Pop Therapy (Formerly The Curious Life Podcast)

You might know Brooke Blurton as Australia’s first Indigenous, bisexual Bachelorette. Or perhaps as the contestant who walked away from the Honeybadger, on his infamous season of The Bachelor. You might have also seen her on Bach in Paradise. But Brooke is so much more than just a reality television OG. Brooke’s journey to success came out of a childhood filled with unimaginable challenges, enormo...

Ever wondered what really happens inside the stadiums of Hillsong? Or what exactly it is that draws people into these large-scale production religious events, that have even had the likes of Justin Bieber front and centre? And what encourages church members to dedicate their entire lives to the church, at what can sometimes be huge financial and personal costs? Well, you’re about to find out. In t...

This episode is a little bit different to our usual style, here at The Curious Life , and that’s because we all need a little brain break from time to time. For some people it’s long walks on the beach or a hot bath – in my case? It’s reality television. In this episode, I had the thrill of chatting with American pop culture expert and podcaster, Ryan Bailey. If like me, you’ve been glued to the h...

Yumi Stynes is a broadcaster, a host, an author, a cook, a parent of many and so much more. Her new book Welcome to Sex¸is the fourth in the “Welcome To” series, co-written with former Dolly Doctor (yes, that Dolly Doctor!) Dr Melissa Kang, that unpacks the sticky topics that are much needed for young people and their families. Periods, boobs, consent and now sex. They are filled with a robust and...

Content warning - this episode contains a frank discussion around sexual violence, education and consent. We are opening the new season with a bang. A bang with enthusiastic consent, that is. In this interview, we hear from investigative journalist and Stella Prize winner, Jess Hill. Her groundbreaking new series Asking For It, is a three part documentary series that explores the epidemic of sexua...

This is one of those episodes that when listening back, I was crying, laughing and doing both at the same time. Georgie Abay gets it. Georgie’s new book Best Laid Plans truly spoke to my soul. Having recently had Baby #3 and trying to strike the balance between ambition, passion and family demands, I was underslept, overwrought and so, so ready for this conversation. Georgie and I clicked immediat...

Rob “Millsy” Mills rose to fame on Australian Idol in 2003 and spent the immediate years following, under the dizzying and intense spotlight of fame. At the height of the Idol frenzy, Rob had a terrifying panic attack that literally took him right to the edge and back. This was his first brush with mental health in a serious way and one that we got into during our conversation in this episode. Rob...

At age 20, Emma Carey literally fell out of the sky. She landed at full speed on the ground, with an adult male strapped to her back – and survived. But that’s just the beginning of the story. Two minutes that changed everything and started Emma on the most painful, impactful, inspirational journey that has led her to where she is today. Surviving the fall was one thing, but how did Emma survive t...

Chris Franjola is a writer and comedian, who you may know from his years on Chelsea Lately and After Lately with Chelsea Handler , from his stand up work, or from his podcast Cover To Cover . He’s also a fan favourite with Heather McDonald’s Juicy Scoop crowd, and that’s how I was lucky enough to connect with him. In this episode, I revealed much of my not-so-secret, decades long, obsession with E...

You might recognise Jodi Rodgers from the smash hit series, "Love On The Spectrum" which aired on ABC and is now available on Netflix. Jodi is a qualified sexologist, counsellor and special education teacher, and her role on the show saw her supporting the cast on their quest to find love. Jodi is one of those very special people, who connects deeply with the people she is working with and with th...

Ariella Nyssa is a breath of fresh air. Not only is she an incredible advocate for body positivity, she is also the author of The Self-Love Bible, which is jam-packed with anecdotes and exercises designed to get readers reflecting about how they think and feel about themselves from the inside out. But things weren't always so rosy for Ariella. Growing up in a religious community, the expectations...

Chezzi Denyer is an accomplished television producer, broadcaster, podcaster and believe it or not - former car salesperson! But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Chezzi has seen and done it all and isn't afraid to talk about it. In this conversation, Chezzi shares some of the tremendous challenges she has overcome, to become the woman she is today. Part of that journey includes a very difficult...

