Conversations: Art & Passions

About Conversations: Art & Passions

From the screen, the stage and the kitchen, the greatest voices on creativity, art and following their passions sit down for a Conversation with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski. Guests include musician Nick Cave, Hollywood's Jane Fonda and Masterchef's Poh Ling Yeow. In this collection of episodes, we’ve reached back into the rich archive and curated a selection of episodes where our guests speak about lived experiences and in the worlds of Art, Music, Cooking, Acting, Celebrity, following your dreams, overcoming self-doubt, imposter syndrome and critics. To binge even more great episodes of Conversations with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowskigo the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. You’ll find hundreds of thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

Publisher

ABC Australia

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

1 Oct 2009

Latest episode

24 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

62 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   24 Sept 2026

   Remembering Angry Anderson: rock n' roll animal and incurable romantic

   Iconic Australian musician, actor, youth advocate and charity ambassador Angry Anderson has died at the age of 79. Angry spent 50 years in the music industry with his legendary rock band, Rose Tattoo, and the band was due to return to the stage this month for another Australian tour. But Angry was much more than a raging rock n' roll animal. He was an incurable romantic, despite his violent childhood in Melbourne. He was a loyal, devoted father of four, and Angry was always a friend to the little guy. You can read more about Angry Anderson's remarkable life at the ABC News website. Originally broadcast in January 2007. Angry's youngest son, Liam Anderson, died in 2018. This episode of Conversations explores Australian music, celebrity deaths, cardiac arrest, Obituaries, fatherhood, childhood abuse, pub rock, Countdown, musical controversies, Sharpies, modern fatherhood, substance abuse, television, Australian television, Kylie Minogue, Neighbours, Ray Martin, politics, Australian icons, Australian legends, Australian kitsch, RIP Angry Anderson. 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.

2. 

   16 Sept 2026

   My dad Jim Henson, the creative genius behind 'The Muppets'

   Growing up Lisa Henson and her siblings spent a lot of time in their father's workshop and studio, watching puppets get drawn, sculpted and brought to life. Jim Henson first started messing around with puppets as a teenager, and not long afterwards he began collaborating with his wife Jane. Together they founded Muppets Incorporated. Puppets became a way for Jim to share his extraordinary imagination with the world, and he went on to become one of the most influential creative minds of the 20th century. His legacy includes Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, and the movies The Dark Crystal and The Labyrinth. Jim’s creations, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Big Bird, Bert and Ernie, and the Cookie Monster remain recognisable and beloved around the world. Jim Henson died in 1990, but the Jim Henson company is still owned by the family, and his eldest child Lisa is now the CEO. Further Information The Jim Henson exhibition at QAGOMA in Brisbane is on until April 2027 Make, Believe, Magic, The worlds of the of the Jim Henson company This episode of Conversations was produced by Jen Leake and the Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores Jim Henson, Lisa Henson, puppets, The Muppets, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, creativity, puppetry, The Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, television, animatronics. Frank Oz, Sesame Street, children's television,  Sam and Friends, creativity, technology, Jane Henson, Harvard University, England, The Creature Shop

3. 

   11 Sept 2026

   Comedian Urzila Carlson regrets nothing

   Urzila Carlson grew up in South Africa. Her father threatened the family with a gun when she was 6, and he walked out on the family soon afterwards. Urzila's mum, who she describes as a 'warrior woman', raised Urzila and her sister. When she was in primary school, one of Urzila's teachers taught her a big lesson about regret, which has stayed with her for life. Urzila moved to New Zealand in 2006 to begin working in advertising. One day a group of her co-workers persuaded her to perform at a local open mic night. Within a year she had become a professional comedian in Australia and New Zealand. Further information Watch Urzila's latest comedy special Watch Urzila's TV sketch show on ABC TV This episode of Conversations was produced by Nicola Harrison and the Executive Producer was Pam O'Brien. It explores South Africa, comedy, family, domestic violence, alcoholism, Afrikaans, racism, violence, home invasion, stand up comedy, confidence, body image, migration, New Zealand, Australia, memoir, siblings.

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Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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