20 Square Blocks

Graeme Quick is a researcher, historian and well rounded professional horseman. In fact he was recently awarded the James Stewart bequest for his Phd on social economic and cultural history of horses in Ballarat.  Graeme gives us a unique look into Ballarat’s history, using his insight and knowledge to transport us back to 1832 to reveal just how the horse has shaped this city.

Lily Mae Martin is a visual artist who graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts in 2008 with a Bachelor of Fine Art majoring in Drawing. I spoke to Lily about scholarships, Tasmania and her Waterloo paintings which came during a time when she changed her direction in life to aged care.  

If you’re a fan of board games, Dungeons and Dragons or just your average computer nerd, then you’d probably love GUF. Mark Carter, one of the owners and founders of GUF tells us about growing up in the 80’s, writing computer games and getting kidnapped in Kashmir.

I don't know much about 13 year olds....although I guess a long time ago I was one.  I was interested to know what goes on in the mind of a teen in the twenty twenties and, being this time of year,  see what they have to say about Christmas. 

What does Lady Di, a broken clock and Billy the dog have in common? The Bridge Mall of course! With over 100 stores, many multi generational, "The Bridge" has been the heart of Ballarat since the early 80's. I spoke with Germaine Davey (the General Manager of the Bridge Mall Business Association) and some of the locals store holders about their love of the Mall.

We all go through changes in life. Sometimes they impact us positively….other times - not so much. Jason Wakefield is a rehabilitation nurse at the Queen Elizabeth hospital and he witness changes in his patients everyday. However he has been through some rather big changes in his life and came by to share his story.

Chasing bears, taming wild horses  or riding with Bruce Springsteen through the Victorian High County. All in a day for this third generation Australian Horseman.

What do you think the purpose of being a human is?    a) To  live stress-free and happy    b) To push the boundaries of humankind    c) To live a full life    d) Other

I’ve heard it said that the desire to become a politician should in itself prevent you from ever becoming one. Unfortunately this advice isn’t often heeded. My guest today (who remains anonymous for obvious reasons) talks about politics being an addictive, lowbrow games full of dirt sheets, sabotage and backstabbing.  All in the life of university student politics.

Coming from South America, Guillermo Guzzoni arrived in Australia 11 years ago without knowing anyone ...or any english. When he decided to stay, he started to question who he was. I had a chat to him about the challenges of moving to a new country, redefining yourself and reestablishing your identity.

Papua New Guinea used to be  known to Australians as "The last frontier", a premium destination in the 1970's before it separated, gaining it's full independence. Janice Newton, an accomplished anthropologist who often visited the country from 1970 - 1979, reflects back on some of the key moments that shaped her life.

WARNING: If you believe in ghosts and want to continue this belief...perhaps skip this episode. Dr David Waldron will drop some logic that may make you re-examine your beliefs. Two blocks South East lives Dr David Waldron. He is a folklorist and historian with a particular focus on the development of urban legends and popular folklore as a response to traumatic community experiences. David tells u...

In 2001 a group of tourists from all over the world gathered in Tiananmen Square seemingly to take a photo ….but they had other intentions. Unveiling a yellow flag they started a protest. Emblazoned on this flag were just three words  - Truth, Compassion, Tolerance. Seemingly from nowhere, vans and police quickly enveloped the group, arresting them. What were they protesting you might ask? Falun D...

Barry Gilson is a proud Wadawurrung man, a traditional custodian of Ballarat and surrounding areas. He is a poet, a story teller and my local postie. He is also a respected singer songwriter and specialises in bringing back the ancient language of his people through his music.

You know when you’ve had one of those nights, where in the early hours of the morning you find yourself pondering the big questions of life ... until it does your head in? Now imagine if your entire life was doing exactly that. I sat down with Ben Numquam a PHD candidate studying philosophy at federation University. At the end of the show I mention the Podcast 'The Volume knob: The Songs that...

Merv Romeo spent 16 years performing rock n’ roll Christmas carols on his front porch and became an icon of the Ballarat Christmas scene. I spoke to him about where the tradition came from, what it meant to locals and visitors alike and what it meant to him.

Gardens provide us many things - flowers, fruit, weeds and at certain points in our lives, free therapy. I spoke with Kim Nolan, a member of the Friends of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens about what the garden means to her and how, when we're at our most vulnerable, a beautiful garden can offer a peace and tranquility to help us to heal.

What happens when things start to go wrong -  all around you? I sat down with Chris and Lucy Frith and spoke about when they met, when they got married and how when things started to crumble, they  reevaluated and swivelled.

Moving from the UK to Australia in the mid 1960’s, an aspiring young drummer found himself living in Melbourne during the hey day of sharpies, rockers & mods. Geoff Hassall chatted to me about his love of music and what led to an unexpected yet possibly the most fulfilling chapter in his music career.

Ask anyone what Ballarat is known for and you’d probably hear gold, amazing architecture, freezing cold weather and pubs. Torquil Neilson, a former film and tv actor, spoke to me about hanging up his actors hat, moving to Ballarat and opening an intimate bar 'The Comfort of Strangers' and how this decision changed his life. http://thecomfortofstrangers.com

Katrina Hill is a talented performing artist, events manager, podcaster and registered celebrant. But more than that, as many of her friends can attest, Katrina is a truth seeker both on and off the stage.

Ghosts, Ned Kelly and Eureka are all a part of Dana Street Primary school’s history. I sat down with Paul Nolan, the former principal and asked him to tell us about his time there and what he learnt about it’s 160 year history. Find out about how, when locking up the school one night, he took a photograph of a ghost that scared the living daylights out of him and his teachers.

The Mechanics Institute's building in Ballarat, perhaps by design, has a feeling of exclusivity and although I walk past it almost every day, I never knew what went on inside. So one day I went in to find out.

Several months ago, before we were all locked down, I spoke with Trav Munro.  Trav is an inspirational youth educator, life coach and motivational speaker. In our conversation we explored his upbringing, his relationship with his father and his Rite of Passage program that he designed for Fathers and Sons.

Why do we collect things? Some use it to relax, others for the thrill of the hunt. Then there are those that use it as a way to keep the past alive.