Love Stories

The Australian Women's Weekly
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Personal Journals

What’s your love language? The Australian Women's Weekly Love Stories is for the chronically curious about the strongest of our emotions. Hosted by Tiffany Dunk, this podcast swaps cliché romcom endings for real, messy, magnetic connections told by unforgettable voices from The Australian Women’s Weekly universe. From lifelong mateship to unexpected soulmates to finding love both within and beyond yourself, Love Stories is intimate, surprising and quietly empowering.

  1. 1d ago

    Before Jim Rogers Loses His Memories, His Daughter Millie Is Recording His Extraordinary Life

    Jim Rogers met his wife Lorna in a small English town. The two connected over a shared obsession with VW Beetles. They married, had three children, and moved to Perth chasing sunshine. Life was good until Lorna was diagnosed with melanoma and tragically died within a few years, leaving Jim a single father to three children under nine.  Eighteen months later, his parents sent him on a holiday he didn't want to go on. There, he met a man named Tyler. What followed was a relationship neither of them expected, kept quietly in the background of family life for years, and one that's now lasted 26 years.  In this episode, Jim and Millie sit down with Tiffany Dunk to talk about the process of writing Jim's memoir together: the hardest parts to put into words, what it was like for Millie to hear new stories about her mum and her dad's early relationship with Tyler, and Jim's more recent diagnosis of young-onset Alzheimer's, which he's chosen to speak about publicly rather than hide.  Plus, Jim talks about the podcast he co-hosts with Hamish MacDonald, Hold the Moment, and what he hopes it can do to de-stigmatise Alzheimer's and help people with the diagnosis feel less alone.  Moments you’ll hear:  How Jim met Lorna, and the VW Beetle that started it all  Millie's memory of the day her dad told her and her siblings their mum had died  The holiday Jim didn't want to go on, and the man he met there  Millie's first inkling that her dad's friend was more than a friend  The proposal on top of the Empire State Building, and the surprise engagement at home  Jim's young-onset Alzheimer's diagnosis  Why Jim decided to write it all down, "warts and all"  Photo Credit: Rob Palmer  You can listen to Jim’s podcast, Hold The Moment, here.  Find Jim & Millie’s book, Holding on to Happiness, here.  Thank you for listening ❤️  Before you leave...  🗣️ Get in touch  What did you think? We are a brand-new podcast and would love to hear from you as we build this together. Join our friendly Love Stories community and visit us at womensweekly.com.au  Email us your love stories (and any feedback) at awwlovestories@aremedia.com.au  If you share your love story on social media please tag us, we're @womensweeklymag, and use the hashtag #AWWLoveStories  Subscribe to The Australian Women's Weekly at womensweekly.com.au 👈🏽  Sending thanks to our partners at Wounded Heroes.  You can help Wounded Heroes deliver emergency assistance to current Australian Defence Force members, veterans and their families by donating at: www.woundedheroes.org.au/actsofservice  Credits  Host: Tiffany Dunk  Edited by Leah Porges  Production by Leah Porges  Our wonderful The Australian Women's Weekly team  Our Head of Vodcasting is Rachel Fountain  Learn More: The Australian Women's Weekly website  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Before Jim Rogers Loses His Memories, His Daughter Millie Is Recording His Extraordinary Life

