Game of Life with Dan and Harman: Recent Episodes
Daniel Swain and Harman Chauhan
Welcome to Game of Life with Dan and Harman! This podcast is all about understanding the ups and downs of life and career from a creative lens. Your hosts Dan and Harman come from a writing, comedy, and photography background so our guests have ranged from comedians to photographers.
We love delving into the success, failures, and struggles that other creatives endure when making their way through life in the industry. What is their why? What makes them unique? Why do they have a passion for what they do? We delve into the philosophical and try to ask as many questions as we can from a creative's point of view in hopes we can apply some words of wisdom to our own creative trajectory.
Above all else, we keep our conversations light, fun, and relaxed! Our guests have included comedians, photographers, actors, writers, documentarians, podcasters, opera singers, DJ's, journalists, clowns, dancers, musical theatre performers, directors, producers, and a whole lot more!
Please enjoy, rate, and subscribe! Visit our patreon! patreon.com/GameofLifewithDanandHarman
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Groundhog Day Week(s) continues on Day 12 as Dan is joined by an actor you've seen in a million things, including Groundhog Day.... the movie! Stephen Tobolowsky who played Ned Ryerson in the film comes onto the podcast in a bonus episode within this series of episodes.
We talk about whether or not Stephen has seen the musical, being asked to be in Groundhog Day (again) in London, Stephen's thoughts on the film being made into a musical, Stephen's inspiration for Ned Ryerson, filming the movie, how long the time loop really lasted for, repetition, playing "making movies" as a kid, having adventure in his life, dancing with regret and hope, sticking with the truth, celebrating what is gone, learning lessons in flexibility, getting rained on playing a judge on TV, a strange experience working with Steven Seagal, being a strong advocate for your character, the last time Stephen saw Tim Minchin, and a whole lot more!
Some great stories in this one! This episode also marks the end of this first batch of Groundhog Day themed episodes. There will be more to come as I still have 7 cast members yet to be on the podcast.
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Groundhog Day Week(s) continues on Day 11 as Dan is joined by the one and only Tim Minchin!
This episode was recorded on the 24th of April, 2024. Only 4 days after the Melbourne production of Groundhog Day.
We talk about Tim's comedy rock star status, the impact of Groundhog Day, delivering meaning and theme in art, seeing the good in the bad, learning to be present in the beauty of now, curating your circle of pain, the limited Groundhog Day runs, digging deep into the text, the Australian cast, Tim's thoughts on Matthew Hamilton taking on Phil Connors for Andy Karl, being a theatre kid, altering the way he saw himself as a lyricist, performing with an orchestra, telling stories to yourself, thoughts on imposter syndrome, letting yourself off the hook, taking breaks, the first acting gig on Californication, and so much more!
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Groundhog Day Week(s) continues on Day 10 as Dan is joined by Michael Lindner (Jenson)
This episode was recorded on the 19th of May, 2024. Nearly a month after the Melbourne production of Groundhog Day.
We chat about why I'm collecting the cast members from Groundhog Day, the life lessons from the show, relief after getting the job on Groundhog Day, self worth, loosing confidence in auditions, strength in vulnerability, the learning pit, the idea behind Michael starting his own podcast, the healing experience of the show and the podcast, getting outside of your comfort zone, a recent audition experience, learning from others through the podcast, handing yourself over to authenticity, being a perfectionist, working as a teacher, former issues with validation, overcoming the negative voices, awkward moments not defining us, becoming a different person after Groundhog Day, meeting his husband, getting lost in Berlin, wanting to be a VET, being a empathetic person, hating injustice, surprising yourself, the day of the pepitas, and so much more!
Go and have a listen to Michael's own incredible podcast, And I Know Things Now.
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Groundhog Day Week(s) continues on Day 9 as Dan is joined by Grant Almirall (Ensemble/Hot Dog Guy)
This episode was recorded on the 4th of May, 2024. Two weeks after the Melbourne production of Groundhog Day.
We talk about Grant's character name, life after the show, fans flying in to see the show, savouring every second of the last few shows, being in a in-between stage in his career, the road getting to Australia, a love for animation, playing the saxophone, following the flow of things, studying in South Africa, incorporating more drawing into his life, balancing life as a performer, first job on Cats, working on Singing in the Rain in Australia, touring shows, contending with self criticism. struggling to make decisions, starting over in Australia, figuring out where you fit in, the differences working in South Africa vs. Australia, workplace traditions, the advantages of living with another musical theatre performer, rating Grant's dance abilities up against Jack Chambers, watching Matthew Hamilton perform Phil Connors, timing in shows, making long term friendships, and a whole lot more!
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Groundhog Day Week(s) continues on Day 8 as Dan is joined by Madison Green (Swing) and Kate Cole (Ensemble/Piano Teacher and no relation to Rachel Cole)
This episode was recorded on the 29th April, 2024. A little over a week after the Melbourne production of Groundhog Day.
We chat about life after the show, the Groundhog Day group chat, the opportunity to watch the show, the joys of working with this cast, Andy & Elise's leadership, closing night, Andy's cry on stage in the last show, stage mishaps, the costume changes, Kate's move from Ballarat to Sydney to be in 42nd Street, Madison's eye opening experience seeing Rent, the influence of the movie Tootsie, knowing you're good, unbridled confidence, the importance of having supportive parents, a crisis of confidence, realising and acknowledging things are out of your control, a helpful lesson with a singing teacher, combating negative self talk, being open to change, teaching jobs in between performing jobs, Madison's tattoo, and a whole lot more!
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Groundhog Day Week(s) continues on Day 7 as Dan is joined by Matthew Hamilton (the Sheriff). Matt also went on as Ned Ryerson AND Phil Connors!
This episode was recorded on the 28th April, 2024. One week after the Melbourne production of Groundhog Day and right after Kaya left the studio.
We chat about what it was like running into Kaya, getting straight back into life after Groundhog Day, the specialness of the show, rehearsing the show, covering for Phil Connors, stepping in for Phil unexpectedly when Andy Karl was off, being in the moment, wanting to be a pilot, getting the creative bug, first professional job at a theme park, getting a Disney cruise ship contract, band life, Channing Tatum, meeting his soon to be Aussie wife in Tokyo, the moment Matthew decided to move from America to Australia, crashing the Wicked auditions, being quietly self assured, becoming versatile to stay employed, doing the work, the difficulty of breaking people's perceptions, creating your own work, writing, making a dance video with Andy Karl, and a whole lot more!
Matthew is such a wonderful storyteller!
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Groundhog Day Week(s) continues on Day 6 as Dan is joined by Kaya Byrne (Larry).
This episode was recorded on the 28th April, 2024. One week after the Melbourne production of Groundhog Day.
We discuss being OK with the show ending, the first Tuesday without the show, exploring other opportunities with your own work, working on Gilligan's Island with former guest of the show, Riley Nottingham, being hit in the face on stage, surprises on stage, forgetting his camera on Groundhog Day, the power of Groundhog Day, the craziness of backstage, busking, being in a band, going to VCA, Kaya's dancing abilities, working on Come From Away, realising what you have to offer, writing music, recording his EP, healthy critiques, missing the opportunity to play his own music, running the entertainment industry race, putting theatre jobs on pause, toxic productivity, craving a mild level of stress, being laid back, not feeling guilty while not working creatively, admin, performing his EP on the stage of the Princess Theatre, and a whole lot more!
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Groundhog Day Week(s) continues on Day 5 as Dan is joined by Tim Wright (Ned Ryerson) & Etuate Lutui (Jonathan/Deputy).
This episode was recorded on the 19th of April, 2024, the second last day of the Melbourne production.
We open with Tim & Etuate's thoughts on being only a few shows away from closing night, the unexpected love for Groundhog Day, the life changing experience from Groundhog Day, being grateful for the show, living your best life, Tim's Ned Ryerson, Etuate's Hamilton gig, enjoying the show while they still can, going from Mamma Mia to Groundhog Day, the emotionally taxing experience on the last week of a show, raving about the incredible cast, Andy Karl being the captain of the ship, Tim's commute from Geelong, Etuate trying a lot of different things and being easily influenced, the rough move from New Zealand to Australia, Tim's nursing background, giving things a crack, keeping the flame on, the sadness felt from the show ending, and a whole lot more!
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Groundhog Day Week(s) continues on Day 4 as Dan is joined by Jacob Steen (Fred) and Jacob's Mum, Hope!
This episode was recorded on March 25, 2024 with only a month left of shows to go in the Melbourne production.
We talk about the idea behind Jacob wanting to bring his Mum onto the podcast, getting Hope's thoughts on being asked to come onto a podcast, watching Jacob's career journey up to this point, pulling off the repetition in Groundhog Day, the craziness of being in a Tim Minchin show, the spontaneity of being cast in Groundhog Day, feeling secure in your abilities, shaking on stage in Mary Poppins, whether or not Mum gets nervous for Jacob before a performance, reading old primary school reports, being from an all or nothing type of family, doing drama at school, Jacob's plan to get out of Year 12, the first big audition, taking kids along to the theatre, being transformed by theatre, the strange story of being cast in Mary Poppins, and a whole lot more!
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Groundhog Day Week(s) continues on Day 3 as Dan is joined by Benjamin Colley, one of the swing's on the show.
This episode was recorded on March 18, 2024 nearly two months into the production of Groundhog Day Melbourne.
We talk about the fast turnaround time getting Groundhog Day, the overlap period of working on A Christmas Carol to rehearsing for Groundhog Day, the importance of ensemble, a sense of community within the Groundhog Day company, the theatre fan culture in Australia, getting gifts, treating performing as just a job, not wanting to be put on a pedestal, remembering where you've come from, the quick progression through life, going from contract to contract, finding good mentors, relying on your rational brain, knowing you're good enough, realising that other's aren't fixating on the same thing you are, working as an usher for the Marriner Group, the weirdness of working on Cats, and a whole lot more!
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Groundhog Day Week(s) continues on Day 2 as Dan is joined by Andrew Coshan (Billy) & Conor Neylon (Gus) who use to live together!
Recorded on March 11, 2024 just over a month into the performances of Groundhog Day Melbourne.
We talk about performing during a heatwave, the quick changes in Groundhog Day, the rapid pace casting experience, the complexities of learning the show, what makes the show special, trying to rise to Andy's level, Australian's loving the darkness & subtlety of the show, the bittersweet nature of moving on from a show, never feeling like you've actually "made it", being available to opportunity, Conor's pursuit of his own work including the award winning musical Beep Test, the importance of creating your own work, not being apologetic of the way you you've tried, being on the journey of confidence, Coshan's thoughts on trying stand up comedy, having multiple pathways, resilience, failing bravely, and a whole lot more!
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Groundhog Day Week(s) officially kicks off as we begin on Day One with the delightful, and very talented Ashleigh Rubenach who of course played Nancy in the Melbourne production of the show.
Recorded on March 5 2024, just over a month into the performances of Groundhog Day.
