Conversations

In this episode of Conversations, actor Brian Brown shares intimate stories about his upbringing, reflecting on his mother's strength and the challenges of growing up without a permanent home. He discusses his transition from studying to be an actuary to discovering acting, which eventually led him to move to England to pursue a professional career. Brown recounts his early acting career, moving from pushing scenery in provincial theatres to securing a contract with the National Theatre. He also shares profound experiences filming 'Gorillas in the Mist' and 'Breaker Morant', as well as personal reflections on his marriage to Rachel Ward and his recent work as a published author.

In this episode, designer and technologist Mel Huang Buntine discusses her early experiences with computing, describing how a hand-me-down computer served as a vital window to the outside world while growing up in a refugee household. The conversation traces the evolution of personal computing from expensive microcomputers to the democratization brought by the Commodore 64 and the spreadsheet revolution. The discussion further explores the cultural impact of the Apple vs. IBM PC schism, the 'demo scene' subculture, and the shift from intimate, understandable hardware to the opaque, high-tech devices of today. Buntine concludes with a call for techno-optimism, encouraging listeners to learn coding to regain agency in an era dominated by AI.

Vicky Roach shares her profound journey through domestic violence, systemic abuse, and the complexities of her family history shaped by social engineering. She discusses the psychological tactics used by abusers and the barriers that prevent survivors from leaving. The episode further explores her transition from foster care to life on the streets, addiction, and incarceration. Roach recounts her path toward self-improvement through education, her work as a peer educator in prison, and her advocacy for prisoner voting rights and the abolition of prisons in favor of therapeutic communities.

Lisa Henson discusses her childhood in the creative Jim Henson family, detailing the origins of Sesame Street's educational mission and her father's technical innovations in puppetry and television. The episode explores the professional history of the Henson family, including collaborations with Frank Oz, the development of The Muppet Show, and the groundbreaking animatronics used in films like The Dark Crystal. Lisa also reflects on her own career as a studio executive, the challenges of managing the company's legacy versus developing new properties, and the technical complexities of filmmaking. Finally, she touches upon the enduring popularity of classic titles and the breadth of puppet artistry showcased in recent exhibitions.

In this episode, public intellectual Rebecca Huntley discusses her childhood experiences of domestic instability and the psychological impact of growing up with an unpredictable, violent father. She reflects on her journey of processing trauma, moving from self-regulating behaviors like long walks to exploring MDMA-assisted therapy to address persistent hypervigilance and anger. Rebecca details the transformative experience of MDMA-assisted therapy and how it facilitated a deeper empathy for her parents' intergenerational trauma. She concludes by reflecting on the importance of self-compassion, the challenges of unpacking repressed memories, and her commitment to breaking cycles of trauma for future generations.

This episode explores the heavy legacies of the Nazi era, focusing on the Lebensborn Project and its attempt to breed 'Aryan' children. Through the story of Renata, a product of this scheme who discovered her father was a high-ranking Nazi war criminal, we examine the unsettling reality of children raised within the shadows of the Third Reich. The discussion delves into the psychological impact of growing up in silence, shared by both the children of Holocaust survivors and the children of perpetrators. By examining Dan Barkan's initiative to bring these two groups together, the episode highlights a profound process of reconciliation through shared understanding and the importance of preventing historical atrocities from repeating.

Comedian Ursula Carlson and guest reflect on their formative years in South Africa, navigating landscapes of poverty, family instability, and the social complexities of the apartheid era. The conversation traverses personal histories of resilience, from escaping abusive domestic situations to the experience of coming out to family. The episode also follows the journey of emigration to New Zealand, driven by escalating violence in South Africa. Carlson shares her unexpected transition from advertising to stand-up comedy and discusses the importance of embracing opportunities and learning through failure.

Musician Meg Washington shares her journey from a childhood in Papua New Guinea to finding creative productivity through motherhood. She discusses how she navigated a speech stutter using musical techniques and explores the transition from a chaotic, myth-driven artistic lifestyle to a more structured approach to creativity. The episode also covers her personal milestones, including meeting her husband Nick, her voice work on Bluey, and her reflections on the spiritual power of music as a form of sonic meditation.

