My BIG question this week is around school reunions, and why they can bring up all sorts of emotions for us.
It's something I experienced recently and want to talk through with you, because school can be a fraught time for some of us trying to make sense of who we are and we might not want to revisit those teenage years at a reunion.
When you are around a group of people from a certain formative time in your life you can fall back into those ways of behaving and seeing yourself and it can be triggering and bring up all sorts of emotions.
So in this episode I’m going to share with you the emotions that came up for me at my 35 year reunion, and why I was happy I made the decision to go.
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 Rowe
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Nicola Sitch
Digital Content Producer: Amy Code  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BIG QUESTION: Why do school reunions bring up different emotions for us?

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. 

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Relationships

Health & Fitness

Mental Health

While Music legend John Butler has been a household name in Australia for two decades, his new album reveals a whole different side of John we havent heard before. After the tragic loss of his father, a global pandemic, and his personal anxiety from years of being on the road, his new music is a journey of healing not only for himself, but the rest of us too.
In this episode John shares his experience of facing fear and anxiety, and how he learned to be kind to himself. John also opens up about his personal experiences with trauma and violence in his family. He discusses how he has navigated his early life through these challenges and the impact it has had on his relationships.  John also shares his journey as a musician and the profound connection he feels when performing and connecting with the audience. 
Content Warning: This conversation touches on family 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 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Please share this episode with someone who you think might benefit from these tools and conversation starters by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on
 
LINKS:
Search John's album Running River through your favourite streaming service, or purchase the CD 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 Rowe
Guest: John Butler 
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio 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.

John Butler ‘I don't want to define myself as a victim’

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 Rowe
Guest: Jules Robinson
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio 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.

Jules Robinson 'It was just really uncomfortable'

Jelena Dokic is a tennis star and survivor of domestic violence, something she suffered for over 20 years at the hands of her father from the age of just six years old. Jelena also openly shares her remarkable story of life as a refugee dealing with poverty, racism, bullying and discrimination to help make a positive impact on others.
In this episode Jelena proves that our past doesn't have to define or defeat us, something she embodies in her motto of victim, survivor, thriver. Jess and Jelena discuss the power of vulnerability and the importance of seeking professional help for healing. Jelena also addresses the issue of body shaming and online trolling and why this behavior needs to be called out and addressed with kindness and compassion. 
Content Warning: This conversation is about family 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 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Please share this episode with someone who you think might benefit from these tools and conversation starters by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on
LINKS:
Find Jelena's books Unbreakable and Fearless 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 Rowe
Guest: Jelena Dokic 
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio 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.

Jelena Dokic ‘I’m going to fight or I’m going to die trying’

Since becoming Australia’s first MasterChef, mum-of-three Julie Goodwin has become a much loved household name. However there is so much more to Julie’s story, because under the surface of her success she was dealing with mental illness, addiction and childhood trauma.
In this compelling chat Jess is brought to tears as she and Julie dig deep on the pressure she felt to appear strong, preventing her from speaking up about her internal struggles and seeking help. She also opens up about her alcohol addiction and why addressing the underlying issues, and big dose of self compassion was crucial in the healing process.  Julie wants us to embrace the messiness of life, and talk about these difficult topics to help break the stigma surrounding them 
Content Warning: This episode is created for adult audiences only, and touches on suicide and child abuse, if this brings up any issues for you, help is available by calling lifeline on 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:
Julies powerful memoir 'Your Time Starts Now' is available now 
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 Rowe
Guest: Julie Goodwin 
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio 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.

Julie Goodwin 'It was the worst night of my life'

Grief over losing a pet can sometimes be more painful than losing a human due to the unconditional love and constant presence that our pets provide. So in this BIG question episode Jess asks Why Is Pet Loss Grief So Hard? And to help answer this she’s joined by one of Australia’s most recognised veterinarians and pet experts, Dr Katrina Warren.
In this emotional conversation Katrina and Jess explore the unique bond between humans and their pets, and  the importance of acknowledging and validating pet loss grief. Both Jess and Katrina share personal stories of their own experiences with pet loss including Toby the Wonderdog, and offer advice on how to support someone who is grieving the loss of a pet.
Know someone who'd enjoy this episode?  Why not share it with them by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on
LINKS:
Check out Dr Katrina's pet training and behaviour tips here Insta and TikTok 
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 Rowe
Guest: Dr Katrina Warren 
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio 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.

BIG QUESTION: Why do school reunions bring up different emotions for us?

Download our free app to listen on your phone