Grant Denyer is one of Australia’s most iconic and loved presenters. In a career spanning over 20 years, he shows up as one of the hardest working people in showbiz, but behind his success Grant has struggled with ‘enormous’ imposter syndrome and not feeling enough from a young age.

In this episode Grant opens up about the torture of high achieving and negative self talk, and how its led him to dig deeper and hold himself to the highest standard of work. Something Grant says has served him professionally, but hasnt served him well in his personal life.

Now that Grant is becoming  more comfortable in his own skin he is doing the work to undo some of these old core values, and shares with Jess the emotional moment he finally felt enough.

If you cant get enough of Grant, check out his podcast It's all True where he and his wife Chezzi open the book on their drama-filled 10-year marriage, in a straight-from-the-horse's-mouth account of life with the Denyers. 

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: Nat Marshall 
Digital Content Producer: Amy Code 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melissa Tkautz is a true icon of the Aussie Entertainment Industry. She’s an actress, ARIA winning recording artist, and star of The Real Housewives of Sydney. Her work ethic and laser focus to perform at her best is hard to compare, and as you’ll hear in this episode, nobody is tougher on Melissa than herself. 

Once titled sexiest woman on earth, Melissa feels she’s been typecast as the blonde bombshell, and is determined to prove her ability as an actress.  

You might be surprised to learn that even at the height of her fame, Melissa didn't feel like she was enough because of constant criticism and commentary. Not one to give up, she turned this into a superpower of inner strength and resilience, capturing the hearts of audiences most recently on SAS Australia.

You can find Melissa on Instagram here 

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: Nat Marshall 
Digital Content Producer: Amy Code 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rachel Ward is an award winning film and television director and like many women, her life is a series of reinventions. She was a Hollywood star in the 80s, and soon after that, she made her name in the Thorn Birds TV series, where she ‘made off with one of Australia's most iconic men’ Bryan Brown.

In this episode Rachel reflects on her time in Hollywood, and how difficult it was to be taken seriously in an industry that was increasingly sexualising women, and placing their only value on appearance and fantasy.

Rachel has never been afraid to get her hands dirty, and biggest role yet is being a farmer. So in this conversation Jess and Rachel dig deep on how she has changed her farming practices to combat climate change, and why each of us has the power to make a difference through listening and knowing the power of our purse.

If you've seen Rachel’s Farm or you're inspired to learn more and take action, there are many ways you can get involved HERE 

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: Nat Marshall 
Digital Content Producer: Amy Code 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus episode you’ll get a rare peek inside this special friendship between two stars of Aussie Television. Brace yourself for some serious laughter as besties Jess & Denise ask each other a series of questions about each other and their friendship. You’ll hear tender stories, funny confessionals, and best of all how they bring out an incredible sense of fun in each other. By the end of the episode Denise was ‘giddy’ and Jess’s cheeks were sore from laughing.

… and if you love this episode, you’ll enjoy Jess’s full episode with Denise here

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: Nat Marshall 
Digital Content Producer: Amy Code 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Denise Drysdale, affectionately known as Ding Dong, is an Australian Entertainment icon. The two time Gold Logie winner has been performing since she was a young girl, and shares a deep love with her audiences, in fact Denise says she ‘gets more back than she gives’. 

While Denise continues to entertain us on both stage and TV she also happens to be Jess’s best friend, which means this episode gives you a rare inside peek into who Denise is when she’s not performing. When these besties are not making each other laugh, Jess digs a little deeper into her relationship with her body, where her shyness comes from, and how she really feels about her famous nickname Ding Dong. 

Denise also opens up about the private and crippling pain she suffered with Trigeminal Neuralgia, and the brain surgery that changed her life.

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: Nat Marshall 
Digital Content Producer: Amy Code 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that women in midlife are the only demographic where alcohol consumption is going up? So My BIG Question this week is around our relationship with alcohol, and how to know when its time for a break. 

To help answer this complex question I’m joined by Media personality Maz Compton, who is passionate about helping people discover and embrace their sober curious selves. Maz explains how we can take simple, practical steps to reframe our relationship with alcohol, along with practical tools to be the best version of ourselves. 