In this interview, Louise Adler discusses her childhood in Melbourne and the formative influence of books on her life. She shares profound family histories regarding her father's survival in the French Resistance during WWII and the extraordinary coincidence of meeting a witness to her grandfather's death on a train to Melbourne. Adler recounts her family's flight from Nazi Germany for Australia, her academic journey through Israel, England, and New York, and her eventual career in publishing. She also reflects on her professional roles at MUP and Adelaide Writers' Week, addressing the importance of engaging with the public sphere and the tensions between corporate governance and cultural understanding in arts organizations.

Poet and philosopher David White reflects on his journey from a childhood shaped by the landscapes of Yorkshire and Irish heritage to an unexpected career in marine zoology in the Galapagos. He explores how the raw power of nature and profound personal experiences, including a near-drowning incident, informed his transition into the world of poetry. The episode delves into the intersection of science, poetry, and human experience, examining how poetry serves as a language for mysteries that science cannot fully explain. Through themes of synchronicity, vulnerability, and the courage to face uncertainty, White discusses the role of poetry in providing consolation and validating one's unique voice during life's various stages.

This episode investigates the controversial landing of British Airways Flight 149 in Kuwait during the August 1990 Iraqi invasion. Journalist Stephen Davis explores evidence of a secret British black ops operation involving 'The Increment'—a specialized surveillance group—disguised as passengers on the flight, and alleges a significant government cover-up regarding the true risks faced by the aircraft. The investigation further details the harrowing experiences of hostages held in Kuwait, the strategic use of civilians as human shields by Iraqi forces, and the geopolitical consequences of intelligence failures. The episode also covers the ongoing legal battles as passengers seek accountability against British Airways and the UK government despite the use of secrecy certificates.

Historian Katja Hoyer shares personal memories of growing up in East Germany, detailing the pervasive atmosphere of state surveillance and the impact of the GDR regime on her family. The episode explores the tension surrounding the 40th anniversary of the GDR and the subsequent economic and social shifts following German reunification. The conversation then transitions to the historical reality of complicity, examining how individuals often adapt to oppressive power structures rather than resisting them. Using the detailed diaries of Karl Weirich, an ordinary shopkeeper, the discussion traces how the culturally significant town of Weimar became a stronghold for the Nazi party and examines the varying reactions of residents to the rise of Nazism and the Holocaust.

Journalist Hedley Thomas reflects on his personal journey, from a childhood shaped by his father's service in Vietnam to a rebellious youth that eventually led him to a career in journalism. He details his early years as a crime reporter on the Gold Coast and his international experiences, including an interview with Donald Trump and a terrifying shooting incident at his home following an investigation into a property scam. Thomas also discusses his personal struggles with PTSD and alcoholism following the attack, and how he found connection to his late father through investigating the Lynette Dawson case. He concludes by examining the profound impact of true crime podcasting on reigniting neglected investigations and providing a platform for witnesses who may be fearful of speaking to the police.

Millie Robinson shares the deeply personal journey of her father, Jim, as he navigates younger-onset Alzheimer's. The episode explores their family's resilience following the loss of Millie's mother, detailing how her father stepped up to raise his children and eventually found new love with Ty. The conversation follows their relocation from England to Australia and the evolution of their lives in Brisbane. Millie also reflects on her own journey into motherhood, her career as a marriage celebrant, and her current project writing a book with her father to preserve his memories.

In this episode, author Ben McIntyre discusses his book 'Colditz, Prisoners of the Castle,' exploring the history of the famous WWII POW camp. The discussion delves into the strategic mistakes that allowed for escapes, the professional nature of German security chief Lieutenant Reinhold Eggers, and the coordinated efforts of international officers to outwit their captors. The episode further examines the complex social dynamics within the castle, including class-based tensions, racial struggles, and ingenious escape methods like building tunnels and using decoys. From the construction of a secret glider to the eventual liberation by American troops, we explore the incredible resourcefulness and psychological resilience of those imprisoned at Colditz.

