Henry Xu

Canberra: Conversations in the Capital

Society EN ↓ 48 episodes

A podcast about Canberrans, for Canberrans. During his time working with Questacon and ABC Radio, Henry Xu met and chatted to some of the best the Nation's Capital has to offer. Now, he's ready to showcase them all. Through 20-30 minute interviews, Henry has conversations with a plethora of Canberrans- from life stories with Australian of the Year winners like Val Dempsey, to career retrospectives with cultural icons like Tim the Yowie Man. Recorded throughout the city, in locations relevant to his guests, this podcast allows the people of Canberra a chance to learn more about the town they li...

Author

Henry Xu

Category

Society

Latest episode

Nov 4, 2025

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Episodes

S8E6: Tim Miller, Lids4Kids Australia 04.11.2025

For the extended-length season finale, Henry chats with Tim Miller, founder of Lids4Kids and 2021 Australian of the Year Local Hero. Conversations occur throughout a tour around Lids4Kids Headquarters and range from Tim's experiences beginning Lids4Kids, managing a social enterprise, as well as a look behind the curtain for the AOTY Awards.

S8E5: Grace Campbell, Wedding Painter 28.10.2025

Henry chats with Canberra's premier wedding painter, Grace Campbell. Conversations range from Grace's experiences so far in the profession to advice and insight for weddings in the Nation's Capital.

S8E4: Trish Hurley, Stand-Up Comedian 21.10.2025

Henry chats with stand-up comedian Trish Hurley of The Women's Room. Conversations range from Trish's journey into the Canberra comedy scene, as well as insight into connecting ones life's experiences toward the craft.

S8E3: Evan Buckley, The Burley Griffin 14.10.2025

Henry chats with Evan Buckley of Canberra band The Burley Griffin. Conversations include Evan's experiences on stage, his thoughts on the Canberra music scene post-COVID19, as well as some reflections on the legacy of The Burley Griffin in the Nation's Capital.

S8E2: Alice Taylor, National Film and Sound Archives 07.10.2025

Henry chats with Alice Taylor of Elsie's Film House, the new Creative Producer and Program Coordinator of the National Film and Sound Archives. Conversations range from Alice's experiences in the film/TV industry, to her thoughts and reflections on the value of film and community.

S8E1: Val Dempsey OAM, St John's Ambulance ACT 30.09.2025

For this extended-length season opener, Henry chats with the beloved Aunty Val Dempsey from St John's Ambulance ACT, the 2022 Senior Australian of the Year. Conversations range from Val's experiences volunteering, her memories of the AOTY celebrations, as well as some reflective insight into the volunteering scene in the Nation's Capital.

S7E6: Gavin Smith, ACT Snake Removals 25.09.2024

For this extended-length season finale, Henry chats with Gavin Smith of ACT Snake Removals. Conversations range from the Canberra Snake Tracking Project to Gavin's reflections on the perception of snakes and importance of wildlife and ecology in the present day.

S7E5: Tommy Balogh, Visual Artist 18.09.2024

This episode, Henry chats with visual artist Tommy Balogh. Conversations range from Tommy's art-related adventures, both in Canberra and around the world, as well as his current and future projects in the profession.

S7E4: Sophie Edwards, Musician 11.09.2024

This episode, Henry chats with musician Sophie Edwards. Conversations range from Sophie's musical journey and She's On The Bill to reflections on the Canberra music scene and its future.

S7E3: John Delmenico, The Chaser 04.09.2024

This episode, Henry chats with John Delmenico- Head Writer and Editor of The Chaser. Conversations range from John's experiences being part of The Chaser institution, his thoughts on the founding "Chaser Boys", as well as reflections on the role of political satire in the modern day.

S7E2: Chloe Hosking, Olympic Cyclist 28.08.2024

This episode, Henry chats with Olympic cyclist and Commonwealth gold medalist, Chloe Hosking. Recorded at Stromlo Forest Park, conversations range from Chloe's experiences cycling around the world, to her reflections on a post-professional sporting career.

