Conversations

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.

Singer-songwriter Troy Cassadaly explores the deep connections between his family history, personal loss, and musical journey. He reflects on the inspirations behind his recent album, including his childhood memories, his parents' complex relationship, and the emotional significance of recording music in his late mother's home. Troy also recounts his musical beginnings, from the influence of his guitar teacher to his first professional tours. He discusses how the themes of melancholy and resilience in country music resonate with both his personal experiences of grief and the shared history of First Nations Australians.

In this episode, Dr. Anita Heiss discusses her heritage, tracing her family history from her father's journey from Austria to her mother's deep connection to the Aboriginal community. She reflects on her upbringing, childhood experiences with racism, and the profound influence of her parents' work ethic and sacrifices. The conversation explores the importance of cultural sovereignty through the use of the Wiradjuri language in her literary work and the historical significance of the Bathurst Wars. Dr. Heiss also shares her mission to increase First Nations representation in commercial fiction and introduces her new publishing imprint, Bunji, which aims to strengthen the First Nations publishing sector.

This episode features filmmaker Rachel Perkins discussing her three-part series, The Australian Wars, which examines the violent conflicts between British settlers and Aboriginal people. The conversation explores the historical reality of frontier warfare, the lack of negotiated property rights during colonization, and the implementation of martial law and the Native Police Corps in Tasmania and Queensland. The discussion further delves into the impact of these wars on family histories, the tension between oral and written records, and the lack of adequate commemoration at the Australian War Memorial. Ultimately, the episode addresses the ongoing need for truth-telling and resolution through frameworks like the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Victor Stephenson shares his journey from a childhood in Kuranda to finding his purpose in cultural heritage and land management. Following a life-changing trip to Laura, he began working as a ranger under the mentorship of elders, learning the profound complexities of traditional knowledge, language, and the struggle for native title. The episode explores the spiritual and practical nuances of cultural burning, contrasting traditional methods with modern tools to maintain biodiversity. Victor reflects on the evolutionary bond between animals and fire cycles, the fading global interest in Indigenous land management following the Black Summer fires, and the importance of finding hope through community-led connection to Country.

Lincoln Lynch shares the harrowing journey of his upbringing in Wollongong, marked by childhood instability, domestic violence, and the influence of the drug trade. He recounts his experiences of homelessness in Canberra, surviving on the streets, and the trauma of institutional abuse and sexual assault that drove him into a life of crime and drug use. Following his arrest, Lincoln reflects on the intense reality of prison remand and his decision to use incarceration as a turning point to break the cycle of addiction. He discusses the critical role of support systems like Rainbow Lodge in his reintegration, his pursuit of studying psychology, and his journey toward finding forgiveness and reconnecting with his family.

Gina Chick shares her profound journey of survival, identity, and connection to the natural world. From her experience winning Alone Australia and hunting a wallaby to her childhood adventures and deep sensory connection to literature, she explores how a life lived in harmony with nature shaped her. The episode also delves into her personal history, including the social isolation of her youth, discovering her lineage through her grandmother Charmian Clift, and finding community in 1990s Sydney. Gina reflects on transformative periods of growth, the lessons learned through hardship, and the intense, transformative journey of motherhood and grief.

Tim Flannery discusses the concept of geoengineering as a 'band-aid' approach to the climate crisis, exploring the potential for unintended consequences and the historical pursuit of weather control. The episode traces the evolution of climate science from the discovery of the link between CO2 and global warming to ambitious, large-scale engineering schemes, including Soviet nuclear river diversions and proposals to melt the Arctic ice cap. Contrasting the 'megalomania' of past attempts to conquer nature with the necessity of modern, holistic solutions, the conversation highlights the importance of reforestation and renewable energy. The discussion also examines the psychological and philosophical implications of human dominion over nature and the risks of unilateral geoengineering actions.

John Hockney reflects on his upbringing in industrial Bradford, detailing his family's history, his father's pacifist beliefs during the World Wars, and the hardships of wartime life. He shares poignant memories of childhood financial struggles and his father's eccentric, principled character. The episode also explores the life and principles of his brother, David, covering his artistic journey and social campaigns. John concludes by recounting his transition from storytelling for children to performing for aged care residents, finding deep connections through shared narratives.

Poet Patricia Sykes recounts her childhood journey of displacement, from the loss of her mother and life in orphanages to her time at the Abbotsford Convent. She reflects on the hardships of her early years, the ritualistic nature of Catholic life, and her eventual discovery of a passion for language and literature. As a poet in residence at the Abbotsford Convent, Sykes interviewed former residents to uncover hidden stories of trauma and resilience. She discusses the transformative power of revisiting the institution on her own terms and the importance of preserving the lineage of storytelling connected to the convent's history.

In this episode, author David Epstein discusses his book 'Inside the Box', arguing that constraints, rather than total freedom, are the true drivers of creativity and productivity. Through examples ranging from personal injury and scientific breakthroughs to the successes of Pixar and NASA, the discussion illustrates how limitations can prevent decision paralysis and foster innovation. The episode also explores the psychological costs of excessive choice and the detrimental effects of multitasking. By examining concepts like universal design, the 'satisficing' strategy, and the importance of social obligations, the conversation highlights how setting boundaries and embracing shared norms can reduce stress and enhance human thriving.

Paul Capsis explores his complex family history, tracing the resilient journeys of his ancestors from Egypt and Malta to Australia. He reflects on his upbringing in a Maltese-speaking household in Surry Hills, navigating the transition from a protective Catholic education to a challenging, multicultural public school environment marked by bullying and racism. Through stories of personal struggle and cultural identity, Paul discusses finding refuge in the arts and the transformative power of community theatre. The episode concludes with reflections on his grandmother's enduring legacy and the emotional experience of performing in Malta.

Anna and Mark, a couple from Wollongong, share their transformative journey from watching a documentary about Chinese orphanages to moving to Tanzania to pursue international adoption. They navigate the complexities of the Australian adoption system and the challenges of settling near Mount Kilimanjaro, including cultural adjustments and unexpected adventures. The episode details the emotional and physical rigors of adopting three siblings, managing health crises like malaria, and the legal battles required to secure their permanent adoption. Upon returning to Australia, Anna reflects on reverse culture shock and the founding of her charity, Forever Projects, which aims to support biological families in Tanzania to prevent child abandonment.

Singer Casey Chambers discusses her new memoir, 'Just Don't Be a Dickhead,' reflecting on her nomadic childhood on the Nullarbor Plain and the life lessons learned from her father's hunting profession. She traces her musical journey from the Dead Ringer Band and a connection with Slim Dusty to the challenges of the music industry. Chambers also opens up about personal struggles with body image, eating disorders, and the impact of divorce on her songwriting. She concludes by sharing her current lifestyle of traveling across Australia in a caravan to embrace a simpler way of life and her successful co-parenting relationship.

James O'Loughlin discusses the personal impact of his friend Jum Walner's mesothelioma diagnosis, caused by exposure to asbestos in their childhood homes in Canberra. The episode explores the 'Mr. Fluffy' asbestos scandal and the legal and financial complexities of seeking compensation for residents who fell through the cracks of existing liability frameworks. The episode also details the strategic, non-partisan political lobbying efforts undertaken to pressure both the ACT and Federal governments. Through a combination of community support and media pressure, the campaign focused on framing the issue as an opportunity for ministers to prevent future victims, while the speaker reflects on the emotional toll of navigating grief and the profound nature of lifelong friendships.