The September 6 Edition
It’s hard to believe it’s been almost 20 years since Elizabeth Gilbert released her memoir, Eat Pray Love. Her story of one woman’s post-breakup spiritual journey went on to become a cultural touchstone. It popularised the idea of solo travel for self-discovery, created a market for everything from wellness retreats to holiday cooking classes, and was turned into a Hollywood film starring Julia Roberts. To “eat, pray, love” has even become a shorthand way of describing anyone on a journey of self-discovery and indulgence after a major life upheaval. It would be easy to assume the financial security and professional status which results from this kind of raging publishing success somehow guarantees personal contentment and immunity from pain. Not so much, it would seem. Our cover story today, which details the unexpected twists and turns of Gilbert’s journey over the past two decades, makes for a fascinating read. – Melissa Stevens, editor.
Codependency can make us ‘insane’: What Eat Pray Love’s author wants us to understand
Her memoir sold millions and became a hit movie. But for Elizabeth Gilbert, it was the death of her partner that helped her find what she was looking for.
- David Leser
‘A fundamental part of growing up’: Why Aussie kids can’t swim any more
Once a rite of passage, swimming lessons are becoming out of reach for many – with potentially deadly consequences.
- Erin O'Dwyer
Not your average tech bro: The boy from the bush behind a digital juggernaut
Rather than make potential billions, Martin Dougiamas made his “digital campus”, Moodle, a gift for learners.
- Victoria Laurie
They’d emailed for months. Then Mark flew to NZ to see if they had ‘something real’
After working together in a play, actors Mark Winter and Geraldine Hakewill fell in love. Since then, they’ve ridden a roller coaster – and come full circle.
- Katie Cunningham
- Dicey Topics
- John Butler
‘I can’t be Beyoncé. But ...’: Musician John Butler on his smartest financial choice
The 50-year-old singer-songwriter on his dad’s advice about sex, his fitness secrets and the best decision he ever made.
- Benjamin Law
- Modern Guru
- Modern Guru
My friend uses AI for messaging. How to make them reboot?
Chasing a joke, our Modern Guru was left terrified for his job.
- Danny Katz
The sommelier with Australia’s sweetest gig
Jessica Locarnini turned a backyard hobby into a one-of-a-kind side hustle.
- Dani Valent
‘You can tell the fakes by the number of teeth’: My counterfeit Labubu conundrum
Can you fool a pre-schooler with a fake Labubu? Armed with a gift for a great-niece, that’s what I was about to find out.
- Andrew Hornery
When it comes to street fashion, one city leads the way (hint: it’s not Paris)
Forget France: there’s one country that knows how to give new life to wardrobe staples.
- Damien Woolnough
Pandan and coconut butter cake
A slice of this bright green bundt cake is perfect with tea or as a light dessert.
- 1-2 hrs
- Helen Goh
- Review
- Zin - Food and Wine
‘Have another glass’: Farmhouse restaurant is perfect for long, wine-country lunching
From vineyard views to a proper nose-to-tail kitchen, The Zin House near Mudgee offers the full farm-to-table experience.
- Callan Boys
- Review
- Good Weekend
This under-the-radar Swanston Street spot is primed for your next big night out in the city
The historic red-brick Carlton United Brewery shell is home to Humble Rays cafe by day, and later, Regale and basement club Galer.
- Dani Valent
Why do wines from this particular US region taste unlike anything else?
You can still fine “foxy” non-vinifera wines, although they’re rare and out of fashion.
- Huon Hooke
Can you score a perfect 25 in the Good Weekend quiz?
Trivia buffs: test your knowledge with today’s interactive superquiz.
Other editions
The March 21 edition
Stephanie Alexander and The Cook’s Companion at 30 | Free-diver Ant Williams | Debra Adelaide and Gabrielle Carey | How to deliver a baby on a plane
- 11 stories
The March 14 edition
The high-strung, low-key world champ who could become our most-capped swimmer | Ukraine’s world-leading robotics work | Filmmaking at -50C | Consoling a friend
- 13 stories