Tess Wood shares the deeply personal journey of her Egyptian-Australian upbringing, navigating a strict Catholic identity and the family fractures caused by her parents' divorce. She recounts choosing an intimate Fiji elopement to avoid public drama, a decision that led to a poignant moment where a village chief stepped in as her father. The episode explores Tess's profound connection to her grandmother's legacy and her struggles with identity as a young immigrant. Through stories of loss—including the death of her stillborn son—and a terrifying medical crisis, she reflects on her transition from atheism back to a spiritual reconnection discovered through an unexpected sign in Japan.

Historian Lee Strauss explores the complex legacy and origins of the Kennedy family, tracing their journey from Irish roots to the political powerhouse established by Joe Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald. The episode delves into the disciplined upbringing of the nine siblings, contrasting the childhood dynamics and physical resilience of JFK with the heavy expectations placed upon the family. The narrative follows a series of profound tragedies that altered the family's trajectory, including the devastating impact of Rosemary Kennedy's lobotomy and the fatal death of Joe Jr. during World War II. Ultimately, the episode examines how the family navigated immense personal loss and public scrutiny, finding endurance through their familial bonds.

Pauline McGrath, a former nurse and genetic counsellor, shares the story of her life and career, from her early nursing days in Adelaide and Melbourne to meeting her husband, David. The episode explores David's background as a South African pacifist and his commitment to refugee health and medical integrity. The narrative shifts to the profound personal challenge of David's terminal brain tumour diagnosis. Pauline details their journey through the medical process, the logistical preparations for voluntary assisted dying (VAD), and David's decision to maintain autonomy over his end-of-life care. The episode concludes with reflections on his final days and the enduring nature of grief.

Marilyn Chalmers, founder of the Monday Morning Cooking Club, discusses preserving Jewish culinary heritage through cookbooks and the deep emotional connection between food and memory. The episode transitions into a harrowing historical account of her parents' survival during World War II, following her father's escape from Nazi-occupied Poland to Russia and her mother's traumatic experience in Auschwitz. The conversation explores their subsequent migration and eventual settlement in Perth, Australia, where they built lives centered on freedom and prosperity. The speaker reflects on how her family managed the trauma of the Holocaust through community and tradition, and shares the emotional significance of preserving her parents' legacies through both Shoah Foundation interview tapes and her mother's cherished recipes.

Daniel Mendelsohn reflects on his upbringing in a New York suburb and the life of his father, a self-taught mathematician and research scientist. The narrative follows an unexpected turning point when his elderly father decided to audit Mendelsohn's university seminar on the Odyssey, creating a unique classroom dynamic shaped by their differing intellectual perspectives. The episode explores a transformative luxury cruise through the Mediterranean that traced the itinerary of the Odyssey, allowing Mendelsohn to witness a new side of his father. The journey serves as a poignant final chapter in his father's life, bridging the gap between ancient epic themes and the personal complexities of the father-son relationship.

Author Richard Flanagan discusses his new book, 'Heresies', exploring themes of power, human struggle, and the necessity of hope. He reflects on witnessing the resilience of people during the 2009 Victorian bushfires and the Syrian refugee crisis, while warning against the dehumanization that leads to great evil. The conversation also covers the importance of literature in connecting individuals through shared experiences, Flanagan's personal reflections on childhood violence and health, and the necessity of acknowledging Australia's history of invasion. Finally, he addresses the dangers of modern censorship and the writer's responsibility to speak truth to power.

The host interviews Palestinian-Australian writer Michaela Sahar about her debut book, which explores her family's history and their displacement during the Nakba. The conversation covers her grandfather Abdullah's life in Jerusalem, his passion for cars, and the family's eventual flight from their home due to escalating violence in 1948. The episode also details the family's journey from Palestine to Jordan and eventually to Australia, highlighting the hardships of migration and the preservation of sentimental items. Sahar reflects on her deep personal connection to her Palestinian heritage, recounting a visit to her family's former home and how her father's storytelling was integral to writing her book.

In this episode, parenting educator Maggie Dent explores the developmental differences between boys and girls, noting how modern digital influences have intensified social pressures and appearance anxiety in young girls. She discusses strategies for fostering resilience through 'glimmers' and managing emotional intensity by providing a safe base for children during meltdowns. The conversation further examines the influence of extended family, various child temperaments—such as 'roosters', 'orchids', and 'dandelions'—and the vital importance of human connection over digital distraction. Maggie also shares a deeply personal story regarding her own journey with vulnerability and how past struggles shaped her vocation.

