We Are The Real Ones

For the finale of season 2, we have none other than world tennis champion, coach, best-selling author, and commentator Jelena Dokic.What you may know about Jelena is that she is of course, a tennis superstar having defeated Martina Hingis at the tender age age of 16 providing one of the biggest upsets in sports history, playing major grand slams including the US Open, Australian Open, French Open, Wimbeldon and achieving top 4 in the world as well as representing the country in the Olympics.What you may not know is that she has endured so much more in one lifetime than anyone should ever have to. A refugee child not once, but twice, escaping war-torn Yugoslavia moving to Australia at 11, enduring poverty, racism and extreme psychological and physical abuse at the hands of her alcoholic father whilst achieving greatness in the tennis communities worldwide is an unbelievable story to be told. The courage to pull away from him and face her demons, working throughout managing her depression and suicidal ideations and share this with the world is awe inspiring. You would've most recently seen her in the news online and commentating for Wimbledon and beyond speaking up against fat-shaming trolls and in support of Ash Barty's familial support, which she did not receive.This is a timely conversation given what's happening in Afghanistan and Haiti at the minute and from the perspective of a former refugee, twice. Jelena shares so many truth bombs here as well as perhaps surprisingly managing to always find the light through the darkness and simple joys to help us get through lockdown number 6. You'll be excited to what she's got coming up next too!

I met Tim Robards in the process of having a TV affair with him (and well, another bloke pretending to be him) ALL during Covid. A unique circumstance, perhaps in line with his OWN unique journey on becoming an actor, growing up in Newcastle and working as a chiropractor to finding love (and consequently marriage and a beautiful child) from his stint on reality TV show “The Bachelor” as the first Australian OG - to other reality television appearances on “I'm a Celeb get me out of here”, “Dancing with the Stars” and a “Ninja Warrior”.We talk about Tim's upbringing and experiences in his early life and how they shaped him into his career as a fellow “slashie” chiropractor/model and now as a media personality and actor. We talk behind the scenes of the Bachelor and how he managed that morally, about the trials and tribulations of being in the public eye with a young family and what he/we went through in the lead up to his departure from Neighbours resulting in the last minute recast with Don Hany and whether he'll be back! There's some interesting juicy yet honest stuff here I'll think you'll really enjoy hearing this side of Tim, as I've always known him.

They're magical. Engaging. Endearing and one of a kind. They're many things. A celebrity stylist, fashion editor, content creator but perhaps most importantly a vocal activist for Queer and Human Rights.You would've seen them everywhere right now, and rightly so. They speak openly, frankly and with courage about sexuality, gender, equality and beyond constantly on their platforms with a view to effect change. Their pronouns are they/them, and having just celebrated their year anniversary, they identify as Non-Binary and Queer. Knowing They were gay when they were 4 years old and growing up in a strict Jehovah's Witness home to a Serbian family was difficult. That's an understatement. We talk about how they came out as gay to their parents when they were 19 and again last year as Non-Binary and how this time it was even harder. It's like the chat you have with your bestie over a wine, no holds barred and as if no-one is listening. We don't hold back as we talk incredibly honestly about about our struggles, sex, politics, race, equality, pop culture and we talk as friends. Because that's what we are and that's how you feel around Deni Todorović. Accepted. Embraced. Loved. It's SOUL FOOD.*Apologies in advance for the squealing, I do that a lot with them.

*MUST LISTEN MUST LISTEN MUST LISTENTo celebrate PRIDE month I couldn't think of anyone I wanted more than to bring to you guys than the icon that is Narelda Jacobs. She's been an inspiration to me for many years - she is a proud Whadjuk Noongar gay woman who has been in the media industry telling the news and now her opinion on the news for about 20 years now. She is the epitome of “self-made”, working all the way up to achieve the incredible success she has.I am personally so grateful to Narelda for her complete honesty and frankness in this podcast where we usually don't get this privilege from someone in her position. We talk about being silenced, being told she would not be accepted (but loved) by her mother when she came out at 21 as a single mum, standing on the shoulders of her community and elders, experiencing racism, the identity struggle being both Aboriginal and Irish and what that means for her on “Australia/Invasion Day”, her fathers legacy, and how even employers had a say in her “public coming out”. We talk about how she's ready to have the “tough” conversations within her friendship groups because “thats where the world is at” post Black Lives Matter and challenging life situations she faced and continues to face just by virtue of who she is. I'm just obsessed with Narelda's attitude to life and invigorated by her passion for the cause, how she continually finds and owns her truth and is just so damn authentic, positive and real about it. Glowing human!