We discuss the plans to do a podcast within a podcast, the surprising reactions to Groundhog Day, Andy Karl's embrace of the Australian company, performing Groundhog Day by night and rehearsing Sunset Boulevard by day, an unwavering trust in knowing what to do for a living, a tap audition that led to Ashleigh's first job in Anything Goes, exploring the possibilities of screen acting, the vulnerability experienced while performing the self contained number of 'Playing Nancy', the first time Ashleigh felt like she was stepping into her own, the opportunity to create a character from scratch in Cry Baby, not knowing when your luck will change, having a super suit on while on stage, realising you add value, and a whole lot more!
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Dan is joined by a veteran, indeed, a legend in the industry, Simon Burke! Simon has been working as an actor for 50 years! It was an absolute privilege having the opportunity to sit down for this chat.
We talk about Simon's dresser Lorraine, the audience responses for Wicked, taking on the role of the Wizard, finding a profession in acting early, learning on the job, seeing acting as a trade, the best things about getting older, objectively seeing what your function is in a play, moving to London, pushing outside your comfort zone, testing yourself, dealing with the No's, Simon's approach to dancing in a show, getting Play School over Anthony Warlow, ambition, the unexpectedly lean period in Simon's career, the sadness when a show ends, the ease of being kind and generous, and a whole lot more!
A truly WONDERFUL conversation.
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Dan is joined by actor, singer, dancer, and musical theatre superstar, Morgan Palmer! This was such a fun filled episode, and it's Morgan's first ever podcast! Absolutely nailed it!
We talk about the ongoing rehearsals for Sunset Boulevard, the lucky break in between Moulin Rogue and Sunset Boulevard, upcoming performances at the Sydney Opera House, letting go of the fear of worrying about the next job, longevity in shows, opportunity to be available, wanting to originally be a priest, finding a love for dancing, overcoming an arthritis condition, seeing Phantom of the Opera for the first time, taking off the humility hat, being inspired by others, formative Book of Mormon experience, finding a sense of flow on a long running show, the stage door, the importance of the audience, nerves, a fear of talking to strangers, no matter what it's going to happen, a question for Simon Burke, exploring writing, and a whole lot more!
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Dan is joined by the sensationally talented performer originally from Australia and now quickly making a name for himself on Broadway, Daniel Assetta! I really enjoyed this chat with Daniel! He is such an inspiration for a lot of people out there!
We talk about about Daniel's adventure of starting over on Broadway, the first week in New York, an emotional moment knowing exactly where he should be, the complexities of moving from Australia to New York, settling into a new life, the worthy risk of pursuing the dream, taking time to process the fact that he now works in a Broadway theatre, playing William Shakespeare in & Juliet, overwhelming audience reactions in America, pushing through injuries, continuing to learn, redefining what you want, quieting down the doubt, Book of Mormon, dealing with pressure, being a proud husband, performing on TV for Drew Barrymore, and a whole lot more!
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Dan is joined by phenomenal human being and theatre legend, Josh Piterman. This was a very cathartic, open, and honest chat, and I was left feeling way more lighter after this recording. One of my favourite conversations I've had on the podcast!
We chat about returning to the West End, Phantom of the Opera, singing on live television, fear of failing in public, a transformative performance, experiencing waves of bliss, taking time off, anxiety in performing, leaning into imperfections, desires to do the unthinkable, the need for validation, telling stories, spiritual growth, looking inward, diligence & discipline, putting yourself out there, acting confident, the way we talk to ourselves, daily journals, being hypercritical, applauding our own successes, deadlines, writing a book, working on Cats, forming friendships, and a whole lot more!
This was an incredible conversation!
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Dan is joined by actress, singer, dancer, and all round supercalifragilisticexpialidocious talent in the industry, Stefanie Jones!
We talk about Stefanie's return to Mary Poppins in an upcoming UK & Ireland tour, getting the role of Mary, working with former guest of the show, Jack Chambers, the demands of Mary Poppins, travelling with a show, publicity, recovery after a show's run, Zombie! The Musical, first job on Les Misérables, working at Village Cinemas Gold Class, the balance of hard work, settling into a production, taking moments to be proud of your work, stage door, not living with any regrets, and so much more!
This was such a fun chat!
If you have the opportunity, be sure to catch Stefanie & Jack Chambers return in Mary Poppins for their UK & Ireland tour!
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Dan is joined by actress, Debra Lawrance, an absolute legend in the industry. This was such a wonderful conversation with one of Australia's best!
We talk about Debra's work in Please Like Me, the importance of storytelling, authenticity in mental health portrayal, wanting to be a doctor, discovering where she wanted to be, NIDA's vintage year, a Mad Max story, exploring the fear of performing, the power of women's voices, being affirmed by John Clarke, collaboration, working on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, becoming sick, being a good planner, working with John Cena & Zac Efron on Ricky Stanicky, reading reviews, the ridiculousness of politics, and a whole lot more!
So many great stories in this one!
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Dan is joined by immensely talented author, Tobias Madden. Australia was lucky enough to have Tobias back home from New York for the launch of his new book, Wrong Answers Only. This was quite a special episode!
We chat about life in New York, coming back to Australia, navigating the performer lifestyle, aging in the performing industry, chasing happiness, taking a leap from performing to becoming an author, finding a new creative voice, the first book, early rejection, the hard work of getting published, the power of connecting with readers, representation, making time to write, staying active, writing young adult fiction, overcoming isolation, the book launch, hearing your words turned into an audiobook, and a whole lot more!
Go and have a read of all of all of the books including Anything But Fine, Take A Bow, Noah Mitchell, and of course, Wrong Answers Only! Link to Tobias' website below.
https://www.tobiasmadden.net/
The podcast also has a Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/GameofLifewithDanandHarman
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Dan and Harman ring in the 100th episode of the podcast with documentarian, writer, and comedic person, John Safran! Settle in and help the boys celebrate with this incredible conversation with one of our most fascinating, insightful, and imaginative creative.
We talk about literally being crucified, audience expectations, the impact of digital overload on creativity, embracing ambiguity, exploring pranks, breaking into Disneyland, social commentary, working with Father Bob on Triple J, controversy, personal storytelling, challenging audiences, the agony of writing fiction, the complexities of creativity, turning obstacles into opportunities, the deceptive tactics of Phillip Morris, and a whole lot more!
Here's to another 100!
Link to John's website below.
https://johnsafran.com/
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Dan is joined by actor, singer, dancer, Daniel Erbacher! This was a delightful chat, and Daniel is truly one of the brightest humans you'll ever meet.
We talk about the role of a dance captain in a musical theatre production, getting the Rocky Horror gig, working with a comedian, the hard work that goes into warming up before a show, coming from Toowoomba, the beauty of the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba, the power of nerves, riding the wave & keeping the spark, having the opportunities to perform, the unique engagement between the audience and performers in Rocky Horror, honing in on skills at Uni, collaboration, creating the art for the art, graduating from Uni with a professional 18 month gig not long after, and a whole lot more!
You can see Daniel as Rocky in The Rocky Horror Picture Show in Sydney. Link below.
https://rockyhorror.com.au/
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Dan is joined by one of the best comedian's in the country, Dane Simpson! Dane is filled with such a fun energy that I absolutely adore which made for a brilliant, and vibrant chat.
We talk about Dane being positive, starting up a comedy club in Wagga Wagga, getting a call from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival right after he quit his job, hanging out with some of the biggest stars of comedy, having pinch yourself moments, getting a late start into comedy, performing with his Dad, tales of competing on The Amazing Race, moments that didn't quite make the cut from The Amazing Race, running the race with his Dad, surviving India, the power of words, and a whole lot more!
You can catch Dane and his Dad at The Melbourne Comedy Festival. Link below.
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2024/shows/the-king-and-i
Keep up to date with all of Dane's other work. Link to his website below.
https://www.danesimpson.com.au/
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Dan is joined by one of the best comedians working today, Lewis Garnham! This was a super laid back, insightful chat that I thoroughly enjoyed.
We discuss the job Lewis has as a teacher's aide, exploring the idea of becoming a full fledged teacher, working with kids, balancing teaching & comedy, self doubt, arrogance, trusting in the material, changing the narrative in your head to create a better show, the early day nerves, accountability, waves of confidence, authenticity, being booed, getting frustrated at yourself, filming a special, and a whole lot more!
Go see Lewis at the Melbourne Comedy Festival. Link below.
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2024/shows/choosing-the-wrong-story-to-tell
Also, keep up to date with all of his other gigs happening around Australia!
https://comedy.com.au/tour/lewis-garnham-choosing-the-wrong-story-to-tell/
AND go watch his special on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/user/lewyg29
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Dan is joined by one of the best comedian's on the planet, Claire Hooper recorded right in the thick of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival!
We talk about Claire's podcast I'm the Worst, the freedom of having your own podcast, the turmoil of having to listen back to yourself, her quick rise to success in the comedy world, being in the industry for 20 years, the legacy of Good News Week, her early years on Sideshow, finding a guide in Xavier Michelides, going from Perth to Melbourne, emotional torment, the dread of working in radio, the importance of art, dreaming of a career in entertainment, and a whole lot more!
Go see Claire's show at the Melbourne Comedy Festival. Link below.
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2024/shows/so-proud
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Dan is joined by comedian, Anthony Locascio!
We talk about depression, overcoming self-doubt & embracing growth, shooting comedy specials, the challenge & pressure of keeping up with social media, pursuing a law degree, getting caught out for collusion, working in insolvency, the rewards of hard work, the transformative power of anti-depressants, going to dark places, bringing out the community to see him perform stand up comedy, choosing love, Anthony's new show dedicated to his grandfather, some beef with Harman, and a whole lot more!
Keep up to date with all of Anthony's tour dates. Link to his website below.
https://www.anthonylocascio.me/events
He'll be in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane with his new show, Pappou.
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Dan is joined by comedian, writer, and poet, Josh Cake!
We cover the power of poetry & words, undercover poets, the poet community, using comedy to shed light on injustices, the dark side of teaching, getting caught up in a terrorist attack, financial pressure, the spectrum of creativity, the gender scam, working for others, travel, the flaws in the education system, the best time for comedy shows, analyzing work, and a whole lot more!
Go see Josh's Melbourne Comedy Festival show. Link below.
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2024/shows/gender-is-a-scam-and-i-am-winning
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Dan is joined by comedian, William Wang all the way from China!
We talk about overcoming language barriers, William's first time doing comedy, Raw Comedy, getting use to the Australian accent, moving to Australia from China, Australian vs. American senses of humour, spilling secrets of being a magician, the joys of performing, balancing work and comedy, time management, hustling for work, helpful advice from other comedians, doing the work, and a whole lot more!
Go see William in The Comedy Zone at the Melbourne Comedy Festival. Link below.
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2024/shows/comedy-zone
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Dan is joined by comedian, actor, and bird watcher, Geraldine Hickey!
We talk about wanting to be a big Hollywood star, working in the cinema, living in Albury, the early frustrations of pursuing comedy, not having the opportunity to grow, moving to comedy full time, spewing before a comedy gig, the struggle of giving up alcohol, the importance of encouragement, dealing with reviews, being open and honest on stage, making happy shows, grief, keeping experiences & stories to herself, living in the moment, and a whole lot more!
