In this SAFE SPACE episode, Jess sits down with Chloe Hayden to explore what it’s really like to live as a Neurodivergent Woman.

Chloe is an award-winning actress, author, advocate who's redefining what it means to be neurodivergent in the public eye. Diagnosed with autism at 13 and ADHD at 22, Chloe has spent her life turning difference into power. With her raw honesty and radiant energy, Chloe is the kind of woman young girls need to see in the world.

In this conversation, Chloe opens up to Jess about what it's like to grow up autistic in a world that never felt built for her, from the impact of her diagnosis, to masking her way through burnout as an adult. She explains what masking is, why it can lead to physical collapse, and how learning to rest has become the bravest thing she can do while navigating a neurotypical world. This episode is vital listening for anyone who’s ever felt different, or loved someone who is.

Is there somebody you'd like to share this episode with? Just tap the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and pass it on

LINKS:

• You can find out more about Kellie’s story in her remarkable book Different, Not Less
• Chloe is nominated for a Silver Logie for Best Supporting Actress for her brilliant work on Heartbreak High! Vote and show your support here
• To keep up with all things Chloe, check out her Instagram and website

• If you or someone you love is seeking support around Autism or Neurodivergence, we recommend reaching out to Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect). They offer a range of resources, services, and guidance for individuals, families, and carers across the country.

• Along with Yellow Lady Bugs who are dedicated to the happiness, success and celebration of autistic girls, women and gender diverse individuals.

• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guest: Chloe Hayden
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Nat Marshall
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show acknowledges the Gadigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples here today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this SAFE SPACE episode, Jess sits down with Cheng Lei to explore what it’s really like to be Wrongly Imprisoned.

Chinese Born Australian Journalist Cheng Lei’s life was upended when she was wrongfully detained in China on charges of espionage. For more than three years, Cheng endured isolation, interrogation, and imprisonment, cut off from her family, her children, and the outside world.

With courage, dark humour, and remarkable insight, Cheng shares what it took to survive, the unexpected friendships that sustained her, and how love, desire, and the human spirit helped her endure the unthinkable. This is her extraordinary story of resilience, injustice, and ultimately, freedom.

Is there somebody you'd like to share this episode with? Just tap the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and pass it on

LINKS:

• Find out more about Cheng Lei’s story in her remarkable ‘Memoir of Freedom’

If you or someone you love needs support after leaving prison, organisations like Samaritans are here to help. For over 25 years, Samaritans has supported people transitioning from prison back into the community, providing practical assistance to help rebuild life on the outside. Along with Mission Australia and Reboot Australia.

And if this conversation has brought up difficult feelings, Lifeline is here 24/7 on 13 11 14 You’re not alone.

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guest: Cheng Lei
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Nat Marshall
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show acknowledges the Gadigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples here today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this SAFE SPACE episode, Jess sits down with Kellie Finlayson to explore what it’s really like to live with a Terminal Illness.

At just 25 and shortly after giving birth, Kellie was diagnosed with Stage 4 Bowel Cancer. She opens up about her journey, sharing how she shifted her mindset from “why me?” to “why not me?”, and how perspective and resilience have shaped her experience.

Kellie speaks candidly about the emotional and physical challenges of treatment, the power of self-advocacy, and how her diagnosis has impacted her role as a mother. Above all, she shares what it means to live fully and find meaning in the face of uncertainty.

Is there somebody you'd like to share this episode with? Just tap the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and pass it on

LINKS:

• You can find out more about Kellie’s story in her remarkable book ‘There Must be More’ and hear her podcast ‘Sh!t Talkers'
• If you or someone you love is affected by cancer, support is available. You can call The Cancer Council on 13 11 20 for free, confidential information, emotional support, and practical guidance — wherever you are in Australia. And if this conversation has brought up difficult feelings, Lifeline is here 24/7 on 13 11 14 You’re not alone.
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guest: Kellie Finlayson
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Nat Marshall
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show acknowledges the Gadigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples here today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.