S7E1: Glynda Bluhm, Alpaca Magic 21.08.2024

In the season premiere, Henry chats with the proprietor of Alpaca Magic- Glynda Bluhm. Recorded on the farmstead, conversations range from Glynda's beginnings with alpacas and llamas, to her experiences with these fluffy animals over the last 25 years.

S6E6: Zac Young, Kita 05.12.2023

Henry chats with Zac Young, the co-founder of Kita: Canberra’s own after-hours café. Recorded ahead of the institution's five-year anniversary, conversations for the season finale range from the history and origins of the space to Kita's cult following and famous Curry of the Week.

S6E5: Sita Sargeant, She Shapes History 28.11.2023

This episode, Henry chats with Sita Sargeant, founder and director of She Shapes History. Recorded at Old Parliament House, conversations range from the history and creation of Sita's organization to making Australian women's history more accessible.

S6E4: Aislinn King, Performance Designer 21.11.2023

This episode, Henry chats with performance designer Aislinn King. Recorded in Canberra Theatre Centre's Courtyard Studio, conversations range from Aislinn's favorite design creations and collaborations to her national and international experiences in the field.

S6E3: Ari Rex, Photographer 14.11.2023

This episode, Henry chats with international award-winning photographer Ari Rex. Recorded at Wildbark in Throsby, conversations range from Ari's astrophotography workshops to becoming Nature Photographer of the Year in 2020, as well as shooting with infrared lenses.

S6E2: Dan Sanguineti, Filmmaker 07.11.2023

This episode, Henry chats with filmmaker Dan Sanguineti inside the Academy of Interactive Entertainment in Watson. Conversations range from the AIE to Dan's experiences in his profession as a person with autism and ADHD, as well as Canberra's current filmmaking landscape.

S6E1: Cal Bruton, OAM- NBL HOFer 31.10.2023

A new lap. In the season premiere, Henry chats with NBL Hall of Famer Cal Bruton, OAM. Recorded inside the SFX College Gym where Cal runs his Bruton Basketball workshops, conversations range from Cal's career in the NBL, his contributions and legacy to the sport, as well as Canberra's basketball scene in the present day.

S5E6: Jim Andrews, Reload Bar & Games 16.05.2023

In the season finale, Henry chats with Jim Andrews: co-founder of Reload Bar & Games. Recorded inside 1Up, conversations range from the history of the Reload organization, memorable stories and experiences as well as reflections on the evolution of Canberra's Sydney Building.

S5E5: Sally Black, Visual Artist 09.05.2023

This episode, Henry chats with visual artist Sally Black from her studio at Strathnairn Arts. Conversations range from Sally's journey to discussions about modern exhibitions and Canberra's growing art scene.

S5E4: Elyssa Castles, Molonglo Conservation Group 02.05.2023

This episode, Henry chats with Elyssa Castles of the Molonglo Conservation Group. Recorded at the Googong Township, conversations range from Elyssa's journey to the intriguing pink-tailed worm lizard.

S5E3: Duncan Driver, Lakespeare 25.04.2023

This episode, Henry chats with Duncan Driver of Lakespeare. Recorded inside Chifley Library on ANU campus, conversations range from the origins of Lakespeare to Duncan's additional insights in teaching and The Beatles.

S5E2: Sam Dowdall, The Barter Barber 18.04.2023

This episode, Henry chats with Sam Dowdall- The Barter Barber. Recorded inside their Ken Oath Barbershop, conversations range from the history and ideology of Sam's project and journey, to the importance of mental health within this day and age.

S5E1: Tim the Yowie Man 11.04.2023

In the season premiere, Henry chats with Canberra legend Tim the Yowie Man. Recorded inside the National Film and Sound Archives, conversations range from the origins of the TYM character, fun adventures and experiences over the last few decades, and his famous legal battle with Cadbury.

[Bonus Episode] Soumi Tannous, Bar Beirut 27.12.2022

Henry chats with Soumi Tannous, co-owner of Bar Beirut and 2022 AHA Host of the Year. In collaboration with Thorial and ACT City Renewal, this special extended-length episode was recorded in front of a live audience. Conversations range from Soumi's journey to Australia and his experiences regarding the Canberra hospitality scene.

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