Go see Geraldine at the Melbourne Comedy Festival. Link below.
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2024/shows/dont-tease-me-about-my-gloves
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Dan and Harman are joined by comedian, Akmal Saleh! A comedy legend!
We talk about people talking nonsense, the hatred of working, failing high school, ADHD, moving to Australia from Egypt, driving cabs, discovering comedy, dodgy family members, speaking a second language, being able to pick a comedian anywhere in the world, observing, the dread of talking to people after performing, working in radio, free will, not getting upset with people, consciousness, the government keeping people dumb, The Matrix, and a whole lot more!
Go see Akmal's Melbourne Comedy Festival show. Link below
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2024/shows/akmal-red-flags
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Dan is joined by one of Australia's kings of comedy, Lehmo!
We talk about Lehmo's Triple M days with Wil Anderson, roasting John Cleese, anxiety of performing, drinking alcohol to get through gigs, the regret of not pursuing a career in sport, not being much of a planner, becoming an accountant, navigating social media, whether he'd be able to start out doing comedy today, the freedom of pursuing creativity, getting mistaken for Lawrence Mooney, the power of positive thinking, comedy validation, reviews, the analytical mind of a comedian, and a whole lot more!
You can catch Lehmo's show at the Melbourne Comedy Festival. Link below.
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2024/shows/lehmo-camper-van-go
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Well, this is a very special episode! Dan is joined by someone that he has looked up to for inspiration for quite some time now. It's the one and only Osher Günsberg!
We cover Osher's newfound work in the comedy arena, facing fears, the art of conducting, taking creative risks, the importance of trying everything, going from working as a roadie to working in radio, self belief, being ready for the scary thing, working in television, turning a passion for music into a career, why you should try as many things as you can, the journey of creating a comedy show, how our brains & bodies work, turning 50, and a whole lot more!
Catch Osher's show at the Melbourne Comedy Festival while you can! Link below.
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2024/shows/osher-guensberg-ntnnnn
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Dan is joined by actor, and writer, Declan Clifford. This episode is another fine example of why I'm doing this podcast. It's all about hearing from people like Declan who make a leap and take a gamble on themselves to follow their passion even though they're letting go of security, and going into the unknown. Loved hearing Declan's story!
We talk about Declan's work in Holding the Man, being bullied, self criticism, overcoming self doubt, making the dramatic life change to chase an acting career, meeting former guest of the show, Riley, regrets, escaping into characters, finding strength, what makes up a good life, auditioning, the acting pool in Australia, the power of accountability, the close-knit acting community, exploring America, Declan's Melbourne Comedy Festival Show, Necrophilia, and a whole lot more!
Go see Declan's Melbourne Comedy Festival show. Link below.
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2024/shows/necrophilia
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Dan and Harman are joined by legendary comedian, Arj Barker. This one was a real trip and we were totally there for it!
We talk about an encounter in Petbarn, why Arj doesn't do too many podcasts, America, meditation, work, drinking, consciousness, drugs, Akmal, philosophy, life's big questions, what makes his new show different from the others, and a whole lot more! This was a weird one in the best way possible!
Go see Arj's new Melbourne Comedy Festival show. Link below.
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2024/shows/arj-barker-the-mind-field
Keep up to date with Arj's work and other tour dates. Link to his website below.
https://www.arjbarker.com/
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Dan is joined by comedian and podcaster, Bron Lewis. Bron is one of the best people you'll ever meet, and I loved having her in to let off some steam about some former jobs we've both had in our lives.
We talk about her podcast Workhates with Brett Blake, what she's learnt working with Brett, unloading some frustrations with previous forms of employment, Brett Blake's ADHD, how many jobs she's worked, living in Canberra, the highs and lows of Bron's teaching career, being a drama teacher, the depressing reality of teaching, the moment she was done with teaching, finding comedy, the nerves and anxiety of doing comedy, not trusting jokes, the power of consistency, and a whole lot more!
Check out Bron's Melbourne Comedy Festival show. Link below.
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2024/shows/obviously
Also, keep up to date with all of Bron's other work/tour dates. Link below.
https://linktr.ee/bronlewis
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Dan and Harman are joined by comedian, actor, writer, and pretty good dancer, Damian Callinan. This was quite the heartfelt, charming, funny, and loving conversation we were lucky to have with Damian.
We discuss Damian's film The Merger, uncovering his Mum & Dad's diaries, throwing a footy with other creatives, the importance of connection within a community, writing silly fictional historical stories around country town community sport, Damian's fascination with the fabric of country town sporting teams, not wanting to give up playing sport, the moment he knew he wanted to perform, Damian's earliest memory, the power of his sense of humour, trauma, realising he had access to new memories of his Mum & Dad through their diary entries, the tragic passing of his Mum, telling the beautiful story of his parents' life, adapting Double Feature into a film, the moment Damian's Mum & Dad first met, the idea of Damian's Mum & Dad talking to him from the past, and a whole lot more!
We were so grateful for Damian sharing beautiful stories he unearthed from his Mum & Dad's diaries. This episode is a dedication to the way Damian's Mum & Dad lived their lives and we loved it!
You can catch Damian at the Melbourne Comedy Festival. Ticket link below.
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2024/shows/damian-callinan-unlikely-friends
You can also keep up with Damian's work on his website below.
https://damiancallinan.com.au/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dan is joined by actress, dancer, singer, and the woman behind Rita in Groundhog Day, Elise McCann! That's right, I'm continuing my podcast within a podcast as I talk to as many of the creatives from the show as I possibly can throughout the rest of the year.
It goes without saying that we talk about Groundhog Day. We also talk about Elise's work on Matilda, shifting perspective through anxiety, being an active participant in life, the love of telling stories, questioning her capabilities, being consumed in what other people thought, rebuilding resilience, stuff ups on stage, becoming calmer, building a community in the theatre world, being able to separate identify from the show, becoming better at saying goodbye, Hey Lemonade, Tim Minchin's amazing lyrics, just having yourself to look after, saying yes to every opportunity, redefining failure, struggling with perfection, and a whole lot more!
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Dan is joined by comedian and actor Firdi Billimoria in a very honest and open conversation about comedy. This was an enthralling chat.
We talk about why some people need to quit, the importance of self awareness, standing out in the crowd, flyering, writing, drinking at gigs, the challenging landscape of work, working on Thank God You're Here, an audience encounter with former guests of the show Riley & Declan, working regular jobs, being more than just a comedian, how to get people to a show, bombing at a gig then going to a regular job the next day, the hard realities of having a career in comedy, crowd work, freeing up your time, and a whole lot more!
Check out Firdi's Melbourne Comedy Festival. Link below.
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2024/shows/a-little-firdi-told-me
And Sydney!
https://www.sydneycomedyfest.com.au/event/firdi-billimoria-a-little-firdi-told-me/
Firdi also runs a comedy room every Tuesday night! Link below
https://www.lidocinemas.com.au/events/lido-comedy
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Dan is joined by Davey Willett (Host of Treksperts Quiz) and Ben Russell (Comedian, Thank God You're Here, Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe).
This episode is a little different.... I indulge in my love for all things Star Trek, so I invited two people on the podcast I know love the franchise. We talk about the first time we discovered Trek, Star Trek: The Next Generation, DS9, Voyager, Enterprise, Discovery, Picard, Strange New Worlds, favourite episodes, conventions, some of the issues we have with the new iterations, what we love, what we hate, the movies, characters we love, and Davey even gives us a quiz. Such a fun episode!
You can find out more about Treksperts Quiz, the first and only Star Trek inspired game show below.
https://trekspertsquiz.com/
Link to Davey's creative writing website below.
https://daveywrites.com/
Link to Ben's work and upcoming comedy festival show below.
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2024/shows/ben-russell
https://linktr.ee/benrussells
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Dan is joined by the one and only Blake Bowden! Blake's stage credits include Book of Mormon, Phantom of the Opera, and Rocky Horror Picture Show to name a few. Blake's outlook on career aspirations and life really stuck with me long after the podcast ended. This one was such a treat!
We talk about the Rocky Horror Picture Show, alternating between Brad & Frank N Furter, taking on new challenges, working with a comedian, singing lessons, the moment Blake realised he became a better singer, being introverted, networking, the importance of family, being highly aware of what he is doing, appreciating life beyond career, becoming the first Australian to take over the lead role in Book of Mormon full time, and a whole lot more!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dan is joined by comedian, writer, director, actor, and magic nerd, Lawrence Leung. Strap in for a very magic heavy conversation!
We talk about Lawrence's love for magic, the fascinating world of mentalism, hypnotism, pickpocketing, Apollo Robbins, studying psychology, filming Lawrence Leung's Unbelievable, being driven around by a blindfolded Banachek, a call to the ABC lawyers, fooling Tim Ellis, ruining magic tricks, raw comedy, Edinburgh, working on WTFAQ, the excitement of the Melbourne Comedy Festival season, favourite comedians, trying different things, and a whole lot more!
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Dan is joined by actor, author, and national treasure, Stephen Hall. This was a wonderful conversation and I absolutely soaked up Stephen's collections of experiences he was generous to relay from a very impressive career.
We cover Stephen's work as Basil Fawlty in the Fawlty Towers stage show, meeting & performing for John Cleese, missing a good farce, physical comedy, doing stand up, confidence, Mad As Hell, Spamalot, a love for cycling, the importance of kindness and perspective, dealing with rejection, writing science fiction books, balancing creativity and a 9 to 5, performing in the comedy festival, dancing, and Stephen's hope to be cast as Doc Brown in the inevitable Australian production of the Back to the Future musical. We cover a lot in this chat!
Link to Stephen's work below.
https://www.thestephenhall.com/
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Dan is joined by actor, singer, writer, musician, comedian, Gillian Cosgriff. This one took about a year to coordinate schedules, and I'm so glad it finally worked out! This was a wonderful conversation about musical theatre, performing, and creating.
We chat about a childhood love for musical theatre, improvised songs, an unbelievable casting story, finding yourself again after a big run of working in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, forming bonds with fellow cast members, opening night of Harry Potter, behind the scenes of a theatre show, surviving lockdowns & COVID, stage mishaps, working on Godspell, the unintended negative & positive consequences in Gillian's career, the struggles of comedy lineups, being a harsh critic, the power of shifting roles, and a whole lot more!
Gillian is touring her incredible award winning show from last year again, "Actually, Good". Details on tour dates below.
https://comedy.com.au/tour/gillian-cosgriff-actually-good/
You can also keep up with all of Gillian's work & all her socials. Link to her website below.
https://www.gilliancosgriff.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dan is joined by the wonderfully talented artist, singer, actor, dancer, Euan Fistrovic Doidge. Some of Euan's stage credits include Les Misérables, Kinky Boots, Pippin, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, and many, many more!
