Ant's Talk

Ruth Coker Burks has cared for hundreds of people dying from AIDS, many of them gay men who had been abandoned by their families. She buried more than three dozen of them herself, after their families refused to claim their bodies.

Mary Doyle grew up with a very abusive mother, she endured physical and sexual abuse, only to be fostered back and forth to her mother. She was also lied to about her birth father and only found out the reality when she appeared on the Jeremy Kyle Show. Tune in to hear her story.

Daryl Elliott Green was in the police force on a routine job when out of the darkness, a man rushed up to the open door of the patrol vehicle he was in and pointed at his face from less than a meter a .22 calibre rifle. He was shot in the head and in the shoulder. He managed to survive and tell his story. You can learn more about Daryl from his website, www.twiceshot.com

Brigette Mitchell and Lily Nova are powerhouses in the modelling industry. One has worked in the industry for over 30 years and has discovered some of the most familiar faces in the industry from Australia. The other has graced the cover of Vogue, Elle and Numero while also featuring for brands such as MAC and Anna Sui.

My next guest is from one of the oldest Royal Families in India and the first openly gay Prince in the world. He has appeared on the Oprah Show and the Kardashians, though his true life's work is helping young gay youth though his charity Lakshya Trust. Tune in to hear my interview with Prince Manvendra.

Lisa Mahoney is the daughter of underworld figure Frank La Rosa in Western Australia. A convicted drug trafficker who won against the ATO, where the Federal High Court granted him a $220,000 tax deduction for a botched drug deal! Tune in to hear more of her story.

Anne and Renata have their very own show. Answering questions about love, work, and direction in life. Anne and Renata have the Naughty and Nice tarot show! Renata is a Psychic Medium and Anne owns Australia's largest online paranormal equipment store. They are not only extremely interesting but hilarious! Tune in for a good laugh.

Even though I am on a break currently, I just had to speak to a woman who analyses the Royal Families body language, voice and behaviour. Dr. Louise Mahler is an expert in body language, voice and emotion, I thought we would chat about the latest interview with Meghan, Harry and Oprah. Enjoy!

Dean Clifford cannot run yet alone walk without ripping skin off his body. He suffers from Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) Individuals with EB are born without one of the genes that glue your skin together. This affects their skin and for some, the mucous membranes inside their body. Any friction or rubbing of the skin can lead to large blisters and loss of skin. Tune in to hear more about his story.

My next guest is a singer songwriter who released his debut EP Nostalgia in 2017 and soon after received a precarious diagnosis. At only 24 he had developed a brain tumour that needed surgery and extensive rehabilitation. Here to tell us more of his story is Darro Chea.

Tom was a very successful commercial property builder and one day, he was standing outside one of the warehouses he was building and saw a woman crying while holding a large plastic bag leaving a nearby vet. The bag contained her dog who had passed away. He believed there must be a better way and decided to start Pet Angel Funerals. We chat more to Tom about this unique career path.

At only 44, Suzanne Razaq had suffered two strokes, had asthma and, at nearly 300 pounds, was morbidly obese. She was literally at death’s door when decided to have gastric sleeve surgery. Tune in to hear about her story.

My next guest went to the Supreme Court to determine the fate of his bands name. Unable to argue, testify or even be near his own attorney during the process. Simon Tam from Portland Oregon named his all Asian-American band the Slants. Most know the word is used as a racial slur for Asians, but Simon wanted to put a new spin on the word. After a long 8 years in the court case his story has been told in Rolling Stone and they finally got the result they wanted. Lets chat to Simon to hear more about his story.

In 2012 Donna Thistlethwaite attempted suicide by jumping off Brisbane's Story Bridge. Her life is now in a very different place and she have become a speaker and trainer in mental health. Donna feels passionate about helping people to thrive so that they can live their best life and minimise their chances of experiencing a mental health crisis. Her story has been featured on ABC's Australian Story and can be viewed at: https://www.abc.net.au/austory/the-bridge-opener/8779678. Donna also has six resilience strategies that she shares with audiences and there's a bunch of lessons that came from her experience.

Postnatal depression affects 1 in 7 women but that experience has been made worse for many young parents with COVID-19 taking a toll on new parents living in isolation and without support. Kat Deluca was fraught with anxiety when she had her son. Such was the severity of her stress she was hospitalised for six weeks at the Brisbane Centre for PostNatal Disorders, which only has ten beds. Kat was fortunate to receive the help she needed and her experience inspired her to connect with and reach out through social media to other women who were going through a similar struggle.

This week we chat to NIDA trained, Gabrielle Scawthorne who is an actress, writer and presenter who has amassed more than 20 professional acting credits during her career, which was kickstarted at the tender and impressionable age of 17 when she finished runner up on Channel V’s Fresh Meat competition in 2005. During this broadcast journey as a teenager, Gabrielle experienced first hand the long-term psychological impact the reality TV show experience can have weeks, months and even years later. It was also this personal experience that was the main catalyst for the launching of Back From Reality. We chat to Gabrielle and gain her thoughts on the reality of reality TV.

