In this week's episode we speak with acclaimed author Helen Garner, who followed the travails of her grandson's footy team for her new book, The Season. She speaks with Konrad Marshall about what she now envies about male contact sports, the benefit of coming to footy with limited prior knowledge, and the debate over the book's cover image.

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In this episode, we talk to Tim Rogers. Best known as the frontman for rock band You Am I, Rogers was born in Kalgoorlie, WA, but lived all over the country growing up, spending time in Adelaide, Sydney and Canberra, and now, rural Victoria. The 55-year-old has lived a big life so far as a songwriter, raconteur, talking head and author. He's had his struggles and his joys but has remained, as always, sartorially splendid. He speaks with Good Weekend senior writer Konrad Marshall about addiction, mental health, footy, cycling, gardening, and his current tour with the band, celebrating the 30-year anniversary of its seminal sophomore album, Hi Fi Way.

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In this episode we talk to Jess Cattelly, the co-founder of Sydney swingers club Our Secret Spot. The 32-year-old got into swinging – also known as The Lifestyle - when she was just 20, and her Parramatta Road venue has since become an example of the way in which the swinging community is changing. Middle-class suburban key parties are no longer, nor is the practice as grimy or seedy as popular culture might have you imagine. Instead, The Lifestyle is big on respect and consent, joy and community, and, as Cattelly notes, usually led by the female gaze. It's also welcoming a new generation of Zoomers who are experiencing app fatigue, and see swinging as a more transparent and intentional option for hooking up. Hosting this conversation is senior writer Konrad Marshall, who interviewed Cattelly along with dozens of venue owners, party organisers, kink performers and “consent angels” for this week’s Good Weekend cover story: Swing Set.

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In this episode, we speak with Matthew Walker. The British neuroscience professor is the author of “Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams”, and he’s coming to Australia shortly to speak at Vivid Sydney in conjunction with the Sydney Writers' Festival. Walker has lately become the sleep expert of choice around the world for his deep research and clear thinking about one of life’s great mysteries – and necessities. This student of the sandman will be on stage in front of a packed audience at Sydney Town Hall on May 27, but for the moment, he joins Good Weekend senior writer Konrad Marshall for a chat about the incredible benefits of a good night's sleep.

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In this episode, we talk to Tania Lacy. The comedy pioneer became one of the biggest stars on Australian television in the 1980s, but at the height of her fame, Lacy seemingly vanished without explanation. In this revealing interview, she opens up about the reasons for her sudden disappearance, including her controversial sacking by the ABC; her addictions to heroin and alcohol; her mental health challenges; the damaging rumours spread by her peers; and a Hollywood dream that turned into a nightmare. Reflecting on what it was like being a young woman in a male-dominated industry, Lacy talks about all this and more in a feature story in the magazine this weekend - Disappearing Act - and hosting this conversation is the journalist behind that profile piece, The Age’s senior culture writer, Michael Lallo. Listeners should be advised that this episode deals with suicide and depression. If you are seeking help, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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In this episode, we talk to John Polson. You might know him from films such as The Sum of Us and, more recently, The Dry – or for the shows he’s directed including Elementary and The Walking Dead. But you might not know the remarkable story behind Tropfest – long described as the world’s biggest short film festival – which Polson founded and is bringing back after a six-year absence. Today he talks to Sydney Morning Herald senior writer Garry Maddox about the controversial highs and lows of the colourful festival, the high-profile team helping him revive it (from Bryan Brown to Sarah Murdoch), and how he landed Margot Robbie as jury president.

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In this episode, we talk to Mitch Brown. The retired AFL player recently came out as bisexual, making him the first (current or former) openly queer player in the league’s 129-year history. He describes growing up in country Victoria with his twin brother and fellow gifted athlete, Nathan, and how he made the move interstate when drafted by the West Coast Eagles in 2006. Brown played 94 games before retiring almost a decade later, having married professional netball player Shae Bolton-Brown, with whom he has two little boys. In conversation with Good Weekend deputy editor Konrad Marshall, he also talks about playing it straight in footy – and why he made the call to finally share his sexuality with the public.

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In this episode, we talk to Adam Collins. The Dandenong-raised, London-based commentator, broadcaster, podcaster and author is back in Australia for another summer of cricket, and also to promote his new book, Bedtime Tales for Cricket Tragics (after last year helping Aussie all-rounder Glenn Maxwell write his memoir, The Showman). But Collins also had another life in politics. A long-time Labor Party member, he spent his 20s in Canberra on the staff of treasurer Wayne Swan, and as media adviser to then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. Joining us from the first Test in Perth, this episode is hosted by chief cricket correspondent for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, Dan Brettig, the pair reflecting on the series to come, including a few choice Ashes predictions (or wishes).

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