One of the great privileges of my job is that I get to meet so many interesting people, at the tops of their fields, every night of the week.

Sometimes it can be a disappointment to meet a famous actor or musician if they are rude or dull, although I try not to bring any expectations to the encounter, especially if I'm a fan of their work. After all, the work should stand alone.

But sometimes it's so lovely to walk away from an interview feeling as if your appreciation of the person is enhanced.

To be honest though, I tend to get more pleasure from interviewing non-celebrities.

They are not jaded by the experience of having been interviewed thousands of times and are often thrilled at the chance to talk publicly about something they love.

Here are my favourite interviews from 7.30 for 2015:

10. ANU astrophysicist Dr Brad Tucker on the New Horizons probe reaching Pluto 10 years after its launch

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Watch Duration: 5 minutes 50 seconds 5 m 'Plutastic' project set to reveal Pluto's New Horizons

I actually didn't have that much interest in this subject (although everybody else on the globe seemed to be going crazy for it) until Dr Tucker appeared on the program.

He was so incredibly enthusiastic and passionate, he completely won me over.

I loved his use of the word "plutastic" to describe how excited he was. It was very endearing.

9. Former military commander Major General John Cantwell on leadership

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Watch Duration: 7 minutes 3 seconds 7 m Leadership lessons from Australia's top military commander

Major General Cantwell is a genuine national hero and he speaks in such a compelling manner.

I thought his insights into leadership were fantastic.

It's such a relief also, after interviewing politicians most of the time, to sit down with somebody who answers questions directly and concisely.

8. Rugby league legend Johnathan Thurston on his amazing year in football

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Watch Duration: 6 minutes 12 seconds 6 m What the NRL legend said to the man who presented him with a grand final winning chance

This guy's laugh alone made me happy to be in his presence.

It's great to see somebody giving back to their community, especially somewhere like North Queensland, which has more than its share of hard times.

7. Wordsmith David Astle on the expansion of the Scrabble dictionary

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Watch Duration: 3 minutes 42 seconds 3 m 42 s New Scrabble words make the lexicon 'relevant' says wordsmith David Astle

It's not very often that the second I start an interview with somebody, I can tell we have great chemistry and it's going to be lovely TV.

This was one of those. It's an absolute delight when it happens because I immediately relax and feel like I can be myself and just have a conversation, instead of an "interview".

I so enjoyed this chat with David Astle on a subject about which I was unable to remain objective.

As with Dr Brad Tucker, his passion was infectious. And his knowledge blew me away.

6. Harvard professor Atul Gawande on end of life care

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Watch Duration: 8 minutes 8 seconds 8 m Rethink how you confront death urges Harvard professor

Atul Gawande writes incredible books and articles about medicine in action, from his perspective as a surgeon.

Of recent times, he's turned his attention to end of life care.

He's so insightful and articulate, it was a pleasure to speak to him about an important topic that gets insufficient attention.

5. Musician Tim Minchin on his musical Matilda opening in Australia

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Tim Minchin is so smart and talented, I just hate him really. He's another person with whom I think I have TV chemistry.

The interviews feel like conversations over which somebody is running a camera. He never fails to interest and engage me.

TV chemistry, by the way, is a weird, intangible thing.

Sometimes I meet people with whom I don't much connect in real life and then we get on camera and it works.

Other times, I can really like somebody in real life and it just doesn't translate on screen.

4. Actor Harrison Ford on playing Han Solo again

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I was worried about doing this interview for two reasons.

One, Harrison Ford has a reputation as a difficult interviewee because he's reportedly taciturn and prickly.

Two, Star Wars was an integral part of my growing up and I think it's a risk to interview somebody who can mess up your nostalgia for your childhood (I felt the same about interviewing Julie Andrews this year).

But both fears were unfounded.

Harrison Ford was very pleasant and he did something which celebrities must do to make an interview work: act as if you haven't been asked the same question 8,000 times already (like "How did it feel to walk onto set again as Han Solo?").

I came away retaining my love of Han Solo and Indiana Jones, so thank you Harrison Ford for keeping my childhood intact.

3. Three stories

Okay, these aren't interviews. But there are so many amazing stories on 7.30, I couldn't make a list without acknowledging them.

These are just three of the stories that made a big impact on me this year:

Producer Lesley Robinson came up with one of the most heartwarming stories I've ever seen, about people who need a little bit of extra help to find romance.



Producer Lesley Robinson came up with one of the most heartwarming stories I've ever seen, about people who need a little bit of extra help to find romance. Reporter Mark Willacy convinced police to give him extraordinary access to tell the story of how they broke open a major crime ring. This story was absolutely riveting and I applaud the police who appear in it because I know it's always a risk to give this sort of inside access. I thank them for trusting 7.30 with what happened and also for the incredible work they did getting these absolute scum locked up. It had to come at a big emotional price to the police who did the legwork.



Reporter Mark Willacy convinced police to give him extraordinary access to tell the story of how they broke open a major crime ring. This story was absolutely riveting and I applaud the police who appear in it because I know it's always a risk to give this sort of inside access. I thank them for trusting 7.30 with what happened and also for the incredible work they did getting these absolute scum locked up. It had to come at a big emotional price to the police who did the legwork. Reporter Louise Milligan told the story of a Victorian primary school principal who is putting enormous work and heart into giving his kids the leg up they need. As he so memorably says, "the 3047 postcode does not determine your destiny — where you start doesn't matter, it's where you end up that counts". These are the people who make a real difference in our community.



2. Jockey Michelle Payne and Strapper Stevie Payne on winning the Melbourne Cup

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The feel good story of the year. I felt great for days after talking to these two.

What an incredible family story. Hats off to their dad who must be amazing.

1. Former National Gallery of Australia director Betty Churcher on dying and her love of art

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Watch Duration: 9 minutes 6 seconds 9 m Facing mortality and embracing passions - Betty Churcher tackles inoperable cancer through action

Betty Churcher was a very well-loved arts identity who did much to teach people about art and share her love of it.

She agreed to an interview with 7.30 in the final weeks of her life, sharing her thoughts about her life and facing imminent death.

Betty was the most glorious person, full of energy and passion right to the end.

I couldn't have admired her more and I keep a photograph of her in my phone to remind me how I'd like to be when I get to her age.