Taly Matiteyahu is a “recovering lawyer” who works as a product manager for a legal tech startup during the day then hustles to launch Blink, a dating app that will change the way people use technology to find and create meaningful connections, at night. The concept for Blink was created back in 2012, after she ate at a blacked out restaurant and befriending a couple she dined with. It was incredible to realise how much more open and vulnerable we were willing to be while when they were just voices in the dark. This compelled her, to create a place for much deeper connections.

Susannah is a mental health advocate, who has a lived experience of child violence and teen cat fishing, with an autobiography, podcast and movie in the making. We chat more about cat fishing and how it has increased dramatically over the last few years. Tune in!

Claire Ashman spent the first 36 years of her life in two very different but strict religious movements. Though the later group was a little more sinister. It was revealed that the leader of that group had been jailed for paedophilia, abusing his power and molesting young teenage girls.

Claire Summers went through five distressing life events, all within an eight-month period, the last of which nearly took her life. She created Gratitude Glass Jars as a visual tool to help her heal, by capturing daily notes of gratitude, that enabled her to rebuild herself and open her heart once more. While they were just a side project for her, she decided to take them to the New York Now Trade Show, where Oprah discovered her and got her on stage to share her story. Tune in to hear more!

Jordan Wilkes is the owner of Stride - Australia’s leading ethical fashion retailer with over 75 Aussie labels. They will also be extending their operations into skincare, cosmetics, homewares and zero waste goods. It’s the first iteration of Stride from fashion retailer to an ethical superstore.

As a Survivor of sexual violence, Ashleigh Rae was fortunate to be one of the first people in Victoria to win a court order restoring the right to her real name - without fear of being jailed for it. Tune in to hear more of her story!

Estelle Coombe-Heath overcame a binge eating disorder using holistic practices such as yoga, mindfulness, energy medicine and essential oils. Hear more of her story, tune in!

My next guest is on a mission to increase visibility of disability across the media, the fashion industry. She is also an award winning writer, author and motivational speaker. She is also the Disability Affairs Officer at Media Diversity Australia. Tune in to hear my chat with Lisa Cox.

Will Abi Rafeh is an entrepreneur, men’s lifestyle curator, fitness expert, motivational speaker, and actor. He was also featured in reality TV show Jerseylicious. His passion for fitness and health have helped him to create Code Blue, Pink Potion, and Makeup & Muscle Energy. https://www.instagram.com/will_abi_rafeh/

You may know my next guest as the human Lie Detector. You may know him from his TV appearances on current affair shows or even Bachelor in Paradise. He has conducted behavioural interviews on 81 homicides and 2 serial killer investigations and has been consulted by various police departments, intelligence agencies and governments. Steve is a leading authority on analysing human behaviour and today devotes his knowledge to helping businesses thrive by increasing profits, improving human rapport and reading clients. Tune in to hear more!

My next guest is the longest serving CEO in Silicon Valley. He is an entrepreneur, investor and author. He has also been at the forefront of the semiconductor industry for years. What is a semi conductor? Lets ask him!

You may know my next guest from the new Netflix reality series Lenox Hill, which is based around the daily events at a New York city hospital. David Langer is Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at Lenox Hill Hospital. Tune in to hear more about this incredible man.

Stephen Graham is an ex Buddhist Monk from Australia, who is sharing his life story from addiction to monastery. Stephen lived by 227 rules which included, never to tickle another monk. Get an insight into life behind the robe and what led him there in the first place. facebook.com/ilovemysupermind ilovemysupermind.com

Vivian Vuong was sexually molested from the age of 7 by an Uncle. Her father was physically abusive until she was 15. Vivian now runs a successful offshore sailing business called Ocean Passages, teaching people how to sail across oceans. She also helps deliver boats around the world and is a successful photographer and videographer (VIZA Media). Tune in to hear more of her story.

Jameson J Ritenour is currently featured on Netflix’s 'Un-Well' Where he discusses his use of human breast milk for body building. His episode talking about the “Liquid Gold’ has caused a lot of controversy, lets chat to him more about it. Tune in!

My next guest was on a night out with his then girlfriend (now wife) when he was physically assaulted by a stranger. As we know these random acts of violence are increasing. So I wanted to ask more about his experience. Tune in to hear more!

My next guest only 2 years ago, was told by doctors at the time she would be homeless, due to her mental health and financial circumstances at the time. Now only 3 months later after receiving that prediction, she has landed a 6 figure salary at a major Australian bank. What's more, just 3 weeks ago she moved into a new home, her first home that she purchased. Tune in to hear about her 6 year journey, with 5 involuntary mental health hospitalisations around mental health.

