The joys of stoicism (and a top tip from Marcus Aurelius): 'Wellmania' writer Brigid Delaney

In this episode, we speak to Antonia Marran. The former TV presenter, parenting author and now lawyer and advocate is tasked with managing the legacy of her late father, Antony Kidman, and his pioneering work in adolescent and youth mental health. It's a role for which the experiences of Antonia’s own life have prepared her well. She comes from a tight-knit family (including her sister, the Hollywood star Nicole Kidman), and has endured both the public heartbreak of her first marriage falling apart then the sudden death of her first husband, not to mention a mid-life love affair, the travails and joys of parenting a blended family of six children, and then finally, a late career switch to the law, where she found a sense of fulfilment that had eluded her so far. Marran talks about all of this and more in a Good Weekend feature story this week – Her Father’s Daughter. Hosting this conversation is the writer of that profile, chief reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald, Jordan Baker.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we speak to Joe Camilleri. The singer, songwriter and sax man is perhaps best known as the one constant in Australian rootsy blues rock band The Black Sorrows, a group that was born more than 40 years ago. The 77 year old musician, however, has been recording and touring for more than six decades, and created more than 50 albums. That includes his latest - The Quintessential Black Sorrows - a compilation of remastered hits from the legendary front man, being released on October 24. Camilleri is currently on a national tour with the ever-evolving band, but took time out to join Good Weekend deputy editor Konrad Marshall in the studio for a chat about life, love, and music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we talk to author Brigid Delaney, whose writing about her alarmingly numerous misadventures in life belies a more serious, intellectual side. Those two sides came together in her book exploring the wellness industry, Wellmania (comedian Celeste Barber plays a version of Delaney in the Netflix series of the same name). She recently took a dive into stoic philosophy, including the 2022 bestseller Reasons Not to Worry, and her upcoming novel – The Seeker and the Sage – is billed as a tale to help us navigate our divided and unstable world. Hosting this conversation – which also covers Delaney’s recent stint as a speechwriter for federal minister Tanya Plibersek – is Good Weekend senior writer Melissa Fyfe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades, families in Australia and overseas, have been accused of one of the worst crimes imaginable – child abuse. Diagnosing Murder is an investigative podcast about parents who've had their children taken away, sat in the dock and even done time in prison. All for something they insist they didn't do – shake their baby. Can we trust the science behind shaken baby syndrome? Or are innocent people being locked up for a crime they never committed? Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/diagnosing-murder/id1843555473Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3LqYqSCZHW4vtA0yhiaJKB?si=f8c56f4b638b4a24Listen on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrLulycax358g-04ndbBaBg3ED4Dnyv0S&si=CVXIqoUI6AJ6DD5xSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we talk to TV and food personality Melissa Leong, the subject of the cover story in Sunday Life's September 28 issue. Leong has worn many hats: talented pianist, advertising executive, food writer and even UFC broadcast host. But it’s the three years she spent as a judge on MasterChef Australia that made her a household name, and also put her under the spotlight. In this interview with Sunday Life associate editor Melissa Singer, Leong talks about her formative years and food memories, and why she’s revealing the darkest chapter of her life. You can read the Sunday Life piece here.  And a heads-up, this episode contains some strong language, and discussions about assault and sexual assault. If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we talk to Stephanie Lake. The former dancer turned choreographer is the artistic director of Stephanie Lake Company, and also the resident choreographer for The Australian Ballet. She’s the winner of many awards, including the Helpmann, and while her rise was stratospheric, it wasn’t always linear. It was also somewhat delayed: Lake was a late bloomer in her chosen field, dancing in her teenage years only as a hobby. Her life story starts in Canada, before taking a turn south to Tasmania, and now Melbourne. Hosting this conversation – about a journey rich in resilience, creativity and balance – is Good Weekend senior writer Konrad Marshall.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we talk to Ken Done. The legendary Australian artist has been splashing colour across canvases for more than four decades, from instantly recognisable depictions of Sydney Harbour to vibrant doona covers and T-shirts. Today he talks about his "Mad Men" days in advertising, the critics and characters that defined his career – as well as the “real reason" he wanted to go to art school – with The Sydney Morning Herald arts editor Nick Galvin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we talk to Elizabeth Gilbert. Her memoir – Eat Pray Love – sold millions, became a hit movie starring Julia Roberts and encouraged readers to embark on their own spiritual journeys. But for the author, it was the death of her new partner many years later that actually helped her find what she was looking for. That’s all detailed in excruciating fashion in her latest book – All The Way to the River – a difficult and confessional memoir about addiction and loss. Gilbert is the subject of Good Weekend's cover story this week – "Love Addict" – and this podcast is an edited extract of the interview she did for that piece with freelance journalist David Leser.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we talk to Cate Campbell. Australian Dolphin number 665 debuted at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 at the tender age of 16. The teenager won two bronze medals at those games, and that was only the beginning. In her 16-year career in the pool, Campbell won eight Olympic medals – four of them gold – and breaking seven world records (her record for the 100-metre short-course freestyle still stands). The 33-year-old retired last year, and has since gone on to explore new fields including commentary and coaching – as well as opening up in a very brave and vulnerable way about the loneliness and depression she dealt with throughout her career. Now a mental health campaigner, Campbell is currently learning how to man the phones as a Lifeline crisis counsellor. She speaks to Good Weekend senior writer Konrad Marshall.Lifeline: 13 11 14See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we talk to Andy Griffiths. The children’s author has written 40 books, including The Day My Bum Went Psycho, and the wildly popular Treehouse series. Griffiths has been published in more than 35 countries, and sold an astonishing 13 million copies in Australia and New Zealand alone. He’s led an interesting life, too. He wanted to be a frontman in a punk band, but ended up as a schoolteacher. He’s serious about fitness – a former obsessive runner who now loves the gym, flexing wiry muscles that are covered in sticker tattoos. His latest book – You And Me And The Peanut Butter Beast – is out now. Hosting this conversation about the “fusion of hilarity and horror” that inspired Griffiths, and the “sacred moment” when he meets his young readers – is Good Weekend senior writer Konrad Marshall.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.