Well, Well, Well

What’s behind the explosion of mental health content flooding social media feeds today? We ask Lilly, a registered psychologist from Thorne Harbour Health’s Under the Rainbow program, to help us find the answer. Jake and Jack speak with them about concerning trends including simplified diagnoses, debunked frameworks like love languages and MBTI, and why pathologising everyday behaviour...

Rachel is joined by Jacob Boehme, an award-winning filmmaker, choreographer, and cultural leader. Jacob shares his journey from a troubled teenager in Melbourne’s western suburbs to his studies, where he discovered the deep connections between traditional cultural practice and theatre. We also explore his acclaimed solo work Blood on the Dance Floor, which centres First Nations experiences o...

Trans non-binary performer Kitty Obsidian joins us to discuss the intersection of fetish performance, activism, and community health. Joel and Jake speak with them about the legal realities of sex work in Australia, why risk-awareness is essential for both performers and participants, and their involvement with the Touchbase harm reduction campaign. We also talk about creating safer queer spaces a...

This special live broadcast from JOY’s 2026 Radiothon features a spirited “Sexpert Trivia” challenge. We dive into the archives of Victorian AIDS Council campaigns, decode hanky colour meanings, and discuss the practical importance of various barrier methods. Chapters 00:00 – Radiothon special kickoff and guest intros 04:11 – HIV campaign poster history 08:53 –...

We explore why Australia relies on state-based organisations to tackle HIV and sexual health rather than only one national body. Karina Reeves from WAAC and Eleni Gabrielides from Meridian join Joel to discuss how trust, cultural diversity, and geographic isolation demand localised strategies. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome and guest introductions from across Australia 04:53 – Defining healt...

Jack and Cal are joined by new Thorne Harbour Health CEO Chad Hughes, and discuss the critical challenge of delivering equitable health services to our diverse communities in regional Victoria and South Australia. Chad dives into the organisation’s strategy of embedding practitioners with lived experience into mainstream rural clinics to ensure privacy and reduce stigma for those not ready t...

Queer content creator and influencer Odus Moore joins us to unpack the unique challenges and responsibilities of being a voice for sexual health and harm reduction in the digital age. Odus traces his journey from streaming on Twitch during lockdown to highlighting the intersection of entertainment and serious health advocacy. We tackle the “influencer” label, the difficulty of securing...

Joel sits down with volunteers Phoebe and Leo to explore the power of giving back to the community in light of National Volunteer Week. Phoebe shares her journey from a university student seeking purpose to a researcher supporting LGBTQ+ women’s health. Leo discusses finding a safe haven in Melbourne after living in regions where queerness is criminalised. We discuss how volunteering acts as...

After the 2026 Women Deliver conference in Melbourne, we discuss what real inclusion looks like – does it mean simply inviting diverse voices to an existing table or dismantling the structure itself? Rachel and Jordan in Melbourne are joined by Nikki Sullivan in Adelaide to explore the tension between tokenistic representation and the power of strategic coalition building across identity lin...

We discuss how HIV self-test vending machines are breaking down barriers to testing for vulnerable populations across Australia with Zara Boulton, National Project Officer for Connect. From navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems to fears of stigma and discrimination, we explore the complex obstacles that prevent overseas-born individuals from accessing traditional testing services. Connect&#8217...

Regional communities face unique challenges when it comes to Hepatitis, other blood borne viruses (BBV), and sexual health, including access to services, workforce capacity, stigma, and visibility. In light of this, LiverWell and Thorne Harbour Country are running a forum focused on strengthening healthcare workforce practices in Bendigo and surrounding communities. This forum aims to take a pract...

Over 35 arrests have been made by Victoria Police regarding LGBTIQA+ Hate Crimes and coordinated online attacks against gay and bi+ guys. These incidents, often facilitated by dating apps, have prompted a formal parliamentary inquiry into hate crimes across the state. This episode features detailed insights from Victoria Police, Equality Australia, and La Trobe University’s ARCSHS on current...

Emil Canita, an artist and advocate from Living Positive Victoria, joins Jack and Jake to discuss the intersection of creativity and health. Many queer people living with HIV carry the weight of historical trauma, yet Australia’s epidemic has seen remarkably low mortality rates compared to global contexts. The exhibition You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) at Collingwood Yards seeks to bridge the...

