
The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show
Australian Journalist and TV Presenter Jess Rowe jumps past the small talk, to show you a different side of her famous guests in these heartfelt and honest conversations.
Latest episodes

Mar 21, 2023 • 47min
Deni Todorovič Part 1 ‘I was never going to let them see me cry’
Deni Todorovič is a queer and human rights activist, an LGBTQIA+ educator, a podcast host and a celebrity fashion stylist. In Part one of this chat, Jess and Deni discuss what it means to be non-binary and how we can have better conversations around the spectrum of identity. Deni reveals their path to identifying as gender nonconforming, and why it's important we continue asking questions to learn. Growing up Deni endured relentless bullying for their ethnicity and sexuality, and shares how they’ve built resilience through a sense of spiritual protection and the support of both their biological and chosen family. Coming up in Part two, we check in with Deni over the recent backlash they faced when they partnered with Swimwear brand Seafolly for World Pride. A quick content warning: This episode is created for adult audiences only, and contains colourful language, and references to sex and drug use, and the holocaust. If you’d like to send Deni a message of support you can DM them here or grab a copy of their book ‘I love this for you’ at all good bookstores 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. Show Credits:Host: Jessica RoweExecutive Producer: Nic McClureAudio Producer: Chris Marsh Digital Content Producer: Amy Code See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 14, 2023 • 31min
Jenny Kee ‘He went on to fall madly in love with Yoko’
Fashion icon and artist, Jenny Kee helped create an Australian fashion identity. Her Australiana designs became world famous when Princess Diana was photographed wearing her knitted jumper with a koala emblazoned on the front In this episode Jenny reveals the intoxicating night she spent with John Lennon, and shares stories of dressing music icons Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Jimmy Hendrix in 1960’s London. Jenny also reflects on her near death experience in the GranvilleTrain Disaster and the profound effect it had on her life and creativity, setting her on a path to create her famous prints and collages and become a design trailblazer Jenny has never forgotten the thousands of Australians who came together to donate blood to save the lives of those who had been injured and has created a limited-edition bandage for blood donors to wear throughout March in support of International Women’s Day, which are available at Lifeblood donor centres. To book a donation, call 13 14 95 or visit lifeblood.com.au 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. Show Credits:Host: Jessica RoweExecutive Producer: Nic McClureAudio Producer: Nicola SitchDigital Content Producer: Amy Code See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 7, 2023 • 9min
The BIG Question my mum wanted answered
My BIG question this week is all about texting etiquette and was sent in by my mum! How long you have to respond to a text message? Did you know 95% of people read text messages within 3 minutes? And because we tend to always have our phones with us, there’s an expectation that we’re accessible 24/7, but is it okay to not always be so available to others? In this episode I’m going to share the reasons why you mightn’t hear from someone straight away (ie me) and some ideas for having healthier boundaries around yourself when it comes to texting. I hope you're listening mum! 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. Show Credits:Host: Jessica RoweExecutive Producer: Nic McClureAudio Producer: Nicola SitchDigital Content Producer: Amy Code See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 6, 2023 • 47min
International Women’s Day 2023: #EmbraceEquity
To celebrate International Women's Day we asked the women (and a couple of men) behind your favourite podcasts and radio shows here at LiSTNR to share about a time they’ve challenged gender stereotypes, called out discrimination, drawn attention to bias and sought out inclusion. In this episode you'll hear from me, Carrie Bickmore, Fifi Box, Jamila Rizvi, Turia Pitt, Steph Claire Smith & Laura Henshaw, Natarsha Belling and many more. I really hope that you can take something out of each of these stories while we celebrate the achievements of women and challenge the gender bias today ... and every day. Check out https://www.internationalwomensday.com/ for more information. 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. Episode Credits:Executive Producer: Nic McClureProducer: Lindsey GreenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 28, 2023 • 37min
Ellidy Pullin 'My whole world flipped on its head that second'
Model, podcaster, author, and influencer Ellidy Pullin is well recognized as the wife of the late Alex Chumpy Pullin. The loss of her soulmate in a devastating accident set her on a path to finding strength and keeping his memory alive through the miraculous birth of their daughter Minnie through IVF. In this episode Ellidy shares her powerful story with Jess including how she stays afloat when grappling with the deepest of grief, the moment her heart knew of her husbands passing before she’d been told, and why we need to get better at talking about loss of our loved ones. Ellidys says that if she couldn't live with her husband she’d live for him which is so evident in this inspiring conversation Ellidy and her best friend Chloe share their experiences of womanhood, grief, fertility And everything in between on their podcast Darling Shine! listen here 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. Show Credits:Host: Jessica RoweExecutive Producer: Nic McClureAudio Producer: Nicola SitchDigital Content Producer: Amy Code See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 21, 2023 • 15min
