The Open Table

What happens when you stop trying to fit in and start living as yourself?Mitch Brown pulls up a chair with Anna Polyviou, Irene Jones and Stephanie Leung for a conversation that goes well beyond football.The former West Coast Eagles player opens up about coming out as bisexual, finding confidence after leaving the game, and the people who helped him feel safe enough to be himself. He shares his experiences of homophobia and biphobia, challenges assumptions about bisexuality, and reflects on the pressures of masculinity in Australian sport.The conversation gets personal as Mitch talks about his relationship with partner Lou, their approach to honesty and communication, and raising children with kindness, confidence and the freedom to express themselves.There are plenty of laughs, too - from behind-the-scenes stories about his music video appearance to acting ambitions, celebrity crushes and his habit of pretending to be a spy when dining alone.In the kitchen, Anna serves up mini pork and beef sausage rolls with vegetables and herbs, bringing back one of Mitch’s favourite childhood food memories. Then it’s back to the table for Stephanie’s quick-fire questions and a heartfelt reminder about choosing people who bring out the best in you.Honest, cheeky and full of heart. Pull up a chair - nothing is off the table.Follow @theopentable_podcast for clips and behind-the-scenes.Hosted by Anna Polyviou, Irene Jones and Stephanie Leung.Produced by The Hungry Girlz.Guest and partnership enquiries: hello@thehungrygirlz.comContent note: Contains strong language, explicit sexual discussion, and conversations about homophobia, biphobia, mental health, suicide and women’s safety.

Radio rumours, jungle reunions and a carrot cake challenge, Woody Whitelaw is our first guest at The Open Table, and we’re not easing him in gently.The Will & Woody radio favourite joins Anna Polyviou, Irene Jones and Stephanie Leung for a conversation that swings from laugh-out-loud stories to the moments that really matter.Anna wastes no time asking about the Sydney breakfast radio rumours, before Woody opens up about keeping a friendship strong while working together for 15 years. He reflects on supporting his best mate Will through depression, shares his family’s experience of dementia, and explains why making people feel a little better is a lesson he’s taken from his dad.There’s plenty of mischief along the way: jungle memories with Anna, a night out before breakfast radio, and behind-the-scenes celebrity encounters—from Hugh Jackman’s kindness to an interview that didn’t quite go to plan.In the kitchen, Anna takes on Woody’s dietary wish list with gluten-free carrot cake muffins, complete with apple, walnut crumble and dark chocolate. Then Stephanie’s quick-fire questions uncover his dream dinner guest and the deeply personal reason he wants to write a stand-up show.Pull up a chair. Nothing is off the table.Follow @theopentable_podcast for clips and behind-the-scenes.Hosted by Anna Polyviou, Irene Jones and Stephanie Leung.Produced by The Hungry Girlz.Guest and partnership enquiries: hello@thehungrygirlz.comContent note: This episode contains coarse language and discussions of depression, anxiety and dementia. Guests share personal experiences, not medical advice.