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Conversations draws you deeper into the life story of someone you may have heard about, but never met. Journey into their world, joining them on epic adventures to unfamiliar places, back in time to wild moments of history, and into their deepest memories, to be moved by personal stories of resilience and redemption.

Hosted by Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski, Conversations is the ABC's most popular long-form interview program. Every day we explore the vast tapestry of human experience, weaving together narratives from history, science, art, and personal storytelling.

Conversations Live is coming to the stage! Join Sarah Kanowski and Richard Fidler for an unmissable night of unforgettable stories, behind-the-scenes secrets, and surprise guests. Australia’s most-loved podcast — live, up close, and in the moment. Find out more at the Conversations website.

Conversations

Aged 17, Chris 'Brolga' Barns was meant to be the 'bird guy' at a new zoo in Broome. A cough in his keeper's house alerted him to a kangaroo joey called Josie, who needed four-hourly feeds and help with the toilet. From then on he was hooked.

Brolga knew early on he wanted to make a living working with animals.

After meeting Josie he began to rescue other joeys left alive in their mothers' pouches after the large animals had been hit by cars.

Word spread about his passion for orphaned joeys, and he started an education centre in an old double-decker bus.

In 2013 the BBC made a documentary about Brolga, Kangaroo Dundee, which became a worldwide hit.

Brolga and his wife Tahnee now run a hospital and rescue centre outside Alice Springs.

Further information

Originally broadcast October 2018.

Read more about Brolga's Kangaroo Sanctuary.

2025 update: since Sarah’s original conversation with Brolga, the mighty Roger has passed away, at the age of 12.

A new Australian movie, Kangaroo, based on Brolga’s life and the sanctuary, is due for release in September.

Standout story – Belinda Terry

Hear Belinda Terry, ‘Nocka' Peoples, Cheryl Thompson, Elizabeth 'Thumper' Clark in a special night of storytelling from Muttaburra.

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/muttaburra-stories-conversations-in-the-shearing-shed/7788918

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 was produced by Nicola Harrison. The Executive Producer was Pam O'Brien.

This episode of Conversations touches on kangaroos, wildlife care, Alice Springs, orphaned joeys, kangaroo joeys, epic life stories, origin stories, zoos, roadkill, outback Australia and the outback.

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.

20th Anniversary Collection: Brolga the 'kangaroo mum'

Male midwife, Christian Wright tells stories of emergency evacuations and surfing with crocodiles while working in remote Indigenous communities, helping Yolŋu women birth their babies.

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.

In the tiny town of Nhulunbuy, right on the tip of the Northern Territory, Christian worked with Yolŋu women of remote Arnhem Land to help them birth their babies.

Further information

First broadcast 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 may 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. And yes, Christian did deliver the baby!

Learn more about Christian's research into pregnancy and birth.

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.

Standout story – Nigel Newton

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

This episode of Conversations explores birth, midwifery, Yolŋu country, First Nations birthing, the fourth trimester, active labour and a male midwife.

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.

20th Anniversary Collection: The male midwife who birthed babies in Arnhem Land

The veteran Wiradjuri journalist spent his first year living in the wreck of a Model T Ford on a NSW mission. He has reported from China and North Korea, covered Nelson Mandela’s release, the death of Princess Diana, the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and reported from outside Osama bin Laden’s house after he was killed.

His father was a hard man and an itinerant sawmiller who taught Stan the lessons he would need to survive and thrive as he grew older.

On the surface, Stan seemed disinterested in his studies, but he memorised everything he learned and gathered his knowledge for the future.

The family moved to Canberra when Stan was a teenager and suddenly the world opened up for him.

Further information

Originally broadcast May 2013.

This episode was produced by Michelle Ransom-Hughes and the Executive Producer is 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 Indigenous family, Wiradjuri country, tabloid TV, racism, fatherhood, fathers, origin stories, personal stories, epic life stories, family dynamics, First Nations, news reporting and international news and 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.

