Better Than Yesterday with Osher Günsberg

Erin Brockovich is probably the most famous name in Law in the world. Making a name for herself when she went up against utility company Pacific Gas & Electric and helped bring together the largest settlement ever paid in a direct-action lawsuit in U.S. history on behalf of the people of Hinkley, CA who had been affected by polluted water.Erin went on to become instrumental in numerous other high profile cases, usually up against massive corporate entities who are using their size to get away with either polluting the environment or otherwise neglecting humans basically. Erin was out in Australia doing work with Shine Lawyers - whom she’s been working with for over ten years now, in particular around the issue of PFAS, a toxic chemical contained in firefighting foam used widely in Australia between the 1970s and 2000. The substance was sprayed over defence force bases, shipping ports, and regional firefighting stations for decades. It leaches into the soil and surrounding waterways, causing contamination. In 1987, American authorities wrote to the Australian Government to warn about the dangers of PFAS but nothing was done. Research in the United States has linked exposure to PFAS to cancer and a dozen other diseases. Residents in many Australian towns, including Bullsbrook in Western Australia where Erin visited during her visit, say their dogs have been riddled with cancer and die young. They can’t drink the tap water. They bathe infants in bottled water. There have also been reports of birth defects. Unfortunately, it is difficult to prove in Australian law causation between exposure to this chemical and disease. The people at Shine reached out to me to ask if I’d have Erin on the show, so of course I said yes. I’m terrified to speak about this kind of thing, so I know enough that backing away from it is not the path to freedom - I have to lean into it. So I flew my self on a carbon-offset flight down to Melbourne to speak with this incredible human being. Erin is as you would expect. Incredibly Clever, Blisteringly Fast, Tall, Powerful, Passionate and a Firehose of Fury.I get why she’s good at what she does. Because if you’re going toe to toe in a boardroom with a company that’s got political donations protecting them, you’ll want to have a secret weapon up your sleeve - and that secret weapon is Erin Brockovich. This one blew my socks off. Find her on instagram @the_real_erin_brockovich, let her know you heard her here. And come now to the beautiful Langham hotel in Melbourne to sit eye to eye with one of the best legal minds of our time, and one of the most ferocious environmental activists you’ll ever encounter. Ladies and Gentlemen, Erin Brockovich. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clinical Psychologist and Author Dr Rachel Menzies focuses her work on how our inevitable death shapes our lives. She's co-written three books with her father on the subject including "Curing the Dread of Death: Theory, Research and Practice.", "Tales from the Valley of Death: Reflects from Psychotherapy on the Fear of Death" and " Mortals: How the Fear of Death Shaped Human Society".In between writing books she has a busy practice, and in addition to that clinical work, Rachel currently works as a postdoctoral research fellow and guest lecturer at the University of Sydney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Checking in, February 11, 2022 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Ian Chung has been practising for nearly fifty years in Sydney, Australia. We’ll get into his story shortly - however, he made a name for himself as "Dr Rock”, the doctor to call when you have a major international performer that can’t make the show and there are 20,000 people who have bought tickets and are on the way to the gig as you speak. That’s when you called Dr Chung. If you’ve read my book, you’ll know how I came to meet him - but I can’t tell you how glad I am that I did. Not only was he and the first doctor to diagnose me with social phobia (which was the first time everything started to make sense) but he was the first doctor that I saw about my head that taught me real skills to deal with what was happening rather than just talk about it. I’ll never forget when Dr Chung got angry at me when I told him I’d rather have a few beers to calm down my anxiety than take antidepressants, and it was his anger and frustration that shook me out of my stubbornness and lead me to take those meds - which not only gave me incredible relief but made me lament refusing them when I was first offered them nearly ten years beforehand. A quick note - just because Ian helped me, doesn’t mean he’s the only person who can help. I’ve had many doctors since Ian and they’ve all helped me get where I am and stay where I am today - he’s just the one who set the standard to which I held all other doctors accountable to. There are many, many excellent doctors who can help you if you need help. It’s important to allow time to find them. You might not click straight away, it might not work for you, that’s ok - they’ll work for someone else and that’s fine. It’s important to keep trying, keep trying to find the doctor that you click with, one you can trust, one that makes you want to do what they tell you to do. Because if you’re at the point where you're seeing a Dr, you’re at the point where your ideas have run out of usefulness. So be quiet, listen to what they tell you to do, and do it. And it was in doing what I was told by Doctors that helped me get to a place where I’m a lot healthier than where I once was.It’s not hyperbole to say that Dr Chung changed my life - and I am so very grateful that you now get the chance to hear the story of this incredible man. Ladies and Gentlemen, Dr Ian Chung.