There are many things that could rightly make Shane Jenek furious - from social media algorithms platforming 'right wing talking points' intended to divide, to the continuing moral panic around drag queen story time, to outright personal attacks on his character. But instead, Shane is choosing a different response - namely, one of kindness and storytelling. He tells Osher why he believes this is actually the most effective course, along with:

• How his relationship to his alter ego Courtney Act has changed over the years
• How gender has always been a spectrum, and why that's liberating
• Why he chose to write a children's book

Check out Shane's book Confetti and the Rainbow Garden

For the Story Club Youtube and Osher's book So What, Now What? head here

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Why did Osher and James take so long to make their announcements on Australian Idol? It was to build tension, right? Well, not that's not the whole story - as Osher unveils during a recent Story Club Live show.

For stories on Youtube, head here 

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The last five years have been a revolution in the way Em Rusciano sees herself, as double-whammy diagnoses of ADHD and autism illuminated a lifetime of masking and trying to meet neurotypical standards.

But even amidst burnout and the grief for all her misunderstood prior versions, Em has gained wisdom and learning that is now seeing her rebuild and recognise herself like never before.

In this conversation, Em and Osher discuss:

• Why her performance on the Masked Singer was so ironically therapeutic 
• How her life, relationships and understanding has changed 
• What we all should understand about neurodiversity, along with tips for navigating the world with a neurodivergent mind

Hear plenty more of Em’s story in her new book Blood, Sweat and Glitter

For full Story Club stories on Youtube, copies of So What, Now What? And more from Osher, head here.

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The difference in opinion on how we approach (or don't approach) Net Zero is just the latest story you could use to worry about how divided we are - at least, until your bike chain breaks. 

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As Global Director of Men's Health Research at Movember, Dr Zac Seidler calls male identity and mental health 'the issue of our times'. He's seen the problems - but he also has a vision for the solution. 

In this conversation, Zac covers:

• Why he has stopped using the term "Masculinity" and the powerful, alternative word he prefers to frame the conversation around men’s identity.
• His expert analysis of the "manosphere" and what young men are truly seeking and needing right now
• The positive Ideas and examples that can help guide the way for men
• How he feels about becoming a father to a boy of his own

Find out more about Dr Zac and his work here

Find out more about Movember here

Donate to Osher's Movember effort here

 

 

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We know that money influences politics - but just how much? And is there anything we can do to oppose it? As she's proved again and again, most recently as part of the Punter's Politics event also attended by Osher, Allegra Spender, Independent Member for Wentworth, has some ideas.

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Are there parts of yourself, maybe long lost from your past or your childhood, that are waiting to be heard, to be honoured, to expand the person you think you are?

This was certainly the case for Luke Bateman. 

In this episode, the ex-NRL player and Bachelor turned BookTok sensation, author and host of new podcast In the Good Books opens to Osher about:

• Why shame was so much a part of his life as a child
• Coming back from the dark depths of his gambling addiction and depression
• How he dealt with the controversy and social media blowback following news of his book deal
• Why inner work is essential to achieving any goal

CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussions of suicidal thoughts. 

For support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

For tickets to Story Club and for Osher's new book So What, Now What? head here

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For Masterchef judge Melissa Leong, life has served far more than just delicious food. 
And as she tells Osher, whether it's been the choices she's made or the things she's had to deal with, it's often taken a lot of guts to get through.

In this conversation, you'll hear: 

• Why she chose to open up about the dark parts of her life in her new memoir
• The healthier new way Melissa is approaching relationships
• When 'blowing up your life' is the right call
• How taking a path to healing is a choice
• How she defeated self-doubt in becoming a judge of Masterchef

And much more.

Content Warning: this episode contains discussions of sexual assault. 
For support, please contact 1800respect

Check out Melissa's memoir Guts

For tickets to Story Club and Osher's new book So What, Now What? head here

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It's no surprise that our the experiences of our early lives form us: from our work ethic, to our worldview, even our approach to raising children. But what can be surprising, on reflection, is just how much our environment and shape those experiences themselves - as was the case for Sylvia Jeffreys when she first started her career in Brisbane.

Search for Sylvia in the Better Than Yesterday feed for the full chat.

Check out Sylvia's podcast 'The Pay Off' 

For tickets to Story Club, and for Osher's latest book So What, Now What? head here.

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Without a doubt, Shelley Craft remains one of the most loved personalities on our TV screens - just as she has been for three decades. From Saturday Disney, to The Great Outdoors, Funniest Home Videos and the powerhouse that is The Block. 

How did she turn a work experience stint into a career?
How did she deal with being in the public eye, and the many ups and downs of the industry?
What are the practices and principles that keep her able to show up so authentically that we think we all know her?

What we hear from Shelley aren't the usual success secrets: Instead, it's all about how she relates to herself, the work, and those around her. And it applies just as much to our every day lives as it does to being on telly. 

To hear more from Shelley, check out her podcast The Aging Project and The Official Block Podcast

For tickets to Story Club, copies of So What, Now What? and to get in touch with Osher, head here

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