He’s a musician and visual artist with a head for business – the holistic performer John Butler on his music and what drives his soul.

Celebrity author Jackie Collins was once dubbed the ‘raunchy moralist’ – a description she agrees with. She talks to Jane Hutcheon about growing up a wild child in London, “getting-to-the-desk-block”, and the pain of fame.

One of Australia’s most prolific and controversial commentators, Andrew Bolt is multi-media personality who thrives on a good argument, inspiring some and enraging others. He talks with Jane Hutcheon.

The creative circus that’s been his world, from a small boy in regional NSW to an internationally-acclaimed motion picture producer. Director and screenwriter, Baz Luhrmann, talks to Jane Hutcheon.

The bass-playing female rock star, Suzi Quatro, has always been a trailblazer. She discusses avoiding the trappings of stardom, why she said no to meeting her hero, Elvis, and being comfortable in her own leather.

Scotland’s international publishing sensation, Alexander McCall Smith, likes to puts a positive spin on life. The author tells Jane Hutcheon that like many characters in his Number One Ladies’ Detective Agency series, he searches for hope, even when there’s despair.

Brendan Cowell is an actor, director and writer who knew he always wanted to perform in front of a crowd. He’s keen to push the boundaries in his art, dealing with raw subjects such as anger, violence and suicide. He spoke to Jane Hutcheon.

Former Queensland Premier Anna Bligh finished a tough career in politics in 2012, then, after moving to Sydney, discovered she had cancer. She speaks with Jane Hutcheon about her legacy as a politician, recovering from cancer and her new executive role in the non-profit sector.

Fashion guru Gok Wan was an obese child. Growing up in a mixed-race family in the English Midlands certainly had its challenges. After a faltering start, he got a break after taking his own advice: a life-changing make-over.

Outspoken anti-nuclear campaigner, Dr Helen Caldicott, abandoned a promising medical career to fight the threats of nuclear power and weapons. Now in her 70s, Dr Caldicott fears she may be fighting a losing battle.

Alain de Botton is a philosopher, broadcaster and writer who probes the critical questions of modern life, from love and religion to work and the media. He shares his take on so-called first world problems with Jane Hutcheon.

Jennifer Saunders is a British comedy legend who has brought laughter to millions for three decades. She tells Jane Hutcheon why her life can only be described as “bonkers”.

Scott Ludlam is a Greens Senator from Western Australia who knows what it’s like to fight for political survival. After his recent re-election to the Senate, he discusses the powers and pitfalls of the internet and how he caught the nation’s attention with a speech that went viral.

Catherine Martin has won more Oscars than any other Australian. The designer speaks with Jane Hutcheon about key influences in her life and how her strength is interpreting other people's visions.

Patricia Routledge is an acclaimed British actress best known for her portrayal of the pretentious housewife Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances. She reflects on her life and six-decade career with Jane Hutcheon.

Alice Walker is an author, activist and poet best known for her Pulitzer-prize winning novel The Color Purple. She speaks with Jane Hutcheon about a life spent striving against injustice and oppression.