20th Anniversary Collection: Stan Grant on what his father taught him

Sarah and Richard give you a sneak peek behind the scenes of the Conversations Live Tour, Adelaide edition.

London Bombing survivor, Gill Hicks 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 Gill'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.

Conversations Live podcast extra: Gill Hicks

Sarah and Richard give you a sneak peek behind the scenes of the Conversations Live Tour, Adelaide edition.

Legendary sports broadcaster, Bruce McAvaney was one of the special guests who appeared on stage to share some photos close to his heart, and the stories attached to them.

Further information

To see Bruce'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.

Conversations Live podcast extra: Bruce McAvaney

Longtime TV casting agent, Kirsty de Vallance was 16 when Police searched the house and arrested her father on serious drugs charges. Throughout her teen years she had to navigate the complexity of having a parent in prison. 

The family went into freefall and a short time later Kirsty's mother died.

Her two older sisters raised Kirsty and she stayed in touch with her father until his release from prison.

The effects on the family were far-reaching and devastating and as a result, Kirsty volunteers with children who find themselves in a situation like hers — with parents in jail.

For many years Kirsty ran a successful casting agency with her husband and together they found contestants for TV shows including Masterchef and Project Runway.

Further information

First broadcast June 2015.

2025 update: Kirsty continued working in TV casting up until recently, but now she and her husband focus on the wellbeing side of production. 

Their company ‘Strength on Set’ looks after the health and wellbeing of cast and crew on shows like ‘Farmer Wants a Wife’ and ‘The Bachelor’.

Kirsty has also returned to studying, and is completing a Diploma in Counselling.

Standout story: Nicholas Hammond

You can hear Richard's full conversation with Nicholas Hammond on the ABC Listen app or wherever you get your podcasts.

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/nicholas-hammond-the-sound-of-music-cinderella-julie-andrews/14069188

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

The Executive Producer of this episode of Conversations was Pam O'Brien.

This episode of Conversations explores parents in prison, kids with a parent in prison, drugs charges, heroin, early death, mentoring, prison, jail, Ireland, TV casting agent, Farmer Wants a Wife, Masterchef and Project Runway.

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.

20th Anniversary Collection: Surviving my dad's arrest and learning to thrive

The co-creator of Absolutely Fabulous says her remarkable career as one of the world's funniest women is all down to a series of happy accidents. 

When she and her great pal Dawn French were making their first series, French & Saunders, they were given complete freedom by the BBC, including the freedom to fail.

Despite a few mishaps along the way and a battle with breast cancer, Jennifer now says that early freedom, risk-taking and random opportunities were the best things that could possibly have happened to them.

Further information

First broadcast in April, 2014.

You can hear Sarah's full conversation with Timothy Spall 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 memoir, books, writing, TV comedy, Ab Fab, celebrity memoir, battling cancer, survival stories, breast cancer, British humour, dark humour, Black Books, the Comic Strip, Friends, Roseanne, Adrian Edmondson, Edina Monsoon, Joanna Lumley, Patsy Stone, Muppets, Spice Girls, Top Gear.

20th Anniversary Collection: The comic genius of Jennifer Saunders

Liz Cameron was 18 years old when a stranger approached her in a book shop. It was the beginning of her induction into a cult, and it was an experience Liz barely survived.

The process of brainwashing happened gradually, first came the love-bombing and the allure of finding a new purpose in life. Then came the isolation from friends and family, along with sleep deprivation, overwork and sexual manipulation.

Liz was one of the many women chosen to become a kind of bride for the leader of an infamous Korean religious group.

It wasn’t until she became critically ill, that her family were able to get the help she needed to escape and to begin the process of being deprogrammed.

Liz Cameron’s memoir is called Cult Bride: How I was brainwashed and how I broke free.

Find out more about the Conversations Live National Tour on the ABC website.

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.

Conversations' Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison. This episode was produced by Jennifer Leake.

