Conversations

ABC Australia

4874 - "ELVIS IS ALIVE AND RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT" The story behind the nonsensical Weekly World News

*Conversations* is a daily long-form interview program produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Primarily hosted by Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski, the series focuses on the personal narratives and life stories of individuals from a wide array of backgrounds, including scientists, historians, explorers, and citizens who have experienced extraordinary events. Each episode typically runs for approximately 50 to 55 minutes, allowing for a deep exploration of the guest's experiences, motivations, and reflections.

The program's format is centered on chronological and thematic storytelling rather than a standard promotional or news-driven interview. This approach provides a comprehensive look into a guest's life or a specific significant period of history through their eyes. The range of topics covered is diverse, spanning international politics, scientific breakthroughs, survival stories, and niche cultural histories. While the production is based in Australia and frequently features Australian voices, the show often includes international guests, providing a global perspective on human resilience and discovery.

Richard Fidler launched the program in its current format in 2006, and it has since become one of the most frequently downloaded podcasts in Australia. Sarah Kanowski joined as a regular co-host in 2018, maintaining the show's signature style of inquisitive and respectful dialogue. The production values emphasize a narrative flow that prioritizes the guest's voice, occasionally supported by archival recordings or minimal external audio to provide historical context.

As a staple of the ABC Listen platform and ABC Local Radio, *Conversations* functions as an oral history archive, documenting human experiences in the 20th and 21st centuries. The editorial direction avoids time-sensitive content in favor of evergreen stories that retain their relevance long after their initial broadcast. This focus has established the program as a significant contributor to the documentation of contemporary and historical life stories within the English-speaking world.

4874 - "ELVIS IS ALIVE AND RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT" The story behind the nonsensical Weekly World News