  2. Sep 6

    Ally Langdon & Maryanne Larkin: The Friendship Behind R U OK? Day

    Content Warning: This episode discusses suicide, mental health issues, grief and the loss of a parent and child to illness. If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised, help is always available. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14.  Find more support services here: Need help? Support services and crisis helplines in Australia - The Australian Women's Weekly  In 2009, Gavin Larkin sat his wife Maryanne and their closest friends down at the dinner table and told them about an idea he'd been carrying since his own father died by suicide years earlier. It was a simple question that could change everything: "Are you okay?"  Allison "Ally" Langdon, a journalist and friend who was part of that conversation, knew instantly she had to help get the message out. What followed was R U OK? Day which has since grown into a national movement. But what followed was something that neither Ally nor Maryanne could have imagined.  In this episode, Ally and Maryanne sit down with Tiffany Dunk to talk about the early, uncomfortable days of getting a newsroom to even say the word "suicide," what it actually looked like for Ally to show up for her friend in the hardest years of her life, and the quiet, everyday ways two women have held a friendship together, and a legacy alive, for close to two decades.  Moments you'll hear:  The dinner table conversation in 2009 that became R U OK? Day  Why newsrooms wouldn't touch the word "suicide," and the pushback Ally got  Maryanne on losing both Gavin and her eldest son Gus, and why moving into her late son's bedroom with her two younger kids helped them all grieve  The small, practical ways Ally and their friend group showed up during the hardest years  What it means to keep telling stories about someone you've lost  Nearly 20 years on, what they still hope for each other  Visit the R U OK? Day website here.  Learn more about Ally and Maryanne's friendship in our exclusive interview here Thank you for listening ❤️  Before you leave...  🗣️ Get in touch  What did you think? We are a brand-new podcast and would love to hear from you as we build this together. Join our friendly Love Stories community and visit us at womensweekly.com.au  Email us your love stories (and any feedback) at awwlovestories@aremedia.com.au  If you share your love story on social media please tag us, we're @womensweeklymag, and use the hashtag #AWWLoveStories  Subscribe to The Australian Women's Weekly at www.womensweekly.com.au 👈🏽  Our special thanks to our partners at Vixin  Vixin real results, simple skincare that's a little bit fancy: vixin.com.au  Use the code LOVESTORIES for 30% off your order at Vixin now!  Sending thanks to our partners at Wounded Heroes.  You can help Wounded Heroes deliver emergency assistance to current Australian Defence Force members, veterans and their families by donating at: www.woundedheroes.org.au/actsofservice  Credits  Host: Tiffany Dunk  Edited by Phoebe Zukowski-Wallace  Production by Leah Porges  Our wonderful The Australian Women's Weekly team  Our Head of Vodcasting is Rachel Fountain  Learn More: The Australian Women's Weekly website.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ally Langdon & Maryanne Larkin: The Friendship Behind R U OK? Day

  3. Aug 30

    "Mate, If You Meet Her, You'll Marry Her": Tiffiny Hall & Ed Kavalee's Love Story

    Ed Kavalee still remembers the exact moment he fell for his wife, and it happened on his TV screen, watching her compete as Angel on Gladiators.  In this episode, Tiff Hall and Ed Kavalee sit down with Tiffany Dunk (or podcast Tiff as Ed calls her) to talk about how a TV crush turned into an 18-year love story, including the radio interview Ed engineered just to meet her, the moment he got cold feet six months in, and the blender that won her back.  They also open up about becoming parents, Ed's own childhood without a father in the picture, and how that's shaped the kind of dad he wants to be. Plus, Tiff talks candidly about rebuilding her relationship with her body after having kids, and why she built a business helping other women do the same.  Moments you’ll hear:  The night Ed first saw "Angel" on Gladiators, and his friend's prediction  The interview Ed engineered just to meet her (and the second one he asked for)  Their first date, and the book Ed used to test her sense of humour  The moment Ed got cold feet, and the gift that won Tiff back  Their engagement story – including a secretly pre-planned visit to a very famous jewellery store  Ed opening up about growing up without a dad, and what it means to him now  Tiff's journey to rebuilding her relationship with her body after having kids  Find out more about Tiff’s self-defence classes here.  Check out Tiff's work with 28 by Sam Wood here.  Find Tiff Hall on Instagram here.  Keep up with Ed Kavalee on Instagram here.  Thank you for listening ❤️  Before you leave...  🗣️ Get in touch  What did you think? We are a new podcast and would love to hear from you as we build this together. Join our friendly Love Stories community and visit us at www.womensweekly.com.au   Email us your love stories (and any feedback) at awwlovestories@aremedia.com.au  If you share your love story on social media, please tag us @womensweeklymag and use the hashtag #AWWLoveStories  Subscribe to The Australian Women's Weekly at www.womensweekly.com.au 👈🏽  Our special thanks to our partners at Vixin  Vixin: real results, simple skincare that's a little bit fancy: vixin.com.au  Use the code LOVESTORIES for 30% off your order at Vixin now!  Sending thanks to our partners at Wounded Heroes.  You can help Wounded Heroes deliver emergency assistance to current Australian Defence Force members, veterans and their families by donating at: www.woundedheroes.org.au/actsofservice  Credits:  Host: Tiffany Dunk  Edited by Leah Porges  Production by Leah Porges  Our wonderful The Australian Women's Weekly team  Our Head of Vodcasting is Rachel Fountain  Learn More: The Australian Women's Weekly website  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    "Mate, If You Meet Her, You'll Marry Her": Tiffiny Hall & Ed Kavalee's Love Story

