Frances Whiting’s Humankind
Frances Whiting’s Humankind is a limited-series interview podcast hosted by award-winning Australian journalist and columnist Frances Whiting. Produced by The Courier-Mail and Sunday Mail, it features deep conversations with politicians, celebrities, performers, and everyday people who have extraordinary stories to share. Episodes go behind the scenes of her most candid interviews, exploring themes of heartache, triumph, love, and loss. Guests include wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin, journalist Cheng Lei, Pub Choir’s Astrid Jorgensen, radio personality Robin Bailey, and a Queensland police officer facing a family tragedy.
Episodes
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 your dreams. Reilly has a DeLorean DMC-12 car from Back to the Future, a life-size Han Solo in carbon
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 th
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 ca
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 th
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
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
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
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 pare
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 Worl
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 t
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, i
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
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