It's been a hot minute but I am thrilled to introduce our next guest - the exquisite Jamila Rizvi. An intellectual powerhouse, Jamila has been recognised as one of Australia's top 100 Women of Influence and her list of achievements is endless. She's a reputable media personality, best-selling author, writer, presenter and equality advocate, just to name a few. This podcast was actually recorded in March, initially with the intention to celebrate international women's day that month however as you may be aware, there was little to celebrate.  On the 15th Jamila made an incredibly impassioned speech at the March for justice in Melbourne where Australians nationwide protested against sexual abuse and harassment and violence against women in the country. They were spurred by a recent wave of allegations of sexual assault, centred around Australia's parliament. Jamila worked in parliament for years under the Rudd and Gillard government and she shares her insight and experiences in this problematic space. She also talks about her advocacy and activism, her journey into her heritage and identity as a biracial woman, her extreme adversity undergoing brain tumour treatment (surgery) not once, but twice within the space of 12 months and the impact this continues to have on her physical and mental health. Jamila is a woman who has worked tirelessly and relentlessly to make positive change against incredible adversity and I adore everything about her! This is a friendly, open and warming chat amongst two women, who are allies of women. Enjoy.

What a couple of weeks it's been for the powerhouse that is Lana Wilkinson! As you might've seen Lana absolutely crushed it at the Melbourne Fashion Festival, the first major fashion festival to hit the stage since everything went down, appointed as the Creative Director for the Final Runway, whilst showcasing her personally designed shoes at the same time (um who can say they've done that?!) I've known Lana for years and in fact we recorded this podcast in lockdown when things felt pretty dire in Melbourne. I was saving it to share with you at the right time and I feel that time is now. The tone is just so telling, we were in a stage of real uncertainty and I think this chat is even more valuable to experience now, as Lana shares her vulnerable moments and fears for her family along with the issues she was facing with her new shoe business. What's cool about this is we are experiencing in real time what happened post lockdown - her triumph in releasing her second drop of her chic af shoes and back in fine form celebrating a DECADE as one of Australia's leading celebrity stylists, stronger and more powerful than ever! Who doesn't love a happy ending? Lana shares so much valuable information here about her reluctant and unplanned journey into becoming a leading stylist, creating her empire whilst maintaining her integrity along the way, reading the play, body inclusivity and the future of sustainable fashion - and trust me, this chat is anything BUT frivolous!

You know when you have friends that are just like good at everything. Not just good but like exceptional. Yeah. That's my friend and Neighbours workmate Bonnie Anderson, except she is no longer, having announced her departure from the show. Bye bye Bonza! We talk about this, and all things Neighbours as well as her rise to here, her highs, lows and her perspectives on life.You know Bons because she was the first winner of reality TV show Australia's Got Talent in 2007 at the tender age of 12 catapulted into the spotlight. She had the world at her feet yet she finished school and waited to head over to LA to pursue her music career. She's done exceptionally well releasing a number of songs and also combining her talents singing in character on Neighbours after she joined in 2018 playing the role of Bea Nilsson. She appeared on Britain's Got Talent: The Champions and in September 2020 in a year that was awash for many she won the second season of The Masked Singer Australia.We both met when acting on Australia's longest running television show Neighbours but what blew me away about Bonnie was her genuine and authentic kindness as a human being. It's timely that we release this podcast around National Be Kind Day, an initiative Bonnie throws herself behind. I genuinely always enjoy catching up with bons - I think you will too!

This weeks special guest on the POD is none other than the wonder that is Steph Claire Smith (Miller)! With a cheeky 1.5 million Instagram followers, she clearly took the online world by storm as the “IT” Australian "influencer" carving her space on social media whilst remaining authentic in sharing her journey from modelling in New York, rejected for her size resulting in body dysmorphia/an eating disorder to building herself back up to create fitness and wellness empire Keep It Cleaner with friend Laura Henshaw. Recently married to her “childhood sweetheart” and just about to have their first baby - how did Steph get here? Does she have it "all"? Let's discuss!*TRIGGER WARNING - we discuss body dysmorphia and eating disorders in this Podcast. If you need help, please contact a qualified professional.

