bombed, they decided to move south, where Louise trained as a chef. But after decades of working in the kitchen, a chance invitation to a writer's group lead to an unexpected new career (R)

Tony Armstrong felt like a failure when his AFL career ended. But he found his feet again, falling upwards into a different life, calling footy matches, hosting live television, and now writing a children's book. This is why Tony isn't scared of failing anymore

Forced to flee West Papua, Lele's family wandered for years before coming to Australia. When they eventually received Australian citizenship and passports, the family was finally able to travel to West Papua. But Lele's homecoming journey was bittersweet, after tragedy struck

When writer Lily Brett went to visit Auschwitz, the death camp both her parents had survived, she couldn't help but start tidying up the place where so many of her family had been murdered, and touching the ashes of what was left

I Was Actually There is a new ABC podcast featuring gripping stories told by people who witnessed history first-hand. Hear what it was like to be a police sniper tasked with handling the gunman at the Port Arthur massacre; how it felt to be a teenager seeing The Beatles during their record-breaking 1964 Adelaide visit; and how one man survived being trapped 1km underground for 14 days, after the Beaconsfield mine collapse. Follow the I Was Actually There podcast on ABC listen. In this episode, Rebekah Giles and her boyfriend were enjoying a last-minute Christmas holiday in Thailand when the deadliest tsunami in recorded history struck. Rebekah recounts her remarkable survival, from the moment a torrent of water blew apart her beachfront hut on Phi Phi Island.

Monte Punshon was 103 years old when she was crowned the world's oldest lesbian, but that wasn't how she summed up her extraordinary life. Historian Tessa Morris-Suzuki charts Monte's adventures through underground bars and secret clubs At 103 years old, Ethel May Punshon, who was variously known as Miss Montague, Mickey and Monte, was crowned the 'world's oldest lesbian'. However, that wasn't how she summed up her extraordinary life. Historian Tessa Morris-Suzuki has researched Monte's long, mysterious and adventurous life. Monte worked in children's theatre at the turn of last century, frequented underground drag parties in the 1930s, and made trailblazing trips to Japan. Throughout her life, Monte was driven by her unrelenting curiosity and a simple motto: don't be afraid. Further information A Secretive Century: Monte Punshon's Australia is published by MUP 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.

Winnie Dunn is the General Manager of Sweatshop Literacy Movement. Here she tells the story of how family and writing brought her home to Tonga, and gave Winnie the power to launch herself into the world on her own terms. Winnie grew up between her father and stepmother's house and the home of her grandmother — a brick home in Mount Druitt called the house of fe'ofa'aki, meaning “to love one another”. For years, Winnie's Tongan identity made her uneasy and instead of being a homecoming, her first trip to Tonga as a teenager was a disaster. Over time her understanding of what it means to be Pacific Islander evolved, and at the age of 28, she became the first Tongan-Australian to have a novel published. Further information Dirt Poor Islanders is published by Hachette 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, singers, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

Nas Campanella was six months old when she lost her sight. She fell in love with the radio and audio books as a child, growing up to become one of Australia's most well-known TV and radio journalists (R)

Dr Aaron Camens studies the fossilised skeletons, footprints and soft tissue left behind by strange, alien-like behemoths, to work out how they lived, and what, or who, killed them

Artist Michael Kelly's younger sister was born with intellectual disabilities in the 1950s, and went into care. The family lost touch with her until Michael decided it was time to find her again. Michael Kelly has been an artist all his life.  When he was a young boy living in Brisbane, his younger sister was born with intellectual disabilities. She was institutionalised and the family eventually lost contact with her. That severed connection was a wound for the whole family, and followed Michael where he went. Over the years he’s lived in family squats, stayed in a decommissioned mental asylum, and in a van. Eventually he made his way to art school, where everything fell into place. All this time, he’s kept meticulous sketchbooks as a way to keep track of his artwork, dreams, ideas and sketches of a changing world. And his path back to his sister. Further information Michael Kelly has an retrospective exhibition at the Frances Keevil Gallery in Double Bay, running from 7 August to 25 August. You can also see a selection of Michael's sketchbooks in the State Library's Amaze Gallery, until 1 December 2024. Learn more about that exhibition here. 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, singers, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

Janty Blair is a Butchulla, Mununjhali and Woppaburra woman who, after a lifetime of nursing and midwifery, discovered her funny bone in her late 50s, after a serendipitous Bumble date

Dr John Paterson grew up in a tin hut in rural Darwin. He helped hold it down during Cyclone Tracy and has taken care of it so it still stands today. John learnt many lessons in that tin hut, which have followed him through life

