In this episode we speak with Nick Bryant, author, former BBC correspondent and occasional columnist for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, about the big events across the globe this year. Unlike the so-called Roaring 1920s, Bryant notes that the 2020s have gotten off to a rather wretched start. From war in the Middle East to the harsh effects of climate change, to the consolidation of power by strongmen such as Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping, Bryant laments the state of play right now. And that's before we even get to the spectre of another Donald Trump term in the White House.

Hosting this conversation, which also canvasses some of the high points of the year, from our fervour for the Matilda's to the Barbie and Taylor Swift phenomena, is the editor of Good Weekend, Katrina Strickland. 

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In this episode, we speak with Hollywood director, actor, screenwriter and producer Taika Waititi. The Kiwi filmmaker is the man behind New Zealand films, Boy and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, as well as global blockbusters like Thor: Love and Thunder, and critically acclaimed Holocaust dramedy JoJo Rabbit.

Hosting the conversation about his latest movie, Next Goal Wins starring Michael Fassbender, and how Waititi has been, for the past 22 years, flying to NZ from wherever he is in the world to play rugby every Saturday (kidding!), is Good Weekend senior writer, Konrad Marshall. 

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In this episode, we talk with Melbourne based transgender advocate Son Vivienne. Son is non binary and the chief of Transgender Victoria, which aims to improve social, economic and health outcomes for trans and gender diverse people.

Hosting this discussion on affirmative care, treatments and the realities of living as a gender diverse Australian is The Age senior writer, Michael Bachelard.

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In this episode, we talk with Melbourne based research scientist Tim Moss about the controversial claim that human sperm is in  precipitous decline. So are we all doomed - or is the research not quite as definitive as it seems?

Hosting this conversation on fertility, masculinity and tight underwear is Good Weekend senior writer, Tim Elliott.

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In this episode, we speak with singer Marcia Hines about her family ties, arriving in Australia aged 16 and pregnant, her deep connection to music and her enduring appeal.

Hosting a conversation that also covers her latest album, The Gospel According to Marcia, as well as upcoming gigs in the stage version of Grease and as a returning judge on Australian Idol, is The Age culture writer and unabashed Marcia fan, Michael Lallo.

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In 2020, former Victorian state MP Tim Holding and fiancée Felicity Selkirk purchased a crumbling 18th century French chateau and set about restoring it. The monumental, multi-year renovation has drained their patience - and bank balance - but become one of the most rewarding things they've ever embarked upon.

Hosting a conversation about why they decided to do it in the first place, what it's taught them about themselves and each other, and living in the French countryside, is Good Weekend senior writer Melissa Fyfe.

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In this episode, Booker Prize-winning author Richard Flanagan discusses everything from his latest novel, Question 7 – from his near-death experience as a young man kayaking on the Franklin River to his decision to become a novelist as a four-year-old, and how his connection to Tasmania dates back to the first convicts.

Hosting the conversation about the difficulties of forgetting, remembering and writing about the past is Spectrum editor and culture writer Melanie Kembrey.

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On this episode, journalist and bestselling author Julia Baird speaks about her latest book, Bright Shining, which explores the role of grace in our lives: what it is, where to find it, and how to cultivate it. Hosting the conversation is Good Weekend senior writer, Amanda Hooton.

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On today’s episode we talk to Jodi Matterson, the most important person in Australian film and TV that you've likely never heard of. This powerhouse of the screen is behind everything from the Naomi Watts film Penguin Bloom, to the Nicole Kidman series Nine Perfect Strangers. She speaks about her globetrotting life, and how she fell into the career in the first place.
Hosting this discussion is Good Weekend senior writer Amanda Hooton.

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In this episode, Australian thriller writer Matthew Reilly talks about his writing life in Los Angeles, what it was like to make the film Interceptor and how long it takes to know if you've got a Netflix hit (hint: not long at all).

Hosting the conversation is Books Editor for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, Jason Steger.

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