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Campbell Walker (aka Struthless) is an Artist, Author, YouTuber and Animation Studio Boss from Sydney, Australia.His brilliant book "Your Head Is A Houseboat" is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Checking in, February 4, 2022 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben St. Lawrence is an Australian middle-distance runner, a two-time Olympian and an all around interesting guy.We met at a Story Club show, one of his friends came up and said “hey you should get Ben on the podcast!” and we exchanged email addresses and then we were able to make it happen.Ben’s not the first Olympian I’ve had on the show, however his story - his particular triumph over adversity and refocus of his life is one worth hearing.We talked about finding the thing you were good at, then finding out you were also good at drinking heavily and sleeping in, and then deciding that you’d prefer to do one and not the other.It’s a great story.Find him on twitter @bennysaint and let him know you heard him here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johann Hari is a brilliant investigate journalist whose new book "Stolen Focus" digs into the deep and profound reasons how second by second your attention, my attention, and I'd argue our very humanity - is being drained from us for profit that we don't participate in by forces bigger than us, and how we can fight to get it back. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Checking in, January 28, 2022 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I want to take you back to 2015, when I met with actor, comedian and writer Nakkiah Lui. Nakkiah is a talented writer. She was playwright in residence at Sydney’s Belvoir Theatre and was also artist in residence for Griffith Theatre. You probably know Nakkiah best for her writing and acting on Black Comedy. You can see Nakkiah in her latest comedy ‘Preppers’ on ABC iview now. If you would like to hear my full conversation with Nakkiah, you can scroll through this feed to episode 96.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emily Ehlers is an Author, Artist and Environmental Activist. Her latest book Hope is a Verb is out now. Follow her here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Checking in, January 21, 2022 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hamish Blake is a Broadcaster, Author, Producer and living legend now from Sydney Australia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Checking in, January 14, 2022 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yumi Stynes is a broadcaster, podcaster, author and mother of four incredible kids.Yumi is a profoundly powerful and creative person, and has released books upon books upon books.Two books in her “Zero Fucks Cooking” series, Two books with the OG Dolly Doctor, Dr Melissa Kang - "Welcome to Your Period" and "Welcome to Consent" which we talk about today, on top of that, her latest book came out in late October - “Ladies, We Need to Talk”.Our conversation focuses on her book “Welcome to Consent” which I was privileged to get an early look at.All her books are available to order or pre-order wherever you get your books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Checking in, January 7, 2022 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stan Grant is a journalist, international affairs analyst, author, professor and proud Wiradjuri man hwo lives in Sydney Australia. His new book "With the Falling Of The Dusk" is out now.Of all the interviews I've done on this show - this is easily one of my all-time favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Osher's 3rd Annual pitch for the next 365 days.(And yes, he knows there's less than 22. He was out by a pool on holiday and on a roll. The full list is on Instagram) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Layne Beachley AO is regarded as the most successful female surfer in history. Layne’s dedication to success saw her as the only surfer, male or female, to claim six consecutive world titles between 1998 and 2003. Layne went on to win a 7th world title in 2006 before retiring from the ASP World Tour in 2008. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Ben Lee is a singer, songwriter, and spiritual adventurer. He grew up in Bondi. He now lives in LA. Between the two - there's quite a tale to tell, and many questions to ask along the way. Enjoy the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Checking in to talk about dealing with the negative self-talk that can ruin your Xmas. Also a very bad impression of Michael Buble. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leigh Sales from ABC TV's 7:30 Report on political bias, interviewing the heavy-hitters, and her uni days. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Easkey Britton is a surfer, writer, artist, film-maker, coach and marine social scientist, with a PhD in Environment and Society.Find out more at:www.easkeybritton.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Checking in, December 10, 2021 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Garrett is one of the world's most iconic and recognisable musicians and activists, and is also the former federal environment minister and education minister.For twenty five years he fronted Midnight Oil, one of this country's most powerful, outspoken, noisy, sweaty and thought-provoking bands. Their musical career intertwined with activism from the very beginning, they made great music you could dance your ass off to - and within this music was a powerful message. Not an acoustic guitar jangly nasal protesty message either - but a powerful, masculine, almost warrior-like strength that spoke against injustice and inequality.You'll hear through this chat that I reference my own experiences with Midnight Oil, because like many Australians of my generation and the one above me - they were inescapable. Peter has written a memoir called Big Blue Sky, which is out now all around the world wherever you buy your books.Now, about the audio quality. Peter wanted to meet in a cafe in Paddington on a Saturday morning - so through the chat you'll hear the sounds of a cafe, the espresso machine firing up, the sirens, the music, the hubbub of that part of Sydney on a bust weekend.So with that in mind, I'd like you to join me for a cup of coffee at a very small table with the extraordinarily engaging, charismatic, intelligent and passionate Peter Garrett. