The Chrissy Mack Podcast

In this special episode, Michael Lester sits down with Margaret Brandman, a renowned Sydney-based composer, pianist, and music educator. With a career spanning over fifty years, Margaret shares her journey through a rich variety of musical styles—from classical and jazz to Latin American music—and her experiences as a performer, composer, and teacher. Recognized and awarded both in Australia and i...

Chrissy Mack interviews Terry Kennedy from Thryv about making it easier for small businesses to get found online, connect with customers, and turn engagement into sales. Terry also shares practical tips on how small businesses can prepare for a successful Christmas season. Tune in for valuable insights to help your business thrive during the holidays! Sign Save Sydney City  Shops Petition https://...

In this inspiring episode, Michael Lester talks with Wayne Richmond, a dedicated musician, venue owner of Humph Hall, and leader of the community ensemble Loosely Woven. Wayne shares his thirty-year journey in music and community service, highlighting how a group of about twenty instrumentalists and singers come together each year to create diverse concerts across the Northern Beaches, Sydney, and...

: In this enlightening episode, Michael interviews Dr. Elizabeth Finkel, a renowned biochemist, science journalist, and editor of Cosmos magazine, about her latest book, Prove It: A Scientific Guide to the Post-Truth Era (Latrobe/Black Inc, 2025). Dr. Finkel offers compelling insights into how the scientific method has evolved over centuries, emphasizing that science is a continual search for trut...

Join Michael Lester as he sit down with Hugh Mackay AO, a social psychologist, researcher, and commentator with over sixty years of experience. Hugh discusses his latest book, Just Saying: Personal Reflections on 25 Famous Quotes (Allen & Unwin, 2025), sharing his collection of essays that challenge and inspire us to rediscover the importance of connection and community—elements we’ve often lost i...

In this exciting episode, Chrissy Mack interviews the talented and upcoming band Astrovan. Discover how they started, their journey to winning a major competition, and how performing gigs has helped them grow as musicians. Plus, hear about their special role as the opening act at the grand opening of Collaroy Theatre—an iconic heritage-listed Art Deco venue, and their mission to help save this his...

Hosted by Chrissy Mack, this episode features an inspiring interview with Dragana Ana Kardum from Northern Beaches Multicultural Communities. She shares her journey of moving to Australia before the war broke out, and how she had to stay when she couldn’t return home. They discuss the challenges of raising children in a multicultural society and the vital services organizations provide. Plus, Chri...

Join Brad Griffith on Radio Northern Beaches as he interviews Caleb Foster, exploring his journey as a dad and his passion for music. Discover how family and music inspire Caleb’s life, and get an inside look at his creative process and personal story. Sign Save Sydney City  Shops Petition https://divinestreamradio.com/page/3196485/save-our-city-shops-petition/   Northern Beaches Entertainment htt...

Join Chrissy Mack as she dives deep into the early days of Susie Smithers and Robert Jefferies, collectively known as The Vallies. Discover interesting facts about their journey, the challenges they faced, and how their careers have evolved over the years. Tune in to hear inspiring stories from their past and insights into what they’re doing now. Sign Save Sydney City  Shops Petition https://divin...

Join Michael Lester from Radio Northern Beaches as he discusses with Ceridwen Dovey, author of Only the Astronauts (Penguin, 2024), her award-winning work blending science, imagination, and philosophy. Dive into her insights on space as a global commons, human motivations, morals, and our behaviors reflected in space exploration. Through playful yet profound storytelling, Ceridwen explores our hop...

Join Maria Mai from Radio Northern Beaches as she interviews Petros about the transformative power of art therapy. Discover how the creative process—whether drawing, painting, or sculpting—can help explore feelings, resolve conflicts, and boost self-awareness. Learn how art therapy offers a unique path to healing and emotional well-being. Sign Save Sydney City  Shops Petition https://divinestreamr...

Join Chrissy Mack on Radio Northern Beaches as she shares her candid and controversial thoughts on the ongoing Green Bin food waste trial happening across the Northern Beaches. Dive into the issues surrounding council spending, the environmental impact, and the paradoxes of plastic and waste management. Don’t miss this bold discussion on local sustainability and community choices. Sign Save Sydney...

Join Maria Mai from Radio Northern Beaches as she interviews Liz Taylor about her inspiring career change—from her days in the entertainment industry to becoming a heartfelt marriage and funeral celebrant. Discover how Liz’s passion for helping others find joy and comfort led her to a new calling, bringing beauty, meaning, and hope to life's most important moments. Sign Save Sydney City  Shops Pet...

