Samantha Harris is one of Australia’s most recognisable models and a proud advocate for Indigenous representation in fashion. From gracing the cover of Vogue as the first Aboriginal model to writing her inspiring memoir Role Model, Samantha’s story is one of courage, grace, and determination. Her career has redefined beauty standards while celebrating cultural identity and resilience, making her a true trailblazer in the industry.

In this heartfelt conversation with Jess, Samantha reflects on her journey from a shy country girl with big dreams to becoming a confident force on the catwalk and soon-to-be mother. She opens up about the powerful influence of her late mother, the lessons learned from early challenges, and the importance of staying grounded in her Aboriginal heritage. Together explore how family, identity, and inner strength have shaped her success, and how Samantha hopes to inspire the next generation to walk proudly in their own footsteps.

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LINKS:

• Samantha's memoir 'ROLE MODEL' is available now wherever you get your books

• If you loved this chat with Melissa we think you'll love Jess's conversation with Elle Macpherson here
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guest: Samantha Harris
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Nat Marshall
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show acknowledges the Gadigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples here today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For more than 30 years, Karla Grant has been a trailblazer in Australian media, a proud Western Arrernte woman whose fearless journalism has paved the way for greater representation of Indigenous voices on screen. As the host and executive producer of Living Black on NITV, Karla has dedicated her career to truth-telling, giving a platform to stories too often overlooked, and inspiring generations through her courage, authenticity, and grace.

In this deeply personal conversation, Karla reflects on facing racism as a young girl to becoming one of Australia’s most respected Indigenous broadcasters. She opens up about the moments that tested her resilience, the people who shaped her path, and the drive that continues to fuel her fight for social justice. Karla shares how turning 60 has brought new joy and perspective, and why storytelling remains at the heart of who she is, not just as a journalist, but as a woman, a mother, and an advocate for truth.

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LINKS:

• While Living Black has wrapped for the year, you can catch up anytime on SBS On Demand. And if you’re looking for more powerful storytelling, Karla Grant Presents showcases a curated selection of documentaries and films, each introduced by Karla, who offers her personal insights and thoughtful context to deepen your viewing experience.

• If you loved this chat with Karla we think you'll love Jess's conversation with Leah Purcell here
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guest: Karla Grant
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Nat Marshall
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show acknowledges the Gadigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples here today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marianne Williamson is a best selling author, spiritual teacher, and political activist who has twice run for the Democratic nomination for the US Presidency. Her teachings on spiritual development have reached millions around the world and Oprah Winfrey describes her as ‘One of the most influential women of the modern spiritual world’. Marianne is now bringing her powerful live show to Australia, continuing her mission to awaken hearts and minds around the world.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Marianne and Jess explore the beauty and challenge of becoming at every stage of life. They dive into the gifts of menopause as a “second puberty,” the courage it takes to rise above trauma, and how to disarm self-sabotage. Marianne shares how faith, self-care, and spiritual practice can help us find peace in a noisy world. This is an episode for anyone ready to reconnect with their resilience, purpose, and inner power.

Know someone who'd find comfort in this episode? Why not share it with them by tapping the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and passing it on

LINKS:

• Marianne’s upcoming live series - An Evening with Marianne Williamson: The Power of Love and the Practice of Change - will invite you into a conversation on reclaiming our inner peace and collective purpose in a world increasingly marked by division, anxiety, and disconnection.

• Ticket information here:

  • Melbourne: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/event/130062D8AF6A233B

  • Sydney: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/event/130062D9D8CB31EA

  • Brisbane: https://events.humanitix.com/marianne-williamson-live-inner-light-outer-change

• If you loved this chat with Marianne we think you'll love Jess's previous episodes with Melissa Leong here
• If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guest: Marianne Williamson
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Nat Marshall
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show acknowledges the Gadigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples here today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.