Frances Whiting’s Humankind

Journalist Cheng Lei on the power of the mind

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0000

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.

Pub Choir founder Astrid Jorgensen on becoming a global sensation

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0000

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.

Robert Irwin on conservation, fame and staying grounded

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0000

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.

Introducing: Frances Whiting's Humankind

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:55:49 +0000

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.