Join Michael Lester from Radio Northern Beaches as he interviews Lynette Russell, AM, renowned anthropological historian and co-author of Innovation: Knowledge and Ingenuity. Discover how First Nations Australians have pioneered innovation for over 65,000 years—adapting through migration, ice ages, and colonialism. Celebrate their incredible achievements in sustaining and evolving culture through...

Join Chrissy Mack on Radio Northern Beaches as she chats with Josh Keys, a talented student from Ultimo Music College (TAFE). Discover his passion for music, the journey through his studies, and the stories behind his songs. Tune in for an inspiring glimpse into a young musician’s path and creative inspiration. Sign Save Sydney City  Shops Petition https://divinestreamradio.com/page/3196485/save-o...

Join Michael Lester from Radio Northern Beaches as he interviews James Carleton, the long-time presenter of ABC Radio National’s God Forbid. With a distinguished career as an award-winning international affairs reporter, James discusses how religious and ethical programming has transformed over the past century of national broadcasting. Discover how he approaches tackling contemporary issues from...

:Join Chrissy Mack on Radio Northern Beaches as she interviews Elise Balsillie, Head of Thryv Australia and New Zealand. Discover five practical ways to look after your online reputation and learn how AI can help your small business become more human and connected. Tune in for expert tips on building trust and standing out in the digital world! Sign Save Sydney City  Shops Petition https://divines...

Join us on Radio Northern Beaches for an inspiring episode of The Grit Diaries as we sit down with Karen Arthur, Ambassador for The Women’s Resilience Centre. Despite facing numerous life challenges, Karen’s warmth, vivacity, and unwavering resilience shine through as she shares her powerful story of supporting others in need, especially in the fight against suicide. Discover how her optimism, hum...

Join Michael Lester from Radio Northern Beaches as he interviews Sydney-born jazz vocalist, songwriter, and musician Gregg Arthur. With years of experience performing in Las Vegas and San Francisco, Gregg has honed his craft listening to the great jazz masters. Now back in Sydney, he continues to perform, write, and record both locally and internationally. In this episode, Gregg shares his approac...

Join Michael Lester from Radio Northern Beaches as he interviews Rod Willis, the legendary manager of Cold Chisel for over 30 years. Rod shares his incredible journey through the world of music and mayhem—from his upbringing in Sydney’s vibrant music scene, to swinging London and the UK in the 60s as a roadie, and touring the US before returning to manage one of Australia’s greatest rock bands. Di...

Join Maria Mai from Radio Northern Beaches as she chats with star Amber Lawrence about her energetic music that encourages you to let loose and dance. Discover how Amber’s songs inspire joy, freedom, and movement, and hear about her journey and passion for connecting with fans through lively, uplifting sounds. Then, Maria welcomes Chuck Sics, a renowned multi-instrumentalist from Sydney, to talk a...

Join Michael Lester from Radio Northern Beaches as he catches up with Sue Heins, Mayor of Northern Beaches Council, on a wide range of local issues. From beach pollution, erosion, and shark nets to housing development, e-bike police blitzes, and regulating illicit tobacco and vaping outlets—this conversation covers the pressing concerns shaping our community. Also, learn about council finances, co...

Join Chrissy Mack on Radio Northern Beaches as she interviews Maggie Scott, aka "Maggie Australian Maid." Renowned for her stunning vocals and hilarious comedy routines, Maggie delivers a dynamic, self-contained entertainment experience. With twelve industry awards and a style rooted in personal storytelling, she’s a true Australian talent blending laughter and music. Don’t miss this inspiring cha...

Join Michael Lester from Radio Northern Beaches as he discusses with CSIRO ecologist Dr. Robert Godfree his latest book, Drought Country (CSIRO, 2024). This environmental history spans three centuries of droughts that have profoundly impacted Aboriginal, colonial, and modern societies, shaping the land, water systems, and ecology of Australia. Discover why, despite these devastating lessons, we co...

Join Michael Lester from Radio Northern Beaches as he discusses the key personality traits linked to startup success with Paul McCarthy, adjunct professor at UTS and UNSW. Based on a comprehensive study of 21,000 founders across multiple countries, Paul shares how success is strongly correlated with diverse traits—supporting the ensemble theory of startup achievement. Discover the six key founder...