  4. Aug 23

    "I Was Filled With Rage": How Jaclyn Moriarty's Success Spurred Big Sister Liane To Create A Hit

    Before Big Little Lies became a global phenomenon, Liane and Jaclyn Moriarty were just two sisters filling exercise books for pocket money, dreaming of becoming writers.  In this episode, Liane and Jaclyn sit down with Tiffany Dunk to talk about the family that shaped them: a mother who fostered more than 50 babies, a father who paid them to write, and the safety of growing up as two of six kids who loved books more than television.  They open up about the year Jaclyn was published first, the private rage Liane admits she felt, and what it took for her to finally sit down and write her own first novel.  Plus, they reflect on the whirlwind of Big Little Lies becoming a Hollywood sensation, the sequel Big Little Truths, writing a role for Meryl Streep, and Jaclyn's newest release, Time Travel for Beginners.  Moments you’ll hear:  Growing up as two of six kids, and their mum who fostered more than 50 babies  Their dad’s pocket-money scheme, and the story that started it all  The rage Liane felt when Jaclyn was published first, and who it was really aimed at  Reading Jaclyn’s first manuscript, and the years it took to write her own  The moment Big Little Lies became a Hollywood sensation  Writing a role for Meryl Streep, and the text that made it real  What they'd write for each other, if they could  Check out Big Little Truths by Liane Moriarty here.  Find Time Travel for Beginners by Jaclyn Moriarty here. Thank you for listening ❤️  Before you leave...  🗣️ Get in touch  What did you think? We are a new podcast and would love to hear from you as we build this together. Join our friendly Love Stories community and visit us at www.womensweekly.com.au   Email us your love stories (and any feedback) at awwlovestories@aremedia.com.au  If you share your love story on social media, please tag us @womensweeklymag and use the hashtag #AWWLoveStories  Subscribe to The Australian Women's Weekly at www.womensweekly.com.au 👈🏽  Our special thanks to our partners at Vixin  Vixin: real results, simple skincare that's a little bit fancy: vixin.com.au  Use the code LOVESTORIES for 30% off your order at Vixin now!  Sending thanks to our partners at Wounded Heroes.  You can help Wounded Heroes deliver emergency assistance to current Australian Defence Force members, veterans and their families by donating at: www.woundedheroes.org.au/actsofservice  Credits:  Host: Tiffany Dunk  Edited by Phoebe Zukowski-Wallace  Production by Leah Porges  Our wonderful The Australian Women's Weekly team  Our Head of Vodcasting is Rachel Fountain  Learn More: The Australian Women's Weekly website  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    "I Was Filled With Rage": How Jaclyn Moriarty's Success Spurred Big Sister Liane To Create A Hit

  5. Aug 19 ·  Bonus

    Curtis McGrath Lost His Legs In Afghanistan. Rachel Never Left His Side | Acts of Service