Jon Faine is an award-winning broadcaster, known for his tenacity, fearlessness and as Tony Abbott once put it, his always being prepared to ask the "mongrel question". It was because of this reputation that he felt compelled to bring to light some of the dark and horrifying truths of Australian history, that Jon uncovered during his research for his new book Apollo & Thelma. While the secrets he...

Welcome to Season 4 of The Curious Life Podcast! In the first episode of the new season, you'll meet Jordanna Levin. Jordanna is the author of three successful self-help books, but she's not actually a fan of the genre herself at all. In fact, it's because of this, that her writing in personal development takes a slightly more self-deprecating, honest and revealing turn. After suffering a heartbre...

AJ Clementine always knew she was a girl. Even when her mum was pregnant with her, she was certain she was having a girl and had all the cravings and symptoms to prove it. Imagine the confusion all round, when she was born into the 'magical' shell that looked, on the outside, like a perfect little boy. Starting life as a boy on the outside made the world a very confusing place for AJ. In her teens...

You might know Lola Berry from her myriad endeavours as a nutritionist, television presenter, podcaster, yoga instructor, entrepreneur and author. She is passionate about throwing yourself at your dreams, giving everything a red hot go and not being afraid to fail. Which is exactly what her new book Fearlessly Failing is all about. In this episode, we chat about the big risks that Lola has taken a...

Kate Langbroek has been a shining star of radio and television for the last two and a bit decades and is known for her quick wit and mirthful observations - and isn't afraid to share a strong opinion, either. Two years ago, Kate was at the top of her game with a top rating radio show with a legion of avid listeners and regular, much-loved television appearances. At the height of this acclaim, Kate...

Jamila Rizvi is a best-selling author, sought after public speaker, thriving podcaster presenter and gender equality advocate. You may remember her incredibly rousing speech at the Women's March 4 Justice earlier this year, sharing her thoughts on the painful experiences of women in Australian politics. Jamila lives in Melbourne with her husband and young son and although it sounds like she might...

Briony Benjamin, is the kind of woman you want to be best friends with. She is a self-confessed video mischief maker, global storyteller, keynote speaker and author. She's incredibly down to earth to boot. Briony was living a fabulous life, working at Mamamia and flexing all her creative muscles, when things started slowly falling apart. Suddenly Briony found herself having to tell a story she nev...

Tilly Lawless is a queer, Sydney-based sex worker who is using her platform to break down the many misconceptions and stereotypes about the sex industry. But as you'll hear, that is just one string to the bow of this multifaceted, brilliant young woman. Tilly was outed as a sex worker by the world news, when she sparked a movement by creating the hashtag #facesofprostition, in response to an unfai...

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to discover you were descended from royalty? This week's guest didn't have to imagine. Princess Sarah Culberson was adopted at the age of one, into a loving, white family in West Virginia and raised knowing very little about her birth family. When she decided it was time to start the process and begin to explore her roots, she unlocked a secret that was...

Joshua Coombes is the founder of the #DoSomethingForNothing movement, that encourages people to contribute their skills, time or simple acts of kindness to people who need it most. This is something that Joshua himself, has been doing for many years now. In 2015, quite by chance, Joshua met a man who was living on the streets, and they shared a long and meaningful conversation. As a professional h...

In this episode, we hear from the firecracker with a tiger heart - the sparkling Tanya Hennessy. Tanya is a comedian, writer, TV presenter and now Junior Fiction author with a contagious laugh, who isn't afraid to go deep. Tanya shares some of her experiences with anxiety and mental health, the pros and cons of sleep aids, overthinking and Imposter Syndrome, all of course, with her trademark humou...

In this episode, you'll hear from Stacey June who you may remember from her radio program and podcast, The Thinker Girls and The Stacey June Show. Stacey is now a self-care coach with a passion for women's voices being heard and delves into issues that others fear to broach.. And that's exactly where we go in this episode. Stacey can now add published author to her list of achievements, with her n...

Content Warning: This episode includes an open discussion about suicide. In this episode, I chat with the lovely Jules Sebastian, who you might know as a stylist, the host of the podcast and YouTube series Tea & Honesty and as the wife of singer and songwriter, Guy Sebastian. Jules can now add author to her list of achievements with the release of her first book Tea & Honesty. We sat down to chat...