We talk about the impressive breadth of Euan's work, Candide, what he gets up to in between shows on matinee days, balancing work & a social life, getting bullied as a boy for being a dancer, further developing his skillset through working on Les Misérables, the love of elaborate sets, challenging yourself as a performer, laughing on stage, overcoming self criticism, being able to adapt to whatever is happening in life, not changing who you are, and a whole lot more.
This chat was an absolute dream! Loved having Euan on the pod.
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Dan is joined by Andy Karl, an actor, singer, and currently starring as Phil Connors (again) in the musical Groundhog Day. I was thrilled to kick off the "podcast within a podcast" where I talk to as many of the creatives from the show as I possibly can throughout the remainder of the year.
We talk about the brilliance of Groundhog Day, returning to the role in an all Australian cast, the quick changes, what the show has taught Andy about life, tearing his ACL, how Groundhog Day has changed since it first opened, the kick in the stomach when the show closed in New York, goofing around in high school, the first big paid gig, anxiety, the need to keep learning, always having a worry about what's next, mistakes on stage, writing projects, and working on Law & Order SVU.
This was a lovely chat, and I was beaming with excitement the entire time.
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Dan is joined by YouTuber, Film & TV Reviewer, Costumer, and Prop Builder, Christopher Stanley! The sound isn't great on my end with this one due to issues with navigating the fancy studio equipment by myself to successfully pull off a ZOOM recording. However, this is still a wonderful conversation about film & television and the sound quality on Christopher's end is outstanding.
We talk about the art of prop making, sculpting, the love of horror films, Robert Englund & Freddy Krueger, Saw X, authenticity in reviewing films, reboots, the trailer for Deadpool 3, the influence of personal agendas in film, having a YouTube channel that has come up on it's tenth year anniversary, losing the excitement for upcoming films, starting another YouTube channel out of boredom, comfort films, promoting Argyle at the Australian Open, and a whole lot more!
Follow Chris and his YouTube channels. Links below.
https://www.youtube.com/@chrisstanleyofficial
http://www.youtube.com/@CosplayChris
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Dan and Harman are joined by comedian, Mike Goldstein and we're all very hungover (well, maybe Mike and Dan). It certainly adds a 'unique' layer to the podcast. Very funny episode to end the week!
We talk about the jarring nature of hearing the Aussie accent, American comedians in Australia, getting out of Kansas, moving to Australia, Harman's lack of pop culture knowledge, working as a lawyer, why Mike keeps doing comedy, philosophy, an ash tray bar story, Australia's soul & spirit, unwanted gigs, comedy mining tours, awkward audience interactions, ponder Harman doing stand up, sociopaths, and most importantly we ask if Mike has a best friend. Great episode!
Follow Mike on all the socials & go see his new show in Cairns, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. Link below.
https://linktr.ee/comedymikegoldstein
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Dan is joined by one of the most talented comedians working today, Oliver Coleman! First episode I've ever recorded in the evening, so there you go!
We talk about the time I went along to Oliver's show, Neon and felt terrified (in a good way), meta comedy, figuring out a show, looking back on past works, stress, becoming lighter, getting to know a show over the course of a month, drama school, Dr. Brown clown workshop, dolphin training exercises, a vegemite joke, the money one has to put into a solo show, performing a show to two people, letting go of expectations and a whole lot more!
Check out Oliver's new show, Goof touring in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. Link below.
https://comedy.com.au/tour/oliver-coleman-goof/
Also, follow Oliver on all the socials @olivercolemancomedy
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dan is joined by Jack Chambers! This was such a vibrant and fun chat. Jack's love for what he does shines through very loudly throughout this episode, and he is one of the most expressive people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Jack is a dancer, singer, choreographer, performer, winner of So You Think of You Can Dance AND has even been on tour with Hugh Jackman! This was a very animated conversation filled with a lot of joy.
We discuss Jack's work on Mary Poppins playing Bert, walking upside down, injuries, behind the scenes on a musical production, importance of an ensemble, the stage door, gaining confidence, the magic of live theatre, teaching dance workshops, the push of encouragement from his Mum and sisters, facing anxiety, panic attacks, experiencing the of a roar of an audience, being fearless, becoming immersed in a performance, life on the road, dealing with the sad loss of his Mum during the run of a show, the encouraging imprint of his Mum's voice when faced with self doubt, the support of fellow cast members, moving to Melbourne, the power of authenticity, auditioning for So You Think You Can Dance and a load more! Settle in for one of my favourite chats I've had on the show.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dan and Harman are joined by comedian, Tom Ballard! We get a little bit political, everybody!
We talk about a day in Tom's life, rich people, what Tom would do if he were Elon Musk, how we would spend five billion dollars, stopping fossil fuels, universal basic income, what makes Australia special, socialist politics, how we fix the world, understanding why things are the way they are, the Green Party, balancing comedy and politics, the gap between the rich & the poor, eradicating student debt, wealth tax, even more politics, Tom's acting chops in Deadloch, what keeps Tom going, remembering Cal Wilson, and a whole lot more!
Tom is currently touring with his new stand up show, Good Point Well Made. Ticket link below.
https://comedy.com.au/tour/tom-ballard-2024/
Also, follow Tom on all the socials. Link to his website below.
https://tomballard.com.au/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dan is joined by comedian and actor, Ash Williams! We start the show off by talking about a day in the life of the great man.
We then go on to talk about being a jack of all trades, Ash's love for tennis, being comfortable in front of crowds, working in radio, going all in on showbiz, gambles, moving to Los Angeles, working with Martin & Charlie Sheen, taking the time to be observant, thriving on risk, hindsight, the ease of living in Melbourne, having ten forks in the road, envy, being competitive, confidence, Ash's Mum, working at the Australian Open, and a whole lot more!
Ash has a new stand up comedy show coming up on March 13th and 20th called "Dinner's Getting Cold" @ the Leadbeater Hotel in Richmond. Link to Ash's new show, along with all of his socials below.
https://ashwilliams.komi.io/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dan is joined by actor, comedian, producer, writer, Riley Nottingham. This was a tremendous conversation which covered a lot of ground but certainly worthy of a follow up one day. The hour or so absolutely flew by!
We talk about Riley's work as an ensemble member on Thank God You're Here, being a kid actor at 10 years old, finding your personality through acting, love for the films A Night to Remember & Titanic, making your own work, creative risk, working regular jobs, doing solo shows, forcing creativity, holding yourself accountable, being consistent, finding a routine, being OK with vulnerability, hitting bottom as a creator & pursuing a career as a police officer, fate, manifestation, and a whole lot more!
Keep up to date with all of Riley's work. Link to his socials below.
https://linktr.ee/RileyNottingham
Also, go see his debut show at the Melbourne Comedy Festival.
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2024/shows/riley-nottingham-needs-your-help
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dan is joined by a burst of pure joy in the form of comedian, Kirsty Webeck. We start by talking about the time I summoned up the courage to approach her during the Melbourne Comedy Festival to say I loved her work.
We go on to discuss living in Canberra & Taiwan, knowing she was funny, speaking Mandarin, teaching English, working at a call centre, being ignorant about how people start out in stand up comedy, her bold first comedy gig, not having management, filming her Paramount Plus stand up special, making a conscious effort to be a nice comedian, and we absolutely go to task on comedy reviewers! This was a delightful chat. Glad to have finally got Kirsty on the show!
Go check out Kirsty's new show, and follow her on all the socials. Link to her website below.
https://www.kirstywebeck.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Dan is joined by comedian, Daniel Connell. We reminisce about the time we both competed in an open mic stand up competition in Canberra well over a decade ago called Green Faces. Daniel went on to win that heat by the way...
We also cover Daniel's troubles with gambling, the lack of awareness around gambling, first gigs, facing silence on stage, confidence, going to the Melbourne Comedy Festival for the first time, stand up comedy courses, preparing for gigs, the nerves of making his debut on the comedy gala, becoming a Dad, moving to Melbourne from Canberra, the first year in Melbourne, and a whole lot more! This was a very laid back conversation as expected. It was great to catch up with Daniel.
Follow Daniel on all the socials to keep up to date with his upcoming gigs. Links below.
https://www.danielconnell.com.au/
https://www.tiktok.com/@daniel_connell_comedy
https://www.instagram.com/daniel_connell_comedy
https://www.facebook.com/DanielConnellComedy/?ref=page_internal
https://www.youtube.com/user/DanielConnellComedy
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dan is joined by the super talented, and comedy performer extraordinaire, Michelle Brasier! This was a very delightful chat.
We open the show by nerding out on Australian Epic (one of the best musicals put to television), the love of musical theatre, performing her award winning show, Average Bear, having audiences unload their lived experiences of grief & loss after her shows, risk, entry point into comedy, writing her book, friendships, the taboo subject of death, getting homesick, the comedy behind being set on fire, Michelle's favourite people in comedy, living life to the fullest, and so much more!
Michelle will be touring in Canberra, New York, Los Angeles, and the UK.
Please visit the link to Michelle's website below to stay up to date with all her work.
https://www.michellebrasier.com/
Michelle will also at The Malthouse in Melbourne on the 17th of February in Songs with my Friends.
https://www.malthousetheatre.com.au/what-s-on/malthouse-outdoor-stage/michelle-brasier-songs-with-my-friends/
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Dan is joined by Joel Harris, as somewhat of a part two from the previous episode with Mikey D. Joel is the other half of The Sharehouse Podcast, a filmmaker, and content creator. This was a wonderful conversation about the pursuit of creativity. This is another really fun chat, and a nice follow up from last week's episode.
We discuss self criticism, trying to switch off the creative side of the brain, uncovering uniqueness, failure, the power of boredom, Joel's journey as a filmmaker, short films, the need to explore long form narratives, keeping to schedules, diving headfirst into a creative path, the freedom of quitting, friendship days, podcasting, attempts to live alone, the frustration around dishes in a sharehouse, forming sharehouse gangs, Radio Mike, and a whole lot more!
You can follow Joel's work @joelharrismedia on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dan is joined by DJ, content creator, and one half of The Sharehouse Podcast, Mikey D. This episode is up there as being an all time favourite conversation I've had on the podcast. The hour flew by and we could've easily talked for another hour.
Settle in as we discuss quitting the corporate life, pursuit of creativity, becoming a professional full time DJ, self imposed poverty, sacrificing income, the slow burn of success, insecurity, caring what others think, the pockets of beautiful highs, being a radio host, having a proof of concept, not putting a dollar value on your creative pursuits, the joys of podcasting, meeting his future podcasting partner on a cruise ship, the importance of communication in a sharehouse, and a ton more!
Follow Mikey's work. Links below!
Mikey D Live @ NYE on the Hill 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zq1ZnSBKxtI
https://linktr.ee/mikey.d
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Dan and Harman welcome Max Miller into the studio. Max has directed for Australian television series including Australian Epic and Aunty Donna's Coffee Café. He is also an unsung member of Aunty Donna, often working behind the scenes and directing for various projects. It was a privilege to have Max on the podcast.