Author George Megalogenis discusses his book 'Three Shocks', using a family tree metaphor to illustrate the changing demographic landscape of Australia. He explores how shifts in migration and workforce composition have created an inversion of identity between major metropolises like Sydney and Melbourne and regional cities. The episode further examines the fundamental shifts in the Australian economy, moving from a manufacturing-based identity to a service-oriented 'brain economy' dominated by professional women. The discussion traces the historical movement of Australia's political and economic center from Melbourne to Sydney, and more recently, the shifting locus of power between Queensland and the southern capital cities.

Melissa Redsell shares her journey from a childhood marked by domestic tension and the shock of a teenage pregnancy at sixteen to becoming a registered nurse, midwife, and charity founder. She details the immense challenges of navigating school pressure and single motherhood while pursuing her education. After finding stability through nursing studies and building a family, Mel reflects on how her experiences inspired the creation of 'A Brave Life,' a charity providing essential newborn bags to struggling families. Her journey of resilience eventually led to her recognition as the Queensland Australian of the Year Local Hero.

Retired forensic psychiatrist Paul Mullen explores the psychological drivers behind mass killings, tracing the historical concept of 'running amok' to modern-day perpetrators who follow a specific 'script' to achieve fame. He examines how deep-seated resentment and unresolved humiliation fuel violent fantasies and the adoption of extreme ideologies. The episode also delves into the professional transition of Mullen into forensic psychiatry and his experiences with mass shootings in New Zealand and Australia. The discussion covers the phenomenon of 'leakage,' where attackers provide advance notice of their plans, and the critical importance of withholding perpetrators' names to deny them the notoriety they seek.

In this interview, Josie Scott reflects on her journey from a childhood in Adelaide, shaped by family dynamics and the anxieties of the Vietnam War era, to finding identity through punk rock and engineering. She discusses the formative influence of music and literature on her band, The Mark of Cain, and the internal struggles of navigating gender identity while attending an all-boys school. Josie also shares a vulnerable account of using heroin as a way to manage gender dysphoria, her eventual path to recovery through therapy and medication, and the pivotal role the internet played in connecting her to trans communities. The conversation concludes with her experiences coming out to family and colleagues, ultimately finding profound happiness and authenticity through her medical transition.

Former Detective Sergeant Deb Wallace shares her journey from a working-class upbringing in Western Sydney to a distinguished career in the New South Wales Police Force. She recounts her early days in Blacktown and Mount Druitt, navigating the challenges of policing pub brawls and witnessing the profound impact of the Anita Cobby investigation. The episode also explores the evolution of crime and policing in NSW, covering the rise of the 5T gang and the heroin trade in Cabramatta, the strategic use of 'death by a thousand cuts' tactics in Strike Force Raptor, and the legislative reforms driven by victims' advocacy. The conversation concludes with reflections on resilience, community service, and the importance of introspection for those entering law enforcement.

Australian entrepreneur Mark Woodland shares his journey from a childhood in the 90s to serving in the army to honor his late brother. After transitioning from combat arms to the psychology corps following an injury, he moved into civilian life to assist with his mother's childcare business. Driven by the need to automate manual administrative tasks, Mark developed software solutions that eventually led him to identify similar systemic inefficiencies in the aged care and NDIS sectors. He discusses how personal grief and military discipline shaped his mission to launch Kismet, a company dedicated to automating healthcare administration.

Mary McKendry recounts her journey from a lively childhood in Rockhampton, Australia, to the prestigious Royal Ballet School. She details her early ballet career, including her transition to London and her time performing with Rudolf Nureyev's company, as well as finding marriage and family life in Houston. The episode also explores the profound impact of her daughter Sophie's profound deafness diagnosis. Mary describes the emotional challenges of navigating language, the implementation of cochlear implant technology, and how she ultimately prioritized being Sophie's communicator, leading to a shared connection through sign language and storytelling.

Former doctor Olivia Ong shares her profound journey from a promising career in rehabilitation medicine to navigating life after a traumatic spinal cord injury. The episode explores her early medical inspirations, the devastating car accident that changed her trajectory, and the grueling physical and emotional realities of rehabilitation. Olivia recounts her intensive recovery process through Project Walk in California and how her experience as both a patient and a physician has reshaped her approach to medicine. Ultimately, she reflects on redefining success through motherhood, authenticity, and finding strength in the face of unexpected adversity.

