The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show

Ione Skye was the ultimate cool girl of the 80s and 90’s. A rising Hollywood star with undeniable talent and a rebellious spirit. She made her debut in River’s Edge alongside Keanu Reeves before cementing her status as a Gen X icon in Say Anything with John Cusack. But behind the scenes, her life wasn’t the Hollywood fairy tale many imagined. From her high-profile romances to navigating fame, Ione’s journey was anything but conventional. 

In this episode, Ione shares her unconventional upbringing, the pressures of early fame, and the emotional weight of family dynamics. She opens up about exploring her sexuality, partying with Madonna, and navigating addiction, age-gap relationships, marriage, and infidelity. Plus, she reveals how her husband, Ben Lee, found the confidence to pursue her.

Award-winning portrait artist Vincent Fantauzzo gained recognition when his striking portrait of friend Heath Ledger won at the Archibald Prize. He became one of Australia’s most acclaimed portraitists, painting Hugh Jackman, Julia Gillard, and Asher Keddie; whom he unexpectedly fell in love with while painting her portrait.

In this episode, Vince shares how he overcame poverty, violence, and abuse, revealing for the first time his lifelong struggle with dyslexia and the shame and fear he carried.  He also opens up about the moment he met Asher Keddie, unaware of who she was, and how that chance encounter led to love.

Content Warning: This conversation touches on suicide and abuse, and if this brings up anything for you, help is available by contacting Lifeline 13 11 14 or 1800Respect for a safe place to talk day and night.

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Christine Anu is a beloved Australian singer, actress, and cultural icon, known for her powerful voice and advocacy for Indigenous culture. Her hit song My Island Home has become an anthem of belonging, identity, and connection

This is Christine Anu like you've never heard her before as she opens up to Jess about grief, motherhood, mental health, and addiction. She reflects on losing her beloved mother, how parenting is a two-way street of learning, the many ways postnatal depression can manifest, and how mental illness can creep up unexpectedly. Christine also shares her personal journey toward healing as she celebrates her first year of sobriety. This conversation will hit you right in the heart, and stay with you.

Layne Beachley is widely regarded as one of the greatest female surfers of all time, with seven World Championship titles to her name. Beyond her surfing career, she is a passionate advocate for personal growth, women's empowerment, and making a difference through motivational speaking. Off the surfboard, Layne shares her life with rock star husband Kirk Pengilly of INXS

In this episode, Jess and Layne dive deep into how she was able to shift from fear to love as she struggled with her sense of self-worth when competing. Layne also opens up about the impact of being adopted on her self-esteem and her tumultuous relationship with her biological mother, and offers an intimate look into her marriage with rock star Kirk Pengilly, sharing their ‘shocker’ of a first date, and what makes their relationship thrive.

Content Warning: This episode is created for adult audiences only, and touches on Sexual Assault. If this brings up anything for you, help is available by calling 13 11 14 or 1800respect for a safe place to talk day and night.

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In this heartfelt and deeply honest episode, Jess sits down with comedian, actor, and musician Michelle Brasier to explore the complexities of grief, loss, and finding light in the darkest moments. Michelle opens up about losing both her father and brother to cancer only to be told that she herself has a 97% chance of developing it.

Michelle’s unique perspective reminds us that joy and sorrow can coexist, and that humor is not just an escape but a tool for healing. Whether you’ve experienced loss or are navigating difficult emotions, this conversation offers comfort, insight, and a reminder that even in the face of heartbreak, there is room for love, laughter, and connection.

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