Acting icon Sam Neill has graced our screens for over 50 years. Once a shy boy with a stutter he has gone on to become a hugely successful actor with a long career, and at 76 Sam is still doing what he loves. In this episode Jess and Sam dig deep on the surprises life has brought him including the diagnosis of a rare form of cancer and how its changed his perspective on life. Sam also opens up about the importance of friendships in his life, including companion and fellow actor Bryan Brown. He also shares his love for winemaking and the joy he finds in his vineyard.  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 Sam in The Twelve Season 2 reprising his role as Barrister Brett Colby on Binge, Hubbl or Foxtel  If you enjoyed this episode we think you'll love Jess's chat with Bryan Brown  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 RoweGuest: Sam Neill Executive Producer: Nic McClureAudio 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.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Hilda Sirec was one of the first investigators to access the MH17 crash site in eastern Ukraine 10 years ago today. It was Hilda’s police training and skillset as a bomb technician which was instrumental in the collection of evidence that formed a major part of the criminal investigation and ultimately the successful criminal trial. In this compelling BIG question episode Hilda shares her remarkable first-hand account of arriving at the MH17 crash site, and the challenges of working in an active conflict zone without conventional crime scene protocols. Hilda opens up about the enormous responsibility of finding the truth for the 298 victims and their families,  and the profound impact the disaster and investigation has had on her life. There is so much to learn from Hilda in this conversation about the importance of connection and expressing love to each other, as well as the need for perspective and self-care.  CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains content that may be distressing for some listeners. If content in this podcast causes you any distress, please contact Lifeline for support on 13 11 14 LINKS: If you'd like to know more about the recovery mission and the investigation of MH17, listen to Search Among the Sunflowers HERE or wherever you get your podcasts. 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 RoweGuest: Hilda Sirec  Assistant Commissioner, Southern CommandExecutive Producer: Nic McClureAudio 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.

Captain Sandy Yawn is a renowned Superyacht captain with over 30 years of international maritime experience, she’s also the series lead on TV’s Below Deck Mediterranean now in its ninth season. There is so much to learn from Sandy in this episode, including the importance of being comfortable in your own skin. Sandy also answers a BIG question from fan Peter Overton, and shares her experience of staying true to herself on reality TV regardless of outside pressures.  Sandy and Jess also dig deep on her journey of sobriety and why its transformed her life beyond her wildest dreams, and wait until you hear how her incredible her love story with Leah Rae unfolded.   Know someone who'd enjoy this episode?  Why not share it with them by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on LINKS: Stream Captain Sandy in the brand new season of Below Deck Meditterranean on Hayu now  Click for Trinny Woodall episode 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 RoweGuest: Captain Sandy Yawn Executive Producer: Nic McClureAudio 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.

Special Forces soldier Ant Middleton is known for his no-nonsense role as Chief Officer on SAS Australia, he’s also a discipline and resilience mentor.  Ant is a big believer in stepping out of your comfort zone, something he's now putting into practice as he swaps his combat boots for dancing shoes in Dancing with the Stars. In this episode Jess and Ant dig deep on what scares him, the transformation that came from going to prison and taking accountability for his actions, and the incredible sacrifice his wife made for his life in the military. Ant also opens up about the surprising place he was able to finally express his emotions, how we can harness our own fear, and why we need to be brutally honest with ourselves. 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 Ant on Dancing with the Stars on Channel 7 and 7plus. If you enjoyed this episode we think you'll love Jess's chat with Firass Dirani  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 RoweGuest: Ant MiddletonExecutive Producer: Nic McClureAudio 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.

Rachel House is one of New Zealand’s most highly regarded actors and directors, best known for her roles in Moana, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Thor: Ragnarok, Whale Rider, and Heartbreak High.  In this episode Jess and Rachel dig deep on her early experiences with cultural assumptions and bullying, and how she's been able to overcome the self-doubt and imposter syndrome that often follows. Rachel also reveals the surprising place her passion for storytelling began, and why she believes its essential to bring us closer together and understand different perspectives. As you’ll hear in this conversation, Rachel has mastered the art of balancing confidence and humility, humour and depth, and might just be Jess’s new bestie! 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 Rachel's new flim The Mountain cinema locations here If you enjoyed this episode we think you'll love Jess's chat with Leah Purcell  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 RoweGuest: Rachel House Ngāti Mutunga, Te Atiawa, Kāi TahuExecutive Producer: Nic McClureAudio Producer: Nat Marshall Digital Content Producer: Amy Code  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.