    Content warning: This episode discusses combat injury, traumatic limb loss and newborn emergency surgery. If it raises anything for you, support is available: Wounded Heroes Australia crisis line 1300 532 112 (24/7 for ADF members, veterans and their families); Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling 1800 011 046 (24/7) | Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7).  Curtis McGrath was searching for landmines in Afghanistan when the ground beneath him changed his life forever. Two years into their relationship, Rachel was 1500km away when she got the call.  In this episode, Curtis and Rachel sit down with Tiffany Dunk to talk about the day everything changed, the months of hospital treatment and rehab that followed, and the slow work of rebuilding a new normal.   They open up about a proposal on top of a mountain in Canada, the wedding that scraped in just before COVID-19 hit, and becoming parents to a son whose own fight for life began just days after he was born. Plus, there's an exciting announcement about the newest addition to their family.  To all veterans who may be watching or listening to this episode, we thank you for your service.  Moments you'll hear:  Rachel and Curtis' first meeting, and the door that got shut in his face  The blunt question Rachel asked Curtis before he deployed  The day in 2012 when everything changed  The moment in hospital that made Curtis realise what life looked like now  Meeting Prince Harry at the Invictus Games, and what Curtis really thought of him  The proposal: a Banff Gondola, lots of stairs and a beautiful sunset  A diagnosis days after their son Monty was born  An exciting announcement about the newest addition to their family  Thank you for listening ❤️  Before you leave...   🗣️ Get in touch   What did you think? We are a brand-new podcast and would love to hear from you as we build this together. Join our friendly Love Stories community and visit us at womensweekly.com.au/love-stories-podcast   Email us your love stories (and any feedback) at awwlovestories@aremedia.com.au   If you share your love story on social media, please tag us. We’re @womensweeklymag, and use the hashtag #AWWLoveStories  Subscribe to The Australian Women’s Weekly at magshop.com.au/LOVESTORIES 👈🏽   Sending thanks to our partners at Wounded Heroes Australia.   You can help Wounded Heroes deliver emergency assistance to current Australian Defence Force members, veterans and their families by donating at: www.woundedheroes.org.au/actsofservice   Need help now? Wounded Heroes crisis line 1300 532 112, 24/7, Australia wide.  Credits  Host: Tiffany Dunk  Edited by Leah Porges  Production by Leah Porges  Our wonderful The Australian Women's Weekly team  Our Head of Vodcasting is Rachel Fountain  Learn more: The Australian Women's Weekly website See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Curtis McGrath Lost His Legs In Afghanistan. Rachel Never Left His Side | Acts of Service

  6. Aug 16

    Wendy Whiteley On The Love That Survived Addiction, Heartbreak & Loss

    Content Warning: This story contains descriptions of drug use, addiction and death. Support is available: LifeLine.  Wendy Whiteley has spent more than 30 years protecting the legacy of a man whom she loved deeply. In this candid episode of The Australian Women's Weekly Love Stories, the artist, gardener and first-time podcast guest joins Tiffany Dunk to reflect on her extraordinary life with, and after, Brett Whiteley.  Wendy shares how a blind date led her to Brett, becoming his muse, and building a bohemian life together across London, Florence and New York. She opens up about the addiction that consumed them both for over a decade, the arrival of their daughter Arkie, her later death from cancer, and the moment Wendy finally chose to get clean for good.  She also reflects on how she found out Brett had died, how she turned her grief into Wendy's Secret Garden, and how the loss of her daughter years later tested her all over again.  Plus, Wendy shares what she's still building today at the newly reopened Brett Whiteley Studio in Sydney.  Moments you’ll hear:  Wendy's unfiltered thoughts on love, hate and duality  What love looked like growing up, and ‘running away’ from home at 12  The blind date that led her to meet Brett Whiteley  Becoming his muse, and moving to Europe for their art education  Marrying at 21 and living on next to nothing as young artists  The arrival of daughter Arkie, and how it changed their relationship  How casual drug use in the 60s spiralled into over a decade of addiction  The day Wendy learned Brett had died, and how she channeled her grief into a garden  Rebuilding her bond with Arkie in London, and the sudden loss that changed everything again  Why she's spent over 30 years preserving Brett's studio exactly as he left it  What love looks like for Wendy today  Photo Credits: Brett Whiteley Studio archive, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales  This story contains descriptions of drug use and addiction. If you or someone you know needs support, contact the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline for free and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 250 015. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.  Thank you for listening ❤️  Before you leave...  🗣️ Get in touch  What did you think? We are a brand-new podcast and would love to hear from you as we build this together. Join our friendly Love Stories community and visit us at www.womensweekly.com.au   Email us your love stories (and any feedback) at awwlovestories@aremedia.com.au  If you share your love story on social media please tag us, we're @womensweeklymag, and use the hashtag #AWWLoveStories  Subscribe to The Australian Women's Weekly at www.womensweekly.com.au 👈🏽  Our special thanks to our partners at Vixin  Vixin real results, simple skincare that's a little bit fancy: vixin.com.au  Use the code LOVESTORIES for 30% off your order at Vixin now!  Sending thanks to our partners at Wounded Heroes.  You can help Wounded Heroes deliver emergency assistance to current Australian Defence Force members, veterans and their families by donating at: www.woundedheroes.org.au/actsofservice  Credits:  Host: Tiffany Dunk  Edited by Leah Porges  Production by Leah Porges  Our wonderful The Australian Women's Weekly team  Our Head of Vodcasting is Rachel Fountain  Learn More: The Australian Women's Weekly website  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Wendy Whiteley On The Love That Survived Addiction, Heartbreak & Loss

