Summer is here, and if you're looking for your next read, Jess has you covered! This is the first edition of the Big Summer Book Club, where Jess shares the books that have shaped her life. In each episode Jess explores a different theme, sharing personal reflections on how these stories have shaped her values and experiences. Her insights are sure to inspire you to rediscover the joy of summer reading—and perhaps uncover your own life-changing books along the way.

Plus, Jess picks the brains of amazing authors about their work, their life, and so much more! Antonia Murphy is one of these authors, whose book 'Madam: A Memoir is about her experiences running an escort agency in a small New Zealand town.

Gentle Content Warning: This conversation does get a little spicy at times and is created for adult audiences only! 

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LINKS:

• 'Three Women' by Lisa Taddeo
  'She Said' Jodi Cantor & Megan Twohey 
  'Consent Laid Bare' Chanel Contos 
• Fill out our survey for the chance to win a $100 voucher here  
• If you loved this chat with Antonia, we think you'll love Jess's conversation with Lisa Taddeo here
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guests: Antonia Murphy
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Nat Marshall
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show acknowledges the Gadigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples here today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liz Ellis is arguably Australia's most well-known, and most successful netballer. She played for the national Australian team for 15 years, and was captain for four years, and is now the head of Netball Australial. This year she added 'Queen of the Jungle' to her list of accolades, after winning her season of I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!

But as Liz herself shares, the hard work and determination that it takes to become a professional athlete can have surprising effects on your personal life. Liz and Jess swap stories about IVF, coping with failure, embracing chaos, and navigating mid-life and menopause.

CONTENT WARNING: This conversation touches on miscarriage, and fertility issues. If this content raises any issues for you, help is available by contacting Lifeline on 13 11 14 or SANDS on 1300 308 307.

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LINKS:

• Learn more about Liz's podcast No Dribble
• Buy Liz's book If At First You Don't Conceive
• Fill out our survey for the chance to win a $100 voucher here  
• If you loved this chat with Darren we think you'll love Jess's conversation with Jelena Dokic here
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guests: Liz Ellis
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Chris Marsh 
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show acknowledges the Gadigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples here today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this heartfelt conversation, Darren Hayes shares his journey from childhood trauma to international fame, as both the lead singer of Savage Garden, and as a solo artist. His new memoir 'Unlovable', gives us insight into the harrowing secrets and shame that plagued him throughout his life, and the fantasy world he created to escape in.

Darren discusses his experience of domestic violence, his struggle with his sexuality, and the importance of self-love and healing. He reflects on the support he received from icons like Elton John and where he finds joy now.

CONTENT WARNING: This conversation touches on family violence and homophobia. If this content raises any issues for you, help is available by contacting 1-800-RESPECT for a safe place to talk day and night or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Know someone who'd enjoy this episode?  Why not share it with them by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on

LINKS:

• Learn more about Darren's memoir Unloveable
• Fill out our survey for the chance to win a $100 voucher here  
• If you loved this chat with Darren we think you'll love Jess's conversation with John Butler here
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guests: Darren Hayes
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Producer: Amy Kimball
Audio Producer: Chris Marsh 
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show acknowledges the Gadigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples here today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1984, Jayne Torvill and Chris Dean became Olympic gold medallists and were shot to international fame with their now iconic 'Boléro' routine. Forty years on, and after almost fifty years as a skating duo, the pair are saying a long goodbye to the rink with their Our Last Dance tour. 

Jess sat down with Jayne and Chris to hear about their journey from hire skates in Nottingham to the Olympic rink, the importance of eye contact, what not to say at the dole office, and the secret to their 50-year partnership.

