Our Byron Community with Chris Hanley

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with John Morgan - better known around town as Maddog  - to explore his decades-long connection with Byron Bay, from the early surf scene to community service and everything in between. John moved from Brisbane to Byron Bay in 1976 at just 19 years old, landing his first job at the local meat works. He takes us back to what the town was like in those e...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Louise O’Connell, General Manager of the Byron Community Centre, to explore a life shaped by adventure, service, and a deep dedication to community. Originally from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Louise reflects on the winding path that brought her to Byron Bay, including a few years travelling overseas, where a quiet moment on a beach in Croatia beca...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Geoff Cousins, a businessman-turned-environmental activist who has led major campaigns to protect Australia’s natural landscapes. From teaching teenagers at 19 to working in the corporate world, Geoff shares what ignited his passion for conservation and how he made the leap from business leader to activist.  We talk about the challenges of bridgin...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Cody Greenwood, a passionate producer whose upcoming film Birth Right is set for release in late 2025. Cody opens up about her creative journey, from studying at an art school to diving into the world of filmmaking, and how she’s built a career in a constantly evolving industry.  We dive into her experiences with film, including her childhood fasc...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Renaud Joannes-Boyau, Director of Higher Degree Research Training at Southern Cross Geoscience, Southern Cross University. Renaud's journey spans continents and disciplines, from his childhood in Paris to moving to the US at 15 to learn English, and ultimately finding his path in the world of research and academia. With a deep passion for...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Karen Gross, an educator, and passionate advocate for special education and disability inclusion. Originally from Paddington, Sydney, Karen’s journey took her from studying art teaching to raising twin daughters and pursuing a career in special education. She opens up about growing up in a creative family and how it influenced her approach to teac...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Rosborg, co-founder of Rafiki Mwema, a non-profit dedicated to helping abused and at-risk children in Kenya. Born in Sydney and raised in the Northern Rivers, Sarah’s journey to creating Rafiki Mwema is nothing short of extraordinary. What started as a volunteer trip to Kenya in 2005 quickly became a life-changing mission to provide a safe h...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we talk with Julianne Schultz, a journalist and board member of the Sydney Writers' Festival. Julianne is also the author of Idea of Australia . We discuss the challenges facing Australian politics, including why politicians seem afraid to take on public opinion and why real change feels so difficult to achieve. We explore why Australian politicians seem so t...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Tony Cross, a passionate educator, and Principal at the Byron Bay Community School. Tony's journey to teaching began far from the beaches of Byron—he grew up in the rural town of Goondiwindi, Queensland, where childhood freedom shaped his values and perspective on life.  After studying at UNE University in Armidale and then moving to Sydney f...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an insightful episode with Jeremy Burn, the owner of Bay Grocer in Byron Bay. Growing up in Taranaki, New Zealand, Jeremy’s path led him from hospitality to the dynamic world of retail. After earning a Business degree in Communications, he found his footing in accounts receivable at a radiology clinic before diving into marketing. Jeremy opens up about the challenges o...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we sit down with Paul Davis, an audiologist with over 30 years of experience dedicated to helping those with hearing disorders, particularly tinnitus. Growing up in Possum Creek in the late '70s, Paul embraced a self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle. After studying at Mullumbimby High School, he pursued a degree in hearing, paving the way for his impactful care...

Send us Fan Mail Join us in this live episode from the 2024 Writers Festival as we welcome authors Tim Baker, James Bradley, and Rebecca Huntley.  Together, they delve into the groundbreaking 2023 legalisation of psilocybin and MDMA in Australia for treating depression and PTSD. This thought-provoking discussion explores the transformative potential of psychedelics in mental health therapy and add...

Send us Fan Mail Join us in this live episode from the 2024 Writers Festival as we welcome journalist, author, and polymath Gideon Haigh for an intimate discussion about his latest works.  From the poignant memoir My Brother Jaz to the gripping true crime investigation  The Girl in Cabin 350 and the revealing biography The One Indiscretion of His Life , Haigh offers insights that transcend the cri...