We talk about the ins and outs of directing, the decisions a director has to make, the responsibilities of the director, being a jack of all trades, reflecting on earlier projects, making short films, gravitating towards dramatic & cinematic stylings, studying at Swinburne University, the first paid gig, film influences, telling his Mum he was going to be a director, working as an assistant editor, doing as much work as you can to find opportunity, finding your favourite hobby and turning it into a job, burnout, artificial intelligence, Aunty Donna, musical comedy, Australian Epic (then still titled Stories from Oz), and a lot more!
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Dan is joined by weather presenter, meteorologist, oceanographer, science communicator, and all round nerd, Nate Byrne.
We talk about Nate's time in the navy, becoming a meteorologist & oceanographer, applying for a position as a ABC News Weather presenter on a whim, waking up at 3:30am, the similarities in structure & discipline in the Navy & the ABC, gaining fame, communicating & advocating for science, coming to science by magic, finding the fun in what you're doing, having a cheeky personality outside of work, going to the Middle East, the fun of breakfast TV, interviewing Neil Gaiman, the unpredictable weather of Melbourne, where he sees the planet going, and what Nate is excited by in the world of science.
This was a fun one!
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Dan and Harman welcome in the head brewer from Stomping Ground Brewing, Ashur Hall. This was a fascinating and educational discussion all about beer!
Ashur tells us how he fell into the world of brewing. We also talk about the creativity in craft beer brewing, recipe design, the science behind brewing, an insight into different styles of beer, hops, what makes a good beer, the history of brewing, Ashur's earliest memory of drinking beer, sour beers, VB, Ashur's mentor, winning an award for brewer of the year, and deconstructing our experience with Milan. Ashur was also nice and generous enough to bring along some beer samplings from Stomping Ground Brewery we were drinking throughout the show!
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Welcome to the first episode in which Dan hosts the show without Harman while he takes some time off the podcast. We'll still intersperse episodes recorded from the last year so Harman is still around in spirit. This was also the first recorded episode of 2024 and I couldn't think of a better guest to start off the new year of podcasting than comedian, Joe White.
We talk about the four languages Joe speaks, Joe's real name, living on the streets of Sudan, the moment life changed, getting a humanitarian visa to move to Australia, figuring out life in Australia, the tenacity of Joe's Mum, the abundance of resources in Australia, reconciling with an alcoholic father, death threats, working at a bank, finding the comedy in trauma, seeking out online self help advice to find purpose in life, taking a leap into the world of stand up comedy, going to Canada, a terrifying experience in a boarding house, fears of being kidnapped, friends & family, plus a whole lot more! Joe has been on quite the journey!
It was a privilege to listen and share Joe's story.
Follow Joe White on all the socials below.
https://joewhitecomedian.com/
https://www.instagram.com/joewhite_official/
https://www.facebook.com/joewhitecomedy/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC99Lyt38ibikSXv_fZveHWA
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We're joined by entrepreneur, founder, certified dog trainer of Positive K9 Training, Chris Loverseed. Finally, someone who can come on the podcast and talk all about dogs!
We talk to Chris about the love of dogs, going into a "jobby", starting a business so he could spend more time with his dogs, breeding dogs for companionship, training, the responsibility of being a dog owner, the psychology of dogs, how long you can leave a dog home alone, knowing your dog, breeds, why some owners should have to obtain a license to own a dog, running a business, hiring employees, education around money, marketing, and so much more!
You can learn more about Chris and Positive K9 Training below.
https://positivek9training.com.au/
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We're joined by an Australian actor, translator, acting teacher, and national treasure, Francis Greenslade. You may recognise Francis from shows including Jack Irish, The Leftovers, Winners & Losers, and frequent collaborations with Shaun MIcallef on the much beloved Mad As Hell and The Micallef Program.
We talk about why it took Francis so long to call himself an actor, falling into comedic acting, playing the idiot, the all consuming identity as an actor, giving up on being rich, sacrifice, the love of working in Australian productions, playing a gentle & happy character on Winners & Losers, politics, Australia's definition of the leading man, the constant battle of contract to contract work, meeting Shaun Micallef, and of course we talk about Mad As Hell.
We loved having the energy that Francis delivered for this podcast.
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We drop into a conversation with Jack Henderson, a buyer's agent and the man behind Henderson Advocacy, Endeavour Build, Henderson Develop, and Flamingo Sundays. Jack was in his car at one of his renovation projects at the time of this recording!
We talk about Jack's obsession with having what he didn't have as a kid, having control over destiny, the journey leading to an interest in property investing, passion for real estate, wealth creation, being smart to save and make money, practicing what you preach, working with clients, being expelled from two schools, the importance of communication to drive sales, getting into better spending habits, and as expected a whole lot more talk about property!
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It's a new year and the start of our second year of podcasts! First guest up for 2024 is Dain Walker, a branding strategist, and CEO of rivyl, having worked for renowned brands including Culture Kings.
We get stuck into it by talking about the thrills of podcasting, defining a brand, the differences between a brand & a personal brands, changing people's perception, being inspired by Gary V, the psychology of the masses, design experimentation, school junk food contraband hustle, understanding how people make decisions, emotional states people go through when they buy, helping companies figuring out their target audience, Simon Beard, being an academic outlaw, and the importance of having to keep moving forward!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this episode we're joined by actor, Alexander Siddig (Foundation, Gotham, Peaky Blinders, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Game of Thrones). We had an incredible time with Sid as his warm and candid nature made the hour fly by!
We talk about not being cool enough to talk to people at bars, Sid's name, an uncle who was the first democratically elected prime minister of Sudan, the complicated history of England & Africa, the moment everyone's opinion of Sid changed, being a loner, gaining confidence late in life, wanting to change the imagery coming out of the middle east, and finding the courage to portray a humanity to Muslims and the Arab world in mainstream media, having a strong sense of fantasy, being able to relax when you can just be you, and so much more!
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This time we welcome Drew Forsythe onto the podcast, a satirist known for his work in The Wharf Revue and frequent collaborations with Jon English and Simon Gallaher for Essgee Entertainment productions including Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado, HMS Pinafore, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum throughout the 90's and early 2000's. Drew's comedic stage work is something Dan grew up watching from quite a young and impressionable age leading to passions and what he loves doing today. So, this was indeed a full circle moment.
We talk about Bob Katter, Essgee, memories from working with Jon English and his reaction upon hearing about his death, Australian political satire, working on The Wharf Revue, meeting politicians, playing Pauline Hanson, an encounter with John Clarke, why image in creative fields is so important, writing, not letting work overtake your identity, potential retirement, and a whole lot more! This one is heavy on the Australian political satire talk. This was also Drew's first podcast!
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Justin Hamilton or "Hammo" is the guest on this episode of Game of Life! Justin is a comedian, talent producer, and writer. Justin is always in fine form and comes with a unique level of energy like no other. We leaned heavily into discussions about comedy and film for this episode and loved every minute of it!
Recorded prior to the releases of Barbie and Oppenheimer
We talk about Justin's return to stand up, dealing with 3 disruptive audience members during his debut at The Comedy Republic, Justin's rapid pace comedic delivery, comedy heroes, being influenced and hanging out with Mum, the relief of being out of the politics of comedy, Chris Rock, the Wil Anderson arrest, the importance of friendships, the brilliance of Tom Gleeson, the anticipation for the films Barbie and Oppenheimer, the creation and fear around the atomic bomb and of course it wouldn't be a Justin Hamilton podcast if he didn't come with film and television recommendations.
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For this episode of Game of Life we're joined by actor, Steven Culp. Steven's film credits include playing Robert F. Kennedy in Thirteen Days, and Congressman Wenham in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, while some TV credits are The West Wing, 24, Boston Legal, Bosch, Burn Notice, Stargate: Atlantis, Star Trek: Enterprise, Desperate Housewives, Arrow, and The Orville.
Steven takes us on a journey regaling us with some fascinating stories about his life, early jobs, and showbiz proving that he is a consummate storyteller. Steven tells us why he knew he was never going to be happy in a 9 to 5 job, the enjoyment of making his own schedule driving delivery trucks, selling theatre tickets using a spindle, auditioning, an encounter with Gates McFadden, luck, a low expectation job on Jason Goes to Hell, conventions, his wife's flower farm, working with Scott Bakula and a whole lot more! Steven doesn't usually do podcasts so we're so glad we had this opportunity to sit down with him.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this episode of Game of Life we're joined by actor, Eddie McClintock (Warehouse 13, Friends, Modern Family, Monk). Eddie is an incredibly deep, philosophical, and thoughtful thinker which was a perfect fit for the podcast and would love to revisit this conversation by inviting Eddie back on in the future.
We talk to Eddie about the wide appeal of Warehouse 13, the importance of being a monster, Jordan Peterson, being a wild kid, cleaning up his act, drinking and using, sobriety, the memory triggers of music, participation trophies, learning to win and loose with grace, being a chameleon, the difficulty of finding work, the loss of his father, working on a faith based movie with Dean Cain, exploring a spiritual path, and a whole lot more! This episode was one of our highlights of the year.
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We made it to 50 episodes! We bring in mates Harry Khurana and Brendan Lay to kick back, relax, and truly have fun with it! Join us as we explore the lives of Harry and Brendan with plenty of alcohol, pizza, and good humour as we celebrate friendship and having created 50 episodes.
Uniting humor, wisdom, and a genuine passion for life's unpredictable adventure, they invite you to join the festivities and celebrate the magic of 50 episodes. Whether you've been a loyal listener from the start or are just discovering the podcast, this episode promises to be a joyous commemoration of half a century of fascinating conversations. Here's to the next 50 episodes and the limitless possibilities that the Game of Life continues to unfold!
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Join us for another episode as we sit down with actor, musician, astronomer, Tim Russ (Star Trek: Voyager). Tim gave us sound insight into how any creative can pursue their passion by keeping "your overheads down" completely changing our perspective as a writer and photographer. We had an amazing time with Tim.
We talk about setting short term goals, being work optional, finding the rage to forge a successful path, refusing to give up, staying in the game, what he would do differently if he were starting out today, having to hit the reset button after a gig that had longevity, playing music, writing songs for a kid's CD, the random universe, being a realist, the love of space, science, and telescopes, real life warp drive, and awe inspiring discoveries of galaxies. Then towards the tail end of the show we start asking questions like 'does intelligent life exist in our galaxy?', 'have aliens visited earth?, 'how many alien cultures have gone extinct?'. 'is the government covering up alien life?' and 'are aliens travelling through time to visit earth?'. It was a good trip to ponder these questions!
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We were lucky enough to be joined by actress, teacher, and all round charitable and upbeat individual, Bonita Friedericy (Malcolm in the Middle, MONK, Chuck). Bonita is also the wife of former guest of the show, John Billingsley who crashes the podcast mid way through the episode.
We have a very raw, deep, and honest conversation about all facets of life as we discover the rules of life Bonita lives by, staying positive, the power of now, the importance of therapy and how it shaped her for the future, the illusion of control, solitude, teaching, being a sixth grade counselor, volunteer and charity work, learning to override the wiring in the way one behaves, beauty, love, and of course we talk about the relationship Bonita has with John and how they met.