You know Dilruk from a bunch of things. This man left his family in Sri Lanka to pursue a career in accounting in Australia. He randomly attended an Open Mic Night in 2010 and the rest is history - his passion as a stand up comedian was ignited and he did the hard yards to well and truly establish himself as one of Australia's most loved comedians. He won the Most Popular New Talent at the 2018 Logies. He's in demand locally and internationally, has released solo specials for ABC and most recently Amazon Prime, acted in Utopia and is a regular on Network Ten's Have You Been Paying Attention? and Hughesy We Have a Problem and has been on I'm a Celeb Get Me Out of Here. He also hosts a Podcast with Ben Lomas called Fitbet and has also appeared at the Sydney Opera House and in Montreal as part of the Just for Laughs festival, performed shows at the Melbourne Comedy Festival and tours the world regularly. Well not right now. But he has.. and will again!Dilruk has been described as a “buoyant, joyful comedian" and this is undeniably true but he's also profoundly honest, raw and authentic about his struggles and what he's been through. We share stories of our cultural identities and the effects they have had on us, his demons with addiction, namely food, giving up booze, and how he is managing his mental health during the pandemic.

Welcome back to The Real Ones! Real People. Real Stories. Real Talk. 2020 was a hell of year and this Podcast was created to provide comfort and inspiration in uncertain times getting to the crux of what really matters. This is the first episode of Season 2 and what better way than to kick it off with a no holds barred chat with one of my closest friends, Effie Kats. A fashion designer extraordinaire, Effie started a globally successful brand at 23 dressing the likes of Kylie Jenner and Gigi Hadid however she unwittingly lost it all in a publicly fantastic ball of flames. The ultimate phoenix, she rose back up from the ashes stronger and better to helm three new and improved brands, Effie Kats Official - made to measure and ready to wear of which she is the face, Bayse Brand - a more casual fit and Deadend Lovers - statement jewellery wear. She popularised the “power suit” as well as capitalising on the power of social media in exposing and growing her brand to many. A regular on the social scene yet defining herself as an “outcast”, Effie is a refreshingly straight forward woman who understands the importance of creating space for and supporting women of all ages, shapes and sizes to make them “feel good”. Grab a glass of scotch and join two friends in having an honest chat about the state of play, pandemic, career, mental health and feeling like outsiders in a predominantly white industry. No holds barred.

Michelle Battersby. A literal powerhouse of a human. One of the hardest working people I know, intelligent and astute to the nth degree, a business woman who has a logical, pragmatic and highly considered approach to work and life, and well most things. Headhunted to helm the Australian arm of Bumble, Michelle took the biggest risk of her life when she left her HR job in corporate finance not knowing what was ahead, if the role was legitimate or if she was making a mistake. It paid off of course and by the end of that gamble Michelle grew the brand in Australia to 3 million users and launched Bumble in 4 other countries. If it wasn't already evident, Michelle is brave and courageous and she left Bumble on a high to take on her current role as the Chief Marketing Officer of Keep it Cleaner here in Melbourne (lucky me!). Michelle is a woman who empowers other women, she is incredibly generous with her time and advice to other women in business and entrepreneurs and has become somewhat of an unofficial mentor to many, including me! Enjoy her insights and advice in today's podcast where we talk about supporting other women, confidence vs self-doubt, anxiety, competing (with yourself) and the expectation of others, high risk for high reward and everything in between.

Nazeem Hussain is an Australian comedian, actor, television and radio presenter. He is best known as creator and star of both television comedy shows Legally Brown and Orange is the New Brown on SBS and Channel 7. He furthered his household name on “I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here” on Channel 10 where he spent 6 weeks in a South African jungle to raise money for InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Domestic Violence. His Netflix special Nazeem Hussain: Public Frenemy began streaming worldwide in 2019 to global acclaim. He made his American TV debut as an official correspondent for both seasons of the hit Netflix series “Bill Nye Saves the World” and was also invited to perform at the prestigious Montreal ‘Just for Laughs Festival' as a part of Kevin Hart's LOL network. A regular on international stages, Nazeem has performed around the globe, including sell-out seasons at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, London's Soho Theatre, all across New Zealand, Paris, Belgium, China, Singapore, Malaysia, the United States (including opening for Dave Chappelle in New York City), and a homecoming show in Sri Lanka to 2,500 people, including the Prime Minister and his wife. He has the courage to tackle issues like racism in Australia, political humour, race relations, Islamophobia and social commentary (on mainstream Australian television mind you!) through his artistry as a comedian. How dare he?! He's also a part of the Desi Illuminati. What's the “Desi Illuminati” you ask? Well I don't know. But I want to be a part of it. Nazeem has single handedly made me feel like there may be a space for me in the Australian Entertainment Industry landscape after all and that if he can do it, maybe I can. He of course, calls me, a “glitch in the matrix” - whatever it is, we are both proud and equally stunned by each other and this is well, a bloody good laugh. Enjoy!

