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 here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zoë Ventoura 'It's bigger than I would have ever expected’

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

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.

'Why is pet loss grief so hard?' with Dr Katrina Warren

As you know I love to skip the small talk and have deep conversations with my guests, but to do that I need to create a SAFE SPACE to have these BIG talks. Coming up on the podcast, I’m going to open up these conversations beyond my famous guests to people who don't often get a chance to share their story in a safe place without judgment. But I want to know who would YOU like me to offer the BIG talk microphone to?
Share your suggestions HERE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is SAFE SPACE? and why I need your help with it

Misconceptions about disability can often lead to isolation and judgment, but with open conversations and greater understanding we can help break down barriers. In this BIG question episode Jess is joined by musician Elly-May Barnes who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was a toddler. Elly-May is also part of the rock and roll Barnes family and has been performing with her dad Jimmy since she was a young girl.
In this powerful conversation Elly-May emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and being unapologetic about who you are despite the challenges you face. She also reveals the power of music as a release and expression, and how it has helped her cope with feelings of isolation by giving her a sense of belonging and connection.
Know someone who'd enjoy this episode?  Why not share it with them by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on
LINKS:
Elly-Mays debut album ‘No Good’ 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: Elly-May Barnes
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.

Zoë Ventoura 'It's bigger than I would have ever expected’

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