Kurt Fearnley

Jackie Fearnley

In this episode of Tiny Island, host Kurt Fearnley sits down with his first return guest!    Back in one of our first episodes Kurt spoke with his mum, Jackie, when they were in Kenya visiting Kurt Fearnley Centre for children with disability.    This time Kurt and Jackie talk about raising a child with disability, some of the decisions the family had to make, and what it was like to follow the career of a professional wheelchair racer.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island: Jackie Fearnley

Rhys Muldoon

In this episode of Tiny Island, host Kurt Fearnley sits down with Australian actor and comedian Rhys Muldoon to discuss his life and career. Rhys opens up about his childhood growing up in Melbourne, his early years in the entertainment industry, and his experiences working on some of Australia's most beloved television shows. Rhys also shares some of his favorite memories from his time working on shows like Play School, The Saddle Club, and Bluey, and offers insights into what makes these programs so special for both children and adults alike.

In this episode of Tiny Island, host Kurt Fearnley sits down with Australian actor and comedian Rhys Muldoon to discuss his life and career. Rhys opens up about his childhood growing up in Melbourne, his early years in the entertainment industry, and his experiences working on some of Australia's most beloved television shows. Rhys also shares some of his favorite memories from his time working on shows like Play School, The Saddle Club, and Bluey, and offers insights into what makes these programs so special for both children and adults alike.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island: Rhys Muldoon

John Howard

In this episode of Tiny Island, host Kurt Fearnley sits down with former Australian Prime Minister John Howard to discuss his life in politics and beyond. He reflects on his childhood in a working-class Sydney suburb, and how his experiences growing up shaped his political beliefs. Mr Howard offers candid insights into his decision-making process and his philosophy on leadership, and shares personal anecdotes about some of the most memorable moments of his time in office.

In this episode of Tiny Island, host Kurt Fearnley sits down with former Australian Prime Minister John Howard to discuss his life in politics and beyond. He reflects on his childhood in a working-class Sydney suburb, and how his experiences growing up shaped his political beliefs. Mr Howard offers candid insights into his decision-making process and his philosophy on leadership, and shares personal anecdotes about some of the most memorable moments of his time in office.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island: John Howard

David Connolly

Kurt Fearnley sits down with David Connolly, the general manager of Tipperary group of stations in the Northern Territory. David shares his experiences of managing the stations, which cover an area larger than the size of Switzerland! He discusses the challenges of running a business in such a remote location, from the logistics of getting supplies to the stations to dealing with extreme weather conditions. They reflect on the beauty of the Australian outback and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

Kurt Fearnley sits down with David Connolly, the general manager of Tipperary group of stations in the Northern Territory. David shares his experiences of managing the stations, which cover an area larger than the size of Switzerland! He discusses the challenges of running a business in such a remote location, from the logistics of getting supplies to the stations to dealing with extreme weather conditions. They reflect on the beauty of the Australian outback and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island: David Connolly

Alison Battisson

Alison Battisson runs a legal and advocacy organisation that promotes human rights for refugees and asylum seekers. Kurt and Alison were part of a team who helped Afghan Paralympian get to the Tokyo games. Kurt and Alison discuss the complex issues surrounding the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers, the importance of advocacy and legal representation.

Alison Battisson runs a legal and advocacy organisation that promotes human rights for refugees and asylum seekers. Kurt and Alison were part of a team who helped Afghan Paralympian get to the Tokyo games. Kurt and Alison discuss the complex issues surrounding the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers, the importance of advocacy and legal representation.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island: Alison Battisson

Royce Simmons is a rugby league legend and all round great Aussie. He's a premiership winning captain of the Penrith Panthers and now faces another challenge after he was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Kurt and Royce chat about his early days growing up in rural New South Wales, his career in rugby league and all the highs and lows of his journey.

Royce Simmons is a rugby league legend and all round great Aussie. He's a premiership winning captain of the Penrith Panthers and now faces another challenge after he was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Kurt and Royce chat about his early days growing up in rural New South Wales, his career in rugby league and all the highs and lows of his journey.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island: Royce Simmons

Stan Grant

We're back for 2023! In this episode of Tiny Island, host Kurt Fearnley welcomes special guest Stan Grant, renowned journalist, author and commentator. Kurt and Stan delve into the complexities of identity, culture and the power of storytelling. With their shared experiences and unique perspectives, they discuss the challenges faced by Indigenous communities and the importance of amplifying their voices.

