For more than 30 years, Karla Grant has been a trailblazer in Australian media, a proud Western Arrernte woman whose fearless journalism has paved the way for greater representation of Indigenous voices on screen. As the host and executive producer of Living Black on NITV, Karla has dedicated her career to truth-telling, giving a platform to stories too often overlooked, and inspiring generations through her courage, authenticity, and grace.

In this deeply personal conversation, Karla reflects on facing racism as a young girl to becoming one of Australia’s most respected Indigenous broadcasters. She opens up about the moments that tested her resilience, the people who shaped her path, and the drive that continues to fuel her fight for social justice. Karla shares how turning 60 has brought new joy and perspective, and why storytelling remains at the heart of who she is, not just as a journalist, but as a woman, a mother, and an advocate for truth.

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LINKS:

• While Living Black has wrapped for the year, you can catch up anytime on SBS On Demand. And if you’re looking for more powerful storytelling, Karla Grant Presents showcases a curated selection of documentaries and films, each introduced by Karla, who offers her personal insights and thoughtful context to deepen your viewing experience.

• If you loved this chat with Karla we think you'll love Jess's conversation with Leah Purcell here 
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guest: Karla Grant 
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Nat Marshall 
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

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.

Marianne Williamson is a best selling author, spiritual teacher, and political activist who has twice run for the Democratic nomination for the US Presidency. Her teachings on spiritual development have reached millions around the world and Oprah Winfrey describes her as ‘One of the most influential women of the modern spiritual world’. Marianne is now bringing her powerful live show to Australia, continuing her mission to awaken hearts and minds around the world.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Marianne and Jess explore the beauty and challenge of becoming at every stage of life. They dive into the gifts of menopause as a “second puberty,” the courage it takes to rise above trauma, and how to disarm self-sabotage. Marianne shares how faith, self-care, and spiritual practice can help us find peace in a noisy world. This is an episode for anyone ready to reconnect with their resilience, purpose, and inner power.

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LINKS:

• Marianne’s upcoming live series - An Evening with Marianne Williamson: The Power of Love and the Practice of Change - will invite you into a conversation on reclaiming our inner peace and collective purpose in a world increasingly marked by division, anxiety, and disconnection.

• Ticket information here: 

  • Melbourne: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/event/130062D8AF6A233B

  • Sydney: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/event/130062D9D8CB31EA

  • Brisbane: https://events.humanitix.com/marianne-williamson-live-inner-light-outer-change

• If you loved this chat with Marianne we think you'll love Jess's previous episodes with Melissa Leong here
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guest: Marianne Williamson 
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Nat Marshall 
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

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.

Mitch and Mark captured Australia’s hearts on The Block, known for their warmth, humour, and undeniable style. Beyond their television success, they’ve become advocates for authenticity and acceptance, using their platform to challenge stereotypes and celebrate love in all its forms. Together for over two decades, they’ve built a beautiful blended family and a life grounded in mutual respect, resilience, and joy.

In this candid chat with Jess, Mitch and Mark share the sliding doors moment that sparked their decades-long love story and how it shaped the life they’ve built together. They open up about navigating parenting in a blended family, the legacy of Australia’s marriage equality vote, and why joy is their answer to prejudice.

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LINKS:

• For front row access on all their latest projects and makeovers follow Mitch & Mark: The Joy Factor on YouTube here 

• If you loved this chat with Mitch & Mark we think you'll love Jess's conversation with Carlotta here
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guests: Mitch & Mark
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Nat Marshall 
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

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.

Melissa Leong is a celebrated food writer, TV host and judge, best known for bringing warmth, intelligence and honesty to Australian screens. The daughter of Singaporean-Chinese parents, Melissa has built a career that celebrates culture, creativity and courage, using food and storytelling as her way of connecting people to what really matters.

In this episode, Melissa opens up about growing up different and how feeling like an outsider shaped her sense of self, embracing individuality as a lifelong journey. She shares the importance of releasing shame that isn’t ours and the healing that comes from owning our stories with honesty and grace. Melissa also reflects on why failure is essential to growth and why learning to say no is such a vital part of her self-care.

Know someone who'd enjoy this episode?  Why not share it with them by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on

LINKS:

• Melissa's memoir GUTS is available now wherever you get your books 

• If you loved this chat with Melissa we think you'll love Jess's conversation with Julie Goodwin here 
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guest: Melissa Leong 
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Nat Marshall 
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

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.

Samantha Armytage is one of Australia’s most familiar and beloved television personalities. From her years in breakfast television to her work on Farmer Wants a Wife, Sam has always brought warmth, wit, and authenticity to the screen. Now she’s back in the spotlight as host of The Golden Bachelor, celebrating second chances at love.

In this heartfelt conversation, Sam opens up about navigating grief after the loss of her mum, balancing public and private life, dealing with public scrutiny, and what it means to stay true to yourself in a media world that often prizes perfection. She opens up about aging and meeting midlife with confidence, opening her heart to love again, and finding joy in life’s next chapters, both on and off screen.

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LINKS:

• Catch Sam on The Golden Bachelor Mondays and Tuesdays on Nine and 9NOW

• If you loved this chat with Sam we think you'll love Jess's conversation with Rebecca Gibney here
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guest: Sam Armytage 
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Nat Marshall 
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

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.

