The Chrissy Mack Podcast

In this RNB episode, Michael Lester chats with Deborah Conway, tracing her eventful music career—from the 1980s with Do Re Mi and the hit "Man Overboard," through a vibrant 1990s solo run, to collaborations with her partner Zygier. They discuss the evolution of her craft, her foray into musical theatre with The Book of Life, and her 2025 autobiography. The conversation touches on themes like "Huma...

In this RNB episode, Michael Lester chats with Dennis King, a Northern Beaches artist, about the vibrant community art scene, the annual Pittwater exhibition featuring 20 artists, and the Pittwater Artists Trail open studio events in 2026. Learn about the exhibition schedule (Newport Community Centre, March 27-29) with works for sale and a fundraising silent auction, plus details on the open studi...

In this RMB episode, Michael Lester chats with Northern Beaches artist Michael Birk about his new album Ngarrayaw, his band The Recognisers, and how language, place, and culture shape his songwriting. Explore his personal stories, performance approach, and production insights as we spin tracks from the latest album, celebrating language, landscape, and belonging. Sign Save Sydney City  Shops Petit...

In this episode, Michael Lester chats with Katharina Pistor, professor of comparative law at Columbia University, about how legal doctrines shape capitalism and concentrate power. Drawing on her landmark works, including The Code of Capital (Princeton, 2019) and The Law of Capitalism (Yale, 2025), Katharina discusses the tensions between law, economics, and democracy, challenging the Chicago Schoo...

In this NBR (RNB) episode, Chrissy Mack guides you through 1968, the year the electric guitar rose from tool to voice—shaping rock, blues, and pop. Tune into a curated playlist and hear the story behind the sound that built a legend, as Chrissy traces the guitar’s ascent and its impact on a generation. Sign Save Sydney City  Shops Petition https://divinestreamradio.com/page/3196485/save-our-city-s...

In this episode, Michael Lester interviews Jacqui Scruby, independent NSW MP for Pittwater. They discuss her stance on contemporary issues including anti-protest laws, policing, and civil liberties, in the wake of significant events such as the Bondi massacre and President Herzog’s visit. The conversation also covers the rise of populist polling for One Nation and contrasts with Scruby’s commitmen...

In this RNB Podcast episode, Michael Lester interviews Dr. Alison Bronowski AM, a former Australian diplomat and AWPR advocate, about the case for reforming Australia’s war powers. They explore the implications of U.S. strikes on Iran, the domestic and international legality debates, and how Australia’s involvement through the AUKUS pact could shape its strategic posture and entanglements. A timel...

In this RNB Podcast episode, Michael Lester interviews Josh Dawes (with Sydney energy and sustainability insights from Josh White) about the rise of ESG—environmental, social, and governance criteria—as a framework for evaluating value. From the origins in UN guidelines to its global reach, explore how ESG data guides investments across over a thousand pension funds and roughly $130 trillion in as...

Join Michael Lester in an exclusive interview with Paul Winchester, the creator and founder of Point Break Theatre, as they discuss the powerful play and upcoming classic film adaptation of A Few Good Men. Running at the Star of the Sea Theatre from March 20–29 (trybooking.com), this courtroom drama explores themes of truth, justice, honor, and loyalty. Bailey Parker and David Allsopp, the lead ac...

In this episode of RNB Podcast, Michael Lester interviews Melissa Browne, a financial educator and author of Dare to Be Wealthy. Discover her approach to creating true wealth on your own terms, breaking barriers in a world often designed by men for men. Learn how women can gain financial freedom, confidence, and the power to pursue what truly matters. Join Melissa at the Manly Writers Festival, Ma...

In this episode, Michael Lester chats with Gordon Noble, research director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures (UTS) and specialist in sustainable finance. They discuss the environmental and governance challenges of data centers—central infrastructure for AI, cloud, and the digital economy. Topics include energy and water intensity, the rapid growth projected to US$7 trillion by 2035, Austral...

In this episode, Chrissy Mack speaks with Heather Davies, a talented conductor and musician, about her inspiring journey into music. Discover how she creates and travels with her shows, bringing musical excellence and passion to audiences around the world. Sign Save Sydney City  Shops Petition https://divinestreamradio.com/page/3196485/save-our-city-shops-petition/   Northern Beaches Entertainment...

