Law Professor Ron McCallum was a premature baby in the 1940s. He completed his studies by recording people reading his textbooks aloud onto cassettes. Then an early version of text to speech opened up new possibilities for him. When Ron was born, prospects for blind people to have careers outside sheltered workshops were few. In the late 1970s enormous change swept into Ron’s life. He fell in love with fellow lawyer, Mary Crock, and they began a family.  Ron became the first totally blind professor of any discipline in Australia with a role at the University of Sydney Law School. He was also chair of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and 2011 Senior Australian of the Year. Further information First broadcast July 2019. You can read all about the Conversations origin story on the ABC News website. The researcher on this episode of Conversations was Michelle Ransom-Hughes. The Executive Producer is Carmel Rooney. This episode touches on disability, a career in law, uni, life story, epic life story, premature babies, history and autobiography. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.   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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

In the swinging '60s, Anthony 'Ace' Bourke and John Rendall bought a lion cub from a luxury department store. They eventually released him to his natural habitat in Africa. Footage of their emotional reunion in the wilds of Africa nearly broke the internet, decades later. In 1969, Anthony 'Ace' Bourke and John Rendall bought a lion cub for just under £300 from Harrods Department Store. They named the cub Christian, and lived with him as a pet in their Chelsea flat, above a furniture shop. Eventually, Ace and John met the renowned conservationist George Adamson, who agreed to introduce Christian to his natural habitat in Africa as he was quickly outgrowing their inner city pad. Several years later John and Ace went to visit Christian in the wilds of Kenya. The fully grown lion remarkably remembered the men, and was filmed leaping up to embrace them. Some 40 years after that event, footage of their reunion was uploaded to YouTube, and brought the story to a whole new audience. Further information First broadcast April, 2009. John Rendall continued to actively support the The George Adamson & Tony Fitzjohn Wildlife Trust until his death in 2022. Ace Bourke has been a committee member of Australian-based charity, Working for Animals for many years and is writing a memoir.  You can hear Richard's full conversation with Ken Wyatt 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 viral videos, conservation, charismatic animals, safari, wildlife trade, 1960s, Kora National Park, Kenya, East Africa, travel, animal welfare, epic story, unbelievable story, memoir, books, writing.

Bryan Brown has played more than 80 roles on stage and screen. Raised in working-class Sydney, his talent, hard work, and unmistakable presence have been his ticket to the world. Now in his late 70s, Bryan has had more film and television acting roles than he’s had birthdays, and is an instantly recognisable figure on screens around the world. From Breaker Morant and Newsfront to Two Hands and Sweet Country, a huge number of classic Australian films feature Bryan, a testament to his talent, popularity and work ethic.  Bryan also spent a period working in America, starring most notably in Cocktail and Gorillas In The Mist, before ultimately choosing Sydney over Hollywood. In the 1980s, working on the American-made series The Thorn Birds utterly changed Bryan’s life. He and British co-star Rachel Ward fell in love and married soon after. Their creative partnership has been enduring and they worked on one of Bryan's most recent films, Palm Beach, together - with Rachel directing and co-writing, and Bryan also co-producing. Palm Beach was inspired by a reunion of friends in later life, and a health scare that rocked Bryan’s confidence for several years.  Further Information Originally broadcast August, 2019. You can hear Richard's full conversation with Hank Harlow 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 acting, Australian cinema, classic movies, Australiana, Australian kitsch, film history, fatherhood, love, rags to riches, Hollywood,, anxiety, mental health, amateur theatre, theater, Red Dog, men's mental health.

Henrietta Lacks was the first human being that we know of to get close enough to 'immortality' to touch it. She died more than 50 years ago but her cells live on. 'HeLa' cells were the first human cells to be grown for research, and have been vital in medical advances since the 1950s. But what fascinated science major Rebecca Skloot the most about these cells, was how little was known about the woman behind the name. So she set out to discover who Henrietta Lacks really was. Further information First broadcast in July, 2010. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is published by Picador. Rebecca's book was turned into a film starring Oprah Winfrey. You can learn more about Henrietta online. You can also hear Richard's full conversation with Helen Macdonald 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 science, science communication, weird science, female scientists, modern history, medicine, medical history, medical research, cells, cancer, curing disease.

Adventurous spirits take us way out into the world's wild places — stories from across 20 years of Conversations. Travel high in the mountains with Kazakh eagle hunters. Join an endurance horse race across the Mongolian steppe. Feel the edge of darkness, paddling a kayak solo across the Great Australian Bight.  These tales of wild landscapes and creatures, of courage and awe, invite you to share the adventure along with some of our many intrepid guests: Palani Mohan, Bonnie Hancock, Chris Watson, Campbell Costello, Sally Henderson and Andrew Harper. This episode of Conversations was produced by Michelle Random-Hughes, Pam O'Brien, Jenna Koda and Meggie Morris. The Executive Producer was Carmel Rooney. Story editing by Michelle Ransom-Hughes. Sarah Kanowski and Richard Fidler present. 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.