Lucy MacGill Interview by Anthony Adams

Jodie Milton and Reece Stockhausen are relationship and intimacy coaches from Practical Intimacy. They are also an Aussie couple in lockdown in Colombia. Before Corona hit, they were full time digital nomads in the middle of our Latin American travels. Relationships, sex, communication! Tune in to hear more!

Kathy Edwards was in the Victorian and Federal police as an Intelligence Profiler, she then worked as a Fraud Investigator and Security Consultant. Kathy started her business because she wanted to make a difference in peoples lives. Kathy had seen so many people at their worst and in venerable situations. If only they had an avenue to meet likeminded people, to be able to make new friends, companion and someone special. So she has now started a business for singles over 40. Her business is called Steppin Out Events which specialises in organising events for singles over 40. In Photography By Michelle Pragt

My next guest advises employees at some of the biggest tech companies to make better choices around alcohol. He has produced an app called 101 tokens, a free mobile app that aids people to identify when having a drink is worthwhile or not.

Jessica Van Zeil is an eye patch wearing, 26-year-old business owner, best-selling author and resilience expert. She has faced a multitude of challenges in life, including being diagnosed with a very rare cancer, conjunctival ocular melanoma, when she was just 22. This resulted in a drastic and life saving surgery to remove her eye and close over the eye socket for good, only to be diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma 11 months later. Tune in to hear her story!

Kimberley Cooper rose to fame as Gypsy Nash on Australia’s favourite soapie Home and Away. She also won a Logie award for most popular new talent during her time on the show. Tune in to hear our chat!

Trish Marks was born in Northern Ireland and grew up in the height of the troubles. In her early 20’s she decided to move to Australia. She has overcome Cancer and works with others to follow their own dreams. Tune in to hear more of her story.

Jas Rawlinson is a mental health speaker and best selling author of a suicide prevention book series ‘ Reasons to live one more day’. Jas lived in a violent family home, lost her father to suicide at 18 and was sexually assaulted at 20. She now works as a empowerment speaker, best selling author and writing coach. Hear more about her story..

Sandra Pankhurst is a transgender woman who was adopted at a young age by a family who would later abuse her. She was forced to live in a backyard shed where she was malnourished of food and love. She has found her solace in the most unusual professions. Sandra has worked as a trauma cleaner for more than 20 years. What does a trauma cleaner do? They clean up after Crime Scenes, Traumas, meth labs, hoarding and squalor. Tune in to hear more!

Matthew Kwoka, works as the director at Southern Cross Funerals he deals with grief on a daily basis, yet he is one of the happiest business owners out there. Even in the most catastrophic of circumstances, he is calm and composed. Tune in to hear more about his story.

Lynda Tregoweth - Interview by Anthony Adams

Richard Bowles is a 5x world-record adventurer, who puts himself into near-death situations, as a "giant social experiment." He explores the human response to critical situations, complex challenges and chaotic conditions. His unique experiences include; volcano eruptions, crocodile-infested rivers, life-threatening foot infections, desert warzones and shotgun-wielding lunatics; engineering these into straightforward strategies for success. Tune in to hear more!

For many years - Pauline McKinnon had one of the worst cases of anxiety - she couldn't even leave the house. Being a Mum with kids growing she tried lots of different things, but nothing worked. She then tried stillness meditation - medical based meditation - founded by Dr Meares. This cured her anxiety. She then learned the practice herself and has one of the world's leading practices in Australia. She is the founding patron of the Australian meditation association. She is amazing and her story is inspiring. Tune in to hear more!

Karen almost died in a car accident 30 years ago. She became overweight and couldn't find bras that fit - so she found her own and then discovered other women had similar issues and created her business - big Girls don't Cry anymore. They now sell online, do virtual fittings, she has a drone in store - her new site in Brisbane is the size of four tennis courts. Listen to her story now!

Regina Huber has lived in many countries across four continents. Has had a gun to head, a knife to her chest and has carried over $100,000 in her socks across the city of Buenos Aires. Tune in to hear more of her story!

John Finlay is one of the cast from the Netflix sensation ‘Tiger King’ which has turned the cast into household names. John Finlay was not only a worker at the zoo but also in a 11 year relationship with Joe Exotic who the series focuses on. There is worldwide interest in the cast and I wanted to get to know John a little more. Lets speak to him now. Instagram.com/JohnGatorFinlay Cameo.com/JohnFinlay Facebook.com/JohnGatorFinlay

Rodney Syaranamual was a principal dancer on the movies Moulin Rouge and Scooby Doo. He also appeared in many shows such as Cats and Miss Saigon. He has danced with Kylie Minogue, Belinda Carlisle and was chosen to join Nicole Kidman and Caroline O'Connor to launch Anna Wintours, Vogue Magazine. Hear more about his amazing life!

David Bronner's family produced a liquid soap that sells every 2.2 seconds around the world. He famously locked himself in a cage with industrial hemp plants in front of the white house in Washington. He has also led the fight for GMO labelling and this is just some of the things he has done. Tune in to hear his story.