20th Anniversary Collection: the story of the unwitting woman behind cell research and 'immortality'
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 informationFirst 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.
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Wild — Story Collection
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.
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Teachers — Story Collection
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.
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Digging Up Mum and Dad — Story Compilation
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 informationListen to the full episodes from featured guests:Paul Carterhttps://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/paul-carters-adventures-as-an-oil-rig-worker/7756936Darleen Bungeehttps://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/darleen-bungey/12255026Nadia Mahjourihttps://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/nadia-mahjouri-morocco-father-matrescence-motherhood-tasmania/104960782Jane Ealeshttps://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/jane-eales-discovery-about-her-mothers-mysterious-past/7753290This 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.
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A Feast of Cooks — Story Collection
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.
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.