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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