Memories, motivation and life lessons from those at the front of the classroom - stories from across 20 years of Conversations. Teachers share stories from their life’s work. Facing up to challenging students, sitting alongside a young person in turmoil, making lifesaving decisions for an entire school, and the simple joy of seeing knowledge take root.  We celebrate the dedication found in schools across the country by featuring some extraordinary principals and teachers. Content warning: Sergio Rosato’s story (from 8-25 minutes) deals with bushfire survival. Brendan James Murray’s story contains a mention of self-harm that is not explicit (55-56 mins). Listen to the full episodes from featured guests Manisha Gazula, Sergio Rosato, Lynne Hinton, Eddie Woo, Sarah Donnelly and Brendan James Murray. This episode of Conversations was produced by Stefanie Collett, Pam O'Brien, Jenna Koda, Nicola Harrison and Meggie Morris. Story editing by Michelle Ransom-Hughes. The Executive Producer was Carmel Rooney. Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski presented this interview. 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 secret lives of parents — stories from across 20 years of Conversations. Espionage, Hollywood scandal, a second family, daring wartime missions, and a deadly weapon — revelations unearthed by adult children delving into the lives of parents long gone. Familial mysteries are some of the most spellbinding in our archives, and this collection features life stories from around the globe, revealed in the hunt for answers. Further information Listen to the full episodes from featured guests Paul Carter, Darleen Bungee, Nadia Mahjouri and Jane Eales. This episode was produced by Anna Priestland, Pam O'Brien, Alice Moldovan and Jenna Koda. The story editor was Michelle Ransom-Hughes and the Executive Producer was Carmel Rooney. Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski presented the interviews. 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.

Our chefs and cooks and the food that made them — stories from across 20 years of Conversations. Unforgettable sensory moments from childhood are behind the devotion of some of Australia’s most well known chefs. From Gary Mehigan’s grandfather’s secret chocolate stash, to the aroma of the traditional Cantonese broth, made by Hetty McKinnon’s mother, wafting from her morning kitchen.  This tasting plate of stories about food and cooking also includes stories from Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris, Hetty McKinnon, Josh Niland, Jimmy Shu, Maggie Beer and Poh Ling Yeow. This episode of Conversations was produced by Pam O'Brien and Nicola Harrison. The story editor was Michelle Ransom-Hughes. The Executive Producer was Carmel Rooney. It was presented by Sarah Kanowski and Richard Fidler. 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 collection of some of the best moments from actor and writer William McInnes — celebrating 20 years of Conversations. The voice of actor William McInnes is unmistakable, whether in larger than life TV roles; or as himself, telling true stories. A firm favourite of Conversations’ listeners, this episode is a collection of highlights from his many appearances on the program. You’ll enjoy William’s rendition of a Perry Como classic; hear him wax lyrical about the mayhem and magic of family life in Australian suburbia, circa the mid-to-late 20th Century; and be drawn in by his hilarious and heartfelt shaggy dog stories about raising his children as a single dad, after the death of his wife Sarah Watts.  Listen to William's full episodes on fatherhood, Australianisms and Christmas. This episode of Conversations was produced by Nicola Harrison and Michelle Ransom-Hughes. The Executive Producer was Carmel Rooney. 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 18 years old, Mick Doleman miraculously survived when his ship capsized in the freezing Southern Ocean off Tasmania. But as he floated in a life raft with his nine crewmates, his ordeal at sea had only just begun.

Writer and journalist Daniel Nour on the pressures of his vivacious Egyptian-Australian family, and 'inviting people in' instead of 'coming out'. Daniel grew up in Sydney's Sutherland Shire, the only son of Egyptian migrants. He dearly loved his parents, who taught him how to stand up to bullies, drove him to Tournament of the Minds competitions, and helped him buy his first car, but he could never be his whole, true self around them. For most of his life, Daniel was in denial about being gay, despite his raging crushes on handsome film characters like cartoon Aladdin and the Scorpion King, played by Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson.  Daniel even very briefly contemplated life as a priest in order to escape the familial pressure to marry a woman and give his parents grandchildren. But after a confidence-boosting trip to Egypt, and then an embarrassing, dishonest appearance on national television, Daniel was finally honest with himself. Further information How to Dodge Flying Sandals and Other Advice for Life: An unreliable ethnic memoir is published by Simon and Schuster. Daniel is a member of Sweatshop Literacy Movement, you can keep up to date with his work at his website. This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris, executive producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores migrant stories, multiculturalism, coming out, Coptic Orthodoxy, protestant church, faith, religion, homosexuality, Arab-Australians, racism, first generation Australians, growing up in Sydney, Cairo, writing, books, family dynamics, body image, male body image, masculinity, gym culture, diet culture, memoir. Find out more about the Conversations Live National Tour on the ABC website.