Lynne Shorey recounts her childhood adventures in Papua New Guinea and the profound identity crisis she faced as an adult upon discovering her biological mother might still be alive. This revelation, coupled with a struggle with alcoholism, led to a period of intense personal instability. Following a journey of discovery facilitated by an unexpected family connection, Lynne traveled to Manus Island for a tearful reunion with her mother and sisters. She reflects on reconnecting with her ancestral village, the founding of her charity One Time PNG, and the eventual reconciliation with her father as she navigates her complex mixed-race heritage.

Psychologist Steve Bidolph shares his journey of discovering his Asperger's syndrome later in life and how it shaped his understanding of his upbringing in England and migration to Australia. He reflects on the profound influence of a dedicated teacher, his struggles with university, and how personal suffering and global perspectives eventually led him to become a family therapist. The episode further explores themes of masculinity, the 'father wound,' and the evolution of emotional connection across generations. Bidolph discusses the architecture of the human mind through his 'four-story mansion' metaphor and concludes with reflections on spiritual unity, the importance of embracing a slower pace of life, and how neurodivergence can foster independent conviction.

Environmental journalist Michael Delaney explores the mechanics of zoonoses—pathogens that jump from animals to humans—and how habitat destruction and climate change facilitate these spillovers. Through case studies ranging from the Hendra virus in Australia to boreal pox in Alaska, the episode examines how urban sprawl and ecological shifts bring wildlife into closer contact with human populations. The discussion further investigates the global spread of H5N1 bird flu and its impact on diverse species, including polar bears. Finally, the episode connects global health threats to social inequality, examining how the emergence of trench fever in Edmonton was linked to the vulnerabilities of unhoused populations, ultimately arguing that many preventable diseases can be addressed through improved social services and political will.

In this episode, former Children's Commissioner and police investigator Colleen Gwynne shares her journey from a turbulent childhood in Daylesford to a high-profile career in law enforcement. She discusses the hidden domestic violence within her family caused by her father's alcoholism and her subsequent move to Darwin to seek a new life. Gwynne recounts her experiences in the Northern Territory police force, specifically detailing the intense investigation into the Peter Falconeo case. The episode covers the investigative breakthroughs involving DNA evidence and the eventual conviction of Bradley Murdoch, as well as her later work addressing child safety and the Don Dale detention center scandal.

Nikki Goldstein shares her profound journey from a lack of religious identity to a deep connection with faith, sparked by a life-threatening health crisis in the ICU. Through her relationship with Rabbi Eli Schlanger, she explores the modern relevance of the Noahide Laws, covering themes of stewardship, honesty, and the sanctity of life. The episode also delves into Nikki's family history, including her grandmother's heroic efforts to save relatives from Nazi Germany, and reflects on the tragic loss of Rabbi Ellie during the Bondi Beach attack. Ultimately, she discusses continuing his legacy through their shared book project and her personal mission to bring love to the world.

In this episode, gardening presenter and author Hannah Maloney discusses her lush Hobart garden, reflecting on a childhood spent in Brisbane herb nurseries and the social justice values instilled by her parents. She shares a deeply personal journey of using nature as a tool to navigate grief following her mother's death from motor neurone disease, and her eventual transition to Tasmania and Gardening Australia. The conversation expands into the broader cultural and psychological connections humans have with gardening, exploring everything from historical agricultural legacies and 'lawn porn' to community-driven projects like the Flower Power Project. Finally, the speakers explore the therapeutic power of garden creativity and the concept of 'gardens for time travel' as a way to practice intergenerational justice and climate activism.

In this episode, death walker Zenith Virago shares her profound life journey, from her upbringing in London to her transformative years in Australia. She discusses how early encounters with mortality and unexpected motherhood shaped her resilient worldview and led her to leave England for fifteen years to discover her true identity. The conversation explores her transition into the role of a 'death walker' following the death of a friend, as well as the immense challenges of raising her son, Tane, after the sudden loss of his father. Ultimately, Zenith reflects on finding closure through a profound reunion with her estranged family and former husband, bringing her life's circle to a close.

