Australian Icon, activist, and performer Carol Spencer AM is better known as Carlotta, Queen of the Cross and star of Les Girls a must see attraction for visitors to Sydney in the 60’s & 70’s. She was also the inspiration behind the movie Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and the recipient of Member (AM) of the Order of Australia for significant service to the performing arts, and to the LGBTIQ+ community. Now in her 80’s Carlotta continues to shine on stage and TV, determined to live her life to the fullest.  In her own words ‘You're only here once, and I'm gonna bloody enjoy every minute of it’ In this episode Jess and Carlotta explore her extraordinary life including a surprise cameo from Courtney Act/Shane Jenek who shares the positive impact Carlotta had on their own journey as a beacon of hope that there was a place for them in the world as well. 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 Carlotta on stage in her one woman show 'The Party's Over' 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: Carlotta Surprise Guest: Courtney ActExecutive 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.

As you know my goal for every episode is to show you a different side of my guests that you don't usually get to hear.  So in this episode, I’d love you to join me as I look back on some of the biggest jewels of wisdom and learnings that I’ve taken from my conversations that we can all take with us into 2024. Hear from: Kyle Sandilands: The power of love to change usMel B: The importance of speaking up and how you can get your power back John Edward: Embracing our sensitive side while protecting our energy Camilla Franks: What bravery truly looks like Deni Todorovic: Not being afraid to ask questions out of fear of saying the wrong thingMatt Agnew: The power in our vulnerability to help others Leah Purcell: Never giving up, and finding the power to change your circumstances Grant Denyer: We can all struggle with not feeling enough, no matter who we areShaynna Blaze: Not being a bystander and calling people out on their bad behaviour Jenny Kee: Age is just a number never stop tapping into what makes your soul come aliveRachel Ward: True privilege is being present and being there for the people that you lovePrime Minister Anthony Albanese: Living your life without fear Wendy Harmer: The power of Random acts of Kindness (Tap on guest name for link to full episode) A BIG thank you to all my guests for being so open, and at times vulnerable in these conversations and a huge thank you to YOU for choosing to join me as our guests open up in ways they haven't before. I’ll be back with Season 4 Is there someone you'd like to hear on the podcast? Send me your guest ideas here 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 love what we do, it would help us grow if you followed/subscribed the show. While you're there why not rate and review? on Apple or Spotify   CREDITS:Host: Jessica RoweExecutive 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.

Do you want to talk to yourself in a kinder way when you look in the mirror? For this episode, I'm joined by Queer, First Nations Triathlete, Model and Disability Advocate James Parr.  James wants to help people change the way they think about themselves and their bodies, so I’ve asked him to help answer my BIG question ‘How can I learn to love my body?’ After losing his leg to amputation, James initially struggled to accept his new body and the way people looked at him differently  Fast forward to now and James has learned to love his post cancer body as an amputee, and in this episode gives us some great food for thought around our own bodies, and also how we might change the way we talk about disability. Know someone who'd enjoy this episode?  Why not share it with them by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on   LINKS: Stay up to date with James and his latest projects 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: James Parr 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.

Shelley Craft has been a familiar face on our TV screens for nearly three decades, starting her career on the kids show Saturday Disney right through to Australia's longest running and most successful reality TV show, The Block. While Shelley exudes radiance and warmth, she’s also a private person, and this is the first time that Shelley has given such an intimate glimpse into her life off screen. Join us as we uncover the layers behind her on-screen persona, the times when the sunshine isn't quite as bright, and the moments of vulnerability and resilience that have shaped Shelley’s remarkable journey. Know someone who'd enjoy this episode?  Why not share it with them by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on LINKS: Listen to Shelley's podcast The Ageing Project 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: Shelley Craft 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.

We’ve invited our favourite lovable Aussie icon Bryan Brown back into the studio to celebrate his new book The Drowning, and to answer your BIG questions. In this special Q&A episode find out how Bryan keeps things spicy in his marriage, what really goes on when he parties with Sam Neil, in which way life has surprised him the most, the special place he likes to write, the advice he refused to take, the secret behind his confidence, and why you’ll never find hm on social media. Be sure to listen out for a cameo question from Ding Dong herself Denise Drysdale.   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 Bryans book 'The Drowning' here  If you love what we do, it would help us grow if you followed/subscribed the show. While you're there why not 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: Bryan Brown 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.