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reuben Styles from Peking Duk, the iconic Australian Dance Music Duo, multi platinum, aria-winning, club-packing, festival-rocking, party party party Peking Duk.After over a decade of bringing vibe to the summer around the world - Reuben is using his unique set of skills to bring a new project to live - You’re Only Great Always. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Checking in, December 3, 2021 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Montaigne is a singer/songwriter/performer from Sydney, Australia - her new single "Now (In Space)" is out now, details at montaignemusic.com.auWe met on Twitter after she tagged me in a photo that she took of an old notebook full of "I love Matt Corby" signs she and her school friend had held up in a live audience at Australian Idol about 15 years ago. That she now has a job where she's a performer is so wonderful to see. She came around to my house one morning last week, and filled the room with a powerful and loving energy - she's a really special human. Even if you're not a music head or like other kinds of music, I'm sure you'll get a lot out of this chat - we cover what it means to redefine yourself through your appearance, struggles with parents around her sexuality, and what it is to make music for a living. I hope you get as much of a buzz out of listening to this as I did recording it. Enjoy this conversation with Montaigne.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Courtney Act is a Drag Performer, TV Host, Podcaster and Author, her brilliant new book is "Caught in the Act". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Checking in, November 26, 2021 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eytan Lenko is a tech entrepreneur from Melbourne, he's the Chairperson of Beyond Zero Emissions - bze.org.au who want to bring 1 Million Climate-related Jobs to Australia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The next election in Australia will be decided on Climate Policy whether you realise it or not. Good Climate Policy = Good Economic Policy / Social Policy / Health Policy.Let's start with the economics of it.Nicki Hutley is a highly experienced economist, she is an economic adviser with Social Outcomes, developing and evaluating social impact programs, and a Councillor with the Climate Council. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Checking in, November 19, 2021 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Craig Reucassel is a comedian, author and activist best known for his work on The Chaser, War on Waste and Fight for Planet A.His new book "Fight for Planet A" is out now.Get it. Give it to someone you love. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Hunt is an author and historian who's hilarious new book "Girt Nation" brings us up to speed on how our Federation came to be. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Checking in, November 12, 2021 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Audrey Griffen is a makeup artist and writer from Sydney, Australia. She also happens to have been married to Osher for nearly five years now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saul Griffith is an inventor, entrepreneur, founder and Chief Scientist of Otherlab and Rewiring America, and the author of "Electrify: An Optimist's Playbook for Our Clean Energy Future". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Checking in, November 5, 2021 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian media legend Ita Buttrose is the Chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting life as a baby found in a roadside box by soldiers in Iraq, Emmanuel Kelly rose to live his dream and become a singer and songwriter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Checking in, October 27, 2021 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’ve known Yumi for 21 years, and in this episode we just scratch the surface as to why she’s such an incredible human being. It’s enough to make you wanna go hitchhiking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lance Picioane is the CEO of Love Me Love You, who work tirelessly in the area of positive mental health outcomes and suicide prevention.You can support him as he rides his bike up Mt Everest here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Checking in, October 22, 2021 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Karl (@doctorkarl) is a world-famous author, presenter and Science Communicator. He was also involved in the creation of the word "Selfie". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heidi Lee is the CEO of Beyond Zero Emissions which is an internationally recognised think tank. Through independent research and innovative solutions they show how Australia can prosper in a zero-emissions economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Checking in, October 15, 2021 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet the Rule Benders, hosted by Alexis Fernandez (Do You F*****g Mind?). Intimate interviews with extraordinary Australians who prove that men can talk about mental health, women can be funny, old people can bend the rules, and you can have your smashed avo and eat it too. In this episode, Osher shows Alexis how men are finding their voice and overpowering destructive coping mechanisms like suicide, drugs and alcohol.If today’s podcast has brought up any feelings for you that you’re concerned about, or you’re worried about someone you know, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Samsung.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe in your favourite podcast app to hear more Rule Benders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.