Is the term housewife offensive? with Jess
My BIG question this week is around the word housewife. What do you think when you hear that word? Is it relevant or is it outdated? It can mean different things to different people. Is it about empowerment and about doing life on your own terms? Is there room for a new age housewife? In this episode I’m going to share with you what the word housewife means to me as a modern woman and feminist. 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. Show Credits:Host: Jessica RoweExecutive Producer: Nic McClureAudio Producer: Nicola SitchDigital Content Producer: Amy Code See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 14, 2023 • 40min
Leah Purcell ‘I gave it back to them as good as I got it’
Leah Purcell AM is one of Australia's leading actors, writers, and directors with award-winning roles in theatre, film, and television. She’s a proud Goa-Gunggari-Wakka Wakka Murri woman who describes herself as fierce b****h and a truth teller. In this episode Jess and Leah dig deep on how Leah came to be such an exceptional story teller, and why it's important to tell the truth of the past. Leah is fearless when it comes to giving voice to those who don't have one, and there is so much we can learn about Australia's Indigenous issues from her in this conversation. But most of all Leah urges us to listen so we don't repeat the same mistakes of the past. Leah has reshaped Henry Lawsons iconic short story to be told from the perspective of an Indigenous woman, watch The Drovers Wife, the legend of Molly Johnson which you can stream on Foxtel, and if you're in QLD Leah will be directing Breaking the Castle at QPAC with info here 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. Content Warning: This episode touches on domestic violence, so please reach out to 1800 respect if you do need support. Show Credits:Host: Jessica RoweExecutive Producer: Nic McClureAudio Producer: Nicola SitchDigital Content Producer: Amy Code See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 7, 2023 • 18min
BIG QUESTION: Why does the death of a celebrity have such an impact on us?
My Big question this week is around celebrities, and why we can sometimes feel an enormous sense of loss when we hear that they've passed away. It's something I’ve been thinking about since the recent passing of Lisa Marie Presley, and want to talk through with you, because I know I can feel quite an emotional response when I hear that a celebrity has died. So why is it that this news has such a big impact on us? In this episode I’m going to talk about why I think it is we mourn people in the public eye, and whose death has impacted most on me. If this episode brings up anything for you, help is available by calling lifeline on 13 11 14 or visiting Beyond Blue 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. Show Credits:Host: Jessica RoweExecutive Producer: Nic McClureAudio Producer: Nicola SitchDigital Content Producer: Amy Code See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 1, 2023 • 33min
Kyle Sandilands Part 2 'I've said things I shouldn't'
In part 2 of our conversation, Kyle Sandilands reflects on his childhood, and how his mums suffering impacted his relationships with women and alcohol. This has made him determined to do life differently and for the first time has entertained hanging up the headphones for a life out of the spotlight. Kyles is no stranger to controversy for his on air comments, but he does have regrets, and in this episode he speaks exclusively to Jess about his career rock bottom, and sets the record straight for the very first time. We also hear how challenging it is for Kyle to be comfortable with the softer sides to his personality when he feels people have a go at him for being vulnerable. There's a very generous side of Kyle which is often kept low key, if you listen to the end you’ll hear what he gets up to when no one is watching! Content Warning: This episode includes some colourful language and drug references, we also touch on domestic violence and rape, so please reach out to 1800 respect if you do need support. 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. Show Credits:Host: Jessica RoweExecutive Producer: Nic McClureAudio Producer: Nicola SitchDigital Content Producer: Amy Code See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 31, 2023 • 32min
Kyle Sandilands Part 1 'I can't keep my tears in'
Broadcaster Kyle Sandilands is a star. Love him or loathe him he is one of the most powerful figures in Australian media. He’s a self made multi millionaire, and someone who has never been afraid to voice his opinions on and off air. In this episode, Kyle and Jess dig deep on why becoming a dad has given him permission to be vulnerable and expose his softer side, often ‘crying at the drop of a hat’. Kyle’s on a better road now, letting go of his bad boy pastimes and the harshness he often used as a front. He tells Jess its all because he now has something more important than himself to care about, his beautiful baby Otto. Kyle also opens up about the dad he wants to be, and why he’ll never go to therapy, choosing to suppress the trauma of his childhood, and masking his pain with humour. You might also be surprised to learn that there’s a shy side to Kyle, having never been the instigator when it comes to women, wait 'til you hear his love story with fiance Tegan. Content Warning: This episode includes some colourful language and drug references. 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. Show Credits:Host: Jessica RoweExecutive Producer: Nic McClureAudio Producer: Nicola SitchDigital Content Producer: Amy Code See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.