Bestselling author Matthew Reilly on the secret to becoming a writer

In this episode bestselling author Matthew Reilly shares the story of how he rose to fame and how he kick-started his career when he self-published his first book. He tells Frances Whiting about the importance of perseverance and encouragement from loved ones, and how it's never too late to pursue…

Ballet icon Li Cunxin on the lessons that shaped his extraordinary life

Following on from his massively successful memoir Mao's Last Dancer, acclaimed ballet dancer Li Cunxin's new book The Lucky Son reflects on the moment his life changed forever and the love, challenges, triumphs and profound lessons that have shaped his later life. He sat down with Frances Whiting f…

Author Trent Dalton on the power of friendship - Live at the Brisbane Powerhouse

Bestselling author Trent Dalton turns the tables on Frances Whiting, interviewing her live onstage at the launch of her third novel, The Nocturnals at the Brisbane Powerhouse. In front of a sold-out crowd, the two old friends and former colleagues dive deep into the origins of the book, the power o…

Radio star Robin Bailey on the hardest truths she's had to face

For years, Robin Bailey has avoided some hard truths and difficult questions. In her honest and emotional memoir Flamingos Arent's Born Pink she reveals the most challenging moments of her private life.  In this episode of Frances Whiting's Humankind, Robin recounts her grief and guilt following he…

Annastacia Palaszczuk on fertility and life after politics

In this episode of Frances Whiting's Humankind, former Queensland premier Anastacia Palaszczuk shares her devastating infertility struggle and why she really left the top job. The former premier reveals how she stood up to bullying, political pressure and internal critics, including attacks on her…

Conservationist Terri Irwin on family, grief, love and growing older

In this heartwarming and inspiring episode Terri Irwin shares her remarkable life story, from her early days as a young woman in love with Australia to her current role as a renowned conservationist and mother of two.  Terri was travelling with a friend when she visited Australia Zoo, and locked e…

Officer Jacinta Pannowitz on duty, grief and losing her mother.

In a heart-wrenching conversation, senior police officer Jacinta Panowitz shares her personal story of loss and resilience in the face of domestic violence. This episode is a powerful exploration of the complexities of coercive control and the importance of understanding the signs of abuse. Pannow…

Liane Moriarty on her new book Big Little Truths

In this episode of Frances Whiting's Humankind, global bestselling author Liane Moriarty joins Frances Whiting to unpack Big Little Truths - her first-ever sequel to the phenomenon Big Little Lies. Liane shares what finally made her break her strict "no sequels" rule to revisit Madeline, Celeste, …

Holly Ringland on her new novel The World Beneath Her Feet

Frances Whiting interviews Holly Ringland about her brand new novel The World Beneath Her Feet.  Step inside the vivid, layered world of author Holly Ringland as she joins Frances Whiting on episode four of Frances Whiting's Humankind. From the magic of the Australian bush to the lingering ache of…

Journalist Cheng Lei on the power of the mind

How do you hold on to your own humanity in inhumane conditions? This is what you'll discover in  this powerful episode of Humankind with journalist Cheng Lei, who's had a storied career presenting news and current affairs in Australia and Asia. Lei speaks about her remarkable journey of resilience…