Really Interesting Women - the podcast

Episode 143

Professor Clare Wright

Clare is an award-winning historian, author, broadcaster and public commentator who has worked in politics, academia and the media. She holds a PhD in Australian Studies from the University of Melbourne and an MA in Public History from Monash University and is currently Professor of History and Professor of Public Engagement at La Trobe University. She is the author of five works of history and hosts the ABC Radio National history series, Shooting the Past.

Her latest book Näku Dhäruk: The Bark Petitions (2024) (Text Publishing) is described as ‘‘An impossibly important book’, that traces the story of a founding document of Australian democracy and the trailblazers who made it. This is the final chapter in Clare’s best-selling Democracy Trilogy, and follows the land rights movement led by Australia’s first people.

This was quite a wide ranging and important conversation as we discussed this country's history and how the teaching of history has changed so dramatically in the last 10 years in particular to ensure that we 'recover the lost and forgotten pages of Australian history'.

Follow the link in my bio and head to the podcast for a listen....

Clare's books can be found here:

https://www.clarewright.com.au/author

Her publisher is Text Publishing

Visit instagram @reallyinterestingwomen for further interviews and posts of interesting women in history.

Follow the link to leave a review....and tell your friends
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/really-interesting-women/id1526764849

Really Interesting Women

The Podcast

Ep. 142 Kate Grenville

Kate Grenville is one of Australia’s most celebrated writers.

Her international bestseller The Secret River was awarded local and overseas prizes, has been adapted for the stage and as an acclaimed television miniseries, and is now a much-loved classic.

Kate has now published 16 books, many of which have won major literary prizes. They’ve all been published around the world and all the novels have been translated into many languages.

Some of her other novels include Sarah Thornhill, The Lieutenant, Dark Places and the Orange Prize winner The Idea of Perfection, the bestselling A Room Made of Leaves and Women’s Prize shortlisted Restless Dolly Maunder.

It was a great chat. We talked about her influences both personal and literary...and how she lamented the fact that in the 60's her literary influences (such as they were) seemed to be English...until she discovered Patrick White. And then, at age 13, it all changed. And she still cherishes and is influenced by a first edition novel of his. She explained why she had no faith in The Secret River when she first sent it to her publisher. "Is this a book?", she asked. The answer, thankfully, was an emphatic "YES". She also explains why, when she was approached about adapting that book to the stage, her only request was that they didn't undertake a faithful adaptation.

Her imagination is celebrated internationally. Her intellect is obvious...and she's a lot of fun.

Her new book, 'Unsettled' will be published very soon.

Head to my bio for a link to her podcast episode.

Visit instagram @reallyinterestingwomen for further interviews and posts of interesting women in history.

Follow the link to leave a review....and tell your friends
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/really-interesting-women/id1526764849

Really Interesting Women - the podcast


Ep. 141

Shaynna Blaze

This is my final podcast episode for 2024 - and what an incredible guest to finish.

Shaynna Blaze has had an amazing path to becoming the household name we see today.

And her abilities and talents are the gift that keeps on giving as she throws herself into another aspect of her ever evolving career.

Shaynna takes opportunities, or creates them. Or both.

It's a great discussion which shows how a fulfilling life and career can open up - if you're open to it and prepared to work for it.

For those who may not be aware of Shaynna's background, she is an award-winning interior designer, author, creative director, business owner, executive producer, musician, and, of course, TV personality.

She has become a household name from her time as a co-host on Selling Houses Australia and as a judge on The Block since 2012. Her television career expanded with her participation in Celebrity Apprentice Australia, which she won...in 2021.

She has also just launched her EP which re-establishes (that’s ‘re-establishes’) her music career. She is also an advocate for social justice, she actively supports organizations addressing domestic violence and has been involved in projects like the feature film The Fort, which highlights issues of domestic abuse. She is committed to mentoring the next generation of designers and empowering women in the industry.

Her EP clips are on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kXU-DWX_2qHsRwGiDi3JCtfXZXHNQYD60

Her 'Bluebottle performance' on The Masked Singer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hr8i8Jsbs7s

Her cabaret show at Malthouse Theatre Melb. Feb 27/28
https://www.malthousetheatre.com.au/whats-on/hirer-events/taking-back-my-joy

Voice of Change: instagram @voiceofchangeau

Visit instagram @reallyinterestingwomen for further interviews and posts of interesting women in history.

Follow the link to leave a review....and tell your friends
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/really-interesting-women/id1526764849