Frances Whiting’s Humankind

The Courier-Mail
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  • Society & Culture
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Deep conversations. Extraordinary people. Human stories. Frances Whiting is an award-winning journalist, best-selling author, and Australia's longest-running Sunday newspaper columnist. For more than 30 years, she has shared stories of heartache, triumph, love, and loss. Now, her new podcast from The Courier-Mail and Sunday Mail takes you behind the scenes of her most candid interviews to reveal what it truly means to be human. In this limited series, Frances Whiting's Humankind, she shares her favourite conversations with politicians, celebrities, performers, and everyday people with vital stories to tell. Listen in as Frances sits down with wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin, journalist Cheng Lei, Pub Choir’s Astrid Jorgensen, radio personality Robin Bailey, and a prominent Queensland police officer facing an unfathomable family tragedy. This is a podcast that draws you in and makes you cry, laugh, and feel. These are deep conversations that will stay with you long after they end. Hit follow to never miss an episode of Frances Whiting's Humankind. Read Frances’s columns at couriermail.com.au/journalists/fran-whiting and features at qweekend.com.au.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    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 for her new podcast Humankind. In this candid interview he reflects on the sliding door moment that took him from an impoverished childhood in rural China,to starring seasons at the Houston Ballet. This is a new limited series from The Courier-Mail and Sunday Mail. Read more from Frances Whiting in QWeekend. Frances Whitng's novel, The Nocturnals, is out now.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. Sep 28

    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 of friendship, the characters that haunt us, and the stories behind Frances's celebrated journalism career. From a Robert Redford look-alike sighting at Indooroopilly traffic lights to a $2 million philanthropic miracle, this is a warm, funny, and moving conversation between two of Australia's finest storytellers - introduced by their teenage daughters, and featuring an audience who came to do more than just listen. This is a new limited series from The Courier-Mail and Sunday Mail. Read more from Frances Whiting in QWeekend. Frances Whiting's novel, The Nocturnals, is out now as is Trent Dalton's latest novel Gravity let Me Go. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. Sep 21

    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 her husband's suicide, and after finding love again, mourning the death of her new partner less than a year after their wedding. She reveals - with brutal honesty - the good, the bad and the ugly times and what her three brave sons mean to her.   This is a new limited series from The Courier-Mail and Sunday Mail. Read more from Frances Whiting, including her Qweekend story on Robin Bailey. Frances Whitng's novel, The Nocturnals, is out now.    Content warning: this episode contains references to suicide.  If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now call 000.  You can also reach out to Lifeline for 24/7 crisis support on 13 11 14. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. Sep 13

    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 childlesness. She's now determined to help the next generation and is encouraging other women not to settle for second best. Annastacia Palaszczuk's book The Politics of Being Me is available now. Frances Whiting's Humankind is a new limited series from The Courier-Mail and Sunday Mail. Read more from Frances Whiting. Frances Whiting's new novel, The Nocturnals, is out now.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. Sep 7

    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 eyes with a young Steve Irwin, then 29.  It was the beginning of a love story that would last from the day they met until he died on September 4, 2006.  As the world marks 20 years since Steve Irwin’s passing, Terri Irwin, 61, shares stories of love and laughter in the Irwin clan.  She reveals that she has been able to use her own grief at losing the man she fell in love with as a 27 year old American tourist visiting Australia Zoo, to help others. Terri also reflects on her gratitude at growing older and what it’s like to be a grandmother. Terri's journey is marked by her unwavering dedication to conservation and her family and how her children, Bindi and Robert, have grown into confident and compassionate individuals. With her characteristic warmth and humor, Terri shares stories of granddaughter Grace, as well as her kids' experiences, from Bindi's struggles with endometriosis to Robert's rise to fame as a wildlife warrior. With her trademark optimism and resilience, Terri, who is the owner and Chairwoman of Australia Zoo, offers a powerful message about the need to take action and make a difference in the world. This episode is a testament to the power of love, family, and determination. This is a new limited series from The Courier-Mail and Sunday Mail. Read more from Frances Whiting, including her Qweekend story on Terri Irwin. Frances Whitng's novel, The Nocturnals, is out now.  Visit Australia Zoo  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  6. Aug 31

    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. Pannowitz, who is now an Inspector, opens up about the aftermath of her mother's murder and the journey she took to understand the dynamics of coercive control.  Her mother was shot and killed by a man she loved and trusted and in an unfathomable tragedy, she was on duty and attended the scene.   She shares experiences as a police officer, working to educate her colleagues about the signs of abuse and the importance of supporting victims.  Pannowitz's story is a testament to the strength of her mother's legacy and her own determination to make a difference. If you are in danger call Triple Zero (000). For helo call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or online. This is a 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault. https://whiteribbon.org.au/helplines/ Read Frances Whiting's Qweekend story that lead to this podcast.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. Aug 24

