The Open Table

Double the Deans, Double the Drama! If you’re interested in LGBTQIA+ media, queer representation, drag culture, and Australian LGBTQ+ voices, this episode is for you. This episode, we’re joined by not one but two dazzling Deans. First up, Dean Arcuri — once the “busy homosexual,” now the “business homosexual” — talks about his new role at the helm of Q News and what it means to take queer me...

And Now for the Fine Print… Yes, it’s that part of the show where we get legal — but keep it proudly queer. Sophie Jest is back for her second guest appearance — because once just wasn’t enough. Lawyer by day, lead singer of queer punk band RUB by night, she’s the kind of guest who can give you legal advice and scream into a mic — in the best possible way. In this episode, Sophie unpacks the reali...

We’re thrilled to welcome Joy Media CEO, Paul Scott Williams (@scottypsw) to the podcast! Paul joins us for a heartfelt and open conversation, giving JOY listeners a rare chance to connect with the voice behind the leadership. You might know him from those familiar Radiothon mornings — but this time, he’s sharing more of his story. We talk about identity, navigating life as he/they, and the deeply...

Polish your pearls and cue the overture—this week The Open Table rolls out the red carpet for the ever-glamorous Linh Uendo aka Dean Adams (@littlelinhuendo). We’re serving vintage camp, heartfelt chat, and a side of sequins as we dive into life with chronic illness, the transformative power of drag, the magic of volunteering, and timeless obsessions like Titanic and Wicked. Hosts @craigmbrown and...

Last week’s chat with BB (@bhanuka) sparked so much interest, we just had to keep the conversation going. He’s back on The Open Table for a rich, wide-ranging discussion that dives deeper into community, cultural identity, and the world of leather. In this follow-up episode, BB opens up about growing up Buddhist and how cultural differences have shaped his worldview. We talk about the transformati...

Listen in as BB, the 2025 Laird Leatherman, joins us for a powerful conversation on identity, leather culture, and living authentically. We talk about his journey from Sri Lanka to Darwin, and finally to Melbourne, where he found both a home and a community. BB shares how volunteering has shaped his sense of purpose, how he found pride in his leather title, and what it really means to live out lou...

It’s JOY Radiothon week (May 10–16), and we’re celebrating the importance of keeping LGBTQIA+ voices on air through community radio. This week’s guests: Demetra Giannakopoulos, film writer and director, shares what she loves about volunteering and Aiv Puglielli MP reflects on what it means to be part of the JOY community and discusses the recent election and the power of queer media. Listen now on...

Triumph, Identity & Advocacy is this episodes theme on The Open Table, we’re honored to sit down with James Parr – triathlete, model, disability advocate, cancer survivor, and proud Wiradjuri man. In this powerful and personal conversation, James shares his story of navigating a life-changing cancer diagnosis, and adapting to life with a disability. We also explore his role in the @pushforbett...

Chaos, Power & Queer Politics. In this episode, we welcome back US politics expert Dr. Lauren Rosewarne, who officially joins us as a friend of the show. We dive into the ongoing chaos surrounding Donald Trump, and explore what it all means for the queer community, democracy, and identity in America. We also reflect on the passing of Pope Francis and the complex legacy he leaves behind. The po...

This week, we’re joined by Triana Butler — trans radio presenter and host of The Sound of Now. In this powerful episode, Triana opens up about growing up in a Pentecostal church and ultimately being shunned, her journey with gender identity, and her “inviting in” moment — a term she prefers over “coming out.” A self-described witch who sees auras, Triana shares both her personal story and broader...

This week, we’re joined by Aiv Puglielli — artist, composer, advocate, and Greens MP. Aiv didn’t set out to be a politician — but when the personal became political, it led him straight into Parliament. In this episode, he shares his coming out story, what it’s like to be gay in politics, and how identity, advocacy, and community continue to shape his path. Before politics, Aiv was immersed in the...

Marc Mendoza is deeply embedded in community work. You’ve likely seen him volunteering with Thorne Harbour Health and Living Positive Victoria or heard his voice on Friday nights at The Laird. In this episode, Marc opens up about his HIV journey, sharing his experiences from his diagnosis to where he is today. He talks about coming out, the challenges he faced with addiction and the support he fou...

Young, Queer & Creating: Tom Nethersole & Robert Baxter What’s it like to be a young, queer pop artists in Naarm/Melbourne? This week, we’re joined again by Tom Nethersole, fresh off the release of his new single Ardmona Rd, and Robert Baxter, whose latest single CAMBOY has been making waves. They share their journey as artists, from growing up in country Victoria to gaining unexpected rec...

In this episode, we sit down with Nicholas Verso, the writer and director of Invisible Boys, the acclaimed Stan Original Series based on Holden Sheppard’s award-winning novel. Invisible Boys has been widely praised for its raw and authentic portrayal of queer identity, exploring the lives of gay teenagers in Geraldton, Western Australia, during the 2017 same-sex marriage plebiscite. The series doe...

Clint Dowdell is back for Part 2, and this time, we’re diving into his powerful documentary Sticks and Stones. Clint shares his mission to eliminate stigma, challenge misconceptions, and create space for open conversations about HIV. Plus, he offers some heartfelt advice on self-love and how to truly embrace who you are. If you’re looking for inspiration, insight, and a reminder that you’re not al...

This week, we’re joined by the incredible Clint Dowdell. From navigating his coming out journey to his HIV diagnosis, Clint opens up about the challenges, triumphs, and the ongoing stigma that still exists today. But don’t expect a sob story—this conversation is raw, real, and full of heart. With honesty and humor, Clint reminds us that life is best lived authentically, and that vulnerability is i...

Lesbian couple Em and Tika—now in their 5th year together—sit down to share their story of how they met, their religious backgrounds, and their journey of coming out. Whether you're exploring your own path or just love a queer love story, this episode is for you. Also featuring special guest panelist Demetra Giannakopoulos.

Busy homosexual Dean Arcuri discusses all things queer, from body image to performing as Frock Hudson. We chat about identity, performance, and the queer experience! The post Episode 1 – Season 2 with Dean Arcuri appeared first on The Open Table .

Musician and content creator Tom Nethersole joins Craig and Ethan to reflect on Season 1 of JOY’s The Open Table. The post Episode 21 – Season 1 finale with Tom Nethersole appeared first on The Open Table .

Punk music artist and lawyer, Sophie Jest, talks about growing up as a practicing Mormon in Queensland, her family and queer identity. The post Episode 20 – Sophie Jest appeared first on The Open Table .

Warren Pinto talks about growing up in Canada, his Catholic faith and his experiences since moving to Australia. The post Episode 19 – Warren Pinto appeared first on The Open Table .

Associate Professor in Public Policy, Social and Political Sciences, talks about the results and implications of Donald Trump’s re-election as the President of the United States of America. The post Episode 18 – Lauren Rosewarne appeared first on The Open Table .

JOY’s Operations and Administration Coordinator, Josh Hernandez, talks about his Catholic upbringing, spiritual journey and evolving philosophy on life. The post Episode 17 – Josh Hernandez appeared first on The Open Table .

Celebrant Aaron McDonnell talks about his Catholic faith and the challenges of coming out to the queer community as Catholic. The post Episode 16 – Aaron McDonnell appeared first on The Open Table .

Designer and artist James Hillier (Nordacious) discusses his Pentecostal background and how he emerged from it. The post Episode 15 – James Hillier appeared first on The Open Table .