When his elders named him Bindi, David Hudson had no idea his future would involve performing with his didgeridoo at the Taj Mahal, or a role in a film starring Marlin Brando  (Content warning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners: this episode contains the name of someone who has died.) Western Yalanji and Ewamian man David Bindi Hudson is a performing artist and musician. His parents were born on Mona Mona mission, near Cairns. David's mother didn't like being told what to do, and so in 1956 she walked off the mission with her three children, and made it 18km away to look for work at a local pub. Her ingenuity led the family to Spring Creek Station, where David’s elders taught him traditional dance and named him Bindi, which means "always looking forward". Since then, David has toured the world with his didgeridoo, playing to huge audiences in the Acropolis, the Taj Mahal and China's Forbidden City. He also played a part in a disastrous Hollywood movie, which gave him the chance to bring Marlon Brando home to have dinner with his Mum. Further information Read more about David's autobiographical stage show, From Campfire to Stage Light. Content warning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners: this episode contains the name of someone who has died. 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, singers, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

Yuwaalaraay writer, storyteller and performer, Nardi Simpson of the Stiff Gins talks about her life, art and the meaning of country (R)

Ken Wyatt was born at Roelands Mission in outback WA, where his mother had been taken as a small girl, after she was stolen from her family. More than 60 years later, he became Australia's first Indigenous Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt was born at Roelands Mission in outback WA, where his mother had been taken as a small girl, after she was stolen from her family. More than 60 years later, he became Australia's first Indigenous Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt has Yamatji, Wongi and Noongar ancestry. He came into the world as a premature baby on a mission south of Perth called Roelands Farm, run by the Protestant Church.  From 1938 to 1973, Roelands housed more than 500 forcibly removed Aboriginal children from all over Western Australia. One of those children was Ken's mother Mona, who was separated from family at just 4 years old. Mona married Don and they built a life for themselves away from Roelands, in Nannine, a railway fettler’s camp in remote WA. That's where Ken grew up, as one of 10 children.  Ken went on to enjoy a fulfilling life as a teacher, and he was in his fifties when he decided to have a tilt at politics. He joined the Liberal Party, and in 2010 he was elected as the first Aboriginal member of the House of Representatives.  Wearing a kangaroo skin cloak given to him by Noongar elders in Perth, Ken made his first speech in Federal Parliament, about his extraordinary journey from Roelands to Canberra. 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, singers, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

Paula Quintela was seven years old when she witnessed Augusto Pinochet’s coup d’etat in Chile. She broke up the darkness by becoming her country's champion ocean swimmer and an artist

Playwright Alana Valentine on the story of the radical minister, Ted Noffs, who married thousands of couples who weren’t accepted anywhere else, including Alana’s own mum

Since she was a child, Michelle Johnston has tried to satisfy her insatiable curiosity about the world and the people in it. Most recently, her questions took her to a mysterious part of Russia called Dagestan, where mountains claw at the sky and time stands still

Mark Pitts needed to find peace after a hard life in the rugby and boxing worlds. So he went back to the airstrip that his aviator grandfather made famous when he flew home from England for love, breaking a world record in the process

For more than 20 years, Dominic Gordon cycled through the same self-destructive behaviours - stealing, risky sexual encounters, vandalism and drug-use -until he took the biggest risk of all to get his life back

When there's a plane crash, a bomb blast, a flood or a pandemic, Lucy Easthope's phone starts ringing. This is how she stays cheerful and trusts her gut in the face of never-ending disasters

Ben Lee was a teen rock prodigy by the time he was 14. He then began decades of making music, Hollywood fame, and a journey into alternative spirituality, including the world of ayahuasca Ben Lee grew up in Bondi in the 1980s when it was a place of bikie gangs, Yiddish-speaking grandmas and tribes of kids living next to one of the world's most beautiful beaches.  He was educated at a local Jewish school where he confounded his Rabbi by asking some surprising questions about Moses. Ben was always a seeker, and even as a boy, he also possessed a whole lot of chutzpah. At the age of 14 he saw Nirvana play at the Big Day Out. The next day he started his own band and two years later Ben was flying to America to support Sonic Youth. This began a wild few decades of making music, Hollywood fame, and a lengthy exploration of alternative spirituality, including a time in an ashram in India, and many ceremonies with ayahuasca, a hallucinogen found in a vine in the Amazon. After many years, Ben emerged with a crucial realisation about his life story.  He is now living back in Australia with his wife Ione and their teenage daughter. Further information Find out where to see Ben on his Australian tour Ben and Ione Skye Lee have a podcast, Weirder Together 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, singers, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

After Richard Gosling's young daughter survived horrific injuries and open heart surgery, he became a funeral director, leaning into the emotional intensity of that space between life and death

John Lyons, the ABC's Global Affairs Editor, reflects on the Israel-Gaza war, drawing on his background as former Middle East correspondent for The Australian