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 information

Listen to the full episodes from featured guests:

Paul Carter

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/paul-carters-adventures-as-an-oil-rig-worker/7756936

Darleen Bungee

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/darleen-bungey/12255026

Nadia Mahjouri

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/nadia-mahjouri-morocco-father-matrescence-motherhood-tasmania/104960782

Jane Eales

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/jane-eales-discovery-about-her-mothers-mysterious-past/7753290

This 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.