Over an intimate two-course dinner at Montalto, broadcaster and social policy expert Jamila Rizvi and comedian and podcaster Rosie Waterland come together with host Tracee Hutchison for a candid discussion about their deeply personal new book, Broken Brains.  

Drawing from their own experiences, Rizvi and Waterland reflect on their journeys with illness – Rizvi's rare brain tumour diagnosis and Waterland’s ongoing mental trauma from childhood abuse – and explore the unexpected ways these struggles intersect. Through a rare blend of humour and honesty, they offer solidarity and invaluable insights for anyone who has faced illness or cared for someone who has.  

Hear from two women who have navigated their own battles and now wish to share the hope, healing and perspective they’ve gained along the way.  

This event was recorded on Friday 9 May 2025. It was presented in partnership with Montalto. The official bookseller was Farrells.

Featured music is 'I See You Out There' by Tellsonic.

Please note this recording includes references to suicide. For support in Australia contact: 

Lifeline: 13 11 14
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36
Headspace: 1800 650 890

 

Over an intimate two-course dinner at Montalto, broadcaster and social policy expert Jamila Rizvi and comedian and podcaster Rosie Waterland come together with host Tracee Hutchison for a candid discussion about their deeply personal new book, Broken Brains.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Drawing from their own experiences, Rizvi and Waterland reflect on their journeys with illness &ndash; Rizvi's rare brain tumour diagnosis and Waterland&rsquo;s ongoing mental trauma from childhood abuse &ndash; and explore the unexpected ways these struggles intersect. Through a rare blend of humour and honesty, they offer solidarity and invaluable insights for anyone who has faced illness or cared for someone who has.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hear from two women who have navigated their own battles and now wish to share the hope, healing and perspective they&rsquo;ve gained along the way.&nbsp;&nbsp;
This event was recorded on Friday 9 May 2025. It was presented in partnership with Montalto.&nbsp;The official bookseller was Farrells.
Featured music is 'I See You Out There' by Tellsonic.
Please note this recording includes references to suicide. For support in Australia contact:&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/" aria-label="Link Lifeline">Lifeline</a>: 13 11 14 <a href="https://kidshelpline.com.au/" aria-label="Link Kids Helpline">Kids Helpline</a>: 1800 551 800 <a href="https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/" aria-label="Link Suicide Call Back Service">Suicide Call Back Service</a>:&nbsp;1300 659 467 <a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/" aria-label="Link Beyond Blue">Beyond Blue</a>:&nbsp;1300 22 46 36 <a href="https://headspace.org.au/" aria-label="Link Headspace">Headspace</a>:&nbsp;1800 650 890
&nbsp;

Subscribe to the Wheeler Centre's podcast to hear full recordings of our talks, featuring the best in books, writing and ideas from Melbourne, Australia.

Advertisement