We're back for 2023! In this episode of Tiny Island, host Kurt Fearnley welcomes special guest Stan Grant, renowned journalist, author and commentator. Kurt and Stan delve into the complexities of identity, culture and the power of storytelling. With their shared experiences and unique perspectives, they discuss the challenges faced by Indigenous communities and the importance of amplifying their voices.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island: Stan Grant

Mark Humphries

At a time when real life politics seems like satire, you'd think the satirists would be out of a job. Instead, they've just taken their craft to another level. Mark Humphries is one of our best, funny, yet thoughtful and humble. At the end of an exhausting election campaign in Australia it was great to have a yarn about the lighter side of politics.

At a time when real life politics seems like satire, you'd think the satirists would be out of a job. Instead, they've just taken their craft to another level. Mark Humphries is one of our best, funny, yet thoughtful and humble. At the end of an exhausting election campaign in Australia it was great to have a yarn about the lighter side of politics.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island: Mark Humphries

To sum up Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM in a few sentences isn't possible so I'll try with just some of the headings. Medical doctor, lawyer, senior advisor to a Royal Commission, Queensland Australian of the Year, advocate, researcher, innovator, quadraplegic. With everything going on his life I was grateful to spend some time chatting with the calm, confident and lovely Dinesh. You will love this chat.

To sum up Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM in a few sentences isn't possible so I'll try with just some of the headings. Medical doctor, lawyer, senior advisor to a Royal Commission, Queensland Australian of the Year, advocate, researcher, innovator, quadraplegic. With everything going on his life I was grateful to spend some time chatting with the calm, confident and lovely Dinesh. You will love this chat.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island: Dr Dinesh Palipana

Jimmy Frank

Jimmy Frank is a Warumungu man passionate about sharing his culture. Through his work at the Warumungu Culture Centre and as a member of art collective the Tennant Creek Brio, he strives to educate people by sharing stories and histories from a Wumprurrarni (Aboriginal) perspective. He believes that truth telling is the best tool to unite divides and to allow a better understanding of what it is to be Australian.

Jimmy Frank is a Warumungu man passionate about sharing his culture. Through his work at the Warumungu Culture Centre and as a member of art collective the Tennant Creek Brio, he strives to educate people by sharing stories and histories from a Wumprurrarni (Aboriginal) perspective. He believes that truth telling is the best tool to unite divides and to allow a better understanding of what it is to be Australian.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island: Jimmy Frank

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island is a chance to hear from amazing Aussies about what it means to be an Australian.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island

 I am the product of Australia's world-leading and renowned public education system.   Teachers changed my life, offering the support, direction and fight to guide me where I am today. They inspired me and two of my siblings to become teachers. My belief in public education is due to the work of teachers from day one that lived by the belief of equality. This weeks guest is Elaine Masters, a primary teacher and principal in rural Australia for a few decades an my first teacher. We share stories of our first years in Carcoar &amp; our common belief in the power of education.

I am the product of Australia's world-leading and renowned public education system. Teachers changed my life, offering the support, direction and fight to guide me where I am today. They inspired me and two of my siblings to become teachers. My belief in public education is due to the work of teachers from day one that lived by the belief of equality. This weeks guest is Elaine Masters, a primary teacher and principal in rural Australia for a few decades an my first teacher. We share stories of our first years in Carcoar &amp; our common belief in the power of education.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island: Elaine Masters

 Today is a quick check in with Tiny Island listeners. We will be taking a short break between episodes. Now is a great chance to catch up on past conversations with some of the previous guests.

Today is a quick check in with Tiny Island listeners. We will be taking a short break between episodes. Now is a great chance to catch up on past conversations with some of the previous guests.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island: Short break

Cheryl Salisbury

Cheryl Salisbury may not be a household name but she is a one of the giants of Australian Sport. Cheryl was captain of the Australian female national team, the Matildas. A fierce competitor on the field, Cheryl make her debut in 1994 and went on to play 151 games for the green and gold, a record number of caps for a female or male player. Cheryl’s achievements saw her named in the FIFA Women’s World XI on two occasions in 2004 and 2007. On 27 January 2009, she announced she would retire after the game against Italy at Parramatta Stadium. The game finished as a 2-2 draw, with Cheryl scoring a penalty also receiving a standing ovation as she was substituted with six minutes remaining. In 2009, Salisbury was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame, in the Hall of Champions category.

Cheryl Salisbury may not be a household name but she is a one of the giants of Australian Sport. Cheryl was captain of the Australian female national team, the Matildas. A fierce competitor on the field, Cheryl make her debut in 1994 and went on to play 151 games for the green and gold, a record number of caps for a female or male player. Cheryl’s achievements saw her named in the FIFA Women’s World XI on two occasions in 2004 and 2007. On 27 January 2009, she announced she would retire after the game against Italy at Parramatta Stadium. The game finished as a 2-2 draw, with Cheryl scoring a penalty also receiving a standing ovation as she was substituted with six minutes remaining. In 2009, Salisbury was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame, in the Hall of Champions category.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island: Cheryl Salisbury

Craig Johnston

 If Craig Johnston's soccer career happens in today's digital age there wouldn't be a kid in Australia who didn't know his name and have the Liverpool 7 on their back.  Instead he's a bit of an enigma on our shores but has one hell of a story of making it to the big time against all odds, falling down over and over and dragging himself back up.  It was wonderful to have a yarn with Craig in Newcastle and learn a bit more about his highs and lows, and what keeps him coming back for more. 

