Conversations

David Goodwin, author of 'Servo, Tales from the Graveyard Shift', shares his wild stories from working the overnight shift at a service station in Melbourne. He encounters bizarre characters like a man dressed as a giant bee and a blood-covered individual, reflecting the unpredictable nature of nighttime work. David discusses the unusual culture of Australian servos, the chaos of late-night shifts, and the impact of drug use on his experiences. He also ponders the future of servos in the electric age, blending humor with insightful reflections on identity and ambition.

Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, a physician and author known for his work in lifestyle medicine, shares insights on the interconnectedness of health and happiness. He discusses the importance of lifestyle choices in managing health crises, revealing how personal experiences, like his son's health challenges, shaped his understanding. Listeners learn about the four pillars of health: food, movement, sleep, and relaxation. Chatterjee also reflects on achieving authentic happiness by aligning values with actions, encouraging a deeper fulfillment beyond fleeting pleasures.

Emma Pei Yin, an Australian novelist who grew up in both England and Hong Kong, shares her fascinating journey back to her roots. She reflects on her childhood spent in an ancestral village, away from the neon lights of the city. Emma discusses the cultural richness of her heritage, the weight of familial expectations, and the impact of historical trauma. She candidly explores the horrors of sexual violence during WWII in Hong Kong and the enduring legacy of resistance, offering a deep dive into identity and homecoming in a rapidly changing landscape.

Zach Tuohy, an AFL star from Ireland who played for Carlton and Geelong, opens up about his journey from teen athlete to first-time father. He shares the unexpected challenges he faced while balancing his burgeoning sports career and family life, often feeling isolated. Zach also reflects on the emotional journey leading up to significant victories and the complexities of transitioning to life after footy. With candid insights, he emphasizes the often unspoken struggles of early fatherhood and the quest to find purpose beyond the sport.

Janty Blair, a Butchulla, Mununjhali, and Woppaburra woman, is a nurse, midwife, and comedian who discovered her talent for comedy later in life. She shares her transformative journey from a serious childhood influenced by military life to finding her funny bone after a serendipitous Bumble date. Janty discusses the joy of pursuing her passion for stand-up, the importance of family support, and how her unique cultural identity shapes her humor. She also reflects on motherhood and the intergenerational wisdom that inspires her comedic voice.

Leah Purcell, an acclaimed actor, playwright, and director, shares her inspiring journey from a small Queensland town to the heights of the performing arts. She reflects on her upbringing with her mother and the impact of her family's history on her identity. Leah recounts the transformative moment when a push from her boss at the meatworks led her to pursue her passion. She also discusses the emotional depth behind her successful works like 'Box the Pony' and 'The Drover's Wife,' highlighting themes of resilience, storytelling, and cultural heritage.

In this engaging conversation, Jack Manning Bancroft, a Bundjalung man and founder of AIME, shares his transformative journey from Balmain to reconnecting with his heritage. He reflects on childhood pressures, the importance of mentoring, and how he turned sports into a path for self-identity. Jack discusses the challenges of advocating for change and the innovative ideas of organizational lifespan, urging listeners to embrace imagination and foster understanding across cultures. His story is a compelling testament to resilience and community connection.

Yvonne Orley, a Kamilaroi woman who grew up in Aboriginal missions, shares her journey of self-discovery and her commitment to supporting adults with mental disabilities. She reveals how family secrets shaped her identity and the significance of her heritage. Yvonne reflects on her nursing career during the AIDS crisis and the challenges of balancing family life while embracing her cultural roots. Her story is a powerful exploration of resilience, community, and the deep bonds that connect us to our history and each other.

Lech Blaine, author of 'Australian Gospel,' shares his unusual upbringing in Queensland, colored by love and complex family dynamics with four unique parents. He reflects on his childhood marked by joy and sports, overshadowed by the looming presence of his biological parents, religious zealots entangled in legal troubles. The discussion highlights the challenges of foster care, the resilience found in diverse parenting experiences, and how literature has shaped his identity, offering a deep look at the intersection of love, trauma, and family ties.

In this engaging discussion, journalist Kate Halfpenny shares her transformative journey after moving to a beachside town during lockdowns. She candidly opens up about navigating perimenopause and coping with her husband’s alcoholism while embracing newfound leisure through boogie boarding. Kate reflects on family complexities, the challenges of being far from loved ones, and the surprising moments of clarity that emerged in her quieter life. This heartfelt conversation intertwines themes of resilience, personal growth, and navigating the messy realities of midlife.