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Join us as we sit down for a fun and energetic conversation with film and television composer, record producer, former member of Nine Inch Nails, and the mind behind the musical crescendo in the Saw film franchise, Charlie Clouser! In honour of this episode's guest, we've also temporally changed our theme music to the "Hello Zepp" music as discussed in our conversation.
Charlie starts by telling us the love he has for Australia. Then we launch the show officially as we cover the film franchise, he has now composed music for in the last 20 years, covering 10 films with Saw. We discuss the "Hello Zepp" theme, the Saw films as a whole, creative control, discovering music, getting a big break working at a music store and then ultimately getting fired, the importance of having good communication skills, remaining curious, deadlines, reputation, taking sounds from everyday life and applying them to pieces of music, The Beatles, advice for anyone in creative fields, and a whole lot more!
This episode was a fine example of what we love getting out of this podcast.
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In a very special episode of the podcast we're joined by a very senior former colleague of ours and recently retired, Phil Hyland. It's a big one!
We talk about adjusting to retirement, get a peak into Phil's childhood, living on an air force base, an early business endeavor of selling snakes, curiosity for exploring, life lessons, introspection, getting married and starting a family early, growing within a relationship, travels in the campervan, stress, looking back on career decisions, Phil's relationship with God, church, music, friendships, mortality, Phil's life philosophy and a whole lot more!
With advanced age comes great wisdom? You'll have to listen to find out!
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For this episode, we're joined by John Billingsley (Star Trek: Enterprise, The X-Files, Stargate SG1, The Mentalist, The Man from Earth, 24, among many other credits). Recorded during the WGA strike and prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike in June 2023.
We talk about John's most obscure credit, not having a fallback, the lengthy apprenticeship as an artist, selling Star Trek, disruptive technology, disparity, the love of books and reading, working with Scott Bakula & Denzel Washington, charitable work, giving back, Trektalks, and The Hollywood Food Coalition along with many other topics.
Please have a look into John's work with the Hollywood Food Coalition below.
https://hofoco.org/
Also, keep an eye out for Trek Talks, happening January 13th, 2024
https://www.trektalks.net/
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For this episode, we sat down with Nana Visitor (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Family Guy, Ted 2, Battlestar Galactica, Torchwood). Recorded prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike and during the WGA strike in June 2023.
We gain some insight into Nana's early days as an up and coming actress, not becoming boxed in, allowing room for failure, having an amateur's mindset, the competitive nature of the industry, selling Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, working on Family Guy, and feminism.
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Join hosts Dan and Harman in a rollicking episode of "Game of Life" featuring the illustrious Colin Lane. Delve into a captivating conversation that traverses the realms of comedy and philosophy, exploring the multifaceted world of this Australian comedy legend. Discover the wit and wisdom behind Colin Lane's comedic prowess as he shares anecdotes and insights, establishing himself as a true comedy royalty down under. Engage in a riveting discussion that seamlessly weaves together humor, thought-provoking ideas, and sheer entertainment. From comedic genius to philosophical musings, this episode offers a delightful blend of laughter and contemplation, making it an intriguing and thoroughly enjoyable experience for all.
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Join us in an exciting two-hour conversation with Dr. Oleg Beyda, a history and philosophy guru at the University of Melbourne. Dive into forgotten tales of World War II and Russian history, led by Dr. Beyda's intriguing storytelling. Venturing into deep thinking, the podcast tackles philosophers like Nietzsche and Dostoevsky, pondering life's meaning and existence. Dr. Beyda's profound thoughts about life's purpose will make you ponder long after the episode ends.This lively exchange combines history, philosophy, and fascinating stories that captivate and stir curiosity. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about life's mysteries, this episode promises an engaging journey through time and thought.
Tune in to "Game of Life with Dan and Harman" for an engaging exploration of history, philosophy, and the quest for life's meaning.
Dr. Oleg's Socials:
https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/814779-oleg-beyda
https://www.linkedin.com/in/oleg-beyda-b7360b91/?originalSubdomain=au
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In our recent podcast episode, we embarked on an illuminating journey with the engaging anthropologist, Dr. Violeta Schubert. Her profound love for anthropology led to a riveting conversation that traversed the realms of life, culture, society, and history.
Throughout the episode, Violeta's captivating storytelling transported us through diverse cultural landscapes, weaving historical insights into the vibrant tapestry of contemporary societies. From her immigrant upbringing in Australia to her passionate pursuit of anthropology at Melbourne University, her personal journey deeply influenced her perspective.
Our discussion wasn't confined to traditional boundaries; we explored the intriguing intersection of anthropology and psychedelics, offering a unique lens into the complex facets of culture, identity, and human experiences.
Despite the challenge of containing Violeta's enthusiasm, the episode emerged as an immersive exploration, leaving listeners enriched with a deeper understanding of anthropology's profound impact on our lives and societal fabric. Join us on this captivating voyage through anthropology and the enthralling narrative of Violeta's life.
Violeta's socials:
https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/3213-violeta-schubert
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-violeta-schubert-30756619/?originalSubdomain=au
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Embark on a cosmic journey with the charming Professor Alan Duffy in our latest episode of "Game of Life with Dan and Harman." With his infectious Irish charm and a perpetual smile, Professor Duffy led us through the mysteries of the universe, sharing his expertise on stars, galaxies, and the enigmatic world of dark matter.
We delved into his astrophysical background, where he creates simulated universes on supercomputers to unravel the secrets of galaxy formation within vast dark matter clouds. Professor Duffy also shared his insights into the fascinating field of artificial intelligence, shedding light on the latest developments and how it's shaping our world.
This episode was an enlightening and captivating exploration of the cosmos and the cutting-edge world of AI, showcasing Professor Duffy's exceptional communication skills and unwavering passion for unraveling the universe's deepest mysteries. Don't miss this cosmic odyssey combined with a glimpse into the future of AI!
You can reach Professor Alan Duffy here :
https://www.alanrduffy.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanrduffy/
https://x.com/astroduff?s=20
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In this poignant episode of Game of Life with Dan and Harman, we are joined by Jesse Amato, a remarkable survivor of sudden cardiac arrest at the young age of 24. During a seemingly ordinary soccer practice, Jesse's life took an unexpected turn, and his journey to recovery and self-discovery is eye opening.
Jesse's calming presence and openness create a captivating atmosphere as we explore the harrowing moments leading up to his cardiac arrest and the profound impact it had on his life. Beyond the story of survival, this episode delves into the deeper facets of human existence. Jesse shares his thoughts on life and death, offering valuable insights into appreciating the fragility of life.
While we discuss Jesse's personal journey, we also touch on subjects relevant to a wide audience, including financial planning in your 20s and navigating the challenges of early adulthood.
Jesse's wisdom extends beyond his ordeal as he shares his perspective on building a secure financial future.
A vital aspect of Jesse's life today is his role as an ambassador for Heart of the Nation, an organisation devoted to increasing awareness of sudden cardiac arrests. Throughout our conversation, he underscores the importance of recognising the warning signs and taking proactive steps to save lives.
Join us for a touching and insightful conversation with Jesse Amato, a survivor who reminds us to cherish every heartbeat. This episode promises to leave you inspired, enlightened, and grateful for the moments that shape the tapestry of our lives.
Here's Jesse's socials :
https://www.instagram.com/jamato_/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-amato-234234104/
Heart of the Nation :
Chain of Survival | Heartofthenationheartofthenation.com.auhttps://www.heartofthenation.com.au
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This week we're joined by the founding father of The Chaser, Charles Firth in an attempt to gain some education in the world of Australian politics. We talk about voting, political scandals, soccer, white collar crime, sitting naked on Keanu Reeves' bike, getting arrested, student protests, smoking parsley, taking over the school newspaper, the fashionable day of action, having fun at University, American politics, the rental crisis, and training people to be more annoying at work with Wankernomics.
You can catch Charles on tour at the end of the year with The War on 2023. Details below.
https://www.theantiexperts.com/shows/war-on-2023
And listen to The Chaser Report podcast daily, Monday-Friday.
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This week we're joined by an extraordinarily talented performer of various musical productions including The Book of Mormon, Jersey Boys, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, 9 to 5, and currently a member of the ensemble for Mamma Mia!
Josh didn't break his smile for the hour or so we spent with him as he spoke with so much joy for what he gets to do for a living. Josh talks about what it's like constantly living on the road and out of hotels, keeping up with a hectic work schedule, his passion for entertaining, the responsibilities of an ensemble player, avoiding the trappings of sleepwalking through a performance, the timeless nature of ABBA's music, dealing with audiences filming live performances, what it's like going back to a regular 9 to 5 after a year of working in a big stage show, and unlocking creativity while working in a regular job. Josh also shares his experience from working on the Book of Mormon. Josh was a pure delight!
You can catch Josh in Mamma Mia! in Melbourne up until the 10th of December
https://mammamiathemusical.com.au/
You can follow Josh on all the socials and also check out Josh's music on Spotify, by searching for his band, Gunning for Allie. Links below.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3N7Rnj1LxNpIST6v09IBO5
https://www.instagram.com/joshmulheran/
https://www.facebook.com/joshmulheran/
https://twitter.com/joshmulheran?lang=en
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In the latest podcast episode, we had the privilege of hosting Dr. Fabio Zambetta, an internationally recognised A.I. expert. Fabio's extensive background in AR/VR, games technology, and real-time simulation enriched our discussion on the benefits and drawbacks of A.I.
Fabio's insights were eye-opening, drawing from his collaborations with industry giants like Microsoft, GitHub, and Village Roadshow.
Throughout the episode, Fabio shared his deep knowledge, offering new perspectives on A.I. As the Associate Dean of Artificial Intelligence and former Discipline Leader in Computer Science & Software Engineering, his leadership showcased his commitment to advancing the field.
We were treated to a fascinating exploration of A.I.'s potential and challenges, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the topic. Join us as we delve into the world of A.I. with Dr. Fabio Zambetta, gaining fresh insights into this groundbreaking technology.
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This week we welcome the absurdly talented Garry Starr, otherwise known as Damien Warren-Smith onto the show. We talk about the importance of allowing for vulnerability while performing, embracing the inner child, audience participation, setting up his audiences to succeed, the joys of going into the world and deliberately being the idiot, leaning into the fool, masks, creative control, performing naked on stage, crafting the shows and character of Garry Starr, living in London, and we find out what really happens at Clown School!
Whenever you see a Garry Starr show, you'll immediately want to go again and again and again, and we did just that for Greece Lightning during the Melbourne Comedy Festival. Combined we went 6 times!
Damien will be performing Garry Starr: Greece Lightning for the duration of Melbourne Fringe over the course of October. We would highly recommend everyone see Garry perform whenever they get the opportunity. You will not regret it! Link below.
https://melbournefringe.com.au/event/garry-starr-greece-lightning/
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This week actor, Todd Stashwick (12 Monkeys, Star Trek: Picard) welcomes us into his incredible nerd lair. Todd has one of best booming voices in the business! We immediately dig deep as Todd explains why he doesn't believe he's had a hard life and appreciating his privilege. We also delve into why Todd feels like he's just getting warmed up in life, gaining exposure to other people's differences and experiences, having a sympathetic heart, living in the present, not jumping to anger quickly, and a riveting story about being held at gunpoint. We also touch on why Todd loves Dungeons and Dragons, maintaining a sense of play, creativity, and conventions. This episode is packed with deep thought, unveiling the curtain on life. This hour went by way too quickly.
