Special Forces soldier Ant Middleton is known for his no-nonsense role as Chief Officer on SAS Australia, he’s also a discipline and resilience mentor.  Ant is a big believer in stepping out of your comfort zone, something he's now putting into practice as he swaps his combat boots for dancing shoes in Dancing with the Stars. In this episode Jess and Ant dig deep on what scares him, the transformation that came from going to prison and taking accountability for his actions, and the...

Rachel House is one of New Zealand’s most highly regarded actors and directors, best known for her roles in Moana, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Thor: Ragnarok, Whale Rider, and Heartbreak High.  In this episode Jess and Rachel dig deep on her early experiences with cultural assumptions and bullying, and how she's been able to overcome the self-doubt and imposter syndrome that often follows. Rachel also reveals the surprising place her passion for storytelling began, and why she believes its...

Media personality, advocate and Miss Universe Australia Maria Thatill has dedicated her career to campaigning for diversity, inclusion, LGBTQIA+ rights, mental health and gender equality.  There is so much to learn from Maria when it comes to embracing your true self, speaking up, and challenging societal expectations. In this episode Jess and Maria dig deep on how Maria found her voice as a queer South Asian Woman, and why we need to have more conversations about uncomfortable topics. Maria...

Amy Poehler has built a remarkable career in Hollywood, making audiences laugh for more than 25 years with her comedy and writing roles including SNL and Parks and Recreation. In this episode Amy shares her secret to finding joy and why anxiety can be a motivator when managed effectively. Amy also reveals how she chooses to manage her own social anxiety, how we can make friends with our more complex emotions, and why she’s okay with being afraid. Let Jess take you behind the scenes of Amy’s...

Tammin Sursok has many strings to her bow, she’s an Emmy nominated, Logie Award-winning actress, producer, director, writer, singer, content creator, wife and mum.  After Home and Away, Tammin moved to the US to make a name for herself in The Young and the Restless, Hannah Montana and more recently Pretty Little Liars.  In this very candid and open conversation, Tammin reveals her ongoing struggles with self worth and body image, and how she overcame an eating disorder after ‘many rock...

While Music legend John Butler has been a household name in Australia for two decades, his new album reveals a whole different side of John we havent heard before. After the tragic loss of his father, a global pandemic, and his personal anxiety from years of being on the road, his new music is a journey of healing not only for himself, but the rest of us too. In this episode John shares his experience of facing fear and anxiety, and how he learned to be kind to himself. John also opens up...

Jules Robinson shot to fame following her appearance on Married at First Sight  where she met her now ‘real’ husband Cam. Since MAFS, the couple have had a baby with another on the way, and entrepreneur Jules has launched a shapewear brand, fashion label, and hair and makeup bar.   In this episode Jess and Jules dig deep on her unconventional journey to finding love and the challenges she faced along the way. She opens up about the hurtful trolling she has experienced since MAFS, and how...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Denise Drysdale joins best friend Jess straight out of the jungle reflecting on her experience of reality show ‘I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here’ Hear these besties debrief on all the jungle goss including being ‘on a different wavelength’ to some of the other campmates, what's really going on with contraband, and why she didn't hug anyone when she left. Neesy also reveals who she formed the most unexpected friendships with, how she remained positive despite the hardships and if she had...

Jay Laga’aia is a much loved actor, singer, TV presenter, and musical theatre star who is currently starring in Grease The Musical. He also has one of the biggest hearts thats had a profound impact on so many others, including Jess who reveals to Jay in this episode what his unexpected act of kindness meant to her. Jay also opens up about the challenges he has faced in his career and the lessons he has learned from them, including his time on TV’s iconic Playschool ending after 16 years. Jay...

Simone Callahan is a yoga teacher, mum of three and author who's passionate about sharing her love of yoga to help you transform your life. Her wellness journey was instrumental to her healing process when her marriage to Shane Warne ended.  In this episode Simone explains how yoga has helped her to build resilience, stand in her power, and maintain grace while navigating some of the most turbulent times in her life. She opens up to Jess about navigating grief, and how the family felt the...