Maz Comptons latest book Last Drinks: How to drink less and be your best is available now, and along with her podcast of the same name, wherever you get your podcasts

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: Nat Marshall 
Digital Content Producer: Amy Code 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kamilaroi and Torres Strait Islander woman Nakkiah Lui has many strings to her bow: actor, comedian, playwright, TV host, podcaster, director, storyteller, publisher but none that she identifies more proudly with than writer. Nakkiah is also a fashionista starring on the first Australian cover of the relaunched Harper's Bazaar Magazine. 

In this episode Jess and Nakkiah dig deep on her life, from the horrific bullying she endured as child, to her emerging gift of storytelling, something she has manifested into an international career.  While Nakkiah has risen to become one of the country’s most in-demand playwrights and screenwriters, she credits imposter syndrome for her unwavering drive and determination, a behaviour she’s now trying to unlearn as she navigates a new chapter in her life, motherhood.

Nakkiah’s new podcast ‘First Eat’ is a thought-provoking look at what our plate would look like if First Nations people own the land, listen for free here 

CONTENT WARNING: First nations listeners are warned that the following episode contains a culturally offensive term

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: Nat Marshall 
Digital Content Producer: Amy Code 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marcia Hines (AM) is a musical treasure with a career spanning five decades. Not only does she entertain us on stage and in music, Marcia has woven her spirit into the hearts of Australians through inspiration, reinvention and the grounding energy she brings as a judge and mentor on Australian Idol.

In this episode Jess and Marcia dig deep on where she found her courage and strength as a teenager, and the people she had in her corner that allowed her to find her voice and power. Marcia reveals she’s a ‘hope junkie, and a big believer in staying in the present moment not only on stage but in life. She also shares the importance of listening, and why some criticism can be a good thing.

In exciting news, Marcia has released STILL SHINING: The 50th Anniversary Ultimate Collection of songs that will take you on a musical journey and remind you why Marcia is a timeless artist. She is also taking the album on tour, with tickets and information available HERE

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: Nat Marshall 
Digital Content Producer: Amy Code 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this episode I'm joined by singer-songwriter, instrumentalist and proud Gamilaraay man Mitch Tambo. Mitch is passionate about using his voice to stop us from turning our heads away from the pain of his people and instead look at what we can do to make a difference.  But did you know Mitch faces racial abuse on social media every day?

This conversation is about his experience, and why we need to continue shedding light on the rampant abuse and bullying that people endure online as we tackle the BIG Question How do you remain true to who you are, and block out the noise and haters?

Mitch’s latest song Yugal Yulu-gi is all about  “celebrating life, whilst letting go of the weight and pressures of the world, celebrating with your people,”available to stream or download wherever you get your music, and you can keep up to date with everything Mitch by following him here

You can also see Mitch in the national touring production Walanbaa Yulu-gi Burn the floor. For tickets visit here  

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: Nat Marshall 
Digital Content Producer: Amy Code 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shaynna Blaze is an award-winning interior and Television personality, you'd know her from her many roles including The Block which she starred on for 14 seasons. Shayna Is also a passionate advocate for women, co-founding a charity called Voice of Change because of her experience with family violence. Shaynna believes by uniting and amplifying our voices against this harmful behaviour we can bring about prevention and change.

In this powerful conversation,  Shayna shares what to do if you see the signs and are worried about someone, and how to have these conversations from a place of empowerment without shame. Shaynna says we need to get uncomfortable to make change, and why being silent gives bad behaviour power. She also shares a powerful tool to question a derogatory comment in a non confrontational way.

• Watch THE FORT here
• Learn more and get involved with VOICE OF CHANGE here
• Access The App BE THERE for direct access to tools that empower, educate and support you to help someone who is experiencing domestic or family violence.

Content Warning: This conversation is about family violence and if this brings up anything for you, help is available by contacting 1800RESPECT the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au

Please share this episode with someone who you think might benefit from these tools and conversation starters.

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: Nat Marshall 
Digital Content Producer: Amy Code 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.