Equinox Clinic’s practice manager Ellis Nardella joins us in light of the clinic passes ten years of delivering Trans healthcare in Melbourne. They speak with Jack and Joel about the informed consent model that improved accessibility of gender affirming therapy replacement, the barriers that exist in accessing gender affirming healthcare, and Thorne Harbour Health’s work in building ca...

As part of this live panel discussion recorded Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV), we discuss how to tangibly support trans and gender diverse communities without falling into tokenism. Our panel consists of: Hank Paul (they/them) from Transgender Victoria (TGV) Mill O’Sullivan (they/them) from Zoe Belle Gender Collective Jake Blessing (he/him) from Thorne Harbour Health’s Equinox Clinic Jesse (...

Vivek from the Queer South Asians of Melbourne (aka QSAM) joins Jack and Chiron to explore the unique challenges and joys of navigating queer identity within South Asian communities. We discuss isolation, cultural expectations, and how QSAM creates safe spaces through dance, film, theatre, and social events. Vivek shares powerful stories about members finding their tribe and the importance of repr...

Jorge from LAHRC to explore how the Latin American and Hispanic Rainbow Community addresses isolation among queer migrants in Australia. Jack and Chiron speak with them about the group’s founding in 2016, their flagship Latinx Pride Festival, and cultural celebrations like Dia de los Muertos. Jorge also shares his journey hosting Verbena Radio on JOY and how storytelling connects people acro...

Cam from Acceptance Melbourne joins us to discuss creating inclusive spaces for queer catholics. They speak with Jack and Chiron about the group’s history and the increasing number of young people seeking faith communities that welcome them. Cam also unpacks how their monthly mass serves as a bridge between the church and the queer community. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBT...

Anal cancer rates are rising worldwide, but particularly among gay and bisexual men and people living with HIV, where incidence is significantly higher. We’re joined by Dr. Matthew Marino, a general and colorectal surgeon who offers high-resolution anoscopy screening in Melbourne. He breaks down what anal cancer is, its causes and symptoms, and why certain communities face disproportionate r...

Many queer people living in suburban and regional Victoria struggle to access mental health care despite growing community needs. The Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals aim to fill this gap for people aged 26 and up in places like Melton and Dandenong. But what are some of the considerations when serving diverse populations, managing logistical challenges, and building visibility in peri-urban are...

In light of International Women’s Day on March 8, we discuss the unique challenges and triumphs of LBQ+ women navigating cultural expectations. Rachel and Molly kick off by reflecting on the pride festival season coming to an end, and the lingering comedown you may feel afterwards. Smaller queer gatherings and creative activities can fill the gap left by large festivals, and we discuss how y...

Meredith from Chillout joins us to discuss Victoria’s longest‑running regional queer festival and teases out its evolution over three decades. This modest grassroots initiative has grown into a cornerstone event for our diverse LGBTIQA+ communities, and plays a pivotal role in fostering visibility and belonging in rural settings. Shaped by both tradition and innovation, organising this multi‑day c...

Director Sophie Hyde and actor Aud-Mason Hyde unpack the new film, Jimpa, tracing the story’s roots to Professor Jim Hyde. Jim was a pivotal figure in Australia’s response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and we explore how his legacy informs today’s intergenerational queer conversations. Cal and Jake reflect on the film’s café scenes, the emotional rehearsal process with older gay men, and the cha...

How can we strengthen community ties with a queer Lunar New Year celebration? James Tapa from Gay Asian Proud (GAP) joins us to discuss the unique challenges faced by multicultural LGBTQ+ people navigating health services, voting, and social belonging in Australia. He explores with Joel and Jack personal anecdotes about family reunions, lion‑dance performances, and the symbolism behind the zodiac...

We dive into the TV series Heated Rivalry, exploring how the show portrays LGBTQ+ athletes in a mixed‑gender ice‑hockey setting. Kade and Shell from Southern Lights Hockey  join Jack and Jake to discuss their local queer ice-hockey team, the series’ blend of drama and advocacy, and more. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there’...