Todd is holding a virtual DND charity event to help fight childhood cancer. Link below.
https://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/auction-virtually-play-dungeons-dragons-with-todd-2767001
He is also down in Australia on the 14th and 15th of October, along with Robert Picardo. Link below
https://thehubproductions.com/event/hub-trek-2023/
Todd is also the man behind The Nerd Circus, a website for groovy wares and nerdy paraphernalia. Link below.
https://www.thenerdcircus.com/
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We’re joined by actor, Robert Picardo from film, television, and stage with well over 250 credits to his name. Robert or Bob as he is more widely known was a warm, open, and funny presence on the podcast. We immediately get into what it really means when someone says, ‘you’re one of my favourite actors’. Then we go on to discuss his advice for balding, the difficulties of being present in his children’s lives as a working television actor, happenstance, the importance of actors standing up to the big studios, Italy, the death of his father, and his mother being left to run the family business.
We also talk about his upcoming trip to Australia.
We also touch on his friendship with Kate Mulgrew, and The Planetary Society. Robert had us feeling just a bit lighter after we wrapped up this episode.
Bob will be in Australia along with Kate Mulgrew, Todd Stashwick, Jess Bush, and Melissa Navia on the 14th and 15th of October (Dan’s birthday) as part of Hub Trek 2023. Link below.
https://thehubproductions.com/event/hub-trek-2023/
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In this episode, we were honoured to have Professor Matthew Bailes, an Australian Laureate Fellow at Swinburne University of Technology as our special guest. A few days before joining us, he had clinched the prestigious Shaw Prize in Astronomy, a topic we delved into during the episode. Professor Bailes is not only the director of the Swinburne University branch specializing in supercomputing and astrophysics but also leads the Dynamic Universe theme of the ARC Centre of Excellence for all-sky astrophysics, CAASTRO.
With a rich background in astrophysics, Professor Bailes' expertise extends to designing and deploying supercomputers for the world's largest radio telescopes, enabling groundbreaking discoveries in the realm of extreme cosmic phenomena. During our conversation, we explored diverse subjects like black holes, aliens, and the mysteries of the universe. Additionally, our discussion ventured into the realms of science fiction and life philosophy, providing a captivating and thought-provoking listening experience. Matthew was also in the midst of observing the Parkes Radio Telescope during the podcast. Don't miss the insights shared by this renowned scientist in a truly enlightening episode.
We're joined by hypnotist, motivational speaker, and incredible voice artist, Zach Pincince in his debut international podcast. We get into the state one goes to while under hypnosis, and how we can think positively by learning how to hypnotize ourselves. Zach also shares his story on how he came to be a hypnotist and runs through some his favourite Looney Tunes characters by demonstrating his amazing voice range.
Zach has a massive social media following across YouTube, TikTok, and collaborates frequently with other social media influencers. You can find more information about Zach on his website below.
https://www.zachpincince.com/
Episode 30! Dan brings in a mate he's known since primary school with a friendship lasting over two decades. We talk travel, culture, growing up in country towns, a New Year's trip to Sydney post Year 12 graduation, media, the news, existentialism, anxiety, switching off, stoicism, personal finance, age, and Nietzsche. This was a big one and we still only feel like we just scratched the surface. There's a whole lot more left hanging we should certainly circle back to in the future. Having done this episode with someone that you’ve known clocking into the decades held significant value and was kind of poetic in a way. In this extensive chat, there was a reflective look back at our younger days, and seeing where you’ve ended up which added an additional, and deeper layer for this one. I posit that everyone will enjoy this inordinate episode.
We were fortunate to be joined by John de Lancie, Q from Star Trek, and many other film and TV roles, including Breaking Bad. The SAG-AFTRA strike was called about a week prior to when we recorded this episode, so in a rare sit down conversation, we don't ask John about his work in film and television.
Instead, we discuss the strike, boredom, staying in a state of creating, John’s fascination with new discoveries in science, school, dyslexia, questioning religion, following your own fantasy, the wonders of sailing and his 52 day voyage on the sea, and we ask John where he sees the world heading. We really delved into some deeper lines of thinking in this episode with John!
In this episode we're joined by Josh Reid Jones from the Just Be Nice Project. Josh leads his life with a big heart, integrity and never rests at helping others. What you see is what you get. He has a genuine drive and passion for the work he undertakes. Josh sat down with us for a thoughtful and educational chat about his goals to help vulnerable people find employment, housing, and a state of mental well-being. We cover wealth disparity, his success stories, employment services, building trust, leading people to financial security, and stability, and the importance to putting a human face to the JPB in a comprehensive and thought provoking conversation. This is absolutely worthy of a part two at some stage in the future as we feel we only just scratched the surface.
You can read more about Josh's work below:
https://www.joshreidjones.com/
Dilruk Jayasinha drops by the studio! This was a very special episode for a few reasons. Dan first saw Dilruk perform in a Games Room with a moth problem at ACMI 9 years ago and he and his Mum have never missed a Dilruk stand up show since. There's an odd sense of an achievement having seen Dilruk before he became the superstar he is today and being there more or less right at the birth of Dil's career as a comedian. Seeing Dilruk's strengths as a comedian grow from year to year, where each show is better than the last is quite rewarding to see as an audience member who has stuck with DIl right from the beginning.
Harman saw Dilruk perform for the very first time this year on Dan's recommendation, and he is now Harman's favourite comedian! Success!
We talk about Dilruk’s heart attack, health, Sri Lanka, Fitbet with Ben Lomas, openness, faults, and successes in a very open and lively conversation. Dilruk is one of the best humans you’ll ever meet and one of the funniest comedians we have here in Australia.
Go and follow Dilruk on all the socials below:
https://dilruk.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/dilrukj/
https://www.facebook.com/DilrukJComedian/
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All we had to do is ask this week's guest a handful of questions and it takes us in a deep discussion and direction we never saw going. Doing this episode was a treat! We're joined by Col. John Sheppard himself, Joe Flanigan (Stargate Atlantis, Fringe, See). When we recorded this episode, we were fresh from the announcement that the American's actor's union, SAG-AFTRA would be on strike. We open by talking about the events leading to the SAG-AFTRA & WGA strike. We get into artificial intelligence, and the impact it's had and will have on our lives, technology, welcoming and valuing knowledge, and surfing! Also, Joe's dog, Newman makes an appearance!
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In this episode, our guest calls into question our vague description of our occupation and we're off to the races with Ben Knight! Ben is a school teacher, an actor, a comedian, a Viking, best mates with Chris Hemsworth, and recent recipient of a hair transplant. This was such a fun recording! We talk about teaching, coming from a family of teachers, kids today, entitlement, humiliations within the class room, acting, comedy, and most importantly his Dad, Brian (spelled BRYAN) who he records an excellent podcast with called Teacher Yarns. Ben is one of the best comedians working today, so go see him perform if given the opportunity. Ben is also currently starring in a show on the ABC called Bay of Fires which everyone should be watching!
Links to Ben's work:
https://linktr.ee/bigred_knight
https://www.instagram.com/bigredbenknight/?hl=en
This episode holds a special place in our hearts as we’re joined by Australian tenor, David Hobson. David speaks with a great deal of passion towards music, making this a very memorable, visceral, and transcending hour we spent with him. We were spellbound and taken to another world with David.
This was a deep dive, intimate, well measured, and all-encompassing conversation bringing together opera, music, culture, and life. David engaged every answer with deliberate consideration and thought, making this one of our all-time favourite episodes to record. We also touch on his turn in comedy, working with one his best mates, Colin Lane.
David will be touring with Marina Prior for the remainder of the year. More information on the tour and David can be found below:
https://www.marinaprioranddavidhobson.com/
http://davidhobson.net.au/
We welcome Dr. Kelly Windle into the studio this week! Kelly is a Future of Work Psychologist, keynote speaker, author, advisor, and consultant. This was an enthralling discussion where we go deep into workplace culture, leadership, creating healthy and thriving workplaces, and the importance of transparency between the employer and employee relationship. We were even prompted to give a massive shout out to our boss, Steve! Kelly spoke with a great deal of eloquence, articulating what we would all like to convey openly and honestly at work. She immediately puts your mind at ease, carrying herself with delightful grace by helping people become future ready with a "I got this!" attitude. This was a thought provoking, unique, and educational conversation. We even have an impromptu chat with Kelly's online business manager, Tahlia!
Find out more about Kelly's work here:
https://www.drkellywindle.com/
We had the one and only Author and Performer, Rob Mills join us on this week's episode of the podcast. Millsy is absolutely one of the nicest, down to earth, and respectful people you will ever meet. A total gem who has time for everyone. Rob is a big advocate for mental health and is not afraid to talk open and honestly about his own struggles. Rob's book, Putting on a Show is something everyone should be reading. It really speaks to those of us who found it strenuous fitting in or found it difficult finding a voice to guide them through life with mismatched passions. Rob speaks to the importance of and maintaining male friendships. We also talk about theatre, & Juliet, getting some fresh air, cold showers, being authentic, team sports, and of course his appearances on Confessions with Sam Petersen. We loved having Rob on our show.
Go see & Juliet while you can!
https://andjuliet.com.au/
Buy Rob's book, Putting on a Show at all your best book retailers.
Link to Rob's website, where you can follow him on all the socials below:
https://www.robmills.net.au/
In this episode we talked to Luke, a passionate photographer from Tasmania. We explored Luke's journey into photography, his deep connection with the craft, and the allure of Tasmania's landscapes for photographers. Luke emphasised the significance of building a community of like-minded photographers to learn and grow together. He also shared valuable tips, including seeking constructive feedback and embracing experimentation, to help aspiring photographers improve their skills. Join us as we delve into the world of photography with Luke and discover the beauty of Tasmania through his lens.
Here are Luke's Socials
https://luketscharke.com/
https://www.instagram.com/tscharke/
https://twitter.com/LukeTscharke
In this captivating episode, we are joined by, Quinton, a former colleague who hails from South Africa. Our conversation takes an exhilarating turn as we delve into the very essence of our podcast's title. Quinton's wealth of life experiences and profound financial knowledge adds a captivating dimension to our conversation. Together, we explore how young men can establish a solid financial foundation while delving into thought-provoking philosophical insights.
But our discourse doesn't stop there. We traverse the realms of philosophy, engaging in profound discussions that will leave you mesmerised. Brace yourself for an extraordinary episode that seamlessly weaves together wisdom, enlightenment, and practical advice. Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to gain invaluable insights from Quinton, making this episode an absolute must-listen.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We ended up timing this episode with Michael Shafar well because he’s just ditched Australia and moved to the UK, so we were lucky to get him. We talked about Michael’s stand up special available to watch for free on YouTube. We bring the podcast down with some testicular cancer and chemo talk. Find out if really loose ALL your hair during chemo! We also touched on what it was like growing up in a Jewish household, nearly becoming a lawyer, and cruise ship comedy. We also start a state war and discuss which territory is better at taking a joke. We started this episode in a weird place as we pondered if Michael is indeed the first guest that we’ve had on the show with one testicle. This was a fun one! Michael will be back in Australia with shows in October so go and see him if you want some quality content.
