Wendy Harmer has been entertaining us for 40 years, holding our collective hands through some of the biggest news events of our time. In Part two of her conversation with Jess, Wendy reveals what drove her to get out of bed each morning for breakfast radio, how her trademark in your face frankness made her a trailblazer for women in the media, and how she dealt with the public fallout of being the first woman to host the Logies. Jess also reveals for the first time how she came to experience Wendy's warmth and compassion through an incredible act of kindness that helped her through one of her darkest moments. Content Warning: This episode includes some colourful language  If you haven’t already already listened to Part one of this conversation Wendy digs deep on how she overcame the emotional turmoil of her childhood including the heartbreaking day her mum went missing, plus other stories from her extraordinary memoir ‘ Lies My Mirror Told Me’ which is out now. 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 ideas hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Entertainer and national treasure Wendy Harmer has lived an extraordinary life. After being born with a severe facial deformity, she went on to perform as a stand-up comedian, a national television host, and became the highest paid woman in the cut-throat world of FM radio.  In part one of their chat, Jess and Wendy dig deep on how she overcame adversity and the emotional turmoil of her childhood and found the strength of character to carve her own way in the world.  Wendy also opens up about the heartbreaking day her mum went missing, and why now through compassion can she see that it was for the best. Content Warning: This conversation touches on suicide. So if it brings up anything for you, help is available at lifeline on 13 11 14.  Part two of this conversation drops tomorrow, hear Wendy’s response to the backlash she received after hosting the logies, and other stories from her extraordinary memoir ‘Lies My Mirror Told Me’ which is out now. 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 ideas hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christian Wilkins lives to perform, whether its acting, dancing, modelling or reporting from the red carpet beside his famous dad Richard. However early life wasnt always easy for Christian, growing up he felt like an outsider and different from the other kids. In this episode Jess and Christian dig deep on how he’s triumphed over a childhood of bullying and not fitting in, to embracing his queerness, something he now sees as his superpower. As an adult, Christian still receives negative messaging and trolling around how he expresses himself, but because of his strong self of sense and the love of his family, Christian shares how he’s able to remain true to himself and block out the negativity and hate. Christian recently published his first book Princess Mitchell which he hopes will encourage all of us to not only accept, but celebrate the things that make us different. 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 ideas hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pia Miranda is one of Australia's best-loved and critically acclaimed actors. Since bursting onto our screens in the much-loved film Looking for Alibrandi, Pia has become part of Australian film and television history, and a familiar face for generations of Alibrandi readers. Pia was also crowned the winner of one of the most-watched TV series in Australian history, Australian Survivor.  In this episode Jess and Pia dig deep on her close brush with Harvey Weinstein and the famous Aussie actress that protected her, why she didnt want a part of Hollywood after being told shed need cosmetic surgery to make it, and how winning Survivor not only changed her as a person, but other peoples perception of her. Pia has recently released her memoir, Finding My Bella Vita, a funny and moving tale of trying to find yourself. 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 you to share your guest ideas hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The last time Jess caught up with Dr. Matt Agnew was one of the most intimate conversations she’s ever had on the podcast, when Matt opened up about his long private battle with mental illness for the first time. In this episode Matt returns to talk about how he’s doing now in terms of his mental health, what surprised him most about sharing his story and the unexpected reaction he received from trolls. Matt also shares the two strategies he recommends to make sense of our mental health and live better and more fulfilling lives.  By speaking about mental illness we can dismantle its power over us, and get away from the stigma and fear of judgment. So this episode gives great tips on how we can normalize and get comfortable having difficult conversations and not be scared about saying ‘the wrong thing’. October is mental health awareness month and Beyond Blue is inviting you to fight the stigma of mental health with their BIG BLUE TABLE to raise funds and awareness. Each meal can lead to life changing conversations and to help create a safe space where we all feel comfortable talking about our mental health anywhere, anytime. Remember that BEYOND BLUE is always available if you need support for your own mental health, or if you're supporting someone who is going through a tough time. 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 you to share your guest ideas hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Collette Dinnigan is one of Australia's most famous designers. Her work has appeared in movies and television and is worn by fashion icons worldwide including the Duchess of Cambridge, Nicole Kidman, Kylie Minogue, Angelina Jolie, Beyoncé, and Halle Berry,  But after 24 years, Collette decided to close her International label because she wanted to spend more time with her growing family.  In this episode Jess and Collette dig deep on her unconventional childhood and creative spirit which led her to the glittering catwalks of Paris. Despite being told she only had two years in the business, Collette was the only designer showing in Paris who owned her business 100%, using both instinct, and problems to help grow her sense of fearlessness. You can own your very own piece of Colette with her specially designed eyewear as she celebrates her 10 year anniversary with Specsavers 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: Nat Marshall Digital Content Producer: Amy Code  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.