Send us Fan Mail Join us in this live episode from the 2024 Writers Festival as we sit down with the legendary Kate Ceberano to discuss her latest work, Unsung: A Compendium of Creativity .  In this heartfelt exploration, Kate reflects on the people and experiences that have shaped her artistic journey, revealing the joys and challenges that inspire her music. As a powerful and vulnerable voice in...

Send us Fan Mail Join host Chris Hanley in this live episode from the 2024 Writers Festival as he interviews Nick Bryant about his book, "The Forever War: America’s Unending Conflict with Itself." Nick Bryant explains how the hate, divisiveness and paranoia we see today are a core part of America’s story If you’d like to share your story with us or provide feedback, please contact us via...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an inspiring episode with Dan Ward, who shares his journey from childhood on Christmas Island to overcoming addiction and helping others find recovery. Born in Melbourne and raised on Christmas Island, Dan navigated the challenges of fitting into new schools while moving frequently. He recounts surviving a category 3 cyclone in Vanuatu and struggling with identity and...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we sit down with Dr. Paul Thomas, a Newcastle-born nuclear medicine specialist now based in Byron Bay. Paul takes us on a journey from his medical training in Newcastle to his current work in the field of nuclear medicine. He offers a fascinating look into how problem-based learning at Newcastle University shaped his career and the intriguing science behind PET scans. I...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we explore the life and wisdom of Dr. Howard Chilton, a leading neonatologist with a remarkable journey. Born in Yorkshire, Dr. Chilton’s path took him from the English countryside to Byron Bay, where he has embraced both the community and the coastal lifestyle. In this episode, Dr. Chilton shares his experiences growing up in Yorkshire, his transformative time in Byron...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on an inspiring journey with Jane Thomson OAM, the visionary founder behind the Australian Women in Wine Awards and The Fabulous Ladies’ Wine Society. In this episode, we explore Jane’s remarkable career evolution, from her influential role in the dynamic wine industry to her tranquil life in the Northern Rivers. Starting out as a psychologist specialising in organisational...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an engaging conversation with Guntis Sics, a visionary sound engineer whose career has spanned continents and decades. Originally from Sydney and his first language being Latvian, Guntis takes us through a fascinating journey, including a touching reunion with his father and grandmother in Russia in 1975. With an impressive portfolio that includes working with renowned...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an enlightening conversation with Steve Wyatt, a former development economist who transitioned to journalism and now calls Byron Bay home. From his early days in Sydney to his impactful years in London managing global coffee and cocoa trade, Steve’s journey is both fascinating and inspiring. In this episode, Steve shares his experiences in development banking, his shif...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an insightful conversation with Jessica Alice, the newly appointed Artistic Director of the Byron Writers Festival. Coming from a rich background in literature and arts leadership, Jessica shares her journey from CEO of Writers SA to her current role steering one of Australia's premier literary events. With the 2024 Byron Writers Festival returning to the pictures...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for a special live episode of Our Byron Community which was recorded at an intimate gathering at the Sun Seeker Hotel in Byron Bay. Host Chris Hanley had the privilege of sitting down with Andy Hamilton, Founder of Human Nature Adventure Therapy. With over 20 years of experience in youth mental health and rehabilitation, Andy shared his journey and insights into his pionee...

Send us Fan Mail Join Colleen Ryan as she takes you on a captivating journey through her life and career in journalism. From her humble beginnings in Woolongong to her move to Sydney for university, Colleen shares the pivotal moments that shaped her path. Starting out as an accountant, she made a bold career shift into journalism, landing a role as a cadet journalist at the prestigious Financial R...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we sit down with Jessie Summons, a visionary leader and advocate for critical thinking. In this episode, Jessie shares insights into the power of critical thinking and its transformative impact on personal and professional spheres. Drawing from her enriching experiences at co-working spaces like the Corner Palm, she paints a vivid picture of the collaborative atmosphere...