Conductor Alex Briga discusses his musical journey, from the profound impact of Mahler's music in Sydney to studying in Germany and witnessing Claudio Abbado lead the Berlin Philharmonic. The conversation explores the technical artistry of conducting, the charisma required to lead an orchestra, and the intense professional relationship between conductors and musicians. Briga also delves into his complex family history, tracing lineages from English composers and alleged spies to a Russian connection to the assassination of Rasputin. Finally, he reflects on the global success of Australian musicians in prestigious international orchestras and the founding of the Australian World Orchestra, highlighting the intense work ethic and camaraderie that define this community.

Author Adele Dumont shares her personal journey with trichotillomania, a compulsive hair-pulling disorder. She reflects on her childhood as the daughter of fruit pickers in New South Wales and describes the sensory, trance-like nature of her condition, including the secrecy and intense rituals involved. The episode also explores the broader dimensions of the disorder, examining its presence in ancient texts, biological parallels in caged animals, and the profound shame that often prevents individuals from seeking support. The conversation concludes by discussing the underlying emotional drivers behind such compulsive behaviors.

Former sports journalist Ralph Jackman shares his intense journey of transitioning into a teaching role within a maximum security youth justice precinct. He recounts the high-security protocols and profound moments of connection with students, such as Jimmy, which shaped his commitment to correctional education. Reflecting on his diverse career path through acting and journalism, Jackman discusses the heavy emotional and physical toll of working in high-pressure environments. He concludes by advocating for social support systems over punitive justice approaches and shares how personal experiences with family loss and sport influenced his perspective on resilience.

Kate Clinch shares her profound near-death experience and her subsequent discovery of Eileen O'Connor, an Australian woman who founded a nursing order despite severe physical disabilities caused by tuberculosis. The episode explores Eileen's spiritual mission to dedicate her suffering to others and the challenges she faced, including religious scandal and legal battles with church authorities. The conversation delves into the tumultuous life of Eileen, covering her journey to Rome to seek justice and her extraordinary legacy. The episode concludes with reflections on human resilience, the nature of miracles, and how embracing life's mysteries can reveal a more hopeful reality.

In this episode, costume designer Tim Chappell discusses his journey from a childhood fascinated by patterns and French Vogue to becoming an Academy Award winner. He recounts his early career in Sydney, working as a 'shroud maker' for the ABC and creating iconic looks for productions like 'Priscilla, Queen of the Desert'. The conversation explores the technical and emotional complexities of costume design, including the chaotic behind-the-scenes experience of filming 'Priscilla' and how clothing can transform a performer's posture and confidence. The episode concludes with reflections on the preservation of costume archives and the profound impact of design on character narrative.

Paralympian Harney Watson shares her profound journey from a childhood marked by medical challenges and heavy domestic responsibilities to the heights of international athletic competition. She recounts navigating a turbulent adolescence involving homelessness, trauma, and significant personal loss, including the death of her mother. Through the lens of her transition to using a wheelchair and discovering para-powerlifting, Watson discusses how sport became a vital refuge during periods of immense grief. The episode explores her resilience in the face of physical disability, caregiving for her terminally ill mother, and finding strength through the Commonwealth Games.

Jarvis Cocker discusses the inspiration behind his memoir, 'Good Pop, Bad Pop', reflecting on how childhood discoveries and early musical influences shaped his identity. He explores his philosophy of pop music, his early ambitions to subvert the music industry, and the importance of finding music within noise. The conversation also covers personal anecdotes, including a tense interview with Leonard Cohen and how a physical accident shifted his songwriting focus toward observing real life. Cocker concludes by reflecting on his habit of collecting discontinued items as documentary evidence for his writing.

Author Hannah Richell recounts her journey from meeting and marrying her late husband, Matt, in London to building a life together in Australia. She shares the profound impact of his sudden death in a surfing accident and the subsequent challenges of navigating grief while parenting young children. As she reflects on the complexities of loss—including the later death of her brother, Will—Hannah discusses finding acceptance and moving to England. Ultimately, she explores how her capacity for love has expanded to hold both profound grief and new joy, leading her to write her memoir as an act of connection.