'Conversations with Richard Fidler' Podcast Review
'Conversations with Richard Fidler’ podcasts the incredibly popular Australian ABC Radio show of the same name. The series is biographical in its nature, interviewing people with an interesting story to tell: scientists, authors, journalists, comedians, zookeepers, documentary makers – you name it.
As the name would suggest, former comedian Richard Fidler hosts the show. Fidler is ridiculously knowledgeable, extending his conversation beyond what can be researched by his production team within the time constraints of the program.
Ten years of interviewing has clearly given him the knack to getting the unique, heartfelt stories other interviews cannot; this is likely achieved by his ability and willingness to listen and learn, and certainly evidenced during episodes led by the compelling storytelling of the guest themselves where Fidler barely makes a peep.
At other times, Fidler knows when to pick it up where his guest is slacking, making very insightful observations and asking effective probing questions that force the guest to respond in detail.
The show consistently captivates its listener, which is an achievement very rare of our fast-paced, multi-tasking society. ‘Conversations with Richard Fidler’ encourages people to listen to a story over the course of 50 minutes, and somehow leave them wanting more. It makes the listener want to read a feature guest’s book, watch a documentary on the topic, or visit a location explored in the story.
Though the series lacks talkback style audience interaction, its special feature is its annual expedition to a town in Australia where they broadcast live, interviewing the locals and capturing their stories.
Past guests include M.A.S.H. actor Alan Alda on science, Egyptologist Melanie Pitkin, and journalist Stan Grant to name but a few. This is a fantastic and worthwhile podcast to listen to while stuck in traffic, or in similar situations where there is little to distract from the compelling retelling of experiences.
‘Conversations with Richard Fidler’ can be downloaded through iTunes or through the ABC archive.
