Five of My Life

Paul Fairweather has been described as 'multi potentialite' and he believes that what the world needs most, right now, is creative thinking. Don't miss his full episode next week and hear his creative responses to the Five of My Life Challenge. Follow The Five of My Life on Instagram Contact Nigel here Listen to the Five of My Life Song Playlist on Spotify here This episode proudly sponsored by Da...

Dr Stephanie Dowrick is a multi-award-winning writer who has positively influenced many, many thousands of lives through her books, workshops, and public leadership on issues that go to the heart of how we live and think about life. Her subject matter is reflected in the titles of some of her major best-sellers like Intimacy & Solitude, Forgiveness & Other Acts of Love, Choosing Happiness,...

I simply can't believe that I haven't heard this piece of music before. It floored me,... and I am eternally grateful to next weeks guest on the Five of My Life, who introduced it to me, Stephanie Dowrick. This remarkable and multi-talented woman shares her story behind the music and her other 4 choices and I urge you not to miss it - Nigel. But if you really can't wait - listen to Spiegel im Spie...

Stewart MacFarlane was born in Adelaide in the 50's, and entered the South Australian School of Art at just 16 years old. At 21 he travelled to New York to study at the School of Visual Arts, and to pursue a career in music. Along with residencies in various countries, Stewart has gone on to hold over 50 solo exhibitions in major galleries around the world, establishing himself as a master of Aust...

I stumbled on an artist, completely by chance, and fell in love with his art. After researching and discovering that he was in fact an accomplished Australian artist, I decided to reach out and see if he'd take the Five of My Life challenge. Lucky for us all he accepted. Tune in next week to hear about his time in New York as a young musician in the 70's and his journey through life and art - Nige...

Sarah Grynberg is a highly experienced media executive, who has produced some of the best known and most loved shows in Australia. She's also the host of her own chart topping podcast, ' A Life of Greatness' , where she interviews global figures as diverse as Geena Davis, Wim Hof and Matthew McConaughey, to extract practises and strategies that help her listeners unlock their best selves. Her resp...

Every day is a fresh beginning; Listen, my soul, to the glad refrain, And, spite of old sorrow and older sinning, And puzzles forecasted and possible pain, Take heart with the day, and begin again. An excerpt of the poem 'New Every Morning' by Susan Coolidge Sarah Grynberg was a fascinating and authentic guest on the Five Of My Life - hear a snippet of her story in this sneak peak, and don't miss...

Frances Fitzgerald is a member of the European Parliament for Dublin and former Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland. She has spent her life working to deliver change and reform, first as a social worker and family therapist for ten years, then in government with roles including Minister for Justice and Equality, and the State's first ever Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. Through Frances's cho...

One of my favourite traditions on Five of My Life is the 'sixth question'. This is when, at the end of every interview, I ask my guests who they want to hear take the Five of My Life Challenge next.  As this 'sneak peak' into next week's episode explains, it's how the 'Sixers Club' came to be, and brings a beautiful connectedness to the whole exercise - Nigel See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...

I've always admired people who create something new and meaningful from nothing. Particularly, when their creation is something that makes society better.  It takes courage, vision and incredible tenacity to overcome the naysayers and inevitable obstacles. In this special 'Founders' compilation episode I talk to Andrew Penfold , David Handley , Zara Siedler , Ronni Kahn and William Sieghart - five...

David Leser is a multi-award winning Australian journalist, author of seven books, moderator and keynote speaker. A former Middle East and North American correspondent, he has a reputation for in-depth coverage on complex social and political issues, which you can hear woven through his thoughtful responses to the Five of My Life Challenge.  Read more about David Leser and see his work here Follow...

Five of My Life listeners from around the world contact me with feedback and suggestions regularly and I love it. Next week's guest was a suggestion from a lovely chap, Nicolas Shorter, who emailed me. He recommended that I invite the award winning journalist and author David Leser onto the show and I'm so glad he did. Don't miss next week's chat with the author of 'Women, Men and the Whole Damn T...

Five of My Life hit's the road again this week, with part two of two special episodes recorded live at the Castlemaine State Festival. In part two, acclaimed children's author Andy Griffiths takes the Five of My Life challenge and shares his wonderful stories in front of a live audience. Andy has a nuanced childlike way of looking at the world and brings joy to his Five of My Life choices and the...