Know someone who'd enjoy this episode?  Why not share it with them by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on

LINKS:

• Buy tickets to Torvill & Dean: Our Last Dance
• Fill out our survey for the chance to win a $100 voucher here  
• If you loved this chat with Jayne and Chris, we think you'll love Jess's conversation with Tony Hadley here
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guests: Jayne Torvill & Chris Dean
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Producer: Amy Kimball
Audio Producer: Chris Marsh 
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show acknowledges the Gadigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples here today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over his nearly 25-year career Jamie Oliver has become a global phenomenon. While most of us know him from his TV shows, cookbooks, and restaurants, one of his greatest passions is for global change in the food industry. Jamie is constantly pushing for ways we can change how we buy, cook, and market food. 

In this Australian podcast exclusive, Jamie sits down with Jess to chat about his new book Simply Jamie, how his children deal with having a famous dad, his secret to bouncing back whenever he's felt lost, and the impact your grocery shop can make.

Know someone who'd enjoy this episode?  Why not share it with them by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on

LINKS:

• Buy Jamie's latest cookbook, Simply Jamie, HERE
• Fill out our survey for the chance to win a $100 voucher here  
• If you loved this chat with Jamie we think you'll love Jess's conversation with Mel B here
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guest: Jamie Oliver
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Producer: Amy Kimball
Audio Producer: Chris Marsh 
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show acknowledges the Gadigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples here today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Manu Feildel is the fun, French chef who has run restaurants and hosted some of the biggest shows on television, including My Kitchen Rules, now in its 14th year. As you’ll learn in this episode, there is far more to Manu than the lighthearted and passionate man you see on the telly.

Hear how Manu and Colin Fassnidge went from rivals to best mates, turning a social media feud into MKR chemistry. Manu also opens up about his relationship with his father, his 'tough love' approach to parenting, and his lifelong mission to give his mother a worry-free life. Manu also opens up about his past mental health struggles and the pressures of perfection in the culinary world.

Know someone who'd enjoy this episode?  Why not share it with them by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on

LINKS:

• Catch Manu as co-host and judge on MKR - Australia's greatest dinner party on Mondays & Tuesdays on Seven and Seven + 
• VIsit Bistro Red Lion by Manu in Rozelle Sydney here 
• Fill out our survey for the chance to win a $100 voucher here  
• If you loved this chat with Manu, we think you'll love Jess's conversation with Curtis Stone here 
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guest: Manu Feildel 
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Chris Marsh 
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show acknowledges the Gadigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples here today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sarah, Duchess of York, shares a rare and intimate glimpse into her life as a bestselling author, philanthropist, mother, and ‘badass, sexy, sassy super gran'. The Duchess opens up about her special bond with the late Queen, sharing the advice she received before her passing, and reveals how she carries on the Queen’s legacy by caring for her beloved corgis.

The Duchess and Jess also dive deep into the intense media scrutiny she endured and why she’s grateful for the lessons it taught her about resilience and success. She shares her struggles with mental health, her commitment to doing the inner work, and her dedication to facing fears head-on. There is so much to learn from The Duchess about trusting your instincts, learning from mistakes, taking joy seriously, and dancing until midnight!

Know someone who'd enjoy this episode?  Why not share it with them by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on

LINKS:

• If you’re listening from Sydney and you’d like to meet The Duchess at one of her instore book signings she’ll be at:
  Seed Heritage In Bondi Junction this afternoon at 3.30pm
  Dymnocks on George St this Thursday 7th Nov at 3.30pm
• Discover all of Sarah's incredible books including her Serenity range, kids teen books and Wonder in the Woods, Flora & Fern here
• Fill out our survey for the chance to win a $100 voucher here  
• If you loved this chat with The Duchess, we think you'll love Jess's conversation with Trinny Woodall here 
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guest: Sarah, Duchess of York 
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Chris Marsh 
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show acknowledges the Gadigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples here today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For 50 years, Noni Hazlehurst has captivated audiences—from Play School to A Place to Call Home, The Shiralee, and Better Homes and Gardens. A career fuelled by grit, willpower, and talent.

In this episode, Noni stresses the importance of women speaking up and sharing their experiences, reminding us that it's perfectly okay to let go of our masks and be our true selves. She also reveals the response to her ‘risky’ Logies Hall of Fame speech, the acting advice she received at 60 that changed her life, and why her marriage breakdown with her on- and off-screen husband was ‘horrific.