You might have heard that my bestie, Denise Drysdale has gone into the jungle for I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! I was the last person to speak with her before she boarded the plane for South Africa, and in this episode I'm going to share how she was feeling at the airport, her plans for the camp, and the advice I gave her. Know someone who'd enjoy this episode?  Why not share it with them by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on LINKS: You can catch Denise on the tenth...

In a rare first-hand glimpse, Holly Dean-Johns shares her experience of being an Aussie woman locked up in Thailand's most notorious prison, known as the Bangkok Hilton.  In this BIG question episode Jess and Holly go deep into her journey from addiction to arrest, and we hear Holly describe daily life in a foreign prison, including overcrowded cells, limited personal space, and lack of basic necessities. Holly also shares the heartbreaking moments she experienced in prison, and why...

Robert Irwin, son of the late Steve Irwin, has been fascinated with the natural world from a young age. Growing up at Australia Zoo, the Wildlife Warrior has always followed his true north and stayed devoted to his values, a legacy passed down from his dad Steve. In this emotional episode Jess and Robert discuss the impact his beloved dad had on him and his continued presence in his life, the heartfelt connection people feel towards Steve, and the Irwin family's tight-knit dynamic and...

Imagine growing up in the spotlight with the whole world watching? 80’s child star Jill Whelan starred in the iconic TV series The Love Boat playing captain stubing's daughter Vicky for almost 10 years on board Princess Cruise ships. In this conversation, Jess and Jill discuss the challenges of child stardom and the impact it had on her self-esteem and body image. Jill shares stories of misogyny and manipulation in the industry, as well as the importance of supportive relationships on set....

Michelle Bridges is Australia’s OG fitness queen and most influential personal trainer, winning our hearts with her mix of tough love and heartwarming compassion on The Biggest Loser. She’s also a mum, and successful businesswomen behind Australia’s most trusted health and fitness program the 12WBT. Michelle is now on a mission to shift the stigma around Menopause and give us the tools to take control of our body and mindset. In this episode Michelle encourages women to reframe menopause as...

Lisa Taddeo, the New York Times Best Selling Author of 'Three Women,' is well-versed in the intricacies of female desire. That's why I've invited her to tackle my BIG question on reigniting our desires and reconnecting with that part of ourselves again. In this conversation, Lisa shares her number one key to tapping into our sexy side, and why dropping facades and overcoming judgment allows us to fully embrace our true selves. If you want to embrace your desires and live authentically then...

Fear of saying the wrong thing can hinder open and honest conversations, but arent uncomfortable conversations necessary for understanding and progress? In this BIG question episode Jess and broadcaster Josh Szeps discuss the fear of saying the wrong thing and the consequences of speaking out. They explore the challenges of navigating differing viewpoints, the need for respectful and nuanced discussions, and the importance of creating safe spaces for conversations to lead to greater...

In this special BIG question episode for Valentines Day, Jess and her husband Peter Overton  discuss what it is that keeps their love alive in this rare and candid conversation to celebrate their 20th anniversary. Find out who said 'I love you' first, as you hear Jess and ‘Petee’ open up about what has surprised them most in their relationship, the challenges they've faced together, how their relationship has changed the most, when they feel most connected to each other, their most annoying...

Joyous actor Jacqueline McKenzie first appeared on our screens in the early 90’s forging an incredible career on stage, film and television. Jacqueline brings a level of passion and energy to everything she does, including this conversation with Jess. Hear Jess put her questions aside, as Jacqueline shares her experiences as an actor, giving us the most intimate sneek peek behind the Hollywood curtain with stories about the ‘megawattage’ stars she’s collaborated with.  Jacqueline explains...

Claudia Karvan is an actor, producer, and storyteller behind many of our favourite TV shows. Claudia’s superpower is her authenticity and rawness, which she brings to everything she does both on and off the screen. Her stories of hope, and her own fearlessness have inspired so many of us through each decade of our lives. In this episode Jess and Claudia dig deep on her experiences of vulnerability and the strength and connection she finds in it.  Claudia also reflects on her unconventional...