Five of My Life hit's the road this week, with part one of two special episodes recorded live at the Castlemaine State Festival. In part one, Nigel takes to the stage to be interviewed by curator of the 'Dialogues Program,' Kristin Gill. Enjoy hearing Nigel discuss his own life including thoughts on sliding into your third trimester sideways screaming "yaaahooooo". Visit the Castlemaine Festival W...

Amanda Keller is one of Australia's most successful and most loved media personalities. Whether it be hosting the nation's most listened to radio show or presenting a number of top rated TV programs, Amanda has been at the head of the field for over 30 years.  Also a respected author, actress and journalist - this episode beautifully demonstrates her natural talent and pure authenticity responding...

Amanda Keller is a national treasure, achieving multi-awarded success as a television and radio presenter, comedian, journalist and author. In next weeks episode she shares her fear of not being able to have kids, her solace in privacy and much more. All delivered with her trademark generosity and authenticity, her responses to the Five of My Life challenge are not to be missed - N This episode pr...

 John Collee is is highly regarded and awarded screenwriter who's film scripts include well known successes like Happy Feet and Master & Commander. A qualified doctor, he's also a respected journalist and best selling novelist. He exudes a charming and infectious delight for the world around him as he shares the stories behind his Five of My Life choices. Follow The Five of My Life on Instagra...

I really do love the growing and engaged Five of My Life community.  This surprising and very sweet story about 9 year old Olivia and her family, from Montana in the US, was the highlight of my week. I hope you appreciate this touching moment as much as I did and if you'd like to connect or suggest a guest, you can contact me here - Nigel Follow The Five of My Life on Instagram This episode proudl...

The Five of My Life is deliberately and distinctly not part of the daily political news cycle. However, it is  fascinating to hear from our political leaders when they are not delivering a sound bite or policy beat up. This compilation episode gives an insight into the true and authentic personalities of Tanya Plibersek , Julia Gillard , Anthony Albanese , Jacqui Lambie and Gladys Berejiklian via...

Dr Tanveer Ahmed is a psychiatrist and the author of two best-selling books, The Exotic Rissole and Fragile Nation. He works in private practice in Bankstown, Sydney and regularly visits jails for forensic assessments. Through the Five of My Life Challenge, Tanveer shares his unique migrant perspective and fascinating life stories. Follow The Five of My Life on Instagram Contact Nigel here Contact...

Next week's guest is someone that was put to me by a Five of My Life listener. I thoroughly enjoy reading your messages and suggestions and, to my delight, I get them from around the world. I'm so glad that Tanveer Ahmed was suggested to me as our chat was fascinating and engaging. Please join me as Tanveer takes the Five of My Life challenge in next week's episode. And if you'd like to connect or...

To show our support for International Womens Day we've put together this special compilation episode. In it, five amazing women: Layne Beachley , Anya Hindmarch , Kate McClymont , Julia Gillard and Mary Chiarella , each tell a story prompted by the Five of My Life Challenge. Entertaining and enlightening, these leaders who have dominated across the varied worlds of sport, fashion, journalism, poli...

Professor Ross Fitzgerald is a historian, novelist and political commentator. One of Australia's most prolific authors, Ross almost went to an early grave due to his chronic and dangerous alcoholism. Sober for more than 5 decades, Ross shares the stories behind his Five of My Life choices with wisdom and gratitude. Follow The Five of My Life on Instagram Contact Nigel here Learn more about Ross an...

I’ve always been fascinated by the stories of others who, like me, have decided to live their life without drinking. In next week’s episode the wonderful Ross Fitzgerald takes the Five Of My Life challenge  - and in the process we discuss his dangerous and destructive life on the grog , and the marvellous 53 years he’s had since getting sober - Nigel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa...

To celebrate Valentine's Day we are re-releasing this heart-warming conversation when one of Australia's most popular authors - the wonderful Monica McInerney - took the Five of My Life challenge, and movingly wove love throughout her stories. Follow The Five of My Life on Instagram Contact Nigel here Find Monica here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.