Georgie Stone. Who do you know that's won a Medal of the Order of Australia at the age of 19? Not many, if any. Georgie is an Australian Actor, Transgender Rights Activist and an outright incredible individual. Just by virtue of being who she is, she changed history in Australia when at the age of 10, Georgie was the youngest person to receive hormone blockers in Australia which set a precedent that eventually changed the law that compelled transgender children and their families to apply to the Family Court of Australia to access stage one treatment in transitioning. Since then she has advocated for Transgender rights for children and beyond in ensuring rights, visibility and representation including requesting a role on the longest running and iconic television show in Australia, Neighbours, and securing it just a year later! Georgie is also a dear friend of mine and I feel truly grateful to have her not only as part of my “chosen” family in life but also my television family, where we have made history with groundbreaking storytelling. You'll hear an articulate, incredibly intelligent and insightful woman in this one, I am forever learning with her as I believe you will too. 

Renowned Chef, DJ, and personality, Khanh Ong, a proud gay man, spent the first few years of his life with his family in an immigration camp as a refugee. We celebrate him as a BIPOC individual in honour of refugee week and pride month. You may remember Khanh appearing on global juggernaut Masterchef 2018, placing third and becoming an instant crowd favourite. Since then he has become part owner in restaurant/bar "The George on Collins", made numerous television appearances and continued to carve out a unique and stylish space in the Australian food industry. Most recently he made top 10 in Masterchef All Stars and has already released his first book, “A Gay Guys Guide to Life, Love, Food” as well the heartwarming “You Are Loved” t-shirt range with part proceeds from each shirt going to LGBTQIA+ youth charity Minus18. We talk about all of this, being "outcast" as a gay Vietnamese refugee, significant family tragedy, coming back to Masterchef a second time and the life experiences that make the wonderful Khanh, Khanh!

Ashleigh Gardner is an ELITE ATHLETE. A proud Muruwari Woman, she is the first Indigenous Australian woman to play an International World Cup, yet she hopes one day there won't be a need to define her that way when representation transcends. We have chats about her mindset, her motivation, her journey to get here, the challenges she has faced, the politics and psychology surrounding women in sport and the scrutiny and pressures from the media, socials and community in “flag bearing”. She has the ability to be honest in identifying her shortcomings and her need for an attitude adjustment when she was younger as a result of having crazy natural talent as a cricketer and not having to "work hard". It cannot be denied that she is a trailblazer and a leader in every way. She states: “When sport in Australia is a massive part of our culture, people (no matter whether you like it or not) will always will look up to you and you've always got to be setting a good example whether you are on the cricket field or not - and that's something I really enjoy that we're able to do now as elite athletes - inspiring kids who see us as their role model”. You bloody legend, Ash!

Shane Jenek, who you might be more familiar with as Courtney Act IS one of Australia's (if not the worlds) most beloved and well-known drag queens. He is also a pop singer, entertainer, reality television personality and now by virtue of our show, an actor! What you may not know is the man behind Courtney is coming out (pardon the pun) after 20 years in the spotlight (and caught in the act!), and Shane is one of the most intelligent, well-spoken, articulate, genuine and spiritual human beings I have had the pleasure of speaking with. I have also had the absolute pleasure of sharing the screen with this beautiful human on my show, Neighbours of which Courtney and Shane star in episodes launching today through to Friday. Must watch!* I would also like to note that given the current climate and the incredible struggles our brothers and sisters are facing in America (and around the world) right now, where Shane is currently living, you can understand our hearts and attention are focused there - we talk about that, our privilege, uncomfortability and what we have learned too. Sending love as always, and perhaps more than ever today.