  7. Aug 9

    "You'll Always Be My Baby": Miranda & Barbara Tapsell on Mother-Daughter Bonds & Unconditional Love | Part 2

    In Part 2 of this heartfelt conversation, actress, author, TV host, and proud Larrakia and Tiwi woman Miranda Tapsell and her mum, Barbara, share the moments that shaped their extraordinary mother-daughter bond.  From the hilarious story of Barbara "testing" Miranda's now-husband James during his first visit to Darwin, to becoming grandmother and mother together, they reflect on how family evolves through every stage of life. Miranda opens up about raising children who are proud of their Tiwi and Larrakia heritage, why passing on culture matters, and the simple hope she has for the next generation: that they'll always know they're loved.  The pair also discuss Miranda's joy in hosting Portrait Artist of the Year, why her parents have suddenly become armchair art critics, and the beautiful lessons she's taken from her parents' 50-year marriage into her own relationship.  Moments you'll hear: Why Miranda and Barbara drifted apart when she moved to Sydney and how they found their way back to each other   The unforgettable family trip to the Cannes Film Festival that became a once-in-a-lifetime memory   The hilarious way Barbara "tested" James during his first visit to Darwin   How becoming a mother and a grandmother transformed their relationship   Why grandparents play such a special role in family life   How Miranda is raising her children to be proud of their Tiwi and Larrakia heritage   The touching story behind her children's Indigenous names   Why Portrait Artist of the Year has turned Miranda's parents into unexpected art critics   The beautiful lesson Miranda learned from her parents' 50-year marriage   What both women hope love will look like for the next generation  Thank you for listening ❤️  Before you leave...  🗣️ Get in touch  What did you think? We are a brand-new podcast and would love to hear from you as we build this together. Join our friendly Love Stories community and visit us at womensweekly.com.au  Email us your love stories (and any feedback) at awwlovestories@aremedia.com.au  If you share your love story on social media please tag us, we're @womensweeklymag, and use the hashtag #AWWLoveStories  Subscribe to The Australian Women's Weekly at womensweekly.com.au 👈🏽  Our special thanks to our partners at Vixin  Vixin real results, simple skincare that's a little bit fancy: vixin.com.au  Use the code LOVESTORIES for 30% off your order at Vixin now!  Sending thanks to our partners at Wounded Heroes.  You can help Wounded Heroes deliver emergency assistance to current Australian Defence Force members, veterans and their families by donating at: https://www.woundedheroes.org.au/actsofservice  Credits:    Host Tiffany Dunk  Edited by Phoebe Zukowski-Wallace  Our wonderful The Australian Women’s Weekly team  Our Head of Vodcasting is Rachel Fountain  Learn More: The Australian Women's Weekly Website  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    "You'll Always Be My Baby": Miranda & Barbara Tapsell on Mother-Daughter Bonds & Unconditional Love | Part 2