You can find out more about Michael, along with his YouTube special in the links below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3orkA8acMg&t=1922s
https://www.michaelshafar.com/
Ben Lomas joins us in the studio and opens the show with a stressful story about his phone. We weren’t quite prepared. Ben is at the top of his game and the best warmup man in the business with that notorious laugh often heard off screen in shows like Hard Quiz or The Weekly. We had such a fun time with Ben and talked everything from the Netherlands to Indian weddings. We talked honestly about that moment Ben went all in on comedy and shifting his focus in his career. We also talk about Ben’s openness on his podcast, Fitbet. This one will surely put you in a good mood.
Follow Ben and the Fitbet podcast here:
benlomascomic
fitbetpod
In this episode we had a fascinating conversation with Julian O'Shea, a social entrepreneur and humanitarian engineer. We delved into the world of engineering and architecture, focusing on Melbourne's unique architectural aspects. Julian shared his insights on what sets Melbourne apart from other cities and discussed his own journey as a passionate advocate for human-centered design. Australia's longest and most dangerous escalator. We also explored his innovative work in higher education, including his YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram videos, as well as his creation of the Link Festival of Design, Technology, and Social Change. Don't miss this inspiring discussion filled with intriguing anecdotes and reflections on engineering, design, and the remarkable city of Melbourne.
Here are links to Julian's social media and Website
https://julianoshea.com/
Social:
https://www.youtube.com/c/julianoshea
https://www.instagram.com/julianoshea/?hl=en
https://www.tiktok.com/@julianoshea?lang=en
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Comedian, Harley Breen joins the podcast! He’s definitely not that intimidating once you get to know him. We cover his TV show, Taboo which everyone should watch. Taboo It’s available on Paramount Plus & TenPlay, along with Harley’s stand up special. We talk about his love for beer, brewing, his ever growing family, his move to Queensland, having his car stolen, working on Kitty Flanagan's Fisk, and dodging a bullet by not becoming an actor at a theatre restaurant. Harley is one of the funniest blokes in comedy you'll ever meet. This man also loves his beer so much that he even has a tattoo that expresses that deep love.
You can also get stuck into Harley’s podcast he has resurrected with Wade Duffin called Sh**ting with the Door Open.
https://www.instagram.com/shittingwiththedooropen/?hl=en
https://www.harleybreen.com.au/
This week we welcomed New Zealand photographer William Patino onto the show. We explored his love for photography, life philosophy, and the challenges of turning his passion into a career. William's deep connection with nature and desire to preserve its beauty through his lens were evident throughout our conversation. He candidly shared his mental health struggles on his artistic journey, highlighting the difficulties many creatives face. His work serves as a reminder to appreciate the present and find inspiration in nature's serenity. This episode offers a glimpse into the life and mindset of a talented photographer. William's story exemplifies the resilience and determination required to pursue one's passion.
Here are all the links to Williams bio:
https://williampatino.com/about/
https://www.instagram.com/williampatino_photography/?hl=en
We only had a short time with Jodie due to time constraints, so there will have to be a part two to this conversation at some point. This was a super fun and lively chat! Jodie is a Canadian comedian who has been rocking the Australian comedy scene for 11 months. With her infectious laughter and quick wit, Jodie shared her comedic journey from Canada to Australia, cracking jokes about cultural differences along the way. We also touch on some more serious and touching topics and learn about a charity clash she's promoting, happening on June 1st (link in the description). With beers in hand, we laughed and talked comedy. It's hard to believe Jodie has only been at this for less than a year! By the way, this is Jodie's first podcast!
linktr.ee/jodsloan
The Charity Comedy Clash .
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We were joined by Milan Crncevic and the rest of the episode was a bit of a blur the moment he stepped into the studio. Milan tells us about his insane 50km walk from Melbourne to Mornington. He gives us some gifts! We also find out why he wears a hat as we polish off a bottle of 50% alcohol between the three of us in the span of half an hour. We totally got "Milan'd"! So many shots!
Milan is so much fun to be around and one of the biggest, larger than life personalities you'll ever meet. His aim is to take care of you and make sure you're always having a good time. This was the most fun we've had recording an episode!
We're back after a brief one week hiatus! We decided we needed to take at least one week off just to recover from this episode.
Find us here at https://linktr.ee/gameoflife__
In this episode, we welcome Andrew Hansen from The Chaser! Dan was a total fanboy and hounded him with countless questions about The Chaser’s War on Everything while internally freaking out. Andrew was all too happy to oblige! We get some great stories about the various stunts performed on the show, the writing process, how The Chaser came to be, and it totally made Dan’s day! Andrew is also an outstanding solo performer in his own right, and we touched on how he found his way into this crazy world of comedy. This was certainly a very special episode!
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We recently had Reid Butler, a news reporter for Channel 9 News, joined us to discuss his career journey in journalism . He shared how his passion for journalism started and his experience as an intern that led to becoming a news reporter. Our conversation touched on the impact of COVID-19 in Melbourne, and we also had some lighthearted comparisons between Sydney and Melbourne and what makes Melbourne different from other cities. Throughout our discussion, Reid highlighted his journey and some experiences, as he has been in the industry for 11 years. Overall, our conversation shed light on the intricacies of journalism and the personal experiences that come with it.
We were lucky enough to catch up with comedian, Luka Muller who has recently just celebrated ten years in comedy! We had a chat about how a country boy from Echuca found his way to Melbourne, eating planes, coming to terms with being asexual and how that has unleashed the
ability to free his brain space for other endeavours.
Also, find out why Luka’s favourite venue to perform is The Comedy Republic and what it was
like working at the Edinburgh Fringe
He’s known as Radio Mike to the likes of Hamish and Andy, and Podcast Mike to Will Anderson and Charlie Clausen. We were so privileged to be joined by a legend whose voice is not often heard on radio or podcasts because he’s the one often holding them together! Quite ironic considering we lost the first 19 minutes of this audio for some reason.
We drop into this chat talking about Harry Potter. We also discuss Mike having to renegotiate his relationship with money, allowing his creative spirit to shine, finding the time to put together a podcast, differences between producing and creating your own content, breaking out of the shame of what you love, and why he is grateful to Hamish and Andy. We also tackle AI towards the end of this one! Can AI really create a better podcast than this?!?
Go and have a listen to Mike’s podcasts Harry Potter and the Boys & 20th Century Boy.
“I was made to feel ashamed about the things I loved”.
Radio Mike
We were so lucky to welcome Sam Petersen onto the show this week! By the time Sam dropped by the studio, he had just finished recording his sixth podcast for the day. Let’s just say he knows a thing or two about podcasting. We cover Sam’s love for documentaries, the idea behind his podcast Confessions, finding those reddit confessions, helping others excel in their craft, filmmaking, why he loves and misses collaboration and partnerships, sticking with your passions, how he fell into the world of stand up comedy, and why he stopped. This episode really did end up turning into a deconstruction of what it takes to put together a podcast and we were so there for it!
“The slog of starting it is the hardest thing”.
Sam Petersen
Seth comes onto the podcast this week and had us on the edge of our seats, holding our breath, and fully absorbed in his life story. We were often at a loss for words as Seth divulged each response to our questions with a great deal of care and thought. He really bared all and we go deep into the heart of a person’s early struggle when you go through life as someone who is religious, but also gay.
We cover Seth’s relationship with God, coming out, navigating his way through the church when he told them he was gay, working in hospitality, being in a comedy duo, and why the gym and fitness is the perfect outlet to relieve stress and anger. This was a true intimate chat at it’s finest.
“In my heart of hearts, wherever I go, wherever I walk, there’s a strong feeling of spirituality, and deep, perpetual understanding of where one stands in the context and structure of space and time.”
Seth
Comedian and author Sami Shah joins the show this week! From Karachi, Pakistan, Sami started off in improv comedy, then turned his attention to stand-up comedy. His first ever stand-up gig was in a three hundred seat theatre! Find out why Sami believes artists work well under constraints and why he loves to keep busy with a lot of other creative fields (he’s even done a TEDX talk!). We also talk about his move from Pakistan to Australia. Sami is quite the inspiration for anyone wanting to break into a multitude of creative avenues. We had a lot of fun with this one!
" Just have fun with it, you'll be fine"
Sami
Josh Earl joins the podcast this week !
Josh is a comedian, writer and podcaster, and was very generous with his time for us this week. We chat about Tassi, and his early beginnings in comedy, and how he's navigated and adapted his material throughout the years. We tackle his experiences with speech therapy, coming out the other end of a canceled TV show, and finding your happy place. There's also some Spicks and Specks and Don't you know how I am talk. Josh came loaded with some great stories, and sage advice talking through his own experiences and how he's dealing with life's various ups and downs.
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We welcome Shuwaikh onto the podcast this week and delve into his background from Qatar to Sri Lanka to Australia. Shuwaikh has a mechanical and analytical mind which leads to some fascinating discussions as we uncover his love for engineering, specifically towards a focus on cars. We talk watches! We discuss what it feels like when you feel like a stranger in a strange land. We cover all the elements in life that tie you down when you’re trying to determine what your place is in the world and how to keep your mind at peace.
“Experience the world for what it is today and prepare for tomorrow”
- Shuwaikh
This week Dan and Harman welcome their very first guest to
the podcast, Sandy! Sandy immediately brights up the room
with a positive energy everywhere he goes and is constantly
trying to improve himself to leave his stamp on the world. We
touch on his move from India to Australia at a very young age
and adapting to the Australian way of living. We discuss our
parents, and even cover bullying. This episode gets pretty
deep towards the end, leaving you feeling brighter than a bag of neon highlighters!
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In this episode, we dive into what makes us tick: our love for photography and stand-up comedy. We share our thoughts on how these two seemingly different passions actually complement each other, and how they have shaped our perspectives on life. Despite being liquored up, we manage to have an engaging conversation about our experiences and how they have influenced our outlook. Overall, it's a fun and light-hearted episode that sets the stage for what's to come in future episodes of "Game of Life".
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In the debut episode of "Game of Life," hosts Dan and Harman share their surprise and excitement that they've finally launched their own podcast. They explain the concept of the show, which centers on exploring the twists and turns of life with a touch of humor and heart. They discuss their goals for the podcast, including bringing on a diverse range of guests and exploring interesting topics
Dan and Harman also delve into the origin of the podcast's name, "Game of Life," and how it represents the unpredictable and challenging nature of life. They introduce themselves and their backgrounds, with Dan being a comedy enthusiast and Harman coming from a photography background with a passion for new perspectives.
The hosts express their gratitude to listeners for tuning in to the first episode and invite them to continue exploring the game of life with them on future episodes.
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