In this episode, Jess welcomes back renowned psychic medium John Edward to explore the afterlife, grief, and the signs our loved ones send us. John answers your questions on spirit guides, dreams, and the purpose of souls, while sharing how pets teach us unconditional love and why signs from the other side may shift over time.

In this episode John emphasizes the importance of staying curious and open to signs, as well as the significance of understanding our purpose in life. He reveals that The afterlife is about understanding and love, not judgment, and  leads a special exercise to help you release negative energy and navigate your emotions with greater clarity

Know someone who'd  find comfort in this episode?  Why not share it with them by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on

LINKS:

• John is returning this October for his National tour, tickets and dates www.johnedward.net
• If you loved this chat with John we think you'll love Jess's previous episodes with John here
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guest: John Edward
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Nat Marshall 
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

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.

Jonathan “J.Mo” Moran is one of Australia’s best known entertainment journalists, but behind the red carpets lies a far more complex story. In this candid conversation, Jess uncovers the real person behind the headlines: JMo’s struggles with self-image, the lasting impact of childhood trauma, and what led him to become a Lifeline ambassador.

They explore the hidden costs of a glamorous career, how the loss of his close friend Charlotte Dawson reshaped his understanding of mental health, and why advocating for open, stigma-free conversations matters more than ever. JMo reflects on coping mechanisms (healthy and not), the challenges of journalistic integrity, and the role of connection, purpose, and kindness in his journey. A powerful reminder that every public persona hides a private battle, and that sharing those struggles can help light the way for others.

Content Warning: This conversation touches on substance addiction, abuse and suicide. If it raises any emotional distress for you, please reach out to someone, or call Lifeline for 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services on 13 11 14

Know someone who'd enjoy this episode?  Why not share it with them by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on

LINKS:

• JMO's book ‘Mental as Anyone’ A Toolkit for Surviving and Thriving on the Chaotic Rollercoaster of Life is available HERE 
• If you loved this chat with JMO we think you'll love Jess's conversation with Vincent Fantuzzo
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guest: Jonathon Moran 
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Nat Marshall 
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

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.

Iconic entertainer Rosie O’Donnell is one of the most fearless voices of our time, a trailblazing comedian, actor, talk show host, and outspoken advocate who’s never shied away from speaking her truth. From her breakout in A League of Their Own and her Emmy-winning daytime show, to her bold activism and heartfelt storytelling, Rosie has spent decades making audiences laugh, think, and feel deeply. Now living in Ireland, she’s finding new meaning in life and motherhood, and she’s in Australia for the very first time with her acclaimed one-woman show ‘Common Knowledge’.

In this episode, Rosie opens up about losing her mother as a child, how grief has shaped her life, and the courage it takes to keep standing up even when life (or politics) knocks you down. She reflects on living without fame’s illusions, her friendships with icons like Madonna and Barbra Streisand, and why she once had to delete Oprah’s number from her phone.

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LINKS:

• Catch Rosie in her critically acclaimed one-woman show Common Knowledge at the Sydney Opera House this Thursday HERE, followed by a Melbourne show on Sunday 19 October HERE
• If you loved this chat with Rosie we think you'll love Jess's conversation with Amy Poehler 
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Rosie's mum, Rosann Teresa Murtha O'Donnell, and to all the women we’ve loved and lost to breast cancer.

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guest: Rosie O'Donnell
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Nat Marshall 
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

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.

When life feels overwhelming, how do you get your power back? In this candid conversation, Jess asks Osher Günsberg this Big Question, and together they unpack the universal experience of feeling stuck, powerless, or consumed by challenges. From recognising overwhelm as the crucial first step, to the phrase “So what? Now what?” as a way forward, Osher shares how even the smallest actions can restore a sense of agency and clarity.

Drawing on his own journey through fame, sobriety, and mental health struggles, Osher opens up about the tools that have helped him, including Acceptance Commitment Therapy, embracing discomfort, and noticing emotions before they spiral. This is a conversation about finding strength in difficult moments, letting go of external validation, and learning how to shift from overwhelm into empowered action.

 

Know someone who'd  find comfort in this episode?  Why not share it with them by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on

LINKS:

• Osher's book 'So What? Now What? is available wherever you get your books

• If you loved this chat with Osher we think you'll love Jess's earlier conversation with him here 
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guest: Osher Günsberg
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Nat Marshall 
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

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.

Beau Ryan is well known to Australians as a former NRL star turned TV & Radio personality, comedian, and host of The Amazing Race Australia. But behind the laughs and quick wit is a man who has wrestled with identity, pressure, and the search for meaning. At 40, Beau is opening up about what it really means to be a good man, a father, and a leader, and why he’s still learning along the way.

In this heartfelt conversation with Jess, Beau reflects on the emotional complexities of masculinity, the impact of his upbringing, and the lessons he’s learning as a dad. He shares openly about imposter syndrome, the cost of chasing success, and the struggle to balance career with presence at home.From mental health struggles to redefining fatherhood, Beau reflects on the man he is now and the one he’s striving to be. This is Beau Ryan as you’ve never heard him: honest, emotional, deeply human.

Know someone who'd enjoy this episode?  Why not share it with them by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on

LINKS:

• Watch or stream The Amazing Race Australia Celebrity Edition on Ten

• If you loved this chat with Beau we think you'll love Jess's conversation with Grant Denyer here 
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guest: Beau Ryan 
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Nat Marshall 
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

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.