This week on We Are The Real Ones, it get s a little personal when I introduce you to not only one of my work colleagues (where work meets play and play meets work yada yada yada) but one of my professional, and you could say, personal mentors, the man himself - Alan Fletcher! As you may already know, I am an actor currently starring on Australia's longest running (35 years young!) and most iconic television show, Neighbours. I started the show 4 years ago and I still recall the very first day when I met the kindest, most selfless, supportive and encouraging actor I have ever met in my professional career, it was Alan. He has played the infamous Dr Karl Kennedy for 25 years (can you believe it) but has also managed to somehow navigate a wonderful life and career prior to the show (and during his tenure) including a 30 year strong marriage and 2 wonderful children. He talks about all of this, as well as some very personal home truths in relation to losing his way, having a crisis of confidence, finding himself again, mental health issues, staying creative and navigating criticism and relationships with some great advice for all. He's actually a national treasure! Love ya, Fletch! x

You may think you know her as the wife of Australian Football League Legend, Chris Judd. I don't. I know her as Bec Judd - a juggernaut in her own right who wears and has worn many different hats in the course of her continuing career. Model, speech pathologist, television presenter, author, fashionista, business owner, radio presenter, wife, but perhaps most importantly (in her words), she is the mother of four beautiful children (two of which are twins!). Dude, how does she do it all?! We talk about that, and everything in between, here.

Rachel Griffiths is a global superstar and the definition of a "Powerhouse". She has carved (and is still carving) the ultimate dream acting career one could hope for, breaking out in the Aussie iconic royalty film "Muriel's Wedding", followed by a successful stint in the United Kingdom and then landing arguably the most sought after jobs in the acting world in Hollywood - five years on "Six Feet Under" followed by another five years on "Brothers and Sisters". She is an ACADEMY AWARD Nominee, GOLDEN GLOBE Winner and Multiple Time Nominee, EMMY AWARD Nominee, SAG AWARD Twice Winner and Multiple Time Nominee, AACTA AWARD Twice Winner and Multiple Time Nominee, HELPMANN AWARD Winner and MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA, to name a few. She has also managed to have three children (and a Husband) during this time, and has advocated for a plethora of causes and initiatives and continues to contribute to the Australian Arts industry by not only supporting, but creating work as a writer, director and actor. She has a wicked self-deprecating sense of humour and an incredible intelligence and depth in communication whilst baring her soul and much more in conversation. She openly talks about shame and the adversity she has faced on her perceived illustrious journey. She is magic.

PART 2: Who is she? You may of heard of her most recently through her appointment as the FIRST female judge on the biggest TV show in Australia and definitely the most successful of it's franchise in the world – MASTERCHEF Australia! But there is way more to her than that, she's been a freelance food and travel writer, food media consultant, radio broadcaster, television presenter on SBS's the Chef's Line, MC, cookbook editor and author for years – her work history almost mirrors  her motto “will eat anything once”.  Her rise to success hasn't been as smooth as you'd imagine as she too has experienced adversity and severe downs on her rise up. In this podcast she is vulnerable and candid about her reservations on saying "yes" to the job of a lifetime (Masterchef), her view on family and having kids, how her Chinese Singaporean heritage shaped her, her mental health breakdown and time therapy, her views on fashion, diversity and inclusivity and oh, so much more. This woman's intelligence, raw honesty, articulation and incredible ability to communicate truth is beautifully captivating AND she has personality for days!  Trust me, you're gonna wanna be her best friend after this. ENJOY.*Note - AS THIS A SPECIAL EDITION PODCAST (the launch and first) IT IS LENGTHIER THAN USUAL and split into two cards.

PART 1: Who is she? You may of heard of her most recently through her appointment as the FIRST female judge on the biggest TV show in Australia and definitely the most successful of it's franchise in the world – MASTERCHEF Australia! But there is way more to her than that, she's been a freelance food and travel writer, food media consultant, radio broadcaster, television presenter on SBS's the Chef's Line, MC, cookbook editor and author for years – her work history almost mirrors  her motto “will eat anything once”.  Her rise to success hasn't been as smooth as you'd imagine as she too has experienced adversity and severe downs on her rise up. In this podcast she is vulnerable and candid about her reservations on saying "yes" to the job of a lifetime (Masterchef), her view on family and having kids, how her Chinese Singaporean heritage shaped her, her mental health breakdown and time therapy, her views on fashion, diversity and inclusivity and oh, so much more. This woman's intelligence, raw honesty, articulation and incredible ability to communicate truth is beautifully captivating AND she has personality for days!  Trust me, you're gonna wanna be her best friend after this. ENJOY.*Note - AS THIS A SPECIAL EDITION PODCAST (the launch and first) IT IS LENGTHIER THAN USUAL and split into two cards.