It all started with a phone call and a question “Are you free August 3rd?” Spoiler alert: I was, and when she responded with, "We’re going to see Drew Barrymore live!" and that “Wanderlust are holding the event,” I nearly lost it. Drew has been my idol since childhood - movies like Never Been Kissed, Ever After, and Charlie’s Angels are forever etched in my heart.
The night arrived. I threw on my brightest dress, swiped on my favourite MAC lipstick in shade 921 Sultry Move, and was out the door faster than you can say “ET phone home.”
Naturally, we love food and girls’ gotta eat, so our first stop was a cute little cafe near the bottom of her apartment called SuperFly for some pizza. It was delicious, and their bread and cheese appetisers were divine!
Now the event. Firstly, Wanderlust knows how to party! Stalls everywhere, freebies and bags of goodies, dancers spread throughout! It was a night! Then we find our seats with more little gift bags and to start our evening, we participated in a mass meditation session with Jonni Pollard and IKSRE. It was so cool.
The stage calls for Drew to arrive.
Drew took to the stage with her signature warmth, that classic Drew smile, making it feel like we were all just hanging out in her living room, sharing stories. She opened up about her life, describing herself as a “student” of the world, someone who is always eager to learn from others. What really resonated was her honesty about not always feeling prepared and her dislike for being overly polished. It was a refreshing reminder that it’s perfectly okay to be imperfect and to embrace learning without fear, and particularly, from someone like Drew.
Dressed in an effortlessly chic ivory suit and platform heels, Drew looked every bit the star, but it was her down-to-earth vibe that really hit home. She opened up about being content in her life, secure in her own skin, and not needing to rely on anyone. I was floored by how relatable she made everything feel like she’s just as human as the rest of us, imperfections and all.
How lucky were we to spend an evening with Drew Barrymore, cozied up on the couch with some of Australia's most beloved personalities - Terri Irwin, Emma Watkins, Dannii Minogue, Baker Boy, and Michael Klim - hearing them share how they’ve overcome their own challenges. I was completely in awe as Drew opened up about her rise to fame as a child in Hollywood, emphasising the lack of boundaries she faced and how she never heard the word "no" from her parents. This set the tone for a night filled with deep and meaningful conversations that managed to be both profound and relatable.
Drew’s panel, focused on the theme of permission and creating your own safe space, really hit home with the audience. She unpacked these ideas with the kind of grace and honesty that only Drew can. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of giving ourselves the permission to be imperfect and the necessity of finding a safe space within us.
The night kicked off with a conversation between Drew and Carla Raynes, the evening's charitable partner. Carla opened up about personal struggles she hadn’t shared publicly before, revealing the deep roots of her passion for helping others. She spoke about running Bridge-IT, a youth homeless shelter in Melbourne, which provides a safe space for young people who often have nowhere else to turn. The conversation got personal when Carla reflected on her time in children’s court, where she was one of the few kids with a parent by her side, a moment that fuelled her drive to make a difference.
Next, Terri Irwin took the stage in her signature hunter gear, looking as incredible as ever. Drew, who relates closely to Terri’s experiences, brought up the challenge of maintaining objectivity about oneself. They talked about how it feels to be adored and supported by so many, even when life throws curveballs like grief and loss. Drew, reflecting on her own life and recent divorce, asked Terri how she manages to keep moving forward, especially when things get tough. Terri’s wisdom? Grief isn’t a competition, and it’s essential to acknowledge it in a way that doesn’t harm yourself or others.
Drew also had a heartwarming conversation with Dannii Minogue about their shared experience of early fame. Both started their careers at just seven years old, and they bonded over their desire to protect their children from the spotlight. They talked about the importance of living in the present, setting boundaries, and how being parents, themselves has brought new challenges and learning experiences - particularly around protecting their kids in ways they themselves weren’t protected.
When Drew spoke with rapper Baker Boy, the discussion turned to the importance of cultural heritage and community. Baker Boy shared his mission to teach young kids in Arnhem Land to embrace their roots, listen to elders, and learn their language through music. Drew was clearly impressed by his ability to navigate both his Indigenous culture and the broader world, underscoring the value of staying connected to where you come from.
Emma Watkins, formerly known as the Yellow Wiggle, talked about her battle with endometriosis and the courage it took to share her journey publicly. She opened up about the challenges of explaining to children why she couldn’t tour, battling rumours, and ultimately finding connection through her honesty. Drew’s appreciation for Emma’s openness was evident, as she acknowledged the risks and vulnerability that come with sharing such personal struggles in the public eye.
One of the most moving moments of the evening was Drew's conversation with Michael Klim, who opened up about his battle with CIDP, a rare autoimmune disorder. Michael spoke candidly about the shift from being an Olympian to facing the daily challenge of simply walking. The discussion highlighted the resilience and determination required to redefine oneself when life changes dramatically. Drew and Michael shared a beautiful exchange about how he’s learned to adjust his mindset and embrace this new chapter of his life.
You’d think someone like Drew Barrymore, with all her success and global love, would be indestructible, right? But what really hit home for me was realising that she’s just like the rest of us - vulnerable and human. One of the most touching moments of the night was when Drew opened up about her struggles with self-criticism. She talked about the importance of finding safety within herself and setting firm boundaries against that inner critic. It was incredibly relatable and offered so much comfort to everyone in the audience.
The night was a beautiful blend of deep conversations and shared experiences, all centred around the themes of resilience, self-acceptance, and the importance of creating your own safe space. Drew Barrymore brought her unique touch to every discussion, leaving us all with plenty to think about as we continue our own journeys.
The evening wrapped up with a strong sense of empowerment and authenticity. Drew’s honesty about her own vulnerabilities and triumphs created a space where we could all reflect on our own lives and feel inspired to grow. She reminded us that being a lifelong learner, embracing our imperfections, and creating a safe space within ourselves are key to living a fulfilling life.
And I have to mention the lovely gesture from Wanderlust! They gave us goodie bags filled with their amazing products, and I couldn’t resist donating to the cause too - plus, they even gifted me two books for it! I’ve started using the products, and let me tell you, they’re incredible. I’m already feeling more energized and vibrant, and I’m excited to keep this positive momentum going.
As I walked out of the venue, I couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of purpose. Drew Barrymore's insights resonated deeply, and I know they’ll continue to inspire and guide me long after the event. It was one of those rare nights where you leave feeling truly enriched filled with genuine connection, meaningful conversations, and a lasting impact that will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you Drew and the beautiful team from Wanderlust!