If Craig Johnston's soccer career happens in today's digital age there wouldn't be a kid in Australia who didn't know his name and have the Liverpool 7 on their back. Instead he's a bit of an enigma on our shores but has one hell of a story of making it to the big time against all odds, falling down over and over and dragging himself back up. It was wonderful to have a yarn with Craig in Newcastle and learn a bit more about his highs and lows, and what keeps him coming back for more.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island: Craig Johnston

Sophie Roden

 Sophie Roden is a humanitarian worker and lawyer. At 17 Sophie would volunteer in rural Zambia, not too many years after she would choose to join the fight against Ebola in Liberia. One of the youngest guest on Tiny Island, Sophie has a great story to tell.

Sophie Roden is a humanitarian worker and lawyer. At 17 Sophie would volunteer in rural Zambia, not too many years after she would choose to join the fight against Ebola in Liberia. One of the youngest guest on Tiny Island, Sophie has a great story to tell.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island: Sophie Roden

Adam Goodes

 Adam Goodes is one of the true gentleman of Australian sport. His genuine character and desire to make our country better shines through in every action.   Adam had a long career as one of the best Australian Rules footballers of his generation, won the Brownlow as best in the game a couple of times, two premierships, four time All-Australian, Indigenous team of the century, the list goes on. He did alright on the field but his actions off the field are his ongoing legacy. A cracking yarn. 

Adam Goodes is one of the true gentleman of Australian sport. His genuine character and desire to make our country better shines through in every action. Adam had a long career as one of the best Australian Rules footballers of his generation, won the Brownlow as best in the game a couple of times, two premierships, four time All-Australian, Indigenous team of the century, the list goes on. He did alright on the field but his actions off the field are his ongoing legacy. A cracking yarn.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island: Adam Goodes

Michael Turner

 While individual athletes are on their own in the sporting arena, there's still a team behind them. This week I had the chance to sit down with Mick Turner, whose been part of my team through the ups and down for the last 20 years. From his living room in the middle of the night while I race a world away, next to me on Kokoda or trying to talk me out of racing the Sydney to Hobart, Mick's been there through the lot.

While individual athletes are on their own in the sporting arena, there's still a team behind them. This week I had the chance to sit down with Mick Turner, whose been part of my team through the ups and down for the last 20 years. From his living room in the middle of the night while I race a world away, next to me on Kokoda or trying to talk me out of racing the Sydney to Hobart, Mick's been there through the lot.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island: Michael Turner

Anthony Bell

 In my life there's been a few key people who have said how do we make this work, rather than throw me to the Sharks, Anthony Bell is one of them. I had the distinct honour of crewing with Belly in the Sydney to Hobart onboard Loyal, a boat which won the 2011 race and raised hundreds of thousands for children's medical equipment. We recounted some of that trip and why he does what he does.

In my life there's been a few key people who have said how do we make this work, rather than throw me to the Sharks, Anthony Bell is one of them. I had the distinct honour of crewing with Belly in the Sydney to Hobart onboard Loyal, a boat which won the 2011 race and raised hundreds of thousands for children's medical equipment. We recounted some of that trip and why he does what he does.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island: Anthony Bell

Warwick Green

 Warwick Green is a journalist, author &amp; former Australian rules player for the St Kilda football club. Warwick is the author of biography's for Jim Stynes, Neale Daniher &amp; my own. 

Warwick Green is a journalist, author &amp; former Australian rules player for the St Kilda football club. Warwick is the author of biography's for Jim Stynes, Neale Daniher &amp; my own.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island: Warwick Green

Curtis McGrath

 Curtis McGrath is an incredibly humble and hard working Australian paracanoeist &amp; Paralympian. He took up canoeing competitively after having both of his legs amputated as a result of a mine blast whilst serving in the Australian Army in Afghanistan. McGrath is the current Paralympic Champion &amp; has won ten gold medals at ICF Paracanoe World Championships between 2014 and 2019. 

Curtis McGrath is an incredibly humble and hard working Australian paracanoeist &amp; Paralympian. He took up canoeing competitively after having both of his legs amputated as a result of a mine blast whilst serving in the Australian Army in Afghanistan. McGrath is the current Paralympic Champion &amp; has won ten gold medals at ICF Paracanoe World Championships between 2014 and 2019.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island: Curtis McGrath

Kevin Mitchell

 Kevin Mitchell is an Australian singer-songwriter; Mitchell uses the name Bob Evans for his primary solo project. He is also the founding lead vocalist for the alt rock band Jebediah. Kevin’s music would be the soundtrack to the lives of a generation of Australians &amp; he takes it all in his humble creative stride.