My BIG question for this episode is Can we Choose to be Happy? and what choices can we make that can help our mental health? To help me answer that question is author, podcaster and broadcaster, Jessie Stephens.  Jessie has been very open about her own experiences with depression, and shares some of the tools that have helped her, including the idea of allowing yourself to fall in a heap, before you can put yourself back together. Content Warning: Our conversation briefly touches on suicide, if this brings up anything for you support is available by calling Lifeline 13 11 14 for a safe place to talk day and night. 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 Jessie's book 'Something Bad is Going to Happen' 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: Jessie Stephens 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.

Matt Preston is one of Australia’s most famous and loved personalities. An award-winning food journalist, best-selling cookbook author and TV personality Matt is larger than life. For a man who has been in the public eye for over a decade, he’s always been very quiet about his past and private life, until now.  So in this episode Jess digs deep on what makes Matt tick, from his fractured childhood and shocking family tragedies, to the anxiety that presented when he became a household name and the choices he made to ensure his marriage survived the pressure of fame and living apart as the Masterchef Juggernaut took flight. Know someone who'd enjoy this episode with Matt?  Why not share it with them by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on  LINKS:Buy Matt's memoir BIG MOUTH 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: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.

For this episode, I'm joined by NSW young woman of the year, activist and a voice for her generation Chanel Contos. Chanel is leading the charge for cultural change around consent through education and conversations like this one, and not just change for teenage girls, change for women and men of all ages. So I’ve asked her  to help answer my BIG question: Is Consent just about saying yes or not to having sex? In this episode we talk about the complexities of consent and how can we strive towards a world where mutual pleasure is the norm, communication is the standard practice, and that through prevention sexual assault no longer occurs.  If you feel inspired by this chat with Chanel  and you want to stay up to date with all of her amazing projects including her book Consent Laid Bare you can check out her instagram here Content Warning: This is an adult conversation. It does cover sex and sexual violence. And if this brings up anything for you, help is available by contacting 1 800 RESPECT for a safe place to talk day and night. 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: Nat Marshall Digital Content Producer: Amy Code  Is there someone you'd like to hear on the podcast? We'd love to hear your guest idea hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zoe Ventoura is one of Australia’s most loved actors, best known for her role as Melissa in Packed To The Rafters, a character whose shock death left Australian audiences heartbroken.  In her very first podcast appearance, Zoe explains why she’s never been comfortable talking about herself when she’s not performing, and how she manages to stay strong and not give up when facing rejection as an actor here and in Hollywood. Jess and Zoe also dig deep on the courage it took to step back from one of Australia's most adored TV characters, and the surprising reason she embarked on a double degree in Psychology and counseling. Zoe is now returning to her first love - the musical theatre stage to star in the sensational musical Chicago in her dream role as the iconic Velma Kelly, if youre like us and cant wait to see her sizzle in this role, show and ticketing info is here Is there someone you'd like to hear on the podcast? We'd love you to share your guest ideas hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If beauty is being comfortable in your own skin, what about those of us who dont always feel great when we look in the mirror? For this episode I’m joined by award winning journalist and magazine editor Paula Joye who’s worked with the biggest names in fashion and beauty across her incredible career, which makes her the perfect person to be answering my BIG question: Is there a secret to ageing beautifully?  Paula has tried and tested every product you can imagine with a skin care obsession that started at an early age, so in this episode she shares all her industry secrets to age beautifully, including the simple practical steps and products we need for good skin, and which products and devices can go in the bin! If you feel inspired by this chat Paula’s latest book ‘The Glow Up’ cuts through the BS, empowering you to glow at any age and stage in life, because as they say glowing skin is always in! You can also follow Paula here on Instagram. 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: Nat Marshall Digital Content Producer: Amy Code See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.