This episode of Conversations touches on cults, brainwashing, religious groups, eating disorders, sexual manipulation, deprogramming, sexual assault, sleep deprivation, family, recovery, healing, trauma, biography, psychology, Providence, JMS, Jesus Morning Star, Pastor Joshua, Jung Myung-seok.

How I became a brainwashed cult bride

When Judy Sharp was told by doctors that her son would never communicate or learn to love, she refused to believe it and set about to secure a brilliant life for her neurodivergent son, Tim.

Judy's eldest son, Tim, was diagnosed with autism when he was 3 years old.

When Judy was told Tim would never communicate or be able to love she refused to accept those limitations.

As a mother, Judy took many risks to secure a good life for both of her sons, including escaping an abusive marriage.

Her risks paid off.

As a grown man, Tim became a renowned artist and his popularity continues to grow.

Laser Beak Man, Tim's cheeky cartoon super-hero, has taken Tim and Judy as far as Broadway, where he was the central figure of a musical.

Further information

First broadcast in February, 2016.

2025 update: Tim and his artwork have been included in the book celebrating 50 years of the Sydney Opera House, about 50 famous Australian artists.

Judy is now a sought-after speaker and spends much of her time speaking at conferences. 

A film based on Judy's memoir is in development, hopefully starting production in 2026. 

You can read all about the Conversations origin story on the ABC News website.

This episode of Conversations explores parenting children with autism, ADHD, neurodivergence, communication, Asperger's, mothers of sons, spousal abuse, brothers, ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Austin.

20th Anniversary Collection: Judy Sharp and the remarkable rise of Laser Beak Man

Sharonne Zaks is not your average dentist. After treating a patient named Anna, Sharonne saw the power relationship with her patients differently. She developed a new branch of dentistry to help care for survivors of sexual assault.

Sharonne grew up in a family of dentists, and when she too became a dentist, she developed an empathetic relationship with her patients, never judging them even if they'd avoided the dentist for years.

A patient named Anna profoundly changed Sharonne's understanding of a patient's experience in the dentist's chair.

Sharonne realised that for those who have been through a sexual assault or trauma, the extreme powerlessness of being treated at the dentist can be highly triggering.

Sharonne undertook study into the area, and began a new regime to treat survivors in her own practice.

She then began explaining what she'd found about the power dynamic between dentist and patient, to her own colleagues.

Further information

2025 update: Sharonne regularly presents on trauma-informed care to groups across the dental profession and beyond, including lawyers, nurses, doctors and carers.

Trauma-informed dental knowledge and skills have recently been made core competencies for all newly qualified dentists by the Australian Dental Council.

You can read all about the Conversations origin story on the ABC News website.

This episode of Conversations explores dentistry, Maxillofacial surgery, fear of the dentist, overcoming fear of the dentist, sexual trauma, power dynamics, tooth pain, tooth ache, root canal, medical industry, helping patients, fear of medicine, oral hygiene, avoiding the dentist, dental appointment, finding a dentist who cares, empathetic dentist, pain free dentist.

20th Anniversary Collection: How power and fear play out in the dentist's chair

Nazeem Hussain honed his comedy in Melbourne's suburbs in the 1990s. After his father left the family, his fearless mother taught Nazeem how to use humour to get bullies off his back. (R)

Comedian, Nazeem Hussain honed his comedic chops in the suburbs of Melbourne in the 1990s.

It was there, after his father left the family, that his fearless mother taught him how to use humour to get bullies off his back.

Since then Nazeem has performed all over the world.

He hosted his own Netflix special and opened for Dave Chappelle in New York City, before deciding to write a children's book to celebrate his journey into parenthood.

This episode of Conversations touches on personal story, origin story, fatherhood, dads, absent dads, fatherless children, father figures, Nazeem Hussain, comedy, ASIO, 9/11, September 11, racism, family and kids.

Encore: The making of Nazeem Hussain

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