Chatworthy

Today’s episode is with professional dancer and Broadway swing McKinley Knuckle. We talk about preparedness — and the quiet mastery behind being a swing. Covering multiple tracks. Staying ready. Trusting your training when the call comes. We get into his dance journey, rejection as part of the process, and the ongoing work of finding balance in an industry built on uncertainty. He’s currently on B...

Joined by Oscar McCall from hardcore heavyweights  50 Lions , we dive into their explosive new album  New Reality that blends nostalgia, intensity, and raw emotion. Oscar talks about what sparked the band’s comeback, the creative process behind the record and reflects on balance, burnout, and managing mental health — sharing how travel, time in the ocean, and creative expression help him stay grou...

In this episode we’re joined by Jimmy Kyle from Chasing Ghosts known not just for their music, but for storytelling that speaks to truth, identity, and justice. Jimmy shares insights on the importance of togetherness, gentle guidance for those in our lives with mental health challenges, working through difficult transitions, as well as some great resources to explore First Nations topics. Photo by...

From busking on Melbourne’s Bourke Street to playing festivals around the world,  Tanya George  has built an entire career on being  the instrument . We get into her obsession with honing vocal ability, the wild magic of vocal looping, trusting your own style, turning nerves into performance fuel, and shutting out the noise from people who don’t get it. Tanya also talks about her powerful new sing...

In this episode, professional bodyboarder, Dave Winchester opens up about what truly anchors him — staying grounded through family  and the importance of carving out time for himself. He shares his thoughts on the  most underrated skill in bodyboarding, reflects on his unforgettable first Parkway Drive show and how Winston amps him up for surf sessions. We also touch on how the ocean has helped us...

Joined by Luke Bentham of The Dirty Nil, we explore the divine and the raw — how he drew inspiration from the intense imagery of Vatican art and transformed it into the driving force behind the band’s most dynamic record to date, The Lash out July 25. We talk about recording in a relaxed state — and why tension doesn’t make great records. Luke also discusses ways to create from a clearer  and calm...

Joining me today is Jim Riley from The Ghost Inside. We dive into what it means to be a role model while navigating life on tour—from everyday moments to times when everything falls apart (yes, that recent Australian tour). Jim shares how staying accessible to fans and friends, owning your mistakes, leading with integrity, and learning to listen past initial disagreement shape true leadership. Ref...

 In this episode, I am joined by @ mikisimans filmmaker and member of hurtdivisionband   @gravemindau    @annihilistmetal  We dive into the real life of film freelancers — staying fresh of mind, how commercial gigs can open doors (and wallets), the power of networking, and staying humble. We talk saying  no  to work, gear tips, data management must-knows, and spotting burnout before it hits. Of co...

In this episode, I’m joined by Cherry from Defences (UK) to dive into their powerful new album,  Shadowlight . We explore the theme of shadow work—facing your inner world, compartmentalizing, and identifying major life events that shape us. We bond over our shared love for screamo music and get real about what it’s like being a female metal singer. Cherry shares her journey of learning to scream,...

I chat with Josh from  The Juliana Theory  about the band's impact on surf/skate culture, what to expect on their upcoming Australian tour, and their hunt for local food and drink while on the road. We dive into balancing family life with music, guitar as his safe space, and being a non-drinker. Find out what shoegaze bands he's into , some of his favourite Aussie bands like  Tired Lion  and  Wax...

In this episode, I’m joined by homegrown talent Liam Guinane from *Windwaker* to explore the vibrant world of "hyper pop metal" . We dive into embracing flaws as fuel, prioritizing authenticity over people-pleasing, and the transformative power of self-reflection. Liam opens up the importance of genuine, non-transactional connections in the face of success, and the dangers of being placed on a ped...

In this episode, my good friend Jono (aka Ooi) and I dive into the topic of mental health, something we both felt deeply during the COVID pandemic. We’ve always been passionate about mental well-being, especially within the music community—particularly the genres we grew up with. With a little push from Jono, I figured out how to bring our conversations to life through this podcast, and the rest,...

