In this SAFE SPACE episode, Jess sits down with Cheng Lei to explore what it’s really like to be Wrongly Imprisoned.

Chinese Born Australian Journalist Cheng Lei’s life was upended when she was wrongfully detained in China on charges of espionage. For more than three years, Cheng endured isolation, interrogation, and imprisonment, cut off from her family, her children, and the outside world.

With courage, dark humour, and remarkable insight, Cheng shares what it took to survive, the unexpected friendships that sustained her, and how love, desire, and the human spirit helped her endure the unthinkable. This is her extraordinary story of resilience, injustice, and ultimately, freedom.

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LINKS:

• Find out more about Cheng Lei’s story in her remarkable ‘Memoir of Freedom’

If you or someone you love needs support after leaving prison, organisations like Samaritans are here to help. For over 25 years, Samaritans has supported people transitioning from prison back into the community, providing practical assistance to help rebuild life on the outside. Along with Mission Australia and Reboot Australia.

And if this conversation has brought up difficult feelings, Lifeline is here 24/7 on 13 11 14 You’re not alone.

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guest: Cheng Lei
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 SAFE SPACE episode, Jess sits down with Kellie Finlayson to explore what it’s really like to live with a Terminal Illness.

At just 25 and shortly after giving birth, Kellie was diagnosed with Stage 4 Bowel Cancer. She opens up about her journey, sharing how she shifted her mindset from “why me?” to “why not me?”, and how perspective and resilience have shaped her experience.

Kellie speaks candidly about the emotional and physical challenges of treatment, the power of self-advocacy, and how her diagnosis has impacted her role as a mother. Above all, she shares what it means to live fully and find meaning in the face of uncertainty.

Is there somebody you'd like to share this episode with? Just tap the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and pass it on

LINKS:

• You can find out more about Kellie’s story in her remarkable book ‘There Must be More’ and hear her podcast ‘Sh!t Talkers'
• If you or someone you love is affected by cancer, support is available. You can call The Cancer Council on 13 11 20 for free, confidential information, emotional support, and practical guidance — wherever you are in Australia. And if this conversation has brought up difficult feelings, Lifeline is here 24/7 on 13 11 14 You’re not alone.
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guest: Kellie Finlayson
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.

Jane Fonda is an iconic actress, activist, and fitness pioneer whose influence spans over six decades. At 87, she continues to inspire with her unwavering commitment to social causes and her candid reflections on life, aging, and beauty.

In this episode, Jess and Jane explore the themes of aging gracefully and the evolving standards of female beauty. Jane opens up about self-worth, the power of vulnerability, and the importance of female friendships. She discusses how activism has shaped her sense of purpose and how embracing change has been essential for her personal growth. This episode embodies L'Oréal's Age Perfect philosophy, celebrating the beauty of aging gracefully and challenging conventional beauty norms.

This episode was produced in partnership with L’Oréal Paris and recorded in collaboration with the wonderful team at Wanderlust True North

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

LINKS:

• In this episode Jane touches on her experience of an eating disorder and body image issues. If you need support for yourself or someone you care about, help is available by talking to The Butterfly Foundation HERE
• If you loved this chat with Jane 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: Jane Fonda
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.