About this season
This show is on a mission: to answer life's big questions through art. Join the ever-curious Namila Benson on the journey as she meets artists from all over the creative landscape to find out who we are and where we're headed.
Episodes (15)
1. Heartbreak
Aired 4 June 2024 • 30 min
We've all experienced heartbreak, whether romantic, platonic or the death of a loved one. Namila wonders when it comes to getting over heartbreak is the answer in art? Features Josh Thomas, Emma Donovan and Celeste Mountjoy.
2. Being Imperfect
Aired 11 June 2024 • 29 min
Nobody's perfect, but can art help us accept our failures and shortcomings? Namila Benson asks powerhouse singer-songwriter Amanda Palmer, artists Yhonnie Scarce and Richard Lewer, and jazz musician Audrey Powne.
3. Masculinity
Aired 18 June 2024 • 30 min
Guest host, drag sensation Courtney Act travels the country to investigate the world of masculinity. Courtney wants to know: What does masculinity mean today. Will art provide answers?
4. Sex
Aired 25 June 2024 • 30 min
Namila confronts an ever-taboo subject - Sex. Why does sex make us uncomfortable? Travelling from strip clubs to burlesque bars, she explores whether the answer is in art. Features Michala Banas, Paul Yore and Kitty Obsidian.
5. Making A Difference
Aired 2 July 2024 • 28 min
Ever wondered how some artists change the world? In this inspiring episode, Namila chats with some of her heroes, both international megastars and Australian icons including Angelique Kidjo, Bimini and Uncle Kutcha Edwards.
6. Rage
Aired 9 July 2024 • 28 min
Namila discovers rage can be a powerful motivator. Author Christos Tsiolkas, Archibald winner Del Kathryn Barton, comedian Nazeem Hussain and rapper Barkaa show how passion and fury paint a vivid picture of modern life.
7. Being Funny
Aired 16 July 2024 • 30 min
Namila Benson faces her greatest fear... stand-up comedy! Namila chats with comedian Shaun Micallef, comic Zainab Johnson, classicist Mary Beard, father/son duo Dane and Bow Simpson and political satirist Badiucao.
8. Climate
Aired 23 July 2024 • 29 min
Zoe Norton Lodge and Namila Benson want to know if art can help our climate. With OITNB star Yael Stone, artist Ghenoa Gela, sculptor Megan Cope's living eco solution and artist Jessie French's extraordinary "plastic".
9. Hair
Aired 13 August 2024 • 30 min
From mullets to afros, Namila Benson wants to know why we're so obsessed with hair. She seeks answers with artist Patricia Piccinini, top model Duckie Thot, hair sculptor Zena Thiboult and at Mullet Fest.
10. Starting Over
Aired 20 August 2024 • 29 min
How do we start over when life takes us back to square one? Guest host Osher Gunsberg seeks answers from ex-Wiggle Emma Watkins, AFL legend turned painter Gavin Wanganeen and comedian Sam Kissajukian.
11. Motherhood
Aired 27 August 2024 • 29 min
Namila explores how art can help us understand motherhood. Featuring artist Atong Atem, writer and podcaster Elizabeth Day, Kelly-Dawn Hellmrich of Camp Cope, Mother of the House Of Alexander Ella Ganza and Prof. Mary Beard.
12. Food
Aired 3 September 2024 • 30 min
Guest host Matt Preston wonders 'Can food be art'? For answers, he meets chocolatier Kirsten Tibballs, chef Ben Shewry, glass artist Jenni Kemarre Martiniello and ventures to Indonesia to see an ancient cave painting.
13. Ageing
Aired 10 September 2024 • 30 min
Guest host Yumi Stynes ponders 'Is there an art to ageing?' Seeking inspiration, Yumi visits artist Lindy Lee, dancer Meryl Tankard and author Kathy Lette. Meanwhile Namila Benson visits artist Maree Clarke at her workshop.
14. Sport
Aired 17 September 2024 • 30 min
Former Matilda Elise Kellond-Knight wonders if she can channel her sport obsession into an art obsession. To find out she visits surfer and painter Otis Hope Carey, AFL photographer Michael Willson and more.
15. Money
Aired 24 September 2024 • 30 min
Daniel Browning (RN's The Art Show) asks why we're uncomfortable discussing money, particularly when it comes to art. With artists Michael Zavros, Kay Abude, Richard Bell and Andrei Molodkin - who held hostage art worth $45m.