Geoff Rickly, known for his music in Thursday and No Devotion, ventures into the literary realm with his autofiction debut, "Someone Who Isn't Me." Drawing parallels to a contemporary Dante's Inferno, Geoff discusses his odyssey through heroin addiction, highlighting the transformative hope discovered in the unconventional drug ibogaine. We also chat about storytelling nuances, e...

Dan Santat, a Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator, is undeniably one of the most captivating individuals I've ever spoken to. From a microbiology degree to a thriving career in the arts, he shares insights garnered from teachers and iconic figures like Stan Lee. We discuss cementing your own style, facing anxiety, dealing with executives and how his family influences his work. I’m envious that...

Belinda Bromilow, an Australian acting legend known for her roles in "Packed to the Rafters," "McLeod's Daughters," and "Rake," has recently enchanted audiences as the delightfully eccentric Aunt Elizabeth in the TV hit, "The Great." In this episode, we delve into Belinda's acting journey, where she shares insights on building authentic connections,...

Actress Victoria Nieves is definitely one to watch in this space as she successfully tackles theatre, radio and film. She discusses her trajectory into the world of acting, the journey so far, what she is looking forward to and the essential tools she relies on to better her skillset. I also have the great privilege in seeing her bring Tess from my script, Heartbreak Under a Neon Streetlight to li...

On this episode I am joined by the truly beautiful Jessica Hendy as she talks about her one woman musical based on her life and the mental health that follows; Walking With Bubbles . She discusses how to write your truth when tackling deeply personal and difficult topics , that we should look for the theatrical arc and ways to include the audience to create art that leaves an impact. She also shar...

* please note this episode contains content that discusses suicide - listen with caution* "Survival is triumph enough" - Harry Crews. It's one of Ben Hutcherson's favourite quotes and an apt obe for this podcast. We talk about pets and the many benefits they can bring to your life especially in regards to mental health. Ben shares so much wisdom from his therapists question of &q...

A great discussion with @frankturner who is heading back down under soon (late March/April) and has a new record in the works. He discusses navigating those in-between stages of life and draws upon T.S Eliot's wisdom, “dealing with stuff that isn’t your fault but is still your problem” in family units, drowning in shame, balance in friendships and knowing when it’s time to cut someone out of your...

My first guest for 2023, Miles Baker, guitarist for Interloper and Voidbringer, opens up discussing his challenges with attention and memory, specifically how he tackles misplacing items, forgetfulness and how that contrasts to his focus for music and guitar work. We discuss responding to the multitude of communication channels, do they really have ADD/ADHD or is it a behavioural issue or an excus...

Find out what Emmy Award winning Writer/Executive Producer David Mandel has been working on, why you need to build a bulletproof writing outline for your script, how Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld assisted in developing his comedy writing skills in the Seinfeld era, the importance of writing partnerships, creating and maintaining the frenetic pace of comedy, his creative partnership with Julia Lou...

*Heads up : this episode talks at length about drugs, addiction, suicide* In this incredibly raw chat, Kelllii Scott, drummer for FAILURE ( and a host of other bands) shares that the drugs/substances are not the problem, you are. He talks about 12 step programs, asking for help, leading by example, taking accountability and addressing your issues. We agree that connection is everything, integrity...

Join by Timo of Oceans we talk about the exciting upcoming album due out 25th November and then dive into how being personable to fans is paramount, connecting with them and ensuring they continue to seek the appropriate and/or professional help if needed. The benefit of partnering with smaller organisations /not for profits to continue to raise much needed awareness and offer support such as "The...

I'm so grateful for this candid discussion with Drea and Gaby from The Venomous Pinks. Drea lets us into her private world explaining the recent struggles on the European tour with her mental health and how the band dealt with this. She discusses feeling dead inside, lacking motivation and how she was able to shift out of this place. We look at post tour recovery, managing overwhelm and how their...

Do you like to laugh out loud? If so, you probably know about Pinky Patel - PTA Mum/Mom turned comedian and content creator. Nothing was off limits and Pinky doesn't shy away from anything. From wet spots, fairy bread, Ed Sheeran, Spiders, Periods  and more!  We talk about how art and crafts are cool, our love for Seinfeld and the comedy in the every day and how crowns and lip balm becam...