    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, Jane, Bonnie, and Renata ten years later. Together, they dive into the "beautiful terror" of parenting teenagers, navigating perimenopause and midlife calamities, school WhatsApp group dynamics, and finding humor during tough times. Liane also candidly reflects on her personal health journey with breast cancer, reminisces about her early writing days and discusses what it means to simply be "okay" today. Frances Whiting's Humankind is a new limited series from The Courier-Mail and Sunday Mail. Read more from Frances Whiting. Frances Whiting's new novel, The Nocturnals, is out now.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  8. Aug 17

    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 teenage first love, Holly reveals the deeply personal inspiration behind her new novel, The World Beneath Her Feet, and how she was able to find her voice. Frances Whiting's Humankind is a new limited series from The Courier-Mail and Sunday Mail. Read more from Frances Whiting. Frances Whiting's new novel, The Nocturnals, is out now.  See Holly Ringland in conversation with Frances Whiting at the Old Museum in Brisbane on Tuesday September 1.      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  9. Aug 10

    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 and survival after being wrongly detained in China for three years and two months. A detention that included six months 'sitting in punishment', unable to move or speak without permission.  Now she's using her voice to help others, determined to share the incredible gift of freedom. In this third episode of Frances Whiting's new podcast, Lei reveals how she survived those years and how the mind can free what the body cannot.  Frances Whiting's Humankind is a new limited series from The Courier-Mail and Sunday Mail. Read more from Frances Whiting, including her Qweekend story on Cheng Lei. Frances Whiting's new novel, The Nocturnals, is out now.  Cheng Lei's A Memoir of Freedom is out now.  Content warning: this episode contains references to sexual assault. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now call 000.  1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) is a 24/7 phone service to support people impacted by sexual violence and domestic and family violence. You can also reach out to Lifeline for 24/7 crisis support on 13 11 14.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  10. Aug 3

    Pub Choir founder Astrid Jorgensen on becoming a global sensation

    Pub Choir founder Astrid Jorgensen credits her global success to 'plugging away', family influences and music's unifying power. The woman who has brought thousands of strangers together to sing reveals her good humour and authenticity in this second episode of Frances Whiting's new podcast series. This is a new limited series from The Courier-Mail and Sunday Mail. Read more from Frances Whiting, including her Qweekend story on Astrid Jorgensen. Her novel, The Nocturnals, is out now.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  11. Jul 27

    Robert Irwin on conservation, fame and staying grounded

    From red dirt to red carpet Robert Irwin is determined to channel his global fame into championing wildlife conservation. At 22 he says he feels more connected to his dad Steve and his legacy than ever. In this first episode of Frances Whiting's new podcast series, she interviews Robert Irwin at his home at Australia Zoo, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.  This is a new limited series from The Courier-Mail and Sunday Mail. Read more from Frances Whiting, including her Qweekend story on Robert Irwin. Her novel, The Nocturnals, is out now.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  12. Trailer

    Introducing: Frances Whiting's Humankind

    Deep conversations. Extraordinary people. Human stories. Frances Whiting is an award-winning journalist who has spent more than 30 years telling stories of heartache, triumph, love, and loss. As Australia’s longest-running Sunday newspaper columnist and a best-selling author, Frances has built a unique, decades-long bond with her audience. In her new limited series from The Courier-Mail and Sunday Mail, Frances takes you behind the scenes of her most candid interviews to reveal unforgettable stories of what it means to be human. From household names to everyday people with extraordinary lives, these are deep conversations that will stay with you long after they end. Hit follow to never miss an episode of Frances Whiting's Humankind.  Read Frances’s columns at couriermail.com.au/journalists/fran-whiting and features at qweekend.com.au. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Introducing: Frances Whiting's Humankind
  • 1 Trailer
    11 Episodes

Trailer

About

Deep conversations. Extraordinary people. Human stories. Frances Whiting is an award-winning journalist, best-selling author, and Australia's longest-running Sunday newspaper columnist. For more than 30 years, she has shared stories of heartache, triumph, love, and loss. Now, her new podcast from The Courier-Mail and Sunday Mail takes you behind the scenes of her most candid interviews to reveal what it truly means to be human. In this limited series, Frances Whiting's Humankind, she shares her favourite conversations with politicians, celebrities, performers, and everyday people with vital stories to tell. Listen in as Frances sits down with wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin, journalist Cheng Lei, Pub Choir’s Astrid Jorgensen, radio personality Robin Bailey, and a prominent Queensland police officer facing an unfathomable family tragedy. This is a podcast that draws you in and makes you cry, laugh, and feel. These are deep conversations that will stay with you long after they end. Hit follow to never miss an episode of Frances Whiting's Humankind. Read Frances’s columns at couriermail.com.au/journalists/fran-whiting and features at qweekend.com.au.

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