  8. Aug 9

    Miranda & Barbara Tapsell On Raising Kids The Multi-Generational Way | Part 1

    Miranda Tapsell has become one of Australia's most celebrated actors and storytellers, but behind every chapter of her remarkable career is the woman who taught her what love, family, and community truly mean: her mum, Barbara.  In this two-part episode of The Australian Women's Weekly Love Stories, proud Larrakia and Tiwi woman Miranda joins host Tiffany Dunk alongside Barbara for a heartfelt conversation about the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter, the lessons that have shaped their family across generations, and the love that has carried them through life's biggest changes.  Together they reflect on Barbara's childhood as the eldest of eight children, meeting and falling in love with Miranda's father, Tony, raising a family in Kakadu in the Northern Territory, and Barbara's years supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Miranda shares how her mum's unwavering belief in her gave her the confidence to pursue acting, the extraordinary sacrifice Barbara made to help her through drama school, and the values she's now passing on to her own children.  They also open up about the realities of navigating the world as Aboriginal women, the work ethic and resilience passed down through generations, and why Barbara always taught Miranda that family doesn't stop at your front door.  Part 2 is available now, where Miranda and Barbara share the story of meeting James, the family "tests" every new member must pass, the joy of raising the next generation together, and why love, laughter, and culture remain at the heart of their family.  Moments you'll hear: Why Barbara has become a "mythical" figure in Miranda's life stories  Barara growing up as the eldest of eight children and learning responsibility early  The workplace romance that led to Barbara and Tony's 50-year marriage  Why Barbara waited until her 30s to become a mum  The family philosophy that "family doesn't stop at your front door"  Life growing up in Kakadu National Park and the village that raised Miranda  Barbara's extraordinary career supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and Miranda reflects on having her mum at school every day  The special role Miranda's grandparents played in her childhood  Miranda's very first performances and the early signs she was destined for the stage  The difficult transition from the Northern Territory to Sydney and studying at drama school, and the incredible sacrifice Barbara made to help Miranda finish NIDA  The life lessons Barbara taught Miranda about resilience, presentation, and work ethic as an Aboriginal woman  The family history behind those lessons and the policies that shaped generations  Miranda sees the next generation's performer beginning to emerge in her own daughter  Thank you for listening ❤️  Before you leave...  🗣️ Get in touch  What did you think? We are a brand-new podcast and would love to hear from you as we build this together. Join our friendly Love Stories community and visit us at www.womensweekly.com.au/love-stories-podcast/  Email us your love stories (and any feedback) at awwlovestories@aremedia.com.au  If you share your love story on social media please tag us, we're @womensweeklymag, and use the hashtag #AWWLoveStories  Subscribe to The Australian Women's Weekly at womensweekly.com.au 👈🏽  Our special thanks to our partners at Vixin  Vixin real results, simple skincare that's a little bit fancy: vixin.com.au  Use the code LOVESTORIES for 30% off your order at Vixin now!  Sending thanks to our partners at Wounded Heroes.  You can help Wounded Heroes deliver emergency assistance to current Australian Defence Force members, veterans and their families by donating at: www.woundedheroes.org.au/actsofservice  Credits:  Host: Tiffany Dunk  Edited by Phoebe Zukowski-Wallace  Production by Leah Porges and Helen Smith  Our wonderful The Australian Women's Weekly team  Our Head of Vodcasting is Rachel Fountain  Learn More: The Australian Women's Weekly website  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Miranda & Barbara Tapsell On Raising Kids The Multi-Generational Way | Part 1
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

What’s your love language? The Australian Women's Weekly Love Stories is for the chronically curious about the strongest of our emotions. Hosted by Tiffany Dunk, this podcast swaps cliché romcom endings for real, messy, magnetic connections told by unforgettable voices from The Australian Women’s Weekly universe. From lifelong mateship to unexpected soulmates to finding love both within and beyond yourself, Love Stories is intimate, surprising and quietly empowering.

Information

  • Creator
    The Australian Women's Weekly
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Love Stories