Actor, Author, Producer, and Australian icon Bryan Brown has been on our screens since the 1970s in a career that has captured the hearts of audiences around the world . From a working-class upbringing in Sydney’s West, Bryan has appeared in over 80 films with some of Hollywood's biggest names including his wife Rachel Ward. Known as the quintessential Aussie Bloke Jess and Bryan dig deep on why women have been a much bigger influence in his life than men, where his strong sense of self comes from, and how he manages an anxiety disorder that presented itself in his 50’s. Bryan also opens up about working with Tom Cruise, Jennifer Annison, Paul McCartney and Sigourney Weaver. In his latest role Bryan plays the Prime Minister of Australia in the STAN series C*A*U*G*H*T, be sure to listen out for the surprise cameo from our very own Prime Minister in this episode.  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 you to share your guest ideas hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is motivated by love and hope, lessons he learnt from his single mum Maryanne growing up in a council house in Sydney. It was from Maryanne that he also learned the values of social justice and fairness, always fighting for what he believes. In this episode Jess and the PM dig deep on how he came to terms with the end of his marriage before finding happiness again with his partner Jodie, why almost losing his life in a car accident left him more damaged than he let on and changed the way he does politics, and the surprising reason why being a Prime Minister isn't as stressful for him as you might think.  ‘Albo’ also opens up about being an emotional guy, and how it feels when he’s personally attacked for doing his job, including his passion for The Voice referendum and why a YES vote is so important. As he explains on October 14 you are not going to be asked to vote for a political party or for a person, you're being asked to vote for an idea. To say YES to an invitation that comes directly from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people themselves. If you still have questions, and you're undecided, you can visit  https://voice.gov.au/ and https://www.yes23.com.au/ for plenty 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. Show Credits:Host: Jessica RoweExecutive Producer: Nic McClureAudio Producer: Nat Marshall Digital Content Producer: Amy Code See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melanie Brown MBE aka Mel B is one of the world’s most iconic entertainers. One fifth of the most successful girl band ever the Spice Girls, ‘Scary Spice’ has become of the most recognisable women in the world. She’s also a mum to three gorgeous daughters. After spearheading the Girl Power movement, Mel reveals to Jess the deeply challenging time in her life when she felt ‘girl power-less’, and the guilt and shame she’s lived with since. What's clear in this conversation is Mel taken her power back, by becoming an advocate for anyone who has experienced family violence, even receiving an MBE from Buckingham Palace for her services to survivors of abuse. Mel also opens up about finding love again, and if you’re curious about whats next for The Spice Girls, she drops a big hint in this episode! Catch Mel living her best life on the panel of The Masked Singer Australia Sunday through Tuesday at 7.30 pm on 10 and 10play on demand. Content Warning: This conversation touches on family violence so if this brings up anything for you, help is available by contacting 1800RESPECT the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.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: Nat Marshall Digital Content Producer: Amy Code See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the latest National mental health and well being survey there has been a huge rise in mental illness for young people, in fact 2 out of 5 young people are struggling. As Parents it can be confronting if your child tells you they’re not coping, so my BIG question this week is: How do I parent my teen through tough times? To help answer the question I’m also joined by psychiatrist Dr Jo Prendergast as we discuss the red flags to look out for, why trust and boundaries are important for strengthening our relationship, and how to care for yourself when you're struggling to support your teen. Help is available by reaching out to your GP or Lifeline 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue are also fantastic resources. Dr Jo’s book ‘When Life Suck’s is a first-aid manual for supporing your teens mental health including anxiety, depression, trauma and eating difficulties, to understanding neurodivergence and gender identity in our children.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.