In this episode, Michael Lester interviews Ross Wilson about his new book, Lloyd Rees and the Architects. Discover the legacy of Lloyd Rees, one of Australia's most revered artists, who taught art and art history for over 40 years at the University of Sydney. Learn how his drawing skills transformed architects’ perspectives on landscape, light, and structure—an influence still alive today. Ross Wi...

In this episode, Chrissy Mack explores the evolution of banking—from its roots at the merchant’s bench in ancient markets to today’s impersonal financial systems. Discover how the shift from human trust to algorithms and rigid policies has affected our sense of community and connection, and the importance of restoring compassion in finance. Sign Save Sydney City  Shops Petition https://divinestrea...

In this episode, Michael Lester speaks with Mike Pritchard, founder of the Australian Spy Museum, about his 15-year journey collecting over 2,000 genuine espionage artifacts from international intelligence agencies. Discover the fascinating world of spycraft, cyber security, and the stories behind the artifacts that reveal the secrets of espionage across the ages and countries. Sign Save Sydney Ci...

In this episode, Michael Lester chats with Robert Rigby, a seasoned music industry executive and founder of Ambition Records. With over 15 years of pioneering strategies, Robert shares how he’s championed Australian artists, revived legendary careers like Jon English and Russell Morris, and filled niche markets in country, jazz, and classical crossover. Discover his insights into navigating the ev...

In this candid episode, Chrissy Mack shares her passionate rant about how our banking systems have become impersonal and dehumanizing. Explore the need for compassion, integrity, and human connection in financial dealings, and how restoring our banks’ humanity can bring healing and trust back to our communities. Sign Save Sydney City  Shops Petition https://divinestreamradio.com/page/3196485/save-...

In this episode, Michael Lester interviews Ian Kemish AM, former Australian diplomat, about his debut thriller, Two Islands (Hachette 2026). Set against the backdrop of the Bosnian war, the fast-paced story follows an AFP prosecutor racing to find a witness and victim hiding in Scotland’s Hebrides. Ian shares insights from his diplomatic experience in the Balkans and his family heritage in the Heb...

In this episode, Michael Lester speaks with Michael Atherton AM, a passionate musician, composer, and music educator from the University of Western Australia. Discover his lifelong journey exploring instruments and sounds across cultures, his performances with groups like Renaissance Players and Sirocco, and his collaborations celebrating Australia's diverse musical landscape. Tune in for inspirin...

In this episode, Michael Lester speaks with Dr. Eliza DeCourcy, an expert and seasoned curator of photography, about her groundbreaking new book, Early Photography in Colonial Australia (2025). Based on three years of extensive archival research, Eliza reveals how early photographic techniques like daguerreotypes were imported, adapted, and used in Australia between 1840 and 1860—shaping colonial...

In this episode, Michael Lester interviews Professor Toby Walsh, a leading AI expert from UNSW, about the recent Australian national AI plan. Toby shares his disappointment, highlighting how the plan lags behind international efforts, focusing mainly on infrastructure while falling short on skills development, SME application, and proactive regulation. Discover the challenges and opportunities fac...

Join Chrissy Mack as she explores the history of rock and roll—tracing its transformations, the forces that shaped its evolution, and the lasting impact on music and culture. Then, get ready to experience the energy firsthand at the Northern Beaches Radio Rock the Radio fundraiser. Sign Save Sydney City  Shops Petition https://divinestreamradio.com/page/3196485/save-our-city-shops-petition/   Nort...

In this episode, Michael Lester speaks with Dave Warner, the legendary Australian musician turned best-selling author of 15 crime novels. Explore his journey from gold-selling rock star to master of crime fiction, with insights into his latest book, Sound Mind, Dead Body, and his upcoming appearance at the Manly Writers Festival (March 22-29). Discover the similarities between songwriting and writ...

In this episode, Michael Lester interviews Bonita Mersiades, founder and director of the upcoming Manly Writers Festival (March 19-22, 2026). With over 90 speakers across diverse genres and topics, Bonita shares the festival’s growth, community spirit, and the exciting lineup of fiction and non-fiction events at beautiful beachside venues. Discover how this independent festival continues to thrive...

Despite decades of neoliberal policies promoting growth and wealth, Australia's economy has fallen short for its people—fueling inequality, stagnant wages, and rising living costs. Bronwyn Kelly, policy analyst and founder of Australian Community Futures Planning, offers a bold critique and a call for fundamental reform. Join us as we explore her insights and prescriptions from her new book, The P...