Conversations

Conversations by ABC

ABC

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.

Listen to the last episode:

New York Times columnist and author M.Gessen on the slow strangulation of democracy, happening right now in Trump's America.   M Gessen grew up in the Soviet Union and migrated to the US as a teenager before returning to Russia in the 90s to cover the country's brief attempt at democracy and then the slow slide back into autocratic rule under Vladimir Putin. M's insight into the mindset of the autocrat offers some clarity on why such leaders do the things they do and how they see the world. This Conversation was recorded at the Brisbane Powerhouse, as part of the Brisbane Writer's Festival. Further Information  M Gessen is an author and New York Times columnist, their latest book is Surviving Autocracy This episode of Conversations was produced by Alice Moldovan, Nicola Harrison is the Executive Producer. It covers US politics, President Donald Trump, democratic institutions, the Soviet Union, state terror, state tyranny, Vladimir Putin, journalism, protest, ICE, Minneapolis, autocratic rulers, power, dogma, mindset, democratic freedom, voting in elections, Hannah Arendt, Milan Kundera, mutual aid, organising. 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.

Previous episodes

  • 4804 - Is America sliding into autocratic rule under Trump? 
    Fri, 13 Mar 2026
  • 4803 - Encore: Colin Hay's wild ride to fame with Men at Work, and the heartbreak in the aftermath 
    Thu, 12 Mar 2026
  • 4802 - What happens to kids when they can't go to school? 
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026
  • 4801 - Encore: Is there a cheating gene? 
    Tue, 10 Mar 2026
  • 4800 - How I use touch to tell stories — my work as an intimacy director 
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026
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