Kevin Mitchell is an Australian singer-songwriter; Mitchell uses the name Bob Evans for his primary solo project. He is also the founding lead vocalist for the alt rock band Jebediah. Kevin’s music would be the soundtrack to the lives of a generation of Australians &amp; he takes it all in his humble creative stride.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island: Kevin Mitchell

Osher Gunsberg

 Osher Gunsberg might be best known these days for handing out roses on the Bachelor Australia but his most important work happens away from the camera.   Osher is an active advocate in the mental health space, sharing his own journey openly and trying to help others as host of the Osher Gunsberg podcast.   We sat down a few weeks ago, and a week later Osher welcomed his first son, Wolfgang into the world.

Osher Gunsberg might be best known these days for handing out roses on the Bachelor Australia but his most important work happens away from the camera. Osher is an active advocate in the mental health space, sharing his own journey openly and trying to help others as host of the Osher Gunsberg podcast. We sat down a few weeks ago, and a week later Osher welcomed his first son, Wolfgang into the world.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island: Osher Gunsberg

Do your kids enjoy a bit of downtime in their bedroom with their phone? Have you ever considered that someone posing as 'Justin Bieber' could get your innocent, clever daughter to do unimaginable things online? Nobody is immune to online crime, even our children. People like Queensland Australian of the Year DI John Rouse, are playing a leading role globally investigating and acting on crimes against children. This is a heavy topic and in this episode we talk about sexual abuse. If this is a trigger for you, sit this one out. And remember Lifeline is there for you on 13 11 14.

Do your kids enjoy a bit of downtime in their bedroom with their phone? Have you ever considered that someone posing as 'Justin Bieber' could get your innocent, clever daughter to do unimaginable things online? Nobody is immune to online crime, even our children. People like Queensland Australian of the Year DI John Rouse, are playing a leading role globally investigating and acting on crimes against children. This is a heavy topic and in this episode we talk about sexual abuse. If this is a trigger for you, sit this one out. And remember Lifeline is there for you on 13 11 14.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island: Jon Rouse

Gladys Berejiklian is an Australian politician serving as the 45th and current Premier of New South Wales and the Leader of the New South Wales Liberal party. Berejiklian was born in Sydney, the eldest of three daughters born to Armenian immigrant parents. Berejiklian spoke only Armenian until she was five years old, when she began learning English. We speak about gratitude and a strong since of duty and resilience that has assisted in the rise to the highest ranks of the NSW political stage.

Gladys Berejiklian is an Australian politician serving as the 45th and current Premier of New South Wales and the Leader of the New South Wales Liberal party. Berejiklian was born in Sydney, the eldest of three daughters born to Armenian immigrant parents. Berejiklian spoke only Armenian until she was five years old, when she began learning English. We speak about gratitude and a strong since of duty and resilience that has assisted in the rise to the highest ranks of the NSW political stage.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island: Gladys Berejiklian

Daniel Kowalski

I often say the 10 years of not winning was one of the major factors in my success when I eventually got there in 2004. But what if you never get that individual success because you keep coming up against the best athletes your sport has ever seen? How do you keep going?     Enter Daniel Kowalski, dedicated swimmer, champion bloke, but known most for his minor medals than anything else, behind messrs Perkins and Hackett.   He competed in the Olympic Games in 1996 &amp; 2000. At the 1996 Summer Olympics, Daniel was the first man in 92 years to earn medals in the 200-, 400- and 1500-metre freestyle events.    We have a great yarn about all sorts of things. Daniel is definitely a gold medal Australian.

I often say the 10 years of not winning was one of the major factors in my success when I eventually got there in 2004. But what if you never get that individual success because you keep coming up against the best athletes your sport has ever seen? How do you keep going?   Enter Daniel Kowalski, dedicated swimmer, champion bloke, but known most for his minor medals than anything else, behind messrs Perkins and Hackett. He competed in the Olympic Games in 1996 &amp; 2000. At the <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_Summer_Olympics" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">1996 Summer Olympics</a>, Daniel was the first man in 92 years to earn medals in the 200-, 400- and 1500-metre freestyle events.    We have a great yarn about all sorts of things. Daniel is definitely a gold medal Australian.

Kurt Fearnley's Tiny Island: Daniel Kowalski

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The best podcasts on investing. For anyone interested in the stories in the investing industry, whether it's an interview with Ray Dalio or Ed Thorp to the writer of The Big Short. This topic includes the most fascinating stories from all the best investors. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!