Know someone who'd enjoy this episode?  Why not share it with them by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on

LINKS:

• Noni's inspiriing memoir 'Dropping The Mask' is available here
• Fill out our survey for the chance to win a $100 voucher here  
• If you loved this chat with Noni we think you'll love Jess's conversation with Bryan Brown here
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify
• Is there someone you'd like to hear on the podcast? Send Jess your guest ideas here

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guest: Noni Hazlehurst
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Chris Marsh 
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show acknowledges the Gadigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples here today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tina Arena began her music career at eight on Young Talent Time and became one of Australia’s top-selling artists, with over 10 million albums sold worldwide. Known for her straight-talking and passion, Tina shares her wisdom from decades in the music industry.

In this episode, Jess and Tina dive deep into her life and career, discussing the sense of isolation she felt as a strong woman with boundaries who wasn’t willing to play the ‘bullshit game,’ choosing instead to stay true to herself. Tina and Jess also explore the challenges of aging and why it’s so important to embrace and feel comfortable in our beauty and wisdom. Wait until you hear which surprising Young Talent Time cast member still attends every one of Tina’s shows!"

Know someone who'd enjoy this episode?  Why not share it with them by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on

LINKS:

• This year marks the 30th anniversary of Tina's iconic album 'Don’t Ask' and to celebrate Tina is going on Tour along with some very special guests, tickets are selling fast HERE
• Tina has also released a brand-new version of “Chains” collaborating with global Melbourne dance act SHOUSE
• Fill out our survey for the chance to win a $100 voucher here  
• If you loved this chat with Tina we think you'll love Jess's conversation with Dannii Minogue here
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guest: Tina Arena 
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Chris Marsh 
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show acknowledges the Gadigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples here today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actress Radha Mitchell has made her mark in both Australia and Hollywood where her talent has seen her move from art house and indie films to Hollywood blockbusters alongside Vin Diesel, Denzel Washington and Nicolas Cage. 

In this episode, Jess and Radha discuss the delicate balance between privacy and public life and why its important to Radha to maintain boundaries around her personal life. They also delve deep into how she navigated ‘machismo culture’ in Hollywood, the spiritual aspects of performance, and the impact of age and self-acceptance in the entertainment industry.

Know someone who'd enjoy this episode?  Why not share it with them by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on

LINKS:

• Catch Radha's in the new Australian Original series 'Last Days of the Space Age' available to watch now on Disney + here
• Fill out our survey for the chance to win a $100 voucher here  
• If you loved this chat with Radha, we think you'll love Jess's conversation with Claudia Karvan here
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guest: Radha Mitchell 
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Chris Marsh 
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show acknowledges the Gadigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples here today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Minchin is an internationally-acclaimed songwriter, singer, pianist, comedian, actor and writer. In addition to his hugely successful music and comedy tours, Tim is the composer of Matilda the Musical and creator of the award-winning TV series Upright.

In this heartfelt conversation, Jess and Tim explore the complexities of suffering and the importance of choosing joy despite the world's challenges. They also dig deep on the myth of hard work leading to success, the pressure of societal expectations, and why empathy is crucial in understanding differing perspectives, which Tim says is ‘the core’ of his worldview. Tim reflects on the unexpected beauty he’s found in mistakes, and the lessons he’s learned throughout his life.

Know someone who'd enjoy this episode?  Why not share it with them by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on

LINKS:

• Tim's new book  You Don't Have to Have a Dream, is a collection of Tim's speeches and musings, and a celebration of life, art, success, kindness, and love.
• Fill out our survey for the chance to win a $100 voucher here  
• If you loved this chat with Tim,  we think you'll love Jess's conversation with Jay Laga'aia here
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guest: Tim Minchin
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Chris Marsh 
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show acknowledges the Gadigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples here today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.