Media personality, advocate and Miss Universe Australia Maria Thatill has dedicated her career to campaigning for diversity, inclusion, LGBTQIA+ rights, mental health and gender equality.  There is so much to learn from Maria when it comes to embracing your true self, speaking up, and challenging societal expectations. In this episode Jess and Maria dig deep on how Maria found her voice as a queer South Asian Woman, and why we need to have more conversations about uncomfortable topics. Maria reveals what happened behind the scenes on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here after she came out, and how her ‘hot’ relationship with Moana Hope has made her a better person. Know someone who'd enjoy this episode?  Why not share it with them by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on LINKS: Maria's book 'Unbounded' is available here Click for Pallavi Sharda and Moana Hope episodes 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 RoweGuest: Maria Thatill Executive Producer: Nic McClureAudio Producer: Nat Marshall Digital Content Producer: Amy Code  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.

Amy Poehler has built a remarkable career in Hollywood, making audiences laugh for more than 25 years with her comedy and writing roles including SNL and Parks and Recreation. In this episode Amy shares her secret to finding joy and why anxiety can be a motivator when managed effectively. Amy also reveals how she chooses to manage her own social anxiety, how we can make friends with our more complex emotions, and why she’s okay with being afraid. Let Jess take you behind the scenes of Amy’s press junket, and also share her favourite life lessons straight from the wise and hilarious mouth of Amy Poehler. 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 Amy in her latest role role as the emotion, Joy, in the Pixar animation Inside Out 2 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 RoweGuest: Amy Poehler Executive Producer: Nic McClureAudio Producer: Nat Marshall Digital Content Producer: Amy Code  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.

Tammin Sursok has many strings to her bow, she’s an Emmy nominated, Logie Award-winning actress, producer, director, writer, singer, content creator, wife and mum.  After Home and Away, Tammin moved to the US to make a name for herself in The Young and the Restless, Hannah Montana and more recently Pretty Little Liars.  In this very candid and open conversation, Tammin reveals her ongoing struggles with self worth and body image, and how she overcame an eating disorder after ‘many rock bottoms’. Tammin also opens up about the hierarchy of Hollywood, how she felt pigeon holed in her career, and why her accent is ‘all over the place’. CONTENT WARNING: In this episode Tammin discusses her lived experience of an eating disorder and body image issues. If you need support for yourself or someone you care about, help is available by talking to The Butterfly Foundation HERE LINKS: Check out Tammins Podcast The Sh!t Show 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 RoweGuest: Tammin Sursok Executive Producer: Nic McClureAudio Producer: Nat Marshall Digital Content Producer: Amy Code  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.

Music legend John Butler opens up about his new album reflecting healing after personal tragedies, anxiety, and pandemic challenges. He discusses overcoming fears, self-kindness, and navigating trauma. John shares his journey as a musician, connecting with audiences, and the power of words in creating reality.

Jules Robinson shot to fame following her appearance on Married at First Sight  where she met her now ‘real’ husband Cam. Since MAFS, the couple have had a baby with another on the way, and entrepreneur Jules has launched a shapewear brand, fashion label, and hair and makeup bar.   In this episode Jess and Jules dig deep on her unconventional journey to finding love and the challenges she faced along the way. She opens up about the hurtful trolling she has experienced since MAFS, and how she’s been able to turn that into love and acceptance for herself. Jules radiates positivity and is all about supporting and uplifting other women, she shares her story of navigation burnout  and the need for self care to help those of us who take on multiple roles and responsibilities. Know someone who'd enjoy this episode?  Why not share it with them by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on LINKS: Grab your copy of Ask Jules here  Find out more about the Gidget Foundation 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 RoweGuest: Jules RobinsonExecutive Producer: Nic McClureAudio Producer: Nat Marshall Digital Content Producer: Amy Code  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.